Fast planes, loud noises and acrobatic aerial routines. Yep, it was that time of the year again—the Andrews Sir Show took place over the weekend.

In a review of Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park sequel, The Lost World, Martin Amis once observed, “Modern parents hover at about A-level standard on prehistoric fauna. Children are all PhDs.” Kids are a talented bunch. In addition to holding those paleozoology degrees, children can claim advanced military engineering diplomas to boot. If kids at the Joint Service Open House and Air Show at Andrews Air Force Base this past weekend could answer precise questions about…

The annual Andrews Air Force Base Joint Service Open House and Air Show starts today and runs through Sunday. Metro says they’re ready for the large crowds: they plan to use 190 free shuttle buses to ferry attendants to and from the base, which is closed to civilian automobile traffic. The shuttle buses will depart both from the Branch Avenue Metro station, and from FedEx Field. Of course, the big event coincides with ongoing switch…

Ramsey’s Legacy Pondered: The Post has a front page story this morning mulling over exactly how outgoing Police Chief Ramsey will be remembered as he leaves his post. Often criticized for emphasizing public relations and merely reacting to crime issues instead of thinking ahead, but undeniably praised for bringing order to a corrupt department and out-of-control crime situation, council member Kathy Patterson (D-Ward 3) probably assessed Ramsey’s overall performance most accurately: “very mixed.” Ford’s…

Soprano Cristina Nassif is a 20-something native of the Maryland suburbs. The daughter of an opera singer mother and a pianist father, Nassif received a music degree at the University of Maryland and got her start on the stage in the Virginia Opera Young Artist Program. Last season, she triumphed with Virginia Opera as Violetta in La Traviata, which brought her to the attention of the hungry eye of Plácido Domingo, ever watchful for…

Well folks, today is 06/06/06. If you’re unaware of the old wives tales associated with this date, Livescience.com may shed some light on it. And since it’s somewhat hard to avoid an entire day, just watch out for any folks named Damien, the apocalypse, or devilish things today. Officers Placed on Leave after D.C. Jail Break: In what sounds like a Hollywood storyline, the D.C. jail break continues to make news. WJLA tells us that…

Large Sewage Spill Sours Potomac River: Some 17 million gallons of raw sewage spilled into the Potomac River on Saturday, reports NBC 4. The spill was caused by a three-hour power failure at the Blue Plains sewage treatment plant on the eastern back of the river. And though 17 million gallons sounds like a lot, the EPA has predicted that the spill won’t have a major impact, a claim countered by the Anacostia Watershed…

Another story from NBC 4 worth reprinting, title and all: CAMP SPRINGS, Md. — Prince George’s County Animal Control officers were called to the area of Andrews Air Force Base in Camp Springs Thursday afternoon to search for a large cat. Animal control Chief Rodney Taylor said a woman at the base reported seeing the large cat — possibly the size of a mountain lion or a large dog — run on to the base…

News today has it that the U.S. Capitol Police seemed to have forgotten about the First Amendment on Tuesday night, when they arrested anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan and Beverly Young, the wife of a Republican representative, at the State of the Union address for wearing “expressive t-shirts.” Ironically, Young’s shirt was pro-military: “Support the Troops — Defending Our Freedom.” Capitol Police Terrance Gainer issued an apology and dropped the charges against the two. District Claims…

Good morning, Washington. Now that the Roe v. Wade protests and street closures have calmed down, your commute to work may be a little more worry-free. Here’s is a look at today’s news in the region. Is it a Bird, a Plane?: If you hear or see some low-flying jets this morning, don’t fret; it’s not time to evacuate the District just yet. WTOP reports that NORAD is conducting Exercise Falcon Virgo as a…