Well, DCist has gone and done it now. In an arbitrary post last week discussing the American Political Science Association’s annual meeting in the District, former DCist food connoisseur Kanishka offered $100 to any reader who could catch Cornel West scarfing down a jumbo slice. Safe bet, right? I mean, who would have thought that Cornel West would actually scarf down, of all things, a jumbo slice? Well, one reader managed just that. Above, Cathy Setzer, Cornel West, and a jumbo slice. We’re speechless. Cathy, we salute you. Since Kanishka offered up the $100, we’ll let him cover what he owes you…

Cropp Announces Mayoral Bid, Surprises Few: In news that was long in coming, Council Chair Linda Cropp formally announced her candidacy in the 2006 mayoral race, reports WTOP. The announcement, made amidst a group of 100 supporters, ensures Cropp will square off against popular Council-member Adrian Fenty (D-Ward 4), who has been pounding the pavement since June and has planned a kick-off rally this Saturday at the African-American Civil War Memorial on U Street, NW.

D.C. Gas Prices Highest in Nation: We’ve got some of the lowest SAT scores, some of the highest murder rates, some of the worst traffic, and now, the most expensive gas in the nation, writes the AP via WTOP. Area consumers are paying an average price of $3.38 a gallon, a good deal higher than the national average of $3.04. Can anyone say “price gouging”? In related news, the National Treasury Employees Union has asked the federal government to increase its maximum mileage reimbursement, which currently stands at 40.5 cents a mile, while a Maryland State Senate Committee is planning to hold hearings on how best to protect consumers from rising gas prices.

Metro Bused to be Upgraded: As it currently stands, Metro’s buses are, on average, 11 years old. But if WMATA Chief Executive Richard White has his way, that number will drop to six, reports WTOP. White announced yesterday that he will present WMATA’s Board a $830 million capital improvement plan for buses, $600 million of which will go to replace the aging fleet’s buses. Money would also go toward a real-time information network which would allow riders to see exactly when a bus is set to arrive.

Briefly Noted: Virginia Governor Mark Warner criticizes Katrina response … Manager appointed for Orange/Blue Lines … Marijuana plants found at National Park in Maryland … Redskins owner fined for cutting down trees in protected forest.

Picture of Cornel West and the jumbo slice snapped by dcdan.