See all the online extras from September's issue here. Read our blog, updated several times a day, here. 

Capital Comment Rating big-name politicos who became professors . . . Predicting a winning Redskins season . . . Windsurfing and other ways to kill a presidential campaign . . . Is Bob Strauss’s law firm sinking? . . . New Washington books.

Where & When Martin Puryear at the NGA . . . Celine Dion at Verizon . . . La Traviata at the KenCen . . . Book and neighborhood festivals all over.

Doug Duncan’s Comeback Depression knocked him out of the Maryland governor’s race. Here’s what it’s like to be able to smile again. Interview by Susan Baer

Soldiering On Senator Jack Reed, a former paratrooper who opposed the war in Iraq, might help chart the way out. By John E. Mulligan

Avedon’s Washington For half a century, the legendary photographer turned his lens on powerful people in the nation’s capital.

Michelle vs. Cindy The would-be first ladies are very accomplished but also very different in personality and style. By Susan Baer

Best & Worst of Congress Who’s the smartest member of Congress? The meanest? The best-looking? Top aides on Capitol Hill tell all.

Trouble in Coal Country Cutting off the tops of mountains is a cheap way to mine, but it’s changing the landscape and may be endangering lives. By Brooke Lea Foster and Cindy Rich

Great Day Trips Whether your idea of fun is a country picnic or fine dining, city shopping or a crafts fair, a long hike or easy biking, a New York museum or a winery (we found 19 great vineyards), here are 24 pages of fall pleasures.

Deals Getaways at good prices. By Alice Shapin

Taking on the Terrorists Robert Mueller has battled to remake the FBI and to prevent another 9/11. By Garrett M. Graff

Benefits Good times for good causes. By Lynne Shallcross

Small Lot, Big Impact Build a home on a sliver of land? Sure. By Mary Clare Fleury

Move Over, Citronelle Is Komi now the best restaurant in DC? Plus—Leo Marino puts his stamp on Westend Bistro, and two hot new pizza spots emerge. By Todd Kliman, Cynthia Hacinli, and Ann Limpert

Best Bites Hell of a burger in Arlington . . . Ten new restaurants . . . Thirsty Bernie’s king of charcuterie . . . Celebrity chefs hit town . . . Romance in Annapolis.

Fashion Purple reigns for fall. By McLean Robbins

Great Hair We asked Washingtonians: Who does your hair? Plus—coloring tips and the top salons, stylists, and colorists.

Luxury Homes Ex–Fannie Mae chief Frank Raines lands a $5-million penthouse.

Pets Local shelters help cat lovers find the perfect fit. By Lynne Shallcross

Washingtonian Crossword Location, location, location. By Matt Gaffney

They’ve Got Game Meet two of the nation’s best junior players. By Kate Nerenberg

Mommy Goes Back to Work Flip-flops at the office—since when? By Janice Lynch Schuster