There are some incredible homes on Embassy Row (Mass. Ave). I think I had read somewhere (prolly the Post) that many had fallen into disrepair. I was immediately drawn to this one that at first glance looks incredible but on closer inspection seems to be falling apart, sadly. Anyway, since we are judging buildings, I’m wondering what you think of these ornate ones? What’s this style called anyway? Thumbs up or down? More photos after the jump. (more…)


I noticed that there were some signs for the upcoming school board election. We spoken a lot about schools before but it occurred to me I have no idea what the elected school board does.

So can anyone explain what this (I assume) important board actually does? Also what would be the different positions of the candidates for the board?


WPA Launches:
COUP D’ESPACE

Artists take over the WPA office!!
Thursday, October 9th 4-7pm *
at WPA headquarters 2023 Massachusetts Ave. NW
*rain date: Friday, October 10th, 4-7pm

Kickoff event: Linda Hesh presents,
For & Against Benches

Drop by the WPA office where member artist, Linda Hesh will have her For and Against benches set up outside.

You can choose any of these ways to participate in the artwork:

1) Write 1 thing you are For or Against
2) Sit on the bench of your choice
3) Have your picture taken on the bench (either by Linda or bring your
own camera)
4) Track the project at http://www.lindahesh.com/html/benches/

So what would/will you write in the “For” or “Against” bench?


Well this was a cool find. Located at 2112 R Street, NW is Fondo del Sol Visual Arts Center. Sadly it was closed when I stopped by but I was able to pick up a brochure that says:

“Fondo del Sol Visual Arts Center is a non-profit, bilingual, community-based museum composed of artists, filmmakers, educators, and community organizers, who share a common dedication to the art and cultural heritage of the people of the Americas and the American Diaspora. Fondo del Sol maintains 7 galleries and workshops, and a significant collection of pre-Colombian, santero and 20th century Latino & Caribbean art, as well as selected Afro-American works. In addition the museum holds a major film and library archive.”

Sounds awesome. Has anyone checked it out before?

Hours are Wednesday – Saturday 1-5:30pm.

I also found a super cool house/gallery a couple doors down. Check it out after the jump. (more…)


The flier for this home at 1640 Florida Ave, NW says:

“NEW PRICE Stylish 1909 brick row offers 2 Large BRs + 3rd BR/Office, Renovated Full BA, Delightful open LR/DR combo w/ soaring ceilings, exposed brick walls, and charming gas log stove, Modern Powder Rm, Updated TSKit w/ granite counters, Huge Deck, perfect for entertaining PLUS Off Street Parking Conveniently located in Dupont, Near U St & Adam’s Morgan Street Beaut Move-in Cond”

More info and photos found here.

It seems real nice but a bit small. The property was originally listed for $649,000 but has dropped to $625,000. So does the new price make it a good deal or not?


With all of my newfound spare time, I’ve been lucky enough to spend a lot of afternoons out and about in the neighborhood with Ramona (my dog). There’s no better time of year for it and it’s great to not have to cram everything in just two days at the end of each week.

Last Friday I finally got around to hitting Good Stuff Eatery on Pennsylvania Ave.It opened earlier in the summer to much fanfare as part of the city’s burger craze, and every time I’d been past, it had lines out the door.I hate waiting in lines more than I love a good burger (which is to say, a lot) so I never made it in.

Now, I feel I should mention that I am not a fan of the Bravo Network’s Top Chef. I watched one or two episodes of whichever season had the guy with wacky hair who was always making foams from things. I love cooking shows of all sorts, but I just don’t like Top Chef. So that Good Stuff is the brainchild of “Chef Spike” means nothing to me, but people seem to have opinions on this subject, mostly of the ilk, “Wow, that guy was an ass.” But I have no idea, I was just psyched for a good burger. Story continues after the jump. (more…)


“I am looking to move to the Mt P/Columbia Heights/U Street area soon and want to be a bit more proactive than waiting for a lucky post on craig’s list. First off, can you recommend any good scouting techniques? I’m looking for a one bedroom or English basement with character and trying to stay clear of apartments, unless they fall under the small scale dc charm. My cap is $1000, hoping for W/D, would enjoy outside space, and preferably close to the local spots and metro. Can you or any readers steer me in the right rental real estate direction?”

This is the million dollar question. I get this question quite frequently so I’m hoping you guys can give some good advice for apartment hunting in these neighborhoods. Craig’s List is a good start but there has to be other options. Are there any listservs for Mt. P/Columbia Heights/U Street that have rental notices? The Columbia Heights News Forum didn’t seem to be too up to date on rentals. What suggestions do you guys have? Is it realistic to find a one bedroom or English basement for $1000 in these neighborhoods? For the renters out there, how’d you find your digs?



photo by Ezra Hitzeman

Thanks to Washington Redskin Fred Smoot? Wild. Thanks to a reader for sending this link to the Post’s DC Sports Bog.

While touring Fred Smoot’s house, Steinberg writes:

“For example, we learned that Smoot plans to open two Sonic Burger
drive-ins and four Waffle Houses in the D.C. market, since
“everybody’s one accident away” from needing a new career.”

Waffle House always reminds me of road trips but I wouldn’t mind one of their breakfasts every now and then. Of course, I’m also a fan of Taco Bell and Ruby Tuesday.

Think they’ll thrive in the “DC market”?


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