Falls Church News-Press December 10 2009

December 10 - 16, 2009

Falls Church, Vi r g i n i a • w w w . fc n p . c o m • Free

Founded 1991 • Vo l . XI X N o . 41

Falls Church • Tysons Corner • Merrifield • McLean • North Arlington • Bailey’s Crossroads

Inside This Week ‘The Little City’ Wins Praise from F.C. Leaders “The Little City” brand for the City of Falls Church unveiled last week won high praise from the mayor and other members of the Council when presented at a work session Monday.

See page 5

‘Mixed Results’ on School Substance Abuse Survey Results of the 2009-2010 PRIDE Survey for the Falls Church City Public Schools indicate that student alcohol, tobacco and marijuana use in grades 6-12 is below the national average, although the numbers “still indicate widespread use among high school students.”

See News Briefs, page 7

Maureen Dowd: The Lady & the Tiger

They were both elegant and entitled swans, insulated in guarded enclaves, obsessed with protecting and promoting the Brand.

See page 13

Peak Oil Stars in ‘Collapse’

Our global future proceeds on this fact: We have passed the peak of our oil resources. Investigator Michael Ruppert speaks calmly and reasonably, and his message is terrifying. See page 26

Mayor Proposes Delaying Switch Of Local Election Date to 2012 Council Could Move Decision To January 11

by Nicholas F. Benton

Falls Church News-Press

With Falls Church Vice Mayor Hal Lippman on a civilian assignment in Afghanistan this month, Mayor Robin Gardner suggested a final vote on whether or not to shift the date of municipal elections in the City of Falls Church might be postponed until next month.

She, and other Council proponents of shifting the election date from May to November, also confirmed they want the change to occur in 2012, and not next year.

The burden to pass an ordinance changing the date was shifted away from a deadline later this

Index

Restaurant Spotlight ............................30 Comics, Sodoku & Crossword...........33 Classified Ads......34 Business & Services Directory..............35 Critter Corner.......36 Business Listing..37 City Focus......38-39

Continued on Page 4

FORMER FALLS CHURCH Mayor Carol DeLong was among the citizens who spoke out at Monday’s F.C. City Council work session against moving the date of the City’s municipal elections from May to November. (Photo: News-Press)

Restaurant Smoking Ban in F.C. Means Heaters for Chilly Patios

by Natalie Bedell

Falls Church News-Press

Editorial..................2 Letters................2, 6 Community News & Notes..............10-11 Comment........12-15 Business News & Notes...................16 Sports.............18-20 Calendar.........24-25 Roger Ebert....26-28

month once the mayor and others on the Council conceded that they would not push for switching the date in 2010.

But three of the four Council members who gave preliminary approval of the switch last month remained resolute in their support for the switch at Monday’s City Council work session, despite a large contingent of local citizen activists who spoke out against it, or called for a public referendum.

The fourth Council member who voted to switch the date was Lippman, for the time being out of the country.

“I haven’t heard anything to change my mind,” Councilman Dan Sze, one of the four to give preliminary approval to the switch last month, said after the public hearing Monday. “I know it to be a fact that far more people vote in November than May. That’s the only fact. It is a black-and-white

Throughout Virginia, restaurant patrons with smoking habits were sent packing to sidewalks and patios last Tuesday following the enactment of the statewide smoking ban, and just days before Northern Virginia saw its first snowfall of the season.

Signed by Gov. Tim Kaine in March as an amendment to the 1990 Virginia Indoor Clean Air Act, the legislation lets patrons to smoke only on a restaurant’s outdoor courtyard or in a separate smoking room with its own venti-

lation system. either.”

But for restaurants in the City “It was only a matter of time of Falls Church, the ban is not as before [smoking] was banned in potentially detrimental as it might restaurants here. I’m not thrilled I have been when the City govern- have to go outside, but there’s no ment considuse complainered its own ban “It’s become a bit of ing about it,” even as neighsaid Thompson, boring jurisdic- a social thing, going whose statetions didn’t. ment was quickStill, smoker outside for a smoke.” ly followed by of seven years, more than a few 33-year-old Paul Thompson of snickers from his smoke-puffing McLean, was none too pleased peers. with the new rule, bundled up outTravis Barnes, a restaurant host side Ireland’s Four Provinces in at Ireland’s Four Provinces, said, Falls Church last Friday night.

“Some of the smokers aren’t too But he said he’s “no fool happy about it, but everybody gets

used to it.” He told the News-Press the popular Irish establishment plans on setting up heaters within its outdoor seating area, along with eventually investing in wind barriers on the patio which faces West Broad Street.

The Virginia Department of Health reported this year that nearly 20 percent of the state’s adults light up, with an annual $118.8 million spent on health care expenditures in Virginia from secondhand smoke exposure afflicting the other 80 percent of the state population.

Health benefits of the ban aside, Falls Church restaurant owners said it’s cost them extra money during a tough economic time when there’s already less revenue coming in.

Dogwood Tavern, a bar in Falls Church, recently installed gasContinued on Page 23

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December 10 - 16, 2009

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Owning the New Brand

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In the first days following the roll-out of the City of Falls Church’s new “branding” as “The Little City,” there has been plenty of feedback, especially via online blogs and web sites. Even though some initial reaction has been unfavorable, Matt Smith of the Falls Church-based Smith Gifford marketing firm that developed the brand told the Falls Church City Council Monday night that he’s ecstatic with the initial response. Indications are, he said, that about half of those commenting like it, and half don’t. “Usually, if you get even a third to like it right away, you’ve got a winner,” he said. “You are always going to have a third of people who won’t like it, but if you have a third who do, then the third in between will come around over time.”

It is certainly an improvement over the well-known phrase that Gertrude Stein used to describe her hometown of Oakland, California, across the bay from San Francisco. “There is no there there,” she wrote in her autobiography, actually meant to refer to the fact that she could not find the house she grew up in. But it came to be known as a famous dig at the nondescript Oakland.

Then there was the effort by the late comic Johnny Carson to provide alternative slogans on state license plates. For one state, he offered, “So many sheep, so little time.” For another, “Clean living, clean fun, let’s leave.” We leave it for you to guess which states he was referring to.

One of our favorites is a giant billboard spotted outside a small city in West Texas that reads, “Welcome to Our Town. 5,000 Friendly People and a Few Old Soreheads.”

For Falls Church, city resident and long-time editor of The Hill, Al Eisele, wrote us tongue-in-cheek with some of suggestions for slogans that didn’t make the cut when “The Little City” was chosen. Consider these: “George Washington Went to Church Here, and So Can You,” “Millions Pass Through Here Every Day Without Stopping,” “See the World’s Only Art Deco Post Office,” “Halfway Between East and West on the Orange Line,” “Home of the Episcopal Church Schism,” “If You’re in Tysons Corner or Alexandria, You’ve Gone Too Far,” and about a dozen others.

Some of those offered as alternatives by other local residents include “The Itty Bitty City,” and “The Vibrant City.” The latter was referenced

by Smith at Monday’s work session. “It sounds good, except it’s not true,” he quipped. Well, at least not yet.

What’s “revolutionary,” if you will, about Falls Church’s new slogan is that it represents the first time in the 50-plus years of the City that it has enjoyed a the benefit of a unifying identity. We share Matt Smith’s confidence that over time a significant majority here will buy into the concept, own it, and run with it to the benefit of us all.

Letters to the Editor

Says City’s New Brand Sounds ‘Child-Like’ Editor,

I hope there are a lot of concerned readers. Before I even read the article in the December 3 News-Press, I felt an immediate reaction to the headline about City branding and the illustrated logo.

Has Falls Church City suddenly landed in the children’s section of the library along with “The Littles Give a Party,” “Stuart Little,” and “The Little Engine That Could?”

Really? I respect the time and effort given by many to the betterment of the City over the decades I’ve lived here. I respect the same spent on this latest branding project, but I cannot respect its results.

“The Little City.” Really? That’s the best our money could buy?

Honest? SmithGifford’s Amanda Hurt says, “…we are not trivial.”

Then why start our impression on others with “Little?” Are we

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www.FCNP.com saying, “Come join the Little City Police Force”? Are we believable with “The Little City has lots of customers for your business”? Is it reasonable to make it necessary for those “selling” the city to overcome a first impression of immaturity? And the logo: it looks like a circus poster, or a Happy Birthday sign for a child’s party. Now we have cartoon-like immaturity.

We are a hard-working, educated, sophisticated population with a great appreciation for cultural activities, and we are less than 10 miles from the nation’s capital. We are child-friendly, per our support of our school system, our Community Center, and our library (and its children’s section).

But we are not child-like. This

ONLINE

brand is not the right one. Surely we can do better. If not , it’s better just to skip the whole thing for awhile. We’re the City of Falls Church. There will be people willing to try again.

Jane Singleton Falls Church

May Election Date Ensures Accountability Editor,

The City’s Charter provides for a May election date to maximize More Letters on Page 6

December 10 - 16, 2009

Page 3

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December 10 - 16, 2009

Election Date Vote Delay?

Continued from Page 1

non-issue to me.”

Mayor Gardner and Councilman Dan Maller expressed similar sentiments, notwithstanding their agreement that the switch should commence in 2012, and not 2010.

Although a proponent of a public referendum on the subject, Councilman Lawrence Webb made it clear he favored moving the date from May to November, as well. In response to the question of why this matter is coming before the Council now, he pointed to himself.

Elected for the first time just last May, he said it was to him an obvious question to raise, given the large differential between voter turnout trends in May compared to November.

Councilman David Snyder, an outspoken opponent to shifting the date, was not present at Monday’s work session, although Councilman Nader Baroukh read a written statement from Snyder, who called an impending Council vote “a rush to judgment.”

Among those who spoke during the public hearing against switching the date was former four-term F.C. Mayor Carol DeLong. She said that “there is more concentration on local issues” in May elections.

DeLong served in the 1980s, when there were multiple uncontested elections for City Council in Falls Church that drew barely 10 percent of registered voters.

Ellen Salsbury, president of the Falls Church chapter of the League of Women Voters, also opposed the move, short of further study. She asked why the move was being considered “at this time.”

Local civic activist Barry Buschow suggested a May date draws voters “more educated” on local issues, and former Vice Mayor Marty Merserve said she opposed the process more than the merits of the issue. “There needs to be a public conversation about this,” she said.

But another former Vice Mayor, Dr. Steven Rogers, took a different view. He said he won election to

City Council by 32 votes, and four years later, he lost by 16 votes when the highest vote totals in the City, with its 11,400 population, was “1,200 to 1,300 total votes.”

“This doesn’t work,” he said.

Another citizen, a 40-year resident of the City, also supported the switch to November. Patrick David said, “It is an idea whose time has come.”

While Dr. Gordon Theisz and others urged the Council to put them matter to a referendum, Councilman Maller pointed out that the Council cannot “direct that a referendum be held in November.”

That was to say that if a referendum were held at any other time than November, it would undermine the very intent behind the proposed move, and subject its outcome to the same unfavorable low-turnout consequences it is designed to change.

“We don’t need more data about this,” Maller said. “We’ve all been involved in May elections. If you favor greater voter turnout, then you support November elections, end of discussion.”

He added that changing the City Charter is not a bad thing,

What is your reaction to the F.C. City School’s PRIDE survey results?’

• Surprised

• Encouraged

• Discouraged

• It was expected

Vote on-line at www.FCNP.com Last Week’s Question: What do you think of Falls Church’s new brand, ‘The Little City?’

The FCNP On-Line polls are surveys, not scientific polls.

either. Up until 1973, the Falls Church City charter limited elections to the archaic notion of “freeholders,” until it was finally changed.

Mayor Gardner noted that elections were held in June until 1972 in the City of Falls Church, and their date was changed to May

by a majority vote of the Council.

“It was not changed by a referendum,” she said.

She said the matter has been studied in Falls Church “since the 2001 study done by the League of Women Voters,” adding, “Not much has changed, no new doors have opened from then to now.”

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December 10 - 16, 2009

Page 5

‘The Little City’ New ‘Brand’ for F.C. Wins Praise From Leaders

by Nicholas F. Benton

Falls Church News-Press

“The Little City” brand for the City of Falls Church, developed by the SmithGifford marketing firm and unveiled last week was formally presented to the Falls Church City Council at a work session Monday, and won high praise from the mayor and other members of the Council.

Matt Smith, principal at Smith

Gifford and a Falls Church resident, made an enthusiastic presentation of the branding effort and how it could be used to bring cohesion and economic development to Falls Church.

Although comments on local blogs have been mixed in the first days, Smith said he was very heartened by the fact that opinion is running about 50-50 at this point, although he conceded that given the extent of professional

expertise and year’s worth of effort that went into the brand’s development, some online comments “have to the taken with a grain of salt.”

He said, “I am extremely happy and excited, it has hit an emotional hot button.” He added, “This will succeed. I have no doubt.” In a comment on the Falls Church News-Press’ web site, he noted that the branding effort “is final and our client is the

EDA (Economic Development Authority — ed.),” adding that “Many of the executions are already underway.”

The News-Press learned that a bumper sticker featuring “The Little City” is in the works.

“It is much more than three words,” Smith wrote. “It was an honor to present the complete idea to the Council.” Follow-on presentations to the Falls Church School Board and the Chamber of Commerce were slated.

Mayor Robin Gardner stated Monday, “I love your enthusiasm, Matt. I think the concept is wonderful.” Councilman Dan Sze quipped, “Go forth and make it happen.” Councilman Dan Maller said, “It says something about the

City. I am excited about this.”

Councilman Nader Baroukh said, “I am cautiously supportive,” adding he hoped to get more feedback on how will go over with the Falls Church business community, in particular, and Councilman Lawrence Webb said, “You’ve sold me. It’s only going to be a positive move for us.”

Falls Church’s Public Information Office Barbara Gordon hailed the brand’s simplicity and succinctness, adding “It’s so positive.” City Manager Wyatt Shields said that a steering committee will now be formed to direct how the campaign will be “rolled out” into the life of the community and its outreach.

“City Council: Don’t Take Away Our Vote” . . . . . .Partisan School Board and City Council Elections Loom?

Subordinating Accountability to Partisanship The City Charter mandates that elections of the City Council and the School Board take place in May. The election schedule is linked to adoption of the operating and capital improvement budgets and promotes citizen oversight of the Council. This system has served the community and its schools well for over 65 years.

A majority of the current City Council is now poised to reduce its own accountability by bypassing the City Charter and rushing to use a state law to change the Charter-prescribed election cycle, at a time when budget deficits are growing at an alarming rate and taxes are projected to skyrocket. By this maneuver, the Council majority will enable itself to avoid voter scrutiny in the May elections, following its adoption of the budget in April, and push the voter balloting off six months until November, perhaps hoping that citizens’ memories will have faded. If made effective in November 2010 or 2012, it would also have the effect of extending the terms of certain members of the Council majority by six months!

AND THEY PLAN TO MAKE THIS MAJOR CHANGE WITHOUT SUBMITTING THE CHANGE TO A VOTE BY THE CITIZENS. The supposed justification for this move is to increase voter participation. Isn’t it ironic that the Council majority proposes to increase voter participation by denying us the opportunity to vote yea or nay for the election schedule change! By not giving the citizens an opportunity to vote on any proposed change, the Council majority damages the integrity of the election process, the Charter, and the voter franchise in several ways: x x x x

Reduces timely fiscal accountability provided for in the City Charter Denies the citizens a direct voice by Referendum in a critical decision such as moving election dates mandated by the City Charter Eliminates our ability to focus on Falls Church issues in May, without national issues and politics intruding Sets the stage for partisan, party-nominated Council and School Board candidates in November General Elections

What you can do: Tell the majority on the City Council -- before its VOTE TO CHANGE THE DATE AT THE COUNCIL MEETING ON DECEMBER 14 -- that only the citizens should change the City's most fundamental document: The City Charter. And tell them that they should not move election dates to avoid financial accountability and fiscal responsibility. Contact the following Council Members at: cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov Robin Gardner

Lawrence Webb

Dan Maller

David Snyder

Hal Lippman

Dan Sze

Nader Baroukh

YOUR NEIGHBORS SUPPORTING YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE Alan Brangman Former Mayor

Sam Mabry

Former Vice Mayor

Linda Neighborgall

Former Planning Commissoner

Louis T. Olom

Ira Kaylin

CBC Founder/School Patron

Johannah Barry

Lou Mauro

Tim Price

Mark Kaye

Mr/Mrs Wm. Romenius

Ed & Carol Hillegass

K.C. McAlpin

Mark Papadopoulos

Lisa S. Miller

Kenneth Whitehead

Margaret Whitehead

Ellen McRae

Dale Walton.

Nick Galifianakis

Steve Cram

Dave Phelps

Barry Buschow

Scott Miller

Roger Neighborgall

Pam Callison

Edith Holmes Snyder

Richard Snyder

Sarah Snyder

Aaron Taliaferro

Garrett Rambler

John Kennedy

Dave Hagigh

Robert Lee

Page 6

Continued from Page 2

public officials’ accountability for all-important school and city budget decisions made in April and deliberated during the door-todoor campaigning season that is a critical part of Falls Church elections. Changing that now, in the midst of a major budget crisis, has raised significant citizen concerns.

Further, there is the legitimate concern that political parties will control the choice of candidates and issues, thereby dramatically changing the current independent and City issues-based elections.

Regardless of the merits, the rush to judgment without further community discussion and citizen vote, now being pursued by the Council’s “leadership” and majority, has also drawn strong objections from many citizens and the non-partisan and respected League of Women Voters.

Because the Charter is the citizens’ and not that of any individual Council Members’, we should heed the input of our citizens and deliberate more and allow them the ultimate say through a referendum. If the Council majority imposes its will in the face of the expressed concerns of so many citizens, and takes away from them an important Charter issue, the result is to disenfranchise our citizens, not the reverse. .

Dave Snyder Member, Falls Church City Council

Opposed to Moving Date Of Election Editor, I want to express my strong objection to current City Council attempts to change the date of local elections from May to November.

Given all the severe problems the city faces, it is short-sighted – in fact, astigmatic and damned near cross-eyed – for the Council to be focusing its energies on this issue at the moment. I am agnostic about whether it is a good idea at all; but I have no doubt that this is the wrong time to be worrying about it!

At best, if a majority of the Council is so seized with the idea of broadening voter turn-out as quickly as possible, the very least it must do is submit the question to a referendum of city voters. I

December 10 - 16, 2009

was deeply amused by the irony of Mayor Gardner adducing her Facebook “friends’” agreement with her position as a clinching argument. Chances are that they are her “friends” because they share her views and/or support her politically; that’s usually the way human beings (not just social networking sites) work. But if the Mayor means to appeal to a broader circle of opinion – vox populi – to refute those who disagree with her, let’s go the whole route: hold a referendum.

Jeff Murray Falls Church

Against Any Moves Now on Election Date Editor,

I was chairing a Planning Commission meeting so I didn’t get a chance to talk during public statements at the Council meeting Monday.

I intended to speak out very simply against making any move now. I was glad to hear that 2010 is off the table, but I still fail to see why the Council needs to act now. I think that this deserves study and, frankly, I don’t know whether I want to change from May to November or not. I can think of good arguments in both directions. The question Dan Maller raised about what state or federal cycle we tie any date change to is very significant. It deserves an answer.

I now hear that there’s talk of making the change in 2012 and letting Council members appoint “interim” members to fill out the terms of those up that year.

Huh? For six months what would be the most responsible move?

Find three new people? What if they’re running for Council? Give them an “incumbent” advantage against people who were actually elected? This makes even less sense than letting people vote themselves an extension in office.

And don’t get me started about the idea of reappointing those in office at that time. Disingenuous at best.

I also hear there might be a resolution calling for a referendum. Wouldn’t that then force a referendum in 30-60 days? That wouldn’t help anything and would be a huge negative. Talk about low voter turnout.

I think the Council should do two things: 1) require a report that would study the issue and report back no later than May 1 on the question of May vs. November;

and 2) pass a Sense of the Council resolution saying that after that report the Council should call for a referendum at such a time that it could be put on the November ballot.

Are better-informed voters good? Use this report to inform them on the issue. Is better turnout good? Use it to decide this issue in November. It may be an “advisory” referendum, but the Council should want advice, not run from it. And if a change is made, do it in 2014.

John D. Lawrence Chair, City of Falls Church Planning Commission

Some Don’t Think the Same As Others Do Editor, As “The Little City” staggers under the weight of a fiscal budgetary deficit of $7.5 to 10 million, and FCNP editor Nicholas Benton bemoans the loss of public employee union jobs, it’s heartening in a backhanded way, to see the attention Wayne Besen pays to the Catholic Church, which he has indentified as the prime obstacle to American citizens, because the Church still takes many of its teachings seriously.

Let’s hope Besen realized the Archdiocese of Washington integrated its schools long before Washington, D.C. integrated its schools decades ago, and the absence of Catholic hospitals in Northern Virginia has enabled Delegate Scott’s Inova octopus to claim a monopoly over area hospital care, leaving us ethically and financially poorer as a result. Scott would no doubt point out that at least Inova performs as many abortions as the customers want, an ostensible “symbol of freedom,” but I am amazed an area with 2.5 million people and several counties does not have a single Catholic hospital between Richmond and Northeast D.C. Besen is angry at Bishop Thomas Tobin in Rhode Island, because Tobin advised Congressman Patrick Kennedy to stop receiving Holy Communion, until he repents from his proabortion position. Besen then castigates the Church because the 2,000 year old institution won’t accept gay marriage. Perhaps Besen needs to realize one of his prime legislative supporters in Virginia, Delegate-elect Kaye Kory, notes on her campaign website that the Catholic

Diocese where she resided in Woonsocket, RI, helped jump start the Delegate’s career at the Grey Panthers, so she could later join EMILY’s List, and start making war on unborn children.

I already miss Kory’s defeated primary opponent Rep. Bob Hull, whom many conservative legislators I know admired for his fairness and decency. If the same Diocese which criticizes the substance addicted Patrick Kennedy can launch the career of the area’s newest pro-abortion Delegate, does Besen think that Diocese is all bad?

Daniel Gray Via the Internet

Nation Not Governed by the Declaration Editor, Richard LaVelle argues that the Declaration of Independence’s invocation of “the laws of Nature and of Nature’s God” requires the rejection of gay marriage (NewsPress Letter to the Editor, Dec. 3, 2009). However, the United States is not governed by the Declaration of Independence. It is governed by the Constitution, which makes no reference to God, but establishes authority in “we the people” and a system of written, secular laws.

This omission of God is no oversight! Indeed, the first amendment enjoins the separation of Church and State. Writers of the Constitution may have been religious men, but that means nothing with respect to the laws that govern our country. That these men did not try to write their private faith into public law, though, is a testament to their wisdom.

It’s worth noting too that many colonies in the U.S. were founded by men and women, including Catholics, seeking to escape a state church. Many of these groups, particularly radical antinomian sects, might have some very different ideas about what

Big Response For ‘The Little City’ The City of Falls Church’s new brand, “The Little City,” elicited a strong reaction from News-Press readers — some offering up their own marketing ideas for the City. Here are some of our favorites:

Smallville Itty Bitty City A Vibrant City Falls Church– We’re Rolling in D’oh!

The Little City with Big Problems

“Nature’s God” required than Mr. LaVelle does. Flash forward to today. There are Christian groups who endorse gay marriage; there are atheists who do not believe in Nature’s God. To ban gay marriage on the basis of the interpretation of /some /religious groups is to establish one religion over another – and also to impose religion on our secular state. That’s forbidden by the Constitution. I don’t find it particularly in the \ American spirit either. (Of course, any religious group that wishes should have the right not to perform same-sex marriages.)

The rebellious, freedom-loving and increasingly secularizing forces that drove the creation of this country continue to this day. Those who fear the force of that history would do well not to invoke its authority.

Robert Matz Falls Church

December 10 - 16, 2009

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F.C. Schools ‘Mixed Result’ on Substance Abuse Survey Results of the 2009-2010 PRIDE Survey for the Falls Church City Public Schools indicate that student alcohol, tobacco and marijuana use in grades 6-12 is below the national average, the numbers “still indicate widespread use among high school students,” the F.C. City Schools reported this week. Among 573 high school students (grades 9-12) surveyed, according to the statement, 26.3 percent engaged in tobacco use daily, weekly or monthly (compared to the national average of 35.9 percent), while 45.6 percent use alcohol in the same frequency (compared to 56.5 percent nationally), and 21.8 percent use marijuana (to 26 percent nationally). It was noted the numbers have dropped about 14 percent in all categories in the last three years. .

Webb Reacts to Obama Afghanistan Policy Virginia U.S. Senator Jim Webb issued a statement on President Obama’s revised Afghanistan policy this week, urging that the administration “put an operational framework in place for our responsible withdrawal,” while at the same time it should “clarify to the American public and Congress how it defines success and how we reach and endpoint.”

Webb said that U.S. Strategy “must proceed based on the following realities: (1) the fragility of the Afghan government, (2) whether building a national army of a considerable scale is achievable, (3) whether an increased U.S. Military presence will ultimately have a positive effect in the country, or whether we will be seen as an occupying force; and (4) the linkage of events in Afghanistan and Pakistan.”

F.C.’s BalletNova Sells Out ‘Nutcracker’ Run The Falls Church-based BalletNova Center for Dance reported near sell-outs at its six performances of “The Nutcracker” holiday ballet last weekend at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre in Arlington. Formerly the Center Dance Company and Arlington Center for Dance, BalletNova has operated since July 2008 out of spacious 20,000-square foot state-of-the-art facilities in the Bailey’s Crossroads area. Its “Nutcracker” performances were highlighted by the guest appearance of Connor Walsh, a native of Fairfax, who is now the principal dancer with the Houston Ballet. As the cavalier, he partnered with BalletNova dancer Ellen Overstreet in the sugar plum fairy role. The organization’s next event is a Nutcracker Tea on Dec. 20 at the Westin Gateway in Arlington. New classes for all ages commence in early February.

Fairfax County Touts ‘Winter Preparedness’ Site Fairfax County officials released a statement yesterday urging citizens to be prepared for winter weather conditions, and to consult its web site (www.fairfaxcounty.gov) for tips and information relating to cold weather, wind chill, hypothermia, being trapped in a home or car, and other matters. The state’s Department of Emergency Preparedness’ web site is also a source for the public.

‘News-Press Live’ Guest Appearance Monday The bi-monthly “Falls Church News-Press Live” TV show on Falls Church Cable TV prior to the City Council meeting this Monday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. will feature Barbara Cram, chief organizer of F.C.’s New Year’s Eve Watch Night celebration.

Development News: Foster’s Grille, Chipotle & the Former Syms Site Sources have told the News-Press that the Foster’s Grille slated to open in The Spectrum has been put on indefinite hold while the franchise seeks a new franchisee. In more restaurant news, the FCNP has heard that Chipotle is considering a move into the Broaddale Shopping Center on W. Broad Street. The News-Press has also learned that a “high end” fitness center is on the verge of moving into the former F.C. location of Syms.

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December 10 - 16, 2009

50 YEARS OF CBC: 3RD OF A 3-PART SERIES

Falls Church Development, Referendums & the Future Citizens for a Better City has been at the center of local political life in Falls Church for a half century. This article, third of three, is excerpted from a history of the organization prepared for CBC’s 50th anniversary celebration. It is based on an earlier CBC history by the late Wayne Dexter, updated

by Betty Blystone.

In the past 20 years, the longheld views of the city residents and CBC toward residential development evolved.

The expansion of the Washington Metro system led to a surge of condominiums and mixed-use residential and commercial buildings in Arlington County. Some in CBC and the wider community felt that such developments in Falls Church would threaten the residential character of the city. Others in CBC and in the city argued that such development was essential to expand the commercial tax base for the support of schools and city services.

The new Smart Growth theories of community development, expounded at the Street Works workshops early in the new century, led to revisions in the zoning code. The new ordinances permitted a mixture of retail and other commercial and residential uses in one development at the discretion of the council. They also included the possibility of greater height and density than “by-right” zoning

previously allowed in commercial areas.

While the initial City Center proposal resulting from those workshops seemed to be well received, first uses of the new ordinances were not for the center of the city, but further along West Broad Street and South Maple Avenue, with the construction of the Broadway, Byron, Spectrum and Pearson Square buildings. Other mixed-use projects have been proposed for North Washington Street, but the controversial City Center South development approved by council had

In 2002, a proposed City Charter amendment to curtail new residential structures on commercially-zoned property if such construction would increase the city’s population by more than one percent was subject to referendum. The council would have had to seek voter approval by referendum if it did not meet the curtailed limitations. The vote failed, with 63 percent of voters voting “No.” In May, 2008, a similarly initiated referendum sought approval of a proposed charter amendment to limit square footage devoted

C

BC creates a process for encouraging civic-minded candidates to serve on the City Council and School Board.

not gone forward as 2009 drew to a close.

Council members nominated

by CBC generally supported these applications and welcomed the resulting revenues as a means of financing essential city services and the full budget requests of the school board.

Strong concern about the ratio of residential versus commercial construction in commerciallyzoned areas led to two citizeninitiated referendums in the early 2000s.

to residential uses to 40 percent of the total square footage of a mixed-use project. This time 57 percent of the voters rejected the charter change. The timing of this referendum was a result of the proposed City Center South application, then very much a subject of discussion.

A comprehensive review of the city’s zoning regulations for neighborhoods and commercial areas was launched by the council in 2007 with participation by a citizens’ panel. Proposals are due

at the end of 2009 and in 2010, creating an opportunity to seek a new consensus on how to balance neighborhood preservation and development of a vital commercial center to strengthen the tax base.

As part of an effort to attract and keep valued city and school employees, to conserve resources and to provide shorter commutes for some public service employees, affordable housing units were included as part of the negotiating process for major condominium and townhouse development within the city. In several cases, affordable units were offered first to city public employees.

In seeking these goals, CBC councils have adopted an Affordable Housing Policy and established an Affordable Housing Fund with revenue from developers’ proffers. The councils have also provided financial support to the Falls Church Housing Corporation, established under the auspices of the 1981 CBC council to act as a cooperating agent to provide additional affordable housing units.

In 1993, a newly enacted state law allowed localities the option to select school board members by election rather than by appointment of the governing body. In response to a petition drive, a referendum was placed on the ballot in November 1993. Sixty-two percent of those voting favored elected school boards. Falls Church held its first school board election in May 1994.

In the early years of the new century, a distinct rise in student population resulted in overcrowding in the schools. This was concurrent with condominium and townhouse development and a general population increase and partly a result of program changes. In November 2003, an overwhelming 77 percent margin of

voters supported a $25 million school bond referendum to construct a new middle school separate from the high school, and to renovate Mt. Daniel elementary school. The CBC executive committee supported the referendum.

Over the past 50 years, CBC’s opponents have often raised concerns about the organization’s central role in the city’s political life and the de facto single party system that has prevailed in most years. The critics ignore the fact that CBC creates a process – not a program or a partisan platform – a process for encouraging civic-minded candidates to serve on the City Council and School Board. CBC has played a vital part by supporting those candidates, chosen by citizens at the open CBC conventions, as they conduct their campaigns. This will continue to be a primary CBC function.

Falls Church faces grave economic circumstances in common with many other state and local governments. The need has seldom been greater for constructive dialogue and debate about the path Falls Church should follow.

CBC’s encouragement of residents to seek appointments to boards and commissions will continue to be an important step in helping prospective council and school board candidates gain knowledge and experience within the Falls Church City government structure. It will foster a willingness and readiness to become a larger part of the democratic process in the city.

As we celebrate 50 years of leadership by Citizens for a Better City, and 60 years of Falls Church City Public Schools, we pledge to continue the vigilance and participation necessary to maintain quality schools and open, participatory government as we strive to make Falls Church a Better City.

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December 10 - 16, 2009

Time Running Out for F.C. Police ‘Toys for Tots’ Drive Only one week remains for donations to be made to the U.S. Marines Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots drive being sponsored by the City of Falls Church Police Department and members of the Falls Church Police Association.

A collection box has been set up in the F.C. Police Department lobby, located on the G2 level in the East Wing of City Hall (300 Park Ave., Falls Church). Donations of new unwrapped toys will be accepted through Thursday, Dec. 17.

A delivery of all toys will be made the morning of Dec. 18 to central distribution point in Quantico, where the donations will be given to children in need this holiday season. This is the eighth-consecutive year the F.C. Police Department has participated in the Toys for Tots Campaign.

For more information, call 703241-5053.

member meeting will be held earlier the same day at The Italian CafĂŠ (7161 Lee Hwy., Falls Church) at 11:30 a.m. New members are welcome.

Choralis Presents ‘A Classic Brass Christmas’ Choralis will close its 10th anniversary concert season with “A Classic Brass Christmas,� its traditional Christmas performance with guests.

The classical brass quintet will perform at Westminister Presbyterian Church (2701 Cameron Mills Rd., Alexandria) at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12 and at Falls Church Presbyterian Church (225 E. Broad St., Falls Church) at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13. Tickets are $40 for premium seating, $25 for general admission, $5 for students and free for children under 12. For more information, visit www.choralis.org or call 703-237-2499.

F.C. Chamber Hosts Holiday Party & Mixer

Children’s Author Tells Tales of Animal Tails

The Falls Church Chamber of Commerce invites the public to its annual holiday party, complete with refreshments.

The mixer is Tuesday, Dec. 15 at Sunrise Senior Living (330 N. Washington St., Falls Church) from 5 – 7 p.m. For more information, call 703-534-2700.

The Chamber’s luncheon and

The Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church) will showcase original tales by Barbara Witucki, titled “Rabbit Rabbit.�

Youngsters will enjoy stories of animals from the imaginative mind of a children’s author.

Readings are appropriate for ages 4 – 6 years.

The free event will be held Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. For more information, call 703-2485034.

1-2-1 Mentoring Program Calls for Volunteers Volunteers are needed to participate in an after-school program created by the Falls Church City Alliance for Youth in partnership with the Northern Virginia Family Service. Adult men are especially needed, as youth males are currently on a waiting list.

Mentors should be at least 21 years of age and be able to volunteer for a minimum of one year, once a week, on Thursdays, from 4 – 6 p.m. The next mentor orientation is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 16. Call coordinator Monica Arispe to register at 703-219-2106.

Arlington Man Wins Photography Competition

Photographer Opens Studio For Viewing

Teen Dance ‘Escapes to Paradise’

The 2009 ViewShed Photo Competition announced Gary Anthes of Arlington as the winner of the Open Space/Farmland Category for his depiction, “Farm Pond, Sunrise.� Anthes shot a bayou in Rappahannock County.

His photographs, with the other winning pieces, will be displayed at the General Assembly Building during the 2010 Session and on the Scenic Virginia’s Web site, www.scenicvirginia.org.

Huguette Roe Photography will host its 3rd Annual Home Show for the public to view Huguette Roe’s award-winning works depicting recycling in infancy, travel, architecture and more.

The open studio will be accepting patrons Dec. 12, 13 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the gallery (7008 Aronow Dr., Falls Church). For more information, visit www.hroephoto.com.

The Old Firehouse Teen Center (OFTC) will be throwing a 7th- and 8th-grader dance party, themed “Escape to Paradise.� A DJ will play music and videos while the game room will be open for ping-pong, pool and arcade games. Vending snacks and drinks will also be available.

The dance will be held 7 – 10 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11 at the OFTC (1440 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean). Entry is $5 for OTFC

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members and $10 for non-members. A parent/guardian must check their teen in and out of the center.

For more information, call 703448-8336.

‘Santamobile’ Rolls Through Falls Church Curry’s Auto Service of Falls Church will be sponsoring the Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department’s annual “Santamobile.” This decorated fire truck will transport Santa and his helpers while they pass out candy and pamphlets on fire safety.

Nightly rounds through the streets begin Tuesday, Dec. 15 and will run until Wednesday, Dec. 23 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. For the first five days, the locomotive will be in the City of Falls Church City.

For more information or to track Santa in real time, visit www. fallschurchvfd.org.

Library Celebrates with Holiday Open House People of all ages are invited to celebrate a year’s worth of literary enlightenment at the TysonsPimmit Regional Library Holiday Open House.

Join the staff and friends of the library for music and light refreshments. Children may make a homemade gift for the holiday season at the stocked crafts table in the children’s section.

It will be held Saturday, Dec. 12 at 11 a.m. at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). For more information, call 703-790-8088.

Lyon Park Hosts Family Holiday Fest Arlington County will celebrate the different traditions of

Page 11

the season with both children and families this year. A visit from Santa, children’s games, caroling, sing-alongs, a potluck delights table and a variety of holiday music will combine to create a festival of cheer.

Feel free to bring a traditional holiday dessert and share the story of how it became a part of family history. A party has been planned for Friday, Dec. 11 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the Lyon Park Community House (414 N. Filmore St., Arlington). To volunteer, contact Renee Gutshall at renee@gutshall.net. For more information, call 703-527-9520.

Art Workshop Explores the Animal Kingdom The McLean Project for the Arts invites all families to reinvent the animal world during a Family Art Workshop. Participants will draw their favorite animals, cut them out and color them with pastels. Animal lovers may also bring in pictures of their favorite creature to revive it artistically.

The event will be held Saturday, Dec. 12 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean) and is $10 per family. For more information, call 703-790-1953.

“The Christmas Cabin of Caraween” debuted last Saturday at ArtSpace (410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church). The show runs through Sunday, Dec. 20 and is presented by Creative Cauldron. Shown are (left to right) Anna Brotman-Krass, Caroline Hamilton, Julianne Hamilton, Sean Hamilton and Osama Ashoor. For more information, visit www.creativecauldron.org. (Photo: News-Press)

Senior Book Discussion Group Gathers The Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church) monthly Senior Book Discussion meeting will delve into Franklin and Lucy: Mrs. Rutherfurd and the Other Remarkable Women in Roosevelt’s Life by Joesph Persico.

The meeting is Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 10:30 a.m. and is open to the public. For more information, call 703-248-5030.

FALLS CHURCH’S RESIDENT Helen Siemaszko (center, seated) celebrated her 95th birthday on Nov. 24, surrounded by her three children and their spouses, a niece, Siemasko’s grandchildren and great grandchildren. Siemaszko is a member of the St. James Catholic Church and a member of the Lee Center Craft Group in Arlington. She and her family enjoy the Eastern Shore and peaceful days at their home on the western side of Rehoboth Bay. (Photo: Courtesy Photo)

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December 10 - 16, 2009

An Innovation Agenda The economy seems to be stabilizing, and this has prompted a shift in the public mood. Raw fear has given way to anxiety that the recovery will be feeble and drab. Companies are hoarding cash. Banks aren’t lending to small businesses. Private research spending is drifting downward.

People are asking anxious questions about America’s future. Will it take years before the animal spirits revive? Can the economy rebalance so that it relies less on consumption and debt and NEW YORK TIMES NEWS SERVICE more on innovation and export? Have we entered a period of relative decline?

The first thing to say is, let’s not get carried away with the malaise. The U.S. remains the world’s most competitive economy, the leader in information technology, biotechnology and nearly every cutting-edge sector.

The American model remains an impressive growth engine, even allowing for the debt-fueled bubble. The U.S. economy grew by 63 percent between 1991 and 2009, compared with 35 percent for France, 22 percent for Germany and 16 percent for Japan over the same period. In 1975, the U.S. accounted for 26.3 percent of world GDP. Today, after the rise of the Asian tigers, the U.S. actually accounts for a slightly higher share of world output: 26.7 percent.

The U.S. has its problems, but Americans would be crazy to trade their problems with those of any other large nation.

Moreover, there’s a straightforward way to revive innovation. In an unfairly neglected white paper on the subject, President Barack Obama’s National Economic Council argued that the U.S. should not be in the industrial policy business. Governments that try to pick winners “too often end up wasting resources and stifling rather than promoting innovation.” But there are several things the government can do to improve the economic ecology. If you begin with that framework, you can quickly come up with a bipartisan innovation agenda.

First, push hard to fulfill the Obama administration’s education reforms. Those reforms, embraced

by Republicans and Democrats, encourage charter school innovation, improve teacher quality, support community colleges and simplify finances for college

David Brooks

students and war veterans. That’s the surest way to improve human capital.

Second, pay for basic research. Federal research money has been astonishingly productive, leading to DNA sequencing, semiconductors, lasers and many other technologies. Yet this financing has slipped, especially in physics, math and engineering. Overall research-and-development funding has slipped, too.

The U.S. should aim to spend 3 percent of GDP on research, as it did in the 1960s.

Third, rebuild the nation’s infrastructure. Abraham Lincoln spent the first half of his career promoting canals and railroads. Today, the updated needs are just as great, and there’s widespread agreement that decisions should be made by a National Infrastructure Bank, not pork-seeking politicians.

Fourth, find a fiscal exit strategy. If the deficits continue to surge, interest payments on the debt will be stifling. More important, the mounting deficits destroy confidence by sending the message that the American government is dysfunctional. The only way to realistically fix this problem is to appoint a binding commission, already supported by Republicans and Democrats, which would create a roadmap toward fiscal responsibility and then allow the Congress to vote on it, up or down.

Fifth, gradually address global imbalances.

American consumers are now spending less and saving more. But the world economy will be out of whack if the Chinese continue to consume too little.

The only solution is slow diplomacy to rebalance exchange rates and other distorting policies.

Sixth, loosen the so-called H-1B visa quotas to attract skilled immigrants.

Seventh, encourage regional innovation clusters.

Innovation doesn’t happen at the national level. It happens within hot spots – places where hordes of entrepreneurs gather to compete, meet face to face, pollinate ideas. Regional authorities can’t innovate themselves, but they can encourage those who do to cluster.

Eighth, lower the corporate tax rate so it matches international norms.

Ninth, don’t be stupid. Don’t make labor markets rigid. Don’t pick trade fights with the Chinese. Don’t get infatuated with research tax credits and other gimmicks, which don’t increase overall research-anddevelopment spending but just increase the salaries of the people who would be doing it anyway.

Obama Now Called A ‘War President’ WASHINGTON – President Obama had a golden opportunity to become a peacemaker compared to his hawkish predecessor. But he has let that opening evaporate by escalating the war in Afghanistan.

Now he is called a “war president” – a dubious title that former President George W. Bush personally embraced after starting two devastating wars, one Hearst Newspapers in Afghanistan, the other in Irag.

In both cases, the U.S. is touting its exit plans.

In Iraq, Obama has declared a victory and plans to pull out many troops next year, though leaving thousands behind to secure the Baghdad government.

In Afghanistan, Obama has spoken vaguely about a troop drawdown starting in July 2011.

The problem in Iraq is that the sectarian war we

Helen Thomas

nurtured in that oil-rich country – and invaded on the basis of false intelligence – is far from over, as evidenced by the suicide bombings in Baghdad this week that took 127 lives and wounded hundreds of Iraqis.

Obama went into Hamlet mode in his prolonged deliberation about Afghanistan before deciding to send 30,000 more troops there in pursuit of Taliban forces and the al Qaida network.

The president was accused of “dithering” by militant Republican lawmakers, most of whom have never known war. Later, he was pilloried for announcing a July 2011 date to begin an Afghanistan exodus.

It must have been tough for the president to prepare a persuasive speech in accepting the Nobel peace prize on Thursday while escalating a war in Continued on Page 36

An Affordable Truth Maybe I’m naive, but I’m feeling optimistic about the climate talks starting in Copenhagen on Monday. President Barack Obama now plans to address the conference on its last day, which suggests that the White House expects real progress. It’s also encouraging to see developing countries – including China, the world’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide – agreeing, at least in principle, that they need to be part of the solution.

Of course, if things go well in Copenhagen, the usual suspects will go wild. We’ll hear cries that the whole notion of global warming is a hoax perpetrated by a vast scientific conspiracy, as demonstrated by stolen e-mail messages that show – well, actually all they show is that scientists are human, but never mind. We’ll also, however, hear cries that climate-change policies will destroy jobs and growth.

NEW YORK TIMES NEWS SERVICE The truth, however, is that cutting greenhouse gas emissions is affordable as well as essential. Serious studies say that we can achieve sharp reductions in emissions with only a small impact on the economy’s growth. And the depressed economy is no reason to wait – on the contrary, an agreement in Copenhagen would probably help the economy recover.

Why should you believe that cutting emissions is affordable?

First, because financial incentives work.

Action on climate, if it happens, will take the form of “cap and trade”: businesses won’t be told what to produce or how, but they will have to buy permits to cover their emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. So they’ll be able to increase their profits if they can burn less carbon – and there’s every reason to believe that they’ll be clever and creative about finding ways to do just that.

As a recent study by McKinsey & Co. showed, there are many ways to reduce emissions at relatively low cost: improved insulation; more efficient appliances; more fuel-efficient cars and trucks; greater use of solar, wind and nuclear power; and much, much more.

And you can be sure that given the right incentives, people would find many tricks the study missed.

The truth is that conservatives who predict economic doom if we try to fight climate change are betraying their own principles. They claim to believe that capitalism is infinitely adaptable, that the magic of the marketplace can deal with any problem. But for some reason they insist that cap and trade – a system specifically designed to bring the power of market incentives to bear on environmental problems – can’t work.

Well, they’re wrong – again. For we’ve been here before.

The acid rain controversy of the 1980s was in many respects a dress rehearsal for today’s fight over climate change. Then as now, right-wing ideologues denied the science. Then as now, industry groups claimed that any attempt to limit emissions would inflict grievous economic harm.

But in 1990 the United States went ahead anyway with a cap-andtrade system for sulfur dioxide. And guess what. It worked, delivering a sharp reduction in pollution at lower-than-predicted cost.

Curbing greenhouse gases will be a much bigger and more complex task – but we’re likely to be surprised at how easy it is once we get started.

The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that by 2050 the emissions limits in recent proposed legislation would reduce real GDP by between 1 percent and 3.5 percent from what it would otherwise have been. If we split the difference, that says that emissions limits would slow the economy’s annual growth over the next 40 years by around onetwentieth of a percentage point – from 2.37 percent to 2.32 percent.

That’s not much. Yet if the acid rain experience is any guide, the true cost is likely to be even lower.

Still, should we be starting a project like this when the economy is depressed? Yes, we should – in fact, this is an especially good time to act, because the prospect of climate-change legislation could spur more investment spending.

Consider, for example, the case of investment in office buildings.

Right now, with vacancy rates soaring and rents plunging, there’s not much reason to start new buildings. But suppose that a corporation that already owns buildings learns that over the next few years there will be growing incentives to make those buildings more energyefficient. Then it might well decide to start the retrofitting now, when construction workers are easy to find and material prices are low.

Paul Krugman

December 10 - 16, 2009

Page 13

The ‘Daylight Theory of Elections’ For the first time in a decade, Democrats in Virginia are heading toward the start of the state’s annual legislative session not able to boast of gaining ground against their arch-conservative GOP foes. Some fundraising events, and a mobilization call for a special state senate election in western Fairfax County on Jan. 12, are now seeking retrenchment and a rebound from last month’s Republican electoral romp.

With the benefit of a month’s worth of hindsight about the November election, which gained national attention as one of only two important ones in the U.S., was generally conceded not to represent a referendum, or a “no confidence vote,” on the Obama administration. That’s because the Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Virginia, Falls church news-press State Sen. Creigh Deeds, ran away from Obama, not with him, in his ill-fated campaign. Therefore, at least no one can argue that Obama was an issue in the election.

The real culprit in that election, from the Democrats’ point of view, was a significantly lower voter turnout than hoped for, certainly vastly lower than the year before when Obama won the state for a Democratic presidential candidate for the first time since 1964. Had the voter turnout among both new and traditionally Democratic voters matched earlier levels in the decade, the Democrats’ winning streak in statewide races, beginning with Sen. Mark Warner’s election as governor in 2001, would have continued. Warner’s win was followed by Tim Kaine’s win as governor in 2005, Jim Webb’s win as U.S. Senator in 2006, Warner’s win as U.S. Senator and Obama’s a president in 2008. The Dems went 5-for-5.

The state was on the verge of being officially shifted to “blue” (from the GOP’s “red”) after November 2008, but given Deeds’ ineffective campaign last fall, it was instead declared “definitely purple”

by Virginia native Robert Gibbs, Obama’s press secretary, after the president was finally invited to speak at a Deeds rally only days before the election.

This leads me to coin my phrase, “The Daylight Theory of Elections.”

That is, put simply, if voters do not perceive “daylight” on the issues between candidates in any election, they will tend to stay home and not vote. Therefore, the campaign that needs to rely more on a higher voter turnout must work harder to establish such “daylight.” By “daylight,” of course, I mean a clearly-perceived difference between the candidates, not in the eyes of political activists or insiders, but in the general public.

For last month’s election in Virginia, the failure to achieve this was the cause of the lower voter turnout that led to the Democrats’ defeat.

Deeds might have been a good guy and a paragon of virtue, but his stump speech was about formative experiences of his childhood, and not about his opponent’s over-the-top, right-wing history and voting record.

Even worse was the race for attorney general, where the Democrat distanced himself from key components of the traditional Democratic base, including the gay and lesbian component, such that the egregiously discriminatory and right-wing posture of his GOP opponent never gained traction in the public.

In fact, had it not been for some creative investigative journalism by the Washington Post, nothing of the GOP gubernatorial or attorney general candidates’ arch-right-wing positions would have surfaced in the election.

As a result, voters simply felt they had no compelling reason to bother to mobilize or get to the polls on election day.

A clear turning point came in late August, when Deeds failed to appear at the one seminal event of a critical component of the state’s Democratic base, hosted by the Virginia Partisans Gay and Lesbian Club. While dozens of other Democratic elected officials were there, Deeds was not, and the level of activism and enthusiasm that could have been generated that night instead became deflated into passive, at best, support.

I wrote this in a letter to leaders of the Virginia Partisans after the event, which I copied to the Deeds campaign, and my prediction made in that letter proved too true in November.

Apparently, the lessons of Obama’s victory have to be re-learned again in Virginia. Principled Democrats should have no problem creating “daylight” between themselves and their Republican rivals.

Nicholas F. Benton

 Nicholas Benton may be e-mailed at nfbenton@fcnp.com.

The Lady & the Tiger They were both elegant and entitled swans, insulated in guarded enclaves, obsessed with protecting and promoting the Brand. Then trouble trespassed into their privileged worlds and both responded the same foolish way.

They presumptuously put themselves beyond authority and, despite all the public relations support on earth, broke the first rule of scandal: Don’t stonewall. Admit your mistake before others piece together the embarrassing facts. Reflexive clampdowns don’t work in an era when privacy is passe and when some media outlets are out there giving cash incentives for true confessions and fake reality.

NEW YORK TIMES NEWS SERVICE Some in the press still care about free speech; others are willing to pay for it.

Tiger Woods and Desiree Rogers are perfectionist high-achievers brought low. They both ran into that ubiquitous modern buzz saw of glossy celebrity wannabes – Vegas parasites and Washington parvenus.

Tiger, titan of the tees, drove into a hazard when he refused to talk to the Florida police and come cleaner, earlier. Desiree, queen of social networking, didn’t properly RSVP to the House Homeland Security Committee investigating the gate-crasher incident.

Even if Desiree thought Congress was grandstanding, it was goofy of her to use the Constitution to get out of a congressional summons. The Obama White House is morphing into the Bush White House with frightening speed. Its transparency is already fogged up.

The smart thing would have been for Desiree to sail up to Congress, wearing designer sackcloth and pearls of remorse, apologize for the oversight at her first state dinner and promise it wouldn’t happen again.

It just made her look weaker that she couldn’t simply accept some blame publicly for what happened at a dinner she was in charge of, and draw the heat away from the first family she serves. She’s no G. Gordon Liddy.

Congress being Congress, they would have lapped it up and let her off the hook. Instead, she let the Secret Service director, Mark Sullivan, go up alone and take the rap.

As a Republican congressman, Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania, tartly noted: “We always expect the Secret Service to take a bullet for the president; we

Maureen Dowd

don’t expect the Secret Service to take a bullet for the president’s staff.”

Both the golf diva and the social diva mistakenly think the rules need not apply to them. Never mind the White House’s absurdly asserting executive privilege to dismiss a faux pas. It was the assertion of personal privilege by Tiger and Desiree that was so off-putting.

After the baseball steroid scandal and the disappointing news that Tiger’s a cheetah, as the New York Post headline put it, it’s time to accept that athletes are not role models. They’re just models – for everything from sports drinks to running shoes to razor blades to credit cards to peanut butter to Buicks to Wheaties.

Tiger may have been the greatest pro golfer, but he was an amateur adulterer. His puffed-up ego led him to leave an electronic trail with a string of buffed and puffed babes.

Like so many politicians before him, Tiger ignored the obvious rule: Never get involved with women who have 8-by-10 glossies.

His voice mail message asking a girlfriend to take her name off her phone in case his wife called her will have fans snickering for a long time, just as the White House failure to stop the Salahis from Salahing their way past security checkpoints will leave people smirking for a while.

Both Tiger and Desiree hid and stayed silent because they mistakenly thought they were protecting the Brand. But despite their marketing savvy, these two controlling players spiraled out of control. They made the same colossal error in opposite ways.

She mistook herself for the principal, sashaying around and posing in magazines as though she were the first lady, rather than a staffer whose job is to stay behind the scenes and make her bosses look good.

(Even if Barack Obama is a brand, Desiree shouldn’t talk like the First Marketer or call him a brand – and she definitely shouldn’t refer to it in a proprietary way as “we.”)

Tiger is the principal. But he forgot that he’s no longer a solo brand. He has been marketing himself since he turned pro and 21 in 1996, becoming a billionaire with endorsement deals with Nike, American Express, Titleist and the two Generals, Mills and Motors.

But once he served up the fairy tale wedding with the Swedish beauty and had two kids, his value was in family and his projection of family values.

Now all we have left to look up to is Derek Jeter.

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December 10 - 16, 2009

Gay Santa Play Attacked Under the leadership of James Dobson, Focus on the Family was infamous for distorting the work of researchers, earning it the nickname, “Focus on the Fallacies”.

Then, the organization was labeled, “Focus on the Foolishness” after Dobson suggested that Sponge Bob was gay.

We must also remember, “Focus on the Fairytale,” the name given the organization after I photographed its “ex-gay” leader John Paulk in a gay bar.

With Dobson retiring, however, it is clear that Focus on the Family is adrift and searching for a new mission. It may have found one in its blistering attack on the play “Santa Claus is Coming Out.” Instead of helping real families in a time of economic upheaval, the right wing nything organization is in a tizzy over this comedy that poses the serious question: “What if ut traight Santa Claus were actually gay?”

By using an imaginary icon, we

By Wayne Besen can explore how people would react if a real superstar, such as a politician, athlete, or leading man in Hollywood came out of the closet. Given the stereotypes and prejudice against GLBT people, this is a legitimate subject well worth exploring.

Unfortunately, Focus on the Family provides the answer by exploiting this issue for political gain and distorting the essence of the production. The Gay, Lesbian, Straight, Education Network (GLSEN) will also benefit from a charity performance of “Santa Claus is Coming Out,” giving Focus on the Family further reason to misrepresent the play, as they did in its bigot blog Citizenlink.

In a story headlined “GLSEN Fundraiser Sexualizes Santa,” the group claims that the comedy, “perverts the innocence of Christmas and sexualizes the longtime, child-revered icon of Santa Claus.” The group went on to claim that the goal of Santa Claus is Coming Out is to, “desensitize kids and attack parents’ God-given rights to protect their innocence.”

Interestingly, Focus on the Family had no such concern about “innocence” when it heedlessly and needlessly “outed” Sponge Bob a few years ago to millions of youth. Until Dobson spoke, who knew that Bob’s pineapple was a gay bar that made divine tropical drinks?

The charges leveled against Santa Is Coming Out are ludicrous, if not libelous. In an interview with Instinct Magazine, Playwright Jeffrey Solomon rebutted Focus on the Family’s bogus charges.

“We have not marketed this play with sex,” said Solomon. “The play is not about sex. The play simply asks a hypothetical question: ‘How would the world react, if Mrs. Claus were revealed to be a beard, and that Santa Claus was actually a gay man?’ The very mention or the image of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people is not automatically sexual, unless you are viewing them with sex-tinted glasses.”

Solomon is correct to say that Focus on the Family is choosing to sexualize a non-sexual comedy in order to rile up its batty base. What the group means when it says parents have “God-given rights to protect their (childrens’) innocence,” is that fundamentalist Christians are superior to the rest of us. That they have the unique “right” to censor and silence people who disagree with their “Valuless Traditions” disguised as “Traditional Values.”

Sorry, but in America GLBT families are a positive reality and they will not just disappear or hide because hate groups are opposed to their very existence. Indeed, it is poor parenting to instill prejudice in young people and preach intolerance in the name of religious belief. America’s youth should be taught to respect all people and be presented with a realistic view of our nation’s diverse families. To do otherwise is irresponsible and a failure to prepare a child to succeed in the world.

Isn’t it time that Focus on the Family take its huge budget of more that $125 million and help real families stay together? Has this group done anything substantive to address the divorce rate in America? Has it stopped child or spousal abuse? Has this wealthy organization increased living wages so families can afford to stay together?

Nope.

Instead it wastes precious time and money on petty, media-friendly pet issues that play well to frothing fundamentalists who get worked into a lather and then donate what little money they have left over from their paychecks.

By attacking this play, Focus on the Family has earned a new nickname: “Focus on the Frivolous.”

I applaud Jeffrey Solomon and director Joe Brancato for producing a play that will make people think, which is a heck of a lot more than Focus on the Family is asking of its followers.

A B

S

Congressman Moran’s News Commentary

By James P. Moran Virginia’s 8th Congressional District Representative in the U.S. House of Representatives

Our nation is starting to come up from the depths of the worst recession since the Great Depression.

Over the past year, this Congress and President Obama have made the tough choices and taken effective steps using the Stimulus and other measures to bring our economy back from the brink of disaster.

But there is more work to be done.

Later this week, the House will consider The Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protections Act to address the systematic failures that precipitated the crisis.

After almost two years of recession, Wall Street is beginning to show signs of recovery. Yet few outside the “Big Apple” have experienced relief, and the regulatory system that enabled the crises remains unchanged.

In the years leading up to the upheaval, America’s financial regulatory regime took on an excessive build-up of risk, both inside and outside the traditional banking system. The shock absorbers critical to preserving stability – capital, margin, and liquidity cushions in particular – were vastly inadequate. Wall Street firms were free to take huge risks with borrowed funds and little of their own capital at stake, funding longterm, illiquid assets with cheap, short-term debt. Over time, this risky behavior migrated from the regulated and partially regulated

parts of our financial system to the almost entirely unregulated parts, making it difficult for the government to control or even gauge its extent.

Later this week, Congress will take steps to stop this type of behavior once and for all. The Wall Street Reform and Consumer Products Act seeks to fix the current regulatory system, protecting Main Street from suffering the consequences of Wall Street’s egregious activities.

The legislation includes measures requiring uniform regulation and supervision of all Wall Street firms, no matter their size. It installs regulatory accountability in the form of an independent Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA) focused solely on consumers needs.

It would ensure that the financial system as a whole is more capable of absorbing shocks and

coping with failures by increasing the amount of capital and liquid assets banks must hold. The legislation would further erase the dangerous notion of an institution being “too big to fail.” As President Obama recently affirmed, “those on Wall Street cannot resume taking risks without regard for consequences and expect that next time, American taxpayers will be there to break their fall.”

By putting in place financial reforms that prioritize consistency and accountability, empower regulators to hold Wall Street firms accountable, raise standards and give the government the tools it needs to prevent further crises, Congress can prevent a similarly dire situation from occurring in the future. This legislation has my full support and I look forward to seeing it become law.

December 10 - 16, 2009

Page 15

A Penny for Your Thoughts

News of Greater Falls Church

By Supervisor Penny Gross

Fairfax County’s reputation as one of the safest counties in the country continues. The statistics prove it. Crime is down for the third quarter in a row, according to Police Chief David Rohrer, who released the good news in mid-November. Overall index crimes (murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault) decreased by almost two percent during the first nine months of 2009, compared to the same time period in 2008. The only increase was in reported larcenies which were up less than one percent in the first half of this year. The index crime numbers are reported monthly to federal authorities, and incorporated into the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report annually.

For a population of more than one million people, the Fairfax County stats are especially good news, reinforcing the collaboration and cooperation between county residents and their police force.

Several recent high-profile crimes gained a lot of publicity, and also got solved fairly quickly. In July, the heinous murder of a respected Korean acupuncturist in Annandale, in broad daylight, raised fears among some in the Korean community that they were being targeted. Board Chairman Sharon Bulova and I met with community members and the media in late July to allay fears and reiterate that the police were seeking any and all leads in the crime. Good police work resulted in the arrest of a suspect in Ohio just 10 weeks later, and more arrests may be forthcoming.

Although none were reported in Mason District,

a number of home invasions, particularly focused on Indians and East Asians, brought similar fears for another segment of our diverse community that they also were being targeted, and a concern about police response.

The modus operandi appeared to be several people forcing their way into homes, stealing gold and precious jewelry, and making their escape. Sometimes the residents were home; most times the burglaries were done while residents were at work. There were few clues, and the burglaries were sporadic around the county, so it was difficult to determine if there was a trend for particular neighborhoods. As the investigation proceeded, an alert officer, not involved in the investigation, made a traffic stop, sensed something was not quite right about the vehicle’s occupants, and ended up arresting gang members from the New York area in connection with the case.

It was one more example of well-trained police officers following their instincts to enhance and protect public safety. In both cases, the perpetrators were apprehended, put in jail, and are awaiting trial, while the investigations continue.

Fairfax County taxpayers have invested heavily in developing and maintaining a premier police force to protect our community. That investment pays dividends every day. The statistics prove it.

Our Man in Arlington

for a year or two, and never looked back.

I never got far away from university life. Later, I served a fascinating eight years on the George Mason University Board of Visitors. So when I began to contemplate retirement, I began to reflect on my youth and what I may have missed. My failed PhD quest came up front and center. I discussed the issue with some GMU professors and officials, and they all encouraged me to jump into the fray. That was in the fall of 1999.

I had a great time in the beginning. I made new young friends (all of who have already finished) who are friends to this day. I got into disciplines that were complete mysteries to me – calculus and statistics to be precise. I finished the coursework in about three years, got through my qualifying and dissertation proposal exams, and then sort of slowed down. I piddled away at the research, conducted numerous interviews over a period of another year, and began writing.

Then about eight months ago, I was reminded that my absolute deadline was beginning to loom. I got to work – and finished the first draft in a marathon session in August – and sent it off to the chairman of my committee. You know the rest.

My wife will be the happiest, though. She has threatened to leave me if I don’t hurry and get the damn thing done. She claims it is the only thing I have talked about for the past ten years, and she has had enough. She is wrong, but I will do it to humor her.

If you hear a big band sound and cheers pouring out of the Arlington Art Center sometime in midMay, you will know it happened. Come on in and join the fifty year rewind to my younger days.

Richard Barton

Last week was a banner week for me. I managed to complete the second full draft of my PhD dissertation and get it off to my committee for their perusal and recommendations.

It is fully formatted, footnoted, bibliographied (is that a word?) and revised according to the recommendations of my committee chair.

This is for a PhD in Public Policy from George Mason University. It is a bit ironic that these are the same as my high school colors from which I graduated fifty four years ago. I kid you not.

If all goes reasonably well, I will take my orals in three months or so, then on to graduation in midMay, where President Alan Merton himself will slip the green and gold hood over my shoulders.

Now, this also might not happen. My committee may hate the dissertation. I may have to go into major rewrites. If so, I will probably miss my absolute deadline in September and be lost and gone forever.

If so, it will only be my fault. I should have finished it long ago.

This has been going on for almost fifty, I repeat, fifty years. I first entered graduate school at the University of North Carolina in September, 1960. I fully expected to walk away with the degree in five or six years. In the summer of 1961, however, I got a fellowship to serve an internship on Capitol Hill with Congressman Hale Boggs. That was the beginning of the end. I went back for internships for the next four years and became totally enamored of life and work in Washington. In 1965, I came to work in Congress

 Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be e-mailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

 Richard Barton may be e-mailed at rbarton@ towervillas.com.

Senator Mary Margaret Whipple’s

Richmond Report The “White House Clean Energy Economy Forum” was held this week at the new LEEDcertified Washington-Lee High School, not at the White House.

Similar events are taking place around the country in the next few weeks.

A stellar cast of speakers came: Governor Kaine was the host; Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar was the featured speaker; other panelists were the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Agriculture; Assistant Secretary of the Department of Energy; Congressman Gerry Connolly; and Former Virginia Senator John Warner.

Among the approximately 250 members of the audience were students from Washington-Lee in the International Baccalaureate program; representatives of businesses and environmental groups; and a smattering of elected officials like me.

Secretary Salazar stressed green job creation, energy independence and efforts to stop sending jobs and wealth overseas. He gave some sobering examples of climate change: no glaciers in Glacier National Park by 2020; the loss soon of a million acres of wildlife refuges He made a resounding statement of the administration’s strong commitment to renewable energy.

Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kathleen Merrigan pointed out that agriculture and forestry are climate dependent, and at the same time can be major contributors to reducing carbon emissions The Department’s analysis shows there will be a net gain for farmers as any additional costs will be offset by selling credits. Overall any increase in food prices will be miniscule.

Assistant Secretary Cathy Zoi, who is responsible for the areas of energy efficiency and

conservation at the Department of Energy, reminded us that more than $200 million has come to Virginia in stimulus funds for energy reduction, especially weatherization that will retrofit 9000 homes, and is already creating jobs. Private companies in Virginia are at the forefront of technology and universities such as Virginia Tech are conducting research in such areas as organic photovoltaics.

Congressman Connolly reminded people that “cap and trade” has been used very successfully in the past. It worked well in the United States for the acid rain problem and for eliminating the ozone hole.

Senator John Warner rose to speak, saying that he had spent so many years in the Senate that “I can only speak when standing.” He talked about the national security aspects of energy and climate change.

Governor Kaine then moderated the Q&A session, giving the first opportunities for questions to the high school students. Not surprisingly they had some good questions, including asking Senator Warner what it would take to get members of his political party to take this issue seriously. Another student had a very perceptive question about battery storage as an impediment to the full use of intermittent renewable energy.

There were many questions and good observations from the panelists; the time ran out before all the questions could be asked, as hands were rising from all over the audience. It’s clear that energy issues are important to many and should be important to all.  Senator Whipple represents the 31st District in the Virginia State Senate. She may be emailed at district31@sov.state.va.us

Page 16

December 10 - 16, 2009

News Art and Frame of Falls Church has hired Robin Clark as an intern at the local custom frame and local art studio. Clark will be learning the trade and overseeing the new Falls Church Youth Arts Initiative which has been designed to help students understand “the business” of art. Through the program, high school students will learn the basic elements of marketing art and promoting their talents. For more information, call 703-534-4202.

Curves in Falls Church held an international craft fair that benefited disadvantaged people throughout the world on Saturday, Nov. 14. The event raised almost $7,500.

Participating organizations including Amani, Partners for Just Trade, Handcrafting Justice, 10,000 Villages, Tanzania calendars, South African Jewelry, Light and Power, and Mothers2Mothers. The proceeds will help promote entrepreneurship and education in the various countries. For more information, call 703-536-0140.

The Falls Church Chamber of Commerce has created a Holiday Shopping Guide to help shoppers find great gifts while supporting the Falls Church community this holiday season. The Guide includes discounts and free offers from Art and Frame of Falls Church, Creative Cauldron, Curves of Falls Church, Geeks on Call, K+M Law Group, Long & Foster Real Estate Agent Tori McKinney, Sacred Well Yoga and The Plumbing Dr. The Guide can be downloaded from www.fallschurchchamber.org.

Silverwood Cos. and a group of local investors have acquired 305 subsidized apartments in Falls Church with plans to fully renovate the property. The acquisition and renovation of The Fields of Westover will cost $35 million. The name of the complex which includes 60 two-story buildings at 2913 Peyton Randolph Road will change to East Falls Apartments.

While the renovation will include a community building with fitness, activity and business center, an overhaul of the buildings’ kitchens, baths, flooring and entryways, and new energy efficient heating systems, the unites will continue to be affordable for families making 60 percent or less of the area median income. The Virginia Housing Development Authority paid $27 million in new tax-exempt bond financing for the acquisition and the developers assumed a $3.2 million taxable VHDA loan.

Divot Charities and Ireland’s Four Provinces collected, sorted and shipped 150 Holiday Care Packages to U.S. troops in Afghanistan. The care packages, which included personal care items, nonperishable food items, and other items requested by the troops themselves, were donated by restaurant staff and patrons. For more information about this effort, visit www.divotcharities.com.

Events Sunrise of Falls Church and the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce are both hosting Chamber events on Tuesday, Dec. 15. The Chamber is hosting its Annual Members meeting and networking luncheon from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Italian Café located at 7161 Lee Highway. Chamber Chairman Dr. Ralph Perrino will provide an overview of the Chamber’s initiatives and accomplishments over the past year. Tickets for the Luncheon are $27 for Chamber members and $32 for nonmembers. RSVPs are required – a $5 charge will apply to those without reservations. Sunrise of Falls Church is then hosting the Chamber’s Annual Holiday Party and Networking Mixer from 5:30 – 7 p.m. in their facility at 330 N. Washington Street. The event is free and will include refreshments and live entertainment by local students. RSVPs are appreciated but not required. Call 703-5321050 or e-mail info@fallschurchchamber.org for reservations or for more information.

The Falls Church News-Press is hosting its 20th Annual Holiday Party from 5:30 – 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 21 at ArtSpace Falls Church. Refreshments and live entertainment by students will be provided at this event which is free and open to the general public.

ArtSpace Falls Church, the new performing and visual arts space in Falls Church, is located in the Pearson Square Building at 400 S. Maple Ave.. For more information, e-mail fcnp@ fcnp.com.  The Business News & Notes section is compiled by Sally Cole, Executive Director of Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be e-mailed at sally@fallschurchchamber.org.

December 10 - 16, 2009

Page 17

THE PEAK OIL CRISIS

Prelude to Extinction?

As the Copenhagen meeting on climate change opens, we are getting mixed signals. At one extreme are the “disbelievers,” who say that serious consequences from global warming, if it is really happening, are still decades away so why should people be saddled with higher energy costs now. If the polls are correct the disbelievers now constitute a majority of the American electorate.

At the other extreme are the climate scientists who are telling every media outlet that will listen that the proposals being discussed at Copenhagen are nowhere near enough to save mankind from destruction. Some are saying that a five degree Centigrade increase in the average global temperature may be enough to do in mankind. Food will no longer grow in sufficient quantity to keep all 8 billion of us fed. Rising sea levels and more violent storms will make coastal cities – even Washington – largely uninhabitable. A recent survey of 3,000 climate scientists indicates that 82 percent agree that human activity is making a significant contribution to global warming. Of the 77 climate scientists who are actively studying and publishing about global warming, 97 percent say that human activity is involved.

For the last 30 years the average global temperature has been warming at 0.18 degrees Celsius every decade. If the temperatures continue increasing at this rate, it would take another 270 years to get to the magic number. There is no guarantee, however, that the rate of global temperature increase won’t speed up so that somewhere in the 22nd century the earth may become uninhabitable.

The 2007 UN estimate for sea level rise is that by 2095 it could be anywhere from 7 to 31 inches.

However, a recent report says that sea level increase is likely to be twice what the UN estimated two years ago so that we could be facing five or more feet by the end of the century. If you want some really scary numbers, then keep in mind that if the East Antarctic ice sheet ever melts, we are look-

ing at a sea level increase of 180 feet. This ice sheet was not expected to melt for thousands of years, but some scientists think we are starting to see melting down there already. Even losing 5 or 10 percent of this ice sheet into the oceans would be devastating.

The message here is simple.

If the scientists watching this are right, and there is no reason to believe they are not, in 100 or 200 years there will not be many (or any) people left. We already have precedents for higher forms of life on earth being wiped out by meteors and really big volcanoes.

‘‘ U

nlike

Europeans. Despite the fact that Beijing is coming to Copenhagen with a plan that allows them to increase their emissions as they continue to grow their economy, there are signs that they are starting to worry. Last week China’s chief meteorologist published a paper warning that fluctuations caused by global warming could reduce China’s grain crop some years by as much as 50 percent.

If you have 1.3 billion people to feed, this is a problem. Given China’s vulnerability to the effects of global warming, it is likely that we will see major changes in Beijing’s attitude to carbon emissions to the extent that they could easily become the world leaders in efforts to mitigate the consequences.

While some progress will be made at Copenhagen, especially since the US and Chinese Presidents are lending their prestige to the occasion, it seems likely that whatever is agreed upon will be inadequate and that discussions and negotiations will continue for many years.

Although world oil production is likely to start declining in the next few years, followed by world coal production in another 20 or so years, neither of these are likely to reduce emissions enough for many decades to have much of an impact on increasing carbon emissions.

The decline in world oil production and much higher prices are likely to have a major impact on economic growth however.

The Obama-China-EU alliance is a powerful one, but so far only the EU seems willing to make major economic sacrifices necessary to contain carbon emissions.

It will probably be another 50 years before we will know whether global warming has been contained or whether we have gone over the legendary tipping point beyond which the situation will be beyond man’s ability to control.

In the meantime get ready for hard times, sell your beach front property, and start thinking about higher ground.

previous

extinctions, it seems

”

the next one will be caused by people, not Mother Nature.

Remember the dinosaurs?

Unlike the previous extinctions, it seems that the next one will be caused by people, not Mother Nature. We understand the problem (too much carbon going into the air) and how to solve it (stop putting so much carbon into the air).

The problem is that for most of the world current lifestyles and prospects for a better life all involve using more fossil fuels. Nobody wants to give up what they have or the prospects for a better future.

The situation is further complicated by the huge disparities in the per capita consumption of fossil fuels and populations.

While the richer European countries can see their way to major reductions in fossil fuel consumption, very few other developed countries can. In the United States which has until very recently enjoyed 300 years of nearly continuous economic prosperity, giving up our current lifestyle is unthinkable for many (perhaps most). Thus they prefer to listen to false prophets who tell them all will be well.

China is an interesting case as it pumps the most carbon into the air and until recently had no intention to stop pumping until all 1.3 billion Chinese citizens were as rich as the Americans or at least the

 Tom Whipple is a retired government analyst and has been following the peak oil issue for several years.

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December 10 - 16 2009

Mason Vs. Marshall: Hoops ‘Battle of Route 7’ is a Draw Lady Mustangs, Boy Statesmen Split Tuesday Doubleheader

by Dean Edwards

Falls Church News-Press

In a “Battle of Route 7” basketball double header Tuesday night, George Mason and George C. Marshall High Schools faced off as the crosstown rivals’ boys and girls basketball on Marshall’s home courts.

The battle ended in a split victory.

Mason’s girls team won 59-44 in the opener, showcasing the talent that rocketed the girls to victory at the Virginia state championships last year.

In the second game, the Marshall boys team mowed down their rivals late to take victory, 69-60.

Familiar faces dominated the Lady Mustangs’ scorecard, as returning senior Nicole Mitchell racked up 15 points to lead her team.

Mitchell was followed by senior Chantal Thomas and sophomore Lauren Kane with 14 points

each.

Sophomore forward Bria Platenburg was also back from last year’s team, adding another 10 points.

The Lady Statesmen were led by senior captain Carlie Zirkle with 17 points, followed by fellow senior captain Theresa Hackett with 15 and sophomore Maddie O’Beirne with five.

Victory wasn’t assured for the Mason girls at first, as the team lagged behind 28-26 at half-time.

The third quarter turned the tables for Mason, with quick power play from Kane, Mitchell and Thomas, racking up 23 points to Marshall’s seven.

The victory over Marshall, a AAA-division school compared to Mason’s A status, keeps the singleA Mason girls team undefeated so far.

The Lady Mustangs have won all three games this season, busting out with lopsided wins over Falls Church (58-22) and Gar-

Field (60-33).

When the Mason boys took the court, the team looked to rebound following their 75-41 loss to Broad Run last Friday.

The Statesmen had also lost their last game, 59-50 against Oakton High last week, failing to keep up momentum in the second half.

Tuesday night saw both teams battling neck and neck, with strong plays from Mason’s senior Jordan Cheney with 22 points and freshman prodigy Aaron Young adding 13 points.

But the Mason boys proved no match for the quick-footed Marshall senior Stanley Watts, who buffeted the Marshall scoreboard with 32 points, taking game scoring honors.

Seniors Will Simonton and Daniel McClain added 12 points each, with McClain pulling down seven rebounds.

Mason led in the fourth quarter 46-44 with 5:40 remaining, but

MARSHALL SENIOR STANLEY WATTS (right) led the Statesmen in point scoring, racking up 32 points Tuesday night. (Photo:

News-Press)

failed to sustain the lead.

The Marshall offensive was aided by senior Steven Zimmerman, and Mason’s sophomore wing Jeremy Stewart added 11 to

the board.

Next up, Mason travels to The Seton School tonight, Dec.10, while Marshall hosts J.E.B. Stuart on Friday.

Weighing In: Stuart Wrestling Heats Up

by Robert Fulton

Falls Church News-Press

The J.E.B. Stuart High School wrestling team is one of the local squads on the rise.

For evidence of such, just take a look at the 50 kids the team had come out for the team this year.

That’s a lot of bodies looking to grapple.

Part of this growing success can be attributed to head coach Donald Balsavich, entering his third year as the head coach of the program.

His goals are lofty – to get his entire squad to regionals and then the state tournament – but those goals are a starting place to motivate the team to new heights.

“Those are very high goals, but if we don’t set out goals very high, we have nothing to shoot for,” said the coach. “So we set our goals as high as possible. “ One challenge that the Raiders face is a lot of inexperienced

wrestlers.

Of those 50 who went out for the team, a large number haven’t wrestled before, meaning Balsavich and his coaching staff had to focus on the fundamentals of grappling as opposed to the tricks of the trade and more advanced training.

“Our biggest challenge is that we don’t have a feeder youth program,” said the coach. “We’re trying to start one up. They’re very new to the sport.”

Because of all the youth, Balsavich is looking to his seniors to guide the team. Last season, the Raiders had 11 of 14 wrestlers make the regionals. To regain – or top – that success will be a driving force this season.

“Our strengths this year are going to be our seniors, our senior leaders who are coming back from last year.,” said Balsavich. “Now that they know what it’s all about, hopefully they can take that to the

RAIDERS WRESTLING COACH Donald Balsavich (far right) stands next to the seniors this year (left to right), Sergio Valdez, Brian Backovic and Alaaeddin Teriaoui. (Photo: Robert Fulton/News-Press) state tournament.”

One wrestler that is expected to lead the charge is senior Alaaeddin Teriaoui, who wrestles in the 152 weight class.

“I’ve been working this whole offseason, since last year,” said Teriaoui. “This year I got more work in. I’ll be working harder.

“I just feel confident,” he added.

“I’m not worried about losing.”

Balsavich is also looking to Kirubel Admassu to make an impact.

Admassu was a district champ at the 112 weight level last year, and will wrestle 119 this season.

Other grapplers expected to set the tone this season are Sergio Valdez (140), Tommy Tran (145) and Brian Backovic (160) “Just work hard,” said Backovic, who didn’t wrestle varsity last

season. “States would be nice. As long as I know I tried my best.

“Just setting a role for the young kids and setting as example of what they want to aim for,” Backovic added as his goals.

The Stuart wrestling team opens its season at the two-day Prince William County Invitational at Garfield High, this Friday and Saturday.

December 10 - 16, 2009

Page 19

STEELERS TAKE NATIONAL TITLE

THE VIENNA STEELERS WON the Youth Football National Champioships held in Daytona Beach, Fla. The 125-lbs. division team beat Farmville, Ill. 20-0 for the title win. The Steelers had a 6-1 record for the season, losing only to Chantilly The team consisted of mostly seventh and eighth graders, and was led by head coach Casey Samson. (Photo: Courtesy Jonathan Boryan)

Area High School Sports Roundup

Mason Swimmers Take Win & Loss; McLean Hoops Eeks Past Jaguars FALLS CHURCH H.S. Alamin Leads Jaguars Hoops to Victory Vs. Freedom The Falls Church High School boys basketball team defeated Freedom of South Riding, Va., 66-40 last week behind 23 points from Nizar Alamin, but fell to McLean 59-53 on Tuesday. The squad welcomes Jefferson High on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Lady Jaguars Unable to Trounce Local Rivals Marshall & McLean The Jaguars girls basketball team fell to Marshall 60-33 last week, despite a 15-point effort from Victoria Welch. The team also lost to McLean on Tuesday 51-29. The squad is back in action Friday at Jefferson High at 7:30 p.m.

Jaguar Swimmers & Divers Outswim Hayfield Secondary The Jaguar boys and girls swim and dive team found success against Hayfield Secondary last week.

The boys won 165-149, the girls won 200-115. For the boys, Jesse Kane broke the eight-yearold school record in the 100 butterfly in a time of 55.39.

The girls were led by Laura Schwartz, who set school records in the 200 individual medley and the 500 freestyle.

Earlier in the week against Washington Lee, the girls lost 163-152 and the boys fell 161151.

The teams next take the pool against Edison at Lee District Rec Center on Friday.

GEORGE C. MARSHALL H.S. Statesmen Basketball Rebound With Victory Over Mason The Marshall High School boys basketball team has opened the season 1-1.

Last week, the squad defeated rival George Mason 69-60 on the road, led by32 points from Stanley Watts.

Earlier in the week, the squad fell to Oakton 59-50, despite 17 points from Will Simonton and 15 from Watts.

The team is back in action on Friday when they host Stuart at 7:30 p.m.

Lady Statesmen Drop Two Games After Initial Win Over Jaguars The Marshall girls basketball team now sits at 2-2. After victories against Falls Church (60-33) and Potomac Falls (56-49), the Statesmen fell to Hayfield 58-51 and George Mason 59-44. The team takes the court again on Friday at Stuart at 7:45 p.m.

Marshall Wrestling Team Set to Begin Season The Marshall wrestling team opened its season on Wednesday at home against Fairfax, and will participate in the NOVA Classic at Fairfax starting Friday, Dec. 11.

George Mason H.S. Lady Mustangs Continue Success On the Court With Three Wins So far, so good for the Mason Continued on Page 20

Like Valvano, Fight on At halftime of the Georgetown- father’s future was still up in the Butler game on Tuesday night, my air. It’s hard to see much progress fiancée leaned over and asked if from that point of view.

I was “getting misty.” I was, but If the best medical minds of it was not from the sense of pro- our time, with the benefit of titanic found, unadulterated joy watch- sums of cash, can’t pin down the ing Greg Monroe assert himself problem of cancer, how exactly against lesser opponents inside are we supposed to “fight” it? the paint. Nor was it from the pain While Valvano pleaded with of watching Hoya turnovers pile those watching to pledge their up faster than the national debt. financial support for cancer Both are exceptionally valid rea- research, it was another part of his sons for a little eye-welling from speech that reminded me there’s a Georgetown fan, more to cancer than but in this case, the just the search for a “I have something Picking Splinters cure. Back on that By in my eye” moment stage in 1993, he came from the tuxtold us to take time Mike Hume edoed man speaking to do three things on the video screen every day: Laugh, above the court. think and cry. It occurred to me For those that don’t know the then that those three things are all story of Jim Valvano, I’ll briefly part of the battle too. sum it up. In 1983, his team, the The battle isn’t with cancer.

North Carolina State Wolfpack, It’s with death, the sorrow of captured the NCAA Tournament losing those close to us or being as a No. 6 seed, defeating a taken from them. That’s where Houston team that included Clyde the fear and the fight comes in.

Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon on Whether cancer is in our lives or a miraculous, last-second basket. not, we want to stay with those Ten years later, dressed in that we love. tuxedo, he stood before a crowd of We may never be able to celebrities and athletes at ESPN’s cure cancer and to my knowlinaugural ESPY awards ceremony edge the Grim Reaper still sports and spoke at length of his ongoing an unblemished record when he battle with cancer. comes calling for you. What is At the conclusion of his speech, possible, what is under our conhe told us how he was going to trol is how we make the most of fight the cancer, how he wanted the time we’re granted. Laughter, to present the award he had just thought, tears — those are three received to next year’s recipi- very poignant parts of the human ent. Eight weeks later, he passed condition, aspects that breed memaway. It was just more evidence ories. Making the most of every of how one-sided the so-called day we have, cancer diagnosis or “Fight” against cancer can be. no, that’s all part of the battle.

In the wake of Valvano’s Valvano concluded his speech speech, ESPN helped establish The with the following words: “Cancer V Foundation, dedicated to raising can take away all of my physical money for cancer research. To date abilities. It cannot touch my mind, the foundation has raised $90 mil- it cannot touch my heart, and it canlion and that’s just a small part of a not touch my soul. And those three global effort to combat cancer. As things are going to carry on forfar as I know, we’re still not entire- ever.” After sharing his passion and ly sure how to cure cancer, nor pre- his thoughts with us some 17 years vent it. Heck, we don’t even know ago, Valvano was certainly right. what causes it, as I read countless I spent the rest of the game articles blaming everything from talking, laughing and thoroughly microwaves to broccoli. enjoying Georgetown’s victory Making that moment in with my friend, who, for at least Madison Square Garden all the a little while, was able to take his more bleak, a few inches to my mind off of cancer. right, sat a friend whose father “You were getting misty,” my was currently battling Leukemia. fiancée jabbed later that night. I For all of the billions of dollars laughed and put my arms around and millions of hours dedicated her. Take that, cancer. to cancer research since Jimmy  Mike Hume may be e-mailed at Valvano gave this speech, his mhume@fcnp.com.

Page 20

December 10 - 16, 2009

GCM Star Catcher Aims for Big East

F.C.’S RED STORM UNVEILED

by Dean Edwaeds

Falls Church News-Press

George C. Marshall (GCM) High’s star softball catcher Michelle Tilson recently signed on to compete in the Big East when she heads to St. John’s University in Queens, N.Y. next fall.

Tilson, who was named 1st Team Liberty All-District Catcher in 2009, is a senior Honors student at Marshall whose roots are in the Falls Church community, where she has lived in Pimmit Hills.

Tilson began her career playing baseball for five years with the Falls Church-Kiwanis Little League as a kindergartner. She made the 9–10 All Star Team both years she was eligible.

She transferred to the McLean Little League Softball team at 11, where she continued her success, making the majors (11-12 age bracket) All Star team both years.

The McLean team went on to win the Virginia State Championship when Tilson was 11, and rocketed to the championship game of the Little League Softball World Series when she was 12.

Since then, Tilson has continued to play for local teams, on the Vienna Stars as a younger player, and then onto the Gold team.

At Marshall High, Tilson has played every inning of every game

MICHELLE TILSON. (Photo: Courtesy Marshall High School)

since joining the varsity softball team as a freshman. Every year, she has managed to lead her team in home runs, and has received All District Honors each year. This past season, Tilson earned All Region Honors, in addition to receiving the team’s MOP and Scholar Athlete awards.

When Tilson heads to St. John’s, she said she plans to take on a dual major in Accounting and Finance.

Calling All Parents & Coaches: send us your stuff!

We need scores & game summaries of local high school sport games e-mailed to us on a weekly basis. Photos are also welcome.

We’ve been reaching out to coaches. Now, let’s work together to give these student athletes the coverage they deserve!

e-mail: sports@fcnp.com

THE FALLS CHURCH RED STORM team roster was recently announced for the 2009-2010 Fairfax County Youth Basketball League competition. The Falls Church team will begin season play early in the new year, on Jan. 2. Team members pictured above are, left to right: (front row) Connor Freeman, Benjamin Ayanian, Sam Whitaker, Biruk Teshome and David Miller; and (back row) Zach Kanyan, Grinden Collins, Michael Tracy, Jacob Plata Jack Fletchall, Jack Rasmussen and Thomas Creed. (Photo: Courtesy Scott Whitaker)

Roundup Continued from Page 19

High School girls basketball team, which sits at 3-0 early in the season with victories against Falls Church (58-22), Garfield (60-33) and Marshall (59-44). Against rival Marshall, the Mustangs featured four girls in double-digit points, led by Nicole Mitchell with 15.

The team welcomes Falls Church at 6 p.m. on Monday.

After Win Over Loudoun, Mason Boys Hoops Face Double Losses The Mason boys basketball team has opened the season 12 with a win against Loudoun County 52-38, followed by losses to Broad Run 75-41 and Marshall 69-60. Jordan Cheney had 22 points in the loss to Marshall.

The squad welcomes Seton on Thursday (Dec. 10) at 7:30 p.m.

Mason Swimmers Break Even: Boys Win While Girls Fall In the pool, the Mason boys and girls swim team split with Potomac Falls last week, with the boys winning 91-79 and the girls falling 99-71. Will Doty set team records in the 200 and 500 freestyle. The team next takes on Briar

Woods on the road on Saturday.

MCLEAN H.S.

J.E.B. STUART H.S.

Highlanders Eek Past Falls Church, Amolo Crucial for Win

Stuart Boys Basketball Start Season With Loss to Annandale The Stuart High boys basketball team opened its season with a loss at home last week, 77-59 to Annandale. Senior Antonio Harris had 28 points in the effort.

The team hosts Battlefield Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. before paying a visit to Marshall on Friday at 7:30 p.m. The Stuart High girls basketball team welcomes Marshall on Friday at 7:45 p.m.

Raiders Crush Local Teams in Pool, Girls Lose to Edison The Raider boys swim team defeated Edison 194-117 and Wakefield 127-53 in two meets last week. The girls team defeated Wakefield 115.5-39.5, but lost to Edison 185-120.

The swim team welcomes Hayfield on Friday at 6:30 p.m.

Stuart Wrestlers Kick Off Season With Prince William Invitational The Stuart High wrestling team kicks off its season with the Prince William County Invitational at Garfield High this weekend.

The McLean High School boys basketball team defeated Falls Church 59-53. Senior Origa Amolo had 15 points in the winning effort.

The team is at Yorktown on Friday at 7:45 p.m.

Lady Highlanders Sustain Wins, Early Season Holds at 2-0 The McLean girls hoops team added another victory to its record, which now sits at 2-0, with a 5129 victory over Falls Church on Tuesday.

The team hopes to continue its winning ways when it hosts Yorktown on Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:45 p.m.

Highlanders Face Back-to-Back Wins & Losses in the Pool The McLean swim and dive team had back-to-back meets last week. On Dec. 4, the girls defeated Marshall 205-95, and the boys won 194-103.

The following day, the girls fell to Thomas Jefferson 182-132, and the boys lost 218-91.

The team welcomes South Lakes for a meet on Friday at 7 p.m.

December 10 - 16, 2009

Mason H.S. Chorus Chimes for Concert The George Mason High School Chorus has been rehearsing classic season favorites to perform during its annual winter concert.

The choral event is scheduled Thursday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mason auditorium (7124 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). It is free and open to the public.

For more information, call 703-248-5500.

Marshall High Band Drums Up Musical Performance George C. Marshall High School Band invites the community to join it for a free wintertide concert.

The recital will be held Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Marshall auditorium (7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). For more information, call 703-714-5400.

Marshall H.S. Rallies for Alumni Bone Marrow Drive Jordan Culbreath, a former Marshall High School studentathlete, was recently diagnosed with aplastic anemia.

Aplastic anemia is a life-threatening condition in which bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells. A bone marrow transplant represents the best chance of fighting this condition.

In an effort to support Culbreath, Marshall High School will be hosting a bone marrow donor drive on Friday, Dec. 18 from 4 – 8 p.m. at the school (7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church).

The cost for one member to join the official donation outfit, Be The Match Registry, is $100.

However, there is no charge to participate as the proceeds from that evening’s boys basketball game will also be donated. For more information, call 703-7145409.

George Mason High Band Performs Winter Concert The George Mason High School Concert Band will be performing a winter concert of “Kronos,” “Christmas Interlude”

Page 21

and “Great Locomotive Chase” for the public.

The free concert will be held in the Mason High School auditorium (7124 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church) on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call 703-248-5500.

Stuart Counselors Hold Meeting With Parents The J.E.B. Stuart Student Services Department will be holding a “Meet Your Counselor and Career Specialist Day” for parents and counselors to meet and exchange information regarding the present and future situation of students.

Meetings will be in 20 minute intervals from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 10 at Stuart High School (3301 Peace Valley Lane, Falls Church).

Parents are asked to contact their student’s counselor or Career Center Specialist to set up an appointment. For more information, call Kari Kelley at 703-8248971.

Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students.

For more information, call 703-207-4059.

McLean H.S. Students Place at Competition Of McLean High School’s yearbook, newspaper and broadcast student staffs, 59 students attended workshops and participated in national competitions at The National Scholastic Press

Association and Journalism Education Association Fall Convention in November.

The scholastic yearbook earned second-place in the Best in Show contest. In write-off competitions, Nikki Kaul in News-writing and David Berk in NewsEditing/Headline Writing earned scores high enough to place in the “Excellent” category. Bryan Kress in Review Writing, Shefali Hegde in Commentary Writing, Marissa Gitler in Yearbook Layout: Theme, Chase Dubose and Drew Sanders in In-Camera Feature and Cassidy Kelty and Caitlin Kirby in Broadcast Package earned scores to place in the “Honorable Mention” category.

Over 6,300 students attended from around the U.S.

McLean High School Hosts Holiday Bazaar With over 50 artisans and vendors, bag pipers, a string quartet and singers, attendees at the McLean H.S. Holiday Bazaar will be surrounded by holiday music, exotic flavors and a wide array of gift items.

A portion of all vendors’ profits will be donated directly to the McLean Boosters. Food bank donations will be collected at the door. The boosters will also be holding a raffle.

The bazaar will be held Saturday, Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. in McLean High’s cafeteria (1633 Davidson Rd., McLean).

Parking and admission are free For more information, call 703-790-9684.

Falls Church H.S. Stages Winter Play Production Drama director Valerie Karasek and the members of the Falls Church H.S. Theatre Department will reveal their recent work to the public in three performances of “Lend Me a Tenor.”

The Tony award-winning comedy by Ken Ludwig will show in the Falls Church H.S. auditorium (7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church) at 7:30 p.m. from Dec. 10 – 12.

THE NXT SQUAD, made up of members Jack Lindquist, Nick Garzione, Jason Wang, Max Van Buskirk, Jasper Barnett, Marcus Hill and Lane Burgess, won first-place in the “Robot” category at the First LEGO League (FLL) Competition on Dec. 5. The boys represented fourth and fifth graders from Chesterbrook, Churchill Road and Haycock Elementary Schools. (Photo: Courtesy Rachel Deutsch)

Page 22

December 10 - 16, 2009

the National Christmas tree soon to be on display across the street.

D.C. on Display

S

everal art events around the D.C. area exhibit some of Washington’s finest artists, and the Corcoran adds an international touch with a captivating display of John Singer Sargent’s works.

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Sargent and the Sea, at the Corcoran Gallery of Art (500 17 St. NW, Washington, D.C.). The exhibit runs through Jan. 3, 2010.

The gallery is open Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., with later evening hours on Thursday until 9 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults, while seniors over the age of 62 and students are $8; Military ID holders and children 12 and under get in for free. For more information, call 202-639-1700 or see www.corcoran.org.

The expatriated American painter John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) is best known for his portraiture work. Sargent and the Sea examines his marine and seaside works from early on in his career.

The 80-some drawings and paintings shown were done in England, France and Italy from 1874 to 1879, when he was 18 to 23 years old. The staggering quality of work on hand becomes rather precocious when one considers that we’re taking about the work of a college-aged kid.

Sargent’s style is solidly in the realist realm, but often comes with Impressionist flavorings. Some of the study sketches seem a bit too literal for modern tastes awash in photography, but were nit picking at that.

Be that as it may, Sargent is repeatedly showing us rock solid drawing and painting skills.

While drawing is often viewed as a lesser art form than painting, it is, in fact, drawing that really separates the good from the great.

A painting gone wrong can be endlessly reworked until it’s done right. A drawing, however, is typically irrevocable. A drawn

line laid down leaves its mark no matter how much erasing you do.

Fortunately, we get to see many examples of both Sargent’s paintings and drawings here.

The rotunda leading into the Sargent in the Sea houses a wonderful selection of Sargent’s work from the Corcoran’s permanent collections (on view through Mach 21, 2010).

Among the works in the Corcoran’s collection is the masterful sketch “Gondolier, Venice.”

Here we see a deftly laid whipsaw line across the Gondolier’s back with varied line weight. It sounds insane, but it’s truly worth the trip just to see that one line.

This cat could draw – draw with a capital D. Over and over again through both exhibits, we see Sargent’s zig-zagging compositions that often border on the abstract, but always lead the viewer’s eye deeper and deeper into the picture field. The repeated diagonal compositional vectoring leads the viewer to explore the entire canvas edge to edge along the way – all done for visual interest and dramatic effect.

“Atlantic Storm” is just one such painting. Here we stand on the pitching deck of a ship with seemingly impossible multiple walls of water threatening to pound her deck.

All in all, these are surprisingly dynamic works for someone who would ultimately be known for portraiture.

Sargent also had a penchant for punchy graphic contrast and an almost, but not quite lurid, sense of color saturation and intensity.

Today, we would most closely associate the look with color photographs shot with a polarizing filter: Eye candy. If your eyes had salivary glands, they’d be drooling over many of Sargent’s blue skies, such as the one in the Simplon Pass.

You’ll have to hurry to catch Sargent and the Sea before it closes, but it’s well worth the effort.

Maybe tie it in with a trip to see

The Gateway Arts District, in the Mount Rainier to Hyattsville, Md. area, is holding its semi-annual open house event this Saturday, Dec. 12.

With all the art venues open at one time, it’s the perfect opportunity to check out what is fast becoming one of Washington’s key art enclaves.

The area is most noted for its collection of glass- and clay-based artists who have taken those traditionally craft-related materials and brought them into the fine art world.

Virtually all of the artists in the Otis St. warehouse complex are well-known on a regional level.

Tim Tate and Michael Janis of the Washington Glass School are both coming off significant successes at Chicago’s SOFA show and Miami Basel.

Tate is starting to get a decent footing on the international level, and is arguably the best known D.C. artist of this generation.

Which is not to slight the rest of the pack here.

If you added up all the significant regional shows these folks have been in, it would likely be well over a thousand. When/if the D.C. arts region gets back on the national map again, it’s likely to happen here first. At this rate, you may not have to wait long to see that happen.

Hours are somewhat varied this time around: Washington Glass School will be open 2 – 6 p.m.; Red Dirt Studio, noon – 5 p.m.; Flux studios, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. All the studios are located in the Otis Street Complex (the 3700 block for map search purposes). The most reliable phone number here is probably the Washington Glass School at 202-744-8222.

The ArtDC.org gallery space in the old Lustine Chevrolet showroom building at 5710 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, Md. has a variety of activities planned for the day from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Of special note: Intellectual Property attorney John Mason, of www.artlaws.com, will be giving a talk at 1 p.m.

Grab an event map, and go studio/gallery hopping throughout the area.  The Northern Virginia Art Beat is compiled by Kevin Mellema.

See www.fcnp.com for photos and more. To e-mail submissions, send them to kevinmellema@gmail.com.

December 10 - 16, 2009

Page 23

Smokers’ Social Scene Gets Butted Outdoors Continued from Page 1

powered heat lamps on its back patio to keep smokers warm in the winter months. Manager Tammy Powell said she’s already expecting an added maintenance price for the extra measure.

“The cost has now gone up because we’re going to have to replace the propane tanks, which will most likely run out on a daily basis, along with having to get them serviced,” said Powell.

Dogwood’s outdoor patio tables remain from the warmer months and it plans on eventually installing awnings in the case of rain.

However, Powell said a highpriced ventilation system to keep smokers indoors is out of the picture.

“Smokers from the older generation have requested we do [the ventilation system], but it’s not worth the cost. People complained at first, said they were going to lose our business, but they’ve all moved outside fine now. It’s become a bit of a social thing, going outside for a smoke,” said Powell.

Susan Anderson, a manager at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack, agreed. A strictly-social smoker herself, she said one of the things she’s always liked best about going outside for a cigarette was the fact “bars can be so confined inside and it’s nice to get some fresh air.”

Unrelated to the smoking ban, the Beach Shack put up tents on its outdoor patio a month ago.

Manager Patrick Jones called it

a “convenient coincidence” and said he’s still waiting to see how the ban will affect business, if at all.

“A lot of smoking crowd is upset. They like to sit at the bar, smoke and drink without having to get up, but I think in long run they’ll be ok with it,” said Jones, adding that many of his employees back the ban due to an unpleasant smoke-filled environment “restaurant workers were forced to deal with.”

Prior to the restriction, the Beach Shack didn’t allow smoking indoors until 9 p.m., after most family-dining parties had filtered out.

“If anything, I think the families will be happier about not having to rush to finish their food before 9. I remember around 8:55, you’d start to smell the smoke.

People knew it was time,” said Anderson.

The Beach Shack’s neighbor, Argia’s, was in the middle of tracking a delivery of heat lamps for its outdoor patio when the News-Press contacted General Manager Bruce McFarlane.

“We’re going to follow the letter of the law and smoking is just going to have to be outside.

We don’t have a problem with it,” said McFarlane.

Just who does have qualms with it, aside from the obvious, may be too early to tell. But Anderson couldn’t help but wonder how those living next to a bar will handle the increase in outdoor activity. She noted that, until now, nearby neighbors of bars

didn’t have to deal with patrons wandering around outside until last call.

“I don’t want to put any ideas into people’s heads, but residents living around bars may see an increase in noise level outside,” said Anderson.

Melissa Miller, 42, of Falls Church said to think residents will hear an rise in commotion is unlikely. That is, until the temperature drops.

Tapping a pack of Marlboro Reds in the palm her hand outside Dogwood Tavern, she said, “People have a cigarette in their mouth; they’re not talking. There’s snow on the ground.

Chances are they won’t be outside for too long.”

Among area bars who don’t expect to see a change are Dogfish Head Alehouse, Velocity Five Sports Restaurant & Bar and Hoang’s Grill & Sushi Bar, all of which have been blatantly smokefree since opening.

Sue Gonzales, the manager of Grevey’s Restaurant & Sports Bar, said she’s “got to try and provide a space and atmosphere” for her smoking customers.

“Being a sports bar, a lot of people come here to watch a game and they want to be able to smoke during without missing anything,” said Gonzales, who added that Grevey’s patio, which already has a bar and TVs, will have outdoor heating within a few weeks.

From being able to catch all of the third quarter to sitting under a walled tent with heating, com-

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DOGWOOD TAVERN staffers, (left to right) Eric Schwartz, José Marroquin and Brooke Simon, huddled around an outdoor heater for a smoke break earlier this week. Manager of the popular Falls Church restaurant and bar, Tammy Powell, said that while older-generation smoking customers complained at first, everyone now seems to have accepted smoking outside. (Photo: News-Press) peting perks of area bars are one thing. But Anderson said, game seat or not, it shouldn’t be long before smokers fond of bar scenes may just start going cold turkey before going out in the cold.

“It’s kind of ironic timing with

New Year’s one month away.

Maybe it’ll make smokers finally quit their habit this year,” said Anderson.

As far as Miller? “Maybe in 2012,” she said, declaratively lighting up outside.

Page 24

December 10 - 16, 2009

Community Events THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 ‘Ring and Sing for the Holidays.’

The Clarendon United Methodist Church invites everyone to enjoy a hot holiday meal, followed by a festive Christmas program that will feature classical music. Clarendon United Methodist Church (606 N. Irving St., Arlington). $4. 12:30 – 2 p.m. 703-527-8574.

‘Christmas for the Animals.’ Children are invited to hear holiday stories about nature and decorate a tree with treats for the animals. Gulf Branch Nature Center (3608 N. Military Rd., Arlington). $3. 4:15 – 5:15 p.m. 703-228-4747.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 Holiday House Craft Show & Sale.

The Hendry House at Fort C.F. Smith will sponsor its fourth annual juried arts and crafts sale with local artisans. A special children’s corner will feature items under $5. The Hendry House (2411 N. 24th St., Arlington). The show will be open on Dec. 13, 16, 19 and 20. Hours are Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays from noon – 5 p.m.

&

and Wednesdays from noon – 8 p.m. Admission is free. 703-2434342.

‘Jazzy Christmas.’ All are invited to jump into the holidays with music

by Christiana Drapkin. The program will consist of traditional Christmas songs and other familiar tunes to sing along with. Culpepper Garden Senior Center (4435 N. Pershing Dr., Arlington). Free. 1 – 2 p.m.

703-228-4403.

Science Book Talk. Dennis K. McBride, Ph.D., will discuss his latest book, “Best Available Science,” a tool for scientists to clearly communicate with policy makers and the public. National Science Foundation, Room 110 (4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington). Free.

1:30 p.m. 301-587-3827.

‘Flying Squirrel Lore & More.’

Families are invited to learn some fun facts about flying squirrels, mysterious nocturnal acrobats that dwell in the wooded neighborhoods of Arlington. There will be an indoor presentation, followed by a trip outside to see these creatures in action. Long Branch Nature Center (625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington). $5. 5 – 6:15

Send community event submissions to the News-Press by e-mail at calendar@fcnp. com; fax 703-532-3396; or by regular mail to 450 West Broad Street #321, Falls Church, VA 22046. Please include any photos or artwork with submissions. Deadline is Monday at noon for each week’s edition.

p.m. Registration required. 703228-6535.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13

salvation and divine transformation of life on earth. With help from artistic director Paul Skevington, the Amadeus Chamber Orchestra, in addition to combined choirs and soloists, will support the audience in singing. St. Luke Catholic Church (7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean). $10. 4 p.m. 703-356-0670.

Christmas Holiday Festival & Hymn Singing. The First Church of Christ invites everyone to get into the holiday spirit and join the church in singing carols and songs of the season. The joyful music service will feature performances by the Sunday school musicians. First Church of Christ, Scientist (890 N. McKinley Rd., Arlington). Free.

11:30 a.m. 877-345-4567.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14

Winter Wassail. The Claude Moore Colonial Farm invites everyone to gather and wassail the apple trees with singing, dancing and chants to ensure growth in the upcoming year. Other festivities will include a bonfire and 18th-century games.

Guests can also treat themselves to hot spiced cider and sugar cakes.

Claude Moore Colonial Farm (6310 Georgetown Pike, McLean). $3 for adults, $2 for children and seniors.

1 – 4 p.m. 703-442-7557.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16

‘Messiah Sing.’ All are invited to join in singing Handel’s “Messiah,” a celebrated masterpiece about

Edna Frady Reception. A reception will be held in honor of Edna Frady as she leaves the City of Falls Church and moves into the Goodwyn House in Bailey’s Crossroads. Falls Church City Hall Training Center (300 Park Ave., Falls Church). Free. 6:30 p.m. 703-2485001.

‘Holiday Tea at Lee.’ Older adults who love to bake are asked to share their special cookies at this Holiday Tea. Guests can also enjoy a variety show by the Cameo Jewels while pairing cookies and tea. Lee Senior Center (5722 Lee Hwy., Arlington). $3. 4:15 – 5:15 p.m. 703-228-0555.

Theater Fine Arts FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11

‘The Christmas Cabin of Carnaween.’ Local theatre group Creative Cauldron presents an Irish folktale adapted for the stage with music, storytelling and dance. ArtSpace Falls Church (410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church). $10. Shows Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Performances continue through Dec. 20. 571-239-5288.

‘Nutcracker Sweet & Spicy.’ The Dream in Color Foundation and Dance Studio puts a modern, multicultural twist on the Christmas ballet classic, “The Nutcracker.” The music, characters and styles of dance will all re�lect the cultural diversity of the Washington, D.C. area. James Lee Community Center Theatre (2855 Annandale Rd., Falls Church). $5. 7 & 8:30 p.m. 703-6421711.

‘Peter Pan: A Musical.’ The George C. Marshall High School Drama Department will perform its innovative rendition of the childhood fantasy “Peter Pan” for one more weekend George C. Marshall High School (7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. Shows Friday & Saturday at 7 p.m., with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. 703-714-5409.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12

‘The Prisoner of Zenda.’ Adapted for the stage

by Matthew Francis, this adventure novel will come to life with rebellion, romance, a dead king, an evil prince, a surprised hero and a beautiful princess. 1st Stage (1524 Spring Hill Rd., McLean). Starting at $15. 2 p.m. Shows through Jan. 3. Performances will be on Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. 703-854-1856.

‘Chorus, Brass and Bells.’ In their 42nd year, the Metropolitan Chorus offers this family-friendly holiday concert with chorus, brass choir and handbell ensemble Virginia Bronze, directed

by Carol Feather Martin. Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre (125 S. Old Glebe Rd., Arlington). $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and military, $5 for children. 7:30 p.m. 703-9332500.

‘A Classic Brass Christmas.’ Choralis will usher in the winter holidays with performances of traditional seasonal songs. Westminster Presbyterian Church (2701 Cameron Mills Rd., Alexandria). $25 for general admission, $5 for students, free for children 12 and under. 7 p.m. Another performance will take place on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Falls Church Presbyterian Church (225 E. Broad St., Falls Church). 703-237-2499.

December 10 - 16, 2009

Page 25

live_music&nightlife THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 GWAR. With Job For A Cowboy, The Red Chord. 9:30 Club (815 V St. NW, Washington, D.C.). $20. 7 p.m. 202265-0930.

A�� T�����. With The Grand Horizontals. Bangkok Blues (926 W. Broad St., Falls Church). $5. 7:30 p.m. 703534-0095.

R����� L�� J����. The Birchmere (3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria). $39.50. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.

J��� S������ ��� I���. With Leslie Alexander. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $20. 8 p.m. 703-2551566.

T�� W����. With The Features, Mean Creek. Black Cat (1811 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C.). $13. 8 p.m. 202667-4490.

N��� I����. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). Free. 10 p.m. 703-237-8333.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11 N��� D��� E����. With The Beat Hotel. Bangkok Blues (926 W. Broad St., Falls Church). $7. 7 p.m. 703534-0095.

C���� C����� � S���� W�����. The Birchmere (3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria). $27.50. 7:30 p.m. 703-

549-7500.

L��� T���. With Bellflur, The Jet Age, International Graduate University.

Rock & Roll Hotel (1353 H St. NE, Washington, D.C.). $10. 8 p.m. 202388-7625.

R������� E����. With The Infamous Stringdusters. 9:30 Club (815 V St. NW, Washington, D.C.). $25. 8 p.m.

202-265-0930.

F�������. With Freelance Whales.

Iota Club and Café (2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington). $12. 9 p.m. 703522-8340.

O��� O��� T����. With Loose Lips, Power Pirate. Black Cat (1811 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C.). $10. 9 p.m. 202-667-4490.

T�� B���� T������� T���. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church).

Free. 10 p.m. 703-237-8333.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 T�� H���. With What a Night. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $10 in advance, $12 day of. 6 p.m. 703255-1566.

R���� S������ � T�� C����� M�.

B���. With Susan Werner. The Birchmere (3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria). $35.00. 7:30 p.m. 703549-7500.

T�� P���������. With Ruder Than You, the breakUps, The Moderators. 9:30 Club (815 V St. NW, Washington, D.C.). $17. 8 p.m. 202-265-0930. ���. With Almost Kings, OurAfter, Screaming at the Silence, Uncrowned. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $10 in advance, $13 day of. 9 p.m. 703-255-1566.

T������� H����. With Paperdolls. Iota Club and Café (2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington). $12. 9 p.m. 703-5228340. �NV��. With Big Enuff. Bangkok Blues (926 W. Broad St., Falls Church). $7.

10 p.m. 703-534-0095.

K��� S���� � T�� D����� Z���.

Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). Free. 10 p.m. 703-2378333.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 S���������. 9:30 Club (815 V St. NW, Washington, D.C.). $20. 7 p.m. 202265-0930.

C��� T����� � K����� C�����. With Jon Voight. The Birchmere (3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria). $35.00.

7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14 L�� ‘S������’ P����. With SEE-I. 9:30

Club (815 V St. NW, Washington, D.C.). $25. 7 p.m. 202-265-0930.

H���� G�������� ��� T�� B����-����.

With Vandaveer. Iota Club and Café (2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington). $12.

8:30 p.m. 703-522-8340.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15 L�����. The Birchmere (3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria). $59.50. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.

S������ C��������. With The Andalusians, Police & Theives. Black Cat (1811 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C.). $8. Show to benefit DC Coalition for the Homeless. 8:30 p.m.

202-667-4490.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16 J��� C������. With Amy Speace. The Birchmere (3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria). $49.50. 7:30 p.m. 703549-7500.

T�� C���� F���. With Todd Wright.

Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15 in advance, $18 day of.

7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566.

‘W���� ��� H����.’ With Street Dogs, Stigma, Roger Miret and the Disasters. Black Cat (1811 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C.). $13 in advance, $15 day of. 8 p.m. 202-667-4490.

P������� A����...

Friday, Dec. 18 – Marines at Dogwood. Members of the United States Marine Corps will come to collect the Toys for Tots donation box and have a meet-and-greet with families.

Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). Free. 5 – 9 p.m. 703-237-8333.

I

t’s not everyday you get to see a guy destroy a watermelon with a sledgehammer, but you can get your chance this Saturday. Yep, the old Sledge-O-Matic should be in full effect as comedian (legend?) Gallagher takes the stage for a night of laughs at the Arlington Drafthouse. Named to Comedy Central’s 100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time (he was #100), the wooden mallet wielder brings his wacky, bizarre and down right sloppy act to the area for two shows.

Gallagher is quoted as saying his humor “makes people think.”

Well, I don’t know about that, aside from thinking whether or not they should pack an umbrella to one of his shows. In any case, this Saturday should be a unique experience for all involved, especially if you’re in the front row. Tickets are available for both the 7:30 and 10:15 p.m. shows and cost $30 each.

What: Comedian Gallagher Stand Up When: Saturday, December 12; 7:30 p.m. & 10:15 p.m.

Where: Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse,

2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington VA See www.arlingtondrafthouse.com for tickets and more info

Sunday, Dec. 19 – Breakfast with Santa. Children and their parents are invited to meet Santa while enjoying a warm breakfast. Children will have the opportunity to have their photos taken with Santa. Other activities will include arts and crafts, face painting and a performance by Joy of Dance. McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean). $10 for McLean residents, $15 for non-residents, free for children 2 and under. 9:30 – 11 a.m. 703-790-0123.

C������� S���������� Be sure to include time, location, cost of admission, contact person and any other pertinent information.

Event listings will be edited for content and space limitations. Please include any photos or artwork with submissions. Deadline is Monday at noon for the current week’s edition.

Email: calendar@fcnp.com Fax: 703-342-0347; Attn: FCNP Calendar Mail: 450 West Broad Street, #321, Falls Church, VA 22046

Page 26

December 10 - 16, 2009

THE MOST MAGICAL MUSICAL MOVIE OF THE HOLIDAYS!

“A START-TO-FINISH DELIGHT.” RICHARD CORLISS,

“BEAUTIFUL...

MUSIC, MAGIC, LIGHT AND LAUGHTER EVERYWHERE.” BETSY SHARKEY, LOS ANGELES TIMES

“MARVELOUS.” LISA SCHWARZBAUM, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

Roger Ebert’s Movie Review

‘Collapse’

BY ROGER EBERT

UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE



If this man is correct, then you may be reading the most important story in today’s paper.

I have no way of assuring you that the bleak version of the future outlined by Michael Ruppert in Chris Smith’s “Collapse” is accurate. I can only tell you I have a pretty good built-in B.S. detector, and its needle never bounced off zero. There is controversy over Michael Ruppert, and he has many critics. But one simple fact at the center of his argument is obviously true, and it terrifies me.

That fact: We have passed the peak of global oil resources.

There are only so many known oil reserves. We have used up more than half of them. Remaining reserves are growing smaller, and the demand is growing larger. It took about a century to use up the first half. That usage was much accelerated in the most recent 50 years. Now the oil demands of

A documentary featuring Michael Ruppert. Bluemark Productions presents a film directed by Chris Smith.

giant economies like India and China are exploding. They represent more than half the global population, and until recent decades had small energy consumption.

If the supply is finite and usage is potentially doubling, you do the math. We will face a global oil crisis, not in the distant future, but within the lives of many now alive. They may well see a world without significant oil.

Oh, I grow so impatient with those who prattle on about our untapped resources in Alaska, yada yada yada. There seems to be only enough oil in Alaska to power the U.S. for a matter of months.

The world’s great oil reserves have been discovered.

Saudi Arabia sits atop the larg-

★★★★

“ A HARD-HITTING, ACTION-PACKED THRILLER!” Earl Dittman, WIRELESS MAGAZINES

“EXPLOSIVE, FULLY-LOADED FUN!” Jami Philbrick, MOVIEWEB

Disney.com/PrincessAndTheFrog Text FROG to DISNEY (347639)*

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Check local listings or Text FROG with your ZIP CODE to 43KIX (43549).

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est oil reservoir ever found. For years the Saudis have refused to disclose any figures at all about their reserves. If those reserves are vast and easy to tap by drilling straight down through the desert, then ask yourself this question: Why are the Saudis spending billions of dollars to develop offshore drilling platforms?

Michael Ruppert is a man ordinary in appearance, on the downhill slope of middle age, a chainsmoker with a mustache. He is not all worked up. He speaks reasonably and very clearly. “Collapse” involves what he has to say, illustrated with news footage and a few charts, the most striking of which is a bell-shaped curve. It takes a lot of effort to climb a bell-shaped curve, but the descent is steep and dangerous.

He recites facts I knew, vaguely. Many things are made from oil.

Everything plastic. Paint. Eight gallons of oil in every auto tire.

Oil supplies the energy to convert itself into those byproducts. No oil, no plastic, no tires, no gas to run cars, no machines to build them. No coal mines except those operated by men and horses.

Alternative energies and conservation? The problem is the cost of obtaining and using it.

Ethanol requires more energy than it produces. Hybrid and battery cars need engines, tires and batteries. Nuclear power plants need to be built with oil. Electricity from wind power is most useful near its source. It is transmitted by grids built and maintained by oil. Wave power is expensive to collect. Solar power is cheap and limitless, but we need a whole hell of a lot more solar panels and other collecting devices.

Like I say, you do the math.

Ruppert has done his math, and he concludes our goose is cooked. He doesn’t have any answers. We’re passing the point of diminishing returns on the way to our rendezvous with the point of no return.

It was nice while it lasted. People lived happily enough in the cen-

December 10 - 16, 2009

Page 27

ed a strong film with many other key moments, and Freeman and Damon are well cast. Entertaining, but not a companion-piece for “Gandhi.”

Rating: Three and a half stars.

Mini Movie Reviews OPENING IN THEATERS

I

NVICTUS (Biopic, PG-13, 134 minutes). Strange, that the first of many proposed biopics about Nelson Mandela centers on the South African rugby team. Mandela took an

intense interest in the Springboks’ drive to an eventual World Cup championship, and it was a famous victory for the parish apartheid state.

Here it is foregrounded, and who would have expected this film to be structured around who wins the big match? Yet Clint Eastwood has craft-

“GENUINELY

T

HE NEW YEAR PARADE (Drama, not rated, 87 minutes). Appealing indie feature that weaves together the traditions of the Philadelphia Mummers Parade and an Irish-American family. Filmed over four years, convincingly embeds a crisis in an Irish-American family into its traditional connection with the South Philadelphia String Band.

Amazing parade, true emotions.

Written, directed and edited by Tom Quinn. Rating: Three stars.

INSPIRING. T

‘INVICTUS’ IS A MOVIE THAT MATTERS.” Peter Travers

INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST Michael Ruppert warns of the end of civilization as we know it in “Collapse”. (PHOTO: © BLUEMARK

PRODUCTIONS)

turies before oil, electricity and steam, I guess. Of course, there were fewer than 6 billion of us.

And in this century, Ruppert says, there will be a lot fewer than 6 billion again. It won’t be a pretty sight.

I’m not going to mention his theories about global warming, because that’s a subject that inflames too many zealots. About peak oil, his reasoning is clear, simple, and hard to refute.

So you can stop reading now.

That’s the heart of Ruppert’s message, delivered by a calm guy who could be Wilford Brimley’s kid brother, lives alone with his dog and is behind on his rent.

I was fascinated by some of the directions peak oil takes him into. For him, he says, it was the key to understanding many

“CLINT EASTWOOD HAS MADE A FILM THAT’S

GOOD FOR THE SOUL.”

seemingly unconnected geopolitical events. The facts he outlines are known to world leaders. They don’t talk a lot about them in alarmist terms, but they explain why Bush/Cheney were happy to have an excuse to invade Iraq.

And why our embassy compound in Baghdad is the largest we’ve ever built, larger than the Vatican City. And why we’re so much more worried by Iran than North Korea. They may also explain Obama’s perplexing decision to increase troops in Afghanistan. An undeclared world war for oil is already under way.

I don’t know when I’ve seen a thriller more frightening. I couldn’t tear my eyes from the screen.

“Collapse” is even entertaining, in a macabre sense. I think you owe it to yourself to see it.

HE PRINCESS AND THE FROG (Animated Family, G, 95 minutes). The Disney studios still shelter animators who know how to make classic animated stories, in an age when too many animated films feel obligated to assault us with input overload. Tiana (Anika Noni Rose) is a hardworking New Orleans lass who dreams of opening her own restaurant. A visiting prince, turned into a frog, begs her to kiss him, but then they both become frogs, in a story involving voodoo, sorcery and song. Spritely and highspirited. Voices by Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Oprah Winfrey, Keith David, Terrence Howard and John Goodman. Rating: Three stars.

NEW ON VIDEO & DVD

I

NGLOURIOUS BASTERDS (War drama, R, 152 m., 2009). A big, bold, audacious war movie that will annoy some, startle others, and demonstrate once again that Quentin Tarantino is the real thing, a director of quixotic delights. Brad Pitt, Melanie Laurent and Christoph Waltz star as a hero, a girl and a Nazi in a virtuoso combination of action, droll satire, movie references, rewritten history and delight in filmmaking itself. Leave it to Tarantino to provide World War II with a much-needed alternative ending. For once the bastards get what’s coming to them.

Rating: Four stars.

T STARTS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11 CHECK DIRECTORIES FOR LISTINGS Area Codes: (202), (301), (304), (410), (443), (540), (703), (877), (888)

Washington Suburban Press • Thu 12/10 • 2x8’’ JobID#: 417956 Name: 1210_Inv_WashSP.pdf #98 12/4/09 11:08 AM pt

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HE HANGOVER (Comedy, R, 100 m., 2009). A very funny, very raunchy comedy about a disastrous bachelor party in Las Vegas. When the bridegroom (Justin Bartha) disappears, his buddies (Zach Galifianakis, Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms) search for him, starting with such questions as: How in the hell do you wake up in a $4,200a-night suite with a tiger, a chicken, a crying baby, a missing tooth and

Continued on Page 28

Page 28

Mini Reviews Continued from Page 27 a belly button pierced for a diamond dangle? Directed by Todd Phillips.

Rating: Three and a half stars.

T

AKING WOODSTOCK (Comedy, R, 120 m., 2009). Ang Lee’s entertaining film about the kid who made it all possible -- in Woodstock, anyway -- Elliot Teichberg (Demetri Martin), who leaves a New York City job to return to upstate New York and help his parents bail out their failing and shabby motel. After he arranges a permit for a rock festival to be held, history is made, and the film sees it through his eyes. With a winning supporting role for Liev Schreiber as the transvestite ex-Marine who volunteers as the motel’s chief of security. Rating: Three stars.

G

-FORCE (Animated comedy, PG, 89 m., 2009). A pleasant, inoffensive 3-D animated farce about a team of superspy guinea pigs who do battle with a mad billionaire who wants to conquer the Earth by programming all the home appliances made by his corporation to follow his instructions. It will possi-

December 10 - 16, 2009

bly be enjoyed by children of all ages.

Rating: Two and a half stars.

H

ARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE (Fantasy, PG, 153 m., 2009). Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) team up to learn a secret from Voldemort’s school days, after coaxing the reclusive Horace Slughorn (Jim Broadbent) out of retirement.

The sixth film in the Potter saga is darker and more ominous than before, as the evil Voldemort creeps closer. Adolescence is also making itself evident, although at a PG-rated temperature. Helena Bonham Carter, as Bellatrix Lestrange, makes a big mess in the dining hall, and generally suggests she may have a larger role in the concluding two films. The art direction and cinematography are gorgeous. Rating: Three stars.

J

ULIE & JULIA (Comedy, PG13, 123 m., 2009). A frustrated Queens wife vows to write a blog about cooking her way through Julia Child’s “Mastering the Art of French Cooking,” 524 recipes in 365 days. The film shows the effect of culinary dedication on both women’s lives and marriages. Amy Adams and Meryl Streep are engaging, and Streep’s impersonation of Child is uncanny, but really, is the price of

total obsession worth paying for the cost of a perfect boeuf bourguignon?

Rating: Two and a half stars.

P

UBLIC ENEMIES (Crime drama, R, 140 m., 2009).

Shrugs off the way we depend on myth to sentimentalize our outlaws. Well-researched, many actual locations; Johnny Depp plays John Dillinger as efficient, violent and hard as steel. Marion Cotillard is effective as Billie Frechette, his girlfriend at the end, who masks her vulnerability with sweetness. Christian Bale is all business as FBI agent Melvin Purvis. Billy Crudup plays J. Edgar Hoover as a dreamer unfamiliar with the brass tacks of law enforcement. Directed by Michael Mann (“Heat”) with precision, sidestepping cliches and sweeteners.

Rating: Three and a half stars.

T

ERMINATOR: SALVATION (Sci-fi action, PG, 115 m., 2009).

Roughly 90 percent of the running time is occupied by action sequences, chase sequences, motorcycle sequences, plow truck sequences, helicopter sequences, fighter plane sequences, towering android sequences and fistfights. It gives you all the pleasure of a video game without the bother of having to play it. With Christian Bale, Moon Bloodgood. Rating: Two stars.

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(C) 2009 The Ebert Co.

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Price includes $21 bill credit for 12 mos. after rebate, plus an add’l $5 when you submit rebate online, register acct. on directv.com with valid email & consent to email alerts.^ Offers end 2/8/10 and are based on approved credit; credit card required. New customers only (lease required, must maintain programming, DVR and/or HD Access). Hardware available separately.

Switch from cable to DIRECTV! 1-877-352-1725 Credit card not required in MA and PA. †Eligibility for local channels based on service address. °DVR Scheduler requires Internet access via computer or mobile phone and directv.com login. Remote connections may vary. In rare instances, scheduled recording(s) may not be recognized. Only available on certain receivers. Visit directv.com/dvrscheduler for details. ^BILL CREDIT/PROGRAMMING OFFER: Free SHOWTIME for 3 months, a value of $38.97. Free Starz and SHOWTIME for 3 months, a value of $72. LIMIT ONE PROGRAMMING OFFER PER ACCOUNT. Featured package names and prices: CHOICE $55.99/mo.; CHOICE XTRA $60.99/mo. In order to receive full $26 credit, customer must submit rebate form online and register account on directv.com prior to rebate redemption. Requires valid email address and must agree to receive emails. Upon DIRECTV System activation, customer will receive rebate instructions (included in customer’s first DIRECTV bill, a separate mailing or, in the state of New York, from retailer) and must comply with the terms on the instructions. Rebate begins 6–8 weeks after receipt of online redemption, or 8-12 weeks for mail-in redemption. Account must be in “good standing,” as determined by DIRECTV in its sole discretion, to remain eligible. DIRECTV not responsible for late, lost, illegible, mutilated, incomplete, misdirected or postage-due mail. IF BY THE END OF THE PROMOTIONAL PRICE PERIOD(S) CUSTOMER DOES NOT CONTACT DIRECTV TO CHANGE SERVICE THEN ALL SERVICES WILL AUTOMATICALLY CONTINUE AT THE THEN-PREVAILING RATES, INCLUDING THE $5/MO. LEASE FEE FOR THE 2ND AND EACH ADDITIONAL RECEIVER. In certain markets, programming/pricing may vary. Package pricing at directv.com/packages. DIRECTV System has a feature that restricts access to channels. LIMIT ONE BILL CREDIT PER DIRECTV ACCOUNT. **HD DVR INSTANT REBATE: Advanced equipment instant rebate requires activation of the CHOICE XTRA ($60.99/mo.) package or above; MÁS ULTRA or above; Jadeworld; or any qualifying international service bundle, which shall include the PREFERRED CHOICE programming package. DVR service ($6/mo.) and HD Access fee ($10/mo.) required for HD DVR lease.

LIMIT ONE ADVANCED EQUIPMENT REBATE PER DIRECTV ACCOUNT. SYSTEM LEASE: Purchase 24 months for advanced receivers of any DIRECTV base programming package ($29.99/mo. or above) or qualifying international services bundle required. FAILURE TO ACTIVATE ALL OF THE DIRECTV SYSTEM EQUIPMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EQUIPMENT LEASE ADDENDUM MAY RESULT IN A CHARGE OF $150 PER RECEIVER NOT ACTIVATED. IF YOU FAIL TO MAINTAIN YOUR PROGRAMMING, DIRECTV MAY CHARGE A PRORATED FEE OF $480. RECEIVERS ARE AT ALL TIMES PROPERTY OF DIRECTV AND MUST BE RETURNED UPON CANCELLATION OF SERVICE, OR ADDITIONAL FEES APPLY. VISIT directv.com OR CALL 1-800-DIRECTV FOR DETAILS. Programming, pricing, terms and conditions subject to change at any time. Pricing residential. Taxes not included. Receipt of DIRECTV programming is subject to the DIRECTV Customer Agreement; copy provided at directv.com/legal and in your first bill. Starz and related channels and service marks are the property of Starz Entertainment Group LLC. Showtime and related marks are registered trademarks of Showtime Networks Inc., a CBS Company. ©2009 DIRECTV, Inc. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo, CHOICE XTRA and CHOICE are trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

December 10 - 16, 2009

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Dec

10 ay

sd Thur

Santa Jam XIII State Theatre 8 p.m.

220 N. Washington St., Falls Church 703-237-0300 • thestatetheatre.com

Issa Jammin’ Java 8 p.m.

227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna 703-255-1566 • jamminjava.com

11

y

Frida

Catie Curtis & Susan Werner Birchmere 7:30 p.m.

3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria 703-549-7500 • birchmere.com

13

ay

Sund

Switchfoot

BY MIKE HUME

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

While the Internet and the advent of MySpace and Twitter has made the world smaller for resource-limited bands trying to make names for themselves, there’s still no substitute for a live performance. At some point, you want to step on stage in front of the fans you’ve made in some of those distant markets you’ve cracked online.

And so the men of Honor By August (HBA) invested in a 25-passenger bus to use on tours.

Remodeling it themselves and with the help of some family associates, the foursome stripped out the back third to hold their equipment.

They added bunk beds, an eating area and a couch to the front, even slapping in a DVD player and Wii gaming system.

“It’s pretty awesome and we’re very happy with it,” frontman Michael Pearsall says.

Ready to roll, the band has expanded its touring radius which once consisted of stops on the Eastern Seaboard. With the bus, they steamed across country in two-and-a-half days to do shows in California and Las Vegas.

The decision to purchase (and pimp) their new ride, upgrading from a Ford cargo van (“It required some serious Tetris skills to make everything fit in the van,” Pearsall says), has also helped them capitalize on the buzz the quartet has received from new album Found, released last May, as well as the eye-popping new video bearing the same name. Since its release, HBA has used PR firm Trendsetter Marketing to place the vid into health clubs, restaurants, cruise ships and FUSE TV. “We get royalties when it gets played, so it’s

HONOR BY AUGUST (PHOTO: COURTESY BARBARA PARKER) almost paid for itself already.”

It’s also given them what Pearsall calls their most “rock star” moment to date. A restaurateur in Las Vegas saw the video while working out, then traveled to see their show in California, afterwards inviting the band to his restaurant in Vegas, Nob Hill Tavern at the MGM Grand.

“He treated us like kings,” Pearsall says.

The video for “Found” has also led to renewed heat from a record industry that has flirted with the D.C.-based band since its formative moments.

They’ll have several labels gathered at a showcase Jan. 7 in New York’s Mercury Lounge.

The most intoxicating aspect of HBA’s music is the fullness that comes flying out of the speakers with every record. With a pulsing

9:30 Club 7 p.m.

815 V St. NW, Washington, D.C.

Staffers from FCNP ate up these tracks this week:

202-265-0930 • 930.com



Nicholas Benton— A Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum 

Jody Fellows— The Wrestler by Bruce Springsteen  

Natalie Bedell— Tik Tok by Kesha Dean Edwards— Billy Brown by Mika

drum beat supplied by Brian Shanley and some virtuoso work on the axe by lead guitarist Evan Field, each song on the newest album throws at you everything you can handle and more. The most striking sonic quality though is the return of robust harmonies to the band’s repertoire.

After the departure of former bassist Joe Wenger, the soaring chorus harmonies that completed “Into the Light” and “The Quiet Sky,” two tracks from HBA’s debut album, Drowning Out the Television, largely fell by the wayside in live performances. With the addition of Chris Rafetto on the bass, replacing John Athayde, who held the job from 2006-08, the harmonies have been brought back full-force. The additional voice takes tracks like “Found” and “Unbreakable” off the new album to grander heights. Rafetto’s involvement in writing has also broadened the horizons for the band’s future catalog.

In the meantime, however, they’ll concentrate on touring and making use of their latest investment. They’ll return home to D.C. following the New York showcase for a Jan. 8 headlining show at 9:30 Club. Tickets range from $10 – $15 with proceeds going to benefit the Nothing But Nets Foundation, a charity dedicated to combat malaria by supplying mosquito netting to impoverished communities in Africa.

• For more on Honor By August, visit www. honorbyaugust.com.

Page 30

December 10 - 16, 2009

St.

29

422 S. Washington Street Falls Church, VA • 703-538-5550

The First Name in Pancakes

F re e

Parking

370 West Broad St. Falls Church,VA 703-891-0148

Availab

le!

Also weekdays: Free Wi-Fi at selected locations and a new Senior Menu!

7700 Wisconsin Ave. Bethesda, MD 301-986-0285

12224 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 301-468-0886

www.edencenter.com MANY OF WASHINGTON'S BEST RESTAURANTS WASHINGTONIAN MAGAZINE AND WASHINGTON POST REVIEWED

Authentic Afghan Cuisine 124 N. Washington St. Falls Church, VA By the intersections of Rt. 7 & 29 Free Parking in Rear

(703) 534-1033

Lunch: 11 am-2:00 pm Dinner : 5 pm-10 pm • Sunday 5-10 •

Phone: (703) 536-4566 924 W. Broad Street Falls Church, VA 22046

Harvest Moon Restaurant & Lounge

703-573-6000 www.theharvestmoonrestaurant.com (Graham Center across from Loehmann’s Plaza) 7260 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, VA 22042

Call for Reservations 105 W. Broad St. Falls Church, VA 22046

BISTRO

des Célestins CA F È Tel: (703) 538-3033 Fax: (703) 573-0409

6876 Lee Highway Arlington, Virginia 22213

www.lacotedorcafe.com

Your Ad Here!

Call Nick G. to reserve your spot in the News-Press Dining Guide

703-532-3267

Restaurant & Pub Tysons Station Shopping Center 7510 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, Va

703-847-5336 Hours

Super Chicken

ce

Super Chicken

lla Wa

Restaurant Spotlight

St. ton

29

ing

ash S. W 2 2 4

Falls Church

Super Chicken in Falls Church might appear to be a hole-in-the-wall cafeteria-style joint, but don’t judge this book by its cover. The Peruvianstyle rotisserie chicken with its fall-off-the-bone meat is so super that customers have been coming back for 10 years now.

The interior of the place has an earthy quality; the pale yellow walls are a neutral complement to the gold-brown tile work and the ceiling, checkered with white and olive green. The dining area is quite small, but be not discouraged; Super Chicken provides a carryout service, so guests can grab their tasty birds and run. Patrons who make an order of $13 or more also receive free delivery.

To be honest, it won’t be the warm earth tones or the tight seating area that diners will notice first.

They’ll be too hypnotized by the succulent whole chickens that rotate slowly in a stainless steel rotisserie oven. The mammoth oven is fed bags and bags of charcoal, so each chicken emerges with crispy skin on the outside and robust flavor within. The chicken marinade, however, remains under top secret wraps.

For single diners, Super Chicken offers the ultimate steal: the 1/4 Chicken Combo ($6.49) with french fries, a salad and a can of soda. From all the different sides, including salad, rice, beans, fries and cole slaw, this writer recommends a heaping mound of Yuca ($2.69), a starchy root indigenous to the tropical regions of South America.

A peeled and cooked yuca root resembles a potato, but compared to the french fry, yuca has a slightly firmer texture and sweeter taste. Because the yuca root is so starchy, a couple of yuca fries are much more filling than french fries. And instead of dipping the Yuca in ketchup, the secret is to dunk the yuca fries into Super Chicken’s to-die-for mayo-mustard mix – light, creamy and seasoned with black pepper.

Diners with larger appetites can pick up the Super Chicken Platter ($8.99), which includes a half chicken, plus any three side orders and a can of soda. Even better, on-the-run families can pick up a quick dinner with the Family Special ($18.49) that comes with either a whole chicken, 2 side orders and a 6 pack of soda or a whole chicken with rice, beans, yuca and fries.

In addition to chicken, Super Chicken also serves up 8” subs, including a Chicken Sub ($5.79), Steak & Cheese ($5.79), Tuna Melt ($5.79) and the Cajun Fish ($5.90), just to name a few. All subs come with a pickle and chips.

Not just turning poultry, Super Chicken also flips burgers. Try the Hamburger ($4.50) or the Cheeseburger ($4.99), both made with ground sirloin and served with french fries.

Guests can pair their meals with Chicha Morada ($1.99), a unique drink made by boiling purple corn, fruit, cinnamon and cloves. The result is a sharp-tasting pick-me-up with a fruity, yet spicy, kick. Finish everything off with Alfajor ($1.59), a South American mini cake-like confection that consists of two round biscuits joined together with a sweet filling and topped with powdered sugar.

So, there’s really no excuse not to head on over to Super Chicken, where there’s something for everyone and for affordable prices, too. Super Chicken is also a venue option for office parties and special events; just call in advance.

— SARAH CARTER

HOURS: Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Mon-Thurs: 11 am-10 pm Fri-Sat: 11 am - 11 pm Sun: Noon - 10 pm

Dining Guide Find out how to appear here for only $50 a week!

Ask about discounts for combining display & online advertising.

Call Nick G. at 703-532-3267 for more info.

December 10 - 16, 2009

Page 31

he readers of Bethe esda Magazine 2008

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MANY OF WASHINGTON'S BEST RESTAURANTS WASHINGTONIAN MAGAZINE AND WASHINGTON POST REVIEWED

Page 32

December 10 - 16, 2009

When Are Brewers Crossing the Line?

Sometimes you do things because they need doing. Sometimes you do them simply because you can.

In the case of the Boston Beer Co., maker of the Samuel Adams brand ... well, you make the call.

The brewer has released an updated version of its biennial beer Utopias, at $150 a bottle and 27 percent alcohol. It is the highestalcohol beer on the market, and is banned in 13 states. It’s not the sort of brew someone chugs down while watching a game on TV or while barbecuing. It comes in a specially-designed bottle familiar to purchasers of upscale whiskies and is meant for occasional sipping, the company says.

However, the fact that so many

By William M. Dowd states still limit the alcohol level for HEARST NEWSPAPERS beer shows the controversy remains alive.

Several states, such as West Virginia and Alabama, recently modified regulations to allow higher-alcohol brews, and several other state legislatures are considering following suit. In most cases, revenue-strapped states are looking for almost any new source of funds, and better-selling alcoholic drinks are a natural target.

It’s not strictly a domestic debate, though. Take the latest beer news from the United Kingdom.

“Everything in moderation, including moderation itself. What logically follows is that you must, from time, have excess. This beer is for those times.”

If you put that statement on your label, it should be no surprise it will anger many people.

That’s what happened to BrewDog’s Tokyo*, the strongest beer sold in the United Kingdom. Last week (December 4), it was banned from sale for promoting excessive drinking.

Tokyo* – the asterisk in the name is just for kicks – has an alcoholic content of 18.2 percent, roughly quadruple that of the average beers sold in the U.K. but one-third less than the powerful Samuel Adams version.

The Portman Group, the U.K. alcohol industry watchdog, said the beer breached its code on alcohol packaging. Portman CEO David Poley said: “It’s obviously unwise for any company to urge consumers to drink to excess. We won’t allow irresponsible marketing whether it’s for a big brand or a niche product.”

And Charity Alcohol Focus Scotland complained about the message on the label as well as its alcohol level.

BrewDog is located in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

Its oak-aged imperial stout has been on sale since July at ú10 (about $16 U.S.) for each 330ml bottle. Only 3,000 bottles were produced. Like the Boston Beer officials, BrewDog officers say they made the brew for the small niche of connoisseurs who would be willing to pay that much for a beer, and not for massmarket consumption.

Dowd on Drinks

A Classic Brass Christmas Chorus w/guests The Classical Brass Quintet

Saturday, Dec. 12th 7pm Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2701 Cameron Mills Rd., Alexandria (w/Choralis Cantus Youth Choirs) Sunday, Dec.13th, 7 pm Falls Church Presbyterian, 225 E. Broad St., Falls Church (w/Edison HS Concert Choir) Tickets/info: www.choralis.org or 703 237-2499 Advance purchase recommended

Lessons with Jeff Shulman - Part 1 Way back on July 15, the WSOP Main Event field was reduced to the final nine players and play was halted. Chips were bagged, players were interviewed by the worldwide media, and poker’s newest millionaires were sent home until November 7th when the so-called November Nine final table would reconvene.

Now, much can be done to improve one’s poker game in four months. Some finalists sought out poker coaches to refine end-game tactics. Others enlisted coaches to help create entirely new game plans.

And poker industry veteran Jeff Shulman asked me to coach him. I readily accepted his invitation.

You see, back at the 2000 WSOP final table, Jeff ran into some horrendous bad luck. He still finished in a very respectable seventh place, but ever since, I’ve had a soft spot in my heart for Jeff because of what he endured.

With seven players remaining, Jeff enjoyed a massive chip lead

and had Chris “Jesus” Ferguson all-in for roughly $800,000 apiece.

Jeff’s pocket sevens dominated Chris’ pocket sixes. Jeff would’ve had $3.2 million in chips had his hand held up.

It didn’t. He lost that hand and soon after was eliminated when his pocket kings ran into Ferguson’s pocket aces.

Another reason to coach Jeff is that we’re business partners. I’m the third largest shareholder in the Card Player publishing empire, which Jeff and his father run.

Also, I knew I could help Jeff because our playing styles are similar.

And my Hold’em resume isn’t too shabby, either: I’ve made it to more than 30 WSOP Hold’em final tables (a record) and have eleven WSOP wins (another record) including the 1989 WSOP Main Event championship.

Okay, so now that this year’s Main Event is over, I’m able to reveal Jeff’s lesson plan.

First, we created a top-notch

group of advisors including poker pro Adam Schoenfeld, former LA Dodger pitcher Orel Hershisher, WSOP bracelet winner Diego Cordovez, and Barry Shulman, Jeff’s father and winner of this year’s WSOPE Main Event. Our job was to play out hand scenarios and thoroughly discuss game tactics.

Next, we reviewed every single hand that each of the other finalists played throughout the Main Event -- 50 pages in total. We also viewed every minute of every ESPN episode aired.

Jeff would start final table play with $20 million in chips. With the blinds at $125,000/$250,000, he had sufficient time to work his chips.

His near-term goal was to make it to the final three by employing a super-safe and super-tight strategy, especially when play was eight and nine-handed.

I designed a plan that had Jeff opening pots for a 4-5 times the big blind raise. With blinds at $125,000/$250,000, that meant he’d open for at least $1 million.

I didn’t think the other players would take flops with small pairs or suited connectors for such a high price nor would they come over the top against a super-tight player like Jeff. Also, I believed that an opening bet for that much money would force all other players to fold their weaker hands.

Furthermore, if Jeff did get a hand like pocket tens and got reraised, it would be easier for him to fold his hand because his opponent presumably would have an overpair or A-K. My plan created disincentives for his opponents to try to flop a set or attempt to bluff him out of a pot. Also, it would allow Jeff to take down small pots and hang around for a long time while (at worst) maintaining his starting chipstack with minimal pressure.

The plan was to let the other eight players bust themselves out needlessly like they did at the 2008 Main Event final table. As play progressed down to five-handed play, we’d have Jeff change his style of play, but more on that later.  Learn more about Phil at www.

PhilHellmuth.com and www.

PokerBrat.com.

December 10 - 16, 2009

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Across

1. See 37-Across

ACROSS 1. See 37-Across 6. See 37-Across 10. See 37-Across 14. Soprano Fleming 15. Fashion designer Gernreich 16. Tramp 17. Minneapolis-to-Fargo hwy.

18. School of William and Harry 19. Over 20. The “She” in Spike Lee’s “She’s Gotta Have It” 21. It may be broken gently 23. Cavs, on scoreboards 24. Jimmy Dorsey’s “And ____ I” 25. Group with a lot of hits?

29. Inquisition target 31. Fifth of 12 32. It may be stroked 33. Show allegiance (to) 35. Excited shout 37. It might be experienced by a moviegoer (or by a solver of this puzzle) 40. Canadian ____ 41. ____ d’ 42. Reply to a ques.

43. Decline 45. Farther behind 49. Perseus beheaded her 51. Coddle 52. Fort Worth sch.

53. Some map lines 55. Cries of discovery 56. Cuzco’s country

THE QUIGMANS

59.

60.

61.

62.

63.

64.

65.

66.

Jacques of “Mon Oncle” Pass ____ about (circa) Like ____ of bricks Sticker on a windshield See 37-Across See 37-Across See 37-Across

36. Colored 37. Not nuts 38. Golden State sch.

39. Wild guesses 40. See 37-Across 44. It may be run up by drinking 46. Cornell University city 47. Prius, e.g.

48. See 37-Across Down 50. Take forcibly 1. See 37-Across 51. Place a wager towards 2. Fix, as a shoe 54. “I could ____ horse!”

3. One in a rack 55. Scott Turow’s first book 4. “I ____ man here needs not live by 56. See 37-Across shifts”: “Comedy of Errors” 57. 8 x 10, say: Abbr.

5. Rooster’s mate 58. Milne marsupial 6. Stuffing tidbit 60. Teaching deg.

7. Best 8. Take too much of, briefly 9. Norman of the Clinton and Bush Last Thursday’s Solution cabinets 10. Pursue W I N G T I M R E S C U Z I E X P A I T O O 11. Chaney of horror films S E T T L E O L D S C O R 12. Lisa Simpson’s grandpa D E A L I B P R I Z E 13. See 37-Across A N A H A U L S 21. “Otello” librettist S O U P O R S A L A D 22. Optimist’s query to a pessimist W K R P E R R S E I Z 24. Most strict S O S S C E A R N E L 26. “You’re putting ____!”

O S H K E N A S D A Q 27. Prayer start S U M M E R O F S 28. See 37-Across S R A M A T T H A U 30. Spanish river to the A D O R E F I T S C A Mediterranean S A W E D O F F S H O T G 31. Doing one’s om work?

F A T O R O N E E A R Y R S R I N O D S T O 34. A, in Acapulco

U T E R I

E S S E N

E N Y A

D E E M

P U Z O

E N O S

Buddy Hickerson

6. See 37-Across 10. See 37-Across 14. Soprano Fleming 15. Fashion designer Gernreich 16. Tramp

Level: 1

2

3 4

17. Minneapolis-to-Fargo hwy.

18. School of William and Harry 19. Over 20. The "She" in Spike Lee's "She's Gotta Have It" 21. It may be broken gently 23. Cavs, on scoreboards 24. Jimmy Dorsey's "And ____ I" 25. Group with a lot of hits?

29. Inquisition target 31. Fifth of 12 32. It may be stroked NICK KNACK

SOLUTION TO LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE

12/13/09

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9.

For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk

© 2009 N.F. Benton

© 2009 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.

Page 34

December 10 - 16, 2009

News-Press Classifieds DEVELOP GREATER CONFIDENCE! Learn and use simple powerful

Announcements

tools to enhance innate self-worth and reduce negative self-beliefs in yourself and others. Because self-esteem is not boastful arrogance but quiet strength. Small group guided learning in a fun, friendly and relaxed setting. 16-17 January in Arlington, VA near Marymount University. Breakfast provided, break for lunch, home for dinner. Workshop Coordinator: Christopher Kane 703-7279493, MoreToLifeNOVA@gmail.com, www.

MoreToLife.org/courses_Short.cfm#

AMERICAN INDIAN SOCIETY of Washington DC presents

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Native Crafts, Jewelry, Bake Sale, Silent Auction Sat. DEC 12 10AM-5PM, Church of St. Clement, 1701 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria VA 22302 for info call 804-241-5462

For Sale

DOG SITTING in my home. Reason-

FIREWOOD - SEASONED OAK. $195/Cord. Free Delivery. Call: 703-6230101

Help Wanted AFTER SCHOOL CARE needed for

able rates. Excellent references Call 703-577-1734

HOUSE CLEANING SERVICE Avail-

able 7 days a week. Week, biweekly, monthly or one time. Good references in Falls Church City. 10 years experience. For further information call me at 703-901-0596.

Senior discount, Ask: Susy.

two children. Looking for energetic, kind, and responsible sitter. Must have own transportation.

703-599-7914

127093

For Rent

CLNTS

1

LOCAL FALLS CHURCH brick & stone mason Installing brink, stone; steps, walkways, patios, retaining walls; Fireplace/chimney repairs. Jeff Cadle: 703-698-1390.

22:03

1/15/02

WV

B/W

Public Notice

CHRISTIAN MALE SEEKS tenant to

rent room. Available now; utilities included.

Nonsmoking, no alcohol. Spacious Master BDR, large closet, $550; $250 deposit.

References. 703-655-2043

Services CHILD CARE Experienced childcare

provider provides quality care for your infant in F.C. home. (703) 241-0605.

Deadlines: Every Tuesday 2 p.m.

classads@fcnp.com

LIEU’S RESTAURANT INC., trading

as Binh Dan Restaurant. 6763 Wilson Blvd #6, Falls Church, Fairfax County, VA 22044.

The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for a Beer, Wine, & Mixed Beverage license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Nga Dieu Tran, Owner.

www.FCNP.com WHAT A CHILD LEARNS ABOUT VIOLENCE A CHILD LEARNS FOR LIFE. Teach carefully. We can show you how.

Call 877-ACT-WISE for a free brochure or visit www.actagainstviolence.org.

“What a Child Learns”

Film at Horan Imaging 212-689-8585 Reference #: 127093

Proposed ordinance (TO9-14), Ordinance To Move Council Election Date, was given first reading on November 23, 2009. Second reading and public hearing will be held on Monday, December 14, 2009 at 7:30 p.m., Official Time, or as soon thereafter as may be heard in Council Chambers.

PUBLIC HEARINGS and consideration will also be given at the City Council Meeting of December 14, 2009 on the following proposed resolutions: (TR9-33) Resolution Requesting The General Assembly Of Virginia To Amend Section 3.01 Of The City Charter To Hold Council Elections In November [(TR9-33) requests that the General Assembly amend City charter Section 3.01 to hold Council elections the first Tuesday in November.

Currently, Section 3.01 of the City charter requires that council elections be held the first Tuesday in May.] (TR9-32) Resolution Endorsing A RefDOLEV erendum Initiated By Registered Voters Of The City On Whether City Council Elections Should Be Held In November

*127093*

(TR9-36) Resolution to Adopt the Fiscal Year 2011-2015 City of Falls Church Consolidated Plan for Housing & Community Development Needs Public hearings held in the Council Chambers are at 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. Copies of legislation may be obtained from the City Clerk’s office (703248-5014) or at cityclerk@fallschurchva. gov. This location is fully accessible to persons with physical disabilities. Special services or assistance to persons with disabilities may be requested in advance. To speak at a public hearing, fill out a speaker slip and give it to the Clerk at the left front table. Speakers will be called forward by the Mayor at the appropriate time.

KATHLEEN CLARKEN BUSCHOW CITY CLERK

NOTE TO PUB: DO NOT PRINT INFO BELOW, FOR I.D. ONLY. NO ALTERING OF AD COUNCIL PSAS. Act Against Violence - Magazine & Newspaper (2 1/1 6 x 2) B&W APARD2-N-05130-D

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA

Line Work

Request For Proposals (RFP) RFP No. 1204-10-LLTDI Life and Long Term Disability Insurance City Of Falls Church, Virginia

$20 for up to 20 words 50¢ each additional word Add a box - $10

Deadline: 2 p.m. Tuesdays

(two days before publication)

Fill out our Classified Ad form online at www.fcnp.com Phone: 703-532-3267 • Fax: 703-342-0352 E-Mail: classads@fcnp.com Mail: 450 W. Broad St. #321, Falls Church, VA 22046

Please include payment (check or money order) with your ad or call us to arrange payment by credit card.

For public & legal notices, please e-mail legalads@fcnp.com

The Falls Church News-Press accepts no financial responsibility for typographical errors in advertisements. Advertising which has minor discrepancies such as misspelling or small type transposition, but which do not affect the ability of the reader to respond to the ad will be considered substantially correct and full payment is required. The Falls Church NewsPress is not responsible if the original copy is not typewritten or legible and clear. The Falls Church News-Press is not responsible for copy changes made by telephone.

SETTLE IRS TAXES For a fraction of what you owe IfÊyouÊqualifyÊweÊcan: � Stop ^HNL NHYUPZOTLU[Z � Remove IHUR SL]PLZ [H_ SL]PLZ WYVWLY[` ZLPa\YLZ � Settle Z[H[L HUK I\ZPULZZ WH`YVSS [H_ WYVISLTZ � Eliminate WLUHS[PLZ PU[LYLZ[ JOHYNLZ HUK [H_ SPLUZ

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Sealed proposals will be accepted by the City of Falls Church at the Purchasing Office, 300 Park Ave., Room 300E, Falls Church, VA 22046 for the provision of Group Life, Dependent Life and Long Term Disability Insurance for the City.

Due date for the receipt of proposals: December 21, 2009 by 11:00 AM. All proposals must meet the requirements in the RFP which may be downloaded from the City of Falls Church’s website: http://www.fallschurchva.gov; Purchasing and Procurement link. In addition, a copy of the RFP may be accessed via eVA, the Commonwealth of Virginia’s electronic procurement portal for registered suppliers: http://eva.virginia.gov.

For more information regarding this RFP contact: Faye Smith, Purchasing Manager; (703) 248-5007; fsmith@fallschurchva.gov.

To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability call 703 248-5007, (TTY 711).

classads@fcnp.com

www.FCNP.com Anytime. Anywhere. ( ... as long as you have Internet access ... and a power supply ... and for that matter a computer ... or a cell phone ... come to think of it you’re going to need a ISP too ... )

December 10 - 16, 2009

Page 35

Professional Services

Home Improvement

on-site computer repair

“MILLENNIUM, USA PAINTING�

Licensed & Insured

t "MM .BKPS #SBOET t $FSUJGJFE 5FDIOJDJBO t "GGPSEBCMF 3BUFT

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om rvice Fr

$29.99 Call for

. details

Same Day, Evening & Weekend Appointments Available!

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Family Ophthalmology Exams, Glasses Prescription Medicare provider John Karickhoff, M.D. Board Certified 313 Park Ave Falls Church (703) 536-2400

Long Term Care Insurance Allows you to live with dignity, keep more of what you've worked for.

Annuities...Income for life to afford that dignity.

Fred Cruz, Agent...

703 876 1666 This ad is a sales solicitation.

HENRY HASSAN, MSFM, EA

TAX ACCOUNTANT – IRS ENROLLED AGENT

YASMEEN HASSAN JONES PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT

SMALL BUSINESS ACCOUNTING PAYROLL SERVICES INDIVIDUAL AND BUSINESS TAX PREPARATION BUSINESS CONSULTING

Interior • Exterior • Commercial Residential • Industrial

Power Washing • Carpentry Wall Paper Removal & Installation Drywall Finishing • Tile Ceramic Deck • Fences • Housekeeping Services Great References Great Prices Quality Service

20% Discount New Customers

703-409-8563 • 703-869-0941 Millenium_USA@Hotmail.com 313N Piedmont St #3 Arlington VA, 22203 www.millennium-usa-painting.com

JEFF L. CADLE

Local brick n’ stone mason installing patios, walkways, steps, chimneys, etc.

Specializing in repairs. Local references.

Free Estimates.

703-698-1390

Insured

Licensed

MBASSADOR OME MPROVEMENTS,

NC.

Kitchen &Bathrooms, Finished Basements, Additions. All your carpentry needs we handle everything for you. No need to search for a plumber, electrican or painter. We do it all.

Licensed & Insured Contractor

703- 499-7095

MOTTERN MASONRY DESIGN

Specializing in custom firplaces, patios, walkways, walls, driveways.

Small and large repairs.

Free Estimates.

Licensed and insured.

Local Company.

All work guaranteed.

703-496-7491

www.motternmasonry.com

Home Improvement Handyman Service All repairs, plumbing, drywall, doors, windows, rotted, wood, siding, gutters, lighting + more FREE estimates, insured Call Doug (703)556-4276

www.novahandyman.com One of the Oldest Masonry Companies in NOVA Owned & Operated by The Cadle Family since the 1950s

Class A License #VA2705087240A

JOSEPH HOME IMPROVEMENT Drywall • Paint Exterior / Interior, Bath & Kitchen Remodeling, Basements, Handyman, Moving, Clean Garage, All kinds of hauling

Joseph

Licensed Work

Cell 703-507-5005 Tel 703-507-8300

N.G. PAINTING Residential & Commercial Interior & Exterior Painting Plastering & Drywall Repairs Wall Paper Removal Power Wash Clean Fully Licensed

Cell: (202) 352-1429 Office: (703) 312-0032

See all of the Falls Church listings as soon as they hit the market!

RE/MAX Allegiance 5100 Leesburg Pike, Suite 200 Alexandria, VA 22302 mobile. 703-868-5999 office. 703-824-4800 ShaunMurphy@remax.net

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since 1985

703-892-8648

Lawn & Garden Leaf Removal, Gutter Cleaning, Mowing, & Mulching Free Estimates

703-627-7723

Seven Brothers Landscaping Service

Spring Cleanup, mulching, mowing, edging, trimming.

Residential & Commercial Tree Service & Snow Removal

703-241-4990

Gabriel Lawn Service Leaf removal • Tree S er vice Free Estimates

703-691-2351 Make a Joyful Splash! with

Phone # Cell Number

Eileen Levy

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703-848-8322 703-901-2431

Government contract law, health law, civil litigation, and all areas of business law.

www.FallsChurchListingMap.com

(703) 580-7511 cell (703) 477-1780

Call Mike 703-978-2270

Sweet Garden Lawn Care

All Work Guaranteed - Licensed & Fully Insured

For your function please call

We Clean the White House!

703-443-2308

See our web site for ideas, pictures & coupons: www.masonryspecialist.com

Providing food for you and your guests up to 50 (home or office). Chef Sam preprares Persian, Afghani, Mediterranean, and American foods for your party.

REMODELING & ADDITION, CERAMIC, TILE, FINISHED CARPENTRY, CROWN MOLDING, CHAIRS, DECK RAILS, STAIR, WINDOWS, DOORS, CONCRETE, SIDEWALKS, DRIVEWAYS, BRICK INSTALLED & REPAIRED

www.bpmlawyers.com

400 S. Maple Avenue, Suite 210, Falls Church, VA 22046

• 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage

www.a-cleaningserviceinc.com

EP Henry & Belgard Pavers Patios, Walkways, Driveways Retaining & Decorative Walls

SAM'S CATERING

•Stretching•Mold Experts •Upholstery

brick - fieldstone flagstone - concrete

6404-N SEVEN CORNERS PLACE FALLS CHURCH VA 22044

In the City of Falls Church: 703-992-9255 In D.C.: 202-416-1660

Mike’s Carpet Cleaning

Insured, Bonded and Licenced Independently owned Commercial & Residential

For All of Your Masonry Needs Custom Design, Installation, Repairs & Restoration

Food & Dining

5 Rooms deep cleaned only $110

Masonry Specialist, LLC

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Benton Potter & Murdock, PC

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Business & Service Directory

Create unique art masterpieces using acrylics, water-based oils, pencils and an innovative variety of tools and brushes.

Held at 111 Park Avenue Falls Church on Tuesday Evenings from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Cost: $90 On-going monthly enrollment Enroll on-line at www.creativecauldron.org Or call 571-239-5288

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Page 36

December 10 - 16, 2009

BACK IN THE DAY laz y The dog. c k q u i fox sly p e d jum e r o v lazy the g . d o is Now time the all for o d g o to cows

15 s Yearo g A

to come aid the ir of there. pa stu is Now e the timall for o d g o to cows to come aid the ir of there. pa stu

10 & 15 Years Ago

Falls Church News-Press Vol lV, No. 39 • December 15, 1994

in the

News-Press

It is no the timw e for g o all o cows d to go to the aid of the pa stu ir re. *** **

Falls Church News-Press Vol IX, No. 40 • December 16, 1999

10 Year s Ago

Thro w it up.

Pour it up It now is the time for all go od cows to go to the aid

‘Citizens Pack Neighborhood Meeting To Signal Tough Fight Over Whittier’

‘Council OKs 3-Year Deal for Video Service to Nab Red Light Violators’

“The Falls Church City Council got a foretaste of the level of citizen acitivism it can expect over the next two years as it seeks to develop the ‘highest and best use’ of the 9.6 acre Whittier School site being deeded from Fairfax County. Over 70 citizens braved cold weather and other holiday season diversions to pack a meeting room at the Child Development Center for a Council-sponsored Neighbrohood Meeting to hear public input on plans...”

“Motorists tempted to run red lights in the City of Falls Church might think twice once a new automated camera surveillance system is installed here in the spring capable of identifying and mailing stiff to violators. The Falls Church City Council gave final approval Monday to a three year contract with Nestor Traffic Systems, Inc., for the installation of the system. Falls Church Police Chief Robert Murray told the council he was confident the pricey...”

Helen Thomas Continued from Page 12

Central Asia.

Obama’s troop buildup is in line with his campaign promise that Afghanistan was a war of necessity – as opposed to Iraq – and that he would target Afghanistan if he became president.

Still, he had a chance to reconsider and begin a withdrawal to save lives.

Considering the domestic problems on his plate, he should have followed the footprints of the Russians, who gave up after some 10 years of warfare in that rugged terrain. In earlier times, both the British and Alexander the Great finally left Afghanistan to the warlike Afghans.

There is a precedent for strategic withdrawal. President Dwight D. Eisenhower – a top commander in World War II – withdrew most U.S. troops from Korea and settled for an armistice with Pyongyang.

As for interventions in civil wars, a Bill Mauldin cartoon said it all. He showed two muddied GI’s lifting their heads out of a trench and one asks the other: “How can you tell a North Korean from a South Korean?”

No one called Ike a coward when he compromised. Likewise, Americans heaved a sigh of relief when President Ronald Reagan “redeployed” U.S. Marines out of Lebanon in 1983.

Obama should remember his own battle cry and tell the hawks: “Yes, we can.”

The U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, Karl Eikenberry – formerly the top military commander in that tribal country – had warned against a troop escalation in secret cables he sent to the State Department.

But in testimony this week on Capitol Hill, Eikenberry – like a good soldier – came on board with Gen. Stanley McChrystal, who had requested 40,000 more American troops. NATO allies have promised to dispatch several thousands more troops, bringing the total number to 100,000 under U.S. command.

Eikenberry said the goal is to stabilize Afghanistan and ensure that al Qaida and other terrorist groups cannot regain a foothold there to plan new attacks against the U.S. and its allies.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Gen. David Petraeus – who heads U.S. Central Command – insisted that parallels between Iraq and Afghanistan or Vietnam are “highly misleading.”

“Afghanistan is not Iraq,” or other countries, he said. “It is Afghanistan with its own list of challenges and difficulties.”

www.fcnp.com

The difference, he explained, is the low literacy rate in Afghanistan and its shaky central government.

Sorry, general. To me it looks like the same old Vietnam quagmire.

In the vernacular, Obama should know the often repeated phrase: “The way forward” means “out.”

PERIWINKLE, or “Perry” to those who know him best, is a Lovebird who loves none other than to groom his owner’s hair and eyelashes. But no worries; he’s never bitten his mom, Janice Adams, which she said is a rare thing for a bird. More than anything, this little guy — who Adams has owned for 11 years — is quite content sitting on his mom’s shoulder and cuddling. He is a Lovebird after all. Of course, sometimes Perry has to settle for the back of this sofa when mom’s shoulder isn’t available. He doesn’t mind though. Rumor has it every breeder who sees Perry blabs on and on about his colorful marking. So, shoulder or not, Perry told the News-Press, “I’ve still got it.” Then he ask us if we wanted a cracker.

December 10 - 16, 2009

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Page 37

Accounting

Diener & Associates, CPA. . . . . . . . . 241-8807 Eric C. Johnson, CPA, PC . . . . . . . . 538-2394 Mark Sullivan, CPA . . . . . . . . . . . 571-214-4511 Hassans Accounting & Tax Services . 241-7771 Hahn & Associates, PC, CPAs . . . . . 533-3777

n

Catering

n

Gifts

n

Cleaning Services

n

health & FItness

n

home care

n

home improvement

ANTIQUES & cOLLECTIBLES

Falls Church Antique Company . . . . 241-7074 Antique Annex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241-9642

Sam’s Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 580-7511 Pressure Washing/Deck, Siding . . . . 980-0225 A-Cleaning Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 892-8648 Affordable Carpet Resoration . . . . . . 978-2270 Maid Brigade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 823-1922 Carpets, Ducts, Windows . . . . . . . . . 823-1922

n

Computer services

Mark F. Werblood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 534-9300 Janine S. Benton, Esq. . . . . . . . . . . . .992-9255

n

Counseling

Beyer Volvo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237-5000 Integrity Tire & Auto Repair . . . . . . . . 639-0700

n

Dentists

Attorneys

Automotive banking

Burke & Herbert Bank & Trust Co. . . 519-1634 BB&T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241-3505 TD Bank/www.TDBank.com . . . . . . . 237-2051 Acacia Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506-8100

Fast-teks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 496-7807 Carol S. Miller, LCSW . . . . . . . . . . . . 395-4980 Josette Millman, APRN . . . . . . . . . . . 855-0396 Dr. William Dougherty . . . . . . . . . . . . 532-3300 Dr. Nimisha V. Patel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 533-1733

n

Equipment REntal/Sale Eyewear

VA Outdoor Power Equipment . . . . . 207-2000 Ace Tool & Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . 532-5600

n

book Binding

n

n

BUSINESS SERVICES

n

FLorists

chiropractor

n

FRames

n

BCR Binders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 534-9181 Jon Rizalvo, PAYCHEX . . . . . 698-6910 x27045 Dr. Solano, solanospine.com . . . . . . 536-4366

Art & Frame of Falls Church . . . . . . . 534-4202

massage

Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 536-0140 Sacred Well Yoga and Healing . . . . . 989-8316

n

medical

Human Touch Home Health . . . . . . . 531-0540

n

Music

Joseph Home Improvement . . . . . . . 507-5005 Ram Home Improvement . . . . . . . . . 641-5892 Doug’s Handyman Services . . . . . . . 556-4276 Ambassador Home Improvements . 499-7095 FC Heating & Air Service . . . . . . . . . 534-0630 N.G. Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312-0032 Millennium, USA Painting . . . . . . . . . 409-8563 The Vinyl Touch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 793-3111

n

ophthalmology

n

pharmacy

n

real estate

n

tailor

n

insurance

n

lawn & garden

n

masonry

Point of View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237-6500

Falls Church Florist, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . 533-1333

n

Stifel & Capra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-0770

Fred Cruz, Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 876-1666 State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . 237-5105 Morales Landscaping and Lawncare 502-3990 Sweet Garden Lawn Care . . . . . . . . . 627-7723 Gabriel Lawn Service . . . . . . . . . . . . 691-2351 Seven Brothers Landscaping . . . . . . 241-4990 Mottern Masonry Design . . . . . . . . . . 496-7491 Masonry Specialist LLC . . . . . . . . . . 443-2308 Jeff L. Cadle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 698-1390

www.healthybyintention.com. . . . . . . 534-1321 Sheraton Premiere Women’s Massage 403-9328 Dr Gordon Theisz, Family Medicine . 533-7555 The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy . . . 536-4042 Academy of Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 938-8054 World Childrens Choir . . . . . . . . . . . 883-0920 Columbia Institute - Fine Arts . . . . . . 534-2508 Foxes Music Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 533-7393 John Karickhoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 536-2400 Broad Street Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . .533-9013 Merelyn Kaye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .790-9090x218 www.helpfulmortgage.us . . . . . . . . . . 237-0222 Casey O’Neal - ReMax . . . . . . . . . . . 824-4196 Rosemary Hayes Jones . . . . . . . . . . .790-1990 Leslie Hutchison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .675-2188 The Young Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .356-8800 Shaun Murphy, Realtor . . . . . . . . . . 868-5999 www.TheJeffersonatBallston.com . . . 741-7562 Susan Fauber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395-8741 Tailor Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 534-8886

All numbers have a ‘703’ prefix unless otherwise indicated.

To see your business here, call us at 703-532-3267, fax 703-342-0352 or E-Mail us at ads@fcnp.com Check out our NEW Online Business Directory at www.FCNP.com

Make Your Pet a Star!

Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be!

Snap a pic of your critter and email it to: CRITTERCORNER@FCNP.COM OR mail it to Critter Corner c/o Falls Church News-Press

VISIT US ONLINE

www.fcnp.com

450 W. Broad Street #321

Critter

Falls Church, Va 22046

Corner

News•Photos•Online Polls•Sports E-Issuu • Twitter • and More

Page 38

city

on Winter Preparedness

December 10 - 16, 2009

for the week of December 10-16, 2009

Snow Removal is Everyone’s Job

Prepare Your Home for Winter

The Department of Environmental Services Operations Division is responsible for snow removal in the City right of way. Clearing snow from driveways and entrances is the responsibility of the resident.

Plow operators focus on clearing streets. They do not have control over the snow coming off the edge of the blade, and their plows cannot be adjusted for the sharp turns required to clear driveways.

Residential Sidewalks Residents must remove snow/ice from sidewalks surrounding the property 12 hours after snowfall. If the snow falls at night, residents have 12 hours after sunrise to remove it. Snow/ice must not be placed on City streets.

Commercial Sidewalks Commercial property owners must remove snow/ ice from sidewalks surrounding the property six hours after snowfall. If the snow falls at night, businesses have six hours after sunrise to remove it. Snow/ice must not be placed on City streets.

Make sure your home is properly insulated. If necessary, insulate the walls and attic to reduce your home’s power demands for heat. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out.

Consider buying emergency heating equipment, such as a wood- or coalburning stove or a kerosene heater. If you have a wood stove, be sure it is properly vented and in good working order and that you dispose of the ashes safely. For a kerosene heater, use only the correct fuel for your unit. Properly ventilate the area of use and refuel the unit outdoors once it has cooled.

Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide an extra layer of insulation to keep cold air out.

Protect your pipes and avoid the unfortunate results of frozen pipes.

Know how to shut off the main water valve and how to shut off and drain outside faucets. Outside faucets are often controlled by a valve inside the home. Keep a wrench near the valves. The main valve is typically located where the water line from the meter enters the house. This can be in the crawl space under your house or in the utility room near the hot-water tank or clothes washer.

Snow Emergency Route Parking Restrictions Reminder

Keep Your Car Running in the Cold

Residents who park along snow emergency routes are reminded to move their vehicles during a City-declared snow emergency. In the case of inclement weather due to snow, the City will announce snow emergency route parking restrictions on the City’s emergency broadcast station 1680 AM Radio, www.fallschurchva.gov, local radio and television stations, and Falls Church City Television (Cox Channel 12, RCN Channel 2, Verizon Channel 35). Updates will be posted when restrictions have been lifted.

Snow emergency routes have first priority for salting, sanding, and plowing. Upon completion of clearing these routes, City crews clear all other streets. Traffic signs identify City streets that are snow emergency routes. Vehicles parked on snow emergency routes may be ticketed and towed in order to allow snow removal crews to clear the roads. To view a map of the City’s snow emergency routes, visit www.fallschurchva.gov.

The snow emergency routes are: • Annandale Road from Hillwood Avenue to Broad Street • Broad Street from Haycock Road to Seven Corners • Columbia Street from Maple Avenue to Tuckahoe Street • Great Falls Street from West Street to Washington Street • Hillwood Avenue from Washington Street to Douglas Avenue • Lincoln Avenue from West Street to Yucatan Street • Little Falls Street from Broad Street to Great Falls Street • Maple Avenue from Annandale Road to Columbia Street • Park Avenue from West Street to Washington Street • Roosevelt Street from Hillwood Avenue to Roosevelt Boulevard • Washington Street from Graham Road to Westmoreland Street • West Street from Abbott Lane to Great Falls Street.

All routes are posted on both sides of the street except for the following: • East Columbia Street – Washington Street to north City limits: posted on north side of street, affecting westbound traffic only.

• North West Street – Park Avenue to north City line: posted on northwest side of street, affecting southbound traffic only.

• South West Street – South City limits to Ellison Street: posted on northwest side of street, affecting southbound traffic only.

You can avoid many dangerous winter travel problems by planning ahead. Have maintenance service on your vehicle as often as the manufacturer recommends.

In addition: • Have the radiator system serviced, or check the antifreeze level yourself with an antifreeze tester.

Add antifreeze, as needed.

• Replace windshield-wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture.

• Replace worn tires and check the air pressure in the tires.

• During winter, keep the gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.

Stay Informed with Alert Falls Church Get real-time updates and instructions on what to do and where to go during an emergency in Falls Church City, by registering for Falls Church Alert. You will receive alerts from the City via portable electronic devices and e-mail, only in the event of an emergency.

Sign up for this free service at alert.fallschurchva.gov.

Sign up for e-FOCUS The e-FOCUS is the City’s online newsletter that highlights the City’s financial, environmental, transportation, economic development, public safety, and housing issues. Check it out or subscribe online at www.fallschurchva.gov.

2010 City Calendar Information

The City will not publish or mail a 2010 Calendar due to budget cuts. A complete list of City events, meetings, closures, and important dates will be available online at www.fallschurchva.gov.

www.fallschurchva.gov - The official site for City of Falls Church news

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Questions or Comments?

City of Falls Church, Harry E. Wells Building 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22046 703-248-5003 (TTY 711) The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This document will be made available in alternate format upon request.

Call 703-248-5003 (TTY 711).

December 10 - 16, 2009

B&N Fundraiser Ends Tonight The Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School annual Barnes and Noble fundraiser ends tonight. By using the code 501270 at any Barnes and Noble store in the country, the school receives a portion of the purchase to fund teacher grant competition, the Shakespeare in Residence program and Students clamor for raffle tickets from Daniel Donovan (centhe end-of-year field day ter) at the Barnes and Noble fundraiser kickoff and concert and moving up ceremony. at the Seven Corners location.

Page 39

GMHS Band Concert Tonight!

Here’s a holiday treat you won’t want to miss! The George Mason High School band performs tonight, Thursday, December 10th at 7:30 p.m. in the school auditorium. Featured performances include classic compositions by Duke Ellington, Chick Corea and George Gershwin as well as holiday favorites such as Frosty the Snowman.

The symphonic band will perform “Video Games Live,” complete with video of “Halo” and “Civilizations.” The evening will be full of lively entertainment, and admission is free!

Help Falls Church Families in Need Mustang Athletic Wear on Sale Each year, the Falls Church City Public Schools Family Assistance Fund collects donations to assist families with limited resources within our community.

The donations are primarily used for holiday and back to school assistance for approved families with at least one school age student. Funds are also used for a crisis or medical emergency that may occur year round.

If you know of a family that could benefit such assistance this holiday season, or if you would like to make a tax deductable donation to the family assistance fund, contact school social worker Susan Sinclair at (703) 248-5634 or at sinclairs@fccps.org.

FCC-TV Spotlight: NASA Sci Files

BIE Partner of the Week Laura Nunley Weichert Realtors

School involvement: Serves on the board of Falls Church Education Foundation; Organized in-store reception and auction at Quinn’s Auction House; Volunteers in the schools.

Why Laura is a BIE partner: “No matter where you live, it’s important to give back to the schools. As a GMHS graduate, and parent of two FCCPS students, I feel a special connection to Falls Church and am glad to be able to support the schools as an FCEF Board member.”

For more information about sharing your expertise through the BIE Partnership, visit www.fccps.org or contact Marybeth Connelly at connellym@fccps.org.

Foundation Footnotes

Men’s (left) and women’s half-zip pullovers are among the items available for purchase at the GMHS online store.

If you are thinking of purchasing work-out wear for you or as a gift, think of buying brands that give back to George Mason High School. But you better hurry!

Visit www.fccps.org/gmhsstore/, the GMHS winter sports store, to place your order by midnight tonight. Black hoodies, beanies, t-shirts, shorts, pullovers and yoga pants are available for men and women in all sizes with proceeds benefiting Mustang athletics. Prices range from $12-$30.

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Year end gift ideas Looking for a tax deduction? The Falls Church Education Foundation is now accepting year-end gifts. Past year-end contributions have included cash, longterm appreciated stock and donations from an IRA. For more information about short or long-term donations and tax implications, contact the foundation office at (703) 538-3381 or email Donna Englander at denglander@fcedf.org.

The Falls Church Education Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Visit www.fcedf.org for more information.

School content published in The Schools Focus is written and edited by the Falls Church City Public Schools. For more information, contact the Falls Church City Public Schools Communications Office. Phone: (703) 248-5699 Fax: (703) 248-5613.

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Tune in to Falls Church City Television (FCC-TV) to watch NASA Sci Files. This Emmy award-winning series introduces students in grades 3-5 to NASA and integrates mathematics, science, and technology through the use of problembased learning, as the tree house detectives solve real-world problems.

You can watch NASA Sci Files on FCC-TV at the following times: • Mondays and Fridays at 7:30 a.m. • Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:00 p.m.

You can now see FCC-TV programming live at www.fcctv.net anywhere in the world! FCC-TV also airs in the greater Falls Church area on Cox Channel 12, Verizon Channel 35 and RCN Channel 2.

Winter Band Concert (GM) Seton School @ Mason (B Basketball) Mason @ Warren Co. (Wrestling) Mason @ Ida Lee Pool v. Briar Woods (Swimming) Bull Run District @ Mason (Scholastic Bowl) Falls Church @ Mason (G Basketball) Falls Church @ Mason (B Basketball) Gifted and Talented Advisory Committee (TJ) Middle School Chorus Concert (MEH) Day Care Subcommittee: Standing Committee (TJ) Extended Day Care Advisory Board (TJ) Mason @ Potomac Falls (G Basketball) Potomac Falls @ Mason (B Basketball) Day Care Subcommittee: Daycare Capacity (TJ) GMHS Chorus Winter Concert (GM)

For more calendar information, visit www.fccps.org/calendar.

(MD) Mt. Daniel School (TJ) Thomas Jefferson Elementary (MEH) Mary Ellen Henderson Middle (GM) George Mason High (CO) Central Office www.fccps.org - The official site for Falls Church City Public Schools news

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December 10 - 16, 2009

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