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A Proposal for a Local Roadway – with Thanks to a Giant of a Man

I hadn’t intended to write two back-to-back columns about infrastructure, but a confluence of events dictates otherwise.

The first of these is the recent passing of Louis Guy, a man I can easily describe as an “engineer’s engineer.” Louis was immensely respected in our region, not only for his engineering prowess, but for his love of local history and his passion for our region.

About three years ago, Louis had to drop something off at my home for a website I was working on. Over beverages, he listened while I pitched the idea I’ll describe in a minute. When I was done, he expressed genuine enthusiasm for it, which coming from a professional of his stature was huge to me.

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I come to praise maglev - not the other thing

(This essay originally ran in AltDaily)

As government operatives, media types and ideologues continue to machinate over whether and how to extend light rail to Virginia Beach, I feel compelled to stand up and speak out in defense of emerging technology.
 
ODU maglevA proposal has been made by American Maglev Technologies (AMT) - the same company behind ODU's maglev experiment several years ago - to build a maglev train line as the proposed light rail system in Virginia Beach, at no cost to taxpayers.
 

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In Yer Face, Facebook!

Bastards... I posted this 45 second video clip from a TV show to Facebook, and they flagged it for copyright infringement. So, guess what, Facebook... IN YER FACE!

A local radio show gains some national notoriety:

No Dancing in Norfolk

For some reason, WTKR NewsChannel 3 didn't post this on their website (It's a shame. They did a great job on it). So - citing the Fair Use Doctrine, I'm posting it on my website for folks to see:

What makes a block better? Some folks obviously know

(Note: I originally wrote this for the Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement)
 
 
buildabetterblock categoryI'm in awe... And, I've seen the future.
 
Why and how is really simple: I visited the Better Block Project and the proposed Norfolk Arts District.
 
I only made it down there for a couple hours. But, if you'll pardon the expression, I'm still basking in the afterglow of the experience more than a day later. There was nothing about it that wasn't impressive and inspirational. It left me hungering for more.
 
(Note: HRCCE Chairman Chris Bonney has provided some of his own impressions HERE)
 

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