Unisys Weather: Enhanced Infrared Satellite Image
Allright, I'll say it. Im no better than a dopey palm reader.
I said, Cat 3 at best for landfall, and South of Houston - from Freeport to Corpus Christi.
Im half right.
But I htink we all learned what happens when an eye collapses in on itself.
And as I type this, the latest on Rita: She's a Cat 2.
NOLA is nearly out of the rain.
Now we shall see how long it lasts on shore.
9/23/05
I recently had chance to really examine the old burnt-out Railroad station, and how much has changed in the years since the last interior photo was taken. We are losing time on salvaging anything off this chunk of history. I have a recurring dream of taking a metal detector to sites like this, but with the overgrowth in the station - I would need a can of Napalm to clear out the vegetation first. *sigh*
pbwiki - wikiroanoke: FrontPage
pbwiki - wikiroanoke: FrontPage
just incase you forgot, its still there. And I changed the password, so the new password (easier to remeber) is Roanoke.
just incase you forgot, its still there. And I changed the password, so the new password (easier to remeber) is Roanoke.
9/22/05
Google Wi-Fi Would Have a Big Impact
Google Wi-Fi Would Have a Big Impact
Opinion: If Google does offer free wireless Internet access, it could change the political, social and economic fabric of the country. And that's not a bad thing.
This article says everything I want to say about Google, but usually get too excited to say properly.
THIS however scares the living heck outta me. I still shudder when I see AOL.
Technorati tags: google, business, wifi, future
Opinion: If Google does offer free wireless Internet access, it could change the political, social and economic fabric of the country. And that's not a bad thing.
This article says everything I want to say about Google, but usually get too excited to say properly.
THIS however scares the living heck outta me. I still shudder when I see AOL.
Technorati tags: google, business, wifi, future
roanoke.com - Weather Index - Katrina already an also-ran as Rita roars
roanoke.com - Weather Index - Katrina already an also-ran as Rita roars
Allright, I'll be honest. Im sick of this nonsense. Im tired of hearing about hurricanes, devistation, oil rigs in danger.
I think part of it is due to the media overhyping it, ramming it down our throats. Yes, we all knew NO was in deep trouble - just report it and move on. The saturation coverage gets to the point where you can live 2000 miles away from the scene, and still think if you go outside you'll see the world ending. Why? Because for the past 2 days the only thing you have seen is Jim Cantore from the Weather Channel spitting in the wind and talking about projected damage estimates.
Shut up.
It used to be that they did not really start to freak until the first bands crossed land. Especially given the fickle nature of hurricane (as Kevin Myatt points out in this column), they waited until it was 100% assured that it was going where they thought it would go before they spazzed. Then you got the wall to wall coverage until it ended. But now its worse than sweeps week on NBC, it seems endless.
Im suprised theyre not yelling about Hurricane Phillipe offshore of the East Coast and heading out to sea. Maybe its causing carnage in the Krill population? Are there homeless Krill? Have whales resorted to looting for basic whale needs?
And one other point about hurricanes, especially ones of this size. They suck up water, heavily. Then drop it, just as heavily. And in the meantime - that water is suspended in clouds - and as we all know, clouds are cold. Really cold. So each major storm that passes through the gulf cools it more, adds more cold water to the worlds oceans.
My guess? (based on years of watching such things, some meteorolgy classes back in college, and intensive personal study) Landfall somewhere between Freeport at the north, and Corpus Christi at the south, Weak 4 or strong to mid 3 at landfall. Dying out quickly, quicker than expected actually. Texas is extremely dry and hot right now (as Kevin said) and you can see the large mass of dry air in that general area on this radar loop.
Actually there is a large wave of feedback from Rita's winds that could bring the storm crashing down in scale. If it can hold together with enough power, this curl will act like a axe and slice deep into Rita's moisture. Thats the Hurricane Killer right now, everything else is a weakener.
Plus - the Texas gulf-coast has more shelf under the water than the LA gulf coast, that also will limit the amount of pull it has on the water below (provided it did not stop off and top up the tank before it headed out).
All in all, Shut UP TV people - your incessant reminders of death ("We expects deaths in this storm due to the flooding, so if your area is flooding..." - Idiot on the Weather channel, last year in regards to some storm on its way up to the Roanoke area) and destruction are not at all helpful to those trapped in the storm. After the first 24 hours you report it, people are just watching the pretty pictures.
Technorati tags: rita, katrina, hurricane, meteorolgy
Allright, I'll be honest. Im sick of this nonsense. Im tired of hearing about hurricanes, devistation, oil rigs in danger.
I think part of it is due to the media overhyping it, ramming it down our throats. Yes, we all knew NO was in deep trouble - just report it and move on. The saturation coverage gets to the point where you can live 2000 miles away from the scene, and still think if you go outside you'll see the world ending. Why? Because for the past 2 days the only thing you have seen is Jim Cantore from the Weather Channel spitting in the wind and talking about projected damage estimates.
Shut up.
It used to be that they did not really start to freak until the first bands crossed land. Especially given the fickle nature of hurricane (as Kevin Myatt points out in this column), they waited until it was 100% assured that it was going where they thought it would go before they spazzed. Then you got the wall to wall coverage until it ended. But now its worse than sweeps week on NBC, it seems endless.
Im suprised theyre not yelling about Hurricane Phillipe offshore of the East Coast and heading out to sea. Maybe its causing carnage in the Krill population? Are there homeless Krill? Have whales resorted to looting for basic whale needs?
And one other point about hurricanes, especially ones of this size. They suck up water, heavily. Then drop it, just as heavily. And in the meantime - that water is suspended in clouds - and as we all know, clouds are cold. Really cold. So each major storm that passes through the gulf cools it more, adds more cold water to the worlds oceans.
My guess? (based on years of watching such things, some meteorolgy classes back in college, and intensive personal study) Landfall somewhere between Freeport at the north, and Corpus Christi at the south, Weak 4 or strong to mid 3 at landfall. Dying out quickly, quicker than expected actually. Texas is extremely dry and hot right now (as Kevin said) and you can see the large mass of dry air in that general area on this radar loop.
Actually there is a large wave of feedback from Rita's winds that could bring the storm crashing down in scale. If it can hold together with enough power, this curl will act like a axe and slice deep into Rita's moisture. Thats the Hurricane Killer right now, everything else is a weakener.
Plus - the Texas gulf-coast has more shelf under the water than the LA gulf coast, that also will limit the amount of pull it has on the water below (provided it did not stop off and top up the tank before it headed out).
All in all, Shut UP TV people - your incessant reminders of death ("We expects deaths in this storm due to the flooding, so if your area is flooding..." - Idiot on the Weather channel, last year in regards to some storm on its way up to the Roanoke area) and destruction are not at all helpful to those trapped in the storm. After the first 24 hours you report it, people are just watching the pretty pictures.
Technorati tags: rita, katrina, hurricane, meteorolgy
mostviewed
Ok. Allright, Im trying to figure this out.
The news is now easily broken down into a popularity contest?
Is this for those out there who feel left out at the watercooler? Now they too can read the same stories everyone else is reading, instead of reading those 'other' stories?
Im just trying to figure it out, but it aint workin.
Seriously now.
The news is now easily broken down into a popularity contest?
Is this for those out there who feel left out at the watercooler? Now they too can read the same stories everyone else is reading, instead of reading those 'other' stories?
Im just trying to figure it out, but it aint workin.
Seriously now.
9/21/05
The Center for Advanced Imaging :: Physicians and Medical Professionals :: HomePage
sorry, having my head examined today - must be reading the Times too much.
9/20/05
Google Secure Access: Frequently Asked Questions
Google Secure Access: Frequently Asked Questions
All Hail Google! Although I wish I did not live so far from San Francisco. This is the first Google tool rolled out that the general population has not been able to use. Well - not totally. If you have a wifi connection, you can still use the Secure Access program, however, the true Google WiFi is in San Fran for right now. Although expect that to change quickly. Google is buying up unlit fiber optic cables, and partnering with power companies to provide broadband over electric lines.
All Google needs to do is get with a computer company and a cell phone company to develop a portable, affordable pocket PC, and well, Merry Christmas!
Im tellin ya, exciting times.
All Hail Google! Although I wish I did not live so far from San Francisco. This is the first Google tool rolled out that the general population has not been able to use. Well - not totally. If you have a wifi connection, you can still use the Secure Access program, however, the true Google WiFi is in San Fran for right now. Although expect that to change quickly. Google is buying up unlit fiber optic cables, and partnering with power companies to provide broadband over electric lines.
All Google needs to do is get with a computer company and a cell phone company to develop a portable, affordable pocket PC, and well, Merry Christmas!
Im tellin ya, exciting times.
Roanoke.com: We have no idea what your talking about...
Oh man, there is no safe place to start today. I haven't gotten past the front page and allready I have 2 asinine stories. Too bad Im working today, and slept in late which means yall gonna have to wait till later.
Oh, I will give you this much. A few rules for the Roanoke Times in the future: 1) Never talk to a realtor about real estate. 2) Always check your links when you upload the new days stuff. 3) Cats do pose a risk to humans, although I guess you would have to watch "When Pets Attack", "America's Funniest Home Videos", and other low programming to know this.
Oh, I will give you this much. A few rules for the Roanoke Times in the future: 1) Never talk to a realtor about real estate. 2) Always check your links when you upload the new days stuff. 3) Cats do pose a risk to humans, although I guess you would have to watch "When Pets Attack", "America's Funniest Home Videos", and other low programming to know this.
9/19/05
Forgotten-Roanoke.com
begin the beguine
There, just like I said I would. Nice and neat and timely.
SITE UPDATE!
Go look.. you go now. Go. Bye.
There, just like I said I would. Nice and neat and timely.
SITE UPDATE!
Go look.. you go now. Go. Bye.
9/18/05
Another Pleasant Valley Sunday
When your desktop weather forecaster says "Mostly sunny, and delightful," you know it's gonna be nice.
The H&C Coffee sign goes back to the sky today, atop the Hotel Shenandoah. The Hokies committed justifiable homicide in their home opener against Ohio, 45-0. Thanks for showing up though Ohio. You gave us a chance to show that the final score against Duke was not a fluke (Duke Sucks!).
Otherwise, all around a pretty good weekend as things go. Oh right, I have to work today. Which means the expected update to Forgotten-Roanoke.com will not come until Tomorrow, when I am off.
I know I've been putting this off for a while now, I've just had alot on my plate lately. No excuses I know, but still. It should be a good one though when it does go up. I think you might actually enjoy it.
This weekend marks the Harvest Moon, which means you can begin the countdown to Autumn. 4 days away! And for you panicky types - 2349 Hours till Christmas.
43 days to Halloween. 66 days to Thanksgiving. 103 days till we give 2005 the boot, and hope that 2006 is not quite as messy.
So now you've all been caught up to speed.
Oh - one more side note, I know you all grab recipes wherever you can. Foodnetwork.com, cooks.com, and et. al. But I had to share with you my latest discovery.
recipezaar.com One of the best resources I've found yet. Not only do you have recipes, but for some you even have photos of the final product. User reviews, conversions, notations. You can even build and publish your own cookbook.
Just something I found. Enjoy.
The H&C Coffee sign goes back to the sky today, atop the Hotel Shenandoah. The Hokies committed justifiable homicide in their home opener against Ohio, 45-0. Thanks for showing up though Ohio. You gave us a chance to show that the final score against Duke was not a fluke (Duke Sucks!).
Otherwise, all around a pretty good weekend as things go. Oh right, I have to work today. Which means the expected update to Forgotten-Roanoke.com will not come until Tomorrow, when I am off.
I know I've been putting this off for a while now, I've just had alot on my plate lately. No excuses I know, but still. It should be a good one though when it does go up. I think you might actually enjoy it.
This weekend marks the Harvest Moon, which means you can begin the countdown to Autumn. 4 days away! And for you panicky types - 2349 Hours till Christmas.
43 days to Halloween. 66 days to Thanksgiving. 103 days till we give 2005 the boot, and hope that 2006 is not quite as messy.
So now you've all been caught up to speed.
Oh - one more side note, I know you all grab recipes wherever you can. Foodnetwork.com, cooks.com, and et. al. But I had to share with you my latest discovery.
recipezaar.com One of the best resources I've found yet. Not only do you have recipes, but for some you even have photos of the final product. User reviews, conversions, notations. You can even build and publish your own cookbook.
Just something I found. Enjoy.
9/17/05
roanoke.com - Commentary Stories -Soldier finds no place like home
roanoke.com -Soldier finds no place like home
I was recently at the trailhead for Dragon's Tooth. The only worry I had was, when reading the trail guide, it mentions that the last 1/3rd of the trail would use both your hands and feet to accomplish and under that was the phone number for Lewis-Gale Hospital.
That gave me pause.
But this article should be reprinted in the Roanoke Valley Visitors Guide, and memorized by every resident of the Roanoke Valley who whines about there being nothing to do.
Exculding Central Park, each of the 5 boros has its own park which is nice enough - but nothing even close to the Roanoke River Greenway. Of course you always could go for a walk, but you felt (and I still feel this way sometimes) that there had to be a destination. Usually a store of some kind. Otherwise you were walking for no reason. For a hike in Manhattan, you have to head uptown towards Columbia University, over along the Hudson River are the Cloisters. Dramatic cliffs, spectacular views, nearly unimpeded by traffic and all the rest.
Im my home borough of Queens, there is Forest Park - which I have traversed many a time in my youth. Flushing Meadows Park, Gateway National Park (if you don't mind 747's roaring overhead), Rockaway Beach (long boardwalk, which you really only want to walk half of), and a handful of scattered parks and such. But nothing that compares to the Greenway System Roanoke has.
I've walked 8th Ave. from Houston St. to 34th. I've covered miles at ground level in Manhattan. I have biked from 109th Ave. in Queens to Park Lane S. (would be 84th Ave.). My grandfather rides the same route on his bike.
I've walked the beaches of Montauk, Long Beach, Jones Beach. My route to school was 1.3 miles round trip.
I've hiked through snowmobile/cross country ski trails in Vermont.
But nothing compares to the easy access, cultivated yet natural, well maintained Greenway system.
Technorati tags: roanoke, home, soldier, Mill Mountain, recreation greenway
I was recently at the trailhead for Dragon's Tooth. The only worry I had was, when reading the trail guide, it mentions that the last 1/3rd of the trail would use both your hands and feet to accomplish and under that was the phone number for Lewis-Gale Hospital.
That gave me pause.
But this article should be reprinted in the Roanoke Valley Visitors Guide, and memorized by every resident of the Roanoke Valley who whines about there being nothing to do.
Exculding Central Park, each of the 5 boros has its own park which is nice enough - but nothing even close to the Roanoke River Greenway. Of course you always could go for a walk, but you felt (and I still feel this way sometimes) that there had to be a destination. Usually a store of some kind. Otherwise you were walking for no reason. For a hike in Manhattan, you have to head uptown towards Columbia University, over along the Hudson River are the Cloisters. Dramatic cliffs, spectacular views, nearly unimpeded by traffic and all the rest.
Im my home borough of Queens, there is Forest Park - which I have traversed many a time in my youth. Flushing Meadows Park, Gateway National Park (if you don't mind 747's roaring overhead), Rockaway Beach (long boardwalk, which you really only want to walk half of), and a handful of scattered parks and such. But nothing that compares to the Greenway System Roanoke has.
I've walked 8th Ave. from Houston St. to 34th. I've covered miles at ground level in Manhattan. I have biked from 109th Ave. in Queens to Park Lane S. (would be 84th Ave.). My grandfather rides the same route on his bike.
I've walked the beaches of Montauk, Long Beach, Jones Beach. My route to school was 1.3 miles round trip.
I've hiked through snowmobile/cross country ski trails in Vermont.
But nothing compares to the easy access, cultivated yet natural, well maintained Greenway system.
Technorati tags: roanoke, home, soldier, Mill Mountain, recreation greenway
9/16/05
Editorials from The Roanoke Times -Engaging minds through the arts
Simply put, maybe - but most likely, no. And as this editorial fails to mention, Roanoke County has also placed within that $200,000 stipend a little clause which states that yearly the $200k will be re-authorized provided it can be proven that the AMWV is providing a benifit to school children. The curriculum must be correct and to the County's liking. Which gives the County a great "easy-out" for pulling funding.
Yes, the arts can breech a wall between worlds for those who are interested. But that is a journey best undertaken by the student. Expose them, surely - but they won't learn what they don't wish to learn - fiber optic cables be damned. Besides, doesn't VT have a outstanding art collection? And Radford? I hear tell that even Roanoke College has an art collection of some renown. All within easy field trip distance. And none costing the $200k a year, plus expenses that the AMWV will be. And don't think for a second that the $200k figure includes admission for field trips. It might now, but once the budget starts flailing - it will not for long.
Meh, just the way I see it anyway.
Technorati tags: roanoke, art museum, amwv, school, budget
Yes, the arts can breech a wall between worlds for those who are interested. But that is a journey best undertaken by the student. Expose them, surely - but they won't learn what they don't wish to learn - fiber optic cables be damned. Besides, doesn't VT have a outstanding art collection? And Radford? I hear tell that even Roanoke College has an art collection of some renown. All within easy field trip distance. And none costing the $200k a year, plus expenses that the AMWV will be. And don't think for a second that the $200k figure includes admission for field trips. It might now, but once the budget starts flailing - it will not for long.
Meh, just the way I see it anyway.
Technorati tags: roanoke, art museum, amwv, school, budget
roanoke.com - Editorial Columnists Stories -New home, no place to hide
roanoke.com - Editorial Columnists Stories -New home, no place to hide: “When Tommy Denton called me in June and asked if I was interested in joining The Roanoke Times' editorial team, I jumped at the opportunity. The Times editorial page under Denton has earned a reputation in editorial circles for engaging, reasoned writing that generates interest with readers. It is, by all accounts, an exciting place to work. A young, single editorial writer could do a lot worse.
Denton told me that he was looking for someone who could bring a different perspective to the page, someone who could speak for younger people in an area that is watching many of them move away. I am, after all, one of those people. I just happen to be coming instead of going.
On the editorial board, I will advocate for teens and young adults who too often are ignored in the public forum. When officials wonder whether they are doing enough for seniors or families, I will ask whether they are doing enough for young workers who live a different lifestyle. The needs and wants of those groups do not always match, but they are not mutually exclusive, either.”
Allright, yet another one. And just when I thought that the younger bloggers (ie. Texican, Rhett, and myself) were doing a pretty good job of being "the mouse that roared." Well I guess not. Although I do have to say, I heart Roanoke. Roanoke makes me happy, gives me a life I enjoy. Thomas Denton, I am willing to venture, does not even read one of the blogs listed on the RT Blogroll on a regular basis enough to know if the voice of youth is being heard. Then again, it is hard to find the listing for the day's blogs when they are hidden 3/4ths of the way down the main page. Not to mention that annoying Valley View Mall pop-up ad. The blog of the day does need to be updated more than once or twice a week as it is. But I do give sympathies to the person who has to change the code, troll the blogs, and make the choice. This is a new world for newspapers to embark upon. There is no black and white guidebook on how to handle it.
To you, and your cat Snorri; I say welcome. Welcome to Roanoke, and all it is. Which is more than you might think at first. But realize one thing, you might be the questioning print hovering in the hands of officials, but print can only go so far. It is up to the young of the area to speak out and make their concerns known. Did anyone ask if the youth wanted a new Art Museum? Or perhaps a new shopping center along Franklin Rd.? No, it was just assumed they would slide right into the menial jobs of clerk, cashier, and "coffee bar attendant." There is your consideration. If they understand that because they do not speak out now, they lose their voice in the future - then change will occur. Until then, youth of Roanoke, you are all wage-slaves like me. Supplying a product at reasonable cost.
There lies your challenge, make them understand. And I too am coming, with no plans of leaving any time soon. There's far too much opportunity here than Roanoke itself realizes. I might be a transplant, but my roots are set.
Technorati tags: roanoke, editorial, newcomer, youth, change
Denton told me that he was looking for someone who could bring a different perspective to the page, someone who could speak for younger people in an area that is watching many of them move away. I am, after all, one of those people. I just happen to be coming instead of going.
On the editorial board, I will advocate for teens and young adults who too often are ignored in the public forum. When officials wonder whether they are doing enough for seniors or families, I will ask whether they are doing enough for young workers who live a different lifestyle. The needs and wants of those groups do not always match, but they are not mutually exclusive, either.”
Allright, yet another one. And just when I thought that the younger bloggers (ie. Texican, Rhett, and myself) were doing a pretty good job of being "the mouse that roared." Well I guess not. Although I do have to say, I heart Roanoke. Roanoke makes me happy, gives me a life I enjoy. Thomas Denton, I am willing to venture, does not even read one of the blogs listed on the RT Blogroll on a regular basis enough to know if the voice of youth is being heard. Then again, it is hard to find the listing for the day's blogs when they are hidden 3/4ths of the way down the main page. Not to mention that annoying Valley View Mall pop-up ad. The blog of the day does need to be updated more than once or twice a week as it is. But I do give sympathies to the person who has to change the code, troll the blogs, and make the choice. This is a new world for newspapers to embark upon. There is no black and white guidebook on how to handle it.
To you, and your cat Snorri; I say welcome. Welcome to Roanoke, and all it is. Which is more than you might think at first. But realize one thing, you might be the questioning print hovering in the hands of officials, but print can only go so far. It is up to the young of the area to speak out and make their concerns known. Did anyone ask if the youth wanted a new Art Museum? Or perhaps a new shopping center along Franklin Rd.? No, it was just assumed they would slide right into the menial jobs of clerk, cashier, and "coffee bar attendant." There is your consideration. If they understand that because they do not speak out now, they lose their voice in the future - then change will occur. Until then, youth of Roanoke, you are all wage-slaves like me. Supplying a product at reasonable cost.
There lies your challenge, make them understand. And I too am coming, with no plans of leaving any time soon. There's far too much opportunity here than Roanoke itself realizes. I might be a transplant, but my roots are set.
Technorati tags: roanoke, editorial, newcomer, youth, change
9/15/05
It's Mayor Vs. Mayor... This SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY
roanoke.com - Commentary Stories -Mayor's irrelevant issues are the people's business
Hey, this is cool. I like Mayor Harris, even though now he reminds me of "Evil Spock" on Star Trek. He seems like a nice, fairly smart, decent kinda guy. Now, of course I don't know much about Fmr. Hizzoner Bowers, although I haven't heard much complaining about most of Roanoke's past leaders. Maybe just me. Maybe just the folks Ive been around, but no one has expressed to me the kind of general hatred and visible signs of destruction a place gets when it has a truly bad mayor. Take, for example, The Honorable David Dinkins.
From Wikipedia: " Dinkins' term was marked by polarizing events including the 1991 Crown Heights riots and the boycott of Korean groceries... In 1991, he signed a law which made it illegal for companies in New York to do business with companies in Ireland that discriminated against Catholics. "
Now thats a legacy. Now I met Hizzoner Dinkins once, and he's not a personally bad guy, but he was not up to tackling NYC. Very few people are really.
But it seems that Roanoke has been fairly lucky in its choices for mayor, none have left a true scar on the city. And no, I will not blame Mayor Harris for the AMWV, that was just bad all around. Its like playing spin the bottle with the finger of blame, it can rest anywhere - and be equally true.
Part of me wonders if this all has to do with the new beard Mayor Harris has grown, maybe he travelled to an alternate dimension or something.
While I do not disagree with Mayor Harris sentiment that business should be more vocal in city politics, I think that should be expanded. Everyone should be more vocal. I've noticed Roanoke seems to think theres something wrong with it, and it needs to be fixed, but no one knows what it is. Well, if you think you know, step up and say something. I believe the land selection for the AMWV should have been a public matter, as it was public land being handed over as well as being used for a public use. Yes, the AMWV is a private concern, but it is for public benifit, making it public space.
As would be any new store that opened in the old Heironymous building, or a new parking garage downtown. Part of the consternation about Victory Stadium is that it has not been put to a vote. Allow it on the ballot in the November elections, choose 4-5 options, and let the people choose. This way, they have only themselves to blame.
And let businesses do what they do, create. Create jobs, create income, producs, etc. etc.
And yes, I do think the Victory Stadium debate is rediculous. While I understand the tactical advantage a visiting team would feel looking down the field, up the mountain, and seeing the star - surely a dominating view. I say tear it down, and rebuild. If you want to do it in the same spot - be prepared to raise the ground up past flood levels, and be prepared to pay more in taxes for that. You heard me, pay more for what you want.
It's not terribly hard to reach accord on issues like this, you just have to find out what the public wants, realize your not going to make everyone happy, and move on from there. But you cannot rely on a poll, or even a council meeting for that, you don't get a representative slice of opinion for that, as odds are your going to wind up with opinions running one way, especially at a council meeting.
Anyway Roanoke, forget the WSLS & Roanoke Times polls - start calling for a referendum. Petition for a more open government, where you have more say. This way you can stop complaining when things don't go your particular way.
Thats my dos centavos.
Technorati tags: politics, roanoke, mayor, council
Hey, this is cool. I like Mayor Harris, even though now he reminds me of "Evil Spock" on Star Trek. He seems like a nice, fairly smart, decent kinda guy. Now, of course I don't know much about Fmr. Hizzoner Bowers, although I haven't heard much complaining about most of Roanoke's past leaders. Maybe just me. Maybe just the folks Ive been around, but no one has expressed to me the kind of general hatred and visible signs of destruction a place gets when it has a truly bad mayor. Take, for example, The Honorable David Dinkins.
From Wikipedia: " Dinkins' term was marked by polarizing events including the 1991 Crown Heights riots and the boycott of Korean groceries... In 1991, he signed a law which made it illegal for companies in New York to do business with companies in Ireland that discriminated against Catholics. "
Now thats a legacy. Now I met Hizzoner Dinkins once, and he's not a personally bad guy, but he was not up to tackling NYC. Very few people are really.
But it seems that Roanoke has been fairly lucky in its choices for mayor, none have left a true scar on the city. And no, I will not blame Mayor Harris for the AMWV, that was just bad all around. Its like playing spin the bottle with the finger of blame, it can rest anywhere - and be equally true.
Part of me wonders if this all has to do with the new beard Mayor Harris has grown, maybe he travelled to an alternate dimension or something.
While I do not disagree with Mayor Harris sentiment that business should be more vocal in city politics, I think that should be expanded. Everyone should be more vocal. I've noticed Roanoke seems to think theres something wrong with it, and it needs to be fixed, but no one knows what it is. Well, if you think you know, step up and say something. I believe the land selection for the AMWV should have been a public matter, as it was public land being handed over as well as being used for a public use. Yes, the AMWV is a private concern, but it is for public benifit, making it public space.
As would be any new store that opened in the old Heironymous building, or a new parking garage downtown. Part of the consternation about Victory Stadium is that it has not been put to a vote. Allow it on the ballot in the November elections, choose 4-5 options, and let the people choose. This way, they have only themselves to blame.
And let businesses do what they do, create. Create jobs, create income, producs, etc. etc.
And yes, I do think the Victory Stadium debate is rediculous. While I understand the tactical advantage a visiting team would feel looking down the field, up the mountain, and seeing the star - surely a dominating view. I say tear it down, and rebuild. If you want to do it in the same spot - be prepared to raise the ground up past flood levels, and be prepared to pay more in taxes for that. You heard me, pay more for what you want.
It's not terribly hard to reach accord on issues like this, you just have to find out what the public wants, realize your not going to make everyone happy, and move on from there. But you cannot rely on a poll, or even a council meeting for that, you don't get a representative slice of opinion for that, as odds are your going to wind up with opinions running one way, especially at a council meeting.
Anyway Roanoke, forget the WSLS & Roanoke Times polls - start calling for a referendum. Petition for a more open government, where you have more say. This way you can stop complaining when things don't go your particular way.
Thats my dos centavos.
Technorati tags: politics, roanoke, mayor, council
9/12/05
Oooh kay....
So where is Roanoke.com? Perhaps they imploded...
Unfortunately, I don't really have much time today to grab the paper. So Im gonna have to wing this one.
Last night I met up with Rhett for the Roanoke Firefighters/9-11 memorial service. It was nice, although I was a bit suprised. Being that it was 9/11, I had been turning most of my thoughts to the 343 FDNY who fell in the towers, along with the 8 (if I remember) who fell here in Roanoke.
Not once did I think of NOLA. Or anywhere along the gulf. As the Firefighter who led the memorial yesterday said - there are 26,000 first responders, fire fighters, and EMT's who could have been effected by Katrina. Numbers for anything else have not come in yet, but thats a total of 26,000 overall.
think.
Unfortunately, I don't really have much time today to grab the paper. So Im gonna have to wing this one.
Last night I met up with Rhett for the Roanoke Firefighters/9-11 memorial service. It was nice, although I was a bit suprised. Being that it was 9/11, I had been turning most of my thoughts to the 343 FDNY who fell in the towers, along with the 8 (if I remember) who fell here in Roanoke.
Not once did I think of NOLA. Or anywhere along the gulf. As the Firefighter who led the memorial yesterday said - there are 26,000 first responders, fire fighters, and EMT's who could have been effected by Katrina. Numbers for anything else have not come in yet, but thats a total of 26,000 overall.
think.
9/11/05
News from The Roanoke Times -Museum breaks ground in symbolic ceremony
WDBJ's coverage.
WSLS's coverage.
Note to all reporting this story: You can't have "Standing Room Only" when your outdoors, in an unrestricted space.
And so begins the "Crack by the Track" saga. I could lambast the VIP's because they are wrong, but I won't. You know what I would say anyway. But the first, easiest, and most visable sign of trouble: They had Mimes.
This is Roanoke people. Yes we had the NASCAR Ballet, and the Wall Ballet, and sometimes we do get a bit nutty with things. But under no circumstances are Mimes acceptable. And these "living paintings"? Just creepy. Nice to see they blew money to have the dirt trucked in like that, now when does construction start?
Oh there will be more.. So much more.. but its Sunday, 9/11.
We have other, more important things to worry about.
WSLS's coverage.
Note to all reporting this story: You can't have "Standing Room Only" when your outdoors, in an unrestricted space.
And so begins the "Crack by the Track" saga. I could lambast the VIP's because they are wrong, but I won't. You know what I would say anyway. But the first, easiest, and most visable sign of trouble: They had Mimes.
This is Roanoke people. Yes we had the NASCAR Ballet, and the Wall Ballet, and sometimes we do get a bit nutty with things. But under no circumstances are Mimes acceptable. And these "living paintings"? Just creepy. Nice to see they blew money to have the dirt trucked in like that, now when does construction start?
Oh there will be more.. So much more.. but its Sunday, 9/11.
We have other, more important things to worry about.
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