Visionary in Residence by Bruce Sterling

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 03:22:00 +0000

I normally avoid short stories at all cost. I bought this book because the Bruce Sterling book I really wanted wasn't in stock.

Venice Mounted Police?

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Thu, 25 May 2006 04:18:00 +0000

Once is a fluke, twice is curious, but thrice is a pattern, which is why I feel the need to record my observation of what I have dubbed the Venice Mounted Police. Since Venice is technically protected and served by the LAPD, that's probably a misnomer. Let me explain. Venice is in part known for its "local flavor." We sometimes translate the "flavor" by explaining that in addition to yoga-loving hipsters (and owners of overpriced bungalows) and surfer beach bum types there is an ever shifting population of transient passers-through, some of which are up to what we call "no good," but many of whom are just those who have fallen through many of society's cracks (no pun intended, I swear). On three occasions this week - and twice on Abbot Kinney Boulevard -- I've seen teams of mounted police engaged in what looks like pretty mellow conversations with various crack passers-through. Maybe the police feel that this is a more effective approach than the cruise-and-interrogate drill I see on the beach sometimes. Maybe the horses help people feel less intimidated? One of the questionees I saw was even petting one of the horses heads. Is this more effective than the bike-riding police? I'm not sure, but in any event it looks like Venice has its own stable of peacekeepers, at least this week.

Jayfader's World

Visionary in Residence by Bruce Sterling

Venice Mounted Police?