Urban Hayride

JMU - New Hotbed of Political Activism?

This morning on the way to work I noticed that the traffic on what are usually uncongested, free-flowing streets leading to downtown Richmond were awfully crowded (then I thought, "Why the fuck am I not riding my bike?).  I had no idea what had caused such an unusual back-up.  Finally, I know.  A lively bunch of college students were protesting the proposed coal-fired power plants in Southwest Virginia.  I guess not too many people want a power plant in their backyard.

 I wouldn't call my self an environmentalist, I'm rather ignorant when it comes to such matters.  Although, I like to think I'm learning.   I knew Dominion Power was attempting to build a new plant, but not more than that.  It's not the reason for protest that grabbed my attention, but that three of five protesters mentioned in the RTD article were from James Madison University.  Straight out of Harrisonburg, these rowdy environmental activists came to Richmond to make a stand.  Where was the political activism when I attended JMU?

You may disagree with me, but I think they made a good point.  I had forgotten about the issue, and I'm sure that at least some of the people sitting in traffic, late for work, will find out what was going on and maybe a little more.  I don't have a strong opinion about the issue.  Is this just NIMBYism or...?  Maybe now I will learn enough to have an opinion.

I like the excitement and activism coming, at least partially, from my alma mater.

Article here

Goldman's Carytown Plan

I know I'm late to the discussion on this topic.  I haven't even had the time to read any opinions on this Carytown idea.  Paul Goldman, candidate for mayor, has suggested closing the Carytown area to all traffic including autos, bikes...skateboards, rollerblades, unicycles, segways, probably motorized wheelchairs too.  This would enable the area from Boulevard to Thompson to become a "street fair" of sorts.

So, I guess the two bike shops located in Carytown will have to get special permission to allow their customers to test ride bicycles, huh?

More seriously, as fun as it is to have street festivals every once-in-a-while (ie. watermelon fest, NYE, etc.), isn't the once-in-a-while part of that statement why they are so much fun and attract such large crowds?  For me, part of the excitement is the change of atmosphere that comes with closing down the streets.  Actually, Goldman mentions a more subtle idea of closing Carytown streets just one day a week in the RTD article from June 21.  Which may be a more logical and effective plan.

He said he's concerned about store vacancies and missed opportunities in Carytown and added that bold changes are needed to let the area reach its potential. Goldman said he started thinking about the possibilities after talking to someone who suggested closing Cary Street to traffic one day a week, as is done with the annual Carytown Watermelon Festival.

I'm at least somewhat familiar with pedestrian malls - I've lived in Charlottesville (Downtown Mall), and London (Covent Garden).  The other area that comes to mind is the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica.  Covent Garden and the Promenade are miles away from Carytown and that's a good thing.  We don't want a Banana Republic to pop up on West Cary, right?

If Richmond truly wanted to support Carytown, it could have started by amending its zoning laws so two enormous surface parking lots wouldn't straddle the west entrance of the district, or maybe regulate sign aesthetics beginning with the 20 foot high "Church of Scientology" sign on the same block.  That would have been good enough for me.  Maybe then further discussion could take place. 

That's all for now.  Any thoughts?

We Have a Drinking Problem?

It has been of popular opinion, or at least conceived by many Americans, that Europe does not face the same drinking problems that we face here in the States.  Hmm.

Alcohol is now more affordable and available to teenagers than ever before, according to the Home Office and Alcohol Concern.

"They can simply use their pocket money to buy alcohol, because it's so cheap," said Soodeen.

At some British supermarkets, the cheapest beers sell for as little as 50 cents a pint.

In an interview he gave to the BBC, Police Chief Ken Jones lashed out at supermarkets for encouraging excessive drinking.

"Why is it we have got ourselves into a position where lager is being sold cheaper than water?" Jones asked

Article here

Richmond Lacks Escalator Etiquette

Now that I'm all grown up and enter an office building via escalator every day, I notice something that Richmonders are lacking - escalator etiquette.  It makes sense, just stand on the right side of escalator.  This must just be something that we don't teach in this city.  It never crossed my mind until I went overseas and almost got my leg broken when a feisty British girl pushed my out of the way on the journey out of the Tube.

So, this is a friendly reminder, stand to the right, it seems like other places get the idea:

 

WANTED: "Cool"

An article in Monday's New York Times is simply titled "A Mission to Make the Suburbs, Well, More Like the City".  It's worth reading and a couple of things stand out to me.

The assembly comprised about 200 men in dark suits and women in sensible shoes who represented the township, village, zoning and planning boards of many of Nassau County’s more than 70 incorporated communities.

Engineering “cool” downtown life might not seem to be the first job one might imagine for them, but they were enthusiastic and earnest.

At times, they erupted in applause when speakers uttered phrases like “commercial-facade- improvement tax districts,” or “benefit-assessment-basis taxation.” The notion of “multiyear capital improvement programs” was also quite popular.

Three statements, 70 incorporated communities, Engineering "cool", and the entire last paragraph.

Have fun getting 70 suburban communities to cooperate with each other.  As good of a step as it may be to work toward walkable downtowns and happening nightlife, I don't think there is an proven formula for engineering "cool".  If you try too hard you'll simply end up with a town full of poor artists and empty coffee shops..."benefit-assessment-basis taxation"?

I do not hold the key to successful economic development, but I can't help but wonder how many of those incorporated suburbs are ready to dissolve their jurisdictional lines.

Honestly, the article is kind of exciting.  At least Nassau County realizes something needs to happen in their suburbs before they fall apart.  Just the idea of a bunch of middle-aged men and women thinking of how to "engineer" cool, funny.  The NYT captures that thought quite well at the end of the article:

Robert Bernstein, a 19-year-old student from neighboring Oceanside, said he had no opinion about the mission, but did have a thought about the marketing strategy behind the word “cool.”

“It is just so old,” he said. “Maybe they should have consulted somebody.”

Tour Time - Summer is Here

For anyone that doesn't know, I've been a loyal Dave Matthews Band fan for quite some time.  My first show experience was when I was 11.  Although my musical boundaries have expanded far since then, summer is not complete without scattered trips to DMB shows.  No matter if you hate or love the band (it's usually one or the other, huh?) I thought I'd celebrate the beginning of the tour. 

Antsmarching reviews the first couple sets:

First, the obvious: The band closed with covers both nights: And never performed (full band) covers at that. After closing with a Dave And Friends staple (curtsy of Sly And The Family Stone) Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), they follow that up the next night with a medley of Pink Floyd's Money with Money (That's What I Want) (The Barry Gordy written song has been covered by numerous people).

The loss of Butch was filled in quite nicely by Tim Reynolds, according to the fans who were at the show (and those that listened to the first night's recording). Tim did his part filling in the void on Two Step and Lie In Our Graves, which of late had been performed by Mr. Taylor.

A three-week course that will be complete Wednesday, while also working has been kicking me in the ass; hence the lack of posts.  But I'll be able to share some spatial maps I've created of Richmond soon.

Modern Groove Syndicate: Friday

 

I want to remind everyone that Richmond's own Modern Groove Syndicate is playing Cary Street Cafe this Friday.  They usually come on stage around 11pm.  If haven't heard this group, it is a must.  No matter what kind of music you dig, you will be blown away by these guys.  Keyboardist Daniel Clarke is currently touring with K.D. Lang, which is great, and only bad because he's been gone for the last several shows and I'm itching to hear him play.  (The first time I saw Daniel perform I was 10 years old.  He was dressed as Elvis on the Atlee High School stage during a show choir performance - he was awesome then).  So, Daniel won't be there, but the band kicks ass regardless.

I've embedded a MGS show from 2005 from the defunct Slip jazz club Fusion.