Topic: Northern Virginia

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A cornucopia of myths: Five things you thought you knew about Thanksgiving

Since the first Thanksgiving occurred, reportedly in 1621, historians and pop culture have spread a cornucopia of tall tales, half truths, and straight-up lies. Here, we correct those myths.
Government shutdown: Will those who like government least miss it most?

The mail will still go through, as will Social Security payments, veterans benefits, and military pay. Federal employees will still direct plane traffic, inspect food, and prosecute crime. By its own estimates, the federal government represents about 8 percent of the United States economy, so the economic impact of a long government shutdown would eventually affect just about everybody. Even in the short term, some groups will notice. Ironically, some of those who will be affected most are those who like government least. Here's a look at four such groups:
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 08/18
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Chapter & Verse
Did Ben Bradlee have lingering doubts about Watergate?

A new biography of Ben Bradlee by Jeff Himmelman quotes Bradlee saying that – decades later – he still had "a little problem with Deep Throat."
Decoder Wire
Smoke the shad, press the flesh: a Virginia political ritual past its prime?

Republicans dominate one of Virginia's oldest political events, the annual 'Shad Planking' in Wakefield. This is no longer Democrat-friendly turf, but attendees still see reason for Democratic candidates to come.
'Shad Planking' offers window on US Senate race in Virginia

Oily, bony fish? Check. Baked beans? Check. Politics? You betcha! GOP US Senate hopeful George Allen gave the keynote speech at 'Shad Planking 2012' in Virginia. Why was Democratic rival Tim Kaine a no-show?
Space Shuttle Discovery lands, for the last time, in Washington, D.C. (+video)

After saluting the nations capital from atop a modified jumbo jet, the Space Shuttle Discovery touched down at Dulles International Airport to be handed over to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.
Editorial Board Blog
Look! Up in the sky! It's Space Shuttle Discovery. (+video)

This morning, I laced up my office set of tennis shoes and walked to the Washington Monument to witness the final flight of the Space Shuttle Discovery headed for its museum resting place. The crowd pointed excitedly as if they were looking at Superman. And in a way, they were.
Santorum meets with conservatives to plan last-ditch effort

The meeting was a mix of fiscal and social conservatives who oppose Mitt Romney's campaign.
Payroll tax and attack ads latest issues for Romney and Gingrich to lock horns over

A payroll tax extension may be on the way but Republicans like Newt Gingrich insist on a one-year extension. Meanwhile Romney supporters have continued airing ads attacking Gingrich in Iowa. Gingrich tried to take the higher road but Romney says 'if it's too hot for you, get out of the kitchen.'
A cornucopia of myths: Five things you thought you knew about Thanksgiving

Since the first Thanksgiving occurred, reportedly in 1621, historians and pop culture have spread a cornucopia of tall tales, half truths, and straight-up lies. Here, we correct those myths.
Iranian group's big-money push to get off US terrorist list

SPECIAL INVESTIGATION: A roster of influential former US officials is speaking at rallies in support of removing the MEK, an Iranian opposition group with a violent anti-American history, from the US terrorist list. A decision is expected within weeks.
The New Economy
Tuition costs high. But they earn 15 percent a year.

Tuition costs and other associated expenses for college average around $102,000. But the return on tuition costs in terms of increased earnings is about $570,000.
Diggin' It
Enjoy iris season without borers

When tall bearded irises come into flower, they're the flowery focus of the garden. But be sure to get rid of iris borers so the show continues year after year.
Obstacles to Obama's reelection, starting with low public opinion

Obama's job-approval rating is as low as it's ever been, and one poll shows just 38 percent want him reelected. But he's a champion campaigner, and he's kicking off a series of town hall meetings this week.
Government shutdown: Will those who like government least miss it most?

The mail will still go through, as will Social Security payments, veterans benefits, and military pay. Federal employees will still direct plane traffic, inspect food, and prosecute crime. By its own estimates, the federal government represents about 8 percent of the United States economy, so the economic impact of a long government shutdown would eventually affect just about everybody. Even in the short term, some groups will notice. Ironically, some of those who will be affected most are those who like government least. Here's a look at four such groups:
American jihadi gets 25 years for 'South Park' and Facebook death threats

Zachary Chesser of Virginia, who converted to a militant form of Islam, had pleaded guilty to three charges, including threatening the lives of 'South Park' writers and participants in 'Everybody Draw Mohammed Day.'
Study offers clues about US illegal immigration patterns

The number of illegal immigrants in the US is no longer falling, a Pew survey finds. The report tracks the community's flight from tough illegal immigration laws and pursuit of job opportunities.
Huck Finn: Controversy over removing the 'N word' from Mark Twain novel

Huck Finn ('Adventures of Huckleberry Finn') is the fourth most banned book in the US. A controversial new edition would replace 219 references to the 'N-word' with 'slave.' Historical accuracy vs. censorship?
Why the Taliban gave me a Christmas tree

Political correctness, under the guise of tolerance, tells us not to say, "Merry Christmas." But I've seen that the spirit of Christmas is transcendent – across cultures, nations, and even religions.
How earmark ban is already changing Capitol Hill

In many ways, the Republicans' voluntary two-year earmark ban is limited in scope. But it's already undermining Congress's spending 'cardinals' and changing how lobbyists lobby Capitol Hill.
Feds nab man allegedly plotting to bomb D.C. Metro stations

Farooque Ahmed, a Pakistani-born US citizen, allegedly attempted to provide material support to individuals he believed to be members of Al Qaeda.
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 08/18
Elias Abuelazam serial stabber case befuddles experts

Criminologists say the serial stabber may be a hybrid criminal: someone who is motivated by the grievances of a mass killer but uses the tactics of a serial killer. Police arrested Elias Abuelazam in Atlanta Wednesday.
Virginia man arrested over alleged efforts to join terrorist group Al Shabab

Zachary Adam Chesser of Virginia was arrested Wednesday and charged with material support to Somalia-based Al Shabab, which the US designates as a terrorist group.
Russian spies case: There goes the 'reset' of US-Russia relations?

Actually, there could be limited fallout from the Russian spies case, some international experts say. For the most part, however, the ball is in Russia's court now.
Washington's tax day 'tea party': sun, slogans, and a ukulele

The tax day 'tea party' in Washington felt like a party indeed, with protesters almost joyful on a summery day where they accused administration officials of treason and rallied for GOOOH.
McDonnell Confederate history storm: slavery, treason, and true Southern courage

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell’s controversial proclamation of Confederate History Month should help us remember the South’s rebellion for what it really was.