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Virginia death penalty moratorium lifted post-Supreme Court decision
2008-04-17 12:47:00
Virginia Governor Tim Kaine lifted a moratorium on the execution (so to speak) of the death penalty procedure in the state after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Kentucky's three drug lethal execution cocktail. The court ruled that there was no constitutional requirement that executions be completely free of the risk of pain.Governor Kaine is well-known as a personal opponent of the death penalty and no doubt had hoped that the court would have knocked down the Kentucky procedure and by extension, Virginia's as well. Of course to get elected as governor in the first place, Kaine had also promised to "uphold the law" so with the court back on board with safeguarded lethal injections, he had no reasonable alternative to lifting the moratorium.----What was disingenuous was Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell's criticism of Kaine enacting the moratorium in the first place. The attorney general should be upholding the law, not leaving the state liable for a potentially irreversible u...
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Wizards-Cavaliers playoff schedule
2008-04-17 11:30:00
The following is the announced schedule of games for the Washington Wizards - Cleveland Cavaliers NBA Eastern Conference quarterfinal series. The television carriers listed are both local for the D.C. area and national, the radio carrier listed is local to the Washington, D.C. area.The schedule information posted is subject to change.----Saturday, April 19 - Eastern Conference quarterfinal, game oneWashington Wizards at Cleveland Cavaliers, 12:30 p.m. - Comcast SportsNet, ESPN, WTEM/980Monday, April 21 - Eastern Conference quarterfinal, game twoWashington Wizards at Cleveland Cavaliers, 7 p.m. - Comcast SportsNet, TNT, WTEM/980Thursday, April 24 - Eastern Conference quarterfinal, game threeCleveland Cavaliers at Washington Wizards, 8 p.m. - Comcast SportsNet, TNT, WTEM/980Sunday, April 27 - Eastern Conference quarterfinal, game fourCleveland Cavaliers at Washington Wizards, 1 p.m. - ABC (WJLA/7, WMAR/2), WTEM/980Wednesday, April 30 - Eastern Conference quarterfinal, game five (...
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Barkley calls Wizards "dumbest team in history of civilization"
2008-04-17 01:33:00
NBA star turned TNT basketball analyst Charles Barkley referred to the Washington Wizards as the "dumbest team in the history of civilization," notes Cavaliers Insider, for riling up star Cleveland player LeBron James. The Washington Wizards will (again) play the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the NBA playoffs.Normally I might tend to agree with Barkley's concern but since being "nice guys" hasn't worked for the Wizards in taking down Cleveland in recent postseasons, perhaps a change of approach is in order. Anyway, the only NBA player who could regularly reek unholy vengeance for such slights was Michael Jordan. LeBron James may be great but he's not up to that level just yet.----Relevant link: Cavaliers Insider
More About: History , Civilization , Calls , Team

Lest we forget
2008-04-16 22:06:00
One year later, Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger:"It has been a hard journey indeed. It began with a shock and trauma and a flood of emotions. And in the ensuing days and weeks and months, we have searched for answers. We have searched for meaning in what is incomprehensible. And we have searched for rest in those sleepless hours in the night when the silence has been shattered by the barrage of our own thoughts." "We have not found everything we sought, but at every turn we have found each other."----Relevant link: Washington Post

Popemobile qualifies for D.C. speed racing circuit
2008-04-16 18:17:00
Pope Benedict XVI's Popemobile passed its test run for the D.C. speed racing circuit, achieving a top speed of 137.3 miles per hour as it whipped from the White House to the Vatican embassy this midday. Okay, that first paragraph was mostly fictional but what isn't unreal is that numerous onlookers had their experience of viewing the Pope diminished simply becuase the blasted speed of the Popemobile made it nearly impossible to get a good view or a good picture.A pontiff of the people has to slow down long enough to actually be clearly seen by the people.----
More About: Racing , Speed , Circuit

Capitals listless in game three defeat to Flyers
2008-04-16 17:19:00
The Washington Capitals put together another seemingly listless performance in a game three playoff defeat to the overpowering Philadelphia Flyers , 6-3. The Caps are now down two games to one in the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series, needing to win next time out to have a realistic chance at advancing to the conference semis.Washington scored a quick early goal to erase a 1-0 first period deficit, signaling what could have been a different kind of game. However, the Flyers ran off two straight goals within 17 seconds near the end of the first period to regain a lead that would never be relinquished.Aside from the final minutes of game one, star Alex Ovechkin's line has been a virtual non-factor in the series. That must change for this Thursday's game four (available on Comcast SportsNet, Versus & WJFK/106.7) or else dreams of D.C. truly becoming Hockeytown USA will have to be set aside once again. ----Relevant links: Washington Post, Washington Times
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Frost Advisory (4/16/08)
2008-04-16 04:21:00
A Frost Advsisory is in effect effective early Wednesday for Washington, D.C. and its southern and eastern suburbs.Excerpted from National Weather Service:A FROST ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 8 AM EDT WEDNESDAY.OVERNIGHT TEMPERATURES WILL APPROACH FREEZING IN THE I-95 CORRIDOR.A FROST ADVISORY MEANS THAT FROST IS POSSIBLE. SENSITIVE OUTDOOR PLANTS MAY BE KILLED IF LEFT UNCOVERED.----

Freeze Warning (4/16/08)
2008-04-16 04:17:00
A Freeze Warning is in effect for the northern and western suburbs of Washington, D.C. effective early Wednesday. Excerpted from National Weather Service:A FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 8 AM EDT WEDNESDAY.OVERNIGHT TEMPERATURES WILL DROP BELOW FREEZING IN MANY LOCATIONS BETWEEN I-81 AND I-95.A FREEZE WARNING MEANS SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES ARE IMMINENT OR HIGHLY LIKELY. THESE CONDITIONS WILL KILL CROPS AND OTHER SENSITIVE VEGETATION.----

"DC Madam" Deborah Jeane Palfrey convicted of racketeering
2008-04-16 00:31:00
The so-called "D.C. Madam ," Deborah Jeane Palfrey, was convicted of racketeering, use of mail for illegal purposes and money laundering in connection with the operation of her claimed escort service. Jurors clearly believed the claims of federal prosecutors and numerous witnesses that Palfrey's operation was, in actuality, a high-end prostitution ring. Ironically enough, Palfrey was never charged with and never convicted of any direct prostitution charge.What was striking for all the initial headlines about the scandal is how low-key the actual trial turned out. Aside from the occasional notable witness and the raunchier than the usual testimony, the mechanics of the court trial turned out to be all too routine. The end outcome proved a virtually assured eventuality. ----Relevant links: Washington Post, AP via Washington Times
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Washington Redskins 2008 regular season schedule announced
2008-04-15 21:43:00
The following is the Washington Redskins' schedule for the 2008 regular season. The schedule is subject to change based on television considerations.----Week 1. Thursday, September 4Washington Redskins at New York Giants, 7 p.m., NBC (WRC/4)Week 2. Sunday, September 14New Orleans Saints at Washington Redskins, 1 p.m., FOX (WTTG/5)Week 3. Sunday, September 21Arizona Cardinals at Washington Redskins, 1 p.m., FOX (WTTG/5)Week 4. Sunday, September 28Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys, 4:15 p.m., FOX (WTTG/5)Week 5. Sunday, October 5Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles, 1 p.n., FOX (WTTG/5)Week 6. Sunday, October 12St. Louis Rams at Washington Redskins, 1 p.m., FOX (WTTG/5)Week 7. Sunday, October 19Cleveland Browns at Washington Redskins, 4:15 p.m., CBS (WUSA/9)Week 8. Sunday, October 26Washington Redskins at Detroit Lions, 1 p.m., FOX (WTTG/5)Week 9. Monday, November 3Pittsburgh Steelers at Washington Redskins, 8:30 p.m., ESPNWeek 10. bye weekWeek 11. Sunday, November 16Dallas...
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Blog service restored
2008-04-15 19:58:00
This blog was unavailable for parts of yesterday and today due to factors beyond my control. All posts should now be restored. I apologize for the inconvenience.
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Tag banned at McLean school recess
2008-04-15 17:04:00
An elementary school in McLean, Virginia has made national headlines by banning the game "tag" from its school recess. As described in the Washington Post, Kent Gardens Elementary School 's principal banned the game on a temporary basis, as it was being abused by kids who were using its pretext to push down or pile on unsuspecting classmates. While the ban is promoting some critics to pile on the school for being overprotective, the school principal's concern actually seems understandable in this case. A "kids will be kids" argument for keeping an overly aggressive game isn't anymore justified than a "boys will be boys" argument for allowing sexual harassment.If kids can learn to play the game of "tag" the way that it was meant to be played, then it should certainly be reallowed. Otherwise, there is no need or point for it. ----Relevant links: WJLA/7, Washington Post
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Pope Benedict XVI on the way for D.C. visit
2008-04-15 15:09:00
Pope Benedict XVI is now en route for his papal pilgrimage to the United States. The official reason for Benedict's visit is to give a speech to the United Nations on human rights but the sojourn has since taken a life of its own with numerous events planned here in the Washington, D.C. area and New York along the way.The pope will arrive at about 3:45 p.m. at Andrews Air Force Base and will be greeted by President and Mrs. Bush on site. Events over the next two days will include a speech at Catholic University, a meeting with interfaith leaders, a more formal meeting with the president at the White House and obviously, the papal mass Thursday at Nationals Park. With the imminent arrival of the pontiff will come all of the requisite traffic and parking interruptions, starting with no parking along Massachusetts Avenue NW near the Vatican embassy where Benedict will stay during his time in Washington.----Relevant links: WRC/4, WUSA/9
More About: Pope , Visit , Pope Benedict

Mike O'Meara Show to debut on WJFK, syndicated stations
2008-04-14 21:28:00
In the wake of the departure of Don Geronimo from the radio airwaves, The Mike O'Meara Show makes its debut in the same afternoon timeslot on WJFK-FM and a collection of other stations via syndication.The show will feature all of the most recent Don and Mike regulars (except for the obvious departure) and will be produced starting in its second week by ex-D&M producer Beth Ann McBride. The shock comedy program will also emanate back at WJFK's studio in Fairfax, Virginia, a return largely seen as an attempt to reconnect with the rest of the station's lineup. D&M had earlier abandoned the Fairfax studio for a reconfigured facility in Rockville, Maryland. What remains is the operative question of whether Mike O'Meara can successfully transfer from the beta role next to Don Geronimo's alpha voice into the lead role all his own. Most of the final remaining Don and Mike affiliates (Baltimore's WHFS as the most obvious exception) have enough confidence for the time being to take that...
More About: Syndicated , Debut

Mike O'Meara to debut on WJFK, syndicated stations
2008-04-14 20:25:00
In the wake of the departure of Don Geronimo from the radio airwaves, The Mike O'Meara Show makes its debut in the same afternoon timeslot on WJFK-FM and a collection of other stations via syndication.The show will feature all of the most recent Don and Mike regulars (except for the obvious departure) and will be produced starting in its second week by ex-D&M producer Beth Ann McBride. The shock comedy program will also emanate back at WJFK's studio in Fairfax, Virginia, a return largely seen as an attempt to reconnect with the rest of the station's lineup. D&M had earlier abandoned the Fairfax studio for a reconfigured facility in Rockville, Maryland. What remains is the operative question of whether Mike O'Meara can successfully transfer from the beta role next to Don Geronimo's alpha voice into the lead role all his own. Most of the final remaining Don and Mike affiliates (Baltimore's WHFS as the most obvious exception) have enough confidence for the time being to take that...
More About: Syndicated , Debut

D.C. Divas lose first regular season game since 2003
2008-04-14 15:55:00
No game details have emerged yet but the D.C. Divas women's football team lost at the Boston Militia last Saturday night, 27-22, marking the first regular season defeat for the Divas since 2003. The defeat occurred in the 2008 season opener for the Divas, a stunning result against a Boston Militia squad that just fused together from the merger of two other Boston area women's football franchises.The Divas will attempt to reestablish their regular season dominance in their home opener Saturday, April 26 against the Baltimore Nighthawks from the Prince George's Sports & Learning Complex in Landover, Md.----Relevant links: D.C. Divas, Independent Women's Football League
More About: Season , Game , Regular

Capitals shut out in game two playoff loss to Flyers
2008-04-14 00:23:00
The Washington Capitals were shut down and shut out, outworked in a 2-0 playoff loss to Philadelphia. The Flyers took control of game two of the opening series early with first period goals from R.J. Umberger and Jeff Carter off goalie Cristobal Huet. The second goal sequence was triggered when Mike Green lost the puck on a turnover.The Caps' goalie stopped Philadelphia the rest of the way but with the Capitals shuttered the whole way through by counterpart goalie Martin Biron, the early damage proved fatal. Alexander Ovechkin's late first game fury was followed by a second game lethargy, a pattern repeated for too many Capitals players on the day. ----On a side note, the so-called NBC curse came through in full effect. The Capitals have not won a game nationally televised on NBC this season, continuing a pattern of difficulty on the big television stage.The game two defeat ties the best of seven series at one game apiece, headed into the Wachovia Center this Tuesday night. Game t...
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D.C. police searching for missing child Jennifer Garay
2008-04-13 23:23:00
Police in the District of Columbia are searching for a missing 12-year-old girl, Jennifer Garay. She was reportedly last seen at about 1 p.m. Friday near 14th and Irving Streets, NW in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of the District.Garay is described as a Hispanic female with a light complexion, brown eyes and black hair. She is about 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs approximately 200 pounds and was last seen wearing black pants and a black shirt. Anyone with information about her whereabouts should call Metropolitan Police at 202-727-9099.----Relevant links: WRC/4, WTOP/103.5, WJLA/7, Metropolitan Police
More About: Police , Child , Missing , Searching

Men's college lacrosse (Apr. 14-20)
2008-04-13 17:15:00
The Washington, D.C. area D-1 men's college lacrosse schedule for the next seven days is listed below.----Saturday, April 19Johns Hopkins at Navy, 12 p.m. - CBSCS, WNAV/1430, WFED/1050, WNAV.comPenn at Maryland, 1 p.m. - CN8, UMTerps.comMassachusetts at Georgetown, 1 p.m. - GUHoyas.com, Verizon FiOSDartmouth at Virginia, 1 p.m. - ACC Select----
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Minor league baseball (Apr. 14-20)
2008-04-13 16:39:00
Sunday, April 13A+: Kinston Indians at Potomac Nationals, 1:05 p.m.AA: Bowie Baysox at Akron Aeros, 2:05 p.m.A+: Frederick Keys at Myrtle Beach Pelicans, 3:05 p.m.Monday, April 14A+: Potomac Nationals at Lynchburg Hillcats, 6:05 p.m.AA: Bowie Baysox at Erie SeaWolves, 6:35 p.m.A+: Salem Avalanche at Frederick Keys, 7 p.m.Tuesday, April 15AA: Bowie Baysox at Erie SeaWolves, 12:05 p.m.A+: Potomac Nationals at Lynchburg Hillcats, 6:05 p.m.A+: Salem Avalanche at Frederick Keys, 7 p.m.Wednesday, April 16AA: Bowie Baysox at Erie SeaWolves, 9:35 a.m.A+: Potomac Nationals at Lynchburg Hillcats, 11:05 a.m.A+: Salem Avalanche at Frederick Keys, 7 p.m.Thursday, April 17A+: Frederick Keys at Winston-Salem Warthogs, 7 p.m.AA: Akron Aeros at Bowie Baysox, 7:05 p.m.A+: Wilmington Blue Rocks at Potomac Nationals, 7:05 p.m.Friday, April 18A+: Frederick Keys at Winston-Salem Warthogs, 7 p.m.AA: Akron Aeros at Bowie Baysox, 7:05 p.m.A+: Wilmington Blue Rocks at Potomac Nationals, 7:05 p.m.Saturday, Ap...
More About: Baseball , League , Minor

Capitals schedule (Apr. 14-20)
2008-04-13 16:13:00
The Washington Capitals ' hockey schedule for the next seven days is listed below. The television carriers listed are both local for the D.C. area and national, the radio carriers listed are local to the Washington, D.C. area.Sunday, April 13 - Eastern Conference quarterfinal, game twoPhiladelphia Flyers at Washington Capitals, 1 p.m. - NBC (WRC/4, WBAL/11), WFED/1050, WJFK/106.7Tuesday, April 15 - Eastern Conference quarterfinal, game threeWashington Capitals at Philadelphia Flyers, 7 p.m. - Comcast SportsNet, Versus, WFED/1050, WJFK/106.7Thursday, April 17 - Eastern Conference quarterfinal, game fourWashington Capitals at Philadelphia Flyers, 7 p.m. - Comcast SportsNet, Versus, WJFK/106.7Saturday, April 19 - Eastern Conference quarterfinal, game five (if necessary)Philadelphia Flyers at Washington Capitals, 1 p.m. - NBC (WRC/4, WBAL/11), WWWT/1500/107.7, WWWB/820, WJFK/106.7Home games at Verizon Center (Washington, DC)----
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Nationals schedule (Apr. 14-20)
2008-04-13 16:01:00
The Washington Nationals ' pro baseball schedule for the next eight days is listed below. Cable/satellite channel listings for MASN & MASN2 are available via MASNSports.com. XM satellite radio carries home team radio feeds.Sunday, April 13Atlanta Braves at Washington Nationals, 1:35 p.m. - MASN, WWWT/1500/107.7, WWWB/820, XM/186Tuesday, April 15Washington Nationals at New York Mets, 7:10 p.m. - MASN, WWWT/1500/107.7, WWWB/820, XM/185Wednesday, April 16Washington Nationals at New York Mets, 7:10 p.m. - MASN, WWWT/1500/107.7, WWWB/820, XM/185Thursday, April 17Washington Nationals at New York Mets, 7:10 p.m. - MASN, WWWT/1500/107.7, WWWB/820, XM/185Friday, April 18Washington Nationals at Florida Marlins, 7:10 p.m. - WDCA/20, MASN (outside DCA), WWWT/1500/107.7, WWWB/820, XM/186Saturday, April 19Washington Nationals at Florida Marlins, 7:10 p.m. - MASN2, WWWT/1500/107.7, WWWB/820, XM/186Sunday, April 20Washington Nationals at Florida Marlins, 1:10 p.m. - MASN2, WWWT/1500/107.7, W...
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United schedule (Apr. 14-May 4)
2008-04-13 15:55:00
D.C. United 's pro soccer schedule for the next three weeks is listed below.Thursday, April 17Columbus Crew at D.C. United, 8 p.m. - ESPN2, WFED/1050, FederalNewsRadio.comSaturday, April 26Real Salt Lake at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m. - Comcast SportsNet, WFED/1050, FederalNewsRadio.comSunday, May 4D.C. United at Colorado Rapids, 3 p.m. - Comcast SportsNet, TeleFutura, WFED/1050, FederalNewsRadio.comHome matches at RFK Stadium (Washington, DC)----
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Tide schedule (Apr. 14-May 4)
2008-04-13 15:50:00
The Chesapeake Tide 's pro indoor football schedule for the next three weeks is listed below.Saturday, April 19Chesapeake Tide at New Jersey Revolution, 7:30 p.m. - ContinentalIndoorFootball.comSunday, April 27Lehigh Valley Outlawz at Chesapeake Tide, 2:30 p.m. - ContinentalIndoorFootball.comSaturday, May 3New Jersey Revolution at Chesapeake Tide, 7:30 p.m. - ContinentalIndoorFootball.comHome games at The Show Place Arena (Upper Marlboro, MD)----Relevant link: Chesapeake Tide
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Divas schedule (Apr. 14-May 4)
2008-04-13 15:23:00
The D.C. Divas ' women's football schedule for the next three weeks is listed below.Saturday, April 26Baltimore Nighthawks at D.C. Divas, 7 p.m. - US Sports RadioSaturday, May 3D.C. Divas at Pittsburgh Passion, 7 p.m. - US Sports RadioHome games at the Prince George's Sports & Learning Complex (Landover, MD)----Relevant link: D.C. Divas
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Wizards schedule (Apr. 14-20)
2008-04-13 14:56:00
The Washington Wizards ' pro basketball schedule for the next seven days is listed below.Monday, April 14Indiana Pacers at Washington Wizards, 7 p.m. - Comcast SportsNet, WTEM/980, Sirius/127Wednesday, April 16Washington Wizards at Orlando Magic, 7 p.m. - Comcast SportsNet, WTEM/980, Sirius/130---- End of regular season. ---- Playoff matchups to be determined. Home games at Verizon Center (Washington, DC)----
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D.C. Divas launch women's football season at Boston
2008-04-12 22:35:00
The D.C. Divas women's football team launches its season this Saturday evening (6 p.m.) at the Boston Militia. D.C. has gone undefeated in regular season games in recent years, coming off a 2006 championship in its former NWFA league and a playoff berth during the team's first year in the Independent Women?s Football League.While the Divas formally start their season today, their actual stint of four home games won't begin for another two weeks with an outing against the Baltimore Nighthawks. Again this season, the Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex in Landover, Maryland will serve as the Divas' home field.Divas' games for 2008 will be audiocast starting this weekend on U.S. Sports Radio.----Relevant links: Gazette Newspapers, U.S. Sports Radio, D.C. Divas
More About: Season , Launch

Capitals take playoff opener on Ovechkin game-winner
2008-04-12 22:29:00
The Washington Capitals ' storybook entry into the playoffs segued into a storybook postseason opener as presumptive MVP Alex Ovechkin scored the game winning goal to edge out the Philadelphia Flyers, 5-4. Ovechkin's coup de grace of game one capped off a three goal third period rally by the Capitals to overcome a 4-2 deficit after two periods.Washington now holds a one game to none lead headed into game two of the best of seven Eastern Conference quarterfinal series Sunday afternoon, again at Verizon Center. Indicating the national interest in Ovechkin (and lack of interest in watching Pittsburgh face a Canadian team), NBC network will televise Sunday's contest. WJFK/106.7 & WFED/1050 will again carry the Capitals' radio feed.----Relevant links: Washington Post, Washington Times
More About: Game , Winner

Washington Capitals open playoffs tonight vs. Flyers
2008-04-11 22:40:00
The long wait for the Washington Capitals to play postseason hockey is finally over as the team opens up its Stanley Cup first round series tonight against the Philadelphia Flyers. The Capitals-Flyers series is the last one of the NHL conference quarterfinal matchups to launch up play, adding to the already red hot sense of anticipation.Red may be the operative word for the Washington Capitals as Verizon Center figures to be a sea of red this night, replicating the scene for the Caps' final three regular season games.----Tonight 's occasion marks the first NHL playoff action ever for presumptive MVP Alex Ovechkin and many of his teammates. It's the first NHL postseason as a head coach for Bruce Boudreau as well though he did lead the Hershey Bears to a minor league title. The team's NHL playoff experience comes instead by way of import from veteran Sergei Federov.Cristobal Huet, whose goalkeeping helped propel the Capitals' late season surge into the playoffs, will hope to do th...
More About: Open , Playoffs

Dense Fog Advisory (4/10/08)
2008-04-10 12:52:00
A Dense Fog Advisory for the Washington, D.C. area excluding the northwest suburbs expired at 10 a.m.Excerpted from National Weather Service:A DENSE FOG ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EDT THIS MORNING.VISIBILITY REMAINS AS LOW AS ONE-QUARTER MILE. MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO ALLOW EXTRA TIME WHEN DRIVING...REDUCE SPEED...AND USE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. BE ESPECIALLY ALERT FOR SCHOOLCHILDREN WHEN DRIVING THIS MORNING.A DENSE FOG ADVISORY MEANS VISIBILITIES WILL FREQUENTLY BE REDUCED TO LESS THAN ONE QUARTER MILE. IF DRIVING...LEAVE PLENTY OF DISTANCE AHEAD OF YOU.----Relevant link: National Weather Service