From an email:
Thursday, June 9
7:30-9:30 a.m.
Columbia Heights Metro (14th St and Irving St NW)10:00 a.m. – noon
Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro (7th St and H St NW)1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
U Street Metro (13th and U St NW)Dr. Gibb, an entomologist, has been studying bed bugs for years and can discuss their habits, how they work, and identifying an infestation. (He has tips like putting your suitcase in the bathtub, checking behind headboard for bugs, how to check mattresses and sofas, etc.)
A couple of weeks ago I was at a coffee house and a friend of mine was shushed for talking. I’ve since asked a few people and they’ve recalled similar instances and/or they felt uncomfortable talking because so many people were working/studying. Now I’m not talking about screaming – just talking with a normal inside voice.
This has been bothering me for a while so I’m curious what you guys think – because so many people now work or study in coffee houses (especially during the day) is the common etiquette now comparable to a library? Has anyone else noticed that coffee house etiquette has changed so that it now resembles that of a library? Are there specific coffee shops that cater more for those seeking quiet?
Photo by PoPville flickr user dcienne
“Dear PoP,
I got on the 96 bus heading West at U Street NW and 11 Street NW on Saturday, June 4, just before midnight. It was bus number 4299. I didn’t get the driver’s name, but she was a black woman.
As I got on, I noticed the bus driver and a few other passengers yelling insults at a woman getting off the bus, who was visibly upset. I’ve seen a lot of confrontations on DC buses, so I wasn’t paying too much attention at first and don’t remember exactly what was said. It was clear, however, that the bus driver and two or three passengers sitting at the front of the bus (two men and a woman) were ganging up on her in their insults.
When the bus started moving, very slowly given the U Street traffic, I soon realized that the two men who had been yelling at the woman were continuously sticking their heads out the window and yelling remarks at women who were walking by on U Street and comment about their clothing and body types. Some of the women ignored them, while at least one yelled back and told them to stop.
The worst part was that the bus driver was actively encouraging the men and laughing at the remarks. The situation made me extremely uncomfortable and I didn’t know what to do. After 2-3 minutes, I yelled at one of the men to show some respect, immediately signaled to get off, got off at 14th street and walked the rest of the way to my destination. While I was walking, the bus passed and I observed the men continue to yell remarks at passing women.
It is one thing to observe this kind of harassment–it is another to have a Metro employee encourage the behavior while on the job. It was extremely unprofessional and I demand that Metro identify the employee and take disciplinary action against her. Washington DC’s women deserve better while riding on public transit.”
At the very least, it certainly sounds like some sort of sensitivity training would be beneficial. Obviously encouraging these remarks is reprehensible but what do you think should be the actions/obligations of the driver in situations like this? What would you do as a passenger in a situation like this?
Photo by PoPville flickr user Blinkofanaye
Thanks to a reader for sending the Bloomberg Article ‘Intellectual Meat Market’ Makes Washington Long Odds for Single Women:
Christy McConville has some advice for women in Washington who are frustrated with the dating scene in the nation’s capital: Leave town.
For women like McConville, it’s not just the fixation on work, it’s the odds: Washington has the highest ratio of women to men compared with all 50 states — 112 females for every 100 males, Census Bureau figures show. Among residents between ages 20 and 39 in the city of 601,723, women outnumber men by 13,716, up from about 6,000 a decade ago, according to census data.
For those who have lived in other cities – does it seem harder to date in DC?
Photo by PoPville flickr user maria jpeg
“Dear PoP,
I have been having a lot of trouble with a rowdy group of group of teens and 20-year-olds hanging out on my front lawn in Park View. Though I would not mind it THAT much if they were simply hanging out, a lot of their behavior is a disruption not only to my house but to most of the block. Their activities include selling/smoking pot, drinking then throwing empty deuces on my lawn, really loud verbal confrontation, blasting music from their cars late into the night, leaving containers of half eaten take-out on my walkway and general ruckusness.
I have called police non emergency but per usual with that number leads nowhere. Neighborhood cops come by to break them up but they come back a few hours later. I have even tried talking with them and it seems to go in one ear and out the other. They are never nasty and are sometimes even apologize to me when I ask them to leave but the next day they are back. During the winter months this would really only happen on the weekends but now that the weather is nice they are more or less there all day everyday.
Is it over kill to call 911? I have talked to police about the problem and they knew all about them before I even mentioned my address. Apparently they have claimed my lawn and sidewalk as their “spot” years ago before i moved in.”
This is such a frustrating situation. We had a recent discussion about a reader who wondered if he could resolve a similiar situation without being “that guy”. Many will be quick to tell you to move. I think people who dismiss these complaints have never really experienced it. It’s easy to say suck it up when you are not woken up at all hours etc. It’s particularly troubling that this behavior is occurring on your property. I’m afraid, if illegal activities are ongoing and it is disturbing your quality of life and the quality of life of your neighbors then you should call 911. It’s a shitty situation and it sucks doing it but if you spoke to the group and they keep returning then the situation will not resolve itself. Sadly, if the police come the behavior will likely just move to a different nearby location but I say you do what you gotta do.
Ed. Note: See other people still use the term ruckus as well…
Photo by PoPville flickr user HoodSweatsh
“Dear PoP,
Last night we were sitting on our porch, having cocktails and enjoying the evening. Around 9pm or so the dogs needed a walk, so while my other half took care of business, I made a quick phone call. Some guy I’ve never seen around the neighborhood came up to our gate and motioned for me to come down. I just asked him from the porch what he needed. He motioned again, I asked again. He asked if I was “Spanish,” then if I speak Spanish, and told me he needed a translator. I let him know my Spanish is okay but I’m not fluent and referred him to my neighbor two doors down who is bilingual, and was sitting on his porch.
Then the guy started in with “you a sexy woman.” Then moved on to tell me he owns his own business and asked what kind of work I do. I asked why he wanted to know. He asked again. Told him I own my own business too and I work downtown. He asked what KIND of work I do. I told him I was busy and on the phone with an 80 year old lady, asked him if he needed something, etc. Then he started asking for my number, over and over, because “you a sexy woman and I need your number.” Told him I’m not giving him my number, my husband just took the dogs for a quick walk, and I’m on the phone so I’m busy and don’t have time for this. He had his phone out, trying to add my number, asking me “it’s 202?” I told him again, firmly, that I was busy, my husband was walking our two dogs, and I did not have time for this. He takes out his wallet and starts thumbing through some bills and AGAIN asks me what kind of work I do–then tells me “I own my own business, and I know you need some extra money.” I told him I don’t, I have a job, I’m doing just fine, thank you very much. My question is–DID I GET A JOB OFFER FROM A PIMP??”
I think there is a certain point where you should probably just stop talking to him. And if it gets too uncomfortable just walk inside your house for a minute until he goes away. If you feel threatened don’t hesitate to call the police either. So what do you guys think – was this guy just an asshole or a straight up pimp? How would you recommend the OP deal with the situation should it happen again?
The next “Adams Morgan” scare tactics come to H St, NE, Bloomingdale, Logan Circle, Columbia Heights T Street NW. My favorite part is “New York investor”…
“Dear PoP,
I live on the 1400 block of T Street, site of the proposed Post Office Bistro. Some alarmist neighbor slipped me this flyer last night, which makes a litany of exaggerated claims about the restaurant and states that “EVERYONE ON THE BLOCK NEEDS TO OPPOSE THIS AT THE MAY ANC MEETING” tonight (emphasis in original). I generally stay out of these fights, but this flyer is so absurd that now I want to support the restaurant at tonight’s meeting.”
For those who missed the the post about the new bistro looking to come to the old post office building at 1407 T St, NW, the liquor license application said:
“Casual and relaxed bistro restaurant serving an extensive Saturday & Sunday brunch with and total occupancy load of 259. Request a Sidewalk Café with 56 seats and Summer Garden with 14 seats. In addition, requesting an Entertainment Endorsement featuring recorded music and DJ.”
Photo by PoPville flickr user Rukasu1
“Dear PoP,
I have a quick question regarding noise complaints. I live on a very noisy block, which comes from two sources. A group of kids play craps using the streetlight directly in front of my house, and an older drunk neighbor (about 50) two houses away who buys alcohol for these kids and goes around yelling “I’m getting it in” all damn night long.
These kids are nice enough, but they trash my yard and make way too much noise. I’ve asked them to move, which means they go down one house or directly across the street. This works slightly better for me, but I’m just making it my other neighbors’ problem.
The police recommended I call the cops every time I hear them. However, I’m not sure I want to be known as “that guy.” Should I give them some ground rules along the line of calling the cops every time I hear them after 10? Or should I just start calling the cops? Any advice or older posts would be much appreciated.”
I’d say if they are willing to listen – then give them some ground rules. Set a clear hour if possible like 10 or 11pm (side question what time do you think people should start being quiet at night?). If they then don’t follow the ground rules – you really will have only two options – you can become “that guy” or try to block out the noise. It’s a shitty situation – but if you truly can’t sleep and/or it is seriously affecting your quality of life – I’d probably recommend becoming “that guy”.
So yes we realize we live in a city but in my opinion, living in a neighborhood on a side street is not the same as living on 18th St, NW in Adams Morgan. If you live on a side street in a neighborhood with families – what do you think is a reasonable time to expect people to quiet during the week – 10pm, 11pm, midnight?
If you faced the situation above – how would you deal with it in hopes of maintaining positive relations with the noisy neighbors? (Final side note – I’m assuming the kids are 21 years old – would you change your advice if these kids are under 21 years old?)
Do they not know this is the enemy! Particular this time of year… (Please see below) Protect your future tomatoes at all costs!
From an alley in Mt. Pleasant.
Photo by PoPville flickr user maria jpeg
“Dear PoP,
I have noticed a lot of cracking down on usual city annoyances lately in letters and here is another.. Due to hot humid weather it sometimes brings out the nasty in people and I mean that literally. Last night for two hours there was a couple parked in my little dead in corner having jack rabbit sex.
They were so close to my window (not to be obscene) I heard bodies smacking. Now I KNOW I wasn’t the only who heard them on our corner. Not because they were screaming and moaning but after an hour inside their car they decided to venture out on TOP of there car or some other car. I was petrified to shut my window because I did not want them to know they woke me up. My dog barked at them finally but to no avail. I did not sense it was a prostitute but I looked out my window only once and it looked like young kids 17-20? I just played the pacifist let them get on with it and got absolutely no sleep.
I do not think I would have even called the cops because that sounds a little extreme for me. Has anyone else had an experience like this and if so what did you do. Things like this remind me of how small of a city/community/living space we all live in and it does feel a bit too close for comfort at times.”
It’s at that point I’d play my radio pretty loudly – I think it’s ok if they know that they woke you up. I’d blast some The Story and see how they liked the smooth sound of host Dick Gordon.