STL PRIDE
Down with love: Only a person from St. Louis could be delusional enough about their city to make a documentary about the predominant building material found in their urban core ["Tosh.0 Lampoons Brick Documentary, Pleases Filmmaker," Chad Garrison]. Attention: You're not that special. I love the city, but most of its residents have an inflated idea of it. You're not Philadelphia, Boston, NYC or Chicago.
I just spent a weekend in your great city and had, as usual, a great time, but the people were a little too into bragging about STL. It's really the only thing keeping STL from being one of my favorite small cities.
I live in Kansas City, a city with a unique history as well (political machines, large mafia, interesting varieties of architecture, unique style of jazz and BBQ), but we don't talk about it all the time like STL residents do.
In conclusion: Love your city, but you guys just need to cool it off a little.
Thescribiner, via the Internet
How we really roll: Huh, that's weird. My friends and I always sit around dissing STL, dreaming of moving someplace better. Then we go back to playing Xbox.
Mike N., via the Internet
Open your eyes: St. Louis is a beautiful city. I don't think this film is saying it's better than KC, Chicago or New York.
Why are people knocking someone who is trying to explain something about our history, something that most people don't know? The city of St. Louis has a unique style of brick, and the degree of ornamentation will surprise you if you leave and then come back and observe.
Douglas Duckworth, via the Internet
Domestic abuse victim: I knew someone who compared St. Louis to a battered spouse. I think that is actually a fair comparison — it's been neglected, exploited and pissed on over the past few decades. I think it needs to catch up and can use all the love it can get. Residents with lots of civic pride and love in their hearts are the least of our problems. We need more STL-centric people, in my opinion.
Cordovablittering, via the Internet
FROM THE BLOGS, JULY 21, 2011
TWITTER WARS
Race card fail: Apparently Alderman Antonio French isn't aware that the city of St. Louis is now predominately black ["City Hall Insult of the Week: You Tweet Like a Girl," Albert Samaha]. Sorry, Frenchie, the race card doesn't work here anymore.
Mo_rich, via the Internet
View from the 'burbs: To be very honest, I consider Forest Park to be a "black" park. Tower Grove is almost as "black." On any given day in both parks, more blacks than whites are present there. I think Mr. French's arguments are somehow rooted in the racial makeup of St. Louis in the late '50s and early '60s. I consider St. Louis to be a "black city," much like Detroit. So, Mr. French, the speed bumps protect "yours" as well as "theirs."
Mike, via the Internet
FEATURE, JULY 21, 2011
THE CHESS MASTER
Chess capital of the world: Great article ["Searching for Hikaru Nakamura," Kelsey Whipple]! For me it is fascinating to read about the chess community, and I cannot believe they are local.
Xraylibra Crew, via the Internet
The real No. 1: Nakamura is elite for sure, definitely top 10, and I don't mind his abrasive attitude because he plays such exciting chess. However, Magnus Carlsen is the present and future of chess. My children are huge football and MMA fans, but they know who Magnus is and follow his games on their own like their favorite player/fighter.
Again, Hikaru is awesome, a rare talent — but, as he notes, in chess everyone should be considered equal. And that means nationality as well. With that in mind, please recognize that Magnus is the best player and the best hope for chess.
Sthinelk7, via the Internet
