On Wednesday, Dec. 29, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will open Fairfax County Parkway Exit 166B from I-95 south to Fairfax County Parkway north, making it easier and faster for motorists heading to the Fort Belvoir North Area and other destinations in Fairfax County.

At 9 a.m. Dec, 29, crews will close the right lane on I-95 between the Springfield-Franconia Parkway (Route 7900) and the Fairfax County Parkway (Route 7100) overpass. At noon, crews will begin removing traffic control devices, and by 1:30 p.m., the exit ramp will be open to traffic.

The ramp will offer motorists two options: Fairfax County Parkway on the left, or the newly opened Heller Road on the right, which goes into the Fort Belvoir North Area. This is where the National Geospatial Agency (NGA) is located. On Tuesday, Jan. 18, the NGA will begin admitting new employees.

Ask an average person to name a whistleblower and they’re likely to think of ‘private citizens’ like Erin Brokovich, Karen Silkwood, and Jeffrey Wigand or journalists like Carl Berstein and Bob Woodward.  These red, white and blue American whistleblowers have been portrayed in Academy Award-winning movies as admirable people who had the courage to reveal wrongdoing in workplaces and government agencies in a spirit of justice.  

But are there other motivations that drive people to release sensitive documents and information that bring down companies and governments?  I believe the answer is yes.  Fame is certainly a motivator...and so is vengeance.  Employers in the private and public sectors that stubbornly refuse to acknowledge the link between employee engagement and corporate security are likely to find themselves the victims of leaks. 

The holiday season means entertaining guests, big meals, decorating and of course, gift buying.

Stores definitely play their part offering deals and discounts to attract everyone to their stores; all to get you to spend money you don’t intend to spend.

Despite the urge plan ahead and stick to a budget so you’re not still paying for this Christmas next Christmas. Here are a few tips to keep you on track:

1.) Leave the plastic at home

Resist the urge to use your credit card for purchases. It is more difficult to keep track of what you spent and that line of credit will only intensify your urge to buy, buy, buy. The worst part: the interest you will be paying on that purchase long after that present is unwrapped, used and pushed to the back of the closet. 

2.) Budget