Welcome to the my Web site, v. XII. The blog is typically published Monday - Saturday. My primary topics tend to be the Nats, Penn State (esp. football), BeltwayLand, transportation, media, photos and more. The rest of the site gets updated as warranted and is noted on the blog.
Snowmageddon total for Vienna, Va. 21.5 inches - William World News
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Snowmageddon total for Vienna, Va. 21.5 inches
VIENNA, Va. -- Our Vienna Bureau Chief (aka WHY or Dad) sent in this photo from his backyard (table top I believe). 21.5 inches is the official total over there. In Alexandria it was 20.5, so they win the snow challenge I guess.
I just dug out one of our cars. That was exciting. I will be shocked if the federal government is open tomorrow.
Final Snowmageddon total for Alexandria, Va. - 20.5 inches - William World News
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Final Snowmageddon total for Alexandria, Va. - 20.5 inches
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The final total for Snowmageddon is unchanged from my afternoon update -- 20.5 inches of snow on top of the 2.5 already on the ground. I must have gotten out there right before it stopped.
This is a record breaker, but not the three feet that was being hyped, though I understand other parts of BeltwayLand approached that total. This isn't officially the biggest storm in Washington D.C. history, but it is close. Totals right here are held down by the fairly low elevation and the proximity to the urban heat island.
Tomorrow is the cleanup day with a lot of digging to get one or more cars out. Last time it took about two hours to get one car out, but that was with beautiful powdery snow. This stuff is much wetter, so it could be a very long day.
Snowmageddon! 20.5 inches of fresh snow in Alexandria, Va. at 2:30 p.m. - William World News
Snowmageddon! 20.5 inches of fresh snow in Alexandria, Va. at 2:30 p.m.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The latest snow total for Snowmaggedon is in -- 20.5 inches of fresh snow from this storm. Of course, that is on top of the 2.5 inches leftover from the previous storm. It is still coming down steadily here in the West End.
10:30 a.m. A violist in Wincester, Va. reported 28 inches 12:00 p.m. A teacher in Harrisburg, Pa. reported 16+ inches 2:00 p.m. A director of social media from Brookland, Washington D.C. reported 21 inches 4:00 p.m. The Maryland Bureau Chief reported 31 inches
The Maryland Bureau Chief after shoveling earlier:
Snowmageddon! 17 inches of new snow at 8:30 a.m. in Alexandria, Va. - William World News
Snowmageddon! 17 inches of new snow at 8:30 a.m. in Alexandria, Va.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Last night West End Alexandria received another 13 5/8 inches of snow, raising the total on the ground to 19 inches! Capital Weather Gang says another 5 to 8 inches to go today, so we'll have a new record for the highest amount of snowfall I've ever seen in Northern Virginia, surpassing Snowpocalypse's record of 20 inches -- only one more inch to go. I guess we won't see 30 inches here though which is a bit disappointing.
According to The Maryland Bureau Chief, Columbia, Md. has 24 inches of snow.
Snowmageddon! 3 3/8 inches new snow at 6 p.m. in Alexandria, Va. - William World News
Friday, February 05, 2010
Snowmageddon! 3 3/8 inches new snow at 6 p.m. in Alexandria, Va.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The first official William World News snowfall measurement of Snowmageddon has been recorded. 2 1/2 were inches left on the ground from the last storm and to that total another 3 3/8 had accumulated since the snow began around 10 a.m. That is pretty low thus far, but reports are saying this could be the biggest snowstorm in Washington history (We Love DC)!
Snowfall totals: Alexandria & Tysons Corner - William World News
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Snowfall totals: Alexandria & Tysons Corner
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- After missing the weekend snowstorm, I'm back with more snowfall measurements. In front of my condo, I measured 5 3/4 inches of wet fluffy snow. This includes accumulations from the weekend storm.
TYSONS CORNER, Va. -- At work, I measure 6 7/8 inches.
This snow is already melting and probably won't make it through tomorrow if even today, but don't get used to seeing the ground again. We're in for a doozy this weekend:
The latest snowstorm to hit BeltwayLand happened (for the most part) while I was in the Poconos skiing with my wife. We were at Camelback and it is pretty much the same as it always is except that my favorite slope, the Nile Mile has been changed to a blue square from a double green circle. That makes a lot of sense to me, the slope is not too hard, but is not easy either. I love attacking that hill, it take me about five minutes to get down when I really push myself.
Oh and we finally hit Yocco's for their hot dogs on the return trip. I'll have a review of that over the next two days.
On the way back, we hit snow at about the Mid-County interchange of the Northeast Extension (I-476) and yet saw no snow removal equipment. As we got onto I-95 the conditions were quite slushy, until we hit Maryland. Let me praise the Maryland Transportation Authority for the superior job they did on the John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway section of I-95 -- the conditions were exceptional given the weather. We could comfortably go over 50 m.p.h. DelDot and PennDot, you blew it. The former I expected, despite numerous boasts about Pennsylvania's snow-readiness by expatriates when compared to BeltwayLand, to do much better. For shame PennDot, for shame. Delaware, most I-95 is a toll road in your state, so you don't have any excuses either.
Back in Northern Virginia, I did not get a chance to measure the snow. Sorry internet, I know how much you like photos of rulers in snow. I did take my son sledding at my folks house in Vienna though. That was pretty sweet. Grandee got to pull her grandson around the block in a little red sled too.
It looks like we're in for more snow later this week (Capital Weather Gang), so I'll be better about the ruler everybody.
Funny thing, I just mentioned this to my co-workers as I was typing and one of them goes "oh my sister was talking about that on channel 9." It turns out her sister is chatting about it right now on The Post's website.
1 day after talking to bloggers, Metro's Catoe announces resignation - William World News
Thursday, January 14, 2010
1 day after talking to bloggers, Metro's Catoe announces resignation
Catoe stepping down after three years at the helm - Not even 24 hours after he sat down with leading D.C. bloggers, including my former colleague Tom Bridge of We Love DC, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority General Manager John Catoe announced he would resign on April 2. The move signals the end of Catoe's rocky 3 years as WMATA head saw the nation's second largest subway system suffer its worst accident on June 22 (Red Line crash is worst Metro accident ever ), several employees killed on the job, a number of suicides on the tracks and worsening service. To blame Catoe, a D.C. native, for these incidents would be unfair, but he has not been able to reverse the trend. Catoe's career was more focused on buses than rails which may have hindered his time in charge. His quote about the safety problems becoming "an unhealthy distraction" is telling though. Safety problems are not what I call a "distraction." Ultimately though, the problems of an aging system and the economic crisis has been Metro's biggest problems.
As soon as I heard the news, I wondered if Dan Tangherlini would be a candidate to replace Catoe. In 2006, Tangherlini was interim general manager of Metro to great acclaim. He wanted the job permanently, but when the WMATA board wanted an extended search, Tangherlini took a job with the Adrian Fenty administration (Tangherlini leaving Metro to return to District government). I remember when Tangherlini left I told a few people that he might get another shot someday. I don't envy him if it is now though, the outlook for Metro is grim on just about all fronts.
TYSONS CORNER, Va. -- This morning while going through Harris Teeter, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Pepsi Throwback is available again. This time around, the red, white and blue packaging from the early 1980s is being used. I will be stocking up. While it doesn't have quite the bite of regular Pepsi, any chance to consume less high fructose corn syrup is a good one -- take that subsidized corn farmers!
According the Pepsi Throwback Web site, the "real sugar" cola is available December 28, 2009 through February 22, 2010.
Every year I do a tally of places I have been. The two ways for a location to qualify -- I had a meal there (non-fast food) or spent the night there. Sometimes, I make exceptions that rule though, like for apple-picking.
Alexandria, Va. Arlington, Va. Falls Church, Va. Great Falls, Va. McLean, Va. Purcellville, Va. Reston, Va. Vienna, Va. Washington, D.C. Newark, Del. Ellicot City, Md. Avalon, N.J. Stone Harbor, N.J. Wildwood, N.J. New York, N.Y. Boiling Springs, Pa. Burnham, Pa. Harrisburg, Pa. Lewistown, Pa. Reedsville, Pa. Yeagertown, Pa. Springfield, Pa. State College, Pa. Tannersville, Pa. University Park, Pa.
The list has been getting shorter for the last couple of years. Here is to a more adventurous 2010!
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- At this point, Snowpocalypse has melted into a slushtopia during the day and iceland during the night. Let's look back at this latest and perhaps greatest winter storm.
My son does not like sledding as much as I do yet. My niece might though.
Landmark Mall would be well-served to clear snow from its crosswalk areas. Do they want folks to shop there or not?
How cool would have been if tonight's Redskins vs. Giants game had been played on Saturday? The Redskins might have had a chance. I think the loss kind of serves them right for a lot of things though, especially the all burgundy uniforms. Seriously, I'm coming around on the burgundy at home a little bit, but not with burgundy pants. Had they worn white pants, the matchup with the Giants would have been the most chromatically pleasing of the weekend. Ugh, I'm off topic here, aren't I?
I had planned to take off this day for weeks, so the snow kind of interfered with my plans, though not as much as I would have expected.
Oh and when the make the movie, I hope there is a scene where a convoy of plows head out into a neighborhood with "Die Walküre" playing in the background getting snowballs thrown at them by kids.
Snowpocalypse: Final Alexandria snowfall total -- 19 inches?! - William World News
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Snowpocalypse: Final Alexandria snowfall total -- 19 inches?!
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The final measurement of Snowpocalypse is a somewhat controversial one. After measuring 20 inches at 9 p.m. on Saturday, this morning's measurement comes it at 19 inches. Where did that other inch go?!
It appears that other inch is frozen solid on the ground, my tape measure, attached to a flagpole, could not hit the ground. If I had a good metal yard stick (which I am afraid to get because then we wouldn't see a 12+ inch snowstorm ever again, right?) I could probably hit the ground, I could probably get all 20 inches. Alas, it is not to be. Also, my camera battery ran out, so I had to rely on my wife's new cell phone.
Snowpocalypse has been a lot of fun thus far and today we'll be out in a it for a while. More photos to come!
Snowpocalypse: 20 inches in Alexandria at 9 p.m. - William World News
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Snowpocalypse: 20 inches in Alexandria at 9 p.m.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The final measurement for today -- 20 inches after just over 24 hours of non-stop snow. This is the most snow that I have ever seen in Northern Virginia.
Snowpocalypse: 17 inches in Alexandria at 4 p.m. - William World News
Snowpocalypse: 17 inches in Alexandria at 4 p.m.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The total now stands at 17 inches and it is only slowing down to an inch per hour. This is going to be the most snow I've ever seen in Northern Virginia by the time it is over I believe.
Have you been measuring the snowfall? Let me know in the comments.
Snowpocalypse: 13 inches in Alexandria at 12:30 p.m. - William World News
Snowpocalypse: 13 inches in Alexandria at 12:30 p.m.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- After a little bit of sledding with my family -- my son's first time, I measured our current snowfall total -- 13 inches! The snow is coming down at a rate of greater than 1 inch an hour too. It has just about doubled since the last measurement with a lot more on the way.
Since the ruler was too short, I used a tape measure with the ruler attached for sturdiness. I'll get at least another measurement today I hope, as well as more sledding with my wife and son, plus my brother, his wife and daughter.
Snowpocalypse: 7 7/8 inches in Alexandria at 7:50 a.m. - William World News
Snowpocalypse: 7 7/8 inches in Alexandria at 7:50 a.m.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Good morning! I've just come in from the first official measurement of Snowpocalypse '09 here in the West End. At 7:50 a.m. 7 7/8 inches of beautiful white powder had accumulated in the grass.
I wish I had a yard stick. Looks like I will be switching to measuring tape for the next reading.
Oh, how I wish I could ski in this stuff. Beautiful.
Alexandria snow photos from this past weekend - William World News
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Alexandria snow photos from this past weekend
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The first snow of the season is always an exciting one. I took some photographs from around my complex. I've even got our still growing green tomatoes covered in snow. Sadly, our red one didn't really get any snow on it. I almost posted about it last week, but just got too busy.
The Scottish got bagpipes from Ireland. What we didn't tell them was that it was a joke.
- a friend from Belfast
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- I don't get out much, so it figures that when I actually get an evening to hit Murphy's in Old Town for some Irish music they have...Scottish bagpipers. Now, I dont' feel the same way about pipers as my Northern Irish friend, but it was not what I was expecting. Just my luck right? Normally I'd get a photo of the band playing, but it turns out bagpipers sets are pretty short and I didn't have time, so I just went with the exterior of Murphy's. Also, I tried Bushmills while I was there and I won't bother again.
Snow: 2.5 inches for Alexandria's West End - William World News
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Snow: 2.5 inches for Alexandria's West End
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The morning after, I went out and measured the snowfall total here in the West End. While many more inches worth of snow undoubtedly fell yesterday, the warm ground (we haven't even had a frost yet) limited accumulation. That being said, the official William World News total is 2.5 inches.
In Old Town Alexandria, there was no accumulation. Vienna reportedly had over 3 inches before 4 p.m.
So, how much snow did you get up in Columbia, Md.?
# posted by WFY :
Sunday, December 06, 2009 8:40:00 PM
Post a CommentSNOW! First snow of the season in Alexandria - William World News
Saturday, December 05, 2009
SNOW! First snow of the season in Alexandria
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Just after 10:30 a.m. the first snow of the 2009-2010 winter began falling. There has not even been a frost here in the West End and yet we have the beautiful frozen precipitation falling now. I'm firing up the grill just for the novelty of grilling in the snow.
Virginia smoking ban begins today - William World News
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Virginia smoking ban begins today
Smokers take their last legal puffs in Va. restaurants - The Post Smoking in bars and restaurants is banned in the commonwealth of Virginia unless separate rooms with separate ventilation systems are available. Smoking is permitted outdoors on patios which could become a problem for non-smokers who like to dine al fresco though. That is probably a short-term problem.
While I think the marketplace would have almost completely eliminated smoking in bars and restaurants within five years, I admit I won't miss it.
I did not think the ban would happen so soon in Virginia, I figured that the tobacco heritage (the story mentions commercial tobacco was first planted in Virginia in 1612 and it was the #1 cash crop until 2004) would keep it around longer. Apparently, North Carolina is going to have a ban too.
Basketball: Penn State 69 Virginia 66 - William World News
Basketball: Penn State 69 Virginia 66
Lions top UVA behind Battle - The Collegian Lions bounce Cavaliers - CDT I did not see much of the game, only parts of the first half when Penn State's shooting was cold, but the Nittany Lions got it together and held on for a much needed road win. Penn State is now 5-2, UVa. falls to 4-3.
Basketball: Penn State at Virginia on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. - William World News
Monday, November 30, 2009
Basketball: Penn State at Virginia on ESPN2 at 7 p.m.
Lions gear for ACC foe - CDT Surely the ACC-Big Ten Challenge will fill the void left by no Penn State football right? Well, either way it is a good chance to see the men's basketball team tonight. They are in Charlottesville (had it been a weekend, it might have been tempting to visit) to take on the Cavaliers. ESPN2 has the telecast with Mike Patrick and Len Elmore.
Vienna Inn's semicentennial nears - William World News
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Vienna Inn's semicentennial nears
Vienna Inn prepares to turn 50 - The Fairfax Times The beloved Vienna Inn is approaching 50 years in business. This is just a fairly standard article about the history of my hometown bar, but I quibble with this statement:
The walls, saturated with the smell and color of smoke...
Hardly -- at least compared to what it used to be. When Mike and Mollie Abraham still owned it, the ceiling was really dirty from all of the smoke. Now, it is nothing like that -- I suspect when it changed hands the health inspector said something along the lines of "we were letting Mike slide a little, but you are bringing this joint up to code!"
Also, some specifics to something I've been saying for years -- they used to sell more Budweiser than anybody:
"In 1979, when the drinking age in Virginia was still 18, the Vienna Inn sold more Budweiser beer that year than any other bar or sports stadium in the United States, except Yankee Stadium — over 10,000 kegs..."
This is why the Clydesdales used to show up in the Vienna Halloween Parade every year. Apparently, they don't just show up for everyone.
No Safeway I would not like to make a donation to breast cancer - William World News
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
No Safeway I would not like to make a donation to breast cancer
FRANCONIA, Va. -- Every time I go to Safeway, I'm asked if I want to make a donation to breast cancer. What are they doing donating to breast cancer? It sucks and doesn't need any help!
Oh, this is supposed to be an anti-breast cancer donation -- why didn't you say so?!
VDOT can't spell 40th president's name - William World News
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
VDOT can't spell 40th president's name
Next Exit: Reagen Nat'l Airport - NBC Washington The Virginia Department of Transportation is replacing big green guide signs along Interstate 395 and made a big mistake, two actually. Now, far be it for me to knock somebody misspelling something, but VDOT put up "Reagen National Airport" instead of "Reagan National Airport." The airport was renamed by Congress in honor of President Rongald Reagan in the late 1990s, a decision fraught with irony.
Most Washingtonians, regardless of their feelings about the 40th president, still call it National. If anything, it is good way to determine how long someone has been in the area by what they call the airport.
As for the other mistake, the clearview typeface on the signs. I've mentioned before I don't like it and prefer the old highway gothic fonts.
Apple picking at Crooked Run Orchard - William World News
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Apple picking at Crooked Run Orchard
PURCELLVILLE, Va. -- Last Sunday, we took my son apple-picking for the first time. In fact, it was my first time too. Based on my wife's research, we selected Crooked Run Orchard in Purcellville in Loudon County, the closest (45 miles away) to our home in Alexandria. We were pleased with what we found. The farm is located off of Business VA 7, just west of the intersection with VA 287. There was no admission to enter/park and there were scores of apple trees of several varieties, though we mostly stuck with the delicious ones, red and golden. Next time, we'll find the other varieties. Our son tried picking a few, but was mostly interested in picking up apples from the ground.
We wound up with two buckets full and gallon of cider for under $30. We have a lot of apples to eat now, but that's the idea. We'll do it again next year.
# posted by Fritz :
Friday, August 07, 2009 9:58:00 PM
But the Beltway is actually running east-west there and is part of I-495. Where are the control cities?
# posted by WFY :
Saturday, August 08, 2009 9:24:00 AM
Post a CommentDrafthouse bankrupt, remains open - William World News
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Drafthouse bankrupt, remains open
Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse files for Ch. 11 - Washington Business Journal Fritz texted me on Friday evening (while I was in Pennsylvania) the news that the Arlington Cinema n' Drafthouse is in chapter 11 bankruptcy. Their second location, the now shuttered Montgomery County Cinema n' Drafthouse is the cause. I have to wonder if adding a restaurant and bringing in live acts like comedians contributed. When it was just movies, I recall it selling a lot of tickets. How is the turnout for non-movie events?
Hopefully, the Drafthouse will still be around when the process is completed and does not get sold for condos or something similar. I know Arlington is keen on having the Drafthouse around as it redevelops Columbia Pike. I would enjoy taking a street car there someday. Actually, I'd just enjoy seeing a movie there again someday period, I'm a little busy these days.
The primary advantage seen in making this change would be the new city taking over the roads from the Commonwealth of Virginia. In doing so, they would also be given new taxing powers to fund those roads. On the one hand, more local control of roads is appealing, on the other hand it would mean more taxes and don't think for a second that there will be less state taxes to offset the new city taxes.
If you remove the taxation angle, this is really a fun semantic argument. The 400+ square miles of Fairfax County, home to over 1 million people, include subdivisions, a few large clusters of office space, parks, fading "horse country," expansive riverfront parks and just a few actual traditional towns.Changing the jurisdiction from county to city would not mean the whole county would suddenly becoming more urban, despite what may be feared. The suburban sprawl that so many find preferable to a more urban setting is here for the duration whether the municipality is called a county, city or prefecture. There are efforts to transform some areas, like Tysons Corner, into something more urban with mass transit and less automotive-related development, but that is just a small area. Cul-de-sac culture will prevail overall.
My take -- just leave it as it is. The road issues are problematic of course, but I really don't think adding more taxes will fix much since the Commonwealth would probably cut back so much on funding that the county could not make up for that loss. Ultimately, we are at least a generation away from this becoming an viable option any way with all the legal and legislative hoops that need to be jumped through. Fairfax County shall remain. I could see Arlington becoming a city, since it essentially is in everything but name, but I believe there are too many hoops for it to jump through, so it will probably remain a county too.
MORE
Everything's Fine in Fairfax (City) - The Post Residents of the city of Fairfax, the incorporated county seat, like the way things are just fine, thank you.
New Shirlington Connector signage - William World News
Monday, July 06, 2009
New Shirlington Connector signage
ARLINGTON, Va. -- Signs were recently added to the new Shrlington Connector portion of the Four Mile Run Trail, but they could be better. For one thing nothing is signed as the Four Mile Run Trail which is silly because the Shirlington Connector makes the trail continuous. Eastbound cyclists leaving Shirlington for Glebe Road get pretty good signing, but those headed westbound still have some guess work. One highlight is the map at the end of the W&OD Trail, located about half a block across Shirlington Road from the Connector.
A similar map should be installed on the opposite side.
We've got a robins nest in a hanging basket - William World News
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
We've got a robins nest in a hanging basket
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- This morning I discovered that robins had made a nest in one of Erica's hanging baskets. My camera battery is dead, so I had to use the cell phone to get a photograph. Hopefully, the eggs won't hatch before I get my camera/good light again.
The group, TysonsTunnel.org, has been pushing for an underground route through the area. It is teaming up with the environmental group, Sierra Club, to file the suit.
A national watchdog group is expected to join the suit.
Scott A. Monett, president of TysonsTunnel and the vice chair of the Sierra Club's Great Falls group, won't name the watchdog group, but does say it's a "good governance group."
Again, too little too late. While I would have preferred an underground Metro line through Tysons Corner for long term cost and aesthetic concerns, I can live with an above ground one. The mobilization for making sure the Silver Line was a tunnel came years too late. This suit, if it does not get thrown out, will just add years to the construction and millions to the cost.
Silver Spring seems to do just fine with the Red Line elevated through it, so I think Tysons will too. Crystal City gets by with having an airport and at-grade railroad adjacent to it as well and nobody seems to mind.
Wilson Bridge Trail: State/city borders are 75% great - William World News
Monday, June 15, 2009
Wilson Bridge Trail: State/city borders are 75% great
OVER THE POTOMAC RIVER -- On my initial ride along the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail, I did not see anything marking the borders between Virginia, the District of Columbia and Maryland. On my second ride, I was pleased to see that some were there. The line seperating Maryland and D.C. is shown above. However, there is a problem with D.C. and Virginia:
Virginia is covered up by warning stripes! Oops. Obviously, this is not a high priority, but I would like to see it corrected. Virginia residents paid for it too, so we should get our state clearly represented.
I would also like to see the border painted on the walls too.
I would have expected Clarendon to have been "The Clarendizzle," rather than "Clizzle-Dizzle."
# posted by dl004d :
Friday, June 12, 2009 3:34:00 PM
Even I know that was pretty weak.
# posted by WFY :
Saturday, June 13, 2009 8:45:00 AM
Post a CommentThe Wilson Bridge trail is wonderful - William World News
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
The Wilson Bridge trail is wonderful
LOOKING WEST -- Foreground: Pedestrian signal for the drawspan. Background: Overlook and Wilson Bridge Trail
OVER THE POTOMAC RIVER -- Last Saturday, the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge trail opened and on Monday, I bicycled on it for the first time. I thoroughly enjoyed my it, the trail is a triumph for several reasons.
The trail, located on the northern bridge span (which actually carries I-95/495 SOUTH/WEST also known as the Capital Beltway's Outer Loop), is a comfortable 12 feet wide and enclosed by attractive fences on either side. The height of the fence on the river side is such that I can still see out, but not feel like it is too low. On the highway side, the fence is slightly lower, but reasonable. The grade of the trail, while steeper than the highway portion of the bridge on the Virginia approach, is barely noticeable. The pavement, concrete, is perfect, but that is too be expected.
By itself, the trail is great, but the inclusion of information signs about local history and ecology and landscaping on each shore make it more than a non-motorized transportation corridor -- it is a linear park. There are also three overlooks on the span that provide more information signs, some mounted binoculars/telescopes and benches and northern views of Alexandria and Washington D.C. The magnification on some of the telescopes are stunning, so much so that I if I lived along the Alexandria waterfront, I might keep the blinds closed.
On the Virginia side, the trail begins at the Washington Street deck which essentially a large overpass, that the Beltway travels under, with park like features. Additional trails to US 1 and the Mount Vernon Trail are adjacent connect here. Embedded compass-like wayfinders provide riders/walkers with guidance to these points.
On the Maryland side, the trail corkscrews on either side of the overpass spanning Capital Beltway (I-95/495). It looks steeper than it feels and is aesthetically pleasing. The overpass also includes a great deal of information about Prince George's County's early history as well as some ecological information. The trail diverts from the Beltway in direction of a trail to Oxon Hill Road and National Harbor. Upon entering the National Harbor property the pavement ends, something that will hopefully be rectified soon. There are unpaved trails all the way down to the completed National Harbor area that are annoying but were not a deal-breaker for me.
Even though it was a Monday, there were a fair amount of cyclists and pedestrians on the bridge. I chatted with a few, including a Park Police officer, about the project and the consensus was that this was an extremely well done project. There were lots of smiling cyclists on it. The only drawback seemed to be the lack of connections to other trails on the Maryland side, something that will have to be addressed by National Harbor and PG County. However, the biggest and hardest piece of the project is now complete and hopefully the connections will arrive soon. The stakeholders of the project, the Federal Highway Administration, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the State of Maryland, the city of Alexandria and Prince George's County deserve a lot of praise for this latest and perhaps greatest addition to the area's trail network.
The bike trail on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge is actually along the inner loop and not the outer loop. Thus you are looking at the City of Washington and not away from it.
# posted by Anonymous :
Monday, February 08, 2010 12:20:00 PM
Post a CommentNew bicycle connections: Four Mile Run & Wilson Bridge - William World News
Monday, June 08, 2009
New bicycle connections: Four Mile Run & Wilson Bridge
This spring has been a good one for area cyclists.
Shirlington Underpass Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - TheWashCycle The Four Mile Run Trail is now extended from Shirlington to Glebe Road underneath I-395 (Shirley Highway). The concrete viaduct is quite impressive, maybe even overdesigned. I rode on it before the actual dedication and enjoyed it. Now, getting past I-395 is much easier than before when cyclists had to ride over the Shirlington Circle pedestrian overpass, with its hairpin turn, and along Alexandria streets to connect between the two Four Mile Run Trail segments. According the link above, this connection has been in the works since 1985! There is room for some improvement with signage at Shirlington Road though -- it is not obvious how to get there from the existing Four Mile Run Trail or the W&OD Trail's the eastern terminus a few hundred feet away.
Wilson Bridge Bike Path Gets Rolling - The Post It is now possible to bike across every Potomac River crossing in Washington D.C. Remember, the Woodrow Wilson Bridge actually enters the District at its southernmost point for a few hundred feet. The trail opened on Saturday. I am going to go for a ride on it later this morning, I will report back on it sometime soon.
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
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
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Some I-66 widening in Arlington now funded
Funding Passed for Widening Of I-66 - The Post One part of the I-66 widening inside the Capital Beltway (I-495) has been approved -- extending the on-ramp from Fairfax Drive along the westbound lanes all the way to EXIT 69 Sycamore Street.
The move reversed a decision by the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board last month to strip the $75 million project from the region's transportation plan. Yesterday, the swing votes were cast by two Fairfax County supervisors, Catherine M. Hudgins (D-Hunter Mill) and Linda Q. Smyth (D-Providence), who last month had voted against the project.
In exchange, the Virginia Department of Transportation assured the board that no further funding for the I-66 project beyond the first phase would be committed until several studies are completed. But, as some board members pointed out, that is not much of a concession, because the state does not have money to fund the other two phases of the project anyway.
They might as well not do anything until they extend that lane all the way to EXIT 67 Dulles Access/Toll Road. As for the transit alternatives that some Arlingtonians want there is one coming -- the Silver Line. When I lived in Pentagon City, I have happily have taken Metro to Tysons everyday instead of driving.
Arlington funding initial planning of Columbia Pike streetcars - William World News
Arlington funding initial planning of Columbia Pike streetcars
Streetcars and desire in Arlington - WTOP Arlington County will spend $3 million over "two years to to look at ways to fund, construct, operate and maintain a streetcar system" along Columbia Pike (VA 244). Initially, I was skeptical of streetcars on Columbia Pike, but after going to a workshop about two years ago, I have come around on them. They certainly have more cachet than buses too.
Currently, Columbia Pike is the busiest bike corridor in the Commonwealth. Hopefully, this does get built and if/when it does, headline writers will have outgrown their need to invoke a certain Tennessee William's play/film every time the topic comes up.
With its rolling lawns and secluded glens, Fort Ward looks like a lovely place to take a walk. Turns out, it's far more than a park in Alexandria -- it's one history sacrificed to make way for another, a Civil War military installation that has become a contemporary battleground over whose story gets told.
Occasionally, I take my son for a stroll through Fort Ward Park, located not far from my condo, but I have not yet explored any of the history there. As Fisher points out, different eras are in conflict over what the park is, was and should be.
Also, I kind of like that both my current and former (Pentagon City) neighborhoods were occupied by Union troops during the Civil War.
How the Silver Line Metro is going to be built - William World News
Monday, March 16, 2009
How the Silver Line Metro is going to be built
Metrorail Heading In a New Direction - The Post Details of what the Silver Line construction through Tysons Corner is going to be like over the next several years. It won't be much fun, but the payoff is huge.
...the real action will start in a matter of days about 15 miles to the west, where demolition of roads and bridges and heavy construction of overhead piers will become an unwelcome fact of life during the next six years for commuters and residents of McLean, Tysons Corner, Vienna and beyond. The result, boosters say, will be worth it: a public transit system serving the region's primary international airport and Virginia's most prosperous jobs corridor.
Today's ceremony at the Transportation Department's headquarters near the Washington Navy Yard featured a roster of local, state and federal luminaries seeking to revel in -- and take credit for -- the project's success. Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D), U.S. Rep. Frank R. Wolf (R-Va.), Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and former senator John Warner (R-Va.) were among those attending.
Emphasis added by me. This is long overdue and much needed. The next few years in Tysons may not be fun to commute to and from but it is not like it is right now.
The second phase of the project from Whiele Ave. to Ashburn still has some hurdles to clear.
Project Web site: Dulles Metrorail Project I like the headline and the tone of this blog post which includes the backstory of the last year -- make sure you read it.
Smoking ban coming to Va. Really? - William World News
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Smoking ban coming to Va. Really?
Smoking Ban Passes In Va. - WTOP I though the commonwealth, long a home of the tobacco industry, would hold out a lot longer before any type of smoking ban:
Starting Dec. 1, smoking will be banned in most restaurants and bars, although it would be permitted in private clubs, on some outdoor patios and in separate ventilated rooms.
While I think the marketplace would take care of this within five years for the most part, I won't be complaining when I come home from a bar not smelling of smoke.
Alexandria tried to create a ban two years ago (The Post, H/T Folley.net), but were unsuccessful. Remember, in this commonwealth when they say "state's rights" they mean it. Local jurisdiction rights, not really.
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
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
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
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
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
Monday, January 05, 2009
Alexandria signage is lacking
In a few hours, Alexandria is having an open house to discuss new signage in the city.
The purpose of the open house is to share progress on the citywide sign program and solicit input from residents regarding refinement of the designs. Members of the design team, the stakeholder advisory group, and city staff will be on hand to answer questions and record input.
Mostly, the plan seems to talk about touristy information (PDF) signs, but if I was going (it is in a few hours and I can't make it) I would bring up the woeful state of primary numbered routes in the city. If you look at a map, several streets are actually state routes.
Did you know Quaker Lane is VA 402? Seminary Road is VA 420 and Van Dorn Street is VA 401, but only a few trailblazers inform you of this fact and none from other streets. Actually, I have never seen a VA 420 sign.
To me, posting the numbers on a map but not on the road or any of the connecting roads is not only pointless, but misleading to motorists unfamiliar with the area. This is a distinction that is not limited to Alexandria either as you will see in future blog posts. The city of Alexandria should start posting useful trailblazers for all numbered routes at regular intervals and major intersections. This also includes routes like VA 7 and VA 236, King and Duke Streets, respectively. If the city is not interested in doing that, it ought to ask mapmakers to stop putting the numbers on maps.
The state highway department could take the lead by posting the route numbers on the I-395 exit signs. I had no idea that Seminary Road even had a number. I remember seeing a 402 sign on Quaker, but that number should be on the interchange sign.
# posted by Simon Oliver Lockwood :
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 1:01:00 PM
Simon: I don't think it does any good to post route shields on the big green signs if there are little or no trailblazers along the acutal route. For example, Braddock Road in Fairfax County is also Route 620, but I don't think there are any 620 trailblazers along Braddock Road, even though the BGS on the Beltway have them.
# posted by WFY :
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 3:50:00 PM
Post a CommentPlaces I went in 2008 - William World News
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Places I went in 2008
I used the same criteria as previous years -- I have to had a meal or spent the night there. Fast food does not count either.
Alexandria, Va. Arlington, Va. Bluemont, Va. McLean, Va. Vienna, Va. Virginia Beach, Va. Washington, D.C. Columbia, Md. Avalon, N.J. Sea Isle City, N.J Stone Harbor, N.J. Bronx, N.Y. New York, N.Y. Allentown, Pa. Belleville, Pa. Harrisburg, Pa. Hershey, Pa. Lewisberry, Pa. Lewistown, Pa. Manada Hill, Pa. Mechanicsburg, Pa. Reedsville, Pa. State College, Pa. Tannersville, Pa. Kenley, N.C. Wilson, N.C. Conway, S.C. Myrtle Beach, S.C. Pawley's Island, S.C.
There are a couple of exceptions to the rule -- we did not eat in Bluemont, but cut down a Christmas tree, so that counts. Also, we drove through Delaware but did not stop. This year also marked the least amount of visits to New Jersey ever. Next year, we will have to do better.
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
VIENNA, Va. -- Our Vienna Bureau Chief (aka WHY or Dad) sent in this photo from his backyard (table top I believe). 21.5 inches is the official total over there. In Alexandria it was 20.5, so they win the snow challenge I guess.
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