Yesterday, my sister Emily flew to Mexico for her birthday. There are benefits to making such a trip at this time. The District may have confirmed on Wednesday one swine flu case along with three probables, but are you going to let this virus win? Not my brave sister.

Emily called in to report on her courage. The benefits so far: A very empty plane ride. There were no worries about space for that carry-on suitcase. And there was plenty of leg room. Also, the flight attendants told her that she could have an entire can of Coke.

Expect a few more updates from our Mexico correspondent.

This morning a very small faction of possible IMF/World Bank Protesters–six jerks–vandalized two banks on P Street. A drive through downtown and in the surrounding area shows that the protesters did not hit any other banks or symbols of crass yuppiedom/corporate greed. The biggest crowds were the ones gathering at a street food cart. The biggest police/fire department scene concerned a man passed out on 16th Street just below Columbia Road.

If the protesters really wanted to do harm to District residents, disrupt their Saturday brunch rituals, they screwed up. Two takeaways from this incident: The protesters don't know anything about D.C, and city residents showed serious courage by not staying indoors on this beautiful day. Here's a rundown of safe activities that residents are currently enjoying.

ACKC: Still a hot spot:

You are free to shop at Pulp and Home Rule:

Miss Pixie's gets the City Desk all-clear sign:

Feel free to drink at Saint Ex:

You can enjoy fast food:

Big Oil is safe:

You can sit outside and drink coffee at 15th and U:

You can even leave your bike unattended for a few seconds on Hobart Street NW: