Shwedick held Kuki, a young African crocodile (Mark Gail/Post)
At age 14, Michael Shwedick saw a picture of a researcher handling a cobra in a library book. His life plan was complete (and involved a 238-pound python). || Story by Steve Hendrix
PHOTOS: Four decades of reptile life
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS: Unusual pets
[Shwedick] inspires them. Children look at him and see that he turned his love of reptiles in a lifelong adventure. They get that."
Betsy Sirk, who booked programs for PTA | 
Weigh in
Head to the Smithsonian Archives Fair | More
Ty Segall plays at Comet Ping Pong | More
Make plans to stop by some of these events | More
Dig into the numbers behind our stories
Catch up on the local news you missed
ALSO: Vote in Real Art D.C.
Neighbors heard shots about 12:30 p.m.; victim is in critical condition.
By Clarence Williams | Weigh in Only through sheer luck did a parent notice him, his mother said.
By Michael Birnbaum | Weigh in 
Where Midshipmen get shipshape
The network brings together the best D.C. area bloggers to weigh in on issues that matter to you.
News and features from around the world.
Baby orangutans, carp, Salukis and more.
Images from the world of celebrities.
Neval H. Thomas Elementary School in Washington, D.C. is offering three meals a day.
Newly released video shows the rescue of a man who in August fell onto Washington D.C.'s Metrorail tracks by another who bounded across two tracks, stepping on the flimsy cover of the electrified third rail. (Oct. 21)
The Washington Post's LaVar Arrington, Barry Svrluga, Dan Steinberg and Jonathan Forsythe preview the Redskins-Bears game Sunday in Chicago.
The Washington Post's LaVar Arrington, Barry Svrluga, Dan Steinberg and Jonathan Forsythe discuss Albert Haynesworth's role going forward.
The Washington Post's Adam Kilgore reports from the Arizona Fall League where Nationals prospect Bryce Harper hit a bases-loaded double in his professional debut.
The Washington Post's Three-hour Weekend takes you inside Medieval Madness, a dinner and comedy show.
Bring on 'Da Bears!' The Washington Post's Mike Wise and Jason Reid break down the loss to Indianapolis and look toward the game in Chicago and how the Redskins can improve on defense.
The Washington Post's Mike Lee talks with Wizards guard John Wall and head coach Flip Saunders after the team lost to Detroit in their final game of the preseason. With just eight days left to prepare for the 2010 -2011 NBA season, Wall and Saunders talk about increased levels of seriousness and trust as factors in the team's preparation.
Pope Benedict XVI names Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington as one of 24 new cardinals, putting his mark on the body that will elect his successor. Wuerl was one of two Americans named as a cardinal. (Oct. 20)
Host B.J. Koubaroulis and The Post's Josh Barr preview Friday's game between Quince Orchard and Seneca Valley.
Host B.J. Koubaroulis and The Post's Alan Goldenbach preview Friday's DCIAA game between H.D. Woodson and Ballou.
Host B.J. Koubaroulis takes you around the DMV's high school football landscape. Highlights and interviews from Centreville, Chantilly, Damascus, Sherwood, Gwynn Park, Douglass and more.
Host B.J. Koubaroulis takes you around the DMV's high school football landscape. Highlights and interviews from Centreville, Chantilly, Damascus, Sherwood, Gwynn Park, Douglass and more.
The search continues for a gunman who opened fire on the Pentagon Tuesday morning. No one was injured.The Washington Post's Anqoinette Crosby reports from the Pentagon.
Montgomery County public schools came close to winning the country's largest award for urban school systems but lost out to a suburban Atlanta district.
The JetBlue Airways Corp. flight attendant whose job-quitting meltdown landed him in court avoided jail time in a plea deal Tuesday that requires him to undergo counseling and treatment for a least a year.
One of the area's best soccer players, Northwood soccer player Dallas Sikes describes how he takes a free kick.
The Washington Post's LaVar Arrington discusses his personal experience with concussions and offers his opinion on how the NFL is dealing with the recent rash of head injuries on Football Insider Live.
One of the area's best hitters, Severna Park volleyball player Carli Converse describes how she hits the ball down the line.
Leon Brown plays on both sides of the ball for Parkdale, but will be playing left tackle at the next level.
Michael Dola is a former soccer player who has emerged as one of the best kickers in the area for Yorktown.
The Washington Post's LaVar Arrington, Barry Svrluga and Dan Steinberg discuss Albert Haynesworth's role on the team going forward and preview the upcoming game against the Chicago Bears with host Jonathan Forsythe.
An interview with members of the Georgetown University a cappella group Superfood. In order of appearance are:Alexandra Smith, Senior; Joanna Dearolf, Junior; Jack Hale, Senior, Katherine Kaiser, Senior; and Yean Do, Sophomore.
The Washington Post's John Feinstein analyzes the Redskins loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
As Jury selection began Monday in the murder trial of a man accused of killing federal intern Chandra Levy nearly a decade ago, The Washington Post's Keith Alexander outlines the upcoming trial and his exclusive interview with Levy's parents.
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) and former gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., discuss the polarizing issue of slots and casinos with The Washington Post's John Wagner and Aaron Davis.
Delonte Young's six yard touchdown run gives the Yellow Jackets a 10-6 victory over No. 4 Douglass. The victory helps Gwynn Park avenge an 8-0 loss to Douglass in last year's Maryland 2A South Regional title game.
Local musician, Justin Jones, talks about the obstacles of getting into the music business and gives some practical advice.
Interim D.C. Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson accepts reform challenge.
Queen Silvia came to D.C. for her work with the Mentor Foundation, an international drug prevention organization. Her visit included a stop at Cesar Chavez Public Charter School.
A newly licensed driver in Pennsylvania didn't get very far when he crashed into the Bridgeville Driver License Center Wednesday. Four people, including the driver, suffered minor injuries.
Students display their ability to solve the Rubik's Cube at the Marian Koshland Science Museum of the National Academy of Sciences in Northwest D.C. Instructional booklets from the "You CAN Do the Rubik's Cube" program give step-by-step instructions to teach the students how to solve the puzzle.
The White House became the "Pink House" Thursday night for breast cancer awareness.
Got a problem? Let Carolyn Hax solve it live at 12 p.m.
ALLMET SPORTS | Area high schools have long adopted logos from colleges and pro teams, but universities have recently taken notice -- and action.
MLB: NLCS going back to Philadelphia for Game 6 | Notebook
Redskins: By one measure, team comes up short defensively
Wizards: Ndiaye is bubbly on the bubble | Morrison, Marks cut
All-Met Sports: The latest on area high schools
Features: Hard Hits | D.C. Sports Bog | World Wide Wilbon
Colleges: Maryland | Virginia | Virginia Tech | Navy
“The bar had a different name when I went there but the reputation was the same. I didn't like the scene, so I stayed out. No one is forcing these students to go there. The law should be enforced, but ultimately it is up to the students to show restraint and avoid putting themselves in stupid situations. They are adults; they should act like it."
DCCubefarm - End of the party in College Park?
The triumph will be way sweeter than Wegmans patisserie section.
Students at one school don't like their great reputation.
But I suddenly feel the need to decide about getting married.
I saw it. I said it. Metro didn't care.
The Post's picks in the region's races.
Has Obama's shine worn off? Has the Great Recession left you cynical?
