In DC This Week...

Break the tradition and stop getting drunk every night. Sure, definitely commit some nights of your week to some extensive partying, but do you really want to let your possibly temporary stay in the nation's capital pass you with with just a few wasted nights at Lima to remember? While I'm all for partying like a rockstar, get some people together and delve into a cultural activity in DC this week; You'll stop feeling like such a drunk every Saturday morning, and better still, will have a lot more to talk about with civilized people when you're forced to go to your next office party.

• Go to a concert at the 930 Club: Though I'm not one for the emo or "alternative" scene, expand your horizons and go see Jacks Mannequin, Ani DiFranco, or Alice in Chains at some point this week. Shows are all usually under $30, and the venue is relatively small for an intimate experience.
• Check out Henry V at the Shakespere Theater: Enjoy an educational afternoon or evening and watch and entire show that reminds you of your college writing professor. Also, have fun pretending that you know what they're saying.
• Fight Abused and Tortured POWs: Join artists, politicians, and speakers at Georgetown University on 3/3 for an informational evening on what we can do to stop abuse towards prisoners during the "War on Terror". Not too much of an uplifting event, but you're helping a good cause.
• Wizards vs. Milwaukee Bucks: I don't know of too many Bucks fans, nor have I even heard of the team, but support your local team on 3/5 at the Verizon Center. Because I'm sure this game's going to be a real competitive one.
• The 9th Annual Leprechaun Lap: This Saturday, start St. Patrick's Day early with a bar crawl touching base everywhere from Mackey's to the Front Page. Enjoy tons of drink specials and bring two canned goods for the Manna Food Center for a reduced admission of $10. Though I'm about the farthest thing from Irish, I did this one year and had the time of my life. Get there at one and enjoy the festivities until nine.
• A Medieval Dinner: Enjoy a four-course dinner at The Caucus Room next Monday for a Shakespeare-inspired meal. With Henry V characters present and various entertainment, the food here is so delicious I would go just for that alone. Armor and girdle are optional.
• Wine Tasting: Though he's no Andrew Stover, enjoy a wine tasting dinner at Taberna del Alabardero with acclaimed sommelier Gustavo Inlesta from Torres Winery. At $85 a person, you'll receive a five course dinner and know how to tell the difference between a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Sauvignon Blanc by the end of the meal.

Whether you're a fan of Milwaukee or the Medieval Era, DC has something to offer to everyone this week. Break away from your normal cycle of partying and try something new.