Learning experience

Dilworth's Latta Pavilion aparently has been a learning experience for Grubb Properties. Good. I hope they don't repeat their mistakes at 1523 Elizabeth Avenue. I never felt comfortable visiting Latta -- narrow sidewalks smack up against speeding traffic on three sides. It's too big for the site, and it's hard to manuever around it. On Elizabeth, the building next to Carpe Diem has been set back a tad. I hope they continue that. Also, Elizabeth Avenue is two lanes, althought Hawthorne is four. I think this is going to be a good project.

Make a note of it

One of the ways we were able to bust the guy who broke into our house recently is that I had a list of serial numbers on some of the things he stole. If you haven't made such a list yet, you ought to. I was reminded of this by the latest crime tip from Sgt. Rich Stahnke of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department:

Thefts of the popular Apple iPod are common (CMPD has recorded 100 such thefts between 12/9/2005 and 6/26/2006). Common among the CMPD reports is the lack of iPod serial numbers, indicating that most of the victims do not know their iPod’s serial number. There are several resources available to assist in obtaining that information, including the original iPod packaging and, perhaps the purchase receipt. Another way to determine the iPod serial number is to access the iTunes (version 6 or later) program on the computer they download music from. The serial number of the last iPod connected to the computer will be displayed.

Find your iPod serial number.

Block party

If it's one thing we know how to do in Elizabeth, it's party. So be there Aug. 13 for the 2nd Annual ECA Multi-Location Block Party Membership Drive. (We might have to work on the name.) If you want to help or want to share your yard for this event, call Dianna Desaulniers at 704-236-4286.

Traffic testimonials

Now's the time to air your traffic gripes. The ECA wants to hear what you have to say. There'll be a neighborhood meeting Aug. 20 at 4 p.m. at Russell and Britta Crandall's house, 2338 Greenway Ave. If you've lived in Elizabeth longer than six months you probably have a traffic horror story to share. Come on by.

Streetcar meeting

From the CATS folks: "The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) will hold a public meeting to discuss updated information on the streetcar project. Project information on the capital costs, environmental effects, and the top two sites for the maintenance facility will be shared with the public for feedback. Boards will be present displaying renderings of the proposed maintenance facility sites." If you hope to have an affect on the future of the streetcar system -- which will become a part of our neighborhood -- now is the time.

Tree 1, Car 0

So then we came home from the fireworks and the power was out. Could have been worse -- it could have been my car under that fallen tree on Clement, not poor Gary Jackson's. Jackson said he was upstairs with his young boys when the tree fell. He thought the noise was just part of the boom boom show. Until the lights went out. Unbelievably power was restored early this morning, and the tree was completely gone by 6:30 p.m.

Great show

Maybe they had problems downtown, but from where I watched the fireworks last night -- in the Armory parking lot on Armory Drive -- everyone was peaceful and well-behaved. I can't imagine how people downtown, or at Dilworth Grill -- or even in Memorial Stadium -- could see all the fireworks. Many of the visuals didn't get far off the ground. And they never turned off the lights in Memorial, so folks there would have been looking up into them. But, as I say, from where I sat it was a great show.

Dr. Mento

As promised, here's video of Hardin proving there is almost nothing he won't try when it comes to Diet Coke and Mentos.

Patriots on parade

Quite a turnout at the annual Elizabeth Fourth of July Parade today. The walk around the block was fun and featured a few more cars but fewer motorcycles this year. The real action came afterward, of course, in Hardin's backyard. That's Marley and Hardin (above) reading from the Declaration of Independence. There were other readings and of course songs. Not to mention hot dogs and lemonade and cookies and chips. I've got a video of what's sure to be a new July 4 tradition, Diet Coke and Mentos. I hope to post it somewhere soon.


Clearly the biggest hit was Lahleh Emadi, dressed as Paula Revere - complete with bell to warn against approaching British soldiers. She won the prize for best costume.

Better than fireworks

Another cool yearly Elizabeth event: The July Fourth parade (that's my daughter Anne before last year's parade above). Starts down by Hardin's house (doesn't everything?), and goes four blocks down Clement, 8th, Lamar and Bay. Afterward we read from the Declaration of Independence and sing patriotic songs and eat hot dogs. It's done for no other reason than we like living here and being part of this great country. Bring a dish and join us. Parade starts at 10:30 or thereabouts. Wear your best patriotic outfit. Who knows -- you could win a prize.

Neighborhood explosives

They'll be firing off the explosives in our neighborhood tomorrow. CPCC will be your fireworks host, but the question is: Where is the best spot to watch? Memorial Stadium with 11,000 others? One of the parking decks uptown? How about the Hawthorne bridge? Presbyterian Hospital parking deck? The Lamar dead-end? Let me know where you watched and how it rated so we'll all know for next year.