Fort Reno, June 27

Smelly + Insect = Nasty: The only thing worse than an infestation of bugs is an infestation of really, really smelly bugs. Which is apparently exactly what the region is about to deal with, as "stink bugs" start coming out of the woodwork. Killing them releases their odor, which is a pretty good reason to leave them alone. The whole scenario sounds like an outtake from the ten plagues described in the Bible's Book of Exodus. We prefer the frogs, thanks. -3

We're the Worst!: Looking for something to brag about to out-of-town friends? The Weather Channel can help—according to their meteorologists, D.C. had the nation's worst weather during the summer of 2010. It's not over yet, either; chances are this weekend will see 1980's record for most days over 90 degrees fall. We don't really have a punchline to this item; we're still recovering from the brief walk we took outside a few hours ago. -4

Colbert Takes Capitol: In what could be a dress rehearsal for his march next month, Stephen Colbert testified at a House committee hearing on farm labor by undocumented immigrants. What, exactly, made him an expert is entirely unclear, but we're betting the gambit pays off; this hearing will almost certainly get more coverage in the media than the average one does. (Including right here!) About time Congress started being funny on purpose, instead of just by accident. +2

Loaf Lofts: Developer Douglas Jemal wants to turn the now vacant old Wonder Bread factory in Shaw into loft apartments. Which would be an improvement on many of the loft apartments in the District, built in brand-new buildings designed to look like old factories. The original plan was for offices, then a boutique hotel. We can't wait for the inevitable announcement that some high-priced bakery will occupy retail space on the first floor. +2

Yesterday's Needle rating: 64 Today's score: -3 Friday bonus: +2 Today's Needle rating: 63

At about 2 a.m. on a Sunday, one dude at the corner of 16th and Irving decided to crank a Modern Country rocker. Not many people were around. But a sense of shame seemed to blanket the corner. I felt embarrassment for the driver. Lesson: this is D.C., no one wants to hear your favorite fake Eagles jams.

With that, I give you Saturday afternoon's hilarity. Someone—and you know who you are—decided that Mount Pleasant Street needed to hear "Hotel California." Does Mount Pleasant Street look like Frat Row? Please. No one wants to hear that song ever again.

It didn't matter the type of car (old Tahoe, sweet Honda). It only mattered that the windows rolled down, that the stereos worked, that they could get loud. At least that must have been the thinking for some. Just past 11 p.m. on Sunday, Mount Pleasant Street had to deal with one nervous DJ. He seemed confident enough, bopping up and down in his seat, head nodding to no one in particular, clearly in love with his system.

This DJ had all the necessary tools. He had a killer stereo. The bass got nearby windows vibrating. The treble came through incredibly clear. You could hear his speakers from a block away as if you were standing right next to the driver's side window wanting to put in a song request. The problem: the driver just couldn't pick a song and stick with it. As I walked past him, he flipped through the dial three times unable to find the right hip-hop song for his special moment. The lesson: Before you crank it up, have a set list and stick to it.