Too often, when we think of problems with our transit service here in D.C., it’s from the perspective of a commuter headed to work. It’s not an unreasonable point of view; much of the travel that takes place in the District is for commuting. Ensuring Metro’s morning and evening rush are as smooth and painless as possible is critical to keeping business in the city, as well as attracting more of it. Commerce is…

With all the bad news surrounding Metro recently, it is sometimes tough to remember how much we rely on it. The D.C area has the third highest transit ridership in the country, behind San Francisco and New York, and more than a third of District residents commute on Metro. Possible fare increases, tragic accidents, late, crowded trains, and other gripes are legitimate, but all transit systems have problems. When it comes down to it, Metro…

It’s rainy, it’s windy, and every day it gets colder. But it could be worse, Washington — you could be Anthony Mereos. The Silver Spring man is facing a $80,000 fee for illegally clearing trees from land he purchased for $65,000 (he denies cutting the trees down). Mereos had intended to use the land to build a home for his family. But wait! It gets worse: [Mereos’ laywer Shawn] Whittaker said the county is using…

With the revival of classic cookbooks propelled by the releases of The Silver Spoon and Julie and Julia — the blog-turned-book in which Julie Powell writes on cooking every recipe in Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking — it’s worth noting the death of chef and cookbook writer Edna Lewis, 89. Lewis didn’t just compile recipes. Having authored The Taste of Country Cooking, she’s largely credited with explaining and showcasing Southern cooking to…

Before delving into the week’s picks, we want to point out a couple of hurricane benefits that are happening this week. This Thursday, come out and support musicians affected by hurricane Katrina. The State Theater in Falls Church hosts the Hell or High Water Benefit, featuring the legendary Chuck Brown. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, with all proceeds benefitting the MusiCares Katrina Fund. 7 p.m. If you’re feeling philanthropic as…