14000 | Sat Jun 3 23:25:55 2006 DST | 68.69.123.145 | 68-69-123-145.chvlva.adelphia.net |
Thank you, good sir or madam. Now begins the drive for 20k!
First one to 20K gets a free Forgotten-Roanoke.com T-shirt!
Pics coming soon.. of the t-shirt..
sheesh
6/3/06
Mark this moment in history
Thank you, good sir or madam. Now begins the drive for 20k!
First one to 20K gets a free Forgotten-Roanoke.com T-shirt!
Pics coming soon.. of the t-shirt..
sheesh
3 hits away
This blog, yes - this very blog you are reading right now is 3 hits away from 14k hits since inception.
Personally, I'm very excited about this.
Personally, I'm very excited about this.
It's the weekend!
No matter how grumbly the newspaper makes me today, no matter how much I might want to bitch, moan, complain about something - I won't.
It's the weekend.
But, Oh, I could have a list a mile long right now I tell you.
Nah - weekend.
Podcast up on Monday, "Remember, Roanoke" will continue as well. I'll let you know when.
But seriously..is the media that blind that they still focus on the word gang, rather than the actual crimes committed. Which is probably symptomatic of the reason the very gangs are allowed to exist in the first place. Much like thousands of other issues lately I've noticed.
No, Weekend!
It's the weekend.
But, Oh, I could have a list a mile long right now I tell you.
Nah - weekend.
Podcast up on Monday, "Remember, Roanoke" will continue as well. I'll let you know when.
But seriously..
No, Weekend!
6/2/06
Possible?
Seriously now, would it be possible to refocus on the fact that the shooting on Melrose was NOT gang related, and infact the claim of being gang related was leveled by someone who did not want the true nature of the "nip joint" being revealed?
Or is that fact lost on deaf ears?
Seriously now, your talking about a shooting which involved an illegal operation, involving alcohol, gambling, and several other illicit activities I've been told.
Wouldn't it be nice to have something else to blame it on? Maybe even distract the police from the real facts?
Well, it did not work on the police, but it did work on the media.
What a wonderful distraction to keep us from ignoring the fact that the whole house was involved in illegal activites.
Or is that fact lost on deaf ears?
Seriously now, your talking about a shooting which involved an illegal operation, involving alcohol, gambling, and several other illicit activities I've been told.
Wouldn't it be nice to have something else to blame it on? Maybe even distract the police from the real facts?
Well, it did not work on the police, but it did work on the media.
What a wonderful distraction to keep us from ignoring the fact that the whole house was involved in illegal activites.
6/1/06
One thing comes to an end, another begins.
Remember Roanoke has launched.
Bet you didn't know the valley had it's first "snowbird" type community back in 1671? A seasonal thing, just like some of the snowbirds do now.
It's true.
Oh, and I promise you, as we move on in time - there will be more photos. You'd be suprised at how few images of the valley in the early, early 18th Century there are.
Anyway - enjoy. Comments? Thats what the messageboard is for.
Bet you didn't know the valley had it's first "snowbird" type community back in 1671? A seasonal thing, just like some of the snowbirds do now.
It's true.
Oh, and I promise you, as we move on in time - there will be more photos. You'd be suprised at how few images of the valley in the early, early 18th Century there are.
Anyway - enjoy. Comments? Thats what the messageboard is for.
5/31/06
Final Report
All in one night. Over 100 years of history fell.
The building that housed Tony's Place/Lonesome Dove was built in 1918, but prior to that, there was also a building there. Which also housed a restaurant. Roughly 120 years of restaurant history fell tonight. (I might be quoted as saying 140, I was in error, thinking of a different building.)
Even at that rate, the bricks witnessed more history than most realize. And in a matter of hours (and yes, contrary to Jeremy Crider's SLS report - it was not 14 minutes, thats just how long he was there) it was no more.
There were a few moments of trepidation, when the building seemed to twist in the wind. A time when it seemed as if the entire front of the building would fall straight down, before the machines even moved in.
First to go was the chicken coop. The rear machine moved into position, then appeared dormant. Then suddenly, it sprang to life, wrenching the coop off the building and tossing it to the ground. It dug further in, hollowing out the building, the machine in the front carefully lining itself up the entire time.
Out front, surgical precision - in the back, brutal force.
The windows, which I thought initially would go at any moment, held till the last. Even under the one-foot flex the building shuddered through, the windows held. The last blow was the endgame. And everything fell.
As the machines moved in, and full demolition began - lightening flared up in the skies beyond.
Several times prior - a single pidgeon flew to perch on a newly exposed beam, or board on the building. And moments before the final blow, a single pidgeon flew into the crawlspace between the ceiling and the roof. And then the building was gone, leaving only a massive cloud of dust in its wake.
And a flight of pidgeons in the sky.
Check out Roanoke Photos for more photos of last nights demo of the Lonesome Dove.
The building that housed Tony's Place/Lonesome Dove was built in 1918, but prior to that, there was also a building there. Which also housed a restaurant. Roughly 120 years of restaurant history fell tonight. (I might be quoted as saying 140, I was in error, thinking of a different building.)
Even at that rate, the bricks witnessed more history than most realize. And in a matter of hours (and yes, contrary to Jeremy Crider's SLS report - it was not 14 minutes, thats just how long he was there) it was no more.
There were a few moments of trepidation, when the building seemed to twist in the wind. A time when it seemed as if the entire front of the building would fall straight down, before the machines even moved in.
First to go was the chicken coop. The rear machine moved into position, then appeared dormant. Then suddenly, it sprang to life, wrenching the coop off the building and tossing it to the ground. It dug further in, hollowing out the building, the machine in the front carefully lining itself up the entire time.
Out front, surgical precision - in the back, brutal force.
The windows, which I thought initially would go at any moment, held till the last. Even under the one-foot flex the building shuddered through, the windows held. The last blow was the endgame. And everything fell.
As the machines moved in, and full demolition began - lightening flared up in the skies beyond.
Several times prior - a single pidgeon flew to perch on a newly exposed beam, or board on the building. And moments before the final blow, a single pidgeon flew into the crawlspace between the ceiling and the roof. And then the building was gone, leaving only a massive cloud of dust in its wake.
And a flight of pidgeons in the sky.
Check out Roanoke Photos for more photos of last nights demo of the Lonesome Dove.
As I speak
Roanoke.com reports it's coming down tonight, and tomorrow night. Start time of 6pm.
Folks - get your cameras ready.
Or if you cannot be there in person, watch it online here.
Folks - get your cameras ready.
Or if you cannot be there in person, watch it online here.
Getting closer
As I curse myself for not having my camera with me, I send out a news tip, which Im sure someone will grab and run with - get some photos of.
The Lonesome Dove/Tony's Place is falling down.
I'm guessing that all the shaking of the ground has compromised the structure.
Which leads me to question something I saw today down there.
Why would you fill in a hole you just dug?
Wayy in the back there, behind Billy's Ritz. That last yellow machine on the left.. filling in a hole that it had dug just the past week.
Strange. But not nearly as strange as the two large oil tanks which were exhumed and removed in the same day - and hidden from public view (on Salem Ave.) behind a pile of dirt.
The Lonesome Dove/Tony's Place is falling down.
I'm guessing that all the shaking of the ground has compromised the structure.
Which leads me to question something I saw today down there.
Why would you fill in a hole you just dug?
Wayy in the back there, behind Billy's Ritz. That last yellow machine on the left.. filling in a hole that it had dug just the past week.
Strange. But not nearly as strange as the two large oil tanks which were exhumed and removed in the same day - and hidden from public view (on Salem Ave.) behind a pile of dirt.
5/30/06
HeatSink
"Were just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year..."
-pink floyd
It has begun. Where last week we were all sniffling, sneezing, and wheezing from allergies - these past days we have been trapped.
Stuck down deep in the bowl of the Roanoke Valley, the collect for all the heat and humidity. Closer to the Sun than say.. New York City. But not so high the atmosphere thins and cools. The pressure cap is on, and we simmer.
I find myself fighting an urge lately to walk into the Municipal Building, grab the first politico I see, and ask them what they did to this city so many years ago. Maybe shake them up, apply some pressure till I get an answer.
It seems as if the city was asked to choose at gunpoint, Your money or your life.
I'm pretty sure at this point there was a 3rd option, but what it was - its hard to tell. Muddled by the years, apparently thats the one the city chose.
A weak form of government, usually found in cities with smaller populations. A citizenry that is trampled in the name of progress. As evidenced by the current Sundays on the Market - where just 3 weeks ago vendors lined the tables along Market St., now it is slowly being overtaken by the restaurants outdoor seating - to the point where the street is now the public sidewalk, according to some.
A City which has shoved its best and brightest out the door, off to other places rather than engage in the futility of change, but will more than welcome them back when they retire - and are quiet and not likely to demand more.
Submission is a desireable trait.
A City where fear is the ultimate motivator. Ranging from fear of reprisal by the City itself, to fear of contact from your fellow citizen - worry they will personally attack you, take your job or somthing similar.
Baseless fears work, for reasons no one can understand. The City banks on the ignorance of the citizens to not fully understand all it says and does. It only works based on innunendo and rumor, no full divulgence of information. The less you know, and the more you think you know - the better.
A City which has layered itself in protective shields against all community involvement. Be it EventZone, or Downtown Roanoke, Inc. Even the Libraries lost in a cloud of disinformation.
Did you know the City Library system allready has a working agreement with Roanoke County Public Libraries? The nonsense of merging the two into one unit is just that, nonsense. It's a deflection tactic. They are, for all intents and purposes - merged. You can get any book, any media from any library in the area - and have it dropped right at your local library. You can also return that book to any other library, and it will find its way home.
Did you know that?
Regardless. A long time ago, this City banked on the lack of interest from its citizens - the continued alienation of the citizenry from those in power. Give them an issue or two to keep them occupied for 20 years or so, like Victory Stadium.
No longer can the City bank on such notions - there is a rising tide of younger adults who are not willing to stand by, oblivious to the actions of the City. These are Adults who are now willing to stand their ground, and not be chased from the City they love.
For those of you who had given up hope for Roanoke in the past, I have a song for you... a hot, hazy, humid version - perfect for Roanoke.
"Wish you were here..."
-pink floyd
It has begun. Where last week we were all sniffling, sneezing, and wheezing from allergies - these past days we have been trapped.
Stuck down deep in the bowl of the Roanoke Valley, the collect for all the heat and humidity. Closer to the Sun than say.. New York City. But not so high the atmosphere thins and cools. The pressure cap is on, and we simmer.
I find myself fighting an urge lately to walk into the Municipal Building, grab the first politico I see, and ask them what they did to this city so many years ago. Maybe shake them up, apply some pressure till I get an answer.
It seems as if the city was asked to choose at gunpoint, Your money or your life.
I'm pretty sure at this point there was a 3rd option, but what it was - its hard to tell. Muddled by the years, apparently thats the one the city chose.
A weak form of government, usually found in cities with smaller populations. A citizenry that is trampled in the name of progress. As evidenced by the current Sundays on the Market - where just 3 weeks ago vendors lined the tables along Market St., now it is slowly being overtaken by the restaurants outdoor seating - to the point where the street is now the public sidewalk, according to some.
A City which has shoved its best and brightest out the door, off to other places rather than engage in the futility of change, but will more than welcome them back when they retire - and are quiet and not likely to demand more.
Submission is a desireable trait.
A City where fear is the ultimate motivator. Ranging from fear of reprisal by the City itself, to fear of contact from your fellow citizen - worry they will personally attack you, take your job or somthing similar.
Baseless fears work, for reasons no one can understand. The City banks on the ignorance of the citizens to not fully understand all it says and does. It only works based on innunendo and rumor, no full divulgence of information. The less you know, and the more you think you know - the better.
A City which has layered itself in protective shields against all community involvement. Be it EventZone, or Downtown Roanoke, Inc. Even the Libraries lost in a cloud of disinformation.
Did you know the City Library system allready has a working agreement with Roanoke County Public Libraries? The nonsense of merging the two into one unit is just that, nonsense. It's a deflection tactic. They are, for all intents and purposes - merged. You can get any book, any media from any library in the area - and have it dropped right at your local library. You can also return that book to any other library, and it will find its way home.
Did you know that?
Regardless. A long time ago, this City banked on the lack of interest from its citizens - the continued alienation of the citizenry from those in power. Give them an issue or two to keep them occupied for 20 years or so, like Victory Stadium.
No longer can the City bank on such notions - there is a rising tide of younger adults who are not willing to stand by, oblivious to the actions of the City. These are Adults who are now willing to stand their ground, and not be chased from the City they love.
For those of you who had given up hope for Roanoke in the past, I have a song for you... a hot, hazy, humid version - perfect for Roanoke.
"Wish you were here..."
5/29/06
Memorial Day
Every war has it's moments - when the bullets are still, the battlefield quiet.
The soldier's remember for a moment.Stop. and remember today.
And every day.
5/28/06
Coming Soon
Coming soon to Forgotten-Roanoke.com
"Remember Roanoke"
After much debate (both internal and external) it has been decided that the Orphans page, as cute as it is - was never really going to answer the questions it laid forth. As part of the ongoing and continuing story that is Roanoke, and Forgotten-Roanoke, Remember Roanoke will illuminate things we all know, but vaguely remember.
Hoping to shed light on the stories that lurk at the fringes of our collective memory..
The next page will be up before the week is out. Software problems solved.
"Remember Roanoke"
After much debate (both internal and external) it has been decided that the Orphans page, as cute as it is - was never really going to answer the questions it laid forth. As part of the ongoing and continuing story that is Roanoke, and Forgotten-Roanoke, Remember Roanoke will illuminate things we all know, but vaguely remember.
Hoping to shed light on the stories that lurk at the fringes of our collective memory..
The next page will be up before the week is out. Software problems solved.
5/27/06
Gangs: Final Word.
Gang (defined): An identifiable group of people (highly organized or loosely structured) who form an alliance for a common purpose which identifies with or claims territory in the community. Members engage either individually or collectively in antisocial or unlawful activity/activities and frequently create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
So there is your full definition of criminal gangs. Hell's Angels, Bloods, Crips, La Cosa Nostra, the LA Riots, Crown Heights, Latin Kings, Westies.. those are gangs, under this definition.
What does Roanoke have? According to the Chief Gaskins, we do not have gangs. And I am inclined to agree.
I can tell you why Gaskins refuses to call them gangs. It's simple really. When you have criminals who affiliate themselves with other criminals, call themselves by a name, but do not create an overall atmosphere such as described above, you deal with them as individual lawbreakers. Only when they become organized enough to be a threat to the public at large (drive-by shootings, orchestrated territory warfare, full-on gang initiations) do you then deal with them as gangs.
The FBI deals with gangs that engage in drug running, gun running, and other aspects of organized crime. Very little that happens here in Roanoke can be considered organized crime.
This is not to say that in the past, there has not been trouble with such groups - but currently, there is not. I ask those of you out there with friends and co-workers who live in the affected areas (Lincoln Terrace, Chapman and Patterson Ave., Melrose-area) if they live in constant fear, and under threat of violence. I have co-workers and friends who do, and they tell me quite the opposite.
You can either judge by what the newspaper and media say, or ask someone directly affected.
A word on the comments I have received on this. There is discussion, there is debate, and then there is futility. Some of the comments raised valid points, but for the most part - it was on the level of national political campaigns. Lots of finger-pointing and name calling, which adds nothing to the conversation. I have, and will continue, to resist moderating comments, or banning them for certain posts alltogether. I do ask that comments be constructive. We are here to create solutions, not complain. At least thats my purpose for being here.
And as always, if you don't like what you read - feel free to let me know. But be prepared to offer your own ideas as well. This is a 2 way street.
And rather than worry about a single word, why not ask Chief Gaskins what is being done to improve the quality of life in these "gang areas."
So there is your full definition of criminal gangs. Hell's Angels, Bloods, Crips, La Cosa Nostra, the LA Riots, Crown Heights, Latin Kings, Westies.. those are gangs, under this definition.
What does Roanoke have? According to the Chief Gaskins, we do not have gangs. And I am inclined to agree.
I can tell you why Gaskins refuses to call them gangs. It's simple really. When you have criminals who affiliate themselves with other criminals, call themselves by a name, but do not create an overall atmosphere such as described above, you deal with them as individual lawbreakers. Only when they become organized enough to be a threat to the public at large (drive-by shootings, orchestrated territory warfare, full-on gang initiations) do you then deal with them as gangs.
The FBI deals with gangs that engage in drug running, gun running, and other aspects of organized crime. Very little that happens here in Roanoke can be considered organized crime.
This is not to say that in the past, there has not been trouble with such groups - but currently, there is not. I ask those of you out there with friends and co-workers who live in the affected areas (Lincoln Terrace, Chapman and Patterson Ave., Melrose-area) if they live in constant fear, and under threat of violence. I have co-workers and friends who do, and they tell me quite the opposite.
You can either judge by what the newspaper and media say, or ask someone directly affected.
A word on the comments I have received on this. There is discussion, there is debate, and then there is futility. Some of the comments raised valid points, but for the most part - it was on the level of national political campaigns. Lots of finger-pointing and name calling, which adds nothing to the conversation. I have, and will continue, to resist moderating comments, or banning them for certain posts alltogether. I do ask that comments be constructive. We are here to create solutions, not complain. At least thats my purpose for being here.
And as always, if you don't like what you read - feel free to let me know. But be prepared to offer your own ideas as well. This is a 2 way street.
And rather than worry about a single word, why not ask Chief Gaskins what is being done to improve the quality of life in these "gang areas."
In the interests of time
I will not go into my reasons for deleting the Gangs post. Honestly, it was really sad. Certain people will see this and think they got the better of me, and for what its work - thats fine. They have delusional issues anyway.
Fight your wars in your own way. Do what you will, but don't attempt to claim victory. Remember, the alleged gangs were in both the city AND county.
Have fun, I'll be working on building communities (which then eliminates the lure of the gang) - you can.. I don't know - lodge complaints against noisy mailmen?
Whatever.. your issue, not mine.
Fight your wars in your own way. Do what you will, but don't attempt to claim victory. Remember, the alleged gangs were in both the city AND county.
Have fun, I'll be working on building communities (which then eliminates the lure of the gang) - you can.. I don't know - lodge complaints against noisy mailmen?
Whatever.. your issue, not mine.
5/25/06
Mythbusting Roanoke
As some of you might know, I am originally from one of the 5 Boroughs of New York City. The one commonly referred to as the "most ethnically diverse county in the United States".
Home to over 2 million people, 2 of the busiest airports in the world, the 1939 and 1964 World's Fair, the 1969, 1973, 1986, and 2000 World Series.
Lots of restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, and plenty of hungry people to feed. Plus, the added attraction of mass transit that could get you just about anywhere in the 5 Boroughs quickly. Everywhere but Staten Island, which was just fine by 99% of the population of NYC.
As a cook in NY, I had opportunity to work in several different styles of kitchen. Starting in an American Bistro, and working around different spots until I left NY for warmer (much warmer today) climes. Somewhere in all that mess, I found time for proper schooling and training in the culinary arts, engaged in a multitude of varying work experiences (including a stint at Home Depot, which is fodder for another day). I consider myself to be a fairly well educated individual, with an eclectic work-style, fairly strong work ethic, and a arsenal of skills I can bring to any kind of employment I choose to take.
I've addressed this before, but Im going to go into detail here. Many times have I recieved the question "Why would you move to Roanoke?" and in my present job, its usually followed by "But don't you make more money in New York City?"
This is not about why I moved here. This will focus on the myth of making more money by living in a larger city.
Opportunities present themselves when they see fit. Regardless of where you are, what you might be doing, or what you want to do - opportunities have no consideration. Which is why we have built-in guidance, also known as our ability to reason.
Some cold, hard numbers:
Average salary of a cook in Roanoke (oddly enough listings for Chef are limited to Casinos in both NY and RKE) via salary.com: Median yearly salary for a cook in Roanoke is $30,552, a figure which I question highly, but will work with as the actual amount means little.
Average salary of a cook in New York City: Median yearly salary is $36,790.
A difference of $6,238 per year.
Allright - everyone on board? Good. Here is the chilling facts about that $36k a year.
You have to live somewhere: Similar sized apartment (comparable to what I have now, in sq. ft. alone.) 1 bed, 1 bath.. heat and water included. $1400 a month, with 1 months rent deposit and 1 month security. So your first month winds up costing you $2800-4200 depending on how you view it. No outdoor area, no pets. Thats apartments. Oh, and you need to find your own parking, or pay for it monthly.
Homes?
2 bedroom, 1.5 bath $365,000
The mortgage (assuming 20% down payment and 6.5% APR) would be $1,762 a month. Yes, a month.
And mind you, none of this is including your standards of phone, internet, cable.. Utilities combined can be close to $500 a month.
Or food for that matter. Or gas ($3.11 is the cheapest I can find in Queens)
And don't even ask about taxes. Sales Tax rate of 8.62%. 6.85% income tax on that $36k salary (statewide) in addition to the NYC income tax rate of (hold on with this one) $628 plus 3.534% of excess over $21k. I'm not even about to do the math on that one, Im not nearly that bored. And for the Head of Household, it becomes $970 plus 3.591% over $30k.
So based on the numbers for owning a house, plus additional utils - you come out owing roughly $2500 a month in basic bills. Again, not including food, medicine, transportation or the rest. And your gross income monthly on that $36k is $3065.83 which leaves you with a gross grand total of $565 a month to pay everything else with. And a montly metrocard for 30 day use on the subway or bus is $76. So you have 30 days in which to live on $489 bucks (again, without taxes being taken out). Can it be done? Of course it can, but will you get ahead? Never.
And lets remember that as a cook, there is always someone who can do it cheaper than you can.
So lets consider the myth of "You make more in larger cities" largely busted. And how can I say that with such certainty? Hell, I'm living here - doing ok.. putting some money aside in the bank each month.. not struggling..
And I have more than I would up there.. larger apartment, which allows pets by the way. More land around the building to walk the pets on.. a wall on which to sit, fresh produce mere minutes away..
Forget the crime, the smog, the stress.. when you come down to the basic numbers of it.. You make more in Roanoke, quality wise, and more in New York quantity wise. You just don't see it in NYC..
Home to over 2 million people, 2 of the busiest airports in the world, the 1939 and 1964 World's Fair, the 1969, 1973, 1986, and 2000 World Series.
Lots of restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, and plenty of hungry people to feed. Plus, the added attraction of mass transit that could get you just about anywhere in the 5 Boroughs quickly. Everywhere but Staten Island, which was just fine by 99% of the population of NYC.
As a cook in NY, I had opportunity to work in several different styles of kitchen. Starting in an American Bistro, and working around different spots until I left NY for warmer (much warmer today) climes. Somewhere in all that mess, I found time for proper schooling and training in the culinary arts, engaged in a multitude of varying work experiences (including a stint at Home Depot, which is fodder for another day). I consider myself to be a fairly well educated individual, with an eclectic work-style, fairly strong work ethic, and a arsenal of skills I can bring to any kind of employment I choose to take.
I've addressed this before, but Im going to go into detail here. Many times have I recieved the question "Why would you move to Roanoke?" and in my present job, its usually followed by "But don't you make more money in New York City?"
This is not about why I moved here. This will focus on the myth of making more money by living in a larger city.
Opportunities present themselves when they see fit. Regardless of where you are, what you might be doing, or what you want to do - opportunities have no consideration. Which is why we have built-in guidance, also known as our ability to reason.
Some cold, hard numbers:
Average salary of a cook in Roanoke (oddly enough listings for Chef are limited to Casinos in both NY and RKE) via salary.com: Median yearly salary for a cook in Roanoke is $30,552, a figure which I question highly, but will work with as the actual amount means little.
Average salary of a cook in New York City: Median yearly salary is $36,790.
A difference of $6,238 per year.
Allright - everyone on board? Good. Here is the chilling facts about that $36k a year.
You have to live somewhere: Similar sized apartment (comparable to what I have now, in sq. ft. alone.) 1 bed, 1 bath.. heat and water included. $1400 a month, with 1 months rent deposit and 1 month security. So your first month winds up costing you $2800-4200 depending on how you view it. No outdoor area, no pets. Thats apartments. Oh, and you need to find your own parking, or pay for it monthly.
Homes?
2 bedroom, 1.5 bath $365,000The mortgage (assuming 20% down payment and 6.5% APR) would be $1,762 a month. Yes, a month.
And mind you, none of this is including your standards of phone, internet, cable.. Utilities combined can be close to $500 a month.
Or food for that matter. Or gas ($3.11 is the cheapest I can find in Queens)
And don't even ask about taxes. Sales Tax rate of 8.62%. 6.85% income tax on that $36k salary (statewide) in addition to the NYC income tax rate of (hold on with this one) $628 plus 3.534% of excess over $21k. I'm not even about to do the math on that one, Im not nearly that bored. And for the Head of Household, it becomes $970 plus 3.591% over $30k.
So based on the numbers for owning a house, plus additional utils - you come out owing roughly $2500 a month in basic bills. Again, not including food, medicine, transportation or the rest. And your gross income monthly on that $36k is $3065.83 which leaves you with a gross grand total of $565 a month to pay everything else with. And a montly metrocard for 30 day use on the subway or bus is $76. So you have 30 days in which to live on $489 bucks (again, without taxes being taken out). Can it be done? Of course it can, but will you get ahead? Never.
And lets remember that as a cook, there is always someone who can do it cheaper than you can.
So lets consider the myth of "You make more in larger cities" largely busted. And how can I say that with such certainty? Hell, I'm living here - doing ok.. putting some money aside in the bank each month.. not struggling..
And I have more than I would up there.. larger apartment, which allows pets by the way. More land around the building to walk the pets on.. a wall on which to sit, fresh produce mere minutes away..
Forget the crime, the smog, the stress.. when you come down to the basic numbers of it.. You make more in Roanoke, quality wise, and more in New York quantity wise. You just don't see it in NYC..
5/23/06
Do we rate?
Does Roanoke rate high enough to have gangs?
Nope..
Do dopes in Roanoke think we rate high enough to have gangs? According to the news, yep.
Guess what: I could drop the local thug life in my old hood in NY, and they would be back here - happy to mow the lawn, in moments.
But, you have to remember the "cool" factor - its cooler to tell people you are in a gang. Guess what? Im a Ghostbuster! Ain't I cool?
Roanoke has nothing so organized, nothing so encompassing as organized crime. Well, I shouldn't say that. Roanoke does have a history with organized crime (the local former moonshine operations are not the only reason the FBI is HQ here), just not of the kind that would create gangs.
Local gangs, sure. We probably have tons of them. Probably even some in the County high schools, they just don't seem like gangs.. but they are. Gangs as a defineable term exist everywhere, Gangs as an organized "terrorist" group (lets not mince words, thats pretty much the only thing they are good for) exist rarely. But, the threat of a organized gang is visceral enough to bring the city's population to trembles.
Honest to god truth, word from the street. Not gangs. Trust the street on this one folks - don't get hoodwinked by the media's portrayal of the hype. Yes, Gaskins did say it could have been gang-related. But I assure you, he was not talking about organized national gangs. He was talking about bored hoodlums with nothing better to do than commit crime, flagrantly break laws, and not work.
You want a gang worth fearing, try the Irish Mafia, MS-13, and the like.
You wont see any of them wasting time on Roanoke.
UPDATE***(10:22pm) If you wish to discuss further, head over to the messageboard. Free flowing conversation without having to post comment after comment...
Nope..
Do dopes in Roanoke think we rate high enough to have gangs? According to the news, yep.
Guess what: I could drop the local thug life in my old hood in NY, and they would be back here - happy to mow the lawn, in moments.
But, you have to remember the "cool" factor - its cooler to tell people you are in a gang. Guess what? Im a Ghostbuster! Ain't I cool?
Roanoke has nothing so organized, nothing so encompassing as organized crime. Well, I shouldn't say that. Roanoke does have a history with organized crime (the local former moonshine operations are not the only reason the FBI is HQ here), just not of the kind that would create gangs.
Local gangs, sure. We probably have tons of them. Probably even some in the County high schools, they just don't seem like gangs.. but they are. Gangs as a defineable term exist everywhere, Gangs as an organized "terrorist" group (lets not mince words, thats pretty much the only thing they are good for) exist rarely. But, the threat of a organized gang is visceral enough to bring the city's population to trembles.
Honest to god truth, word from the street. Not gangs. Trust the street on this one folks - don't get hoodwinked by the media's portrayal of the hype. Yes, Gaskins did say it could have been gang-related. But I assure you, he was not talking about organized national gangs. He was talking about bored hoodlums with nothing better to do than commit crime, flagrantly break laws, and not work.
You want a gang worth fearing, try the Irish Mafia, MS-13, and the like.
You wont see any of them wasting time on Roanoke.
UPDATE***(10:22pm) If you wish to discuss further, head over to the messageboard. Free flowing conversation without having to post comment after comment...
5/22/06
Sundays on the Market
Actually, lately it's more like Sunday's on the street.
I love the market, and I think the idea of it being open on Sunday is one of the best I've heard in a long time. Even the vendors I've spoken with are amazed at the amount of customers on Sundays.
But now theres a problem, a big problem.
I thought the primary focus of the City Farmes Market was for local merchants to sell things, and local customers to buy.
Hard to do when you cannot get to the merchants. Or even worse, when your a merchant who finds that the available booth space is limited by diners.
Yep, diners.
2 major guilty parties here. Wertz, who has apparently been give the greenlight to dominate the corner of Kirk and Market so they can bar-b-que. Allright - was nice to smell a bbq while walking among the vendors, but no longer. Now - they have chained off the vendor space directly before the restaurant, for their own private use. I'd like to know what, when, and who authorized such a thing. The blocking of a sidewalk (forcing pedestrians into the roadway which bears traffic), the removal of prime vendor space, and the usurping of city property for private gain. How much they paying?
Well, that was bad, but limited bad. Now they have allies. My "Bad Karma" canidate, Trio. For those of you who have not experienced Trio yet, it's name also describes how many storefronts the operation controls. Walking towards Church on Market - theres a dining room, a wine store, and the bar/restaurant area. Now, they too have taken control of ALL 3 storefront sidewalks for use as their own private dining area.
Pardon me? One of those storefronts is not even restaurant related. They must have paid well for such a prize. Now there are those who will say there are rarely vendors down that far on Market. I beg to differ, I have purchased some of the finest produce there from a vendor who tends to show once the produce season is in full swing. Will Trio give back the space when that vendor shows?
With Trio inserting their dining area into the sidewalk, there is barely enough room for a person to walk and browse, much less stop and NOT have a massive backup of pedestrians behind them.
Although Im sure that with the limited space, and impassible sidewalks, the vendors are thrilled as punch over this new development. I know I would be if someone else was cutting into my profits simply because they had more money and could pay for the right to limit my visiblity to the public.
Fair? Oh yeah, totally.
Now then, this could be easily made acceptable in one easy step. Close down Market St. on Sundays. No traffic, no cars.. just an open walkway for shoppers and diners alike. More room would be opened up for vendors, more money would flow...
Imagine that.. more money downtown. On a Sunday of all things! Heavens to betsy...
What will they think of next....
I love the market, and I think the idea of it being open on Sunday is one of the best I've heard in a long time. Even the vendors I've spoken with are amazed at the amount of customers on Sundays.
But now theres a problem, a big problem.
I thought the primary focus of the City Farmes Market was for local merchants to sell things, and local customers to buy.
Hard to do when you cannot get to the merchants. Or even worse, when your a merchant who finds that the available booth space is limited by diners.
Yep, diners.
2 major guilty parties here. Wertz, who has apparently been give the greenlight to dominate the corner of Kirk and Market so they can bar-b-que. Allright - was nice to smell a bbq while walking among the vendors, but no longer. Now - they have chained off the vendor space directly before the restaurant, for their own private use. I'd like to know what, when, and who authorized such a thing. The blocking of a sidewalk (forcing pedestrians into the roadway which bears traffic), the removal of prime vendor space, and the usurping of city property for private gain. How much they paying?
Well, that was bad, but limited bad. Now they have allies. My "Bad Karma" canidate, Trio. For those of you who have not experienced Trio yet, it's name also describes how many storefronts the operation controls. Walking towards Church on Market - theres a dining room, a wine store, and the bar/restaurant area. Now, they too have taken control of ALL 3 storefront sidewalks for use as their own private dining area.
Pardon me? One of those storefronts is not even restaurant related. They must have paid well for such a prize. Now there are those who will say there are rarely vendors down that far on Market. I beg to differ, I have purchased some of the finest produce there from a vendor who tends to show once the produce season is in full swing. Will Trio give back the space when that vendor shows?
With Trio inserting their dining area into the sidewalk, there is barely enough room for a person to walk and browse, much less stop and NOT have a massive backup of pedestrians behind them.
Although Im sure that with the limited space, and impassible sidewalks, the vendors are thrilled as punch over this new development. I know I would be if someone else was cutting into my profits simply because they had more money and could pay for the right to limit my visiblity to the public.
Fair? Oh yeah, totally.
Now then, this could be easily made acceptable in one easy step. Close down Market St. on Sundays. No traffic, no cars.. just an open walkway for shoppers and diners alike. More room would be opened up for vendors, more money would flow...
Imagine that.. more money downtown. On a Sunday of all things! Heavens to betsy...
What will they think of next....
5/21/06
Just a note
Figured I'd let you all know that as of 3:45pm today, the front of the Lonesome Dove still stood in its place.
It did not appear that any work was done on site today.
I'll keep you abreast of details tomorrow.
Almost have the kinks worked out of the software that powers Forgotten-Roanoke.com, which means we are mere moments away from a new page.
Don't worry, I'll let you know when.
It did not appear that any work was done on site today.
I'll keep you abreast of details tomorrow.
Almost have the kinks worked out of the software that powers Forgotten-Roanoke.com, which means we are mere moments away from a new page.
Don't worry, I'll let you know when.
LotzOthoughtz: Roanoke's Revolution :: Downtown
LotzOthoughtz: Roanoke's Revolution :: Downtown
Big props to Lotz (aka ATL) for keeping an eye on the storefront while I've been out carousing the night away.
It takes guts to point out the painful truth, not to mention a somewhat suicidal outlook, especially when you realise the task at hand... calling a populous to arms over the drastic and necesscary changes needed to keep a city alive.
It's a long fight, and a hard battle to win.. good to have a comrade in arms.
Big props to Lotz (aka ATL) for keeping an eye on the storefront while I've been out carousing the night away.
It takes guts to point out the painful truth, not to mention a somewhat suicidal outlook, especially when you realise the task at hand... calling a populous to arms over the drastic and necesscary changes needed to keep a city alive.
It's a long fight, and a hard battle to win.. good to have a comrade in arms.
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