Dear PoPville

“What in the name of god is the nails-on-a-chalkboard high pitched noise emitting from the Farragut West every morning?”

By Prince Of Petworth

Ed. Note: Back in 2010 we posted “Anti-teen Noise-weapon Hits DC at Chinatown Metro”, which were then promptly removed. Then in 2016 we posted Anti Pigeon Devices Removed!! “Both make intermittent, high-pitched squeals that are piercingly loud, at least to my 30-year-old ears”.

Annette writes that it’s from:

“The Farragut West Metro 18th & I St exit. The noise is so piercing I can barely tweet straight. Is it one of those anti-loitering noise things that’s only supposed to be audible by teens? (more…)

“Anyone have recommendations for venues for a baby’s first birthday or first birthday ideas?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Not really a baby birthday photo but this picture cracks me up every time I come across it and cannot resist posting. Credit PoPville flickr user Betsy Law

“Dear PoPville,

Anyone have recommendations for venues in D.C. Maryland or Virginia for a baby’s first birthday or first birthday ideas? We’re looking for something that is mostly aimed toward adults, but is still friendly to little movers. All of the kid-friendly venues seem to cater to older toddlers.”

“Nighttime bees?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Tim Brown

“Dear PoPville,

For the past week, when we’ve taken our dog out for his last walk of the evening (around 10 pm), we’ve noticed small, shiny/reflective bees or bugs flying around clover and grass. This is mostly next to a park near our house. They’re flying low to the ground and are too fast-moving (and it’s too dark) to see them clearly. Does anyone know what they are?”

What are your favorite books set in or about D.C.?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr.TinDC

“Dear PoPville,

I was wondering if you could start a DClit list – literature about or set in DC (may need to differentiate between the two). I remember years ago being in a book club that read Breena Clarke’s “River, Cross My Heart,” and now I can never cross the Key Bridge without thinking about the history of Georgetown. I’d love to read more locally based books and poetry.”

“my 15 year old building shakes with the not-so-new trains they installed in the metro a few years ago” WMATA report finds no need for concern

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I live near 14th and U St. I just returned after living abroad for the last two+ years and noticed that my 15 year old building shakes with the not-so-new trains they installed in the metro a few years ago. They’re running the new trains faster and they are heavier which is why my bldg (a block and a half from the metro is now shaking, in particular felt in the morning). (more…)

“Self-Service Car Wash?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user brunofish

“Dear PoPville,

Is there a self-service car wash anywhere in the District or nearby? You know – the kind with the bays that you load quarters into. I prefer them to the automated ones and haven’t been able to find one anywhere. Thanks!”

“Five days later I received a $250 charge from Lyft for alleged damage that occurred to the driver’s bumper during my ride”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I wanted to raise awareness of an issue I am having with Lyft. For background, I had an unremarkable ride home from DCA last weekend – driver picked me up, put my small rollaway bag in the trunk, drove me home in silence, took my bag out of the trunk when we arrived, and we went our separate ways. I gave him a $5 tip on a $20 ride and a 5 star rating.

Five days later I received a $250 charge from Lyft for alleged damage that occurred to the driver’s bumper during my ride (initial email from Lyft below, picture above). I wrote back saying this is clearly a fraudulent claim based on the information they presented and that such damage could not have and did not occur on account of me. Lyft has decided to maintain the charge without providing me any additional details, and now I have to take things up with my credit card company. (more…)

“How Many People Use Via Ride Share App?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Josh

“Dear PoPville,

Has anyone who uses the rideshare app VIA noticed a dramatic change in the availability (or know the reason behind it?). I first started using it several months ago as a 1-2 times a week alternative to riding the bus. Because my bus route requires a transfer and is not direct, VIA saved me 20 minutes or so and was a much more affordable option than the other rideshare apps (it requires a little walking at both ends and travels along mostly fixed routes). At first it was frequently available in the mornings, maybe a 5 minute wait max. It then got to a point that whenever I tried to use it there would be a 20 minute wait til the next available ride or there would be a message that no cars were available at all. It stopped being a quicker alternative to the bus. I now haven’t used it in a few months, but thought about it again yesterday as I swam to work in the flash floods. (more…)

“Solar Installation Options for Capitol Hill Condo Building?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I live in a small, twenty unit condo building on the hill and I’m exploring solar installation options on behalf of the Homeowners Association. I measured our roof’s solar potential using the Solar Potential tool listed on the DC Department of Energy and Environment website and it appears that we have pretty high yield potential, with a 72-panel, 27.34kW System Size (equivalent of powering 72 homes annually, or planting 12.5k trees). I’m taking those estimates with a grain of salt until I learn more, which is why I’m reaching out to the PoPville community. (more…)

Wedding Location Recs for August/September?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Joe Flood

“Dear PoPville,

I proposed a few weeks ago and now that we’ve had a chance to revel in the initial round of excitement, my fiancée and I have started to get into the planning stage of things. Specifically, where are we going to do this thing?

Ideally, we’d like to have the ceremony and reception next August/September in either D.C., Maryland, or Virginia. So far, we’ve glanced at Rocklands Farm in Maryland, Bluemont Vineyard out in Virginia, and District Winery (emphasis on “glanced” re: this one) in Navy Yard. Figured it might not be a bad idea to see where the PoPville commentariat has had good luck (or bad, in the interest of knowing what to avoid).”

Ed. Note: Recs for “super small weddings” here.

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