Environment

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A woman carries flowers to a Christmas tree that has become a memorial to the shooting victims in Newtown, Conn. Sympathetic messages to the community have come from around the world. (Associated Press)

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A peaceful view of Vancouver, British Columbia, from Jericho Beach could turn ugly in a hurry as a result of nearby fault lines that could produce the kind of earthquake that in 1995 destroyed Kobe, Japan, a city often drawing comparisons with Vancouver for its precarious beauty. After a powerful Oct. 27 earthquake, many West Coast Canadians are urging action to prepare for the “Big One,” which scientists predict could threaten about 8 million people. (Christopher Johnson/special to the Washington Times)

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The west coast of Canada and the United States have few warning signs or reminders, like this one in Japan, of the earthquakes and tsunamis that have struck the region with killer force. (Associated Press)

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The EPA is preparing a report on environment aspects of “fracking,” a method of drilling for natural gas and oil that has been a boon for many communities. (Associated Press)

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photographs by andrew harnik/the washingtont times These two lines to fill. These two lines to fill. These two lines to fill. These two lines to fill. These two lines to fill. These two lines to fill. These two lines to fill. These two lines to fill. These two lines to fill. These two lines to fill. These two lines to fill. These two lines to fill. These two lines to fill. These two lines to fill. These two lines to fill. These two lines to fill. These two lines to fill. These two lines to fill. Washington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss (89) catches a 22 yard touchdown pass late in the third quarter as the Washington Redskins play the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pa., Sunday, December 23, 2012. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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An exhibit outside the Times Square subway station in New York City features a series of photographs of Marilyn Monroe taken by Sam Shaw. The exhibit is part of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Arts for Transit program. (Associated Press)

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** FILE ** This Dec. 5, 2012, photo shows an oil pump jack in a field adjacent to a sub-division near Fredrick, Colo. Citizen fears about hydraulic fracturing, a drilling procedure used to pry oil and gas from rock deep underground, have made "fracking" the hottest political question in Colorado.

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Capitals forward Matt Hendricks (center, holding banner) and Nationals pitchers Craig Stammen and Ross Detwiler, pose with troops at the transit center in Manas, Kyrgyzstan during their USO Tour in December. (Photo courtesy Matt Hendricks)

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The center-island kitchen has maple cabinets painted with white glaze, a tiled backsplash, stainless steel appliances and granite counters.

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The newly built home at 10104 Dickens Ave. in Bethesda is on the market for $1,189,500. Part of Crescendo Builders’ City Homes Collection, the home has 4,065 square feet over three finished levels.

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Toll Brothers is building town homes at Amberlea at South Riding in Ashburn. The homes have from 1,450 to 1,530 square feet and are base-priced from $305,995 to $337,995.