Hear ye! Hear ye!
Let it be known to all and sundry that at 6:01am today, the temperature was 78 degrees.
Also let it be known that I was not happy about that, and generally wanted nothing to do with it.
That is all..
8/3/06
8/2/06
The real State of the City (Part 2)
Picking up the drumbeat where we left off last time, the Mayor is now shifting his focus from extolling the virtues of a Victory Stadium-Free Roanoke and telling us how lucky we all are to be hosting (as a region) the US Challenge. And as wonderful and lucky as we all are to be gifted with such things, there are still a few key matters which hover above us.
The Market District plan, part 18a.
For the first time since Design '79, the public was directly involved in the process of brainstorming ideas for perking up the Downtown Market District. We were made aware of some immediate changes, the most important of them being the replacement of the vendor canopies.
Another "coming soon" item - a set of stairs leading from near the DogMouth Fountain on Salem and Market up to the Summertime Blast Furnace that is the pedestrian bridge. At least thats the best interpretation I can come up with. The way it actually reads is "Creation of a stepped plaza to draw people from the pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks into the city market."
I guess the escalators are too vague for the average visitor. Of course, I am not totally against this. I actually rather like the idea of having sweeping, dramatic steps against which the local youth (disenfranchised and bored) can sit, skateboard, and generally hang out. The panhandlers downtown would be given immediate access to those travellers who come across from the Hotel Roanoke.
No, but seriously - I think its cool. If done right, that is. My only question would be, where will the Wintery, Non-Denominational - yet Festive Tree go? Near as I can figure, the stairs will have to eliminate a good portion of the grass there.
Improving the City Market building can be done simply. Stop attempting to charge $2,000 a month in rent for 400 sq. feet of space, and end the current policy of "non-competition." Allow any non-franchise business access, offer the current and future businesses the option of being a "daytime only" establishment and taking a space inside the building, or operating days/nights/weekends on the outside rim of the building.
Yes, Williamson Rd. should be developed. Controlled, but developed. Once the new Art Museum and Floating Battleship (you didn't think it had a foundation did you?) is finished, I say the City should ask the Art Museum to vacate the warehouse at Norfolk and 3rd. That would free up a nice sized chunk of retail space, along with parking. And considering how nice a deal the AMWV got from the City, I'd say it would only be fair.
The Market Garage as a residence or hotel? You have got to be kidding me. With the quantifiable properties in direct access to the Market, and you want to offer a garage? Why not the parking lot behind WSLS while your at it? And those abandoned buildings on Salem down past.. no, scratch that last one. It's being done as we speak.
If this is indicitave of the business sense of the City, then it is a wonder we managed to come this far.
The first thing that should be done is a full and total inventory of every building within 8 blocks of the Market. Recording address, physical proximities (market.library.hospital), and condition. From that inventory, a database of the Marketable Market district, and the Unmarketable Market. Then the work begins.. how to make the Unmarketable, marketable. THAT is thinking strategically.
Without question, basic repairs AND upgrades should be made to the market stalls - and should have been made before.
I do wonder how the City Council and Mayor define the Market Area. It would seem a limited slice of the whole, from 2nd to 581, Shenandoah to Elm. Live, work, and play - in an area smaller than New York's Central Park. Unless you are looking to build more high rises, it's unlikely.
And stop pointing to the Art Museum as a "sign of great things to come." There are still no assurances that the construction will be completed, and with the sudden "no comment" policy to local businesses directly impacted by the construction - the plot seems deeper than the gravel and reinforced concrete piers it will be built upon.
Full disclosure - I happen by the construction site twice a day in my travels, and see many things - and hear even more. Insect infestations, water damage, and more - all a result of the construction.
I congradulate VACO on the expansion of it's business, and welcome the new retail space which will be added to Market St. Replacing a poorly-placed parking lot (with one interesting painted advertisement) with more jobs, more opportunities, and more commerce.
I have a choice here, stop now - and deal with the Drive for Youth movement the city is proposing, or try and jam it into this post.
Reading over the Mayor's comments - I feel this part needs it's own chapter. This is where the battles must be fought.
Refresh yourself with the subject matter here. And prepare to see the battlefield.
The Market District plan, part 18a.
For the first time since Design '79, the public was directly involved in the process of brainstorming ideas for perking up the Downtown Market District. We were made aware of some immediate changes, the most important of them being the replacement of the vendor canopies.
Another "coming soon" item - a set of stairs leading from near the DogMouth Fountain on Salem and Market up to the Summertime Blast Furnace that is the pedestrian bridge. At least thats the best interpretation I can come up with. The way it actually reads is "Creation of a stepped plaza to draw people from the pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks into the city market."
I guess the escalators are too vague for the average visitor. Of course, I am not totally against this. I actually rather like the idea of having sweeping, dramatic steps against which the local youth (disenfranchised and bored) can sit, skateboard, and generally hang out. The panhandlers downtown would be given immediate access to those travellers who come across from the Hotel Roanoke.
No, but seriously - I think its cool. If done right, that is. My only question would be, where will the Wintery, Non-Denominational - yet Festive Tree go? Near as I can figure, the stairs will have to eliminate a good portion of the grass there.
Improving the City Market building can be done simply. Stop attempting to charge $2,000 a month in rent for 400 sq. feet of space, and end the current policy of "non-competition." Allow any non-franchise business access, offer the current and future businesses the option of being a "daytime only" establishment and taking a space inside the building, or operating days/nights/weekends on the outside rim of the building.
Yes, Williamson Rd. should be developed. Controlled, but developed. Once the new Art Museum and Floating Battleship (you didn't think it had a foundation did you?) is finished, I say the City should ask the Art Museum to vacate the warehouse at Norfolk and 3rd. That would free up a nice sized chunk of retail space, along with parking. And considering how nice a deal the AMWV got from the City, I'd say it would only be fair.
The Market Garage as a residence or hotel? You have got to be kidding me. With the quantifiable properties in direct access to the Market, and you want to offer a garage? Why not the parking lot behind WSLS while your at it? And those abandoned buildings on Salem down past.. no, scratch that last one. It's being done as we speak.
If this is indicitave of the business sense of the City, then it is a wonder we managed to come this far.
The first thing that should be done is a full and total inventory of every building within 8 blocks of the Market. Recording address, physical proximities (market.library.hospital), and condition. From that inventory, a database of the Marketable Market district, and the Unmarketable Market. Then the work begins.. how to make the Unmarketable, marketable. THAT is thinking strategically.
Without question, basic repairs AND upgrades should be made to the market stalls - and should have been made before.
I do wonder how the City Council and Mayor define the Market Area. It would seem a limited slice of the whole, from 2nd to 581, Shenandoah to Elm. Live, work, and play - in an area smaller than New York's Central Park. Unless you are looking to build more high rises, it's unlikely.
And stop pointing to the Art Museum as a "sign of great things to come." There are still no assurances that the construction will be completed, and with the sudden "no comment" policy to local businesses directly impacted by the construction - the plot seems deeper than the gravel and reinforced concrete piers it will be built upon.
Full disclosure - I happen by the construction site twice a day in my travels, and see many things - and hear even more. Insect infestations, water damage, and more - all a result of the construction.
I congradulate VACO on the expansion of it's business, and welcome the new retail space which will be added to Market St. Replacing a poorly-placed parking lot (with one interesting painted advertisement) with more jobs, more opportunities, and more commerce.
I have a choice here, stop now - and deal with the Drive for Youth movement the city is proposing, or try and jam it into this post.
Reading over the Mayor's comments - I feel this part needs it's own chapter. This is where the battles must be fought.
Refresh yourself with the subject matter here. And prepare to see the battlefield.
8/1/06
Roanoke firefighter files grievance against city over job transfer
(article here)
Remember what I said months ago about the employees of the city working in a state of fear of retailiation from the Head of Human Resources (aka the city manager)? This proves my point exactly.
To some it may look like errant whining, but think about this - when you single out the head of a group (and it was easy to do, it's as simple as running a whois search on the domain name) and take action against them, your attempting to send a message.
I have a feeling this time, it might just backfire in the city's face.
Hi there.
I run a website, and a blog.
I have said unkind things about the city government in the course of the blog.
It's called "an opinion."
And should you attempt to retailiate, you better do it honestly. Come to me with facts, and let's debate. Take action, and face the darker side of the internet.
It's every man, woman, and childs god given right to bitch and moan about things they don't like. And nobody can take that away.
Nobody.
Remember what I said months ago about the employees of the city working in a state of fear of retailiation from the Head of Human Resources (aka the city manager)? This proves my point exactly.
To some it may look like errant whining, but think about this - when you single out the head of a group (and it was easy to do, it's as simple as running a whois search on the domain name) and take action against them, your attempting to send a message.
I have a feeling this time, it might just backfire in the city's face.
Hi there.
I run a website, and a blog.
I have said unkind things about the city government in the course of the blog.
It's called "an opinion."
And should you attempt to retailiate, you better do it honestly. Come to me with facts, and let's debate. Take action, and face the darker side of the internet.
It's every man, woman, and childs god given right to bitch and moan about things they don't like. And nobody can take that away.
Nobody.
7/31/06
Someone is out to get me...
And I think they work for the Roanoke Times.
See, this weekend they went right for the throat. Printed things they KNEW would get my blood boiling, and would raise the level on my blog here.
Well no such luck.
Sure I read the Ed Hall peice (Take a chance, make Roanoke cool.)and I too sat bewildered as one of the top Commercial Real Estate leaders in Roanoke spells out his dream of peace, love, and puppies in the Art Museum (all visible from the invisible Mill Mountain Inn (which cannot be built the way Ed lays out - due to a large LANDMARK star, 2 overlooks, and a zoo being in the way, not to mention the personal property of a taxpaying homeowner)).
But no, thats a softball for me. I like a challenge.
Then todays business section, "'Retirement jobs' are in demand by boomers". Oh the fun I could have with that one. You know, like perhaps the problem with the lack of "workers with experience" is that the Boomers will not step aside (as was done for them by the preceeding generations) and retire giving them the opportunity for advancement and learning those skills? It smacks of systematic lazyness, and a soft comfort knowing you have employees you have counted on for years still on the payroll. Rather than take the risk and allow some new brains on the floor to do the job, they would rather keep what they know.
Employer loyalty has been a subject hotly discussed among my co-workers and I lately. All of us have varying experience in the food industry, some have worked in it longer than others and some have worked other fields (as I did with my time in retail) - but the one common thread is the lack of loyalty in the workplace. There is no consideration to retaining the best and brightest, no willingness to compete to keep the competent ones. If I were to recieve an offer tomorrow for a job that pays more doing the same thing I am doing now (with the competition, for arguements sake) - I know with 100% faith that my current employer would wish me good luck, so long...
There is no reward for hard work, no reason to strive to keep yourself and the company doing the best it can. Everyone is expendable, whereas in the past it was 'Everyone is expendable, some at a higher cost.'
So lets see, pension - social security - possibly investments, and you still want to work? Then where is my opportunity? If you suck up 5% of the entire payroll budget for the department, and the other 95% is taken up (in varying chunks) by the rest of the staff - where is my opportunity?
And a 2% a year raise on a minimal hourly salary (we will say $9) is hardly worth the effort. At that rate, it would take me 5 years to go up a full dollar in pay. I've heard it said that the 2% raise is there to encourage people to move up, to advance. I've personally been told that, only to find out that the 2% is across the board, for everyone short of the manager. Who has been there 10 years, and shows no sign - nor has any plans, of going anywhere.
Truth of it is, there seems to be very little reward for experience and effort these days. And with the Boomers sticking around the workforce even longer, the situation will not improve unless the younger crowd strikes out on it's own and goes into head to head competition with the existing businesses.
But thats a topic for another time. The focus now is on getting the page ready for tomorrow nights roll out, the podcast seamless as a vintage radio show, and the HQ packed up and ready to roll.
Oh, and in my spare time - continuing the deconstruction of Mr. Mayor's State of the City Speech.
I hope your all taking notes, you will be tested.
See, this weekend they went right for the throat. Printed things they KNEW would get my blood boiling, and would raise the level on my blog here.
Well no such luck.
Sure I read the Ed Hall peice (Take a chance, make Roanoke cool.)and I too sat bewildered as one of the top Commercial Real Estate leaders in Roanoke spells out his dream of peace, love, and puppies in the Art Museum (all visible from the invisible Mill Mountain Inn (which cannot be built the way Ed lays out - due to a large LANDMARK star, 2 overlooks, and a zoo being in the way, not to mention the personal property of a taxpaying homeowner)).
But no, thats a softball for me. I like a challenge.
Then todays business section, "'Retirement jobs' are in demand by boomers". Oh the fun I could have with that one. You know, like perhaps the problem with the lack of "workers with experience" is that the Boomers will not step aside (as was done for them by the preceeding generations) and retire giving them the opportunity for advancement and learning those skills? It smacks of systematic lazyness, and a soft comfort knowing you have employees you have counted on for years still on the payroll. Rather than take the risk and allow some new brains on the floor to do the job, they would rather keep what they know.
Employer loyalty has been a subject hotly discussed among my co-workers and I lately. All of us have varying experience in the food industry, some have worked in it longer than others and some have worked other fields (as I did with my time in retail) - but the one common thread is the lack of loyalty in the workplace. There is no consideration to retaining the best and brightest, no willingness to compete to keep the competent ones. If I were to recieve an offer tomorrow for a job that pays more doing the same thing I am doing now (with the competition, for arguements sake) - I know with 100% faith that my current employer would wish me good luck, so long...
There is no reward for hard work, no reason to strive to keep yourself and the company doing the best it can. Everyone is expendable, whereas in the past it was 'Everyone is expendable, some at a higher cost.'
So lets see, pension - social security - possibly investments, and you still want to work? Then where is my opportunity? If you suck up 5% of the entire payroll budget for the department, and the other 95% is taken up (in varying chunks) by the rest of the staff - where is my opportunity?
And a 2% a year raise on a minimal hourly salary (we will say $9) is hardly worth the effort. At that rate, it would take me 5 years to go up a full dollar in pay. I've heard it said that the 2% raise is there to encourage people to move up, to advance. I've personally been told that, only to find out that the 2% is across the board, for everyone short of the manager. Who has been there 10 years, and shows no sign - nor has any plans, of going anywhere.
Truth of it is, there seems to be very little reward for experience and effort these days. And with the Boomers sticking around the workforce even longer, the situation will not improve unless the younger crowd strikes out on it's own and goes into head to head competition with the existing businesses.
But thats a topic for another time. The focus now is on getting the page ready for tomorrow nights roll out, the podcast seamless as a vintage radio show, and the HQ packed up and ready to roll.
Oh, and in my spare time - continuing the deconstruction of Mr. Mayor's State of the City Speech.
I hope your all taking notes, you will be tested.
7/28/06
The real State of the City (part 1)
Begin the drums.. sound the march - the City of Roanoke is at war.
Mayor Harris was right in stating that Roanoke is a changing city, but its the change itself that is causing the battles to be moved from the larger scale of politics, to the street to street - house to house battle more common of guerilla tactics.
We saw earlier this year wildfires on the ridgelines.. and we know how rapidly a fire can grow and spread from the news of California and the like. Roanoke has come to this; the wildfire-like spread of rumor and 'beliefs' can cripple a town. The alleged plot by Carilion to seek the land under Victory Stadium for it's own purposes, the deal for Countryside Golf, the delusion of prosperity just around the corner, the self-inflated real estate market (see the "desireable Garage on Campbell" for example), the lowering of property taxes while raising cigarette taxes.
All prime examples of the "feel good/do nothing" attitude of the city government. If it makes the citizens feel good, but accomplishes nothing for them - then so be it. As long as the citzenry 'feels' good. But the illusion has shattered, as the city itself has gone too far in its efforts to quell the battle.
There is no single stand-alone example of this. The city effectively washed its hands of the tainted Art Museum deal by selling them the property, it removed the ability of the citizens to question the design, or the motivation. Turning what is alleged to be a "public improvement" into a private venture for the public good. But leaving no chance for the citizens to have a say.
The Victory Stadium deal was a sealed fate years before this action was taken. The bricks and structure having suffered from floods, weathering, and a Dave Matthews concert, the stadium was beyond it's time. The citizens approval/disapproval meant little to the fate of the stadium. Had it served the city's purposes - the battle would be ongoing. Those 3 For the City canidates, now councilmembers - accomplished little. They were clever dupes, used to bring the "monied" citizenry on board. Who would not think that what a psychologist, a woman deep rooted in education, and a financial wizard/mentor and counselor have to say on the topic would be wrong?
Alot of people disagreed. The real problem was the fact of having too many choices. The combined votes against the trio gave indications that perhaps the popular vote was not as unanimous as was reported.
I still await a real challenge for these 2, as Mr. Dowe has been a member of the City Council since 2002. He has faced his share of victory and defeat, all while leaving a clearly unremarkable record.
I have yet to see one member of the council stand up for something, anything, that was not associated with Victory Stadium. And I actually like most of them. I just wish they were a bit more passionate.
But this is about the state of the city, and the current atomsphere of warfare.
To refer to the former Victory Stadium site as having "potential amenities the community may wish to include" is a slap in the face to anyone who loves this city. What the mayor, and by extension most of the city council are referring to is this: Prepare yourselves for another long, drawn out march of experts / pollsters / studies. In a war, this part is usually termed a "quagmire."
The mayor tells us how lucky we are to be hosting (as a region) the 2006 US Challenge. National exposure for the event, and footnote exposure for Roanoke. The lovely backdrop for for a new version of "battle of the network stars."
I want to thank the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau for the hard work they do, and the wonderful Welcome Center they have created at the Norfolk Western Station.
Yes, I do believe there are some highlights in this current adminstration, several programs you have never heard of come to mind. One of which I will be telling you about in late August. Very hush-hush.
(End of Part 1)
Mayor Harris was right in stating that Roanoke is a changing city, but its the change itself that is causing the battles to be moved from the larger scale of politics, to the street to street - house to house battle more common of guerilla tactics.
We saw earlier this year wildfires on the ridgelines.. and we know how rapidly a fire can grow and spread from the news of California and the like. Roanoke has come to this; the wildfire-like spread of rumor and 'beliefs' can cripple a town. The alleged plot by Carilion to seek the land under Victory Stadium for it's own purposes, the deal for Countryside Golf, the delusion of prosperity just around the corner, the self-inflated real estate market (see the "desireable Garage on Campbell" for example), the lowering of property taxes while raising cigarette taxes.
All prime examples of the "feel good/do nothing" attitude of the city government. If it makes the citizens feel good, but accomplishes nothing for them - then so be it. As long as the citzenry 'feels' good. But the illusion has shattered, as the city itself has gone too far in its efforts to quell the battle.
There is no single stand-alone example of this. The city effectively washed its hands of the tainted Art Museum deal by selling them the property, it removed the ability of the citizens to question the design, or the motivation. Turning what is alleged to be a "public improvement" into a private venture for the public good. But leaving no chance for the citizens to have a say.
The Victory Stadium deal was a sealed fate years before this action was taken. The bricks and structure having suffered from floods, weathering, and a Dave Matthews concert, the stadium was beyond it's time. The citizens approval/disapproval meant little to the fate of the stadium. Had it served the city's purposes - the battle would be ongoing. Those 3 For the City canidates, now councilmembers - accomplished little. They were clever dupes, used to bring the "monied" citizenry on board. Who would not think that what a psychologist, a woman deep rooted in education, and a financial wizard/mentor and counselor have to say on the topic would be wrong?
Alot of people disagreed. The real problem was the fact of having too many choices. The combined votes against the trio gave indications that perhaps the popular vote was not as unanimous as was reported.
I still await a real challenge for these 2, as Mr. Dowe has been a member of the City Council since 2002. He has faced his share of victory and defeat, all while leaving a clearly unremarkable record.
I have yet to see one member of the council stand up for something, anything, that was not associated with Victory Stadium. And I actually like most of them. I just wish they were a bit more passionate.
But this is about the state of the city, and the current atomsphere of warfare.
To refer to the former Victory Stadium site as having "potential amenities the community may wish to include" is a slap in the face to anyone who loves this city. What the mayor, and by extension most of the city council are referring to is this: Prepare yourselves for another long, drawn out march of experts / pollsters / studies. In a war, this part is usually termed a "quagmire."
The mayor tells us how lucky we are to be hosting (as a region) the 2006 US Challenge. National exposure for the event, and footnote exposure for Roanoke. The lovely backdrop for for a new version of "battle of the network stars."
I want to thank the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau for the hard work they do, and the wonderful Welcome Center they have created at the Norfolk Western Station.
Yes, I do believe there are some highlights in this current adminstration, several programs you have never heard of come to mind. One of which I will be telling you about in late August. Very hush-hush.
(End of Part 1)
Weekends here!
And I have a few things in the works - including the new page I promised you (look for it Sunday evening), a podcast (monday morning), and a few choice posts I've been rolling around my brain.
First off - Im terribly sorry that the price of gas has not come down yet. Im sure theres a good reason for it. *shakes magic 8-ball* Remember you can track it on the right side of the screen.
2nd - Panera Bread (Tanglewood Mall) opens today. It's the Starbucks of the bread world - a spin off of a mall-based chain of bakeries. And sadly, it's the closest thing Roanoke has to a real bakery (exception being On the Rise, but they are a bread-only bakery). Hopefully this will spur competition, as the complaints about Kroger cakes and WalMart cakes are coming fast and furious these days. However, Food Lion carrys Carvel Ice Cream cakes. And you really can't get much better than that.
Thirdly - You remember how I told you all in the past that the city still retains its historic charm, regardless of what crud building they choose to put up? I'll have proof of that this weekend. I'll show you where you can look back nearly 100+ years in time, and see the past clearer than one would ever expect. And it's right beneath your noses.
Fourth, and finally - I would like to hear your suggestions for topics and places to explore. I'd like to know what the people are interested in, and as long as its not Victory Stadium (which I have explained time and time again), I'll do my best to deliver. Heck, if your looking to buy a home in the city - give me the address, or a rough approximation thereof and I can tell you the basic story behind the neighborhood. Sometimes I can get specific about the house itself.
Also, keep your eyes open for the Mill Mountain Zoo Barnes & Noble donation coupons we will be peppering downtown with. August 16th, any book purchased at Barnes and Noble at Tanglewood will have a portion of its purchase price donated to the Mill Mountain Zoo, provided you have the coupon. So we are printing up a bunch of them, in hopes that you will take one and do just that. Support the Zoo.
Well, enjoy this miserable weather. 6am and 75 degrees out.. Im ready for fall, or even winter for that matter. Not long now though anyway.
First off - Im terribly sorry that the price of gas has not come down yet. Im sure theres a good reason for it. *shakes magic 8-ball* Remember you can track it on the right side of the screen.
2nd - Panera Bread (Tanglewood Mall) opens today. It's the Starbucks of the bread world - a spin off of a mall-based chain of bakeries. And sadly, it's the closest thing Roanoke has to a real bakery (exception being On the Rise, but they are a bread-only bakery). Hopefully this will spur competition, as the complaints about Kroger cakes and WalMart cakes are coming fast and furious these days. However, Food Lion carrys Carvel Ice Cream cakes. And you really can't get much better than that.
Thirdly - You remember how I told you all in the past that the city still retains its historic charm, regardless of what crud building they choose to put up? I'll have proof of that this weekend. I'll show you where you can look back nearly 100+ years in time, and see the past clearer than one would ever expect. And it's right beneath your noses.
Fourth, and finally - I would like to hear your suggestions for topics and places to explore. I'd like to know what the people are interested in, and as long as its not Victory Stadium (which I have explained time and time again), I'll do my best to deliver. Heck, if your looking to buy a home in the city - give me the address, or a rough approximation thereof and I can tell you the basic story behind the neighborhood. Sometimes I can get specific about the house itself.
Also, keep your eyes open for the Mill Mountain Zoo Barnes & Noble donation coupons we will be peppering downtown with. August 16th, any book purchased at Barnes and Noble at Tanglewood will have a portion of its purchase price donated to the Mill Mountain Zoo, provided you have the coupon. So we are printing up a bunch of them, in hopes that you will take one and do just that. Support the Zoo.
Well, enjoy this miserable weather. 6am and 75 degrees out.. Im ready for fall, or even winter for that matter. Not long now though anyway.
7/26/06
Ok Ok I know...
You are all waiting for my counter to the State of the City speech, and you will have it. In due time.
Theres alot to digest in this speech.. a whole lot.
But keep your eyes open - it will come.
(edited@10:15p - added link to speech )
Theres alot to digest in this speech.. a whole lot.
But keep your eyes open - it will come.
(edited@10:15p - added link to speech )
7/25/06
Oh - about that...
That tag-team post I had planned with Chef K, well - our schedules never quite matched up, so instead he put up a post over on his blog. ChefKofRoanoke
Slightly toned down from what he was telling me earlier last week, but a hell of a good read none the less.
Slightly toned down from what he was telling me earlier last week, but a hell of a good read none the less.
Op/Ed page - Todays Times
I am an area artist and crafter. I went to the Roanoke City Market
on a recent Sunday to sell some of my crafts. Being new, I was unaware
of the protocols, but was advised to just set up, and then someone
would come around and collect the table fee.
When the market manger came to collect my fee, she told me that
before anyone could sell on the market, they'd need to apply with the
city, and they'd need a business license. These two criteria are
completely acceptable. What is unacceptable, however, is that, to sell
crafts, a sample or picture of each item would have to be provided to a
review board for approval before it could be sold. And, she said, there
were items here she would not approve.
There is absolutely nothing offensive about my creations. I make
jewelry and crafts out of clam shells. When I asked which item she
specifically wouldn't approve, she pointed to a magnet in which I glued
a couple google eyes and added a tuft of hair on top. She told me that
she didn't know what that was, and didn't "get it," and would never
approve it. (read the rest here)
I, for one, welcome the googly-eyed refrigerator magnet makers of the world. As we pack up the HQ in prep for HQ2.0 - for the first time in a few years, we can see the fridge fully.
This is just another version of the current "class-ification" of Downtown Roanoke. Catering to a limited class of citizens, rather than serving the population as a whole. If the intent is to drive out the very people who are the lifeblood of the city market - then this is going well, I'd say.
7/22/06
Spotted today
A sign, very recognizeable. At Black Dog Salvage.
Yes, the same Black Dog that bought the items inside the Lonesome Dove.
Well, I guess the Lonesome Dove sign might be historic, but the Tony's Place sign is not.
Well, what ya gonna do.
I did not see a price tag on it, and was too irked to ask. Anyone feeling charitable, head on over to Black Dog - haggle a deal, and return the sign to Mrs. Tony, who was still driving by the old Lonesome Dove every Sunday on her way home - never stopping, just slowing down and looking.
Show a little respect.. unlike our lovely Art Museum folks. Selling everything to Black Dog, without reason.
Yes, the same Black Dog that bought the items inside the Lonesome Dove.
Well, I guess the Lonesome Dove sign might be historic, but the Tony's Place sign is not.
Well, what ya gonna do.
I did not see a price tag on it, and was too irked to ask. Anyone feeling charitable, head on over to Black Dog - haggle a deal, and return the sign to Mrs. Tony, who was still driving by the old Lonesome Dove every Sunday on her way home - never stopping, just slowing down and looking.
Show a little respect.. unlike our lovely Art Museum folks. Selling everything to Black Dog, without reason.
7/21/06
I want you all to think of this
Next time the city council makes a decision, next time the police drop the ball on an investigation, next time the Roanoke Times takes damage during an obvious "right-wing attack storm".. think of this:
An old year, a new pod...
| Screaming my way towards middle age (which with all the youth enhancing substances on the market today is beginning to seem even more elusive), we dive deep into the archives.. reaching back 31 years to bring you this weeks podcast. Enjoy! |
7/20/06
Bet your all wondering why I havent said anything about the storm
It's because Im still hiding under my blankets.. in case it comes back.
A first!
| Consider this an early gift from me to you, in preparation for the new page launching tomorrow - a little bit of fun. Although upon further listen, it's like the span of my youth in one song. Not a Mashup, not quite - not even a decent remix, but you tell me - what do you think? |
7/19/06
I wanted to share this with you all..
Yes, its a 9/11 memorial coin. It's up for sale on Ebay - 36 bucks right now. But its a bit more than that.
This coin can save a life.
From the listing:
This
is a very unique coin struck only for fundraising purposes. Only 800
coins were struck to help a police officer In Roanoke,
VA., raise money for medical expenses not covered by his
insurance. His son has a disease called Duchenne Muscular
Dystrophy.
The
coin's face displays the Statue of Liberty, The World Trade Center and
the Pentagon. Just below the casting is "9-11-01" It is Gold in color.
The perimeter has a black field That reads, "FIVE YEARS" on
top, with two white stars on either side and the bottom which reads,
"BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN".
The
coin's back is just as beautiful with the City of Roanoke's Police, and
Sherrif's Departments shields and the Maltese Fire/EMS Cross in the
center. The top also has a blue field that reads in gold lettering,
"ROANOKE VALLEY", then has two unfurled U.S. Flags. One on each side.
On the bottom, there is a gold field with black letters that reads,
"FIRST RESPONDERS". Great attention was paid to the minutest of
details!
100
percent of all money collected will go to Aiden Galleo's medications!
They are experimental and are NOT covered by insurance! You
may email the seller to get verification!
And I personally have verification of this, so it's not a scam by any means.
Normally I only shill for my sponsers (Miller High Life, Studabaker, H&H Grocery...) but this time I ask you all to take a look, send it to friends..
Let's try and get the price pumped up higher than the $36 it sits at. Remember, and rescue.
And here I thought it was just me...
Nope. The City has now gotten in on the act of Podcasting.
Cool, but its competition I guess.
Update though - dentist was not what was expected - so you still have my golden tones for another 2 weeks. HA HA
Cool, but its competition I guess.
Update though - dentist was not what was expected - so you still have my golden tones for another 2 weeks. HA HA
7/18/06
7/17/06
TIME.com Print Page: Science & Health -- Yes, It Really Is Brain Surgery
TIME.com Science & Health -- Yes, It Really Is Brain Surgery
Be nice to the man with holes in his head.
---
Boy, and I thought I was the only nutball to have brain surgery and write about it in a humorous way.
Suprise.
Be nice to the man with holes in his head.
---
Boy, and I thought I was the only nutball to have brain surgery and write about it in a humorous way.
Suprise.
7/16/06
Coming in the next week
- The long promised site update.
- A new podcast or two.
- Some other stuff I have yet to determine.
- An interview with a very angry Chef K.
I plan on getting some real work done this week, along with organizing and packing up here at Forgotten-HQ. I might come across a few things that you might find interesting. And as always, the rumor mill is buzzing with happenings.
Unfortunately, there is little I can do about the heat, so we will just have to bear it out till next week, when a little birdy told me it will cool down a bit.
I hate summer.. the first few weeks are ok, but after that - its over for me. Im thinking Halloween, Thanksgiving.. and yes - even Christmas allready.
Heat, Humidity.. blech.. Im going for a drive in my all new Studabaker Lark Convertable.. Im sure I will be sweating anyway.
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