“Dear PoP,

On the 600 block of Florida Avenue there is a dyanamic community arts organization called CapoeiraDC (www.capoeiradc.com). CapoeiraDC is a community-run nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering the Afro-Brazilian martial art of capoeira in the nation’s capital through classes, community outreach and access, and youth development. Capoeira is a unique blend of martial arts, dance, and music that evolved from the vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture.

We are the largest and longest standing capoeira contemporânea academy in the DC metro area. In addition to to offering seven adult Capoeira classes and two youth capoeira classes to nearly 100 students, we are committed to making Afro-Brazilian arts accessible to the community by offering free Capoeira and Samba workshops several times a year and teaching free Capoeira classes at afterschool and summer programs at the “Capoeira Spot” and in the Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, Petworth, and Anacostia neighborhoods.”

Sounds great. I’m sure lots of folks have walked by this space dozens of times. Very cool to learn more about it. You can find more info here.



Photo of 2010 World Cup Final in Dupont Circle by PoPville flickr user ep_jhu

Based on this summer’s world cup conversations – I know we have a lot of soccer fans in PoPville. And well misery loves company. The US has lost its bid to host the 2022 world cup to Qatar. I can’t really form words at the moment. BLAH. Since I don’t want to release a tirade of curse words – blah will have to do.

I haven’t been this disappointed since I learned I would never reach my ideal height of 5’8 – like then I don’t think my expectations were too lofty yet my hopes and dreams have been crushed once again.

Anyone think Qatar was a good choice to host the Cup?


“Dear PoP,

I just was at the Harris Teeter on Kalorama and it seems some movie is being filmed. There are forklifts with spotlights on the top floor and equipment all around. Any idea what is going on?”

I’ve been getting lots of inquiries similar to the one above and it seems that, according to a few readers, some sort of filming involving Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is taking place. One reader is fairly certain that that is his car below.

Perhaps it is a new Capital One commercial? Anyone know more details of what’s being filmed at the Harris Teeter at 1631 Kalorama Rd NW?

UPDATE: Ovechkin was definitely filming there. And it turns out it was a Reebok commercial. And it turns out, he is super nice.

“Dear PoP,

17th and Kalorama NW – he was filming upstairs at the old roller rink and shooting pics in the empty retail space below last night. that is his tricked out white mercedes which he came in with his dad.”

and

“Dear PoP,

Yeah he was there and emerged from the rented space below the HT (used to be roller skating rink) around 8:40 last. He had been filming and doing photoshoots for Reebok ads for a few hours. He was nice and signed autographs for me and my wife.”



Photo by PoPville flickr user AWard Tour

“Dear PoP,

I am trying to locate relatively quiet options (bars, restaurants) for watching NFL games on Sunday. My father likes to watch his team (the Steelers) but has hearing sensitivities that make watching in loud places a problem. Places in the Silver Spring-DC-Bethesda triangle preferred. Many thanks.”

We spoke about general spots of where you watch your football at the end of August. But does anyone have any suggestions of a calm place to watch for someone that has hearing sensitivities?



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?


If you have an event, fundraiser or happy hour you’d like featured on the 5pm Post, please send an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com and please include ’5pm post’ in the title.

“This Saturday, the Columbia Heights/Shaw Family Support Collaborative PRO Urban Youth Program, with Councilman Jim Grahams Office and Capitol City Champs will host an Amateur Boxing Tournament. There will be food, fun, games, music and special guests. The event is from 12:00 – 6:00pm and will provide entertainment for people of all ages. Most of all it is free!

Meyer Elementary School Field
2501 11th St NW”



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?


“Dear PoP,

Just wanted to let you know there was a protest today against the Arizona bill, SB 1070, at the Nationals stadium today – they were playing the Arizona Diamondbacks, whose owner is a staunch right wing supporter of the bill. There were several banner drops, a picket line, and several people ran out onto the field with a banner. There were also several arrests and detentions.”

Do you guys think this is an effective way to protest the bill?


It was a lot of fun going through everyone’s past and present favorite tennis players.

Congratulations to miscue 9:57 July 23rd:

“Growing up: Björn Borg–my first racquet was a warped, wooden Borg hand-me-down from my Uncle Bob, who also had long hair and wore a sweatband playing.

Now: I still root for Serena Williams, based on watching her win the 1999 US Open. She’s been at the top for years now, but her emotional response to her first win there got me all choked up and it’s carried over the past decade.”

and Behrad 9:44am July 23rd:

“Growing up: Pistol Pete Sampras!
Now: The Swiss Master, Roger Federer!”

Each winner will receive a pair of VIP section tickets for the finals on August 8th!

Please email me directly at princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com so I can get your full names for Will Call.

If you didn’t win you can still buy tickets here.


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