Better Phone First

By Amanda Bower, Val Castronovo, Randy Hartwell, Ellin Martens, Julie Rawe, Joel Stein, Chris Taylor and Josh Tyrangiel

Some new inhabitants make their debut in Washington this month, and their coming-out parties are drawing crowds and long lines of gawkers. At the National Zoo, two panda bears are eliciting coos. While at the White House...

FOOD

PANDAS Eat up to 50 lbs. of bamboo a day as well as raw carrot and apple treats

BUSH Staples include PB&J and bologna and cheese sandwiches

BEST BEAR SOUVENIR

PANDAS 36-in. sitting panda, $200

BUSH 8-in. Inaugural Beanie Bear, $19.95

OTHER TRINKETS

PANDAS Toaster that leaves a panda impression on the bread, $65

BUSH No toaster, but a set of coasters, $75

PUBLIC ACCESS

PANDAS Zoo open every day except Christmas

BUSH White House closed Sundays and Mondays

NEW DIGS

PANDAS One main and three smaller enclosures; two ponds; two sand wallows

BUSH 132 rooms; 32 bathrooms; swimming pool; tennis court; movie theater; bowling lane