Honestly, I’m not sure I understand why you’re reading this instead of being outside enjoying this beautifully abnormal day. But perhaps you just can’t wait to make your weekend plans. Well we couldn’t (because it’s an assignment and I’m a whiney editor who prods people about it) so you may as well read about it. And then go outside. Seriously.

Brittany: This weekend I make a rare excursion west to check out the Tamal Festival at Richard Sandoval’s Tysons property, La Sandia. Looking forward to some tasty tamales and margaritas with a Virginia friend to celebrate the unseasonably warm weather. It is a big weekend for DJ nights too: I will be stopping by St. Ex for Color Wheel – a DJ night offering “the rainbow of grooves.” Who could say no to that? There is also ZOo00OOM! at the 9:30 Back Bar and We Fought the Big One at Marx Cafe to consider. Sunday afternoon may find me at Smoke & Barrel for some of their tasty and super crowd-pleasing brunch – they are the rare brunch spot that can please vegan, gluten-free, and omnivore friends with ease.

christmas eve
courtesy of volcanojw

Joanna: It’s my birthday weekend! I plan to spend Friday with friends drinking Guinness, eating fried stuff, and then drinking more Guinness. On Saturday my husband Michael is taking a day off from studying, and we decided to hit up the museums we’ve been missing. I’ve yet to see the Hope Diamond or Declaration of Independence, which makes me – lover of galleries – a pathetic, backwards wannabe. So we’re going to remedy that and catch a few obscure galleries, too. We may turn so touristy that we go ice skating afterward. Saturday night what I’d like to be doing is seeing Genesis Reboot at Synetic but dang it that hasn’t opened yet, so I’m still deciding – but it will probably involve tapas. And on Sunday we’re watching the Super Bowl with friends over my favorite mac and cheese. This year Michael might experiment by adding bacon. Suck it, resolutions!

moviebillboard
courtesy of RTLibrary

Mosley: Quiet weekend for me; I’m still recovering from my birthday last weekend.  I’m hoping that the weather stays good for Friday night, because I’m thinking of going on a nice photo walk through town.  I might even lug my tripod around for some long exposure, night shots!  Saturday I’d like to go and see the Maltese Falcon playing at the American History Museum.  The museum is doing a Humphrey Bogart film festival this weekend to celebrate the opening of their new theater.  I’d prefer to see Casablanca on Friday, but it’s sold out.  That night I’m having dinner with my family at Toscana Cafe near Union Station.  Sunday…I’ll probably watch the game somewhere but I really could care about the outcome, or the commercials.

Flowered Cross
courtesy of Kevin H.

Rachel: The first weekend of February should prove to be a good one! I’m gonna kick things off by catching up with an old friend around the Tenleytown area. Maybe we’ll hit up Public Tenley … not sure where we’ll end up yet though. Saturday will be my first live performance of 2012. It’ll be at my alma mater American University in the Tavern. Doors open at 1, show starts at 1:15, and I’ll be playing until around 2 p.m. The best part is that it’s f-r-e-e! Then, Sunday is the Super Bowl, so I’ll be hulled up at Ragtime in Arlington watching my friends from New York root for their beloved Giants.

Come to the Theatre
courtesy of M.V. Jantzen

Fedward: Saturday night the Social Chair and I will be hobnobbing at the Zinoplex during the Studio Theatre’s annual gala. Last year I had a ring in my pocket I never got the chance to produce (and oh, the awkward conversation with a particular flirty/pushy board member – some of you will know who I mean); this year that ring is on her finger and we’ve got a date set, so I can already predict how our conversations will go (the aforementioned board member should approve). Sunday we’ll stop by the Passenger for our usual brunch, and maybe swing by the new Odd Bar at Eventide.

Rothko II
courtesy of Edward Hoover

Jenn: Like Joanna, it’s my birthday weekend, and I’m in search of some Zen. Perhaps I’ll wander over to the Phillips to continue my Rothko research after having seen Red last week, also catching the new photography and painting exhibit opening Saturday which features photos snapped by artists like Bonnard. More passionate art could include Federico Garcia Lorca’s hauntingly poetic play Blood Wedding, as Constellation Theatre Company’s production opens tonight. But who am I kidding, I’m sure there will be drinks as well as art. If our winterless weather continues, Poste has a lovely thing going with its new winter cocktail menu out on the patio. Snuggle under a cosy blanket with your lover and sip some bacon-infused bourbon hot chocolate or mulled wine while fondue bubbles seductively. Yeah, that kind of artsy weekend.

If you’re not already building an Ark then maybe you need something to do with yourself the next few days. Well, we have some ideas to run past you.

Mosley: Birthday weekend!  And I plan on starting the festivities tonight: it’s the last night to see Girl With the Dragon Tattoo at the Lincoln Theatre.  I’ve never been in the theater and I’m interested in seeing the space more than the movie.  Saturday day I’m planning on leaving up in the air: maybe I’ll hit Chocolate City Brewery and DC Brau’s growler hours; or maybe I’ll spend the day walking around somewhere new to take pictures; or maybe something else I haven’t thought of yet.  I don’t know!  But Saturday night will be at the Hamilton for my birthday party; I rather like the space, and they have a beer and food menu to m y liking, though I hope their service has improved since I was last in there.  Sunday, my actual birthday, the city is actually throwing me a parade.  Well, officially it has something to do with the “Lunar New Year,” whatever that is; but unofficially it’s a parade for me in Chinatown.  I go every year to take photos and it’s a ton of fun.

Sun Chiu Kee – Lamb Hot Pot
courtesy of Calgary Reviews

Alexia: Starting out my weekend rocking for a good cause at Comet Ping Pong’s “D.C. Hearts Jonathan Toubin Benefit Show & Dance Party” featuring Chain and the Gang and others. Saturday, weather permitting I’ll be running on the W & OD trail as part of my training for the Ukrops Monument Avenue 10k in Richmond in March. Saturday evening I’ll be checking out the Sichuan hot pot offerings at Mala Tang in Arlington with some friends for dinner. Sunday- hoping for a day of rest, but if anyone knows a good brunch place in Arlington, I’m taking suggestions.

Roller Girls
courtesy of Edward Hoover

Tom: Roller Derby! Woo! We’ve been invited to join the dc rollergirls for Saturday’s bout at the Armory and hope to attend. We’ll likely hit up dinner on Barracks Row ahead, so suggestions are welcome. Sunday I’ll be grabbing a Bikeshare ride to cover some ground, perhaps all the way up to Ballston!

Don: We’re going low-key this weekend, but our one confirmed plan is catching Two Gentlemen from Verona from STC on Sunday night. There’s been some great deals on tickets and some great buzz, including from our own usually-trustworthy Jenn.

courtesy of Fitsum Belay

Fedward:  I’m going to set up camp at the AFI Silver for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, My Week With Marilyn, and The Artist, and then celebrate the Social Chair’s return from her two weeks of overwork with a nice brunch at the Passenger on Sunday.

Rogue 24 by RJ Cooper
courtesy of NataliaMoreno

Jenn: Spike Gjerde of Baltimore’s Woodberry Kitchen is doing wonderfully elegant things with local ingredients at Rogue24 this week as part of the ongoing Rogue Sessions. Natalia and I were treated to a taste last night, and I highly recommend a visit this weekend. As an added bonus, the paired cocktails are pretty stellar – including the “orris julius” created by lead bartender Bryan Tetorakis featuring nasturtium and orris root, making for a very lovely floral concoction indeed. I’m starting to feel like the quirky warehouse is one of my favorite spots in DC…

DC Brau – The Public – 08-06-11
courtesy of mosley.brian

Natalia: It was quite the week for dragon feasting. From Toki Underground to Rogue 24, the Year of the Dragon has never tasted so good. And it is only going to continue into the weekend, with a massive parade on Sunday through Chinatown, I plan on stopping by Chinatown Coffee Co who will be offering a DC Brau Happy Hour and a warm escape. And maybe throw in some dumplings for good measure at Ping Pong.

courtesy of Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie

Brittany: This weekend is sort of a gradient that starts out classy but slides to sloppy and rock and roll by the end – which is pretty much my favorite. Friday night, I will be meeting a boy for a fancy dinner at a restaurant which has just brought on a new chef – though, to be fair, I have never actually been there before, so it will all be new to me. (Attire: Cute dress, tall heels – science be damned.) Saturday evening will be an interesting trick as I attend the Jeff Mangum show at the Lincoln Theatre and then, as the closing notes ring, dart around the corner to the Black Cat for the Sockets Records Showcase. (Attire: Wooly 90s emo sweater, big music blogger eyeglasses.) Sunday I have big plans for hanging out, grabbing a croissant from Seasonal Pantry, and then seeing my current favorite of my friends’ bands play hard and fast at Velvet Lounge. (Attire: Dark colors to avoid any blood spots when the singer hits himself with mic to end set, skirt, boots.)

Old Pension Building II [Explore]
courtesy of (Alex) It’s my whole damn raison d’etre!

Rebecca: On the bus ride to work this week, I saw a billboard for the National Building Museum’s current exhibit Unbuilt Washington, which reveals the Washington that could have been by presenting architectural and urban design projects that were proposed but, for widely varied reasons, never executed. This sounds A-MAZING. So that’s really the only activity on my weekend list besides sleeping, eating and doing laundry.

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Mosley: A two day weekend…how did we get by with only two days off again?  Anyways, this weekend is actually pretty open for me, except for one thing.  I have this thing where I like to see bad movies; not Sharktopus bad, but more like major studio production bad.  And since it is January, one of the months out of the year devoted to bad movies, I have my bad movie of the year all picked out: Underworld: Awakening.  I expect cheesiness, bad writing, and plot holes large enough to drive a truck through; it will be awesome, in a bad way!

(282/365)
courtesy of kimberlyfaye

Rachel: A friend of mine from college his making her triumphant return to the District this weekend which means we’ll be taking a trip to her favorite spot in town … Churchkey! Otherwise, I’m working all weekend out in Crystal City so I’m thinking of stopping off at Jaleo for tapas and sangria at some point. Or maybe a quick trip to Buffalo Wild Wings? Either way, there will be a stop at Pentagon City Mall for some window shopping.

Saturday Night Sips DC 1812
courtesy of tedeytan

Marissa: This weekend is a crazy one with out of town friends and a slew of birthday outings, so these are my weekend plans idealized.  Saturday afternoon I plan on checking out the debut of the new Annie Leibovitz exhibit at the Smithsonian. If I were you, I’d definitely make sure I was at DCCK’s Saturday Night Sips, with the likes of famous foodies such as Jose Andres, Joan Nathan, Alice Waters and plenty of DC’s top chefs. Sunday morning maybe I’ll hit up The Hamilton for some brunch and to check out their huge space since I have yet to go.

Georgetown vs Rutgers
courtesy of JoshBerglund19

Moses: at long last, a weekend in the city! Lots of indoor activities to keep me busy, including Georgetown hosting Rutgers at noon Saturday at the Phone Booth. Hopefully they can build off their win over DePaul to clobber the Scarlet Knights. Sunday is a visit across the river to the Inaugural Crystal City 1K Beer Walk, hosted by Washington Wine Academy — they just posted a special Sunday “Game Day Rate” of $20 (w/o t-shirt), which is considerate of them because I’m watching the Ravens step up against New England at 3:00. Will it be Flacco’s last game as a Raven? Hopefully not this year!

Rogue 24 by RJ Cooper
courtesy of NataliaMoreno

Jenn: There are still a few seats left at Rogue24 for guest chef Tim Byres’ stint this week at the restaurant’s ongoing Rogue Sessions – while RJ Cooper recovers from surgery (and there’s always the salon for a la carte, if you prefer). I was lucky to meet Byres earlier this week and watch his mad grilling skills on a wood fire Grillworks Asador 42 (full disclosure: the grill owner is a good friend) – both gracious and talented, I highly recommend checking out what the chef from Dallas’ SMOKE brings to DC. There’s also an Ibero-American Film Showcase kicking off tonight (free admission!), and the 8th Annual Winter Concert of the 18th Street Singers both Friday and Saturday nights, tackling some deep themes with beautiful choral music inspired by times of conflict. Food, culture, song – the makings of a great weekend!

courtesy of Vileinist

Natalia: It seems to be the weekend of visitors, so will be headed to some favorite spots including Estadio and the Gibson for great grub, solid drinks but even better company. Sunday I’ll head to the Dupont Farmer’s Market followed by an afternoon at the Phillips Collection to escape the cold. And why not start the weekend early? Black Cat is having a Liftoff album release party tonight, and if you are feeling a little bit of country the 930 club has The Morrison Brothers Band in.

6.21.10
courtesy of Paige Weaver

Addison: Ah, yet another glorious three-day weekend (praise Tebow for my government work schedule).  Don’t have a whole lot on the schedule for once, which is nice.  Friday, I am continuing on my quest towards better health with my first annual physical in a few years (joy).  It looks like Saturday is going to be dreary and wet, which, while detrimental to my running schedule, is going to be very conducive to me catching up on some old shows that have just been released on Netflix (Sons of Anarchy).  Saturday is also when I will be attending the first Beer Academy hosted by Greg Engert at Rustico Arlington (http://rusticorestaurant.com/events/events.html).  Saturday night is date night, and that means one of my favorite places, both for atmosphere and dietary requirements: Mala Tang (http://www.mala-tang.com/), the Chinese hot pot restaurant in Arlington. Sunday combines three of my favorite things: brunch, football and hockey. As such, you can find me at Front Page Arlington with one of the best bartenders in the area (http://twitter.com/cmarek) brunching and watching the Caps crush the Penguins (12:30) and the two NFL conference championship games (3:00 and 6:30), both of which should be entertaining.

berlin wall. east end. 2
courtesy of christaki

Don: I’ve got company in town so it’s time to play tourist, woo! First up, the Newseum, where my darling wife and I get to use our membership admission for the first time since they were gifted to us from my brother, via last year’s Living Social deal. Other museum choices are still up in the air, but for dining we’re going to amuse ourselves by being sure to take our guests to one of the cuisines that DC does best – Ethiopian. It doesn’t sound funny till you realize one of our two guests is from Ghana. Poor guy coulda cut his trip in half, distance-wise. Oh well, Etete calls and we answer!

Natalia: 3 day weekends are good things. They are even better when you completely forgot they were happening, as was the case with me. So I’m having a stay-cation, full of cooking and exploring. Saturday I’ll head to Eastern Market and then the nearby Maine Avenue Fish Market to pick up fresh ingredients for a night of cooking. Sunday I’ll make my way, finally, to Old Town Alexandria. I am thinking Virtue Feed & Grain for brunch, then a little shopping, and I wouldn’t be opposed to a stop into Grape and Bean for a nice glass of wine.  And because it is Martin Luther King Day after all, and I have yet to visit the monument that was erected in his honor, a bike ride to the mall sounds appropriate for his remembrance day.

Birthday cake
courtesy of vpickering

Marissa: Oh that every weekend was three days. Saturday I’m heading to Ris to chat with executive chef, Ris Lacoste, and learn a thing or two in the kitchen (stay tuned for that Capital Chefs feature next week!). Saturday night I’m dying to check out Toki Underground once and for all. Then I’m thinking of popping over to HR-57 for some jazz since the last time I was there was way back in the day before they relocated. Come Sunday I’ll be detoxing from all the eating I’ve done this week with a little yoga and shopping at Current Boutique over on 14th street. Monday is mine, all mine, to be completely unplanned and see where the holiday takes me.

coming soon…
courtesy of philliefan99

Mosley: Three day weekend!  We haven’t had that in a week or two.  Friday night I have a friend’s birthday party along H Street; the plans are to at least stop in at the Queen Vic, and possibly more spots along the corridor.  Saturday I’m thinking of going up to U Street to finally check out the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum; I’ve been wanting to check both out for some time, but I keep getting sidetracked.  Then on Sunday I’m going to try and check out the Flea Market at Eastern Market; mainly it’s to get back into the groove of taking photos, which I’ve taken a break over the past few months.

King at night #2
courtesy of Timothy Forbes

Joanna M: This Saturday I’m catching up on a seriously belated art trip to the Corcoran to see their 30 Americans exhibit and Hank Willis Thomas: Strange Fruit before both close on MLK Day. (The museum is open on Monday and free if you happen to be off work.) In the afternoon, I’m running in a tights-buying marathon against my Christmas money, and losing is not an option. Saturday night the hubs and I are taking a risk on a Groupon at Marrakech in Adams Morgan, followed by Muppets 3D or maybe Beauty and the Beast 3D or hell maybe both and some headache meds. Sunday I plan to do almost nothing, although a trip to Mom’s is in order for some kosher chicken. And since Monday is technically a weekend for my studious better half, I’ll probably take some time for a brunch with him at oh, let’s say Bayou Bakery.

MLK Memorial
courtesy of available_photons

Tom: I for one love this new warmer winter that we’ve got going on! While we’ll be headed to snowy Pittsburgh for the early part of the weekend, I’m hoping that when I get home on Monday I can ride up to the northern end of the MBT on a bikeshare ride, as I have yet to see that part of the trail. Also, depending on if DCBOEE has certified the vacancy for Harry Thomas’ seat, you’ll likely catch me out on the streets engaged in retail politics.

Heaven Is a Neverending Bookstore
courtesy of Kevin H.

Rachel: I’m working on putting the final touches on my songs for my new album so I’ll most likely be setting up shop at Soho Tea & Coffee to get some solid work done before any leisurely activities take place. It’s been awhile since I’ve done brunch so I’m looking forward to treating myself and stopping off at Kramer’s for a nosh. My ultimate goal is to see Beauty and the Beast in 3D, though. I know it’s playing at the Gallery Place theater. The child inside of me is very much looking forward to it.

Industrial Elements, American Ice Co.
courtesy of Jenn Larsen

Fedward: The Social Chair’s two jobs are both entering crunch time in completely different ways, so this is the first of two consecutive bachelor weekends for me. As such I’m at loose ends, but thanks to my employer I don’t have Monday to worry about (boo!). I’ll probably go on a tour visiting some of our bartender friends, since one seat at the bar is always easier to find than two together. Look for me at any of American Ice Company, Bourbon, Columbia Firehouse, Dino, Estadio, Fiola (can’t forget Jeff), and Gina at PS7’s (you knew I’d have to jump ahead at some point), or her old stomping grounds Rasika (bartender: Jason Strich) or Chantal Tseng at the Tabard Inn (and with that twofer I’m done). And, of course, the Passenger on Sunday night, where I might actually get the chance to catch up with my fiancée.

courtesy of Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie

Alexia: It is crazy but I forgot it was a three-day weekend. Bonus! Friday night I hope to find my way over to U Street Music Hall for some DJ magic from my local favorites Volta Bureau and London DJ Rory Phillips. Saturday if I play my cards right I can make it to what sounds to be an amazing event, Bluebrain’s Final Boombox Walk at the US Botanical Garden (a truly beautiful, magical spot to visit any time!), at 3pm, and still have enough time to get myself over to Black Cat by 6pm for the sold out Cults early show! Sunday is band practice for The Torches, but since I don’t have to get up early on Monday morning I may head late night to DC9 for a dance party. Monday I hope to get a start on some spring cleaning! I can dream, right

Well, you made it through the holidays. Congratulations. From the looks of it, every single one of you made a new year’s resolution to get into better shape and are now working out at my gym. I’ll enjoy having you around for the next few weeks and hope you keep in touch come February. Now get off the damned stationary bike.

Marissa: Between the holidays and hibernating like a bear for winter, it’s been a while since I’ve really been out and about. I’m kicking off my Saturday with dim sum brunch at The Source by Wolfgang Puck. Definitely looking forward to a breakfast of champions with the dumplings I made with chef Scott Drewno ages ago. Then it’s off to see Billy Elliot at the Kennedy Center before their final performances next weekend. Keeping Sunday low-key, I plan to check out the places that sadly announced they’re shutting their doors soon–Melody Records in Dupont Circle and Penn Camera. Then end on a positive note by grabbing a bite at the newly opened Taylor Gourmet on 14th Street.

DSC_5680
courtesy of MudflapDC

Joanna: Apparently there’s still one weekend’s worth of holiday cheer left in DC. That would explain why I’m going to both a belated Chanukah party and post-holiday party on Sunday. To prepare for the revelry, I’ll be hitting the Mt. Vernon Trail on Saturday morning and visiting the National Gallery of Art to see, among other things, their Text as Inspiration exhibit before it closes. Then if there’s time, it’s lunch in Foggy Bottom (not sure where – send recs!) to refuel for the matinee of Billy Elliot at the Kennedy Center. Before Chanukah re-starts late Saturday night, I’ll be joining my dad for a drink and cigar at Shelly’s Back Room, and hopefully my law student husband will take a study break to join us so I don’t look like a hooker. Maybe my frog hat from the Global Exchange store at Busboys & Poets in Shirlington will make that obvious, too… Happy Still-the-Holidays!

Kushi-yaki
courtesy of LaTur

Rebecca: I’m dying for some high quality sushi and while it’s been opened for a while, I haven’t managed to check off Kushi from my DC bucket list, so that’s on the docket for Friday evening. Saturday I’m off to IKEA and Home Depot for some shelving and apartment decorations (maybe Bed, Bath and Beyond, I don’t know. I don’t know if we’ll have enough time). That evening I’ll catch The Artist at the Landmark E Street Cinema and then hit PROOF for some wine, cheese and charcuterie. Sunday, it’s been too long since my last excursion to Eastern Market and as I’m in need of some small DC-focused prints/artwork, the Arts & Crafts vendors will be my focus.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Tom: This is a weekend for riding bicycles. Fortunately this weekend’s weather bodes well for the bicycling, but I’ll be using Bikeshare to go searching for my very own ride, starting at Bicycle Space, heading next to Revolution Cycles, and then to Capitol Hill Bikes, looking for a good commuting bikes. I want to top my last weekend ride of about 15 miles, and hope that I don’t get plowed down by any tourists.

Moke
courtesy of mueritz

Don: The holidays don’t fully grind to an end in our household till the epiphany, which we honor by having the three wiseacre men over for dinner. So don’t forget, Matt, Chris, and Hamp. Just kidding, I know you don’t read the site. I’m going to spike the chocolate desert with X-Lax and you’d know that if you followed my work.

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If you didn’t find something for you in Britany’s New Year’s Eve events roundup yesterday then here’s one more option for you: a $50 deal to get into the Hamilton and a glass of champagne at midnight for the toast. In between there’s stuff to nibble on and – the part that called out to me – some blues.

No matter where you go, if you go out please be safe – both in your own behavior and in awareness that others may not be operating at their best, to put it delicately. Be particularly careful walking; that little black dress is adorable but it’s hard to see at night.

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Welcome to the last moments of your life… in 2011.

Did that briefly fill you with fear that you’ve misspent your time on this fair earth? (If so, why? Do you think I have kill-you-through-the-internet powers? Worry not, you’re wayyyyyy down on the list for when I get THAT superpower) Or did you just think “crap, I need to make some more tax deductible donations before the clock ticks over!”

Either way, we got you covered. The We Love DC team spent some time spitballing their favorite locally-focused and/or locally-based charities and came up with a prodigious list. All will allow you some way to donate to them for the 2011 tax year, if you’re fortunate enough for such deductions to matter to you. All will be similarly delighted to take your cash from Jan 1 onwards too.

Keep reading for the list and feel free to suggest your own in the comments. Most of the places below are in the District but some are in surrounding areas; charity doesn’t stop at the boundary stones, after all.

If you want to concentrate on the most basic of needs, keeping body and soul united requires food. We’re home to several fine organizations that work to feed the needy.

DC Central Kitchen has gotten some love here in the recent past and Marissa profiled Chef Allison about a year ago. DCCK’s combination of providing nutrition as well as training folks in culinary arts is a clever approach.

Bread for the City is closing out the last few years of their fourth decade. They provide comprehensive services including clothing and social services but I always think of their nutritional contributions first. It’s right there in the name, after all.

So Others Might Eat also goes beyond meals, including substance abuse counseling, elderly care, medical services, and housing. On top of all that they serve more than 1,000 meals a day in their dining room and via outreach.

Some of these operations focus on homelessness and poverty, others provide advocacy:

WEAVE provides legal services and education on violence issues. No one should have the suffer at the hands of another and WEAVE’s attorneys help bring that idea closer to reality.

N Street Village provides support to homeless and low income women. Women among the homeless are vulnerable in additional unique ways beyond the challenges all the homeless already face. Increased vulnerability to HIV is one of those ways, and in recognition of that N Street created Miriam’s House just a few months ago to help homeless women living with HIV and AIDS.

Safe Shores received some backpacks from some of you a few years ago but we haven’t mentioned them recently. Thankfully they don’t do it for our adulation. This children’s advocacy center helps children who have come into crisis situations suffer as little chaos as possible, as well as providing education and outreach. If the first rule of finding yourself in a hole is “stop digging” then the first rule of helping a child in need is to stabilize the situation and make them start feeling safe.

DC Legal Aid Society recognizes people below the federal poverty line may still find themselves needing legal representation. Their staff helps make that happen, whether it be providing housing related legal support or protecting the vulnerable from being exploited.

Doorways for Women and Families in Arlington uses a comprehensive approach to work with families to address domestic violence and homelessness.

Building folks up and helping them become better able to help themselves through job training and other advancement:

Empowering Center works with students on education and employment.

College Bound tutors motivated students in 8th through 12th grade to help them improve their grades and work towards getting into college, as well as providing some scholarships.

Habitat for Humanity of DC builds homes. Habitat is pretty well known these days and there’s a lot to be said for their “sweat equity” concept that gets residents involved before they move into their new home.

The soul needs nourishment too. Some local operations that work through the arts:

Art Enables works with folks with developmental issues to help them express themselves through art, often providing them an avenue of expression they lack in other areas.

Choralis Foundation works to bring music into people’s lives, both as creators and listeners.

DC Arts Center provides a space for the visual and performing arts in the Adams Morgan area. I’ve seen a number of shows in their black box theater that wouldn’t have had a chance to be made if they hadn’t had access to that performing space.

Supporting people’s health takes a lot of forms. Sometimes it’s advocating for healthier options and environments, sometimes it’s providing medical services.

DC Greens works to improve access to fresh food in the city and advocates for healthier options in schools.

Phoenix Bikes works with local youth to provide training and provides bicycle services to the community.

Children’s National Medical Center is a pediatric-only operation that’s been working in the DC area for over 140 years. They’ve touched countless lives, including one of WLDC’s own, Brian Mosley, whose niece was born there earlier this year. If you want an example of what makes them special you can read about little Addison’s entrance into the world and the thirty-two person team who helped her here and here. Children’s has a Food Lion Challenge Fund matching donations through the end of today, so you get double the bang for your buck.

Some of the most vulnerable among us are those who have been separated from their support structures. Several local operations endeavor to help immigrants and refugees, as well as victims of trafficking.

The IRC in Silver Spring goes on-site to provide relief, both here and abroad. Domestically they help settle refugees, abroad they assist in different ways. The rundown is extensive and can be found here.

NoVa’s Migration and Refugee Services is a Catholic charity helping refugees and asylum-seekers in the Northern Virginia area. They’ve helped over 20,000 in 35 years – well more than one every calendar day.

Courtney’s House provides shelter and counseling services to children 12 to 18 who have been sexually exploited.

HIPS provides assistance via harm reduction programs to sex workers.

Tahirih Justice Center provides legal services, advocacy, and education for immigrant and refugee women suffering gender-based violence.

And of course, there’s everyone else.

Our list doesn’t scratch the surface of the people doing good work in and for the area. There’s some clearinghouse sorts of sites out there to help you find worthwhile places if nothing above strikes your fancy. You can look at  the Catalogue for Philanthropy who highlights a number of smaller charities, like DCAC, or simply look at GuideStar and search for a topic close to your heart.

My advice is to give and be careful; it feels so good that it gets to be addictive.

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Mosley: Christmas is the big family holiday for the Mosley Clan, so I will be camping out at either my parents’ place in Cheverly or my sister’s in Virginia.  I always like to tell people that for me “Christmas” goes from noon on the 24th to noon on the 25th.  It goes back to my childhood: by noon on the 24th, I was well on my way to getting ready for Christmas Eve mass, and by noon on the 25th, I was playing with my new toys, while my parents were taking a nap.  And I’ve got to tell you, I got some cool presents as a kid!

I will always remember the times trying to stay up to hear Santa, only to fall asleep from the excitement (I swear I heard him one year). But since I’ve gotten older, Christmas has changed for me.  I don’t get as excited; the big day seems to come faster and faster every year. But when Christmas does comes around, I’m reminded of the last lines in the Polar Express: “At one time, most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed, it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I’ve grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe.”  I know that most of me wouldn’t be able to hear that bell anymore.  But there is still a very small part that hears it loud and clear.  I hope that stays with me forever.

Chanukah at the White House
courtesy of afagen

Rachel: My holiday is going on right now (Chag Sameach to my fellow Jews in the area), so there’s nothing too special going on for me this weekend. I’ve never visited the National Menorah on the Ellipse so I might just have to do that while everyone else is tucked away in their homes for Christmas. I’m doing my best to find some potato pancakes since I’m not much of a chef but so far all I’ve heard about is Firefly in Dupont. Otherwise, I might just have to head to the grocery store and try to make my own for the first time. I’ll likely head to a movie at some point, maybe see The Muppets new movie again. Either way, though, this is likely to be a weekend of leisure. If anyone knows of any good restaurants serving latkes, however, I’d be forever grateful if you passed that information along!

Fedward: We’re spending our weekend (the whole week, in fact), in the other Washington. No, not Chocolate City, the other one. No, not the city of Myopic Little Twits, the other other Washington. The one on the Pacific. The one that’s already a state. We’ll spend our time seeing how the Washington with a vote in congress does its thing, and try to become regulars in one of Seattle’s many excellent bars. Like Canon, or Liberty, or Rob Roy, or Tavern Law, or Zig Zag. Sadly, Vessel doesn’t seem to have reopened yet, but with only seven nights in town and two of those Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, five bars might be all we could manage anyway. Other than that we’ll spend some time at Pike Place Market, and I’ll make time to chant, Monorail! Monorail!.

Magnified
courtesy of Samer Farha

Jenn: If I weren’t escaping to the rural wilds in search of a snow day (which I am, if you haven’t caught on), I would find myself torn between repeating one of my favorite Christmas Eve’s ever – sitting in front of the fireplace in cosy Tabard Inn, enjoying one of Chantal Tseng’s perfect cocktails, aglow with happiness after a damn fine meal. Actually, a gussied-up dinner at any of my favorite grand hotels – The Jefferson, St. Regis – would be enough to get me in the spirit. To counteract the elegance, a night at Theater J cracking up at the Kinsey Sicks would be a great choice if you’re in the mood for an overdose of subversion. Enjoying the quiet in my usually bustling ‘hood would also be fun… but instead, I’ll be in search of a dive bar in a small town for a nightcap, and I bet that simple pleasure will be just fine.

courtesy of Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie

Brittany: I suppose it is time to get down to gift-shopping, so I am thankful for the proliferation of cool local shops where I can get everything done. First stop this evening is Nana for sweet lady gifts. Living in your hometown as an adult has its drawbacks, but one nice thing is not having to travel at major holiday times – instead, I get to stay home and old friends come to me; Friday, I will be gathering with some for beer and tidings. On Christmas Eve, the biggest thing going is the U Halliday Party at U Street Music Hall with all the DJs (and so many kinds of pho hot dogs). I will try to stop by after dinner with my family. I have no big plans for the rest of the weekend – just hang out with people I love, exchange some presents, and wish it actually felt like Christmas weather outside.

Tom: Who’d have thought that in picking California for Christmas, I’d be picking a place colder than DC? While I’ll be hanging with my family for Christmas, my heart will be with the new National Christmas Tree, I have to feel for the little guy, who’s clearly under a lot of pressure to live up to his predecessor’s stature. While we couldn’t bring a growler of DC Brau out with us, we are getting our fill of 1554 out here, so that much is good. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Blessed Kwanzaa, and Joyous Solstice to all.

Mmmm….
courtesy of kimadababe

Moses: the wife and I are changing things up this holiday season by hosting family from both sides! Since the DC arrival of niece Megan 8 weeks ago, that just makes it easier for everyone.  Trust me, I’ll be ready for a vacation (and some beverages!) after this holiday week — hopefully we’re still talking to each other come our Dec 29 anniversary!  With 10-13 people per meal for a week, I’m cooking family style foods that are easy to reheat, but based on some DC favorites of mine.  Maybe a holiday meatloaf, (“Ma, the meatloaf!” – not safe for work!) based on the unmatchable “Kosta’s Famous Meatloaf” from the Greek Deli (Thursday is meatloaf day!) and/or Shepherds Pie, based on Duffy’s former winter favorite.  Soups and Chili (no, not Chilis!) include my wife’s favorite, the Greek Deli’s Avgolemono (egg & lemon) soup and my brother’s favorite Terlingua Red Chili from Hard Times Cafe!  Do you have a suggestion for me from a DC favorite?  I’ll need some help — Please post the link in the comments below, and Happy Holidays everyone!

Radly Balko talks today about Terrance Crossland’s failed appeal over his arrest and conviction for assault on a police officer. Which sounds like a pretty slam-dunk Bad Action, though maybe marginally less so when you discover it came after an inappropriate detention and search.

The officers, who were in full uniform, stopped appellant and his cousin Joseph Womack, both of whom were standing near the corner, as part of their effort to gather information about a rash of recent shootings and drug sales in the area. Officer Baldwin acknowledged that neither man was “doing anything unlawful” when the officers stopped them. The officers instructed both men to place their hands on a nearby fence for a weapons pat-down. Appellant “initially” complied, but quickly became “agitated,” telling Officer Baldwin words to the effect of “Fuck this shit. I’m tired of this.”

Whether Crossland actually physically resisted after that point is in dispute, but the case also mentions a sad fact you should know: just because an officer is violating your rights doesn’t mean you have any right to physically resist – a delightful little clause in a 2001 DC law that says “It is neither justifiable nor excusable cause for a person to use force to resist an arrest when such arrest is made by an individual he or she has reason to believe is a law enforcement officer, whether or not such arrest is lawful.” (emphasis mine)

In other words, once that officer tells you you’re under arrest, shut up and take it. In 2008 the Dolson case upheld that law when it was applied to a man who held a gate shut against an officer – after telling the officer he did not consent for the officer to enter without a warrant – and, after the officer forced his way in and reportedly began choking him, broke the officer’s nose. Whether or not fighting back against an officer while being raped is similarly illegal – assuming they are simultaneously arresting  and assaulting you  - is still an open question.

Before that point, however, both you and Crossland can do yourself some good by avoiding being in that circumstance in the first place. The excellent Flex Your Rights, an organization in Baltimore, has several great videos and publications to help you navigate your encounter with the police, no matter how wrong they’re being. Rule #8 from their Ten Rules for Dealing With Police is clear: NEVER TOUCH A COP. If Crossland had refused the search initially and the officers had gone ahead and assaulted him there’d be less uncertainty over whether he had resisted arrest.

Consider yourself warned, however: the DC prosecutors have made is clear they think you’re likely a sleaze if you’re interested in “Ten Rules” – “The typical citizen would not need to know detailed information as to US Supreme Court case law regarding search and seizure because they are not transporting illegal substances in fear of being caught,” said Officer [Redacted]. I guess he just left off “or are mowing your lawn.”

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Well, we’re in the home stretch on that whole holiday shopping thing. Have you indulged your wretched excess? It’s also the time to be jolly, and by jolly I mean stuff your face with food and get fatter. Here’s what we have planned to do and eat. You?

Patrick: It’s not only the holidays- but it’s the holiday party season. My office is throwing their annual Holiday Party over at Lincoln and if you haven’t seen the signage, the coverage, or the past reviews- it should be a good time. When midnight strikes at the party it will be my birthday so if you see me downtown afterwards say hi and I’ll buy you a drink- just say We Love DC sent ya! On my actual birthday I’ll be covering the first of two Wizards pre-season basketball games. There are still plenty of tickets for Friday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers- if you see me there, say hi and I’ll buy you a beer. Saturday night I’ll be exploring the mysterious NoMa neighborhood of DC- tweet me some suggestions and once again if you see me out- say hi and I’ll buy you a drink.

Rachel: My weekend starts tonight at the Wonderland Ballroom in Columbia Heights with Listen Local First’s inaugural DC Holiday Jangle. The night features live local artists and drink specials, among other festive things. Listen Local First is a “local music initiative devoted to building awareness and creating opportunities for local musicians and venues in order to raise the profile of DC’s local music scene” and as one of those local DC musicians, I firmly believe in its message. So come on out tonight, the party starts at 6 p.m. with a schmoozing session followed by music from 8 p.m. to midnight. Then, the music filled weekend continues Saturday when I perform my last show of 2011 as part of the Capital City Showcase at the D.C. Arts Center in Adams Morgan. The show starts at 10 p.m. and tickets are still available for a early bird price of $10 on the showcase’s website. Tickets are $15 at the door.

National Santa
courtesy of philliefan99

Paulo: It would be nice to go visit the National Tree and Capitol Tree this weekend, but instead I’ll probably be buried in classy high-end Christmas shopping at our local Five Below and Unique outlets. The suburbs are awesome. Don’t judge me.

Mosley: The Christmas Spirit is upon me!  Or, to be more exact, it’s being thrust upon me by the fact that Christmas is almost a week away!!!  And this weekend couldn’t be more packed with things to do.  Friday night I need to get my small Christmas tree up in my apartment; it’s a personal failing that I haven’t gotten it decorated yet.  Saturday is the busy day: I’ve got to go shopping to give the gift of craft beer (either a DC Brau growler or a Chocolate City growler; decisions, decisions); I have a group of friends who want me to take part in the craziness of Santarchy DC; and then I have a Christmas party to go to in my hometown of Cheverly.  Sunday will probably be devoted to recovery.  The Holiday Season is going to kill me!

The Washington Revels
courtesy of Mr. T in DC

Fedward: This is our last weekend in town before we head to Seattle for Christmas. And I’m getting into the Christmas spirit, dammit! I’ll be caroling in various locations this weekend, at Mt. Vernon Square Friday evening and at numerous stops on Sunday (look for us in Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, Lafayette Square, and the National Gallery Sculpture Garden). In between those, on Saturday afternoon I’ll be in the audience at a Children’s Chorus of Washington concert, and I’ve got holiday parties to attend both Friday and Saturday nights. If I have a chance I’ll also try to whip up a batch of eggnog.

Sex Pistols i Norge, 1977
courtesy of Riksarkivet (National Archives of Norway)

Jenn: It’s no secret I’m a serious fan of artist Dana Ellyn’s work. This Friday night from 7-11pm at The Dunes, she and fellow artist Matt Sesow present their vision of a “degraded and totalitarian future” in Dystopia. NYC punk bank Drunken Sufis will perform at 10pm. If I know anything about this artist couple, it’s bound to be an insane party, so head on over, have a drink, and pick up some of their vibrant, politically charged work.

Even before Christmas has said Hello……..
courtesy of LaTur

Don: I’m going to be recovering from a shindig of my own come Saturday so it may be a low-keep weekend for me. The temptation of Santarchy is strong; I haven’t been in 5 years now and it was great fun, but we have  company function we must go to Saturday night. Confusing tourists on the mall is fun but the real joy is being part of the drunken yule tide which washes over the local bars once the sun goes down. Other than that I may spin over to the Penn Quarter area to look around the Holiday Market on Sunday.

Happy Holiday Shopping Season, folks. If you don’t recognize that thing in the sky or the feel of your skin it’s called “the sun” and “being dry.” Capital Weather says it’ll still be cold this weekend but it’ll at least be dry. What will you do with the time?

Brittany: This weekend is all about seeing friends (how, exactly, did I agree to six holiday parties?) – and buying gifts. Friday night, my pal Denman will be spinning future bass at the 9:30’s Back Bar (part of their new collab with U Hall) at a night called ZOOo00OOM! I do not really dig malls or mass-produced gifts, so Saturday I will be stopping by GRUMP Holiday Market and Cheap Art Sale for SMYAL for hand-made items and maybe the Thelma’s Vanity Trunk Show in Anacostia for some vintage finds. Along the way, I will take a culture-break from the commerce for Audio Warhol at the NGA. Sunday night, I will be out in VA for a Cricket Cemetery showcase (the label is run by a friend who is also in one of the performing bands) for some super fun “rock music” at Galaxy Hut.

let it snow
courtesy of philliefan99

Alexia: It is a music-filled weekend for me! Friday night I’m getting decked out in my new party dress and heading to the Kennedy Center for BYT’s “The Greatest Holiday Party of All,” featuring live music by The Dance Party, among others, DJ sets, and more. Saturday eve I’m playing Nerd Nite with my band The Torches at DC9. We’ll be playing 3 short sets in between talks on being a veterinarian, lemur poop, and pseudoscience and the paranormal. Sunday afternoon I’m turning up the class and going to the Washington National Cathedral to hear my mother perform with the Cathedral Choral Society for their holiday concert, “The Joy of Christmas”. If I have a free moment I’ll be putting up & decorating my Christmas tree while listening to Vince Guaraldi’s Charlie Brown Christmas album, getting in the spirit of the season!

Christmas sprinkles
courtesy of ekelly80

Huzzard: This should be the end to what has been a very busy couple of weeks. I had to cook Thanksgiving dinner for the in-laws and then started taking classes to get my real estate license. This weekend is going to feel busy even though it might not be all that busy. First on Saturday I have to help my wife deliever a wedding cake to the District for her work. Then after that she will be taking my car home as I am to stay in the District to cover the Khan v. Peterson prizefight. Sunday will be what my Sunday’s have typically been as I will watch the Redskins take on Tom Brady and the Patriots. After all of that is over I will then study for my final in the real estate classes even though I have forgotten how to study.

Lit Up Basketball Hoop
courtesy of aaronjwebb

Patrick: Is anybody excited for the start of Wizards training camp on Friday? I am- I’ll be working this weekend on my post-lockout Wizards mega post so stay tuned for that. I’ll also be checking out a couple of shows this weekend as well. Tonight I’ll be at Arena Stage to review their production of You, Nero and Sunday I’ll be at Woolly Mammoth to review Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies. If you want some holiday fare I got a tip that The Santaland Diaries will have shows Thursday-Friday over at Fort Fringe. Of course there’s also A Christmas Carol over at Fords. I’ll be also taking in some holiday lights viewing up in Montgomery County- yes I know it’s Maryland but when you are rolling at 5 mph past houses you won’t get beeped (or worse) in the suburbs.

Christmas stable decoration 005
courtesy of rockbadger

Rebecca: Friday I’ll be prepping for some extensive apartment painting by hitting up Home Depot in NE for paint, brushes, painter’s tape, plastic coverings, etc. Exciting! If I forget to pick something up, there’s always Ace Hardware in Glover Park to fill the gap. Saturday, I’ll be painting away, but when it’s time for a break (aka letting the paint dry), I’ll get out of the house for a filling Reuben at Breadsoda and perhaps a pint or two. Saturday evening, a friend of mine is hosting a holiday party with the entry requiring either a gift or $20 donation to Toys For Tots. Sunday, I’ll hopefully be finishing up painting and will have time to watch the Giants take on the Cowboys in NFL Sunday night football action.

Columbia Heights Holiday Tree
courtesy of Mr. T in DC

Moses:  Weekend starts today with a celebration of a friend’s new job offer at Jack Rose, followed by a birthday party at Science Club.  Friday is the wife’s office holiday party, so perhaps a stop nearby at Maddy’s for a night cap.  In-laws are in town this weekend, so after watching the Army-Navy Game at FedEx Saturday (first time ever in DC area), it’ll be family style dinner at Palena Cafe in Cleveland Park.  Sunday before the NFL games, I’ll bundle up and get some winter gear I’ve been dreading to update — walking around local shops to hopefully buy local before hitting the online retailers.  Stay warm, all!

muppet duet
courtesy of philliefan99

Jenn: The weekend starts tonight, with a whole lot of theater – art collective Pepys Inc. is mashing up audience members actual Facebook data to create a crazy original theater piece at Artisphere with only two shows tonight at 7 and 9pm. The show’s called e-Geaux (beta) and premiered at the 2011 Capital Fringe Festival this year. It sounds like one improvisational wild ride. I also plan on bumping into Patrick at You, Nero and admiring his style. Since I’m not reviewing, I’ll be drinking. The rest of the weekend is a wild ride of a different kind, prepping my house for an invasion of baby shower attendees. Liquid libation will be much needed, so it’s off to see the wizard – Joe Riley at Ace Beverage – for provisions. Since my new juicer arrived it’s time for something with pears and ginger…

Kathryn Meisle as Beatrice and Derek Smith as Benedick in the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Ethan McSweeny. Photo by Scott Suchman.

Shakespeare Theater Company’s production of Much Ado About Nothing is odd. Not on stage – there it’s very entertaining with only minor flaws. Odd in selection, odd in its last-minute casting kerfuffle, odd in tone choice.

The selection and tone choice weirdness is the most prominent. Why do this now, two short years since Folger did their own production of Ado with a Caribbean bent? It’s a well-loved play and good fun but this seems like very recently-trod ground given the similarity in cultural tone. The play notes credit the concept to a 2007 production by Vivian Benesch at Chaucautua in New York, where Director Ethan McSweeny is artistic director alongside Ms Benecsh, so it pre-dates Folger’s production, but why not stretch a little and give us something a little more divergent than what happened down the street?

Deja vu aside, the show swings for the fences and pretty consistently delivers.

Ted van Griethuysen as Dogberry and Floyd King as Verges in the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Ethan McSweeny. Photo by Scott Suchman.

Where the show really excels is where it needs to – in the humor. If your only experience with Ado is via Kenneth Branagh’s 1993 filmed version you’re in for a pleasant experience; Derek Smith is, for my money, more believable as a man with a sharp edge over his gooey inner hopeful romantic. His conflict over whether he’s really taken seriously by his cohorts is nicely layered and his transition when taking up Beatrice’s cause really clicks; when he shifts from being in uniform to a suit it shows in his carriage as well as his costume.

Meisel and Smith make a very likable Beatrice and Benedict, which almost worsens the show’s lone serious problem – Hero and Claudio. More specifically, whatever choices actor Ryan Garbayo and McSweeny are making in Claudio’s presentation. Claudio is supposed to be young and a little awkward; he calls upon his superior officer to woo on his behalf, after all.

But Garbayo is always at somewhat of a remove from us and it’s clearly somewhat on the director; when he confronts Hero for her supposed transgressions he repeatedly puts his back to the audience, thrusting his right shoulder forward and giving us, at best, a bit of a view of his profile. If this is meant to represent something to us it was lost on me – my emotional reaction to that was “for goodness sake, turn around!”

Similarly lost was a sense of a sense of multiple settings. The set is, as befits a STC production, beautiful. But McSweeny has made the decision to present the show with a single intermission and no curtains, meaning everything happens within the hacienda courtyard whether that’s where it’s supposed to be happening there or not. It keeps a long show moving quickly, but it’s most bothersome when we watch a coffin placed on a fountain’s rim and listen to discussions of epitaphs in graveyards.

Overall, however, these are small complaints. The cast commits to the buffoonery in a way that would make the Stooges proud; I’d be surprised if you’ll see better physical comedy this year than when Benedict is being set up by his friends to fall in love with Beatrice. The cast is committed, the music good, and McSweeny can deliver some spectacle. If you don’t usually see Shakespeare for the song and dance numbers, well, here’s your shot.

Derek Smith as Benedick and Ryan Garbayo as Claudio in the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Ethan McSweeny. Photo by Scott Suchman.

Much Ado About Nothing runs through January 1 at Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Harman Theater, located at 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004.  Closest Metro stop: Gallery Place/Chinatown (Red/Yellow/Green lines). For more information call 202-547-1122.

Rachel: I don’t know about you but that whole vacation I took for Thanksgiving left me needing a vacation to catch up on sleep from my vacation. (If that sentence didn’t make any sense then I at least hope it’s apparent that I’m still exhausted from Thanksgiving.) In any case, I’ll likely catch up on sleep this weekend and then head to Friendship Heights to see The Muppets (fingers crossed it’s playing at Mazza Gallerie) and grab a bagel at Booeymonger. Then, I’ve gotta head to Utrecht for some art supplies since I’m hand-crafting all my holiday gifts this year. Other than that, sleep is the name of the game. Sorry to be lame, D.C., but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.

‘Wet block in Congress’
courtesy of ‘dewarsrepealday’

Fedward: You might already be aware that I’ll be at the Repeal Day Ball on Saturday night. Sunday afternoon, if the room stops spinning in time, I’ll head over to Jack Rose for Speed Rack DC (although I might have to look away from the bar backs if Derek Brown’s twitter feed is any indication). Sunday evening I’ve got a rehearsal for the caroling group Brittany wrote about (tenors are still in demand!). And since that rehearsal is probably going to be at the Passenger, you know where I’ll be after that.

‘The Elephant is Sad the Party is Ending’
courtesy of ‘Karon’

Mosley: It’s a family weekend for me; half my family is born in June and the other half is born in December (I’m the odd one, being born in January), so the Mosley clan will be getting together for that.  Other than that, I’m hoping to get down to the Mall and walk through some museums.  I haven’t been through the Natural History or the American History museums in ages.  And with it being December, and there being no tourists around, this is the time of year when locals can enjoy the museums!  I may even try to catch a showing of To Fly! at the Air and Space Museum; I haven’t seen that movie since the early 90s.  Nothing better than vertigo inducing IMAX movies!

‘awesome-mabelline-billboard-4′
courtesy of ‘dandeluca’

Don: I’m all about the out-of-doors this weekend. Capital Weather says mostly sunny and mild and I say outside I go! Precisely WHERE I don’t know. Maybe a little Bikeshare, perhaps some Roosevelt Island. I’d thought my indoor activities might include a Rocky Horror outing  - so I could see how much the shout-along lines have changed with the distance of 20 years and 1000 miles – but I was mistaken about it being the first weekend of the month. Local organizers the Sonic Transducers list next weekend as the next Rocky show. Dammit, Janet!

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Rabbit, rabbit.

Natalie Berk  as Juliet and Alex Mills as Romeo, photo by Graeme B. Shaw

Synetic Theater is closing out their Speak no More triptych with Romeo and Juliet. Their take on Shakespeare’s classic tale of thwarted young love is presented – as always – without dialog, relying on staging and dance to convey the story. Or are they presenting dance and framing it within a story? I keep waffling about what answer key to grade the production on, and my level of satisfaction with it depends on which one I’m inclined to use at that moment.

Grading on dance and visual appeal is a slam dunk win. If you like dance and it’s your primary reason for being there you’re golden. There’s nothing I can say about this production that Jenn hasn’t said in half a dozen past reviews. Irina Tsikurishvili’s choreography is lovely. Anastasia Simes’ set and costumes are lovely without being overly complicated. It’s hard to find a flaw with this production as a dance performance.

I’m less thrilled with this as a theatrical production. Parts of the story come through wonderfully; in particular Alex Mills and Natalie Berk have a chemistry that sparks. They convey the lovers’ arc from initial fascination and infatuation through a gleeful young love and eventual heartbreak with an almost palpable connection.

Natalie Berk  as Juliet and Alex Mills as Romeo, photo by Graeme B. Shaw

The character superstar has to be Philip Fletcher as Mercutio. He embodies whimsy and passion wonderfully and tumbles on the ground and through the air as if gravity has no hold on him. When he’s supposed to be happy you feel it through your eyeballs. Mercutio’s act first and think later, maybe, comes through superbly. When he and Tsikurishvili as the Nurse face-off it’s enthralling.

Aside from those interactions, however, I felt like we moved through this story without a good through-line. Ryan Sellers’ Tybalt is wonderfully threatening but he and the other Capulets never seemed to be a collective menace, nor do the Montagues seem like a cohesive unit. Instead we get Romeo and Juliet as simple thwarted lovers.

Natalie Berk as Juliet, Irakli Kavsadze as the Friar, and Alex Mills as Romeo, photo by Graeme B. Shaw

That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it leaves out a huge chunk of the Romeo and Juliet story and the engine that drives the original: two warring factions whose original complaint with each other has faded and simply become a constant back and forth animosity for its own sake. Instead Tsikurishvili directs this production with a more generic sense of the lovers being chewed up by the larger machine. The imagery is one of gears and mechanical constructs, and Romeo’s opening dream – or is it Juliet’s? – sees both of them menaced and barricaded by giant gears.

It’s a clever conceit, though I felt it muddied the waters a few times by intermixing an implication of time and clocks. What time, exactly, is conspiring against Romeo and Juliet? The time of their birth? When they met, shortly before Juliet’s father seeks to pair her with poor underused Scott Brown as Paris? Perhaps the point is the mistakes in time leading to their suicides.

You might write this off as my personal quibble; I was reminded again recently of how widely I disagreed with so many others about Lear a few years ago, in no small part because of what I felt was a major dismissal of an important foundation issue. Some textual issues stick in my craw and this seems to be one. It is lovely dance and good theater, mind you, it just happens to miss some things that are important to me for Romeo and Juliet. This play, by any other name, might have smelled sweeter for me.

Synetic Theater’s production of Romeo and Juliet runs now through December 23, located at 1800 South Bell Street, Arlington, VA. Closest Metro stop: Crystal City (Yellow/Blue lines). For more information call 1-800-494-8497.

Yes. This exists. Apparently. Who knew?

Well, Gene Weingarten knew. At the closing of his chat today he posted this call to action:

Molly’s veterinary clinic, one of the largest in the Washington area, is running low on cat and dog blood.  They desperately need donors.     They are the VCA Veterinary Referral clinic, at 500 Perry Parkway, in Gaithersburg.

The deal is, you call em up and make a free appointment for your dog or cat.   They will do a general exam and take bloodwork, and if your animal qualifies, it goes on a donor list for future lifesaving calls, on a case by case basis.

Call Adrian M-Th from 6 am to 4pm, to set up an initial appointment.     301 926 3300

Yay!  Do it.   Your pet will be grateful.

He later tweeted: “If your pet is chosen as a donor, you get a free annual exam & heartworm pills!”

I wouldn’t start taking my pet to an out-of-the-way clinic for this, but if you’re already in the Gaithersburg area and your pet isn’t too wigged out by the vet it certainly seems like a good deed with some positive payoff. Above and beyond the good karma, that is.

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Is there anything for sale anymore other than via coupon? If there is it’s not theater.

There’s a nice flex deal running right now for seats at Woolly Mammoth for the remainder of the season. 6 tickets to use in whatever combination you like – take 6 friends to see the Second City show or take your sweetie to the next 3 shows. At $150 it’s only a hair above $20 a seat which is a big cut off face value.

You can do that well via various day-of deals but this is a nice buy-and-be-done way to get seats. The only exclusions listed are pay what you can and opening nights or New Year’s Eve – any seat still for sale 24 hours or more out and you can use these. I’ve grabbed this deal and am going to take my visiting family to see Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies after xmas.

Studio also has a package deal – seats for all three upcoming shows. You can even be anti-social and only by for and take yourself. Hey, you’re not supposed to talk during anyway, right?

Alternately they’ve got plenty of deals for specific shows at other theaters. The touring Spamalot at the Warner. Or Hairspray at Signature in Shirlington. You, Nero at Arena – a deal you don’t have to wear a toga to get. Traveling show Elephant Room at Arena. Studio’s Golden Dragon, and a bunch more that have the misfortune to get excised because I’m tired of typing. Go look for yourself.

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Alternate title: Audience Participation Has Gone Too Far

Arena Stage has apparently been dipping into the Thanksgiving cooking sherry; Previews for their new show You, Nero are starting on Saturday and they’ve decided to encourage you to get into the spirit – they’re running pay what you can deals… provided you show up in a toga.

You’ll get to dull the pain of embarrassment - or perhaps just the chill – with $2 PBR as well. I has no idea Pabst was Roman and that’s about $3 more than a PBR is worth as far as I’m concerned, but hey, cheap beer.

The only really obnoxious part of this light-hearted promotion is that they’ll sell two tickets to each person in a toga, allowing one of you to look like a normal human. Well, a normal human accompanied by some dweeb in a bedsheet.

If you’ve never gone out and tried theater during pay what you can previews this would be a fun Thanksgiving weekend outing for you; PWYC tends to be full of all the other theater folk from town and they’re very enthusiastic. For a show obviously going for the fun angle – to the point where they’re letting you bring your booze into the theater itself – that should make for a good energy.

Previews and PWYC will continue through 12/4 so if you can’t get your turkey-stuffed keester off the couch this weekend you’ll still have a little time. Confirm showtimes and dates at the at the Arena link above.

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Tom: Weekend! And it’s a really big weekend. We’re picking up a whole tasty lamb at the Bloomingdale Farmers Market on Sunday morning, just in time for Thanksgiving. Add to that a brined turkey we’re grabbing later in the week. This is going to be a meatacular week. Add into that the final week of the 2-for-1 sale at Great Country Farms and you’ve got a fresh-and-local way to put some extra boost into your holidays. I’m stoked.

Mosley: After a week on the road for work, I am certainly looking forward to a slow weekend.  Saturday has a demonstration of falconry at the National Geographic Museum; it’s connected to the Anglo-Saxon Golden Hoard exhibit.  I love birds!  Also on Saturday is a walk-through of Cardoza High School; it’s to give people a chance to see the school before it undergoes renovations.  I’ve never seen Cardoza and it sounds like it will be a great chance to see the school and get a sense of it’s history.  Finally, on Sunday I’m thinking of going by the National Building Museum and seeing the new exhibit Unbuilt Washington.  It opens this weekend and it looks like it will be a fascinating tour of what wasn’t built in DC.

‘Scarves’
courtesy of ‘Tony DeFilippo’

Rebecca: This weekend I’m volunteering at the Church of Annunciation Parish Bazaar, which features heavily discounted Christmas gifts, designer handbags and jewelry, crafts, and housewares (linens, artwork, kitchen accessories, etc.) Word has it that the Bazaar is one of the best places to buy high-end Christmas gifts at a fraction of the cost in Washington DC. The proceeds from the Bazaar go to the churches elder care In my spare hours, I’ll be hitting up Glover Park Hardware to pick up painting supplies and to pick their brains with my beginner questions on how to best paint my apartment.

‘DC Flag’
courtesy of ‘Fitsum Belay’

Brittany: Tonight I get to see Martha Stewart in person. In my day, I have been in rooms with a half dozen presidents, scores of rock stars, whatever – but Ms. Stewart is such a major influence on me and seeing her speak will be exciting. Friday evening, Balam Acab is playing at Subterranean A, which is the thing everybody not freaking out about Martha Stewart is freaking out about. The rest of the weekend, I am in New York, so Washington will have to do without me while I drink all the absinthe in Brooklyn.

‘mess o’ christmas lights that never got to the attic’
courtesy of ‘Cast a Line’

Ben: Last weekend before the holiday crush! We’ll be looking over our property and planning our Christmas decorations, then heading out to various shops to buy whatever we need. Of course, such an excursion requires a stop at the Christmas Attic in Old Town Alexandria (and a follow-up visit to the nearby Ben & Jerry’s). Sunday’s a day of rest, though we’ll be heading out to the Old Brogue in the afternoon to enjoy some great Irish food and an IONA concert to cap off the weekend. And in between all of that, there’s Penguins and Capitals games to watch on the satellite…

‘Day 201 / 365 – This Is Your Brain on Music’
courtesy of ‘anitakhart’

Rachel: This is actually a pretty big weekend for me. I’m going on my first tour as an independent musician and couldn’t be more excited about it. The tour starts tonight in Alexandria, Va. at Fireflies. My good friend and fellow singer-songwriter Dan Wolff will take the stage at 8 p.m. and I’ll start around 9 p.m. So if you’re looking to surround yourself with good food, good drinks and good music on a Thursday night, you know where to find it. Other than that, I’ll be heading to the Midwest via Union Station Friday afternoon for a 17-hour affair, much like my Amtrak Adventure last November, before it’s off to Indiana for a quick stint and then the Twin Cities for Turkey Day. If I don’t talk to you until after the fact …. HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!

‘west-end.fd.bank.non-disabled.2011-nov-02.1200×900′
courtesy of ‘vancouverbcfoodbank’

Alexia: Heading out of town to play a couple of shows with my band The Torches! Friday night we’re playing a benefit show at Read All Over Books put on by Fredericksburg All Ages to support the Fredericksburg Food Bank!  Saturday we’re trekking over to Charlottesville to play with DC’s Tereu Tereu and a couple other bands at the very cool/bohemian Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. Sunday will most likely be dedicated to planning for Thanksgiving, hopefully swinging by Eastern Market to get some fresh produce and browse all the cool stuff.

‘Socialising at the Royal Ball, Brisbane, 1954′
courtesy of ‘State Library of Queensland, Australia’

Joanna: This weekend I’ll be in NYC for a reading of one of my plays. While that’s exciting there’s a lot I would do here in DC if I could. I’d start off at the Kennedy Center to hear The Washington Chorus open their season with the premiere of Music Director Julian Wachner’s Come My Dark Eyed One. No matter what city I’m in, I’ll be spending Saturday reading submissions for the Source Festival coming up this summer (still plenty of opportunities for actors and technicians). Saturday night I’d get all fancy for the Capital City Ball – one of the few places where dressing in a gown or tux can help stop slavery. And Sunday I’d recover with some old fashioned diner food at Bob and Edith’s before stressing over the Redskins.

‘Working under the road’
courtesy of ‘fromcaliw/love’

Don: How tired are you of hearing about my renovation project? Not as tired as I am of it still going on, I assure you. I’m going to flee the hard-hat zone and spend a little quality time in some of our local bars, cheering our local sports teams. Both hockey and football give me a bonus – I may not hate the Cowpatties the way I do the Yanks but when hoping for them to lose also means my local team will win – however unlikely – well, that’s a bonus. I’ve got nothing against the Capitals’ saturday opponents, the Leafs, other than that I like taunting one of my old friends when they lose to us.

A car overturned on Connecticut ave today; Mike Riggs has a picture over here. As DCist’s Aaron Morrissey points out we’ve had them in the area during dry weather before – on the same ave, even.

If you’re less interested in this specific incident than the “how the hell do you manage that anyway” question then How Stuff Works has the writeup for you on how rollovers occur and why some vehicles are more prone to them. It’s interesting how little it can take to flip a vehicle if the angle and weight profile is right; you can see it on the above video that a small dip and sufficient speed will to it. I’d wager that the access road divider on Conn played a role here.

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