You may not know what it’s called, but there’s no doubt that you have been exposed to it. You have probably even felt a little hungry after seeing it. You may have licked your lips and headed off to the kitchen or a restaurant for a taste of what you have seen. It may linger on your mind for days after, seducing you to stop in and give it a try. It’s called “food porn” and it’s increasingly becoming something that restaurants and food companies turn to in order to get your attention, get you salivating, and ultimately get you to buy.

“Food porn has a name just as interesting and exciting as the dishes it represents,” explains Ryan Fichter, Executive Chef of Thunder Burger and Bodega Spanish Tapas & Lounge, both located in the heart of Georgetown. “We are visual people and love to see pictures of great dishes. Like they say, a picture's worth a thousand words. One great food porn photo is all it takes.”

Is Sourwood, Red Maple or Green Ash under your Christmas tree this year? City of Manassas Utilities and Public Works has a gift idea that keeps on giving for years to come----trees. More than 40 tree species have been selected as part of the national Tree Power Program to help beautify the Manassas community, increase home value and improve air quality. Ten dollars will be credited to customers’ utility accounts for each tree that is planted and approved by the Manassas City Horticulturist. For details, go to www.manassascity.org or call 703-257-8276.

The National Tree Power Program is part of a nationwide public power program to help improve the environment and reduce energy costs. Trees help improve air quality, provide shade in the summer and help break the wind in winter. The program is offered all year. Customers can pick up a Tree Power brochure with a validation card attached and a full list of approved trees.

Metropolitan Fine Arts Center (MFAC) Frosty Follies jazz ensemble was selected to perform at the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C. on Sun., Dec. 23 at 7 p.m. This is their eighth year performing at the National Christmas Tree, with more than 40 dancers from MFAC showcasing their live tap dance. For more information, go to www.metrofinearts.com.

Musical groups interested in performing in National Christmas Tree Music Programs apply on the National Park Service website.

“We are honored to be a part of the National Christmas Tree festivities,” said Melissa Dobbs, founder and executive director of Metropolitan Fine Arts Center of Alexandria and Fairfax Station, Va. “Our Frosty Follies performances were designed to offer free, holiday entertainment to our local communities,” said Dobbs.