Traffic is going to be crazy this weekend since it’s the end of Spring Break for some schools. But there might be a better way to get around it if your route takes you along 495.

Yet another politician forms a “task force” to make it look like they’re doing something about a problem. But I ask you, readers, to think of one task force that has yet to solve a major issue like mental illness, gun access or just plain people doing bad things.

Security was similar to airport security — turn on your equipment, turn out your pockets, be scanned, wait in the safe area before you can go in. I got an orange press pass to safety pin on my shirt, which reads, “Property of the U.S. Government.” I still don’t know whether they mean me or the badge, since they claimed neither of us.

President Barack Obama is scheduled to appear in Richmond at an early morning grassroots event.

Consider indulging in some glorious caloric consumption at Sweet Frog.

Some people think of social media as God’s gift to man as it allows us to connect with people all across the globe, brag about our latest vacation trip and show off how many friends we have. On the other hand, there are those who curse its manipulative nature and how it is, slowly but surely, taking over our lives by making people procrastinate on important commitments and tasks.

I have had many “firsts” during my stay here in this country: my first Thanksgiving, my first Super Bowl and my first deep-fried Oreo cookie (yum!). Most recently I had my first pitch for radio at the firm I am currently interning at.

Interning in the nation’s capital among thousands of other workers means that you have to get used to the extensive use of political jargon. It is especially important for me since many of my responsibilities at the public relations firm Howard Consulting Group involve keeping track of numerous lawmakers for the clients.

“Sofia, you are going to write an op-ed.”

As I am processing these words in my head, my first immediate thought is to do a cartwheel.

Luckily, my senses quickly come back to me as I realize that acrobatics might be frowned upon in an American business setting. But what do I know – I am only an exchange student from Sweden.