Capital Comment If Obama appoints DC outsiders . . . Big homes for sale . . . Steve Case’s financial pain . . . Bush winners and losers . . . Who won’t be on the high court . . . Internet guru Vint Cerf looks ahead . . . Rahm Emanuel’s bad language.

Where & When Nutcracker at the Warner . . . Avedon at the Corcoran . . . A gospel Messiah at Strathmore . . . Legally Blonde the Musical at the KenCen . . . Holiday lights.

Oh, How We Danced Maggie Wimsatt treasures memories of the city’s social and charitable life—and of the fun she had while doing good. Interview by Leslie Milk.

Pakistan on the Potomac Being a cross-cultural parent here can mean teaching your children the Koran—then carpooling them to hip-hop class. By Salma Hasan Ali.

Before He Says Goodbye . . . Memorable moments—and a few laughs—from the Bush years.

On Top With James Brown A star athlete at DeMatha and Harvard, he learned valuable lessons at his mother’s knee—and when he failed in the NBA. By Harry Jaffe.

“I Went Through What You Went Through” At age five, Abbey was diagnosed with leukemia. Now she works with kids who have faced the same disease. By Mary Clare Fleury.

Homes of the Bailout Stars & Czars The $4-million mansion where Henry Paulson sleeps (when he can sleep)—plus homes of other players in the financial fiasco.

Master of the Game If you’re a big name in Washington, odds are Bob Barnett has done a deal or made a connection for you. If he hasn’t, you can always hope. By Kim Isaac Eisler.

64 Ways to Do Good Charities worthy of your time, energy, and money. Plus—companies with a heart, hot nonprofit boards, simple ways to make a difference, how to set up a foundation, who gives the most, and more. Edited by Sherri Dalphonse.

Great Finds Locally designed jewelry that will add holiday sparkle. By Betsy Lowther.

Cool Savings Special reader rates and good deals on winter travel. By Alice Shapin.

Favorite Spaces Larry Pratt always wanted a large closet. By Mary Clare Fleury.

Dirt Cheap Eats From Northern Indian curries to New Haven–style pizza, here are 61 of our favorite places to eat for less than $15.

Dining Out Volt makes an electrifying debut in Frederick. By Cynthia Hacinli. In Falls Church, Present is inexpensive and elegant. By Ann Limpert. Plus—11 new places.

Best Bites First look at Jackson’s Mighty Fine Food in Reston . . . Ultimate truffles . . . Great cookies in Leesburg . . . Grilled cheese goes glam . . . Best three places for Japanese.

Get a Great Smile New dental techniques offer more reasons to smile. Here’s what to know about whitening, veneers, and other cosmetic options. By Gigi Anders and Dana Schwartz.

Benefits Good times for good causes. By Lynne Shallcross.

Luxury Homes Economist Shapiro gets a good deal; Tina Alster sells for $3.8 million.

Pets Volunteers with animals visit places where companionship helps. By Lynne Shallcross.

Washingtonian Crossword Ave-ing fun? By Matt Gaffney.

A Different Beat Lisa Geter-Norman uses dance to help kids. By Jasmine Touton.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Chuck A great gift? Time with interesting people. By Ann Cochran.