DCentric

Good morning, DCentric readers! Ready for some sizzling links?

D.C. cultural scene adopts new trends in food, fashion, arts, entertainment “The anything-is-possible feeling in Washington right now also prompted two neighbors in Arlington to take a gamble on a food cart in 2009. District Taco co-owner Osiris Hoil had been laid off from his construction work for seven months, and Marc Wallace had just sold his software business when the cart launched with Hoil as its only employee. Last month, they opened a restaurant on Lee Highway; between the old cart, now parked in Crystal City, and the restaurant, they’re the proud bosses of a staff of 30. “Recessions breed entrepreneurs,” Wallace explains.” (The Washington Post)

Disturbing: Headless rooster found on Otis Place “It’s the weekend of strange things on the sidewalk — Patron, paint drippings as graffiti, and now a headless rooster. A reader sent this in, spotted on Otis Place between 14th and 16th. Strange stuff. Apparently rooster sacrifice is done in the Santeria religion, which mixes Afro-Caribbean beliefs and Roman Catholicism: something similar happened in New Jersey a few months ago, for example. The roosters are sacrificed for saints or as an offering. Kind of disturbing, and also unsafe, since they probably have germs and could attract rats.” (New Columbia Heights)

Will Mayor Gray also run the city council? “The council could be in danger of becoming a rubber stamp for the mayor,” one veteran D.C. politician says. “Too much power in the hands of one individual — whether it’s Marion Barry or Vince Gray — is always dangerous.” He’s referring to Marion Barry’s first two terms as mayor, when the council members were known as “Marionettes,” more enablers than legislators…As for loyal opposition, we have Muriel Bowser from Ward 4, at-large member David Catania and Jack Evans, whose ward runs from Georgetown through downtown to Shaw. With seniority and spunk, Evans could wind up leading the opposition.” (Washington Examiner )

Members of public speak out against Metro bag inspections “I’d like to ask Metro to please stop wasting our time and money,” Andy Hunt said, adding that Metro has hurt more people in accidents than any terrorist. “If he wants to hurt us, he’s gonna hurt us.” Dozens of other speakers agreed, castigating the searches as “security theater” that is more likely to heighten fear than safety and rejecting Metro’s position that the searches will deter attackers. “We’re not Israel, nor should we be,” Robert Ehrmann said. “The searches are ineffective.” His comments drew applause, as did those of many speakers.” (The Washington Post)

1 Teen Killed, Another Shot in Northwest DC Robbery “There was yelling and then gunfire. D.C Police say two teenagers were waiting for the bus when two robbers approached and announced a stick-up. They took an iPod, two earrings and at least one bag containing clothes. But police say one of the robbers became enraged and demanded his partner shoot the teens. When he refused, the first robber grabbed the gun and opened fire, killing 16-year-old Bryant Morillo of Hyattsville, Md. Morillo’s 17-year-old cousin was wounded.” (myfoxdc.com)

Theft victim puts note on stolen bike, shames new owner “THIS BIKE IS STOLEN. I know because it is MY BIKE! If you decide to do the right thing + return it, call 202-XXX-XXXX. It was stolen from the Solea Condominums in July 2010.” Ryan was walking past the Bike Rack near 14th and Q yesterday when the sight of his old ride stopped him in his tracks. He says he’s “about 99%” sure it’s his bike, though “there’s always a chance someone had the exact same modifications.” Ryan rode the Marin for about 15 years before someone left a door open at the Solea garage, letting his bike and two others escape. He still hasn’t replaced it.” (tbd.com)