The woman known as the "hugging saint" hugs and blesses Nilima Mehra, a producer with Global Television Network. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)
Followers wait in a seated line holding numbered tokens to be redeemed for personal blessings from spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center on Friday. The woman known as the "hugging saint" smiles as a steady stream of visitors approach her. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)
Volunteer Kerry Fitzpatrick of Seattle, Wash. walks around with a sign asking for help washing dishes as spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi, also known as "Amma" or the "Hugging Saint," hugs and blesses followers at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, Alexandria, Va., Friday, July 6, 2012. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)
Spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi, top center, also known as "Amma" or the "Hugging Saint," receives a follower with a hug and blessing at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, Alexandria, Va., Friday, July 6, 2012. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)
Center Mathieu Perreault scored a career-best 16 goals for the Capitals last season, mostly filling in for injured Nicklas Backstrom. Perreault anticipates more production as his ice time increases. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)
Center Mathieu Perreault scored a career-best 16 goals for the Capitals last season, mostly filling in for injured Nicklas Backstrom. Perreault anticipates more production as his ice time increases. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)
Dennis Van Roekel, President of the National Education Association (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)
Fireworks can be seen from the Top of the Town as they explode over the National Mall to celebrate Independence Day. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)
Fireworks can be seen from the Top of the Town as they explode over the National Mall to celebrate Independence Day, Arlington, Va., Wednesday, July 4, 2012. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)
