Crime maps

The cockamamie ideas have to go somewhere, people.

I wish St. Louis had a better one of these, in chicago
And since I hate comparing StL to Chicago, one of these - the font's cooler, too - in Oakland, CA.

We (meaning St. Louis) supposedly has one here, (and a PostDispatch graphic designer, who I found through the proverbial tweet, makes some cool interactive maps here) but I've never ever managed to get it to open b/c it crashes Firefox and I'm afraid to try again (for the 7th time or so). I wonder what is up with the crime map as it is, though. Who made it, how does it keep updated, where does the info come from, all the little algorithms that seem to come into play when you're making a dynamic map-type thing, etc....I wanted to look up the location of this.

Wouldn't that be nice, just to know what's up? It would be SO nice.

Perhaps it's time to talk to the computer science departments at the top-notch Universities in the area. Call me an optimist, but wouldn't it be a wonderful way to not only pool the resources of the brains that visit our city during the school year, but also to bring the people a little closer to their lovely crime-fighting policemen. Not everyone can be as lucky as me and get tips from the ones who visit your coffeshop.

It's usually not the easiest situation 9especially if you look at the issues the Oakland crime map has had), combining police work with computer programming, because the policemen have work to do that's v. serious and crime maps just wanna make a little dot on it, and maybe that's not as serious. Still. It's an opportunity. A lemonade out of lemons situation. And if college kids work on it, they'll get to know the city better!

Talk about an unintended consequence, getting to know your city better through tracking its crime -- but you gotta start somewhere, right?


Just a thought. And a coworking space (or an awesome meeting room with lots of plugs, but that's a little redundant) would be a great place to do it.

Calling all STL Geeks and Creatives

You know who you are!

So, I have some idea what I'd like to do with this place. Aside from making it my abode.

I'd like to turn it into this place ...maintaining the awesomeness of the Historic Hat Mart, (and of the 'hood) natch.

Mostly b/c I would like that place, b/c I need that place b/c I am an independent consultant and I really really like talking to/hanging out with other people. Like, a LOT.

St. Louis has lots of bloggers, more than a few "startups", and creatives a'plenty -- and more. And then probs some more after that. Surely not much less than my old hometown Philly does! What's the dif? What gives?

This is possible. I'll need some help though - I'm so darn GREEN (not in the eco-friendly way, in the like, young whippersnapper detective way).

Oh well, I'll just start doing what I can now. I'll figure out the hows as it goes.
:)

I also heard Gabe of Hwy61 on KDHX last night (I've met you Gabe -- we were at the same VTS at XPlane back in the summer!!!) - and he said our stl generation needs a place to call its own. I say we need an opportunity to have opportunity. Not to mention, StL is too regionally cliquey to hire the right people in the right places (as anyone who's job searched in any town could tell ya). But I am not here to complain... I really hope to in my life/ this blog ... do the opposite of complaining, whatever that is.

Perhaps this coworking space would offer an opportunity for the 30 somethings to get to know the 20 somethings who could get to know the 3+ universities' young co-ed college-kids=types could get to know everyone else who pays the $25 a month to have a space. Actually I know it could. I just cannot give enough snaps to Tara, Chris et al - who've been inspiring me since August 13th, 2006. (heck yeah I remember the date...or rather gmail does...which is cool...an inspiration birthday)

I'm very excited by this idea. PLUS the building is right next to really really delicious quesadillas.

So if you see this, hear this - spread the word. And then get back to me. please! :)