Photo of December Blizzard Total by HK

My question is a simple one – do you think we’ll get more snow than the Dec. blizzard? I’m putting the over/under at 20″. Is anyone going in to work?

I already received word from Duffy’s located near 9:30 Club (a PoP advertiser) that they’ll be open on Sat. no matter how much snow comes down. So if you guys know or hear of any other places that will be open on Sat. please leave in the comments.

Also don’t forget to shovel your sidewalks and if you have elderly neighbors help them out with their shoveling please.

And finally don’t forget to upload your snow photos to the PoPville flickr pool here.

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The old Caribou Coffee spot on 18th Street in Adams Morgan has been vacant for ages. It seems insane to me because this is such a prime location. Many folks have probably walked by this space dozens of times. It’s not a huge space so I’m curious what you think would work in this location. What would work is not necessarily a dream retail outlet, rather I’m curious what you think would realistically be successful in this spot. Any ideas?

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Irish Coffee, originally uploaded by Carlos Porto.

Back in July we had a great discussion about some of your favorite summer drinks. Given the foul weather tonight it got me thinking about what were your favorite winter drinks? Last winter, Robyn suggested a few places to get hot drinks around town. I’m curious about what are your favorites to make at home. Is there anything better than a classic Irish coffee?

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Photo from PoPville flickr user Bogotron

Yesterday I mentioned that I attended a blogger round table discussion with WMATA chief John Catoe. Then we all learned he was resigning. But many of the bloggers were expressing huge complaints that they personally faced and/or problems their readers have faced. Granted I don’t ride the metro that often anymore, but still I have been very happy with the Green Line/Yellow Line service. Knock wood, knock wood, I can’t remember the last time I encountered a big problem. Though when I was taking the Orange Line I do recall numerous occassions when I wanted to never ride metro again.

So I guess this is a multipart question – first do you think metro is doing a good job in general since the tragic metro crash in June (if you do have problems please mention which line you have problems on)? Second, do you think replacing the WMATA chief will improve the service? And third, given the budget problems, would you rather see a 10 cent increase or a reduction in some service lines?

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As most have surely heard by now Washington WIzard’s star Gilbert Arenas has been suspended indefinitely by the NBA. ESPN reports:

“Arenas is under investigation by federal and local authorities after admittedly bringing guns into the Wizards’ locker room. The Wizards’ troubles may not end there. The Washington Post reported Wednesday that according to firsthand accounts, teammate Javaris Crittenton, whose disagreement with Arenas reportedly fueled the incident, loaded and cocked his own gun in response to Arenas. In text messages, Crittenton called that account “false,” according to the report.”

I was a party where guy says, I can’t even bring a candy bar into the Verizon Center, how the hell did he get a gun in? Obviously he was kidding but this really seems to be beyond defense. What do you think the punishment should be if he just brought the gun to the locker room but didn’t brandish it? What should the punishment be if he did brandish it? Do you think he will prosecuted and face jail time? Are you bothered by how Arenas seems to be making light of the situation?

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Photo by PoPville flickr user AWard Tour

Once again most have Friday off so here’s another early question of the day. Given it’s that time of year, it’s time to ask that kind of question – what is your strongest memory for 2009 in DC? I’m gonna have to go with President Obama’s inauguration week. There was such a buzz in the air it was absolutely electric. What about you guys – anything about 2009 stick out to you? Also any predictions for the city in 2010?

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Photo from PoPville flickr user bruboo

Last night a friend of mine told me that she received a 14 pound ham via special delivery for Christmas. I thought that was absolutely awesome, if a bit random. So it got me thinking – what is the best or strangest gift you’ve ever received for the holidays?

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Photo by PoPville flickr user stuzehner

“Dear PoP,

The end of the year is nearing, and I’m wondering if your readers know of any good New Year’s Eve celebrations that won’t break the bank. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to spend $100 for an evening full of flat champagne and a bunch of drunk college kids. Any help/suggestions?”

I was going through my inbox to see what New Year’s emails I received when I saw this huge list put together by Washingtonian magazine. It is super comprehensive.

But since it’s that time of year I thought I’d include this as a Friday Question of the Day. First, what do you recommend is the best way to spend New Year’s Eve in DC? And second, possibly a bit more fun, what is your fondest New Year’s celebration memory in or out of DC?

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Actually one quick random cell phone question first. For those that use AT&T do you notice that your 3G coverage gets dropped around the U Street area? Mostly around 13th and U I always lose coverage.

But anyway for the real question of the day – what is proper cell phone/smart phone etiquette when with friends or on a date? I’m not talking about on the metro or in a store. I’m talking only about when you’re on a date or hanging out with friends. I know this is a horrible analogy but back in the day it was considered very rude to wear a hat indoors. Folks wear hats indoors all the time now. I used to think if you were hanging out with friends or on a date it was absolutely forbidden to text or check email. Sure with friends it’s slightly different but still, I used to think even then it was impolite to check the phone/email. So today I was at lunch with a friend and I swear it was like being addicted to a drug, I absolutely had to check my email. I apologized but still checked it.

So I’m just curious, has the proliferation of smart phones changed whether or not it is rude to check them with friends or on a date?

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Photo from PoPville Flickr user Bogotron

The following question comes from twitter user @Zoom268. They write:

“Increase #wmata fares and reducing services? Where is the talk of a commuter tax/fee in or out of DC? ”

WTOP reports:

Board Member Chris Zimmerman says riders should understand now that fare increases and service cuts are necessary and inevitable… Some service reductions being considered are:

* Reducing bus and rail service on some holidays and holiday-related days (i.e. the day after Thanksgiving) to be more in line with ridership
* Eliminating bus service that overlaps local jurisdictional service
* Eliminating low-ridership bus service
* Increasing the intervals (headways) between trains and buses
* Closing some station mezzanines and rail stations during periods of low ridership
* Modifying late-night rail and bus service
* Beginning rail service later in the mornings

I don’t think we’ve ever discussed a commuter tax before for those that live outside DC and commute into the city for work. As a DC resident it’s easy for me to say I support one. But I’ve also heard arguments where if such a tax were implemented, DC will simply end up losing folks who set up their offices in DC. So what do you guys think about a commuter tax in general? Is it a good way to deal with the WMATA budget shortfall or is a fare increase and/or reduced services, unfortunately, the price that needs to be paid in this economic climate?

Ed. Note: You can follow PoPville on twitter here.

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“Dear PoP,

Could be a little bit “Hallmarky” – but how about a “What are you Thankful for” feature before Thanksgiving?”

I don’t think it’s too Hallmarky at all and the photo is fantastic as well. I know I often take things for granted and sometimes need to take a step back to appreciate what I have. So I’ll kick it off, I’m really grateful for my very understanding parents and family, some of the nicest neighbors in town, the 2009 World Champion New York Yankees, and some great friends who have become like family to me.

And this is def. gonna sound Hallmarky but I’m really grateful for you guys, your knowledge and support, which has enabled me to achieve my goal of blogging full time this year. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and/or friends.

So what are you thankful for this year?

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A commenter writes from yesterday’s post showing before and after pictures from 14th Street:

“The Solea “Before” picture is almost identical to a building under renovation on 14th between N and Rhode Island. It’s going to be a Subway sandwich shop.”

I was wondering what that spot was going to become as last weekend when I walked by it looked very close to being finished. I’ll go by this weekend and try to confirm whether or not a Subway sandwich shop is going in.

And while the commercials say Subway is a healthy choice I thought I could combine this FQoTD from a reader:

“Aside from going to the typical weights and cardio gyms, can people recommend alternative places to go for staying in shape? Organized soccer leagues? Gymnastics? Dance studios? Running groups? I’ve seen that group of people at Meridian Hill Park who do what looks to be some sort of couples acrobatics – even stuff like that. What alternative programs are out there for staying in shape?”

I know ultimate frisbee kicked my ass. I’m sticking with walking all over town taking pictures… Anyone have good alternatives for staying in shape besides going to the gym?

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federico the flying squirrel, originally uploaded by jonpon3.

A reader writes:

Suggestion for a frivolous Friday question of the day. “What’s the Worst Sports Team Name in the USA?” I thought it was the Washington Wizards until Richmond just named its new minor league baseball team the “Flying Squirrels”.

I agree, it’s been a while since we had a fun FQoTD. I really enjoyed reading about people’s first cassette, CD, and concert that they went to. But this is a good question too. I’ve always thought the Banana Slugs of UC Santa Cruz was the most ridiculous sports mascot/name. But can you think of any worse than the Flying Squirrels? I’ve always thought that Clerks of Cardozo High School was an odd name…

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A reader wrote in asking about general brunch options. This email was followed by the one below:

“Have you ever blogged about The Highlands? It’s a diamond in the rough restaurant on 14th across the street from the Metro Bus Depot. OBSCENELY cheap and AMAZINGLY good (best crab cakes i’ve ever had). Wonderful service; chef comes out for every diner to ask how it is. Perfect brunch, cheap brunch. It’s never busy and i don’t understand why! People must know!”

I do like The Highlands located on 14th Street, NW between Crittenden and Decatur. And back in August of ‘08 there were some good breakfast recommendations listed. However, there have also been a ton of new restaurants that have opened since Aug. ‘08 so I’m wondering if any of them have good brunch options?

Also I’d like to add a caveat, besides Highlands, where can one get a good brunch in the city without waiting an hour for a table? This is one of the toughest questions I ever have to answer. I’m always hesitant to make recommendations because the wait for tables drives me crazy. So where are the other secret or not so secret spots that have good brunch without a long wait? Of course other essentials beside the wait are great Bloody Marys and/or inexpensive mimosas…and bacon definitely good crispy bacon options.

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152: Silly Sick in Bed, originally uploaded by enovember.

Well, this is a bit of a selfish one as I currently feel like my legs have been whacked repeatedly by 2×4s and my head and chest are just congested. So, I’ve heard drink lots of water, rest, drink oj, don’t drink oj, whiskey, hot whiskey, tea, Mucinex, tylenol, hot lemon water and of course chicken soup. I have been very happy with Nyquil and Ricola so far but what will actually heal me?

What are your family secrets for healing flu/cold like symptoms?  I hope they are as good as the hangover cure recommendations from a previous FQoTD…

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