Friday Question of the Day

Back in the day, I’d say it was outdoor porch drinking or outdoor patio/roof decks opening around town. But in a sign that I’ve gotten old – it’s bringing the house plants outside. I kid you not, that’s all I’m thinking about lately. God I’ve become very boring. Well, I still like roof deck drinking but it feels like they’ve all been covered up anyway so they can be used year round. I digress. What most signals spring has finally come to you? Cherry Blossoms/other blossoms blooming? Baseball in the air? Allergies? Switching winter/spring clothes? Bicycling more? Eating outside? Outdoor movie series starting? Outdoor concerts starting? The PoP Peep project? Gardening? What am I missing?

Conrad Hotel opening up in CityCenter next year

With a boon of new hotels (The Line, The Pod etc.) opening up all over town – it’s time to revisit this important question: When folks/friends come to visit you, where do you recommend they stay? For those who know, whether it’s a hotel or airbnb – about how much does it cost a night?

Photo by PoPville flickr user John Sonderman

“Dear PoPville,

What are the best/most interesting/most unique places to take an out-of-town visitor to DC? I love to take people to the National Arbroteum, the Franciscan monastery, Kenilworth Gardens, Roosevelt Island….Beyond the museums/Mall/Zoo/Capitol Building, I’d love to hear what other PoPville readers think is cool/noteworthy/fun and worthwhile for residents and visitors alike! I would typically also be taking visiting friends on a brewery/distillery tour, but my visiting friend is pregnant so that’s off the table (this time, at least!).”

I realize this question is a bit morbid but after posting about the Luke’s Lobster coming to Farragut Square yesterday, it got me thinking about a last meal because I know I would put a Luke’s Lobster roll on it. I’d also have to have a french onion soup from Chez Billy, a steak from Peter Lugers, a slice of pizza from Miceli’s, one of those seafood towers from Le Diplomate, a big bowl of Pho from Pho Viet, whatever in the hell Himitsu feeds me, a pastrami sandwich from Parkway Deli and I’ll take a Gryo from Yanni’s for old time’s sake. RIP Yanni’s. What’s on your list?

Amazingly we actually spoke about this a few years ago but I spotted the sign above in Logan Circle and since the first posting my wife now makes me take my shoes off at home and I hate it. Unless it’s muddy or snowy of course but just taking them off every time is killing me. So I want some back up this time – shoes on or off at home? If off, mandatory or optional for guests?

Dan Silverman: Citizen of the District of Columbia. Photo by Hugh Clarke

Update: The Patreon Page has been launched!!

So. So. So, how you doing? OK cool. You may have heard that local journalists have recently faced some setbacks. You may have also heard that I am not a journalist. These are both true. Having said that, I am something. A lot of people read whatever the hell it is I’ve been doing the last 11+ years. And I am super grateful for that. Honestly and truly. As I’ve said a million times this site is nothing without you guys. Segue into the ask. Well, amazingly running PoPville/Prince of Petworth has been my full time job coming on 9 years. Life and the world has changed an awful lot since 2006. Quite frankly – monetizing a website like this through advertising alone will not be sustainable forever. And I aim to be here forever. Actually I’m shooting for 19 more years when I can get the gold watch and retire to Hallandale. No, c’mon I’m not going to Hallendale and who wears watches anymore? My plan is to retire to Navy Yard. But enough about my geriatric years. Let’s talk about GETTING me to my geriatric years.

Let me start by saying, thankfully, we are very healthy today. I’m just one guy (though I’d like to add more freelancers) and it doesn’t take Washington Kastles money to keep me going. But it’s not nothing either. So, I’d like to plan for the future by starting a Patreon page to supplement our advertising and ensure PoPville’s long term health. I don’t want to wait until I’m in trouble to ask, my goal is to preempt that conversation from ever happening. As such – I’m gonna do the most awkward thing in the world – I’m gonna ask you for money. Well I’m gonna plant the seed anyway. The Patreon set up is pretty cool. You can pay $1 a month, $5 a month, $10 a month or whatever you feel comfortable giving. In addition to you making this site sustainable with such donations – I’d also like to give something back in return.

And this is where the Friday Question of the Day comes in – what rewards would you like? Of course I’ll probably do special edition t-shirts. But for the higher amounts, if I’m so lucky, what would you actually like? A big group dinner(s)? A group walkabout(s) (like I once promised but could never get the stars to align)? Help with your house/condo/apartment hunt? Other apparel? A video/podcast/daily/weekly round up just for subscribers? I’m open to anything. So, first of all – before I actually set this up and please be honest – do you think you’d be able to participate? For those who are willing – what “rewards” would you actually be interested in getting besides knowing that you will be integral in keeping this site going for the next 19 years? And with deepest sincerity, thank you for even considering.

Photo by PoPville flickr user Ted Eytan

I really can’t believe it’s been a year already. And when I take a step back and think about how life has changed over the last year – the immediate answer that comes to mind is anxiety. I’ve never felt so anxious in my life. I find myself waking up in the middle of the night thinking about North Korea, immigration, taxes, net neutrality, attacks on the press, sexual assault (where there’s plenty blame to go around on both sides), medical coverage, whatever the topic du jour is (update: “Shithole countries”.) I used to sleep like a rock.

It’s hard to explain because I remember being frustrated in earlier administrations but this time I feel like I’m suffocating when I think too deeply about every tweet and statement and the madness of it all. [And I do recognize the privilege I have to be stressing about this and not about where I’m gonna get my next meal etc.] I try to focus my brain on local/neighborhood news, the animal fixes, my family, music but even that doesn’t always work. Though this month I’ve started reading books again, which has already calmed me a bit.

But enough about me – I’m curious about you guys. How has your life changed in the last year? Has your job changed (especially for the feds out there)? Has your health changed? Have your relationships changed? And how exactly are you coping with it all? Have you joined a gym? Are you drinking more/less? Eating better/worse? Going out more/staying in more? Have you gotten more/less politically active? For fellow folks who are feeling stressed – what advice do you have for getting through year two? Personally I think a massive snow storm or a new baby panda would do wonders but I’m open to the other suggestions!

2nd, Delaware and M Street, NE

So the Flagship REI that opened in NoMa a little over a year ago was one of the most popular stories on PoPville for all of 2016. So I was walking by the other day and I was like, oh yeah, here’s the REI. By now you should realize I’m not 100% “normal”. Anyway it just got me thinking if people actually go to it. So this is another ‘just indulge my curiosity please’ posts. Have you been to the REI NoMa? If so, what do you buy there? How often do you go? Have you ever done any hikes/activities sponsored/set up by the store? For those who were incredibly excited about the prospect of them opening – did they meet your expectations?

Photo by PoPville flickr user Beau Finley

Seeing photos of the awesome giant Battleship game at The Wharf got me excited about today’s question. Growing up I loved Risk but it’s been ages since I’ve played. So I’m curious about your favorite games growing up but also if anyone plays board games today – what are the good ones?