From one of my favorite bus drivers, as we discussed prices of property in the area:

“Block-busting was a term people used years ago for the phenomenon that took place when a black family moved into a white neighborhood, and the other whites in the neighborhood decided to move away and more blacks moved in.”

(At that point in America’s history, he explained, this led to the perception that the neighborhood had “deteriorated” and caused the prices of the houses in the neighborhood or “block” to crash, or go bust. Nowadays, he says, this happens very rarely, if at all.)

Posted under Navel-Gazing

I went jogging by the lake yesterday morning. Already there were a couple of early-morning risers walking their dogs.

As I approached a woman with a cute beagle, she considerately pulled in her dog’s leash. Hitherto said dog had been running about on a long leash, happily peeing into the base of nearby trees. As I neared them, dog tried to pull against the leash, making to chase me. Woman pulls on the leash harder, and with an authoritative voice commanded the dog to “Stay”.

The obedient, well-trained pet sat on his/her heels. And looking longingly at me, whimpered.

I can only imagine his/her thoughts at the moment. “LET. ME. GO… WANT. TO. CHASE. LITTLE. GIRL.”

Posted under Navel-Gazing