Black Friday, the be-all, end-all of go-crazy shopping days (well, not for those celebrating “Buy Nothing Day”), is less than two turkey-filled days away. But in our blind rush to leave a tithe at the alter of mass consumerism, we often lose our thrifty ways. Not to worry – for those of us with office jobs, that raise is right around the corner, coming soon to help ease those credit card bills come January. Right?…

>> Despite well-publicized problems at D.C. Schools, reading and math scores at 8th and 4th grade levels are both up in the District. [WaPo] >> Tonight is the second public meeting for the Fourteenth Street Transportation and Streetscape. 7-9 p.m. at the National City Christian Church at 5 Thomas Circle NW. [Logan Circle News] >> Westbound traffic on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge is closed while an ambulance takes an injured worker to the hospital. [AP…

The roads are clear and dry, and city life is back to normal as we stand down from the state of high meteorological alert that was Snowpacalypse ’07. OK, so that’s just a dream, and we’re still seeing people stuck in the ice on the side of the road with alarming regularity. But, there’s a thaw coming soon, and before you know it, you’ll be able to stop launching yourself backwards at 25 mph just…

Finally. After years of delays, the Old Dominion Brewhouse in the new convention center will be opening this Saturday. The convention center folks announced the opening in a press release, and mentioned food but not beer, which worried us a little — however, a quick call confirmed that they do indeed have a liquor license, avoiding similar trouble at nearby BeBar and Vegetate. We walked by the place the other day and it looked completely…

>> Following the footsteps of Beck, Middle Distance Runner sent out an e-mail announcing a secret show tonight at DC9. They’ll be playing with Cloud Cult and Hot IQs as part of the DAM! Fest Hangover party. Festivities start at 9 p.m. >> We’ve got wood. Today the Capitol Christmas tree started its journey from Washington State to D.C. where it will be adorned with 3000 kids’ crappy hand-made ornaments. Even Mom knows when it’s…

Former DCist Editor Rob Goodspeed had a terrific post up over at his own site last week which asks an important question: Where are all the retail outlets that were supposed to go in the Washington Convention Center? Three years after the opening of the new Washington Convention Center, only three businesses are open among the building’s 11 community retail spaces on 7th, 9th, and N Streets — Abou Master Goldsmith, Capitol Business Center, and…

And a happy Friday morning to you, Washington. Heads up: Metro’s Yellow Line from King Street to Mt. Vernon Square will not be running this weekend due to track maintenance starting tonight at 10 p.m. Folks will be forced off at King Street, and those going between Mt. Vernon Square and L’Enfant Plaza will be forced to ride the Green Line. Things are expected to be running back on schedule by Monday morning. Large Part…

By DCist contributor Celeste Dawn Mitchell In May, we bemoaned D.C.’s lack of street meat and wondered if it damaged our credibility as a legit city. While New York has enough food carts to command a dedicated blog, we stagger consumption of our precious half-smokes so as not to burn out on them. With another alternative on the scene, we can be a little less whiny about our predicament — at least on weekends. When…

Last week, we told you that Griffin Market in Georgetown had Leave it to Beaver “Hot Box Lunches” and “Just For Men” boxed hair dye. But it was a sign near the register that informed us of something even more unusual—not in a box, but rather in a carton. The sign said, “Gifford’s Ice Cream ‘Coming Soon.’” And a few days ago, soon came. Now wedged between Dove and Ben and Jerry’s, Gifford’s Ice Cream…

Prunes, and their fiber-rich reputation, are usually synonymous with Aunt Esther’s Secret Weapon for Regulation. But in Ocean City—yes, the less cool O.C.—they became affiliated with a legendary fried dough chain, The Fractured Prune. Beachgoers and locals are all about their made-fresh-to-order donuts, which can be dipped in one of sixteen glazes, eight toppings and three sugars. Their mascot, a shades-clad injured prune man (think geriatric cousin of the California Raisins ilk), has announced to…