photo by Christina
“Dear PoP,
Saw a guy on the metro this morning wearing a largeish lapel pin. It had a silver rim, a blue field, silver outline of the District, and red bars and stars. It looked expensive and official, and like it was meant to remind us of the pins members of Congress wear.
Any idea what this is?”
Hmm, I haven’t seen one of those before. Perhaps they are given to Council Members? Anyone know?
Ed. Note: Couldn’t find a DC lapel pin on flickr…
I couldn’t decide between these two photos so, I’ll just have to post both. They were taken by *tinadelarosa from inside the Basilica.
From WTOP:
“Ben Ali, founder of the D.C. landmark Ben’s Chili Bowl, has died at the age of 82. Ali died of natural causes Wednesday night at his home, Ben’s Chili Bowl manager Maurice Harcum says.”
Rest in peace, Mr. Ali.
This home is located at 1612 Newton Street, NW:
W
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The flier says:
“Charming, sunny 1930s TH in Historic Mt Pleasant, 3 blocks to Metro, shops, restaurants, theater & Rock Creek Park. Handsomely renovated to provide 3 finished levels, 2 lrg BR 1BA up, finished lower level den, family room and 2nd BA, corian/stainless Kit, spacious rear deck, front porch, PARKING.”
More info and photos found here.
A reader writes:
“Wondering if this is a GDoN….the house first listed at $529,000 and the price has now dropped to $499,000. GDoN? It is at 1612 Newton St NW, just off 16th St.”
What do you think of the house itself? Does $499,000 sound reasonable for a 2 bed/2 bath?
Mazu is located at 1100 New York Avenue, NW. Their Web site says:
“Our meticulously selected assortment of Pan-Asian cuisine fuse tradition with contemporary flare, to create a culinary excursion into the elaborate palate of the Orient.”
You can see their menus here. Mmm, looks good. Any fans out there? I of course just wanted another excuse to post one of my favorite buildings in DC…
Dallas Lillich is a freelance photographer based in Washington, DC.
Al Johnson is a professional boxer who grew up in Washington, DC. Known as “Alexander the Great,” he fights in the light heavyweight division. His record after two years in the pros stands at 7-0 with 3 knockouts. He trains at Sugar Ray Leonard Gym in Palmer Park, Maryland.
His last fight took place on September 26th at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Virginia. He is pictured here in the weeks leading up to the event, during which he trained five hours a day, five to six times a week. Staying in shape for the ring presents a number of challenges.
“Boxing is a full-time job,” he explains. “Between rope work, eating right and getting enough rest, you have to be tough on yourself. You’ve got to have discipline about it.”
Al enters the ring for training. His trainer Zeke (red shirt) stands by as a portrait of Sugar Ray Leonard hovers in the background.
He attributes a share of his perseverance to his team, which includes his manager, Diana Hall, and his trainer who goes by Zeke. With his operatic harangues and constant critiques, Zeke plays the role of taskmaster, which sometimes leads to tension between the two men. Asked about their relationship, Al concedes, “I’ve got a great trainer. We have our ups and downs, but it’s mostly because I get to the point where I’m so anxious to fight that I’m barking at anything.”
Al lands an uppercut against his opponent in the ring.
Al can regularly be seen working the door at The Wonderland Ballroom and Looking Glass Lounge where he supplements his income to support his family—another challenge he faces with his characteristic aplomb.
Al Johnson celebrates after a good round.
His next fight is on Saturday, October 24th at the Washington Convention Center.
More photos after the jump (more…)
Details from Park View ANC Rep Cliff Valenti:
“Good news! The Park Morton redevelopment contract was awarded to Landex. Even better news is that they are purchasing the property on Georgia Avenue currently owned by Central Union Mission. This frees the mission up to pursue the Gale School on Mass Avenue for an emergency shelter, and they will no longer be land owners at 3506-3512 Georgia Avenue. We really owe Councilman Graham and Mayor Fenty a round of applause on this. Back in June after Landex, Neighborhood Dev. Corp, and Penrose presented their plans to ANC1A I thought they had the second best deal (I preferred NDC only because it was 50/50 owner/renter), but I think with some of the modifications they have made to the plan sense then Landex really is the best option for the neighborhood. The following are my notes about Landex from the ANC1A meeting back in June:
Landex building design looks great, and they are proposing a 9,000 square foot park at the center of the development. I loved their economic model of 30% low income, 35% work force, and 35% market rate income levels for housing, I do not like that they are developing 100% of the units as rental.
If I understand this correctly, all of the above still applies but 30% of the units built will be owner occupied. Additionally, the 499 units to be built does not include the property they are acquiring from Central Union Mission.”
A rendering can be seen at DC mud. Thanks to all who sent me emails about this. Totally wild. Remember the discussions we had about the Central Union Mission here and here? Nevermind. How do the Landex plans sound?
Press release from Mayor Fenty after the jump. (more…)
I thought this was pretty interesting. From an MPD email:
“We get inundated with calls for service in regards to neighbor disputes. DC Superior Court’s developed the Multi-Door Resolution Division to assist in cases that are outside the realm of MPD. This is NOT meant to replace our responsibilities to investigate alleged criminal allegation. It’s just another tool that we can utilize. Below is a brief description off their website along with a link to their website.
Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division
Hours of Operation
Mondays-Fridays: 8:30a.m.-5:00p.m.
No appointment necessary
Location
Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division
D.C. Superior Court
515 5th Street, N.W.
Suite 105
Washington, D.C. 20001
Main Contact
Phone: (202) 879-1549
Jeannie Adams, Director
The Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division (Multi-Door) helps parties settle disputes through mediation and other types of appropriate dispute resolution (ADR), including arbitration, case evaluation and conciliation. The name “Multi-Door” comes from the multi-door courthouse concept, which envisions one courthouse with multiple dispute resolution doors or programs. Cases are referred through the appropriate door for resolution. The goals of a multi-door approach are to provide citizens with easy access to justice, reduce delay, and provide links to related services, making more options available through which disputes can be resolved. The Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division of the D.C. Superior Court assists parties to reach agreements that meet their interests, preserve relationships, and save time and money. Our mediators and dispute resolution specialists are trained at Multi-Door to serve in a wide range of cases, from civil to small claims, to family.”
What are the scenarios in which you think this service would be helpful?
Yesterday when I mentioned Room 11 (11th and Lamont Streets, NW) was having a gin tasting and Punch Club was set to return, a reader mentioned hearing a rumor of an expansion. Well, obviously I had to get a taste of gin and while I was there I asked if the rumors of an expansion were true. And they are! However, it is only in the very very very early stages and nothing has been finalized. The space where they would expand is currently occupied by Jeans N Things. This makes a lot of sense as I don’t think I’ve ever seen a patron inside Jeans N Things. Hopefully the negotiations will go well as Room 11 could definitely use some more room.
“Dear PoP,
Diamond District put up a few new signs yesterday including one unveiling their new logo. I think you’ll like it.”
This is the restaurant at 1612 14th Street, NW that will be run by Chef Barton Seaver.
Incidentally another reader wrote in asking if I had an opinion about Seaver being voted best chef of the year by Esquire Magazine. Honestly I have no opinion. Washingtonian wrote about it here. Does anyone feel strongly about the Esquire controversy?
I do however feel strongly about the logo. I think it is probably the coolest logo in town.
