How to get a landlord motivated.

Interesting article on how to get a slumlord landlord to move and actually fulfill his end of the lease agreement.

40 families lived in this for years. 3 apartments burned, 2 people died. And when the tennants were allowed to move back in, there was no heat. In winter.

Theres really only one way to deal with these type landlords. It takes community effort, and the will to stand up for your neighbors.

*Click headline for link*

Confessions of a Serial Dreamer

" Sleep, my friend, and you will see
That dream is my reality" - Metallica "Sanitarium"

I have an admission to make. I walk around looking just like any of you. I might be on the Market, wandering around and checking out the wares for sale. But what you see are fruits, vegetables and crafts. Sometimes I see that. But there are times when suddenly, my vision swings and shifts into a cine-scope, Panavision production. At times, in black and white, and other times in full color.

I see as the camera would see, capturing the plot lines and built-in emotions one would expect from a large-scale, big budget hollywood production.

Sometimes its a film-noir piece about man's struggle to reconcile the past with the future. Other times it's a "feel good" hit, full of soft-focus moments and sweeping orchestral hits.

I cannot control when the cinematic vision takes hold. Sometimes it might be a single shadow on a wall, others it might be a full on flashback moment to a historical piece about Roanoke circa 1899 caused by a faded image on a wall.

If anyone is ever looking to make a movie about Roanoke, or in Roanoke - I'd be more than happy to offer my services laying out shots, camera angles, and backdrops.

At times it is a curse, preventing me from focusing on the here and now. Other times it is my greatest asset. It's what allows me to deliver the pages to you with a rich context. (I hope anyway.)

But if you should see me on the street, and I seem dazed or dreaming, just ignore it. It's a moment, and will pass in time.

Forgotten NY

Forgotten NY

In light of the new page awaiting finishing touches, which will come tomorrow when I have the day off, I'd like to share with you my personal inspiration for Forgotten-Roanoke.

Forgotten-NY has been exposing the past of New York City in minute details (guy has a thing for streetlights) since 1999. He has an ability to not only showcase the lost history of NYC, but make it relevant to today. Especially when it comes to preservation and recognition.

And he has finally recieved some recognition of his own. Coming this fall to a bookstore near you: The Forgotten-NY book.

They say the internet is immortal, the information is never lost - just fallen to the wayside. But the printed word is still considered king, and the highest honor for a someone who had a simple idea, a hobby, is to have that turned into something tangible.

Congrats, Kevin Walsh. May you have many more books to come.

(new page tomorrow, early AM Im guessing)

What?

No seriously, what?

Looking for something?

Did I say tonight? Oh..

I did, didn't I?

Well - I meant tomorrow, AM, as in - not tonight.

I would have been tonight, but it's not.

Sorry.

Gripe? Hit the messageboard. (link to the top right)

Otherwise, see you then.

Political stories from The Roanoke Times-Grandstand 2006: Roanoke City Council

As your potential Overlord, I must say that I am somewhat dismayed by the fact that the Roanoke Times did not see fit to include me in its Grandstand 2006 section, nor did it contact me to ask my views on any of the issues.

Is it fear that motivates them to keep your Overlord down? Are they on someones payroll?

Although, judging by the photos they used for each canidate - Its safe to say they aren't helping any of them image-wise.

Rest assured, your Overlord does not take such matters lightly.

Now enjoy your Sunday... as I am about to enjoy mine.

Forgotten-Roanoke - hosted by excoboard.com

Forgotten-Roanoke - hosted by excoboard.com

Yes, you see it right - its a messageboard. And a guestbook for the site.

Its 2, 2, 2 things in 1.

This is just the beginning of the new stuff.. so stay tuned.

After the Storm

beautiful morning, even if it is a touch grey. The air has been scrubbed clean, and visibility in our peaceful valley is nearly endless.

Glory!

After much consternation and problem, I finally have the Pod able to launch. So sorry you missed the big St. Pats pod, but I'll run it some other week when Im bored or tired.

too much news this week.. here you go

The Pod 12

Adpot-An-Anything

The mold has been broken. In one fell swoop, Novozymes Biologicals and Lewis-Gale Medical Center (HCA) have set the course for Corporate "Charity" and community involvement in the Roanoke Valley for the 21st Century.

Yes, there are differences between the two actions. Novozymes' donation of $250,000 over 5 years to the Roanoke Valley Greenways, plus products for use to accelerate and stabilize new plantings, creates a watershed moment for the culture of Business and Community here in Roanoke.

Lewis-Gale Medical Center has paid for the sponsorship rights to Salem's baseball stadium, for an undisclosed sum. While appearing different in context, they are similar in thought.

Both Novozymes and Lewis-Gale had the same thought in mind when embarking upon their respective missions. Community involvement. That two-way street that normally benefits all involved. Sometimes it has even greater implications than originally thought.

And I know I have been harping on this theme for a while, but good ol' Victory Stadium could be refurbished at no cost to the city itself. All the city needs to do is sell the naming rights to it. Roanoke Times Victory Stadium. Why not, they have been making a buck off it for many a year now, what with the endless stories they run.

Roanoke Fruit & Produce Co. Field @ Victory Stadium.

Anthem Field @ Victory Stadium.

And the one that would be sure to turn heads: Carilion Victory Stadium.

We allready have corporations and groups sponsoring the Adopt-A-Highway program in areas around Roanoke. Hotel Roanoke employees go and clean the ramps of 581 around Orange Ave. Have done so for many a year too.

Mill Mountain Zoo has animals sponsored by companies and individuals.

Corporate "charity" and sponsorship is more like buying into the community. For most, it is a small slice of the pie, profit wise. But the returns are endless. High visibility in the community, a chance to actually make a difference in something (especially if it relates to your business), and something the company and the community can be proud of.

Might I reccomed that the Art Museum, based on its new design actively seek Melita, Black & Decker, and other makers of Coffee Percolaters as the corporate sponsors for the museum, based on similar designs.

Ahhh but I digress.. it's Friday. Looking like we might alleviate this dreaded "d" word this weekend with some rain. Podcast on the way today (provided the well oiled machine I've been working with holds up), and site update sometime Sunday night/Monday morning.

There you have it. If anyone wants to sponsor this blog, the podcast, or the site - contact me. I'll take anyone, even Halliburton. Our current contract with H & H Grocers of Vinton is about to expire. It was a nice run, but not as encompassing as I hoped.

But they are your friendly local grocers, providers of the freshest quality produce and meats, dairy and seafood. H & H - located in beautiful and friendly downtown Vinton, stop by today and see the difference.

Things have a way of working, don't they?

A good number of the topics I have touched upon in the past are suddenly appearing in the news. A rundown quickly.

WDBJ is asking the tough questions about the AMWV, like "Will the new Art Museum draw enough people?"

The new Lewis-Gale Mecial Center group has purchased the naming rights to Salem's Memorial Baseball Stadium. A reccomendation I made for Victory Stadium, and several other strugging ideas around Roanoke.

Including the Greenways, which have also recieved Corporate interest.

Historic Tax Credits are being used in 2 locations to keep history alive, not just a vague representation thereof.

And some things defy reason, such as "Dateline NBC" sending "Middle Eastern looking individuals" to NASCAR races to gauge reactions. I could have saved them quite a bit of time on that one, considering in Ol' New York I had a customer of Guyanese origin, who looked very "Middle Eastern" and was one of the biggest NASCAR fans I ever met - to this day. He went to more races, had more Dale and Dale Jr.-wear than I thought existed. Nice guy, truck driver at that. And he would tell me about the reactions he would get at the track. Little to none. It was the source of a joke, "rednecks must think I just have a deep tan."

And just one more little throw-away. First Fridays begins tomorrow, in its new location. But a comment about its old location appears in the listing: "(the former location behind Billy's Ritz is supposed to house a new art museum soon)".

Skeptcisim? Creeping meatball-isim? Or are the questions finally beginning to percolate?

Oh, and no - I don't feel psychic.. for that you need a brain.. and its too early for me to have one of those.

Policy Paper #4: Would somebody please answer that phone!

Greetings once again, my fellow Roanokers.

I realize it has been a while since you have heard from me. Rest assured your friendly neighborhood Overlord has been keeping a watchful eye on things. I have seen many things since last we spoke, and have dismayed at several of them. The slate of canidates for City Council looks less and less appealing every day. I invite you to go examine their stands on issues.

Trinkle, Mason, and Dowe
Revercomb & McConnel

Only Revercomb and McConnel touch upon the fact that the City Council is a dismal failure at providing for the city itself. Trinkle, Mason, and Dowe only make passing mention of politics and the City Council in the platform.

I would show you the other canidates, but they do not have websites which are a key to making the citizenry informed as to your stance. It is a shame as to date, I really have no idea what they are exactly about.

At the most recent "debate" the canidates were asked about Darlene Burcham, the City Manager. Most, with the exception of Revercomb and McConnel, agreed that she should be given a "grace period" to see if she would be able to meet the needs of the new council.

Thats all nice, but honestly - her job description reads as what one would expect from a vice-mayor. Or, heaven forfend, even a Mayor. What this system appears to provide is a sub-level mayor. Rather than bother the actual mayor with departmental reports and other such nonsense, Darlene takes the brunt of it. Which leaves me with 2 questions:

1. If the City Manager is the single party all city departments answer to, the office that handles community relations and all the rest, why is this person not elected? Im sure others who could be just as capable in the position might have alternate ways of doing the job. Should not the citizenry have a choice in who actually runs the city day to day?
2. If the City Manager does all that, why do we have a Mayor?

I realize these are not the best questions to ask, but they need to be addressed. If we hold elections for Mayor, Sheriff, and City Council; and all those people are "hired" because the majority of the voting population felt they would be the best to do the job, then should not the day to day operations of the city, something so critical, be up for a vote as well?

Also, shouldn't the City Manager be limited as to the affiliations they can hold without being considered in conflict with the daily duties they are charged with upholding?

The City Manager position appears to be a hazardous one when looking at Mrs. Burcham's curriculum vitae. She sits on the board of no less than 7 organizations which could directly affect her job as City Manager. I am sure keeping a balance is not an easy task.

Again, my stance on this is to eliminate the City Manager position alltogether. It is an extra level of bureaucracy the city can do without. The Mayor of the city is both a figurehead and leader, as the position would indicate. Being Mayor of the City of Roanoke should be paid position, full time with benefits, so that the people of Roanoke can rest assured that the Mayor is on duty as mayor, and not sometimes as mayor and sometimes as something else.

The City Council, as much as many of you would like to see it eliminated, should stay as is - with one major exception. More seats on the council. More voice for the people.

In short, this is revolution calling, and someone needs to answer the phone. As Overlord, I would be in position to do just that. Straighten the course of this historic and important city.

People forget, time forgets - Roanoke is a highly important city. One trip to Valley View or Tanglewood will tell you that much. Look at the lisence plates on cars in the parking lots. The Personal Property Tax stickers in the windows of the cars. People come here from all over the country for various reasons, but they come. Roanoke is not, as it has been portrayed, a retirement haven for those who are uncomfortable in Florida. Roanoke is still very much alive, and crying out for change. Revolution.

The business of Roanoke, the business that is Roanoke has been mismanaged for many years. All aspects of life have been affected. First and foremost, Roanoke is a valley. We must deal with the mountains. And yet we can barely handle the mountain we have right here within city limits.

My first Overlord order would be the commencement of public transportation (of some form) up Mill Mountain. Even on Sundays. If it has to be a voluntary concept - then perhaps Vice-Mayor Fitzpatrick would be willing to offer the services of Commonwealth Coach and Trolley. On fair weather days, on the half hour - one should be able to catch a bus from Downtown to the top of Mill Mountain.

Part of the reason the zoo has financial troubles is the fact it is so inaccessable to those who rely upon public transportation. Families could easily get to and from the zoo on weekends. People who normally ride the bus could venture up Mill Mountain and walk around for a few hours, escape from the city vertically. Those who come to the city from out of town on weekends would be able to leave the car downtown, not need to worry about using extra gas (and at these prices, we all worry) and still be able to explore Mill Mountain and all it has to offer.

Not one of the canidates, previously elected officials, or sitting elected officials to my knowledge has suggested such a thing. It would be an instant boost to the "liveability" of Roanoke. As would asking Valley Metro to run on Sundays. Even in a limited capacity (ie. 1 bus per hour), it would make a noticeable difference for Roanoke.

And along the same line - an increase in the Personal Property Tax for cars. Yes, I said increase. For a small increase in your sticker-tax, it would enable you to park in any city garage free of charge for 1 year. A separate parking sticker would be available for purchase for those who live in the County, but work in the city, and it would be reasonable as well.

And Roanoke County would no longer have the option of dealing with the city when it felt like it. A strong partnership must be forged for the benefit of all in the area. City and County must work hand in hand in making this a better valley.

And as I feel familiarity does breed contempt, I would do everything within my power to draw back those who left the City due to lack of opportunity. I would work hand in hand with the Chamber of Commerce to expand the business base, and market the City to new businesses. Roanoke can attract the jobs, the companies - the people. It is my opinion that in the past, the efforts made were only cursory (J&J excluded) and fell short on selling the city properly. I will not fail. I will take public suggestions on how to best display the city's assets. And I will make sure there is no executive left on this world who does not know Roanoke.

For a small city, Roanoke has always dreamed big. 6 years into the 21st century - its time to make some of those dreams come true.

Thank you for your time and attention. Vote Overlord.

Breaking news from The Roanoke Times-New art museum $20 million more than estimated

Just to let you know, the number is now $66 million for the AMWV - and it will begin in 4 to 6 weeks.

Numbers can be funny in the long run - and the project is slated for at least a year of construction.

Well, I guess we will just have to see.

WSLS.com | 10 candidates vie for 3 spaces on Roanoke City Council

WSLS.com | 10 candidates vie for 3 spaces on Roanoke City Council

Ahem - I believe you'll find that its 10 canidates for City Council, and one for Overlord.

Is it fear that motivates them to ignore the Overlord?

Perhaps they are on the payroll of those in power, keeping the Overlord down. Or it could just be ignorance.

The Overlord does not like ignorance.

The Overlord will have something to say very soon, so be prepared.

RAIN!!!

Not enough, not nearly enough - but its a start.

Podcast delayed till tomorrow, when I actually have a day off.

Not sure if its the pollen getting to me, but Im feelin a touch on the funky side today.

Deathly Lyrics: Roanoke Riot

Deathly Lyrics: Roanoke Riot

Seems theres a song about last weeks Forgotten-Roanoke update. Not the most pleasant lyrics, but in the interests of historical accuracy, I present them anyway.

(those easily offended may look away now)

The Roanoke Riot

It was the twentieth of September,
When the moon shown from on high,
In the magic city of Roanoke
Nine innocent men did die.

They were shot down by the militia
that was stationed in the jail.
It was the awfulist outrage
That ever did prevail.

The captain gave his orders to fire
When heard instructions from Mayor H. L. Trout.
It was the awfulist outrage
That ever was heard about.

And I think it was foolish
To call out the militia
All because of
A dirty low down [Negro].

Some were shot through the heart
While many were shot through the head.
After the firing was over,
Nine men lay dead.

Many people did many cruel things,
Yes, things we call hard
For they wanted to bury the [Negro]
In the Mayor's backyard.

But the preacher pleaded with them,
Yes, loudly he did shout,
"Have some respect for your neighbor here,
If not for Mayor Trout."

Some suggested they burn him
At the stake
For the awful crime attempted,
Mrs. Bishop's life to take.

So they built the fire upon him
Out of oil and pine,
And all looked on him
To see him burn.

That it was outrage in our city,
Yes, everyone that could be clear.
Let's all be quiet now
And have no lynching here.

For the [Negro] is dead
And gone to a different world from this,
But all do know that he did not go
To a world of heavenly bliss.

The site which contained the song also has some additional detail about the Riot itself, including the reports that the man who was lynched was actually innocent - the real guilty party having been captured and released, and thrown out of town.

Consider this one a Developing Story.. infact could be highly developing if things pan out.

Zoo News

Zoo's all abuzz with bevy of upgrades
Great things happening at my favorite zoo.

I was considering doing an April Fools post, but this is much more important. On a day like today, the most stunning place one can be is up Mill Mountain - and why not hit the zoo while your up there? It's inexpensive, a great place for a stroll, and you couldn't ask for a better experience.

I have been to the Zoo many times, but still not as many as I wish.

Go Zoo.. Go Wild.

Attention Citizens

The Podcast is being delayed until Monday, as I am working on a developing story for it.

Not that it's anything truly important, Im just going to be trying something new and different out. Well, I hope to anyway.

As for the weekend, Forgotten-Roanoke will be out and about Saturday Morning - provided the weather holds up.. Personally, Im hoping for some nice thunderstorms tonight - I mean, I know its only a 60% chance - but Im hopeful.

Otherwise, enjoy the weather folks.. it's too nice out not to.

busy day today..

I aint got time to bleed, well - not till later anyway. See you all then

For those of you looking online for the Roanoke Wanted list:

You can find it here: RoanokeGov.com

Dont be scared by the mugshots..

An open letter to the City Council and the Old Southwest Council

As we near election time, and 3 of your precious seats are up for grabs, I would like to share a find with you. While out and about doing the principal photograpy for the newest page over at Forgtten-Roanoke.com, I stumbled across something which I would like to hold up as a symbol of Old Southwest, and the commitment by both the City Council, and the Old Southwest Inc. group.

The corner which many years ago was scene of a horrible and brutal lynching, the stone steps which we all see as we travel down Franklin Rd, an empty lot which is worth more than 1/3rd of the houses in Roanoke.. and this:


A hypodermic syringe. On the wall, not more than 2 feet from the lovely belgian brick sidewalk, 5 feet from traffic. Down the street from how many churches and the big synagogue.. a place where people walk daily with children, some infants in strollers.

I will tell you this, I did not remove the syringe - it is still where I found it. I will check this weekend to see if it has moved or not.

What does this mean? If you look closely at the syringe, you will see it was not tossed into the brush on the empty lot, it was placed there. Which means someone had to be on those stairs USING the syringe, and regardless of wether it was day or night, they would have been somewhat visible.

Mountain Ave is part of the Old Southwest Historic District, not just the pretty houses and parks. Its the dirty and seamy side of Roanoke as well as the old and expensive.
For someone who would use right out in the open, they must feel safe. They must feel no fear. Which is why I am calling on the City Council and the Old Southwest community to cease the endless nit-picking over paint schemes and fence heights and focus on cleaning up the area. Old Southwest is supposed to be a model of what historic Roanoke looked like, a place of pride in ones homes and the surroundings. The district extends from Jefferson to Ferdinand, Marshall to Bluff - a massive area that includes some of the toughest sections in Roanoke.

Yet it would appear that the only area which truly matters are centered around Walnut/Highland Park area.

"Many unique homes were razed for urban development; others were cut up
into apartment units or inappropriately remodeled, adding the area's
woes."(from the website for oldsouthwestinc.) Many more are still existing that way.

"The recognition of Old Southwest as a whole community rather than
single buildings is a new approach to preservation and reflects the
sense of “togetherness” which has saved and revitalized the
neighborhood’s individual homes and buildings, streetscapes, and
landscapes." (website again) Thats all well and good, but what about the people? Are we more focused on the structures than the occupants within?

The needle was not in a haystack, it was not hidden away in someone's car - it was in plain sight of anyone walking along the "pleasant shady walkways."

To the City Council, I ask that you stop allowing those associated with Old Southwest Inc. to cloud the issue of "quality of life" by confusing it with "quality of paint." I wonder if the Old Southwest Safety Watch "Routine Safety Walks" include Elm Ave, Mountain Ave, and some of the other "less than perfect" areas. Or is it including, but not limited to a predefined area in which some problems have been noted, but not terribly serious or life threatening.

Suggestion: With some of the high-powered residents in OSW, perhaps it would be a good idea for them to band together and form a small LLC, for the sole reason of buying up the rental properties from the lamprey landlords. Make them a reasonable offer, and they might just bite - which would be a bonus for the community and the residents of the apartments. Of course, there is always the issue of compliance with the law. Im sure there are many ordinances which some landlords could and should be charged with violating. Just a thought.

But back to the idea of the needle. I feel comfortable walking around in nearly every part of this city (the ones I have walked in anyway.) I consider myself to be a law abiding citizen. But apparently Im not the only one feeling comfortable, as it would seem as evidenced by the beer bottles, the cigar fillers (ask someone under 30 if you need an explination on that one), and now this needle.

If the city can have a parking policeman who can make it from downtown at the Market to King George Ave. in short time to ticket those parked beyond the limit, why not have a few regular police ride around in the scooters to scope out and ticket/summons those walking around with beer in their hands, or landlords who refuse to clean up the property - vacant or not. Apply some pressure and watch them scatter like roaches when the lights come on.

It's a nice thing to have a attractive, historic city - however the effort is hardly worth it when you find something like this. Take a good long look at the photo, let it sink in. And realize this one was obvious - how many of them are hidden from view.


It's up to the City Council, and OSW,inc. to take this situation into hand and get it under control. Or the next needle might just wind up in someones foot as they walk down the tranquil, tree-lined streets of Old Southwest.

So you mean it wasn't me?

Well, color me shocked. I mean, a mere week or two after I posted my photos of the old Virginia Railway station, orange fencing shows up, tresspassing signs are posted.

But it was not me.

(photo by Natalee Waters/Roanoke Times)

(photo by myself, pre-fencing)

Not me apparently, but better than that. The Virginian is poised for rebirth.

Read the story here, and decide if you wish to assist.

Score one for the good guys.

And now, for something completely different:

Home

Thats right, go.. go home. You know you want to, besides - the new page is up. A slight derivation from my original intentions - but I felt the story contained within is something that needed to get done, therefore its done and overwith. Sure oneday when I am asked to write a psychological perspective on the history of Roanoke, I might revist the story - but that day is not today.

Well, read it, and let me know what you think. But remember, its just the beginning.

From Lileks.com, wisdom:

"But it’s a hard patch for Hennepin. I remember worse – far worse. But it reminds me that pulling for downtown – any downtown in a medium-sized city – sometimes feels like a luxury, a hobbyhorse, a game for nostalgia junkies who believe in some alchemic formula that will bring it all back to life. Sure, it was indispensable once; sure, everyone went downtown. Yes, this was the heart of the town, the big parade, the place where you got your first Sunday suit, got your teeth drilled, had an ice cream with mom in the department store, saw a lawyer, got drunk, met a girl, caught a movie in the balcony on a summer afternoon. This was it, brother.

But it isn’t anymore."

Mistah Lileks is referring to his downtown, in beautiful Minneapolis. Another place not unlike Roanoke. It too underwent a time of rebirth not too long ago, which has now slowed a bit. It would be interesting to see how many Roanokes there are out there. Judge which ones have been successful and why.

Providence, RI - Albany, NY - Detroit, MI - Canton, OH.., I'm sure the list is nearly endless. Each of these places has mixed success in the rebuilding of downtown, each has struggled to keep the heritage of its past alive, while attempting modernization and building a legacy for the future.

See Roanoke, your not alone after all. Just need to look around.

Interesting perspective from James Lileks

Hey Folks

Page will be launching tomorrow, as I had some unexpected excitement here at the temporary HQ (Props to Roanoke County PD) and am still in the midst of uncovering some heavy information about the area in question.

This is the definition of Labor of Love folks..

Although if I were the City, I'd keep an eye on the blog tomorrow too - they are about to be called out. Bigtime.

See yall tomorrow!

Attenzione!

Yep - Im bored.

Now that Forgotten-Roanoke is a year old, and the blog slightly older than that (there was a previous version you never saw), I'd like to thank all the loverly folk that help make it possible. My wife.

The library

The Internet

Clare White (if she is even still around)

And a whole cast of others, including the fine people who once drew up the Sanborne maps, which provide me with leads on a daily basis.

I have recently acquired some more "recent" materials, which should lead to some interesting finds in the coming weeks and months, if you consider 40 years old recent.

The revamp of the website is underway and rolling. You'll see it when its done, no Beta rollout, no black screen during downtimes. Plus, I'll be providing a host of resources over at my new Googlepage, which I hope will become a hub for the greater Roanoke community. Well, a hub of sorts. You'll see.

Until then, you have to deal with me being on again off again with the blog, the weekly podcast (provided I can get it to upload - still working on last weeks.. )

ttfn

Breaking News

ROANOKE, VA - A dynamic mix of historic reflection, cultural
recognition and
celebration will be in store for Roanoke in 2007 as
the city celebrates its
125th anniversary. It may be just Spring 2006
right now, but the city already
is preparing for the year-long event.

Mayor C. Nelson Harris announced
plans for the 125th anniversary
during a news conference today (Wednesday,
March 22). He also
introduced the co-chairs and members of the Celebration
Committee, a
group of citizens who live in or have close ties to Roanoke, and
who
have been tasked with helping to shape upcoming events.

"As we
prepare to celebrate this milestone, we want to ensure that
those plans
involve individuals such as these committee members, who
represent the rich
culture, history and love in Roanoke," Harris
said. "I thank them for
volunteering their time and talents to this
group."

The members of the
committee are:

Honorable Clifton (Chip) Woodrum, Co-Chair
Dr. Wendell
Butler, Co-Chair

Ms. Elizabeth T. Bowles
Mr. M. Caldwell Butler
Mr.
H. Clarke (Duke) Curtis
Mr. Warner Dalhouse
Ms. Doris Ennis
Ms. Pearl
Fu
Mr. Robert A. Garland
Ms. Brenda Hale
Ms. Kathy Hill
Mr. A. L.
Holland, Sr.
Mr. George Kegley
Ms. Taylor Kiefer
Mr. Forrest
Landon
Mr. Michael Ramsey
Mr. Craig D. Walker, II

Harris said that
they plan to honor this anniversary with a series of
activities and special
events to be held throughout the year,
culminating in an arts festival in the
fall, which could develop into
an annual event.

"For 125 years Roanoke
has been, and continues to be, a wonderful
place to live and work," Harris
said. "It is only fitting that we
celebrate our anniversary in a way that
truly embraces our community
in 2007 and in years to come."

Following
the announcement, the committee convened for its first
meeting. As plans
proceed the committee hopes to continue to receive
ideas from the community
on aspects of the city that should be
celebrated, Harris said. The committee
is also is hoping to hear from
businesses and residents who have been a part
of Roanoke for most -
or even all - of the city's 125
years.

Additional information about the city's 125th anniversary will
be
available in upcoming months. In the meantime, Roanoke citizens
are
beginning to brush up on their city history:

Towns formed within
what is now the city of Roanoke in the first
decades of the 19th Century.
Antwerp was subdivided in 1801 followed
by Gainesborough in 1825 (the present
Gainsboro neighborhood) and Old
Lick in 1834. The Gainesborough settlement
remained the most populous
community until 1874 when the Town of Big Lick was
chartered. This
tiny village of less than 500 people was to become the town
of
Roanoke in 1882 and in 1884, the city of Roanoke. The new town
was
located along the old Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio Railroad later
to
become the Norfolk and Western. Completion of the Shenandoah
Valley Railroad
from Hagerstown to Roanoke in 1882 marked the start
of Roanoke's rapid
growth.

Amazing how certain people were left off this list. Someone feeling some heat from the Overlord?

Interesting bits of history...

I've been coming across several of these type imprints around the sidewalks of Roanoke. There are some along Franklin Rd. in old SW that are stamped directly into the concrete. South Roanoke has them as well.

I find it interesting that a company would take the time to leave its "artists mark" on something so seemingly simple as a sidewalk. Boy, you'd think they could have at least left a date, what better advertising than to say YOUR sidewalks have lasted the years. Of course thats provided YOU have lasted the years as well.

A quick and dirty Google search reveals very little in the way of S.E. Benningtons in Lynchburg, and the term Granolithic is as out-dated as macadam in reference to roadways.

Sometimes the answers are not quite as obvious as they would seem. With so many imprints on the sidewalks of Roanoke, you would think somewhere, someone would have some information.

Doing what I can.. let you know the results of my findings.

New format coming soon, I'm now dreaming in code. And yes, I am that old school.

/run
c:/ jane run
/end

no posting again today

13 hours.

It's gonna be a long day.

I swear Im trying to make time for you... Tomorrow, I promise. Ok?

there will be no blogging till later

my morning sched prevents me from putting thought to text.

my afternoon sched is not much better.

sorry about all that.

sorry for the delay

working on a new layout for the site.. which I should have up and jamming in a few days (if Im lucky) - which is the excuse for no update this week..

Maybe one day I'll stick to the schedule I put forth.

/grumbles and goes back to codeland

The day is done

Parade is over, as is the festival.

Damn what a ride.. Great day all around.

Just a thought though - EventZone needs to consider some crowd control next year, as the crowds around Jefferson and Salem were pushing way out into the street - to the point the Kazim Motorcycle crew was not able to do the usual precision driving as they did last year. The lack of graces on the part of the crowd was slightly disheartening, but not unexpected.

Just something to work on.. something to think about.

But good show, none the less...

Although... NEEDS MORE PIPERS AND IRISH PEOPLE!!!

I'd like to announce my interest in becoming a member of the AOH, should any of the current members read this. Let me know what I can do, or how I can help in the least.
Thanks

I hope your ready

There is nothing like a parade, and nothing like the St. Patrick's Day parade...

attendance was spectacular last year, this year should be even bigger.

This parade is dedicated, as it is every year to those who serve. The Military, the Firefighters/EMS/Police.

I'd like to personally dedicate this parade to the memory of those Irish and Scottish settlers who laid down the roots of Roanoke.

They woulda been proud...

Well I am having no luck

So I will keep trying to upload the podcast, and hopefully have it up and running by tomorrow morning, to get yall ready for the parade.

I'll be there - will you?

Oh, and this year - I should be fairly easy to spot - just look for the Forgotten-Roanoke.com logo.

Home from work..

and still trying to upload the podcast.. its coming, I swear.

Tis' a great day..

I am attempting to put up the podcast, if it doesnt go up before I head to work, it will be up later.. one way or the other..

roanoke.com - Extra stories- Still loving my Dublin

Still loving my Dublin

Outstanding story from Kevin Kitteridge today on his past life as a resident of Dublin, Ireland.

Brings home memories of my own visit there.

Sometime today there will be a podcast, but until that time - I give you Morning Star, one of the finest Celtic Traditional groups we are blessed with today.

*sighs dramatically* I wish SOMEONE would open a Pub downtown, I miss heading to Sunday night seisuns, where the celtic musicians get together an rip out reels and jigs. Take that as a message, OCaens, where ever you are.

Next message: Friday, March 17th 12:30am

There's only one thing that can be said at this point.



Happy St. Patrick's Day, ya punter.

Up Cork!

Your getting old Vince...

And not aging gracefully.

(in reference to todays article about Vince Neil cancelling a planned after-show event at Awful Arthurs)

15 years ago, when you were the bee's knees Vince we might have believed you. Felt bad for your suffering and lamented our missed opportunity. But you pulled this same stunt so many times in your glory days that we are all wise to you now. We heard the news, took a moment to consider it, got our money back, and partied without you.

Then again, those of us in the know found it awfully odd that you would annouce where you were going post-show anyway.

Ahh, the life of a middle-aged rockstar. You always seem to miss the really good parties.

Oh - heres an interesting find.

While walking around downtown in the past few days, I noticed an absence of cars from a certain parking lot. Then I noticed concrete barricades at the entrances to that parking lot. Well, almost all the entrances.. there is one unguarded, and a few brave cars managed to herd themselves onto the lot.

This lot, which just last weekend was packed full of cars, is now vacant.

I was thinking, well - it must be getting near time for that groundbreaking.

Apparently I thought wrong.

"According to Landolt, parade planners were told construction of the new
Art Museum of Western Virginia would be under way, and they didn't want
to run into any last-minute problems." - 5 Things to know. RT - IO section.

Hmm.. ok - nevermind then. My bad.

Hey, the Overlord has an idea.

Here we are, ensconced in the 21st century. Living with some of the awe-inspiring inventions and developments seen at past World's Fairs. Robots, wireless telephones, cars that can tell you where you are going and how you are to get there.

And yet, where is the wonder which spawned all these advancements? Where are the innovators of today? And where are the World's Fairs now? The US has not hosted one since 1984, when it was held in New Orleans. And to be honest, does anyone care?

found the website of the folks who run the World's Fair. It lists the dates up until 2020, and who is hosting it. Past 2012, there are no hosts listed. Bids are open.

Which gives me wonder. Serious wonder.

Think it would be possible to get the World's Fair to Roanoke? It would require a heavy commitment (regionally) to improving the roads, expanding the airport, preserving lands and building anew.

Just the act of putting in a bid would rattle the town and bring it to national and international attention. Im sure VT would want in on the deal as well.

Did you even realize there was one in 2005? Over in Japan - 18 million people visited it. There is even precedent for using existing structures (set in 2000) rather than build insanely. Even the "failed" New Orleans expo of 1984 had over 7 million attending. Knoxville and Spokane have both hosted, and neither is a mega-city.

Again, just submitting a bid for it would be a boost to Roanoke, and should we fail to secure the Fair - it's still a winning proposition. Hey - Hampton Roads hosted one in 1907, maybe its Roanoke's turn.

As Overlord I will make it my business to fully examine and arrange with the neighboring counties and region in general the possibility of bringing a World's Fair to the Roanoke Valley.

We have the land available - 140 acres of it. And thats just in one location - thats not even mentioning smaller parcels.

Well.. give your Overlord some time to think about this one, theres some numbers that need to be run..

/Vote Overlord, for the future of all mankind.

The Great "BRAIN DRAIN"

If I hear one more time that Southwestern Virginia is losing its kids, losing its youth, losing its brainpower - Im gonna scream.

Todays mention of it comes from Roanoke College, and via WDBJ.

Here's how I see this issue: First off, Roanoke is marketed as a retirees haven. A family-friendly community. It is not marketed as a place to start a life, a place to begin a career.

Also, you have to remember this - familiarity breeds contempt. Look around Roanoke right now, and see all the unskilled, uneducated, young workers. Look in the high schools, you have some amazingly smart kids there. So what happens?

Those smart kids look around and only see low paying, low brain jobs - they see the grass as greener just about anywhere else. Especially hurting it is all the whining about how "theres no place for kids to go" and "theres nothig to do." Rather than be proactive, they are whined into inactivity.

These kids need to see that there is, infact, good reason for them to stay. Which means, things have to change. We need to stop whining and start acting, fix the stupid things that make this city look bad. The reason the "promising talent" leaves here is simple. They see no promise. Actually, for those who have lived here for a while - they have seen too many promises, and not enough results.

"We are actively working to attract big companies, with big jobs, and big vacancies."

I'd like to know how and where, because the only things that I am seeing expand lately are retail outlets, which do not provide big jobs unless your lucky enough to become management.

Not to mention you are moving into a stage now where you, as a young graduate now have to compete with 40, 50, 60somethings who are entering the market for a 2nd or 3rd career. Of course, this is happening everywhere. But Roanoke seems highly succeptable to it.

I mean, why are the middle aged men pushing carts at the supermarket? Thats where you started when I was in High School, and eventually you worked your way into the building stocking shelves or working the register. The morning shift at a supermarket (when I was working there, 12 years ago) was older ladies, but the afternoon and evening shift - those were all high school aged kids - getting some work experience for the first time. And these were not summer jobs either. They were part time, 20-30 hours a week. And you got a paycheck.

Theres much more to say on this matter, but unfortunately - my time is limited today. Tomorrow I will delve deeper into the subject.

Let me know if there is anything you think I should touch on, or if you disagree. Thats why I have the little comment thingy.

Awareness

Right now, not one single school in the entire country is teaching this. It is fact, has proven to be so over time and history.



This man is Nikola Tesla. You might know of him, but you are probably not sure why. You can thank him for nearly every single thing in your life. Including what you are reading this on.

Get to know Nikola Tesla, and get to know real history.

(Tesla has always been somewhat of a hero to me, rare it is these days to find someone who has the slightest idea of what the man was all about.)

The Big Uh-Oh

Andrew Kantor (Roanoke Times/USAToday columnist and journalist and all around ok guy) has a story that nearly defies belief.

Your PIN number is no longer secure.

Yep; read it here.

After some checking around (I asked Mrs. Forgotten-Roanoke) I can say there are no local tales of this as of yet. And with any luck - there won't be. But just the very rumor of such a problem would be enough to cause people to panic.

It's a good article none the less, although I think I speak for the free world when I say "please be wrong..."

Score one for the good guys.

Or Gals.. take your pick..

Warehouse earns place on national landmark list

Now it should be interesting to see what develops over there, personally I always thought the place would make a great location for a microbrew-pub, where they make the beer directly on premises. Usually in the center of the dining room.

Ever wonder how we look to those outside Roanoke?

Roanoke River project prompts criticism from environmentalists

ROANOKE,
Va. It's been in the works for nearly 40 years and now Roanoke's
65-(m)million-dollar flood control project is causing controversy.

The project got underway last fall. Since then, one section of the Roanoke River's banks has been stripped bare.Proponents
say it will reduce flooding and create a major greenway without harming
the river's habitat. They say beneath the construction zone are the
seeds of a green revolution.Others say the project is chopping down too many trees and jeopardizing the river.The flood control project includes a greenway along the entire ten miles of the Roanoke River within the city limits.It's supposed to help local wildlife. But that's if it doesn't cause serious damage first.Liz Belcher is Roanoke Valley Greenways coordinator.She tells The Roanoke Times ... quote ... "We're happy the greenway is starting, but at what cost?"

Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Not too good huh? Sometimes you gotta pick your battles...

An incentive for you to go out today

There will be no site update as I enjoy the weather.. so if you really want an update, your gonna have to hunt me down.

There will be an update in the next few days, when its raining or something.

Today is just too nice.

From the Looking Back column in todays paper.

1906
"The management of the Roanoke baseball team offer a season ticket, good for a young lady and her escort, who suggests the best name for the Roanoke team."

Some of the names suggested for the Roanoke baseball team included Invincibles, Magicians, The Mountaineers, Big Lickers, Puzzlers and The Kickers.

__________________

The Puzzlers? Sounds like the City Council should be playing some ball...

Oh hey - it's Saturday

Too nice of a day to worry about blogging. Just worried about the rain issue. Fires starting too often now, wife had one break out near work from just a smouldering ciggarette...

I have faith this won't be a drought year, but this is not the best start..

Just one of my things though.. what you gonna do?

You wanted the Pod, you've got the Pod

Pod #11.. prelude to St. Pats, city council election nonsense, and common sense - with an obnoxious background noise sure to get your foot tapping.


The Pod #11 is here.

I know what you want

You want a podcast..

Well its going to come sometime after noon, I've got to wash the smelly hounds first.

You're just going to have to wait.

Deadwood meets DT on the internet

Well well well, look at what DBJ is doing now. (read here)

Im sure good things can come of this. Increased news reporting, localized information. And all of it available on the internet, according to the article. "He said the two news organizations will also be able to share stories through each other's websites."

Sounds good to me, but Im still calling this Media1.1 - this is the first step in a good direction, now lets see how well they can dance.

Just something to mull over..

For those of you old enough, The Day After is on now. And it's still just as damn creepy as it was back in 1983.

Certain things you never want to think about, even if they are fiction.

Remember that space thing I told you about before?

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/cassini/media/cassini-20060309.html

Here ya go... liquid water in space... its nearly unpossible, but yet it is so.

Amazing, no?

You folks should know

NASA is poised at 2pm EST to announce something.. something big and a bit unexpected.

From Drudge: "NASA's Cassini spacecraft may have found evidence of liquid water reservoirs that erupt in Yellowstone-like geysers on Saturn's moon Enceladus. The rare occurrence of liquid water so near the surface raises many new questions about the mysterious moon. "

Liquid water on a cold and distant moon. The odds of that are astounding, the implications - boggling. Stay tuned to your favorite news site for further details.


Technorati Tags: moon, NASA, water

Well I have good news to report!

The widely reported death of the Roanoke City Market on Sundays has been proven false.

Thanks to the Roanoke Times for just catching onto this, I've known for weeks that starting Sunday, March 19th - the whole market area will be hopping on sundays. Starting around 11am, the city market will be alive and kicking just as you like it.


Of course, this ruins my nice quiet sundays downtown for photography and such, but thats ok. I'll just get up earlier and maybe finally have breakfast at the Texas Tavern.

Of course, I could have a bowl with for breakfast and be happy.
But thats just me.. keep your eyes out, as your entering the Forgotten-Zone, Sunday Mornings...

Sorry I havent been around much

But things are devloping here at FR HQ, where we have just recieved a treasure-trove of information that I am attempting to process.

But.. have you read the Chef K blog?

He's delving into the kitchens to reformat and rework the entire kitchen. Interesting in his approach - I have no clue how possible or probable any of it is, but it all sounds pretty good to me.

Check it out, if you have the time

A question for you Times staffers out there...

You seem to have a hard time finding people who are reasonable when you do your stories.

Either that, you just don't present them that way. Today's article on the Flood Control Project you seem to have problems finding anyone who has anything GOOD to say about the project, or can at least play devils advocate. Although, you do find balance with Jay Roberts - it's all too brief.

And for goodness sake, it will absolutely NOT create a "Dead Sea" in the midst of Roanoke. There are natural forces which will keep that from happening. I can say this much to you: Providence, RI has a Riverwalk and waterside park, gondolas cruise the waterway and you can walk along the river on a concrete walkway. They have a occasional festival that occurs several times a year called "WaterFire."

It is an amazing sight to behold, but before you get thinking otherwise - it's not what Roanoke is about. This is just an illustration on what other cities do. Austin, Tx has a riverwalk too - slightly different, but they have the gondola idea as well. All of them natural rivers, and all of them pale in comparison to the Roanoke River, even with the stripped earth of the flood reduction program.

All of those have the feel of a city, even when your beside the river itself - it still feels like a city. Here, when you clear the Franklin Rd. or 581 overpass by a minute or two - you don't feel like your in the city. You feel as if you have escaped, and its not just the trees or the ivy - its the whole package.

Perhaps if more people who were appreciative about the greenways themselves spoke up, these negative articles need not be written. Greenway Fans are out there, you just have to go to the greenway on a nice day to see them. Although looking at this weekends weather, I shudder to think how crowded both the greenway AND Mill Mountain will be.

Might see me there anyway...

Yes well..

Terribly sorry, I got involved in something tonight - therefore I am remiss in posting some links for your enjoyment. I shall rectify that in the morning, I promise it.

By the by, anyone see Marc LaMarre on SLS? What a horribly edited interview..

His eyes are bright though, and thats a good thing.

Walk safe, tread carefully.. the road is long and fraught with danger.

And that goes for anyone undergoing such a transformation in their lives, addiction or otherwise...

Just another miserable day in Roanoke

Man.. this weather is just wonderful is it not?

I am highly unmotivated to write about anything today, so Im gonna post some links in a little while..

apologies to those who also have to suffer, in this dim grey world, from lack of interest in anything.

Thought I'd share these with you

Just some photos from Ye Olden Tymes, and I swear all were taken on a Sunday - as there is not a living soul on the streets.

Franklin Rd. looking from Jefferson. The grassy area with the stairs on the left is the old Shenandoah Club, next to that - the Professional Arts building. On the right side - you can see the awning which is just after Paul's Cafe. Just past that is the Jefferson Electric Co. You know, the one with the big ship and massive lanterns on it. Still there. This photo is circa 1925, roughly.

This is the former Jefferson Hospital. I've got a page on the way about the hospitals downtown, so you'll just have to wait..

This is the window of Heironimous, displaying goods for Easter. Well, goods for Easter Sunday - you know, when you have to get all fancied up and wear white gloves and such. At least, thats my impression from this window. Maybe its just me. Judging by the font on the sign, I'd plug this Easter Impression sometime around the late 1920's. I could be wrong.

And finally, a shot of the immediate area around Jefferson and Campbell. That big building at left-center is the Terry Building, home to many a bank and broker in its short run. It's not often you find a skyscraper lasting only 20-30 years or so. But, welcome to Roanoke. Anyway, theres a few pages alone in that beauty. You can still see a peice of history though, down on the now "HomeTown Bank" building - the clock which hangs on the corner is the only remaining item from the Terry Building.

Could it be theres another curse on the loose in Roanoke? Only time will tell - keep your eye on HomeTown Bank.

Have a good sunday..

Hey there

How ya doin? Enjoying this confused weather? Me neither...

Making me a bit crazy though.. nothing new there.

I'll have something to say later, but for now - Im just going to sit here and stare at you all as you read this.

Bet that makes you feel all warm inside.

Spotted at Tanglewood

O I wish....

Yes, the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile is over at Tanglewood RIGHT NOW..

Why? I cannot say. How long? I do not know.

There are many mysteries about the Weinermobile, and few answers.

The Pod has launched Captain

ALERT ALERT

POD LAUNCH

POD #10 has launched, track it here

or listen here if you like: The Pod #10

Comment below, because you know you want to.

Todays podcast, and topics thereof

From the Roanoke.com Messageboards:
"lovenrv on 3/2/2006 5:59:40 PM wrote:
Roanoke is a wonderful city. The people, the landscape and once upon a time it
was an extremely important city. Today, it is not. BUT, many people who
love it are trying to make it great, again. By building a world-class
museum that will bring locals and tourists to the heart of the
community, generate new development, new jobs and a new outlook on the
future is one of the steps to placing Roanoke in the eyes of the
nation. You'll be surprised how well this sturcutre will fit within the
urban fabric of the city - it's quite the opposite of what people fear.
Narrow thinking only hurts the city that these folks claim to adore. As
for land along the interstate, we should be building loft-style
apartments that stretch along the market's edge."

Allright - I don't exactly have the want to address this now, but I would like to hear your comments on this statement. I will address this in my podcast tomorrow.

But seriously, drop a line.

Podcast will drop in 1 hour or so.

Move the museum?

Priceless.. just priceless.

Now that those connected with the museum are realizing the cost of developing the Salem Ave. site are skyrocketing, so lets distract people by talking about moving it some place not a single celled organisim would want it moved. This way, when we "begrudgingly" go with the downtown location, regardless of the cost and traffic congestion and all that, people will be thrilled that we left Mill Moutain alone.

Oh Art-heads, are things really that bad in your little world? Don't you realize Mill Mountain IS an art museum unto itself. One look out from the Star's overlook and you can see every style, from the PoMo to the impressionistic.

Although allow me to be momentarily amused by the dragging of Mr. Vander Maten into this whole deal. Here is the man charged with the betterment of Explore park. And read his words carefully.. "Vander Maten said moving the zoo to Explore Park "certainly is an idea that's on the table."

Note how he wants the zoo, which is clearly an attraction and draw. NOT the museum, even though adding the museum to Explore Park would be easier than anything based on location and site(s) available.

Oh - "The mountaintop would be made more accessible with a mountainside
tramway, the thinking goes. And the synergy of the area could help draw
people off the Blue Ridge Parkway toward downtown."

Mountainside Tramway? Incline Railroad in the only form we could build it now?

Oh, and Mr. Mayor - you really want a better way to tie downtown to Mill and Explore? You need to read my blog more often sir.. Search through my archives for just those very sentiments, in an easy-to-realize plan.

So, in a nutshell - your not looking at an actual idea floated to move the Museum to Mill Mountain (which in itself would triple the costs), your looking at an idea floated to generate buzz about a dying project. To hide the obvious.

But keep trying, I think I noticed some dust had been moved from the parking lot on Salem Ave. I was unsure if this was a sign of development of the location or not. Please, give us a clear sign. Show us the cost vs. funding data.

excitin times

Circumstances you are most definitely not aware of behind the scenes here at Forgotten-Roanoke.com (temporary) Global Domination HQ have changed. For a short while, no appreciable difference may be noted - but after a while, you'll notice. In saying that, what you do need to know is there will (hopefully) be no difference in the way everything runs. The Pod may have to be switched days, or may be broken up into installments via cellphone several times a week.

Too early to tell on what will work properly. However, site updates will continue every 2 weeks, blogging may be a bit lighter - but will continue daily.

As I discover more, I will tell you more.

Enjoy the good weather, which you have Me (your overlord) to thank for. How? I finally broke down and pulled out my turtlenecks. Obviously the weather pattern must change inversely to whatever I deem acceptable and necissicary clothing at the time.

Later Yall

Now I know there are questions..

I'm sure you have noticed the latest update (page 2 of Henry Gains) is relatively without images.

There is good reason for this.
Not everything in history has been recorded graphically. Much of history is oral-tradition. The only images are the ones you create in your mind when you hear a story. This is the way history is.

I have talked to many a person about many a subject, and the things they tell me about there are no photos for. The best that I could do is go back to the location and take a photo of what it looks like now, and attempt to weave the story around that. But in certain cases, that is not appropriate..

This was one of those times.

Just have to let you all know

I just got done watching "MirrorMask"

Outstanding movie from the Henson Company, Neil Gaiman, and Dave McKean.


It is visually stunning, superbly watchable, and a definite family film.

If you liked Labrynth (which I did), Dark Crystal (which I don't really remember), or The NeverEnding Story (the original only) - you're gonna like this. But remember to watch it with your kids.

It's different, but still a family film - but very different than anything you've seen short of a Tool video.

I'm not waving!!

Im drowning!!!!!!!

I recieved in the mail today a sice of the 1960's here in Roanoke. March 15th, 1964 to be precise.

It was a Sunday.

And boy am I up to my ears in information.

But aside from that, I have tentatively finished the Henry Gains page - you can follow the link (same as 2 weeks ago) over at Forgotten-Roanoke.com

I say tentatively, because as I was working on it - the inspiration hit me that with all the current work ongoing in the area - it will be worth a revisit in a few months, to see the changes and perhaps delve a bit further into the vast historical legacy of the area. So that's what Im gonna do.. so there!

Any suggestions - drop a line (email address on the BIO page) or leave a comment here. Next update will be for March 12th, the beginning of St. Patrick's week and the beginning of Roanoke's festival season.

Forgotten-Roanoke will be out at the parade, hooting it up with me fellow Dubliners and Kerrymen... Oh yes, there will be hooting. I promise it.

Blogging resumes later today, until then - enjoy the pages.

I found the excerpt on a few messageboards (scroll down for podcast, sorry)

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Extract from chapter 94 of the novel "Angels and Demons" by Dan Brown:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"Science may have alleviated the miseries of disease and drudgery and provided an array of gadgetry for our entertainment and convenience, but it has left us in a world without wonder. Our sunsets have been reduced to wavelengths and frequencies. The complexities of the universe have been shredded into mathematical equations. Even our self-worth as human beings has been destroyed. Science proclaims that Planet Earth and its inhabitants are a meaningless speck in the grand scheme. A cosmic accident." He paused. "Even the technology that promises to unite us, divides us. Each of us is now electronically connected to the globe, and yet we feel utterly alone. We are bombarded with violence, division, fracture, and betrayal. Skepticism has become a virtue. Cynicism and demand for proof has become enlightened thought. Is it any wonder that humans now feel more depressed and defeated than they have at any point in human history? Does science hold anything sacred? Science looks for answers by probing our unborn fetuses. Science even presumes to rearrange our own DNA. It shatters God’s world into smaller and smaller pieces in quest of meaning ... and all it finds is more questions."

"The ancient war between science and religion is over," the camerlegno said. "You have won. But you have not won fairly. You have not won by providing answers. You have won by so radically reorienting our society that the truths we once saw as signposts now seem inapplicable. Religion cannot keep up. Scientific growth is exponential. It feeds on itself like a virus. Every new breakthrough opens doors for new breakthroughs. Mankind took thousands of years to progress from the wheel to the car. Yet only decades from car into space. Now we measure scientific progress in weeks. We are spinning out of control. The rift between us grows deeper and deeper, and as religion is left behind, people find themselves in a spiritual void. We cry out for meaning. And believe me, we do cry out. We see UFOs, engage in channeling, spirit contact, out-of-body experiences, mindquests-all these eccentric ideas have a scientific veneer, but they are unashamedly irrational. They are the desperate cry of the modern soul, lonely and tormented, crippled by its own enlightenment and its inability to accept meaning in anything removed from technology."

"Science, you say, will save us. Science, I say, has destroyed us. Since the days of Galileo, the church has tried to slow the relentless march of science, sometimes with misguided means, but always with benevolent intention. Even so, the temptations are too great for man to resist. I warn you look around yourselves. The promises of science have not been kept. Promises of efficiency and simplicity have bred nothing but pollution and chaos. We are a fractured and frantic species ... moving down a path of destruction."

"Who is this God science? Who is the God who offers his people power but no moral framework to tell you how to use that power? What kind of God gives a child fire but does not warn the child of its dangers? The language of science comes with no signposts about good and bad. Science textbooks tell us how to create a nuclear reaction, and yet they contain no chapter asking us if it is a good or a bad idea.

"To science, I say this. The church is tired. We are exhausted from trying to be your signposts. Our resources are drying up from our campaign to be the voice of balance as you plow blindly on in your quest for smaller chips and larger profits. We ask not why you will not govern yourselves, but how can you? Your world moves so fast that if you stop even for an instant to consider the implications of your actions, someone more efficient will whip past you in a blur. So you move on. You proliferate weapons of mass destruction, but it is the Pope who travels the world beseeching leaders to use restraint. You clone living creatures, but it is the church reminding us to consider the moral implications of our actions. You encourage people to interact on phones, video screens, and computers, but it is the church who opens its doors and reminds us to commune in person as we were meant to do. You even murder unborn babies in the name of research that will save lives. Again, it is the church who points out the fallacy of this reasoning.

"And all the while, you proclaim the church is ignorant. But who is more ignorant? The man who cannot define lightning, or the man who does not respect its awesome power? This church is reaching out to you. Reaching out to everyone. And yet the more we reach the more you push us away. Show me proof there is a God, you say. I say use your telescopes to look to the heavens, and tell me how there could not be a God!" The camerlegno had tears in his eyes now. "You ask what does God look like. I say, where did that question come from? The answers are one and the same. Do you not see God in your science? How can you miss Him! You proclaim that even the slightest change in the force of gravity or the weight of an atom would have rendered our universe a lifeless mist rather than our magnificent sea of heavenly bodies, and yet you fail to see God’s hand in this? Is it really so much easier to believe that we simply chose the right card from a deck of billions? Have we become so spiritually bankrupt that we would rather believe in mathematical impossibility than in a power greater than us?

"Whether or not you believe in God," the camerlegno said, his voice deepening with deliberation, "you must believe this. When we as a species abandon our trust in the power greater than us, we abandon our sense of accountability. Faith ... all faiths ... are admonitions that there is something we cannot understand, something to which we are accountable ... With faith we are accountable to each other, to ourselves, and to a higher truth. Religion is flawed, but only because man is flawed. If the outside world could see this church as I do ... looking beyond the ritual of these walls ... they would see a modern miracle ... a brotherhood of imperfect, simple souls wanting only to be a voice of compassion in a world spinning out of control.

The camerlegno motioned out over the College of Cardinals, and the BBC camerawoman instinctively followed, panning the crowd.

"Are we obsolete?" the camerlegno asked. "Are these men dino-saurs? Am I? Does the world really need a voice for the poor, the weak, the oppressed, the unborn child? Do we really need souls like these who, though imperfect, spend their lives imto read the signposts of morality and not lose our way?"

---end of extract.
/And for as much sense, as much reason and logic went into this - after some hunting around I found this: Pope Benedict XVI and a Deadly Dictator

Actually, this part was pre-Pope, when he was just a Cardinal, but it sounds vaguely familiar: Pope
explains. “Relativism, which is the starting point of this secularist
mentality, becomes a kind of dogmatism that believes it has reached the
definitive stage of awareness of what human reason really is.” Modern
philosophers, politicians and scientists alike have commonly brushed
religion aside when discussing matters of morality. Why? Religious
beliefs are relative to each person, so we cannot risk slowing down
scientific advances to pay heed to personal opinions. In one fell swoop
all religions are swept into a silent corner as equally useless. Faith
certainly aids people in their personal lives, but science serves the
needs of the community as a whole. Such ideas have rocketed
technologies forward at a dizzying pace. Ethical considerations crawl
along with dwindling hope of catching up.

I know this is one of those long posts that interest few, but the basic themes of it do affect us all, and have continuing ramifications in daily life.




Technorati Tags: science, religion, pope, change, relativisim, dan brown

Its Poddin' time....

Who wants some nice fresh Pod?

You know how this works by now.. you can go with this:

The Pod #9

or The Pod #9 @ Odeo.com

Remember, this Pod is fresh, which means it's mmm good!

(brought to you by Harris & Huddleston: Your Fresh Grocer)

We are headed for Podcast

Podcast in 1 hour.. (with any luck)

This one should be interesting too.. Come to think of it - I hope they are all interesting in some form.

Well, you get the idea.

00:58:30 to go

I keep forgetting to pass this on

Along with RoanokeRadio.com, which provides a look inside the history of WDBJ radio - there is now a WDBJ-TV history site, SkylersPlace. Both are full of interesting notes and photos of the long and storied history of WDBJ.

Who knew it was just that fascinating? Im hooked.


Technorati Tags: WDBJ, history, media

Re-testing

don't mind me - Im just doing a little hum-dinger work here.

Could someone help me?

Some over at StarCityPunks needs to let me know why Im getting hits from the messageboard.

Didn't think there was much punky about my blog, or the Chef K blog.

Then again, I am a granddaddy goth/punk/metalhead - so who knows, maybe my past is leaking out again..

I have no clue.

not much to say today

having a down day - which should make for a wonderful night.

I'll keep you posted as nothing develops.

Ladies and Gentleman

Utter apologies all around, as I was not able to complete the Henry Gains section today.. I will have it done quicky though.. so keep your eye on the blog for a link - should be coming soon..

Oops, I forgot something...

Yeah, well - not technically forgot - more did not get a chance to finish the Henry Gains page 2 yesterday - I forgot to inform you all that it would be delayed in a timely manner.

Sorry about all that.

The page will be up later today, before midnight I promise.

Mainly I forgot I had things I needed to accomplish today, which prevent me from working my magic and getting the page done. It happens, please try to understand.

Anyway - Chef K has a post about the whole stupid smoking ban thing, check it out.

In the interests of quashing the rumors, I formally announce that I am not Chef K. The Chef K account is something I set up for a friend - who expressed interest in blogging, but did not have the time to set it up himself. So I did it for him, it is currently linked to my account, but in time (hopefully soon as to clear up confusion) he will be setting up his own account.

Anyway - enjoy the day, those of you lucky enough to have off. And for those of you not lucky enough - well, its not that nice out anyway. Your not missing anything.

Woman's Arm Severed In Car Accident

LEX18 - Woman's Arm Severed In Car Accident: "CLARK COUNTY
Woman's Arm Severed In Car Accident

A Letcher County woman suffered a horrible injury early Thursday when her arm was severed in a car crash on the Mountain Parkway in Clark County.

Jacqueline Dotson and her six-year-old daughter had to be cut out of their vehicle after the accident in which Dotson veered into the median and over-corrected, rolling her truck over the guardrail and landing upside down after flipping several times.

Several people stopped to help, and it turns out, the good samaritans may very well have saved Dotson's life. Sheila Vice, a nurse's aide, and an off-duty EMT from another county stopped to help, and put a tourniquet on Dotson's arm to stop the bleeding. Her arm was found near the accident still clutching a cell phone.

'Basically we stayed there and talked to them until the EMT drivers got there,' said Vice.

Rescuers used the jaws of life to get the Dotson and her daughter out of the truck. Both were flown to hospitals, and Dotson is listed in serious condition at UK Hospital. Her daughter is not in the hospital, and sheriff's officials say they believe she's going to be fine.

Both were wearing seat belts."

I post this one for Rhett, and for all those of you who drive with your hand to your ear.

There is nothing so important that you should throw caution to the wind, nothing so urgent that you need to throw the 2 IQ points of common sense you actually do have into the dark dungeon of your mind, and drive with your hand up to your ear.

One day, try this: instead of having your cellphone up to your ear, stick your finger in it - try driving like that for a little while - and realize that even though it is not that bad, with a cellphone it's far far worse.

/update later, in the overnight hours.
//podcast still sucked.. scrapped for the next few days.

Tom Angleberger's What's on Your Mind?-Margin of error a tricky formula

Tom Angleberger's What's on Your Mind?-Margin of error a tricky formula: "And the same goes for Paris Hilton. In the nanoseconds it takes for the light rays from her sparkly outfits to reach our eyes, she has already bought a new dog, fired a maid and gotten her name in the newspaper again for no good reason."

Do we need a vacation Tom?

You had a great answer going there, on a question about space and how we see the past when we look out into it. Then you go and put Paris Hilton's name in the newspaper for no good reason, exactly as you stated.

Nice going Tom - you just added to her 15+++++ of fame..

Im letting my perfection get the best of me

So Im cancelling todays podcast, as I am unhappy with the quality and choice of backgrounds... I can do better, I will do better - and I will work on it for the rest of today and tonight. Until I get it right..


/flagellates

A really stupid question

What is the purpose of writing on the face of a black granite building with a black marker? Saw a "yout" doing just such a thing today, and had to wonder what the point was? Do your rivals posess some super vision that allows them to see clearly your tag?

And seriously kids, it's called Wild Style, you don't know it - you don't get it - and grafitti is done. It's not cool anymore, besides - the days of glory are over. Unless your tagging deep below the bowels of NYC's subway system - where entire wall support panels in the most ungodly places are covered with a full tag - but no light to see it by, you ain't got nothin.

Rebellion-Lite, coming soon to a neighborhood near you.

Apologies for the lack of posting

Life's been busy round these parts lately. But I am still sticking to my schedule.

Tomorrow: Podcast
Sunday/Monday: update to the site, the 2nd part of Henry Gains (for part 1, click here)

And just remember, the overlord is always watching. There are things happening in Roanoke I have not commented on, as of yet. But I will, when the time is right.

There is much that I have been told of by Chef K, who is also rather busy this week (strange how things flare up out of nowhere), that he will be putting up on his blog later this week.

The rumor mill has refocused it's attention off of Marc LaMarre finally, and has moved on to find a new target.

There is so much going on, it hardly seems possible to keep up with it all. But I will make a valliant effort, so stay tuned.

Tomorrow's podcast will contain sections about Henry Street, parts about the downtown business scene, and other random junk - as always.

Im still working out the kinks in layout for the podcast, my background in radio showing through as I attempt to make it seamless and listener-friendly.

A note about Blinko.com: scumbags. I'll have more to say on that later too.

Competition?

Interesting find today, some of you might allready be aware of this though.

I wasn't, so here it is.

WDBJ7 Blogs

Yes, nearly all the on air personnel at DBJ now have blogs. Even Robin, busy man he is, finds time to blog.

Good reading all around. Of course, with the recent Marc situation, I was a little suprised to find the staff of DBJ commenting on it in the blogs. But it's nice to see it from a newspersons standpoint, the unique view one can only get when it could have been one of your own. How would you handle it?

Beyond that though - it's nice to know Robin, much like the rest of us, has a thing for Bill Murray's "Groundhog Day."

Actually, I'd have to say all the blogs on DBJ I've poked around at all hold some interest. Although Steve Pardon does worry me a touch.. when listing the reasons to read his blog, #3 catches my eye: Most employers frown upon porn and internet gambling- so what else do you have to do at work today?

Ok Steve, compelling arguement.

Looks like I've got some reading to do.. gotta stay up on the competition.

WikiRoanoke:

You all remember PBWiki right? Thats where wikiroanoke.pbwiki.com is hosted, free.
Free and simple. Check it out for yourself. The password is right before you, or write before the . and after the wiki.

if you catch my meaning.




Fun and free and ultra-useful.

Position Paper #3: Putting an end to it.

Spawned on by current news reports, I am presenting this paper to you, the general public - a blueprint for eliminating crime in Roanoke, and freeing up more money to fight crime.

We have all seen the storys about the crime rate being high in Roanoke, so high infact that we rank 2nd behind Richmond as being a dangerous city. Then follows the news reports of botched robberies at gas stations, narcotics sweeps through Old SW, and other assorted miscreant activites.

I'm calling bunk.

And the City Council's take on it? Well, there really has not been one. With the exception of the alleged gangs moving into Roanoke, the city council has been quiet when it comes to crime. They seem to leave the crime problem to the Roanoke City Police Department - who do a venerable job in protecting and serving. But there's a different approach than being in reaction-mode in respect to crime, drugs, and neighborhood quality of life.

I'd like to introduce you to Jack Maple. Jack was a dyed-in-the-wool cop. He revolutionzed the NYPD, and created a model for Police Departments worldwide.

He argued, correctly I may say, that the root causes of crime were not social - they were criminal. Criminals to be specific. Running the gamut from simple petty offenses to major drug trafficers - Maple had an answer for it. Treat each criminal the same, each crime the same. As a crime, and as we were all taught in school - crime is bad. I firmly believe there is no such thing as a "good" crime, I do believe there are some which are questionable in deed and reason, but a crime is a crime is a crime. Nothing will change the fact that in some way, the law was broken. That is all the police need to know. Let the judges handle the rest.

Maple was notorious for making each and every cop responsible in some way for the crime in his precinct. I believe this is the beginning, accountability. But I would like to extend it beyond the precinct walls. I say we hold every citizen accountable.

Remember - you either own or rent someplace to live. You want it to be a nice place, one you need not worry about. One where you do not have to worry about having your rims stolen, your mailbox blown up (I remember being a kid), your window broken, your house broken into, your corner store robbed....

You want nice things, you have to work for nice things. You want a nice community, you have to work for a nice community.

In other words - if we stop accepting the little things, littering - grafitti - run-down housing - barren lots filled with garbage: The big things will get a bit easier to deal with, in the long run.

It's the same as setting an example. You show that you and your street will not accept a bunch of garbage from people, will not stand for a landlord to keep his property in ruins, you'll see change immediately.

Remember, theres more decent folks than there are criminals everywhere. All you have to do is stand up and prove it. And in this day of the internet, digital cameras, and DIY media - it would be easy to publicize that crack house down the street. Very easy. It would also be easy to call out those lovely absentee landlords. Just keep publicizing, posting flyers, the whole 9 yards. Help the current tennents find more suitable housing. In short, evacuate the property.

This program is an extention of Operation Broken Windows, one which worked extremely well in New York City.

On the Police end, it's even more powerful. Can't catch the dealers selling, but you know who they are? Well - you know what kind of car they drive. Is it running fully legal? Many states have laws against anything hanging from your rear-view mirror. Rarely ever enforced, but it could be. Anything to harass and annoy the dealers out of town. The NYPD instituted an automatic warrant check on anyone being written a ticket, held as a suspect, or found somehow outside the law. It netted more career criminals in one year under Op. Broken Windows than in the previous 3 years.

You could sum up the total point of Op. Broken Windows as "Annoy them, and they will leave."

And yes that does mean everyone would be subject to following the same set of laws. Tinted windows, miscolored lighting on the car (I've seen it), anything that would violate some statute of the law.

Same goes for your housing. If you and your neighbors can band together to keep the block looking nice, it will be tougher on the one duplex that looks like garbage. Especially when you start hitting him with code violations.

I would like to see a PD, a FD, and an EMT living on every street. I propose tax breaks and other incentives for city personnel who want to buy and live in the city.

I also propose a "commuter tax" of sorts, collecting a .35% tax on gross income of those who work, but do not live in the city. That money will be earmarked specifically for projects which affect those who work in the city. Infrastructure upgrades, road maintenance, Police-Fire-EMS, public works basically. Things anyone might need or use.

And for a brief moment, people will be angry. But if you make $100,000, thats only $350 extra in taxes you pay. And you will see absolutely where your money goes. If you figure on average, each person contributing roughly $100 to the budget - Your looking at over $1 million each year for public works projects. That translates to cleaner roads, better paved roads, enhanced lighting and signage. Direct change will be noticeable after the first year of collecting the commuter tax. And for each additional year, any overage that is not used by the end of the fiscal year will be placed in an interest-bearing account and used for projects to better the entire Roanoke Valley. Like a new ampitheatre or stadium or some such thing.

No monies will be spent on single-use projects, and no monies will go to city-only expenditure. This will eliminate from the city budget road construction projects and other similar issues.

Putting an end to the budget shortfalls for infrastructure and modernizing the way the city operates in relation to the surrounding areas. When the City is strong, the region benefits.

And thats what this is all about, putting an end to the pratices of the past. Revamping the structure of the city as a business, and getting on with the city being a city. Putting to rest the quality-of-life issues that have plagued this city for years.
And as for the airport, thats a whole other matter entirely.

Thank you for your time.

Elect me as Overlord, and evolve.

Attention Fans

I had a thought.

Instead of back-ending part 2 of Henry Gains this week, why not stick to my schedule and push it to next weekend?

See, Im trying to create a flow here - a continuum if you will.

So get ready as I drop some hints and such this week about whats to come in the next month on the site. And in just a few short weeks, less than the time it would take you to figure out your taxes in pencil with a defective calculator, Forgotten-Roanoke.com will be 1 year old.

/cue Kenny Rogers - "Through the Years"

Yes Friends, can you look back and remember when: We had public disputes with our sponsors - Michael's Bakery (2 locations to serve you- 338 Church Ave 3336 Williamson Rd. 'For good bakery goods for your home table and parties.'), and then kissed and made up. The time we were arrested by the Feds on Suspicion of Terrorisim, for photographing the antique vault at Mountain Trust Bank of Vinton. And who could forget the time we were held for snooping around the Roanoke NeHi Bottling plant, boy what a turn-around that was when we became officially sponsored by Royal Crown for the summer.

Oh the laughs we had.

Exciting news on the horizon though - We are taking on new sponsorship in '06

Yes Friends - Harris Huddleston are now proud sponsors of the Forgotten-Roanoke team. Thats Harris Huddleston, 'Your complete food market' Conviently located at 119 S. Pollard St. in Downtown Vinton, Harris Huddleston is proud to serve, and serve well.

And we are proud to serve our community as well.

Live, from NY.. its a Blizzard!

Keep your eye on this page, as the are live streaming webcams from the Meadowbrook Parkway (top) and the Belt Parkway at JFK (bottom). If nothing seems to change while your looking - try refreshing.

And then remember, it's kinda nice outside.