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.
Snowmageddon total for Vienna, Va. 21.5 inches - William World News
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Snowmageddon total for Vienna, Va. 21.5 inches
VIENNA, Va. -- Our Vienna Bureau Chief (aka WHY or Dad) sent in this photo from his backyard (table top I believe). 21.5 inches is the official total over there. In Alexandria it was 20.5, so they win the snow challenge I guess.
I just dug out one of our cars. That was exciting. I will be shocked if the federal government is open tomorrow.
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:
Funny thing, I just mentioned this to my co-workers as I was typing and one of them goes "oh my sister was talking about that on channel 9." It turns out her sister is chatting about it right now on The Post's website.
1 day after talking to bloggers, Metro's Catoe announces resignation - William World News
Thursday, January 14, 2010
1 day after talking to bloggers, Metro's Catoe announces resignation
Catoe stepping down after three years at the helm - Not even 24 hours after he sat down with leading D.C. bloggers, including my former colleague Tom Bridge of We Love DC, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority General Manager John Catoe announced he would resign on April 2. The move signals the end of Catoe's rocky 3 years as WMATA head saw the nation's second largest subway system suffer its worst accident on June 22 (Red Line crash is worst Metro accident ever ), several employees killed on the job, a number of suicides on the tracks and worsening service. To blame Catoe, a D.C. native, for these incidents would be unfair, but he has not been able to reverse the trend. Catoe's career was more focused on buses than rails which may have hindered his time in charge. His quote about the safety problems becoming "an unhealthy distraction" is telling though. Safety problems are not what I call a "distraction." Ultimately though, the problems of an aging system and the economic crisis has been Metro's biggest problems.
As soon as I heard the news, I wondered if Dan Tangherlini would be a candidate to replace Catoe. In 2006, Tangherlini was interim general manager of Metro to great acclaim. He wanted the job permanently, but when the WMATA board wanted an extended search, Tangherlini took a job with the Adrian Fenty administration (Tangherlini leaving Metro to return to District government). I remember when Tangherlini left I told a few people that he might get another shot someday. I don't envy him if it is now though, the outlook for Metro is grim on just about all fronts.
TYSONS CORNER, Va. -- This morning while going through Harris Teeter, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Pepsi Throwback is available again. This time around, the red, white and blue packaging from the early 1980s is being used. I will be stocking up. While it doesn't have quite the bite of regular Pepsi, any chance to consume less high fructose corn syrup is a good one -- take that subsidized corn farmers!
According the Pepsi Throwback Web site, the "real sugar" cola is available December 28, 2009 through February 22, 2010.
Every year I do a tally of places I have been. The two ways for a location to qualify -- I had a meal there (non-fast food) or spent the night there. Sometimes, I make exceptions that rule though, like for apple-picking.
Alexandria, Va. Arlington, Va. Falls Church, Va. Great Falls, Va. McLean, Va. Purcellville, Va. Reston, Va. Vienna, Va. Washington, D.C. Newark, Del. Ellicot City, Md. Avalon, N.J. Stone Harbor, N.J. Wildwood, N.J. New York, N.Y. Boiling Springs, Pa. Burnham, Pa. Harrisburg, Pa. Lewistown, Pa. Reedsville, Pa. Yeagertown, Pa. Springfield, Pa. State College, Pa. Tannersville, Pa. University Park, Pa.
The list has been getting shorter for the last couple of years. Here is to a more adventurous 2010!
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.
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.
Will the Wash. Times void be filled? Maybe - William World News
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Will the Wash. Times void be filled? Maybe
The apparent demise of The Wash. Times as we know it means a lot of quality writers and editors section will soon be out of work. That is a shame of course, but hopefully some recent and upcoming developments in D.C. media will lead to new employment for the doomed.
The first thing that comes to mind is the open position on The Post's Nationals beat. Mark Zuckerman and Ben Goessling have both been solid reporters on Nats beat -- on a day-to-day basis, they were better than outgoing Chico Harlan, who was often trying to hard too be snarky and did not like his job. That showed in Chico's lack of reporting what was actually going on. Zuckerman and Goessling are reporters first, but good writers too.
Secondly, Allbritton Communications Co. wants to start a local news Web site "that can become for local news what POLITICO's become for political junkies." Obviously, that could be of interest for local reporters and columnists as well as folks from sports. I think if they want to really go for broke, they ought to do it with sports.
Another possible winner of this decision -- CSNWashington.com, Comcast SportsNet's local site. If they want to make a run about being a big deal, they have one less competitor and can probably find a few writers and columnists who want to be a part of it.
Also, will ESPN go and create espnDC.com like they have with Chicago, Boston and Dallas?
Lastly, there is The Washington Examiner, a "pioneer" in the "let's give it away free to some people, but not others" circulation model. I think of they are unlikely to make much of a move to capitalize on their rival's downfall. Their business model is bare-bones and heavily reliant on bloggers who get paid by the pageview, so I don't expect to see any familiar bylines moving over that daily. The same probably goes for NBCWahington.
I am hopeful that some of these established and emerging outlets will be able to snap up a number of the writers and editors from The Wash. Times and keep their voices out there. Hang in there folks! We value what your body of work and hope that other local media sees that and hires you. Now get your resumes out there!
Rev. Sun Myung Moon has apparently gotten tired of not making money -- his Washington Times is giving up as a general interest daily newspaper after 27 years. Massive layoffs (40% is being mentioned) are on the way, probably 60 days from now. This is an about-face for the paper which as recently as three years ago had serious plans for getting its Web site into the "top 10" in overall traffic. That goal was never realistic though. Even a year ago, they were still pushing forward with the hiring of the John Solomon as managing editor. He left the paper last month.
The paper will follow The Washington Examiner model of circulation and be distributed free in certain zip codes, plus some "premium price home-delivery" and newsstand sales. The content will be the paper's bread and butter -- commentary from and for political conservatives. Local coverage and sports appear to be casualties of the reorganization and that is a real shame. Having two local sports sections available in town was great for sports fans and their Metropolitan section got some stories the Post did not. I'll have more on the sports tomorrow.
Despite the crazy man that owns the paper, The Wash. Times has been an important part of D.C. media for a long time and it will be missed.
Gotta hope (or wish) the Exam can find a way to fill the sports void. They'll never have a better opportunity.
# posted by Hendo :
Wednesday, December 02, 2009 9:45:00 PM
I'm addressing that in a post tomorrow morning.
# posted by WFY :
Wednesday, December 02, 2009 9:51:00 PM
Post a CommentRumor: Penn State vs. WVU at FedEx Field in 2011 - William World News
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Rumor: Penn State vs. WVU at FedEx Field in 2011
I'm not big on rumor-mongering, but when it involves Penn State playing close to D.C., I jump. PSUGirl heard on Twitter that West Virginia is being recruited by the Washington Redskins to host Penn State in a 2011 game at FedEx Field in Landover, Md. That would be two seasons in a row that the Nittany Lions would visit the D.C. area -- another game we could Metro too!
Penn State is already "visiting" Indiana in 2010 at FedEx Field and that crowd is certain to be predominately a Penn State crowd. West Virginia would send a lot more of its fans and possibly have the majority of the 90,000 seats. Even then, there is a lot to like about this potential matchup:
Old rivalry
Legitimate non-conference opponent
Since it would not be in Morgantown, fewer whiskey bottles being thrown by the Mountaineer fans -- they won't be issued out at FedEx Field like they are in Morgantown.
The aforementioned Metro accessibility.
Indirectly helps recruiting -- Penn State can't talk to recruits since they'd be the road team, but it can't hurt.
The great John Denver song "Country Roads" is played at WVU games because the lyrics include "West Virginia, mountain mama." However, the actual inspiration of the song was a drive along suburban Maryland's Clopper Road. So, in a sense, they'd be coming home or something. It is a weak tangent, I know, but I had to mention it.
I really hope this happens. FedEx Field could become like Giants Stadium was like in the 1980s and 1990s -- Penn State's second home. I would have thought that WVU would have had more pride than to sell a home game to a neutral site.
Traffic reports used to originate from the Washington Monument - William World News
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Traffic reports used to originate from the Washington Monument
30 years of steering you home - WTOP The dean of D.C. traffic reporters Bob Marbourg celebrated his 30th anniversary as a traffic reporter yesterday. Congratulations to him, but the most interesting part of the story was that before he took the job, traffic reports used to come from a department of transportation employee stationed on top of the Washington Monument. That's pretty cool and just about impossible to imagine these days with traffic stretching up to 40 miles away from the monument now, but back that then it was pretty resourceful.
Back to Marbourg, what do you suppose the odds that he and morning traffic reporter Lisa Baden have a rivalry with each other?
Vienna Inn's semicentennial nears - William World News
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Vienna Inn's semicentennial nears
Vienna Inn prepares to turn 50 - The Fairfax Times The beloved Vienna Inn is approaching 50 years in business. This is just a fairly standard article about the history of my hometown bar, but I quibble with this statement:
The walls, saturated with the smell and color of smoke...
Hardly -- at least compared to what it used to be. When Mike and Mollie Abraham still owned it, the ceiling was really dirty from all of the smoke. Now, it is nothing like that -- I suspect when it changed hands the health inspector said something along the lines of "we were letting Mike slide a little, but you are bringing this joint up to code!"
Also, some specifics to something I've been saying for years -- they used to sell more Budweiser than anybody:
"In 1979, when the drinking age in Virginia was still 18, the Vienna Inn sold more Budweiser beer that year than any other bar or sports stadium in the United States, except Yankee Stadium — over 10,000 kegs..."
This is why the Clydesdales used to show up in the Vienna Halloween Parade every year. Apparently, they don't just show up for everyone.
No Safeway I would not like to make a donation to breast cancer - William World News
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
No Safeway I would not like to make a donation to breast cancer
FRANCONIA, Va. -- Every time I go to Safeway, I'm asked if I want to make a donation to breast cancer. What are they doing donating to breast cancer? It sucks and doesn't need any help!
Oh, this is supposed to be an anti-breast cancer donation -- why didn't you say so?!
Blog you should read: Rules for My Unborn Son - William World News
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Blog you should read: Rules for My Unborn Son
Up until yesterday's Q&A with We Love DC, I was unaware of 1,001 Rules for My Unborn Son. Written by D.C. resident Walker Lamond, the blog presents rules for a male to grow up and live by with a late 1950s/early 1960s white collar urban sensibility of masculinity and style. There is a lot to like and agree with in 1,001 Rules for My Unborn Son. The site features the rules as well as complementary quotations and photographs. The tagline is "Let's get some things straight before I get old and uncool." Rules can also be submitted via email and I have a few in mind.
A book is also coming out today and it will be on my Christmas List this year.
VDOT can't spell 40th president's name - William World News
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
VDOT can't spell 40th president's name
Next Exit: Reagen Nat'l Airport - NBC Washington The Virginia Department of Transportation is replacing big green guide signs along Interstate 395 and made a big mistake, two actually. Now, far be it for me to knock somebody misspelling something, but VDOT put up "Reagen National Airport" instead of "Reagan National Airport." The airport was renamed by Congress in honor of President Rongald Reagan in the late 1990s, a decision fraught with irony.
Most Washingtonians, regardless of their feelings about the 40th president, still call it National. If anything, it is good way to determine how long someone has been in the area by what they call the airport.
As for the other mistake, the clearview typeface on the signs. I've mentioned before I don't like it and prefer the old highway gothic fonts.
Ben Ali of Ben's Chili Bowl dead at 82 - William World News
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Ben Ali of Ben's Chili Bowl dead at 82
Ben Ali of Ben's Chili Bowl Dies - Port Mortem, The Post Ben Ali, the 82 year old founder of Ben's Chili Bowl, the most prominent half-smoke restaurant and Washginton D.C. institution has died. Washington is a richer place for him being here.
I expect there will be a lot more coverage over the next few days. He
Now this is tragic. In his honor, I think a visit to Ben's is in order. What better way to honor Ben Ali's memory than to continue patronizing his business?
# posted by Fritz :
Thursday, October 08, 2009 1:17:00 PM
Video: 2 guys jump off of DC's Key Bridge - William World News
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Video: 2 guys jump off of DC's Key Bridge
If your friend jumped off a bridge would you do it too?
Mr. Irrelevant found this video of two college-aged dudes wearing Burger King crowns jumped off the Key Bridge. Guido D'Elia would approve of the use of "Song 2."
Just because you can survive it doesn't mean its smart. Nice to know that you can survive it relatively unharmed. I'm sure these dudes are legends now though.
More 2010 FedEx college football - D1SCOURSE, The Wash. Times Expect more college games like this one at FedEx Field in the coming years.
Now, a few thoughts from me on this game
Indiana sold its soul for $3 million, but given l'affaire Bobby Knight, one can debate whether Indiana has a soul. They traded a Big Ten home game for a road trip that puts than 500 miles further away from home than the "visiting" team.
Based on what I am seeing on Twitter, Facebook and talking to people around the office, Nittany Lion fans are very excited about this game. Apparently, there are 40,000 alums in D.C./Va./Md./Del. Also, I know some Pennsylvania based fans who want come down. It should be a very good turnout. Indiana is on the hook for just 7,000 seats. While Penn State will certainly exceed that by a wide margin, will they buy 84,000 more? Maybe, Temple sold 69,000 tickets to their 2007 game with Penn State at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field and that included forcing fans to buy a three game package.
The Redskins initiated this game and will pay Indiana $3 million. Now, let's say that tickets cost $55 and parking costs $25. This is probably a conservative guess. I'm going to say they sell 75,000 tickets which is $4,125,000. Let's say 15,000 people park there, that's another $375,000, so right there the Redskins have already grossed $1.5 million minus the $3 million they gave to Indiana. That is before anyone buys a concession too. Chances are attendance will be higher, maybe even a sellout which would mean another 15,000 tickets sold and probably 5,000 more parking spaces.
Speaking of concessions, I do not know if they will be able to sell alcohol in the stadium. The Big Ten probably gets a say in that decision and they are ban alcohol in on-campus stadiums. Temple sold beer at Lincoln Financial Field two years ago.
This won't hurt Penn State's recruiting efforts in the greater D.C. area either, though I don't know that they can host potential recruits for the game.
I for one, am really looking forward to this game. Just the thought of being able to take the Metro to a Penn State game is very exciting. I have been hoping Maryland would come back on the schedule for this reason. Speaking of Maryland, I wonder if they will be playing in College Park that day too. The game at FedEx Field might double their attendance.
I had to remove a comment that said something unkind about the alma mater by someone who doesn't allow comments on his blog. The gist of the comment was that Penn State cannot engage in any recruiting activities during the Indiana game.
# posted by WFY :
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 9:00:00 PM
It is actually November 20, 2010 game, not 2009. Indiana fans are not happy. I'm thrilled, I can take the Metro to a Penn State game! There are about 90,000 seats. There are over 20,000 parking spaces for tailgating too. Let's sell it out. This is like a dream come true for me!
Does this mean Redskins owner Dan Snyder did something right?
# posted by Fritz :
Friday, August 07, 2009 9:58:00 PM
But the Beltway is actually running east-west there and is part of I-495. Where are the control cities?
# posted by WFY :
Saturday, August 08, 2009 9:24:00 AM
Post a CommentDrafthouse bankrupt, remains open - William World News
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Drafthouse bankrupt, remains open
Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse files for Ch. 11 - Washington Business Journal Fritz texted me on Friday evening (while I was in Pennsylvania) the news that the Arlington Cinema n' Drafthouse is in chapter 11 bankruptcy. Their second location, the now shuttered Montgomery County Cinema n' Drafthouse is the cause. I have to wonder if adding a restaurant and bringing in live acts like comedians contributed. When it was just movies, I recall it selling a lot of tickets. How is the turnout for non-movie events?
Hopefully, the Drafthouse will still be around when the process is completed and does not get sold for condos or something similar. I know Arlington is keen on having the Drafthouse around as it redevelops Columbia Pike. I would enjoy taking a street car there someday. Actually, I'd just enjoy seeing a movie there again someday period, I'm a little busy these days.
The primary advantage seen in making this change would be the new city taking over the roads from the Commonwealth of Virginia. In doing so, they would also be given new taxing powers to fund those roads. On the one hand, more local control of roads is appealing, on the other hand it would mean more taxes and don't think for a second that there will be less state taxes to offset the new city taxes.
If you remove the taxation angle, this is really a fun semantic argument. The 400+ square miles of Fairfax County, home to over 1 million people, include subdivisions, a few large clusters of office space, parks, fading "horse country," expansive riverfront parks and just a few actual traditional towns.Changing the jurisdiction from county to city would not mean the whole county would suddenly becoming more urban, despite what may be feared. The suburban sprawl that so many find preferable to a more urban setting is here for the duration whether the municipality is called a county, city or prefecture. There are efforts to transform some areas, like Tysons Corner, into something more urban with mass transit and less automotive-related development, but that is just a small area. Cul-de-sac culture will prevail overall.
My take -- just leave it as it is. The road issues are problematic of course, but I really don't think adding more taxes will fix much since the Commonwealth would probably cut back so much on funding that the county could not make up for that loss. Ultimately, we are at least a generation away from this becoming an viable option any way with all the legal and legislative hoops that need to be jumped through. Fairfax County shall remain. I could see Arlington becoming a city, since it essentially is in everything but name, but I believe there are too many hoops for it to jump through, so it will probably remain a county too.
MORE
Everything's Fine in Fairfax (City) - The Post Residents of the city of Fairfax, the incorporated county seat, like the way things are just fine, thank you.
New Shirlington Connector signage - William World News
Monday, July 06, 2009
New Shirlington Connector signage
ARLINGTON, Va. -- Signs were recently added to the new Shrlington Connector portion of the Four Mile Run Trail, but they could be better. For one thing nothing is signed as the Four Mile Run Trail which is silly because the Shirlington Connector makes the trail continuous. Eastbound cyclists leaving Shirlington for Glebe Road get pretty good signing, but those headed westbound still have some guess work. One highlight is the map at the end of the W&OD Trail, located about half a block across Shirlington Road from the Connector.
A similar map should be installed on the opposite side.
Courtesy is a strong suit of D.C. area drivers and soon John Hinckley will be one of them - William World News
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Courtesy is a strong suit of D.C. area drivers and soon John Hinckley will be one of them
Road rage: D.C. drivers 6th most courteous - WTOP Uh huh. Four percent of those surveyed think ramming ones car into another is appropriate too, but apparently they always remove their hat before doing so. What gentlemen! Or ladies!
I'm mainly posting this obviously incorrect news as an excuse to put the Mr. Wheeler cartoon up.
In other motoring news...
Hinckley to Gain Driving Privileges, Longer Visits - The Post That's John Hinckley, Jr. would-be presidential assassin, not Mike Hinckley who was merely a bad Nats relief pitcher. I know the Reagans will not be happy (neither am I), but what about Jodie Foster?
The group, TysonsTunnel.org, has been pushing for an underground route through the area. It is teaming up with the environmental group, Sierra Club, to file the suit.
A national watchdog group is expected to join the suit.
Scott A. Monett, president of TysonsTunnel and the vice chair of the Sierra Club's Great Falls group, won't name the watchdog group, but does say it's a "good governance group."
Again, too little too late. While I would have preferred an underground Metro line through Tysons Corner for long term cost and aesthetic concerns, I can live with an above ground one. The mobilization for making sure the Silver Line was a tunnel came years too late. This suit, if it does not get thrown out, will just add years to the construction and millions to the cost.
Silver Spring seems to do just fine with the Red Line elevated through it, so I think Tysons will too. Crystal City gets by with having an airport and at-grade railroad adjacent to it as well and nobody seems to mind.
Wilson Bridge Trail: State/city borders are 75% great - William World News
Monday, June 15, 2009
Wilson Bridge Trail: State/city borders are 75% great
OVER THE POTOMAC RIVER -- On my initial ride along the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail, I did not see anything marking the borders between Virginia, the District of Columbia and Maryland. On my second ride, I was pleased to see that some were there. The line seperating Maryland and D.C. is shown above. However, there is a problem with D.C. and Virginia:
Virginia is covered up by warning stripes! Oops. Obviously, this is not a high priority, but I would like to see it corrected. Virginia residents paid for it too, so we should get our state clearly represented.
I would also like to see the border painted on the walls too.
I would have expected Clarendon to have been "The Clarendizzle," rather than "Clizzle-Dizzle."
# posted by dl004d :
Friday, June 12, 2009 3:34:00 PM
Even I know that was pretty weak.
# posted by WFY :
Saturday, June 13, 2009 8:45:00 AM
Post a CommentThe Awakening's new home is lacking - William World News
The Awakening's new home is lacking
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- I was not happy that "The Awakening" was moved from Hains Point, Washington D.C. to this new resort in Prince George's County. I don't blame the developer for buying of course, it was a shrewd move to catch the Park Service napping. I do fault the developer for the new placement though. The sculpture is placed in what can accurately be described as a sandbox. It looks like was just put there in the morning, whereas in the old Hains Point location, it had a sense of place even though it was merely covered by dirt and mulch. It felt like was coming out of the ground in dramatic fashion. Here, it just looks like it was put there without much consideration to its environment.
The screwed up the perspective too. The parts are too close together. Pity.
# posted by Your Brother :
Friday, June 12, 2009 10:34:00 PM
I was thinking that too, but I could not confirm it by comparing before and after photos.
# posted by WFY :
Saturday, June 13, 2009 5:51:00 AM
Post a CommentInitial thoughts of National Harbor, Maryland - William World News
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Initial thoughts of National Harbor, Maryland
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- On Monday, when I took bicycled on the Wilson Bridge Trail for the first time, I also pedaled down to National Harbor, the new waterfront development in Prince George's County, Maryland. I regularly see it from Alexandria, but this was my first visit close up. My first impression -- this is going to be a pretty cool place someday.
The development, along the Potomac River, is not completed yet, though there are several places to eat and the enormous Gaylord hotel. The aesthetics are pleasant enoug and the docks will make it a fun stop for boaters. There were not many there, but it was Monday. I also like the distance signs with local and non-local destinations
Two things I was not crazy about -- the unpaved path from the Wilson Bridge Trail and the music piped in over loud speakers. To me, a place like National Harbor ought to sound like -- a harbor. I want to hear the water, the sound of flags blowing in the wind and the general streetlife, for a lack of a better term, not smooth jazz.
Overall though, National Harbor looks like a nice place to spend a few hours strolling with baby carriage, getting a bite to eat and looking out over the Potomac. I am sure we'll go over there sometime this summer via the water taxi from Alexandria. Once this place reaches critical mass, probably in a few years and a better economy, I expect it to be another special place in the D.C. area. I wonder if they have enough room or interest in a soccer stadium too.
The Wilson Bridge trail is wonderful - William World News
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
The Wilson Bridge trail is wonderful
LOOKING WEST -- Foreground: Pedestrian signal for the drawspan. Background: Overlook and Wilson Bridge Trail
OVER THE POTOMAC RIVER -- Last Saturday, the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge trail opened and on Monday, I bicycled on it for the first time. I thoroughly enjoyed my it, the trail is a triumph for several reasons.
The trail, located on the northern bridge span (which actually carries I-95/495 SOUTH/WEST also known as the Capital Beltway's Outer Loop), is a comfortable 12 feet wide and enclosed by attractive fences on either side. The height of the fence on the river side is such that I can still see out, but not feel like it is too low. On the highway side, the fence is slightly lower, but reasonable. The grade of the trail, while steeper than the highway portion of the bridge on the Virginia approach, is barely noticeable. The pavement, concrete, is perfect, but that is too be expected.
By itself, the trail is great, but the inclusion of information signs about local history and ecology and landscaping on each shore make it more than a non-motorized transportation corridor -- it is a linear park. There are also three overlooks on the span that provide more information signs, some mounted binoculars/telescopes and benches and northern views of Alexandria and Washington D.C. The magnification on some of the telescopes are stunning, so much so that I if I lived along the Alexandria waterfront, I might keep the blinds closed.
On the Virginia side, the trail begins at the Washington Street deck which essentially a large overpass, that the Beltway travels under, with park like features. Additional trails to US 1 and the Mount Vernon Trail are adjacent connect here. Embedded compass-like wayfinders provide riders/walkers with guidance to these points.
On the Maryland side, the trail corkscrews on either side of the overpass spanning Capital Beltway (I-95/495). It looks steeper than it feels and is aesthetically pleasing. The overpass also includes a great deal of information about Prince George's County's early history as well as some ecological information. The trail diverts from the Beltway in direction of a trail to Oxon Hill Road and National Harbor. Upon entering the National Harbor property the pavement ends, something that will hopefully be rectified soon. There are unpaved trails all the way down to the completed National Harbor area that are annoying but were not a deal-breaker for me.
Even though it was a Monday, there were a fair amount of cyclists and pedestrians on the bridge. I chatted with a few, including a Park Police officer, about the project and the consensus was that this was an extremely well done project. There were lots of smiling cyclists on it. The only drawback seemed to be the lack of connections to other trails on the Maryland side, something that will have to be addressed by National Harbor and PG County. However, the biggest and hardest piece of the project is now complete and hopefully the connections will arrive soon. The stakeholders of the project, the Federal Highway Administration, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the State of Maryland, the city of Alexandria and Prince George's County deserve a lot of praise for this latest and perhaps greatest addition to the area's trail network.
The bike trail on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge is actually along the inner loop and not the outer loop. Thus you are looking at the City of Washington and not away from it.
# posted by Anonymous :
Monday, February 08, 2010 12:20:00 PM
Post a CommentNew bicycle connections: Four Mile Run & Wilson Bridge - William World News
Monday, June 08, 2009
New bicycle connections: Four Mile Run & Wilson Bridge
This spring has been a good one for area cyclists.
Shirlington Underpass Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - TheWashCycle The Four Mile Run Trail is now extended from Shirlington to Glebe Road underneath I-395 (Shirley Highway). The concrete viaduct is quite impressive, maybe even overdesigned. I rode on it before the actual dedication and enjoyed it. Now, getting past I-395 is much easier than before when cyclists had to ride over the Shirlington Circle pedestrian overpass, with its hairpin turn, and along Alexandria streets to connect between the two Four Mile Run Trail segments. According the link above, this connection has been in the works since 1985! There is room for some improvement with signage at Shirlington Road though -- it is not obvious how to get there from the existing Four Mile Run Trail or the W&OD Trail's the eastern terminus a few hundred feet away.
Wilson Bridge Bike Path Gets Rolling - The Post It is now possible to bike across every Potomac River crossing in Washington D.C. Remember, the Woodrow Wilson Bridge actually enters the District at its southernmost point for a few hundred feet. The trail opened on Saturday. I am going to go for a ride on it later this morning, I will report back on it sometime soon.
There are a million stories in the naked city, someone once said, and I told 1,250 of them here, and another 1,200 on the blog. I heard from readers 250,000 times and I tried to respond to all of them. I could stay on this road for years to come, I love it so. But this path feels worn and familiar, and the challenge now is to hack out a new one.
Newspapers are in a fight to survive, desperately searching for new ways to reflect the world to an audience that is less trusting, more distracted and diffuse. For many people now, digital connections seem to trump geography as the central definition of home. But those electronic ties don't fulfill all our needs. Where we live still matters. Starting next month, I'll be putting together a group of writers whose job it will be to tell the truths of Washington in compelling and essential ways, combining traditional storytelling with new forms that involve and engage the people who live here.
Sounds like it is worth a shot. Fisher was the best Washington columnist around and I will miss his columns and chats.
Come on William, you are smarter than this. This is part of the first chapter of hockey 101, when a team is down and losing in a playoff series, the losing team typically starts a fight to "send a message." It doesnt work often, but did actually work for the Penguins in Game 6 of the series against the Flyers in the first round.
# posted by TMBC :
Monday, June 01, 2009 11:03:00 AM
TMBC's referring to my tweet. I get the "let's get everybody worked up by starting a fight" thing, but the NHL's continued coddling of the Penguins is an embarrassment.
Go Red Wings!
# posted by WFY :
Monday, June 01, 2009 12:11:00 PM
He should be suspended, but the league has already let that the Carolina guy get away with sucker punching the Bruin guy in round 2, along with letting Ovechkin get away with a knee-to-knee hit on Gonchar. Lets not act like the Penguins are the only ones to get preferential treatment.
The officiating was poor for both sides last night, so neither team has a complaint.
Its interesting how all the Flyers and Capitals fans are showing their jealousy. How's the offseason been going?
# posted by TMBC :
Monday, June 01, 2009 4:20:00 PM
I don't recall Ovechkin getting an intigator penalty and the automatic suspension that comes with it. I do recall that the NHL let the Penguins mess up the second round schedule for a Yanni concert too.
The Caps and everyone else need to realize that the NHL is like Animal Farm -- everyone is equal, but some are more equal than others. Hey, I can hear a flightless bird oinking!
The Hall of Fame coach will participate in the reception and program at the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington, Va., located at 900 South Orme Street. The reception of tailgate food and a cash bar will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the program at 7:30 p.m.
I went to one of these in 2002 and had a good time, but I think I will hold off this time. JoePa has a few other appearances elsewhere -- Thursday, April 30 at The Plaza in New York City and the third is Wednesday, May 27 in the Lehigh Valley.
In April, the Mount Vernon distillery and adjacent gristmill will open to the public for the season. And for the first time in nearly 200 years, liquor fans will soon be able to purchase whiskey made in the distillery, following Washington's own recipe.
"There's nowhere else in the country you can see what a distillery was like in the 18th century," said Dennis Pogue, Mount Vernon's associate director of preservation who oversaw the distillery's reconstruction. And the experience shows visitors an intriguing side of George Washington. "It's an opportunity to talk about different aspects of Washington's career that most people don't know about," he said.
I am quite interested to check out the distillery, though when I learned in the article that the whiskey was not barrel aged, I became less enthusiastic for actual product. Nevertheless, I'll be happy to give it a try.
Cerphe, classic rock 94.7 sign off - William World News
Monday, April 06, 2009
Cerphe, classic rock 94.7 sign off
D.C. Radio's Last Rock Overturned - The Post This morning, I have one less radio station to listen to on my commute as 94.7 has become the third adult contemporary station in the D.C. market. Friday was Don Cerphe Colwell's final day at the microphone on 94.7 FM which was classic rock, then "world-class rock" which included current yuppie/boomer rock (Coldplay, Plant/Krauss) and some older stuff and then back to classic rock again. Of the two formats, "world-class" rock was closer to being a great station and probably could have been with a little more commitment from management.
Despite the article saying classic rock is dead in D.C. radio, it is on WBIG 100.3 FM which has billed itself as oldies, but really you can't be oldies and not play Motown. As for Cerphe, he'll be fine and may even do some specials for WJFK. I'm sure we will hear his morning counterpart, Albie Dee, somewhere too, probably on a completely different format. I wonder if we'll hear from Jonathan "Weasel" Gilbert again though. He was let go to make way for Ablie Dee.
94.7 dropping classic rock format - William World News
Thursday, April 02, 2009
94.7 dropping classic rock format
DCRTV.com reported that WTGB 94.7 FM is dropping its classic rock format and going to adult contemporary, FRESH 94.7. Now I will have one less station to listen to on my commute. This will be particularly tough in the morning.
I liked 94.7's "world class rock" format of last year. It was flawed yes -- (can you really play New Order and Led Zepplin back-to-back?), but overall it was pretty good. Initially, the return to a straight classic rock format was not something I was too enthusiastic about because who needs to hear more .38 Special? However, it got better and for a couple of months I could count on hearing either Bruce Springsteen and/or Rush on my commutes. Perhaps that is why they had trouble attracting listeners.
Peak bloom occurs when 70 percent of the white and pink flowers are out. DeFeo said the overall blooming period probably will be from March 28 through April 11.
Will Harris Teeter open a store in Seven Corner or Silver Springs too? - William World News
Will Harris Teeter open a store in Seven Corner or Silver Springs too?
TYSON'S CORNER, Va. -- The Harris Teeter in my work neighborhood doesn't quite know where they are located. I suppose this is just another argument for creating the Tysons, Va. mailing address.
Some I-66 widening in Arlington now funded - William World News
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Some I-66 widening in Arlington now funded
Funding Passed for Widening Of I-66 - The Post One part of the I-66 widening inside the Capital Beltway (I-495) has been approved -- extending the on-ramp from Fairfax Drive along the westbound lanes all the way to EXIT 69 Sycamore Street.
The move reversed a decision by the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board last month to strip the $75 million project from the region's transportation plan. Yesterday, the swing votes were cast by two Fairfax County supervisors, Catherine M. Hudgins (D-Hunter Mill) and Linda Q. Smyth (D-Providence), who last month had voted against the project.
In exchange, the Virginia Department of Transportation assured the board that no further funding for the I-66 project beyond the first phase would be committed until several studies are completed. But, as some board members pointed out, that is not much of a concession, because the state does not have money to fund the other two phases of the project anyway.
They might as well not do anything until they extend that lane all the way to EXIT 67 Dulles Access/Toll Road. As for the transit alternatives that some Arlingtonians want there is one coming -- the Silver Line. When I lived in Pentagon City, I have happily have taken Metro to Tysons everyday instead of driving.
Arlington funding initial planning of Columbia Pike streetcars - William World News
Arlington funding initial planning of Columbia Pike streetcars
Streetcars and desire in Arlington - WTOP Arlington County will spend $3 million over "two years to to look at ways to fund, construct, operate and maintain a streetcar system" along Columbia Pike (VA 244). Initially, I was skeptical of streetcars on Columbia Pike, but after going to a workshop about two years ago, I have come around on them. They certainly have more cachet than buses too.
Currently, Columbia Pike is the busiest bike corridor in the Commonwealth. Hopefully, this does get built and if/when it does, headline writers will have outgrown their need to invoke a certain Tennessee William's play/film every time the topic comes up.
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.
How the Silver Line Metro is going to be built - William World News
Monday, March 16, 2009
How the Silver Line Metro is going to be built
Metrorail Heading In a New Direction - The Post Details of what the Silver Line construction through Tysons Corner is going to be like over the next several years. It won't be much fun, but the payoff is huge.
...the real action will start in a matter of days about 15 miles to the west, where demolition of roads and bridges and heavy construction of overhead piers will become an unwelcome fact of life during the next six years for commuters and residents of McLean, Tysons Corner, Vienna and beyond. The result, boosters say, will be worth it: a public transit system serving the region's primary international airport and Virginia's most prosperous jobs corridor.
Today's ceremony at the Transportation Department's headquarters near the Washington Navy Yard featured a roster of local, state and federal luminaries seeking to revel in -- and take credit for -- the project's success. Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D), U.S. Rep. Frank R. Wolf (R-Va.), Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and former senator John Warner (R-Va.) were among those attending.
Emphasis added by me. This is long overdue and much needed. The next few years in Tysons may not be fun to commute to and from but it is not like it is right now.
The second phase of the project from Whiele Ave. to Ashburn still has some hurdles to clear.
Project Web site: Dulles Metrorail Project I like the headline and the tone of this blog post which includes the backstory of the last year -- make sure you read it.
Cherry blossoms peak predicted - William World News
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Cherry blossoms peak predicted
The Going Out Gurus blog says that this year's cherry blossom peak is expected April 3 - 9. Not a lot of details are out yet, but I'll post them when I get them.
The I-66 project would connect a series of acceleration and deceleration lanes, effectively widening the westbound road from two to three lanes between Fairfax Drive and Sycamore Street and expanding it between Washington Boulevard and the Dulles Airport Access Road from three lanes to four.
That is exactly what I suggested they do four years ago, but it was voted down by Metropolitan Washington Council of Government's Transportation Planning Board. Not surprisingly, Arlington members voted against it, but "the swing votes during Wednesday's meeting turned out to be Fairfax County's. Both of Fairfax's representatives on the panel, county supervisors Catherine M. Hudgins (D-Hunter Mill) and Linda Q. Smyth (D-Providence)." I do not understand why they cast the votes they did.
Arlington is rightfully proud of developing a well-zoned, pedestrian and transit oriented community that sets a standard for new urbanism. I loved living in Arlington for this reason. I do not believe I am alone in that situation. The "Arlington vs. the other suburbs" attitude has got to go -- a lot of us would live in Arlington if it were more affordable.
I would have benefited from this widening as a pro-transit Arlington resident who "reverse commuted" by car from Pentagon City to Tysons everyday for five years. What makes this widening so desirable was that it would not need to remove any houses and would not detract from the transit. I could see the need to possibly detour a few sections of the Custis Trail, but it would not be significant. This would be a sensible project and I hope it is resurrected.
VIENNA, Va. -- Our Vienna Bureau Chief (aka WHY or Dad) sent in this photo from his backyard (table top I believe). 21.5 inches is the official total over there. In Alexandria it was 20.5, so they win the snow challenge I guess.
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