I wonder if it was the inspiration for the Spy vs. Spy graphic or vice versa. But what I really wonder is do Neighborhood Watch Areas really exist in DC? I wonder what designates an area as such. While I think it is a very good idea, do you think the signs act as a deterrent to potential criminals?
Thanks to a reader for sending me this photo. As you can see there are a number of trash bags piled in the back alley behind the Loftstel. Clearly they are not in a proper receptacle which is just asking for rodents of all kinds. C’mon Loftstel you have to be a better neighbor than this…
This has got to be one of the most depressing looking schools I’ve ever seen from the outside. It’s looks like a defunct factory or something. I think the powers that be from the school should authorize some murals for the walls to at least give it a modicum of humanity. Maybe it’s nice on the inside…
Georgia and Otis Pl, NW
I can’t remember if I’ve posted this photo before but it is so fresh that I think it’s ok even if I have. A number of readers have suggested that I eat here, highly praising the food. Fish n the Hood is of course located on Georgia Ave not too far from Otis. I haven’t had the opportunity to eat there yet but every time I walk by this sign it puts a huge smile on my face. Is the food as good as the sign?
So Temperance Hall has officially become Looking Glass Lounge. I’ve been to LGL a number of times now and I have to say I’m pretty happy. There hasn’t been a lot of change and I’m super psyched about the Boddington’s on tap. I’m also a huge fan of the ipod that now plays when the juke box is not in use. Eric the bartender, thankfully, has a phenomenal taste in music. I’ve also seen Matt, one of the owners, there a number of times and I think that is a great sign of his commitment to the new bar. So have you guys noticed any changes? What are your thoughts? Have you met some of the new bartenders? Overall would you say the experience is mostly the same, worse or better?
“We are trying to compile a list of all the social services, group homes, free clinics, and subsidized housing in the Columbia Heights/Park View/ Petworth area into a map. Such a list does not currently exist, so we need the help of all of our neighbors. We ask that they either post a comment or email Cliff Valenti ([email protected]) or Terra Weirich ([email protected]) the name, address and function of anything that this map is missing. All entries will be further validated by DCRA so we can be sure the map is complete and accurate.”
I don’t even really know how to start this encounter. Perhaps I didn’t make the wisest decision walking home from Wonderland at 1:32 in the morning. At any rate I had made it most of the way home until I was just a few short blocks from home. I see a guy urinating on a tree. I’m not happy but whatever it is late and I just want to get home. Well, as he finishes up he waves to the car he is near and three guys step out. At this point I am just approaching him and I start to get a little nervous. He looks me in the eye and says “how you doin’ man?” (He is Latino and it was heavily accented. This comment will make sense in a little bit.) I respond I’m alright. Now let me just add an aside here. I think I have perfected the late night walk. I don’t walk too fast and I don’t walk too slow. I don’t keep my head down but I don’t stare people in the face either. I try and portray a fairly confident fellow. Ok, back to the story. After I respond that I am fine he says “alright, man. White power!”. Now, I am not drunk at this point but I was a little buzzed. After he said White Power, every single hair on body stood on end. Holy shit, I’m thinking, White power, what the hell does that mean? Why would anyone say that? And why would a Latino person say that? So I take a few more steps hoping that I don’t get my skull smashed open in a few seconds. I can feel them all right behind me. So like Carl Lewis in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics I sprint like no mere mortal has sprinted before. I mean I was flying. I’m a pretty fast guy anyway but I think this display would have impressed most Big Ten coaches. I can only conclude that it so startled them that they didn’t have the time to decide to chase me down. I sprinted about four blocks before I turned around and thankfully didn’t see them. I made it home, poured myself a shot of Powers Irish whiskey and thanked my lucky stars. So please someone explain this encounter to me. Why did the guy say white power to me? Secondly, how come they didn’t chase me down? Am I totally overreacting?
Joe Mills has done it again and produced another gem. In case you missed the one on Grant Circle you can catch it here. I’ve always had some problems with Sherman Circle. It’s a lovely circle and all but there is nothing in the middle of it. There is no statue of a long forgotten civil/revolutionary war hero nor is there any dope sky tree, it is just well empty. Well, there are a lot of trees surrounding the circle so that is pretty cool. And I guess it makes for more room for football or dog walking. Check out the video and tell me what you think. Lots more videos to come in the future.
I’m looking forward to the arrival of ‘Shoes Plus Knife Sharpening’…
Not sure if you all had a chance to check it out but when I stopped by it was absolutely popping. A very interesting mix of art, jewelery, pottery and crafts. Also a great opportunity to meet some of your neighbors. This was the 3rd annual fair, let’s hope it sticks around for many more years. I think a big ups is deserved by Kera from Domku for doing a lot of the organizing. Check out more photos after the jump. (more…)