5 Things to Know Today: Sept. 19

Welcome to a new week, Potomac. It’s Monday morning and we have a few things to start your week off right.

1. Today we can expect our skies to stay mostly cloudy, according to the National Weather Service. Today’s high may reach 71, and the low could drop to 60. It may rain late tonight.

2. Tonight the . Pam Mintz of YMCA Youth and Family Services will lead the discussion. To register for the event, call 301-229-1347 or email parenting@ymcadc.org.

3. Do you like writing? Do you have an opinion about local issues or a special skill or hobby you’d like to share? Potomac Patch wants you! The website will be making room for local bloggers on the site and we're looking for anyone who can riff on various topics, share their personality and engage our readers in discussions. If you’re interested in blogging on the site, shoot an e-mail to .

4. Today we can thank Scott Fahlman of Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pa. for the now ubiquitous phenomenon of emoticons. On September 19, 1982 Fahlman sent out a message with the first documented use of a colon, dash and parenthesis as a smiley/frowny face. Thank you, Scott. The world appreciates your contribution to popular culture :-). Or would :-( be more accurate?

5. Have you seen any thing new and interesting lately? Have you heard of a great local project? Do you know of a volunteer around the Potomac area who should be recognized for great work? Patch wants to hear. Send us your story ideas, tips, comments or photos to katie.griffith@patch.com