Richmond off-topic postings

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

Looks like a few local teens are getting on the idea of having their hometown win the title of "Best Town Ever."

http://www2.richmond.com/lifestyles/2012/jul/10/vote-rva-outside-best-town-ever-ar-2045334/

A few paddlers have made a nice sign ensemble (while on the river, of course), and Richmond.com was there to snap the picture.

The contest ends tomorrow, and a last day breakthrough in support votes because of some nice advertising wouldn't hurt either. Although I can't see the vote count, apparently the standings show RVA in quite a comfortable position -- over 7,000 votes -- versus the second place city of 2500 votes.

The article also mentions how ANOTHER accolade would be quite nice for showing off coming Richmond 2015.

[burt]

Looks like a few local teens are getting on the idea of having their hometown win the title of "Best Town Ever."

http://www2.richmond...ver-ar-2045334/

A few paddlers have made a nice sign ensemble (while on the river, of course), and Richmond.com was there to snap the picture.

The contest ends tomorrow, and a last day breakthrough in support votes because of some nice advertising wouldn't hurt either. Although I can't see the vote count, apparently the standings show RVA in quite a comfortable position -- over 7,000 votes -- versus the second place city of 2500 votes.

The article also mentions how ANOTHER accolade would be quite nice for showing off coming Richmond 2015.

RVA, Hood River, Oregon was behind Richmond by 5,371 votes according to this story from RVANews.

Looks like tomorrow's gathering at Hardywood Park Brewery will be a victory celebration.

From today's RVANews:

http://rvanews.com/n...inal-push/62577

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

Does anyone know what's going on with JamesRVA.com?

I have tried countless times within the past 2 months, and have been displayed with a "Forbidden" screen.

I was looking forward to using it as a nice place to just be an overall James fanatic and socialist, as well as utilize it to help with destinations and events, but I can't even get through to the main page! Is the site under construction? Is it restricted to certain people? Have people forgotten about it?

Take a look at it for yourselves.

http://www.jamesrva.com/

It was introduced by GOOD Ideas for Cities when it came to RVA. The "JamesRVA" group was the one who collectively used it to brand the river with a neat website, but it looks like the site isn't even functional......

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

Looks like Richmond will finally get that women's monument!

Sadly, it is NOT on Monument Avenue.

But it is on Capitol Square grounds next to the George Washington equestrian monument and the Capitol building!

Artists are invited to submit designs to the Virginia Women's Monument Commission. The deadline is Oct. 1st.

While I am no artist and have no talent with sculpture, (shame, my city is home to the university with the number one sculpture program in the country) I'm sure the students, architects and designers will all flood the commission with boatloads of neat sketches and ideas, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what ends up in that spot.

Funny that I'd also mention this, but the site is not very far south from the proposed site of the Virginia Public Safety Memorial, which has a very unique and modern design that I have just been DYING to get built. Hopefully, this women's monument thing will also respark interest in that as well.

http://www2.richmond.com/news/top-features/2012/jul/20/artists-design-sculpture-capitol-square-ar-2071749/

[burt]

A film crew from National Geographic is in town shooting another Lincoln epic -- this script culled from a book by a certain Fox News personality.

They need background people (mostly men), so if you live within 60 miles of Richmond and have some time off they are offering $108 per day, slightly less than SAG-AFTRA scale for background performers .

SAG and AFTRA recently consolidated.

It will be a two hour TV docu-drama.

It may be unpleasantly hot in heavy period costumes -- unless you will be among the audience at Ford;s Theatre (probably shot in the air conditioned November Theatre, until recently known as The Empire.)

Here's every thing you need to know from Richmond dot com:

http://www2.richmond...all-ar-2072414/

Edited July 22, 2012 by burt

[burt]

A King's Dominion Park guest was found unresponsive on The Dominator, the World's longest, floorless roller coaster at 4,210 feet.

Hanover emergency crews transported the person to a Richmond hospital.

From today's RTD:

http://www2.timesdis...ark-ar-2075949/

[burt]

A King's Dominion Park guest was found unresponsive on The Dominator, the World's longest, floorless roller coaster at 4,210 feet.

Hanover emergency crews transported the person to a Richmond hospital.

From today's RTD:

http://www2.timesdis...ark-ar-2075949/

As terrifying as rides can be, I don't believe this Russian one can be matched anywhere.

http://www.wimp.com/russiaride/

[ZUMAN]

This is difficult to understand or even believe:

http://realestate.yahoo.com/news/america-s-emptiest-cities--2012.html

[burt]

This is difficult to understand or even believe:

http://realestate.ya...ties--2012.html

I agree, Zuman. Real estate stories are very confusing (see another story about Miller & Rhoads that I'm getting ready to post in the Development thread.)

Here's a replay of a May 27th RTD story about the boming apartment market in Richmond's urban core where occupancy is at 95%:

http://www2.timesdis...ond-ar-1945580/

[540_804]

This is difficult to understand or even believe:

http://realestate.ya...ties--2012.html

I agree, Zuman. Real estate stories are very confusing (see another story about Miller & Rhoads that I'm getting ready to post in the Development thread.)

Here's a replay of a May 27th RTD story about the boming apartment market in Richmond's urban core where occupancy is at 95%:

http://www2.timesdis...ond-ar-1945580/

Not 100% sure because I didn't bother to try to find or look at the statistics they used, but I would guess the 15% vacancy rate is taken from the entire Richmond metro rental market. The downtown sub-market is certainly much tighter. Just off of the top of my head I would say 4-6% to be conservative but maybe even lower than that.

[burt]

Lincoln is being shot in Richmond again.

This time Billy Campbell is in the role that Daniel Day-Lewis portrayed several months ago.

While Billy is a fine Virginia-born actor with a TV/film resume as long as Lincoln's arm, it's for sure the picture of him relaxing near The November Theatre will not receive anywhere near the exposure a shot of Day-Lewis got while dining out in a Shockoe Bottom restaurant. It was flashed across the World in print media.

From Richmond Biz Sense:

http://www.richmondb...ng-in-richmond/

[burt]

Lincoln is being shot in Richmond again.

This time Billy Campbell is in the role that Daniel Day-Lewis portrayed several months ago.

While Billy is a fine Virginia-born actor with a TV/film resume as long as Lincoln's arm, it's for sure the picture of him relaxing near The November Theatre will not receive anywhere near the exposure a shot of Day-Lewis got while dining out in a Shockoe Bottom restaurant. It was flashed across the World in print media.

From Richmond Biz Sense:

http://www.richmondb...ng-in-richmond/

Here's more on the filming of the Lincoln docu-drama and a locally produced film about the Boy Scouts.

Tim and Daphne Reed who abandoned lucrative acting careers in Hollywood to establish Millineum Studios complex in Petersburg are involved in the Boy Scout film. Incidentally, Millineum Studios has a permanent White House Oval Office set that has been used in countless film projects -- major movies, commercials, etc.

From Greater Jackson Ward blog:

http://www.gjwn.net/...n-jackson-ward/

Edited August 2, 2012 by burt

[burt]

A group of explorers discovering a New World in downtown?

How did all these people get to this little island in the James River?

Photo by Martin Bartholmy in today's RVANews:

http://rvanews.com/f...ed-island/63516

[Cadeho]

A group of explorers discovering a New World in downtown?

How did all these people get to this little island in the James River?

Photo by Martin Bartholmy in today's RVANews:

http://rvanews.com/f...ed-island/63516

That's Blackberry Island. People can kinda walk to it if the river level is low.

[burt]

That's Blackberry Island. People can kinda walk to it if the river level is low.

Cam, is Blackberry Island just off the eastern tip of Belle isle between The Lee and Manchester bridges? And are the two stone "lumps" on the right old railway bridge supports?

Edited August 13, 2012 by burt

[Cadeho]

I'm not sure about the stone lumps but the island is the only one with trees between Belle Isle and the Manchester Bridge.

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

A neat article in Virginia Living on the "rebirth" of Richmond, all it's good features, and more importantly, the explosion of entrepreneurs and arts in our urban core.

http://www.virginialiving.com/articles/capitol-ideas/

[burt]

A neat article in Virginia Living on the "rebirth" of Richmond, all it's good features, and more importantly, the explosion of entrepreneurs and arts in our urban core.

http://www.virginial.../capitol-ideas/

RVA, do you know how much you've been missed over the last 10 days or so?

Welcome back.

It is amazing how much Richmond has advanced its reputation in the past decade. The blogging community and print media are incredibly supportive. I submit that your and other contributors' enthusiasm has lifted Richmond to a new level of confidence about itself.

Be sure to click on the slideshow in The Virginia Living story.

Edited August 19, 2012 by burt

[burt]

This beautiful sunset photographed by Chairman Brando is what makes commuting home from Downtown so difficult for West End residents in the afternoons.

From today's RVANews:

http://rvanews.com/f...et-batman/64772

[burt]

A poster for the major motion pucture officially called LINCOLN has been released. The film, directed by Steven Spielberg, stars Daniel Day-Lewis and was made in Richmond last fall. It will be released on November 16th. An invitation showing will be held in Richmond about a week prior to that date.

Another movie, called KILLING LINCOLN starring Billy Campbell, was also filmed in Richmond and wrapped just a few weeks ago. It is a National Geograpic TV movie that was produced by Ridley Scott and his brother Tony Scott who committed suicide last week.

The 2-hour production will air on television early next year.

From today's RTD:

http://www2.timesdis...led-ar-2149178/

Edited August 23, 2012 by burt

[eandslee]

Just moved back to Virginia after 10 long years being away! I'm not in the Richmond area, but Richmond is close. Living in Springfield now. You never know where the military will send you, but this move was a welcomed change! Good to be back in good 'ol Virgin-i-a! I plan to be here 3, but hopefully at least 10 years!

[Downtowner]

Glad to have you back on the East Coast and much more so Virginia Eandslee. Enjoy all you can of Virginia and come on down and spend some time in Richmond which I am sure you will. I remember when I first signed up on Urbanplanet I think you were way out west for a long time. I can't remember quite correctly but I seem to remember you were stationed in Montana or something. Then I remember you saying you were in California. I have a buddy in the Marines who is on his way back to Virginia right now as we speak from Japan. He was stationed there for about 5 years and is now coming back home. He is due to serve one year or something like that here in the United States and then can do whatever he wants. But have a good time back on the East Coast,

[eandslee]

Glad to have you back on the East Coast and much more so Virginia Eandslee. Enjoy all you can of Virginia and come on down and spend some time in Richmond which I am sure you will. I remember when I first signed up on Urbanplanet I think you were way out west for a long time. I can't remember quite correctly but I seem to remember you were stationed in Montana or something. Then I remember you saying you were in California. I have a buddy in the Marines who is on his way back to Virginia right now as we speak from Japan. He was stationed there for about 5 years and is now coming back home. He is due to serve one year or something like that here in the United States and then can do whatever he wants. But have a good time back on the East Coast,

Thanks for the welcome back to Virginia. You are correct - I was stationed in Montana and California. While the west was awesome (loved the weather out there), it is great to be back home. I will spend quite a bit of time in Richmond since I still have family around. I look forward seeing Richmond continue to grow from its backyard!

[burt]

Here's a well-produced rap song/flash mob video shot in The Fan stressing care in crossing busy streets.

It's fun.

Brought to the attention of viewers by John Murden of Fan of the Fan blog:

http://fanofthefan.c...oss-the-street/

[burt]

New York City Notes:

Had dinner the other night at ESCA and it was delicious. You know you're in a class place when suited manager types wander the floor checking with guests.

Last night (9/11/12) a bright laser beam shot up from the World Trade Center site and remained until dawn today. I could see it from my window.

A trailer of the LINCOLN movie will be shown tomorrow on a huge screen at the ABC Studios on Times Square.

Tonight Frances Wessels who has headed the VCU Dance Department for generations will dance with one of her former students at the opening of an exhibit at Location One Gallery in SoHo. I'm looking forward to seeing her perform. She recently danced in Paris and she's still teaching in Richmond. Frances is only 93.

PS: If you haven't seen the video about crossing streets in Richmond posted directly above, be sure to check it out. It's sure to go viral.

PPS: I don't know if any of you saw and heard the Cabaret shows last year at Rhythm Hall in Richmond CenterStage. A singer named KT Sullivan opened the series. She lives in my building and I ran into her yesterday in the elevator. She invited me to an event called the 23rd New York Cabaret Convention which she will host October 16th at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rose Theatre in the Time Warner Building. Two of the 12 entertainers that evening are Amanda McBroom and Tony DeSare. Both will be appearing at Rhythm Hall in Richmond in this year's cabaret series along with Richmond singer Desiree Roots and Molly Ringwald of Hollywood fame.

Edited September 12, 2012 by burt