For the sake of not having to write separate posts for all these different yet interesting events, here is a list of some things you may not want to miss in the area this week.

TUESDAY

>> Has your commute on public transit been especially bad recently? Or is there something you’ve just had to get out, something you’ve wanted to scream at a WMATA executive for the longest time? Tonight is your chance. WMATA is holding a Town Hall Meeting tonight from 7-9 p.m. at the FDA Auditorium, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, in College Park, MD.

>> Are you a sucker for spoken word? Want to support the anti-war movement? If both A and B, stop by Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th Street, NW, tonight from 9-11 p.m. for hard-hitting political spoken word to raise funds for Operation Ceasefire, the free anti-war concert scheduled for September 24 on the Washington Monument.

THURSDAY

>> Ummm, hello??? As far as we’re concerned, the only event worth attending tonight is DCist’s First Birthday Party at Stetson’s, starting at 7 p.m. We’ll have bloggers, drink specials, and cake.

>> Also worthy is the ACLU’s “Democracy for D.C. Rally” on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Running from 5:30-9:30 p.m., the event will include music and a candlelight march around the U.S. Capitol to protest the continued denial of voting representation for District residents.

Update: Stupid DCist. The living wage happy hour, which we listed for this week, is actually taking place next Thursday. Oops.

>> Those lefties over at Solidarity DC and Jews United for Justice have organized a “D.C. Real Living Wage Happy Hour,” where you can join like-minded progressives in discussing how best to push forward a living wage proposal currently before the City Council. Meet at Andalu, 1214 18th Street, NW, starting at 5:30 p.m. $10 suggested donation.

FRIDAY

>> The need continues, so the benefits continue. Stop by the Irish Channel Pub, 500 H Street, NW, for a benefit concert including local songwriter Dave Mallen. Running from 7-11 p.m., a $10 donation is requested, and all proceeds go to the American Red Cross.

Picture by MatthewBradley.