Dear PoPville

“Am I expecting too much to think any venue, especially a brand new ones, should have free water available?”

By Prince Of Petworth

Update from Events DC:

“We have heard the concerns from the community and will make arrangements to install water fountains in the facility this fall. Upon request, guests may receive complimentary 5oz cups of water at each concession stand.”

“Dear PoPville,

We went to a Mystics game in their new home at the waiting-for-a-named-sponsor Entertainment and Sports Arena. It was a great game, with the Mystics scoring 107 points and a record-setting 18 three-pointers. While I enjoyed the cozier feel on the new stadium, I was shocked when I went to look for a water fountain and was told that there were none. (more…)

“Collective agreement at Red Light was to back into it to get out.”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Saw this go down at R and 14th Thursday night. Forester was blocked in by a motorcycle “illegally” parked behind it. Owner of the car actually walked to 3+ businesses to try and find the owner. Collective agreement at Red Light was to back into it to get out.

My wife and I have seen similar shady park jobs on 14th and U by motorcycles.”

About that “Microscope Store” in Dupont

By Prince Of Petworth


1739 Connecticut Ave, NW

“Dear PoPville,

No one, and I mean NO ONE, seems to know what this shop with a great window but not much more (e.g. it’s never open) is all about. Do you? It’s on the east side of Connecticut Ave north of the circle between R and S. Any ideas?”

Aaron writes (and sends the photo above):

“There’s a new business there that is either DC’s newest and most secret speakeasy, or DC’s weirdest retail experiment. It purports to be “Capital Microscope Supply Company”, but how many microscopes do you have to sell to walk-ins to pay rent on the 1700 block of Connecticut?? Even better, they have rotating teaser signs posted on the door – this week it’s “Summer Hours now in effect”.

This has got to be some kind of bar or secret restaurant.”

Back in June we spoke about it and learned: (more…)

“Is there a mechanism to report to the city companies like this?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Bill Herndon

“Dear PoPville,

I live in Brightwood in a typical Wardman rowhouse and recently received quotes from 2 different door companies – both affiliated with MAJOR nationwide companies, mostly known for windows – and 1 of them tried to add $750 for a DC work permit. Let’s call them Company A. I expected that the door would cost somewhere between $2500-$4000 since we wanted a quality door and the frame had to be replaced, and both companies provided a quote in that neighborhood. I was shocked that Company A tried to tack on an extra $750 for a work permit while the other company didnt see the need to have a permit at all. (more…)

“Curious what people think–would they not buy a house if they saw two cats in it?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Phil

“Dear PoPville,

I’m selling my house. My realtor is encouraging me to get rid of/stash my cats elsewhere while it’s on the market. Problem is, where does one stash cats? I am nervous about leaving them with friends (they are adorable, ruinous little creatures that claw, shed, and occassionally pee on rugs). Curious what people think–would they not buy a house if they saw two cats in it? Would they lower their bid?”

“Looking for Help to find Adult Swimming Lessons in DC”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user C JRCook

“Dear PoPville,

I never learned to swim properly when I was younger and as an adult, I think its high time I learned how. Looking to see if the community can recommend adult swim lessons (group classes are fine; evening preferred) in the West End/Foggy Bottom/Dupont area or at a metro accessible location nearby? I did look into offerings through DC Parks and Rec and didn’t see anything offered at the closest pool in my area (Francis Park Pool).”

“Bed bug sniffing dog?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

My husband and I live in Hyattsville and were wondering if you’d be able to ask if anyone can recommend a reasonably priced reputable company with a bed bug sniffing dog. Thanks in advance!”

“New DC privacy law for sexual assault victims”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user angela n.

“Dear PoPville,

Previously you posted about the DC Board of Election publicly posting the names, addresses, and some voting history details about every single DC resident registered to vote in the District. Pretty terrifying stuff.

A new law (sponsored by Charles Allen) is about ready to go into effect allowing victims of stalking, sexual and domestic violence, and the workers of some reproductive clinics to request their details be removed from the Board of Elections voting list, DMV databases, and public tax records. There are some caveats (i.e., legal documents to allow a request, etc.), but DC literally offered next to no protection before, so this is a huge step in the right direction.

Can you help spread the word so those who need to protect their privacy can get more information? Here’s a new WaPo story about it.”

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