Photo by Paul Frederiksen

Good morning, Washington. So, be honest: which are you more excited for, the State of the Union or the Apple Tablet? One promises to detail how the destruction of our civilization will be forestalled, while the other will reveal a product that might well save it outright — or so Engadget has convinced me. The choice seems clear.

NTSB Investigation Proceeds: The Post reports on the status of the NTSB investigation into yesterday’s fatal Metro accident, in which two veteran employees were killed by a piece of maintenance equipment known as a “high-rail vehicle.” There isn’t too much more information about the incident, although Jim Graham is quoted as saying the accident “was a direct result of human error.” The Post also cites recent examples of Metro safety procedures breaking down, including an incident in which safety inspectors had to dodge out of the way of a full-speed train bearing down on them. As of this morning, Metro service has returned to normal.

DPW Overtime Abuses Went Down to the Wire: The Examiner follows up on a story they first reported in late 2009. On Christmas Eve a draft audit was circulated within the Department of Public Works, castigating the agency for its excessive and sloppy overtime practices. Today’s story reveals that funds were being shifted to cover the overtime overruns as late as November 27.

Briefly Noted: Remains of missing Va. Tech student may have been found… Barack Obama will be the first U.S. president to deliver a State of the Union on a handicap-accessible Speaker’s rostrum… National Archives warns that thousands of Clinton-era visitors’ personal data were compromised… Wonkette likes weird empty Levante’s brunch… D.C. one of three markets to preview Chevy Volt… Takoma campus of Montgomery College locked down after assault on female student… Fire caused by gas leak kills two in Springfield…

This Day In DCist: One year ago we were upset about the metal in our old water system and excited about the new metal in our pockets.