I'm back from a(nother) trip to Cleveland. We got lots done, ate at hyper-swanky Legacy Village, and had two more delay-free, trouble-free flights. On the way out of CLE our flight path took us to the north of downtown, providing a great view of the mistake by the lake in light fog, with flashbulbs snapping for what I assume was the first pitch of the Indians' game at Jacobs Field.
While I'm galavanting acround the midwest and upping my pathetically low BrickBreaker top score, Jenelle has been at home, galavanting through test after test. I came home last night to find both butterflies of the kitchen table covered in essay exams; apparently I missed the antics of one helpful kitty and quite a day full of hijinx.
I don't know who names, designs, or selects stores to fill our nation's new lifestyle centers, but what a bizarre thing. "Legacy Village" has neither a legacy or a village. Discuss. It has heated sidewalks, apparently, and is designed to absolutely look like the downtowns everybody loves: Santa Monica, Fort Lauderdale, even Ann Arbor. It also has a totally eclectic mix of shops: Viking, Sephora, Dicks, etc. Something for everyone, even if that means a totally cluttered marketing message.
Had a Chevrolet Malibu this time; while the world awaits the new model this was a legacy vehicle. I'd never driven one before and was surprised at how competent it was. Pity the exterior is so unappealing, because inside this is a sound car. The updated version should do well for itself, especially with GM kicking in $150m in advertising. I guess I know which commercials we'll see most this college football stretch. The banners are out already and they are edgy, but one wonders if edginess alone will do it? I'm thinking test-drives where the car comes to your house, crash-test demonstrations in public places, giveaways, flying them overhead slung from blimps - it is going to take a mountain of creativity and it will be fun to watch.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007