We were going to hold out on publishing anything St. Patrick's Day-related until Thursday. But to be honest, it was a slow news week and the parade was held yesterday, so we're left with little more than to mention that in only five days the city's few Irish pubs will be packed with the Irish and Irish-for-a-day. Maybe the best part is that this year's celebration of the traditional Irish holiday falls on a Friday, so no more lost days at work with a wicked hangover.

Butterstick News Grows Predictable: Is there ever too much Butterstick? We always thought not, but a recent NBC 4 report may have us thinking otherwise. A story originally posted Friday afternoon informed that Butterstick recently turned eight months old and has spent the warm days frolicking outside with his mother, Mei Xiang. Says the article:

The panda cub turned 8 months old Thursday. He looked like a handful for his mom Friday, following her around and badgering her until she relented and gave him a big hug. Meanwhile, his father, Tien Tien, helped himself to a big bamboo snack.

Group Wants D.C. Policeman to Live in District: Members of various neighborhood associations are pushing for D.C. policemen to live in the communities they police, writes WTOP. Currently no residency requirement for D.C. police exists, though those that live in the District are offered tax breaks and are allowed to take their cruisers home.

Water Main Break Affects Arlington, District: A broken water main in Northwest yesterday cut off water service to thousands of residents of Arlington County and the District. The 36-inch main located under the Chain Bridge broke at 2:30 p.m., but was fixed and service restored by 9 p.m. Some 250,000-500,000 gallons of water an hour poured out of the main before it was brought under control.

District May Lose Millions in Federal AIDS Funds: Both the District and Maryland run the risk of losing millions of dollars in federal funds to combat AIDS if they don't start collecting the names of those that contract HIV, notes the Post. D.C. and Maryland currently use a code-based system to track infected residents, though a name-based approach has become the national standard. Opponents of a change claim that using names will drive people away from seeking health care.

Briefly Noted: D.C. Council to debate new hospital ... Final design of stadium expected tomorrow ... Global warming hits the region today ... Man charged in weekend triple shooting.

Picture snapped by meganmaria. Picture of broken water main by adrummer boy.