Stars

CCM
It occurred to me today that we will be attempting the same sort of thing that good old Lewis and Clark did so many years ago. This thought most probably hit me as I passed a statue of them for the 5th time while driving around St Louis, the city where their big journey began and ended. Everything in America seems to hold undue weight, historical weight, and celebration of journeys, battles, accomplishments and discovery. How come we do not get quite so excited about so many minor events as do these Americans.

We end our day on Delmar Blvd in the area called the Loop, a cool strip near Washington University. Another University we passed was St Louis U, or as it is called University City due to it being miles and miles and miles of real estate, I was awed by its mass and by my complete ignorance of it even existing, like some million plus peopled Chinese city.

In the Loop on Delmar Blvd there is a walk of fame, all sorts of St Louians native accomplishments, heroes and stars. A star and a descriptive plaque accompany each name- you know the drill. Buddy Ebsen, Chuck Berry, Tennessee Williams, familiar names are joined by ball players and surprisingly, scientists. My favourite was Scott Joplin(who knew), not born here but did some of his best hanging out in and around the joint, oh Maple Leaf Rag. This country loves its history, ultimately more to die for I suppose. I have noticed that even the most liberal of Americans get a bit wiggy when you dis their mighty country. Even though many do feign a move north “if this lasts too much longer…”

And that arch, someone came up with the concept in the late 40’s (they must have thought he was crazy) and finished building in 1965, now that is forward thinking. Jack and I love that god-damn arch.