http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071119/ap_on_re_us/dangerous_cities
top 10 most dangerous cities:
Detroit, MI
St. Louis, MO
Flint, MI
Oakland, CA
Camden, NJ
Birmingham, AL
North Charleston, SC
Memphis, TN
Richmond, CA
Cleveland, OH
Way to go Michigan! 2 in the top 5!
I was surprised to see that Atlanta didn't make the top 10.
Replies (24)
Ash on 11/19/2007 15:58:00
Makes you wonder about all the other places that didn't make the list. Was it because no survivors was left to vote?!!!
MrBrownstone on 11/19/2007 16:03:31
isn't that the 5th or 6th time in the last decade?
Ash on 11/19/2007 19:21:49
Does any of those stats give the average age group of offenders? Just out of curiousity...
cplkittle on 11/19/2007 20:27:25
Last year St. Louis had the top spot, but yeah, they have been on up there for quite some time.
From what I've read, it was a compilation of FBI data tallied by severity of offences.
trunkisloud on 11/19/2007 21:12:26
detroit eh?? swez car jackin people for their fosgates at the stop light ...keep an eye out for that buick.
SQLThump on 11/19/2007 21:21:09
Yeah, totally because of Swez. In fact almost exclusively. I rolled through Michigan one time, and they told me to "watch out some crazy dude in the Buick callin himself "old man audio," he be layin fools out in the street with the nina!" I promptly hit the next freeway out of town.............
trunkisloud on 11/19/2007 22:00:46
word..fool jacked me for my kraco 8 track and my jensen coaxials...police too scared to pin him....says hes a menace to society...
swez on 11/20/2007 03:09:25
Word up... there's a lot of pent up tension in MI right now. Our economy is in the tank and has been there for a long time. There are too many people that can't find decent work, too lazy to do grunt work and use crime to fill their days.
We also have a lot of poor inner city crime that goes on each day as too many dudes have too much time on their hands and no money for their dope, crack and whatever.
The police can't keep up with it all on their own. They are often stretched too thin, have too many balls to juggle and some may have just turned a blind eye to stuff to get a cut and let the gangs do business as usual.
Uhm, don't be looking for the Buick anymore... it's parked and will be donated to a local charity soon. The repair list is long and the cost/time to fix it are more than it's worth. The drive train is still good, but the front end suspension, brakes and body rot are just too costly to rehab.
Like ttocs and his Momstang, I now have an upgrade too. (Mom's Lincoln) Mom passed away last December and the Lincoln's been parked too long and needs a driver.... guess who got elected to fill that spot? (Yup... that would be me)
Nice ride for highway runs, but the front stage audio needs some nice tweeters up high and perhaps a modest sub for the trunk. We'll see how things go this spring. For now, a new set of front brakes are in order. That'll be my Christmas break... (err brake) project. It's got about 44,000 miles on it, so it's time for front pads and turning the rotors too. (Fun... fun... fun!)
Old man Audio
MrBrownstone on 11/20/2007 22:10:56
I can't believe so many people lined up to take pot shots at Ted Nugent...I mean, Ole Swez. Man, it's like one of those Dean Martin/Friar's Club roasts or something.
PS
Find out the sizes of the fronts. I may have 6 or 7 or 8 sets of components sitting around in my closet. HD 6, HD5, HD642, HD-eurofit, and the like. That way I can get you something for Christmas this year besides just lingerie again. USFLAG
swez on 11/21/2007 05:45:37
Yeah, it's pretty funny how some guys show appreciation for the old fart on the board huh?
Like most Ford products, this one is 6x8 ovals both front and rear. The Midbass is dominating, fair lows and OK highs. I did put a 6-pack CD changer in the trunk a few years ago and the stock HU is not half bad, but lacks a decent EQ.
Actually, I still have that pair of Bahn plates you tossed my way a few years back and the 5.25" woofer is actually pretty solid. The tweeters and crossovers were junk, so I scrapped them. Can always find some decent silk tweeters and make up some passive crossovers too.
Lemme see... there's a 4 channel US Acoustics and a JBL 2 channel in my toy box along with a few 10's and 12's as well. A single 10 or 12 is plenty good here. Maybe I'll take the route that Ash has been doing and just do something neat with what's on hand.
A Pro Box Rocks 10" PB10-4 sub would be very nice here. That's only $35.00 + S/H. After installing/hearing one, it rocks after the break in period is done. Was I shocked at what this mighty 10 can do in a well designed box. It must be a high eff sub too.
Hum, what to do? (And do it well on the cheap too) Have a plan... now it's just a matter of pulling things together. Some would say it's a hodge-podge, mix and fix, but it's not the gear that makes things go... it's the guy installing it. (Who said that before?) Another ol fart that's been in this game a long time too... errr, uhmmm, d'oh... Mr B says that all the time. Guess we'll have to prove him right huh? (I know you are right though)
http://credencespeakers.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CSI&Product_Code=PB410S4&Category_Code=BO
Well, looks like a plan is gel-in' and have some time off coming too. (We're off work when the kids are not in school for Christmas break) Maybe it's time to treat myself a bit and have a winter project while off for a 10 days.
Hum, this could be kinda fun after cleaning out the garage and such. Dare I indulge and do something fun/treat for myself for a change? Why not !!! It's time and besides, it'll keep the winter blahs away too. I usually loath winter now-a days, but can turn this one around with a nice project to work on.
Hang it mang, ice fishin is not a gig I care to pursue at the moment, so forget the new waders and such until spring. There's plenty of time to prep for the spring warreye and trout runs later. Live in the here and now and enjoy the moment for a change.
Uhm... thanks for the inspiration! Life is too short to live everyday for what "could be" tomorrow.... Even the Bible says to live each day to the fullest and fret not about the days to come. Each day has it's own challenges and we only need focus on today. Tomorrow will come soon enough and we'll deal with these on a day-by-day basis too. (OK, it's a bit out of context, but the priciples are the same)
Swez
jamesp on 11/21/2007 10:59:42
A 15" sub might fit just right in the Continental kit you have ordered for the LincolnGRIN
Pimpin' and Boomin'
cplkittle on 11/22/2007 02:44:28
My ideas for Swez's pimp lincoln:
12" spoke rims with chrome knockoffs
20 switch hydraulic system
a huge flying pig hood ornament
some pickup truck bed guard rails as running boards
Multicolor illuminated curb feelers
blacklight under body light kit
motion lites for the rims (if you haven't seen these, check them out.. www.motionlite.com)
some pimp lanterns for the outer B pillar between the doors
purple suede soft top
zebra skin seat covers
diamond tufted purple suede dash cover
hidden center console compartment for pimp cane and hat
disco ball rearview mirror ornament
a custom horn that yells "move b!+ch"
six 6x9's lined up across the back deck
custom paisley pinstriping
one of those rotating lifting chairs that help old people get up as a driver's seat... lift chair?
and...
a bifocal windshield
that's all for now
swez on 11/22/2007 08:52:57
Those are good comment guys... LOL
The bifocal windshield option is a hoot.
Like the "Easy Exit" chair assist idea too. (This car is hard to get in and out of as it's pretty low to the ground) Admittedly, am becoming more of a truck guy of late.
"Hidden center console compartment for pimp cane and hat"... (got that one covered bud with collasping cane in door pocket and an "Indiana Jones" fedora in the rear window parcel shelf) hehe
After driving a commercial fitted van all week for work, like the climb up/slide out and down features there. The road view is very good and this van has enough umph to get out of its own way and then some. For such a heavy truck, it's almost impressive how well it moves out when needed.
Anyway, this is the Signature Series Town Car. It's all white, a half landau cover, (Taupe gray) from the B to C pillars, white leather inside and a very deep trunk. Would like to add a pair of driving/fog lamps down low for better illumination at night and then start working on the audio part as time and $$ permits.
Am thinking a small sub, (10") is all I want here and a total stealth install. Just enough bass to fill in the deep lows and enough bumpin potential as needed. It already offers good Midbass down to about 60 Hz. The upper mids and highs need some help though and the 60 Hz and down could use a few more dB's too. But will need all the trunk space I can keep for fishing gear next spring.
The stock HU is OK and has some nice features. One thing it lacks is a useful EQ. (2 band, 100 Hz Bass, 10KHz Treble) That won't cut it, so I have an older Sony CDX-C6850 w/ 3 pairs of RCA outs to play with as well. Can easily add a 5-7 band EQ/LD/AUX unit and I-Pod player later. (This Sony HU was one of the last good ones they made and probably a classic by now) It also has a remote feature available and that could come in handy.
Ahhh, choices... choices and more choices to whittle out. It's funny how easy it is to give good advice to others about what to use and how to do it well. But when we know the work needed ahead of time and have to do the install ourselves.... it seems less appealing huh? (Especially in the winter months)
The worst part is cleaning up the garage to make space and then heat it well enough to work comfortably. Need 2-3 days work just to clean up the darn garage. (Whaaaa) But the effort will be well worth it in the long run huh? Guess I'd better get on it as it won't get any warmer, anytime soon. 8~0 (sigh)
Swez
trunkisloud on 12/2/2007 12:50:10
dude im diggin the 6x9 idea....dont forget the headlight eyebrows and the chrome straps on the trunk and the rolls royce grill...
swez is pimpin then...hes the first pimp i ever seen whos hoes hit back.
swez on 12/2/2007 15:16:11
Hehe, that's too funny dude. (Canadians are a real hoot) Soon, we'll all be North American's like the European Union. That means one large trading partnership that includes Canada, the US, Mexico and perhaps Central America as well. We'll have a common currency too. (It's been dubbed the "Amero" already) Yes, our governance will be as it is for the time being, but more cohesive than things are now.
Naw, am a pretty simple guy really. It does not take a lot o chrome, 18" wheels and neon to make me happy. After living in the blue collar burbs most of my life, hard work, an honest effort and above average results are at the top of the priority list.
Don't need the flash, the bling or the hoe's that flock to that kind of stuff either. Don't make a lot of money right now either, but still manage to live well, below my means and save up a long time for special purchases. Am content in most things that matter the most too. (Forget the Rat Race Track that others are running on now) Have been there, done that and guess what, that did not make me any happier.
In fact, I was miserable, stressed out a lot and spent way too much money on things that I never really got to enjoy. (Save for golf outings, fishing trips and meeting a few real high quality friends) The rest is way over-rated.
When one works hard, saves for a long time and gets a great deal on that "special thing" we have been eyeing for a long time, it's a real treat that satisfies for a long time. Yes, am very content for the most part and just take life one day at a time. Not that stress is not a factor at times though... but in the big picture, things have a way of working out very well when we slow down, smell the coffee and enjoy what's right in front of our noses.
Swez
trunkisloud on 12/2/2007 19:37:04
im not canadian....houston man....
swez on 12/2/2007 19:49:19
Hummm, I's a bit out of pocket today on that one, but the events mentioned are still pending. Texans are a breed all their own and I like that
I hope the weather is nice where you are today. We've had sleet, snow and freezing rain the past 24 hours. Winter is here and what a mess it has been already.
Let the fun begin...
Swez
Enjoy your evening,
Swez
iXvXi on 12/5/2007 23:05:15
Figures Camden makes the top 5...I live 40 min from there and I'm surprised Trenton didn't make it either..I'm also 30 min away from there..
Whats weird.. I live in a small quite town where nothing happens
swez on 12/8/2007 17:49:48
In my job, I go to many small towns that are far off the well beaten paths. These towns are nice, quiet and very simple to do business in. I love the people I have met in many a small town too.
As I observe, they are honest, hard working and intelligent people who do not wish to live near larger cities and enjoy the benefits of well run municipalities, good schools, above average peace and quiet. It's almost like living in a whole different world.
OK, so they have to drive a good distance to get the best shopping and other services available, but on the whole, small town life sure has an appeal to those who like just that.
Swez
cplkittle on 12/8/2007 19:17:39
I love the boonies! I live on top of a mountain about 30 minutes from the heart of Rome Georgia. We shop at Wal Mart for everything, so we expect a 40 minute drive once a week. It makes for one long day (prescriptions, groceries, haircuts, doctor appointments, etc), but we try to schedule everything for one day a week. I wouldn't trade this for anything. There are only a few things left to be desired.. we are the last to get power back on, cell phone service is not that great, no cable, no DSL, and we are last on the mail route.
I just don't like the big city, it's too busy and dirty.
Ash on 12/8/2007 20:36:36
It is the hustle and bustle that help make a city bad. Simple life takes away the competitiveness that makes people go over the edge to be at the top.
Growing up in Queens New York in the 70's, I couldn't imagine it now that I've become accustomed to the rather laid back southern life. We still have our quirks here as well, but no where near as bad as the inner city. There, people are just living too fast!
swez on 12/9/2007 10:29:28
So true guys... big city life is dog-eat-dog way too much of the time. We see road rage on the highways, extreme rudness in the stores and a general sense of grab all ya can before the next person beats ya to it.
Then there's the "Keeping up w/ the Jonses" mentality as well. It's so crazy to watch as one neighbor does this or that and others have to out-do that and raise the bar for all who play this game. Heck, I don't even like the Jonses and could care less what they do, much less play that game to the nth degree and go deep in debt in the process.
There's one thing about living on this planet for over 50 years now that is worth noting... "Things have changed a lot in 25 years and for the most part, these changes are not very good". It was common to know every neighbor on the block and have good rapport with most of them. Now, with all the "transisents", (folks who move in, stay 2-5 years and move on) we rarely get to know them, much less make friends.
On a block of 20 homes, there are only 7 families that have been here more than 25 years. The rest are here for a few years, busy as all get out and we rarely see them other than cutting the lawn, plowing snow or bustling off to work at 6:30 AM. There is little unity to be found in such situations.
Those who have been here a long time, we're on good terms and try to help each other when there is a need. A once cohesive neighborhood that kept a close eye out for each other, helped out in times of need and watched each others children grow up, is now fractured and isolated. We have to lock everything up these days now. In years gone by, one could leave the car doors unlocked, the windows down and the keys in the car and never had a problem. Try that now and that car will be gone in a New York minute.
Yes, it's sad to see all this unity fading away. But those who have remained tight, we are there for each other and do what we have always done... be kind, cordial and if we see a need and can help... done deal.
All this to say... small town life has a lot more appeal these days. They may have quirks, but they know who the quirks are and keep close tabs on them. If they get out of step, the whole neighborhood is there to set things in order or help a needy family through tough times. That's a good thing and very appealing. As I get older and desire to exit the "Rat Race" mentality, small town life seems worth having a closer look at.
Swez
cplkittle on 12/9/2007 23:44:10
All I need is a little isolation and a pair of rather large dogs to look after my place while I sleep and when I am away.
I grew up in a 'Leave it to Beaver' neighborhood 25 years ago. I wish I could have the same for my kids one day, but I realize that will probably never happen.
On the other hand for $150k I can get 20 acres with a pond, and a nice 3 bedroom house in the boonies v/s a 2 bedroom condo in town for the same price. I would rather my kids grow up where they can run around, ride ATVs, and enjoy the outdoors.
gearhead on 12/10/2007 00:12:10
Ash, if you think P.C. is "laid back" now, you should have been there in the 70's & 80's. 23rd St was a 2 lane road with almost no businesses on it. The only thing on Hwy 77 between Hwy 231 & Lynn Haven was the mall, Haney Tech School and a Winn Dixie, the rest was woods. There were still open air beer drinking joints at PCB (Ease On Inn, The Beer Garden), lots of beach access (very few condos). I sold my house there in '03.
top 10 most dangerous cities:
Detroit, MI
St. Louis, MO
Flint, MI
Oakland, CA
Camden, NJ
Birmingham, AL
North Charleston, SC
Memphis, TN
Richmond, CA
Cleveland, OH
Way to go Michigan! 2 in the top 5!
I was surprised to see that Atlanta didn't make the top 10.
Replies (24)
Ash on 11/19/2007 15:58:00
Makes you wonder about all the other places that didn't make the list. Was it because no survivors was left to vote?!!!
MrBrownstone on 11/19/2007 16:03:31
isn't that the 5th or 6th time in the last decade?
Ash on 11/19/2007 19:21:49
Does any of those stats give the average age group of offenders? Just out of curiousity...
cplkittle on 11/19/2007 20:27:25
Last year St. Louis had the top spot, but yeah, they have been on up there for quite some time.
From what I've read, it was a compilation of FBI data tallied by severity of offences.
trunkisloud on 11/19/2007 21:12:26
detroit eh?? swez car jackin people for their fosgates at the stop light ...keep an eye out for that buick.
SQLThump on 11/19/2007 21:21:09
Yeah, totally because of Swez. In fact almost exclusively. I rolled through Michigan one time, and they told me to "watch out some crazy dude in the Buick callin himself "old man audio," he be layin fools out in the street with the nina!" I promptly hit the next freeway out of town.............
trunkisloud on 11/19/2007 22:00:46
word..fool jacked me for my kraco 8 track and my jensen coaxials...police too scared to pin him....says hes a menace to society...
swez on 11/20/2007 03:09:25
Word up... there's a lot of pent up tension in MI right now. Our economy is in the tank and has been there for a long time. There are too many people that can't find decent work, too lazy to do grunt work and use crime to fill their days.
We also have a lot of poor inner city crime that goes on each day as too many dudes have too much time on their hands and no money for their dope, crack and whatever.
The police can't keep up with it all on their own. They are often stretched too thin, have too many balls to juggle and some may have just turned a blind eye to stuff to get a cut and let the gangs do business as usual.
Uhm, don't be looking for the Buick anymore... it's parked and will be donated to a local charity soon. The repair list is long and the cost/time to fix it are more than it's worth. The drive train is still good, but the front end suspension, brakes and body rot are just too costly to rehab.
Like ttocs and his Momstang, I now have an upgrade too. (Mom's Lincoln) Mom passed away last December and the Lincoln's been parked too long and needs a driver.... guess who got elected to fill that spot? (Yup... that would be me)
Nice ride for highway runs, but the front stage audio needs some nice tweeters up high and perhaps a modest sub for the trunk. We'll see how things go this spring. For now, a new set of front brakes are in order. That'll be my Christmas break... (err brake) project. It's got about 44,000 miles on it, so it's time for front pads and turning the rotors too. (Fun... fun... fun!)
Old man Audio
MrBrownstone on 11/20/2007 22:10:56
I can't believe so many people lined up to take pot shots at Ted Nugent...I mean, Ole Swez. Man, it's like one of those Dean Martin/Friar's Club roasts or something.
PS
Find out the sizes of the fronts. I may have 6 or 7 or 8 sets of components sitting around in my closet. HD 6, HD5, HD642, HD-eurofit, and the like. That way I can get you something for Christmas this year besides just lingerie again. USFLAG
swez on 11/21/2007 05:45:37
Yeah, it's pretty funny how some guys show appreciation for the old fart on the board huh?
Like most Ford products, this one is 6x8 ovals both front and rear. The Midbass is dominating, fair lows and OK highs. I did put a 6-pack CD changer in the trunk a few years ago and the stock HU is not half bad, but lacks a decent EQ.
Actually, I still have that pair of Bahn plates you tossed my way a few years back and the 5.25" woofer is actually pretty solid. The tweeters and crossovers were junk, so I scrapped them. Can always find some decent silk tweeters and make up some passive crossovers too.
Lemme see... there's a 4 channel US Acoustics and a JBL 2 channel in my toy box along with a few 10's and 12's as well. A single 10 or 12 is plenty good here. Maybe I'll take the route that Ash has been doing and just do something neat with what's on hand.
A Pro Box Rocks 10" PB10-4 sub would be very nice here. That's only $35.00 + S/H. After installing/hearing one, it rocks after the break in period is done. Was I shocked at what this mighty 10 can do in a well designed box. It must be a high eff sub too.
Hum, what to do? (And do it well on the cheap too) Have a plan... now it's just a matter of pulling things together. Some would say it's a hodge-podge, mix and fix, but it's not the gear that makes things go... it's the guy installing it. (Who said that before?) Another ol fart that's been in this game a long time too... errr, uhmmm, d'oh... Mr B says that all the time. Guess we'll have to prove him right huh? (I know you are right though)
http://credencespeakers.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CSI&Product_Code=PB410S4&Category_Code=BO
Well, looks like a plan is gel-in' and have some time off coming too. (We're off work when the kids are not in school for Christmas break) Maybe it's time to treat myself a bit and have a winter project while off for a 10 days.
Hum, this could be kinda fun after cleaning out the garage and such. Dare I indulge and do something fun/treat for myself for a change? Why not !!! It's time and besides, it'll keep the winter blahs away too. I usually loath winter now-a days, but can turn this one around with a nice project to work on.
Hang it mang, ice fishin is not a gig I care to pursue at the moment, so forget the new waders and such until spring. There's plenty of time to prep for the spring warreye and trout runs later. Live in the here and now and enjoy the moment for a change.
Uhm... thanks for the inspiration! Life is too short to live everyday for what "could be" tomorrow.... Even the Bible says to live each day to the fullest and fret not about the days to come. Each day has it's own challenges and we only need focus on today. Tomorrow will come soon enough and we'll deal with these on a day-by-day basis too. (OK, it's a bit out of context, but the priciples are the same)
Swez
jamesp on 11/21/2007 10:59:42
A 15" sub might fit just right in the Continental kit you have ordered for the LincolnGRIN
Pimpin' and Boomin'
cplkittle on 11/22/2007 02:44:28
My ideas for Swez's pimp lincoln:
12" spoke rims with chrome knockoffs
20 switch hydraulic system
a huge flying pig hood ornament
some pickup truck bed guard rails as running boards
Multicolor illuminated curb feelers
blacklight under body light kit
motion lites for the rims (if you haven't seen these, check them out.. www.motionlite.com)
some pimp lanterns for the outer B pillar between the doors
purple suede soft top
zebra skin seat covers
diamond tufted purple suede dash cover
hidden center console compartment for pimp cane and hat
disco ball rearview mirror ornament
a custom horn that yells "move b!+ch"
six 6x9's lined up across the back deck
custom paisley pinstriping
one of those rotating lifting chairs that help old people get up as a driver's seat... lift chair?
and...
a bifocal windshield
that's all for now
swez on 11/22/2007 08:52:57
Those are good comment guys... LOL
The bifocal windshield option is a hoot.
Like the "Easy Exit" chair assist idea too. (This car is hard to get in and out of as it's pretty low to the ground) Admittedly, am becoming more of a truck guy of late.
"Hidden center console compartment for pimp cane and hat"... (got that one covered bud with collasping cane in door pocket and an "Indiana Jones" fedora in the rear window parcel shelf) hehe
After driving a commercial fitted van all week for work, like the climb up/slide out and down features there. The road view is very good and this van has enough umph to get out of its own way and then some. For such a heavy truck, it's almost impressive how well it moves out when needed.
Anyway, this is the Signature Series Town Car. It's all white, a half landau cover, (Taupe gray) from the B to C pillars, white leather inside and a very deep trunk. Would like to add a pair of driving/fog lamps down low for better illumination at night and then start working on the audio part as time and $$ permits.
Am thinking a small sub, (10") is all I want here and a total stealth install. Just enough bass to fill in the deep lows and enough bumpin potential as needed. It already offers good Midbass down to about 60 Hz. The upper mids and highs need some help though and the 60 Hz and down could use a few more dB's too. But will need all the trunk space I can keep for fishing gear next spring.
The stock HU is OK and has some nice features. One thing it lacks is a useful EQ. (2 band, 100 Hz Bass, 10KHz Treble) That won't cut it, so I have an older Sony CDX-C6850 w/ 3 pairs of RCA outs to play with as well. Can easily add a 5-7 band EQ/LD/AUX unit and I-Pod player later. (This Sony HU was one of the last good ones they made and probably a classic by now) It also has a remote feature available and that could come in handy.
Ahhh, choices... choices and more choices to whittle out. It's funny how easy it is to give good advice to others about what to use and how to do it well. But when we know the work needed ahead of time and have to do the install ourselves.... it seems less appealing huh? (Especially in the winter months)
The worst part is cleaning up the garage to make space and then heat it well enough to work comfortably. Need 2-3 days work just to clean up the darn garage. (Whaaaa) But the effort will be well worth it in the long run huh? Guess I'd better get on it as it won't get any warmer, anytime soon. 8~0 (sigh)
Swez
trunkisloud on 12/2/2007 12:50:10
dude im diggin the 6x9 idea....dont forget the headlight eyebrows and the chrome straps on the trunk and the rolls royce grill...
swez is pimpin then...hes the first pimp i ever seen whos hoes hit back.
swez on 12/2/2007 15:16:11
Hehe, that's too funny dude. (Canadians are a real hoot) Soon, we'll all be North American's like the European Union. That means one large trading partnership that includes Canada, the US, Mexico and perhaps Central America as well. We'll have a common currency too. (It's been dubbed the "Amero" already) Yes, our governance will be as it is for the time being, but more cohesive than things are now.
Naw, am a pretty simple guy really. It does not take a lot o chrome, 18" wheels and neon to make me happy. After living in the blue collar burbs most of my life, hard work, an honest effort and above average results are at the top of the priority list.
Don't need the flash, the bling or the hoe's that flock to that kind of stuff either. Don't make a lot of money right now either, but still manage to live well, below my means and save up a long time for special purchases. Am content in most things that matter the most too. (Forget the Rat Race Track that others are running on now) Have been there, done that and guess what, that did not make me any happier.
In fact, I was miserable, stressed out a lot and spent way too much money on things that I never really got to enjoy. (Save for golf outings, fishing trips and meeting a few real high quality friends) The rest is way over-rated.
When one works hard, saves for a long time and gets a great deal on that "special thing" we have been eyeing for a long time, it's a real treat that satisfies for a long time. Yes, am very content for the most part and just take life one day at a time. Not that stress is not a factor at times though... but in the big picture, things have a way of working out very well when we slow down, smell the coffee and enjoy what's right in front of our noses.
Swez
trunkisloud on 12/2/2007 19:37:04
im not canadian....houston man....
swez on 12/2/2007 19:49:19
Hummm, I's a bit out of pocket today on that one, but the events mentioned are still pending. Texans are a breed all their own and I like that
I hope the weather is nice where you are today. We've had sleet, snow and freezing rain the past 24 hours. Winter is here and what a mess it has been already.
Let the fun begin...
Swez
Enjoy your evening,
Swez
iXvXi on 12/5/2007 23:05:15
Figures Camden makes the top 5...I live 40 min from there and I'm surprised Trenton didn't make it either..I'm also 30 min away from there..
Whats weird.. I live in a small quite town where nothing happens
swez on 12/8/2007 17:49:48
In my job, I go to many small towns that are far off the well beaten paths. These towns are nice, quiet and very simple to do business in. I love the people I have met in many a small town too.
As I observe, they are honest, hard working and intelligent people who do not wish to live near larger cities and enjoy the benefits of well run municipalities, good schools, above average peace and quiet. It's almost like living in a whole different world.
OK, so they have to drive a good distance to get the best shopping and other services available, but on the whole, small town life sure has an appeal to those who like just that.
Swez
cplkittle on 12/8/2007 19:17:39
I love the boonies! I live on top of a mountain about 30 minutes from the heart of Rome Georgia. We shop at Wal Mart for everything, so we expect a 40 minute drive once a week. It makes for one long day (prescriptions, groceries, haircuts, doctor appointments, etc), but we try to schedule everything for one day a week. I wouldn't trade this for anything. There are only a few things left to be desired.. we are the last to get power back on, cell phone service is not that great, no cable, no DSL, and we are last on the mail route.
I just don't like the big city, it's too busy and dirty.
Ash on 12/8/2007 20:36:36
It is the hustle and bustle that help make a city bad. Simple life takes away the competitiveness that makes people go over the edge to be at the top.
Growing up in Queens New York in the 70's, I couldn't imagine it now that I've become accustomed to the rather laid back southern life. We still have our quirks here as well, but no where near as bad as the inner city. There, people are just living too fast!
swez on 12/9/2007 10:29:28
So true guys... big city life is dog-eat-dog way too much of the time. We see road rage on the highways, extreme rudness in the stores and a general sense of grab all ya can before the next person beats ya to it.
Then there's the "Keeping up w/ the Jonses" mentality as well. It's so crazy to watch as one neighbor does this or that and others have to out-do that and raise the bar for all who play this game. Heck, I don't even like the Jonses and could care less what they do, much less play that game to the nth degree and go deep in debt in the process.
There's one thing about living on this planet for over 50 years now that is worth noting... "Things have changed a lot in 25 years and for the most part, these changes are not very good". It was common to know every neighbor on the block and have good rapport with most of them. Now, with all the "transisents", (folks who move in, stay 2-5 years and move on) we rarely get to know them, much less make friends.
On a block of 20 homes, there are only 7 families that have been here more than 25 years. The rest are here for a few years, busy as all get out and we rarely see them other than cutting the lawn, plowing snow or bustling off to work at 6:30 AM. There is little unity to be found in such situations.
Those who have been here a long time, we're on good terms and try to help each other when there is a need. A once cohesive neighborhood that kept a close eye out for each other, helped out in times of need and watched each others children grow up, is now fractured and isolated. We have to lock everything up these days now. In years gone by, one could leave the car doors unlocked, the windows down and the keys in the car and never had a problem. Try that now and that car will be gone in a New York minute.
Yes, it's sad to see all this unity fading away. But those who have remained tight, we are there for each other and do what we have always done... be kind, cordial and if we see a need and can help... done deal.
All this to say... small town life has a lot more appeal these days. They may have quirks, but they know who the quirks are and keep close tabs on them. If they get out of step, the whole neighborhood is there to set things in order or help a needy family through tough times. That's a good thing and very appealing. As I get older and desire to exit the "Rat Race" mentality, small town life seems worth having a closer look at.
Swez
cplkittle on 12/9/2007 23:44:10
All I need is a little isolation and a pair of rather large dogs to look after my place while I sleep and when I am away.
I grew up in a 'Leave it to Beaver' neighborhood 25 years ago. I wish I could have the same for my kids one day, but I realize that will probably never happen.
On the other hand for $150k I can get 20 acres with a pond, and a nice 3 bedroom house in the boonies v/s a 2 bedroom condo in town for the same price. I would rather my kids grow up where they can run around, ride ATVs, and enjoy the outdoors.
gearhead on 12/10/2007 00:12:10
Ash, if you think P.C. is "laid back" now, you should have been there in the 70's & 80's. 23rd St was a 2 lane road with almost no businesses on it. The only thing on Hwy 77 between Hwy 231 & Lynn Haven was the mall, Haney Tech School and a Winn Dixie, the rest was woods. There were still open air beer drinking joints at PCB (Ease On Inn, The Beer Garden), lots of beach access (very few condos). I sold my house there in '03.
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