6/15/07
6/11/07
The new deal
Of all the projects in the works, this one is the one I am most looking forward to.
First there was Forgotten-Roanoke, and along with that came Forgotten-Wife and Forgotten-Dogs, and to that list we can now add Forgotten-Baby.
I have 7 months to get the new site perfected, up and running smooth - along with all the other baby-related activities that will be going on.
Wish us luck, and remember - the Sentinel is always watching.
I'll be around as often as I can, but I cannot promise a full working site anytime soon - I will let you know when the rough copy is live though.
Once again, bear with me.. It just got even more interesting.
First there was Forgotten-Roanoke, and along with that came Forgotten-Wife and Forgotten-Dogs, and to that list we can now add Forgotten-Baby.
I have 7 months to get the new site perfected, up and running smooth - along with all the other baby-related activities that will be going on.
Wish us luck, and remember - the Sentinel is always watching.
I'll be around as often as I can, but I cannot promise a full working site anytime soon - I will let you know when the rough copy is live though.
Once again, bear with me.. It just got even more interesting.
6/6/07
Sword
Gold
Omaha
Juno
S. L. A. Marshall: "Already the sea runs red. Even among some of the lightly wounded who jumped into shallow water the hits prove fatal. Knocked down by a bullet in the arm or weakened by fear and shock, they are unable to rise again and are drowned by the onrushing tide. Other wounded men drag themselves ashore and, on finding the sands, lie quiet from total exhaustion, only to be overtaken and killed by the water. A few move safely through the bullet swarm to the beach, then find that they cannot hold there. They return to the water to use it for body cover. Faces turned upward, so that their nostrils are out of water, they creep toward the land at the same rate as the tide. That is how most of the survivors make it. The less rugged or less clever seek the cover of enemy obstacles moored along the upper half of the beach and are knocked off by machine-gun fire.
Within seven minutes after the ramps drop, Able Company is inert and leaderless. At Boat No. 2, Lieutenant Tidrick takes a bullet through the throat as he jumps from the ramp into the water. He staggers onto the sand and flops down ten feet from Private First Class Leo J. Nash. Nash sees the blood spurting and hears the strangled words gasped by Tidrick: “Advance with the wire cutters!” It’s futile; Nash has no cutters. To give the order, Tidrick has raised himself up on his hands and made himself a target for an instant. Nash, burrowing into the sand, sees machine gun bullets rip Tidrick from crown to pelvis. From the cliff above, the German gunners are shooting into the survivors as from a roof top.
Captain Taylor N. Fellers and Lieutenant Benjamin R. Kearfoot never make it. They had loaded with a section of thirty men in Boat No. 6 (Landing Craft, Assault, No. 1015). But exactly what happened to this boat and its human cargo was never to be known. No one saw the craft go down. How each man aboard it met death remains unreported. Half of the drowned bodies were later found along the beach. It is supposed that the others were claimed by the sea."
remember.
Gold
Omaha
Juno
S. L. A. Marshall: "Already the sea runs red. Even among some of the lightly wounded who jumped into shallow water the hits prove fatal. Knocked down by a bullet in the arm or weakened by fear and shock, they are unable to rise again and are drowned by the onrushing tide. Other wounded men drag themselves ashore and, on finding the sands, lie quiet from total exhaustion, only to be overtaken and killed by the water. A few move safely through the bullet swarm to the beach, then find that they cannot hold there. They return to the water to use it for body cover. Faces turned upward, so that their nostrils are out of water, they creep toward the land at the same rate as the tide. That is how most of the survivors make it. The less rugged or less clever seek the cover of enemy obstacles moored along the upper half of the beach and are knocked off by machine-gun fire.Within seven minutes after the ramps drop, Able Company is inert and leaderless. At Boat No. 2, Lieutenant Tidrick takes a bullet through the throat as he jumps from the ramp into the water. He staggers onto the sand and flops down ten feet from Private First Class Leo J. Nash. Nash sees the blood spurting and hears the strangled words gasped by Tidrick: “Advance with the wire cutters!” It’s futile; Nash has no cutters. To give the order, Tidrick has raised himself up on his hands and made himself a target for an instant. Nash, burrowing into the sand, sees machine gun bullets rip Tidrick from crown to pelvis. From the cliff above, the German gunners are shooting into the survivors as from a roof top.
Captain Taylor N. Fellers and Lieutenant Benjamin R. Kearfoot never make it. They had loaded with a section of thirty men in Boat No. 6 (Landing Craft, Assault, No. 1015). But exactly what happened to this boat and its human cargo was never to be known. No one saw the craft go down. How each man aboard it met death remains unreported. Half of the drowned bodies were later found along the beach. It is supposed that the others were claimed by the sea."
remember.
For those of you in Southeast
Tonight, 7pm at the Police Substation @ 1015 Jamison Ave. will be the monthly meeting of the Southeast Action Forum. Please join us tonight as we honor some of our long-time members.
see Southeast Roanoke Rising for more information.
see Southeast Roanoke Rising for more information.
6/4/07
It must be tough (breaking up is hard to do)
I can't imagine it is easy being the mayor of a city. Any city, for that matter. But Roanoke, with it's diverse (somewhat) population and wide-spread socio-economic base must be particularly tough.
It must be tough, having to decide between making major choices and public appearances.
In any other city, that might be true - but in Roanoke, we have a weak mayor system. Which means the Council and City Manager make the heady decisions, which makes the Mayor just another member of the council, with a title.
So why is the Mayor not making many public appearances? Aside from the business-related ones, Mr. Mayor has not been seen at a good number of functions a dignitary official should be at. I can think of a recent dinner for a number of people who are active within the city neighborhoods. Darlene was there, as was her Assistant City Manager Brian Townsend. But the Mayor declined due to schedule conflicts.
Well I would think if it were important enough for Darlene "CEO" Burcham to attend, it would behoove the Mayor to put in an appearance. But no. And this was the 2nd time the Mayor had declined to appear before this group. This is not to say ANY member of the current council attended, or was scheduled to attend - but someone (even Alfred Dowe) should have made some effort to be there. But again, as Mayor of a city which holds the position of Mayor of low importance in the grand scheme of the city, what else could be going on?
There's 2 ways to think about this. #1 - Mr. Harris is much like that freight train downtown; if the train ain't movin' it's useless. Or #2 - Mr. Harris is playing limited engagements before select audiences, and anyone else gets the short sheet.
Harris has had a good run, since 2004 he has been the Mayor, the pastor at Virginia Heights Bapitst, worked on completing his doctorate, and writing books. He has overseen the overthrow of the average citizen in favor of the SoRo crowd (For the City), demolished Victory Stadium (a smokescreen issue), and kept the City Market stagnant. But in the same breath one cannot help but mention the greening of the greenways, the flood reduction project along the river, and the revamp of the Civic Center for trade shows. All worthwhile projects, certainly.
I see what you did there.
So what's next for Mr. Mayor? Short of giving him the same "sacrificial lamb" treatment that Bev Fitzpatrick has received, I think it's time to return this shepherd to his flock.
Mr. Harris,
We thank you for your 4 years in office, it's been fun - really. But I think it's time we both admitted what the problem is. We've grown apart. There was a time when your smile and words brought a twinkle to our eye. But not every relationship is meant to last, and though parting be painful - I think it's time we went our own directions. There are a lot of fish in the sea, Mr. Harris - and I have a feeling you will find your very own soon enough. But we are not that fish. Not anymore. It's not you, it's us - we've just grown past what we had. And yes, in a way you helped us reach this point, but we don't feel you can go all the way with us.
Let's be honest, you haven't always been there for us. And you haven't always had our best interests at heart. Maybe it was the lure of the title, or the status - but we don't feel it anymore. But we are ok with that, and we will come through this intact. We feel it's better that you do not attempt to contact us in the future, and we will pass along anything you might have left behind.
Sorry for this,
Citizens of Roanoke City
~~~~~~~~~~~
Like I said, must be tough - breaking up is always hard to do.
It must be tough, having to decide between making major choices and public appearances.
In any other city, that might be true - but in Roanoke, we have a weak mayor system. Which means the Council and City Manager make the heady decisions, which makes the Mayor just another member of the council, with a title.
So why is the Mayor not making many public appearances? Aside from the business-related ones, Mr. Mayor has not been seen at a good number of functions a dignitary official should be at. I can think of a recent dinner for a number of people who are active within the city neighborhoods. Darlene was there, as was her Assistant City Manager Brian Townsend. But the Mayor declined due to schedule conflicts.
Well I would think if it were important enough for Darlene "CEO" Burcham to attend, it would behoove the Mayor to put in an appearance. But no. And this was the 2nd time the Mayor had declined to appear before this group. This is not to say ANY member of the current council attended, or was scheduled to attend - but someone (even Alfred Dowe) should have made some effort to be there. But again, as Mayor of a city which holds the position of Mayor of low importance in the grand scheme of the city, what else could be going on?
There's 2 ways to think about this. #1 - Mr. Harris is much like that freight train downtown; if the train ain't movin' it's useless. Or #2 - Mr. Harris is playing limited engagements before select audiences, and anyone else gets the short sheet.
Harris has had a good run, since 2004 he has been the Mayor, the pastor at Virginia Heights Bapitst, worked on completing his doctorate, and writing books. He has overseen the overthrow of the average citizen in favor of the SoRo crowd (For the City), demolished Victory Stadium (a smokescreen issue), and kept the City Market stagnant. But in the same breath one cannot help but mention the greening of the greenways, the flood reduction project along the river, and the revamp of the Civic Center for trade shows. All worthwhile projects, certainly.
I see what you did there.
So what's next for Mr. Mayor? Short of giving him the same "sacrificial lamb" treatment that Bev Fitzpatrick has received, I think it's time to return this shepherd to his flock.
Mr. Harris,
We thank you for your 4 years in office, it's been fun - really. But I think it's time we both admitted what the problem is. We've grown apart. There was a time when your smile and words brought a twinkle to our eye. But not every relationship is meant to last, and though parting be painful - I think it's time we went our own directions. There are a lot of fish in the sea, Mr. Harris - and I have a feeling you will find your very own soon enough. But we are not that fish. Not anymore. It's not you, it's us - we've just grown past what we had. And yes, in a way you helped us reach this point, but we don't feel you can go all the way with us.
Let's be honest, you haven't always been there for us. And you haven't always had our best interests at heart. Maybe it was the lure of the title, or the status - but we don't feel it anymore. But we are ok with that, and we will come through this intact. We feel it's better that you do not attempt to contact us in the future, and we will pass along anything you might have left behind.
Sorry for this,
Citizens of Roanoke City
~~~~~~~~~~~
Like I said, must be tough - breaking up is always hard to do.
6/1/07
The City Council Agenda for Monday, June 4th 2007
Yes - I'm reading it again. Someone has to go into geek-mode to keep you all informed.
So what I'm seeing so far is this: An update on the Mayor's Monument (aka The Curse of Roanoke) in Elmwood Park, as it is slated for revitalization this year. An update on the Amphitheater Study, which is nearly a moot point as the Lake will have it's own comparable up and running long before we do.
Unless the city really hangs itself on the line, and pushes for something more than what we have heard about before - it will be just another amphitheater - similar to the one at the lake. Woo.
Then there will be a quick update on the Aviation Drive - Thirlane Rd. project.
All of this at the 9am meeting.
At the 2pm meeting - well, not much really. Which makes it a great time for anyone with the time and availability to go before the City Council, and respectfully request they remove their collective head from that dark, stinky nether-region it seems to have embedded itself in.
Otherwise, not much to report - which is nothing uncommon with the Council.
Remember folks - the elections are coming up soon enough. Or not soon enough - depending on how you view things.
Oh - I need to revise my numbers from the parking issue the other day - Collectively taken, all the city parking garages on weekends contain less than 1000 cars overall. Taken to the 1k level, at 2 bucks a car - thats $2,000 a weekend. $2,000 a weekend to pay for a 7.2 million dollar parking garage being built for those buying into the Condo/apartments being build at places like the Campbell Garage Lofts, The Peerless Candy Co., and similar ventures down that end of town.
And if you think I'm kidding about that - check this from our City CEO.. uh.. Manager: "Roanoke City Manager Darlene Burcham said she has warned council members for three years that the rate increase would be needed to pay for a parking garage between Campbell and Salem avenues. The garage is needed to serve new living spaces under construction downtown, she said.
That influx of full-time residents, Burcham said, "is key to the long-term success of downtown."
Oh I could say soooo much more, but I will hold my tongue for the moment.
The lawn is calling me.. I must mow.
So what I'm seeing so far is this: An update on the Mayor's Monument (aka The Curse of Roanoke) in Elmwood Park, as it is slated for revitalization this year. An update on the Amphitheater Study, which is nearly a moot point as the Lake will have it's own comparable up and running long before we do.
Unless the city really hangs itself on the line, and pushes for something more than what we have heard about before - it will be just another amphitheater - similar to the one at the lake. Woo.
Then there will be a quick update on the Aviation Drive - Thirlane Rd. project.
All of this at the 9am meeting.
At the 2pm meeting - well, not much really. Which makes it a great time for anyone with the time and availability to go before the City Council, and respectfully request they remove their collective head from that dark, stinky nether-region it seems to have embedded itself in.
Otherwise, not much to report - which is nothing uncommon with the Council.
Remember folks - the elections are coming up soon enough. Or not soon enough - depending on how you view things.
Oh - I need to revise my numbers from the parking issue the other day - Collectively taken, all the city parking garages on weekends contain less than 1000 cars overall. Taken to the 1k level, at 2 bucks a car - thats $2,000 a weekend. $2,000 a weekend to pay for a 7.2 million dollar parking garage being built for those buying into the Condo/apartments being build at places like the Campbell Garage Lofts, The Peerless Candy Co., and similar ventures down that end of town.
And if you think I'm kidding about that - check this from our City CEO.. uh.. Manager: "Roanoke City Manager Darlene Burcham said she has warned council members for three years that the rate increase would be needed to pay for a parking garage between Campbell and Salem avenues. The garage is needed to serve new living spaces under construction downtown, she said.
That influx of full-time residents, Burcham said, "is key to the long-term success of downtown."
Oh I could say soooo much more, but I will hold my tongue for the moment.
The lawn is calling me.. I must mow.
5/31/07
Hum Drum
With the rolling thunder in the distance, and an old favorite song playing in the background.. I want to write.
But not my usual output.. something more.
Exactly what, I'm not sure. But something will come of this. I have 48 hours of dead air to fill.
Maybe... a stroll to the edge of the world is in order. Maybe.
But not my usual output.. something more.
Exactly what, I'm not sure. But something will come of this. I have 48 hours of dead air to fill.
Maybe... a stroll to the edge of the world is in order. Maybe.
5/30/07
After much delay and consternation
Sorry for all the delays folks - but life does not stop here at F-R HQ, high on a hill overlooking the city (you know that ferris wheel at the civic center? I saw what you did there) and preparing for the launch of.. well, you'll find out.
Memorial Day has always been a day of remembrance for me, which despite the best efforts of those here in OhNoesaNoke, I was able to push aside all the silly news... until now.
So I open this with this warning: What follows is a weekends worth of held-back commentary, and it might get ugly.
Note to John Lugar, President of Valley Forward:
You have shown the world exactly how petty and childish you and your group really are. By your clear and delusional misunderstanding of the basic facts before you - your bitter statements regarding the people of the city (not that you actually hold them in any regard) and the MMAC show that you are not fit to lead. You, and your group, should be commended for the Gallop for the Greenways. But as for the rest of it, seriously - be still, and listen for a change. I know you folks are used to a certain level of treatment, but you are out in the world now - and things are different out here.
Your "broad public support" is easily dismissed, and you know that. A biased and misleading survey does not prove anything, except to you folks.
Learn from this, for your next public works project and stop assigning blame to everyone under the sun for your own bad idea.
Note to the Roanoke City Council:
There is not much more I can add to the public outcry on the $2 parking fee. It's a bad idea, and I have a feeling you folks know it - but decided to go the easy route and keep the idea.
If, and this is only an if, you get maybe 200 cars on a Saturday at the Market Garage, and another 100 (not seen that many, but what have you) on Sunday - thats $600 in fees collected.
I do understand the need for a new parking garage towards the west side of Downtown. If any area is ripe for growth, it's that area. What needs to be done, rather than raising the fee across the board, is raise it for those who are not city residents - and build into the decal fee a parking tax, and issue a small barcode sticker for city residents. They can then park free when they need it, while still generating revenue for the city to put towards the building of the new garage (and perhaps fixing up the old ones).
That's not the entire story, but it's enough of the story for now. There will be more later - thats for sure.
Memorial Day has always been a day of remembrance for me, which despite the best efforts of those here in OhNoesaNoke, I was able to push aside all the silly news... until now.
So I open this with this warning: What follows is a weekends worth of held-back commentary, and it might get ugly.
Note to John Lugar, President of Valley Forward:
You have shown the world exactly how petty and childish you and your group really are. By your clear and delusional misunderstanding of the basic facts before you - your bitter statements regarding the people of the city (not that you actually hold them in any regard) and the MMAC show that you are not fit to lead. You, and your group, should be commended for the Gallop for the Greenways. But as for the rest of it, seriously - be still, and listen for a change. I know you folks are used to a certain level of treatment, but you are out in the world now - and things are different out here.
Your "broad public support" is easily dismissed, and you know that. A biased and misleading survey does not prove anything, except to you folks.
Learn from this, for your next public works project and stop assigning blame to everyone under the sun for your own bad idea.
Note to the Roanoke City Council:
There is not much more I can add to the public outcry on the $2 parking fee. It's a bad idea, and I have a feeling you folks know it - but decided to go the easy route and keep the idea.
If, and this is only an if, you get maybe 200 cars on a Saturday at the Market Garage, and another 100 (not seen that many, but what have you) on Sunday - thats $600 in fees collected.
I do understand the need for a new parking garage towards the west side of Downtown. If any area is ripe for growth, it's that area. What needs to be done, rather than raising the fee across the board, is raise it for those who are not city residents - and build into the decal fee a parking tax, and issue a small barcode sticker for city residents. They can then park free when they need it, while still generating revenue for the city to put towards the building of the new garage (and perhaps fixing up the old ones).
That's not the entire story, but it's enough of the story for now. There will be more later - thats for sure.
5/27/07
Difficult, in a word.
It's hard not to respond to a certain article in today's newspaper. But I will refrain until Tuesday, when Memorial Day is officially over.
Please, if you have not done so yet - watch the video below. And remember...
Please, if you have not done so yet - watch the video below. And remember...
5/23/07
Remember...
D-Day
WWII
I single out the Soldiers who fought bravely for the freedom of the world from tyranny in World War 2.
What about the other soldiers? The Vietnam Vets, Korean War Vets, Gulfs 1&2?
I honor them as well, but we are losing the World War 2 vets at a frightening rate. 1200 a day by some estimates. And very few of us know their stories - that side they rarely talk about.
I realize I am putting this up early, but when you come across a video (via YouTube) of this high caliber.. how can you ignore it's message.
5/21/07
How much?
I guess technically, I've been out of service since Thursday afternoon - so I have missed a whole bunch of news.
Let's start back in yesteryear (at this point) - A reader asked for my thoughts on the reports of David Diaz leaving DRI, Inc. for a position in Raleigh, NC.
Do I blame him? Or envy him. I look at it this way. He is going to be charged with doing the same basic thing he was doing here, although I can bet you (considering Raleigh is already one of the premier cities of the south) he will not find the same difficulties there as he did here. Let's see - more money, a bigger budget, and a city actually willing to work with you?
Heck - I'd be there in short order myself. However, according to the Roanoke Times article: "His departure may coincide with a new marketing strategy for Roanoke's urban core."
New marketing strategy? What strategy? You mean the whole "Roanoke is one of the top places in the country to retire" thing? In case the city has not noticed - the new retirees, the Baby Boom gang - they are not exactly shuffling off into the sunset. They tend to be quite active, and look for active things to do. Not just a place to sleep, eat, and read the paper. They also like things that they liked where they are moving from... Population of Roanoke right now - Im going to guess, informally and based on what I've seen - 30-35% out of town born, mostly from the North.
And growing rapidly.
Anyway, moving on.. The historically accurate Patrick Henry Hotel hit the newspapers with a Fire Marshall's report that either they install sprinkler systems soon, or they close. And for a place that cannot rent a room anymore, and has probably rented one a month since 2000 (and from what I hear, it's the same room each time - and it's barely cleaned), is operating at a "loss" and really keeps the power on for a few functions a month.. well, this just goes to show what kind of a state the city is in.
Even the ownership of the building is beyond troubled - near-foreclosures, legal troubles (before the first nail has been paid for at that), money troubles... the list just builds. And all for one of the most important locations in all of Roanoke. The only TRUE downtown Hotel.
Sorry folks, you can try to call the Hotel Roanoke downtown, but it's on the other side of the tracks. With nothing else around it. Not even a damn CVS. Some economic benefit to the community over there huh?
In other, more level-headed cities - when they say Hotel Downtown, they mean it. Among and between all the other downtown amenities and attractions - there's the hotel. Not over an enclosed; but unheated or air conditioned bridge where you get the thrill of the russian-roulette escalators, a 2 story walk, or the elevators. That's not downtown by anyones definition of the word.
The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center is a great concept, but the promised returns have yet to be realized. The city passed on the partnership to get the Patrick Henry back up and running.
Well, you make your choices. And now, sources reveal something not discussed in the Times article. Affirmative Equities Co. has a history that has not been talked about. They have a track record for buying properties, and flipping them.
So what's the real story of the Patrick Henry? The premier hotel downtown, the grandest lady of them all - is a tumbling wreck. In any other city, EVEN Lynchburg - this hotel would be restored and marketed properly. Here, we are content to wait and see if it ever becomes a retirement property.
Oh I know I've only touched a tenth of the stories I missed, but there will be more.
There will be more.. oh yes.
Let's start back in yesteryear (at this point) - A reader asked for my thoughts on the reports of David Diaz leaving DRI, Inc. for a position in Raleigh, NC.
Do I blame him? Or envy him. I look at it this way. He is going to be charged with doing the same basic thing he was doing here, although I can bet you (considering Raleigh is already one of the premier cities of the south) he will not find the same difficulties there as he did here. Let's see - more money, a bigger budget, and a city actually willing to work with you?
Heck - I'd be there in short order myself. However, according to the Roanoke Times article: "His departure may coincide with a new marketing strategy for Roanoke's urban core."
New marketing strategy? What strategy? You mean the whole "Roanoke is one of the top places in the country to retire" thing? In case the city has not noticed - the new retirees, the Baby Boom gang - they are not exactly shuffling off into the sunset. They tend to be quite active, and look for active things to do. Not just a place to sleep, eat, and read the paper. They also like things that they liked where they are moving from... Population of Roanoke right now - Im going to guess, informally and based on what I've seen - 30-35% out of town born, mostly from the North.
And growing rapidly.
Anyway, moving on.. The historically accurate Patrick Henry Hotel hit the newspapers with a Fire Marshall's report that either they install sprinkler systems soon, or they close. And for a place that cannot rent a room anymore, and has probably rented one a month since 2000 (and from what I hear, it's the same room each time - and it's barely cleaned), is operating at a "loss" and really keeps the power on for a few functions a month.. well, this just goes to show what kind of a state the city is in.
Even the ownership of the building is beyond troubled - near-foreclosures, legal troubles (before the first nail has been paid for at that), money troubles... the list just builds. And all for one of the most important locations in all of Roanoke. The only TRUE downtown Hotel.
Sorry folks, you can try to call the Hotel Roanoke downtown, but it's on the other side of the tracks. With nothing else around it. Not even a damn CVS. Some economic benefit to the community over there huh?
In other, more level-headed cities - when they say Hotel Downtown, they mean it. Among and between all the other downtown amenities and attractions - there's the hotel. Not over an enclosed; but unheated or air conditioned bridge where you get the thrill of the russian-roulette escalators, a 2 story walk, or the elevators. That's not downtown by anyones definition of the word.
The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center is a great concept, but the promised returns have yet to be realized. The city passed on the partnership to get the Patrick Henry back up and running.
Well, you make your choices. And now, sources reveal something not discussed in the Times article. Affirmative Equities Co. has a history that has not been talked about. They have a track record for buying properties, and flipping them.
So what's the real story of the Patrick Henry? The premier hotel downtown, the grandest lady of them all - is a tumbling wreck. In any other city, EVEN Lynchburg - this hotel would be restored and marketed properly. Here, we are content to wait and see if it ever becomes a retirement property.
Oh I know I've only touched a tenth of the stories I missed, but there will be more.
There will be more.. oh yes.
It lives!
Made it back.. are you people lucky?
Too much to do right now to put together a full post on all the news that fits the print, but it's coming up later today...
for now, enjoy a remix of the Disturbed cover of Land of Confusion. It's a bit more graphic in visuals, but that was the point of the song itself back when Genesis wrote it.
The guy who remixed it specifically chose certain images for the gut-punch reaction. See how many you remember personally witnessing on TV.
Too much to do right now to put together a full post on all the news that fits the print, but it's coming up later today...
for now, enjoy a remix of the Disturbed cover of Land of Confusion. It's a bit more graphic in visuals, but that was the point of the song itself back when Genesis wrote it.
The guy who remixed it specifically chose certain images for the gut-punch reaction. See how many you remember personally witnessing on TV.
5/17/07
My final message.
I'll see you around. If I survive this weekend.
Go ahead, start asking. Will I be back? What is going on here? Everybody panic?
Not telling... nope.
5/15/07
Ever have one of those moments?
I've been having a lot of them lately, as I deal in various ways with the city.
I said a few months back to someone that this next election is going to change things - and that the current city council has absolutely no idea how badly it is shooting itself in the foot.
Between the budget, the sudden change of the Star back to RWB after allegedly it was turned white for Virginia Tech (not the 125th which would make sense.. leave it white all year for the entire celebration), the introduction of a fee for parking on the formerly free nights and weekends.
It's a train wreck of epic proportions, and it's on going.
The 125th Celebration, aside from being the least reported public screwing and betrayal going, is lackluster at best. The next event is in June, and has to do with emerging artists at the Main Library.
This is the best the city can do? Maybe they spent so much time on the logo for the 125th they ran out of ideas and capitol for the rest of the year.
I am at a loss folks.
And now, on top of all this - comes word that the big Roanoke sell-off might not be limited to Station 1 (in the future), but could encompass Buena Vista in Jackson Park, Old Fire station #6 in Southeast, and several other key structures the city wishes to divest itself from.
I think it's time to examine whats going on here, start asking the hard questions and looking deep for the answers.
Who is running our city, and how? And to what end?
Ladies and Gentleman, Boys and Girls, Voters of all ages- you thought Victory Stadium was bad? Wait till you see the next election cycle.
The Sentinel is watching, and waiting.
I said a few months back to someone that this next election is going to change things - and that the current city council has absolutely no idea how badly it is shooting itself in the foot.
Between the budget, the sudden change of the Star back to RWB after allegedly it was turned white for Virginia Tech (not the 125th which would make sense.. leave it white all year for the entire celebration), the introduction of a fee for parking on the formerly free nights and weekends.
It's a train wreck of epic proportions, and it's on going.
The 125th Celebration, aside from being the least reported public screwing and betrayal going, is lackluster at best. The next event is in June, and has to do with emerging artists at the Main Library.
This is the best the city can do? Maybe they spent so much time on the logo for the 125th they ran out of ideas and capitol for the rest of the year.
I am at a loss folks.
And now, on top of all this - comes word that the big Roanoke sell-off might not be limited to Station 1 (in the future), but could encompass Buena Vista in Jackson Park, Old Fire station #6 in Southeast, and several other key structures the city wishes to divest itself from.
I think it's time to examine whats going on here, start asking the hard questions and looking deep for the answers.
Who is running our city, and how? And to what end?
Ladies and Gentleman, Boys and Girls, Voters of all ages- you thought Victory Stadium was bad? Wait till you see the next election cycle.
The Sentinel is watching, and waiting.
5/12/07
For Southeast Roanoke...
Today, between 1:30 and 3:30pm at the Police Substation (old firestation #6) at 1015 Jamison Ave SE.
The Southeast Action Forum will be holding a free Ice Cream Social..
Games for kids, Sno-Cones and Ice Cream for all, and a great way to come meet the New Forum.
Come on down, especially if you are a resident of Southeast. Come meet your neighbors.
The Southeast Action Forum will be holding a free Ice Cream Social..
Games for kids, Sno-Cones and Ice Cream for all, and a great way to come meet the New Forum.
Come on down, especially if you are a resident of Southeast. Come meet your neighbors.
5/11/07
The shortest one yet.. which makes it unnerving..
ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL
MAY 14, 2007
2:OO P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBER
AGENDA
Call to Order - Roll Call.
The Invocation will be delivered by Council Member Alfred T. Dowe, Jr.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America will
be led by Mayor C. Nelson Harris.
NOTICE:
Meetings of Roanoke City Council are televised live on RVTV Channel 3.
Today’s Council meeting will be replayed on Channel 3 on Thursday,
May 17, 2007, at 7:OO p.m., and Saturday, May 19, 2007, at 4:OO p.m. Council
meetings are offered with closed captioning for the hearing impaired.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE NOW PROVIDES THE MqJORITY OF THE CITY
COUNCIL AGENDA ON THE INTERNET FOR VIEWING AND RESEARCH PURPOSES.
TO ACCESS AGENDA MATERIAL, GO TO THE CITY’S HOMEPAGE AT
WWW.ROANOKEGOV.COM, CLICK ON THE ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL ICON,
CLICK ON MEETINGS AND AGENDAS, AND DOWNLOAD THE ADOBE ACROBAT
SOFTWARE TO ACCESS THE AGENDA.
Statement of Purpose. Mayor Harris.
Introduction and Consideration of Ordinances and Resolutions:
A Certificate of the Director of Finance advising that funds required for the
2007-2008 General Fund, Civic Facilities Fund, Parking Fund, Market Building
Fund, Department of Technology Fund, Fleet Management Fund, Risk
Management Fund, School Fund, School Food Services Fund, and Grant Fund
budgets will be available for appropriation.
assessment of the Admissions Tax, effective July 1, 2007.
3. Amendment of the City Code to eliminate the motor vehicle decals and
City’s motor vehicle license tax structure, effective January 1, 2008.
4. Amendments of the City Code to establish a program for special
taxation of certain energy-efficient buildings and to set a special tax
rate for such buildings, effective July 1, 2007.
5. Adoption of the Annual General, Civic Facilities, Parking, Market
Building, Department of Technology, Fleet Management, Risk
Management, School, School Food Services, and Grant Funds
6. Appropriations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2007 and ending
June 30, 2008.
7. Adoption and establishment of a Pay Plan for officers and employees of
the City, effective July 1, 2007, and providing for certain salary
adjustments and merit increases; authorizing annual salary increments
for certain officers and employees; continuation of various programs;
payment of a monthly stipend to certain board and commission
members; salary of the City’s General Registrar; salaries of the City’s
Constitutional Officers; and salaries of the Mayor, Vice-Mayor, and
Members of Council. Approval of certain supplemental benefits under the City of Roanoke Pension Plan, effective July 1 , 2007.
8. Endorsement of an update to the Capital Improvement Program for fiscal
year 2008-201 2; and appropriation of funds.
9. Appropriation of funds for the YMCA Aquatic Center, in the amount of
$200,000.00; and Greenway Development Projects, in the amount of
$200,000.00.
10. Appropriation of $335,000.00 in connection with local incentives for
Enterprise Zone Projects.
11. Approval of the 2007-2008 Annual Update to the 2005-2010
Consolidated Plan and authorization to submit the complete Annual
Update to the United States Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) for review and approval.
12. Adjournment.
By the by - you can view the entire budget yourself, online here. (.pdf)
have fun with the "lack of information society."
MAY 14, 2007
2:OO P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBER
AGENDA
Call to Order - Roll Call.
The Invocation will be delivered by Council Member Alfred T. Dowe, Jr.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America will
be led by Mayor C. Nelson Harris.
NOTICE:
Meetings of Roanoke City Council are televised live on RVTV Channel 3.
Today’s Council meeting will be replayed on Channel 3 on Thursday,
May 17, 2007, at 7:OO p.m., and Saturday, May 19, 2007, at 4:OO p.m. Council
meetings are offered with closed captioning for the hearing impaired.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE NOW PROVIDES THE MqJORITY OF THE CITY
COUNCIL AGENDA ON THE INTERNET FOR VIEWING AND RESEARCH PURPOSES.
TO ACCESS AGENDA MATERIAL, GO TO THE CITY’S HOMEPAGE AT
WWW.ROANOKEGOV.COM, CLICK ON THE ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL ICON,
CLICK ON MEETINGS AND AGENDAS, AND DOWNLOAD THE ADOBE ACROBAT
SOFTWARE TO ACCESS THE AGENDA.
Statement of Purpose. Mayor Harris.
Introduction and Consideration of Ordinances and Resolutions:
A Certificate of the Director of Finance advising that funds required for the
2007-2008 General Fund, Civic Facilities Fund, Parking Fund, Market Building
Fund, Department of Technology Fund, Fleet Management Fund, Risk
Management Fund, School Fund, School Food Services Fund, and Grant Fund
budgets will be available for appropriation.
- Amendment of the City’s Fee Schedule (Compendium) in connection with certain fees for training at the Police Academy, Fire/EMS inspections, parking rates, and Civic Center rental, effective July 1, 2007.
assessment of the Admissions Tax, effective July 1, 2007.
3. Amendment of the City Code to eliminate the motor vehicle decals and
City’s motor vehicle license tax structure, effective January 1, 2008.
4. Amendments of the City Code to establish a program for special
taxation of certain energy-efficient buildings and to set a special tax
rate for such buildings, effective July 1, 2007.
5. Adoption of the Annual General, Civic Facilities, Parking, Market
Building, Department of Technology, Fleet Management, Risk
Management, School, School Food Services, and Grant Funds
6. Appropriations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2007 and ending
June 30, 2008.
7. Adoption and establishment of a Pay Plan for officers and employees of
the City, effective July 1, 2007, and providing for certain salary
adjustments and merit increases; authorizing annual salary increments
for certain officers and employees; continuation of various programs;
payment of a monthly stipend to certain board and commission
members; salary of the City’s General Registrar; salaries of the City’s
Constitutional Officers; and salaries of the Mayor, Vice-Mayor, and
Members of Council. Approval of certain supplemental benefits under the City of Roanoke Pension Plan, effective July 1 , 2007.
8. Endorsement of an update to the Capital Improvement Program for fiscal
year 2008-201 2; and appropriation of funds.
9. Appropriation of funds for the YMCA Aquatic Center, in the amount of
$200,000.00; and Greenway Development Projects, in the amount of
$200,000.00.
10. Appropriation of $335,000.00 in connection with local incentives for
Enterprise Zone Projects.
11. Approval of the 2007-2008 Annual Update to the 2005-2010
Consolidated Plan and authorization to submit the complete Annual
Update to the United States Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) for review and approval.
12. Adjournment.
By the by - you can view the entire budget yourself, online here. (.pdf)
have fun with the "lack of information society."
New Roanoke 5 - Part 2
Somewhere in this 42 square mile city, someone sits.. gnashing teeth and grumbling about the City council, the "piss-poor" jobs in Roanoke, the general misery of being here - now.
That someone sits in an apartment, or a house left to them by a long dead relative. The lawn has not been mowed in months or years, the apartment not cleaned in ages.
Why bother? No one else cares. Not my problem, let the landlord deal with it.
And they leave to go to work - with the same miserable attitude, apathetic outlook, and free from responsibility - they amble through the work day, putting in a half-assed effort. Not stressing about work except to find a way to get out of it.
Where is the drive? The motivation? Is it any wonder why we are represented by who we are represented by? I'd be willing to peg it at 65% of Roanokers have absolutely no interest in anything the city does, with the exception of grumbling about it.
Wonder why a substantial majority of our City Council members come from certain sections of the city? Because they are the only ones who bother organizing.
If Roanoke were a nation, it would out-do France in "We Surrender" jokes..
For lack of a better concept - it's as if the city and it's citizens were neutered.
Well, somewhat anyway. More than happy to play Brutus, or even Bluto..
I know you cannot change society, but you can ask them a simple question..
Why the complete and utter lack of drive?
Where is the cities cohones?
Ambition? Anyone?
This is the only New Roanoke post that does not offer solutions, because that's not why I wrote this one. This is something to take back and think about, think about the kids who are born and raised to people like this, think about the loss of the "brains" of Roanoke and realize perhaps that this is why.
Is it a liability to have a sense of determination and drive in Roanoke?
Answer that.. thats the challenge of New Roanoke.
Sometimes the answers are fine, it's the questions that are ugly.
That someone sits in an apartment, or a house left to them by a long dead relative. The lawn has not been mowed in months or years, the apartment not cleaned in ages.
Why bother? No one else cares. Not my problem, let the landlord deal with it.
And they leave to go to work - with the same miserable attitude, apathetic outlook, and free from responsibility - they amble through the work day, putting in a half-assed effort. Not stressing about work except to find a way to get out of it.
Where is the drive? The motivation? Is it any wonder why we are represented by who we are represented by? I'd be willing to peg it at 65% of Roanokers have absolutely no interest in anything the city does, with the exception of grumbling about it.
Wonder why a substantial majority of our City Council members come from certain sections of the city? Because they are the only ones who bother organizing.
If Roanoke were a nation, it would out-do France in "We Surrender" jokes..
For lack of a better concept - it's as if the city and it's citizens were neutered.
Well, somewhat anyway. More than happy to play Brutus, or even Bluto..
I know you cannot change society, but you can ask them a simple question..
Why the complete and utter lack of drive?
Where is the cities cohones?
Ambition? Anyone?
This is the only New Roanoke post that does not offer solutions, because that's not why I wrote this one. This is something to take back and think about, think about the kids who are born and raised to people like this, think about the loss of the "brains" of Roanoke and realize perhaps that this is why.
Is it a liability to have a sense of determination and drive in Roanoke?
Answer that.. thats the challenge of New Roanoke.
Sometimes the answers are fine, it's the questions that are ugly.
5/10/07
NewRoanoke #5 - Part 1
You all know the song.. this is just a newer version of it I happen to like.
I said the next NewRoanoke would be about class - and I meant it.
When you don't work to better yourself, show a little ambition, and make something of yourself - you lose. And in that regard, there's a good number of low-class citizens in this town. Symptomatic to the civic problem is the civil one. Even our leaders have shown a penchant for being guttersnipes and engaging in beyond-political back-stabbing.
It's easy to see too. Trinkle lost his Roanoke-Political virginity rather quickly - when he soon found that he was one man, standing alone.
But thats the easy side of the equation.. the much harder side will come tomorrow.
When we get down to street level.
And this is how it begins...
Back room dealings and shaded motions.
I clearly remember just months ago hearing that Station 1 (the historic one) was NOT going to close..
And of course, this act defies ALL logic considering the concentration of businesses (in high buildings) that are downtown. You have now removed the main ladder truck from the immediate area.
Yea, sure it's not that far out.. but hey - it's not where it was.
Anyway.. once again - this relates directly to that NewRoanoke post on class. Where it would be classy for the City Council to stand up and be honest, tell the FF's exactly what they were planning on doing - and the rest of the free world.
But no.. sadly you need to read it here.
Station #1, the longest-active fire house in Virginia, will eventually be sold. It's part of the City's effort to divest itself of properties, a kick certain contract employees seem to be on as of late.
Anyway - everyone check out RoanokeFire.com as I am sure there will be much to say about these things.
I've got a very long day today - so I make no promises.
I clearly remember just months ago hearing that Station 1 (the historic one) was NOT going to close..
And of course, this act defies ALL logic considering the concentration of businesses (in high buildings) that are downtown. You have now removed the main ladder truck from the immediate area.
Yea, sure it's not that far out.. but hey - it's not where it was.
Anyway.. once again - this relates directly to that NewRoanoke post on class. Where it would be classy for the City Council to stand up and be honest, tell the FF's exactly what they were planning on doing - and the rest of the free world.
But no.. sadly you need to read it here.
Station #1, the longest-active fire house in Virginia, will eventually be sold. It's part of the City's effort to divest itself of properties, a kick certain contract employees seem to be on as of late.
Anyway - everyone check out RoanokeFire.com as I am sure there will be much to say about these things.
I've got a very long day today - so I make no promises.
5/8/07
I know I've been quiet
There is due reason behind it though. Things going on behind the scenes, a project long due coming soon (but only for residents of SE - HA!), and other general depravity.
As I said, the Sentinel is watching. Roanoke is turning.
The stalled New Roanoke post has direct bearing on the latest news.
It's about class, outside of school that is. Self-respect and the flailing municipal self-esteem.
But that's coming soon. I promise it.
And for those of you who were able to read the psychic post, thanks for your comments. Glad to see I'm not alone in this world.
As I said, the Sentinel is watching. Roanoke is turning.
The stalled New Roanoke post has direct bearing on the latest news.
It's about class, outside of school that is. Self-respect and the flailing municipal self-esteem.
But that's coming soon. I promise it.
And for those of you who were able to read the psychic post, thanks for your comments. Glad to see I'm not alone in this world.
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