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Dear 2007,
What can I say? It's almost time for us to bid one another "adieu" and, I'll admit, the thought of never seeing you again doesn't bother me that much. To say I have mixed feelings about you would be the understatement of the year (no pun intended).
We started out with a bang, but not in a good way. In the first month of our relationship, before you purchased me dinner or anything, I was told my brother had cancer and that I should be checked immediately. Now, I think we can both agree this isn't the best way to start things out.
I dealt with it, everything turned out fine and as a reward you gave me a new job in late February. It's a great job and I thank you for it. As if that wasn't enough, you sent me to New York City at the end of March! You lovable collection of months and days you!
You just couldn't let the good times roll, though, could you 2007?!? In March you sucker punched me with a wind storm that did damage to my roof and in September, I had to replace the 25 year old HVAC system in my house. Well, the silver lining behind that one is I got a good view of the balloon race from the roof as the guy installed my new chimney liner! Financially, the roof and HVAC was a one, two punch I really couldn't afford, 2007!
And then, of course, you had to revisit cancer by putting some of it on my dad's face. Nice touch there, bookending our time together with a deadly disease.
But, you did try to make up for all that towards the end of the year. We don't need to mention the details, but I do acknowledge that you're trying to start 2008 out right for me.
So, in the end 2007, our year together was...well, looking back at things, not as lackluster as I first thought! However, I will have to say you filled the year with a bit too many medical scares and financial hits than I normally like.
How do we close our year out, 2007? How about with a "I'll think of you fondly, but it's time for you to go." I look forward to continuing the good times & sowing the seeds of happiness you've given me, but I gladly turn my back on the rest.
Enjoy your place in history, 2007.
Goodbye,
Brick City
What can I say? It's almost time for us to bid one another "adieu" and, I'll admit, the thought of never seeing you again doesn't bother me that much. To say I have mixed feelings about you would be the understatement of the year (no pun intended).
We started out with a bang, but not in a good way. In the first month of our relationship, before you purchased me dinner or anything, I was told my brother had cancer and that I should be checked immediately. Now, I think we can both agree this isn't the best way to start things out.
I dealt with it, everything turned out fine and as a reward you gave me a new job in late February. It's a great job and I thank you for it. As if that wasn't enough, you sent me to New York City at the end of March! You lovable collection of months and days you!
You just couldn't let the good times roll, though, could you 2007?!? In March you sucker punched me with a wind storm that did damage to my roof and in September, I had to replace the 25 year old HVAC system in my house. Well, the silver lining behind that one is I got a good view of the balloon race from the roof as the guy installed my new chimney liner! Financially, the roof and HVAC was a one, two punch I really couldn't afford, 2007!
And then, of course, you had to revisit cancer by putting some of it on my dad's face. Nice touch there, bookending our time together with a deadly disease.
But, you did try to make up for all that towards the end of the year. We don't need to mention the details, but I do acknowledge that you're trying to start 2008 out right for me.
So, in the end 2007, our year together was...well, looking back at things, not as lackluster as I first thought! However, I will have to say you filled the year with a bit too many medical scares and financial hits than I normally like.
How do we close our year out, 2007? How about with a "I'll think of you fondly, but it's time for you to go." I look forward to continuing the good times & sowing the seeds of happiness you've given me, but I gladly turn my back on the rest.
Enjoy your place in history, 2007.
Goodbye,
Brick City
Well, based on the Suburban Journal's recent article about that very topic, I'm not sure.
Basically the journal lists the top 5 neighborhoods for crime and the lowest 5, but everybody in between is left out without any analysis. The focus of the article seems to be on violent crime in the Gravois Park neighborhood, so I found the Journal's headline a bit misleading since my neighborhood wasn't even mentioned.
Anyway, at the end of the article the Journal gives a phone number and various links to websites where you can get more information on crime stats, but, just like with the local TV stations, I have a problem with news media providing links to websites and thinking that is giving complete, thorough coverage to a story. If you're going to do a story like this which is naturally going to pique reader's interest, devote enough pages to the story to do it right.
With a headline like
All in all it's an OK article, and I appreciate that the South Side Journal is giving us local coverage that other media outlets refuse to give, but I found the article incomplete and rushed.
Basically the journal lists the top 5 neighborhoods for crime and the lowest 5, but everybody in between is left out without any analysis. The focus of the article seems to be on violent crime in the Gravois Park neighborhood, so I found the Journal's headline a bit misleading since my neighborhood wasn't even mentioned.
Anyway, at the end of the article the Journal gives a phone number and various links to websites where you can get more information on crime stats, but, just like with the local TV stations, I have a problem with news media providing links to websites and thinking that is giving complete, thorough coverage to a story. If you're going to do a story like this which is naturally going to pique reader's interest, devote enough pages to the story to do it right.
With a headline like
Is your neighborhood safe?I expected a neighborhood by neighborhood breakdown of crime, maybe a map highlighting trends & hotspots and what city officials are doing to get the crime rate down. Instead we get alderman in high crime areas stating "So many parts of Gravois Park are doing exceedingly well and some parts are plagued by problems," Alderman Craig Schmid, D-20th Ward said.
Journal analysis breaks down violent crime in South Side neighborhoods
All in all it's an OK article, and I appreciate that the South Side Journal is giving us local coverage that other media outlets refuse to give, but I found the article incomplete and rushed.
I must admit, the impending Highway 40 closure and all the hype surrounding said closure is really getting irritating. Everything about St. Louis these days seems to focus on traffic. From television media, with their silly countdowns and promos for the traffic sections of their websites, to irate drivers stating that the end of the world is near, this whole Highway 40 reconstruction has been so blown out of proportion it makes my head spin.
Will closing 40 cause problems? Yes. However, I think people are willing to find alternate routes and sit in traffic a few minutes more to get to a desired destination. If you really want something, you find a way to get it. Life isn't going to stop just because 40 is closed...amazingly you'll still be able to get everywhere you want to with a little more time added to the commute.
I'm over the doom and gloom predictions, I'm over the hyperbole, I'm over hearing how 40 is going to be this awesome highway when it's done considering there's no provision for metrolink or extra lanes, I'm done with hearing people complain how they won't be able to get anywhere.
While I'm not holding my breath, I hope that people in the nether reaches of our region realize that maybe living closer to where they work and play isn't such a bad thing afterall. Maybe long commutes and rising gas prices will make a few people reconsider the unsustainable lifestyle they live? Yeah, probably not.
Somebody wake me when a real disaster takes place.
Will closing 40 cause problems? Yes. However, I think people are willing to find alternate routes and sit in traffic a few minutes more to get to a desired destination. If you really want something, you find a way to get it. Life isn't going to stop just because 40 is closed...amazingly you'll still be able to get everywhere you want to with a little more time added to the commute.
I'm over the doom and gloom predictions, I'm over the hyperbole, I'm over hearing how 40 is going to be this awesome highway when it's done considering there's no provision for metrolink or extra lanes, I'm done with hearing people complain how they won't be able to get anywhere.
While I'm not holding my breath, I hope that people in the nether reaches of our region realize that maybe living closer to where they work and play isn't such a bad thing afterall. Maybe long commutes and rising gas prices will make a few people reconsider the unsustainable lifestyle they live? Yeah, probably not.
Somebody wake me when a real disaster takes place.
The re-striping of Highway 44 caused much confusion this morning at the 44/55 split around Lafayette Square. Traffic was backed up to about Jefferson as lanes on the highway seemed to disappear and merge without much warning. Cars from all lanes were forced to make evasive maneuvers since the lane they were in no longer carried them to their desired exit.
Maybe people just need time to get used to the new configuration of lanes, but with the old stripes still visible on the road and the new ones only sort of visible, I think a dangerous situation is brewing on 44 in the City.
Maybe people just need time to get used to the new configuration of lanes, but with the old stripes still visible on the road and the new ones only sort of visible, I think a dangerous situation is brewing on 44 in the City.
I left my iPod at work today and am craving my music. I love music, and in memory of my lonely iPod, I'll compile a short list of some of my favorite songs.
OK, I'm tired of writing, here are some more favorites.
Bedtime Story - Madonna
Released in 1994 and co-written by Bjork, this song is as close to electronic pop perfection as Madonna ever got. The driving, electronic rumble and beat in the background and ethereal lyrics along with Madonna's vocals make this song a kind of sexy trip into unconsciousness. Favorite parts of the song? I have lots of them, but my 2 top picks are when she sings "And inside, we're all still wet"...the way she says the word "wet" almost has that effect on me. Second favorite? The climax of the song when the sound shifts from left speaker to right speaker and Madonna layered harmonies sing "traveling, traveling..." This song has a great video, too. Can't stand Madonna anymore, but this song made me realize that at one time she was a genius.
Mint Car - The Cure
I like The Cure and love this song. For a band who, in my childhood, seemed so dark and goth, this song is pure sunshine. I'm not always a fan of Robert Smith's vocals, but they work so perfectly in this song. When he sings:
Say it will always be like this
The two of us together
It will always be like this
Forever and ever and ever...
...you kinda believe all the lovestruck people of the world will never part ways.
Imogen Heap - Hide & Seek
One of the most gorgeous, lonely songs I've ever heard. Heap's voice has heavy effects on it which compliments the odd...rather cryptic lyrics.
OK, I'm tired of writing, here are some more favorites.
Sleeping In - The Postal Service
Nothing Better - The Postal Service
Sow Into You - Roisin Murphy
We Will Become Silhouettes - The Shins
Cover version of The Postal Service's song of the same name.
Marching Bands of Manhattan - Death Cab For Cutie
The Simple Life - Ella Fitzgerald
Andalucia - Pink Martini
Rootless Tree - Damien Rice
Know Your Onion - The Shins
Mild Child - The Shins
To Wish Impossible Things - The Cure
The other night I was lying in bed, my thoughts wandering down a curvy road that didn't really lead anywhere in particular. My mind stopped off at a little thought I've had from time to time about moving to another city neighborhood, or even out of the city altogether.
That train of thought was almost immediately interrupted by another...how could I possibly leave my house? I love my house. Yes it's small and the kitchen and bathroom are in desperate need of remodeling, the thought of not living here gives me pause.
Sure, there are plenty of houses out there that I could easily fall in love with, but they'll never be my first. Even though my house has been here for 90 or so years, it feels like it's always been mine and the thought of someone else living here and fucking up my house is really unpalatable.
I guess there's really no point in thinking about this stuff, with the housing market the way it is I don't think I'll be moving any time soon...and that's OK for now.
That train of thought was almost immediately interrupted by another...how could I possibly leave my house? I love my house. Yes it's small and the kitchen and bathroom are in desperate need of remodeling, the thought of not living here gives me pause.
Sure, there are plenty of houses out there that I could easily fall in love with, but they'll never be my first. Even though my house has been here for 90 or so years, it feels like it's always been mine and the thought of someone else living here and fucking up my house is really unpalatable.
I guess there's really no point in thinking about this stuff, with the housing market the way it is I don't think I'll be moving any time soon...and that's OK for now.
Stupid things I've seen this morning:
- Driving home this morning, I saw many cars idling outside people's homes. Seriously, St. Louis has a car theft problem...how many dumb people are out there? Just get into your car cold, it's not that bad. Attention thieves, come to Southampton for free cars; your choice of make, model and color.
- Walking to work, some guy driving along Memorial drive seemed to have his window open just to yell at the bum who sleeps underneath the Highway 70 bridge. Granted, that homeless guy is a total jerk, I've had a wonderful experience with him, but what's the point of yelling at him from a car going 40 miles per hour?
- The headline of today's Post Disgrace, typeset in all-caps and bolded, reads "Called Out". A story about the whole drugs and baseball thing. That's headline news, huh? Who fucking cares. Get some new heroes people. Next thing you know we're going to be reading that musicians also use drugs...and have been doing it for years!
Hearing about the traffic troubles on 44 this morning, I decided to take Gravois from South City to Downtown. Now, you're telling me the town whose claim to fame is toasted ravioli can't figure out how to time traffic signals so they work together and actually get you someplace in a decent amount of time?
Seriously, there are few things more frustrating than seeing the light you're sitting at turn green while the light on the next block up turns red.
Seriously, there are few things more frustrating than seeing the light you're sitting at turn green while the light on the next block up turns red.
While I'm not very keen on the idea of a casino downtown, I must admit, I like the lighting that is going to happen over at Lumiere Place. I've witnessed a couple of their test runs and the lights running across the "fin" of the building very much make a statement...just what St. Louis needs, in my opinion. I wish more buildings downtown were lit at night, it just makes things look cool and makes the streets feel inviting.
I've heard that some people are complaining about the lights, saying they are a distraction and blah, blah blah. Give people something to complain about (like me) and they'll do it. All in all, I think the lights at Lumiere Place are a complete success. I'd like to see them on day and night since it appears as if the lights and colors are vibrant enough to be seen in almost any light.
I did find one quote kind of funny from the story I linked to above:
I find it interesting how folks with the current administration throw around words like "urban" and "built environment" while they allow suburban homes and strip malls to be built in our neighborhoods...
I've heard that some people are complaining about the lights, saying they are a distraction and blah, blah blah. Give people something to complain about (like me) and they'll do it. All in all, I think the lights at Lumiere Place are a complete success. I'd like to see them on day and night since it appears as if the lights and colors are vibrant enough to be seen in almost any light.
I did find one quote kind of funny from the story I linked to above:
"The Arch pops out at you and you know you're in St. Louis, that you're home," said Geisman. "Part of being in a great city is to celebrate your built environment, and lighting it is one way to do that."
I find it interesting how folks with the current administration throw around words like "urban" and "built environment" while they allow suburban homes and strip malls to be built in our neighborhoods...
I think my favorite display in the Macy's windows is the one with the train. I like the movement and detail.
The other windows are fine, maybe a little boring. Something that would be cool is if Macy's sponsored an event with local artists next year to see who could come up with the craziest or most creative window display.
The other windows are fine, maybe a little boring. Something that would be cool is if Macy's sponsored an event with local artists next year to see who could come up with the craziest or most creative window display.
The other day I received one of those cheap-o calendars where each month features a small picture of a St. Louis institution with a pornographic display of advertising surrounding it. The cover shot was a recent photo of downtown. The first thing that popped into my head when I saw it was, "Wow, there is a lot of empty space down there."
The gaping hole that is to become Ballpark Village sat front and center, brown and dirty, empty and lifeless. The tragic Gateway Mall, just a block from Ballhole Village added to the emptiness of the photograph. This is what people see when they look at downtown from the Arch? Maybe I'm a bit jaded, but it's hardly something to be impressed by.
Being downtown everyday, it's hard not to notice the lack of activity on her streets. Lunchtime is good, but other than that you literally can be the only soul on any particular block. I'm fully aware that good things are happening downtown, and for the most part I'm please with the progress. However, we need to start filling empty space, building buildings and getting people in them (hopefully without resorting to ridiculous tax breaks and giving away the bank) before downtown can really be considered a success. Cities are about buildings and people, downtown needs both.
The gaping hole that is to become Ballpark Village sat front and center, brown and dirty, empty and lifeless. The tragic Gateway Mall, just a block from Ballhole Village added to the emptiness of the photograph. This is what people see when they look at downtown from the Arch? Maybe I'm a bit jaded, but it's hardly something to be impressed by.
Being downtown everyday, it's hard not to notice the lack of activity on her streets. Lunchtime is good, but other than that you literally can be the only soul on any particular block. I'm fully aware that good things are happening downtown, and for the most part I'm please with the progress. However, we need to start filling empty space, building buildings and getting people in them (hopefully without resorting to ridiculous tax breaks and giving away the bank) before downtown can really be considered a success. Cities are about buildings and people, downtown needs both.