“Can you poll your readers for places to get a reasonably priced Christmas tree in the area (preferably in walking distance of Columbia heights)? Perhaps, one from an eco-friendly farm.”

There are a few recommendations in the forum section. I also know many people support the Garden District at 14th and S. But does anyone know where to get some from an eco-friendly farm? What’s an eco-friendly Christmas tree farm anyway? One where they replant the trees that they cut down?

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Maybe if they came with an icepick they’d be more useful. Nope. No one uses blocks of ice anymore either. This has got to be the biggest waste of paper since I attended college. Hell they can keep delivering them once every couple of years but I’m nearly certain I receive these useless phone books twice a year. Any predictions on when they’ll stop delivering these useless door stops? Or is the telephone book industry as powerful as I’m beginning to suspect they are…

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SimplySoles opened up in this new spot on Nov. 1st. I spoke with owner, Kassie Rempel, who said she picked this spot because the area has developed into a shopping destination and it is has great parking options (being so close to the DCUSA mall) as well as being very convenient to her Mt. Pleasant home. She looked into opening up a spot in Mt. Pleasant but it didn’t offer the commercial hub she was looking for.

Rempel’s shoes come from Italy, Brazil and Spain. Additionally, she offers her own line called the Lilly Bee Collection. Shoes start at $125 and up. The store also features handbags and children’s shoes. SimplySoles is offering a 24 Hour Internet sale today where everything is 40% off.

Owner Kassie Rempel:

More photos after the jump. Read Full Post

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The mural outside the boys and girls club on 14th Street has been completed. It looks great. I like that they incorporated many local scenes.

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This church is located just off Connecticut Ave. on, er, uh, well I forget the cross street but I’m sure you recognize it, yeah? Lots of folks have wrote to request this one be featured as a ’sweet city church’. A buddy of mine got married in this church and I can say it is equally impressive on the inside. True story, on the morning of my buddy’s wedding there was a pro-choice walk and I wore a pro choice sticker into this catholic church. In hindsight that wasn’t the classiest move I’ve ever made…but I’d do it again.

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Nice staggered house numbers as well.

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Reader Request:

“You have to check out the Christmas decorations on one of the balconies at the Envoy on 16th St. across from Meridian Hill Park. I think the balcony made POP earlier in the year because of their plants but they changed gears for the holidays.”

I’ll have to go back and get a shot at night when it’s all lit up. But no doubt these are among the best balconies in the city.

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I sometimes forget how much I dig the classic rowhomes.

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DSCN4260, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

I think I have always been open with my disappointment in the Metropolitan Police Department. I have always been upset with their lack of (visible) foot patrols after touting a renewed community policing model. I unfortunately live in a neighborhood that has faced a resurgence in gang violence. This is not an easy problem. Gang violence is notoriously difficult to break for a variety of reasons. But don’t get me wrong, I think the police need to do more to crack the problem. Putting flood lights up after a shooting is not going to solve the problem. Many have suggested solutions including stiffer gun sentences among others. I strongly advocate targeted foot patrols. But that is not why I am writing this post.

I was dismayed to see DCist jump on the bandwagon seemingly criticizing MPD for their quick work arresting the accused Spevak murderers in Chevy Chase. They cynically write:

“Can’t help but feel like the speed of these arrests lies in direct proportion to how rich and white the victims are.”

Good grief. Believe me I want all murderers to be arrested regardless of who their victims are. But, hmm, perhaps there was evidence here that allowed them to make a quick arrest? Maybe a drive by shooting where little evidence exists is a bit harder to crack? It just seems beyond jaded to me to criticize the MPD for doing a good job.

Now, I don’t have the resources to be a crack reporter at the moment. I read the news and have many conversations with many folks around town. (Yup, I even take photographs of doors among other things.) But I’m not able to do the research necessary to make such a claim. I’m just going on gut instinct here. If these accusations are going to be made I’d like a similar comparison to judge MPD. Can someone remember a situation in which a poor black elderly couple were murdered (not a tragic shooting where the victim was killed by a stray bullet) and the crime was left unsolved?

Like I said, don’t get me wrong, MPD does need to do a better job in addressing many forms of violence, particularly gang violence. Believe me, I live blocks away from numerous shootings and I’m devastated by them. But I’m also going to say kudos to MPD for catching the perpetrators of this vicious crime in Chevy Chase.

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Tropicana Eatery on Florida Ave, originally uploaded by PZAO.

I received this email to late too post yesterday but wanted to share the good deed done by Tropicana Eatery. From a reader:

“The Tropicana Eatery at 725 Florida Ave NW Washington, DC 20001 is spending the day giving out free meals to anyone who stops by. Not only free meals, but free meals with all the fixins. Jerk Chicken, Barbecue Chicken, Curry Chicken, Mac N Cheese, Red Beans N Rice, Corn and Sweet Potatoes. Their generosity is remarkable, and I am very appreciative of the best Thanksgiving meal I’ve had in years.”

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Just received from Inspector Delgado via email:

“I am happy to report that Mr. Michael Richardson has been caught by Officers Brownlee and Ferguson of the Third District Substation.”

If this doesn’t make any sense you can catch up on the details here.

Update: From the Washington Post:

“A teenager being sought by D.C. police in a string of robberies in the Columbia Heights area turned himself in yesterday, ending a two-day search in a case that generated a police-led e-mail campaign and much community attention.”

and
“Since then, police officials said, they did more investigation to bolster the case and once again obtained a warrant to charge Richardson as an adult. He called police yesterday and met them at 13th and Irving streets NW at 3:30 p.m., when he was taken into custody. Police were questioning him last night, officials said.”

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I couldn’t find a cool Happy Thanksgiving sign so this’ll have to do. Safe travels and good eats. Don’t forget to take some photos for the Thanksgiving Photo Contest and email them to Princeofpetworth@gmail.com Catch you all next week.

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From an email:

“Greetings, fellow tired, hungry, and poor Americans!

This Thanksgiving, Petworth is giving music fans something to be thankful for: in light of these tough economic times, Petworth has employed its superior powers of persuasion to arrange for a musical event of unrivaled value.
Economic Downturn Show – 3 bands, $4
featuring Petworth, with Gist and The Andalusians

Wednesday, November 26th @ 9pm
Performing at the Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW

For those of you addicted to Facebook, RSVP online and invite all your friends. This will be our first headlining show (not counting shows in band members’ basements…), and we’ll making a recording of the performance, so we can really use your support!

Plus, the show is only $4. All the cool kids will be there. And you don’t have to go to work the next day, because it’s Thanksgiving. And, if you haven’t been to one of our shows in a while, there are new songs you haven’t heard yet. You can’t afford not to go.”

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I thought this one was super cool because of the unique windows.

I dare say that is dope sky. And it’s air conditioned… Ever seen windows like this before?

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Wikipedia defines a pupusa as a “thick, hand-made corn tortilla that is stuffed with one or more of the following; cheese, fried pork rind, squash, refried beans, or queso con loroco.” There is also a lengthy article describing the history and economy of the pupusa, as well as their numerous “cousins and variants.” Having only been introduced to the pupusa a mere two years ago, I have created my own definition which is all anyone who is unfamiliar with this treat needs to know: “delicious cheese-bomb.”

I do not declare myself to be a pupusa connoisseur, but I will say that though some are better than others – I have yet to meet a pupusa that I didn’t like. Lucky for me, I have many pupuserias at my disposal in Mount Pleasant, but Pupuseria San Miguel has become my favorite. Thanks to a big sign right outside it is hard to miss, but it is kind of hidden from the street, in the basement of 3110 Mount Pleasant Street. Continues after the jump. Read Full Post

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