Start the clock [shutdown] Metro’s good though [no shutdown] Gas station restaurants [who knew] Goodbye UMD golf course [fore] “Bikers, what bikers?” -City of Alexandria, VA [lanes] 10 things about Homeland you probably didn’t know [knowledge] Photo by Noe Todorovich

DC DMV backed up because of population growth [driving tests] Baby panda cam in danger of shutting down [watch now] New island in the Indian ocean [earthquake] Comedian vs DC journalist [punched in the face] DC Mumbo sauce will stay mumbo sauce, [damn it] Sheep gone from bay window [why] …

Break out your Havana Coolers and Molson! Here is how the LadiesWhoLobby spent their evening (and now their morning!): Take a Sip: Every time Cruz says Obamacare. Just a small sip, mind you. Sip your Molson: Everytime Cruz disparages his homeland (Canada eh?) for having universal health care. Go to your Local Bar: And #makeDClisten. Suck down a Havana Cigar: When thoughts of White Castle make you wish you had something stronger. Cheers: A Toast to Wendy Davis. 7th Inning Stretch: Ted you get a little cranky when you’re hangry. Have a Snickers.

DC doesn’t need no stinkin’ federal shutdown [open] What could happen if it stays open [smells] Dash of punk for your morning [Ian MacKaye] DC full of muppets [ernie] We went to El Centro DF [spoiler: it’s awesome] Good weather keeps [going] Photo by John Sonderman

FamousDC had the inside scoop at Richard Sandoval Restaurants and Washington Life Magazine’s VIP grand opening of El Centro D.F. in Georgetown. Upon first walking into El Centro, you may remember it once served as the beloved Georgetown institution, Third Edition — or you very well may not — because …

President speaks at memorial service [Navy Yard] Winter classic coming to DC [hockey fans] This was a 1923 DC school bus [old] Football [loss], baseball [win] New Capital Bikeshare map tool [cruise] A lot happened this weekend. [Book Festival] [H Street Festival] [Fake Cronuts at the H Street Fest] [Nelson …

Apparently there were almost 50 new restaurants that opened in DC this past summer. Some are good; others, good luck; and the ones who stand out do so in a big way. However since early 2012, one restaurant has been sustaining crowds, consistently serving the same high-quality food night after night, and has refused to compromise the integrity of their initial mission. The restaurant is Mintwood Place, the Executive Chef and owner is Cedric Maupillier, and the food is consistently well above average. Much of Mintwood’s success, in addition to the great staff, and managers, is Chef Cedric himself. Already starting with a strong background in culinary education, he earned his “DC-wings” so-to-speak under world renowned Chef Michel Richard. Now that he has his own place, and two years later it’s more than surviving – it’s thriving – FamousDC wanted to provide some more insight into Chef Cedric himself. Read more here

Today, the Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza explained public opinion on the debt ceiling using The Big Lebowski. Take this in for a second. Congress: The Big Lebowski: Congress: The Big Lebowski: What they said: The answer lies with Bunny Lebowski, a character from the genius Coen brothers film “The Big Lebowski.” …

FreeFest schedule [unleashed] DC legalizing marijuana [possibly] Guns in Starbucks are discouraged  [don’t do it] Someone in DC is a $400 millionaire [powerball] Where the hell do I find a decent piece of pizza around here?! [DCist knows] Flowers at the feet of giants: boarded up houses saved near giant …

Pierre Garcon and Chris Gindlesperger hanging together.NBD. Source: http://instagram.com/p/eYoB-kwVOK/ Pierre agrees, it was a good time: Good seeing you “@notnotgindy: Catching up w @PierreGarcon. #HTTR #SKINS #2013YOY http://t.co/Yweq4afaLG” — Pierre Garçon (@PierreGarcon) September 18, 2013

Send your best DC Mad Libs answers to [email protected] and we’ll send you our best FamousDC swag. Shh, don’t worry. We won’t say who you are.  I stepped out of the cab in front of Rayburn office building and immediately ran into ____. Not wanting to get sucked into a conversation about ____ …

This weekend = Weinerhill Downs [dachshund races] District Flea Street Style [so fetch] Baby panda still doing well [checkup] 50% of DC cabs begrudgingly accepting credit card payments [cashless] Lady stabs roommate for listening to Eagles on repeat [she sucks] Logan Circle [gunshots] Photo by the Q

Did you fear that sleep deprivation was causing you to hallucinate and see fury animals running around the halls of the Cannon House Caucus Building? Don’t worry, it was actually Pet Night on Capitol Hill. No political barking, just bipartisan paw shaking. The Animal Health Institute celebrated its 17th annual …

With football season in full swing and fall in the air there is one thing on every fan’s mind: tailgating. The Entertainment Software Association, Electronic Arts, and the National Football League hosted a “Back to Football” tailgate party this past Thursday at Hawk ‘n’ Dove to celebrate football season and give …

Navy Yard [tragedy] Some victims were identified [here] Idiot throws firecrackers at the White House [arrested] Doubleheader [weather] Photo by Kevin Wolf