Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars at Artisphere this Sat.

Don't miss the Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars at Artisphere this Saturday night. Stop by Rosslyn's Piola before or after the show, mention Artisphere, and get 20% off your meal. And while you're enjoying your pizza, think about how you can share some food with persons who don't have any.

mysterious structure in Rosslyn's Hillside Park

A mysterious structure in Rosslyn's Hillside Park appears to be a foundation of a historical building.  The remains included a clay cylinder set in concrete, which has now been destroyed in park renovation.  A piece of the cylinder is show on the left below. Other clay pieces are also present, as shown below on the right. Click on the photos to see larger versions of them.  Can you identify the history of the clay cylinder?

The site includes a variety of other interesting artifacts.  Large concrete segments of the historical structure still remain in the park.  The concrete appears to have been made from a coarse mixture of stones.   The structure included brickwork and at least one metal pipe.

Rosslyn is the most historic area of Arlington County.  Two years ago, a mysterious piece of wood appeared on Rhodes St. bridge.  The mysterious structure in Hillside Park creates further excitement and intrigue in the neighborhood. 

Martinez wins coveted art prize

An Artistic Discovery: The Congressional Art Competition 2013 is on display at Artisphere through June 23.  Congressman Jim Moran hosts this exhibit of art by youth of Northern Virginia.  One work from submissions is selected to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. 

One art work from the exhibit is also chosen for the Ode Street Tribune Outstanding Art Prize.  This year's Outstanding Art Prize winner is Cecilia Martinez of Wakefield High for her work "Giraffe."  This masterful marker-and-watercolor work captures the curiosity and exuberant activity of Rosslyn, as well as her continual reaching for artistic heights.

Sunday's video

bitter controversy rages about Rosslyn bunnies

A vocal faction of extremists claims that cutting down a bush has no significant effect on the overall food and shelter available to Rosslyn bunnies.  Some people have opinions.  Readers of the Ode Street Tribune have facts.

The first photo below show two bunnies happily looking at a large bush with many tasty leaves and flowers.  The second photo below shows what happened to that bush.  The pole provides a reference point for comparing the two photos.  Can there be any doubt that we have some unhappy bunnies in the neighborhood?

Anyone who thinks that these bunnies don't care about that bush being cut down is a complete idiot. A moron even, in a whole family of morons.  I HATE HATE HATE YOU!!!  You probably drive a car to work.  Stop destroying the planet, you heartless BEAST!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rosslyn bunnies deprived of food and shelter

A prime spot for bunny-watching in Rosslyn has been on 14th St. just below the corner of 14th St. & Nash St.   The bunnies would romp in the grass next to the parking lot where a SUV had its tires stolen two years ago.  After frolicking on the grass, the bunnies would run under a large bush where they could rest and eat leaves.

That bush has now been cruelly cut back.  Rosslyn has long been renowned for birds and bunnies. We need to keep birds and bunnies along the streets of Rosslyn.  We should come together and build up, not cut down.

see wonders in Miracles' windows

Rosslyn hair salon Miracles has an outstanding window display of vintage jewelry and accessories.  While enjoying a stroll about lovely Rosslyn, don't forget to look into the windows at Miracles (near the corner of Wilson & N. Oak St.).  What's on display is continually changing.  That's true of Rosslyn more generally.  Walk outside and look around!

VDOT disrespecting Rosslyn

While the new digital traffic sign installed right next to the Westmoreland Pedestrian Overpass will help drivers to avoid mistakes, the sign wasn't installed with proper respect for Rosslyn's beauty.  The sign blocks a glorious view of Rosslyn.

This traffic sign should have been placed about two feet lower, at the concrete level of the overpass.  The Ode Street Tribune's investigative journalist speculates that these signs are designed to have a standard height.  The sign designer should have recognized that Rosslyn is special and installed the sign with due respect for Rosslyn's beauty.  All patriotic and red-blooded residents should ask VDOT to reduce the height of the sign.  Contact VDOT's Northern Virigina District Office at 703-383-VDOT or novainfo@vdot.virginia.gov  

excellent view of nature at Westmoreland

Nine months after the tragic deaths of two mating hawks at the historically important Westmoreland Terrace Condominiums, birds have returned to happy nesting there.  A pair has built a nest right on the window ledge of a bathroom window in Building 1309.  Residents of that apartment now have a bird's eye view on raising a family.  With the window shade up, the birds will have a clear view of what's going on in the bathroom.  Given this close family setting and the upcoming presence of very young birds, let's hope that all parties behave with modesty and discretion.

Sunday's video

Elvis at Bike to Work Day Rosslyn pit stop

Elvis Presley, allegedly dead for over 35 years, and Michael Jackson, also thought to be dead, showed up on unicycles at the massive Rosslyn pit stop for this past Friday's Bike to Work Day.  Even being dead is not an excuse for not biking to work.  If Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson are now biking to work through Rosslyn, why aren't you?

County Board Chair Walter Tejada rode his bike to the Rosslyn pit stop.  Arlington County police officers were also there on bikes.  Leading local bicycle advocate Bob Cannon rode his bike to the Rosslyn pit stop, worked as a volunteer at the event, and then rode his bike to work.  The Ode Street Tribune's investigative journalist sliced through the massive traffic jam in Rosslyn to arrive quickly at his reporting assignment at the Rosslyn pit stop.  Getting on your bike is the way to go.

global dance party this Saturday night at Artisphere

If you missed the ice beats and breakdancing of KLP & Backpack Jax at Artisphere tonight, you're down some coolness points.  But the game isn't over.  Everyone cool enough to be boarding the freezing edge will be chilling at Artisphere this Saturday night for THE global dance party.  It will feature Togolese Afro-pop super-group Elikeh headed by local sensation Massama Dogo.  Artisphere will also be shaking to the rhythms of Rex Riddem, Mustafa Akbar, and Ashish “Hash” Vyas in the
ragga-soul electro-funk ensemble Nappy Riddem. The show also includes melodies of East European brass bands made local by the nine-piece group Black Masala. Black Masala members have played with Thievery Corporation, See-I, Yamamonem Jazz Band, Yellow Dubmarine and Bellflur.  Don't miss THE global dance party this Saturday night at Artisphere!

vintage police cars at the Rosslyn Iwo Jima Best Western

President Barack Obama, who lives close to Rosslyn, has officially proclaimed this week to be Police Week in Rosslyn and across the U.S.  Police Week has brought a large contingent of vintage police cars to Rosslyn's renowned Iwo Jima Best Western.  You may fondly remember police cars like these back from the days when you got your first traffic ticket.

If you were a fan of CHiPSs, you will be delighted to see a vintage California Highway Patrol SUV now parked at the Rosslyn Iwo Jima Best Western.  The Tribune's investigate journalist speculates that a CHP vintage motorcycle may also be seen there sometime during this week.

The main Arlington County police station is officially located in Rosslyn's Radnor/Ft. Myer Heights neighborhood.   It is thus particularly appropriate that Rosslyn should have a prominent position in the celebration of Police Week.

The chainsaw massacre at Hillside Park and the home destruction near Key Bridge have made some residents fearful.  But keep in mind that Rosslyn has an outstanding District 2 neighborhood police team headed by Captain Andy Penn.  Captain Penn has served in the Arlington County Police Department for more than two decades.  Be grateful for his service and the service of his District 2 team.  Have confidence in it, and fear not.

Update: More vintage police car photos, courtesy of very friendly Rosslyn Iwo Jima Best Western staff member Antonio Velasco.

 

Rosslyn rural craft mansion demolished

With years of hard work, a homeless man built an incredible rural craft mansion in Rosslyn.  This custom-designed home was located near Key Bridge, in the wild lands just north of the multi-user path near where it crosses over Rt. 66.  It measured about 150 ft by 150ft.  A large number of dead branches were lashed together to form walls and rooms.  Each branch was unique in its natural form and gleamed with the shine of naturally aged wood.  Those walls were further decorated with bits of colored twine and colored paper.   Todd Martin, a resident of Rosslyn's historically important Westmoreland Terrace Condominiums, stated: “Every day there would be something new, garbage or branches, wood vines. It was pretty remarkable.” This rural craft mansion was a tribute to Rosslyn's emerging leadership in technology and design.  It was also a homeless shelter for the one homeless man who built it.

Rosslyn-based WJLA reports that this homeless shelter has been demolished.  Apparently the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) received some complaints from passers-by who feared that it might be a haven for crime.  We have nothing to fear but fear itself.  Nonetheless, VDOT responded by bulldozing the mansion and hauling away the resulting wreckage with dump trucks.  This is a sad day for Rosslyn.

The Ode Street Tribune was aware of this neighborhood marvel.  The Tribune decided not to report on it.  The Tribune feared that a story would attract even more tour buses to Rosslyn.  Noise from tour buses has been a concern for Rosslyn residents. The Tribune was also concerned that gawking tourists would infringe on the homeless man's privacy and distract him from building an even greater home.  In retrospect, the Tribune's editorial judgment may have been wrong.  If more persons had seen that incredible home, VDOT might not have been able to get away with destroying it.

chainsaw massacre in Rosslyn's Hillside Park

Eleven trees have been found hacked down in Rosslyn's Hillside Park.  Saw dust and dismembered tree parts testify to the carnage.  One tree has steadfastly remained standing despite having its upper trunk cut off.

The walking path through Hillside Park is current closed for maintenance.  The attack on the trees seems to have been park maintenance that turned violent. The killers are likely to attack next the beloved queer trees in Rosslyn's Ft. Myer Heights Park.

Sunday's video

thicker and longer pole in Rosslyn

Across the street from the historically important Westmoreland Terrace Condominiums in Rosslyn, Dominion Power has been working to increase the reliability of power in the area.  Don't take for granted that you can just turn things on and they get energized.  Such action depends on a complicated system that needs to be well-maintained.

"we are determined to make it happen"

At tonight's Rosslyn Business Improvement District meeting, President Peter Greenwald declared, with steely resolve like that of the Marines who retook Iwo Jima, that the organization is determined to make active nightlife in Rosslyn.  Greenwald expressed strong support for Artisphere.  He also indicated that serious efforts are underway to bring additional restaurants to Rosslyn.

The importance of active nightlife to Rosslyn cannot be doubted.  Marty Kady, Deputy Managing Editor of Rosslyn-based Politico, noted that Politico has grown in Rosslyn from employing 30 persons in 2008 to 230 persons today.  He expects Politico to continue to grow.  He observed, however, that Politico's young employees are often reluctant to live in Rosslyn and spend evenings here.  They prefer to be in Washington DC.  At the other end of the age spectrum, a Rosslyn resident with many years of life experience noted that he finds Rosslyn streets lacking in activity at night.   Help generate local excitement by getting out and walking the streets of Rosslyn at night!

Congressman Jim Moran attended the meeting and expressed great optimism about Rosslyn's future.  He declared that the boathouse will come to Rosslyn.   He said he saw a photograph of a rainbow beginning at Key Bridge, arcing over the Washington Monument, and ending in Rosslyn.  The end of the rainbow is in Rosslyn.

Arlington County Board Chairman Walter Tejada spoke about Rosslyn's promise and his priorities as Board Chairman.  He observed that he joined the County Board ten years ago, the same year that the Rosslyn BID was established.  Tejada, an avid cyclist, has as one of his priorities for the County health and fitness.  Rosslyn is a hub of local bike paths.  Artisphere is including an event combining art and sports in the upcoming SuperNoVa performance art explosion this June.  Other priorities Tejada has for the County are affordable housing and urban agriculture.  The Ode Street Tribune applauds those priorities and continues to encourage innovative thinking to foster affordable urban farmland.

Startups are starting to recognize Rosslyn's growing allure. UberOffices has established a new coworking space for startups in Rosslyn. UberOffices declares, "The most promising, young technology and media companies in the DC area are building serious businesses in our coworking space.  Should you be here too?"  Alex Orfinger, publisher of the Rosslyn-based Washington Business Journal, came to Rosslyn in 1992 for his first job out of college in the USA Today building.  Those who are not already in Rosslyn should come as quickly as possible.

WJLA/ABC 7 Morning News Anchor Scott Thuman spoke knowledgeably about Rosslyn's attractiveness. He was at Artisphere last month for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society black-tie fundraiser with supermodel Nora Sommerkamp.  Thurman was also at Artisphere for the YOU, ME, THEM, EVERYBODY LIVE! ON A BIG SCREEN! event.  He noted that this event brought together a large crowd of young persons, many of whom had never before been to Rosslyn.  Take note of this news.

urban public art gathering at Artisphere this Saturday

Rosslyn's yarn bombs, crafted fantasies, stitched art, and colored fabric arrays will animate a public art discussion and walking tour centered at Artisphere this Saturday from 10:30am to 3pm.  This Rosslyn art showcases post-cubism, modern abstract expressionism, and stuff that's just fun to look at.  The Rosslyn Business Improvement District (BID) and the James Renwick Alliance are hosting the event.  The James Renwick Alliance is a prestigious national craft arts organization:

The James Renwick Alliance is an independent national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing scholarship and education on contemporary American craft, to supporting activities directed toward this purpose, and to encouraging connoisseurship and collecting. The Alliance assists the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Renwick Gallery in adding to its permanent collection of American craft of artistic significance and superior workmanship, supports scholarly research in contemporary American craft, sponsors public educational activities, and pursues other activities in support of the studio craft movement.

The participation of the James Renwick Alliance in this Saturday's gathering underscores Rosslyn's growing artistic prominence.  The full schedule of events is here. The day's activities are free and you can attend for however long as your schedule permits.

noteworthy bricks in Rosslyn

The top right corner of Rosslyn's Whispering Oaks apartment building (1310 N. Oak St.) has highly distinctive bricks.  The Ode Street Tribune's investigative journalist speculates that these bricks are from a historic structure that used to stand on this site.  From 1935 to 1942, just across the street at the present site of Prospect House was the General George S. Patton estate.  At some point Hershel W. Williams, a Marine who won the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions at Iwo Jima, may have had one or more meals in a brick structure where the Whispering Oaks now stands.  Preserving bricks from that building would help to commemorate Rosslyn's heroic history.

Next time you're out for a stroll in Rosslyn, take a look at those bricks.

lovely Rosslyn in the news

Sunday's video

Rosslyn has more than tulips

Many visitors to Rosslyn enjoy her tulips.  But why not explore further?  In Rosslyn Vista Park, near the lush, dark forest, is a tree with a beautiful arrangement of white flowers.  Go ahead, look and touch!

movie at Iwo Jima this Friday night

 Amid increasing press coverage of Rosslyn, ARLnow reports that the 1949 film, Sands of Iwo Jima, will have a free, outdoor screening near the Iwo Jima memorial this Friday starting at 8pm.  The film stars John Wayne.  In addition, on Sunday from 11 to 3pm, park rangers at the Iwo Jima will be giving talks about little known secrets of the statute.  The weekend events are coordinated with the Partners in Preservation voting for preservation funds.  The Marine Corps Memorial is one of the candidates for funds.  The Ode Street Tribune strongly endorses the Marine Corps Memorial's candidacy.

This past Sunday a park ranger had a temporary information display at Iwo Jima.  From that display:

We count five thousand nine hundred thirty-one combat ground casualties on Iwo Jima, consisting of marines, Navy guys, and one coast guardsman.  They are all buried on Iwo or lost on the island.  The remains of one hundred seventeen are still missing, meaning that they have been declared dead but their remains have not been recovered.  A lot of them were lost in the sea where their boats were hit or shot as they tried to wade ashore.  Others were incinerated by artillery explosions or blown to pieces.

Report of Patrick Mooney, USMC, assigned to record burials on Iwo Jima in 1945.  Be grateful for the sweet and easy life we have here in Rosslyn.

fun, social adult art evening classes at Artisphere

For the next three Thursday evenings, starting this Thursday, May 2, Artisphere will be hosting fun, social adult art classes using up-cycled and repurposed material.  Leading local craft artist Beth Baldwin will direct the gatherings.  The classes are:

• Make a Monster (May 2): Start with a basic, pre-sewn form and work with materials provided to create a whimsical, upcycled monster. Decorate your monster with fabric remnants, notions, and decorative stitching (instruction provided by the artist).  $20 includes all materials.
• Mail Art with Craftgasm! (May 9): Repurpose paper goods with creative genius/stationery-making machine Melissa from Craftgasm! Just in time for Mother’s Day, use reclaimed maps, blueprints, vintage and found materials to make your own eco-friendly cards, envelopes, stamps and lettersets. Craftgasm creates reclaimed paper goods with a sense of history using maps, found materials and some snazzy vintage typewriters. $12 includes all materials.
• Altoid Hack: Portable Art Shrines and Other Curiously Handy Gadgets (May 16):  Explore the many clever and functional uses for empty Altoid mint tins—flashlights, survival kits, mini-grills, shrine, and USB chargers–then MacGyver your own art shrine or cunning creation to take home.  $12 includes all materials.

All classes are in Artisphere's Town Hall from 6-8pm.  A cash bar will be open from 5:30-8:30pm.  Bring a friend or a date, or find one there.   You can get additional artistic inspiration from Gute Brandao’s exhibit, The Field of Expressive Silence, showing in the Terrace Gallery through May. 11.  The work shown above is just one of the many inspiring works in Brandao's exhibit.

Rosslyn is becoming an artistic masterpiece.  Be part of the action.