The text ads that run every day in Politico's Playbook tend to fall into one of two categories.

There are the general "We're an honorable business!" messages, run by corporations like Microsoft ("we're committed to providing the technology people need to live and work creatively and productively"), McDonald's ("when we reduced the trans fats in our fries, we wanted to do it right. In the end, we reduced them to 0 grams per serving"), or Intel ("Our economic future depends on innovation and investment"). Presumably those businesses figure the $15,000 a week it costs to sponsor Mike Allen's morning musings is a good way to build up their reputation with policymaker types, a kind of investment in brand equity inside the Beltway.

And then there are the specific "Washington, do our bidding!" messages. Like one recently by Politico corporate cousin NewsChannel 8, opposing the Comcast/NBC merger: "The Comcast/NBC monopoly would present serious problems for local news in communities across our country. Washington’s decision makers must resist the pressure from Comcast and take the necessary time to carefully review this controversial merger to protect the public interest." Or from the Catfish Farmers of America: "Congress voted more than 20 months ago to provide greater protections for American consumers by moving inspection of ALL catfish — imported and domestic — from FDA to USDA, with its tougher safety standards. We’re still waiting."

The ad that ran in Playbook this week, though, was something else entirely—a shot across the bow of a rival. You just had to look closely to see it.

The morning digests this week were sponsored by Google. At first, the message seemed fairly bland: "When you’re online, you should be in control. With Google Privacy Tools you can see and manage the information you share with us." But the timing was interesting—Google's ad ran the week The Social Network, the new movie that's critical of Facebook, opened, sparking quite a bit of discussion about what the changes Facebook had wrought on modern society and culture. Those changes include, of course, the sharing of users' data with partners and advertisers who support Facebook. (Of course, Google stockpiles a tremendous amount of data itself. Take me, for example: My City Paper e-mail, and my personal e-mail, both use Gmail; I sync my address book between my computer and my BlackBerry with a Google program; I give out my Google Voice number as my cell phone number, so Sergey Brin and Co. generally know who's calling me and when. Google could probably reconstruct my life and habits pretty accurately if it wanted, even if it doesn't have the photos and other personal info I've given Facebook. But the ad wants you not to worry about any of that.)

In that light, the contrast Google was aiming for was hard to miss: Facebook may tell all your friends which Washington Post stories you've read, but Google won't. Pretty clever, isn't it?

Photo by reubenaingber via Flickr/Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

Former Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens, the longest-serving Republican U.S. senator, died in a plane crash in a remote part of Alaska. He was 86. NPR posted said news on their Facebook page and 32 minutes later, 113 people already "liked" the news. Come on, folks! No more respect for the dead?

This whale carcass washed up in Delaware in March.

Morning, all. It's the end of a short week, but I still feel drained. Here's to a rejuvenating weekend.

So, LeBron's going to Miami. Along with Chris Bosh. And the newly re-signed Dwayne Wade. Move over, Los Angeles, there's a new dynasty in town.

Sad news from the National Zoo: The red panda born three weeks ago–the zoo's first in 15 years–has died. Red panda cubs have a 50 percent mortality rate in captivity. Ninety-three Facebook users "liked" WaPo's story about the cub's death–what kind of sick SOBs are those people?News from Ocean City (or, Ocean Shitty as my colleague Nikki Caporale fondly refers to it): That foul odor you're smelling is whale carcass. The 25-foot-long carcass washed ashore last evening, and the beach patrol have tied a lasso to its tail and will try to drag it out to sea.

Maybe that fare hike is actually being used for something. Metro is reinstating 12 of the 100 Metro rail cars pulled from service last week. The initial move was prompted by concern that the cars' doors might open while a train is in motion.

And in case you missed it, Capital Fringe opened last night. It's two and a half weeks of heaven for all you theater geeks out there, and there's probably some fun to be had for you less theatrical folk, too.

Photo: WTOP

Morning everyone. Today’s Tuesday, I believe it’s cold, and there’s a chance of rain.

In case you missed it, the Hirshhorn Museum received a new art installation last night–a patch of realism. Guess nakedness was already taken.

Prom dates are always such a fuss. Should you ask him? Should you wait for him to ask you? Will this shit matter in 20 years? What if you end up going alone?! In Elena Kagan’s case, that may have been the optimal. Who knew, shit like that would matter when you’re nominated for the Supreme Court? Of course, surviving Manhattan’s Upper West Side, she’s lucky she isn’t hustlin’. And we thought life in Southeast was hard.

So over at here at the City Paper, we have a resident mouse. Ever since we got that new vending machine though, haven’t really seen him come around getting drunk off soda.

Once Kagan lands that Supreme Court gig, it seems Yale and Harvard alums will officially run the world. Pinky and the Brain would grimace. They were trying to install Steve Jobs to finish up their work.

Over at Slate, David Bernstein says, “Are there no similarly talented individuals who attended other Ivy League schools, other private universities or (gasp!) even state law schools?”

Guess it’s hard out there–mediocre and sodden, without the Benjamins. Unless you're Fannie Mae, who's seeking another $8.4 billion in aid. They must know something I don't about keeping a sugar daddy.

That's all for this morning folks. Run off to Facebook, Twitter, Gchat–whatever your pleasure. Just note, this day and age, everyone's a stalker.

Photo by 1Happysnapper. Creative Commons Attribution License.

Here's a sampling of some of my favorite posts about Betts:

*"when we were 16 (JUST), I was a bit mad and had a big crush on a lifeguard in Virginia Beach. Brian and I set out on day in that summer in his mother's Monte Carlo. It was white. We drove 5 hours to Va beach to see him. We told his parents that I had an aunt in Lake Anna (we calculated the time and distance to see if ...it was credible). How stupid were we? (seriously). But we did it. 10 hours in the car together for me to see a lifeguard that was really not interested. That was/is friendship. I can go on with silly stories like this, but that is not important. He was/is a great man, brother, son, person, principal etc. I love him, I miss him and we MUST carry on his dream. RIP"

*"I didn't know Mr Betts; I attend a private school in McLean, Virginia, and never even knew Mr Betts existed until this morning. However, I felt compelled and somewhat obliged to promote his memory because my best friend was Erika Smith, the then-9 year old who was murdered alongside her father in 2002 in the house Mr B...etts purchased and died in. The murders are presumed to be unrelated, I know. But this morbid, horrific coincidence has made me feel unfortunately connected to Mr Betts' plight by a tragic association and by something as simple as purchasing a home. I'm not going to pretend I knew Mr Betts at all. But from what I've read on this page, in articles, he seemed like a great guy and was much-loved, and I'm absolutely devastated. I hope his family, friends, coworkers, and students find the solace they need somehow; solace I know is not easy to find, solace I still have not found. But I hope they find theirs, and that his death is avenged and he remains honoured."

*"Brian Betts was one of the best things that ever happened to my children. You guided them, joked with them, taught them life lessons that will remain with them for always. Plus, you were there for me. God Bless You Brian for all your strength and love you gave each life you touched. You will be missed....but your legacy of education and love of all will go on. "

"*I Remember When I Alwayss Got In Trouble And Mr Betts Would Never Yell At Me He Would Say Karen You Need To Change The Way You Act And I Never Listened To Him But Now I Think Imma Listen To Him And Movee Forword With Life.Rest In Peace Mr. Brian Keith Betts.♥ "

*"I remember in Neelsville, you would always make sure I was in PE class and in math class. You made sure, that every student in your classroom learned what you taught, no matter if it took more than one day to teach it. You made sure that your students were successful. You are the best teacher/coach/leader/principal tha...t anybody could ask for. You definitely taught me alot and I will miss you but you are never forgotten. Keep watching me! R.I.P Brian Betts"

Let's hope his murder gets solved soon, and DCPS finds a way to create a lasting tribute to Betts.

Yesterday, the D.C. Police Department announced that they had arrested Reginald Rogers for the shooting death of  Calvin Woodland on Jan. 27, 2010. So how did police detectives identify Rogers as the shooter? According to court records filed today, detectives got help from a few witnesses and...Facebook.

On Jan. 27, just after 10:30 p.m., officers arrived at a parking lot along the 800 Block of Barnaby Street SE. They found Woodland lying between two parked cars in front of 832 Barnaby suffering "from multiple gunshot wounds to his body." After being transported to Prince George's County Hospital, Woodland was pronounced dead at 11:20 p.m.

An autopsy concluded Woodland had died from two gunshot wounds to the back.

Detectives located a witness who was in the parking lot of the Gregory Apartments on Barnaby. The witness was with Woodland and two others when "two masked men armed with guns approached them," according to the police document filed in D.C. Superior Court. The document goes on to state:

"When the masked gunmen approached and brandished their weapons, two of the people that were standing with [Woodland] and [the witness] ran away. [The witness] said that one of the gunmen was armed with a semi-automatic handgun and the second gunment was armed with a revolver."

Despite the fact that the first gunman was wearing a mask, the witness was able to recognize the man. The mask did not cover his entire face. The witness was able to give a detailed description of the gunman. The gunman, the witness states, told them "to turn around and face the gate that they were standing in front of." The two gun men then robbed Woodland and the witness. They then opened fire on Woodland and the witness. Both tried to flee. As they were running, the witness stated that he heard Woodland exclaim: "I'm hit."

A second witness came forward to say that he had learned that one of the people involved in the robbery-murder was named "Rockem-Regg" and had discussed the murder on Facebook as "Rockem-Regg."

The comments may have been removed. City Desk checked out his wall and found nothing except a tribute to J-Rock and dull smack talk:

*"WEN DEY DNT C ME ON DA BLOCK I AINT TRYNA HIDE, I BLEND N WIT DA 'A' IM CAMOFLOUGE............ U DIGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

*"shyt fukkd up im ji stressn 2 hard right now i think i c it round da corner........TOO MEEE...."

*"MY GATEWAY 2 HELL SEEMS LIKE ITS CONSTANTLY OPEN... DA REAPOR IS CALLN SO IM CONSTANTLY SMOKN(I NEED 2 CLEAR MY HEAD OF DEEZ EVIL THOUGHTS N TEACH DA YOUNGNZ OF HIGHLAND DA SHYT I WAS TOUGHT) N I PUT FAITH N MY GLOCK CUZ I KNO ITS GON BUST....TYEEEE TOO ME MOE KILL"

Sweet stuff. More importantly Rockem Regg matched the first witness'description down to a tattoo of the number 8 under his left eye. Still, at first, the witness could not ID Rogers from a photo array. In a subsequent interview, the witness confessed that he knew the man and was scared of him. He then identified Rogers from a photo lineup.

The witness went on to explain a possible motive for the killing. Woodland had told the witness that he and Rogers/Rockem "were involved in a fight after [Woodland] stole a car from someone affiliated with [Rogers/Rockem]" a month before the shooting.

During an interview with detectives, Rogers admitted that his nickname was Rockem Regg and that he sells PCP out of the rear alley along the 700 block of Atlantic Street SE. Rogers admitted that people thought he had killed Woodland because he had assaulted him a month prior to the shooting. He said they fought after Woodland had allegedly stolen a car from a "Dipper Head" and that was bad for his "business." Rogers said he heard that Woodland had talked about killing him.

Rogers said he was just down the street when Woodland was killed. He denied killing Woodland.

Nor, it turns out, did the myriad of people who have joined Charles Matiella's Facebook group, "Adrian Fenty needs to resign!!!"

Matiella, who has lived in the District since 2001 (in what neighborhood, he won't say), created the group after Mayor Fenty's baseball ticket hostage situation. But post-Snowpocalypse II and III, he has watched it take off.

"I invited my friends who live in the District to join the group. All of the other members joined by word of mouth," says Matiella.

Over 200 people signed on in the first 24 hours after the Feb. 5-6 weekend snowstorm. The group's membership has since climbed to 2,377.

"Many are long time residents of DC and are frustrated with the segregationist politics that still grip DC with an iron claw. If you don't live, work, and play in NW, Capitol Hill, or SW, nothing has changed for you," he wrote in an email to City Desk. "NE and SE DC continue to be overlooked by the mayor. It's time for a movement in DC government OBAMA style," says Matiella.

The grievances run the gamut, from a lack of snowplows to the mayor's ego to his overall performance as the city's leader:

*They have 4 bus lines running and the underground metro and our village idiot wanted to keep the city government and schools open! WTF it not all about PR Mr. Fenty I can't wait for the mayoral election so we can get rid of you

*Extremely unhappy with the way the city is operating since he's been in office.

*Leo Alexander for mayor. No more of the Old boys Club!!!!! We want a change in 2010"

*So Fenty thinks that he's bigger than Mother Nature? He would be crazy not to close the gov't after tonight's snow!

*looking for a plow!!

*WE NEED MARION BARRY BACK, AT LEAST HE KEPT IT REAL...

*Damn Adrian Fenty!!! Only time you see this man in SE is when someone gets killed and he comes through with an onslaught of cameras!!!

*My #1 complaint with Fenty is laying off DC govt employees and teachers to balance the budget. I'm not either, but think it is unfair for so many to take one for the team in that way.

*Liar, Black George Bush. Sorry, but the lies this man and his administration tell are unbelievable.

Matiella plans to keep the site populated with links to unflattering Fenty stories, including this one about his plummeting poll numbers, as well as the Web sites of the candidates who have stepped forward to challenge him.

Matiella's an equal-opportunity critic, though, when it comes to DCision 2010. He wonders: Is Vincent Gray any better than Fenty?

Image from Matiella's Facebook group

Apparently, Maria Louis isn't Maria Louis. Her legal name is Maria Lewis. But, you see, sometimes it's not. Sometimes, she uses Louis. Like on Facebook or among close friends. Like some not-very-imaginative nickname.

Yesterday, news broke that Maria Lewis had been charged with assaulting a police officer with a snow ball. Her roommate had given me her name as "Maria Louis." Her friends had dedicated a Facebook page to her legal case. They too referred to their pal as "Maria Louis."

Today, Maria Lewis pleaded not guilty to the APO charge.

Apologies for any bad vibes or hurt feelings our error may have caused.

"you're not a *real* political prisoner until you get a facebook group."

So true.

The gist from members: This. Is. So. Fucked. Up. Here's a sampling from Maria's freedom fighters:

* "From snowmaggedon to Greece, fuck the police!"

* "Missing you! Stay strong & organize with them prisoners."

* "pshhh felony charges.....FTP..... you dont bring a gun to a snowball fight"

Aside from posting support, the Facebook group may want to pivot toward providing, um, legal support. Like tracking down witnesses, collecting donations for attorney fees, etc.

Unless, Louis Lewis doesn't need any help at all. Maybe her case will be thrown out. We're checking on her status.

UPDATE, 5 P.M.: Her name is Maria Lewis, not Louis.

Friends told the Hatchet that Gethers wasn't the type of guy to just disappear. He was always texting, etc. When he failed to meet up with a friend on Sunday, and didn't text in an apology, people got worried.

Friends started a Facebook group. Others planned to fly to D.C. to help with the search effort. Flyers started going up.

"Jazz Hayes" wrote into the Facebook group:

"GOODMORNING TEAM. LETS BE PRODUCTIVE AND PRECISE TODAY. FLYERS GO OUT, AND LOCAL NEWSTATIONS ARE CONTACTED. I WILL PAPER THIS ENTIRE DAMN CITY."

And this from Hayes: "SEARCH TEAM POST YOUR TWITTERS SO WE MAY STAY UPDATED AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER!"

And then, um, Gethers showed up on campus Monday morning.

He explained to the Hatchet that he had simply gone to Virginia with a woman.

The Hatchet reported:

"Gethers said Monday evening that he had gone with a girl to Virginia, but that he stopped at a friend’s house in Maryland and left his phone there.

The senior said he is 'remorseful' about the situation and is sorry he put his friends through a traumatic experience this weekend, but said 'right now it’s kind of hysterical,' referring to his experience seeing himself on the front page of Monday morning’s Hatchet.

'It’s fine, I love them,' Gethers said referring to his friends who began the search for him. 'Even though when I saw the paper today I started busting out laughing, but at the same time I thought I had great friends on my side.'"

Those friends now are giving him major shit on that now-unnecessary Facebook group.

From "Ally P.": "hes about to get his ass handed to him!"

From "Jazz Hayes": "still upset at u boy"

Good on Bsom, who today faithfully noted that page A1 of the Washington Post features yet another Facebook story. That's the 15th time Facebook has claimed this turf, by Bsom's count. He's got all the links to back it up, too.

Creative Commons photo courtesy of Jacob Botter

While walking past a convenience store last  week, I noticed a sign that borderline panicked: “Get your vanilla cigarettes before they are banned!” The sign nearly inspired my non-smoking self into stockpiling like it was 1999, but it appears I am too late. The FDA has banned the sale of flavored tobacco, three months after President Barack Obama agreed to let the FDA regulate tobacco products. What’s so wrong with having a little “Warm Winter Toffee” with your lung cancer? According to the New York Times, 17-year-olds are three times more likely than those over 25 to smoke the flavored cigarettes.

There’s been a mysterious spike in shoplifting around Dupont Circle. One clerk told WJLA: “The kids have gotten out of control…don’t they have supervision?”

There was also some young and restless vigilante justice on U Street recently when three 20-somethings chased down a would-be mugger and tackled him in front of Nellie’s Sports Bar. A witness told the blog Borderstan: “I would not want to be that mugger when word gets around that he was turned into a bitch in front of cheering queens.” Smart? No. Awesome entertainment for U Street's tipsy hipsters (tongue twister...)? Undoubtedly.

There were three homicides in the District last weekend, in SW, SE and NE. All three victims were under the age of 20.

Arguably over-played Brooklyn Indie gods MGMT played a free concert on Sunday at KIA Warehouse – to get tickets, you had to test drive a KIA Soul. Eyewitness reports indicate people were lined up for hours to do just that, which doesn't explain all the teeny boppers in the audience...

The New York Times helpfully offers “5 Easy Steps to Stay Safe (and Private!) on Facebook." My personal favorite: “Keep your profile to friends only.” Great in theory, but how am I supposed to stalk other people? Should be replaced with: “Never, ever become friends with your parents.”

A random sampling of the comments, sics and all:

Mark: no one did thier job 8 hours ago

Wayne: Hall and Smoot need to learn how to wrap-up and stop ski-diving and the tackles. If they are scared to hit find somebody that will!!!!!! 4 hours ago

Mikhiel: They looked a hot mess!!! but they looked horrible as a team! I would definitely come up withsome major changes more than just qb like we tried during the summer! Yesterday at 5:18pm

(AFTER THE JUMP: And this is what Snyder’s FRIENDS are saying? Snyder buys Facebook? Federer does Don Beyer no favors? Kiddie Bias™ on the chessboard? Huge week for Asian Bias™ on the links? Back on track on the Road to 100 Losses™?)

Jason: Barry comments on point. But the the difference between us and the rest of the division is NO PASS RUSH. Yesterday at 5:43pm

Danny: HE NOT RIGHT QB FOR US 9 hours ago

Alphanso: Do some play action and gets some guys in motion 39 minutes ago

And, remember, this is what the Skins' friends are saying!

Geez. Guess this ain't the best week to open up a new forum for folks to tell you how they feel about you.

Judging by the tone of the fan base, the team should have instead signed on with inyourfacebook, where absolutely nobody's your friend.

Or, THIS JUST IN: Snyder Buys Facebook!

***

There is a local angle to Roger Federer's crumbling to Juan Martin Del Potro, whose last name, for those unfamiliar with the Romance languages, translates in English to "of the Potro." (Heck if that line hasn't been making me, and nobody else, chuckle since I was getting Ds in high school Spanish.)

Here it is: The loss is Federer's first in Flushing Meadows since Falls Church's greatest export, Don Beyer, was accidentally named Ambassador to Switzerland.

Federer's Swiss, right? Or is he Swedish?

Whatever. Beyer's now got his hands full undoing the damage Federer's loss does to US/Swiss/Swedish relations.

***

I learned a few years ago that chess is a young man's game. But this is silly: Jeevan Karamsetty of Reston came in second in the recent Virginia State Chess Championships. He's 10 years old.

Karamsetty sat out the final round and thereby forfeited a chance at winning the Richmond tournament, perhaps because he had to go home to get ready for grammar school the next day.

(My brother Geoff McKenna, a five-time champ and five times as old, finished 7th, no doubt wearing socks and underwear several years older than Karamsetty.)

***

Speaking of game biases... It's time for an Asian Bias™ Update:

Yet another massively Biased™. Shin Ji-yai takes the P&G Beauty Northwest Arkansas Championship title, her third LPGA tour win of the year. Ji-yai beat Yoo Sun-young, also Korean, on the second playoff hole.

And Tiger Woods, the Godfather of the Asian Bias™, wins the BMW Championship in Lemont, Ill., to regain the points lead in the PGA's FedEx Cup competition, a dumbass set-up that makes the BCS scoring system seem kindergartenish.

Just give the damn cup to Tiger. The Bias™, which came to the fore at this summer's AT&T National here, won't be denied!

***

Sure, following the evolution of this movie is getting to be like watching grass grow, but...Tonight in Bethesda, local filmmaker Mike Ratel is having another screening of the trailer of his undone documentary, "On Your Mark, Get Set, MOW!" which he describes as a "A tale of hope, redemption, and lawn mower racing."

The event is part of "Trailer Night" sponsored by the group Docs In Progress, and, as the name suggests, will feature a series of similarly unfinished projects.

Film starts rolling at 7pm at the Writers Center at 4508 Walsh Street.

***

The Nationals Road to 100 Losses™ stalled a bit with a few wins over the weekend over Florida. The Nats have been seven defeats away from the century mark since last week.

But their eyes should get back on the prize tonight, when they open up a series against division leading Philadelphia.

The Nats remain 12 1/2 games out of second-to-last place in the division, and have a 5 1/2 game lead over the Pirates in the race for Worst Team in the Majors, and the first-round pick that comes with that dishonor.

Awesome trivia: Only one team in either the AL or NL will finish with 100 wins for the 2009 season.

Yeah yeah...it's the Yankees.

***

Story tips? Wanna Play the Feud? Tube amps for sale? Send to: cheapseats@washingtoncitypaper.com

But Darrow is smart and wasn't about to go wiring money across the pond. A call was made to his wife, who knows the stranded woman, and who was then able to verify that THE WOMAN IS NOT ACTUALLY IN LONDON; she's in Georgetown.

Turns out her FB doppleganger has been hitting people up allllll day. The proper authorities have been contacted.

Don't get scammed, y'all!

• Yesterday afternoon, City Desk posted the latest WaPo article about the Metro crash, which basically announced that circuits on four of the five lines have failed to detect the presence of trains.  The 6 pm newscasts featured commentary from a variety of concerned commuters and so to quell their concerns, Metro GM John Catoe and Councilman Jim Graham held a press conference announcing that the Post got the story wrong.  The system is safe, says Catoe, and the article is a gross misstatement of facts.  Watch WUSA's interview with Catoe – he could be a dreidel with the way he's spinning this new information.

Swine flu, social networks, and the Secret Service after the jump.  Plus, a new alternative to saving the Nats!

• Swine flu isn't going anywhere soon.  Yet another group of local students from the District and Maryland are quarantined in Beijing after testing positive for H1N1.  Although it sucks that their trip is on hiatus, at least they have access to their Facebook accounts.
• Speaking of social networks, Facebook and Twitter are now too accessible to the general public, so Congress had to make its own. 3121, named after the extension of the Capitol Hill switchboard, will premiere in September and hopes to make communication among staffers more efficient.  Really, it's just a more localized version of any other site, so that you can stalk the hottie in Rep. Whatever's office and make awkward eye contact with your new "friends."
• President Obama granted Dick Cheney's request for a six-month extension of his Secret Service protection.  Apparently he has been concerned with his security and privacy in recent years, and plans on asking for another extension when this one expires.  Because when the federal government is hemorrhaging money, cashing in on a former Vice President's security detail is really an investment in the future.
• And finally, the Nationals might seem like a better team if they had better media coverage.  And who better to help them with their image than Ari Fleisher of Ari Fleisher Sports Communications!  Yep, Bush 2's first press secretary has launched a business to train athletes and teams on how to deal with the media.  He's currently busy promoting the Olympics but maybe he can help our fledgling batters in the future.