Two DC-related but otherwise completely different topics for today: The National Cathedral Greenhouse and Spa World.

If you haven’t heard the recent news, the National Cathedral has, to the dismay of many long-time locals, decided to close its greenhouse. Of course, I oppose the decision. Do I ever shop at the greenhouse? …well, no. But it’s an institution, and the Cathedral close just won’t be quite the same without it. The truth of the matter is, though, if the Cathedral wants to shut the greenhouse, can the neighborhood residents really do anything to stop it?

• WP: National Cathedral In Fiscal Squeeze
• City Paper: National Cathedral’s Greenhouse Closing Shop
• Save the Greenhouse

And if the thought of losing a neighborhood institution stresses you out, how about trying a trip to the new Korean sauna Spa World? Of course, the traffic along the drive from DC all the way out to Centerville could perhaps just add to your stress level… but hey, what would you do for a foot-ball field’s worth of Asian sauna experience? The truth is, though, I don’t really like all the glitz and whatnot of this type of of Korean bathhouse. What I’d really love is a nice little Arlington sento — definitely one of my favorite aspects of Japanese culture!

• WP: A Bathhouse Immersed In Tradition
• WTOP: Sauna and Bathhouse Offer Slice of Korea in VA