via Smithsonian’s National Zoo
From Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
“If you tuned in to the Giant Panda Cam on Thanksgiving, you may have spotted a very special moment. At 3 months and 5 days old, Xiao Qi Ji took his first steps! That morning, he rested just outside the den while his mother Mei Xiang slept inside. After months of practice, he positioned all four feet beneath him and took a few wobbly steps toward her before toppling over.”
To the video!
And some more great photos:
Recent Stories

You are cordially invited to the Embassy of Austria for a thrilling evening with Mozart. What a better way to spend Christmas and Hannukah! Our full orchestra and lead singers, some of whom sing at the Met, will appeal to teens as they begin their journey to the classics! We expect to be sold out soon…..
Get your tickets now!
Under the Gracious Patronage of H.E. Petra Schneebauer, Ambassador of Austria
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Julien Benichou, Conductor
featuring:
Kevin Short as Figaro
Manna K. Jones as Susanna
Stephen Powell as Count Almaviva
Laquita Mitchell as Contessa
Anna Kelly as Cherubino
Maggie Polglaze as Barbarina
John Gibney as Bartolo
Leah Heater as Marcellina
Christopher Jon Hartung as Antonio & Don Curzio
Narration provided by Robin Phillips
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Embassy of Austria
3524 International Court NW
Washington, DC 20008
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Doors Open/Cocktails 6:30 pm
Performance including Intermission 7:15 pm
Wine Reception with Heavy Hors d’oeuvres 9:15 to 10:30 pm
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Tickets:
Box Seats $250
Orchestra Reserved $150
Unreserved $125
Seniors (over 65 years old) Unreserved $80 [sold out]
Students with ID $50
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Cocktail Attire

Come solve a crime that took place in Takoma Park 130 years ago!
HouseMouse Books and Vintage is excited to announce the debut of Escape the Bookshop II, our new limited-run escape room experience. Escape the Bookshop II is a unique group puzzle game that is based on a real crime that took place in Takoma Park around 130 years ago. It is designed and created by HouseMouse to be played in our atmospheric little bookshop. This is not your typical corporate escape room and makes for a memorable evening out with friends or family!
Bookings are now open for game dates in January through April 2024. The game generally takes place Wednesday through Saturday at 8 PM but special arrangements can be made upon request. It is designed to be played by a group of 3 to 6 people (ages 16+) and lasts for one hour. No prior escape room experience is needed to enjoy the game.
Mount Pleasant Whiskey Tasting.
Join us at Spirits & Spice DC Store as we embark on a spirited journey with the co-owner of the Mount Pleasant Club Whiskey.
Brace yourselves for an unforgettable whiskey-tasting experience where we’ll not only indulge in the smoothness of
Menopause Relief: Bebloom Gummies Launch Party at Ms. Moxie’s Moon…
Unlock the secret to menopause serenity at Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop on Saturday, December 2nd, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This free event celebrates the exclusive launch of bebloom menopause gummies, a groundbreaking supplement designed for women and crafted