Josh Colon, 23, from Philadelphia is described as a "Puerto Rican/Italian glam rocker/rapper" by MTV. While touring me through the house, he went on and on about his band, and showed off his large sneaker collection—a wide variety of multi-colored Converse Kicks, if I'm remembering correctly.

His last Philly-based band broke up roughly a year ago. "There was a lot of inner turmoil. I had a lead guitarist that had a drug problem. One kid went into the Marines. I was actually thinking of going, but this came through first. It was career decision time for me. I had to make a move!"

While here, Colon worked at Rhino Bar in Georgetown and started a new band, Wicked Liquid, which played at the Rock and Roll Hotel back in late September. He calls them a "mix between the Chili Peppers and The Roots" and said they were planning on touring the East Coast after Real World shooting completed.

Josh arrived in Washington while still in a relationship with a Philly girlfriend, and hinted that the season shooting period hadn't been easy on the relationship.

Image by Sadie Dingfelder.

On Friday, Mayor Adrian Fenty and other city leaders debuted these new steel barriers at 1515 Rhode Island Ave NE, an old apartment building that has been secured four times in the last four months, due to break-ins from squatters and neighborhood ne're-do-wells, according to Mike Rupert, spokesperson for the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA).

The announcement calls the unveiling a "60-day pilot project," but it's more of a demonstration. The mayor has already asked DCRA to draft legislation with criteria determining which buildings would be good candidates for this type of system.

Not every empty house is going to get the treatment—just ones that have needed to be resealed repeatedly, or witnessed a certain amount of illegal activity, or whatever specifications are ultimately decided. "If [the owners] refuse, DCRA will install the panels and place on a lien on the properties for all installation and removal costs," according to a city press release.

Chicago, Philadelphia, Newark and Baltimore already use the guards. The District currently buys roughly 1,500 pieces of plywood a year to board up old properties.

"At the base of it, it secures the building. It makes it virtually  impenetrable. But, it also looks a lot better. It's just plywood isn't very pretty," says Rupert.

You can e-mail DCRA at vacantproperty@dc.gov with questions or comments.

HGTV is looking for fun, high-energy people in the areas of Philadelphia, Portland and Washington DC/Baltimore who are buying their first place! Singles, couples and families are all invited to apply.

My First Place is returning for a seventh season that will again focus on the trials and tribulations of looking for, bidding on, and buying your first place — whether it's a single family, townhouse or condo. We're looking for fun and interesting people in Philadelphia, Portland or Washington DC/Baltimore who are willing to share their personal and financial struggles during the home-buying process.

We'll follow you for approximately 8 shoot days over a 3-month period during some of the more stressful (and rewarding) days of your life, so if this sounds like fun, please apply! In addition to the once in a lifetime experience, we are able to reward homebuyers with a specially chosen gift we think will make your house feel like home. You’ll also receive a DVD copy of your episode giving you a lasting memory of the process to cherish for all time!.

My First Place has new episodes airing now at 10:00 PM Eastern on Sunday nights, but be sure to check your local listings!
My First Place Application Rules

• PLEASE NOTE: WE CANNOT travel more than 90 minutes (by car) outside the selected cities. Please be sure these locations and time ranges work for you!

• The IRS requires that we file a 1099MISC for you on re-sellable gifts totaling $600 and over. This includes lamps, furniture, art, etc. but not materials or services. We require a signature on this form before taping, but it is your responsibility to file it with the rest of your taxes for 2009.

• If this sounds like an exciting, fun experience to you (we think it is!) and you are planning on buying your first place soon in or around Philadelphia, Portland or Washington DC/Baltimore, then please fill out the questions below.

We will contact you and let you know what the next step is!