Lunchline: D.C. taxis are getting cheaper

If you have difficulty viewing this newsletter, click here to view as a Web page. Click here to view in plain text. Monday, June 18, 2012 The sad news that Rodney King passed was announced early yesterday. He holds a very interesting place in American media and civil rights history. I, for one, would certainly call him a hero. But not for the reasons you may think. Don't let cabbies gank you for an extra dollar after Wednesday. The D.C. Taxicab Commission announced last week that the gas surcharge will end Wednesday. Wondering why? Well, gas prices have gone down. I have to give the commission some credit for this. I had gotten so used to paying that extra buck I'd almost forgotten what it was for. The Post's Martin Weil reports on the details of the decision to roll back prices. The words "child preacher" make me cringe. The notion of the word of God coming through children is nothing new, but in this day in age, the practice reeks of parental exploitation. Nonetheless, Ezekiel Stoddard, 11, preaches at his family's independent Pentecostal church in Prince George's. This family also has a home-schooled child gospel band that is looking to land a major record deal. The Post's Hamil R. Harris profiles the youngster. Columbia Pike may soon get a lot more crowded. The Arlington County stretch of the pike that's currently home to many single-family homes could see as many as 6,000 new rental apartments over the next 30 years under plans be considered by the county. The neighborhood is looking to add affordable, high-density housing, but some residents are worried about getting overwhelmed. The Post's Patricia Sullivan explains how things may develop. I love Nick at Nite. When I was a kid, I watched old episodes of "I Love Lucy" and "The Honeymooners" and I loved them. Now, I watch old episodes of "The George Lopez Show" and "Yes, Dear." But the whole point is that the shows are typically ones I've seen before. Now, the network is launching an original show, a soap opera called "Hollywood Heights." The Post's Emily Yahr reviews the show, which actually has a decent storyline. It was Father's Day at Nats Park yesterday, and surely many men attended the game with their children. And although the Nats couldn't stem the tide to avoid a sweep by the Yankees, one man found himself conflicted about his fan interests. The Post's Mitch Rubin grew up a Yanks fan because of his dad. Now, he finds himself rooting for the Nats. And he wonders, with a boy on the way, what if his son is a Nationals fan? You've got to check out this charmingly introspective piece. Extra Bites • Wait, you don't think that "Calvin & Hobbes" relates to the political situation in Egypt? Well, my friend, you should check out Foreign Policy's Marc Lynch and what he has to say on the matter. Fascinating comparison. • It sure didn't take long for ebook sales to outdo those of hardcovers. Some said books would never die, but this isn't a good sign for those believers. • CNN's Don Lemon broke off the Daily Caller's Neil Munro something proper. Check it out. Here's how to get at me. There's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and you can e-mail me at clinton.yates@wpost.com Get The Washington Post, your way. Want to stay on top of the latest news, features, commentary and more? Here's how: Mobile: Alerts: Social Media: Applications Web site E-mail SMS RSS Feeds Facebook Twitter SEND TO A FRIEND UNSUBSCRIBE NEWSLETTER CENTER GET HELP Washington Post Digital E-mail Customer Care 1150 15th Street NW Washington, D.C. 20071 ©2012 The Washington Post Privacy Policy