Author: Prince Of Petworth

Excuse Me Sir, But You’re A Sir Too

By Prince Of Petworth

I was going for the whole Ben Harper thing but I’m not sure it worked. At any rate, allow me to share a story of an awkward greeting that happens to me quite frequently. I understand that in the military it is quite common to address many people you don’t know as sir. I’m down with that. What makes me feel uncomfortable is when I pass older gentlemen in Petworth and they say “Good morning sir” or “How are you, sir” to me. I just don’t feel a “young” kid like me is deserving of the honorific. I always think to myself, why are they addressing me as sir? If anyone should be addressed as sir it is they! So what is going on here, is this a generational thing? Should I respond back using sir as well?

Not Exactly the Reunion I Was Thinking Of

By Prince Of Petworth

I was all set to write how fantastic it is that our neighborhoods often host these super cool gigantic family reunions. It is really amazing, I’ve never seen so many beautiful affairs in my life. So I thought I was capturing a perfect example. But I suppose this is pretty cool too. So which is the good one – off the wagon or on the wagon?

Water Features Are Sweet

By Prince Of Petworth

This is from a phenomenal home on 13th Street. I think water features and fountains are among the coolest lawn amenities around. But my question is: If you want to put Koi or goldfish in them will they survive or are you just providing dinner for the local wildlife?

YES! Another YES! Market Coming To Our Area

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to Suzanne for the heads up from the Columbia Heights Listserv:

“I am pleased to announce that Yes! Organic grocery will occupy one of the six retail spaces on the first floor of the Union Row building, located at 14th and V St, NW.

The Union Row project is part of the overall rejuvenation of the U Street Corridor. Yes! Organic will offer residents natural foods as part of a unique shopping experience. Please visit my website for more information.

The 5,000 square foot Yes! Organic grocery is scheduled to open in the spring of 2008. This will be the fifth location for the DC-based grocer. More retailers will be announced soon, including a restaurant, a dry cleaner, and a large national chain store.

Bests,
Councilmember Jim Graham”

Two New Rumors

By Prince Of Petworth

I heard this evening that the great bar and brunch place Tunnicliff’s Tavern in Eastern Market is opening up a new store on U Street between 13th and 14th.

I also heard that Velvet Lounge may be sold to the owners of Local 16 and Eighteenth Street Lounge. Wild news.

Anyone else heard these rumors?

Random PoP Observation

By Prince Of Petworth

I saw a sign that said “Democrats for Bush”, isn’t that kind of like “Jews for Jesus”?

Petworth’s Not So Humble Beginnings

By Prince Of Petworth

A reader who is doing research on a book writes in (including the title of the post):

“The Feb 13, 1923 edition of the Washington Post lists the following ad in its real estate section:

“PETWORTH
A semi-detached house of stone and frame construction; six rooms and bath, front and double rear porches, exceptionally large kitchen; hot water, heat, electric lights; good condition; side alley. Price: $8750.”

Another, Petworth house lists for $11,000, the difference in price likely due to its “having been newly papered and painted both inside and out,” and its boasting a “45 foot front lot.”

Advertised houses of similar size in Chevy Chase and Cleveland Park sell for $12,000 to $14,500, while similarly-sized houses near Lincoln Park and (what is now)Near SE sell for $6,000-$9,000.”

It’s interesting to note that our part of town began as one of the more expensive places to live in Washington.”

So who can figure out what inflation on $11,000 from 1923 to today would be?

Fantastic Reno in the Works

By Prince Of Petworth

Many of you have probably walked by this home on New Hampshire Avenue near the metro. It had the dreaded vinyl all across the front and is now being replaced with brick. It looks like it is going to be pretty sweet.

Wait a second. My house is entirely ensconced in vinyl. And it is beautiful. Until I win the lottery and can afford nice cedar shingles I’m stuck with vinyl. Vinyl requires very little little upkeep and won’t give you cancer like asbestos shingles. So don’t hate too much.

Petworth Turning Into One Gigantic Bulletin Board

By Prince Of Petworth

Let me share a little secret with you all. I’ve heard of this great new Web site. It is called Craig’s List. You can put whatever you want to sell on the site for free! Amazing. It is a virtual world now. You don’t have to bother with scotch tape or printings or anything like that at all. And don’t give me the whole not everyone has a computer song. Everyone has computers! And if you are 80 and don’t have a computer you don’t need a weight bench. Everyone has a computer either at work, or home, or at their local library. Although, I am still looking for a place to unload my unwanted car for $50 cash. Help me please.

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