News from The Roanoke Times-Celebration marks Irish uprising
Jaysus, it's about time. Thank ya, Mr. Vitolo for hopefully starting a tradition.
If anyone knows Mr. Vitolo, thank him greatly for me. And as for his want to start an Irish-American group here in Roanoke, might I say some people have beaten him to the punch, although they could use the help of your two dozen or so friends.. http://www.aohroanoke.org/
God it feels good to know Im not the only unrepentant Feinian bastard around.
I've said it before though, Roanoke and Dublin are not all that different.
4/17/06
Mystery Guest, please sign in...
I just recieved this, via YouSendIt
It shows a clock, very much like the Colonial American Bank clock on the now HomeTown Bank building downtown.
Except this one is in Beckley, W. Virginia.
Postcard is captioned "Main Street, looking north. Beckley, WV."
And here I thought we were special.
Well, thank you whoever you are what sent this to me. I do appreciate it. If you care to make yourself known, I'd be much obliged. If not, thanks anyway. More fodder for the fire.
It shows a clock, very much like the Colonial American Bank clock on the now HomeTown Bank building downtown.Except this one is in Beckley, W. Virginia.
Postcard is captioned "Main Street, looking north. Beckley, WV."
And here I thought we were special.
Well, thank you whoever you are what sent this to me. I do appreciate it. If you care to make yourself known, I'd be much obliged. If not, thanks anyway. More fodder for the fire.
We've only just begun...
During my wanderings and ramblings downtown, I'm beginning to sense a non-election cycle based disquiet. Now I realize we are in the latter third of an election campaign, but alot of what I am hearing has little to do with the elections.
It would seem a good number of the citizens of Roanoke (aged 20-40ish) are realizing they have no voice in the city. With all the talk of "Who will think of the children??" and the older citizens grumbles about Victory Stadium and how this city will never compare to a real city like Charlotte.
I'm going to say something on behalf of all my fellow non-Baby Boomers out there.
You don't like it. Leave.
Many of the people I talk with, they are happy with the city. They love Roanoke and all it stands for, the history and the people. What they are not happy with is the way the city has been dragged over the coals by the local press, giving the impression this is some jerkwater burg where mud still flows in the streets, ignorant and uneducated citizens sit idly by while the few and rare educated elite attempt to guide the city towards the 21st century, despite the best efforts of the unwashed masses.
This is not so. There are thousands of hard working people here in Roanoke, who want only the best for the city. But after years of seeing the city bend to the will of the small minority of rich, well off businesspeople - they have given up on attempting to make any major changes.
The "conspiracy theory" of Carilion wanting to own this town bears out this point. Carilion is a business, and like any business wants expansion. Inherent in expansion is growth, for both the business and the community. Carilion is not outsourcing nursing jobs, importing nurses from other countries - they are hiring locally. As they are with the Maintanence staff, security, foodservice, housekeeping and all the rest. Growth for Carilion creates growth in the job market. Therefore it is incumbent upon the government to assist and aid Carilion in any way it can, to continue the growth.
Would anyone say no to NS building a new rail yard, complete with maintanence shops, if it would create 100 new jobs?
Certain people view Carilion as a great evil. A big corporation solely concerned with the profit it can generate. But they do so without recognizing the basics of life and business. First off - with a sick and dying population, there is no Carilion. The Hospital and its associated medical community would obviously not be doing its job, and therefore would fall to the wayside.
But who is Carilions closest competiton? Lewis-Gale. A hospital which was recently sold to HCA due to bankrupcy issues. Did Carilion lunge at the opportunity to buy out Lewis-Gale? If they did, I didn't see it. But to be honest, it would serve no purpose for them to do so.
So where is the big evil conspiracy now? Carilion is not building some now monolithic hospital where people formerly resided. About the only think Carilion has done is totally block access to Mill Mountain via the old Incline Railway, but an emergency room has to go somewhere.
There are many people who you do not hear from regularly, people who like Carilion and the work they do - and recognize the value of having such a "healthsystem" here. Charlottesville has one, but Charlottesville also has a university to support it. Roanoke does not, therefore we have Carilion. Any one of the local schools could choose to open a clinic wherever and whenever they wanted. That's a choice they make.
Everyone has a choice, you can either grow and compete in this market, or you can leave. You forfeit your voice when you choose stagnation. You betray the city, yourself, and your neighbors.
The 20-40 year olds have seen this stagnation for a good while now, and are tired of it. They are beginning to recognize the betrayal for what it is. Time is running out for you great thinkers, politicos and pundits, architects of change, and so-called leaders.
The 20-40 year olds are coming to the realization that they have been let down, and will no longer allow it to continue. You might not see it this election cycle, but just wait. They are tired of having a place to call home, but no community to speak of.
Perhaps now might be a good time to embrace the younger generation of Roanoke, and return them to the fold. Before the cost grows dearer, the price paid higher, and the Voice of the People forced upon the town. It's a good time to reach out, rather than ignore.
Discuss it on the messageboard.
It would seem a good number of the citizens of Roanoke (aged 20-40ish) are realizing they have no voice in the city. With all the talk of "Who will think of the children??" and the older citizens grumbles about Victory Stadium and how this city will never compare to a real city like Charlotte.
I'm going to say something on behalf of all my fellow non-Baby Boomers out there.
You don't like it. Leave.
Many of the people I talk with, they are happy with the city. They love Roanoke and all it stands for, the history and the people. What they are not happy with is the way the city has been dragged over the coals by the local press, giving the impression this is some jerkwater burg where mud still flows in the streets, ignorant and uneducated citizens sit idly by while the few and rare educated elite attempt to guide the city towards the 21st century, despite the best efforts of the unwashed masses.
This is not so. There are thousands of hard working people here in Roanoke, who want only the best for the city. But after years of seeing the city bend to the will of the small minority of rich, well off businesspeople - they have given up on attempting to make any major changes.
The "conspiracy theory" of Carilion wanting to own this town bears out this point. Carilion is a business, and like any business wants expansion. Inherent in expansion is growth, for both the business and the community. Carilion is not outsourcing nursing jobs, importing nurses from other countries - they are hiring locally. As they are with the Maintanence staff, security, foodservice, housekeeping and all the rest. Growth for Carilion creates growth in the job market. Therefore it is incumbent upon the government to assist and aid Carilion in any way it can, to continue the growth.
Would anyone say no to NS building a new rail yard, complete with maintanence shops, if it would create 100 new jobs?
Certain people view Carilion as a great evil. A big corporation solely concerned with the profit it can generate. But they do so without recognizing the basics of life and business. First off - with a sick and dying population, there is no Carilion. The Hospital and its associated medical community would obviously not be doing its job, and therefore would fall to the wayside.
But who is Carilions closest competiton? Lewis-Gale. A hospital which was recently sold to HCA due to bankrupcy issues. Did Carilion lunge at the opportunity to buy out Lewis-Gale? If they did, I didn't see it. But to be honest, it would serve no purpose for them to do so.
So where is the big evil conspiracy now? Carilion is not building some now monolithic hospital where people formerly resided. About the only think Carilion has done is totally block access to Mill Mountain via the old Incline Railway, but an emergency room has to go somewhere.
There are many people who you do not hear from regularly, people who like Carilion and the work they do - and recognize the value of having such a "healthsystem" here. Charlottesville has one, but Charlottesville also has a university to support it. Roanoke does not, therefore we have Carilion. Any one of the local schools could choose to open a clinic wherever and whenever they wanted. That's a choice they make.
Everyone has a choice, you can either grow and compete in this market, or you can leave. You forfeit your voice when you choose stagnation. You betray the city, yourself, and your neighbors.
The 20-40 year olds have seen this stagnation for a good while now, and are tired of it. They are beginning to recognize the betrayal for what it is. Time is running out for you great thinkers, politicos and pundits, architects of change, and so-called leaders.
The 20-40 year olds are coming to the realization that they have been let down, and will no longer allow it to continue. You might not see it this election cycle, but just wait. They are tired of having a place to call home, but no community to speak of.
Perhaps now might be a good time to embrace the younger generation of Roanoke, and return them to the fold. Before the cost grows dearer, the price paid higher, and the Voice of the People forced upon the town. It's a good time to reach out, rather than ignore.
Discuss it on the messageboard.
4/16/06
News Flash!!! Local Newspaper caught actually doing its job, crowing about it.
News from The Roanoke Times-Times informs readers about election issues
Imagine that, a newspaper informing its readers.
What is the world coming to?
Imagine that, a newspaper informing its readers.
What is the world coming to?
4/15/06
What a weekend...
Farmers Market WILL be open tomorrow, Easter Sunday. I suppose if your going over the river and through the woods to gramma's house, you should stop and pick something up. Baked goods are always appreciated, as are lovely (and easy to care for) flowers. Ask any vendor whats a good choice for those disinclined to give life to small green things.
Monday and Tuesday will be big days here at Forgotten-Roanoke.com
A delayed podcast, a delayed site update, and anything else I've been delayed upon finishing will be done then.
Once again, I direct your attention to the messageboard link to the top right of this post. Above the bio.
Registration is free and easy, and it's good for all sorts of stuff, so why not sign up? Even if you never intend to use it, sign up anyway. It will make me feel better, and don't you want me to be happy?
Of course you do.
Happy Passover to my Judaic brethren, Happy Easter to my God-fellas.
Although, anyone ever wonder why the Easter Bunny leaves chocolate versions of himself to be devoured cannibal-style? That bunny has me wonderin.
Monday and Tuesday will be big days here at Forgotten-Roanoke.com
A delayed podcast, a delayed site update, and anything else I've been delayed upon finishing will be done then.
Once again, I direct your attention to the messageboard link to the top right of this post. Above the bio.
Registration is free and easy, and it's good for all sorts of stuff, so why not sign up? Even if you never intend to use it, sign up anyway. It will make me feel better, and don't you want me to be happy?
Of course you do.
Happy Passover to my Judaic brethren, Happy Easter to my God-fellas.
Although, anyone ever wonder why the Easter Bunny leaves chocolate versions of himself to be devoured cannibal-style? That bunny has me wonderin.
4/13/06
You want a reason to fight? To not lay down and just take it?
You dont need a reason. You just need to remember. This nation was built on the backs of people like this, Roanoke was built the same way.
Courtesy of the NY Daily News, the transcript of the audio recordings from Flight 93, September 11th, 2001.
Excerpts from the cockpit tapes of Flight 93. The Arabic has been translated into English:
9:31
Hijacker: Ladies and gentlemen, here the captain, please sit down keep remaining seating. We have a bomb on board. So sit.
9:34
Hijacker: Down!
Passenger: Please, please don’t hurt me.
Hijacker: Down. No more.
Passenger: Oh, God.
9:35
Passenger: I don’t want to die
Hijacker: No, no. Down, down
Passenger: I don’t want to die. I don’t want to die.
9:52
Hijacker: The best thing: the guys will go in, lift up the ... unintelligible... and they put the ax into it. So everyone will be scared.
9:57
Hijacker: A fight?
Hijacker: Let’s go guys.
Hijacker: Allah is greatest. Allah is greatest. Oh guys. Allah is greatest.
Sounds of struggle
Hijacker: They want to get in here. Hold, hold from the inside.
9:59
Hijacker: There are some guys. All those guys.
Passenger: Let’s get them
10:00
Hijacker: Is that it? Shall we finish it off?
Hijacker: No, not yet.
Hijacker: When they all come, we finish it off.
Someone cries out
Passenger: I’m injured.
More shouts
Hijacker: Oh Allah. Oh Allah. Oh Gracious
Passenger: In the cockpit. If we don’t, we’ll die.
Passenger: Roll it
10:02
Passenger: Move. Move.
Passenger: Turn it up.
Hijacker: Pull it down. Pull it down.
Planes starts to flip over
Passenger: Push, push, push, push, push, push.
Hijacker: Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest.
Passenger: No!
Hijacker: Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest.
with the realization that the whole plane was going belly-up, they still fought.
Would you?
Courtesy of the NY Daily News, the transcript of the audio recordings from Flight 93, September 11th, 2001.
Excerpts from the cockpit tapes of Flight 93. The Arabic has been translated into English:
9:31
Hijacker: Ladies and gentlemen, here the captain, please sit down keep remaining seating. We have a bomb on board. So sit.
9:34
Hijacker: Down!
Passenger: Please, please don’t hurt me.
Hijacker: Down. No more.
Passenger: Oh, God.
9:35
Passenger: I don’t want to die
Hijacker: No, no. Down, down
Passenger: I don’t want to die. I don’t want to die.
9:52
Hijacker: The best thing: the guys will go in, lift up the ... unintelligible... and they put the ax into it. So everyone will be scared.
9:57
Hijacker: A fight?
Hijacker: Let’s go guys.
Hijacker: Allah is greatest. Allah is greatest. Oh guys. Allah is greatest.
Sounds of struggle
Hijacker: They want to get in here. Hold, hold from the inside.
9:59
Hijacker: There are some guys. All those guys.
Passenger: Let’s get them
10:00
Hijacker: Is that it? Shall we finish it off?
Hijacker: No, not yet.
Hijacker: When they all come, we finish it off.
Someone cries out
Passenger: I’m injured.
More shouts
Hijacker: Oh Allah. Oh Allah. Oh Gracious
Passenger: In the cockpit. If we don’t, we’ll die.
Passenger: Roll it
10:02
Passenger: Move. Move.
Passenger: Turn it up.
Hijacker: Pull it down. Pull it down.
Planes starts to flip over
Passenger: Push, push, push, push, push, push.
Hijacker: Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest.
Passenger: No!
Hijacker: Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest.
with the realization that the whole plane was going belly-up, they still fought.
Would you?
I feel the need to say something.
The Roanoke Times has an article up today. Im not going to post the name of it, but you'll know it when you see it.
My issue is not that they publish the article, its how Reed Williams (who Im sure will be getting alot of mail soon) and the Higher-ups at the Times allow details which have nothing to do with the simple reporting of the story to get in the way.
I could have edited this article down to about 3 lines, informative but not rife with details.
Personally, this speaks to me of some low-class work. Poorly written, poorly structured, and oh, the headline. Thats going to stick in the minds of many for a while.
#1 Daily Newspaper (in areas with newspapers, readers, and competition among newspapers - 2 out of 3 the times does not have) in the USA? Not like this.
My issue is not that they publish the article, its how Reed Williams (who Im sure will be getting alot of mail soon) and the Higher-ups at the Times allow details which have nothing to do with the simple reporting of the story to get in the way.
I could have edited this article down to about 3 lines, informative but not rife with details.
Personally, this speaks to me of some low-class work. Poorly written, poorly structured, and oh, the headline. Thats going to stick in the minds of many for a while.
#1 Daily Newspaper (in areas with newspapers, readers, and competition among newspapers - 2 out of 3 the times does not have) in the USA? Not like this.
4/12/06
To those about to Rock
A question for you
Ampitheatre on the grounds of the former Victory Stadium?
Good idea, but what about parking? and why build from scratch...
You have 2 halves of a whole stadium allready. Pick the better one, keep it - tear down the other one. Add a second half at an angle to the first, connect with a stage area and youre done.
And look, you've kept the spirit of VS alive by keeping a large section of it. And, if you leave the grounds natural (ie. don't asphalt everything over) you can continue sports there. Amphitheatre, or baseball stadium?
Concert setup:
Left side, bleacher-style seating. Center, field level seating (bring your own seat). Right, bleacher-style seating.
Game setup:
Left, bleachers. Center, game field. Right, bleachers.
Not so different than it is now, just more flexible. And a ton cheaper than full demo and full construction.
But thats just me, and no one ever listens to me.
Ampitheatre on the grounds of the former Victory Stadium?
Good idea, but what about parking? and why build from scratch...
You have 2 halves of a whole stadium allready. Pick the better one, keep it - tear down the other one. Add a second half at an angle to the first, connect with a stage area and youre done.
And look, you've kept the spirit of VS alive by keeping a large section of it. And, if you leave the grounds natural (ie. don't asphalt everything over) you can continue sports there. Amphitheatre, or baseball stadium?
Concert setup:
Left side, bleacher-style seating. Center, field level seating (bring your own seat). Right, bleacher-style seating.
Game setup:
Left, bleachers. Center, game field. Right, bleachers.
Not so different than it is now, just more flexible. And a ton cheaper than full demo and full construction.
But thats just me, and no one ever listens to me.
Political stories from The Roanoke Times-'For the City' wants Fleming stadium in '08
Political stories from The Roanoke Times-'For the City' wants Fleming stadium in '08: "With the money on the school side of the ledger, any future council attempting to quickly reassemble money for a Victory Stadium renovation would have to ask the school board to return all or part of the $8.2 million school stadium money."
Um.. No.
No they would not. Short answer as to why, private donations and private money combined with public funds could revamp Victory Stadium, build the Amphitheatre, and do whatever else the city feels is warranted to benefit the population.
Shall we think a touch more short-sighted?
Sheesh.
Um.. No.
No they would not. Short answer as to why, private donations and private money combined with public funds could revamp Victory Stadium, build the Amphitheatre, and do whatever else the city feels is warranted to benefit the population.
Shall we think a touch more short-sighted?
Sheesh.
4/11/06
I am not going to launch the page just yet
As I still have some minimal work to do on it. Photos need to be sourced, html needs to be cleaned up. I can give you an idea though.
If it were a radio show; it would be "All Things Fizz..."
T'were a TV show; "All My Bubbles"
T'were a movie; "Taps to the Future"
Helping any?
I am continually suprised by the little things about this city. The number of candy factories which existed back nearly 80 years ago, the bakeries and bars, the restaurants and grocers. To duplicate the choices available to Roanokers 80 years ago, one would need to double the size of downtown easily. So someone explain to me why we have sank to a reliance on supermarkets for our baked goods, a sad amount of community watering-holes (CB does not count as a community bar), and can anyone point out to me the local confectionary factory?
Even the choices in restaurants is limited these days. I should not say that, the scope of the restaurants we do have is limited. Billy's Ritz is Frankie Rowland's is Trio is Metro is Dolce. Why do I have to go halfway to the airport on Williamson to get decent REAL mexican/spanish food?
Bah.. thats what I get for talking to Chef K. Hungry.
Where's the butchers that used to inhabit the Market building? There's one now, on the Farmer's Market, with prices far less than what you would pay at Kroger, and a better quality of meat. But where's his competition?
It's nice to see news that the Hotel Roanoke is going to get some competition in the upscale hotel business, Cambria Suites. Upscale, yet affordable.
But Roanoke needs more competition, more options, more choices.
I think so anyway, I don't like having to go to Kroger or Wal-Mart for stuff that I know could be done better by a locally owned business. I'd spend the extra buck to get quality rather than save it and sacrifice quality.
Word of warning, Kroger does not bake cakes. They come in frozen. Wal-Mart does not bake them either. Food Lion has Carvel Ice Cream Cakes, and they are better than just about any frozen "baked" cake out there. Have yet to see a shop here do that either.
Ok, Im off to enjoy a lovely day and continue finishing the new page. Go do the same.
If it were a radio show; it would be "All Things Fizz..."
T'were a TV show; "All My Bubbles"
T'were a movie; "Taps to the Future"
Helping any?
I am continually suprised by the little things about this city. The number of candy factories which existed back nearly 80 years ago, the bakeries and bars, the restaurants and grocers. To duplicate the choices available to Roanokers 80 years ago, one would need to double the size of downtown easily. So someone explain to me why we have sank to a reliance on supermarkets for our baked goods, a sad amount of community watering-holes (CB does not count as a community bar), and can anyone point out to me the local confectionary factory?
Even the choices in restaurants is limited these days. I should not say that, the scope of the restaurants we do have is limited. Billy's Ritz is Frankie Rowland's is Trio is Metro is Dolce. Why do I have to go halfway to the airport on Williamson to get decent REAL mexican/spanish food?
Bah.. thats what I get for talking to Chef K. Hungry.
Where's the butchers that used to inhabit the Market building? There's one now, on the Farmer's Market, with prices far less than what you would pay at Kroger, and a better quality of meat. But where's his competition?
It's nice to see news that the Hotel Roanoke is going to get some competition in the upscale hotel business, Cambria Suites. Upscale, yet affordable.
But Roanoke needs more competition, more options, more choices.
I think so anyway, I don't like having to go to Kroger or Wal-Mart for stuff that I know could be done better by a locally owned business. I'd spend the extra buck to get quality rather than save it and sacrifice quality.
Word of warning, Kroger does not bake cakes. They come in frozen. Wal-Mart does not bake them either. Food Lion has Carvel Ice Cream Cakes, and they are better than just about any frozen "baked" cake out there. Have yet to see a shop here do that either.
Ok, Im off to enjoy a lovely day and continue finishing the new page. Go do the same.
4/10/06
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*
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.
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)
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)
4/9/06
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.
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.
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.
4/8/06
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.
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.
4/7/06
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
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.
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.
4/6/06
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.
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.
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