Opinion: White House Bound
Commentary
While studying diesel engines at school in Spartanburg, S.C., in 1954, Thomas* received the highest class grade — which came with the promise of getting to serve in the White House. And though the Army’s promise never came to fruition, Thomas and his two best buddies (who happened to receive the next two highest grades) did get to accompany a group of scientists at the North Pole for experimental work.
Opinion: Issues That Matter
Mental health services discussion gives insight into real differences between candidates.
It came as somewhat of a relief to have the candidates for governor in Virginia, Ken Cuccinelli (R) and Terry McAuliffe (D), discuss an actual issue that matters to many Virginia families this week at a forum on mental health issues.
Commentary: Past Time for Reform
Commentary by Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum: State Delegate (D-36)
Opinion: Rosh Hashanah—The Jewish New Year
The two-day festival of Rosh Hashanah is observed on the first and second days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei—This year Sept. 5th and 6th.
Letter: A Thank-you to Congressman Wolf
As a Chinese American living in Vienna, I’m very grateful for my representative Congressman Frank Wolf’s co-sponsorship of the recently introduced House Resolution 281, condemning the systematic, state-sanctioned forced organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience in China.
Letter: Two Hours in a Japanese Middle School
The 23rd Shimane Grassroots Summit (July 1-8) was to be the fulfillment of a promise I made to my daughter Kolleen that I would take her to Japan one day.
Editorial: Protect Children, Animals in Hot Summer Weather
In light of recent incidents around the region, Fairfax County is reminding people of dangers involving children and hot cars. The combination of summer heat and humidity can mean life-threatening conditions for children left in vehicles or other unsuitable environments, even for short time periods. Here’s advice from the Kids and Cars organization:
Editorial: Identity Tips
Review Credit Reports and Avoid Ripoffs
Fairfax County police offer the following tips regarding identity theft and fraud: * Review credit reports annually; Experian: Fraud/credit history, 888-397-3742; Trans Union: Fraud, 800-680-7289; Credit history, 800-888-4213; Equifax: Fraud, 800-525-6285; Credit report, 800-685-1111. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com. * Opt out of receiving pre-approved, credit-card applications by calling 888-567-8688. * Monitor credit cards and bank accounts online for early fraud detection. * Don’t mail bills from home; use electronic banking, if possible. * Victims of identity theft should get a police report and secure a seven-year fraud alert or a credit freeze. * People 70 and older should contact the credit bureaus and obtain a credit freeze, even if they’re not currently identity-theft victims. * Never wire money to strangers online; these requests are scams.
Opinion: Calling for Stricter State Ethics Laws
In reaction to Gov. Robert McDonnell’s repayment of $120,000 in loans last week, Del. Rob Krupicka released a statement calling for stricter ethical oversight of elected officials and campaign regulations: “As elected officials we must hold ourselves to a higher standard. We need to earn the trust of the people we are supposed to represent. The only way to achieve this is by making our system as transparent as possible, and to create more stringent reporting policies to ensure that transparency remains un-obscured. Virginians should not have to tolerate such shady practices from the highest office in the state. “The legislature needs to come together on this, because corruption real or perceived in the Governor’s Mansion or anywhere in our government is not an acceptable status quo. “I call on all my colleagues, Republican and Democrat, to come together and work for stricter ethics laws and more transparency in government. The last few months have created significant concerns about the openness and transparency of our government. Ethics reform is a critical step towards rebuilding that trust.” To contact Krupicka’s office with any questions or comments call 571-357-4762 or email DelRKrupicka@house.virginia.gov
Commentary: Promoting Best Possible Beginning for Babies and Moms
If you could make a choice that would greatly improve the health of your family, would you do it? We did. Last year, Inova Alexandria Hospital charted a new course to improve the health of newborns and their mothers in our community family by encouraging more mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies. With its proven health benefits of preventing chronic illness in both mothers and babies, breastfeeding is the best possible beginning.
Opinion: Enjoy Tax Holiday, Donate School Supplies
Good timing to help those in need.
It is debatable whether recurring tax holidays for different seasonal needs are good policy. But since this weekend is Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies and clothing, it makes sense to take advantage of the savings, and to spread the wealth around.
Enjoy Tax Holiday, Donate School Supplies
Good Time to Help Those in Need
It is debatable whether recurring tax holidays for different seasonal needs are good policy. But since this weekend is Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies and clothing, it makes sense to take advantage of the savings, and to spread the wealth around. The savings are more significant this year with the new sales tax increases in effect as of July 1.
Opinion: Enjoy Tax Holiday, Donate School Supplies
Good timing to help those in need.
It is debatable whether recurring tax holidays for different seasonal needs are good policy. But since this weekend is Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies and clothing, it makes sense to take advantage of the savings, and to spread the wealth around. The savings are more significant this year with the new sales tax increases in effect as of July 1.
Commentary: Update on Route 1 Transit Study
The Route 1 Transit Study is necessary to obtain long-term federal funding for much needed enhanced mass transit services to the Route 1 corridor. This study will evaluate alternative modes of transit to include ferries, bus rapid transit, light rail and perhaps the expansion of metro eventually.
Poem: Winds on High
Music through the breeze of coolness Hot summer days of high winds Old Glory dances Twisting and twirling Pausing through the breeze Tree pollen twirling like little snowflakes Of winter days afar For summer it is Refreshing coolness of summer breeze And shower of rain that is pure.