Editorial: More Obstacles to Transparency
General Assembly puts more information out of public reach, but other factors also limit access.
The first paragraph of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, passed by the General Assembly in 1968, states that all public records "shall be presumed open." It doesn’t add, “except when we don’t want to,” although that provision does seem to be available in many cases. Individual government entities have a variety of ways of making it hard for the public to access public information.
Column: 14.8 Percent
That is the percentage of diagnosed lung cancer patients who survive beyond five years, according to The National Cancer Institute’s SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2009, in a graph published in the Feb. 26, 2013 Washington Post’s weekly Health & Science section. As a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) survivor beginning his fifth year post-diagnosis, charting my prospects in such a cold and impersonal manner is both chilling and arguable. “Chilling” in that facts speak for themselves and are hardly made up of whole cloth, to invoke one of the late Jack Kent Cooke’s more famous quotes. And “arguable” in that charts, statistics, etc., may very well measure the mean, but it sure doesn’t measure the man (this man, anyway). Meaning, from my perspective: sure, the chart is scary as hell, but I’m not sure I’m on it, if you know what I mean? (I know you know what I hope.)
Better Training, More Technology
The bipartisan commission released findings, recommendations regarding long lines on Election Day.
"The commission has identified a variety of improvements and efficiencies to ensure access and convenience for voters in future elections.” —Sharon Bulova
Governor Approves Conditional Budget for Medicaid Expansion
Vote-swapping operation traded transportation votes for Medicaid money.
Half a million uninsured Virginians may be eligible for Medicaid under an agreement now being worked out in Richmond — a deal in which Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell agreed to include Medicaid expansion as part of the budget if Senate Democrats supported a transportation package.
Fairs and Festivals 2013-2014
Information on fairs and festivals taking place in 2013-2014.
Las Vegas Comes to Alexandria
Big name magicians convene to share tricks, entertain families at Magi-Whirl 2013 on April 6.
An annual magic convention will bring big stars of the entertainment world to a high school auditorium early next month, and everyone's invited.
‘Voodoo Macbeth’
American Century stages dark Orson Welles drama.
William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” considered by many to be one of his darkest tragedies, tells the story of a Scottish general named Macbeth who commits murder to become king and fulfill his ambition for power. In 1936, a young Orson Welles staged his own legendary adaptation of the play, “Voodoo Macbeth,” which is reimagined now by The American Century Theater.
Orange Line Calendar March 27
Information for events going on around the Metro Orange Line.
Arlington Fairs and Festivals March 27
Information on fairs and festivals going on in the Arlington area.
Arlington Entertainment Calendar March 27
Information on upcoming entertainment events in Arlington.
Operation Patriotic STEM
Marymount University makes science fun at Ft. Belvoir Elementary School.
As stomp rockets flew through the air, balloons expanded, and electricity set hair standing on end, children at Ft. Belvoir Elementary School didn’t know which hands-on science activity to try first.
Current Proposed Design of the Millennium Project
The Millennium expansion project is estimated to add close to 30,000 additional burial and niche spaces to Arlington National Cemetery.
Spring Fun
Crystal City 5k runs return in April.
Say goodbye to winter woes over a friendly 5k run this April in Crystal City. Races return this spring every Friday, and offer participants a chance to get out and go.
Ultimate Spring, YULA Invite, Opens Season in Arlington
Twenty-two teams playing at Washington-Lee and the new Long Bridge fields kicked off the 2013 Ultimate’s (Frisbee) season last weekend with the YULA Invite tournament.
Batman Visits YMCA
Batman AKA Bruce Wayne, AKA Lenny B. Robinson stopped by the Arlington YMCA on North 13th Street on Friday, March 22, promoting National Inhalants and Poison Awareness Week.
Arlington Bulletin Board March 27
Information on events happening in Arlington.
Have a Wild Art Adventure
Registration is now open for children's spring and summer classes. Summer Art Classes, June 24-Aug. 23 Introduce children to art fundamentals in fun, week-long art classes like Color Capers, Amazing Architects and Engineers, and Magnificent Murals.
Launching of Art Underground
Photos by LaShawn Avery-Simon/The Connection Launching of Art Underground An open house was held Saturday, March 16, at the Crystal City Shops, 2100 Crystal Drive, to celebrate the launch of Art Underground with studio and gallery tours.
“Flourishing After 55”
“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington’s Office of Senior Adult Programs for April 1-6.
Arlington senior centers: Aurora Hills, 735 S. 18th St.; Walter Reed, 2909 S. 16th St.; Culpepper Garden, 4435 N. Pershing Dr.; Langston-Brown, 2121 N. Culpeper St.; Lee, 5722 Lee Hwy.; Arlington Mill at Fairlington, 3308 S. Stafford St.; also Madison Community Center, 3829 N. Stafford St.; TJ Comm. Center, 3501 S. 2nd St. Senior trips: U.S. Botanic Garden Gardens, D.C., Monday, April 1, $9; Allenberry Playhouse, Boiling Springs, Pa., “The Andrews Brothers,” Wednesday, April 3, $67; National Symphony Orchestra open rehearsal, Thursday, April 4, $8; Nina’s Dandy cruise, Friday, April 5, $64. Call Arlington County 55+ Travel, 703-228-4748. Registration required. History of Faberge eggs, Monday, April 1, 1 p.m., Culpepper Garden. Free. Register, 703-228-4403. Seated exercise classes, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, 9 a.m., Madison Community Center $60/15 sessions, $4 drop in. Details, 703-228-4878. Strength training classes, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, 9 a.m., Thomas Jefferson, $60/15 sessions, $4 drop in. Details, 703-228-4745. Square dance group meets Mondays, 10 a.m., Culpepper Garden. Novices welcome. Free. Register, 703-228-4403. Russian culture and language, Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Langston-Brown. Free. Details, 703=228-6300. Piano lessons, half hour sessions, $20, Tuesdays, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m., Culpepper Garden. Call for appt., 703-228-4403. Indoor walking group, Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., Langston-Brown. Free. Details, 703-228-6300. Beginners full fitness class, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m., Lee. $60/15 sessions. Register, 703-228-0555. Credit reports and scores explained, Wednesday, April 3, 11 a.m., Langston-Brown. Free. Register, 703-228-6300. Computer basics for novices, Wednesday, April 3, 10 a.m., Aurora Hills. Free. Register, 703-228-5722. Theater Appreciation series begins Thursday, April 4, 10 a.m., Langston-Brown, $35/9 classes. Register, 703-228-6300. Downsizing tips, Thursday, April 4, 1 p.m., Langston-Brown. Free. Register, 703-228-6300. Advanced line dancing, Thursdays, 1:30 p.m., Lee. Newcomers welcome. Details, 703-228-0555. Drawing and painting classes, intermediate, Friday, April 5, 1 p.m., Langston-Brown. $28/four two-hour sessions. Register, 703-228-6300. Arlington Poets group, Friday, April 5, 3 p.m., Langston-Brown. Free. Register, 703-228-6300. Fast-paced walking, Fridays, 9 a.m., Aurora Hills. Free. Register, 703-228-5722. Computer classes for novices, five four-hour courses, $20 each, Lee. Call Fridays, 703-228-0555.
Classified Advertising March 20, 2013
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