quality of life

PoP Public Service Announcement

By Prince Of Petworth

When riding the metro please don’t clip your nails. True story. I’m riding the metro this morning and a guy takes a nail clipper out and starts clipping his fucking nails right in the middle of the train. I was freaking disgusted. So I was inspired by my dad speaking out against litter and decided to say something. Let me just set the scene a bit better.

It was rush hour on the Green line and I was sitting down across the aisle from this guy. This guy was well dressed, had leather luggage, was probably 6 feet tall and 275 pounds. It was a fat 275 pounds but I have no doubt he could’ve crushed me rather easily. But I figure we all have our limits and I couldn’t believe he was clipping his fucking nails right in the middle of the train. So I stare at him with a look of disgust and he stares back at me.

So I say “you know that behavior is generally frowned upon in public spaces.” And he says, rather angrily, “that’s what you think”. And I said, “no, that is what is society thinks”. And he says, “no that is what you think.” And it was pretty much a stalemate at that point. I couldn’t believe that nobody else jumped in on my side. He then continues clipping his nails. And the fucking nails are falling on the floor, it was beyond foul. So I ask the lady next to me if I was out of line. And she said, she would rather not give an opinion. Ok.

Well, am I crazy or is clipping your fingernails on public transport generally frowned upon by society?  What’s the worst behavior you’ve seen on the metro?

Well Some Cultures Say It’s Good Luck

By Prince Of Petworth

I went to Columbia Heights Coffee craving a bagel and lox sandwich. Sadly, they were out of lox by the time I stumbled over. I did have a delicious two eggs, sausage and toast combo. But that really isn’t the point. I was enjoying my meal outside when a bird shit on my sneaker. No big deal, yeah? Except as I’m cleaning off my sneaker, the very same bastard of a bird shit square on my head. I mean it was a perfect bullseye. Fortunately there are still some good people left in this world. So when I exclaimed “Oh Fuck” after being hit the second time, there were two young ladies sitting next to me who asked me if I was alright. After laughing for a few seconds one of them went inside to get napkins and then the two were so nice they actually cleaned the shit out of my hair for me. Unbelievable. Above and beyond. So I’d like to publicly thank them for contributing to the beautiful life. And it is good luck right…

Dear PoP

By Prince Of Petworth

“I was just wondering if you could do a post about sexual harassment on the streets? Walking between Petworth and CH and back Saturday garnered me no less than 9 comments, ranging from Que Puta to Hey White Girl come here! and so on and so forth. I don’t know if it’s the standard summer heat causing trouble or what, but I feel like tensions have been way up this week!”

Thanks,

Tired of being harassed.

From a follow up email that made me laugh (despite the serious topic at hand).

“I’ve been living in Petworth for over two years and aside from the time someone set a stolen car on fire outside of my kitchen window, this is probably the most drama I’ve had to date. ”

Dear Tired,
Unfortunately, I have recieved a number of emails along these lines over the past month or so. Ed. note: the emails I have received have discussed street harassment in Petworth, Columbia Heights and Shaw. It really aggravates me to know so many people have to deal with such unpleasantness. As I am very tough lad from the mean streets of Long Island I haven’t had to deal with this problem. But from talking to those who have dealt with it I can pass along what they’ve told me. Walk with authority but don’t look like you’re trying to pick a fight. Don’t slow down. If the comment is not outrageously rude you can smile, say thank you or nod but keep walking straight. If you feel threatened try and walk into a store or restaurant if you are along a busy street.  I’m afraid that’s all I have.

Cheers,

PoP
So for the ladies who have encountered this unpleasantness what advice can you offer? Is this type of behavior typically worse in the summer months?

What a Cool Liquor Store!

By Prince Of Petworth

All of our neighborhoods should be lucky enough to have a liquor store like Good Libations located at 1201 5th Street (5th and M) in the Shaw neighborhood. This past Saturday Good Libations’ owner, Ronny, hosted a great customer appreciation event for the community. There was live music (Pete Muldoon and Ameen Saleem pictured above), sangria tasting, dominoes, empanadas, salsa dancing and lessons and an all around good time. Check out lots more photos after the jump. (more…)

Some Refreshing Good News

By Prince Of Petworth

I’ve seen so many “bike stolen” posters it’s nice to know people are finding bikes as well. It’s also super cool that they’ll go out of their way to hang posters in hopes of finding the owners.

It’s Official Central Union Mission Homeless Shelter Not Coming to Georgia Ave.

By Prince Of Petworth

From Councilmember Jim Graham:

“Today the Council approved the land swap between the Central Union Mission and the District involving a vacant parcel of land on lower Georgia Avenue and the old Gales School, downtown.

The Central Union Mission will relocate its homeless services program to the Gales School. This approval opens the way for much-needed, mixed-use, mixed-income development on the 3500 Block of Georgia Avenue.

This is exciting news for residents of the lower Georgia Avenue neighborhoods who have worked hard to revitalize the Georgia Avenue corridor with expanded retail and residential opportunities. With your support, we have moved a step closer to this goal.”

Outside Magazine Votes DC Among the 20 Best Towns in America

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for sending the news. It seems I’m a little late on this one as DCist had a lengthy debate on the issue of whether DC is a city or a town. I’ll avoid that debate (we are a city comprised of many towns) and echo the sentiments of the reader who sent me the news: I feel proud!

What Do You Think of This Modern House?

By Prince Of Petworth

It looks like it has a sweet roof deck. My question is about across the street. Right across the street is Banneker High School. How do you decide if you are willing to live across the street from a high school?

View More Stories