RSS Feed
- TGE
- Breathe & Let Go
- N. Grand & 20th
- New for '08
- Family Values
- Makin' Dough?
- Stop
- Walk Of Shame
- Ballpark Village
- The Future
- November 2006
- December 2006
- January 2007
- February 2007
- March 2007
- April 2007
- May 2007
- June 2007
- July 2007
- August 2007
- September 2007
- October 2007
- October 2007
- December 2007
- January 2008
- February 2008
- March 2008
- April 2008
- Current Posts
I can't think of anything STL related to write about today, and I'm in a bitchy mood, so a list of things that have gotten on my nerves this morning follows!
OK, just for some balance, some things I love about this morning:
Ahhhh...that feels better! A more productive post later!
- People who drive huge SUV's and park in spaces marked "Compact Only" inside a 1970s designed parking garage. Why are spaces marked "Compact only"? Because if a Hummer, Escalade or other penis enhancing car parks in those spaces, you can barely get around them!
- Smokers. Look, I'm not going to vote to ban smoking anywhere, so can you try and have some respect for me & everybody else and spary some Febreeze on yourself after you light up? The people who sit around me at work all smoke, and it's suffocatingly stinky when they come back from a smoke break.
- Co-workers with fancy titles who have to puff themselves up by putting others down. These same people are usually the ones driving the Hummers and Escalades mentioned in complaint #1.
- Having someone who is my equal at work inform clients and higher ups that she has me "working" on a project. I'm not your bitch.
- Waking up a half hour late for work. No, wait, I take that back. It felt kind of good to sleep in!
- Stupid drivers who make a u-turn at the stop light in front of the Hampton entrance to Forest Park without using a blinker. You almost caused a wreck you stupid fuck.
OK, just for some balance, some things I love about this morning:
- Seeing my dog lay in front of the shower until I got out. Sometimes I think that puppy really likes me! Yeah, I need a boyfriend.
- The videos of St. Louis residents voicing their opinions about a state takeover of City schools over at Pub Def. Very inspiring.
- Listening to some good music I've recently discovered.
- Planning for my trip to NYC.
- Thinking about lunch. I'm hungry!
Ahhhh...that feels better! A more productive post later!
I present to you, dear reader, the virtual Arch:
Looks kind of funny, don't you think? It's still an arch, it looks pretty close to the original stainless steel structure that sits on the riverfront, but it's all wrong. In this digital representation of the Arch, St. Louis' signature monument loses all of its grace and poise. It becomes, well, just a pointy arch.
With new development happening within the City of St. Louis, with so many builders trying to erect new "old" buildings, developers must be held to some basic standard of design. Proportion, detailing, scale, massing, how a structure relates to the street are all things that should be scrutinized and perfected when building new in the City. The people who built St. Louis knew what they were doing, shouldn't the people who are rebuilding our City be held to the same standard?
The small things matter. Design matters. If the real Gateway Arch looked like the one pictured above, it would be hailed as a folly instead of the stunning piece of architectural sculpture it is. Fortunately for us, Eero Saarinen paid attention to the details.
Looks kind of funny, don't you think? It's still an arch, it looks pretty close to the original stainless steel structure that sits on the riverfront, but it's all wrong. In this digital representation of the Arch, St. Louis' signature monument loses all of its grace and poise. It becomes, well, just a pointy arch.
With new development happening within the City of St. Louis, with so many builders trying to erect new "old" buildings, developers must be held to some basic standard of design. Proportion, detailing, scale, massing, how a structure relates to the street are all things that should be scrutinized and perfected when building new in the City. The people who built St. Louis knew what they were doing, shouldn't the people who are rebuilding our City be held to the same standard?
The small things matter. Design matters. If the real Gateway Arch looked like the one pictured above, it would be hailed as a folly instead of the stunning piece of architectural sculpture it is. Fortunately for us, Eero Saarinen paid attention to the details.
I don't have a problem with BJC leasing a "disconnected" portion of Forest Park. I do have a problem with the backdoor politics that went into crafting the final deal; however, what worries me the most about this deal is the precedent it creates.
Public parks are for the public. If a private corporation wants to develop a piece of public parkland for their own use over an extended period of time (isn't BJC's lease for 99 years or something), I really believe the public should have a say in that. Mayor Slay and supporters of the BJC lease pretty much bypassed public opinion because they didn't want it. Too often, city officials forget who they work for. But, on the flip side, we pretty much don't hold them accountable either. I mean we vote in the same alderman year after year even if we don't like them.
The precedent this deal sets troubles me. Today it's a section of Forest Park nobody realized was a part of the grand park in the first place, tomorrow it's an unused section of Tower Grove Park. Sure, you say, we'll never see our parks carved up for private development, but I believe the Forest Park/BJC deal makes private development of our parks easier to do.
I may be wrong, and I do think the lease deal is beneficial to Forest Park, but...I don't know, I see a larger, more troubling picture here.
Public parks are for the public. If a private corporation wants to develop a piece of public parkland for their own use over an extended period of time (isn't BJC's lease for 99 years or something), I really believe the public should have a say in that. Mayor Slay and supporters of the BJC lease pretty much bypassed public opinion because they didn't want it. Too often, city officials forget who they work for. But, on the flip side, we pretty much don't hold them accountable either. I mean we vote in the same alderman year after year even if we don't like them.
The precedent this deal sets troubles me. Today it's a section of Forest Park nobody realized was a part of the grand park in the first place, tomorrow it's an unused section of Tower Grove Park. Sure, you say, we'll never see our parks carved up for private development, but I believe the Forest Park/BJC deal makes private development of our parks easier to do.
I may be wrong, and I do think the lease deal is beneficial to Forest Park, but...I don't know, I see a larger, more troubling picture here.
I love music. Love it. Most of the music I listen to is written and produced by straight men and women, which is great. However, there are times when it's nice to listen to lyrics and perspectives from those who have had similar experiences as I have. This evening I searched and searched the Internet trying to find a good, gay guy who made music that wasn't thump-thump "Cher-lite." Good gay literature and music is so hard to find. The stuff I always seem to run across is packaged & promoted in such a...sexual way. Clearly marketers of gay "entertainment" think they know their demographic. Bare chested men looking longingly into the camera and images of men groping each other dominate book jackets and CD covers of even "serious" gay artists.
I don't quite fit the mold described above. I like folky, melodic, alternative music. Oh sure, I like the occasional dance song, I'm quite into electronic music (Goldfrapp, etc.) and I love my 80's hits, but for the most part I'm all about the guitar playing singer/songwriter. I like intelligent lyrics and artful packaging. There aren't many gay folky singers that I could find, and the one or 2 I could find I either didn't like their voice (Rufus Wainwright, Eric Hinman) or they're ambiguously gay...like Sufjan Stevens, who is either super gay, or a devout Christian.
My research on Sufjan Stevens uncovered a huge Internet debate about whether or not the guy is gay. I must admit that the gay bashing, even in 2007, was a bit disturbing. There was talk of a musical "gay trap"...where an artist makes sexually ambiguous music to secretly turn straight people on to gay music. People thought when he mentioned a "he" in his lyrics, he was referring to Jesus. While I have no doubt he is a Christian man and peppers his music with religious metaphors in his music. lyrics like the ones below, about Sufjan and his best friend at summer camp, make me wonder. The following lyrics are from the song "The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades is Out to Get Us!":
and:
of course, there is this:
which is followed by this:
So it's tough to figure out. I want him to be gay so I can really feel like I relate to the guy, but in the end it doesn't matter because the music is what's important.
I'm getting away from my point. I guess I just found it funny how the straight people out there couldn't like this guy if he was gay (which hasn't been proven) because they wouldn't be able relate to him. I can totally relate to straight men and women singing about each other, so I found it odd that they couldn't relate to me. Sure, I change the meaning of some songs around in my mind a little, but I can always appreciate a talented singer. I just found it rather close-minded, especially since I, as a gay guy, am constantly exposed to ideas and art that doesn't come from someone like me, yet I'm able to appreciate the art all the same.
Oh, and the best part of tonight's search was stumbling across this list of "Gay Bands". I think you'll find the list an absolute hoot.
I don't quite fit the mold described above. I like folky, melodic, alternative music. Oh sure, I like the occasional dance song, I'm quite into electronic music (Goldfrapp, etc.) and I love my 80's hits, but for the most part I'm all about the guitar playing singer/songwriter. I like intelligent lyrics and artful packaging. There aren't many gay folky singers that I could find, and the one or 2 I could find I either didn't like their voice (Rufus Wainwright, Eric Hinman) or they're ambiguously gay...like Sufjan Stevens, who is either super gay, or a devout Christian.
My research on Sufjan Stevens uncovered a huge Internet debate about whether or not the guy is gay. I must admit that the gay bashing, even in 2007, was a bit disturbing. There was talk of a musical "gay trap"...where an artist makes sexually ambiguous music to secretly turn straight people on to gay music. People thought when he mentioned a "he" in his lyrics, he was referring to Jesus. While I have no doubt he is a Christian man and peppers his music with religious metaphors in his music. lyrics like the ones below, about Sufjan and his best friend at summer camp, make me wonder. The following lyrics are from the song "The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades is Out to Get Us!":
Oh how I meant to tease him
Oh how I meant no harm
Touching his back with my hand I kiss him
I see the wasp on the length of my arm
and:
We were in love. We were in love.
of course, there is this:
Lamb of God, we sound the horn.
Hallelujah!
To us your ghost is born.
Hallelu-
which is followed by this:
I can't explain the state that I'm in
The state of my heart, he was my best friend
Into the car, from the back seat
Oh admiration in falling asleep
All of my powers, day after day
I can tell you, we swaggered and swayed
Deep in the tower, the prairies below
I can tell you, the telling gets old
Terrible sting and terrible storm
I can tell you the day we were born
My friend is gone, he ran away
I can tell you, I love him each day
Though we have sparred, wrestled and raged
I can tell you I love him each day
Terrible sting, terrible storm
I can tell you...
So it's tough to figure out. I want him to be gay so I can really feel like I relate to the guy, but in the end it doesn't matter because the music is what's important.
I'm getting away from my point. I guess I just found it funny how the straight people out there couldn't like this guy if he was gay (which hasn't been proven) because they wouldn't be able relate to him. I can totally relate to straight men and women singing about each other, so I found it odd that they couldn't relate to me. Sure, I change the meaning of some songs around in my mind a little, but I can always appreciate a talented singer. I just found it rather close-minded, especially since I, as a gay guy, am constantly exposed to ideas and art that doesn't come from someone like me, yet I'm able to appreciate the art all the same.
Oh, and the best part of tonight's search was stumbling across this list of "Gay Bands". I think you'll find the list an absolute hoot.
I had a job interview downtown yesterday. I hadn't been downtown for a while and I quickly realized that with the numerous construction projects underway I would have to take multiple detours to get to my destination. The most direct route to my destination was completely closed. As I weaved up and down various streets, I hoped I wouldn't be late.
One thing I don't like about downtown are one-way streets. I realize making streets one-way allows them to have a higher car capacity, but I found myself going blocks out of my way to get to my destination. If possible, I'd get rid of one-way streets downtown. I'm not sure how the office workers trying to leave their garages would feel about that, but...maybe we could try it and see how it goes. Some of the streets downtown may be too narrow for 2-way traffic.
The other thing that was super frustrating, and I know this is no surprise, was the fact that none of the traffic lights are synchronized. On the "brand new" Washington Avenue, I hit a red light at every single block from 4th street to Tucker. And we all know that red lights in the city are reeeeeeeally long (fortunately, so are the green!).
All that said, I relish the thought of possibly working downtown. Clayton is OK, but is so uninspiring, bland and boring. The building my interview was in was very old. The 2 story lobby, decorated with marble, granite and wood, was absolutely stunning! My appointment was in an office on the top floor of the building. I was blown away. The office was adorned with REAL, carved woodwork along the door jams and in the elevator lobby. A high, barrel ceiling intricately detailed with carved flowers and leaves floated above my head and extended the length of the building. So beautiful! So inspiring! There was tons of decorative plaster in the space as well.
If I get the job (fingers crossed!), I'll probably just take the Metrolink to work and bypass the driving headaches. See, problem solved!
One thing I don't like about downtown are one-way streets. I realize making streets one-way allows them to have a higher car capacity, but I found myself going blocks out of my way to get to my destination. If possible, I'd get rid of one-way streets downtown. I'm not sure how the office workers trying to leave their garages would feel about that, but...maybe we could try it and see how it goes. Some of the streets downtown may be too narrow for 2-way traffic.
The other thing that was super frustrating, and I know this is no surprise, was the fact that none of the traffic lights are synchronized. On the "brand new" Washington Avenue, I hit a red light at every single block from 4th street to Tucker. And we all know that red lights in the city are reeeeeeeally long (fortunately, so are the green!).
All that said, I relish the thought of possibly working downtown. Clayton is OK, but is so uninspiring, bland and boring. The building my interview was in was very old. The 2 story lobby, decorated with marble, granite and wood, was absolutely stunning! My appointment was in an office on the top floor of the building. I was blown away. The office was adorned with REAL, carved woodwork along the door jams and in the elevator lobby. A high, barrel ceiling intricately detailed with carved flowers and leaves floated above my head and extended the length of the building. So beautiful! So inspiring! There was tons of decorative plaster in the space as well.
If I get the job (fingers crossed!), I'll probably just take the Metrolink to work and bypass the driving headaches. See, problem solved!
Ecology of Absence has been doing an excellent job documenting the speculation currently going on in North St. Louis. Someone is buying up buildings and letting them deteriorate. No one seems to know why.
North St. Louis has enough problems, the north side doesn't need to deal with speculators/developers who are quite possibly putting a stymie on historic rehabilitation for their own benefit. Why our elected officials aren't on top of this problem...good question. Seems like the only people who care about St. Louis' built environment are a handful of bloggers.
Why was the RFT the only media outlet in this town that covered this story? Sure, there is no blood involved, and no one has died but this issue clearly affects property owners on the near north side. Maybe that's not a good enough reason. When is this town going to be proud of what it has and start fighting to save itself?
For an extensive list of links and stories relating to the Blairmont saga, follow the link below:
The World of Blairmont - Ecology of Absence
North St. Louis has enough problems, the north side doesn't need to deal with speculators/developers who are quite possibly putting a stymie on historic rehabilitation for their own benefit. Why our elected officials aren't on top of this problem...good question. Seems like the only people who care about St. Louis' built environment are a handful of bloggers.
Why was the RFT the only media outlet in this town that covered this story? Sure, there is no blood involved, and no one has died but this issue clearly affects property owners on the near north side. Maybe that's not a good enough reason. When is this town going to be proud of what it has and start fighting to save itself?
For an extensive list of links and stories relating to the Blairmont saga, follow the link below:
The World of Blairmont - Ecology of Absence
More exploring...here are some plans for the Grand & Gravois intersection. Don't know how recent any of these renderings are, but it's something to look at.
Not many entries, but here is a link to the South Side Tower Blog.
What is this?
One of the things I'm looking forward to doing when I visit New York City in March (fingers crossed) is riding the subway. I know that may sound silly, but I think taking mass transportation is a great way to experience the community around you. I first came to this realization when I started taking the metrolink. Instead of being locked up in my car with a "me against the world" mentality, I had to interact with people around me, all of whom were different than me, and not so different.
One afternoon, there was a frumpy woman on the train concentrating on her sudoku puzzle. I've been addicted to sudoku puzzles since my trip to Florida last year! I normally wouldn't have talked to this woman, but since I was stuck on the train for a little bit I struck up a conversation with her. We exchanged strategies and tips and even had a laugh or two. I enjoyed the few minutes we talked and it was a much nicer experience than calming the road rage I'd be having if I had driven that day. It's those everyday interactions that make public transportation appealing to me. Sure, you're going to run into some crazies, but there's a chance even some of them might lift your spirits.
Another benefit of metrolink is the relaxing afternoon ride. The train ride is smooth for the most part, but there's just enough jostling of the train on the tracks to rock you back and forth. And let me tell you, that feels quite nice after a long day at work.
Sure, most of the time it's quiet on the train and a lot of people have their headphones firmly shoved into their ears, but, still, you never know who you're going to meet on the train.
One afternoon, there was a frumpy woman on the train concentrating on her sudoku puzzle. I've been addicted to sudoku puzzles since my trip to Florida last year! I normally wouldn't have talked to this woman, but since I was stuck on the train for a little bit I struck up a conversation with her. We exchanged strategies and tips and even had a laugh or two. I enjoyed the few minutes we talked and it was a much nicer experience than calming the road rage I'd be having if I had driven that day. It's those everyday interactions that make public transportation appealing to me. Sure, you're going to run into some crazies, but there's a chance even some of them might lift your spirits.
Another benefit of metrolink is the relaxing afternoon ride. The train ride is smooth for the most part, but there's just enough jostling of the train on the tracks to rock you back and forth. And let me tell you, that feels quite nice after a long day at work.
Sure, most of the time it's quiet on the train and a lot of people have their headphones firmly shoved into their ears, but, still, you never know who you're going to meet on the train.
I couldn't resist posting this photo. I know she's cut off, but there is something about the color and composition of this photo that I really like.
A few people in the Southampton neighborhood are getting frustrated with the St. Louis Police Department and their work, or lack of it.
From the neighborhood's Yahoo! group, one commenter writes:
Another neighbor says:
I rarely see police patrolling the streets of Southampton. Are the cops hiding somewhere...undercover? I kind of doubt that. I'm starting to wonder if criminals are beginning to notice the lack of police presence in our neighborhood and are taking advantage of that. I'm not sure it's gotten to that point yet, but I fear we're close. If the complaints in Southampton are typical of other City neighborhoods, where there is more than just property crimes going on, I'm getting kind of worried.
From the neighborhood's Yahoo! group, one commenter writes:
"This is getting ridiculous! Are the police even investigating ANY reports of suspicious activities, people or even crimes? A few weeks ago my vehicle's windshield was broken by means of a brick. Police responded to make the report but did nothing else...I am simply FED UP with these crimes continuously occurring and that nothing more than a report is being taken."
Another neighbor says:
"A few months ago my roommate was jumped, beaten and robbed on Chippewa near Lawn resulting in an ambulance ride to the hospital and subsequent operation to repair a badly broken arm and we never heard a word back from the police who took a "report" of the crime but did nothing else."
I rarely see police patrolling the streets of Southampton. Are the cops hiding somewhere...undercover? I kind of doubt that. I'm starting to wonder if criminals are beginning to notice the lack of police presence in our neighborhood and are taking advantage of that. I'm not sure it's gotten to that point yet, but I fear we're close. If the complaints in Southampton are typical of other City neighborhoods, where there is more than just property crimes going on, I'm getting kind of worried.
I'm clean. I was so happy that everything checked out with the whole colon cancer thing. I was pretty scared, but now everyone is fine...well, except my mom, who will be checked next week. My fingers are crossed on that one.
I hate hospitals, especially when you have to take all of your clothes off and have nothing to cover up with other than a thin gown that doesn't close in the back. I'm too modest to strut my stuff like that. I was nervous, and I think every nurse that came by to see me knew it. I've been told I'm pretty transparent and that my face gives a lot away. I was already feeling completley vunerable when in walks my anesthesiologist who just happened to be really cute! Dammit! Brad, if you happen to read this, call me. We need to get together again...I promise not to fall asleep this time!
I hate hospitals, especially when you have to take all of your clothes off and have nothing to cover up with other than a thin gown that doesn't close in the back. I'm too modest to strut my stuff like that. I was nervous, and I think every nurse that came by to see me knew it. I've been told I'm pretty transparent and that my face gives a lot away. I was already feeling completley vunerable when in walks my anesthesiologist who just happened to be really cute! Dammit! Brad, if you happen to read this, call me. We need to get together again...I promise not to fall asleep this time!
For an hour tonight, I was able to take the weight of my thoughts off my shoulders and enjoy some wonderful music. I attended the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra's new "Classical Detours" event. The goal of these events is to expose people to the symphony with food, a casual atmosphere and a short, one hour concert built around a theme. Tonight's theme was "American Made."
I can't remember ever being inside Powell Symphony Hall, and I loved it. Although the red velvet on everything in the lobby is a bit over the top, the concert hall itself is magnificent, just gorgeous. The acoustics are phenomenal. My friend's girlfriend plays in the symphony and she told me I wrongly assumed that the microphones above the stage were amplifying the sound. Nope, the CD quality sound I was hearing was a result of the way the building was built. I found that amazing because I really did feel like I was listening to a recording.
I can't say enough good things about the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, what a talented group of musicians! The last song of the evening was the theme from Superman. Watching the musicians perform such a bombastic song is when you really appreciated the symphony as a whole and it was neat to see how they all worked together to make wonderful music.
Conductor David Robertson was really great. He spoke and joked between songs to keep the evening upbeat and casual. The guy is full of energy and clearly enjoys what he does. I think St. Louis got a good deal with him.
Classical music isn't for everyone, it's not always for me, but a one hour performance is a perfect way to experience they symphony. The next theme for the "Classical Detours" event will be "Italian Romance" on February 16th at 6:30 P.M. I highly recommend going, we have one of the best orchestras in the country and tonight I discovered that reputation is well deserved. Don't be afraid or turned off because it's "classical music", the experience is so worth it.
I can't remember ever being inside Powell Symphony Hall, and I loved it. Although the red velvet on everything in the lobby is a bit over the top, the concert hall itself is magnificent, just gorgeous. The acoustics are phenomenal. My friend's girlfriend plays in the symphony and she told me I wrongly assumed that the microphones above the stage were amplifying the sound. Nope, the CD quality sound I was hearing was a result of the way the building was built. I found that amazing because I really did feel like I was listening to a recording.
I can't say enough good things about the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, what a talented group of musicians! The last song of the evening was the theme from Superman. Watching the musicians perform such a bombastic song is when you really appreciated the symphony as a whole and it was neat to see how they all worked together to make wonderful music.
Conductor David Robertson was really great. He spoke and joked between songs to keep the evening upbeat and casual. The guy is full of energy and clearly enjoys what he does. I think St. Louis got a good deal with him.
Classical music isn't for everyone, it's not always for me, but a one hour performance is a perfect way to experience they symphony. The next theme for the "Classical Detours" event will be "Italian Romance" on February 16th at 6:30 P.M. I highly recommend going, we have one of the best orchestras in the country and tonight I discovered that reputation is well deserved. Don't be afraid or turned off because it's "classical music", the experience is so worth it.
Go here to find out what a nuclear bomb would do to your favorite city. Is there anything Google Earth can't do?
I have an identical twin brother. Last week, he was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 33. He relayed that information to me in an email. I couldn't concentrate on much of anything that day. While I was doing my laundry that evening, I mentally wrote my brother's eulogy and delivered it in front of a church full of mourners.
"Every time I catch my reflection in a mirror, or in a storefront window," I said. "I'll remember."
What would my two year old nephew do without his father? "The twins", as we've been called since forever, would just be "me"...how could I deal with that. This was the first scare I've had in my life where someone I care about could actually die. I'd never had to deal with the emotions I was feeling, I just figured everyone in my family would live for ever. We're supposed to be invincible.
Luckily, the cancer was caught in its earliest stages and was removed from his body. CAT scans and blood tests reveled the cancer had not spread. To say that I was relived to hear that my brother was going to be OK is an understatement. But I'm still scared to death.
I have to meet with the doctor tomorrow so I can be checked out. I'm frightened that something might be found. I share the same DNA with my brother, my brother is my natural clone in a way, and I've logically assumed that whatever is happening in his body is happening in mine. I've scared myself quite nicely googling & reading topics like "cancer symptoms" and "how do I know if I have cancer." Apparently, you really don't have symptoms with cancer, not until it's too late anyway. At 33, I never thought I'd be dealing with this. They say you're supposed to start screening for colon cancer at 50. My brother would have been dead by then. Now, every ache and pain I feel in my body has been attributed to a cancer I don't even know if I have.
Clearly, I'm frightened...and irrational. My perspective on life is a bit different now, I wish it didn't take things like this to open my eyes.
"Every time I catch my reflection in a mirror, or in a storefront window," I said. "I'll remember."
What would my two year old nephew do without his father? "The twins", as we've been called since forever, would just be "me"...how could I deal with that. This was the first scare I've had in my life where someone I care about could actually die. I'd never had to deal with the emotions I was feeling, I just figured everyone in my family would live for ever. We're supposed to be invincible.
Luckily, the cancer was caught in its earliest stages and was removed from his body. CAT scans and blood tests reveled the cancer had not spread. To say that I was relived to hear that my brother was going to be OK is an understatement. But I'm still scared to death.
I have to meet with the doctor tomorrow so I can be checked out. I'm frightened that something might be found. I share the same DNA with my brother, my brother is my natural clone in a way, and I've logically assumed that whatever is happening in his body is happening in mine. I've scared myself quite nicely googling & reading topics like "cancer symptoms" and "how do I know if I have cancer." Apparently, you really don't have symptoms with cancer, not until it's too late anyway. At 33, I never thought I'd be dealing with this. They say you're supposed to start screening for colon cancer at 50. My brother would have been dead by then. Now, every ache and pain I feel in my body has been attributed to a cancer I don't even know if I have.
Clearly, I'm frightened...and irrational. My perspective on life is a bit different now, I wish it didn't take things like this to open my eyes.
If you live in TGE or frequent the area, I'd love to hear your thoughts. I've not spent much time there, almost bought a house there, at Compton and Arsenal a few years back, but wasn't too sure about the area. I think I may have jumped the gun on that decision.
16th ward alderman Donna Baringer talks about 5401 Itaska via the Southampton Yahoo Group (I didn't edit for spelling or grammar):
For those who did not see channel 2 news, I attempted to make sure all the facts were given so that the story did not have a negative impact on our neighbrhood. This house located at 5401 Itaska has been on the radar screen for myself and Sandy Colvin for 4 years. In the last year we have worked closely with the neighbors to try and get it resolved. The house has been under building code violations for over 8 years and when we passed the new building code violation legislation last year this
property was one of the first in the 16th ward to be placed under the new law. The goal was to try and encourage the homewoner to take some action. Unfortunatly the person who inherited the house from her parents did nothing and has little and continued to let the property be neglected. By law no one can come inside a persons home wihtout just cause.
Due to the observant neighbors last week, they noticed the door knocked in on the front which gave the police due cuase to enter the FIRST floor only. What they found on the first floor was deplorable and they called the health department. The health department investigated and odered a summons of condemnation. By law you can not board up a bulidng if there is any questions if there might be a livng person or animal in it. This gave the city of St. Louis the legal right to go upstairs which is what happneed yesterday.
Sandy Colvin and I met animal control, police and building inspectors at the property yesterday and what was found was beyond my comprehension. As someone who is a pet lover I was very upset. There were over 30 cats in cages, more running loose, 4 dogs, rabbits, and guinea pigs. All living in years of feces. The owner had to give them food periodically that is how they survived. I congratulate all those involved that helped get this taken care of.
It is important that eveyone understand that we must follow the law and are just as frustrated as everyone else when we have properties such as these that negatively impact our neighbrhoods. But as I state before it was the neighbors close watch on the property that moved us forward and that is why it takes everyones involvment to resolve such issues. we are all thankful that the animals will be taken care of and the property owner will be issued a animal hoarding summons. Now we will be working
to get this property cleaned up. Please come to the next Southampon Neighborhood Assoc. meeting and we will discuss this matter and let everyone know where we are on it. Since our all out initiative to create an active inner neighborhood business district on Macklind we look forward to this corner becoming another asset to macklind.
sincerely.
donna baringer
16th ward alderman
I appreciate the alderman's response, but I have to wonder why it takes 4 years and longer to rid a neighborhood of a problem property. Too much red tape, or just playing by the rules? In any event, it's clear something must change.
For those who did not see channel 2 news, I attempted to make sure all the facts were given so that the story did not have a negative impact on our neighbrhood. This house located at 5401 Itaska has been on the radar screen for myself and Sandy Colvin for 4 years. In the last year we have worked closely with the neighbors to try and get it resolved. The house has been under building code violations for over 8 years and when we passed the new building code violation legislation last year this
property was one of the first in the 16th ward to be placed under the new law. The goal was to try and encourage the homewoner to take some action. Unfortunatly the person who inherited the house from her parents did nothing and has little and continued to let the property be neglected. By law no one can come inside a persons home wihtout just cause.
Due to the observant neighbors last week, they noticed the door knocked in on the front which gave the police due cuase to enter the FIRST floor only. What they found on the first floor was deplorable and they called the health department. The health department investigated and odered a summons of condemnation. By law you can not board up a bulidng if there is any questions if there might be a livng person or animal in it. This gave the city of St. Louis the legal right to go upstairs which is what happneed yesterday.
Sandy Colvin and I met animal control, police and building inspectors at the property yesterday and what was found was beyond my comprehension. As someone who is a pet lover I was very upset. There were over 30 cats in cages, more running loose, 4 dogs, rabbits, and guinea pigs. All living in years of feces. The owner had to give them food periodically that is how they survived. I congratulate all those involved that helped get this taken care of.
It is important that eveyone understand that we must follow the law and are just as frustrated as everyone else when we have properties such as these that negatively impact our neighbrhoods. But as I state before it was the neighbors close watch on the property that moved us forward and that is why it takes everyones involvment to resolve such issues. we are all thankful that the animals will be taken care of and the property owner will be issued a animal hoarding summons. Now we will be working
to get this property cleaned up. Please come to the next Southampon Neighborhood Assoc. meeting and we will discuss this matter and let everyone know where we are on it. Since our all out initiative to create an active inner neighborhood business district on Macklind we look forward to this corner becoming another asset to macklind.
sincerely.
donna baringer
16th ward alderman
I appreciate the alderman's response, but I have to wonder why it takes 4 years and longer to rid a neighborhood of a problem property. Too much red tape, or just playing by the rules? In any event, it's clear something must change.
Today's St. Louis Business Journal is reporting that plans drawn up by SCP Worldwide (owner of the St. Louis Blues) to redevelop the Kiel Opera House will be implemented this year.
Dave Checketts, founder of SCP Worldwide, led a 1997, $75 million restoration of Radio City Music Hall in New York and wants to do the same thing in St. Louis, and apparently he has shows to stage.
For more information, pick up the January 12-18,2007 Biz journal.
"In calendar 2007, we will absolutely proceed with some development of the Kiel Opera House," Munoz, SCP partner, said. "Our goal is to open it as a first-class theatrical venue, and our hope is to book and manage it ourselves."
Dave Checketts, founder of SCP Worldwide, led a 1997, $75 million restoration of Radio City Music Hall in New York and wants to do the same thing in St. Louis, and apparently he has shows to stage.
For more information, pick up the January 12-18,2007 Biz journal.
There was a story about 5401 Itaska on the news this evening. Apparently 30 animals, living in squalid conditions, were removed from the building today. This all must have happened after I drove by the building this morning and noticed just one "condemned" sign on the building. I walked the dog by the property tonight and there were notices of condemnation on every door and some paper work was attached to the front door.
Donna Baringer, 16th ward alderwoman, said the City was aware of the property, but didn't know how bad things actually were. Hmmmm...OK. I find that hard to believe given all the complaints about the property and the fact that anyone walking within half a block of the building could smell cat piss. The odor was very strong. I think anyone who has walked passed or lived by 5401 Itaska could attest to that. It was pretty clear something kind of bad was going on inside the building.
The situation inside the structure was discovered when an officer noticed the building was unsecured, he or she went inside to check things out and discovered what was going on inside. I'm hoping (fingers are triple crossed) that this building will now be put to use and somehow benefit the neighborhood...stay tuned.
Donna Baringer, 16th ward alderwoman, said the City was aware of the property, but didn't know how bad things actually were. Hmmmm...OK. I find that hard to believe given all the complaints about the property and the fact that anyone walking within half a block of the building could smell cat piss. The odor was very strong. I think anyone who has walked passed or lived by 5401 Itaska could attest to that. It was pretty clear something kind of bad was going on inside the building.
The situation inside the structure was discovered when an officer noticed the building was unsecured, he or she went inside to check things out and discovered what was going on inside. I'm hoping (fingers are triple crossed) that this building will now be put to use and somehow benefit the neighborhood...stay tuned.
A white sign with red lettering hung crooked from the brown, plywood door that faces Macklind stating the property is dangerous.
It appreas that 5401 Itaska has been condemned.
It appreas that 5401 Itaska has been condemned.
What is the future of the Avalon theatre now?
While the time has expired for Greg Tsevis, owner of the Avalon, to make an effort to market and sell the property (which he hasn't done) I don't think demolition of the building is the answer. I think this situation is what eminent domain was made for, so let's use it here. Take the property from Tsevis and sell it to one of those interested parties Gregali says is waiting in the wings if the price is right.
I can think of a million and one uses for a theatre building (I'd love to see a small, theatre group take the building and put on live performances), and if the Avalon is torn down we're going to have a huge gap in the streetscape along S. Kingshighway that will most likely take forever to fill.
I'm hoping Gregali is using the threat of demolition as a scare tactic, but knowing St. Louis alderman and their love of tearing things down, I pretty sure he's serious. Kudos to the Southampton Neighborhood Association for having a preference of reuse rather than demolition, the alderman should listen to his bosses.
"Alderman Stephen Gregali has sent a letter asking the city's building commissioner to condemn and demolish the Avalon theater."
While the time has expired for Greg Tsevis, owner of the Avalon, to make an effort to market and sell the property (which he hasn't done) I don't think demolition of the building is the answer. I think this situation is what eminent domain was made for, so let's use it here. Take the property from Tsevis and sell it to one of those interested parties Gregali says is waiting in the wings if the price is right.
I can think of a million and one uses for a theatre building (I'd love to see a small, theatre group take the building and put on live performances), and if the Avalon is torn down we're going to have a huge gap in the streetscape along S. Kingshighway that will most likely take forever to fill.
I'm hoping Gregali is using the threat of demolition as a scare tactic, but knowing St. Louis alderman and their love of tearing things down, I pretty sure he's serious. Kudos to the Southampton Neighborhood Association for having a preference of reuse rather than demolition, the alderman should listen to his bosses.
"It is necessary to create a new environment. This can be accomplished only by large scale operations. Obsolete neighborhoods must be rebuilt, not merely with houses of good design and construction, but with more open space, more park and playground facilities, a good school and community center."
"As construction costs become lower the city must be in a position to encourage wholesale reconstruction of these obsolete areas."
St. Louis Comprehensive City Plan 1947
I almost collapsed when I read these statements from St. Louis' Comprehensive City Plan, it basically called for the wholesale destruction of some of the City's most historic neighborhoods. Can you image what would have been lost if this plan had been followed?
In reference to Soulard, the plan calls for "the complete reconstruction of the neighborhood into super residential blocks with a new street pattern to serve these blocks and to discourage through traffic. "
What??? WHAT!?!?!?!?! Holy fuck! Soulard as we know it would be gone! The beautiful, red brick structures we're all familiar with would have been wiped off the face of the earth and replaced by apartment buildings and parks, as you can see here. Granted, Soulard was is in a lot better shape today that it was in the middle of last century, but still...I can find no mention of saving historic buildings. It's slash and burn all the way.
The scary thing is that this kind of thinking still prevails in the minds of many. I'm all for re-development of an area, and I don't think saving one or two buildings is worth the health of an entire neighborhood, but there is SO much more that can be done to revitalize historic and deteriorating neighborhoods without clearing everything out and starting over! I know nothing about urban planning so I may be talking out of my ass, but it seems to me that neighborhoods all over the City prove this point. Historic buildings are a part of the City's story and they should be saved whenever possible.
If you'd like to read the plan in its entirety, you can access it via the web here. To think about would could have been lost...it's heart stopping, and yet we have so much more to do to save our city.
"As construction costs become lower the city must be in a position to encourage wholesale reconstruction of these obsolete areas."
St. Louis Comprehensive City Plan 1947
I almost collapsed when I read these statements from St. Louis' Comprehensive City Plan, it basically called for the wholesale destruction of some of the City's most historic neighborhoods. Can you image what would have been lost if this plan had been followed?
In reference to Soulard, the plan calls for "the complete reconstruction of the neighborhood into super residential blocks with a new street pattern to serve these blocks and to discourage through traffic. "
What??? WHAT!?!?!?!?! Holy fuck! Soulard as we know it would be gone! The beautiful, red brick structures we're all familiar with would have been wiped off the face of the earth and replaced by apartment buildings and parks, as you can see here. Granted, Soulard was is in a lot better shape today that it was in the middle of last century, but still...I can find no mention of saving historic buildings. It's slash and burn all the way.
The scary thing is that this kind of thinking still prevails in the minds of many. I'm all for re-development of an area, and I don't think saving one or two buildings is worth the health of an entire neighborhood, but there is SO much more that can be done to revitalize historic and deteriorating neighborhoods without clearing everything out and starting over! I know nothing about urban planning so I may be talking out of my ass, but it seems to me that neighborhoods all over the City prove this point. Historic buildings are a part of the City's story and they should be saved whenever possible.
If you'd like to read the plan in its entirety, you can access it via the web here. To think about would could have been lost...it's heart stopping, and yet we have so much more to do to save our city.
I had dinner at Sidney Street Cafe this past weekend for the first time...yum!!! Being on a diet, it wasn't exactly the best place for me to have dinner, I think just about everything was made with something smooth and creamy, but diet be damned...it was good stuff. I could have made a meal out of the delicious bread (it had to have been fried or something) and butter our waitress placed on the table.
It was also nice to be back in Benton Park. I hadn't visited the neighborhood since the walking tour I took around the streets of Benton Park last year. Benton Park feels a lot like Soulard, but it's different as well. I can't really put my finger on it, perhaps there are more single family homes in BP, but there is a real difference that you can just feel. There are some gorgeous row houses next door to the Cafe, I couldn't tell if they were being rehabbed, had been rehabbed, or what, most of the windows were dark. The architecture of these homes was absolutely stunning. My parent's wanted to move into the building, and I couldn't blame them.
It's funny, visiting STL's neighborhoods still feels like an adventure for me and I've lived in the City for 2 years now. I hope I never lose my excitement and appreciation for our great neighborhoods.
It was also nice to be back in Benton Park. I hadn't visited the neighborhood since the walking tour I took around the streets of Benton Park last year. Benton Park feels a lot like Soulard, but it's different as well. I can't really put my finger on it, perhaps there are more single family homes in BP, but there is a real difference that you can just feel. There are some gorgeous row houses next door to the Cafe, I couldn't tell if they were being rehabbed, had been rehabbed, or what, most of the windows were dark. The architecture of these homes was absolutely stunning. My parent's wanted to move into the building, and I couldn't blame them.
It's funny, visiting STL's neighborhoods still feels like an adventure for me and I've lived in the City for 2 years now. I hope I never lose my excitement and appreciation for our great neighborhoods.
I'm not sure if the job is complete yet, but, as far as I can tell, the beautification project along south Kingshighway involves repairing some sidewalks and bolting new benches to those sidewalks. I'm not really sure what I was hoping for, but this kind of falls short of my expectations. I don't think there was that much money that got through for the project, if I recall correctly, and certainly the new sidewalks look better than the ones they replace; however, blowing trash is still the main problem along this stretch of Kingshighway in terms of beautification.
Driving home tonight, trash was blowing around the wide sidewalk in front of the dollar store and the other businesses close to Chippewa. It looked like the trash dumpsters were dropping their leaves. I suppose with the quality most of the businesses in this location, we can't really hope that they'll pick up the trash outside their door. Too bad, the best solution to the beautification problem along Kingshighway is also the cheapest.
Driving home tonight, trash was blowing around the wide sidewalk in front of the dollar store and the other businesses close to Chippewa. It looked like the trash dumpsters were dropping their leaves. I suppose with the quality most of the businesses in this location, we can't really hope that they'll pick up the trash outside their door. Too bad, the best solution to the beautification problem along Kingshighway is also the cheapest.
I want to open my own bookstore. From warm colors, to the smell of old books, I just love old bookstores. I want mine to be a bit different though. I want books, of course, but I want it to be a place for creativity to thrive. I thought maybe it could be a place not only to get books, but a place for artists to gather and do some painting or collaborate on projects. I'd want all sorts of artists, writers, musicians, commercial artists, fine artists, and just anyone who wants to submerge themselves in a creative atmosphere.
So maybe I don't want a bookstore...perhaps it's a "creativity" store I want to open? A place that's warm and inviting where ideas are exchanged and minds are opened, or closed, depending on the conversation! I want to open a place where those who feel they are just too far outside the box feel welcome, and those that are trapped in the box can bust out. Sounds kind of nice, I'd visit.
So maybe I don't want a bookstore...perhaps it's a "creativity" store I want to open? A place that's warm and inviting where ideas are exchanged and minds are opened, or closed, depending on the conversation! I want to open a place where those who feel they are just too far outside the box feel welcome, and those that are trapped in the box can bust out. Sounds kind of nice, I'd visit.
Many of you may have seen or read about St. Francis de Sales' steeple pulling away from the rest of the building. I can't help but be mesmerized by this church. The first time I drove by it I was dumbstruck...I just was not expecting this hulking, gorgeous building to suddenly appear along my route into downtown. I wanted to stop and take a photograph, but I needed to get to jury duty.
The scale of St. Francis de Sales is just wonderful. The architecture is flawless. Its steeple dominates the skyline from so many points in the City. St. Francis de Sales defines the word "landmark."
We'll never get a church like St. Francis de Sales built again, so we have to preserve what we have. To make a donation to the steeple repair fund, use one of the contribution envelopes found in the church pews or mail a contribution directly to St. Francis de Sales Oratory, 2653 Ohio Ave., St. Louis, Mo. 63118. For more information, call 771-3100 or go to www.institute-christ-king.org.
The scale of St. Francis de Sales is just wonderful. The architecture is flawless. Its steeple dominates the skyline from so many points in the City. St. Francis de Sales defines the word "landmark."
We'll never get a church like St. Francis de Sales built again, so we have to preserve what we have. To make a donation to the steeple repair fund, use one of the contribution envelopes found in the church pews or mail a contribution directly to St. Francis de Sales Oratory, 2653 Ohio Ave., St. Louis, Mo. 63118. For more information, call 771-3100 or go to www.institute-christ-king.org.
Last month I wrote about 5401 Itaska, a problem property in the Southampton neighborhood. A week or so after that post I noticed a few changes at the corner of Macklind and Itaska. The most welcome change is that 5401 Itaska no longer smells like pee when you approach it. The other change is that the loud TV/Music is gone...the building is totally silent. Someone still lives on the property or is coming in and making "repairs" to it. The door along Macklind that has been secured from the outside with plywood and padlocks has had the plywood spray painted or stained brown to match the frame of the door. The job was done in a sloppy manner and the stain/paint didn't cover very well.
According to a CSB complaint dated 12/13/06, there were stray animals loose on the property. I never saw animals outside, so I assume the lived inside the building. I still do not understand how a property can have 39 complaints against it and still remain in the hands of the property owner, especially when this building could be a huge asset to the neighborhood. I'm going to continue to see what happens here, I hope the City does too.
According to a CSB complaint dated 12/13/06, there were stray animals loose on the property. I never saw animals outside, so I assume the lived inside the building. I still do not understand how a property can have 39 complaints against it and still remain in the hands of the property owner, especially when this building could be a huge asset to the neighborhood. I'm going to continue to see what happens here, I hope the City does too.
I've added an RSS Feed link to the blog. It's up there with the rest of the navigation. There are also options to subscribe to RSS or ATOM that should show up with the little Feed icon 
in your browser now that I've got everything coded correctly.
Hope this makes it easier for some of you to track what's going on here. If there are any problems please let me know!
in your browser now that I've got everything coded correctly.Hope this makes it easier for some of you to track what's going on here. If there are any problems please let me know!
South Grand got some nice coverage on Channel 2 today, as well as by the Arch City Chronicle about South Grand getting some guides. I think it's a fantastic idea. It is nice to see neighborhoods other than Downtown and the CWE attracting attention, and South Grand deserves some time in the spotlight.
While I've never felt unsafe on Grand, I guess I could see how someone not really familiar with the City could. The guides will go a long way in helping ease people from outside the City into South Grand.
While I've never felt unsafe on Grand, I guess I could see how someone not really familiar with the City could. The guides will go a long way in helping ease people from outside the City into South Grand.
I'm of the opinion that stop signs do not slow traffic down. In fact, I think numerous stop signs in an area make it much more dangerous for pedestrians. In my neighborhood there are stop signs at almost every intersection, you can't travel more than 2 or 3 blocks, sometimes less, without coming across a big red octagon. I attended a neighborhood meeting last year where some residents wanted more stop signs to slow traffic down. I almost lost it.
Just observe the way people drive. When drivers come to a stop, they accelerate quickly as soon as they roll through the stop. Usually they're going much faster after they've made their stop then before.
The other problem I have with all the stop signs in my neighborhood is, because there are so many,drivers totally disregard the signs. I can't tell you how many people don't just roll through an intersection, but blast right through it. It's infuriating to be out walking and watch as car after car ignores the stop signs. It's gotten so bad that I don't think these drivers are even watching out for pedestrians anymore.
As crazy as it sounds, I think the solution to slowing traffic down and making the streets safer for pedestrians may be to pull up a bunch of stop signs.
Just observe the way people drive. When drivers come to a stop, they accelerate quickly as soon as they roll through the stop. Usually they're going much faster after they've made their stop then before.
The other problem I have with all the stop signs in my neighborhood is, because there are so many,drivers totally disregard the signs. I can't tell you how many people don't just roll through an intersection, but blast right through it. It's infuriating to be out walking and watch as car after car ignores the stop signs. It's gotten so bad that I don't think these drivers are even watching out for pedestrians anymore.
As crazy as it sounds, I think the solution to slowing traffic down and making the streets safer for pedestrians may be to pull up a bunch of stop signs.