"You really like skylines, don't you?", my better half remarked, as we
crossed the Ohio River into the nighttime display of Kentucky's most
populous city.
There is something almost magical about a skyline that makes you
stare at it. Perhaps some onlookers are drawn to the power that so
many tall buildings represent. Others are intrigued by the possibilities
that exist among the massive structures. Who is there? What makes it
thrive? Historians may view skylines and ponder how a city can rise
from very humble origins or great catastrophe to popularity, strength
and greatness. Some just simply like the aesthetics.
At one point or another in my short twenty-eight years, I have
marveled at cities and their skylines for all of those reasons.
I drove to downtown Louisville tonight. And according to the usually-
reliable Google Maps, from my starting location in the East End, I went
no fewer than 13.6 miles out of my way. Most folks don't understand
why anyone would do that. And while I already stop at the gas pumps
enough, I have to see my city's skyline from time to time; to check on
it, analyze, criticize or worship it. When you like skylines and you work
in the burbs, you just have to do it.
While I do not have to critique cities, that's why I'm on here tonight. I
have always wanted to do this in public, even though I am living proof
of the notion that many people feel so strongly about their locations that
fights can break out. I'll put down my boxing gloves if you will.
I will make every possible effort to consider all aspects of a city when
rendering judgment, and candid remarks are assured. It is not rational
or fair of me to critique cities in which I have spent limited or zero
amount of time. Additionally, criticizing a city which I have only passed
through would be arrogant. For example, I refuse to review Huntington,
West Virginia, as a dump (although anyone who has driven along I-64 can
easily see...err...never mind.)
Because the normal length of a blog ended about two paragraphs ago, I
have decided to break up this entry a bit. With the way I like to ramble
and my use of Google Maps, it is one courtesy that I can extend to you,
the reader.
That is, if anyone is bored enough to persevere. On with part one...
