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Richard Dawkins will hold a small cocktail reception at Jackie's Sidebar tonight from 7-9 pm. RSVP, tickets may be purchased at http://givingaid.richarddawkins.net/. Space is limited. $75 of which $50 goes to Non-Believers Giving Aid (to tsunami victims). Mr. Dawkins will be available to sign books, as will Andy Thomson author of "Why We Believe in Gods". Beer, wine and hors d'oeuvres will be provided. More info on Richard Dawkins at richarddawkins.net.

Jackie's Sidebar, a new cocktail bar in Silver Spring receiving accolades, is seeking a bartender/mixologist with proven skills and a passion for creative drinkmaking. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your broad knowledge of the history of cocktails or to learn it. MUST be driven to make precise, artful cocktails, to follow and/or be a part of the craft cocktail movement or be interested in it. Food and drink snobs welcome, without the snobbery. We have super high standards and will wait til we find the right person. If you do not have very solid higher-end bartending skills with an interest in drink experimentation, a good palette for tasting drinks and creating them, and if following a measured recipe doesn't make sense to you, please do not apply. If you have a serious interest, have experience and skills, and want to be taught by a great bartender, that's just fine. email gordon@jackiesrestaurant.com

Jackie's Restaurant is hiring servers. Fine dining experience required, food & wine knowledge essential. A chance to join an independent restaurant operation that is way cooler than most, great working environment, talented young chef, excellent/distinctive food and setting. Must have flexible schedule. Email ellen@jackiesrestaurant.com with resume.

Tonight at Jackie's backroom: "UNPLUGGED", a whole bunch of noted area musicians play acoustic sets with 100% of door going to the International Medical Alliance to aid in relief efforts in Haiti. $15 suggested donation, 10% of bar sales go to cause. Should be a great time, well over 10 musicians playing 20 minute sets starting at 8 pm. Come help those in need. 8081 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 301-565-9700.

Hey Don, what do I do then to promote something I think is worthwhile? I am donating my private party room on a Saturday night and paying staff to work a benefit for a Haitian medical organization tomorrow night. I was approached by a whole bunch of friends who are in bands that wanted to donate their talents by playing "unplugged" acoustic sets (more than 10 noted area artists), needed a space (preferably with a bar) and are suggesting a donation of $15 at the door, 100% of which goes to the relief organization. I offered 10% of bar sales on top of this so more money could be raised. I have been promoting it so they get as many people here as possible, but am I gonna be accused of being self-serving? I'm trying to help them raise money; clearly, having a bar makes the evening a more attractive draw as an event to generate more door receipts for the cause. Where's the line here? I'm waiving any room rental, staffing it out of my pocket, spending a lot of time trying to promote it, not taking any of the door, and donating some of the sales. This is in addition to any other donations I and my friends may have already made directly to relief orgs, I should add. I don't view this as a marketing tool at all, and I kind of find that idea repellent. Are we to sit idly by? I'm not defending token offerings to sell one's restaurant, but I do think we all should try and help where we can. Next Saturday's a NOLA fundraiser with the AFI and the green building council. I'm donating the room, staff, food and part of the bar and got friends to perform a set for free. Now you've got me doubting how I'll be perceived.

Introducing myself: Jackie Greenbaum, owner of Jackie's Restaurant and the Quarry House Tavern in Silver Spring, MD. Hello all!

Hey, just a proud note that Jackie's Restaurant will be hosting pretty much all the parties for Silverdocs next week, as we were selected as the "AFI's Cinema Lounge" (the primary location for the entertainment provided to passholders, filmmakers, event participants, and VIP's during the week). Anyway, for more info on that stuff, contact us at Jackie's, but this is really just a heads up that Silverdocs rocks and we hope you'll attend and support the festival!! Highlights are movies--and personal appearances by--LeBron James, Muhammed Ali, and Marion Barry. --Jackie from Jackie's