My View of Downtown Wausau
I wondered what I should use this space for, and you (well, two of you) answered. So, without further ado, the theme of my blog on Citizen Wausau will be….my view of Downtown Wausau.
This journal will include events, music (both my own and others), observations and my thoughts on Downtown Wausau.
A few disclaimers:
- Although I live downtown, I miss a great deal of what happens here. For example, I had no idea that the Wausau Symphony and Band is playing this Wednesday (June 18th), so I set up an informal acoustic jam on the square (see my music blog about the Precert on the Square). The WSB concert is not on their website, it is not listed in City Pages, nor is it listed in the WDH (print or online), but there is a poster hanging at Wausau Area Events (which went up last Friday). I found out about it by accident, and had to call several people to confirm it was really happening.
- I live here, most of you visit or work here. There are times that the ‘tourists’ (as some of us ‘towners’ like to call you) make life difficult for those of us who live here. It is not your fault, but imagine how your neighborhood would change if a couple thousand people showed up…
- It would be impossible for me to cover the downtown area without mentioning the fact that I perform here and record here. This is my blog, these are my observations, and who I am and what I do will obviously be part of my reports. I will attempt not to be too self serving.
- Downtown Wausau has an incredibly diverse population. I am one voice, and I do not speak for anyone else.
Today’s observation: If you go to the ‘adult bookstore‘, don’t be embarrassed if I see you going in or leaving. I see lots of people from all walks of life visiting the ‘corner bookstore‘. You are not the only person who goes there, and I really don’t think you are a pervert. Or are you? Quite frankly: I really don’t care, it is none of my business.
Today’s Pimping: As I mentioned above, the Wausau Symphony is playing at the Square Wednesday and I’ve also invited a lot of people to have an incredibly informal acoustic jam. Come on out, it will be fine. We’ll jam when they are not playing, maybe they’ll join us. It is all about music and hanging out with fellow music lovers. Bring food/beverages/acoustic instruments.
Dino Corvino said:
Jim,
I think it would be great to take a photo out the window at the same time every day. Like every morning on the way out the door to work. I think it would be a great experiment.
June 17th, 2008 at 10:02 pm #
Alex said:
That would be a super cool idea.
June 17th, 2008 at 10:12 pm #
robertmentzer said:
What are you doing watching me when I’m just trying to buy my porno in peace?
June 17th, 2008 at 10:57 pm #
Tom Neal said:
I’m fair pleased that you’re taking this approach for your blog. It should be interesting to follow. I encourage you to examine the underbelly, look under rocks, around corners, down alleys (don’t get mugged), be a photojournalist as Dino infers. Don’t just be a “what’s going on downtown” event reporter, surprise us … be a noir documentarian … and write with the eye of an artist. Our downtown has a certain cache; capture it with observations on the denizens, their habits, the humdrum day-by-day business. I think you’ll end up with a valuable document.
June 18th, 2008 at 7:01 am #
erik said:
Uber cool format, Mr. Carlson. Looking forward to seeing more.
June 18th, 2008 at 8:45 am #
oldwoodchair said:
I grew up helping in my dad’s business downtown, so I’ve watched it change first-hand over the past 40+ years. I am SO looking forward to following this!!!
June 18th, 2008 at 6:14 pm #
Mohawk Matt said:
I always thought it was hilarious when people would park in front of the pub and walk a block to the porn shop, when there was plenty of parking in front.
August 10th, 2008 at 3:31 am #
Tom Neal said:
Been a month almost, Jim … you need to get out more often! And report on what you see and do.
August 11th, 2008 at 9:01 am #