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Author: K Michael Nesbitt

I spent four years in the US Navy and the next twenty in the mid west. I love the mountains and appreciate the fact that I get to see them all the time now. I am a bit of a sports fan. I enjoy dabbling in the world of fiction novel writing. I am also a licensed real estate agent in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
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Why the Off Season is Still Exciting

Do you Already Miss Baseball? It's Monday and time to talk sports.  The 2015 World Series is in the record books and another season complete.  We now know who the Champions are and if they are your team - congratulations are in order.  I know that in 154 days my team will be back at it, ready to chase down yet another crown.  Until then, so many things are left undone.  The off season has just begun. I am sad to see the season go away, of course, but also excited to see what the clubs will do here in the preparation time for 2016.  I know some of the things that will be on the Cardinals' minds and I hope they just make the right decisions.  I can't tell you what those are, but they make the big bucks to make those calls and I just sit and wait in anticipation. One of the moves on their mind, they've already made.  The option for 2016 was picked up by the team on Jaime Garcia.  I hope now that he has no desire to get hurt.  I also hope he realizes that he is extremely valuable to this team and its' success. Another big potential move the Cardinals will have to make or avoid making is that with our right fielder, former Atlanta Brave - Jason Heyward.  His MLB-hating agent Scott Boras will undoubtedly want a lot.  I just hope we can make the right decision with this position.  The outfield happens to be such a tricky thing in MLB and a lot of clubs have been burned by throwing money away on one player only to have them end up on the DL or worse yet, just lose the talent that they had just a season ago.  The regular season numbers for Heyward are far from All Star caliber.  His post season average was very good (.357), but he still lacked the power and production numbers that a big budget outfielder needs to have.  His clutch defense and presence in the lineup may just be enough to garner a fair offer by the Cardinals. Either way that goes, the off season is so fun and full of anticipation.  I can't wait for Opening Day, but until then, it's time to build another championship team ready to make a run at ring number 12. Are you already thinking of your Opening Day party, too?  If you still don't have that perfect place to watch the games, use the guide below and check out the listings.  Today may be your day.

  • Northern Virginia — Overview of Northern VA neighborhoods
  • City — Inside the Beltway, near the Metro, close to shops and culture.
  • Suburbs — Close to town, but plenty of green grass.
  • Exburbs — For those who prefer a little longer commute to get a larger home.

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3 Reasons to Choose Noodles & Company

Are you tired of cooking for the family? If you really need a night out of the kitchen, but still want to take the family, I think I have a possible alternative.  Sometimes, going out for dinner is a big hassle.  Dragging everyone out of the house, hoping for cooperation and for the odd chance that none of the kids are fighting with each other is sometimes tough to get.  When this does happen the price that you pay to eat out, unless its in a drive thru window is not fun to take on. I went out on Route 1 in Alexandria last night to Noodles & Company.  This name of the restaurant alone is a magnet to me.  I decided to try this out and see if it was an option for not only me, but the family outings as well.  My goal was to see if the price, taste of the food and the atmosphere were conducive to family outings. The simple answer to all of these is 'yes'.  I looked up the menu before arriving on the web site, so I was already prepared to make my selection.  When I did order, I found the staff to be very smiley and cheerful.   This is a good sign.  I ordered something that I miss very much - spaghetti and meatballs.  I complimented the tomato taste with a side of tomato bisque soup and added an orange juice. The price was very reasonable and I was happy to not be eating greasy fast food.  This alone made it a good evening for me.  The atmosphere in the restaurant was very clean and family oriented.  It made me think happy thoughts.  Again, a good thing. When I did complete my meal, I was pleasantly surprised again to find that every morsel was delicious.  For a casual, inexpensive, family dining experience this was just what I was hoping to find. Next week I'll look for another like this and report my findings.   Still looking for that dream home to complete your evenings?  Check out the information and the listings below.

Real Estate and Neighborhoods of Alexandria, VA

Alexandria dates back to the colonial era and many of the neighborhoods of Alexandria reflect that heritage. However, Alexandria is also home to newer and relatively new neighborhoods like the Carlyle District and Kingstowne. To learn more about these or other neighborhoods in Alexandria VA, surf through the tabs here. Alexandria is a highly livable city with enviable amenities, culture and attractions. The Commonwealth of Virginia considers Alexandria an "independent city" which means that Alexandria is not in any county. However, parts of Northern Virginia have an Alexandria postal address, but are actually in Fairfax County. All this can be confusing for newcomers to the area, but we try to simplify this in our guide by organizing things so they make sense for the home buyer. You won't have to be a Virginia jurisdictional authority to find the home you want to buy, but start here for a primer on Alexandria.
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Why won’t the NBA expand to St. Louis?

Are you a fan of the NBA? If you are a fan, you can appreciate my confusion.  I am wanting to know why St. Louis can't attract an NBA franchise.  Why am I bringing this up today?  I am about to attend my first NBA game this Saturday night when the Wizards take on the Knicks. Why is this my first NBA game?  I have liked the NBA for a long time, but have never had the chance to attend a game.  This is because I was living in St. Louis and that is one sport they're lacking there.  Now, I'm on the east coast and sports are all around me.  Not great baseball, but you can't have it all.
Opening Night at Verizon Center Oct 2015
Opening Night at Verizon Center Oct 2015
What I'm really curious to learn is why the NBA doesn't see St. Louis as a great place to land.  This city is full of the most insanely die-hard fans any city has known.  The Rams fans are dedicated to the end, which may be this season.  This doesn't halt our drive to be dedicated when it comes to supporting them every game.  The thrill of winning the Super Bowl back in the 1999-2000 season will never be forgotten.  The desire to go back motivates us as fans to never give up. The Blues have never won the Stanley Cup, but we as a fan base are dedicated to the core and await the first raising of Lord Stanley's Cup with eager anticipation.  Winning the President's Trophy, when Pronger and MacInnis were at the top of their game in 1999-2000, was just what we needed to fuel our desire to have it all.  The regular season is usually wonderful, but the playoffs have been tricky for us.  Hopefully better days are just ahead. The Cardinals tradition is legendary.  The franchise is simply the model of excellence that any organization wishes to attain.  The best of the best have come through this team as players, managers and broadcasters.  These greats include:  Jack Buck, Stan THE MAN Musial, Tony LaRussa, Albert Pujols, Ozzie Smith, Harry Caray, Mike Shannon, Lou Brock, Ken Boyer, Willie McGee, Ernie Broglio, Bruce Sutter, Darrell Porter and Chris Carpenter, to name a few.  If you're a Cardinal fan you'll never forget the heroes that no one else knew, but us: Stubby Clapp, So Taguchi and Bo Hart.  We'll also never forget certain players for cementing their place in history and in our hearts with only a few massive highlights:  Glenn Brummer, George Hendrick (it was my blazing speed that did it...) and of course David Freese.  They all usually end up leaving with one or more rings.  The point of bringing these up is simple - if we can support these three sports in St. Louis, why can't we get a basketball team? Looking for the next great home to view opening night at Verizon Center?  Check out the enclosed guide and the listings just below.  Go Wizards!
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1 Reason why the Cubs Couldn’t Win

Are you still confused about this year's World Series and the opponents in this classic? No need to be confused about why the Mets and Royals are in the Series and not some other clubs.  I was recently asked by a Cubs fan in a local gym, "Why do we never get a chance to experience the next step?"  We proceeded to diagnose the ailment of the club and talked about things like youth and in-experience.  We chatted about there being something good about dumb youth, but at some point there needs to be some direction to put them over the top.  The real reason why they didn't advance is much more simple. Going back to the NLDS, the Cubs faced a much more experienced and talented team in the Cardinals.  They were able to get past them for a couple of reasons, only one of which is relevant here.  The Cardinals offense managed to make Jake Arrieta (#49 and starting pitcher for the Cubs) look human and almost Steve Blass - like.  At one point in the game, Jake couldn't find the strike zone at all and it seemed as if things weren't going to get any better, just like the 1972 season for Blass. The problem with this is that the Cubs didn't have any other pitcher who was ready for the next level.  The thing that got them past the Cardinals is their offense, which made the Cards look feeble and weak.  This is exactly what they were at this point in the season.  They were worn out and injured. Pitching is the key to success.  With it, your team will go far and without it, you'll wonder if the commissioner paid your team to blow it.  It's as simple as that.  Pitching got the Mets and Royals to the Fall Classic and the winner will show that they have the best staff.  You want a great team?  Go get the best young and talented pitching staff.  It can happen for any team, no matter what their history tells us. Do you still need a new place to catch the Series?  Check out the guide below and the listings under it.  Hopefully this can bring a smile to your face, no matter how your month has gone so far.
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How to Keep a Customer

Do you like ribs? Not everyone likes the juicy, sloppy, fun of eating ribs, but I do.  Here in the Alexandria, Virginia area, there are many choices for the rib dining, but today let's focus on two.  I have not been here very long, therefore I haven't had the opportunity to be too selective about my dining experiences.  What I have for you is a comparison between two rib joints that claim to have delicious food. Now, let's begin by laying down the base line understanding that taste is relative.  No problem.  This discussion is two-fold.  I will be comparing taste (my opinions) and also service in these two establishments. The two restaurants in question today are:
  1. Shane's Rib Shack
  2. Famous Dave's
The first of these two I found on my way to Bed, Bath and Beyond one day and I have been back a few times.  The atmosphere is casual, clean and inviting.  The staff inside the facility have always been top notch with me.  Their friendly treatment is what made me come back the second time and so on.  The reason to keep coming back is the food.  The ribs are absolutely delicious and need no extra sauce, but if desired, their sauces are very good as well.  The sides that they offer are not only reasonably priced, but served in a good portion size. I'll be back.Shane's Rib Shack I was told to go to Famous Dave's, because they have the best ribs.  Cool, I thought.  I was looking forward to this.  I decided to finally go there, when I had the chance and I'm sorry that I did. Famous Dave's is right on Route 1, in front of Lowe's, so it has good visibility.  When I arrived, I walked in the Carry-Out side of the facility and the door slammed into my back, because the closer was broken.  It kept hitting everyone that I saw while I was there.  Bad sign already, I thought. The girls at the counter who took my order, were confused, not really in control and had a long line of bags waiting to be picked up.  These bags may have been for some of the people waiting, but they never checked until the customers ran out of patience, walked up and asked.  Poor customer service was evident. When I left with my food, I was excited to maybe have something good to think about this place.  I didn't finish the meal and threw half of it out.  The ribs were full of fat and the bones weren't whole, they were almost shattered inside the meat/fat content and it was a terrible fight to find meat.  Finally, I gave up and ended the experiment. Needless to say, Shane's Rib Shack will be seeing me again, someone else will not. Are you close to Shane's and need a new place to dive into the yummy ribs?  Use the key below to see if we can help.
Alexandria also has many condos for sale. We've taken the time to sort these by price as well. Check Alexandria condos for sale to find condos sorted by price. Maybe, something here is just what you're looking for.
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A Few Things to Like about Riverside

I have recently been out to one of the properties that we manage in the Riverside subdivision and I was pleasantly surprised with not only the neighborhood, but the dwelling as well.  The subdivision is close to Fort Belvoir, Old Town Alexandria and Washington DC. The drive out to this house was very beautiful.  I was surrounded by trees for a while, then had a view of mountains in the distance.  When I did get to the neighborhood I realized another big perk.  It is simply the fact that the neighborhood is well manicured and quiet.  The traffic pattern wasn't crazy and loud and didn't make me want to put my hands over the back of my head and dive onto the front lawn.  Trust me, I've felt this way in other neighborhoods before. The pleasant vibe that I got from being there only added to the experience of the visit, because the house was not only well kept, but also very, very spacious.  The four bedrooms and 2.5 baths made this and the others just like it in this neighborhood very desirable indeed. Are you ready for your new chateau in the Alexandria area?  Refer to the information below to get you started.

Map of real estate for sale at Riverside Estates

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Here are a few in the area that are ready for you today.
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Why the Games must be Played

Did you fall under the spell of the Cubs? The playoffs are a magical time of year.  This beautiful part of the baseball season gives us the ability to follow our favorite team and be either filled with joy or beaten down in defeat.  This season a recurring or regurgitating story stole headlines from coast to coast.  It's almost as if the World Series was already won in April and the rest of us just had to wait it out to get to the trophy presentation. Not so fast.  Teams on paper or even ones that were created in the movies seldom pan out the way people expect.  Why, you ask - simple really - there's a great game going on and it must be played on the field, not on paper.  This season's example was the Chicago Cubs, who are beat on every year because they haven't won the World Series in over a hundred years.  Well, be that as it may, some franchises have never won (Tampa Bay, Colorado, Seattle, Washington, San Diego, Milwaukee, Houston and Texas).  So, while we pick on the Cubs, many have realized that this success doesn't come easily.  You can have the best team ever assembled and still fall short.
Somber Look of Defeat
Somber Look of Defeat
Don't hate your team or it's management, just because you didn't go all the way this season, enjoy the ride.  This is a beautiful game and it's meant to be enjoyed.  It is a game, by the way.  No matter what it feels like to you.  Another thing, don't always believe what you see in the movies - they're meant as entertainment.  This season has proven just that. Are you ready to find a new place to watch your sports or movies?  Check out the links below.

Old Town feels small town, upscale and touristy. For most folks there is a bit of prestige attached to an Old Town address. There are two high rises near the waterfront at the Alexandria House and Port Royal. Some folks call the Torpedo Factory condos the "flagship Old Town" because of their fantastic location.

Old Town Alexandria has many townhouses, row houses and a smaller number single family homes. Click Old Town to search listings of properties in Old Town Alexandria.

map of Old Town
Historic Old Town Alexandria is on the Potomac River.
Here are some possible choices, ready for you right now:
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A Few Facts about River Towers

River Towers is a high-rise condominium community, which is just outside of Washington DC.  It is also less than two miles from Old Town Alexandria in Virginia.  The location of this condo community is ideal, because of its proximity to the Potomac River and other attractions, such as National Harbor.
6641 WAKEFIELD DR, Unit 512, Alexandria, VA 22307
High-rise condominium
      This condo community is made up of three buildings numbered as such: 6621, 6631 and 6641.  These three buildings were constructed in 1963, then converted to condos in 1981.  All together, these three comprise over five hundred units. This community is also within walking distance to Safeway grocery store, the post office, a doughnut shop and an elementary school. Three roads dead end at River Towers which makes for an easy drive back home and they are as follows:  East Wakefield Drive, Potomac Avenue and West Wakefield Drive. Are you looking for a reasonably prices abode to lay your head?  Would you like to rent or maybe buy in the area?  See below for some possible landing spots for you and your family.  

Real Estate and Neighborhoods of Alexandria, VA

Alexandria dates back to the colonial era and many of the neighborhoods of Alexandria reflect that heritage. However, Alexandria is also home to newer and relatively new neighborhoods like the Carlyle District and Kingstowne. To learn more about these or other neighborhoods in Alexandria VA, surf through the tabs here. Alexandria is a highly livable city with enviable amenities, culture and attractions. The Commonwealth of Virginia considers Alexandria an "independent city" which means that Alexandria is not in any county. However, parts of Northern Virginia have an Alexandria postal address, but are actually in Fairfax County. All this can be confusing for newcomers to the area, but we try to simplify this in our guide by organizing things so they make sense for the home buyer. You won't have to be a Virginia jurisdictional authority to find the home you want to buy, but start here for a primer on Alexandria.

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Get out and Enjoy the View

Are you looking to hibernate, now that it's getting colder?   I live in a beautiful state.  The visual wonders of  Virginia nature have no end.  This is a good time of year to gaze at these wonders.  With the colder weather, comes the changing of leaf color on the trees and then the falling of those leaves.  These two things bring about two distinct opportunities for you.
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View from Skyline Drive just before fall
The first of these is to gaze out at and photo all of the beauty entailed in the bright colored leaves adorning the trees.  The second of these presents opportunities not realized until this time of year.  With the falling of the leaves comes the addition of even more spectacular views.  Virginia is not short on visual beauty anyway with the mountains, hills and valleys that can easily make you drop your jaw to the ground. What this time of year does to this consistent beauty is kick it up a notch (as Emeril would say) or two.  A great place to witness this in all its splendor is the Shenandoah National Forest.  This forest, which was established in 1935, boasts the Blue Ridge Mountains and is over three hundred square miles. Make some time this fall to head out to Front Royal to see some truly beautiful views and color that will amaze you.  When you get there, go to Skyline Drive, stop at all of the designated stopping points and gaze out at the views.  Take pictures of nature and selfies to prove that you were there.  Along this drive, which would take over 3 hours to complete, you will have a tough time seeing all of the amazing views, even at the slow speed limit you will travel. The second of these opportunities that this time of year presents is not so obvious right now.  Skyline Drive this time of year is breathtaking and you will not forget it.  But, keep in mind to come back later in the season, when the leaves have fallen and even more views become available.  The drive will cost you $20.00, but it is more than worth it.  Use the map to document the best views and stop at the souvenir shop for a keepsake. Don't forget that this time of year is to be enjoyed, not forgotten.  Nature is in the midst of a seasonal change and working hard to make you notice it - will you? Are you looking for a new home or townhouse in a specific area?  Maybe you are looking for a new location that will allow you to experience all beauty that nature has to offer?  If so, use the guide below and it can help with your quest.

  • Northern Virginia — Overview of Northern VA neighborhoods
  • City — Inside the Beltway, near the Metro, close to shops and culture.
  • Suburbs — Close to town, but plenty of green grass.
  • Exburbs — For those who prefer a little longer commute to get a larger home.
Maybe, you want to be a little ways from nature, but still close enough to reach in a short drive, if so here are a couple of possibilities to consider:
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Why the Baseball Season is NOT over

Is your team eliminated from the MLB playoffs?  Did your team fail to make the playoffs? If you answered yes to either one of these questions, please keep reading.  I am a supporter of a team no longer in the quest for another championship, because they have been eliminated from contention.  This will not end the season, for me.  I love baseball and I love the ups and downs of not only the regular season, but the playoffs as well.  To watch my team go down was not fun and it never is either.  I have, however, come to some realizations over the years supporting my team, the Cardinals and I will share some with you now. First of all, it's almost acceptable to not continue on to the World Series every year and it's also okay to not get upset because of being eliminated.  How can I say this so calmly, even though I have a crazy passion for my team?  The answer is simple, but a bit complex for some people to accept.  I've had this talk with young and old people alike from different cities, states and countries.  I've even had the talk in different countries with sports fans and it seems there are people all over the fence on this subject. I love my team.  More than that, I love the game of baseball.  The game continues on and will do so, with or without my input and participation.  Since this is the case, I would much rather be involved and take sides all the way to the end of the last game of the World Series.  Only one team will win, no matter what happens during the season, this will not change.  The odds of winning it all are very slim.  Accepting this makes it easier for me to deal with being ousted from contention. My support, as of today, is with one team that is from a city that I love and I loved visiting.  This team is actually in the league that I prefer and they are playing a team that I don't particularly support, because they are from the same division as my favorite team.  I am supporting the New York Mets and I hope they go all the way.  It's been a number of years since they hoisted that beautiful trophy and I hope they enjoy the feeling again.  In 1969 they were called the Amazing Mets (or 'Mazings if you prefer).  The fans of the team are getting enthralled once again, expecting big things. No matter who I pull for, when watching or listening to the games on the MLB app, at least I still have the fun stress of the games to feel and I love it.  This time of year has many sports in their regular seasons, but for me, baseball is still here - for a bit longer.

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