Welcome to the my Web site, v. XII. The blog is typically published Monday - Saturday. My primary topics tend to be the Nats, Penn State (esp. football), BeltwayLand, transportation, media, photos and more. The rest of the site gets updated as warranted and is noted on the blog.
Final Snowmageddon total for Alexandria, Va. - 20.5 inches - William World News
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Final Snowmageddon total for Alexandria, Va. - 20.5 inches
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The final total for Snowmageddon is unchanged from my afternoon update -- 20.5 inches of snow on top of the 2.5 already on the ground. I must have gotten out there right before it stopped.
This is a record breaker, but not the three feet that was being hyped, though I understand other parts of BeltwayLand approached that total. This isn't officially the biggest storm in Washington D.C. history, but it is close. Totals right here are held down by the fairly low elevation and the proximity to the urban heat island.
Tomorrow is the cleanup day with a lot of digging to get one or more cars out. Last time it took about two hours to get one car out, but that was with beautiful powdery snow. This stuff is much wetter, so it could be a very long day.
Snowmageddon! 20.5 inches of fresh snow in Alexandria, Va. at 2:30 p.m. - William World News
Snowmageddon! 20.5 inches of fresh snow in Alexandria, Va. at 2:30 p.m.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The latest snow total for Snowmaggedon is in -- 20.5 inches of fresh snow from this storm. Of course, that is on top of the 2.5 inches leftover from the previous storm. It is still coming down steadily here in the West End.
10:30 a.m. A violist in Wincester, Va. reported 28 inches 12:00 p.m. A teacher in Harrisburg, Pa. reported 16+ inches 2:00 p.m. A director of social media from Brookland, Washington D.C. reported 21 inches 4:00 p.m. The Maryland Bureau Chief reported 31 inches
The Maryland Bureau Chief after shoveling earlier:
Snowmageddon! 17 inches of new snow at 8:30 a.m. in Alexandria, Va. - William World News
Snowmageddon! 17 inches of new snow at 8:30 a.m. in Alexandria, Va.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Last night West End Alexandria received another 13 5/8 inches of snow, raising the total on the ground to 19 inches! Capital Weather Gang says another 5 to 8 inches to go today, so we'll have a new record for the highest amount of snowfall I've ever seen in Northern Virginia, surpassing Snowpocalypse's record of 20 inches -- only one more inch to go. I guess we won't see 30 inches here though which is a bit disappointing.
According to The Maryland Bureau Chief, Columbia, Md. has 24 inches of snow.
Snowmageddon! 3 3/8 inches new snow at 6 p.m. in Alexandria, Va. - William World News
Friday, February 05, 2010
Snowmageddon! 3 3/8 inches new snow at 6 p.m. in Alexandria, Va.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The first official William World News snowfall measurement of Snowmageddon has been recorded. 2 1/2 were inches left on the ground from the last storm and to that total another 3 3/8 had accumulated since the snow began around 10 a.m. That is pretty low thus far, but reports are saying this could be the biggest snowstorm in Washington history (We Love DC)!
Snowfall totals: Alexandria & Tysons Corner - William World News
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Snowfall totals: Alexandria & Tysons Corner
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- After missing the weekend snowstorm, I'm back with more snowfall measurements. In front of my condo, I measured 5 3/4 inches of wet fluffy snow. This includes accumulations from the weekend storm.
TYSONS CORNER, Va. -- At work, I measure 6 7/8 inches.
This snow is already melting and probably won't make it through tomorrow if even today, but don't get used to seeing the ground again. We're in for a doozy this weekend:
The latest snowstorm to hit BeltwayLand happened (for the most part) while I was in the Poconos skiing with my wife. We were at Camelback and it is pretty much the same as it always is except that my favorite slope, the Nile Mile has been changed to a blue square from a double green circle. That makes a lot of sense to me, the slope is not too hard, but is not easy either. I love attacking that hill, it take me about five minutes to get down when I really push myself.
Oh and we finally hit Yocco's for their hot dogs on the return trip. I'll have a review of that over the next two days.
On the way back, we hit snow at about the Mid-County interchange of the Northeast Extension (I-476) and yet saw no snow removal equipment. As we got onto I-95 the conditions were quite slushy, until we hit Maryland. Let me praise the Maryland Transportation Authority for the superior job they did on the John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway section of I-95 -- the conditions were exceptional given the weather. We could comfortably go over 50 m.p.h. DelDot and PennDot, you blew it. The former I expected, despite numerous boasts about Pennsylvania's snow-readiness by expatriates when compared to BeltwayLand, to do much better. For shame PennDot, for shame. Delaware, most I-95 is a toll road in your state, so you don't have any excuses either.
Back in Northern Virginia, I did not get a chance to measure the snow. Sorry internet, I know how much you like photos of rulers in snow. I did take my son sledding at my folks house in Vienna though. That was pretty sweet. Grandee got to pull her grandson around the block in a little red sled too.
It looks like we're in for more snow later this week (Capital Weather Gang), so I'll be better about the ruler everybody.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- At this point, Snowpocalypse has melted into a slushtopia during the day and iceland during the night. Let's look back at this latest and perhaps greatest winter storm.
My son does not like sledding as much as I do yet. My niece might though.
Landmark Mall would be well-served to clear snow from its crosswalk areas. Do they want folks to shop there or not?
How cool would have been if tonight's Redskins vs. Giants game had been played on Saturday? The Redskins might have had a chance. I think the loss kind of serves them right for a lot of things though, especially the all burgundy uniforms. Seriously, I'm coming around on the burgundy at home a little bit, but not with burgundy pants. Had they worn white pants, the matchup with the Giants would have been the most chromatically pleasing of the weekend. Ugh, I'm off topic here, aren't I?
I had planned to take off this day for weeks, so the snow kind of interfered with my plans, though not as much as I would have expected.
Oh and when the make the movie, I hope there is a scene where a convoy of plows head out into a neighborhood with "Die Walküre" playing in the background getting snowballs thrown at them by kids.
Snowpocalypse: Final Alexandria snowfall total -- 19 inches?! - William World News
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Snowpocalypse: Final Alexandria snowfall total -- 19 inches?!
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The final measurement of Snowpocalypse is a somewhat controversial one. After measuring 20 inches at 9 p.m. on Saturday, this morning's measurement comes it at 19 inches. Where did that other inch go?!
It appears that other inch is frozen solid on the ground, my tape measure, attached to a flagpole, could not hit the ground. If I had a good metal yard stick (which I am afraid to get because then we wouldn't see a 12+ inch snowstorm ever again, right?) I could probably hit the ground, I could probably get all 20 inches. Alas, it is not to be. Also, my camera battery ran out, so I had to rely on my wife's new cell phone.
Snowpocalypse has been a lot of fun thus far and today we'll be out in a it for a while. More photos to come!
Snowpocalypse: 20 inches in Alexandria at 9 p.m. - William World News
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Snowpocalypse: 20 inches in Alexandria at 9 p.m.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The final measurement for today -- 20 inches after just over 24 hours of non-stop snow. This is the most snow that I have ever seen in Northern Virginia.
Snowpocalypse: 17 inches in Alexandria at 4 p.m. - William World News
Snowpocalypse: 17 inches in Alexandria at 4 p.m.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The total now stands at 17 inches and it is only slowing down to an inch per hour. This is going to be the most snow I've ever seen in Northern Virginia by the time it is over I believe.
Have you been measuring the snowfall? Let me know in the comments.
Snowpocalypse: 13 inches in Alexandria at 12:30 p.m. - William World News
Snowpocalypse: 13 inches in Alexandria at 12:30 p.m.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- After a little bit of sledding with my family -- my son's first time, I measured our current snowfall total -- 13 inches! The snow is coming down at a rate of greater than 1 inch an hour too. It has just about doubled since the last measurement with a lot more on the way.
Since the ruler was too short, I used a tape measure with the ruler attached for sturdiness. I'll get at least another measurement today I hope, as well as more sledding with my wife and son, plus my brother, his wife and daughter.
Snowpocalypse: 7 7/8 inches in Alexandria at 7:50 a.m. - William World News
Snowpocalypse: 7 7/8 inches in Alexandria at 7:50 a.m.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Good morning! I've just come in from the first official measurement of Snowpocalypse '09 here in the West End. At 7:50 a.m. 7 7/8 inches of beautiful white powder had accumulated in the grass.
I wish I had a yard stick. Looks like I will be switching to measuring tape for the next reading.
Oh, how I wish I could ski in this stuff. Beautiful.
Alexandria snow photos from this past weekend - William World News
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Alexandria snow photos from this past weekend
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The first snow of the season is always an exciting one. I took some photographs from around my complex. I've even got our still growing green tomatoes covered in snow. Sadly, our red one didn't really get any snow on it. I almost posted about it last week, but just got too busy.
The Scottish got bagpipes from Ireland. What we didn't tell them was that it was a joke.
- a friend from Belfast
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- I don't get out much, so it figures that when I actually get an evening to hit Murphy's in Old Town for some Irish music they have...Scottish bagpipers. Now, I dont' feel the same way about pipers as my Northern Irish friend, but it was not what I was expecting. Just my luck right? Normally I'd get a photo of the band playing, but it turns out bagpipers sets are pretty short and I didn't have time, so I just went with the exterior of Murphy's. Also, I tried Bushmills while I was there and I won't bother again.
Snow: 2.5 inches for Alexandria's West End - William World News
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Snow: 2.5 inches for Alexandria's West End
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The morning after, I went out and measured the snowfall total here in the West End. While many more inches worth of snow undoubtedly fell yesterday, the warm ground (we haven't even had a frost yet) limited accumulation. That being said, the official William World News total is 2.5 inches.
In Old Town Alexandria, there was no accumulation. Vienna reportedly had over 3 inches before 4 p.m.
So, how much snow did you get up in Columbia, Md.?
# posted by WFY :
Sunday, December 06, 2009 8:40:00 PM
Post a CommentSNOW! First snow of the season in Alexandria - William World News
Saturday, December 05, 2009
SNOW! First snow of the season in Alexandria
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Just after 10:30 a.m. the first snow of the 2009-2010 winter began falling. There has not even been a frost here in the West End and yet we have the beautiful frozen precipitation falling now. I'm firing up the grill just for the novelty of grilling in the snow.
We've got a robins nest in a hanging basket - William World News
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
We've got a robins nest in a hanging basket
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- This morning I discovered that robins had made a nest in one of Erica's hanging baskets. My camera battery is dead, so I had to use the cell phone to get a photograph. Hopefully, the eggs won't hatch before I get my camera/good light again.
"To do it right, we ought to start it at the King Street station, go all the way up King Street through Alexandria, go through Bailey's Crossroads, pick up the light rail passengers at Columbia Pike so that you would tie into the light rail system that Arlington County is proposing, and then extend this system through Bailey's, through Seven Corners and connect it to the Metro system at Tysons Corner.
Sure, why not? I have a feeling this won't go anywhere, but if it had its own right-of-way like Moran wants, it would work. The thing is where is the money and oh yeah, some folks in Alexandria might not want it encroaching on their property along King Street.
With its rolling lawns and secluded glens, Fort Ward looks like a lovely place to take a walk. Turns out, it's far more than a park in Alexandria -- it's one history sacrificed to make way for another, a Civil War military installation that has become a contemporary battleground over whose story gets told.
Occasionally, I take my son for a stroll through Fort Ward Park, located not far from my condo, but I have not yet explored any of the history there. As Fisher points out, different eras are in conflict over what the park is, was and should be.
Also, I kind of like that both my current and former (Pentagon City) neighborhoods were occupied by Union troops during the Civil War.
Smoking ban coming to Va. Really? - William World News
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Smoking ban coming to Va. Really?
Smoking Ban Passes In Va. - WTOP I though the commonwealth, long a home of the tobacco industry, would hold out a lot longer before any type of smoking ban:
Starting Dec. 1, smoking will be banned in most restaurants and bars, although it would be permitted in private clubs, on some outdoor patios and in separate ventilated rooms.
While I think the marketplace would take care of this within five years for the most part, I won't be complaining when I come home from a bar not smelling of smoke.
Alexandria tried to create a ban two years ago (The Post, H/T Folley.net), but were unsuccessful. Remember, in this commonwealth when they say "state's rights" they mean it. Local jurisdiction rights, not really.
Sometime when it gets warmer we will take the water taxi over to National Harbor and see what it is all about. Then we will come back and have dinner in Old Town.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- I was contacted by a traffic engineer in Utah and asked if I could offer my thoughts of the HAWK signal near my condo. I said, "sure, but I'll blog about it." My observations are based on unscientific anecdotal evidence. Most of them occurred around 6:45 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
When it comes down to it, I don't think the city of Alexandria picked a very good location to test the HAWK signal program. One side (west) of N. Van Dorn Street has no sidewalk and is bordered by a fence separating it from I-395, so the only foot traffic on that side of the street is from people using the N. Van Dorn St./ Maris Ave. bus stop.
The west side stop is not utilized much during the morning since the majority of bus passengers use the east side stop to catch buses to the Pentagon. Thus, I do not believe the HAWK is activated much in the morning.
The evening seems to be the primary time for the HAWK's use. If I used that bus stop and needed to cross N. Van Dorn, I would appreciate having the HAWK there. N. Van Dorn is a heavily traveled four-lane undivided highway with a 40 MPH speed limit.
If I used one of the other crosswalks nearby, I'd be annoyed mine was not selected and the one at Maris Ave. was chosen.
Only one crosswalk has a walk signal, though the city plans on fixing that I believe.
Maris Ave. only has a stop sign. To me it would make sense to have a red beacon that is solid during the pedestrian phase.
Drivers are not aware that is permissable to go during the flashing phase if pedestrians are no longer present.
In conclusion, this HAWK signal installation is not an ideal prototype for the city of Alexandria as its utility is limited by its location. I suspect that bus commuters appreciate it in the evening though.
David Manning, Ridgefield Press. I'd like to know... what's a HAWK signal?
# posted by Anonymous :
Thursday, January 15, 2009 9:47:00 AM
DM: I added a link to an earlier post. Basically, a HAWK signal is a type of pedestrian signal that is being tested out in several communities across the country.
# posted by WFY :
Thursday, January 15, 2009 12:01:00 PM
Post a CommentAlexandria signage is lacking - William World News
Monday, January 05, 2009
Alexandria signage is lacking
In a few hours, Alexandria is having an open house to discuss new signage in the city.
The purpose of the open house is to share progress on the citywide sign program and solicit input from residents regarding refinement of the designs. Members of the design team, the stakeholder advisory group, and city staff will be on hand to answer questions and record input.
Mostly, the plan seems to talk about touristy information (PDF) signs, but if I was going (it is in a few hours and I can't make it) I would bring up the woeful state of primary numbered routes in the city. If you look at a map, several streets are actually state routes.
Did you know Quaker Lane is VA 402? Seminary Road is VA 420 and Van Dorn Street is VA 401, but only a few trailblazers inform you of this fact and none from other streets. Actually, I have never seen a VA 420 sign.
To me, posting the numbers on a map but not on the road or any of the connecting roads is not only pointless, but misleading to motorists unfamiliar with the area. This is a distinction that is not limited to Alexandria either as you will see in future blog posts. The city of Alexandria should start posting useful trailblazers for all numbered routes at regular intervals and major intersections. This also includes routes like VA 7 and VA 236, King and Duke Streets, respectively. If the city is not interested in doing that, it ought to ask mapmakers to stop putting the numbers on maps.
The state highway department could take the lead by posting the route numbers on the I-395 exit signs. I had no idea that Seminary Road even had a number. I remember seeing a 402 sign on Quaker, but that number should be on the interchange sign.
# posted by Simon Oliver Lockwood :
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 1:01:00 PM
Simon: I don't think it does any good to post route shields on the big green signs if there are little or no trailblazers along the acutal route. For example, Braddock Road in Fairfax County is also Route 620, but I don't think there are any 620 trailblazers along Braddock Road, even though the BGS on the Beltway have them.
# posted by WFY :
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 3:50:00 PM
Post a CommentPlaces I went in 2008 - William World News
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Places I went in 2008
I used the same criteria as previous years -- I have to had a meal or spent the night there. Fast food does not count either.
Alexandria, Va. Arlington, Va. Bluemont, Va. McLean, Va. Vienna, Va. Virginia Beach, Va. Washington, D.C. Columbia, Md. Avalon, N.J. Sea Isle City, N.J Stone Harbor, N.J. Bronx, N.Y. New York, N.Y. Allentown, Pa. Belleville, Pa. Harrisburg, Pa. Hershey, Pa. Lewisberry, Pa. Lewistown, Pa. Manada Hill, Pa. Mechanicsburg, Pa. Reedsville, Pa. State College, Pa. Tannersville, Pa. Kenley, N.C. Wilson, N.C. Conway, S.C. Myrtle Beach, S.C. Pawley's Island, S.C.
There are a couple of exceptions to the rule -- we did not eat in Bluemont, but cut down a Christmas tree, so that counts. Also, we drove through Delaware but did not stop. This year also marked the least amount of visits to New Jersey ever. Next year, we will have to do better.
'HAWK' is an acronym for High intensity Activated crossWalK. These signals have been used safely and successfully in Tucson, AZ. for more than five years. The signal is currently ‘experimental’ and required approval from the Federal Highway Administration but is expected to be adopted into standard traffic engineering manuals in the near future.
The HAWK is technically a "beacon" in that it remains dark for traffic unless a pedestrian activates the pushbutton. When the pedestrian presses the button, approaching drivers will see a FLASHING YELLOW for a few second, indicating that they should reduce speed and be prepared to stop for a pedestrian in the crosswalk.
The FLASHING YELLOW is followed by a SOLID YELLOW and then by a solid RED, requiring them to STOP at the stop line. At this time, the pedestrian receives a WALK indication on the associated countdown timer. Visually impaired pedestrians will hear the signal indicate that it is safe to cross. At the end of the WALK indication, the pedestrian is displayed a FLASHING DON’T WALK indication and motorist sees an ALTERNATING FLASHING RED. During this period, motorists are required to STOP or remain stopped until pedestrians have finished crossing the street, and then may proceed.
The HAWK signal is located at N. Van Dorn Street and Maris Ave. I finally checked it out the other day.
Some observations:
Only one of the two crosswalks has pedestrian signals assigned to it which limits the usability of the signal.
There is no signal for Maris Ave. If it were up to me, I'd have a red light that would be active when the pedestrian signals are in use.
I do not think this HAWK signal will get used very much since the sidewalk on the southbound-lanes side of N. Van Dorn Street is really just a segment near the bus stop. I suspect almost all of its use will be during the evening rush.
Alexandria plans to install about a dozen of these throughout the city. It will be interesting to see where they turn up and how long until they are approved by FHWA for use every where. I expect Arlington to start putting a lot of these in if FHWA lets them. PREVIOUSLY:Odd traffic signal
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Saturday morning, after a trip to the gas station, I was driving up S. Van Dorn Street near the Safeway when a young deer ran out in front of me. It almost got past me but my bumper got its hind legs. It rolled over to the ground and bounced back up, running off onto the EOS Apartments property. My car was undamaged. A few minutes later I saw Bambi running around, I guess it was okay.
The candidate's brother apologized. The worst part about all of this is some McCain campaigners stopped by yesterday and I had not heard the news yet. Oh that would have been fun.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- When I returned from the Shore, I noticed that there were two mast arms hanging above Van Dorn Street at the Maris Ave. intersection. I mentioned to Erica that I thought they were putting a traffic signal in, but she mentioned a pedestrian signal would make more sense.
A few days later, I saw this odd configuration attached to the arm -- pairs of two reds on top of single yellows. I'm guessing Erica is correct in that it is a pedestrian signal and not a traditional traffic signal. It is a weird one though, I have never seen anything like it. I assume the two reds will flash to stop traffic and allow pedestrians to cross, while the yellow will flash to allow traffic to proceed. I guess it makes sense since Maris Ave. is a dead end street and not heavily traveled.
Bro, you need to read the documents that the condo board sends you. It is a high intensity crosswalk or "HAWK." He is one of the buggers in action courtesy of youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReNk2T5ay1c
# posted by your brother :
Wednesday, August 06, 2008 2:01:00 AM
Also, don't take pictures while you're driving, it isn't safe.
# posted by your brother :
Wednesday, August 06, 2008 2:03:00 AM
Post a CommentDining Review: Eammon's - William World News
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Dining Review: Eammon's
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Eammon's bills itself as a Dublin Chipper, but having never been to that Irish city, I cannot validate the claim. I can say that it is a hole in the wall that is tastefully done. The interior is dark stained wood with big windows facing the corner of King and Columbus. The tables are wooden with benches along with a small counter with stools. If the seating capacity exceeds 25, I would be quite surprised. It is a pleasant place to have a meal. Diners order from the front and take what ever seats are available, so be prepared for a little jockeying.
As for the meal, the cod is breaded and fried and is fairly unremarkable – it is cod after all. It comes in two sizes, small which a bit wider and deeper than a deck of cards and large, which is double the small size. The chips (french fries to the rest of the English speaking world) are quite attractive to the eye -- thick and golden brown. They are not that flavorful though, so plenty of ketchup is required which is fine if you like ketchup. Malt vinegar is also on the table if that is how go like your potatoes. All in all, okay but nothing special.
Beverage-wise everything is in bottles except for Guinesss which is on tap. I ordered a bottle of Harp, since that compliments fish and chips better in my mind.
Our final bill came to $32 with a tip that was overly generous. It struck me as a little pricey. For that reason, plus the limited space, I would only recommend Eammons as a impulse decision if you are in the mood for fish n' chips while walking around Old Town.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The last year has blown by -- yesterday was the first anniversary of closing on our condo. It wasn't easy leaving Pentagon City to move to our condo, but when I see this greeting me on the walk up to our condo, I know that I am home.
I have the same grill cover! The place looks groovy....
# posted by The Maryland Bureau Chief :
Friday, April 25, 2008 1:48:00 PM
It's been a year already!? Congrats!
# posted by DCSportsChick :
Friday, April 25, 2008 1:52:00 PM
Post a CommentApril is the cruelest month - William World News
Friday, April 18, 2008
April is the cruelest month
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Coming back from a invigorating bicycle ride in 84° weather, the pool at my condo complex should be a pleasant sight. However, since it is only April and thus closed it merely taunts me.
Okay, time to head back out to the patio for some grilling.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- As much as I like winter ( even though it wasn't much of a winter), I'm ready for spring. Seeing Erica's inaugural crocuses come up is certainly a welcome sight.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- I wonder if the Nationals would have still have gone with the curly W cap insignia. Walgreen's had a presence here then. It has been pointed out several times that the W's look very similar. Comparing them side by side, they don't look that much alike though, do they?
By the way, I love the curly W and hope it is always the Nats primary cap logo.
Jamey Turner and his glass harp - William World News
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Jamey Turner and his glass harp
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- For as long as I have been going to Old Town, Jamey Turner has been setting up his glass harp and performing. Somewhere there is a photo of my brother and I "helping" him when we were kids. I think the NE corner of The Strand & King Street is his usual location.
The music he makes is beautiful; I am glad he makes the more world a more wonderful place.
I believe I saw him performing once with you and Senior Fritz. When you asked him if he knew any fight songs, didn't he play "Hail to the Victor?" Or maybe it was the ND fight song.....Either way, maybe you can teach him Fight on State?
# posted by TMBC :
Tuesday, February 05, 2008 1:17:00 PM
I love this guy. He's one of the best things about an afternoon in Old Town Alexandria on a summer day.
# posted by kristen23 :
Tuesday, February 05, 2008 1:18:00 PM
Post a CommentWe're so romantic...or not - William World News
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
We're so romantic...or not
Pop Candy alerts us that Alexandria, my current home, is the most romantic city in the United States of America according to amazon.com. My previous location, Arlington is #9 while Washington D.C. is #11. The Ombudsman works in the #2 city, Cambridge, Mass.
While Old Town Alexandria and the roof of Riverhouse in Arlington have their advantages, I never thought of either place as particularly romantic. I would have expected San Francisco (#15) to be higher and that New York would be on the list.
It has been suggested that perhaps the criteria amazon.com uses, "sales data of romance novels, relationship and sex books" indicates a lack of romance. Seeing that we're lumped in with Cambridge and Ann Arbor supports that statement -- what do Cantabs and Wolverines know about amore anyway?!
Post columnist Marc Fisher breaks down the tax burdens of the BeltwayLand jurisdictions in today's Raw Fisher post. My city, Alexandria, is the lowest listed. Would it surprise you that Montgomery County is the highest? At least they have something to show for it, unlike PG County which isn't far behind its western neighbor. The District comes in third, while Fairfax County is the highest in Virginia. Arlington is fifth highest/second lowest.
Of course the downside of being the lowest taxed could be "Now Accredited" (What, they weren't before?!) signs hanging on elementary schools in Alexandria, but truth be told, money probably isn't the only issue there.
Generally speaking, I had to either spend the night or sit down for a meal somewhere for it to qualify.
Alexandria, Va. Annapolis, Md. Arlington, Va. Avalon, NJ Bellefonte, Pa. Daly City, Calif. Eatontown, N.J. Edison, N.J. Hamilton, N.J. Harrisburg, Pa. Lake Harmony, Pa. Lemoyne, Pa. Lewistown, Pa. McLean, Va. Mill Valley, Calif. Morristown, N.J. Mount Vernon, Va. Philadelphia, Pa. Potomac, Md. Princeton, N.J. Reedsville, Pa. San Francisco, Calif. Ship Bottom, N.J. Spray Beach, N.J. Springfield, Pa. State College, Pa. Stone Harbor, N.J. Virginia Beach, Va. Vienna, Va. Washington, D.C.
Northern-most point: Blakeslee, Pa. Southern-most point: Virginia Beach, Va. Western-most point: San Francisco, Calif. (by car, Bedford, Pa.) Eastern-most point: Bay Head, N.J.
I doubt I'll get any further west this year, but I hope to get further north, east and south. Hopefully, New York and Boston can make it back on the list too.
# posted by Brad Stratton :
Sunday, January 06, 2008 3:58:00 PM
It was the closest White Castle between Brick and Edison. We had a memorial service to attend to that day.
# posted by WFY :
Sunday, January 06, 2008 4:35:00 PM
Post a CommentThe only way to save Landmark Mall is to destroy it - William World News
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
The only way to save Landmark Mall is to destroy it
Improvements Coming Soon to Area Malls - WTOP Landmark Mall, which started out as a shopping center and was turned into a mall may be turned into a mixed-use development.
"Much of it will be torn down and replaced with buildings that have retail on the ground floor, but have residential and office above with internal street grids," says Faroll Hamer, Alexandria's Planning and Zoning director. "The plan includes more property than just the mall. It really includes the whole Van Dorn Corridor."
Sounds like a good idea.
I have lived a couple of miles up Van Dorn from Landmark for about eight months and I think I've only been to it once. Malls are not my thing, but Landmark is particularly awful. I'm glad that Alexandria could be seeing some of the new urbanism that makes Arlington wonderful.
The only reason I ever went to Landmark Mall was for Jiffy Lube and for this wonderful coffee shop (I forget the name, but it's not Starbucks). Otherwise, yeah, it's a rather forgettable mall.
# posted by Fritz :
Tuesday, December 11, 2007 3:37:00 PM
In today's edition of The Wash. Examiner, this article notes that Alexandria is the 292nd most dangerous city in America according "City Crime Rankings" published by CQ Press. The survey, based on the annual FBI Uniform Crime Reports, included 378 cities with a population of over 75,000, though Chicago and Minneapolis were excluded due to incomplete data.
Alexandria City Police report a barricade situation ended peacefully after the suspect surrendered without incident.
Police were called to the 700 block of North Van Dorn Street after a man armed with a gun reportedly entered a unit inside the Brookeville Apartment complex around 3:45 p.m. Monday.
N. Van Dorn Street closed in Alexandria -- why? - William World News
Monday, October 15, 2007
N. Van Dorn Street closed in Alexandria -- why?
Has anybody heard anything about why N. Van Dorn Street is closed at Holmes Run Parkway? There was a lot of police activity when I tried driving through. It appears that there was some exterior damage to the awning at Hawthorn Suites, but there were no indications of a fire.
Oh, so that is what the smoke was - William World News
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Oh, so that is what the smoke was
Fire destroys Alexandria Wendy's restaurant - The Wash. Examiner This morning, not long after I turned onto Van Dorn Street southbound, I noticed the smell of something burning. As I approached Duke Street things started to get a little smoky and I wondered what was on fire. This afternoon, I learned from the article linked above that is the Wendy's closest to my condo. As you can see in my flickr set, it was gutted by the fire.
I may have gone to that Wendy's three times over the last six years. Fritz used to near there for about five years, so I went there once or twice. I also went once while we were moving into our condo. It was never busy when I went there.
Thankfully, the only injury -- a firefighter, does not appear to be severe.
I heard about it on the news this morning. Wasn't all that broken up about it (maybe only ever stopped there once), but the fact that it was in my old neighborhood was saddening in itself.
# posted by Fritz :
Thursday, July 19, 2007 8:07:00 PM
This afternoon Erica and I closed on our new condo in Alexandria, ending a five week process. We didn't plan on doing this right now, but it all came together...quickly. In short, it was like Homer Simpson telling Frank Grimes, "don't ask me how the economy works." I did not imagine it would be so easy or we could buy inside the Beltway. Thanks to Christopher and Sarah for sharing with us so much vital information and helping get us in the game, so to speak.
I'll have more to say over the next several days about how we did (and you can too) as well as final thoughts on Pentagon City.
By the way, we've already painted one of the bedrooms.
As recently as a month ago if you had asked Erica and me about when we planned on buying some property we would given a really non-committal type answer. However, my brother and his fiance had been and when they found a condo in Alexandria he suggested we look into that complex as well. We did and within four days we had a contract. It was not something we expected to do this spring. We had our walk-through this morning. Flickr Photoset
Our new place will have 2 BR/2 bath and a big patio on one floor. Naturally, everyone is asking when we'll have the housewarming party and the answer if probably June. Also, I'm sure everyone will be delighted to learn that it will be just as close to I-395 as were in Pentagon City (albeit several miles south) and require a series of convoluted turns to navigate to like our current place.
I'm really glad we are staying inside the Beltway. Had we bought last year, we wouldn't have had a shot. The "soft" condo market is working out nicely for us. Our complex has a pool too, complete with stairwells at opposite ends so we can play Cardinal Hill-style pool hockey/soccer.
# posted by MissChatter :
Monday, April 16, 2007 2:37:00 PM
Congratulations! I'm jealous of your space. I need to find a bigger place. Sigh.
# posted by dl004d :
Monday, April 16, 2007 4:31:00 PM
Thanks!
dl004d: I remember what a friend of mine said when he and his wife were ready to buy in New York. "Between the two of us, we've been working for 16 years. I think we deserve 600 sq. feet." Then they started having kids.
Brooklyn! My ole stomping grounds. Next time you're going there let me know. There are some great restaurants in my old neighborhood. I miss 'em so!
# posted by Sweet :
Wednesday, January 10, 2007 4:19:00 PM
I'll keep that in mind Sweet. Our trip to Brooklyn was quite short -- we took the subway into the borough, got off and waked across the bridge. Next time, we'll actually hang around for a little while.
# posted by WFY :
Wednesday, January 10, 2007 6:45:00 PM
Counter Point: I am better than you.
Alexandria, VA Altoona, PA Annapolis, MD Arlington, VA Avalon, NJ Baltimore, MD Barneget, NJ Bedford, PA Bethesda, MD Boulder, CO Chantilly, VA Denver, CO Durham , NC Elkridge, MD Estes Park, CO Fairfax City, VA Falls Church, VA Ft. Collins, CO Galveston, TX Great Falls, VA Hagerstown, PA Herndon, VA Houston, TX Katy, TX Keswick, VA Leesburg, VA Lewes, DE Longmont, CO McLean, VA Merrifield, VA Mount Vernon, VA Newark, DE North Beach Haven, NJ Orange, VA Palmyra, VA Paris, VA Petersburg, VA Philadelphia, PA Reston, VA Richmond, VA (The City that Fun Forgot) Sky Meadows, VA Spray Beach, NJ Springfield, VA Steamboat Springs, CO Stone Harbor, NJ The Plains, VA Vienna, VA Virginia Beach, VA Washington, DC Wenonah, NJ Winter Park, CO
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The final total for Snowmageddon is unchanged from my afternoon update -- 20.5 inches of snow on top of the 2.5 already on the ground. I must have gotten out there right before it stopped.
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