Friday Question of the Day

Friday Question of the Day – Is it Time for DC Residents to stop Rooting for the Cowboys?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Mylar Bono

About three years ago I wondered why there were so many Dallas Cowboy fans in DC. At the time a commenter provided a rational explanation:

“Back in the late 60′s and early 70′s when the Cowboys were coming into their own the Redskins were owned by a guy named Marshall, who was a pretty bad racist. IIRC, the Skins were one of the last, if not the last team to have a black starter. The organization was also known to rife with racism while the Cowboys where just starting off had a ton of black stars like Calvin Hill, Pierson, etc.”

As I’m sure you’ve heard – DC plays Dallas this weekend and it got me thinking about this issue again. Given all the changes DC has seen and given the fact that we are coming into our own as a world class city – isn’t it time we united together to root for our hometown team? I don’t mean to dismiss the racism of the past nor am I suggesting we forget it but I also don’t think it is healthy to remain stuck in the past.

And of course there are some exceptions – if you are from Texas, if your parents are from Texas etc. But I’m talking about DC residents that have no affiliation with Texas or another NFL team. While obviously we still need to improve in certain areas, today we are basically an awesome city and we should be proud of it. We will always have plenty to fight and disagree about but when it comes to football: Isn’t it time we unite as a city to support our football team just like we support our hockey team?

Friday Question of the Day – What’s Your Favorite Museum in DC?

By Prince Of Petworth

Since we’ve got a three-day weekend I thought this could be a useful question. It actually came to my mind when I saw the sign above for an Octagon House Museum and I was like, what the hell is that? Anyway, I thought it’d be fun to share our favorite museums in DC. For those who really love museums I’ll ask for three categories – favorite free museum, favorite museum with a fee and favorite lesser known museum?

Incidentally, I’m sorry I didn’t realize this earlier but the Corcoran Gallery of Art was offering free Summer Saturdays. For those staying in town this Sat. is the last free one!

Friday Question of the Day – Where Do You Watch Your Football?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Mylar Bono

“Dear PoP,

With the NFL season upon us, I would love to see poll or ratings of bars in the area that have both the NFL package AND enough TVs to show ALL the games on Sundays.”

Back in Oct. ’09 we looked at bars that cater to specific teams. But for today’s question I’m curious where you recommend that doesn’t just cater to one team but like the reader asked – shows all the games?

Since it’s the end of summer, I also think some predictions would be fun. So how do you think the Redskins will do with a new quarterback and who do you think will win the Superbowl this year?

Friday Question of the Day: How Imp’t are Buried Power Lines to You?

By Prince Of Petworth

Unfortunately many of us dealt with downed power lines after the recent brutal storms we’ve experienced. Now, I remember I was once told that power lines are buried underground in many Capitol Hill neighborhoods. And now that I think about I can’t recall seeing overhead wires on the Hill. The photo above is from New Hampshire Ave, NW in Petworth and the photo below is off Ordway Street, NW in Cleveland Park. It seems that overhead wires are in most if not all NW neighborhoods. Does anyone know of other neighborhoods were there are buried power wires?

So a couple of other questions come to mind. First does anyone know the circumstances of how the Hill neighborhoods got buried wires? Second, and the FQotD: Would you be willing to pay a higher Pepco bill if that was the trade off to get the wires buried in your neighborhood? And in general are buried power lines something that is important to you?

Friday Question of the Day: Who you gonna vote for and why? (Reader Request)

By Prince Of Petworth


Thanks to a reader for sending in the great shot of a ‘house divided’ above

“Dear PoP,

So in recent weekend outings of mine, I can’t help but see the incredibly enthusiastic Vincent Gray campaign volunteers/staff. So, I begin my research into who I’m going to vote for, which turns out is a little difficult. I can find summaries of debates and interactions, but I want a side-by-side unbiased comparison of where they stand on various issues. I know Gray is running on an education platform, but what else is he planning to do to improve the city–and how is it better than what Fenty’s already doing?

I’m sure opening this up as a question of the day on PoP could yield some strange/inappropriate responses, but myself and I’m sure some other people out there wouldn’t mind digging through those comments to find something of value. Just something to think about before November 2.”

Actually the primary is September 14 so you only have a month to decide! So another reader asked that I put up a more updated Mayoral Poll:


For those who’ve been following the campaign – who are you going to vote for and why?

Friday Question of the Day: What’s Your Craziest Roomate Story?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Tyrannous

I will forever be in debt to the reader who sent in this Craigslist ad for a roomate titled $465 Behold! Thy answer to housing and high-fantasy/science-fiction living! (LeDroit Park/Bloomingdale ), which says:

“Thy quest for housing and fellowship is over, fellow rogue/mage/ranger/swords(wo)man; here in this ad lies tale of a place where you can lay your head at night without shame or trepidation regarding who you truly are! A truly noble heart is required to enter this domicile – to test its purity you must meet and disarm a small furry goblin that guards the threshold to our keep (his name is Turtle (yes he has had all of his shots)) but be warned, his temper is capricious and you may do him no physical harm while attempting to subdue him. If you pass this first test you will find yourself surrounded by noble (bike) steeds; if you come on foot have no fear for we will not mock you but be aware, all who reside here currently go forth each day and night atop steel and carbon fiber mounts and if you cannot abide by such modern means of transport you would do well to seek out another homestead.

Once past the indoor stable (bike rack) you will encounter the kitchen and scullery, a place capable of great sorcery and alchemy if thy nature is inclined to such means of expression. If it pleases you, or if it is in your nature, a contest of skills could be in order because in this place of mirth and home the cooking of great things is of paramount importance to all who reside here – once a week cook nights taken up by each companion (featuring something vegan, gluten-free, soy-free foodstuffs) ensures that we are all satiated and powered up to do battle with the repressive world that threatens to engulf our spirits (and repress our leveling up). After this saucy saunter we will lead you through the manner to a lair that is only meant to hold the truest of hearts – the utility portion of the basement that lies beneath the stairs.

A modest space for even the most spartan of adventurers, it comes outfitted with a bed and desk that will serve any and all of ones needs. With a door designed to allow for easy entering and exiting one never need fear disturbing the slumber of other adventurers – all of your late night doings are yours to keep. Fear not for your safety though! The door which you may keep is magical for it opens up to the most charming of (enclosed) outdoor spaces! Large enough for any sort of LARPing it is the perfect space for sword or archery practice and the open garage space is All Yours as well (perfect for tinkering/recording/hobbitting away).

Your fellow companions in this dwelling of roguery include: a queer Healer well-versed in Spanish lore with a penchant for gold and an aversion to wheat; a Ranger who spends his days hanging from cliff shelves and working with youths on all things ethical; a Thief who designs wonderous things for NPOs on a magical box that transmits knowledge to others via a ‘web’; a Warrior who fights for Labour and likes to run in search of adventure.

If this sounds like a heavenly abode please email us with your information and we will let you see whether or not you would be a good fit for our noble fiefdom in the Kingdom of DC!

(Especially desired: anyone with knowledge/interest of 9+ sided die games; Ursula LeGuin or Octavia Butler/easy-going nature/quick-wit and nimbleness; Magic cards, not so much)”

I’m not judging, I swear. But it got me thinking about the FQotD, and since it’s August it’s time for another fun one – so what is the most unusual roomate/housemate story you have?

I’ll start, in college I had a roomate who locked himself out of our room and smashed the door down while he was completely wasted. We didn’t have a door to our room for like two months after that. And this is one of the few stories I can retell, on a family blog, about my college roomate but I’m happy to report he’s still a good friend of mine.

Friday Question of the Day: Which Project Will Have The Biggest Impact on the Surrounding Communities?

By Prince Of Petworth

Over the past month or so there have been many reports about proper construction starting back up at some landmark locations around the city (many have been horse’s ass award nominees). So my question for this Friday is simple – assuming that construction and groundbreakings really do take place relatively soon – which project do you think will have the biggest positive impact on the surrounding community/neighborhood?

I’m thinking about:

Howard Theater
O St. Market
14th and W St, NW YMCA
McMillian Reservoir
Walter Reed Medical Center

If I left out a big project that you think will have a big impact on the surrounding community/neighborhood, please leave the name in the comments.

Friday Question of the Day: What Restaurant/Bar Do You Miss Most

By Prince Of Petworth


Fear Not, El Limeno Still Open for Business!

I got a few emails yesterday asking if El Limeno (200 block of Upshur St, NW) had gone out of business. I’m happy to say that they were just closed for one day but are open for business with their regular hours.

But it got me thinking that’d I’d be pretty sad if they did close. Which also got me thinking – which DC restaurant or bar that has closed do I most miss. Believe it or not the first thing that jumped in my head was the bagel place in Cleveland Park. They weren’t the best bagels in the world but they were reliable. While we’re in Cleveland Park I also liked that Asian fusion restaurant that was in Dino’s space. Anyone remember the name of that place?

So for the FQotD: Are there any restaurants or bars that you really love that have closed?

Dear PoP – Fences Go up at old church at 10th and V St, NW – FQotD: Can/should it be saved?

By Prince Of Petworth

A fence has gone up at the old Church at the corner of 10th and V St, NW, a former reader requested Horses Ass Award Nominee. Rumor has it that the building will be razed. A few readers have written in:

“Dear PoP,

It’s such a part of the neighborhood, how buildings next to it were designed, and everyone always envisioned the day when it would be restored. Who knows what they’ll build now. could be anything, and not necessarily something desirable. sad, sad, sad.

I would love to hear what thoughts neighbors have on what, if anything could be done to preserve it, or if it’s too late. I’m just so sick about this, and worried that some cheap-a** piece of doo-doo will replace it. It’s such an anchor for the block, and as blighted as it has been, everyone admired it for what it would eventually become. I never considered that the city would be allowed to lose it from neglect and greed.”

This is a very sad situation. Of course we don’t know all the details. But I believe that the property is in seriously bad shape so perhaps it is too far gone to save? What do you guys think about this property? Should it be saved at all costs? Could it be prohibitively expensive to save it? What is the responsibility of the property owner? Of the city?

If there is no historic designation can anything be done? Can the owner be compelled to save it? Isn’t that sorta what happened to the house at the corner of 16 and T, Streets, NW?

Should it stay or should it go?

Stress Free Friday Question of the Day: What’s the most authentic Dive Bar in town? Are they Endangered?

By Prince Of Petworth

We’ve had a lot of serious discussions this week, so I thought it’d be nice to have a relatively stress free FQotD. Way back in Oct. ’07 we talked about some of DC’s best dive bars. But walking past Dan’s Cafe (pictured above) on 18th St, NW in Adams Morgan got me thinking about which is the most authentic dive bar in town? And I’ve been to many a dive bar but I can’t think of a better more authentic one than Dan’s. Perhaps the Raven in Mt. Pleasant? I’m not necessarily looking for the best, though I’d be curious what you think on that front as well, but what do you think is the most authentic one?

And to get a bit serious – do you think with DC’s soaring property (especially commercial) rates that the dive bar in DC could become a thing of the past? When’s the last time a regular bar with no bells and whistles opened their doors? Red Derby? Even Red Derby is getting a roof deck soon. Trusty’s just got a roof deck. The Pug on H St, NE is expanding upstairs according to a liquor license application.

Is Dan’s Cafe the last of a dying breed?

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