I noticed the old plumber's supply building and 7-11 appear to be undergoing some interior work. Let's hope for the best. Anyone know what's going on?
Metro Service Cuts
Now that I'm actually using Metro, I am becoming more interested and aware of it's issues. When it comes to voting for tax increases to fund public transportation, I'm a ho. It's kind of like funding for libraries, park service, fire trucks, more police...it just seems like the right thing to do. I can't vote no, even though I consider myself fiscally conservative.
Anyhow, Metro employees were handing out pamphlets at the various Metrolink platforms to inform users of the service cuts in light of Prop M failing. Let me make this clear: St. Louis could not vote on this! St. Louis county voted this down. It's fair to say that the county has no faith or need for it's public transportation system. St. Louis does and that's a major divide for our region.
Rant over. So what info was in the pamphlet? Who loses service? Does the county suburbs/exurbs loose (rightfully so)? Or, does St. Louis suffer as well?
Here are my opinions on 2 key points in the pamphlet they handed out.
From Metro (effective March 30, 2009):
"We sincerely regret the negative impact that these changes will have on you and the entire region. We will continue to seek funding necessary to restore service as soon as possible."--Mark says: thanks a lot sprawlers!
"MetroBus service in Illinois is not affected because St. Clair County Transit purchases service from Metro and pays for the routes and frequency they choose. Currently, St. Clair County Transit plans no bus service reductions."--Mark says: maybe St. Louis county should take this approach....fee for service....then St. Louis could focus on expanding it's services to the people that want and use buses/trains/shuttles. And St. Louis counties 91 cities could pick and choose the service they want on a city by city, route by route fashion.
Anyhow, Metro employees were handing out pamphlets at the various Metrolink platforms to inform users of the service cuts in light of Prop M failing. Let me make this clear: St. Louis could not vote on this! St. Louis county voted this down. It's fair to say that the county has no faith or need for it's public transportation system. St. Louis does and that's a major divide for our region.
Rant over. So what info was in the pamphlet? Who loses service? Does the county suburbs/exurbs loose (rightfully so)? Or, does St. Louis suffer as well?
Here are my opinions on 2 key points in the pamphlet they handed out.
From Metro (effective March 30, 2009):
"We sincerely regret the negative impact that these changes will have on you and the entire region. We will continue to seek funding necessary to restore service as soon as possible."--Mark says: thanks a lot sprawlers!
"MetroBus service in Illinois is not affected because St. Clair County Transit purchases service from Metro and pays for the routes and frequency they choose. Currently, St. Clair County Transit plans no bus service reductions."--Mark says: maybe St. Louis county should take this approach....fee for service....then St. Louis could focus on expanding it's services to the people that want and use buses/trains/shuttles. And St. Louis counties 91 cities could pick and choose the service they want on a city by city, route by route fashion.
Metro Epiphany
So I was lucky enough to make a transfer in my company to a place much closer to the city. My progressive employer is generous enough to run shuttle buses from it's west county campus to the Clayton Metrolink stop. I am overjoyed with the service I've experienced in the month I've been using public transport.
Positives:
Regarding nice people: I can't help but overhear some conversations. One day, Metro was handing out the revised service routes due to the Prop. M ballot measure that failed in St. Louis County. Many riders were bitching at "the County" in general for voting down the Metro funding. It was interesting to hear many inner suburb residents and riders dissing the outer reaches of St. Louis county as public transit haters. It just goes to show there is very little solidarity amongst municipalities in the burbs. Unfortunately, St. Louis suffers as a result of this.
Anyhow, I am ashamed to say that I have lived in St. Louis for 14 years and have never ridden a Metro bus. Once I-64 reopens, my company will be discontinuing it's shuttle service from the Clayton Metrolink. I will consider my bus options to hook up from the Clayton stop to the place of work. It's a little daunting to try the bus, though. I know it's naive, but how do you pay? How do you stop the bus? These are all rookie questions that I hope to answer in the near future.
Positives:
- clean as a whistle
- bounty of parking spaces at Shrewsbury Metrolink stop
- lots of other riders = safe environment
- amazingly on-time
- nice people
- nice metro employees
Regarding nice people: I can't help but overhear some conversations. One day, Metro was handing out the revised service routes due to the Prop. M ballot measure that failed in St. Louis County. Many riders were bitching at "the County" in general for voting down the Metro funding. It was interesting to hear many inner suburb residents and riders dissing the outer reaches of St. Louis county as public transit haters. It just goes to show there is very little solidarity amongst municipalities in the burbs. Unfortunately, St. Louis suffers as a result of this.
Anyhow, I am ashamed to say that I have lived in St. Louis for 14 years and have never ridden a Metro bus. Once I-64 reopens, my company will be discontinuing it's shuttle service from the Clayton Metrolink. I will consider my bus options to hook up from the Clayton stop to the place of work. It's a little daunting to try the bus, though. I know it's naive, but how do you pay? How do you stop the bus? These are all rookie questions that I hope to answer in the near future.
Baby Steps Toward A Simpler Life
The goal is to walk more and be less car centric and dependent. To truly enjoy the urban experience is too become independent of the suburban strip mall, parking lot, drive thru ways.
I have been making baby steps one by one that is getting closer and closer to my goal of having 1 car payment, eventually one car and a much lower petrol bill. I believe this goal is possible while living in St. Louis.
I started by purchasing a 49cc scooter. It was my first foray into 2 wheeled motorized vehicles, so it was a good learning experience. I rode this thing all over the city running errands and occasionally, to and from my job in Chesterfield which was a long ride.
Word starting getting out that some suburban municipality's police started hassling 49cc scooters by pulling them over and in some casing issuing tickets. Crestwood and Chesterfield were mentioned as having local laws that overreach the states rules on 49cc scooters. Mainly, if you ride a 49cc scooter, it does not need to be licensed, insured, nor do you need a helmet (by law). Now, I'd never ride without a helmet, but the idea of having a scooter as economical transit was highly appealing. The hassle of registering, inspecting, insuring a scooter just didn't make sense to me at the time. However, when hearing the the police were going to make it their business to pull over scooters, I thought I had better consider my options.
However, the scooter does not work for year-round transportation for me. I don't enjoy riding in the winter months. It's dangerous and very, very cold. That being said, I now have the perfect, highly efficient, fun transit option for short trips and to/from work from mid spring through mid autumn.
Next step was to consider my career options closer to the city. I really like the company I work for, so a transfer from the exurbs to the suburbs was an option that I closely considered. I was lucky enough to make a job change the got me much closer to the city.
My new commute allowed me to shave off 24.48 miles per day! That is a big step for me. Another peripheral benefit is that Metro options opened up greatly. It's virtually impossible to get from St. Louis to Chesterfield using Metro. However, Olivette/Creve Coeur is much more Metro-friendly.
My progressive company has agreed to run a free shuttle bus service from the Clayton Metrolink stop to the company campus during the I-64 shut down. They also pay for a monthly Metro pass. This was an offer I couldn't refuse.
I was now able to trim my car commute down to 10 miles per day. That's another big decrease! Thanks company, thanks Metro! I now drive from the hacienda to the Shrewsbury stop. An 11 minute ride on the train to the Clayton stop, then a shuttle from the Clayton stop to the front door of my work place. Awesome! Relaxing, safer, more economical, responsible, etc. I am in hog's heaven. It only adds 12 minutes (on average) to my commute time when I was driving.
The next step is reducing petrol is warmer weather when I can ride the Vino to and from the Metro stop.
Another news station moves out of St. Louis
KTVI Fox 2 had a farewell program running on prime time last night. It was titled farewell to Berthold or something like that. Farewell to Berthold? Berthold is the street their studio is on. How about calling a spade a spade and say "farewell to St. Louis". They are moving to Maryland Heights, MO. Channel 11 used to be in St. Louis too, they've moved to more suburban pastures as well.
On one hand I am sad to see them go. I like having the news stations in the city they represent, not some far away tiny town in the burbs.
But on the other hand, I'll never have to see Tim Ezel on Hampton ever again. Silver lining indeed.
On one hand I am sad to see them go. I like having the news stations in the city they represent, not some far away tiny town in the burbs.
But on the other hand, I'll never have to see Tim Ezel on Hampton ever again. Silver lining indeed.
Show Me State No-Mow
Over the Holidays we did much driving in the great state of Illinois. We did some hiking in the strikingly gorgeous Shawnee National Forest at the Pomona Natural Bridge and Cedar Lake sites. We also did much driving to and from the Bethalto and Fairview Heights areas.
I couldn't help but notice that Illinois is doing a much better job of prairie restoration and no mow areas along I-255. If you compare it to I-55, 44 or 70 in Missouri, there is no comparison.
In these days of state budget cuts and tight spending, it seems logical that Missouri should adopt more of these no-mow areas. It saves on gas, labor, tractors/equipment and of course lowers carbon emissions. I'd rather have the state pay botanists and naturalists to reseed public land with native, low maintenance perennial plant species that do not require mowing.
In fact, why doesn't St. Louis do this? Take for example the land adjacent to River Des Peres Blvd. in South City. This ground next to the river and between the north and south lanes could be managed back to native prairie grasses and not mowed. Couldn't the city team up with the Missouri Botanical Gardens or Wash. U. plant sciences or Gateway Greening to collaborate on this? Or would that be too much leadership to ask from a Slay administration?
I couldn't help but notice that Illinois is doing a much better job of prairie restoration and no mow areas along I-255. If you compare it to I-55, 44 or 70 in Missouri, there is no comparison.
In these days of state budget cuts and tight spending, it seems logical that Missouri should adopt more of these no-mow areas. It saves on gas, labor, tractors/equipment and of course lowers carbon emissions. I'd rather have the state pay botanists and naturalists to reseed public land with native, low maintenance perennial plant species that do not require mowing.
In fact, why doesn't St. Louis do this? Take for example the land adjacent to River Des Peres Blvd. in South City. This ground next to the river and between the north and south lanes could be managed back to native prairie grasses and not mowed. Couldn't the city team up with the Missouri Botanical Gardens or Wash. U. plant sciences or Gateway Greening to collaborate on this? Or would that be too much leadership to ask from a Slay administration?
Things I'm thankful for today
That I have a job.
That I was able to shorten my daily commute by 18 mi. per day.
That I am able to have Metro as an option to get to work. I start riding the Metrolink next week.
That St. Louis still offers many new things to do and experience after 14 years here. Last night the Stable and the Fountain made for a nice night.
That I was able to shorten my daily commute by 18 mi. per day.
That I am able to have Metro as an option to get to work. I start riding the Metrolink next week.
That St. Louis still offers many new things to do and experience after 14 years here. Last night the Stable and the Fountain made for a nice night.
Fascinated with TGS/TGE
St. Louis is indeed a city of neighborhoods. For better or worse, I truly agree. Making the change, the move to another neighborhood, is almost like moving to another city. People love their neighborhoods and blocks and streets and homes in this town. I like that. People are protective and proud. They think you're crazy to move. And that is good. There is a strong sense of place in this city.
We are looking for all our needs within a walkable distance...or at least a reasonable scooter ride.
Our little spot in Boulevard Heights or Holly Hills Addition (depending on who's talking) does not meet our needs.
Here are the things we want within walking distance:
cleaners (where did all these wool sweaters come from?)
library (shan and ben are avid readers)
coffee shop (many lattes required)
deli (is there anything better than a sandwich?)
24-hour breakfast joint (eggs at 2:00 a.m., or after church...need both)
park (gotta have somewhere to run, relax, contemplate)
3 bars (gotta be able to walk home from a good bar now and then)
5 independent restaurants (love the carry out and affordable dining)
post office
bank
I think TGS/TGE and TGP have all these things. I think this could be the place for us.
We are looking for all our needs within a walkable distance...or at least a reasonable scooter ride.
Our little spot in Boulevard Heights or Holly Hills Addition (depending on who's talking) does not meet our needs.
Here are the things we want within walking distance:
cleaners (where did all these wool sweaters come from?)
library (shan and ben are avid readers)
coffee shop (many lattes required)
deli (is there anything better than a sandwich?)
24-hour breakfast joint (eggs at 2:00 a.m., or after church...need both)
park (gotta have somewhere to run, relax, contemplate)
3 bars (gotta be able to walk home from a good bar now and then)
5 independent restaurants (love the carry out and affordable dining)
post office
bank
I think TGS/TGE and TGP have all these things. I think this could be the place for us.
St. Louis is:
an American city
broken and warm
stunningly abandoned
waiting for those who care
broken and warm
stunningly abandoned
waiting for those who care
The Baptist Generals
I was perusing iTunes looking for some fresh entertainment, when I stumbled upon a band called the Baptist Generals. I trust the Sub Pop label, so I clicked on one of their records. Some guy"ptech" to be exact wrote this hilarious review of the album:
"It's like Doug Martsch from Built to Spill is coming down from a three week mescaline binge with a gun in one hand and a PBR in the other. And he wants to talk about art."
That is THE fucking funniest thing I've read in awhile. Read it a couple times. Hilarious.
I had to buy it.
"It's like Doug Martsch from Built to Spill is coming down from a three week mescaline binge with a gun in one hand and a PBR in the other. And he wants to talk about art."
That is THE fucking funniest thing I've read in awhile. Read it a couple times. Hilarious.
I had to buy it.
Are suburbanite realtors enemies of the city?
As we are listing our home and searching for a new one, we've been in many discussions with various people about their personal experiences selling/buying a home. We've heard many perspectives, but one really sticks in my craw.
The story pissed me off. I offered to give him & his family a personal tour.
Shameless Self Promotion
The homestead is up for sale! If you are the kind who appreciates sleek, mid-century architecture and design, you must check this beauty out:
http://www.6405ruth.com/
http://www.6405ruth.com/
Ch Ch Ch Ch Changes
We are on the verge of listing our current home on the market. The sign is in the yard listed as "coming soon". We will miss Boulevard Heights and Holly Hills, as we've lived among those two neighborhoods in 3 separate locations for the last 11 years.
Suburban Identity Crisis Rampant on Craigslist
It drives me insane that people cannot be honest about the city they live in. Businesses, citizens, journalists, the problem plagues them all. Many in the suburbs/exurbs don't know that they are not in St. Louis. This used to be a minor annoyance for me, but it is really driving me nuts the last couple of years, as I've been paying more attention to it.
The latest suburban identity crisis to aggravate me: craigslist. I understand that the surrounding 100 miles or so may choose to list items for sale on the St. Louis page. I get that and it's all good to call the metropolitan region "St. Louis"; after all, it is the largest city in the region. However, when I am browsing through the (sometimes) 100's of listings for a particular item, there are 2 main data points that help me decide whether or not to click. First is the presence of a picture. I always want to see the item, so if there's no pic, I don't click. Secondly, location (listed in parentheses adjacent to the title) is paramount. For instance, I bought both my scooters on craigslist, and many times, I don't want to purchase something far from home, as I have to drive it back to my St. Louis residence. Or, if I'm coming from work, I may choose to shop for items close to my work location in Creve Coeur, MO.
I've called on many ads that listed the item's location as St. Louis, then I call on the seller only to find out they are nowhere near St. Louis. When I question this on the phone, people are usually deviant at worse or dismissive at best. In short, driving to Florissant or Ballwin is a big difference than driving within St. Louis for me. Nobody likes being corrected, especially by a stranger. I get that. However, I believe in the necessity for truth in advertising, and when a business or personal seller fibs about their location, I am automatically questioning their ability to be straight and transparent with me.
What gives? You can't have it both ways. Neglecting to consider what location means to a potential buyer is remiss at best and deceptive at worst.
The latest suburban identity crisis to aggravate me: craigslist. I understand that the surrounding 100 miles or so may choose to list items for sale on the St. Louis page. I get that and it's all good to call the metropolitan region "St. Louis"; after all, it is the largest city in the region. However, when I am browsing through the (sometimes) 100's of listings for a particular item, there are 2 main data points that help me decide whether or not to click. First is the presence of a picture. I always want to see the item, so if there's no pic, I don't click. Secondly, location (listed in parentheses adjacent to the title) is paramount. For instance, I bought both my scooters on craigslist, and many times, I don't want to purchase something far from home, as I have to drive it back to my St. Louis residence. Or, if I'm coming from work, I may choose to shop for items close to my work location in Creve Coeur, MO.
I've called on many ads that listed the item's location as St. Louis, then I call on the seller only to find out they are nowhere near St. Louis. When I question this on the phone, people are usually deviant at worse or dismissive at best. In short, driving to Florissant or Ballwin is a big difference than driving within St. Louis for me. Nobody likes being corrected, especially by a stranger. I get that. However, I believe in the necessity for truth in advertising, and when a business or personal seller fibs about their location, I am automatically questioning their ability to be straight and transparent with me.
What gives? You can't have it both ways. Neglecting to consider what location means to a potential buyer is remiss at best and deceptive at worst.
SoHa
SoHa retail is kind of booming. The Southampton neighborhood has seen an influx of serviceable businesses along Macklind from about Bonita all the way north to January.
Here are some businesses I patronized on my Christmas break:
Big River Running Company:
To celebrate my 1 year anniversary of cigarette free living, I decided to take up running. I could never be accused of being a health nut. In fact, I've never jogged on purpose. Granted, I've run from things and people over the years, but never thought of running as something I'd like to do as a hobby. That all changed when I walked by Big River located at 5352 Devonshire. What a nice storefront and setup. I walked in to browse and spoke to a salesperson who was extremely energetic and informative about the world of running. I was invigorated by their optimism. I decided to lay down some big $ on a nice pair of running shoes. I've been enjoying my evening and early morning jogs through Carondelet Park and the River Des Peres Greenway. This is the kind of business where the sales reps believe in what they are doing and I don't mind spending money at places like that. They are open until 7:00 on weeknights too!
Nature's Aglow:
My wife is big on burning candles, so we made the turn from Big River north on Devonshire to Nature's Aglow. This is a shop that sells 100% soy candles made in DeSoto, MO. Being a student of agriculture, I am interested in creative uses for renewable crops. These candles are made from 100% soybeans, as opposed to paraffin, which is oil based. Hence, this is renewable, supports farmers as opposed to oil drillers/refiners, it is soot free, burns cooler (not hot to the touch), cleaner and longer. It is easier to clean up if you spill the wax. They even pour the soy wax and set a wick in the lids of the glass jar candles, so it is not wasted. I can get behind all that. We had the Big River bag in hand, and when the store clerk noticed at checkout, he offered us a 10% discount for shopping at the Macklind retails shops. Nice.
Manzo's Importing Company:
Then we stopped in Manzo's to check it out. They too immediately offered the 10% discount for shopping locally. We browsed through the delectable offerings from Italy, Turkey, Greece, Albania, etc. We took a chance on the homemade rosemary & garlic sausage, fontinella cheese and homemade, spreadable feta dip. The clerk was easy and enthusiastic with free samples and suggestions. We now have a new place for all our Mediterranean cooking needs. The sausage was freakin' great. Very little fat, just enough to make it sausage. We've been back and will continue to shop here.
There are other great place within the Macklind retail row. Murdoch Perk for a nice cup of joe, or breakfast anytime. Home Eco at 4611 Macklind is another great place to check out. We get all our corn oil-based composting bags here. The Mackling Ave. Deli has a nice selection of import brews and decent lunch time offerings. Onesto is quality, fresh and tasty.
So take a stroll and check some of these places out if you haven't already. This is the kind of strip that St. Louis needs more of in spades. Enjoy the Southampton neighborhood.
Here are some businesses I patronized on my Christmas break:
Big River Running Company:
To celebrate my 1 year anniversary of cigarette free living, I decided to take up running. I could never be accused of being a health nut. In fact, I've never jogged on purpose. Granted, I've run from things and people over the years, but never thought of running as something I'd like to do as a hobby. That all changed when I walked by Big River located at 5352 Devonshire. What a nice storefront and setup. I walked in to browse and spoke to a salesperson who was extremely energetic and informative about the world of running. I was invigorated by their optimism. I decided to lay down some big $ on a nice pair of running shoes. I've been enjoying my evening and early morning jogs through Carondelet Park and the River Des Peres Greenway. This is the kind of business where the sales reps believe in what they are doing and I don't mind spending money at places like that. They are open until 7:00 on weeknights too!
Nature's Aglow:
My wife is big on burning candles, so we made the turn from Big River north on Devonshire to Nature's Aglow. This is a shop that sells 100% soy candles made in DeSoto, MO. Being a student of agriculture, I am interested in creative uses for renewable crops. These candles are made from 100% soybeans, as opposed to paraffin, which is oil based. Hence, this is renewable, supports farmers as opposed to oil drillers/refiners, it is soot free, burns cooler (not hot to the touch), cleaner and longer. It is easier to clean up if you spill the wax. They even pour the soy wax and set a wick in the lids of the glass jar candles, so it is not wasted. I can get behind all that. We had the Big River bag in hand, and when the store clerk noticed at checkout, he offered us a 10% discount for shopping at the Macklind retails shops. Nice.
Manzo's Importing Company:
Then we stopped in Manzo's to check it out. They too immediately offered the 10% discount for shopping locally. We browsed through the delectable offerings from Italy, Turkey, Greece, Albania, etc. We took a chance on the homemade rosemary & garlic sausage, fontinella cheese and homemade, spreadable feta dip. The clerk was easy and enthusiastic with free samples and suggestions. We now have a new place for all our Mediterranean cooking needs. The sausage was freakin' great. Very little fat, just enough to make it sausage. We've been back and will continue to shop here.
There are other great place within the Macklind retail row. Murdoch Perk for a nice cup of joe, or breakfast anytime. Home Eco at 4611 Macklind is another great place to check out. We get all our corn oil-based composting bags here. The Mackling Ave. Deli has a nice selection of import brews and decent lunch time offerings. Onesto is quality, fresh and tasty.
So take a stroll and check some of these places out if you haven't already. This is the kind of strip that St. Louis needs more of in spades. Enjoy the Southampton neighborhood.
I can't get behind that...
Here are the names of some bars I've never been to in my city:
Screamers
Shot Heaven
I'm just saying.
2008 in review
Here are some words that were new to me, or rediscovered, in 2008. For whatever reason, they mean a lot and seem worth repeating and banging out on the keyboard to remember and enjoy again.
Thinking of the humility of trying to explain your simple thoughts and feelings:
"When I cannot sing my heart, I can only speak my mind" from "Julia" by John Lennon on White Album 1968
Then thinking of depression and someone very dear to me who is six right now; and of course undying hope for better days and experiencing youth second hand through those living it right now:
"He knew only that the child was his warrant. He said: If he is not the word of God God never spoke...Then they set out along the blacktop in the gunmetal light, shuffling through the ash, each the other's world entire...Slumping along. Filthy, ragged, hopeless. He'd stop and lean on the cart and the boy would go on and then stop and look back and he would raise his weeping eyes and see him standing there in the road looking back at him from some unimaginable future, glowing in that waste like a tabernacle...and when he lay down he knew that he could go no further and that this was the place where he would die...He lay watching the boy at the fire. He wanted to be able to see. Look around you, he said. There is no prophet in the earth's long chronicle who's not honored here today. Whatever form you spoke of you were right. "
from "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy 2006
Then thinking of 'A Farewell To Arms' and a nice night in October of 1997:
"Do you want to dance?
Will you wear my ring?
Will you lay with me until the final bullets sing
Over our heads.
Over our heads.
And a lover's waltz will turn until the end"
from "Lover's Waltz" by A.A. Bondy 2007
Thinking of the humility of trying to explain your simple thoughts and feelings:
"When I cannot sing my heart, I can only speak my mind" from "Julia" by John Lennon on White Album 1968
Then thinking of depression and someone very dear to me who is six right now; and of course undying hope for better days and experiencing youth second hand through those living it right now:
"He knew only that the child was his warrant. He said: If he is not the word of God God never spoke...Then they set out along the blacktop in the gunmetal light, shuffling through the ash, each the other's world entire...Slumping along. Filthy, ragged, hopeless. He'd stop and lean on the cart and the boy would go on and then stop and look back and he would raise his weeping eyes and see him standing there in the road looking back at him from some unimaginable future, glowing in that waste like a tabernacle...and when he lay down he knew that he could go no further and that this was the place where he would die...He lay watching the boy at the fire. He wanted to be able to see. Look around you, he said. There is no prophet in the earth's long chronicle who's not honored here today. Whatever form you spoke of you were right. "
from "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy 2006
Then thinking of 'A Farewell To Arms' and a nice night in October of 1997:
"Do you want to dance?
Will you wear my ring?
Will you lay with me until the final bullets sing
Over our heads.
Over our heads.
And a lover's waltz will turn until the end"
from "Lover's Waltz" by A.A. Bondy 2007
Shortcuts
I am fond of the neighborhood shortcuts that go through the heart of some south side neighborhoods. Here are three that immediately come to mind:
The Holly Hills neighborhood has a small one starting at Holly Hills Blvd, cutting north to Federer Place:
I imagine this was a shortcut for kids walking to Carondelet Park, directly across from Holly Hills Blvd.
There are two others in the Kingshighway Hills neighborhood. This one starts on Lindenwood, between Kingshighway and Hereford and extends north through the neighbor:
And then another between Macklind and Brannon. This one runs a longer stretch from Pernod all the way to Chippewa.
I imagine a time when these neighborhoods were teeming with kids and families that were allowed to roam freely in a more innocent time. A time when people would walk to the many intra-neighborhood markets and services and churches.
I'm sure there are many others in the city. Are you aware of any of these cut-throughs in your neck of the woods? If so, let me know, I'd like to walk them.
Local man votes St. Louis #1 for dining
St. Louis is a great place for food. And it's usually affordable, no reservations required and less pretentious than some of other big city dining establishments I've been to. We are so lucky to have such a wide variety of top notch, fresh, well run restaurants.
My latest plug for local dining is Meskerem at 3210 Grand (between Humphrey and Wyoming). Here's the play: you've gotta opt for the communal style dining. So choose someone you are willing to share an intimate meal with. By intimate I don't mean lotions, dim lighting and Barry White, I mean you'll be eating with your hands. The food is served on a layer of injera, a mix between a crepe and unleavened bread. It is made from teff, a uniquely Ethiopian cereal grain similar to rye. It is steamed and served cold.
You use the injera to scoop up your selected entree. The vegetarian items are my favorite, with many lentil, collard greens, cabbage selections. It is phenomenal! There are also some delectable lamb and tilapia selections.
This food is fresh, carefully prepared, affordable and extremely tasty. And best of all, it's right here in our fine little city. We kick the suburb's ass when it comes to inventive, indie, affordable, soul-full dining options.
My latest plug for local dining is Meskerem at 3210 Grand (between Humphrey and Wyoming). Here's the play: you've gotta opt for the communal style dining. So choose someone you are willing to share an intimate meal with. By intimate I don't mean lotions, dim lighting and Barry White, I mean you'll be eating with your hands. The food is served on a layer of injera, a mix between a crepe and unleavened bread. It is made from teff, a uniquely Ethiopian cereal grain similar to rye. It is steamed and served cold.
You use the injera to scoop up your selected entree. The vegetarian items are my favorite, with many lentil, collard greens, cabbage selections. It is phenomenal! There are also some delectable lamb and tilapia selections.
This food is fresh, carefully prepared, affordable and extremely tasty. And best of all, it's right here in our fine little city. We kick the suburb's ass when it comes to inventive, indie, affordable, soul-full dining options.
St. Mary's High School Update
I previously posted some photos of the site where St. Mary's high school plans an expansion to accommodate their new athletic fields. The property is at South Spring Avenue and Itaska. St. Mary's High School is a 4701 S. Grand Blvd.
There was an update on this development in the South City Journal. Highlights from the story include:
There was an update on this development in the South City Journal. Highlights from the story include:
- St. Mary's acquired 6.1 acres of property at the west end of their campus for athletic fields. The property was owned by the Archdiocese until the 1960's when they sold it. Someone developed some hideously designed apartment complexes (St. Michael's Apartments).
- Recently these apartment buildings were used by the fire department to do classes and practice in training fire fighters.
- These 1970's/1980's looking buildings will be demolished, expected to be completely down by early January.
- The new baseball, soccer, tennis and shotput areas will allow the high school's athletics to be on campus, where they are currently using Heine Meine in South County.
This is great news for the south side! Not only will this area be much improved, it looks like the all boy's private HS will be investing even more in it's city campus.
According to the story in the journal, they are launching a $8.5M fundraising campaign which includes the $4.5M for the fields, $0.5M for a center for applied sciences, $0.75M for synthetic turf for the fields, $1.5M for general improvements including A/C, and finally $1M for tuition assistance endowment.
That's a lot of money to invest into this south city property. It looks like St. Mary's high school plans to be here for awhile. They are great neighbors.
