Thursday, March 31, 2011

trim bushes to smooth way


An important issue in the Meade St. Bridge Alternatives Study is widening sidewalks.  The second public meeting on Meade St. Bridge alternatives presented alternatives to widen sidewalks to at least 8 feet.  That would be done by removing one traffic lane.  In addition, the meeting included some discussion of possibly setting back the River Place retaining wall to enlarge the sidewalk in front of River Place.

A simple, cheap way to make the sidewalk in front of River Place larger by about two feet is to trim the bushes.
-  -  -  -  - 
A reader who has had painful experiences with encroaching hedges emails:
I've often found this problem of hedges which, if left untrimmed, gradually grow out further and further thus taking over more and more of the public sidewalk. However, just trimming back the hedge is not as simple as one might at first suppose.  It usually requires cutting back the branches so far that bare, ugly branches are exposed to view making it quite unsightly for one or more growing seasons until the new leaves can fill in (assuming it has not already killed the bush).  It's a rather time consuming and risky procedure that horticulturalist often refuse to undertake. I have usually ended up recommending that the bushes be  cut down and started  again "from scratch". 
Well, real life is complicated.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Freedom Park bike rack now well-ordered


The abandoned bikes wasting away on the bike rack near Rosslyn's Freedom Park have been removed.  The bike rack is now well-ordered, with space available for additional bikes.  Arlington police reportedly removed the bikes.  What Arlington police do with abandoned bikes isn't clear.  I hope that they give them to Phoenix Bikes or another worthy charity such as Bikes for the World.  Bikes are too important to go to waste!

Photo thanks to John Healy.

Westmoreland condo fee increase revised to 7.5%

At Tuesday night's Westmoreland Terrace Condo Board meeting, the Board stated that it has revised its proposed 2012 budget year condo fee increase to 7.5%.  At last month's Board meeting, the Board tentatively anticipated an increase of 3-5%. 

The proposed 7.5% condo fee increase is nearly identical to the 7.6% equivalent annual increase in Washington region housing ownership prices, as measured by a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics price index for housing ownership.  From Westmoreland budget year 1995 to budget year 2011, Westmoreland condo fees have risen an equivalent annual rate of 3.5%.  That's more than the 2.7% equivalent annual increase in U.S. urban housing ownership prices.  However, Washington-area housing prices have risen faster than housing prices in U.S. urban areas as a whole.  Since budget year 1998 (the earliest year for which the Washington-area housing ownership price index is available), Westmoreland condo fees have risen an annual equivalent of 5.1%, compared to an annual equivalent rise in Washington-area housing ownership prices of 3.7%. 

The condo fee and price index data are available for you to examine and do your own analysis.  Note that the highly variable character of Westmoreland condo increases complicates multi-year comparisons, because the condo fee increase variability makes the exact years chosen significantly affect the equivalent annual increase.

Other items from the Condo Board meeting:
  • Large items, such as replaced ovens, cabinets, and mattresses, cannot be placed in the dumpsters.  Condo residents need to make their own arrangements for disposing of such items.  Also, do not place paper with food items, e.g. pizza boxes containing discarded pizza, in a recycling bin.
  • The cost of removing the large, cracked tree branch on one of Westmoreland's magnificent oak trees was just under $6,000.  The damage could have been worse.  Fred, our onsite maintenance person, deserves credit for spotting the cracked branch.
  • Bids were received for the 1336 roof replacement.  Pioneer Roofing made a bid of $77,600.  Culbertsons, which is doing our facade work, made a much higher bid of about $140,000. The Board will scrutinize these bids further.  The cost of the 1311 roof repair in late 2008 was about $68,000.
  • A form for the re-issue of parking permits, as well as for printed mailbox tags, will be mailed with the material for the upcoming annual meeting.  
  •  Residents should keep their pets leashed when taking pets outside of residents' own apartments.  Also, please collect and direct, as appropriate, pet wastes.   
  • Potomac Disposal will soon be installing new recycling bins and dumpsters at Westmoreland.
  • You can recycle hazardous household materials and other items at an Arlington E-Care event on Saturday, Apr. 9, 8:30am to 3pm at the Thomas Jefferson Middle School.
The Westmoreland Terrace Condominiums Annual Meeting will be on Monday, Apr. 25.  Show that you care about the place where you live by attending this meeting.  In addition, by coordinating with other owners you may be able to secure discounts on items and services.  At least one owner plans to propose to other owners at the Annual Meeting a bulk purchase of windows.

The Condo Board position currently held by Condo Board chairperson Jose Calvo will be open for election at the Annual Meeting.  Jose has indicated his interest in serving another term. 

This month's Condo Board meeting did not have a quorum of Condo Board members, so no official action was taken.  Attending the meeting were Condo Board members Jose Calvo and Jennifer Feinleib; residents Douglas, Gretchen, John, and Mark; and Zalco Property Manager Dennis Freeman.   The next regularly scheduled Condo Board meeting is the Annual Meeting on Apr. 25.

Monday, March 28, 2011

watch ice melt in Alexandria

Sometimes the frenzied, red-hot nightlife of Rosslyn becomes exhausting.  If you would like just to chill quietly, you might go to Gatsbys Tavern in well-known, historic Alexandria.  A notable feature of the 1792 City Tavern is a subterranean, commercial-sized ice well.  A worthy project to restore this ice well is currently underway.  In conjunction with the ice well restoration project, a block of ice has been placed in the ice well.  Visitors to Gatsbys Tavern can watch the ice melt and attempt to guess the date on which the ice will be fully melted.  If you're not feeling active enough to travel to Alexandria, you can from the comfort of your couch enjoy watching the ice melt though an excellent ice well webcam.

Like Buffalo soldiers fighting fiercely or Orville Wright struggling to stay aloft, an ice well is an important part of our region's history.    

Sunday, March 27, 2011

prototype luminous body for Westmoreland pedestrian overpass


The frequently used, scenic Westmoreland pedestrian overpass crosses Rt. 50/Arlington Blvd next to the Ft. Myer Heights Park and the important Westmoreland Terrace Condominiums.  The center light on the overpass is currently broken.  That broken light provides a great opportunity to recognize Rosslyn beyond Lynn St. and to highlight Rosslyn as the welcoming port to all of Arlington County.  Replace the broken light with a prototype luminous body!


Luminous bodies are objects of wonder particularly appropriate for Rosslyn.  A symmetric, linear arrangement of luminous bodies might tend to regularize them.  The Ode Street Tribune endorses a more asymmetric, surprising, and geographically inclusive placement of Rosslyn's luminous bodies.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

cherry blossom festival


Every year, more that a million persons from around the world travel to Washington, D.C.,  for views of Rosslyn decorated with cherry blossoms. This year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival started today and runs through Apr. 10.  Those of us who live in Rosslyn might not appreciate how beautiful Rosslyn is.  Sometimes, a little distance fosters greater appreciation.

Unfortunately, as Rosslyn soars skyward, a magnificent tree has been cut to the ground.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

countdown to Yuri's night

On April 12, 1961, cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first person to go into outerspace.  To celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of that far-reaching event, Artisphere is hosting an out-of-this-world party on Saturday, April 9.  This Countdown to Yuri's Night (C2YN) party will include the sensational 2011 Burlesque Space Show (Cosmonaughty Variety Show), Lunar Dance Party with the Atomic Mosquitos and the ska band Eastern Standard Time, Reduced-Gravity Chamber (aka moonbounce), Celestial Costume Contests, Complimentary Space Junk, and Sci-Fi Trivia.  Tickets for this blowout are $20 in advance, $25 at the door.  Get them here.


Associated with the party is the C2YN Astro-Pop Art Exhibition.  This exhibition is freely on display in Artisphere's Mezz Gallery through April 30.  Curator Jared Davis has organized an exhibit to rival a meeting of the G-40.  Davis' Monkey Moonshot (detail above) illustrates the fantastic drive to explore space that space enthusiasts, engineers, scientists, and these artists share.  Andrew Wodzianski's Assembly Ball is a more formal composition, yet with pastel coloring and an alien player escorting six exotic dates.  Meanwhile, Dana Ellyn's Zero Gravity Blackout rockets sideways.  Professional illustrator Elstabo has created two pieces especially for this exhibit.  Look for the fearfully smiling cosmonaut.  Relish the feel of the earth under your feet.


Laika preceded Yuri Gargarin into space, but let a dog report that. You and your best friends should go to the Countdown to Yuri's Night party on Saturday, April 9 at Artisphere.  Sorry, no dogs allowed.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Comcast delivers outstanding service


On Monday, March 15, the Ode Street Tribune reported an open Comcast cable power box on a utility pole in the neighborhood.  The very next day, the Tribune received a call from a Comcast representative seeking more information and offering an assurance that the problem would be fixed promptly.  A Comcast representative also added to the Tribune story a comment assuring readers that the problem would be addressed ASAP.

By the very next evening, the utility box had a functional cover.  That's outstanding Comcast service!

The Ode Street Tribune regrets that a week has passed before it has reported this important breaking news.  Organizational failures, a large backlog of neighborhood news, low staff morale, and inadequate journalistic staffing and compensation all contributed to generating this poor service.  The Tribune will strive with the limited resources at its disposal to respond more quickly in the future.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

heated meeting on Meade St. bridge

 The second public meeting on the Meade Street Bridge Alternatives Study presented three alternatives for improving motor vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian safety and for making Rosslyn and Rt. 50/Arlington Blvd. even more distinguished places.  The meeting presented a large amount of information and went on past 8:30pm.  Proposed improvements shift road intersection geometries from high-speed slip entrance/exits to more urban-style t-intersections with traffic lights.  Widening pedestrian walkways, improving road-sharing with cyclists, and narrowing the roads at the intersections are also elements of the three alternatives. 

 The meeting generated some heated discussion.  Issues of vigorous debate:
  • Luminous bodies being installed on the south side of the bridge. The luminous bodies will be lit, rather than generating light themselves.  The extent of light was a concern.  Detracting from the grandeur of the Marine Corps Iwo Jima Memorial was also a concern.  At least one attendee strongly favored the luminous bodies as objects of wonder to make Rosslyn even more wonderful. 
  • Pedestrian safety vs place-making.  Interest in making Arlington Blvd a notable thoroughfare, and making the Meade St. bridge a distinctive, four-way gateway, long ago stimulated interest in the bridge redesign.   Some felt that motor vehicle traffic on Meade St. must be slowed down as an urgent priority.  Stop signs, however, cannot be legally installed with the current shape of some of the intersections.
  • Tour bus traffic.  TooleDesignGroup collected data on tour bus and school bus traffic across Meade St. bridge for a week in June 2010.  They reported average weekday traffic of 45 buses per day southbound and 31 buses per day northbound. Average reported weekend traffic was 18 buses per day southbound and 14 buses per day northbound.  Residents believe that these figures understate bus traffic by a factor of 10.  The extent to which bus traffic should be considered as part of the Meade St. bridge renovations was discussed.  Unfortunately, success in traffic calming will mean that buses will remain for longer on Meade St. in front of the adjacent residences. 
The Meade St. bridge study is not a construction plan, but the development of redesign concepts.  Another meeting on Meade St. bridge alternatives will occur in roughly a month and a half.  Some controversy is to be expected, particularly with public art.  Fortunately, the Meade St. bridge is so bad that making it overall much better will not be difficult.

Related coverage:

Monday, March 21, 2011

hundreds gather in Rosslyn for perigee-syzygy


Rosslyn is a center for film-making and the creative community.  This past Saturday, hundreds of photographers converged in Rosslyn to shoot the supermoon.  It was the perigee-syzygy festival, last held last January.  More photos at Arlnow.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

UrbanArias contemporary opera festival at Artisphere

UrbanArias will open Artisphere's first festival of contemporary opera with a performance of Orpheus and Euridice on Thursday, March 31 at 8pm.  The festival runs through April 10.  In addition to performances of Orpheus and Euridice, the festival also includes performances of Green Sneakers and Glory Denied.  

Orpheus and Euridice presents a musician's attempt to rescue his wife from the place of the dead.  Betty, the under-appreciated office worker in UrbanArias' opera Betty Box Office, longed to sing in Orpheus and Euridice.  The UrbanArias' production of Ricky Gordon's work features Elizabeth Futral and Todd Palmer. They presented the work's world premiere in 2005 at Lincoln Center, NY.  In 2008, Long Beach Opera staged the work with Futral and Palmer in a swimming pool.  The beautiful, time-lapse video below gives you some sense of that performance.   


UrbanArias's performances at Artisphere's 10-10-10 debut and its program of short operas on Jan. 14 both attracted a packed house.  The over-arching theme of the upcoming opera festival seems to be going back and looking back.  That theme spans emotions from horror (look at where I was) to nostalgia (perhaps it wasn't so bad) to joy (look at who is coming away with me).   Don't look back is a difficult imperative for humans to follow.  If you attend UrbanArias' upcoming opera festival, at least you are unlikely to look back with regret.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

hawk eats beloved dove

This past Sunday, on the 3800 block of S. 9'th St. in south Arlington, a hawk swooped down and snatched a pet dove placed on a tree branch to enjoy the great outdoors.  One of the dove's human friends was sitting nearby.  But this was not enough to protect the dove.

The dove was named Paci, which is Latin for "peace".  She was a gentle, quiet, friendly bird.  She was the subject of a blue-ribbon-winning photograph in the Arlington County Fair (see photo above).  She is sorely missed.

Birds of prey are active in our neighborhood. Bald eagles, the national bird of the U.S., have naturally chosen to reside in Rosslyn and raise a family here.  Bald eagles and other birds of prey are native species here.  Their presence amidst Rosslyn's soaring, built architecture is wonderful.

The natural world is beautiful and violent.  Beware.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Tsam mask making fun


In conjunction with the Hamtdaa:Together exhibition at Artisphere, master Mongolian mask-making artist Natsag Gankhuyag will be leading Tsam mask-making classes at Artisphere.  Natsag Gankhuyag created the Tsam masks and costumes shown in the Hamtdaa:Together exhibition.  The mask-making classes will take place on Saturday and Sunday, Apr. 2 & 3, 2-5pm (for persons ages 15 and older) and on Sat., Apr. 9, 2-5pm (for persons ages 6 to 14).  The cost of the class is $25 person.  Register here.

Artisphere's WIP gallery currently features materials and documentation on making Tsam masks and costumes. This Sunday at 2pm the gallery will feature the building of a ger, a portable dwelling structure that Mongolian nomads traditionally used.  Next time you go camping, impress your friends by erecting a ger!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Westmoreland tree cracked

A large branch on one of Westmoreland Terrace's huge, magnificent trees has cracked.  This Thursday a crane and tree surgeons will be at Westmoreland for an emergency amputation of the limb.  This operation will cost the condo association several thousand dollars.

To make way for the emergency tree operation, cars must be removed by 7:30am on Thursday from the fifteen parking spaces near the recycling bins on the interior curb-line of Westmoreland's N. Ft. Myer Dr. parking lot.  These spots are at the rear of 1322 N.Ft. Myer Dr.  Cars can return to those parking spaces after 5pm on Thursday.

While having a tree lose a large limb and the condo association spend additional money is unfortunate, the situation could have been much worse.  Consider the situation as a good reason to look up.

As an Ode Street Tribune reader, you have the good luck to be informed that Thursday is St. Patrick's Day.  Celebrate St. Patrick's Day by making your home more green.  Arlington's Under One Roof blog is running a green living series that offers ideas for helping the environment and reducing energy bills (that's a green green benefit).  You can find there information on solar panels as well as the common-sense advice of starting with an energy audit and simple, low-cost remedial measures.

innovative Arlington tax collecting

Arlington County Treasurer Frank O'Leary gave a fact-filled presentation at Rosslyn's Radnor-Fort Myer Heights Civic Association (RAFOM) meeting on Tuesday night.  O'Leary described a variety of payment options that he has established for Arlingtonians to encourage on-time payment of taxes, parking tickets, utility bills, and other fees.  These include drop-box, mail-in check, telephone credit-card payment, automatic debit, Internet-based payment, and financial services that do not require the establishment of a bank account.  O'Leary recounted an amusing story of how Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Berger motivated the automatic debit option and became its first user.  He also described the rapid increase in Internet payment transactions.  Internet-based payments now account for 21% of all payment transactions for the Arlington Treasurer.  Recently instituted County Treasurer services include bill-payer notification, telephone reminders, and iPark cashless parking-payment devices.

O'Leary pointed to two ways in which Arlington could significantly reduce expenses and increase revenue.  O'Leary stated that the separate organizations of the Arlington County Board and the Arlington School Board involve considerable wasteful duplication in support functions.  In addition, O'Leary felt that the efficiency of parking ticket administration could be improved.  He judged that effectively administering existing parking laws could raise an additional $1-2 million in revenue.

A resident asked if combining the offices of the Commissioner of the Revenue and the Treasurer would save expenses. The Commissioner of Revenue sets and adjudicates tax obligations.  The Treasurer, in contrasts, collects the taxes that Commissioner of Revenue has established. O'Leary noted that both these offices are constitutional offices, so they could not be combined without constitutional amendment.  O'Leary argued that separation of these offices is an important structural safeguard.  A combined organization could forebear on individual taxes to obscure its poor collection efforts.

The video below includes much of O'Leary's presentation.  For additional factual material, see the Commissioner of Revenue/Treasurer Report to the Citizens, 2010-2011.


Other items from the RAFOM meeting:
  • The second public meeting for the Meade Street Bridge Study will be on Tuesday, Mar. 22, 6:30-8:30pm at Arlington Temple, 1835 N. Nash St., Rosslyn.  Now is the time to share your ideas for improving the safety and accessibility of the Meade St. Bridge. 
  • The Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing has put forward a proposal to preserve affordable units in the Marbella Apartments.  The matter probably will come before the County Board in May.
The next RAFOM meeting will be on Apr. 19.  It will focus on transportation issues.

Monday, March 14, 2011

seeking improvements in Comcast service


A Comcast power box on the street pole near 1523 Fairfax Dr. has been open for weeks.  The open box exposes wires and connections to the elements.  That's likely to make service less reliable.

Despite having to endure a burdensome response form that required considerable personal information, the Ode Street Tribune has reported the open power box to Comcast.   In a recent Arlnow poll, 73% of respondents rated their experience with Comcast as "poor" or "very, very bad."  That poll is not based on a representative sample of Comcast customers.  But it does at least indicate some frustration with Comcast service.  The Ode Street Tribune hopes that its reporting can help Comcast do better. 

Some business competition for Comcast would also help.  Unfortunately, Westmoreland Terrace and other neighborhood buildings are still waiting for the opportunity to choose Fios service.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Wright Gate closed


Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s Wright Gate, located at North Meade Street and Marshall Drive near Rosslyn, will be closed for repairs through about April 18. 

Options to enter and leave Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall while Wright Gate is closed (see Joint Base map):
Wright Gate is closed not only to vehicle traffic, but to pedestrian and bicycle traffic as well.  Recognizing that Joint Base personnel and Rosslyn residents are athletic, have a "can do" spirit, and can surmount difficult obstacles, a large, flashing-light sign outside of Wright Gate warns against climbing the gate wall.  Persons who do this are subject to arrest and prosecution for trespassing.  Preserve your spirit and your freedom for better exercises.

Directions from Wright Gate to alternate entrance


View Larger Map

Saturday, March 12, 2011

maintaining Rosslyn's curves

Even with great natural beauty, looking beautiful still takes some work.  A road crew has been refurbishing the curved curb that sets off the trees in the middle of Wilson Boulevard, just above Lynn St. in downtown Rosslyn.  This work will help to keep Rosslyn radiant.  Show some appreciation for the effort to look beautiful!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Old Guard firing cannons

Rosslyn is extraordinarily privileged to have the Old Guard (3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment) protecting its southern border.  Recently the Old Guard has been firing cannons in the morning.  But fear not: we are not under attack.  The Old Guard is merely practicing with blank shells.  Tomorrow will be the last day of Old Guard cannon exercises.

Less impressive blasting will soon commence at the Rosslyn Metro Station construction site.  The Rosslyn Metro blasting will occur from 1am to 5am for the next few months.  N. Moore St. will be closed during the blasting. The contractor anticipates minimal noise and vibration for persons living in the area.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

get Wizards' tickets for only $13

Here's your chance to see some professional basketball: the Wizards will be playing on Friday, March 25, from 7-9pm at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center near Rosslyn.  Tickets are a bargain for adults at merely $13 in advance, while students and seniors can scoop tickets for just $10.   Proceeds from the game will support the Arlington Office of Teen ProgramsGet your tickets now before they all sell out!

A Wizards player to watch is Washington-area favorite Arthur "King Arthur" Lewis.  He grew up on the tough streets of Baltimore, graduated from high school, and went on to college at nearby Bowie State University. At Bowie, he made the Dean's List three times and was an academic all-American.  He led the Bowie State Bulldogs' basketball team to a 31-4 record and to the Division 2 Final Four.  He also personally led the UCIAA Conference in Assist/Turnover ratio.  He's an inspiring example of rising above difficult circumstances.

The Wizards will play against the "Arlington Elite."  No one is quite sure who the Arlington Elite are.  The team reportedly consists of Arlington teachers, recreation staff, and community members.  The Arlington Elite inexplicably does not include the Managing Editor of Ode Street's finest news source.   With or without him,  you might expect the game to be a total blowout.

But a couple of factors might make the game actually competitive.  The Wizards' website explains:
The Harlem Wizards have a unique mission: create awe-inspiring events throughout the country. Whereas a NBA team's success is measured in wins and losses, the Wizards victory lies in the millions of smiles they are responsible for and the millions of dollars raised for charitable organizations, schools, and foundations across the world.
The Arlington Elite aren't used to losing.  If they start losing, they surely get surly and start frowning.  The Wizards won't want that to happen.  So they'll probably let the Arlington Elite score a few.

Another important factor is officiating. The Arlington Elite should demand that an elite official from our local Cardinal Basketball Officials Association work the game.  For maximum authority and prestige, the natural choice is Cardinal Basketball's legendary Rules Interpreter, Mike Preston.  Preston's unsurpassed rules knowledge should be sufficient to get the Arlington Elite at least a few free shots.  The Ode Street Tribune urges the Arlington County Board to ask Preston to work the game. 

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Mardi Gras, with a touch of green

The Clarendon Mardi Gras / pre-St. Patrick's Day parade provided wholesome fun for kids of all ages.  The parade did not reach the epic proportions of Arlington's legendary Neighbor Day Parade of 2008.  But there was good spirits and some excellent floats, particularly those of Whitlow on Wilson and Liberty Tavern.  If a restaurant can put together a good Mardi Gras float, you can be sure that it can also put together a good meal.


Washington DC's Ballou High School provided an excellent marching band and dance team.  In 2009, the Ballou Marching Band participated in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA, and in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.  The Ballou Marching Band's participation put the Clarendon Mardi Gras parade in that league.

Red Top Cabs participated in the parade with a green theme.  Red Top is adopting propane and hybrid gas/electric cabs.  That's excellent.  The next stop forward is to get a few pedal-powered vehicles.

[video include above; if you don't see it, go to the post on the Ode Street Tribune]

Monday, March 7, 2011

Hillside Park improvements

An ecologically appropriate public artwork has been installed in Hillside Park.  It helps to restore the park's natural beauty after a horrendous, half-million-dollar renovation strung stainless steel, black metal, and concrete around this urban forest's perimeter.  The source and amount of funding for the new sculpture isn't clear.  The artist, in keeping with the non-egoistical style of natural beauty, apparently declined to have a name plaque installed.  

Some new plantings have also been added to Hillside Park.  One is a witch hazel (Hamemelis virginiana).  That's a native Virginian small tree/large shrub with a dense structure of branches.  It will add density to the park, which is particularly appropriate given the additional building density being added to Rosslyn.  It flowers in mid-fall with golden, tassel-like flowers.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Rosslynian's images of the world


While many Rosslynians are content to enjoy the pleasant life here in Rosslyn, some occasionally venture abroad.   Rosslynian L. Scott Shelton's foreign travels have taken him far beyond Courthouse and the District.  He's ridden the trans-Siberian railway across Russia, bicycled solo across Australia, and traveled in Bangladesh, Bolivia, and Burma, just to begin the list.  His website offers a magnificent photo gallery of images from around the world.  He explains:
From a very early age I've had an acute awareness of all there is to see out there. This has been both a blessing, which has spurred me to travel to far-flung places to see the world's wonders, as well as something of a curse as my constant yearnings to "get out there" rub up against the inescapable demands of daily life.
If at some time Rosslyn decides, given its close relations with Mongolia, to post its own ambassador in Mongolia, L. Scott Shelton would be an excellent choice.

*  *  *  *  *
The above photo is L. Scott Shelton's Early Morning Glimpse (Uttar Pradesh, India, 1998).  Reproduced with permission.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

more wi-fi and pizza in Rosslyn

Zpizza has opened at the corner of Wilson Blvd and N. Lynn St. in downtown Rosslyn.  Zpizza is open nights until at least 9:30pm and sells slices for $3.  The entrance to Zpizza is currently from the main lobby of the 1100 Wilson Blvd building; from the entrance, walk about 30 yards to your right.  Zpizza is a convenient place to pick up a quick bite on your way to Artisphere.

The lobby of 1100 Wilson Blvd will soon include a seating area with free wi-fi and television.  That space will serve as a less trendy alternative to Artisphere's wi-fi enabled Town Hall gathering space

Friday, March 4, 2011

Rosslyn close to Mongolia

Hamtdaa: Together, an exhibition of art and culture of the Mongolian people of Arlington, opened Thursday night at Artisphere.  Drawing on his extensive experience in mask making, costume design, and performing arts, Arlington-Mongolian artist Gankhuyag Natsag has created colorful, vibrant masks and costumes for characters from Mongolian popular and religious culture.  This hugely impressive exhibit features lavish, life-sized works that preserve a cultural heritage nearly lost during the Soviet period of Mongolian history.  The exhibition also includes some of Gankhuyag's contemporary, conceptual paintings.


The exhibition opening itself was a major event.  Beautifully costumed Mongolians greeted attendees and mixed with the large crowd.  Defying the Terrace Gallery's concrete floor, Mongolian dancers whirled and jumped through evocative dance performances. D. Odbayasakh added an amazing performance of contortionism. She began training at age 7 and continues to perform even after having had a child.   Exhibition organizer Mary Briggs, who worked for two years to secure funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and to organize the exhibit, spoke of her enjoyment in working with the Mongolian community.  She also noted that a cultural documentation project is associated with the exhibit.  A top official from the Mongolian embassy addressed the attendees and declared the Mongolian government's support for cultural exchanges.  Arlington County Board member Barbara Favola added words of support and thanks.


Mongolians have a major presence in Rosslyn and Arlington.  Mongolian is the third-most common language, behind only English and Spanish, among Arlington County public schoolchildren.  Rosslyn is home to the Mongolian School of the National Capital Area.  In 2009, a Mongolian received a Rosslyn Neighborhood Hero of the Week award.  Thus Rosslyn in Arlington is a particularly appropriate place to have this international-caliber exhibit of Mongolian art and cultural heritage.


A variety of Mongolian cultural activities for adults and children will be at Artisphere this month in conjunction with the exhibition.  Check out the related activities schedule hereHamtdaa: Together will be in Artisphere's Terrace Gallery through May 1, 2011.  Don't miss this exhibition!

Related:

[video included in post above]

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure

The Arlington County Bicycle Advisory Committee is hosting a film on pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure in Europe.  The film documents the experience of transportation professionals from the U.S. who traveled to Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, and the U.K. to identify best practices around pedestrian and bicycle safety.   Their trip blog includes this note about a discussion in Bristol, UK:
In a brief chat with a City councilor, she said that the program fit well with several initiatives they already had going, like things to address congestion, climate change, better health for citizens and maintaining a high quality of life for citizens. This is a theme we have heard throughout our trip. Bicycling and walking and public transit are key components of efforts to address many of the worlds largest social problems. It's not just about biking and walking, but about establishing a more sustainable lifestyle that will benefit all.
The 45-minute film will be shown at Arlington Central Library this coming Monday, March 7, at 7pm.  Gather there at 6:30pm there for chat and snacks, and after the film head over to the Carpool (!) bar/restaurant for more discussion and the monthly Bicycle Advisory Committee meeting. 

Other cycling news:

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

inside story on big-belly recycling bins


Downtown Rosslyn has on-street solar garbage compactor bins and on-street bottle/can recycling bins.  Unfortunately, some persons seem to stick their junk into any available hole.  Materials in just two bottle/can bins include newspapers, napkins, a plastic cup, a paper cup, a Styrofoam cup, cardboard, and a white pencil.  Additional sorting of bottle/can collections creates additional cost.  The trade-offs between decentralized garbage sorting (universal garbage work) and off-site, centralized garbage sorting deserve careful consideration in recycling plans.