Weather: You thought you’d just roll right into spring without winter, didn’t you? Well, that’s not the case – at least for this weekend, as DC is back on track toward winter temperatures. The rest of today will see clouds and a slight breeze with highs in the mid 40s and …

On Monday night at 8:52 p.m., the cutest thing in D.C.’s recent history happened. Batang, a 19-year-old Bornean orangutan at the Smithsonian National Zoo, gave birth to a little bundle of joy. Just look at him. Try not to squeal at his tiny face. It’s literally impossible. Nice try, though. Batang’s baby …

The National Zoo certainly knows how to throw a party! A huge congratulations to the Smithsonian National Zoo for hosting their 11th annual wildlife conservation fundraiser, Brew at the Zoo. Hundreds of DC folk headed out to the Zoo in support of animal lives and to enjoy a fresh cold one. …

He’s thinking about it. Trust us. via

The title pretty much says it all, but here’s what the National Zoo says is going on: Asian small-clawed otter paws fly across the keyboard as part of their #ZooEnrichment. The otters are given the choice to play the keyboard or just sit back and enjoy the show—engaging their sight, touch, and hearing senses.

But the deck is stacked against them. Unfortunately, rules of the “50 Most Beautiful” dictate that the competition is open only to those who “regularly work on Capitol Hill.” So start applying for Hill-related gigs now, Rusty and Bao Bao, and maybe next year could be your most beautiful yet. …

Idiot kid gets arrested when he refuses to sit down at Portugal. The Man [National Zoo concert] The National Mall gets heavy use [so step gently] Marion Barry is being exploited [and coming out with a book] They arrested some Bloods in [Montgomery County] The Silver Line could mean [longer …

Breaking: CNN is still looking for this roundup #NATIONAL Yellowstone … Yikes; Goodbye Letterman; RGIII is keeping #10, DeSean Jackson; CRAWFISH; We heard the last HIMYM episode sucked but need to catch up on seasons 1-9 so NO SPOILERS for the next year and a half; Microsoft rolled something out …

Sloth mom eats two of her newborn cubs [zoo saves third] NPR doesn’t like the name of the DC football team [either] José Andrés will be GW’s commencement speaker [Students: “Eh”] A visual history of colleges [that used to be in DC] Please please please don’t give me a ticket [- this …

This little boy made a new friend at the National Zoo. From his parents: “During a recent visit to the National Zoo my 7-year old, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, found an unexpected playmate in the Sea Lion exhibit. … My son often struggles to play with other children his own age, but had a wonderful time with his new friend. As he put it, ‘THIS IS THE BEST THING OF MY LIFE!!!'”

Our own little ball of adorable has taken the first steps in the rest of its adorable life. Day made.  

Selfie is the word of the year [Oxford] Zoo news: Zebra attack [panic] & Baby tigers’ debut [aww] Oyster harvest is getting better [so many] Mild winter on the way [caterpillar] Eater Awards: DC Winners [noms] Photo by Noe Todorovich

The Smithsonian National Zoo held their eighth annual Brew at the Zoo benefit this past week. Apparently no one can say no to llamas, lions or beers, evident since the event sold out days before. Spread over one of the Zoo’s open areas, the benefit was packed with people tasting over 60 craft and microbrews (Capitol City, Abita, Chocolate City, DC Brau, Port City, Redhook, Saranac, Dogfish Head, Allegash and Devil’s Backbone, just to name ten). VIP attendees were able to get up close and personal with a llama, small mammals and lizards, but everyone could visit the majestic lion oasis. The District’s biggest beer and conservation fans toasted to various good causes at the National Zoo: animal care, education, wildlife conservation, and research efforts. All the while, a baby animal was born: The Pale Alephant, a new brew from Port City Brewery, was created and named for the occasion. Fueled by food from the likes of Pepe, BLT Steak, Jack Rose, Tonic, Rocklands, Red Hook and Goodies, DC’s finest took a few hours out of their Thursday night to talk shop, beer and animal welfare.

Bristol Palin had something to do with this? [video] Gabby Giffords continues to inspire [mountain climber] Diva of the District [huh?] Sneakers with dresses [is that okay?] Cheetah Cubs’ Debut at Nat’l Zoo [cute] Courtesy of the National Zoo

BYT gives us a breakdown of a viral disaster,survival instincts in an earthquake, fallen angels, twitter > cell service, happy hour started early, the earth moved under our feet, MLK virtual march caused DC to shake, we don’t know much about history, who even knew Virginia had a seismic zone? Public schools …