Author: Prince Of Petworth

HGTV show called “Real Estate Intervention” Seeking Folks Looking To Sell Their Homes

By Prince Of Petworth

This could be cool if they get someone from PoPville. They requested to be listed on the Columbia Heights Listserv and write:

“HGTV Casting DC/MD/VA homeowners who want to sell!
Are you a homeowner struggling to sell your house in this tough real estate market? Are you confused as to how much your home is really worth? Do you need some impartial real estate advice?

If that sounds like you, we can help!

A new reality real estate advice show on HGTV is casting for energetic homeowners desperate to sell. If you and your family live in or around the VA/DC/MD area and are battling the high stakes real estate market, we want to hear from you.

To apply, please contact us at: [email protected]

Please put “Real Estate Intervention” in the subject line and include the following information:

-Name, address and phone numbers
-Names and ages of everyone in the household
– A family photo
-A photo of your home
-When you plan to put your house on the market or the number of days your house has been on the market (please include current asking price)
– What are the stakes? Why are you moving and what’s your deadline?
-What kind of real estate advice do you need?
-Would you be opposed to staging advice to help sell your home?”

BETA Academy Martial Arts by Jimmy

By Prince Of Petworth

The following is a guest post written by Columbia Heights resident, Jimmy.

Walking west on Columbia Rd, between 14th and 15th streets, I followed the modest sign tucked behind a chain link fence that read “Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Thai Boxing [this way]” to the basement level of Casa del Pueblo. Here I met Nakapan Phungephorn. If ever there was a guy I did not want to meet in a dark alley, Nakapan (or “Nak” for short) was him – and here I was, walking down that dark alley to meet him.

Nak holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a brown belt in Judo, is one of the DC area’s few certified Muay Thai instructors, and has fought successfully at the national and international levels in both Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts as an amateur and professional. Fortunately for me, Nak is as nice and welcoming as he is decorated.

Nakapan is the founder and one of several highly trained instructors at the BETA Academy Martial Arts studio. Tired of trekking out to Virginia for training, Nak and his wife, Melanie (both DC residents), chose to open their own studio in Columbia Heights for its proximity to metro and bus lines as well as its high level of foot traffic. Their primary vision is for BETA Academy to become the “go to” center for Thai Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Mixed Martial Arts training in the District. The move is paying off, as business is clearly booming.

Additionally, Nak recognizes the public concern regarding at-risk youth in the neighborhood. Not one to sit on the sidelines, Nak says, “Our ultimate goal is to develop a government funded youth program targeting local at-risk youth. The hope is to get kids off the street and channel their energy into a constructive activity while at the same time instilling character building values such as self-discipline, respect, and self confidence. These values are the core of our growing kids program which we currently offer to the general public at a discounted rate.” Continues after the jump. (more…)

Dear PoP – Turkey Recommendations?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Anyone have a good recommendation for Free-range, blissful, guilt-free turkeys (who willingly offer themselves for Thanksgiving dinner)? Last year I got two from Whole Foods, one was delicious, one was not. (Brined and cooked the same – no idea why, but a big difference in flavor and texture.)

Just need one this year, and would rather not take a 50/50 chance on goodness!”

Do they have any good Turkeys at any of the farmers markets?

Good Deal or Not? 1915 Classic Row House Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 1838 Monroe Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“Historic integrity joins tasteful updates in this 1915 classic row on quiet strt. 3BR, 1.5BA (. 5Ba on main flr), covered fr prch, inlaid prqt flrs, wd brng frpl, pkt drs, updated kit w/ granite cntrs/new gas range & d/w, brkfst rm at rear, new bath w/ dbl vanity. Reces lts, 2nd flr balc/deck, full bsmnt frnt & rear entrs, fenced rear garden. Sold “as is” but w/ HMS Warranty”

You can find more info here and a virtual tour here.

I think the folks who like old school details are gonna love this one. Like a few other recent GDoN posts this one also has some sweet floors. One of the few negatives I can see folks bringing up is the fact that it only has 1.5 bathrooms. So do you think $599,000 sounds reasonable?

Arrest Made in the Homicide of Nine-Year-Old Oscar Fuentes

By Prince Of Petworth

From MPD:

“Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch Special Victims Unit have announced that an arrest has been made in the shooting death of 9-year-old Oscar Fuentes which occurred on Saturday, November 14, 2009, in the 1400 block of Columbia Road, NW. At approximately 5:50 a.m. on Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 26-year-old Josue Pena of no fixed address was arrested in Hyattsville, Maryland by members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force. Mr. Pena has been charged with First Degree Murder While Armed in the homicide of Oscar Fuentes.

On Saturday, November 14, 2009, at approximately 9:35 p.m., officers from Third District were called to an apartment building in the 1400 block of Columbia Road, NW, to investigate the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered a juvenile male inside suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim, who was identified as 9-year-old Oscar Fuentes of the above address, was transported by personnel from the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department to an area hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead.”

Ojo Latino – A Beautiful Autumn Day with Valentina

By Prince Of Petworth

Ojo Latino is a series by Néstor Sánchez Cordero. This week features “a beautiful day of walking with my friend Valentina….from Mt Pleasant to Chinatown”. Néstor says, “Images are around, the secret is to catch them at the right moment and with the right light…

Two more photos after the jump. (more…)

Coffee Shop Reopening in December at 944 Florida Ave, NW – Mocha Lounge

By Prince Of Petworth

I received a great email last night. It’s great timing because I saw a worker on the roof and was wondering if something new was going into this spot. A reader writes:

“I just ran into the owner of a new Coffee House located at Florida & W st. NW. The building has long sent empty and had a nice awning and sign saying “Mocha Lounge”. Since the sign still looks good, he’s going to keep it! He says he’s got a permit for outdoor seating in the good whether and his family has an old western wooden wagon he’s going to keep on the premises. He’s rehabbed the inside and has restored the tin ceiling, and told me he plans to Open in 3-4 weeks. Should be a fun place to hangout!”

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