9/1/06

Try this

Pandora.com

Pick an artist or song you really like, and punch it in. Wait a minute - the system is trying to figure out why you like that song (or artist) and find others like it for you.

On days like today, I like to punch in some Miles Davis, John Coletrane, cool jazz-type stuff for all you hipsters out there.

Then just sit back and let it ride for a while..

I love days like this.

Coming next week (with any luck) the return of the podcast, a site update (now that all hardware is in place again), and some more "on-the-street" work like you have not seen in the past few weeks as we shifted HQ's.

Maybe back over the weekend, maybe not.. see you when I see you.

8/30/06

I have been trying to find a nice way to put this one

Money is never an easy subject to broach with people, especially people who know they are not making what they should be. All day long I am treated to a litany of "it's a shame they treat us the way they do."


So like I said, I've been searching for a good way to approach the subject, and thankfully.. Mr. Fleitz over at RoanokeFire.com in both the article and the comments finally gives voice to my thoughts.


"Apparently you do not find that odd. Maybe that is the problem with trying to get more money. We have too many people who are perfectly fine making inadequate wages. " (emphasis added)


Exactly. Roanoke is bereft with individuals who are some of the most talented and hard working available anywhere - yet they have had one point pounded into their brains since birth. You are only worth what someone will pay you.


But what someone will pay you is hardly what you are worth to them, but what you accept as pay is hardly half of what you gain for them. And thats where the cycle of worker abuse begins.


When a company keeps payscales low, or inconsistent - the only one who is truly hurt is the company itself. Worker turnover, disloyalty, and unsettled workers (no matter how much you attempt to enforce a "teammate" attitude) lead to loss of goods, services, and time.


Make your choice, accept the crap wages - or make a stand and find someone who is willing to pay, or at least recognize the hard work you do for them.


I could single out businesses that are guilty in this - but it would not matter. Until someone takes a stand, nothing will change.


Nothing.

8/29/06

wow. just wow.

Arts & Culture: Museum soon to take shape downtown

an actual rendering of the new art museum.

I give up, seriously. No more griping about the waste of space, the loss of revenue, or anything else like that.

No more complaining about the strange mannerisims of the build, or the inherent problems stemming from it (with no regard for surrounding businesses).

Nope - if you can't figure out thats one ugly building, than brother - you deserve it.

Pardon me, whilst I go bleach my eyes.

8/28/06

Observations

Warm, welcoming, and friendly. Not a single neighbor who would not stop to say Hi on the whole street.

They know all about each other (and not just the gossip either), and the story of nearly every house on the block.

They have no intention of leaving this neighborhood, but wish it was more like it used to be. Corner stores, community restaurants, and all the rest.

To talk to them, sometimes turning back the clock is not a bad thing.

According to the wife, we are most likely the 'yuppies' on the block.

At least on this section of it anyway.

She has a way of making me forget the real purpose of moving to this hilltop high above the city, within spitting distance of the Star.

But to me, and rest assured.. this is the perfect opportunity to keep an eye on the city itself.

Still unpacking and assembling devices here at F-R HQ, but interesting things abound. Im hoping to be fully back on daily blogging duty by next week, and start working on the site again by next month.

When the site starts up again, there will be some industrial-sized updates coming down all at once. All of the stuff that has been trapped on the computer for the past 2 months while we secured new HQ will be unleashed. And a good deal of history will come to light.

Look for the post later this week explaining how the City of Roanoke, and the State of Virginia could help YOU find your own HQ.