What the Helen of Troy is This

Heads Up if you’re on or near the Mall tomorrow (Saturday)

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Tim Brown

From the Mayor’s Office:

“In anticipation of the District of Columbia’s Independence Day celebrations, the Bowser Administration will test the District’s Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system on Saturday, June 22, 2019, between 11 and 11:30 a.m. The purpose of this test is to evaluate the District’s ability to send information during an emergency to a targeted geographic area – in this case, the National Mall, where most of the July 4 festivities take place. (more…)

Cannons heard in Eastern Market Thursday Morning

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Erin

“Dear PoPville,

Hi! I think I heard cannons go off in Eastern Market Thursday morning, 11 booms in a steady rhythm. It was around 7:45 or so. Do you know what it was? Maybe practice for the July 4 events? I’ve lived on the Hill for 10 years and I’ve never heard it.”

Why Yes that was an F-35 Fighter Jet that Buzzed D.C. Earlier

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo from 14th Street by S.J.

Thanks to all who emailed/messaged. Apparently I picked an inopportune time for a quick walkabout. All is well!!

Check out some more action: (more…)

“Uber Helicopter!”

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to Elle for sending:

“Spotted outside of the Ronald Reagan Building at Federal Triangle for the Uber Elevate Summit — Uber Helicopter! Talking about safe operation of small aircrafts, delicery drones, and passenger vehicles in urban environments!

There’s been a lot of chatter over the years about helicopter noise…how will DC embrace this?”

“But what is this thing?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I’ve seen you post about this (let’s call it a one-of-a-kind car) in Adams Morgan before, but I still see it around the neighborhood all the time and still don’t really understand what it is.

Is it like a political statement about carbon emissions? Maybe a nihilistic black cloud hanging over all of us? Would love to hear from the owner/someone who knows the origin story to figure out what exactly this structure is about.”

How much for the blue one?

By Prince Of Petworth


1735 Connecticut Ave, NW

“Dear PoPville,

There’s a new “business” at 1735 Connecticut Ave NW that seems like an obvious front. My first thought was the latest Dave Eggers reading room, but apparently not. The Googles connect this address to a very odd website (unither.com). My best guess is some sort of “escape the room”, or a new speakeasy. Any insights?” (more…)

“Thoughts please?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

As I walked up R St NW over the weekend I came across this unusual sight in front of the Embassy of Georgia. Thoughts please?”

“Powder on sidewalk and all over town?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Has anyone else ever noticed little piles of powder seemingly strategically placed along sidewalks around DC? I’ve lived here for less than two years but I see these piles all over town, in Southwest, Navy Yard, Downtown, and today in NoMa along L St and 2nd St NE. They are sometimes different colors, but always dropped in neat little piles all along sidewalks and buildings. What’s the deal?

A woman who saw me taking pictures told me she saw a man dropping the powder yesterday and thought it was for some kind of scavenger hunt?”

More photos: (more…)

Anyone Missing Their Giant Blue Monster?

By Prince Of Petworth


alley off of Leroy Place, NW near Connecticut Ave

“Dear PoPville,

Neighbors saw him in front of a residence that is a airbnb in the area that is known for hosting unusual events. They remember seeing this in front of the house when they also saw people dressed up. Its still there!! We don’t know what to do with it and trying to confirm where it came from. Maybe someone else in the neighborhood can clarify this mystery. Thank you!”

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