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    <title>Opinion Columnists for InsideNova.com</title>
    <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/</link>
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        <title>Opinion Columnists for InsideNova.com</title>
        <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/</link>
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    <dc:language>en</dc:language>
    <dc:creator>InsideNova.com</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights>Copyright 2009</dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2009-11-20T14:59:41-05:00</dc:date>

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         <item>
          <title>Merli Column: Few hardships on Tobacco Road</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/merli_column_few_hardships_on_tobacco_road/47289/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Despite the curious ups and downs of the stock market these days, it seems increasingly clear that in the Commonwealth, those who say we&#8217;re all in for a slow and painful recovery may be on to something.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:57 EST</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Shannon Column: Don&#8217;t stock that, it sells too well</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/shannon_column_dont_stock_that_it_sells_too_well/47291/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Let&#8217;s say you have this concept for a new airline. It&#8217;s completely different from other airlines; so different that you are not sure if the public will react favorably.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:12 EST</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Reichley Column: The folly of &#8216;gun&#45;free&#8217; zones</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/reichley_column_the_folly_of_gun-free_zones/47149/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The news that the Fort Hood shooter was a graduate of Virginia Tech brought home the story of mass murder and opened the old wounds of the 2007 campus massacre that left 32 dead.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:58 EST</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Mercer Column: Not blas&#233; about presidential travel</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/mercer_column_not_blase_about_presidential_travel/47183/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
When President Richard Nixon left the White House for his historic trip to China, he addressed about 1,500 cheering school children and thousands of administration officials and federal workers who thronged the South Lawn.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:44 EST</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Gray Column: Who really needs the feds to combat gangs</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/gray_column_who_really_needs_the_feds_to_combat_gangs/47181/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Many of you read in the News &amp; Messenger this week that northern Virginia could receive $300,000 funding for the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:21 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/gray_column_who_really_needs_the_feds_to_combat_gangs/47181/#When:05:00:21Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Column: Republican victory brings about opportunity for trust</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/column_republican_victory_brings_about_opportunity_for_trust/47166/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Imagine you&#8217;re an assistant football coach who finds himself taking leadership of a team in the middle of an uninspiring season.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:58 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/column_republican_victory_brings_about_opportunity_for_trust/47166/#When:05:00:58Z</guid>
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          <title>Oppenhagen Column: On capital punishment</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/oppenhagen_column_on_capital_punishment/47164/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It&#8217;s kind of funny how opinions change as you get older. I remember being an activist in my college days, eager to stand up for what I believed was right and wanting to change all that was unfair in the world.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:35 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/oppenhagen_column_on_capital_punishment/47164/#When:05:00:35Z</guid>
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          <title>Verner Column: Random impulses</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/verner_column_random_impulses/47155/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Generally, as most of us get older, we have a very good idea of what our likes and dislikes are.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:18 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/verner_column_random_impulses/47155/#When:05:00:18Z</guid>
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          <title>The not so hidden cost of PC</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/the_not_so_hidden_cost_of_pc/46952/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The cost of our political classes&#8217; obsession with multiculturalism and Political Correctness is not just sanctimonious news conferences and racial special interest groups.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:14:19 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/the_not_so_hidden_cost_of_pc/46952/#When:18:14:19Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Mercer Column: U.S. goal no homeless vets</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/mercer_column_u.s._goal_no_homeless_vets/46628/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
One winter morning a couple of years ago, I was shoveling snow that had fallen overnight when someone said, &#8220;I could do that for you.&#8221;
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:54 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/mercer_column_u.s._goal_no_homeless_vets/46628/#When:05:00:54Z</guid>
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          <title>Gray Column: Is Virginia changing its colors again?</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/gray_column_is_virginia_changing_its_colors_again/46629/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Now that Virginia&#8217;s statewide elections are over, people will begin to ask the question, has Virginia returned to its red state roots? Red is, of course, referring to the color representing Republican control on Election Day maps.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:10 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/gray_column_is_virginia_changing_its_colors_again/46629/#When:05:00:10Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Granados Column: Yawn . . . another election</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/granados_column_yawn_._._._another_election/46623/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Last Tuesday, I, like many other Virginians, went to the polls and cast my vote.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:47 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/granados_column_yawn_._._._another_election/46623/#When:05:00:47Z</guid>
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          <title>Svihlik Column: It&#8217;s time to give thanks</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/svihlik_column_its_time_to_give_thanks/46622/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Just as it has done for the past eight Thanksgivings, your local paper wants to give you a Thanksgiving Day edition loaded with good news &#8212; news about people who have made a difference in the lives of others.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:47 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/svihlik_column_its_time_to_give_thanks/46622/#When:05:00:47Z</guid>
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          <title>Oppenhagen Column: Confessions of a Redskins hater</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/oppenhagen_column_confessions_of_a_redskins_hater/46614/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I used to be a huge sports fan. Growing up as I did, there wasn&#8217;t much choice.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:08 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/oppenhagen_column_confessions_of_a_redskins_hater/46614/#When:05:00:08Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Verner Column: Running away</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/verner_column_running_away/46537/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
After our parents had rejected our claim that we were no better than indentured servants forced to perform odious chores like making our beds and picking up our clothes, my brother and I resolved to run away; this time for certain.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:10 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/verner_column_running_away/46537/#When:05:00:10Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Shannon Column: Move along, nothing to see here</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/shannon_column_move_along_nothing_to_see_here/46480/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Pardon me while I gloat.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:38 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/shannon_column_move_along_nothing_to_see_here/46480/#When:05:00:38Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Biddlecomb Column: They know who we are</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/biddlecomb_column_they_know_who_we_are/46386/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Election Day has come and gone. This means I can come home from work and live in peace.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:43 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/biddlecomb_column_they_know_who_we_are/46386/#When:05:00:43Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Reichley Column: Incivility on the Internet</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/reichley_column_incivility_on_the_internet/46340/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Today is Election Day, so if you are reading this before the polls close, and you haven&#8217;t voted yet, please put down the paper, get in your car and go vote for the Republicans of your choice.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:46 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/reichley_column_incivility_on_the_internet/46340/#When:05:00:46Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Gray Column: Don&#8217;t take the off&#45;off year off</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/gray_column_dont_take_the_off-off_year_off/46287/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Tomorrow is the one day every year that all of us get a say in things. Yes, Virginia, it&#8217;s Election Day.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:01 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/gray_column_dont_take_the_off-off_year_off/46287/#When:05:00:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Mercer Column: A year later, Michelle wins</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/mercer_column_a_year_later_michelle_wins/46245/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
 In the year since her husband was elected president, Michelle Obama has become a surprise hit.&nbsp;              ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:10 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/mercer_column_a_year_later_michelle_wins/46245/#When:04:00:10Z</guid>
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          <title>Hollifield Column: This will make baby a genius</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/hollifield_column_this_will_make_baby_a_genius/46193/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Walt Disney Co. is offering parents who bought Baby Einstein videos for their youngsters a refund because, as it turns out, moms and dads can&#8217;t park Junior&#8217;s high chair in front of the flat screen and return an hour later to find him piecing together the great American novel from leftover alphabet soup.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:39 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/hollifield_column_this_will_make_baby_a_genius/46193/#When:05:00:39Z</guid>
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          <title>Verner Column: Kingdom and servants</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/verner_column_kingdom_and_servants/46096/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
When I was in fourth grade, I learned something that I thought would change my life. As things  turned out, it didn&#8217;t, but I thought that it might for a while.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:54 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/verner_column_kingdom_and_servants/46096/#When:05:00:54Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Shannon Column: This has been a test</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/shannon_column_this_has_been_a_test/46034/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Sometimes I have my doubts regarding the Prince William County School System&#8217;s effectiveness when it comes to the dissemination of knowledge, but I can assure you the classroom is unsurpassed when it comes to the spread of disease.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:28 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/shannon_column_this_has_been_a_test/46034/#When:05:00:28Z</guid>
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          <title>Merli Column: Are we there yet, Ma?</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/merli_column_are_we_there_yet_ma/46017/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A friend was going off on one of his semi-annual raves about the modern world and the scourge of new technology, and he coupled it with a pet peeve that most of us in Prince William can agree with &#8212; those endless, mindless recorded messages from local political candidates that will continue in earnest until election day Tuesday.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:26 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/merli_column_are_we_there_yet_ma/46017/#When:05:00:26Z</guid>
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          <title>Reichley Column: Going along to get along</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/reichley_column_going_along_to_get_along/45901/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
This paper&#8217;s 13th district race endorsement got me thinking about what makes a person a &#8220;good delegate.&#8221;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:09 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/reichley_column_going_along_to_get_along/45901/#When:05:00:09Z</guid>
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          <title>Gray Column: State police just doing their jobs</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/gray_column_state_police_just_doing_their_jobs/45854/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
One of the most frustrating things about commuting these days are violators. That being people who get on the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes without have the three drivers required.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:03 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/gray_column_state_police_just_doing_their_jobs/45854/#When:05:00:03Z</guid>
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          <title>ANYTHING GOES: On bad traffic and my five&#45;minute commute</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/anything_goes_on_bad_traffic_and_my_five-minute_commute/45820/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Deeds, McDonnell, Anderson, Nichols, Marshall, Bell, Torian, Lopez . . . ENOUGH!           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:00:18 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/anything_goes_on_bad_traffic_and_my_five-minute_commute/45820/#When:05:00:18Z</guid>
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          <title>Mercer Column: Broken health insurance</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/mercer_column_broken_health_insurance/45819/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Catherine Howard was 29 and an independent, documentary filmmaker in San Francisco when she found a health insurance policy she thought perfect for a healthy, young person.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:00:15 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/mercer_column_broken_health_insurance/45819/#When:05:00:15Z</guid>
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          <title>Oppenhagen Column: An end to fear mongering</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/oppenhagen_column_an_end_to_fear_mongering/45742/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Elections are interesting monsters.&nbsp;            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:00:19 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/oppenhagen_column_an_end_to_fear_mongering/45742/#When:05:00:19Z</guid>
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          <title>Verner Column: Communication evolution</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/verner_column_communication_evolution/45687/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Like many other people, I am a part of an e-mail group and receive regular messages. Because I am about as sharp as, say, an eight-year-old on the computer, I&#8217;m careful to reply only to the sender.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:49 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/verner_column_communication_evolution/45687/#When:05:00:49Z</guid>
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          <title>Merli Column: An election or horrible dream</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/merli_column_an_election_or_horrible_dream/45604/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A few decades ago, newsman Chet Huntley of the pioneering &#8220;Huntley-Brinkley Report&#8221; told Johnny Carson and a national TV audience that he found it perfectly acceptable to quite consciously withhold one&#8217;s vote at the ballot box as a way of making a political statement. In other words, not voting, in effect, was a protest &#8220;vote&#8221; of sorts against all the available options.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:18 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/merli_column_an_election_or_horrible_dream/45604/#When:05:00:18Z</guid>
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          <title>Gray Column: Not HOT on race</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/gray_column_not_hot_on_race/45412/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
There are plenty of reasons why not to like the idea of High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:20 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/gray_column_not_hot_on_race/45412/#When:05:00:20Z</guid>
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          <title>Mercer Column: Low down governor&#8217;s races</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/mercer_column_low_down_governors_races/45354/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Many political analysts see the races for governor in Virginia and New Jersey as a referendum on President Obama and his            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:00:37 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/mercer_column_low_down_governors_races/45354/#When:05:00:37Z</guid>
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          <title>ANYTHING GOES: The election Big Top in Virginia</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/anything_goes_the_election_big_top_in_virginia/45355/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
This election season I have been keeping an eye out for marching elephants, trapeze artists and cotton candy.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:00:35 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/anything_goes_the_election_big_top_in_virginia/45355/#When:05:00:35Z</guid>
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          <title>Oppenhagen Column: An underwhelming election season</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/oppenhagen_column_an_underwhelming_election_season/45298/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Time is passing by much too quickly these days.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:00:13 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/oppenhagen_column_an_underwhelming_election_season/45298/#When:05:00:13Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Simpson Column: Wanted: real leaders</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/simpson_column_wanted_real_leaders/45229/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Paul Nichols is up for reelection in the 51st District. It is my hope he doesn&#8217;t get another term.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:45 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/simpson_column_wanted_real_leaders/45229/#When:05:00:45Z</guid>
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          <title>Verner Column: On civility</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/verner_column_on_civility/45230/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I saw a report on a news show recently about a grocery store located somewhere in the Midwest, which was touted for the extreme politeness of its employees.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:42 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/verner_column_on_civility/45230/#When:05:00:42Z</guid>
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          <title>Merli Column: Fringe conservatism is not the answer</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/merli_column_fringe_conservatism_is_not_the_answer/45159/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I suppose the good news for Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Creigh Deeds Monday night in his televised debate with GOP candidate Bob McDonnell is that the latter rarely responded directly to Deeds&#8217; latest charges of McDonnell&#8217;s being held captive (as it were) by the religious right and still holding outdated views on women in the workplace.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:43 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/merli_column_fringe_conservatism_is_not_the_answer/45159/#When:05:00:43Z</guid>
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          <title>Shannon Column: No putter left behind</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/shannon_column_no_putter_left_behind/45160/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It&#8217;s disconcerting when you find yourself in agreement with Venezuela&#8217;s rosy-cheeked dictator Hugo Chavez twice during the same day. I&#8217;m going to let others cover Hugo&#8217;s dismay at the Nobel Public Relations Prize being awarded to President Obama, leaving me free to focus on the Maximum Leader&#8217;s thoughts on golf.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:28 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/shannon_column_no_putter_left_behind/45160/#When:05:00:28Z</guid>
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          <title>Biddlecomb Column: Bumpy road plans detour Deeds</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/biddlecomb_column_bumps_road_plans_detour_deeds/45089/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
If the Virginia governor&#8217;s race were a football game, all Bob McDonnell would have to do is run out the clock.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:42 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/biddlecomb_column_bumps_road_plans_detour_deeds/45089/#When:05:00:42Z</guid>
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          <title>Erickson Column: National security involves more than securing borders</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/erickson_column_national_security_involves_more_than_securing_borders/45091/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
By now you&#8217;ve heard about Hosam Maher Husein Smadi. He&#8217;s the 19-year-old who was arrested on charges of attempting to blow up a Dallas skyscraper. The plan was uncovered when the F.B.I. became suspicious of Mr. Smadi.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:26 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/erickson_column_national_security_involves_more_than_securing_borders/45091/#When:05:00:26Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Reichley Column: Mudslinging</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/reichley_column_mudslinging/45029/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about how some political ads can be technically correct but misleading.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:07 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/reichley_column_mudslinging/45029/#When:05:00:07Z</guid>
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          <title>Gray Column: Responding to guns on trains article</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/gray_column_responding_to_guns_on_trains_article/44977/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Very seldom do I write about the same issue over a short period of time, but this week I feel the need.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:18 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/gray_column_responding_to_guns_on_trains_article/44977/#When:05:00:18Z</guid>
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          <title>Granados Column: Who is the commenter behind the anonymous name?</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/granados_column_who_is_the_commenter_behind_the_anonymous_name/44938/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The further away from yourself you get, the crazier you become.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:00:16 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/granados_column_who_is_the_commenter_behind_the_anonymous_name/44938/#When:05:00:16Z</guid>
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          <title>Mercer Column: Reality: the ultimate television show</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/mercer_column_reality_the_ultimate_television_show/44937/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
There&#8217;s reality TV and there&#8217;s reality.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:00:10 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/mercer_column_reality_the_ultimate_television_show/44937/#When:05:00:10Z</guid>
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          <title>Oppenhagen Column: Consider the needs of police</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/oppenhagen_column_consider_the_needs_of_police1/44878/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A funny thing happened on the way home this week. I was tired and just anxious to get home, so instead of waiting in an outside turn lane to make a quick right turn, I switched to the inside lane.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:00:31 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/oppenhagen_column_consider_the_needs_of_police1/44878/#When:05:00:31Z</guid>
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          <title>Biddlecomb Column: Park Authority just can&#8217;t hit the fairway</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/biddlecomb_column_park_authority_just_cant_hit_the_fairway/44879/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Rodney Dangerfield&#8217;s proclamation from the all-time greatest golf film is especially true if this prime real estate causes our local park authority to lose more than $1 million a year.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:00:17 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/biddlecomb_column_park_authority_just_cant_hit_the_fairway/44879/#When:05:00:17Z</guid>
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          <title>Verner Column: Fowl play, replayed</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/verner_column_fowl_play_replayed/44813/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
There&#8217;s a George Booth cartoon from a while back that shows a man, ostensibly a writer, sitting at a table on which there is a typewriter (this shows how old school the cartoon is).            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:53 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/verner_column_fowl_play_replayed/44813/#When:05:00:53Z</guid>
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          <title>Simpson Column: No competition</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/simpson_column_no_competition/44812/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Prince William County needs to stop competing with private enterprise. It is time that golf courses, as well as other forms of entertainment, are taken out of the government arena.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:41 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/simpson_column_no_competition/44812/#When:05:00:41Z</guid>
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          <title>Merli Column: What looms ahead</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/merli_column_what_looms_ahead/44750/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It will be interesting to see how all we potential flu-bug carriers in Northern Virginia will react to the ebb and flow of the coming flu season.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:48 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/merli_column_what_looms_ahead/44750/#When:05:00:48Z</guid>
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          <title>Shannon Column: The Bath County Hillbilly</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/shannon_column_the_bath_county_hillbilly/44749/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
As the Democrat&#8217;s gubernatorial primary was drawing to a close, the Washington Post surprised many political observers by endorsing the unpolished Creigh Deeds over happenin&#8217; guy Terry McAuliffe and liberal heart-throb Brian Moran.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:16 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/shannon_column_the_bath_county_hillbilly/44749/#When:05:00:16Z</guid>
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          <title>Reichley Column: Let guns on the VRE</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/reichley_column_let_guns_on_the_vre/44604/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Virginia Railway Express has voted to follow Virginia law, &#8220;allowing&#8221; law-abiding gun owners to carry their weapons on the VRE trains.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:34 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/reichley_column_let_guns_on_the_vre/44604/#When:05:00:34Z</guid>
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          <title>Gray Column: DWT is illegal . . . sort of</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/gray_column_dwt_is_illegal_._._._sort_of/44545/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
OK, I admit I am guilty of this.&nbsp; On occasion, while driving, I get that buzzing vibration on the side of my hip. The one meaning my phone is on silence mode and I just received a text message.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:57 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/gray_column_dwt_is_illegal_._._._sort_of/44545/#When:05:00:57Z</guid>
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          <title>Granados Column: What&#8217;s your political type?</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/granados_column_whats_your_political_type/44507/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell is much better at staying on message than I am.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 2009 00:00:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/granados_column_whats_your_political_type/44507/#When:05:00:02Z</guid>
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          <title>Mercer Column: Over&#45;the&#45;top political posturing</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/mercer_column_over-the-top_political_posturing/44506/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The tenor of today&#8217;s so-called political debate brings to mind Oscar Wilde&#8217;s observation, &#8220;Nothing succeeds like excess.&#8221;
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 2009 23:59:59 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/mercer_column_over-the-top_political_posturing/44506/#When:04:59:59Z</guid>
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          <title>Oppenhagen Column: Doing what&#8217;s right for the children</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/oppenhagen_column_doing_whats_right_for_the_children/44430/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Several months ago, the School Board directed our Superintendent to investigate the possibility of merit pay for teachers.&nbsp;            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 2009 00:00:13 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/oppenhagen_column_doing_whats_right_for_the_children/44430/#When:05:00:13Z</guid>
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          <title>Hollifield Column: Parents lie to kids</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/hollifield_column_parents_lie_to_kids/44431/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I told my daughter they don&#8217;t, but that was just another in a long line of whoppers that roll easily off the tongues of moms and dads, according to new research from the University of Toronto and the University of California, San Diego.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 2009 00:00:08 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/hollifield_column_parents_lie_to_kids/44431/#When:05:00:08Z</guid>
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          <title>Verner Column: Windows and walls</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/verner_column_windows_and_walls/44356/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Recently  I went to visit the ATM at my local bank, and something was different. The ATM had been moved down a few feet, and the drive-up windows were gone.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:51 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/verner_column_windows_and_walls/44356/#When:05:00:51Z</guid>
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          <title>Merli Column: A microcosm of America</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/merli_column_a_microcosm_of_america/44303/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Let&#8217;s face it. Neither candidate in the fast-approaching Virginia gubernatorial election would win any major awards for smarts or charisma, but they are what they are, and we voters are stuck with them.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:32 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/merli_column_a_microcosm_of_america/44303/#When:05:00:32Z</guid>
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          <title>Shannon Column: Environmentalists and moral fiber</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/shannon_column_environmentalists_and_moral_fiber/44302/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
When I visited my grandparents in rural North Texas as a boy, I answered nature&#8217;s call sitting atop a compost heap that was surrounded by an outhouse.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/shannon_column_environmentalists_and_moral_fiber/44302/#When:05:00:00Z</guid>
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          <title>Biddlecomb Column: Business as usual in Dumfries</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/biddlecomb_column_business_as_usual_in_dumfries/44219/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Where have you gone Chris Brown and Mike Riley?           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:31 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/biddlecomb_column_business_as_usual_in_dumfries/44219/#When:05:00:31Z</guid>
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          <title>Reichley Column: Scaremongering</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/reichley_column_scaremongering/44149/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
For all the claims of opponents, political advertisements rarely contain absolute falsehoods. When they do, even the most biased news outlets feel compelled to call out brazen lies.&nbsp;            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:54 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/reichley_column_scaremongering/44149/#When:05:00:54Z</guid>
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          <title>Verner Column: Digging to China</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/verner_column_digging_to_china/44097/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I saw the other day that Google Earth had added a new feature that allows users to dig a virtual hole from any spot on earth and see where they would come out on the other side.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:42 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/verner_column_digging_to_china/44097/#When:05:00:42Z</guid>
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          <title>Gray Column: Guns on trains&#8212;not a good idea</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/gray_column_guns_on_trains_--_not_a_good_idea/44096/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
When I think of guns, I think of hunting or protecting myself, my family or my property. The last thing I think of is the Virginia Rail Express (VRE).&nbsp;            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:33 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/gray_column_guns_on_trains_--_not_a_good_idea/44096/#When:05:00:33Z</guid>
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          <title>ANYTHING GOES: Celebrating the simple things that are done right</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/anything_goes_celebrating_the_simple_things_that_are_done_right/44073/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Lately I have been thinking about what I take for granted.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:00:58 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/anything_goes_celebrating_the_simple_things_that_are_done_right/44073/#When:05:00:58Z</guid>
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          <title>Mercer Column: Same health care as Congress</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/mercer_column_same_health_care_as_congress/44072/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A reader in Alabama fired off an e-mail telling me in no uncertain terms that he&#8217;s against the federal government meddling in his health care and his future Medicare. 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:00:50 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/mercer_column_same_health_care_as_congress/44072/#When:05:00:50Z</guid>
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          <title>Hollifield Column: Trouble detector fails to sound</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/hollifield_column_trouble_detector_fails_to_sound/44012/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It was the first day of autumn &#8212; the early evening, actually &#8212; when I was called home to investigate a disturbance.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2009 00:00:20 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/hollifield_column_trouble_detector_fails_to_sound/44012/#When:05:00:20Z</guid>
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          <title>Oppenhagen Column: Students must get back to nature</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/oppenhagen_column_students_must_get_back_to_nature/44011/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I generally arrive to school in the morning way before any students. My son is a high schooler and, since his school is on the way to mine, I drop him off and then continue on.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2009 00:00:11 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/oppenhagen_column_students_must_get_back_to_nature/44011/#When:05:00:11Z</guid>
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          <title>Simpson Column: Tackling business and Smoketown Rd.</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/simpson_column_tackling_business_and_smoketown_rd/43954/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Got a couple of issues to discuss today &#8212; small business office space and a solution to traffic on Smoketown Road.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:27 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/simpson_column_tackling_business_and_smoketown_rd/43954/#When:05:00:27Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Shannon Column: If I only had a hammer</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/shannon_column_if_i_only_had_a_hammer/43882/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Now I know why people bring their hammer to Comcast offices in a last-ditch effort to improve their customer experience.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:27 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/shannon_column_if_i_only_had_a_hammer/43882/#When:05:00:27Z</guid>
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          <title>John Merli&#8212;Recharging the driving future in Virginia</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/john_merli_--_recharging_the_driving_future_in_virginia/43884/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
If Virginia in any way resembles a microcosm of the country (an arguable point, but we do have that internal &#8220;North and South&#8221; thing going for us), we also live in a world of increasing contradictions that compete for our time, money and resources.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:11 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/john_merli_--_recharging_the_driving_future_in_virginia/43884/#When:05:00:11Z</guid>
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          <title>Reichley Column: Citizen help for shelter</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/reichley_column_citizen_help_for_shelter/43747/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Last Tuesday, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted to create an Animal Advisory Board to focus on ways to improve the Prince William Animal Shelter.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:55 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/reichley_column_citizen_help_for_shelter/43747/#When:05:00:55Z</guid>
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          <title>Column: Bloomberg v. Fed</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/column_bloomberg_v._fed/43749/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
For the first time in its history, the Federal Reserve created $2 trillion of assets and debts during the past year so it could rescue banks from the unparalleled leverage that brought the world&#8217;s biggest economy to a collapse unlike anything since the Great Depression           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:14 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/column_bloomberg_v._fed/43749/#When:05:00:14Z</guid>
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          <title>Policinsky Column: Turning to traditional media</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/policinsky_column_turning_to_traditional_media/43655/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
When it comes to a free press, Americans still like the idea &#8212;&nbsp; but after that, well, there are questions.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:43 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/policinsky_column_turning_to_traditional_media/43655/#When:05:00:43Z</guid>
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          <title>Oppenhagen Column: The only poll that counts</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/oppenhagen_column_the_only_poll_that_counts/43653/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Just when I was wondering if they were still in vogue, I received a call to participate in a political poll last week.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2009 00:00:56 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/oppenhagen_column_the_only_poll_that_counts/43653/#When:05:00:56Z</guid>
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          <title>Verner Column: Ode to Autumn</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/verner_column_ode_to_autumn/43652/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
As John Keats famously wrote . . .           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2009 00:00:27 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/verner_column_ode_to_autumn/43652/#When:05:00:27Z</guid>
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          <title>Granados Column: Melancholy memories</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/granados_column_melancholy_memories/43650/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
If I had to tell you all of the stores in Old Town Manassas that have disappeared since I moved here in 2006, I probably couldn&#8217;t do it off the top of my head.&nbsp;            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2009 00:00:19 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/granados_column_melancholy_memories/43650/#When:05:00:19Z</guid>
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          <title>Hollifield Column: Men&#8217;s grooming raises eyebrows</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/hollifield_column_mens_grooming_raises_eyebrows/43605/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A lot of British men are going to brow bars to get threaded.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2009 00:00:15 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/hollifield_column_mens_grooming_raises_eyebrows/43605/#When:05:00:15Z</guid>
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          <title>Shannon Column: Close is enough for government work</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/shannon_column_close_is_enough_for_government_work/43417/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Recently I received a letter from the Prince William County Service Authority &#8212; the people who bring you water and flush toilets &#8212; proudly announcing that customers could now pay their bill online.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:15 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/shannon_column_close_is_enough_for_government_work/43417/#When:05:00:15Z</guid>
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          <title>Merli Column: Driving a negative trend in the region</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/merli_column_driving_a_negative_trend_in_the_region/43418/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
As lawmakers in Richmond continue searching for creative ways to save money in this fitfully cantankerous economy, let&#8217;s hope one of their stunts doesn&#8217;t replicate the irresponsible gesture that the 
District of Columbia just committed.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:06 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/merli_column_driving_a_negative_trend_in_the_region/43418/#When:05:00:06Z</guid>
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          <title>Biddlecomb Column: Can we get there from here?</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/biddlecomb_column_can_we_get_there_from_here/43349/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Despite a maiden voyage that took nearly twice as long as anticipated, Prince William County officials are still considering support for a commuter ferry that could link Quantico and/or Woodbridge with Washington, D.C.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:35 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/biddlecomb_column_can_we_get_there_from_here/43349/#When:05:00:35Z</guid>
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          <title>Gray Column: Prince William needs a seat at the table</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/gray_column_prince_william_needs_a_seat_at_the_table/43240/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It seems like just last year Metro was raising rider fares.&nbsp; Oh wait a minute; that was last year.&nbsp;            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:42 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/gray_column_prince_william_needs_a_seat_at_the_table/43240/#When:05:00:42Z</guid>
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          <title>Verner Column: Observing a reversal of trends</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/verner_column_observing_a_reversal_of_trends/43202/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I think it is fascinating when a social trend reverses itself, especially when that reversal is for the better. Take walking and running for exercise as an example.&nbsp;            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:00:40 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/verner_column_observing_a_reversal_of_trends/43202/#When:05:00:40Z</guid>
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          <title>Mercer Column: Don&#8217;t trust anybody over 30&#8212;another blast from the past</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/mercer_column_dont_trust_anybody_over_30_--_another_blast_from_the_past/43199/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
In the spirit of Woodstock and the return of Beatlemania, here&#8217;s another blast from the past: &#8220;Don&#8217;t trust anybody over 30!&#8221;
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:00:31 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/mercer_column_dont_trust_anybody_over_30_--_another_blast_from_the_past/43199/#When:05:00:31Z</guid>
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          <title>Oppenhagen Column: To be, or not to be . . . local only</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/oppenhagen_column_to_be_or_not_to_be_._._._local_only/43203/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I may be signing my own pink slip with this column, but here it goes anyway.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:00:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/oppenhagen_column_to_be_or_not_to_be_._._._local_only/43203/#When:05:00:02Z</guid>
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          <title>Hollifield Column: Prepared text of Scott&#8217;s speech</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/hollifield_column_prepared_text_of_scotts_speech/43107/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Note: Inspired by President Barack Obama&#8217;s recent speech to the nation&#8217;s school children, columnist Scott Hollifield decided to give his own back-to-school address.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/hollifield_column_prepared_text_of_scotts_speech/43107/#When:05:00:00Z</guid>
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          <title>Column: Pre&#45;K = National Security? Doesn&#8217;t compute</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/column_pre-k_national_security_doesnt_compute/43044/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Last week a group of retired military leaders held a press conference to make a novel pitch for a surprising cause: early childhood education.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:48 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/column_pre-k_national_security_doesnt_compute/43044/#When:05:00:48Z</guid>
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          <title>Policinsky Column: Military efforts to control press could make truth a casualty</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/policinsky_column_military_efforts_to_control_press_could_make_truth_a_casu/42986/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Afghanistan is about as removed as one could imagine from being at the center of a First Amendment controversy.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:06 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/policinsky_column_military_efforts_to_control_press_could_make_truth_a_casu/42986/#When:05:00:06Z</guid>
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          <title>Reichley Column: How did Van Jones go this far?</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/reichley_column_how_did_van_jones_go_this_far/42874/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Friday is the eighth anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on our country. This is a day to remember &#8212; remember the loss of too many of our fellow citizens, and the sacrifice of brave men and women dealing with the aftermath.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:36 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/reichley_column_how_did_van_jones_go_this_far/42874/#When:05:00:36Z</guid>
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          <title>Gray Column: Let&#8217;s not elect people based on gotcha</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/gray_column_lets_not_elect_people_based_on_gotcha/42835/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Here we go again. Another political campaign and another poor attempt at gotcha politics. This time it is happening in the Virginia governor&#8217;s race.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:00:17 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/gray_column_lets_not_elect_people_based_on_gotcha/42835/#When:05:00:17Z</guid>
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          <title>Oppenhagen Column: Another summer vacation is gone; let the school year begin!</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/oppenhagen_column_another_summer_vacation_is_gone_let_the_school_year_begin/42807/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I love back-to-school time. It&#8217;s refreshing to be back in the classroom, ready for new students with new ideas learned from activities over the summer.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2009 00:00:58 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/oppenhagen_column_another_summer_vacation_is_gone_let_the_school_year_begin/42807/#When:05:00:58Z</guid>
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          <title>Mercer Column: Waiting for Obama to finally arrive</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/mercer_column_waiting_for_obama_to_finally_arrive/42804/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
As Paulette gave my hair a late-summer trim, I asked what she thinks now of the president who won her vote.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2009 00:00:56 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/mercer_column_waiting_for_obama_to_finally_arrive/42804/#When:05:00:56Z</guid>
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          <title>Granados Column: Remembering Sept. 11, 2001</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/granados_column_remembering_sept._11_2001/42803/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
This week marks the eighth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on our nation.&nbsp;            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2009 00:00:45 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/granados_column_remembering_sept._11_2001/42803/#When:05:00:45Z</guid>
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          <title>Verner Column: School days and school supplies</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/verner_column_school_days_and_school_supplies/42806/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I enjoy office supply stores. There&#8217;s something about all those instruments and materials used in writing that appeals to me.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2009 00:00:38 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/verner_column_school_days_and_school_supplies/42806/#When:05:00:38Z</guid>
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          <title>Hollifield Column: What&#8217;s up doc? How about a massage?</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/hollifield_column_whats_up_doc_how_about_a_massage/42726/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer will pay fines totaling $3.2 billion for, among other irregularities, plying doctors with golf outings, massages and lavish vacations to encourage them to prescribe medications for uses other than intended, which may explain why I received a Viagra prescription for post-nasal drip.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 05 Sep 2009 00:00:40 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/hollifield_column_whats_up_doc_how_about_a_massage/42726/#When:05:00:40Z</guid>
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          <title>Simpson Column: What&#8217;s the matter with family values?</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/simpson_column_whats_the_matter_with_family_values/42616/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The race for governor of Virginia has heated up this week. For those who are just hearing about the ruckus &#8212; a 1989 Thesis by Bob McDonnell has made its way into the debate and it contains some statements that the Creigh Deeds campaign has latched onto like a snapping turtle.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:31 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/simpson_column_whats_the_matter_with_family_values/42616/#When:05:00:31Z</guid>
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          <title>Shannon Column: Charlie Brown for governor</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/shannon_column_charlie_brown_for_governor/42557/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Last Sunday Bob McDonnell sat behind me in church and he didn&#8217;t appear the least bit suicidal. McDonnell didn&#8217;t sing too loud or try to address the congregation when he was introduced, which went a long way toward winning my vote.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:41 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/shannon_column_charlie_brown_for_governor/42557/#When:05:00:41Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Merli Column: Will the real Bob McDonnell please stand up?</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/merli_column_will_the_real_bob_mcdonnell_please_stand_up/42546/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
One of the convenient blessings of the digital age is that if you happen to be a writer &#8212; or have written anything on any topic that others had access to &#8212; then the chances of it being retrievable via the Internet are extremely good.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/merli_column_will_the_real_bob_mcdonnell_please_stand_up/42546/#When:05:00:02Z</guid>
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          <title>Biddlecomb Column: Academic exercise or a governing blueprint?</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/biddlecomb_column_academic_exercise_or_a_governing_blueprint/42484/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia voters sleeping through this year&#8217;s Ambien-laced gubernatorial campaign were given a quick shot of Red Bull this week when the Washington Post dusted off Republican Bob McDonnell&#8217;s 20-year-old political manifesto.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:53 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/biddlecomb_column_academic_exercise_or_a_governing_blueprint/42484/#When:05:00:53Z</guid>
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          <title>Erickson Column: Immigration and the health care debate</title>
          <link>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/erickson_column_immigration_and_the_health_care_debate/42486/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
You&#8217;ve likely read by now that immigration issues have become part of the national dialogue in the health care reform debate. The primary issue concerns who will benefit if a national plan is put in place.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:42 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/opinion/columns/article/erickson_column_immigration_and_the_health_care_debate/42486/#When:05:00:42Z</guid>
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