Been crazy busy around here this week -- even with the day off to go shop at Leslie Crocker Snyder Park in Westlake on Wednesday. Last night was the Light Up Berea parade, and Da Chimpz marched with their Cub Scout pack. Damn, was it cold! The light snows of earlier this week have given is one or two inches of packed iciness on the sidewalks, so winter-wonderland was in full effect.

That Crocker Park shopping experience on Wednesday was strange. I'd heard about that place -- one of those really modern, fully-planned "urban" centers with residential, retail, and restaurants laid out for maximum cool and efficiency. Everything was shiny new. And deserted. Maybe it's because we got there early. Still, walking the stores it felt like that scene in Polar Express where the kids are roaming around the completely empty toy factory, with everything quiet except for faint Christmas music. Sure beats fighting the crowds!

Still, it reminded me of a lame PBS show that aired last week -- the listing described it as an exploration into the decline of Cleveland, a once-great American city. And what was the cause of that decline? I listened hard for something convincing, but all they had was vague finger-pointing that laid the blame at the restless feet of all those vainglorious folk over the years moved to the suburbs. And it wouldn't have happened if it weren't for all those roads we were building! The show mentioned those planned urban centers. Disapprovingly, natch.

Still got a bit of Christmas shopping to do. Maybe I'll be able to make a run tomorrow. Will there be crowds? Will I be accosted by aggressive salespeople? Will the temperature make it into the 30s?