It seems that the Roanoke Citizen's Brigade is finally moving into the public light.
They have a blog now.
(the title and address are NSF tiny brains)
They have put a post up about some church having it's services in a city school. Sure - the post is crabby and cantankerous, but the question is - do they have a point?
Should city schools be allowing religious groups to hold services within them, even if it is not during school hours?
Interesting question, and I am curious to see more posts from them.
Showing posts with label blogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blogs. Show all posts
9/26/07
If I may
Please direct your attention to the right side of the page, and scroll down a bit. You will find an Odeo podcast jukebox, which is currently set for the podcast "Shepcast" brought to you by the Brass Figlagee.
Why this addition? I happen to be a big fan of Jean Shepherd, and figure that some of you might want to listen too. Now you can, from anywhere you might be.
I trust that you will find it as enjoyable as I do, and if you don't - well, sorry. It will probably be up there through the fall.
You might also notice I removed the link for the chatroom, which no one had used in 50+ days.
Anyway, just some of the "smoke and mirrors" to distract you all from the work behind the curtain here.
Why this addition? I happen to be a big fan of Jean Shepherd, and figure that some of you might want to listen too. Now you can, from anywhere you might be.
I trust that you will find it as enjoyable as I do, and if you don't - well, sorry. It will probably be up there through the fall.
You might also notice I removed the link for the chatroom, which no one had used in 50+ days.
Anyway, just some of the "smoke and mirrors" to distract you all from the work behind the curtain here.
2/20/07
901 and counting.
It's been 901 posts since I first started this venture, which I would call a benchmark. At times I have wandered the past, and the path which stems from it. I took time out for personal matters (the BST chronicles), championed unpopular ideas (the fight against the Art Museum comes to mind) and reported on the loss of historic sites. I have taken up the gauntlet of 'selling Roanoke'. Or, to be honest - selling the HELL out of Roanoke.
But to be honest and forward about everything - I know I am off course. I have stepped away from the focus on the past, the historic aspect which used to rule the blog - and walked deep into the battle for the future of Roanoke. Understand this: I left New York City for all the right reasons, the same reasons we all move - a better life, a better home - boundless opportunity.
Yes, you heard me right. Boundless opportunity. From the first moment I laid eyes on Roanoke I knew this place offered things that even big ol' Noo Yawk Sitee could not. Sometimes it takes the eyes of an outsider to see things like that.
In all this time I have struggled with the lack of comments, the lack of engagement among the hundred or so readers I have daily. Oh, I hear word from plenty of you... some I hear about directly, and some as 2nd hand reports as to who knows about the blog and my positions on things. It's those that I find interesting. The ones who have the ability to actually direct change can't even post an anonymous comment to encourage discussion amongst the populous.
I do get the occasional comment anon - usually something benign and easy. Today, someone left me some flame bait. In reference to my post titled 'Whose Valley?', I received this lovely missive: "Chances are, if you need to take the damn bus to get up there, you won't be spending anything anyway. " (emphasis added)
I could debate that point endlessly - backed up with fact, statistics, and opinions. Suffice it to say that not everyone who rides the bus is poor, sometimes it's just a good method of saving a dime or two. But let's take that at face value: someone was so offended by the very concept of my championing the use of Mill Mountain by all citizens - they were moved to leave a comment. Granted, it's not a good comment - it's base and smacks of class warfare - but thats the purpose of flame bait. It's to goad the author into a pointless argument. But it's something.
If there is one thing I hope to do is spawn conversation. I recently had opportunity to give a guided photograph tour of old Roanoke to a 20 year resident who had not the slightest idea of the history of the very downtown they have worked in, up to and including the 20 years they lived here.
I also gained some insight into the neighborhood she has lived in since moving here. It's a two-way street. The city is undertaking a massive project for it's 125th anniversary - recording the memories and stories of any resident who wishes to take part. They are encouraging the use of photographs and other 'props' in the storytelling.
There is still much to be gained by looking back at the past, and still a ton of hope for the future. But we all need to connect, become part of the 'problem' (he said with irony). The last election proved one thing to all of us - we need to become more organized - or the next city council will be 100% "For the(our) City". I am not asking you as a democrat, a republican, or an independent - I am asking you as a citizen of Roanoke.
Stop for a moment, and think about the city. Is this how you imagined it would be? And what do you think this will lead to in the future?
Look no further than the shell of the Art Museum, whose overhangs cover nearly half of Salem Avenue. And because they are sloped as they are, when the skin is added to the shell - I do not want to think about what Salem Avenue will be like after a snowfall, or worse. The simple act of decision-making has ramifications that some people would not like you to consider.
But this is the 21st century, and perhaps it's time to start working in OUR interests, not MY interests. If not, I fear South Roanoke will overrun the city, and the hardworking residents who keep the city going will be looking elsewhere for opportunity.
We are still strong, and on the razor's edge between a successful future and one which is troubled - and the decision lies in the hands of each and every person in Roanoke. Dangerous prospect, I know - but the truth.
As we press on with our mission here, I would like to invite all of you to take part. Through community effort the City Market was saved and revived, and through the same effort - the entire city can be the true Magic City once again.
Welcome to post 902
But to be honest and forward about everything - I know I am off course. I have stepped away from the focus on the past, the historic aspect which used to rule the blog - and walked deep into the battle for the future of Roanoke. Understand this: I left New York City for all the right reasons, the same reasons we all move - a better life, a better home - boundless opportunity.
Yes, you heard me right. Boundless opportunity. From the first moment I laid eyes on Roanoke I knew this place offered things that even big ol' Noo Yawk Sitee could not. Sometimes it takes the eyes of an outsider to see things like that.
In all this time I have struggled with the lack of comments, the lack of engagement among the hundred or so readers I have daily. Oh, I hear word from plenty of you... some I hear about directly, and some as 2nd hand reports as to who knows about the blog and my positions on things. It's those that I find interesting. The ones who have the ability to actually direct change can't even post an anonymous comment to encourage discussion amongst the populous.
I do get the occasional comment anon - usually something benign and easy. Today, someone left me some flame bait. In reference to my post titled 'Whose Valley?', I received this lovely missive: "Chances are, if you need to take the damn bus to get up there, you won't be spending anything anyway. " (emphasis added)
I could debate that point endlessly - backed up with fact, statistics, and opinions. Suffice it to say that not everyone who rides the bus is poor, sometimes it's just a good method of saving a dime or two. But let's take that at face value: someone was so offended by the very concept of my championing the use of Mill Mountain by all citizens - they were moved to leave a comment. Granted, it's not a good comment - it's base and smacks of class warfare - but thats the purpose of flame bait. It's to goad the author into a pointless argument. But it's something.
If there is one thing I hope to do is spawn conversation. I recently had opportunity to give a guided photograph tour of old Roanoke to a 20 year resident who had not the slightest idea of the history of the very downtown they have worked in, up to and including the 20 years they lived here.
I also gained some insight into the neighborhood she has lived in since moving here. It's a two-way street. The city is undertaking a massive project for it's 125th anniversary - recording the memories and stories of any resident who wishes to take part. They are encouraging the use of photographs and other 'props' in the storytelling.
There is still much to be gained by looking back at the past, and still a ton of hope for the future. But we all need to connect, become part of the 'problem' (he said with irony). The last election proved one thing to all of us - we need to become more organized - or the next city council will be 100% "For the(our) City". I am not asking you as a democrat, a republican, or an independent - I am asking you as a citizen of Roanoke.
Stop for a moment, and think about the city. Is this how you imagined it would be? And what do you think this will lead to in the future?
Look no further than the shell of the Art Museum, whose overhangs cover nearly half of Salem Avenue. And because they are sloped as they are, when the skin is added to the shell - I do not want to think about what Salem Avenue will be like after a snowfall, or worse. The simple act of decision-making has ramifications that some people would not like you to consider.
But this is the 21st century, and perhaps it's time to start working in OUR interests, not MY interests. If not, I fear South Roanoke will overrun the city, and the hardworking residents who keep the city going will be looking elsewhere for opportunity.
We are still strong, and on the razor's edge between a successful future and one which is troubled - and the decision lies in the hands of each and every person in Roanoke. Dangerous prospect, I know - but the truth.
As we press on with our mission here, I would like to invite all of you to take part. Through community effort the City Market was saved and revived, and through the same effort - the entire city can be the true Magic City once again.
Welcome to post 902
12/20/06
Something new
Here's an idea - how about a one stop source for all your entertainment needs in Roanoke?
Perhaps one which could help create events which might actually interest you?
You know, like EventZone is supposed to do?
It's here - and it's called You5W
(warning - not firefox friendly, and contains embedded music, site is still rough)
Love the concept, and look forward to seeing it in action. Maybe even taking part in an event or two.
Or maybe creating a few of my own. Just a thought.
Perhaps one which could help create events which might actually interest you?
You know, like EventZone is supposed to do?
It's here - and it's called You5W
(warning - not firefox friendly, and contains embedded music, site is still rough)
Love the concept, and look forward to seeing it in action. Maybe even taking part in an event or two.
Or maybe creating a few of my own. Just a thought.
10/3/06
800*
On the 800th post, a reflection.
No matter how interesting or important I find what I and my fellow Roanoke-based bloggers may write, no matter how thought-provoking and earth shaking I think my writings are - there's always better out there.
This is the time that I can give a few rounds of applause for those who inspired me in my hobby/obsession.
Lilek's The Bleat. M-F observations on.. well, just about anything that flares up in the life of a sort-of middle-aged writer.
IMAO. Frank J originally was alone in this, but since has added some of the finest voices in comedo-political-sociopathic blogging.
Kevin Walsh's Forgotten-NY.com - the inspiration for the seemingly hiatused Forgotten-Roanoke.com.. which is not truly on hiatus, Im just unhappy with the site design and interactivity.
Rhett over at RoanokeFire.com - my co-conspirator on organizing the scene for blogging (and social revolution, regardless of what he says) here in the 'Noke.
But the real reason I post this list is to highlight one blogger in particular. One which came quite unexpectedly to my attention.
There are quite alot of avenues that blogging can take, from the personal to the professional - the political to the paid advertisements. Blogging is mostly about sharing, information and revelations, but sometimes - there's one that blows you away with it's depth.
This is it. It has not been around very long, and is limited in scope, but remains one of the best written blogs I have ever read. Few people can write about any topic with such depth and emotion, and I am humbled.
So this is the 800th post, with an *. The * is for the fact it is not a true Roanoke post, that will come later.
Thanks to all my readers, with any luck the site will be back to full strength in a matter of weeks, the blog will carry on it's mission, and the Star City will shine once again.
No matter how interesting or important I find what I and my fellow Roanoke-based bloggers may write, no matter how thought-provoking and earth shaking I think my writings are - there's always better out there.
This is the time that I can give a few rounds of applause for those who inspired me in my hobby/obsession.
Lilek's The Bleat. M-F observations on.. well, just about anything that flares up in the life of a sort-of middle-aged writer.
IMAO. Frank J originally was alone in this, but since has added some of the finest voices in comedo-political-sociopathic blogging.
Kevin Walsh's Forgotten-NY.com - the inspiration for the seemingly hiatused Forgotten-Roanoke.com.. which is not truly on hiatus, Im just unhappy with the site design and interactivity.
Rhett over at RoanokeFire.com - my co-conspirator on organizing the scene for blogging (and social revolution, regardless of what he says) here in the 'Noke.
But the real reason I post this list is to highlight one blogger in particular. One which came quite unexpectedly to my attention.
There are quite alot of avenues that blogging can take, from the personal to the professional - the political to the paid advertisements. Blogging is mostly about sharing, information and revelations, but sometimes - there's one that blows you away with it's depth.
This is it. It has not been around very long, and is limited in scope, but remains one of the best written blogs I have ever read. Few people can write about any topic with such depth and emotion, and I am humbled.
So this is the 800th post, with an *. The * is for the fact it is not a true Roanoke post, that will come later.
Thanks to all my readers, with any luck the site will be back to full strength in a matter of weeks, the blog will carry on it's mission, and the Star City will shine once again.
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