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.
Shame on me, I'm letting myself be amused by Marion Barry now - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Shame on me, I'm letting myself be amused by Marion Barry now
Hogs Haven talks with Marion Barry about the Redskins and DC United - Hogs Haven At this point, I'm no longer offended by that tax-cheat, philandering, crack smoking Mayor for Life, Marion Barry. I am actually finding him amusing more than anything now. How weird/wrong is that?
In this interview, he throws two other D.C. mayors under the bus for messing up new stadiums in the district for the Redskins and DC United. It also reminds me how unbelievable it is that Nationals Park got built.
Wilson Bridge Trail: State/city borders are 75% great - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
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.
The Wilson Bridge trail is wonderful - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
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.
District will pay to keep Metro open for late Nats games - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, April 23, 2009
District will pay to keep Metro open for late Nats games
In Change, City Will Cover Metro Fees for Late Night Games - The Post This morning, I wrote a post about the District's decision to stop paying Metro to keep the trains running after Nats games that go past regular closing time. I had it scheduled to go live at 10 a.m. However, the District reversed the decision:
In an about-face, a top District official says the city will cover the costs for Metro to extend its hours to accommodate ticket holders at Washington Nationals games that are rain-delayed or go late because of extra innings.
"We want people to have a wonderful time at the games and not be stranded on the way out," Deputy Mayor Neil O. Albert said today.
Albert's comments came after District transportation director Gabe Klein informed Metro officials in a letter last week that the city would no longer pay the late-service fee because of the city's budget difficulties. Team officials said they did not find out about the change in policy until Monday night, when a rain delay pushed the game past Metro's midnight closing.
Albert said the confusion about the city's payment of late-service fees was the result of "one part of the administration not communicating with another part of the administration."
This should not be too big a deal, given the 1-3 times a year this tends to happen. The front office ought to keep this in mind next time though, rookie pitcher or not.
Nationals Park statues - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Nationals Park statues
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- I always though that statues of D.C. baseball legends was a must-have for the Nationals permanent home and I am pleased that they are now installed at the Centerfield entrance area. I was kind of skeptical of how they were going to turn out after I read Nats320'sinterviews with the sculptor. Now that I have seen them, that reaction was justified -- they are a big "meh." I like that they are there and I like that Walter Johnson, Josh Gibson and Frank Howard were selected as each represented a specific Washington team. However, I would like the statues just as much if they were "frozen in time" rather than having the motion effect.
Nats fall to 0-7 in fifth home opener - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Nats fall to 0-7 in fifth home opener
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Yesterday, the Washington Nationals held their fifth home opener, the 76th for D.C. baseball. For the fourth consecutive year, Fritz and I were there. The Nats fell for the seventh time in as many tries in the 2009 season, this time to the visiting Phillies 9-8.
As home openers go, this one was my second favorite after last year's thrilling win. Yesterday's game was competitive, exciting, frusturating and sad all in one. The Nats scored first, but left the bases loaded at the end of the first inning. They would score in every inning but the 3rd, 6th and 8th. The offense had a pretty good day, but never got more than 2 runs in an inning. LF Adam Dunn hit his first Nationals Park home run, a monster shot to center in the seventh. 3B Ryan Zimmerman did the same in the ninth; they both hit two run homers. SS Cristian Guzman had five hits, but hurt his hamstring on the last one in the ninth. RF Elijah Dukes homered in the 5th.
Starter Daniel Cabrera, destined to be nicknamed D.C. Cab, was victimized by poor fielding. Anderson Hernandez had a dreadful game at second base, his first of the young season after being on the DL. He had two costly errors that led to runs. Cabrera gave up four runs, but only one was earned, over five innings and 24 batters faced. He kept the Nats in it though, they were tied with the Phillies after the fifth inning. It all came part in the seventh though when RHP Saul Rivera hit the first two batters and then was left in to face Ryan Howard for reasons unknown. Howard hit one into the seats and the Phillies led 7-4, a lead that they would hold onto and extend. We would all like to know why one of the lefties available in the bullpen was not brought in.
In short, the Nats were undone by sloppiness in the field and on the mound. They had a real chance to win this game and they blew it. That being said, I was thoroughly entertained.
Other notes
We took Metro from Pentagon City to the game without incident.
As we arrived, there was an ambulance coming down Half Street, needing someone to move the fence. We would later find out, via a text message from a friend of Fritz's in Harrisburg, that it was likely for Harry Kalas, the voice of the Phillies who collapsed and later died at GWU Hospital. I will have more on Kalas later today.
The statues of Walter Johnson, Josh Gibson and Frank Howard are fine, even with the "motion" effects. That being said, if there were standard statues, that would have been okay too.
My tickets were not sent to me even though I paid $11.50 in processing costs. I had to wait in line for 15 minutes to get some printed. I'm not happy with tickets.com and discourage you from using their service. I'll just use the box office from now on. I thought this might be a tough ticket, but I was wrong.
Five veterans threw out the ceremonial first pitch, since the president was not interested.
The moment of silence for Silver Spring native and Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart was the longest moment of silence I have ever witnessed.
Ben's Chili Bowl half-smokes are now sold in their own carts. The one around section 415 is criminally slow. I missed much of the pregame ceremonies waiting for the two idiots who work there to get the job done.
A moment of silence after the National Anthem, sung by Patti Austin, was observed for Harry Kalas.
"Sweet Caroline" was not played all day long!
We got to hear Chuck Brown three times because the Nats hit three homers.
Clint seemed less annoying.
I think Tom won the Presidents Race. A "cat" jumped out of the stands and tackled someone.
There are three pennants for 1924, 1925 and 1933 flying above the scoreboard. Last year, there was just a 1924 pennant flying. It is a nice touch.
I do not think the pitch speed was ever on the scoreboard.
Nats beat writer Chico Harlan is a tiny little dude.
What I saw of the pregame "pump up" video looked pretty good.
I missed the first pitch because a middle aged woman was standing up. Apparently it was her birthday and other people did not matter.
I am glad the Nats did not cancel the game after Kalas died. The Phillies were surely playing with heavy hearts, but they played well and won.
The fifth inning featured strong outfield play by Lastings Milledge and Dukes. Both made some big catches to keep the inning scoreless. Milledge even got decent jumps on the balls.
The Phillies fans were fine, they have never been a problem. I still don't want the team president hawking tickets in other cities.
During the seventh inning, Austin said we weren't going to sing "God Bless America" Kate Smith style. Hey someone gets it!
The attendance of 40,386 was a new Nationals Park record.
I elected to avoid the long Navy Yard Metro lines and went all the way to Federal Center SW. The ride back to Pentagon City was easy from there, even the L'nfant transfer.
I also noticed that about pitching speed on the scoreboard, but saw that it was only flashed for a second after each pitch, so you had to be watching the scoreboard closely.
You know, I hadn't even noticed that about Sweet Caroline not being played yesterday! Thank God they didn't play that overrated song!!!
# posted by Fritz :
Tuesday, April 14, 2009 8:29:00 AM
You guys are 4 games behind the Pirates in the Wild card race......time to get it moving!
# posted by TMBC :
Tuesday, April 14, 2009 9:03:00 AM
Post a CommentNationals Park area bar scene still lacking, but hope on the way - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, April 10, 2009
Nationals Park area bar scene still lacking, but hope on the way
Some relief may be on the way later this year: The Velocity Capitol Riverfront condominiums, slated to open at First and L streets SE in the fall, will have a sports bar as part of its ground floor retail space.
And the real estate firm Akridge, which plans to eventually turn the space of a former Metrobus garage at Half and M streets into shops, offices and residential units, is hoping to convert the now-empty lot across from the centerfield gate on N Street into something of a block party this season. "The concept is a tented event space -- partially tented, mostly open -- with live entertainment, food and beverages," says Akridge Development Manager Adam Gooch. "Half Street is supposed to be the entertainment area. . . . We're trying to get some life down here."
Permits, schedules and most of the details of the project have yet to be finalized, but, well, the idea is promising
Right now, Capital Hill and 8th Street (Barracks Row) seem to be as close as you can get to Nationals Park.
JD Land if the place to go to keep up with the growth of the Nationals Park neighborhood.
Marc Fisher on Nats neighborhood - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Marc Fisher on Nats neighborhood
MARC FISHER - Future of Nats, Ballpark's Neighborhood Up to Us - The Post I do not understand the headline -- how is it up to "us" that the neighborhood around Nationals Park succeeds? I want it to be full of bars, restaurants and other amenities like the Verizon Center's environs. So, is all I have to do is say to builders -- "hey, get finished with it already" and suddenly several places to get a bite at before the Home Opener just appear? Trust me, when I look at Monday's forecast I really wish there was a place we could meet nearby before the game.
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.
Cherry blossoms peak predicted - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
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.
D.C. United to become P.G. United? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, February 13, 2009
D.C. United to become P.G. United?
P.G. United? Co-Owner May Move D.C. Soccer Team to Prince George's - The Post Washington's most successful franchise of the last decade or so appears to be headed to suburban Prince George's County, Md. D.C. United, winner of 4 MLS Cups had been trying to build a soccer stadium at Poplar Point, across the Anacostia River from Nationals Park, but D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty balked despite a hefty contribution from ownership. DCU even got Marion Barry (Ward 8) on board. You can get some perspective from the D.C. United fanbase over at DCenters.
I don't know if this is posturing by DCU or if they really plan on heading to Maryland, but I would not blame them. Still, moving the team out of The District is not the ideal scenario for them. I have been to all of one D.C. United match, but I am inclined to go again. Having to go all the way out to P.G. County is a deterrent.
Post reporter David Nakamura is chatting about the proposed P.G. County stadium for United right now.
It is very much like the situation that drove JKC to build his stadium for the Redskins in P.G. County and not DC. DC has had their chance to do right by DCU and has repeatedly failed time and again.
This is why people like myself am so amazed that they got it (semi) right with the Nats. But remember, they tried very hard to foul that one up too.
# posted by Caps Nut :
Saturday, February 14, 2009 7:59:00 AM
I still can't believe that Nationals Park got built.
# posted by WFY :
Sunday, February 15, 2009 8:41:00 AM
Post a CommentCounterpoint: Washington was never burned down by a cow - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Counterpoint: Washington was never burned down by a cow
Obama Mocks D.C.'s Reaction to Winter Weather - dcist So much for Chicagoan Barrack Obama wanting to "live here" and not just "work here" during his presidency. If you really wanted to be a real Washingtonian Mr. President, you would abanndon the presidential limousine in the middle of Connecticut Ave. while rushing to Giant to buy up bread, milk and toilet paper.
My NatsFest recap - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
My NatsFest recap
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- After four off-seasons without a fanfest, the Nationals finally put one together. With a pair of extra tickets from We've Got Heart (thanks!) Erica and I got Will in his Nats cap and headed over to Nationals Park.
Since we arrived late, we did not have to wait in the long lines at the door to get in. I was surprised, pleasantly, to see so many cars in the parking garages. When we actually entered the ballpark we found our way into the President's Club. We ran into some old friends and chatted with them while admiring the Club. It has a nice atmosphere and seems like a good place to spend pregame or a rain delay. If anybody ever has President's Club tickets they want to go give away, let me know, I am here to help.
We also checked out the clubhouse and Stars & Stripes Lounge. The former was pleasant enough, but I could not exactly feel awed being in the place that Dmitri Young and Felipe Lopez used to put on their uniforms. I did note that Elijah Dukes locker had plenty of empties around it though. As for the S&S lounge they had some food, though I am sad to report the so-called Ben's Chili Bowl half-smokes were not the genuine article..
We skipped autograph and photo sessions because the lines were so long and ultimately, I'm not an autograph guy. It would have been cool to get a photo of Will with Ryan Zimmerman, but that opportunity may present itself again some time. We also did not see or hear much of the Q&A sessions, but without audio, I could tell that Jim Bowden was pretty uncomfortable. I saw him as we were walking in, but I resisted the urge to call him on the carpet, etc. I don't think I'll resist the next time.
Stan Kasten walked by and I told him to sign Hondo. He acknowledged it, but I don't remember how.
Our son was not charged admission.
A certain reporter for a Baltimore-based cable channel has poor elevator etiquette.
No infant Nats clothing was available. I guess I will have to order Will something online in time for Opening Day, but really they should have had something.
Overall, the buzz at the fest was pretty positive. This event was not marketed heavily outside of the season ticketholders and turnout had to have been stronger than expected. For a franchise coming off a miserable season, this says something positive about D.C. baseball fans.
Another inaugural parade for Charlie Brotman - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Another inaugural parade for Charlie Brotman
'Ordinary' Sports Guy Will Introduce the President Once Again - The Post Charlie Brotman, long-time D.C. baseball p.a. announcer and public relation legend, is scheduled to be behind the microphone for the inaugural parade. He has handled every one of them since 1956.
Back in 2005, I featured a profile on him -- (Brotman's job of a lifetime). In 2006, I met him at the ownership announcement.
Charlie is a great guy who really needs to write an autobiography.
Cosby on WTOP - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Cosby on WTOP
Cosby talks half-smokes, sports and race - WTOP Here is the story, video and audio from Bill Cosby's rambling visit to WTOP. He would not let them break for traffic and weather on the 8s.
The first hockey night in Washington of 2009 - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Sunday, January 04, 2009
The first hockey night in Washington of 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- We finally made it out to our first hockey game of the season last night had a great time watching our nation's Capitals beat the New York Rangers. The Rags scored first, but Mike Green responded soon after with his ninth goal of the season. Alexander Semin got the assist on a bang-bang play. Alex Ovechkin won the game on a short-handed goal in the wanning seconds of the second period.
Some observations from the game:
Lots of red in the sold out crowd. There were a few Rags fans by us, but they were only noticable due to their vicinity. They also lacked the obnoxiousness of a Pittsburgh, Philly or Buffalo fan. The fans owe praise for their eighth sellout of the season and making the Verizon Center the toughest arena for visiting teams. Seriously, the Caps are 17-1-1 at home this year.
I don't get why people get down on Ovi for his English-speaking ability. After getting a shot stopped, he could be seen on the big screen as a saying "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot."
Semin got in a fight and was given a game misconduct, apparently for fighting like a 13-year old girl. Still, he fought with more honor than the most important hockey player of all time. See On Frozen Blogformore.
Speaking of OFB, we saw 75% of them before the game and the other 25%'s husband filled in for my dad who was a late scratch. Get well Pop! Thanks for driving and buying Chanuck.
The ice was um, not great, but both teams have to play on it, so it is certainly fair, though foolish. I was warm in the 400 level.
We thought about getting Will a 6-9 months onesie, but decided it might become too small too quickly. We may have it order one online.
The Hockey Song is no longer featured during Capitals games. I am disappointed by this though others don't seem to be.
The Ice Girls are barely featured.
Those nachos are so damn salty. Won't bother again.
I have really grown to love the red Caps sweaters. I'll get one evetually, but I stuck with the classic white one last night.
Hallelujah, the Hockey Song is gone! (Sorry, WFY, but I think you're right... more will share my sentiment than yours.)
Eating at the Phone Booth is hopeless. La Tasca across 7th Street is my choice.
Hope your Pop is feeling better.
# posted by Hendo :
Sunday, January 04, 2009 12:37:00 PM
Thanks again for the invite. Great fun.
# posted by chanuck :
Sunday, January 04, 2009 4:25:00 PM
Like Hendo, I am glad that there's no Hockey Song.
The other 25% would have liked to have been there, but a certain Chanuck had been whining all day about how he wasn't going to the game...so I figured it was only fair to let him go. Thanks for asking him!
Places I went in 2008 - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
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.
DDOT asks for 11th Street Bridge to be I-695 - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, December 05, 2008
DDOT asks for 11th Street Bridge to be I-695
According to birthday boy Steve Anderson's dcroads.net, the 11th Street Bridge in Southeast D.C. will be likely renumbered to I-695 as part of the new interchange with the Anacostia Freeway. Historically, the 11th Street Bridge (technically the Corporal Kevin J. Walsh Memorial Bridge) has been I-295, though it is not really signed that way. Current signs suggest that I-295 ends/begins at the 11th Street Bridge with DC 295 continuing northbound. The Southeast Freeway east of I-395 is technically I-695, but it has never been posted. I wonder if the extension of the I-695 designation means we will finally get to see some I-695 shields posted. The reason I-695 may not be posted is to avoid confusion with Maryland's I-695 which is about 31 miles north of the 11th Street Bridge via Anacostia Freeway/Baltimore Washington Parkway. Seeing two different interstate highways only 31 miles apart could add to motorist confusion I think, though both D.C. and Baltimore have freeways called I-395. Only one road, I-95, intersects both I-395s though and those interchanges are 60 miles apart.
New Nationals Park address? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
New Nationals Park address?
Nationals may play ball on Taxation Without Representation Street if Council has its way - The Wash. Examiner The DC Council may rename the part of South Capitol Street that Nationals Park is located on to Taxation Without Representation Street. The District is doing what it can to tie the ballpark into the lack of meaningful Congressional representation for District residents.
When the council created the lease, they should have written into the legislation a way to put up a Taxation Without Representation sign somewhere on the ballpark. Ultimately, the goal of this action may be to coerce the Lerner family to put up a Taxation Without Representation sign somewhere on the ballpark, like the one at RFK Stadium. I don't see either side working well together on this one though.
Maybe we should just end the D.C. Approps bill that Congress writes every year...
# posted by Caps Nut :
Thursday, November 27, 2008 10:36:00 AM
I'd rather give them voting rights or not tax them.
# posted by WFY :
Thursday, November 27, 2008 7:18:00 PM
Home rule is of dubious legality too. I'd rather strip them of that if they are going continue to act like bunch of 3 year olds. Because what exactly to they need voting representation for when they receive more Federal Tax Dollars per capita than any other jurisdiction?
I'd love it if the new Congress exercised their veto over any D.C. legislation on this maneuver.
# posted by Caps Nut :
Saturday, November 29, 2008 9:02:00 AM
Frankly, if citizenship and representation were decided by whether governments act like 3 year olds, there would not be a lot of citizens in this country. It is unfortunate that feel that people living in the nation's capital are not nor should be citizens of this country.
Oh non! Les Halles est fermé - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Oh non! Les Halles est fermé
On Tuesday, I got word from We Love DC and Fritz that one of my favorite places to eat in D.C., Les Halles, has closed. Erica and I loved their frites, martinis and the atmosphere. I also loved the arguments over the correct pronunciation of Les Halles. Maybe we will hit one in New York sometime. I am really mad we kept missing the Bastille Day waiter race too.
Nats ready to pay rent? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Nats ready to pay rent?
Nats, city tentatively agree on unpaid rent - WTOP The PR nightmare of the Nationals not paying rent because Nationals Park was not "substantially complete" by Opening Night be coming to a close. D.C. Wire, a Post blog, reported yesterday that the deal could be completed last night, but no word on that yet. "the District would seek extended warranties to cover repairs on the ballpark." Hopefully, this awkward counterproductive experience will teach both sides to work together and not be petty, but if you believe that is going happen...
Union Station centennial photos - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Union Station centennial photos
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This past weekend, Union Station celebrated its first century by displaying old locomotives and trains on the Gate B platform. Locomotives and cars from the Pennsylvania, Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O), Baltimore & Ohio (B&O), Southern and Atlantic Coast Line railroads were featured. Some of the cars allowed visitors too. The locomotive I really wanted to see, a New York Central 20th Century Limited Hudson was not featured because the were all regrettably scrapped.
The lighting, nothing more than work lights that you might use to paint your bathroom, left something to be desired. I used low light and night-time settings to get my shots. As always, the photos are SOOC (straight out of camera). Hopefully, they will find a reason to do this again in the future and have a little better lighting.
D.C. squirrels story reminds me of PSU - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
D.C. squirrels story reminds me of PSU
Critter City - The Post A Century Ago, Squirrels Were Rare in D.C. How Did They Come to Rule the Capital? Around 1900, squirrels were rare in D.C. The Architect of the Capitol introduced them on the grounds of the legislative branch and soon they started showing up all over. The Post even ran a story about it then, but sadly it is not linked online.
This story is similar to what I know of Penn State's squirrel population. They were not indigenous up there either and now they have overrun the place. Some say they are reincarnated alumni while others claim that Cary, the odd graduate student who worked in the computer labs, was using his time machine to bring squirrels from the future or past (I'm not sure which) onto campus. Either way, there are a lot of them up there, so many of them that Penn State was rated 4 out of 5 on the five-squirrel scalein 2001 (The Collegian).
Not that I need an excuse to go to Union Station - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, October 03, 2008
Not that I need an excuse to go to Union Station
This weekend is the 100th anniversary celebration of Union Station. For some reason, the Union Station Web site does not mention this, but an AP/USA Todayarticle does. Some details:
The centennial celebration is Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday, noon-4 p.m. The free event will feature an exhibit of historic locomotives and passenger cars from the heyday of rail travel, as well as modern Amtrak equipment. Visitors will be able to walk through the cars and even buy souvenir stamps inside an old railway post office car. Archival photos of the station will also be on display.
My parents took us to the reopening 20 years too. I love Union Station; it is probably my favorite building in the District. The National Cathedral probably places second.
R.I.P. Olsson's - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
R.I.P. Olsson's
Olsson's bookstores officially closed for good today. I bought quite a few books at Olsson's over the years and enjoyed several booksignings there too. They will be missed. I really need to see if I have the Olsson's Kermit the Frog "Read" shirt.
City of Satan? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
City of Satan?
Can Washington Catch a Break? - The Post A rebuttal to the quadrennial tradition of bashing the Capital while desperately begging for a job there:
Yes, we know they're talking about the political side, but it's still agitating to hear disparaging comments grouped nominally under the city as a whole. And this goes beyond presidential campaigns to every congressional district in the United States, where candidates seek to assure people that they're not a part of Washington, but they want to work there, hold their nose and maybe freshen it up.
"It's kind of comical, because people fight, connive and scheme to get to a place they profess to hate, and then they fight, connive and scheme to stay in the place they profess to hate," says Democratic strategist James Carville, who maintains a home in Alexandria.
By the way, if you live somewhere that ends people like Bud Shuster, Robert Byrd or many others to Congress, you have no credibility on bashing Washington.
Ben's Chili Bowl at 50 chat right now - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, August 25, 2008
Ben's Chili Bowl at 50 chat right now
Ben's Chili Bowl Turns 50 - The Post "D.C. culinary institution Ben's Chili Bowl turned 50 this month. Nizam Ali, son of founders Ben and Virginia, who runs the family business with his brother Kamal, will be online Monday, Aug. 25 at 11:30 a.m. ET to take your questions about the restaurant's past, present and future."
Fifty years of Ben's Chili Bowl - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Fifty years of Ben's Chili Bowl
Ben's Celebrates Chili Power - The Post This week is the 50th anniversary of Ben's Chili Bowl*, the venerable U Street institution. Bill Cosby loves it more than Jello pudding:
By far, Ben's biggest celebrity fan is Cosby, who will serve as master of ceremonies for tonight's Lincoln Theatre event. The comic helped propel Ben's to the national spotlight in 1985 when he held a news conference there to talk about his No. 1 television program, "The Cosby Show."
Cosby became a fan when he was in the Navy and stationed in Bethesda in 1958. During that time, he was a regular at jazz clubs on U Street. And he also took his soon-to-be wife, Camille, who was a student at the University of Maryland, to Ben's on late-night dates, where he would eat as many as six half-smokes at a time. Cosby likens a Ben's half-smoke, a plump beef and pork sausage, to a fine wine.
"You can describe it the same way a wine connoisseur would be able to tell difference between a pinot noir and a merlot," Cosby said in a telephone interview. "When you bite into a half-smoke, the skin and the way the texture and firmness and the toppings you can get on it . . . "
His voice trailed off, as if he was caught in the memory of the taste.
Six?! The man had a stomach of steel. By the way, that is not recommended date behavior.
Oh and it looks like I will be taking Cliff there real soon -- his Phillies beat the Nats for the eighth time in eleven games. The Phillies need two more victories over the Nats to clinch a Ben's half-smoke for Cliff. The Nats need to win every remaining game against Philadelphia to win me a cheesesteak. Given that the Nats haven't won in 13 games overall, I am not feeling too good about this one.
*The bandwidth limit was exceeded earlier this morning.
D.C. bowl game to Nationals Park - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, July 24, 2008
D.C. bowl game to Nationals Park
The first Congressional Bowl between Navy (if they win six games) and the ACC 9th place team (!) will be at Nationals Park on December 20 (The Post). RFK Stadium, which hosted the Redskins for over 35 seasons was also considered. I would have preferred RFK Stadium because it has an actual football field designed into it and is completely enclosed and wouldn't have been fun to see some midshipmen rocking the movable stands? However, the seating layout would only be better there than at Nationals Park for fans on the lower level. Those seats at RFK are oriented for football, but the upper deck is shaped for baseball, so the sightlines are not much better than the upper deck at Nationals Park. Other pluses for having the game at Nationals Park include the HD scoreboard and food.
I may go this game, we'll see. I would almost certainly cheer for Navy, who would be my third favorite college football team if I had one.
I have a real problem with this only because it continues to devalue the honor it should be to play in a bowl game. With all the games that are played in a college football season now I have forgotten how many games a team needs to win to be "bowl eligible". Five? Six? Seven?
Are you telling it is possible to see a pair of teams with losing records play in a bowl game? I don't know, I guess this is the way sports work anymore. Why not work on a playoff plan, using DC as a neutral site instead?
# posted by Kevin McGuire :
Thursday, July 24, 2008 1:13:00 PM
Did the MLB corrupt bargain mean they had to use the Peter Angelo$ playbook too? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, July 11, 2008
Did the MLB corrupt bargain mean they had to use the Peter Angelo$ playbook too?
Nationals Withhold Rent on Ballpark - The Post I really want to give the Lerner family the benefit of the doubt on their claim that the ballpark was not "substantially complete" on time, but I have a hard time doing it. Surely, something must be very wrong for them to risk such potential public backlash, right? They are not helping themselves, the team or its fans by saying "no comment" either. At least say something like "we are disappointed in the way this has worked out and look forward to a resolution with the District blah blah blah."
Nationals Park looked fine to me on Opening Night and the other two games I went to this season. Peter Angelo$ does this kind of thing all the time.
This is the kind of thing that leads to the lowest local TV audience in the majors. Is the park that bad or are the Lerners that stupid when it comes to PR or did the District actually botch it? Given the parties involved, the answer could easily be both.
The $$$$$ quote is right here: " [I]f you read the letter of the agreement, this is not subjective thinking."
Now considering that the District has on more than one occasion tried to unilaterally change the agreed upon terms; I for one find no fault in the Lerners (or anybody else for that matter) seeking to hold the District's feet to the fire.
The amount of $$$$$ going one way or the other is irrelevant. If you were in an contractual agreement with somebody and they did not live up to their end of the contract or tried to change the terms ex post facto, you would react the same way.
As for the Lerners not commenting publicly. In today's ligitious society, that's just being smart.
# posted by Caps Nut :
Friday, July 11, 2008 1:33:00 PM
While I was out getting free Chick-fil-A, I heard Mayor Fenty on WTOP sound not too concerned about it, noting on a project this big things happen and that it would get worked out. That being said, had the Nats not tried to make the District pay for uniforms, the would be more sympathetic. It is in their best interest to improve the PR overall.
# posted by WFY :
Friday, July 11, 2008 3:36:00 PM
Post a CommentWe Love DC launches; Metroblogging DC withers - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, July 07, 2008
We Love DC launches; Metroblogging DC withers
Remember Metroblogging DC? I used to be a regular over there. The regulars who stayed have broken away and launched a new site called We Love DC. It is pretty much the same idea as Metroblogging, but with a superior design and completely local ownership. It went live on Independence Day. Coverage will be anything inside the Beltway. I am may even get involved with it, we'll see.
They were just moments in time, gone and forgotten, except that photographers from the Black Star Agency were there to catch them on film, and now they're on display in an exhibit of 330 photographs at the Canadian Embassy.
Founded in New York in 1935, Black Star was one of the great photography agencies of the golden age of photojournalism, supplying many of the classic black-and-white images seen by millions of people in Life, Look, the Saturday Evening Post and other magazines now long gone. Some anonymous philanthropist bought Black Star's collection of 291,049 photos and donated them to Canada's Ryerson University, which lent this tasty sampling to the embassy, where they will be displayed until Aug. 29.
Grading Nationals Park - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Grading Nationals Park
In 2003, ESPN Page 2 conducted an unscientific survey of all the ballparks in the major leagues. I used the same criteria to evaluate RFK Stadium in 2005 and then again after it was "re-opened" by the Lerner group when they bought the team in 2006. After three visits to the new Nationals Park, I have used those same metrics to see how it fares:
1. Access: One Metro line stops within a block of the main entrance. Parking is scarcer than RFK, but available online and from one I have seen, readily available. There is also free parking at RFK with a shuttle to the game. All reports indicate that each of these options performs well. For me, a Metro rider, it takes me less time than traveling to RFK. 4
2. Exterior architecture:
The stadium isn't the same brick template as almost every other new park. It blends in with the federal architecture fairly well, but doesn't wow factor of the very best parks. The Capitol dome and Washington Monument are visible from many seats, but an office building, ironically developed by the team ownership before the ballpark site was selected, eliminates the view from many seats. Without that hindrance, there would be another point in this rating. 4
3. Interior architecture:
The blue seats are a nice departure from the green that almost every ballpark built in the last twenty years. I'm not sure about the two red features, the press box and "red porch" area, but it isn't horrible. The structural steel is painted gray, which is kind of bland. If that were a different color, like blue or red, the park would look better.
The concourses are sufficiently wide, though getting between some parts of the stadium is difficult and requires changing levels.3.5
4. Ticket prices and availability: Tickets are readily available. They cost more than RFK, but some of the cheapest seats have the best capitol dome views. 3.5
5. Seat comfort: Blue plastic seats are better than yellow wooden ones. They are aimed the right direction too. Having cupholders is also a welcome change. 4.5
6. Quality of hot dogs: The Gwantley hot dogs are tasty, but not memorable. They don't give me heartburn like the RFK dogs did though. I prefer the half-smokes anyway. 4
7. Quality/selection of concession-stand fare: This is one of the best parts about Nationals Park, the food. Many local/regional vendors have set up shop. Ben's Chili Bowl half-smokes are available just about anywhere you can buy hot dogs. Five Guys has a stand, as does Hard Times Cafe and Red Hot and Blue. Gifford's, a local chain, is the ice cream vendor. The time spent in line still leaves something to be desired, so I am docking a point.4
8. Signature concession item: Ben's Chili Bowl half-smokes! Philly has cheesesteaks, D.C. has half-smokes. You can get them anywhere in the park too. I haven not tried the Curly W pretzels yet, but I get the feeling they could be executed a little better. 5
9. Beer: The beer situation is actually a step back from RFK. Good luck trying to find something other than a macrobrew without a lot of hunting. 2.5 10. Bathrooms: There are more of them, but they are not well designed for traffic flow. I asked a few women how the are and they respnded that they had improved, but one suggested that changing tables should be in the regular bathrooms and not just the family bathrooms.3.5
11. Scoreboard: The HD Screen is huge with clear pictures of the game, but the operation leaves something to be desired at times. This really should be a 5, but early season problems knocks off 1/2 a point. 4.5
12. Quality of public address system: A p.a. you can understand? How unlike RFK Stadium. They don't overdue the loud music like other sporting events though, something I did not expect. 4.5
13. Fun stuff to do besides the game: There is a plenty to do -- video games, Build-A-Bear, speed pitch, playground, etc. I'm not there for that though. 4
14. Price/selection of baseball souvenirs: Expensive, but more expansive than RFK. Had I been able to find a newborn onesie, this would have been a 4.5. 4
15. Friendliness/helpfulness of usher stuff: There is a concerted effort not to be like the ushers in RFK. 4
16. Trading-up factor: New park and higher prices means trading up is harder, but also less necessary. 3
17. Knowledge of local fans: Anybody at a Nats game the last few years has been a true fan. 4
18. Seventh-inning stretch: The Nats Pack leads in the singing of Take Me Out to the Ballgame. Instead of playing "Heart" from Damn Yankees, they play Otis Day & The Knights Shout, a poor decision that costs a point. Chuck Brown's "Bustin' Loose" for home runs adds a token point. 3
19. Pre-and-postgame bar-and-restaurant scene: There is none whatsoever, but that will change in the next couple of years in a big way. 1
20. Wild card: Racing presidents adds 4 points, one for each. The commitment to find local/regional vendors for food adds another 5. Getting the park built on schedule adds 1. Trying to do something different with the design adds 1.
TOTAL POINTS: 81.5
That is a 10.5 upgrade from 2005 RFK Stadium, tying it with Fenway Park in Boston and Safeco Field in Seattle. Within a few years, the grade should improve with the massive redevelopment of the neighborhood, statues of D.C. baseball greats around the ballpark perimeter, docks on the Anacostia River for water taxis and other boaters. Minor changes like beer selection can easily add a few points too. The park could max out close to 90 points if 20 M Street S.E. (a building ironically developed by the owners of the team) is knocked down, but I don't see that happening anytime soon.
I think you asked for it a couple years ago but-here it is: http://firejimbowden.blogspot.com/
# posted by Anonymous :
Thursday, June 19, 2008 1:54:00 PM
Thank you, please consider firelennyharris.blogspot.com as well.
# posted by WFY :
Friday, June 20, 2008 8:20:00 AM
I question your comment regarding the difficulty in finding anything but macrobrews. Do Stella Artios, Peroni, Bass, and Heineken really fall into that category? They're available on draft at most of the concession stands. I dislike the fact that they don't offer Harp anymore, but there's plenty of choices beyond the Buds.
# posted by Simon Oliver Lockwood :
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 10:09:00 AMPost a Comment
new washingtontimes.com debuts - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
new washingtontimes.com debuts
The new washingtontimes.com is here. There is a fair amount of video now and it is embeddedable. The "newscube" treatment on the front page is kind of a 3-D spin on the rotating tabs that most papers use. There are links in the cube stories to related themes (tags more or less) and other stories. That is a nice feature, but on the stories themselves, there are not related stories.
There are dozens of RSS feeds, but there is not a feed specifically for the Nationals, something I was expecting. There is a baseball feed, but I don't want to clog Google Reader with stories about other teams like the Orioles. I also don't think the "Themes" area is working as it is supposed to yet.
Overall the design seems kind of dated. The content area is barely 800 pixels wide, over 100 fewer pixels than many contemporary designs. They also appear to have migrated out of the Saxotech content management system. Right now, there are some problem with the section fronts delivering the same content every time they are refreshed. For example, I had seen a story about Ryan Zimmerman's shoulder on the Sports front, but after I read a different story and returned to the Sports front, the Zimmerman story was gone.
So far, the new washingtontimes.com is okay, but they have some bugs to work out. I will check back in several weeks and see how it has come along.
Newspaper Web site redesigns - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, May 19, 2008
Newspaper Web site redesigns
There are several redesigns to newspaper Web sites that are here or almost here.
Washington Times provides sneak preview of new Web site - The Wash. Times They have a mockup online, but I would not go as far to call it a beta site since the functionality is not there. A rotating image on the front -- something many sites started doing last year, but are starting to abandon. So far, the new washtimes.com site looks okay and I like the idea of "400,000 custom news feeds" being made available.
I have heard that the goal is for washtimes.com to become one of the top 10 sites -- not newspaper sites -- in the world. I don't see that happening.
Also, philly.com, the Web site for The Inky and Philly Daily News has taken a step back and switched the front page design for something less robust and with a terrible color palette. I had really liked the way the had it, particularly the way they gave each paper its own site with suitable designs.
Lots of journalism folks love the Philly.com redesign, but I'm not a fan either. I miss the tabs and the easy access to the sports stories near the top. I'm really looking forward to the day when newspaper sites stop re-arranging deck chairs and start doing something innovative.
Anyway, I've been reading your blog for a while and figured I was overdue to leave a comment. So, hello.
# posted by Daniel Victor :
Monday, May 19, 2008 1:17:00 PM
Oh, no, mainstream media. This blog has lost all credibility.
# posted by DJ in Hbg :
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 11:00:00 AM
Post a CommentD.C. gets bowl game - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, May 01, 2008
D.C. gets bowl game
NCAA Approves Bowl for Washington - The Post Yesterday, the NCAA approved the Congressional Bowl, a new game to be played in Washington. The 2008 edition will be December 20 at either Nationals Park or RFK Stadium. Navy has signed on, provided they win the necessary six games, for this year and Army for 2009. The ACC would send the other team.
Hopefully, the game will be in RFK Stadium; wouldn't it be great to see Midshipmen or Cadets making the stands rock?
I have now seen a win and a loss at Nationals Park - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Sunday, April 13, 2008
I have now seen a win and a loss at Nationals Park
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- My dad treated several of us to the Nats vs. Braves game. It was his first visit to Nationals Park. Though the game was delayed for an hour by a rain delay we still had a good time. The poor performance of the home nine in all areas of the game did not diminish our good time either, nor did the precocious kid from Richmond who was rooting for the Braves -- I gave as good as I got. My father said, "I need to go to more ballgames with you."
A few other things:
I still haven't heard "Bustin' Loose" at Nationals Park yet. :(
Sweet Caroline was not played!
"Heart" would have been quite appropriate.
I had two half-smokes, all the way. SOOOOOOOO good. The lines still need more efficiency though.
Once again, Metro worked well.
John Lannan had a rough outing, but he also had some defensive mistakes behind him.
Jason Bergmann failed to cover home plate -- my dad wondered if Bergmann knew he had to field too. The young thrower was sent down to Columbus for re-education.
Pitching coach Randy St. Claire has his hands full.
The clock was way off.
Replays are on the HD screen now.
Can't anybody play this here game?!
I love the new ballpark and in about two years, when the neighborhood grows around it, I think more people will too.
I was happy to see replays on the scoreboard, but... they never show replays on anything useful. Their effort to avoid "controversy" makes the whole o9peration useless. We want to see the close plays! (And the errors, like yesterday's fielding attempt by Kearns.) Sometimes I feel like that replay system is run by Communist China.
# posted by dl004d :
Sunday, April 13, 2008 2:03:00 PM
Or the Big11Ten.
# posted by WFY :
Sunday, April 13, 2008 5:23:00 PM
Post a CommentNewseum opens today - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, April 11, 2008
Newseum opens today
The Newseum is now open. Admission is free today, but starting tomorrow, $20. The price seems steep, especially with the Smithsonian's free admission, but it is worth it
I thought I would round up some articles about the museum, some pro, some con. I reviewed it last week after attending a preview.
How would you bike to Nationals Park? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
How would you bike to Nationals Park?
With the warm weather returning it is finally time to get back on my bicycle again. I plan to go for a bike ride tomorrow after work. Since I also want to get some tickets to Saturday's Nationals vs. Braves game without paying $20 in surcharges and "convienence fees" and I have decided to combine both activities.
I've poked around jdland.com and WashCycle looking for ideas on how to get ride there from Virginia, but could not find anything conclusive. A commenter on the Grounds Crew blog suggests going over the 14th Street Bridge and down Maine Ave. to M Street. It makes sense on a map, but the last time I was there in daylight, Marion Barry might have been mayor. Any idea on how that route is for cyclists? Is there a better route for me to take?
There are few stories in particular that I'll comment on when they published:
Local Reporting, Breaking News Virginia Tech Shootings -- washingtonpost.com was behind everybody on the story for the better part of the morning, something I documented. I suppose the lesson is being first to break the news is not as important as covering it very thoroughly.
Feature Writing Pearls before Breakfast -- Gene Weingarten finds fascinating characters and stories and makes them come to life with his writing. While this wasn't my favorite Weingarten article, I commented at the time that he had "done it again." Of course, he jokes he had "nothing to do with it" but that he "would gladly accept the award." ALSO: His first post-Pulitzerchat.
The New Newseum - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, April 04, 2008
The New Newseum
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Since I am a "special friend" of the Newseum, I was able to get free preview tickets to the new museum. Erica, Fritz, dl004d (another media stuides major -- I'm not alone!) and Grand Marnier came along as well. Back when the Newseum was in the Rosslyn neighborhood of Arlington, Va., I went to original Newseum, which closed in late 2001/early 2002, several times over the years. In fact, when I worked in Rosslyn I parked in a garage at the old Newseum.
The beginning starts of our visit was a little awkward.. Newseum guides recommended we start on the lower level, past the Berlin Wall and into the "holding center" to wait for the next showing of the 4D movie. Thankfully, it wasn't as bad as it sounds. Several panels of the wall and a death tower are on display. The wall is not much more than a giant Jersey barrier with graffiti on one side, the barbed wire is all missing.
After moving on into the holding center, 4D glasses (stylish!) are given out and a video about "getting it right" is played. The 4D movie about the power of the media in America is quite good, both for the technology and the message. It is also unintentionally funny in the beginning.
From there, we took the elevator to the sixth floor. They have an outdoor observation area that details the history of Pennsylvania Ave. and provides excellent views. The view of the Capitol building would be absolutely perfect, but for the fact there are maple leaf flags all over the adjacent building, an embassy, across the corner. It is a harsh reminder of Canadian domination on American life. The sixth floor also includes digital versions of today's newspapers.
Moving down to the fifth floor we checked out the history gallery. Newspapers in clear display drawers are heavily featured as well as other artifacts from news gathering. This area is significantly bigger than the previous Newseum -- you could spend all day right there. One disappointment though - the FORD TO CITY: DROP DEAD Daily News was not featured. How can you skip that if you are having a gallery of famous newspaper fronts? I skipped the books gallery - next time I'll check it out. I recall there being an exhibit about Edward R. Murrow on that floor as well.
The fourth floor features a 9/11 exhibit with a TV antenna from the World Trade Center, a time line of events and newspaper front pages. Photography is prohibited, which was fine with me. Having felt my office building shake when the Pentagon was attacked, I don't need to have reminders of that day. Also on the fourth floor was an exhibit on the First Amendment, which was quite interesting. We were reminded that burping is not covered by the First Amendment.
The third floor featured the Journalists Memorial and (if I recall correctly) the bombed out remains of Arizona Republic reporter Don Bolles Datsun. He was killed in the 1970s while investigating mafia. World news is also explored on this floor. I found the color-coded Press Freedom map of most interest.
Since being "On TV" was not of any interest to me, the third floor was skipped. You can do a newscast there with assorted backdrops. It did not seem very well organized.
The second floor is the Hall of News with a large screen featuring still photographs of major news events and a ticker that uses mixed-case letters instead of all capitals, which pleased dl004d. A satellite and news helicopter hang at this level.
Interactivity is a big part of the Newseum experience. There are touchscreen monitors all over the place. There is a downside to this though, the touch screens provide many opportunities to see bad news like the Challenger explosion or several different assassinations. It gets to be a bit much.
Despite spending over four hours in the Newseum, we really just skimmed it. It would probably take several days to see everything there. Also, we stopped by "The Food Section" a cafeteria with Wolfgang Puck food. The prices were high, but the quality was fairly good. On that level there is the first satellite news truck as well as a small exhibit on comics.
Overall, all were quite pleased with the new Newseum. I am sure I will go back sometime, but at $20 admission, it will probably be a while. Even at that price though, the Newseum is a good value if you can devote a day to spending in it.
"Harsh reminder of Canada's domination on American life?" Surely you jest.
# posted by CP :
Thursday, April 17, 2008 12:41:00 PM
I'm as serious as a 5 on 3 powerplay. Watch this video and see what I'm talking about.
# posted by WFY :
Thursday, April 17, 2008 2:40:00 PM
Post a CommentWho hasn't admired the integrity of the Berlin Wall? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Who hasn't admired the integrity of the Berlin Wall?
WASHINGTON D.C -- I should have the Newseum write-up done tomorrow. In the meantime, ponder this message: ""In order to maintain the integrity of the Berlin Wall, please do not touch."
New and improved I-395 signs - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
New and improved I-395 signs
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- There are a couple of things I like about these new overhead signs on I-395 North (Southwest Freeway). The control city of "Capitol Hill" makes sense and seeing "Nationals Park" makes me smile. "Nat'l Mall" is also very useful. I also like that exit numbers are finally being rolled out on I-395 North, though I would have just continued the Virginia numbering. I suppose the appeal of exit 1 being for US 1 makes it okay though. Up until the renumbering of the Virginia side of the Capital Beltway, the Virginia exit to US 1 was exit 1. While that was lost, the US 50 exit in Virginia became exit 50, so it was a wash.
One other thing, I'm pleased the didn't use the Clearview typeface.
To me it looks like the left lane is for Nationals, the middle lane is for Park Verizon and the right lane is for Center.
# posted by dl004d :
Tuesday, April 01, 2008 2:07:00 PM
The spacing is definitely off, they should have just made a taller sign and had three lines for the control cities.
# posted by WFY :
Tuesday, April 01, 2008 9:43:00 PM
Post a Comment2008 Cherry Blossoms - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Sunday, March 30, 2008
2008 Cherry Blossoms
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Yesterday, instead of blogging at dawn, I was down around the Tidal Basin taking photographs. I had never gotten up to see the Cherry Blossoms that early and I was glad that I did, despite the chill.
Later in the day, I went the Newseum for an early-bird preview. I'll have more to say about that in the middle of the week.
Q&A: Jacqueline Dupree - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Q&A: Jacqueline Dupree
Five years ago, Capitol Hill resident Jacqueline Dupree began chronicling the changes in Near Southeast on her Web site, jdland.com. In September 2004, the future of Near SE was dramatically changed when it was announced that the District of Columbia would fund a new ballpark for what would become the Washington Nationals. Since that time, "Near Southeast DC Redevelopment" has been the best source for ballpark construction news.
WFY: Opening Night is less than a week away. Will the ballpark be ready?
JD: There's no doubt that baseball will be played and Cracker Jack, hot dogs, and beer will be consumed on Opening Night. Every scintilla of the park won't be finished, but the showiest parts of the stadium--the field, the seating, and the exterior--appear to be ready to go. I'm sure Stan Kasten would want me to add, "there will be hiccups, but the team says it will be working hard to address them."
WFY: What about Metro?
JD: If you're asking whether the west entrance of the Navy Yard Metro station will be ready, the Magic 8 ball answer is that "signs point to yes." Whether the Metro system and the Green line are prepared to handle the coming onslaught, I'll be happy to answer that question on Monday morning.
WFY: Are you surprised that Nationals Park will open on time?
JD: Back when the lease agreement was approved in 2006, I thought there was no way it would open on time. But for the past year or so, what I've seen and heard gave me a fair amount of confidence that it would be ready.
WFY: In your view, has the media overreacted to the parking situation?
JD: Traffic stories = ratings. On the one hand, you've got people talking about the coming traffic catastrophe because so many people will be driving, and on the other other people talking about the coming Metro catastrophe because so many people will be taking the subway.
I have no doubt that the first month will see some horror stories on the parking, traffic, and transit fronts, and there will be much wailing and gnashing of teeth. Just like at FedEx field when it opened, and at RFK when baseball came back in 2005. And then people will start figuring out their special ways of getting to the ballpark, like parking at a Metro station, or parking downtown and catching a cab, or walking, or biking. (And, coming in 2009, water taxis!) I think it might actually end up being kind of cool that there are so many different ways to get there, rather than everyone piling in their cars and driving to huge parking lots.
WFY: What features of Nationals Park do you think will be most popular with fans?
JD: I can't speak to the baseball-related aspects of it (whether it's a hitters park, etc. etc.). But I'll tell you what bowled me over the most the first time I experienced them--the views from the tops of the ramp at South Capitol on the northwest side of the ballpark and the one at Potomac Avenue on the southeast. If you want your views of the Capitol, or the Washington Monument, or the Cathedral, or National Airport, or Poplar Point, or the Navy Yard, or the Anacostia River, or Southwest, you've got 'em. There's been so much yakking about how every seat in the ballpark doesn't have a pristine view of the Capitol Dome that people I think don't realize how many fabulous views there are from the ballpark's upper decks. And even the views directly to the north of the ballpark, as the buildings get finished, will have a "city lights" view that might even get a few people to stop bitching about the garages.
In a more mundane vein, I think the wide variety of food options will be a big hit. As will be the Strike Zone for kids. And the cupholders!
WFY: On the other hand, what will disappoint fans the most?
JD: That's hard for me to say, I think different people will have different expectations. The garages will be a sore point, I'm sure, though the team is trying hard to gussy them up. And yet, as people are complaining about them, I hope they'll stop to think what it might have been like to have two 12-story condo buildings right on the edge of the outfield like almost got approved, obscuring *all* views from the seats. Sure, you'd probably get to see people sitting on their sofas watching TV, but.....
WFY: Is Near SE essentially a construction zone with a new ballpark in the middle of it?
JD: Indeed. But I think there's something to be said for people coming to the neighborhood for the first time and seeing that there's a ton of work underway versus having a gleaming new ballpark with nothing else happening. It doesn't take as much of a leap of faith to imagine that within the next year or two, things will be different. But yes, you might get dusty! A sidewalk might be closed! Prepare accordingly!
WFY: Will any of the upcoming neighborhood amenities (bars and restaurants, etc.) open during the 2008 season?
JD: Unless some bar or restaurant is going to go in the first floor of 20 M Street (the office building at Half and M completed last year), I doubt it. I suppose it could be possible that something could go in the ground floor of 100 M, the office building at First and M that's supposed to be completed in late summer, but it probably wouldn't be open before the season ends. But there's been no announcements that I've heard.
WFY: How cooperative have the Nationals been during the construction? What about developers? The District government?
JD: I've received pretty much all the cooperation I've asked for from all three of those groups, as well as from residents and other groups--though I try not to ask for very much so as not to be thought of as a pain in the ass. Certainly they see JDLand as a (cheap!) way to get their messages out. I think the only time I really stomped my feet and asked for something above-and-beyond was last fall, when the ballpark security perimeter took away access to First Street and Potomac Avenue and I asked to be allowed to continue to update my exterior photos every so often. But I pouted for about six weeks first.
I'm not a big fan of the "Look at all the big-shot contacts I have and all the names I can drop!" brand of blogging, so maybe my sticking to information aggregation along with a small amount of this-is-what-I've-seen-with-my-own-eyes has kept me in good stead. Plus, I think some of the folks in charge actually like looking at the before-and-after pictures and getting updates on other projects, too.
WFY: What has been most enjoyable and frustrating about chronicling the ballpark progress?
JD: I have to admit that the praise the site gets, and the reactions I get when I meet people who are familiar with the site, have been experiences I never would have expected. The story of this neighborhood seems to have captured a lot of interest, and I get to enjoy being the conduit. To be standing on a street corner and have people you've never met roll down their windows to say hi and complement what you do is the sort of experience everyone should be lucky enough to have in their life. Even when I get tired and cranky (which is often), I have a tremendous amount of pride and satisfaction with what this has all grown to.
On the flip side, there's little things that bug me--it's frustrating for me to watch a lot of the media reports in these last few weeks, with lots of errors or lots of skimming the surface of stuff that I've been covering so deeply for these past few years. And things like when columnists write "OMG! The Metro station isn't open!!!!" three weeks before Opening Day, as if that guarantees it won't be open in time. A lot of hyperbole and not a strong command of the facts. And the lack of patience amazes me--some people have grown to adulthood thinking that if something brand new has something wrong with it, that's just the way it's always going to be.
Then there's the people wanting to know happened to the baseball on top of the outfield restaurant. I can stop getting asked that question any time now.
WFY: Will the ballpark's completion be sort of like a tragedy of dreams come true for you?
JD: It's like how you discover some really cool underground band, and you spend years telling people about them, and then suddenly they're playing stadium shows and you get all whiny about how you knew about them first.
But, to be serious, without planning on it I stumbled into a pretty amazing project, and it's been a blast. To know there's a lot of people looking at my work and appreciating it, especially since it just kind of grew without any sort of grand plan, has been immensely satisfying. JDLand isn't going anywhere anytime soon, of course, but there will never be the interest in the rest of the neighborhood that there's been in the ballpark, so the wackiest part of the ride is about over.
WFY: What question do you get asked about the most?
JD: Beyond "are you the one who does that web site?" that I get when people see me taking pictures? Probably just asking me how I manage to keep the site running. These days, the answer is "barely." But it'll be back to normal soon.
WFY: What question do you wish people would ask?
JD: "How do you want me to cite JDLand.com in this news story I'm putting together for my major media corporation, since I used your site extensively to research the piece and I of course want to give you full credit for that?"
This is the one thing that makes me cranky above all else. In the blogosphere (for the most part), etiquette demands that if you get something from someone else, you hat tip. But I know for a fact that reporters in this town (and elsewhere) make heavy use of my site (and sometimes even tell me so in person), but you never know it from their work. If I started plagiarizing from news stories, you can be damn sure that I'd be hearing about it. But since I'm "just a blogger", they seem to feel that my site is free for the taking without any sort of acknowledgment. Recently one of my photos was published without credit or permission on the front page of an unnamed neighborhood newspaper, because the editor thought "it was in the public domain." I consider myself a journalist as much as any other journalist in this town, and I work as hard (probably harder) for my content as they work for theirs, but they don't always treat my work with the same level of respect they expect for their own. Because I'm "just a blogger."
WFY: Last year (correct me if I am wrong) you started writing a weekly Ballpark & Beyond column about the ballpark for The Post. Was that your idea or their idea? Will it continue after the ballpark is opened?
JD: The Post approached me in May 2007 with the idea of adapting my blog in the District Extra--since I work in the Newsroom Information Technology department, they probably felt more comfortable with "going bloggy" via my site than if I had been an outsider. I'm expecting the column to continue for a bit longer, though I think it will probably run less often. Which I'm fine with, because in some ways the column is a far more stressful part of my life than I expected it to be.
WFY: For the "techies" out there, what do you use for content management of the Near SE Redevelopment? What kind of camera and imaging software do you use?
JD: The easy answer first--the official JDLand camera since January 2006 has been a Canon Digital Rebel XT. I use Paint Shop Pro to handle the photos, though I don't do much with them other than resizing and some cropping and straightening when the camera gets too heavy and I end up holding it crooked.
As for the CMS, it's a complete home brew, all in Cold Fusion, and in some ways I'm as proud of the site's technology as I am of the content. The blog entries are in a database that I wrote both the front end and the RSS generator for. There's another table with information on each photo, which allows for the random photo display at the top of the home page and the Photo Archive application. The project pages are hybrid static and dynamic pages, with most of the "afters" generated by calls to the database. That way, I can upload photos to the site and auto-add records to the database, and the project pages immediately will show the new shots. The pages need some hands-on TLC every so often, but I don't have to open them and edit them everytime I upload a photo.
The complete batch of photos on my hard drive (of which there are *thousands* beyond what you see on the site) are also handled in a home-brew app. When I come home from taking photos, I pull up a page and start categorizing every shot, which I've sped up a lot lately thanks a big pile of javascript. I mark which intersection the photo shows, where I was standing, and what direction the photo was taken, and the code parses it into the database along with the timestamp from each photo's EXIF info. Then I can browse the photos by filling out a search form--i.e., show me all 2006 photos of the southwest corner First and N Street taken from the northeast corner. I then have some other scripts and shortcuts I've come up with to choose which photos I want to upload to the site, and then I run a batch process in Paint Shop Pro to resize them and save copies that I then FTP up to the site. Then I update the site database with the new images.
I don't think it's hyperbole to say that there's no way a site like this could be done by hand. It still pretty much takes me 4-6 hours to go take a big batch of photos, categorize and add them to the main database, choose which ones I want to post, and then upload them and update the site database. Though some of that, of course, is because there's so many dang projects to be taking pictures of right now. In time this will return to something less taxing.
WFY: What has been the most popular subject on Near SE Redevelopment based on site traffic?
JD: The easy answer, of course, is all the ballpark stuff. My traffic has doubled in the past month as the buildup to Opening Night has intensified. And yet, really, any time I post new photos of the neighborhood that people can compare to the "befores" on my site, I see a small spike in traffic. I have no doubt, though, that my statistics will return to more realistic levels after April.
WFY: Have you been able to recoup the cost the site via advertising?
JD: Yes, but please note that I'm not blogging from a beachside cabana on the Riviera. It's not very much at all, especially in comparison to what my hourly rate as a web application developer would be.
WFY: Do you have a ticket to Opening Night? Do you have an extra for me?
JD: Only if you want to split what I paid on StubHub, and then tell my husband he can't go.
Great interview! I particularly enjoyed the ColdFusion explanation (I could tell it was done in CF by the extensions). I used to develop in CF too and built a photo posting database once. Long ago...
Anyway, always enjoyed JD's site and hope she gets the credit she deserves for all the hard work!
# posted by MissChatter :
Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:31:00 PM
Yes, great interview. You asked many questions I had about the site and the process. Kudos to Ms. Dupree as well for an ongoing job well done. I've always enjoyed the site.
# posted by Tim :
Tuesday, March 25, 2008 3:47:00 PM
JD deserves so many accolades that even I could not come up with enough. She has been the finest source of information surrounding New Nationals Park--and she has done so in the most professional manner possible. Earning respect from most EVERYONE that has crossed her path--is a high honor. Jacqueline's efforts are beyond reproach and I am pleased to have met her and chatted with her with on the various occasions our paths have crossed. . Hopefully, our paths will cross--again--many times in the future.
JD is a true Washington hero. Her site has been my lifeline for several years.
I will never forget the moment (I was working through the night on a proposal for a government contract) when the DC City Council had officially voted to kill baseball.
I was apoplectic. Who were the idiots who couldn't see the sparkplug effect a new ballpark in Near Southeast would have?
Then, a few hours later, in the pre-dawn hours of a looong night, JD wrote, "They're talking about baseball again." And baseball came back! It was one of the greatest moments of my life, and I thank JD for standing vigil as the drama unfolded.
GoNatsGo
# posted by Anonymous :
Wednesday, March 26, 2008 1:38:00 AMPost a Comment
Off Target - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, March 10, 2008
Off Target
In the last week, twelve posts about a certain big-box store opening in Columbia Heights have come through my Google Reader. Twelve!
Cherry Blossom prediction released - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Cherry Blossom prediction released
Blooming Wonderful - Going Out Gurus, washingtonpost.com One of the Nation's Capital's most anticipated announcements of the whole year (right up there with panda pregnancy updates), the prediction of the Cherry Blossoms peak, came out today. This year's forecast has them in peak bloom is March 27 - April 3, well within the National Cherry Blossom Festival and Opening Night at Nationals Park. Speaking of, the trees at the ballpark are being planted today (photos from Near Southeast DC Redevelopment). I don't know if they will be on the same schedule as the Tidal Basin trees, but I suspect they will. They will get a national showcase (in the dark) on ESPN.
The man who makes the annual prediction, Rob DeFeo, chief horticulturist for the National Park Service, gets profiled in today's Post.
The announcement:
Mayor Adrian Fenty looks very excited, doesn't he? I love the marching band though.
Marion Shepilov Barry's 72nd birthday - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Marion Shepilov Barry's 72nd birthday
Since The District has largely recovered from Mayor Barry (he'll always be Mayor Barry, even though he is currently Ward 8 councilman), he is almost entertaining as his role as agitator and "situationist." However, his inept reign as D.C. mayor and embarrassing personal decisions still haunt the city and the region.
Caps beat Devils; bloggers raise $ for Wilson High hockey - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Caps beat Devils; bloggers raise $ for Wilson High hockey
Last night our Nation's Capitals shutout Martin Brodeur (pictured above) and his NJ Devils 4-0. Even Donald Brashear scored! Not a bad debut for G Cristobal Huet. The teams split the season series 2-2.
The Awakening's move - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, February 21, 2008
The Awakening's move
A Head Start for National Harbor - The Post District Treasure Goes to Pr. George's Development More about the move of The Awakening moving to National Harbor with some details about that project. There is also a video:
The Awakening - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
The Awakening
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On the final full day of its tenure at Hains Point, East Potomac Park, I visited The Awakening, a famous sculpture by J. Seward Johnson. After over 27 years in this location, the sculpture is being moved to the National Harbor development in Prince George's County, Md.
Hains Point won't be the same without The Awakening. I visited or pedaled by it many times. It will be very odd, if not unsettling, to see that part of Hains Point empty the next time I bike through there. At least it isn't going far, though I wonder if we'll have to pay to park at National Harbor to see it when it is installed there.
A tale of two newsrooms - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, February 15, 2008
A tale of two newsrooms
One Mission, Two Newsrooms - CityPaper A river runs through the struggle for the future of the Washington Post. The Post and washingtonpost.com are two separate newsrooms, separated by over three miles, five Metro stops, the Potomac River and a state line. Not surprisingly, the two cultures sometimes have trouble working together and yet, washingtonpost.com is one of the best five newspaper Web sites in the country. When you consider that in many ways, washingtonpost.com is still Web 1.0, that is even more impressive. Integration between the two, while seemingly an obvious decision, is likely being held back because of the Washington Post Co.'s preference for Web employees that are not part of the newspaper guild. Virginia, a "right-to-work" state, provides that option, while The District does not.
Awakening moving next week - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Awakening moving next week
D.C. Giant to Be Unearthed Next Week for New Digs - The Post After residing in East Potomac Park since 1980, "The Awakening" will be dug up and moved to National Harbor starting next Wednesday. The J. Seward Johnson sculpture was owned by the Sculpture Foundation and loaned to the National Park Service until it was sold last year to the developer building National Harbor in P.G. County.
I'm really going to miss seeing "The Awakening" when I bicycle around Hains Point. I will have to stop by this weekend and get some final photographs of it.
Potomac vs. Chesapeake - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Potomac vs. Chesapeake
With Virginia, The District and Maryland all having primaries on the same Tuesday, I have heard a few different ways to describe this event. Some media outlets are calling it "Potomac Primary" after the river that separates the two states and the District while other outlets are calling it the "Chesapeake Primary" after the bay that both states, but not the District, share.
Here is a very informal survey of what media outlets are calling the day:
Potomac Primary The Post The Wash. Times The Sun Times-Dispatch Post-Gazette WTTG USA Today Post-Gazette CNN FOX News Reuters The Times NPR CBS News NBC News Agence France-Presse
Chesapeake Primary WTOP WUSA WJLA
It isn't even close, it just may seem that way because of broadcast using Chesapeake. According to Google News (at 7:30 p.m. last night), Chesapeake Primary has "about 310" results, while a search for "Potomac Primary" returns "about 695."
Neither the Associated Press or The (Annapolis) Capital seem to be using either term.
The station renovation is a $20 million project, paid for with federal funds, with an excavation of 65 feet and installation of elevators, ticket kiosks and eight more turnstiles, bringing the total to 13.
After falling behind in August, the pace has put it back on schedule:
Work on the station started 13 months ago and initially moved slowly. City construction permits were delayed, and in August the project was two months behind schedule, said Mamoud Hosseini, president of Clark Civil, a division of Clark Construction. Clark Civil is renovating the station while another division works on the building overhead and another builds the ballpark.
Now, Hosseini said, the station renovation is back on schedule, with all of the inside work to be finished by the end of this month. Work is also proceeding at street level, where the kiosk, ticket machines and turnstiles are to be installed.
Metro, WMATA, REd Line,Mass Transit, crash, dc
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