Mobile Development Thread

[Electrical Porpoise]

I was told today that BP has leased the remaining space in the RSA tower.

[SouthSky]

http://downtownmobile.org/images/news/mir_mar_2010.pdf

The Downtown Alliance has released the updated investment report... some interesting updates in there.

[Electrical Porpoise]

Just some random information on a slow day...


Rate cuts lure tourists to Gulf Coast resorts despite oil spill



People enjoy the beach at Gulf Shores in this undated photo. Rate cuts have lured visitors to Gulf Coast resort s despite the ongoing oil spill.

MIAMI -- Dramatic rate cuts are steadily luring visitors to Gulf Coast resorts despite a catastrophic oil spill threatening beaches from Texas to Florida.

But it's too early to say whether the disastrous offshore rig explosion will leave a more permanent stain on Southeastern tourism.

During the first two weeks of May, hotels within 10 miles of the coast in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama saw occupancy rates rise dramatically over the same time last year -- in some cases by a third or more. That's according to a report issued by the hotel data firm STR Global.

Despite some initial cancellations, visitors have been persuaded most areas remain unaffected. But officials say that could change if the oil actually washes ashore on more popular beaches.

[SouthSky]

Looks like a Mobile news station will finally follow in WEAR's footsteps and move newscasts to high definition. Congrats to WKRG... now maybe their on-air presentation improves.

Link Here

Media General To Launch HD Newscasts at Three Stations with Grass Valley Ignite Integrated Production System

Las Vegas (National Association of Broadcasters Convention – Booth# SL106) April 10, 2010 — Media General, owner of 18 network-affiliated television stations across the southeastern U.S., will upgrade the newscasts at three of its standard-definition broadcast properties to the latest version of the Grass Valley™ Ignite™ high-definition integrated production system – bringing the total number of Ignite systems installed at Media General stations to 13. The comprehensive file-based system will facilitate a high degree of production control and efficiency at the stations and improve their on-air look.

The Media General stations making the switch to Ignite are: WKRG, the CBS affiliate in Mobile, Ala; WSAV, the NBC affiliate in Savannah, Ga, and WJHL, the CBS affiliate in Johnson City, Tenn. Once installed later this year, a single operator at all three stations will produce the station's daily newscasts in HD using a 2 M/E, semi-redundant Ignite HD system with Grass Valley HDC robotic HD cameras.

"We chose the Ignite system to enable our stations to remain competitive in their respective markets by moving to HD newscasts," said Ardell Hill, Senior Vice President of Broadcast Operations for Media General. "We trust Grass Valley technology to be reliable and help us develop successful business models."

"Converting to the Grass Valley Ignite system has proven to be cost effective for a growing number of stations that are now producing more news or are not offering a daily newscast at all," said Jeff Rosica, Senior Vice President of Grass Valley. "Ignite customers are also experiencing a consistent on-air look, improved ratings, streamlined operations, and the ability to cost-effectively launch new programs and services that can generate new revenue."

WKRG is replacing an existing ParkerVision system and will also add a new Grass Valley K2 storage area network (SAN) play-to-air server platform that features eight channels (4 HD + 4 SD) networked to a redundant, 5.4 TB HD storage array (336 hours @ 8 Mbps or 87 hours @ 50 Mbps).

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

One silver lining of the oil spill is the influx of people who are stationed at the Convention Center (such as BP officials). They have filled up the vacant condos, apartments, and hotel rooms and will likely be here for a few months. All the downtown businesses are booming with all the added foot traffic, as most people don't seem to getting or at least using cars for day to day situations (walking to "work", restaurants, bars, back home). Just thought I would mention it.

[OCA REP]

Originally Posted by nouveau_Mauvilla

One silver lining of the oil spill is the influx of people who are stationed at the Convention Center (such as BP officials). They have filled up the vacant condos, apartments, and hotel rooms and will likely be here for a few months. All the downtown businesses are booming with all the added foot traffic, as most people don't seem to getting or at least using cars for day to day situations (walking to "work", restaurants, bars, back home). Just thought I would mention it.

There are NO silver linings!

[CottonCity251]

Originally Posted by OCA REP

There are NO silver linings!

I agree, I'd whether them pack their bags and leave if the oil could go with them. Unfortunately they reported the oil reaching Dauphin Island today.

[jmbreland]

No silver lining? We could use any bit of optimism during this sad time.

[jmbreland]

Btw, the sign shown in CottonCity's avatar should now read "We would like to offer BP a finger."

[Muskavon]

Originally Posted by SouthSky

Looks like a Mobile news station will finally follow in WEAR's footsteps and move newscasts to high definition. Congrats to WKRG... now maybe their on-air presentation improves.

Good Lord, I was wondering when a Mobile station would do HD news. For the last 3 or 4 years I've been wondering why WEAR was the first to venture into that territory. It took me a while to realize this investment wasn't about bigger markets, etc. It is all about parent companies and their willingness to invest. Then again, a Pcola based station can reach Mobile, cola and all the way to Destin. That may be a bigger span of total population airwaves, I don't know.

But I'd have to think a station(s) that deals with Mobile, cola, Pascagoula, Biloxi/Gulfport, Hattiesburg, etc has a bigger potential audience. The parent companies of WKRG, WALA, WPMI, etc must suck ass. WKRG less now of course. How can they not know that HDTV owners have a damned hard time tuning away from HD programming? I can barely watch news other than WEAR and yet I know they somewhat suck. Good for WKRG! Glad to have them rep the 21st century a decade late. Clear Mobile news? Say what?

[yeahwhatever]

Originally Posted by Muskavon

Good Lord, I was wondering when a Mobile station would do HD news. For the last 3 or 4 years I've been wondering why WEAR was the first to venture into that territory. It took me a while to realize this investment wasn't about bigger markets, etc. It is all about parent companies and their willingness to invest. Then again, a Pcola based station can reach Mobile, cola and all the way to Destin. That may be a bigger span of total population airwaves, I don't know.

But I'd have to think a station(s) that deals with Mobile, cola, Pascagoula, Biloxi/Gulfport, Hattiesburg, etc has a bigger potential audience. The parent companies of WKRG, WALA, WPMI, etc must suck ass. WKRG less now of course. How can they not know that HDTV owners have a damned hard time tuning away from HD programming? I can barely watch news other than WEAR and yet I know they somewhat suck. Good for WKRG! Glad to have them rep the 21st century a decade late. Clear Mobile news? Say what?

First off...
WEAR news can barely claim to be in HD. The only part of their newscasts in HD are the anchors and meteorologists. All of the stories and videos from cameras in the field are all still standard definition. Its like WEAR rushed out and bought 3 HD studio cameras just so they could claim to be the only station in high definition.
Second, WKRG just announced which HD system they will be using. They didnt give a date for the HD switch because it takes a long time to get the equipment set up, employees trained, etc. I'd say look for them to make the switch sometime next summer or fall 2011.
channel 10 annouced hd long ago and the switch is expected jan 1. no word from wpmi yet.

The cost to upgrade to HD is massive. We're talking about gutting an entire system in the station and also replacing all of the field cameras (unless you are WEAR). I'm sure all of the stations and their ownership companies would love to have been in HD two years ago, but i'd bet the economy had an effect on those plans.

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

As the oil from the Deepwater Horizon arrives on the Alabama coast, we are reminded of one of Eugene Walter's most beloved quotes: "When all else fails, throw a party!" Though we don't have much to celebrate, Mobilians have found a way to assist in the clean-up effort through engaging events. You'll find the details in articles below.

In the meantime, get ready for one of the biggest single day events in Downtown Mobile this year -- the Hot Rod Power Tour. Friday, June 11 will see thousands of classic and high-performance cars converge on our streets for what will be a challenging, yet thoroughly entertaining event. Important information about the day can be found in a separate article below.

Though things typically slow down for us in the summer, it certainly doesn't seem to be the case this year. Events that we plan, and events that we don't seem to be converging to make for a busy summer...just the way we like it!

__________________

Development Buzz

One of Downtown Mobile's long-time residents and inn keepers has just opened an art gallery on Government Street. Jim Maurer, who owns My Victorian Bed and Breakfast along with wife Naomi, is an accomplished painter whose works have been seen in various downtown venues over the years. Now all you need to do is visit the Jim Maurer Art Studio at the corner of Government and Bayou streets. The studio happens to be two doors down from Naomi Maruer's Timeless Bride, a vintage bridal gown shop, which has just added Alterations and Creations by Connie Cotton to its showroom.

In other development news:

-Nord-Sud Shipping, a Louisiana-based shipping firm, has purchased the building at 605 St. Francis Street and will be moving sometime this month.

-CTEH, a North Little Rock, Arkansas environmental testing firm, has leased the two floors of 161 Dauphin Street and space at 169 Dauphin Street. BP has hired the company to handle testing of soil and water samples as well as the evaluation of safety procedures, a task that could last several months or even years.

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Retail Happenings
Shopping, Dining and Entertainment News

Two of Downtown Mobile's signature parks are featured in this month's Southern Living magazine. The article highlights Bienville and Cathedral Squares and says, "Mobile has preserved these peaceful public places and surrounded them with attractions, shops and restaurants."

Mentioned are Spot of Tea, Cafe Royal, Three Georges Chocolates, Inside Up and the Cathedral.

In other retail/entertainment news:

Bienville Books at 109 Dauphin Street will be hosting author Jeannie Holmes for a signing of her new book on Tuesday, July 6th at noon. Blood Law, is the story of a female FBI agent who is also a vampire.

Is your family looking to get away this summer? The Exploreum has three adventurous destinations and a first-class ticket waiting for you in the J.L. Bedsole IMAX® Dome Theater. Adventures in Wild California, Dolphins, and Everest will give viewers a chance to travel the expanses of the globe without leaving Mobile. And, when you join our Summer IMAX Frequent Flyer Program, you'll be able to see all three films for the price of two! Visit Exploreum.com or the Box Office to buy your first-class ticket for adventure today!

Visit Inside Up at 7 North Conception Street for exciting new finds and great bargains! Our Spring apparel has been reduced even more. Other savings include our scarves* ("Skinny Scarves" by Sue Adair not included) and Buffalo jeans/shorts which are now 25% off for a limited time only

The Riverview Renaissance Fathoms Lounge will be featuring:
David Chastang on June 15-16, 22-23, 26 & 29-30
Jack the Kat on June 12 & 19
Greg Fells on June 14, 17, 21 & 28
John Cowart on June 20. 24-25 & 27
James Patterson on June 11 & 18

________________________________

Thousands of Hot Rods on Display in Downtown Mobile

Watch the pages of Hot Rod Magazine come to life as thousands of performance vehicles from across the globe descend upon Mobile with more than half a billion dollars worth of chrome and automotive "eye candy." Local hot rodders can join the tour for its Mobile stop for only $25 on site at Calloway Smith School. The tour will be open to the public free of charge from approximately 11:00 am - 7:00 pm.

The Main Stage is located at the Mobile Civic Center parking lot where there will be lots of giveaways and games. GM Performance Division will show off some of their never before seen project vehicles and many other hot concept and feature cars. The LifeSouth Bloodmobile will be at the Civic Center from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Donate blood and qualify to win a fantastic prize!

Since the event will take over virtually all on-street parking in the downtown core and will close many of our streets, there are a few things to keep in mind if you are working downtown that day:

Police will begin closing streets at 7:30 a.m., but will allow access to those going to work.
By 11:00 a.m. access will be more restricted, so it would be best to park outside the event perimeter and walk in or hop on the moda! to get closer to your destination.
The Police Department will be allowing those leaving work at the end of the day to exit parking lots and garages, but be aware that congestion is likely.

The daily afternoon garbage pick up for downtown will be delayed from the usual 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. for Friday evening only.

Check out a map of the event and get more information at www.mobilebay.org/hotrod. The moda! free downtown transportation will run the perimeter of the site from 7:00 am - 6:00 pm. An easy and convenient shuttle service will be available from Ladd-Peebles Stadium to Downtown Mobile from noon - 7:00 p.m. for $5.00 round trip. The shuttle will drop off and pick up at Lawrence Street at Civic Center Drive approximately every 30 minutes.

There is no doubt this day will be a challenge for those of us who live and work downtown. But if we also approach it as an opportunity to show off our lovely city center to thousands of visitors, who will be patronizing our hotels, restaurants, shops and night spots, it could be a pretty cool day. And even if you know nothing about cars, the Power Tour will surely be a sight to behold.

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Events to Raise Funds for Gulf Clean-up Efforts

In response to the BP oil disaster, more than fifty artists in a wide variety of media have contributed works to "The Green Room," an exhibition/ silent auction hosted by Mobile Arts Council to benefit Mobile Baykeeper. Bidding has begun and will continue throughout the month, concluding at 5 PM on Friday, June 25. Stop by during Art Walk this Friday, during Market on the Square Saturday mornings, or anytime Mon - Fri from 9 AM - 5 PM.

Some works, such as Nancy Goodman's quilted "BP Assault" or Walter Simon's painting "Deepwater Horizon," comment directly on the crisis, but most capture the beauty of the Bay and coast, portraying the landscapes and wildlife threatened by the oil leak. The auction includes several other items, including books and a Gulf Coast dinner for eight.

Miller Light will partner with Mobile BayKeeper and the Alabama Coastal Foundation to raise money for the clean-up in and around Mobile Bay. Head down to Veet's Bar and Grill Thursday, June 10th from 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. and buy a Miller Light in the new Vortex bottle. Miller will contribute $1.00 to the organizations for every bottle sold. The money will be used by the organizations to help purchase equipment and support the volunteer effort to deal with the spill aftermath.

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Tours of Historic Cathedral Now Being Offered

Escorted tours of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Mobile are now being offered at no charge by the Catholic Heritage Society. The docent led tours provide a detailed history of the Cathedral, the oldest Christian Parish in Alabama, including both religious and architectural aspects of the structure. Tours last between 30 and 45 minutes.

Appointments for the tours can be made by calling Gwyn Franklin at the Cathedral Office 251-434-1565. The Cathedral Parish dates from 1702 when Mobile was founded at 27-mile bluff. The parish was moved with the rest of the City south in 1711.

Be sure to stop in the nearby, historic Portier House which is also open for tours and features a new gift shop.

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City Continues One-way to Two-way Street Conversion

Cities around the world have found that converting one-way streets to two-way spurs economic development. The new traffic flow is more pedestrian friendly, which encourages retail growth and other active, street-level uses. We have a wonderful case study right here in Downtown Mobile -- just look at the incredible development along Royal Street after its conversion to two-way traffic.

The City of Mobile is preparing for phase two of our street transformation with St. Joseph Street from Dauphin to St. Francis, St. Francis Street from Royal to Springhill Avenue and Washington Avenue from Government to Congress streets.

The process is more involved than you might think (it takes more than a can of yellow paint), and could take up to six months. Changing traffic signals is the most expensive and time consuming part of the process, but once finished the project will result in better access to and around downtown and less confusion to our visitors who don't navigate our charming thoroughfares very often.

_________________________

Nominations for Alliance Boards
Being Accepted

The Downtown Mobile Alliance/Main Street Mobile and the Downtown Mobile District Management Corporation are now accepting nominations for positions on the two boards of directors. Directors of the Alliance must be business members of the Alliance and directors of the District Management Corporation must be property owners in the Business Improvement District. Visit our
website to download the form or stop by the office at 261 Dauphin Street to pick one up. The deadline for nominations is June 15, 2010.

Save the Date - Annual Meeting September 2, 2010


We are also preparing for our annual meeting, set for September 2nd. You'll want to mark the date now, because one of the world's leading urban thinkers will be the keynote speaker.
Andres Duany is best known locally for designing Seaside,
Florida, but his reach extends to creating walkable communities around the world. There is much we can learn from his experience. To find out more about Duany and the work of his planning and design firm, click here.

We currently seeking sponsors for the annual meeting. Contact Elizabeth Sanders at [email protected] or 251-434-8498 if you are interested in sponsoring this event.

Many thanks to the companies that have already signed on to support the annual meeting:

Press-Register
Battle House Renaissance & Riverview Renaissance Hotels
Hand Arendall
Southern Light
Austal
Regions

The annual recognition of individuals, businesses and organizations that are making extraordinary efforts to revitalize downtown also will take place at the annual meeting. If you would like to nominate someone for a Main Street Mobile Award, contact Carol Hunter at [email protected] or 251-434-8498.

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Downtown Doings
Events in and around downtown

ArtWalk
Friday, June 11, 2010, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Cathedral Square Arts District

Tomorrow's ArtWalk is not to be missed! In addition to the dozens of galleries hosting receptions, the Hot Rod Power Tour will be bringing in many automotive works of art. It should add a whole new vibe to Mobile's hippest Friday night scene.
For more information, visit www.ncsmobile.org.

_

Kids Days in Bienville
Thursdays through July 8, 2010
10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Bienville Square

Beginning Thursday, June 3rd, head down to Bienville Square for loads of summertime fun for children of all ages. Kids Days in Bienville offers free entertainment including live music, arts and crafts, facepainting, the Dauphin Island Sea lab, and so much more!

The fun runs from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. through July 8th.

For more information, please call Neighborhood & Community Services at 470-7730.

_

Market on the Square
Saturdays through July 31st
7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Cathedral Square

If you like food, and you like music, and you like arts and crafts, and you like fellowship, then look no further because the Market on the Square is the place for you! Each Saturday through July 31st, head downtown for fresh, locally grown produce, cut flowers, plants, herbs, seafood, honey, baked goods and much, much more. Get your tastebuds ready because the Silver Queen corn is HERE! Stock up this and every Saturday.

The early bird gets the worm, so be sure to be there early to get the freshest! From 7:30 until 11 a.m. on Cathedral Square.

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Fourth Saturdays on Upper Dauphin
The Fourth Saturday of every month, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Upper Dauphin Street

Visit the restaurants, galleries and night spots of Upper Dauphin for a FABulous evening of entertainment and fun.

Look for the yellow FAB flags for special discounts at merchants from Hamilton to Broad Streets.

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Sippin' at the Space! - Clock Out, Stroll In, Wind Down, Drink Up!
Every Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.
(Wednesday, Apr 28, 2010 - Wednesday, Jun 23, 2010)
Space 301 - 3rd Floor Terrace
The corner of Conti Street and Jackson Street

Must be 21 or older to enter

Happy Hour takes on a new meaning with Sippin' @ the Space. Relax after a long workday with an incredible view and venue on the Space 301 Terrace, featuring live music, specialty drinks and appetizers! Each month features a specialty cocktail, beer and wine.

For every $5 donation, you get a choice of two drinks and a chance to join new and old friends!

April and May feature Margaritas
June will feature Daiquiris

For more information, contact Linda Mayson:
[email protected]
251.208.5660

_

Wonderful Wednesdays!
Every Wednesday June 2 - July 28
10:30 - 11:30 AM
$11.00 for adults
$6.00 for children 5-12
Additional charges to tour the Home and/or to take the River Cruise

Who knew Wednesday could be so wonderful? Every Wednesday, enjoy a special program about Bellingrath Gardens and Home, gardening, local history and nature. Wonderful Wednesdays at Bellingrath is the perfect place to bring a friend and spend time among 65 acres of blooms!

-June 2 - Summer Garden Walk With Barbara Smith.
-June 9 - Cool Container Gardens for Hot Summer Months with Melanie Lobel, Landscape Designer at Zimlich's Patio & Garden.
-June 16 - Lost Gardens of Mobile by Tom McGehee.
-June 23 - Cascade Mums with Chuck Owens
-June 30 - No Program

Call 251.973.2217 ext. 110 for reservations.

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Free Family Fun Day
June 10, 2010
9am - 1pm
Phoenix Fire Museum
203 South Claiborne Street

The Museum of Mobile and the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department invite you to step back in history at Family Fun Day at the Phoenix Fire Museum. Learn fire safety from Mobile Firefighters and enjoy lots of fun activities we have planned for you and your family.

Refreshments will be served, and you and your children can dress up in firefighting gear and explore the fire trucks! Practice your firefighting skills by putting out a mock fire, then cool off by running through the sprinklers

For more information or to make a reservation, please call 208-7723.

_

16th Annual Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour®
June 11th, 2010
Noon - 7:00 p.m.
Streets of Downtown

The 16th Annual Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour® presented by GM Performance Division arrives in Mobile on Friday, June 11th when the streets of downtown will explode with the action of the nation's most well known traveling hot rod tour. Over 4,000 participating cars and 65,000 spectators are expected for the tour. This is the American car lovers' dream come to life. Stroll among one of the world's finest rolling displays of all makes and models of high-end hot rods, street rods, custom trucks, muscle cars, sport compacts, and street machines. Registration is open to any year, make or model of vehcile in every city. Pre-register through Friday, May 24, 2010 by visiting the website listed below or call 1-(877)-413-6515.
Hot Rod Power Tour
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Reptile Planet
Exploreum
July 5, 2010 - October 24, 2010

Reptile Planet features 30 exotic, live reptiles from 20 different countries, including Burmese pythons, snake-necked turtles, veiled chameleons and American alligators. An interactive zoological experience, Reptile Planet will leave families with a new-found appreciation for these often misunderstood creatures.

Prices
Exhibit Only Tickets (Permanent exhibits and Reptile Planet)
Adults (19-59) - $13.00
Seniors (60+) - $11.50
Youth (13-18) - $11.50
Child (2-12) - $11.00

Combo Tickets (Permanent exhibits, Reptile Planet and an IMAX film)
Adults (19-59) - $17.00
Seniors (60+) - $16.00
Youth (13-18) - $16.00
Child (2-12) - $14.50

For more information, please visit: http://www.exploreum.com/exhibits

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Monster Jam
Friday, July 23 and Saturday July 24, 2010
7:30 p.m.

Featuring USHRA Monster Trucks including Grave Digger driven by Pablo Huffaker, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, Cult Energy Activator, Sudden Impact Ground Pounder, War Wizard, and more!*
*Subject to change without notice.

Ticket prices are as follows:
Gold Circle: $20 Adults/$5 Kids
Mid-Level: $16 Adults/$5 Kids
All tickets $3 more on day of show

Tickets are available at the Mobile Civic Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge by phone, call 1-800-745-3000, or purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com

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Gallery and Museum Exhibits

Coastal Abstractions

Mobile Arts Council
Month of June 2010

In June, Mobile Arts Council hosts three exhibitions that depict the beauty of the natural world - and its fragility, with particular emphasis on the Gulf Coast: Coastal Abstractions (paintings by Sarah Haas Otts and photographs by Rebekah Phillips Webb), The Green Room (an exhibition and silent auction benefiting Mobile Baykeeper) and Big Florals and a Few Small Ones (paintings by Paula Stadther) The exhibitions are on display at MAC (318 Dauphin St.) from through Friday, June 25. The galleries are open Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM.

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Personal Interiors
Space 301
Through July 3, 2010

Organized by Jason Guynes, Professor of Art and Chairperson, Department of Visual Arts, The University of South Alabama.

Alan Feltus and Lani Irwin are internationally renowned figurative artists who also happened to be married to each other. Both artists have received coveted Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grants and exhibited internationally at numerous prestigious venues. Both artists are inspired by themes of classical antiquity and, though originally from the United States, have lived in Italy for the past fifteen years.

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Water
The Paper Wasp, 306 Dauphin Street
Through July 1, 2010

This four person show explores the natural world of our coastal community and how it informs our identity. Media features Ceramics, Painting, Photography and Printmaking.

Featuring the work of:
Rebekah Webb
Nikki Burkett
Steve Strickland
Yuko Jordan

An opening reception will be held Friday, June 11th from 6pm to 9pm during the LoDa Artwalk.

Also, we will be donating the contents of our tip jar at the end of the Artwalk to The Nature Conservancy's Alabama Coastal Program for oil spill clean up projects.

Come celebrate with us the wonders of water.

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Kangal Gallery in the Sail Loft
58 N. Royal Street
June Hours: 10L30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Wed. and Sat. Open house for ArtWalk June 11th.

Featuring artist Gail Bramer, Susan Steber Kangal, Patricia Lord, and Karen Spaulding with mixed media, paintings, photography, mosaic mirrors, painted windows, floor cloths, and gift items at 58 North Royal Street, half block north of the Battle House Hotel. Info 251-209-8914 or e-mail [email protected].

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George Washington Carver Exhibit
Monday, Mar 22, 2010 - Sunday, Jul 04, 2010 The Museum of Mobile
111 Royal Street
Mon. - Sat. from 9:00a.m. to 5p.m
Sun. 1p.m. to 5p.m
Admission: $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for seniors, $3.00 for students, free for children under 6

George Washington Carver was an environmental scientist long before there was a word for it. Carver blazed a trail for the development of products from plants. Today's accelerating research on plant-based fuels, medicines, and other products is rooted in Carver's work. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about this amazing man at the George Washington Carver Exhibit.

www.museumofmobile.com

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Alliance Unveils New Service Center to Report Problems


The City of Mobile's 311 system has proven to be an invaluable for citizens wishing to report problems and issues of concern. It has also greatly increased the responsiveness of city employees to such issues.

The Alliance now has a similar mechanism for folks downtown to use when they encounter maintenance, cleanliness or nuisance problems that occur within the Business Improvement District.

All you have to do is go to our website and click on the Report a Problem image. You'll be directed to a form that will go directly to our Regents and Stewards. You may even leave your email address if you wish to track your request for service.

Of course, we hope you'll still call us from time to time, especially when unusual situations arise, but the new system will expedite responses and streamline the paperwork process...something we can all appreciate these days!

__________________________

The Downtown Mobile Alliance exists to support the redevelopment of downtown through advocacy, marketing and the management of BID services.

261 Dauphin Street
Mobile, AL 36602

:: 251-434-8498

www.downtownmobile.org

[SouthSky]

Originally Posted by yeahwhatever

First off...

channel 10 annouced hd long ago and the switch is expected jan 1. no word from wpmi yet.

Do you have a link for that WALA 10 announcement? I've been looking for this for a while.

[Muskavon]

Originally Posted by yeahwhatever

First off...
WEAR news can barely claim to be in HD. The only part of their newscasts in HD are the anchors and meteorologists. All of the stories and videos from cameras in the field are all still standard definition. Its like WEAR rushed out and bought 3 HD studio cameras just so they could claim to be the only station in high definition.
Second, WKRG just announced which HD system they will be using. They didnt give a date for the HD switch because it takes a long time to get the equipment set up, employees trained, etc. I'd say look for them to make the switch sometime next summer or fall 2011.
channel 10 annouced hd long ago and the switch is expected jan 1. no word from wpmi yet.

The cost to upgrade to HD is massive. We're talking about gutting an entire system in the station and also replacing all of the field cameras (unless you are WEAR). I'm sure all of the stations and their ownership companies would love to have been in HD two years ago, but i'd bet the economy had an effect on those plans.

You are right that the only HD WEAR has is the studio cams. I'm not trying to make this a city war. Any new HD is good for me, the viewer. I watch all the locals when I can. It truly does fascinate me how long it is taking to get the others off the ground...even if they only have an HD "aquarium cam" like WEAR does, lol. If you had asked me to bet in 1996, the last newscast I woulda been willing to bet had gone just a little techno would be WEAR. I get what you are saying that they still suck and will quiver in the HD candle of all the awesome HD about to come from WKRG, WPMI, etc. But the fact will remain that several years have gone by and, economy or not, it is bizarre to me that WEAR tried it out first in their horrible, sucky, dispicable...but ever more watchable way. Sorry.

But hey, if pending HD caused Sue Straughn to lose massive weight....it is all worth it, IMO. And it seems to me it may have.

[SouthSky]

Originally Posted by Muskavon

You are right that the only HD WEAR has is the studio cams. I'm not trying to make this a city war. Any new HD is good for me, the viewer. I watch all the locals when I can. It truly does fascinate me how long it is taking to get the others off the ground...even if they only have an HD "aquarium cam" like WEAR does, lol. If you had asked me to bet in 1996, the last newscast I woulda been willing to bet had gone just a little techno would be WEAR. I get what you are saying that they still suck and will quiver in the HD candle of all the awesome HD about to come from WKRG, WPMI, etc. But the fact will remain that several years have gone by and, economy or not, it is bizarre to me that WEAR tried it out first in their horrible, sucky, dispicable...but ever more watchable way. Sorry.

But hey, if pending HD caused Sue Straughn to lose massive weight....it is all worth it, IMO. And it seems to me it may have.

I can't deny I enjoy watching Bree Sison on WEARHD.

Link

By the way, that WKRG HD news hasn't been repeated by the actual station, but the press release said the HD systems would be installed by the year's end. Maybe they are at least half-way trying to beat out WALA.

[jmbreland]

I think that you are expecting too much out of these little guys. At least half of all TV programming is not in HD yet, so the timing of the local news stations making the switch seems to be on par. And, as Yeahwhatever said, it's an expensive and time-consuming process. It's going to take time.

[bayou15]

Neaux Message

[SouthSky]

Airbus to add 90 engineers at Mobile, Ala., engineering center
Published: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 3:41 PM
Updated: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 7:47 PM
Jeff Amy, Mobile Press-Register
Link

MOBILE, Ala. -- EADS is upping its nontanker commitment to Mobile.

Airbus Americas, the jetliner unit of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co., will add 90 engineers to its office at the Brookley Field Industrial Complex. Like the current 150 engineers, the new additions will work on projects other than the aerial refueling tanker that EADS hopes to assemble in Mobile for the U.S. Air Force.

The news trickled out Tuesday, the same day that local governments ratified incentives for the proposed $700 million tanker complex.

"Our commitment to Mobile is strong," said David Trent, site director for Airbus Americas at the Brookley engineering center. "We continue to grow here and will continue to grow here...

[Port_of_Bama]

Originally Posted by SouthSky

Airbus to add 90 engineers at Mobile, Ala., engineering center
Published: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 3:41 PM
Updated: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 7:47 PM
Jeff Amy, Mobile Press-Register
Link

That is great news !! It`s good to know that white collar jobs in Mobile are growing and I truelly believe in Airbus`s comittment to Mobile.


I noticed that the first few bottom and top floors of the Amsouth tower has new windows. I`m also ready to see the new polished ivory exterior of the building and the surprise Mardi Gra them on top.


I have also noticed that there are a couple of buildings downtown that are being converted into apartments instead of lofts which is a good thing.We need more diverse residentual housing downtown and that also shows that there is a strong demand for downtown living. I was also told that there are apartment units in the RSA TOWER as well.

[jmbreland]

New windows, really?! Pictures, please!