Smart people are everywhere, and so are people who have common sense. That's why we're looking high and low to bring readers the highlights of the week just post. Got a suggestion? Send it to:threads@washingtonexaminer.com Caught at the border
1| Radical imam tried to enter U.S.
The details: Said Jaziri was caught sneaking into the U.S. from Mexico. Jaziri, a radical Islamic cleric who once issued a death sentence for the Danish cartoonist who drew pictures of the prophet Muhammad, paid $5,000 to be smuggled in a car's trunk.
At least you have a check
2| Governor calls for shared sacrifice
The details: A police officer complained to Gov. Chris Christie, R-N.J., during a town hall about his 2 percent raise. Christie's reply: "You're getting a paycheck. And there are 9 percent of the people in the state of New Jersey who are not."
Glimmer of hope
3| Obama blinks on Obamacare
The details: President Obama signaled on Friday that he was at least open to "tweaking" Obamacare, giving Republicans an opening as they begin stripping out its most onerous provisions and preparing for a future set of replacement reforms.
Cancer breakthrough
4| 'Rogue gene' exposed
The details: Scientists at the University of East Anglia have discovered that by blocking a gene called WWP2, they can stop the spread of many late-stage cancers. This could lead to new treatments in the near future.
Real cuts
5| Paul wants $500b in cuts this year
The details: Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., proposed $500 billion in cuts from the fiscal 2011 budget, providing serious options for cutting spending that go far beyond the toothless spending freeze that President Obama suggested in his State of the Union address.
Not acceptable
6| Charter school rejection reversed
The details: Maryland's State Board of Education gave Montgomery County Public Schools 90 days to revisit a decision to reject two charter school applications, saying the school system exhibited bias against charters and failed to follow its own evaluation procedures.
Biting back
7| HOT lane suit blowback
The details: Arlington officials are being punished by a Fairfax legislator for trying to block construction of high-occupancy toll lanes on Interstate 95. Del. Tim Hugo says if Arlington can afford to spend $1 million on a lawsuit, it doesn't need more revenue from a hotel tax.
Parker app
8| Help finding a parking space
The details: Starting next month, Metro will test the popular Parker app, which shows available parking spaces, time allowances and prices. After sensors are installed, the $1.99 app will be available for download.
Home price growth
9| Area recovers quicker than most
The details: Home prices in the Washington area rose 3.5 percent from November 2009 to November 2010, in contrast to dropping prices in much of the rest of the country. Home prices here are also expected to remain well ahead of the national average.
Zigzags
10| Paint slows down drivers
The details: A yearlong study found that painting zigzags near W&OD Trail crossings in Loudoun County slowed drivers down. This was the first time this cheap innovation has been used in the United States, and researchers are recommending it be used nationwide.