Still No Answers

Oops, some more points to address here: "That left me wondering what they do with the homeless, across the pond. I'll need to do some research." Well, for one: Many European cities simply don't have homeless people--why? Because these societies have found a way to feed, shelter, employ, and care for all. The sacrifice? Higher taxes. Lower wages. Doctors make much less money in a society of socialized medicine, for example. However, everyone is cared for. "And, what do other US cities do? I know that New York cleaned up Times Square. What about other cities? Research again." I moved to NYC after Giuliani "cleaned up" Times Square and supposedly made NYC safer. I did my own "man on the street" interviews as a way to get to know the city. Cab drivers present a great demographic to interview: They were of mixed opinion, but mainly agreed that people of color (cab drivers originating largely from so-called third world countries) feel less safe, and less respected in a more heavily policed city...
— February 15, 2010 4:40 a.m.

Still No Answers

PS: Your wish is to have a downtown that is less noisy in residential zones, and more aesthetically pleasing. If we were to encourage better city planning, your vision might include more dedicated bike paths, and perhaps some cobble-stoned squares and walkways for just pedestrians--all closed to auto traffic. Wouldn't that be great? Works for many cities worldwide, and makes sense for a city of year-round tourism--why not San Diego?
— February 15, 2010 4:33 a.m.

Still No Answers

AuntieSD: You are referring in your last paragraph to Critical Mass--if you aren't aware of the name of this monthly event. Pounding on cars (or yelling) is not really as common as you seem to suggest--there are admittedly a few hooligans here and there who drink before they join the ride and get belligerent, but most riders are respectful to drivers, and chide the hooliganish few. Real Critical Massers do not want a bad name. The whole idea is to stop traffic here and there just as long as it takes for riders pass on the route taken for that particular ride, and believe it or not, this is done in as orderly and safe a fashion as possible. There are always riders who take on the job of traffic directors, and are experienced at it, having organized many rides. They take safety seriously, as well as the philosophy that cyclists deserve safer roads and separate pathways for bikes, and that more people should bike to work and help clear congested, polluted roads. Unfortunately and admittedly, this philosophy does not communicate well to drivers who just want the road clear for themselves-now! When I was of able body, I participated in one ride, to support the vision of a city of more accessible, more numerous, and longer bike pathways. It was an exhilarating experience, whizzing down a car-free Washington Street, and feeling solidarity with other riders--however, I decided that it was a little too dangerous, due to again, the few who try to ruin the ride for everyone with belligerent behavior (including irate drivers), and due to what I see as a need for better, more positive communication of the Critical Mass philosophy, as well as more sophisticated organizaation of rides, in tune with law enforcement if possible. But such is the nature of protest--a healthy activity we need more of in this country. I don't mean to start up controversy on this well-worn topic on your thread, AuntieSD--just wanted to clear up a few points :)
— February 15, 2010 4:27 a.m.

Back in the Spotlight

"...are you really resorting to grade-school tactics as a means of persuasion? Seriously." Ahhh, he *finally* gets it. Now, carry on ;)
— February 14, 2010 6:52 p.m.

Hobnobbing at the Hob Nob

I'll take that moment, and tell YOU, Eric, because your friend won't. You are an amazing friend, and not well deserved by all.
— February 14, 2010 6:50 p.m.

My Brunch With Yoko

I would have asked her about her poetry, and her amazing pre-John life hanging out with the artists and poets in and around Fluxus, and if she still writes, and if she still incorporates indeterminacy and chance operations into what she does, and if those methods still provide her with a world view or if she no longer finds them relevant at this stage of life. If I dared, I might ask her about the story of the interactive performance piece of the ladder, and how one had to climb to the top of it to find a small card reading "yes." I think this is how she and John got together; he had to climb to the top of it to find the "yes," and in this way, fell in love with her (?)
— February 13, 2010 6:02 p.m.

I Suck at Vacationing - Part Dos - Redemption

"I realized my own dumb mistakes caused me the most stress..." But you didn't do anything wrong--you just booked a last minute flight. Do you mean that you should have checked the weather? re: #2: There are a few remaining typos, dear (remember I do this for a living :)
— February 13, 2010 1:20 p.m.

John Mayer's Pie Hole

And: Does anyone remember the obsession with peach and mint, and all of the variations of shades of this duo? We wore peach and mint--I had peach and mint DOVE shorts, and peach and mint pairs of JELLIES (made by Candies, of course). Product packaging appeared in peach and mint. Even architecture picked it up: All of the yogurt places were peach and mint, and even apartment complexes and office buildings were big peach and mint blocks. This was in Orange County, early or mid-80s, I think. This was contemporaneous with the high top craze, or just after it...definitely after the rockabilly phase.
— February 13, 2010 1:05 p.m.

John Mayer's Pie Hole

Fixed: "fluorescent" It's been a long time since I've used this word, understandably ;)
— February 13, 2010 1 p.m.

John Mayer's Pie Hole

re: #25: Ah yes, every girl in my family had some variation of this one, which is really a reworking of the 1970s obsession with a “Renaissance” look: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30421384&op… This is what I’m talking about with the “prairie” look, worn with cowboy boots. We had frilled blouses like this, too: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30422265&op… And here, she’s wearing this one (gorgeous! Love it!) with the boots: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30422253&op… Confession: Around age 12, I also wore the LA Gear and Reebok high tops with the FLORESCENT scrunchy socks and laces to match--and a hair scrunchy to match. I believe I may have hung trinkets from my high top laces, including a keychain-sized troll doll. (Wince). ;)
— February 13, 2010 12:58 p.m.