Click the radar image for larger page (links to wunderground.com) to watch the advancing storm.
1/20/07
Watch it happen
Click the radar image for larger page (links to wunderground.com) to watch the advancing storm.
1/19/07
Oh yes, I almost forgot
This just in.. there's a police chase occurring in SE Roanoke as we speak. It's been going on for about 15-20 minutes, and as usual - no details have emerged.
I do know the subject of the chase is from the area of 7th and Buena Vista, beyond that - nothing.
Let's see if anyone reports this today.
I do know the subject of the chase is from the area of 7th and Buena Vista, beyond that - nothing.
Let's see if anyone reports this today.
In 1911, this was Roanoke
ROANOKE, a city in (but administratively independent of) Roanoke county, Virginia, on the Roanoke river, about 55 m. W.S.W. of Lynchburg. Pop. (1890) 16,159; (1900) 21,495, of whom 5834 were negroes; (1910 census) 34,874. Roanoke is served by the Virginian railway, by the main line and the Shenandoah and the Winston-Salem divisions of the Norfolk Western railway, and by electric railway to Vinton and to Salem. The city is about 900 ft. above sea-level and is surrounded by high hills; its picturesque situation and its nearness to famous mineral springs make it a health resort. On a mountain slope, about 2 m. from the city limits, is the Virginia College for Young Ladies; 7 m. north of the city, at what was formerly called Botetourt Springs (there is a sulphur spring), is Hollins Institute (1842) for girls; and in the city are the National Business College, the City Hospital (1899), private hospitals, and St Vincent's Orphan Asylum (1893) for boys, under the Sisters of Charity. Stock-raising, tobacco-growing, and coal and iron-mining are the industries of the district. Roanoke's factory product in 1905 was valued at $5,544,907 (2.7% more than in 1900). Its railway car repair and construction shops, belonging to the Norfolk Western railway, employed in that year 66.9% of the total number of factory wage-earners; pig-iron, structural iron, canned goods, bottles, tobacco, planing-mill products and cotton are among the manufactures. The municipal water supply comes from a reservoir at Crystal Springs at the foot of Mill Mountain near the city limits. Roanoke was the town of Big Lick (founded about 1852; incorporated in 1874; pop. in 1880, 669) until 1882, when it received its present name; in 1884 it was chartered as a city.
-from the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica (1911encyclopedia.org)
-from the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica (1911encyclopedia.org)
1/16/07
It happened again
In 1941, it has been recorded that Norfolk and Western Railroad reached over 7,000 employees in the Roanoke area.
It took a long time, but finally someone has taken that mantle.
Carilion Clinic now employs over 7,932 persons in the Roanoke area.
They say N made this town, I guess now it's Carilion's turn.
Some more random economic stats from the past, and think for a moment how they match up to modern numbers.
In 1939, there were 105 manufacturing plants within the city and county of Roanoke.
In 1942, there were no less than 170 industries and 11 public utilities located in the immediate Roanoke area.
The Downtown businesses spawned WDBJ radio (in a manner of speaking, they did)
Shenandoah Life spawned WSLS radio.
All before 1945. The intervening years have seen some progress, much promise, and some loss.
How does a City overcome a change from manufacturing and industry to "other" kinds of work? Each worker must realize they are individual industries.
But it's been a long day, the Norfolk South-Western whistle has blown, and there's a meal in the distance. I'll be back tomorrow with oh so much more. These are just some things to consider.
It took a long time, but finally someone has taken that mantle.
Carilion Clinic now employs over 7,932 persons in the Roanoke area.
They say N made this town, I guess now it's Carilion's turn.
Some more random economic stats from the past, and think for a moment how they match up to modern numbers.
In 1939, there were 105 manufacturing plants within the city and county of Roanoke.
In 1942, there were no less than 170 industries and 11 public utilities located in the immediate Roanoke area.
The Downtown businesses spawned WDBJ radio (in a manner of speaking, they did)
Shenandoah Life spawned WSLS radio.
All before 1945. The intervening years have seen some progress, much promise, and some loss.
How does a City overcome a change from manufacturing and industry to "other" kinds of work? Each worker must realize they are individual industries.
But it's been a long day, the Norfolk South-Western whistle has blown, and there's a meal in the distance. I'll be back tomorrow with oh so much more. These are just some things to consider.
1/15/07
Sometimes we miss the brilliant ones;
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." - MLKjr.
One of those brilliant things that gets hidden behind the larger scope of work.
This, as unusual as it seems, also falls into that category. Something we probably never thought of, someone finds and highlights. And sometimes it just takes one person to point out what should be so obvious, like the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. did in that line above.
And then theres this... it will shock you, but not upset you. And when it's over - it will make sense to you.
However, I may never make sense to you, but thats besides the point.
One of those brilliant things that gets hidden behind the larger scope of work.
This, as unusual as it seems, also falls into that category. Something we probably never thought of, someone finds and highlights. And sometimes it just takes one person to point out what should be so obvious, like the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. did in that line above.
And then theres this... it will shock you, but not upset you. And when it's over - it will make sense to you.
However, I may never make sense to you, but thats besides the point.
1/12/07
Market Survey
Once again your time is up - time to be heard.
The Roanoke City Farmers Market is running a survey to determine the market's needs and not-needs, plus gain insight into what will make it a continued success in the future.
You can take the survey here.
Thanks Hope - great use of the available technology.
And for all you readers - this is your time to be heard. LOUDLY and CLEARLY.
Pass it up, and you have only yourself to blame.
The Roanoke City Farmers Market is running a survey to determine the market's needs and not-needs, plus gain insight into what will make it a continued success in the future.
You can take the survey here.
Thanks Hope - great use of the available technology.
And for all you readers - this is your time to be heard. LOUDLY and CLEARLY.
Pass it up, and you have only yourself to blame.
West End calls
From today's Roanoke Times Letters to the Editor,
A chance to make a neighborhood safe
The West End neighborhood of 13th Street and Patterson Avenue teeters on the brink of change. It needs a little nudging to tip it over the edge. Which way will it go?
Many houses in the area are for sale and currently vacant. Due to vacancy and fear, few people report crimes.
A friend there is an influential figure. He interrupts muggings, helps ladies carry home groceries and reports crimes to police. He's moving. When he moves, how will this tip the neighborhood?
Some residents feel African-American police officers respond to their requests for help, but white officers do not. Regardless of its accuracy, the sentiment affects the likelihood of a crime being reported. Could this lack of confidence in police tip the neighborhood?
If someone reads this and decides to move in and fix up one of the houses, could that tip the neighborhood?
If everyone made one purchase a week at the Sav-A-Lot, changing the level of traffic and affecting the economy of the store, could that tip the area?
Doing nothing says we tolerate neighborhoods becoming less and less safe. Is affordable, safe housing a luxury?
Could we make a positive change in our community? Wouldn't it be cool to try?
BROOKE PLOTNICK
ROANOKE
Kudos to you, for taking an interest in your community. Some of the grandest homes in Roanoke sit on Campbell Ave. down that end, in various states of disrepair. There's one there now - selling for less than 50k I believe. If I remember the listing correctly, it's a 5 bedroom 3 bath near-mansion, with 2 fireplaces and a 3/4ths wrap around porch.
For a home like this to sell for less than 50k reflects not only negligence on the part of the city, it reflects poorly on the citizens of the city.
The West End is on the brink of change, and does need that little push over the edge. Perhaps those doing the house-flipping in OSW and similar areas need to expand the range and check out some properties on Rorer, Salem, and Campbell Ave.
We looked at a home on Salem Ave. down that end, but our budget being limited for home repair (most of it going into funding my global domination schemes), we could not revive it to it's glory fast enough for our liking. Our own Bev Fitzpatrick runs his Buseum out of that area. Take a drive to it one day, and look around at the glory that stands near ruin. Without cause.
We need more citizens like Brooke, willing to open their mouths about things like this.
A chance to make a neighborhood safe
The West End neighborhood of 13th Street and Patterson Avenue teeters on the brink of change. It needs a little nudging to tip it over the edge. Which way will it go?
Many houses in the area are for sale and currently vacant. Due to vacancy and fear, few people report crimes.
A friend there is an influential figure. He interrupts muggings, helps ladies carry home groceries and reports crimes to police. He's moving. When he moves, how will this tip the neighborhood?
Some residents feel African-American police officers respond to their requests for help, but white officers do not. Regardless of its accuracy, the sentiment affects the likelihood of a crime being reported. Could this lack of confidence in police tip the neighborhood?
If someone reads this and decides to move in and fix up one of the houses, could that tip the neighborhood?
If everyone made one purchase a week at the Sav-A-Lot, changing the level of traffic and affecting the economy of the store, could that tip the area?
Doing nothing says we tolerate neighborhoods becoming less and less safe. Is affordable, safe housing a luxury?
Could we make a positive change in our community? Wouldn't it be cool to try?
BROOKE PLOTNICK
ROANOKE
Kudos to you, for taking an interest in your community. Some of the grandest homes in Roanoke sit on Campbell Ave. down that end, in various states of disrepair. There's one there now - selling for less than 50k I believe. If I remember the listing correctly, it's a 5 bedroom 3 bath near-mansion, with 2 fireplaces and a 3/4ths wrap around porch.
For a home like this to sell for less than 50k reflects not only negligence on the part of the city, it reflects poorly on the citizens of the city.
The West End is on the brink of change, and does need that little push over the edge. Perhaps those doing the house-flipping in OSW and similar areas need to expand the range and check out some properties on Rorer, Salem, and Campbell Ave.
We looked at a home on Salem Ave. down that end, but our budget being limited for home repair (most of it going into funding my global domination schemes), we could not revive it to it's glory fast enough for our liking. Our own Bev Fitzpatrick runs his Buseum out of that area. Take a drive to it one day, and look around at the glory that stands near ruin. Without cause.
We need more citizens like Brooke, willing to open their mouths about things like this.
1/10/07
"A pretty little village of little account"
That's how Big Lick was described before the coming of the railroad. A little village of little account.
Think about how Roanoke is described today. From the city's own website - hidden in the html for search engines:
If not them, then who?
Just a question to ask yourself.
Think about how Roanoke is described today. From the city's own website - hidden in the html for search engines:
"The official Web site of the City of Roanoke, Virginia, named a five-time All-America CityDoes it sound all that different to you? Sounds like someplace to visit, but not much else. So will the medical community be the Norfolk Western of the 21st Century? Will they make the City the thriving metropolis it once was?
a Top Digital City. Roanoke is a thriving locality where urban centers,
charming neighborhoods, and breathtaking scenery come together in the perfect balance."
If not them, then who?
Just a question to ask yourself.
1/8/07
A call to arms?
It has been a most interesting weekend here at F-R HQ, high on the hilltop above the city.
There have been clandestine meetings, plots hatched, and futures debated. Most importantly, there have been several moments in which I had to choose the next step.
This is the choice I make: This year, 2007, there will be 4 major updates to the Forgotten-Roanoke website. Quarterly, the site will be upgraded and updated. The first change is in the works for Mid-February, and it includes a new site design - navigation - and a better UI/UE (user interface/user experience). Should I be able to push through some small changes between the quarters, then so be it. As it is this year is looking exceptionally busy and not at all normal.
The main reason for this is the City's 125th Anniversary, which I (of course) want to capitalize on, but the real keystone for me this year is looking towards the next 25 years. How will we celebrate the city's 150th? Will there be anyone left but geriatric baby-boomers and the medical support staff needed to bathe and clean them? At the rate the city is going, that's not totally out of the question.
Which is why I am announcing the reformation of the SCBA - The Star City Bloggers Alliance. The visionary voice of Roanoke is being lost, and there are those who thank G-d for that.
Dan Radmacher sent out a call for columnists in Sunday's Times. And as tempting an offer as that is, to write and subvert from the inside - I have to say "Thanks Dan, but not now."
The Times is losing readership, people are turning more and more to various and independent sources of news. Plus, I know I don't have time to read the paper in the morning, but can always find a minute or two to check the headlines online. A columnist position with the Times puts one in the unenviable position of actually having to do this for a living. Or at least for the "audience that makes those of any but the biggest national blogs pale in comparison."
As a blogger, I am not looking for the largest audience - what I want is the most motivated audience. I want an audience aggressively seeking news, seeking out those voices in the night - the dangerous revolutionaries with no name. And writing for a major publication does not do that justice, in my eyes.
With that being said, writing for a small one, a counter-to-the-tradition one might suit me, should an opportunity ever arise. (wink wink nudge nudge - what? am I being too obvious about wanting a 2nd newspaper in Roanoke?)
But this year, 2007 will be the year of RoanokeFound. Along with Stuart Mease, I am putting forth a call echoed in the pages of (of all places) The Roanoker Magazine. Where are the visionaries of tomorrow, our leaders to replace those who fail to lead? There is an election next year, 4 seats up for grab on the city council - and who will fill them? Much like the current presidential race, no decent candidates have stepped forth. The current climate has thoroughly quashed the dreams in the eyes of young Roanokers. Working as a team, with the intention to revive the entire point of the Star on Mill Mountain.
That Star, our very own piece of ticky-tacky and the love of our lives, was built because the local downtown businesses wanted to attract MORE business. It's advertisement, it's art, and it's like nothing else anywhere. There might be larger man-made stars in the world, but none with the meaning of the Roanoke Star. The entire point of it was to lure people downtown, "shop-eat-play and see the Star that made Roanoke famous." Take Williamson Rd. for example - along nearly it's entire right of way, one can see the Star clearly.
The Star represented something, be it an increased amount of foot traffic as people came into Downtown Roanoke to shop and see it, or the idea that nothing is totally out of reach in Roanoke - even the Stars themselves.
The population of Roanoke now is less than when the Star was lit, which is a crime. And populous of Roanoke is seemingly also less, less connected - less caring about its own future, less of a city. Should a group bring the concept to build something similar to the Star today - it would not happen.
It takes a pile of bricks that take us back to childhood memories (where things are always rosy) to awaken the civic passion within us. And even that is fruitless.
It's time for Roanoke to be found again, for the Star City to shine again, for the future of Roanoke to come forth, and dream large.
On the eve of the 125th Anniversary, we here at Forgotten-Roanoke.com choose to look forward, to the future of Roanoke.
We will continue the historical perspective that provides us with a clear map to where we were, are, and with any luck - where we will go.
It's going to be a very interesting year...
There have been clandestine meetings, plots hatched, and futures debated. Most importantly, there have been several moments in which I had to choose the next step.
This is the choice I make: This year, 2007, there will be 4 major updates to the Forgotten-Roanoke website. Quarterly, the site will be upgraded and updated. The first change is in the works for Mid-February, and it includes a new site design - navigation - and a better UI/UE (user interface/user experience). Should I be able to push through some small changes between the quarters, then so be it. As it is this year is looking exceptionally busy and not at all normal.
The main reason for this is the City's 125th Anniversary, which I (of course) want to capitalize on, but the real keystone for me this year is looking towards the next 25 years. How will we celebrate the city's 150th? Will there be anyone left but geriatric baby-boomers and the medical support staff needed to bathe and clean them? At the rate the city is going, that's not totally out of the question.
Which is why I am announcing the reformation of the SCBA - The Star City Bloggers Alliance. The visionary voice of Roanoke is being lost, and there are those who thank G-d for that.
Dan Radmacher sent out a call for columnists in Sunday's Times. And as tempting an offer as that is, to write and subvert from the inside - I have to say "Thanks Dan, but not now."
The Times is losing readership, people are turning more and more to various and independent sources of news. Plus, I know I don't have time to read the paper in the morning, but can always find a minute or two to check the headlines online. A columnist position with the Times puts one in the unenviable position of actually having to do this for a living. Or at least for the "audience that makes those of any but the biggest national blogs pale in comparison."
As a blogger, I am not looking for the largest audience - what I want is the most motivated audience. I want an audience aggressively seeking news, seeking out those voices in the night - the dangerous revolutionaries with no name. And writing for a major publication does not do that justice, in my eyes.
With that being said, writing for a small one, a counter-to-the-tradition one might suit me, should an opportunity ever arise. (wink wink nudge nudge - what? am I being too obvious about wanting a 2nd newspaper in Roanoke?)
But this year, 2007 will be the year of RoanokeFound. Along with Stuart Mease, I am putting forth a call echoed in the pages of (of all places) The Roanoker Magazine. Where are the visionaries of tomorrow, our leaders to replace those who fail to lead? There is an election next year, 4 seats up for grab on the city council - and who will fill them? Much like the current presidential race, no decent candidates have stepped forth. The current climate has thoroughly quashed the dreams in the eyes of young Roanokers. Working as a team, with the intention to revive the entire point of the Star on Mill Mountain.
That Star, our very own piece of ticky-tacky and the love of our lives, was built because the local downtown businesses wanted to attract MORE business. It's advertisement, it's art, and it's like nothing else anywhere. There might be larger man-made stars in the world, but none with the meaning of the Roanoke Star. The entire point of it was to lure people downtown, "shop-eat-play and see the Star that made Roanoke famous." Take Williamson Rd. for example - along nearly it's entire right of way, one can see the Star clearly.
The Star represented something, be it an increased amount of foot traffic as people came into Downtown Roanoke to shop and see it, or the idea that nothing is totally out of reach in Roanoke - even the Stars themselves.
The population of Roanoke now is less than when the Star was lit, which is a crime. And populous of Roanoke is seemingly also less, less connected - less caring about its own future, less of a city. Should a group bring the concept to build something similar to the Star today - it would not happen.
It takes a pile of bricks that take us back to childhood memories (where things are always rosy) to awaken the civic passion within us. And even that is fruitless.
It's time for Roanoke to be found again, for the Star City to shine again, for the future of Roanoke to come forth, and dream large.
On the eve of the 125th Anniversary, we here at Forgotten-Roanoke.com choose to look forward, to the future of Roanoke.
We will continue the historical perspective that provides us with a clear map to where we were, are, and with any luck - where we will go.
It's going to be a very interesting year...
1/4/07
It's a good thing2
Medical school, for those of you born without the inherent ability to diagnose, is a really good thing. Medical schools mean more interesting hospitals, hospitals that are better equipped to deal with any situation. I am a walking, talking billboard for teaching hospitals... (Thanks UVA!) and can attest to the skills and virtues of having such a system available.
Locally, the impact of having a medical school built in Roanoke (combined with the existing Jefferson College of Health Sciences) gives us the edge in the region. And depending on how it can link up with the other schools of medicine, could give us an even greater edge in not only the region, but the entire eastern seaboard.
And properly played, turning the regional network of hospitals and schools into one interlinked system, one massive educational and public service facility, well - it would be a huge win for us here in little ol' Roanoke.
Time to look at some of the local effects of having a med school here will be.
But wait.. thats not all!
In today's Roanoke Times Op/Ed pages, theres a column from our former mayor David Bowers.
It tackles the city's "weak-kneed" leadership, and the seeming inability they have to notice the fact that NS and several counties here in Virginia are begging them to take on the Intermodal Rail facility. Montgomery County does not want, Elliston does not want. We have perfect location, perfect situation, and yet it appears - we do not want.
This makes me worry. I'll admit, I have not been as attentive as I could have been to this situation, but I figure freight rail will take care of itself, my focus has always been on the passenger side of the tracks.
But considering how absolute the other areas mentioned by NS as possible sites are in their "Do not want!", I say we should gain because they lose. Aside from the simple fact of tax base and revenue and jobs, it's a nice re-investment (as symbolic as it may be) for NS to make with the city, and vice versa.
When NS pulled it's HQ out of Roanoke, the city was heartbroken as would be expected. This is still primarily a rail town, hardly can one travel anywhere in the area and not hear the deep thrum of the engines, or the steam siren at the NS shops. This would be a small return to our roots, and with the level of blue-collar hard workin' folk round here - a few extra rail jobs would be a big blessing for both employee and employer.
In all reality, it's not about how many trucks it removes from I-81 for most people, nor is it about how much "greener" it is to run 100 truck-loads on one massive train engine, than 100 diesel-run truck engines. It's about the simple fact that rail belongs in Roanoke, there are plenty of people here who can do the work, and will do so gladly, and the city should recognize that fact.
So here we have it, 2 Major developments in Roanoke which could/will/are changing the course of the cities history.
And 2 very different ways of doing business. 1 is a private venture, destined to succeed. The other, reliant upon the city to stand up, and waiting for that very thing to happen.
City Council, Mayor McCheese, and Our Human Resources City Manager: You can see how a public-private venture works. The Carilion/VT school is going to do more for this city than most of your own ventures. Many of you on the City Council stand to benefit from it, including our own Vice-Mayor who I'm sure will see a nice spike upwards in business at his restaurant. The trickle-down effect does work, and if you stand up and work with NS to gain the Intermodal Station, the entire Roanoke area gains. And if you can't see that... well then, you better hope the Carilion school also has a class in opthalmology.
Locally, the impact of having a medical school built in Roanoke (combined with the existing Jefferson College of Health Sciences) gives us the edge in the region. And depending on how it can link up with the other schools of medicine, could give us an even greater edge in not only the region, but the entire eastern seaboard.
And properly played, turning the regional network of hospitals and schools into one interlinked system, one massive educational and public service facility, well - it would be a huge win for us here in little ol' Roanoke.
Time to look at some of the local effects of having a med school here will be.
- Increased medical community. Thats a gimmie - as obvious as anything.
- Increased need for support staff for said medical community. DO, CNAs, RNs, and all the rest that Jefferson College churns out.
- More variety in "afterschool activities" - in other words, med students always need to blow off some steam when they can. We have to provide the place to do it.
- A renewed sense of professionalism, when your clients (in any business) are doctors - you have to step up the show a bit. Thats a lot of expendable income floating out there.
- A faster pace in business. Doctors typically do not have much time for lunch, be it at 12pm or 4am. We are going to need more 24-hour establishments, and faster (yet still quality) service.
But wait.. thats not all!
In today's Roanoke Times Op/Ed pages, theres a column from our former mayor David Bowers.
It tackles the city's "weak-kneed" leadership, and the seeming inability they have to notice the fact that NS and several counties here in Virginia are begging them to take on the Intermodal Rail facility. Montgomery County does not want, Elliston does not want. We have perfect location, perfect situation, and yet it appears - we do not want.
This makes me worry. I'll admit, I have not been as attentive as I could have been to this situation, but I figure freight rail will take care of itself, my focus has always been on the passenger side of the tracks.
But considering how absolute the other areas mentioned by NS as possible sites are in their "Do not want!", I say we should gain because they lose. Aside from the simple fact of tax base and revenue and jobs, it's a nice re-investment (as symbolic as it may be) for NS to make with the city, and vice versa.
When NS pulled it's HQ out of Roanoke, the city was heartbroken as would be expected. This is still primarily a rail town, hardly can one travel anywhere in the area and not hear the deep thrum of the engines, or the steam siren at the NS shops. This would be a small return to our roots, and with the level of blue-collar hard workin' folk round here - a few extra rail jobs would be a big blessing for both employee and employer.
In all reality, it's not about how many trucks it removes from I-81 for most people, nor is it about how much "greener" it is to run 100 truck-loads on one massive train engine, than 100 diesel-run truck engines. It's about the simple fact that rail belongs in Roanoke, there are plenty of people here who can do the work, and will do so gladly, and the city should recognize that fact.
So here we have it, 2 Major developments in Roanoke which could/will/are changing the course of the cities history.
And 2 very different ways of doing business. 1 is a private venture, destined to succeed. The other, reliant upon the city to stand up, and waiting for that very thing to happen.
City Council, Mayor McCheese, and Our Human Resources City Manager: You can see how a public-private venture works. The Carilion/VT school is going to do more for this city than most of your own ventures. Many of you on the City Council stand to benefit from it, including our own Vice-Mayor who I'm sure will see a nice spike upwards in business at his restaurant. The trickle-down effect does work, and if you stand up and work with NS to gain the Intermodal Station, the entire Roanoke area gains. And if you can't see that... well then, you better hope the Carilion school also has a class in opthalmology.
1/3/07
1/1/07
Are we there yet?
Happy 2007, or as someone will be calling it - 007. And you know someone will. Geek.
May the new year find you healthy at least, wealthy at most, and wise with any luck.
May the new year find you healthy at least, wealthy at most, and wise with any luck.
12/29/06
Do I dare?
Never exactly excited by the end of year lists... but Im half tempted to do my own.
Any thoughts on this?
Alternately, what would you pick, the top 13.5 everything in the past year in Roanoke?
Sounds so easy, no?
Any thoughts on this?
Alternately, what would you pick, the top 13.5 everything in the past year in Roanoke?
Sounds so easy, no?
12/28/06
This just in....
Me!
I'm just back from the Career Lifestyle Expo at the Civic Center, and boy are my arms tired!
Sorry.. never mind
It was quite interesting, I will say that much. Well attended, although the crowds average age skewed higher than I thought it would, but que sera sera... Ukrops got out to an early lead on hiring pre-opening. Smart move for them, as it will be much easier to set a base and fill in the cracks in the busy time leading up to opening.
The City, County, and Carilion were all well represented, as was the banking industry. Points off for Orvis and Enterprise Rent-A-Car for having unmanned booths, but the atmosphere more than made up for the dead spaces. For quite a good number, this was not only an opportunity to meet and greet with local businesses, this was a good chance to get to know other people of like minds.. people in the industry. Network, if you will.
Hats off to Stuart Mease for putting this whole shin-dig together. Seems like Stuart and I will be working together in the future to shine a spotlight on Roanoke blogs - it seems anyway. So consider this a Call to Blog!
If you have had the thought.. "gee, I could do this. This guys an idiot, even a monkey could write like he does..." or anything similar - I invite you to do it. Start a blog, blogger is free you know. Or start one and give it to a monkey.. if you feel so inclined.
If you already have a blog, but don't use it nearly as often as you know you should - do it.
And if you are a former charter member of the SCBA, rethink the past - and think about the future. Maybe an affiliation is not such a bad thing after all.
There you have it. Well attended, enjoyed by many, and perhaps worth repeating in a few months. Spring break, summer vacations, blah blah.. Maybe quarterly is the way to go on this.
Well, it was worth it. Too bad you weren't there. If you were, drop a line and let me know what you thought.
I'm just back from the Career Lifestyle Expo at the Civic Center, and boy are my arms tired!
Sorry.. never mind
It was quite interesting, I will say that much. Well attended, although the crowds average age skewed higher than I thought it would, but que sera sera... Ukrops got out to an early lead on hiring pre-opening. Smart move for them, as it will be much easier to set a base and fill in the cracks in the busy time leading up to opening.
The City, County, and Carilion were all well represented, as was the banking industry. Points off for Orvis and Enterprise Rent-A-Car for having unmanned booths, but the atmosphere more than made up for the dead spaces. For quite a good number, this was not only an opportunity to meet and greet with local businesses, this was a good chance to get to know other people of like minds.. people in the industry. Network, if you will.
Hats off to Stuart Mease for putting this whole shin-dig together. Seems like Stuart and I will be working together in the future to shine a spotlight on Roanoke blogs - it seems anyway. So consider this a Call to Blog!
If you have had the thought.. "gee, I could do this. This guys an idiot, even a monkey could write like he does..." or anything similar - I invite you to do it. Start a blog, blogger is free you know. Or start one and give it to a monkey.. if you feel so inclined.
If you already have a blog, but don't use it nearly as often as you know you should - do it.
And if you are a former charter member of the SCBA, rethink the past - and think about the future. Maybe an affiliation is not such a bad thing after all.
There you have it. Well attended, enjoyed by many, and perhaps worth repeating in a few months. Spring break, summer vacations, blah blah.. Maybe quarterly is the way to go on this.
Well, it was worth it. Too bad you weren't there. If you were, drop a line and let me know what you thought.
Things I will do in 2007
Just compiling a short (hopefully, mercifully) list of things I will do in 2007, for you all to share and revel in.
Consider me the 5th Estate - the last house on the left, if you will - A miasma of news, commentary, history, and the future - all rolled into one fuzzy bundle of love.
Oh yes, 2007 will be an entirely whole new ballgame - the revolution begins anew, and as some random keyfob on Amazon says: "Roanoke, Proud of our past, confident in our future."
Who could disagree with that? Well, if you do - it's time for you to leave town. Or buy one of those $149,900 "condos" they are building at Factory 324/Iroquois/Peerless Candy Co. building. Because your just the kind of sucker that would.
Automotive Commercial Historic District"
I defy ANYONE to explain that one to me. A former tobacco yard.. oh forget it. I'm not even going to bother.
See you all tomorrow, some of you at the Career and Lifestyle (Free!) Fair at the Civic Center between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. But you didn't hear me promote that, now did you?
- Record and post more podcasts. I would do one right now, but my basset is snoring like an unruly drain. The noises would be sure to turn you all off.
- Rebuild and upgrade the website, including finding off-shore hosting which will give me more freedom to run it as I want it. It's been a heck of a year, and I constantly feel guilty that the site itself has been mostly ignored.
- Make plans to bring together my local readers (if they so choose) and perhaps tour some of the sites featured in my ramblings.
- Build stronger relationships with the upcoming leaders of the New Roanoke, a concept you will all be hearing more about in the coming year.
- Cease the endless teasing of you, the reader, with snippets of projects - in other words, no posting of something until it's complete. Exception being a series of posts - then you'll just have to wait.
- Push for more recognition for the Roanoke Bloggers, don't we deserve our own popularity contest in the Roanoker magazine? Course we all know Rhett would win - having all the Fire Fighters "vote early, and often" as is common to the job.
Consider me the 5th Estate - the last house on the left, if you will - A miasma of news, commentary, history, and the future - all rolled into one fuzzy bundle of love.
Oh yes, 2007 will be an entirely whole new ballgame - the revolution begins anew, and as some random keyfob on Amazon says: "Roanoke, Proud of our past, confident in our future."
Who could disagree with that? Well, if you do - it's time for you to leave town. Or buy one of those $149,900 "condos" they are building at Factory 324/Iroquois/Peerless Candy Co. building. Because your just the kind of sucker that would.
Automotive Commercial Historic District"
I defy ANYONE to explain that one to me. A former tobacco yard.. oh forget it. I'm not even going to bother.
See you all tomorrow, some of you at the Career and Lifestyle (Free!) Fair at the Civic Center between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. But you didn't hear me promote that, now did you?
12/27/06
Interesting read
From a spam mail recently received:
Americans once expected parents to raise their children in accordance with the dominant cultural messages. No matter how much you can blame Davis for, you can't excuse those self-serving, special-interest-driven, pandering elected-but-not-selected politicians. Ballmer: Security Tops Microsoft's Priority ListBallmer said he wishes the security researchers "would be quiet as that would be better for the world. My problem is I have a lot of difficulty trusting what I hear from Microsoft in general and Ballmer in particular. Who knows, maybe keeping the "Do Not Call List" in place will even cut down on incidents of Postal Disease.
Those are the slugs that should have been recalled.
The World of Music will be reformed soon and you won't be in it anywhere. Then there was the disgusting folderol in the courts brought about by the ACLU.
It is not the Governor that got us here. I think most of today's shopping public has been denied the experience of shopping at a store that gave away lessons in respect and quality while at the same time selling its products.
Say what you might, but I think it speaks well of the man.
I'm just sick over this revelation.
I mean, I know how -bad- unsuitable Davis is.
Folks, the sun is has seems to be very probably did set is now setting on The Golden State.
Oh yeah; technology opens all sorts of vistas. We celebrate each others painful, horrific deaths by keeping tallies, running headlines, smiling in the streets. We about to spend millions of unavailable dollars for the recall, confuse everything and everyone, set expectations that cannot be realized and make no progress, real or imagined. Consultant with their Security Awareness Practice. She said, "It must have gone astray. Generally, the people would respond negatively and she would wander off, but occasionally someone would nod and there would be a quick exchange of money for something she carried in her bag. The full story is here.
He may discover the RIAA has figured out it can gain added profits from law suits.
They are plagued by dust which follows them in large, billowing clouds. she promised good service.
If your failure comes back to you, you can address it as another "event" and it can be handled without regard to the original, failed commitment. And what you believe should not be based upon who told you but rather your own independent validation of what you've been told. Changed the style sheet, too. Still, I do have to pay for the bandwidth on this site so, in spite of the downward trend here, I just might help with this one, too.
Changed the style sheet, too.
Humans cannot be contained, restrained, channeled, directed. Someday I want to go to, say, the market and see some product that says, right there on the box, "the same old stuff.
Maybe the shipping label was unreadable.
What a selfless and loving act. They've even picked up a lawsuit charging program vulnerabilities fly in the face of "suitability" and "marketability.
Covering up Spirit of Justice or not wanting to be photographed in front of her is just silly, incredibly immature.
On Wednesday it had not arrived.
I was stupid, indeed I was.
Yes, I was stupid - reading this to begin with - but yet it's somehow fascinating.
Americans once expected parents to raise their children in accordance with the dominant cultural messages. No matter how much you can blame Davis for, you can't excuse those self-serving, special-interest-driven, pandering elected-but-not-selected politicians. Ballmer: Security Tops Microsoft's Priority ListBallmer said he wishes the security researchers "would be quiet as that would be better for the world. My problem is I have a lot of difficulty trusting what I hear from Microsoft in general and Ballmer in particular. Who knows, maybe keeping the "Do Not Call List" in place will even cut down on incidents of Postal Disease.
Those are the slugs that should have been recalled.
The World of Music will be reformed soon and you won't be in it anywhere. Then there was the disgusting folderol in the courts brought about by the ACLU.
It is not the Governor that got us here. I think most of today's shopping public has been denied the experience of shopping at a store that gave away lessons in respect and quality while at the same time selling its products.
Say what you might, but I think it speaks well of the man.
I'm just sick over this revelation.
I mean, I know how -bad- unsuitable Davis is.
Folks, the sun is has seems to be very probably did set is now setting on The Golden State.
Oh yeah; technology opens all sorts of vistas. We celebrate each others painful, horrific deaths by keeping tallies, running headlines, smiling in the streets. We about to spend millions of unavailable dollars for the recall, confuse everything and everyone, set expectations that cannot be realized and make no progress, real or imagined. Consultant with their Security Awareness Practice. She said, "It must have gone astray. Generally, the people would respond negatively and she would wander off, but occasionally someone would nod and there would be a quick exchange of money for something she carried in her bag. The full story is here.
He may discover the RIAA has figured out it can gain added profits from law suits.
They are plagued by dust which follows them in large, billowing clouds. she promised good service.
If your failure comes back to you, you can address it as another "event" and it can be handled without regard to the original, failed commitment. And what you believe should not be based upon who told you but rather your own independent validation of what you've been told. Changed the style sheet, too. Still, I do have to pay for the bandwidth on this site so, in spite of the downward trend here, I just might help with this one, too.
Changed the style sheet, too.
Humans cannot be contained, restrained, channeled, directed. Someday I want to go to, say, the market and see some product that says, right there on the box, "the same old stuff.
Maybe the shipping label was unreadable.
What a selfless and loving act. They've even picked up a lawsuit charging program vulnerabilities fly in the face of "suitability" and "marketability.
Covering up Spirit of Justice or not wanting to be photographed in front of her is just silly, incredibly immature.
On Wednesday it had not arrived.
I was stupid, indeed I was.
Yes, I was stupid - reading this to begin with - but yet it's somehow fascinating.
12/26/06
Conversating...
While talking with fellow employees today (one of whom is born and raised here, and one who is from New Jersey) and tossing around ideas, the question was asked that I have been asked many a time over.
"Why not take your ideas down to the City Council and see what they think?"
I generally laugh such an idea off (having evil designs of my own, of course), but tonight while in the process of watching "Looking Back" on WCOX, specifically the section on Design '79, and the recent design sit-in held at the City Market building - I finally came up with a solid answer to the above question.
Why worry about the City Council, they are just servants of the public (or used to be). The only way to truly affect change anywhere is to make sense to the people. Talk to the people, listen to the people - and from there, anything is possible. I think thats a lesson forgotten often these days, when City Council members have tarnished pasts that are hidden, yet still affect them to this day. And no, I'm not talking about Bev.
If the citizens speak with one (or as close to one as possible) voice, the city will have no choice but to listen. It is a desire, a determination, and a drive to constantly improve your lot in life - it's human. Some have forgotten that as well. But that desire can be reawakened, that drive refueled. In the simple hope and wish that the life of their child will be better than the one they had. But too many people believe that kind of life is unattainable here in Roanoke, and they impress this (knowingly or not) upon the child.
And then the city is left in the state it is currently in - a fearless City Council, unafraid as there are no "strong contenders" who are younger, smarter, faster, and better than they are. A struggle to attract and retain the local college students who are from outside the area, a oxymoron-ish housing situation, where perfectly good homes are left to ruin by landlords and tenants alike, yet the good homes are priced out of the range of most young people (and if you think it's bad, try the suburbs of New York City - average salary for someone just out of school is only enough to scrape by on rent and utilities - not to mention nice things like food, gas, and perhaps some form of amusement - and people wonder why kids never move out...).
Some of the best views in Roanoke, and the most centrally located housing in what should be considered the most desirable location for a businessperson is valued at less than $30,000 (* according to city GIS and tax assessment information). This is not only a shock, but a virtual disgrace. Most business owners do not like staying miles or minutes away from the business - they want to be there in seconds. But instead - due to it's proximity to downtown, it is considered a virtual ghetto - undesirable and unwanted.
Why would I waste my voice attempting to convince politicians that, in the interests of the city and it's citizens, it is imperative that those properties be valued - empty lots that high above the downtown area could mean many different opportunities. New upscale hotel, new restaurant similar to Carlos (with its overreaching view), new park (or should I just not bring up the Woodland Park debacle).. the possibilities are endless, should one want to see them.
And with an entrenched City Council, the argument needs to be brought to the people, to the public, to the taxpayers... Those who still believe that we have a representative government, and those who want to believe.
So no, there is no reason for me to bring my ideas to the City on a silver platter. There is more to be gained by speaking to the people, the business owners, and those who work every day and rest every night. To paraphrase W.E. O'Shaughnessy (via Willy Wonka) "They are the music makers, and they are the dreamers of the dream."
Sometimes the word can make the dream real, and sometimes the dream itself provides the word.
"Why not take your ideas down to the City Council and see what they think?"
I generally laugh such an idea off (having evil designs of my own, of course), but tonight while in the process of watching "Looking Back" on WCOX, specifically the section on Design '79, and the recent design sit-in held at the City Market building - I finally came up with a solid answer to the above question.
Why worry about the City Council, they are just servants of the public (or used to be). The only way to truly affect change anywhere is to make sense to the people. Talk to the people, listen to the people - and from there, anything is possible. I think thats a lesson forgotten often these days, when City Council members have tarnished pasts that are hidden, yet still affect them to this day. And no, I'm not talking about Bev.
If the citizens speak with one (or as close to one as possible) voice, the city will have no choice but to listen. It is a desire, a determination, and a drive to constantly improve your lot in life - it's human. Some have forgotten that as well. But that desire can be reawakened, that drive refueled. In the simple hope and wish that the life of their child will be better than the one they had. But too many people believe that kind of life is unattainable here in Roanoke, and they impress this (knowingly or not) upon the child.
And then the city is left in the state it is currently in - a fearless City Council, unafraid as there are no "strong contenders" who are younger, smarter, faster, and better than they are. A struggle to attract and retain the local college students who are from outside the area, a oxymoron-ish housing situation, where perfectly good homes are left to ruin by landlords and tenants alike, yet the good homes are priced out of the range of most young people (and if you think it's bad, try the suburbs of New York City - average salary for someone just out of school is only enough to scrape by on rent and utilities - not to mention nice things like food, gas, and perhaps some form of amusement - and people wonder why kids never move out...).
Some of the best views in Roanoke, and the most centrally located housing in what should be considered the most desirable location for a businessperson is valued at less than $30,000 (* according to city GIS and tax assessment information). This is not only a shock, but a virtual disgrace. Most business owners do not like staying miles or minutes away from the business - they want to be there in seconds. But instead - due to it's proximity to downtown, it is considered a virtual ghetto - undesirable and unwanted.
Why would I waste my voice attempting to convince politicians that, in the interests of the city and it's citizens, it is imperative that those properties be valued - empty lots that high above the downtown area could mean many different opportunities. New upscale hotel, new restaurant similar to Carlos (with its overreaching view), new park (or should I just not bring up the Woodland Park debacle).. the possibilities are endless, should one want to see them.
And with an entrenched City Council, the argument needs to be brought to the people, to the public, to the taxpayers... Those who still believe that we have a representative government, and those who want to believe.
So no, there is no reason for me to bring my ideas to the City on a silver platter. There is more to be gained by speaking to the people, the business owners, and those who work every day and rest every night. To paraphrase W.E. O'Shaughnessy (via Willy Wonka) "They are the music makers, and they are the dreamers of the dream."
Sometimes the word can make the dream real, and sometimes the dream itself provides the word.
Theres something to do in Roanoke (for a change)
Now that the Christmas Holiday is behind us (364 shopping days left), and the new year lies ahead - this is the quiet downtime while the world waits. In a change of pace this year, fellow blogger and Municipal Worker-type Stuart Mease has put together a little job fair.
Little. Right.
The partial list of attendees include some of the largest companies in the valley, one of which is technically not even here yet - but will be come March (or so), the local governments, local art and "lifestyle" (whatever that means) groups, and even the Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center.
And that's just the short list - I'm sure the list has grown since this one was published.
Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Roanoke Civic Center (located on scenic Williamson Rd.), admission is free.
I'm off that day, so I might just see fit to come down off the hilltop overlooking downtown and put in an appearance.
In a related note (to being on the hill overlooking downtown), Mrs. RoanokeFound saw fit to present me with yet another dangerous tool in my hands. The Computer-aided, lazer assisted, high-tech stealth device I received will allow me to peer even further into downtown Roanoke, and easily track goings on.
Good for me, bad for those who turn tail and run at the sight of the Forgotten-Roanoke.com jacket. And you know who you are.. Mr. "Cough to get Attention at Tanglewood Mall"...
But that's a story for another time...
Little. Right.
The partial list of attendees include some of the largest companies in the valley, one of which is technically not even here yet - but will be come March (or so), the local governments, local art and "lifestyle" (whatever that means) groups, and even the Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center.
And that's just the short list - I'm sure the list has grown since this one was published.
Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Roanoke Civic Center (located on scenic Williamson Rd.), admission is free.
I'm off that day, so I might just see fit to come down off the hilltop overlooking downtown and put in an appearance.
In a related note (to being on the hill overlooking downtown), Mrs. RoanokeFound saw fit to present me with yet another dangerous tool in my hands. The Computer-aided, lazer assisted, high-tech stealth device I received will allow me to peer even further into downtown Roanoke, and easily track goings on.
Good for me, bad for those who turn tail and run at the sight of the Forgotten-Roanoke.com jacket. And you know who you are.. Mr. "Cough to get Attention at Tanglewood Mall"...
But that's a story for another time...
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