Uncorked

As a sommelier at one of D.C.'s top restaurants and a drummer in the instrumental metal band Tone, Andy Myers is a study in contrasts.

Mauro Ruiz

Mauro Ruiz is one of the growing number of Latinos in the United States who have HIV. Although Hispanics comprise 14 percent of the U.S. population, they represented 22 percent of new HIV and AIDS diagnoses tallied by federal officials in 2006.

From Food to Fuel

Gabe Schwartzman, a high school student in Garret Park, salvages used fryer oil from a local restaurant and uses it to power his car.

Blogging from the Ballpark

Two Nationals fans and washingtonpost.com Grounds Crew bloggers weigh the good and bad of the team's new home.

In Oakville, Worry and Waiting

When the Iowa town is devastated by floods, residents face uncertainty but find support from the community.

'I'm a Viking. That's the Thing to Be.'

People interested in Viking history and sailing take a voyage on the replica Viking longship called the Sae Hrafn, which means "sea raven," from Calvert Marina on Solomons Island, Md.

Five Buildings in Beijing

Washington Post Architecture Critic Philip Kennicott explores the forests of new buildings springing up in every corner of Beijing, from blue chip projects such as the CCTV tower to the workers' sheds that are probably the most common structure in the Chinese capital.

The Cinderella Ball

Students with disabilities attend a ball with a concert by American Idol winner Ruben Studdard and a motivational speech by author Kyle Maynard. Video by Whitney Shefte/washingtonpost.com, Additional Reporting by Jennifer Carpenter/washingtonpost.com

After Schools Collapse, Grief Turns to Anger

Li Shan Fu's 16-year-old daughter was pulled from the rubble only be to lost after being taken away in an ambulance. As Li continues his search, other parents' grief turns into anger.

In Beichuan, China, the Agony of Surviving

The population of the town by Beichuan has been reduced to zero, but former residents return daily to try to find what remains of their loved ones, a task that is nearly impossible.

In China, the Waiting Has Just Begun

The 20,000 earthquake victims crammed into a stadium in Mianyang survive largely based on the goodwill of volunteers, and each other's helping hand.

Community Plot Lines: Episode Two

In our second visit to the Glover Park Community Garden in Northwest Washington we find some gardeners already reaping the rewards of their early season labors while others have been delayed by the unusually cold and wet spring.

Careless Detention: Amina Mudey's Story

After arriving at a New York airport from overseas, Amina Mudey was detained at detention center in Elizabeth, N.J., for about five months while her request for political asylum was considered. While in detention, Mudey and two outside doctors say she was misdiagnosed and given an anti-psychotic drug that caused her to suffer serious side effects.

Women's Work

Female entrepreneurs in Maraba built thriving coffee farms and other successful businesses as society transformed in the wake of Rwanda's genocide.

Careless Detention: Series Introduction

Washington Post reporters Dana Priest and Amy Goldstein introduce their series about the haphazard state of medical care provided at immigration detention centers.

Armani Makes a Match

Date Lab lets the celebrity capuchin from Rockville fill in as guest matchmaker to see if a monkey can set up a successful romance.

Highlights: Pope Benedict's D.C. Trip

From his landing at Andrews Air Force Base to his historic first Mass in the United States, Pope Benedict XVI was the focal point of tens of thousands of Catholics in the D.C. area.

Community Plotlines

The Glover Park Community Garden in Northwest Washington has been a mecca for urban gardening since it was created in World War II as a victory garden. We track the progress of new and seasoned gardeners alike during the 2008 growing season.

For Positive Nature Inc., Stadium Brings Uncertain Future

Positive Nature Inc. is a non-profit organization created to help at-risk youth in the Washington DC area. Since the new baseball stadium was officially announced, Positive Nature Inc. has struggled to pay its rising property taxes and may soon be forced to close its doors.

Nationals Park a Home Run

Washington fans react to the new Nationals Park which opened on Sunday night.

Big Dreams, Small Table

Larry Hodges, director and head coach at Club Joola, works with young athletes who play table tennis.

The View From the Pulpit

African-American religious leaders in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia share their views on the Democratic candidates and issues ahead of Tuesday's Potomac Primary.

The Latino Vote

To compete with his Democratic rival Sen. Hillary Clinton, the Obama campaign is reaching out to Latino voters ahead of Super Tuesday. But some observers say that the Sen. Obama faces a tough challenge because of Clinton's strong and long-standing ties with Hispanics.

Chasing Rudy

Rudy Giuliani opted to stake his candidacy on success in Florida, spending little time in other early primary states. We visited three places where he campaigned to get a sense of what Republican voters think of him.

Possibilities for the Impossible

In 1974, Pat Rummerfield was paralyzed in a car accident. After 17 years of therapy, he regained his ability to walk. Today, Pat serves as a role model and research subject at Baltimore's Kennedy Krieger Institue, where other quadriplegics and paraplegics are undergoing intensive experimental therapies. Medical Marvel, (Post Magazine, Jan. 27, 2008)

Race and Gender in the S.C. Primary

Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton lead the polls heading into South Carolina's Democratic presidential primary this Saturday. We spoke with black and female voters about how race and gender may impact their vote.

A Day at the Beach With GOP Voters

South Carolina Republicans vote in a primary this Saturday in a presidential contest that is still wide open. We spent a day with GOP voters in Myrtle Beach. Many of them haven¹t settled on a candidate.

An American Parkour Pioneer

Mark Toorock was a self-described 'spaz' when he was growing up. But the D.C. resident has since learned to transform his energy into a passion for practicing and teaching Parkour.

New Hampshire Resident Speaks Her Mind

Laurie Tostenson of Lebanon, N.H. speaks about who she'll be voting for in the upcoming primary and why that person isn't Hillary.

Iraqi American Businessman Talks Politics

James Esshaki has raised money for political candidates before and plans on doing so again this year. He explains why he's not happy with the Republican party and who he's leaning towards in Michigan's primary.

Praying for Benazir

Pakistanis pay their respects to Benazir Bhutto at Liaqat Bagh Park in Rawalpindi, the site of the former Pakisitani prime minister's final speech and assassination.

Iowa Republicans on Immigration

A steady decrease in the general population coupled by an increase in Hispanic residents has made immigration a top issue for Iowans in Clay County.

Dining and Deciding in New Hampshire

The Red Arrow Diner in Manchester, N.H., is a 24-hour meeting place for hearty food and candid political discussion about the first-in-nation primary on Jan. 8th.

The Mormon Question

New Hampshire Republicans discuss the importance of a candidate's faith and religion on the eve of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's speech about his Mormon faith.

'Learning to Say 'I love You'

After years of devoting their lives to work instead of their wives, a group of Japanese salary men have formed the National Chauvinistic Association to learn how to show their wives -- through their daily behavior -- that they truly still love them.

'Last of the Roadhouses'

The Surf Club in Hyattsville, Maryland is the last roadhouse bar in its area. With its unique atmosphere, the surf club has been a hot spot for live music since it was created in 1955 by musician Chick Hall Sr. Sit in on one of the last nights that the Surf Club will be open as Chick Sr.'s sons Chick Jr. and Chris jam with the house band, "Heroes and Friends."

Overfishing Affects Tokyo's Tuna Supply

Japan eats more tuna than any other country in the world, consuming about a quarter of the global catch. As other countries increase their imports of tuna, Japan is making major quota cuts to protect the fish.

Learning to Jam

Students ranging in age from 11 to 13 learn to play Superstitious by Stevie Wonder at Bach to Rock, a private music school in Bethesda, Md., for kids of all ages.

Young Conservatives Speak Out

Conservative students voice their opinions as they visit Ronald Reagan's ranch and listen to speakers such as John Ashcroft during an annual retreat of young conservatives sponsored by the non-profit Young America's Foundation.

Beauty Salon Politics

Supporters of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama canvass African American-owned beauty salons in search of votes.

Learning From Andy

Carlos and Ana Maria Miyares of Miami, Fla. share the joys and challenges of raising their son, Special Olympic swimmer Andy Miyares.

Prince Details Blackwater's Mission

Erik Prince, founder and chief executive of Blackwater, discusses his 7,000 acre facility in Moyock, N.C.

A Four-Star Tasting

Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema shares the magic of Restaurant Eve's Tasting Room, the area's newest four-star dining experience.

Welcome to Roller Derby

Trampon, Harley Quinn and Condoleezza Slice of the DC Rollergirls explain the skills, spills and short skirts of the all-female league.

The Chess Guru of Dupont Circle

For Tom Murphy, 49, playing chess in Dupont Circle is both a challenge and a source of income.

Back of the Pack

A look at life on the campaign trail with Mike Gravel, currently last among Democratic presidential contenders in both funds and polls.

A Democratic Steak Fry in Iowa

Iowa's Senator Tom Harkins annual steak fry in Indianola attracted thousands of potential voters who wanted a first hand look at the Democratic presidential candidates and some good down-home cooking.

After the Destruction

Videojournalist Travis Fox returns to New Orleans two years after Hurricane Katrina, where efforts to revive the city are slowly moving forward.

'The Wire' Wraps Up

Castmembers of HBO's award-winning crime drama "The Wire" discuss the series on the set of their final episode.

Hillary's First Visit to Iowa's State Fair

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) made her visit to the famed Iowa State Fair in Des Moines on Wednesday, August 15. In a break from her usual preference for highly managed interactions with the public, Clinton showed her more spontaneous side in an effort to connect with voters, especially the many women who came to show their support.

Why We Compete: Opportunity

In American Samoa, a speck of land in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, football can provide a ticket to another place.

Easy as Pi: America's Student Physics Team Triumphs at World Olympiad

After a rigorous selection process and intense lab training, the five brightest American high school physics students traveled to Isfahan, Iran in mid-July for the 2007 International Physics Olympiad. The team won five medals, and encountered a universal regard for science that transcends cultural, politcal and international borders.

Police, Beasties Rock Virgin Festival

The Police and The Beastie Boys satisfy old and new fans alike at the 2nd annual Virgin Festival in Baltimore, Md.

Connecticut Horror Punctuates a Trend

A brutal triple murder in the quiet suburban town Cheshire, Conn., underscores a crime wave underway in bedroom communities across America, where statistics are showing the biggest increase in violent criminal activity in years.

A Wave of Uncertainty

As Fidel Castro's role in Cuba remains uncertain, questions arise over the future of U.S.-Cuba relations. Waves of exiles have sought refuge in the United States since Castro's revolution. This video report offers an in-depth look at how Cuba's new leadership could affect migration policy.

Washington Sketch: Here Lies a Man Impeached

The Washington Post's Dana Milbank sketches a press conference in which Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) and other Democrats introduce a resolution to investigate the possibility of impeaching Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

Blue Plate Politics - Iowa

Diners at the Waveland Cafe in Des Moines, Iowa, dish about their favorite 2008 presidential candidates.

Blue Plate Politics - New Hampshire

Regulars at Manchester's landmark Red Arrow Diner dish about their 2008 presidential picks.

Seventh Heaven for Harry Potter Fans

Harry Potter fans gather in Silver Spring for a party celebrating the release of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," the seventh and final book in the series.

Congress Mom

Second-term Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) is one of 10 women currently serving in Congress while raising young children. (Video by John W. Poole)

Senate Slumber Party

The Washington Post's Dana Milbank sketches the all-night Senate debate on Iraq that was as much theater as substance.

Taking A Gap Year

Bill Day, 18, is postponing his entry into college by taking a gap year, during which he has honed his hockey skills in hopes of playing at a more competitive level.

The Nerds are in the Hoouuse!

On a recent Saturday in Brooklyn, a horn-rimmed posse of software engineers, computer programmers and support technicians were grooving to MC Chris, the king of the burgeoning world of "geeksta rap."

Anything Goes

The speed, drama and violence of mixed martial arts have made it the fastest-rising sport since NASCAR. Washington's Mario Yamasaki has been there from the start, breaking heads and saving lives.

Washington Sketch: Taylor the Clam

The Washington Post's Dana Milbank sketches former White House political director Sara Taylor's testimony regarding the firing of U.S. attorneys.

Fishing for Snakeheads

Steve Chaconas, who runs the National Bass Guide Service in Alexandria, and Derek Radoski, a client and snakehead fishing enthusiast, began fishing for snakeheads in the Potomac River about 4 years ago. Together they hope to help promote the sport fishing of snakeheads both for fun and as a means of removing the invasive species from local waters.

Why We Compete | Ego

Bob Alexander, 62, has spent more than $400,000 on championship coonhounds for his daughter Amanda. The monetary return on the investment is almost zero, but for Bob and Amanda, there are things more important than money: A room full of trophies and the pride of winning them

'Fakefest'

Tribute bands rock the Trump Marina's annual outdoor music festival in Atlantic City.
In Style: Faux Acts That Really Rock | Take the Poll

IPhones Hit the Market

After more than six months since Steve Jobs announced the release of this handheld computing device that combines the iPod with a mobile phone, Apple fanatics purchase their first iPhones. Many enthusiasts camped out the night before or stood in line for hours oustide Apple stores.

Washington Sketch: R.I.P. Immigration Bill

The Post's Dana Milbank sketches the Senate's vote on the immigration bill.

Backyard Barbecue Smackdown

It's the ultimate face-off of gas versus charcoal as area chefs Doug Anderson of the Four Seasons in Georgetown and Walter "Lefty" Nash, owner of Lefty's Barbecue in Waldorf, Md. compete for top grilling billing. Food critic Nancy Lewis and The Post's Joe Yonan, Bonnie Benwick and Leigh Lambert acted as judges.

Washington Sketch: Washington's Wind-Power

The Washington Post's Dana Milbank sketches Thursday's events on Capitol Hill as the energy bill was debated for the fourth day in the Senate chamber.

Facing National Immigration Issues on a Local Front

Montgomery County police chief J. Thomas Manger talks about immigration-related challenges brought on by the National Crime Information Center database, which police use to search for warrants. That database affected Brenda Cruz directly, when a routine traffic stop resulted in her husband's deportation.

Washington Sketch: Hillary's Block Party

The Washington Post's Dana Milbank sketches Hillary Clinton's fundraiser Wednesday in Washington, D.C.

PostTalk: Gov. Mitt Romney

washingtonpost.com's Chris Cillizza and The Washington Post's Dan Balz sit down with presidential hopeful, Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) to discuss his stance on immigration, campaign finance and health care in his bid for the Republican nomination.

The Culture Broker

While in Iraq, Staff Srgt. Felix Herrera worked in a civil affairs unit that provided supplies to schools. He now teaches English as a second language to teenage immigrants, some recently arrived from Iraq, at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Va.

At Spelling Bee, the Bell Stings

The 80th Scripps National Spelling Bee is currently underway in downtown Washington, DC. The winner of the spelling bee will have to out-spell 285 competitors ranging in age from 10 years to fifteen years.

Washington Sketch: Khartoum Karl

The Washington Post's Dana Milbank sketches the Wednesday press conference Sudanese Ambassador John Ukec Lueth Ukec held in response to new economic sanctions the U.S. has placed on Sudan.

Obamas Tour Northern N.H.

Barack and Michelle Obama along with their daughters Sasha, 5, and Malia, 8, made campaign stops across northern N.H. over the Memorial Day weekend.

Washington Sketch: Another Monica Problem

The Washington Post's Dana Milbank analyzes the revealing testimony of Monica Goodling, a former senior aide to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

Washington Sketch: Bush and Blair Breakup

Dana Milbank sketches President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair's last press conference in the White House Rose Garden before Blair leaves office in June.

Ponying Up for Preakness

Outrider Edward J. Prsbyla, who has worked at Pimlico for 37 years, gives an insider's look at the preparation leading up to Saturday's Preakness Stakes.

PostTalk: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell

The Washington Post's Dan Balz and washingtonpost.com's Chris Cillizza talk to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) about the 2008 presidential campaign.

The Jamestown Test

Dressed in Elizabethan-era clothes, Post columnist John Kelly sets out to prove how little Americans know about the first permanent English settlement in the Americas.

The Queen Visits the College of William and Mary

The Queen of England visited The College of William and Mary on Friday, where she met students and academic alumni.

Washington Sketch: Snow Returns to the Podium

White House Press Secretary Tony Snow returns to work after recovering from exploratory cancer surgery.

Fried Fish Feeds Democrats' Hopes

A record crowd, including six presidential candidates eager to charm South Carolina democrats, turned out Friday night for Congressman Jim Clyburn's (D-S.C.) annual fish fry in Columbia, S.C.

Grit Cakes with Paula

Author, television host, and well-known cook Paula Deen visited the Washington Post kitchen to fix up some grit cakes.

A Pastor Comforts His Korean-American Congregation

Pastor Jim Shirlen of the Global Mission Church in Silver Spring, Md., knew it would be an emotional service. And though Shirlen isn't Korean, he believed he had to try to communicate to his mostly Korean-American congregation that the church would help them deal with the tragedy that left 33 students and faculty dead last week at Virginia Tech.

Baseball Brings Blacksburg Community Together

Classes were canceled at Virginia Tech this week, but a baseball game went on as scheduled Friday night. Blacksburg residents said the event was a positive one in the wake of Monday's shooting rampage.

Washington Sketch: Gonzales Feels the Heat

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales appeared frustrated, weary and at times combative during a five-hour Senate panel hearing on the dismissal of eight U.S. attorneys.

Paying Tribute at Va. Tech

Virginia Tech's campus common known as the Drillfield has become a place where parents, students, teachers and Blacksburg residents pay tribute to the victims of Monday's horrific shooting.

Local Hokies Join Hands

Virginia Tech faculty, staff and students from the area gather at the school's Northern Virginia Center to grieve over the shootings that left 33 people dead.

Blacksburg Residents React to Gunman's Video

Cousins Philip Pack and Lucas Jones react to news of a homemade video created by gunman Cho Seung Hui, who shot 32 students before killing himself at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Va. Cho's footage was released Wednesday night.

Coping at the Convocation

Frank Mills attended the convocation on Tuesday to cope with the death of a classmate on Monday. The gunman, Cho Seung-Hui, attended the same high school as Mills and his deceased friend.

Floormates Describe First Shooting Scene

Lianna Dosik and Theresa Highsmith and are roommates on the fourth floor of West Ambler Johnston Hall at Virginia Tech, where the first shooting occurred on campus Monday. The two girls and their mother recount their experiences that morning.

Students Gather at Candlelight Vigil

Virginia Tech students express hope at a campus vigil on April 17 -- one day after a gunman killed 32 students.

Eyewitness: Cheng Sees Shooter, Escapes Death

A doctoral student at the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech, Haiyan Cheng was substitute teaching when she heard shots nearby. She caught a glimpse of a gunman and escaped his bullets. She recounts the events in this unedited interview.

Mayor Fenty Races Through First 100 Days

Mayor Adrian Fenty has packed his first 100 days of his administration with a plan to take over the school system, to improve social services and public safety as well as to meet the needs of District residents. Some critics say that his agenda may be overly ambitious and he should stay focused on the community.

Va. Tech Students Cope With Tragic News

Students at Virginia Tech talk about their experiences on campus after a gunman killed 32 students earlier in the day.

Finding Solace in Prayer

Blacksburg, Va. residents convene at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church to hold a vigil for the victims of the Virginia Tech shootings.

'Equality Ride' Hits a Roadblock

A group of college-aged youth called Soulforce is currently conducting its second "Equality Ride," in which the group travels to evangelical colleges around the nation and tries to engage the student body in discussions on discrimination against gay, bisexual and transgendered people. The group visited Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, Va., on Thursday.

Candidates Target Ward 7 Denny's

City Council candidates frequent the ward's only sit-down restaurant in an attempt to garner votes and share their plans to increase business and development.

McCain Assails Democrats on Iraq

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) sought to reinvigorate his foundering presidential campaign Wednesday with a robust defense of the war in Iraq at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Va.

White House Easter Egg Roll

Hundreds of families came to the White House today for the annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn.

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