backlash backlash

I'm getting sick of the politically correct backlash. More and more I'm hearing people on tv and radio say things like "It was so much easier when you didn't have to watch what you say so carefully." Or "Watch out for the PC police." Inevitably the people saying this are white men. Of course it was easier when you didn't have to worry about offending women or minorities. Keep up with the times gentlemen or get run over by them and become irrelevent.

some photos from around the house

Independent Art Market

Downtown St. Louis the second time around

I've experienced the revitalization of St. Louis first hand. Neighborhoods making a comeback isn't much of a story though. Downtown is where the headlines are made. Articles like this one in USA Today, for better or worse can have an impact. They affect public perception. Public perception affects convention booking, event scheduling, etc. Hopefully this article is a sign that public perception is changing for the better.

One thing about St. Louis that is encouraging is that all of this revitalization has been done without reinvention. St. Louis isn't known for any one thing. It hasn't become the next "silicon valley" or resort destination. There hasn't been a huge influx of out-of-towners. It was done with hard work and slow growth. Real estate prices have remained reasonable. This is a good sign for the future. We won't have to deal with any one industry taking a dive and taking the city down with it. We won't have to deal with real estate bubbles bursting or another city becoming the next hot thing and everyone moving out.

Good luck St. Louis! Hopefully you've learned from your mistakes and this will make you stronger the second time around.

What I'm Up To

What I'm wearing: It's starting to warm up now, but I wore the shit out of my jean jacket this Spring. My Chuck Taylors that were new last Spring are falling apart this year. Got to look for something to fill that void. I've been wearing a lot of workout stuff (previous 2 posts). I got a pair of cheap jeans from H&M that are fantastic. Much better than the more expensive pairs I've purchased recently. Buying jeans seems like a crap shoot to me. And of course T-shirts, t-shirts, t-shirts.

What I'm listening to: The Hard Lessons. There are a lot of things I don't miss about Michigan (roads, weather, driving distance), but I do miss the music. Detroit has a vibrant music scene and always has. The Hard Lessons are just my latest favorite band from Detroit. They play music that has a soul. Most music today, in my own personal opinion, is soulless, or has "fake soul". The Hard Lessons are the real deal. I also learned that the organist/vocalist went to my high school and college. A full decade and a half after I went, but still.

What I'm working on: Still finishing up a few things at my house but spending time looking for my next rehab project. I'm hoping to find something smaller that I can turn around quicker than previous projects. Some little piece of crap in a great neighborhood. That's what I need. Along with every other rehabber in this city!

What I'm eating: Lots of grilled chicken breasts and whole wheat pita with some Paul Newman Lite Honey Mustard salad dressing. Makes for a quick and healthy lunch.

What I'm watching: American Idol (Chris Daughtry seems to be the favorite), the Office, My Name is Earl, Survivor, Lost and a lot more children's programming than I thought I'd be watching with a 6 month old. Nate's favorites include Dora the Explorer, Go Diego Go and Wonder Pets.

What I'm not watching: Another David Cronenberg film. Ever!

What I'm reading: Lots of magazines. Dwell, Metropolitan Home, Modernism, Paste, Giant, Inspired House, Domino, Readymade

What I'm hoping for: