Dear PoPville

“there has been this disastrous mess outside of the 1500 Block of 17th Street, NW since Thursday”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

People moved out of their house on 17th and Q, left this trash since late last week lying on the sidewalk. Do you know what actions we can/should take to get it removed?”

Another reader includes me on a note to their ANC:

“I’m not 100% sure what is going on here, but there has been this disastrous mess outside of the 1500 Block of 17th Street, NW since Thursday! Garbage is literally tossed to the street corner (please see above) probably with the hope that the city will clean it up, which isn’t fair! I’m sure the DC rat population is having a field day with this heaven of fiflth. I live right around the corner and I’ve seen a number of men probably in their late-20’s / early-30’s who periodically party inside and outside of the house. I could care less about that, but what I do care about is this current situation and the fact that they think someone else will come by and clean it up!”

Ed. Note: The ANC promptly replied that they would “engage the DPW inspector”.

Update: Found! “There may have been a sighting of him last week and we all want to spread the word for people to look for him.”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

My friend Brent has been missing since May and I wanted to share the attached flyer. There may have been a sighting of him last week and we all want to spread the word for people to look for him. He is a well known bartender who has worked at Mintwood and the Anthem.

More info: (more…)

Exploitative or a fair trade for services?

By Prince Of Petworth

Winston writes: “Exploitative rental offers free lodging in exchange for a servant”

The Craigslist ad says:

“FREE PRIVATE ROOM IN BED AND BREAKFAST (ADAMS MORGAN)

START DATE: IMMEDIATELY

Great opportunity for an intern or recent college grad with good knowledge of Marketing and that can cook delicious breakfasts. We are looking for one (1) person to help in our bed and breakfast in exchange for free rent, etc. (more…)

“She ‘rescued’ these but wants to do the correct thing.”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

My boss found these books, published in 1885, next to a neighborhood free library. There were 8 of the original 15 volume set in the grass, individually bagged. She’s concerned they might be sentimental to someone and were somehow removed from their possession. It’s either that, or the previous owner is generous beyond to leave these on the side of the road. She “rescued” these but wants to do the correct thing. Is it to put them back or first see if the drop off was intentional? What do you think?”

“I’m wondering if anyone has a pediatrician that does NOT charge to get DC health forms filled out.”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Lindsey Robinett

“Dear PoPville,

I’m wondering if anyone has a pediatrician that does NOT charge to get DC health forms filled out.

Our pediatrician charges us $25 to get them filled out and we need to bring in a self-addressed stamped envelope and it takes sometimes two weeks to receive them back. I’ve spoken with friends who take their kids to other doctors and have the same fee and issues with how long it takes. (more…)

“Am I right to want them to refund me for my trip as well as for the cost of the pants?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

TLDR version: I rode an Uber that had coffee on the seat, it ruined my pants without me realizing it until I had already humiliated myself at a work event with a brown stain on my ass, and Uber claims the $5 credit they gave me is an “appropriate adjustment.”

I took an Uber to work this morning, had a great conversation with the driver, and spoke at a work event immediately after exiting the car. My colleague then informed me that there was an awful brown stain on my rear end — and it wasn’t there before I got into the car. (more…)

“End of July seems like a good time to discuss A/C installation.”

By Prince Of Petworth


July, 2011 photo by PoPville flickr user Mr.TinDC

“Dear PoPville,

End of July seems like a good time to discuss A/C installation. My husband and I are starting to get quotes to install A/C in our 1,500 sq ft, 3 BR, 1 BA rowhouse. We will keep our radiator heating and eventually install a mini-split in the basement for A/C and heat.

There isn’t space on the main floor for conventional horizontal ductwork throughout, or a mini-split unit, so we thought high-velocity was the way to go–but were a bit surprised by Sila’s $25k quote (we were expecting $15-20k).
(more…)

“What else are people doing or where are they shopping to decrease their waste and carbon footprint?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user John Sonderman

“Dear PoPville,

Curious what people in DC are doing at an individual level to change their habits and their impact on the earth.

For example, today, I hung out my laundry, used captured rainwater to water my plants, purchased toilet paper in a paper wrapper, turned my thermostat up to 78F, re-used a ziploc freezer bag, ate no meat, and collected all my food scraps for composting at the Farmer’s Market and searched in vain for a place to refill my laundry and dish-soap containers.

What else are people doing or where are they shopping to decrease their waste and carbon footprint?

Thanks,
Father of Two Kids with Little Faith in Humanity to Make the Right Decisions for Future Generations”

Ed. Note: I’m hearing from a lot of folks interested in solar panels and composting. I’d say that’s the top two things I see from other DC folks.

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