My second favorite holiday is this week: Black Friday, the time where generations of American families come together to get up at the crack of dawn, wait out in a dark Wal-mart parking lot for some poor, unfortunate soul to open up the automatic doors, and then trample inside like a pack of wild dogs intent on getting the cheapest presents possible. Even if it means ripping it out of someone else's hands.
(It kind of reminds me of roller derby.)
At any rate, the MPD has sent out a list of helpful tips to start the season. You can find the full list at the MPD's website, but I've picked out a few:
— When possible, shop during daylight hours.
— Dress casually and comfortably (ed: This is just practical. I mean, you wouldn't run a marathon in high heels, would you? No, not unless you were Kelly Ripa.)
— Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible. Keep cash in your front pocket.
— Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check or credit card if possible. (Your financial advisors would tell you the exact opposite. Well, except for the carrying large amount of cash part. They'd probably agree with MPD there)
— Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason (Same as any other time of year, really)
— When driving, keep all car doors locked and window closed while in or out of your car.
— Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows (That's if you can find a parking space at all)
— Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car.
— Be sure to locate your keys before going to your car. Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
— When leaving home for an extended period of time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
— Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
— Donate to a recognized charitable organization (I like this one. I think they mean as opposed to donating to a charity you've never heard of, but a little good karma at this time of year can't hurt.)
In the event you need to contact the police, call 545-COPS for non-emergencies or 911 for emergencies.
Showing posts with label wal-mart. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wal-mart. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Boxed Out
A few years ago, the Shelby County School system was looking to convert an empty Schnucks into a temporary elementary school.
In researching that story, I stumbled on a project by Ohio artist Julia Christensen in which she looked at how communities around the country had re-used former big-box retail spaces, turning them into schools, churches, and rec. centers.
Her investigation has now resulted in a new book: Big Box Reuse.
From the website:
"Christensen crisscrossed America identifying these projects, then photographed, videotaped, and interviewed the people involved. The first-person accounts and color photographs of Big Box Reuse reveal the hidden stories behind the transformation of these facades into gateways of community life. Whether a big box store becomes a 'Senior Resource Center' or a museum devoted to Spam (the kind that comes in a can), each renovation displays a community’s resourcefulness and creativity — but also raises questions about how big box buildings affect the lives of communities."
In researching that story, I stumbled on a project by Ohio artist Julia Christensen in which she looked at how communities around the country had re-used former big-box retail spaces, turning them into schools, churches, and rec. centers.
Her investigation has now resulted in a new book: Big Box Reuse.
From the website:
"Christensen crisscrossed America identifying these projects, then photographed, videotaped, and interviewed the people involved. The first-person accounts and color photographs of Big Box Reuse reveal the hidden stories behind the transformation of these facades into gateways of community life. Whether a big box store becomes a 'Senior Resource Center' or a museum devoted to Spam (the kind that comes in a can), each renovation displays a community’s resourcefulness and creativity — but also raises questions about how big box buildings affect the lives of communities."
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Wal-Mart Didn't Win
It's interesting that a proposed Wal-Mart was defeated by the County Commission yesterday.
We'll have a full story in the print version of the Flyer tomorrow and up on the web Friday. But I got this email from reader Kerry Hayes, so I thought I'd go ahead and post it:
"Hi Mary,
Longtime reader of your column and blog, first-time writer-in. Really hope that you or someone else at the Flyer can give some coverage to the recent battle against Wal-Mart that has been raging in Cordova. Things culminated last night with a 10-3 victory in favor of the Citizens for a Sustainable Growth group — they went up against the largest retailer in the world, one of the most notoriously oppressive corporate entities in America, and thanks to the simple principles of grassroots organizing and holding their ground, WON. This is huge. This is the kind of thing that reflects really well, not just on Cordova, but on our entire city."
Frankly, I was pretty surprised that the neighbors won. Even though I agreed with their arguments — that the roads wouldn't support Wal-Mart traffic and that they already have two Wal-Marts in the area — I wasn't sure which way the County Commission would go. Tax dollars can be kind of a big deal.
Actually, now that I mention tax dollars, maybe that's why they went the way they did.
I just keep thinking about that one Wal-Mart at Germantown Parkway and Wolf River Boulevard that closed after they opened up the other store down the street. I'm not a big fan of treating buildings like tissues (even if you build them that way).
And I don't think an abandoned big box store — with weeds growing through the parking lot, an old shopping cart here or there — would be great for property values. I'm fairly sure that land is an empty lot now (I haven't driven past it in a while, so I could be wrong) but I'm also pretty sure that many people would still consider it an eyesore.
I like that we seem to be thinking more long-term now.
We'll have a full story in the print version of the Flyer tomorrow and up on the web Friday. But I got this email from reader Kerry Hayes, so I thought I'd go ahead and post it:
"Hi Mary,
Longtime reader of your column and blog, first-time writer-in. Really hope that you or someone else at the Flyer can give some coverage to the recent battle against Wal-Mart that has been raging in Cordova. Things culminated last night with a 10-3 victory in favor of the Citizens for a Sustainable Growth group — they went up against the largest retailer in the world, one of the most notoriously oppressive corporate entities in America, and thanks to the simple principles of grassroots organizing and holding their ground, WON. This is huge. This is the kind of thing that reflects really well, not just on Cordova, but on our entire city."
Frankly, I was pretty surprised that the neighbors won. Even though I agreed with their arguments — that the roads wouldn't support Wal-Mart traffic and that they already have two Wal-Marts in the area — I wasn't sure which way the County Commission would go. Tax dollars can be kind of a big deal.
Actually, now that I mention tax dollars, maybe that's why they went the way they did.
I just keep thinking about that one Wal-Mart at Germantown Parkway and Wolf River Boulevard that closed after they opened up the other store down the street. I'm not a big fan of treating buildings like tissues (even if you build them that way).
And I don't think an abandoned big box store — with weeds growing through the parking lot, an old shopping cart here or there — would be great for property values. I'm fairly sure that land is an empty lot now (I haven't driven past it in a while, so I could be wrong) but I'm also pretty sure that many people would still consider it an eyesore.
I like that we seem to be thinking more long-term now.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Wal-Mart Woes
In response to a proposed Wal-Mart Super Center store at the corner of Macon and Houston Levee, a group of residents have recently formed Citizens for Sustainable Growth.
The group, which includes the Gray's Creek Association, the Cordova Leadership Council, and Parents and Friends of Macon Hall Elementary, are concerned that the area will not be able to handle the traffic increase.
"It's not just the nearby residents that foot the bill for urban sprawl. The entire county will pay the price," the group's counsel, Brian Stephens, said in a released statement. "This means less money for other areas, increases in taxes, and emergency vehicles will be further stretched to cover the increased demand in services."
As part of a concession to Land Use Control Board concerns, Wal-Mart has agreed to pay $2 million for infrastructure improvements at the intersection.
The group is also concerned that the new store will mean closing nearby, already established Wal-Mart stores and notes that Wal-Mart has never opened a new store in an existing market without closing another store.
In a comment to the Flyer last month, Wal-Mart corporate spokesperson Dennis Alpert said, "When we open a store, we make a commitment to the community. Opening a new store does not mean that we will close another store in the area."
To read that earlier Flyer story, click here.
The group, which includes the Gray's Creek Association, the Cordova Leadership Council, and Parents and Friends of Macon Hall Elementary, are concerned that the area will not be able to handle the traffic increase.
"It's not just the nearby residents that foot the bill for urban sprawl. The entire county will pay the price," the group's counsel, Brian Stephens, said in a released statement. "This means less money for other areas, increases in taxes, and emergency vehicles will be further stretched to cover the increased demand in services."
As part of a concession to Land Use Control Board concerns, Wal-Mart has agreed to pay $2 million for infrastructure improvements at the intersection.
The group is also concerned that the new store will mean closing nearby, already established Wal-Mart stores and notes that Wal-Mart has never opened a new store in an existing market without closing another store.
In a comment to the Flyer last month, Wal-Mart corporate spokesperson Dennis Alpert said, "When we open a store, we make a commitment to the community. Opening a new store does not mean that we will close another store in the area."
To read that earlier Flyer story, click here.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Wal-Mart Shopper Strips Down?
The Consumerist is one of my favorite blogs (tho, for the life of me, I can't figure out why) and today they have a little bit about a Wal-Mart shopper who wasn't allowed to bring her $600 bike into the store.
Because there were no bike racks at that particular location, the cyclist thought she'd just take the bicycle with her into the store, something she'd done in the past. But a Wal-Mart manager argued that she couldn't bring it into the store because the store sold bicycles.
From her posting on Bike Forums:
"
On a related but unrelated note, writer Shara Clark has a story in the upcoming issue of the Flyer about a proposed Wal-mart at Houston Levee and Macon and the Cordova residents who oppose it.
For all the suburb-bashers out there who are thinking to themselves "Have you seen Cordova? How can they be against Wal-mart?" — don't worry, your worldview is safe. It's not that they don't like Wal-mart, per se, they're worried that the new Wal-mart might put one of the old Wal-marts (like the one on Germantown Parkway) out of business.
And a big box is one thing; an empty big box is another thing entirely.
Because there were no bike racks at that particular location, the cyclist thought she'd just take the bicycle with her into the store, something she'd done in the past. But a Wal-Mart manager argued that she couldn't bring it into the store because the store sold bicycles.
From her posting on Bike Forums:
"
On a related but unrelated note, writer Shara Clark has a story in the upcoming issue of the Flyer about a proposed Wal-mart at Houston Levee and Macon and the Cordova residents who oppose it.
For all the suburb-bashers out there who are thinking to themselves "Have you seen Cordova? How can they be against Wal-mart?" — don't worry, your worldview is safe. It's not that they don't like Wal-mart, per se, they're worried that the new Wal-mart might put one of the old Wal-marts (like the one on Germantown Parkway) out of business.
And a big box is one thing; an empty big box is another thing entirely.
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