Category Archives: Reflections & Observations

Ode to Mall Cops & Security Guards during September Appreciation Week

The general public comes and goes. So do mall cops and security guards.  Some guards stay for years, others work short stints & some are “no show” Shifts start at sunrise, others at midnight.  Double shifts are common, especially if there are “no shows” or a spike in activity be that good (a concert) orContinue reading “Ode to Mall Cops & Security Guards during September Appreciation Week”

Technology, Logic, Info/Evidence Based Society Rather Than Politics/Emotions Driven

Some years ago my sons suggested that government and society should be driven by science, technology and fact-based decision making. They are physics and computer science majors coming from the world of STEM (science, tech, engineneerig, math). As a political science major and history buff, I chaffed at this sterile notion of deciding everything freeContinue reading “Technology, Logic, Info/Evidence Based Society Rather Than Politics/Emotions Driven”

Replace Mascots with Lower Tuition

With football season wrapping up, basketball season underway, and mascots dancing/prancing on sidelines and college tuitions keep going up. It got me to proposing that we ditch mascot hoopla and ditch tuition increases. I got nothing specific against mascots, it’s more about what they represent: It will take time for this sea change to takeContinue reading “Replace Mascots with Lower Tuition”

Time for a 3-way political intersection to unclog the traffic jam

So who are the players in this intersection and what’s in it for each of them? Fiscal Conservatives: Want limited spending. Emphasize ROI (return on investments). Focus upon practicality Liberals & Progressives: Want a robust social safety net. Want government to lead the charge in public policies. Focus upon promise and potential. Libertarians: Want limitedContinue reading “Time for a 3-way political intersection to unclog the traffic jam”

Odd but necessary bedfellows: Economic Engines & Neighborhood Empowerment

Definitions are in order: What’s an ecomomic engine? What’s Neighborhood Empowerment? So who are the “odd bedfellows” and how might there be a copasetic relationship? So that’s my suggestion after 30+ years working in the community development, economic development, community organizing, and afforable housing fields seeing what works and what does not. As always, letContinue reading “Odd but necessary bedfellows: Economic Engines & Neighborhood Empowerment”

Reflections on Life in general and Partners in particular

As the seasons change and the days get shorter, time marches on. I’m not getting any younger, in fact none of us are. So, on this meloncoly note, I offer the following reflections (to everyone in general and my kids in particular): Life in general: With regard to marriage, life partners, soul mates or whateverContinue reading “Reflections on Life in general and Partners in particular”

MAKER SPACE as Economic Development Tool

Malls are in decline. They decimated downtowns which lost their luster to the suburban lure of convenient parking and the perception of low crime. Now the malls have become victims of changing consumer habits (i.e, e-commerce, Amazon, etc.), changing perceptions (concerns about crime) and lifestyle changes. In sum, the hunter has become the hunted. YetContinue reading “MAKER SPACE as Economic Development Tool”

Strangers in our midst

We grew up the same Eating and shopping in the same places Supporting the same teams (mostly, despite some friendly rivalries) Saluting the same flag So when did we change? When did we divide? What makes us so angry? Do you have enough food, clothing, shelter? Are you living in the woods and eating outContinue reading “Strangers in our midst”

Sound Bites…Bumper Stickers…Food For Thought

As I reviewed my note pad observations of bumper stickers after working as a Mall Cop patrolling parking lots for 15 years, I present the following “gems” and observations. Note that they are presented in no particular order of priority . In some cases, they do not reflect my own beliefs/views. Note also that thisContinue reading “Sound Bites…Bumper Stickers…Food For Thought”