those pages Ive been promising for damn-near ever are finally going up tomorrow (sunday). at worst case monday, but most likely sunday. keep your eyes posted for a link here.
by the way - Ive turned on my atom/rss feed. if you have an rss reader, I use the one from RSSreader.com - free, you can point it at this link: http://roanoke-found.blogspot.com/atom.xml and you too will get every update you need to get you through the day, fresh and direct from Forgotten-Roanoke itself. Have it before even the Roanoke Times gets it. Have it with a cup of coffee in the morning, or as I do - in the evening with a cup of coffee.
Podcasting update: I expect to try out the whole podcasting thing within the next month, so get yourselves ready. The voice of Radio Free Roanoke (and if you give a listen to some of the local stations, you almost wish Roanoke was radio free lol) will be live and on air soon enough.
It's been a rip roaring ride so far, and it only promises to get wilder.
6/25/05
6/24/05
I was very nice today
I didn't smash things, I did not yell, I did not injure myself or others.
I had no malicious thoughts, no pondering of innards flying.
I had no want to borrow someones semi and barrell through the place.
I was tired, hungry, and peeved.
In that order.
had I been born a rich woman, today would have been completely different. But alas, I am just a man - flesh and bone.
Tolerance be thy name.
DAMMIT!! Theres no cookies left!
I had no malicious thoughts, no pondering of innards flying.
I had no want to borrow someones semi and barrell through the place.
I was tired, hungry, and peeved.
In that order.
had I been born a rich woman, today would have been completely different. But alas, I am just a man - flesh and bone.
Tolerance be thy name.
DAMMIT!! Theres no cookies left!
6/23/05
A tip for the Times
From Lileks.com's Bleat for today: "If I were king of the forest, and could remake the Daily Paper according to my whims, I’d make two changes. I’d confine the editorials to local matters, because no one cares what the Peoria Gleaner thinks about Sudan. Whereas an intensely local editorial section has a unique power; it’s distributed and read by the people who can actually do something about the issues raised. Second, I’d flip the A and B sections. Newspapers can do the local issues like no other medium. "
Replace with Peoria Gleaner with Roanoke Times and you pretty much have it.
Replace with Peoria Gleaner with Roanoke Times and you pretty much have it.
News from The Roanoke Times -Name that tune - if the price is right
Well, I guess since Payola is no longer allowed, and what with the national tragedy of illegal downloading (did I mention that fully half the albums I had as a teen were tapes copied off of friends?), the poor starving musical liscenising companies have finally found a way to get truly funded.
This is nonsense. This stinks of RICO, and a host of other unsound business pratices. I was in many a band, and played many a live show - and not once did we even consider that we owed someone else for our performance of a cover song. Because that cover song was not why people came in. It was not what made us money. (Plus half the time the cover song was barely recognizeable.) We never released it as a single, never featured it on any of the cd's we recorded. It was usually just a one off, something that we played in the studio to break up the seriousness.
I've worked in restaurants. I have seen the BMI sticker on the door of the place, but it only meant that we had access to a larger collection of music. It was a service, not unlike the Dish Network offers today. It just gave us access to a large catalog of pre-programmed music. And Ive worked in places where the only music was off the radio in the dining area. Just regular broadcast radio.
So now your telling me that we were supposed to PAY for all of that? A) I did not get the memo, and B) Try it. Im sure the Supreme Court would have fun with it.
Especially for songs that are historically public. Like "White Christmas." Yes, we all know someone owns the rights to it, but that doesn't stop every single place from playing it, or something like it, or even personally singing it.
A children's choir should now pay BMI for the right to sing it at the town christmas tree lighting?
There needs to be some sort of change in the understanding of media property, copyrights, and licensing - there is for proft, and for public good. The for profit could include: music played in movie theatres before the movie starts, music which is being included to sell a product. The public good is fairly obvious - music for public presentation, wether it be the kids at the christmas tree or "Wind Beneath My Wings" sung by someone at a firefighter appreciation and memorial service. Last week we had the "No Music in Podcasting" issue, this week its "No music in restaurants without a fee." Next week could be a Radio fee on every radio in the nation to pay for the license to play any song at any volume which could be heard by others - thereby consituting a public performance.
Remember kids, don't play songs for your friends - only criminals do that.
I will never walk down the street whistling the whistling part from Billy Joel's "The Stranger" ever again, and I personally apologise to Mr. Joel and his legal team for each instance of doing so.
This is nonsense. This stinks of RICO, and a host of other unsound business pratices. I was in many a band, and played many a live show - and not once did we even consider that we owed someone else for our performance of a cover song. Because that cover song was not why people came in. It was not what made us money. (Plus half the time the cover song was barely recognizeable.) We never released it as a single, never featured it on any of the cd's we recorded. It was usually just a one off, something that we played in the studio to break up the seriousness.
I've worked in restaurants. I have seen the BMI sticker on the door of the place, but it only meant that we had access to a larger collection of music. It was a service, not unlike the Dish Network offers today. It just gave us access to a large catalog of pre-programmed music. And Ive worked in places where the only music was off the radio in the dining area. Just regular broadcast radio.
So now your telling me that we were supposed to PAY for all of that? A) I did not get the memo, and B) Try it. Im sure the Supreme Court would have fun with it.
Especially for songs that are historically public. Like "White Christmas." Yes, we all know someone owns the rights to it, but that doesn't stop every single place from playing it, or something like it, or even personally singing it.
A children's choir should now pay BMI for the right to sing it at the town christmas tree lighting?
There needs to be some sort of change in the understanding of media property, copyrights, and licensing - there is for proft, and for public good. The for profit could include: music played in movie theatres before the movie starts, music which is being included to sell a product. The public good is fairly obvious - music for public presentation, wether it be the kids at the christmas tree or "Wind Beneath My Wings" sung by someone at a firefighter appreciation and memorial service. Last week we had the "No Music in Podcasting" issue, this week its "No music in restaurants without a fee." Next week could be a Radio fee on every radio in the nation to pay for the license to play any song at any volume which could be heard by others - thereby consituting a public performance.
Remember kids, don't play songs for your friends - only criminals do that.
I will never walk down the street whistling the whistling part from Billy Joel's "The Stranger" ever again, and I personally apologise to Mr. Joel and his legal team for each instance of doing so.
Google Search: Odeo
Google Search: Odeo
For those in the know, podcasting has come home to roost.
Odeo is browser based software that allows YOU to create your own podcast. Plus, it allows you to find podcasts that match your preferences, and comment on them.
Think of it, not only do you get to air your views or whatever on your very own radio station, but you are syndicated internationally. Possibly universally, if the ET's have gotten off AOL allready and grown up. I just got my invite, and if you head to the site - and sign up for the newsletter, you will probably get one too. It's still in beta testing, but much like G-mail and the Death Star, its fully operational.
Oh - theres another thing out there.. Orkut. Its a social networking software by the brains at google. Its very hush hush, but from what little Ive read - very powerful and useful. Keep your eyes out for this one..And if anyone has an invite to waste - let me know. I'd love to get in on the ground floor.
For those in the know, podcasting has come home to roost.
Odeo is browser based software that allows YOU to create your own podcast. Plus, it allows you to find podcasts that match your preferences, and comment on them.
Think of it, not only do you get to air your views or whatever on your very own radio station, but you are syndicated internationally. Possibly universally, if the ET's have gotten off AOL allready and grown up. I just got my invite, and if you head to the site - and sign up for the newsletter, you will probably get one too. It's still in beta testing, but much like G-mail and the Death Star, its fully operational.
Oh - theres another thing out there.. Orkut. Its a social networking software by the brains at google. Its very hush hush, but from what little Ive read - very powerful and useful. Keep your eyes out for this one..And if anyone has an invite to waste - let me know. I'd love to get in on the ground floor.
6/21/05
Someone at DBJ has obviously taken a course in governmental linguistics.
City Market building is big at lunch, but dinner dining seems less certain: "June 21, 2005
City Market building is big at lunch, but dinner dining seems less certain
The debate over what needs to be done to Roanoke's city market building is heating up once again. At a recent city council meeting, some members questioned why the downtown landmark closes so early.
Tenants say business is very strong through the lunch hour, and they are open to the idea of staying open later. But they tell us it's easier said than done, and it therefore probably won't happen any time soon. "
what?
That place is packed during lunch, one can hardly find a block of wood. Or wicker stool. Heck, it reminds me of the 34th St Subway Station at Christmas-time. Only smelly in a good way. I havent found better chinese than I have found at the Market. Once a month (at least) I must have my General Tso there, otherwise I get hives.
Oh yes, hives. nasty.
I say, its the summer. Whats to be lost by staying open late? You know they don't turn that air conditioning off at night, so why not use it. Throw the doors open wide and let the smells entrance all those home-bound worker-bees into debating staying in town for dinner. Or even getting something to go.
Any sale is better than no sale. And summer is the best time to test this idea. Excess sunlight, abundance of warm bodies hanging about with no specific plans. You allready have the inventory, Im sure Sysco and US Foods will be more than happy to deliver again. And if its not well recieved? Well, you tried.
Unless those food stalls are really magical, and turn into punkins' when you close? Yeah, I didn't think so.
Easier said than done... yeah - so hard to assign 2 workers to stand there while you wait for a possible sale.
or do we need a special "Eating after 5" permit?
just try it, stop being whiners.
I'll take a double order of General Tso's to go... but only at 6pm.
City Market building is big at lunch, but dinner dining seems less certain
The debate over what needs to be done to Roanoke's city market building is heating up once again. At a recent city council meeting, some members questioned why the downtown landmark closes so early.
Tenants say business is very strong through the lunch hour, and they are open to the idea of staying open later. But they tell us it's easier said than done, and it therefore probably won't happen any time soon. "
what?
That place is packed during lunch, one can hardly find a block of wood. Or wicker stool. Heck, it reminds me of the 34th St Subway Station at Christmas-time. Only smelly in a good way. I havent found better chinese than I have found at the Market. Once a month (at least) I must have my General Tso there, otherwise I get hives.
Oh yes, hives. nasty.
I say, its the summer. Whats to be lost by staying open late? You know they don't turn that air conditioning off at night, so why not use it. Throw the doors open wide and let the smells entrance all those home-bound worker-bees into debating staying in town for dinner. Or even getting something to go.
Any sale is better than no sale. And summer is the best time to test this idea. Excess sunlight, abundance of warm bodies hanging about with no specific plans. You allready have the inventory, Im sure Sysco and US Foods will be more than happy to deliver again. And if its not well recieved? Well, you tried.
Unless those food stalls are really magical, and turn into punkins' when you close? Yeah, I didn't think so.
Easier said than done... yeah - so hard to assign 2 workers to stand there while you wait for a possible sale.
or do we need a special "Eating after 5" permit?
just try it, stop being whiners.
I'll take a double order of General Tso's to go... but only at 6pm.
roanoke.com - Extra stories -'Hands Around the World'
Is it that hard to see the difference between art that makes a difference, and art that exisits in indifference?
I love this thing. I think I would love it even if it had nothing to do with the Sister Cities. In its own way it reminds me of the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows park (1964-65 Worlds Fair). It is an artifact, yet still relevant. Its represents the world of tomorrow, yesterday and in the future. As will the "Hands around the World" statue. We were once all together (yes, so what if it was Pangea?) and we will be again in the future, if the continental drift has its way. We might as well get started now.
I like this, I really do. This is perfect for Roanoke. And so what if its not done by some world-renound sculptor who is famous for recycling 1970's ugly curtains and hanging them in parks a la Christo? Its homegrown, honest, and real. If only it were that way with other things.
Get it? THIS is Roanoke. Simple, quiet yet powerfully moving. It does not take a megaphone to make the world notice you anymore. As is evidence by this blog. I cannot tell you where I get hits from, mostly because it baffles me as to how I get them. But around the world, around the town, and around the corner. It's the small voice that can shake the foundations of the Earth now. In the days before the internet, mostly referring to the 80's, garish design and volume were appropriate.
Well, subjectively speaking they were.
It was a reflex reaction to the stone, steel, and glass bricks which sprang up during the 1960's and 70's. Some of which can be seen in our own downtown. In the 80's, design became writ large across the planet. Unexpected designs appeared in areas no one would have considered. Anyone remember Miami before Miami Vice? That wonderfully art deco area was not so sublime, so desired. Many of those buildings were threatened. For a simple example, look at Ocean City, Maryland.
A dangerous mishmash of 19th century seaside houses side by side with what appears to be a monument to the Aztec pyramid builders as designed by a guy named Vinnie who works in concrete.
Anyway - go support it. Its a good thing. Really good.
I love this thing. I think I would love it even if it had nothing to do with the Sister Cities. In its own way it reminds me of the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows park (1964-65 Worlds Fair). It is an artifact, yet still relevant. Its represents the world of tomorrow, yesterday and in the future. As will the "Hands around the World" statue. We were once all together (yes, so what if it was Pangea?) and we will be again in the future, if the continental drift has its way. We might as well get started now.
I like this, I really do. This is perfect for Roanoke. And so what if its not done by some world-renound sculptor who is famous for recycling 1970's ugly curtains and hanging them in parks a la Christo? Its homegrown, honest, and real. If only it were that way with other things.
Get it? THIS is Roanoke. Simple, quiet yet powerfully moving. It does not take a megaphone to make the world notice you anymore. As is evidence by this blog. I cannot tell you where I get hits from, mostly because it baffles me as to how I get them. But around the world, around the town, and around the corner. It's the small voice that can shake the foundations of the Earth now. In the days before the internet, mostly referring to the 80's, garish design and volume were appropriate.
Well, subjectively speaking they were.
It was a reflex reaction to the stone, steel, and glass bricks which sprang up during the 1960's and 70's. Some of which can be seen in our own downtown. In the 80's, design became writ large across the planet. Unexpected designs appeared in areas no one would have considered. Anyone remember Miami before Miami Vice? That wonderfully art deco area was not so sublime, so desired. Many of those buildings were threatened. For a simple example, look at Ocean City, Maryland.
A dangerous mishmash of 19th century seaside houses side by side with what appears to be a monument to the Aztec pyramid builders as designed by a guy named Vinnie who works in concrete.
Anyway - go support it. Its a good thing. Really good.
roanoke.com: Southwest Virginia starts here - after 5(a.m.)
Ok, Im looking directly into the gaping maw of the beast here.
You start with this story (after ofcourse, the important I/O junk at the top - because everyone should have to hunt for the headlines) "RIVER CLEANUP
Three pressing issues give the Roanoke City Council a rather more intensive day than usual. " Well this shows promise..
Part one of the story involves cleaning up the Roanoke River through a partnership between the City and volunteers. And the Flood Abatement program.
Allright, who saw the news last night? What major issue did the Council vote on? What issue that is generally unsupported, according to a WSLS poll? Um. Not here - keep moving...
Part 2 of the City Councils day... "SOUTHERN HILLS" - Allright, cool. City votes to finally upgrade the Southern Hills area, bringing it inline with the late 20th Century. And it seems that this development is not truly tied to the Home Depot that might be built there, not totally... still missing something.
Part 3 (the wrap up) - Its headline is "Rental Inspection." Its basically about Roanoke changing the rental inspection laws, bringing it inline with changes the state made last year. Umm.. still missing something. Keep reading....
"In other action, the council unanimously approved the issuance of $12.8 million in general obligation public improvement bonds for a handful of capital projects.
The bonds are expected to pay $3.7 million to aid in the construction of the new art museum in downtown; $2.6 million for pubic parking facilities; $2.6 million for a financial information system project; and $4 million for the purchase of the Countryside Golf Course should the council choose to exercise its option on the land where it hopes to see mixed-use housing developed.
Only one person spoke during a public hearing on the bonds. Sarah Higgins of Countryside Road said she spoke on behalf of the Countryside Neighborhood Steering Committee and asked the council not to go forward with the Countryside purchase."
Hidden. One line, not even a full sentence. And then to note only one person spoke, and not even on the issue of the Art Museum makes it sound like the museum is widely accepted and uncontested. But.. what can one expect from the paper which touts the museum as " grand architecture or the Wreck of the Flying Nun." A term used when the design was first unveiled a few short months ago. Because there have been no serious challenges made - so we keep using the silly name. Make those who oppose it seem trivial. Good job RT - wonderful choices in reporting the story.
You start with this story (after ofcourse, the important I/O junk at the top - because everyone should have to hunt for the headlines) "RIVER CLEANUP
Three pressing issues give the Roanoke City Council a rather more intensive day than usual. " Well this shows promise..
Part one of the story involves cleaning up the Roanoke River through a partnership between the City and volunteers. And the Flood Abatement program.
Allright, who saw the news last night? What major issue did the Council vote on? What issue that is generally unsupported, according to a WSLS poll? Um. Not here - keep moving...
Part 2 of the City Councils day... "SOUTHERN HILLS" - Allright, cool. City votes to finally upgrade the Southern Hills area, bringing it inline with the late 20th Century. And it seems that this development is not truly tied to the Home Depot that might be built there, not totally... still missing something.
Part 3 (the wrap up) - Its headline is "Rental Inspection." Its basically about Roanoke changing the rental inspection laws, bringing it inline with changes the state made last year. Umm.. still missing something. Keep reading....
"In other action, the council unanimously approved the issuance of $12.8 million in general obligation public improvement bonds for a handful of capital projects.
The bonds are expected to pay $3.7 million to aid in the construction of the new art museum in downtown; $2.6 million for pubic parking facilities; $2.6 million for a financial information system project; and $4 million for the purchase of the Countryside Golf Course should the council choose to exercise its option on the land where it hopes to see mixed-use housing developed.
Only one person spoke during a public hearing on the bonds. Sarah Higgins of Countryside Road said she spoke on behalf of the Countryside Neighborhood Steering Committee and asked the council not to go forward with the Countryside purchase."
Hidden. One line, not even a full sentence. And then to note only one person spoke, and not even on the issue of the Art Museum makes it sound like the museum is widely accepted and uncontested. But.. what can one expect from the paper which touts the museum as " grand architecture or the Wreck of the Flying Nun." A term used when the design was first unveiled a few short months ago. Because there have been no serious challenges made - so we keep using the silly name. Make those who oppose it seem trivial. Good job RT - wonderful choices in reporting the story.
6/20/05
WSLS Survey on the Art Museum
In the words of Pepe, the King Prawn: "It's Over.. Okayyy."
Kinda sad, especially considering in the face of overwhelming public opinion, they're still insisiting on building the damn silly thing. But then again - some of the greatest French buildings were done during the desperation prior to the Revolution.
This could be the new Victory Stadium.
But go right on ahead, no one will be any the worse for it.
The details.
(10.21pm)
Allright, Im sorry. I realize that just because the majority polled do not want the Art Museum does not mean that the poll has not been tampered with, unduly influenced, nuanced, spun, or generally mis-interpreted as a valid result.
Silly me, I must be thinking of the presidential elections.
But seriously, if this is not a clear indicator - I will personally go around town, conducting my own informal, unscientific, nuanced poll and I bet you I get the same results. Most people don't want/don't care/won't go/won't pay for the art museum.
It's a sad day when the will of the people means so little. But the people have longer memories than one might think. And legal recourses. Lets not forget the entire area there is both on the state and national historic registry. There is precedent, oh yes. September 10th is not so far off.
Oh, and I personally, as being someone directly affected by 9/11, find the timing a bit tacky. Considering its supposed to be a day for the nation to unite in patriotisim (and considering how on a Sunday not much gets accomplished here) Satruday would be the appropriate day for such a celebration. But instead, we are going to have the single most devisive issue in Roanoke today. And it is, wether you have noticed it or not.
But boy oh boy - lets hand a award to the city council and the ARB for least input from the general population to affect a decision. We had more warning on Explore Park. The monied minority has spoken, and a crappy looking building we shall have. Or not. Theres still alot of time between now and then.
2007? I do hope the word "quagmire" does not rear its ugly head.
Go ahead and start rushing the construction before you really begin to feel pressure. Cost over-runs, site problems, weather challenges.. Yeah, we will just sit back and laugh.
And in 5 years, if I hit the lottery, I promise to buy the decrepit, unoccupied building and level it. I will recycle what I can into cheap foreign cars - might as well send it back where it came from.
Then I will make Mr. Important Architect a little plaque - highly polished, so he can see what failure looks like.
Oh Im tired allright.. But somehow, I feel better.
I know Im not alone, how about you? How big and important is your crowd? The "Starbucks Elite" could leave Roanoke, and it would not fail. But put those same "Starbucks Elite" in a truly cosmopolitian town, and they would. Little fish, little fish - go try your hand in the big pond.
Kinda sad, especially considering in the face of overwhelming public opinion, they're still insisiting on building the damn silly thing. But then again - some of the greatest French buildings were done during the desperation prior to the Revolution.
This could be the new Victory Stadium.
But go right on ahead, no one will be any the worse for it.
The details.
(10.21pm)
Allright, Im sorry. I realize that just because the majority polled do not want the Art Museum does not mean that the poll has not been tampered with, unduly influenced, nuanced, spun, or generally mis-interpreted as a valid result.
Silly me, I must be thinking of the presidential elections.
But seriously, if this is not a clear indicator - I will personally go around town, conducting my own informal, unscientific, nuanced poll and I bet you I get the same results. Most people don't want/don't care/won't go/won't pay for the art museum.
It's a sad day when the will of the people means so little. But the people have longer memories than one might think. And legal recourses. Lets not forget the entire area there is both on the state and national historic registry. There is precedent, oh yes. September 10th is not so far off.
Oh, and I personally, as being someone directly affected by 9/11, find the timing a bit tacky. Considering its supposed to be a day for the nation to unite in patriotisim (and considering how on a Sunday not much gets accomplished here) Satruday would be the appropriate day for such a celebration. But instead, we are going to have the single most devisive issue in Roanoke today. And it is, wether you have noticed it or not.
But boy oh boy - lets hand a award to the city council and the ARB for least input from the general population to affect a decision. We had more warning on Explore Park. The monied minority has spoken, and a crappy looking building we shall have. Or not. Theres still alot of time between now and then.
2007? I do hope the word "quagmire" does not rear its ugly head.
Go ahead and start rushing the construction before you really begin to feel pressure. Cost over-runs, site problems, weather challenges.. Yeah, we will just sit back and laugh.
And in 5 years, if I hit the lottery, I promise to buy the decrepit, unoccupied building and level it. I will recycle what I can into cheap foreign cars - might as well send it back where it came from.
Then I will make Mr. Important Architect a little plaque - highly polished, so he can see what failure looks like.
Oh Im tired allright.. But somehow, I feel better.
I know Im not alone, how about you? How big and important is your crowd? The "Starbucks Elite" could leave Roanoke, and it would not fail. But put those same "Starbucks Elite" in a truly cosmopolitian town, and they would. Little fish, little fish - go try your hand in the big pond.
Stabbed trying to end fight
hows that for classy for ya? Take the kids to Chuck E Cheese for Fathers Day, watch mom get into a fistfight - then watch daddy try to gut a man for trying to keep the peace.
ITS FRIGGIN CHUCK E CHEESE!!!
stupid..
ITS FRIGGIN CHUCK E CHEESE!!!
stupid..
A notice:
Due to work schedule, blogging will mostly take place in the afternoon. Please check back then.
6/19/05
6/18/05
vay-kay
taking today off, and possibly tomorrow provided the paper doesn't aggrivate me too much.
See you all on monday.
See you all on monday.
6/17/05
GOOOOOOOD MORNING ROANOKE
It was 55 degrees when I woke this morning. And for the first time in 2 weeks, the windows were wide open, the air off. My nose unstuffy. And my sleep -deep. Not long enough, well - never long enough. But deep.
I took the dogs out for the morning constitutional, and nearly stopped dead on my stoop (yes stoop, thats what we northerners call your front steps). Between the clarity of the air, the clear shot view to the mountains to the north and west, and the coolness - I was in heaven. Then I got dragged down the stairs by the dogs.
Worry not, no tragedy ensued. It was your standard rousing walk with the boys. All 3 of us fighting the urge to come in and have breakfast. No, it was far too nice outside. But we, all 3, have other responsabilities. I have things to do, and the dogs - as all dogs do - have to get back to sleep. 18 hours a day is the average for most dogs I read somewhere. Now you know why they call it "a dog's life."
I was dismayed at the lack of content on the Roanoke Times website today. A story about how Roanoke is the 53rd sweatiest city in the nation. Fascinating. The wild kittens of Roanoke, another one of those issues that has been rehashed by every media outlet around. I remember SLS doing a poll not 2 months ago on the same topic. I have yet to be mugged by a cat however. Whereas in NY, being held up at claw-point was nearly a daily occurance.
No real "new" news today apparently. Most of last night's 11 o'clock news storys are the content for todays Times Online. Might just be a slow news day though, weather like this. Even the editorials are on cruise control. A piece on Terri Schiavo, which I cant bring myself to read - much like any story on the Runaway Bride - its overkill. The Medical Examiner in the case basically can't put a finger on what led to her state. However, and if you listened to the inflections in his voice and watched his mannerisims - he firmly believes that had she been properly cared for during those 15 years, this might have never become an issue. Clearly he believes Michael Schiavo should be charged with something, but in the absence of direct evidence of anything - he is powerless.
Must be tough to be a doctor, to see a patient who clearly could have, should have, would have been saved - if only things were done different.
The 2nd Ed. piece is on the Koran burning. On SLS yesterday, the reporter asked the Imam wether he considered this a hate crime. Of course, he said yes - which is true. But in retrospect, when all is said and done - this will be more a crime of blatant stupidity. Most who draw swastikas on Jewish temples, deface catholic churches, or wreck a mosque do so out of sheer stupidity. It takes reason to hate, logic - no matter how twisted - to strike out against a group for whatever reason.
This is more of a "Hey, look at me showin them mooslims somethin'. Payback for 9-11..." blah, blah, blah. Theres only the shallowest thought going on in that pool of intellect. Maybe if time allows later, I will post my memories of 9-11, and all that ensued. A warning if I do, it will not be kind. It will not be like the glorified memories it seems most of you down here have of 9-11. I am not trying to be rude, or untoward - but this has been a long time coming. Since Ive come down, I am constantly asked about it - only to hear the rememberances of someone who is looking at it through the veil of TV. I still have to correct inaccuracies in the story.
On second thought, Im going to save this till 9-11 itself. I think its more appropriate to do it then.
I'll be back later, with something. Its too nice to get all deep today.
I took the dogs out for the morning constitutional, and nearly stopped dead on my stoop (yes stoop, thats what we northerners call your front steps). Between the clarity of the air, the clear shot view to the mountains to the north and west, and the coolness - I was in heaven. Then I got dragged down the stairs by the dogs.
Worry not, no tragedy ensued. It was your standard rousing walk with the boys. All 3 of us fighting the urge to come in and have breakfast. No, it was far too nice outside. But we, all 3, have other responsabilities. I have things to do, and the dogs - as all dogs do - have to get back to sleep. 18 hours a day is the average for most dogs I read somewhere. Now you know why they call it "a dog's life."
I was dismayed at the lack of content on the Roanoke Times website today. A story about how Roanoke is the 53rd sweatiest city in the nation. Fascinating. The wild kittens of Roanoke, another one of those issues that has been rehashed by every media outlet around. I remember SLS doing a poll not 2 months ago on the same topic. I have yet to be mugged by a cat however. Whereas in NY, being held up at claw-point was nearly a daily occurance.
No real "new" news today apparently. Most of last night's 11 o'clock news storys are the content for todays Times Online. Might just be a slow news day though, weather like this. Even the editorials are on cruise control. A piece on Terri Schiavo, which I cant bring myself to read - much like any story on the Runaway Bride - its overkill. The Medical Examiner in the case basically can't put a finger on what led to her state. However, and if you listened to the inflections in his voice and watched his mannerisims - he firmly believes that had she been properly cared for during those 15 years, this might have never become an issue. Clearly he believes Michael Schiavo should be charged with something, but in the absence of direct evidence of anything - he is powerless.
Must be tough to be a doctor, to see a patient who clearly could have, should have, would have been saved - if only things were done different.
The 2nd Ed. piece is on the Koran burning. On SLS yesterday, the reporter asked the Imam wether he considered this a hate crime. Of course, he said yes - which is true. But in retrospect, when all is said and done - this will be more a crime of blatant stupidity. Most who draw swastikas on Jewish temples, deface catholic churches, or wreck a mosque do so out of sheer stupidity. It takes reason to hate, logic - no matter how twisted - to strike out against a group for whatever reason.
This is more of a "Hey, look at me showin them mooslims somethin'. Payback for 9-11..." blah, blah, blah. Theres only the shallowest thought going on in that pool of intellect. Maybe if time allows later, I will post my memories of 9-11, and all that ensued. A warning if I do, it will not be kind. It will not be like the glorified memories it seems most of you down here have of 9-11. I am not trying to be rude, or untoward - but this has been a long time coming. Since Ive come down, I am constantly asked about it - only to hear the rememberances of someone who is looking at it through the veil of TV. I still have to correct inaccuracies in the story.
On second thought, Im going to save this till 9-11 itself. I think its more appropriate to do it then.
I'll be back later, with something. Its too nice to get all deep today.
6/16/05
Editorials from The Roanoke Times -An awakening of downtown life?
Editorials from The Roanoke Times -An awakening of downtown life?
This is the conceit of the press these days. We think its good, were going to support it (wether you like it or not), so you might as well support it too. Its no wonder most Roanokers feel powerless in the face of change. The Times portrays major movements such as the Condo-ization of downtown, the AMWV, and several other local issues it stoops down to pass judgement on as groundswells. Tidal waves of popular opinion and support, so you might as well shut up and get back to work, because your opinion doesn't count.
Theres one thing Ive always found interesting about Editorial pages, aside from the attitude. Why are most, and when I say most - I mean most across the country, editorial pieces unsigned. I have yet to see one in the Roanoke Times actually have a name attached. Are we to assume this is the opinion of the paper as a whole? Were that the case, the Times then needs to have its psyche checked out. To spit into the face of your readership, a good number of whom completely disagree with your editorials, is a tacky move.
A good newspaper supports its community. Provides it with unbiased news, both local and national. It editorializes logically, understanding when dissent becomes heavy-handed. And it makes sure its staff is personally responsible for the content they provide. And when I say personally responsible, I mean answerable to the public - the readership, the customers.
The whole notion of individuals hiding behind the Editorial page banner bothers me. There are 4 individuals listed on the Ed. banner. 3 men and 1 woman. Each has differing life experiences, each has different thoughts. Yet we are kept in the dark about which writer is which. And it is much harder to get an entire editorial staff replaced than it is to call for the termination of an individual who constantly rubs the community the wrong way.
Again, Im not saying dissent is a bad thing. Sometimes newspapers can give a different viewpoint on an issue, one which might cause people to think differently. The Times Ed. staff does not cause people to think differently - they demand it. They presuppose that you think one way, they admit not everyone does, and they tell you straight out - if you think that other way, your dead wrong.
I remember reading once a line, "those who think otherwise don't have Roanoke's best interests at heart."
If we had an option of a different newspaper, Im pretty sure the Times building would have withered and blown away after that one. It is not a newspapers place to decide what is and is not good for Roanoke, policy or otherwise. We, who have read other newspapers, expect better from our newspaper. Especially in a special community as such is Roanoke. This place is, by and large; a very faith-oriented, hard-working, diverse yet cohesive place. Issues such as Victory Stadium, while appearing large and unweildy, actually fall to the back burner for everyday life. They are diversions, gripes, something to grumble about. But for the Editorial page of the Times to constantly focus on the truly meaningless distractions, rather than focus on the governmental and community problems that lead us to these distractions - that is where the problem comes in.
Oh - and a side note about the P. 1 headlines today. Now I will grant it was below the fold, everything above the fold was local. But the bottom left corner, headine "Do the news media ignore minorities who disappear?"
Ok- listen, first off its an AP story. As is the Schiavo story, but thats a high value story, so I dont have a problem with that being on the front page. But the story on disappearing minorities? Well, that could have been a bit further inside the main section - like where the rest of the article is contained - on page 8. Or, considering its a media story - stick it back in the Extra section. That section could always use a touch more padding, and that section should be where the media stories are located and debated.
And for design ideas for the new Wicktory Stadium, how about looking at what Steinbrenner is doing for the new Yankee Stadium. A truly stunning design, yet classic.
Allright, enough..
This is the conceit of the press these days. We think its good, were going to support it (wether you like it or not), so you might as well support it too. Its no wonder most Roanokers feel powerless in the face of change. The Times portrays major movements such as the Condo-ization of downtown, the AMWV, and several other local issues it stoops down to pass judgement on as groundswells. Tidal waves of popular opinion and support, so you might as well shut up and get back to work, because your opinion doesn't count.
Theres one thing Ive always found interesting about Editorial pages, aside from the attitude. Why are most, and when I say most - I mean most across the country, editorial pieces unsigned. I have yet to see one in the Roanoke Times actually have a name attached. Are we to assume this is the opinion of the paper as a whole? Were that the case, the Times then needs to have its psyche checked out. To spit into the face of your readership, a good number of whom completely disagree with your editorials, is a tacky move.
A good newspaper supports its community. Provides it with unbiased news, both local and national. It editorializes logically, understanding when dissent becomes heavy-handed. And it makes sure its staff is personally responsible for the content they provide. And when I say personally responsible, I mean answerable to the public - the readership, the customers.
The whole notion of individuals hiding behind the Editorial page banner bothers me. There are 4 individuals listed on the Ed. banner. 3 men and 1 woman. Each has differing life experiences, each has different thoughts. Yet we are kept in the dark about which writer is which. And it is much harder to get an entire editorial staff replaced than it is to call for the termination of an individual who constantly rubs the community the wrong way.
Again, Im not saying dissent is a bad thing. Sometimes newspapers can give a different viewpoint on an issue, one which might cause people to think differently. The Times Ed. staff does not cause people to think differently - they demand it. They presuppose that you think one way, they admit not everyone does, and they tell you straight out - if you think that other way, your dead wrong.
I remember reading once a line, "those who think otherwise don't have Roanoke's best interests at heart."
If we had an option of a different newspaper, Im pretty sure the Times building would have withered and blown away after that one. It is not a newspapers place to decide what is and is not good for Roanoke, policy or otherwise. We, who have read other newspapers, expect better from our newspaper. Especially in a special community as such is Roanoke. This place is, by and large; a very faith-oriented, hard-working, diverse yet cohesive place. Issues such as Victory Stadium, while appearing large and unweildy, actually fall to the back burner for everyday life. They are diversions, gripes, something to grumble about. But for the Editorial page of the Times to constantly focus on the truly meaningless distractions, rather than focus on the governmental and community problems that lead us to these distractions - that is where the problem comes in.
Oh - and a side note about the P. 1 headlines today. Now I will grant it was below the fold, everything above the fold was local. But the bottom left corner, headine "Do the news media ignore minorities who disappear?"
Ok- listen, first off its an AP story. As is the Schiavo story, but thats a high value story, so I dont have a problem with that being on the front page. But the story on disappearing minorities? Well, that could have been a bit further inside the main section - like where the rest of the article is contained - on page 8. Or, considering its a media story - stick it back in the Extra section. That section could always use a touch more padding, and that section should be where the media stories are located and debated.
And for design ideas for the new Wicktory Stadium, how about looking at what Steinbrenner is doing for the new Yankee Stadium. A truly stunning design, yet classic.
Allright, enough..
6/15/05
I would like to take this moment to talk about real estate
Allright, wake up.. I know this is not the most fascinating of topics. But bear with me here. I have a little expertise in this.
Ya ready?
Back in the days of my youth, on the local main street, which housed a few bars - a few restaurants - a grocery store & department store which were started by the man who eventually sold the concept of a general large-scale department store to R.H. Macy. It's a fairly historic street in most regards. It was an utter business failure. No one went shopping on Main Street after the malls opened, after the mega-supermarkets opened. There was a theatre there, which for 26 of my 30 years on the planet - was closed. Well, closed to the public - if you werent afraid of heights and were a kid you could easily get in. They finally tore it down to put up a gazebo, about 20 sq. ft of grass, and a medical clinic.
Since I never remember it being open, I did not consider it a great loss. Interestingly though, as soon as the gazebo went up - the drug dealers showed up. No idea as to why though.
Anyway, above a good majority of the storefronts on the street were what we called Taxpayers. Being that property taxes were so high (currently, a 1,750 sq. ft. house on 40x100 lot roughly $7-8k) usually the rent from the apartments went to pay the taxes, utilities, and part of the cost of the store beneath. Not that the stores were getting off easy. Rent was well over 2k a month on a 1k sq. ft. space.
But what wound up happening, over time - the renters finally gave up on the street - refusing to pay rent that high for badly maintained, small apartments. Well, that killed off some of the storefronts. Fast forward to 2 years ago or so - they revamped a good number of the apartments. Re-landscaped the street. Yadda yadda... There were 850 sq. ft. apartments lining the street.
Heres a current example of the renters market in Valley Stream, NY. Where I grew up. These apartments are one block off the main street.
- Studio, 1 bath, 500-588 sq. ft., $1075-1095 a month. No pets, nothing included. $75 a month extra for parking.
-1 bed, 1 bath, 736-900 sq. ft., $1250-1475 a month. Parking still not included, still no pets, still no utilities.
Now I've got 990 sq. ft. here, and Im paying nearly 3/4ths less than that *thank heaven*.
And dont say, well you make more in NY. Rated to the market, you actually make less up there than you do here because the value of a dollar is higher down here.
Now, back to my original point. I like the idea of living downtown in a nice apartment, condo- Im not a fan of condo's but thats just me. But heres the kicker, apartment prices are so high on main st. that no one is renting, the storefronts cant afford to stay in business. So the main street area has not bounced back, its still in the state of disrepair it was 10 years ago. As a matter of fact, looking up the listings for Valley Stream, I found that the first restaurant I ever worked for is going to be torn down and a 3 story apartment complex put on its site. There is not room for that much parking there. But thats not Roanoke, so lets get back to the focus.
Playing rentals with downtown can be a wonderful thing. But the prices have to be scaled properly. You are still looking at an area with no grocery store, no department store, I dont believe I have seen a drug store - so your looking at having to travel for everything. Yes, you can walk to the market and do your grocery shopping for the most part, but not as a whole. And should you have a need for Nyquil at 3am, driving to Walmart or Kroger while sick can be quite a chore.
The prices Im seeing listed for rent on all these renovated spaces downtown, while still not the frightening NY prices, are still pretty bad. If you are looking for CEO's, executives, CFO's and the ilk to populate those buildings, then fine - keep them high. Just remember theres only so many people like that to go around. The majority of people who would like to live downtown, will not be able to afford it at those rates.
Keep downtown liveable, don't go crazy with the pricing. Remember these people still require parking in most cases, groceries, the simple things that make a location all the more convienient. Just watch the money.
Ya ready?
Back in the days of my youth, on the local main street, which housed a few bars - a few restaurants - a grocery store & department store which were started by the man who eventually sold the concept of a general large-scale department store to R.H. Macy. It's a fairly historic street in most regards. It was an utter business failure. No one went shopping on Main Street after the malls opened, after the mega-supermarkets opened. There was a theatre there, which for 26 of my 30 years on the planet - was closed. Well, closed to the public - if you werent afraid of heights and were a kid you could easily get in. They finally tore it down to put up a gazebo, about 20 sq. ft of grass, and a medical clinic.
Since I never remember it being open, I did not consider it a great loss. Interestingly though, as soon as the gazebo went up - the drug dealers showed up. No idea as to why though.
Anyway, above a good majority of the storefronts on the street were what we called Taxpayers. Being that property taxes were so high (currently, a 1,750 sq. ft. house on 40x100 lot roughly $7-8k) usually the rent from the apartments went to pay the taxes, utilities, and part of the cost of the store beneath. Not that the stores were getting off easy. Rent was well over 2k a month on a 1k sq. ft. space.
But what wound up happening, over time - the renters finally gave up on the street - refusing to pay rent that high for badly maintained, small apartments. Well, that killed off some of the storefronts. Fast forward to 2 years ago or so - they revamped a good number of the apartments. Re-landscaped the street. Yadda yadda... There were 850 sq. ft. apartments lining the street.
Heres a current example of the renters market in Valley Stream, NY. Where I grew up. These apartments are one block off the main street.
- Studio, 1 bath, 500-588 sq. ft., $1075-1095 a month. No pets, nothing included. $75 a month extra for parking.
-1 bed, 1 bath, 736-900 sq. ft., $1250-1475 a month. Parking still not included, still no pets, still no utilities.
Now I've got 990 sq. ft. here, and Im paying nearly 3/4ths less than that *thank heaven*.
And dont say, well you make more in NY. Rated to the market, you actually make less up there than you do here because the value of a dollar is higher down here.
Now, back to my original point. I like the idea of living downtown in a nice apartment, condo- Im not a fan of condo's but thats just me. But heres the kicker, apartment prices are so high on main st. that no one is renting, the storefronts cant afford to stay in business. So the main street area has not bounced back, its still in the state of disrepair it was 10 years ago. As a matter of fact, looking up the listings for Valley Stream, I found that the first restaurant I ever worked for is going to be torn down and a 3 story apartment complex put on its site. There is not room for that much parking there. But thats not Roanoke, so lets get back to the focus.
Playing rentals with downtown can be a wonderful thing. But the prices have to be scaled properly. You are still looking at an area with no grocery store, no department store, I dont believe I have seen a drug store - so your looking at having to travel for everything. Yes, you can walk to the market and do your grocery shopping for the most part, but not as a whole. And should you have a need for Nyquil at 3am, driving to Walmart or Kroger while sick can be quite a chore.
The prices Im seeing listed for rent on all these renovated spaces downtown, while still not the frightening NY prices, are still pretty bad. If you are looking for CEO's, executives, CFO's and the ilk to populate those buildings, then fine - keep them high. Just remember theres only so many people like that to go around. The majority of people who would like to live downtown, will not be able to afford it at those rates.
Keep downtown liveable, don't go crazy with the pricing. Remember these people still require parking in most cases, groceries, the simple things that make a location all the more convienient. Just watch the money.
6/14/05
"The art museum is not being built on top of our mountains. Instead it is preserving Roanoke's natural beauty by being built in our downtown."
I HIGHLY disagree. I would say, looking at the attached photos, that the beauty is allready there. We dont need to add a block of glass and steel. We should be enhancing, not "entrancing." Plus, that parking lot probably generates a nice bit of revenue for the city.
6/13/05
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