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.
We've got a robins nest in a hanging basket - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
We've got a robins nest in a hanging basket
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- This morning I discovered that robins had made a nest in one of Erica's hanging baskets. My camera battery is dead, so I had to use the cell phone to get a photograph. Hopefully, the eggs won't hatch before I get my camera/good light again.
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 - 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.
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 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.
New bicycle connections: Four Mile Run & Wilson Bridge - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
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.
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.
"To do it right, we ought to start it at the King Street station, go all the way up King Street through Alexandria, go through Bailey's Crossroads, pick up the light rail passengers at Columbia Pike so that you would tie into the light rail system that Arlington County is proposing, and then extend this system through Bailey's, through Seven Corners and connect it to the Metro system at Tysons Corner.
Sure, why not? I have a feeling this won't go anywhere, but if it had its own right-of-way like Moran wants, it would work. The thing is where is the money and oh yeah, some folks in Alexandria might not want it encroaching on their property along King Street.
Will Harris Teeter open a store in Seven Corner or Silver Springs too? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, March 20, 2009
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 - William F. Yurasko's blog
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 - William F. Yurasko's blog
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 - William F. Yurasko's blog
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.
Smoking ban coming to Va. Really? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Smoking ban coming to Va. Really?
Smoking Ban Passes In Va. - WTOP I though the commonwealth, long a home of the tobacco industry, would hold out a lot longer before any type of smoking ban:
Starting Dec. 1, smoking will be banned in most restaurants and bars, although it would be permitted in private clubs, on some outdoor patios and in separate ventilated rooms.
While I think the marketplace would take care of this within five years for the most part, I won't be complaining when I come home from a bar not smelling of smoke.
Alexandria tried to create a ban two years ago (The Post, H/T Folley.net), but were unsuccessful. Remember, in this commonwealth when they say "state's rights" they mean it. Local jurisdiction rights, not really.
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.
Are Fajita Wars the new Cola Wars? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, February 23, 2009
Are Fajita Wars the new Cola Wars?
TYSON'S CORNER, Va. -- On a recent excusion to one of Tysons Corner's casual dining restaurants, On the Border, I learned that it is home to the FAJITA REVOLUTION. Apparently, they are revolutionizing the way I enjoy fajitas. I disagree as I had brisket tacos instead. That is not the point though, apparently fajitas are much more serious than I could have possibly imagined. You may recall that On the Border's neighbor, Chili's, told me I could control my own Fajita Destiny. Are fajitas the next conflict in foodstuff marketing, like the Cola Wars* of the late 1980s?
I wonder how much further marketers will take this trend. Will be seeing things like Fajita Century, Generation Fajita, or Fajita Reich?
*My Advertising 320 professor told the class a couple of times, in muted tones, that he was a "veteran of the Cola Wars."
Sometime when it gets warmer we will take the water taxi over to National Harbor and see what it is all about. Then we will come back and have dinner in Old Town.
Specifically, Wegmans plans on opening up at near the intersection of Bealuh Street and Telegraph Road in Fairfax County which is apparently considered Kingstowne.
As much as I like to tease a few people about their love for Wegmans I have a feeling our shopping patterns are going to change once the place opens up. Germantown, Md. is getting one too. There are several others posted on the Wegmans FAQ.
Okay, can we please get some Wawa's near and inside the Capital Beltway in Fairfax County now?
Tysons gets a grocery store again - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, January 16, 2009
Tysons gets a grocery store again
TYSON'S CORNER, Va. -- When I was a kid there was a Giant Food in Tyson's Corner Center mall, but it closed over 20 years ago. Now, for the first time since they, the Tysons area has a grocery store. A new Harris Teeter opened on Park Run Drive near Westpark Drive. Tysons residents and workers no long have to drive to Vienna or McLean for groceries, a wonderful development.
Like all grocery stores in the DC area, clearly the new HT needs a nickname. Hubris Teeter? Anyone?
# posted by virtualredhead :
Friday, January 16, 2009 11:57:00 AM
We don't nickname grocery stores in the 'burbs since there is little difference between them. Why Hubris Teeter anyway?
# posted by WFY :
Saturday, January 17, 2009 4:34:00 PM
While I love the fact that the Corner now has its own grocery store, I'm shocked at the prices for Harris Teeter. "Manager, please. We need a price check". In comparison to the other suburban grocery stores McLean's Safeway and Giant; as well as Vienna's Safeway and Giant the prices in HT are about 20-30% more than the other stores mentioned. I understand they have the coupons in the flyer like, "save $10 on a $40 purchase", but what if I want to only pick up a couple things - like a pint of strawberries (which incidentally, cost my right arm)or milk (I thought I did buy the whole cow). So despite being overjoyed by not having to travel to down McLean or downtown Vienna to get some groceries, let's face it - the economy sucks and I can't afford to dish our the cash for the prices at HT. I really wanted to love this store. I hope things will change in the near future, especially with stores closing all over the Tyson's area. I honestly don't want to see HT become another victim of the bad economy.
# posted by Anonymous :
Monday, February 02, 2009 9:41:00 PM
In the D.C. area, Harris Teeter fancies itself as a higher-end grocery store than Giant or Safeway. The sales are just as good (i.e. Pepsi 12 packs are $1.99 this week) but the everyday stuff does cost more.
The Alexandria location that I use regularly is quite efficient though, I don't know if that is true of the Tysons one yet, not a big enough sample size.
# posted by WFY :
Wednesday, February 04, 2009 11:22:00 AMPost a Comment
Thoughts on the HAWK signal - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Thoughts on the HAWK signal
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- I was contacted by a traffic engineer in Utah and asked if I could offer my thoughts of the HAWK signal near my condo. I said, "sure, but I'll blog about it." My observations are based on unscientific anecdotal evidence. Most of them occurred around 6:45 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
When it comes down to it, I don't think the city of Alexandria picked a very good location to test the HAWK signal program. One side (west) of N. Van Dorn Street has no sidewalk and is bordered by a fence separating it from I-395, so the only foot traffic on that side of the street is from people using the N. Van Dorn St./ Maris Ave. bus stop.
The west side stop is not utilized much during the morning since the majority of bus passengers use the east side stop to catch buses to the Pentagon. Thus, I do not believe the HAWK is activated much in the morning.
The evening seems to be the primary time for the HAWK's use. If I used that bus stop and needed to cross N. Van Dorn, I would appreciate having the HAWK there. N. Van Dorn is a heavily traveled four-lane undivided highway with a 40 MPH speed limit.
If I used one of the other crosswalks nearby, I'd be annoyed mine was not selected and the one at Maris Ave. was chosen.
Only one crosswalk has a walk signal, though the city plans on fixing that I believe.
Maris Ave. only has a stop sign. To me it would make sense to have a red beacon that is solid during the pedestrian phase.
Drivers are not aware that is permissable to go during the flashing phase if pedestrians are no longer present.
In conclusion, this HAWK signal installation is not an ideal prototype for the city of Alexandria as its utility is limited by its location. I suspect that bus commuters appreciate it in the evening though.
David Manning, Ridgefield Press. I'd like to know... what's a HAWK signal?
# posted by Anonymous :
Thursday, January 15, 2009 9:47:00 AM
DM: I added a link to an earlier post. Basically, a HAWK signal is a type of pedestrian signal that is being tested out in several communities across the country.
# posted by WFY :
Thursday, January 15, 2009 12:01:00 PM
Post a CommentTime running out for Bush to visit my high school - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, January 12, 2009
Time running out for Bush to visit my high school
Three consecutive presidents, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton all visited my high school. For all I know, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy visited it too. However, with barely a week left in his term, George W. Bush has not been to James Madison High School in Vienna.
After a series of regulatory setbacks in 2008, rail to Dulles was revived last month when the Federal Transit Administration discarded long-standing skepticism about the project's cost and management and sent it on to Peters for final action. Yesterday's news marks what state, local and congressional boosters said is the government's irreversible approval of the project.
All that remains for a sixty day comment period in Congress and then presumably the project is officially underway. Planned completion of the first phase of the line, between Whiele Ave. in Reston and West Falls Church is 2013. It will be thirty years too late, but better late than ever.
Alexandria signage is lacking - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, January 05, 2009
Alexandria signage is lacking
In a few hours, Alexandria is having an open house to discuss new signage in the city.
The purpose of the open house is to share progress on the citywide sign program and solicit input from residents regarding refinement of the designs. Members of the design team, the stakeholder advisory group, and city staff will be on hand to answer questions and record input.
Mostly, the plan seems to talk about touristy information (PDF) signs, but if I was going (it is in a few hours and I can't make it) I would bring up the woeful state of primary numbered routes in the city. If you look at a map, several streets are actually state routes.
Did you know Quaker Lane is VA 402? Seminary Road is VA 420 and Van Dorn Street is VA 401, but only a few trailblazers inform you of this fact and none from other streets. Actually, I have never seen a VA 420 sign.
To me, posting the numbers on a map but not on the road or any of the connecting roads is not only pointless, but misleading to motorists unfamiliar with the area. This is a distinction that is not limited to Alexandria either as you will see in future blog posts. The city of Alexandria should start posting useful trailblazers for all numbered routes at regular intervals and major intersections. This also includes routes like VA 7 and VA 236, King and Duke Streets, respectively. If the city is not interested in doing that, it ought to ask mapmakers to stop putting the numbers on maps.
The state highway department could take the lead by posting the route numbers on the I-395 exit signs. I had no idea that Seminary Road even had a number. I remember seeing a 402 sign on Quaker, but that number should be on the interchange sign.
# posted by Simon Oliver Lockwood :
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 1:01:00 PM
Simon: I don't think it does any good to post route shields on the big green signs if there are little or no trailblazers along the acutal route. For example, Braddock Road in Fairfax County is also Route 620, but I don't think there are any 620 trailblazers along Braddock Road, even though the BGS on the Beltway have them.
# posted by WFY :
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 3:50:00 PM
Post a CommentPlaces I went in 2008 - William World News - 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.
The No Way Out House - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
The No Way Out House
The 1987 film, No Way Out, is a good Washington/Cold War thriller that holds up pretty well, despite some glaring location errors (mostly about Metro), cheesy synthesizer music that belongs in bad sci-fi and Sean Young. Additionally, No Way Out opens with a tracking shot directly over my old apartments in The Potomac at Riverhouse* in Pentagon City. That shot ends on a house on Arlington Ridge Road where the protagonist, played by Kevin Costner, is being interrogated. A while back Fritz and I went looking for the house, but it is long gone. Fritz, who still lives in Pentagon City (his building was barely visible in the movie) found the location of the former house and wrote about it, so go there and read about it. Good detective work Fritz.
Oh and here is the opening of the movie with the tracking shot over the old, barely developed Pentagon City:
*Technically, my father's appartment too, as he lived there when it was called Riverhouse II.
Amen to your feelings on Sean Young! She was horrific in that film.
I forgot to mention this in my post, but at the end of the movie while the end-credits roll, the opening tracking shot gets reversed--i.e., it starts at the house on Arlington Ridge Road, pans right back over Riverhouse, then holds steady over the Pentagon and DC.
# posted by Fritz :
Tuesday, December 23, 2008 12:30:00 PM
Testing
# posted by WFY :
Wednesday, December 24, 2008 9:51:00 AM
Post a CommentSnicker's Gap: Where we got our Christmas tree - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Snicker's Gap: Where we got our Christmas tree
BLUEMONT, Va. -- This past Saturday marked our third annual trip to Snicker's Gap Christmas Tree Farm. I prefer cutting down my own tree and enjoy taking a trip out into the country to do so. Located on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the farm is within a mile of the West Virginia border.
The tree selection is mostly firs and spruces. Since there are so many trees, it is not hard to find a good one. This year, we spent about ten minutes looking around before Erica found the tree, a Douglas fir, we picked. After that I took it over to be bundled and purchased. Hint -- take advantage of one of the tractor shuttles to get to the barn. Also, bring cash as that line is much shorter. Our tree cost $68. There is also complimentary apple cider there.
Next year should be more fun as Will will be running around.
The chase, which began on Interstate 270 South in Maryland and continued onto the Outer Loop of the Beltway and into Virginia, ended shortly before 4 p.m.
Jones eventually left the Outer Loop of the Beltway at Exit 46 and drove toward the Tysons Corner area.
The 18-wheeler smashed into trees and stopped on a sidewalk at the intersection of Westpark Drive and Park Run Drive in Tysons Corner.
Tractor-Trailer Leads Police on Chase Along I-270 - The Post I looked out the window and saw "airwolf" flying low parallel to the Capital Beltway and later found out it was this chase. Surprisingly, this did nothing to increase my commute time on the way home, even though the chase ended mere minutes before I left.
Customs officials searching the bags of an African man who flew into Dulles International Airport on Friday discovered three charred monkeys in his luggage, as well as deer meat and dried beef, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said yesterday.
While it is very odd and possibly concerning, the monkey meat found in someone's luggage at Dulles Aiport means at least one thing -- a replay of Mike O'Meara's classic "Monkey, its what's for dinner" ad.
It included several other schools from the Washington area in the top 100: Walt Whitman High in Bethesda (No. 44), Thomas S. Wootton High in Rockville (No. 54), McLean High (No. 55), Winston Churchill High in Potomac (No. 57), Langley High in McLean (No. 76) and W.T. Woodson High in Fairfax (No. 90).
This is one of the reasons I like living here -- good schools and a success oriented culture. By the time my son is high school, we expect to be somewhere in Fairfax County.
For what it is worth, my high school, James Madison in Vienna, was a silver medal school.
The Federal Transit Administration approved the extension, which now heads to U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters and the Office of Management and Budget for final sign-off. Approval from the FTA, where regulators had attacked the proposal as too expensive and poorly managed, is widely viewed as a critical moment for a project that local and state officials say is crucial to relieve traffic and spur economic growth at Tysons Corner and along the Dulles corridor.
Feds approve first phase of Dulles Rail project - WTOP This is great news for our region, this is a badly needed project. Hopefully Peters and OMB will sign off soon and the construction can really get going.
# posted by Paterno Lives! :
Thursday, December 04, 2008 9:51:00 AM
It will be elevated through Tysons Corner and in the median of the Dulles Toll/Access Road for the rest of the way, except at the airport I believe.
# posted by WFY :
Thursday, December 04, 2008 12:19:00 PM
Post a CommentMiss Virginia was the Lady Icers goalie - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Miss Virginia was the Lady Icers goalie
The reigning Miss Virginia, Tara Wheeler, is not only a Penn State alumna ('06 Journ), but a former goalie for the Penn State women's hockey team, the Lady Icers. On Frozen Blog has been featuring her recently:
Northern Virginia sends millions to Richmond—and gets pennies back. It's one of the world's most dynamic regions, while other parts of the state are still fighting the Civil War. Why not secede and become the 51st state?
This feature on the divide between Northern Virginia and the rest of the commonwealth that is a good read. In a more ideal world, Northern Virginia would become its own state*, but that simply is not going to happen. As much as "real Virginia" dislikes our culture here, they sure do not mind being subsidized by our 21st-century economy. In lieu of secession, I want us to get more appropriate representation and a majority of our tax dollars, not too mention some respect and recognition from downstate.
*This argument is not unique to Virginia either. Illinois (Chicago vs. the rest), Pennsylvania (Not Philly vs. Philly), New York (NYC/Long Island vs. upstate) and California (North vs. South) come to mind as having similar situations.
'HAWK' is an acronym for High intensity Activated crossWalK. These signals have been used safely and successfully in Tucson, AZ. for more than five years. The signal is currently ‘experimental’ and required approval from the Federal Highway Administration but is expected to be adopted into standard traffic engineering manuals in the near future.
The HAWK is technically a "beacon" in that it remains dark for traffic unless a pedestrian activates the pushbutton. When the pedestrian presses the button, approaching drivers will see a FLASHING YELLOW for a few second, indicating that they should reduce speed and be prepared to stop for a pedestrian in the crosswalk.
The FLASHING YELLOW is followed by a SOLID YELLOW and then by a solid RED, requiring them to STOP at the stop line. At this time, the pedestrian receives a WALK indication on the associated countdown timer. Visually impaired pedestrians will hear the signal indicate that it is safe to cross. At the end of the WALK indication, the pedestrian is displayed a FLASHING DON’T WALK indication and motorist sees an ALTERNATING FLASHING RED. During this period, motorists are required to STOP or remain stopped until pedestrians have finished crossing the street, and then may proceed.
The HAWK signal is located at N. Van Dorn Street and Maris Ave. I finally checked it out the other day.
Some observations:
Only one of the two crosswalks has pedestrian signals assigned to it which limits the usability of the signal.
There is no signal for Maris Ave. If it were up to me, I'd have a red light that would be active when the pedestrian signals are in use.
I do not think this HAWK signal will get used very much since the sidewalk on the southbound-lanes side of N. Van Dorn Street is really just a segment near the bus stop. I suspect almost all of its use will be during the evening rush.
Alexandria plans to install about a dozen of these throughout the city. It will be interesting to see where they turn up and how long until they are approved by FHWA for use every where. I expect Arlington to start putting a lot of these in if FHWA lets them. PREVIOUSLY:Odd traffic signal
I clipped a deer - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, November 03, 2008
I clipped a deer
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Saturday morning, after a trip to the gas station, I was driving up S. Van Dorn Street near the Safeway when a young deer ran out in front of me. It almost got past me but my bumper got its hind legs. It rolled over to the ground and bounced back up, running off onto the EOS Apartments property. My car was undamaged. A few minutes later I saw Bambi running around, I guess it was okay.
The candidate's brother apologized. The worst part about all of this is some McCain campaigners stopped by yesterday and I had not heard the news yet. Oh that would have been fun.
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.
Freddie Mac's pedestrian overpass - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Freddie Mac's pedestrian overpass
TYSON'S CORNER, Va. -- Is it just me or is the pedestrian overpass over Jones Branch Drive between Freddie Mac buildings not at all ostentatious? I figured I would mention it with Freddie being in the news so much this month.
Four Mile Run Trail extension update - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, August 15, 2008
Four Mile Run Trail extension update
ARLINGTON, Va. -- The other day I snapped a few shots of the new bikeway that will eliminate the gap in the Four Mile Run Trail. Most of the new trail will be on a viaduct that is built into the existing wall. There is not yet any indication on how it will be connected to the existing Four Mile Run Trail or W&OD Trail, but I'm sure they will work something out, even if it is just signs directing cyclists from the two trails. This will sure beat going over I-395 on the existing pedestrian bridge and having to ride along several Alexandria streets to get to the eastern section of the trail.
It looks to be in pretty good shape now with a completion expected in March 2009.
Carrie Fischer at Arena stage - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Carrie Fischer at Arena stage
Carrie Fisher has a one woman show coming up at Arena Stage (which is temporarily in Crystal City) at the end of the month. Called "Wishful Drinking", the show comes off as her sitting in a room with a drink in one hand and cigarette in the other telling her Hollywood war stories. So, it sounds like every DVD commentary or interview she's ever done, but in her "natural" element an without any censorship. I would be inclined to go, but with a pair of tickets costing around $125, I think I am going to have to pass.
Odd traffic signal - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Odd traffic signal
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- When I returned from the Shore, I noticed that there were two mast arms hanging above Van Dorn Street at the Maris Ave. intersection. I mentioned to Erica that I thought they were putting a traffic signal in, but she mentioned a pedestrian signal would make more sense.
A few days later, I saw this odd configuration attached to the arm -- pairs of two reds on top of single yellows. I'm guessing Erica is correct in that it is a pedestrian signal and not a traditional traffic signal. It is a weird one though, I have never seen anything like it. I assume the two reds will flash to stop traffic and allow pedestrians to cross, while the yellow will flash to allow traffic to proceed. I guess it makes sense since Maris Ave. is a dead end street and not heavily traveled.
Bro, you need to read the documents that the condo board sends you. It is a high intensity crosswalk or "HAWK." He is one of the buggers in action courtesy of youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReNk2T5ay1c
# posted by your brother :
Wednesday, August 06, 2008 2:01:00 AM
Also, don't take pictures while you're driving, it isn't safe.
# posted by your brother :
Wednesday, August 06, 2008 2:03:00 AM
Post a CommentWTF is going on at the Vienna Inn?! - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Police say they received the 911 call from the victim himself, who said he had been attacked. Police responded to the 100 block of Maple Avenue in the town of Vienna shortly before 3 a.m. Officers say the victim suffered from life threatening stab wounds and was given first aid to control the bleeding until rescue crews arrived on the scene. It has been reported that the victim was stabbed inside the Inn's restaurant.
Yikes, hopefully the employee will recover and the assailant will be brought to justice.
You were quite cavalier about the stabbing at Tony's Big Easy, but when its YOUR bar...
# posted by M.C., M.A., WWN O'man :
Monday, July 28, 2008 9:35:00 AM
The Big Easy lost its standing with me before the stabbing.
# posted by WFY :
Thursday, July 31, 2008 8:32:00 AM
Post a CommentLast known functional phone booth in BeltwayLand no longer functioning - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Last known functional phone booth in BeltwayLand no longer functioning
VIENNA, Va. -- Remember when I recently debunked The Post's claim that the last working phone booth in the area was gone? Back in April they claimed the one in Clarendon was the last hold out, but I proved otherwise about a month and a half ago when I discovered a functional phone booth in front of the Vienna Inn: In more operational times, like May
That phone booth is not functioning any more -- the phone was gone on a recent trip there. By now, the booth may be gone too. Sadly, my phone batteries were too low for a photograph of the phoneless phone booth.
Fajita destiny? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Fajita destiny?
TYSON'S CORNER, Va. -- A recent excusion to the Tyson's Chili's with co-workers revealed this unusual marketing campaign for fajitas.
I did not get the fajitas for three reasons:
Economical: When dining at Chili's, Friday's, Flingers, etc. I find the best way to handle the situation is order the least expensive tolerable food possible. Fajita's were something like $15 I think. I wound getting some sort of chicken fingers selection for something like $8. Think of it as damage control.
Gastronomical: I am not a big fan of fajitas and all those peppers don't work too well for me.
Semantic: I'm no Calvinist, but isn't destiny preordained? Fajita destiny is just a bit over the top, no?
We 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.
Dining Review: Eammon's - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Dining Review: Eammon's
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Eammon's bills itself as a Dublin Chipper, but having never been to that Irish city, I cannot validate the claim. I can say that it is a hole in the wall that is tastefully done. The interior is dark stained wood with big windows facing the corner of King and Columbus. The tables are wooden with benches along with a small counter with stools. If the seating capacity exceeds 25, I would be quite surprised. It is a pleasant place to have a meal. Diners order from the front and take what ever seats are available, so be prepared for a little jockeying.
As for the meal, the cod is breaded and fried and is fairly unremarkable – it is cod after all. It comes in two sizes, small which a bit wider and deeper than a deck of cards and large, which is double the small size. The chips (french fries to the rest of the English speaking world) are quite attractive to the eye -- thick and golden brown. They are not that flavorful though, so plenty of ketchup is required which is fine if you like ketchup. Malt vinegar is also on the table if that is how go like your potatoes. All in all, okay but nothing special.
Beverage-wise everything is in bottles except for Guinesss which is on tap. I ordered a bottle of Harp, since that compliments fish and chips better in my mind.
Our final bill came to $32 with a tip that was overly generous. It struck me as a little pricey. For that reason, plus the limited space, I would only recommend Eammons as a impulse decision if you are in the mood for fish n' chips while walking around Old Town.
Former W&OD manager profiled - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, June 20, 2008
Former W&OD manager profiled
A Long Journey on the Trail - The Post Paul McCray, who spent two decades as trail manager of the Washington & Old Dominion Regional Park, is profiled.
The W&OD is one of the best things about Northern Virginia. I spent many days of my Vienna childhood on and around it. PREVIOUSLY:W&OD TRAIL -- CLINCHED!
Working phone booth found in Vienna - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Working phone booth found in Vienna
VIENNA, Va. -- Despite claims to the contrary, an opearational phone booth has been found in the D.C. metro area. This Verizon phone booth is located several paces from the Vienna Inn, 120 E. Maple Ave. (VA 123). I noticed it after a recent lunch over there. I popped inside the booth and verified there was a dial tone.
Over the last year, The Post reported on what was believed to be the last working phone booth, located in the Clarendon neighborhood of Arlington. That phone booth was removed last month.
The photograph above was taken with my Verizon Wireless camera phone.
La Coupe Hauxer wrap-up - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
La Coupe Hauxer wrap-up
VIENNA, Va. -- We had the annual La Coupe Hauxer season-end trophy presentation on Sunday at the Vienna Inn. Brad, representing the NJ Devils, won La Coupe Hauxer for the third consecutive time. He has gotten so nonchalant about the whole thing that he did not wear a Devils sweater. At least he didn't put that wussy peach malted beverage in the coupe this time, electing for the more respectable choice of birch beer. This shouldn't be a problem next year, as the Devils reign is coming to an end.
The other portion of the "ceremony" was Wiley relinquishing the Stanley Screwdriver. His Flyers bounced back quite well from a 1-19 season last year to find themselves in the middle of pack. Washington with a disappointing 5-7 record, reclaimed the Stanley Screwdriver. Fritz and I will each "host" it for six months.
Over chili dogs, fries and Bud drafts, we settled the pressing matters of the league, most importantly, the playoffs. Head-to-head matchups in the playoffs between La Coupe Hauxer teams count. There was also a very disappointing final game of the Eastern Conference on in the background.
Schrag on Silver Line reversal - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Schrag on Silver Line reversal
Recently, I reached out to George Mason University history professor Dr. Zachary Schrag for commentary on the Federal Transportation Administration's decision to continue funding the Dulles Corridor Metro line. He was kind enough to provide some commentary:
At this point, the history of the Silver Line has been marked by such tangles of planning, engineering, architecture, finance, and politics that it rivals in complexity the decision to build the original Metro system. I am not going to write a book on the subject, but I hope someone else takes up the challenge.
Schrag wrote The Great Society Subway about Metro. In it, he argued that building the Orange Line to Tysons in the first place might have made more sense.
The earthquake measured 1.8 on the Richter scale and the epicenter was 1 mile west southwest of Annandale (38.828°N, 77.234°W), the U.S. Geological Survey says.
The U.S. Geological Survey says the quake struck at 1:30 p.m.
In an advisory to federal agencies, FEMA's Operations says that the National Earthquake Information Center is reporting the D.C. area experienced rumblings equivalent to a magnitude 2 to 3 earthquake.
The rumblings rattled parts of Northern Virginia - including Vienna, Falls Church, Annandale and Baileys Crossroads - around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Its resurrection is a triumph of common sense over dogma and suggests that, contrary to the general impression of the state of governance in Washington, rational outcomes remain possible when grown-ups put their heads together. More specifically, it is a testament to the wisdom and perseverance of officials at Metro, which would operate the 23-mile extension; the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which would manage its construction; Sen. John W. Warner (R-Va.), who spearheaded the lobbying with Transportation Secretary Mary Peters to reverse what had seemed like the feds' unequivocal rejection; and Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D).
Let us hope this cooperation continues on what may be a bumpy ride on the way to making this Metro line happen.
More details on Dulles Corridor Metro - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
More details on Dulles Corridor Metro
Dulles Rail Gets Federal Approval - The Post As expected (since this morning at least), USDOT announced today that it is now supporting the proposal to build the Silver Line along the Dulles Corridor.
In a letter to Kaine and in a 10 a.m. conference call with the governor and Virginia congressional leaders, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said the $5 billion project had finally met the Federal Transit Administration's standards for cost efficiency, construction and expected ridership. The project will now move into the final design phase, a major step toward receiving $900 million in federal funding.
"As a result of the collaboration between federal and state officials, the project sponsor and other project stakeholders, the financial stability and oversight of the project has improved," Peters wrote to Kaine in a letter obtained by The Washington Post. "Cost reductions have been verified and mechanisms have been established to enhance inter-organizational cooperation, technical capacity and project management."
Good news, but this isn't fait accompli just yet:
Still, Peters went on, "much work remains" to make the project right. Today's approval comes with conditions that must be met if the project is to receive federal funding. Without that money, state and local officials have said that the project would die, ending the possibility of a long-sought rail connection between the nation's capital and its major international airport. Supporters say the line would ease congestion through Virginia's biggest jobs corridor and keep the economy humming with the transformation of suburban Tysons Corner into a thriving downtown.
Among the conditions, Peters said in her letter, is a sweeping demand that Virginia and the Metro system guarantee the capital investment necessary to maintain and operate Metro. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority recently identified $489 million in "urgent unfunded capital needs," Peters said.
Silver line back on track?! - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Silver line back on track?!
Dulles Rail Set to Get Federal Approval - The Post Apparently, Virginia and the U.S. Department of Transportation has found a way to make the Dulles Corridor Metro project, tentatively called the Silver Line, meet the "Federal Transit Administration's standards for cost efficiency, construction and expected ridership." It appears U.S. DOT secretary Mary Peters overruled FTA. Good job, Peters that was the correct decision.
This is excellent news, I am glad that we can finally get started on a project that is long overdue.
Now, we get to see the tunnel vs. elevated argument start up again. I would love to see it underground, but I don't see that happening at this point.
Expand the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel? Duh. - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Expand the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel? Duh.
Transportation head calls for study of a wider Hampton tube - The Virginia-Pilot It is self evident that the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (I-64/US 60) is insufficient at four lanes wide. While a second crossing, the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge Tunnel (I-664) opened in the early 1990s to provide relief, it is out of the way for drivers headed to Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Now, VDOT is acknowledging that building an additional tube is worth studying. People who live by the existing HRBT are not excited about it, but don't move next an interstate highway unless your are willing to see your property become eminent domain.
I head down that way about once year to visit my cousin and his family. I probably split my trips about 50-50 between the two tunnels. I would like to see a new Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel tube(s) funded, but only after the Silver Line.
Home - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, April 25, 2008
Home
Taken October 20, 2007
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The last year has blown by -- yesterday was the first anniversary of closing on our condo. It wasn't easy leaving Pentagon City to move to our condo, but when I see this greeting me on the walk up to our condo, I know that I am home.
I have the same grill cover! The place looks groovy....
# posted by The Maryland Bureau Chief :
Friday, April 25, 2008 1:48:00 PM
It's been a year already!? Congrats!
# posted by DCSportsChick :
Friday, April 25, 2008 1:52:00 PM
Post a CommentApril is the cruelest month - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, April 18, 2008
April is the cruelest month
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Coming back from a invigorating bicycle ride in 84° weather, the pool at my condo complex should be a pleasant sight. However, since it is only April and thus closed it merely taunts me.
Okay, time to head back out to the patio for some grilling.
Green is gold - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Green is gold
NOTHING GOLD CAN STAY
Nature's first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf's a flower; But only so an hour. Then leaf subsides to leaf. So Eden sank to grief, So dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay.
- Robert Frost
I went outside for a little bit yesterday to try and capture some spring green.
No more phone booths - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, April 14, 2008
No more phone booths
UPDATE: Last Call for Phone Booth - The Post The last phone booth in BeltwayLand has been removed. Only about five people a day were using it, even after it was "revealed" last fall as the only one left.
birds, eggs, Alexandria, Virginia
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