I'm not really a fan of hot dogs. I know you're kind of supposed to say that if you want people to think you generally value your health, but I really don't eat them often.
But here in Moscow, I've fallen in love with Stardogs. I'm pretty sure it's only because of the fact that I can just get them on the side of the road while I'm rushing around the city, and the allure of the city-life aspect of it all, but I love them. They HAVE to be pretty bad for you-- and what's worse-- I always get the one wrapped in freakin' bacon. BACON!
Just imagine this bad boy with bacon all around it.
But sadly, over the past two weeks, all sorts of kiosks lining the sidewalks and streets have been taken down. Moscow's new mayor Sergei Sobyanin decided that over 500 kiosks all around the city should be taken down. Although his attempts may seem noble--his main concern is cleaning up the city and reducing traffic--they really get in the way of my (admittedly infrequent) eating habits. While I don't eat these often enough for it to put a dent in my waistband, there are several stands that have provided the very sustenance needed to get me on to my next errand. The one nearest my metro stop? Gone. The one nearest a school I teach? Gone.
Of course this is saddening on other levels. While ultimately mayor Sobyanin's decision is only removing 15% of total kiosks (and not only Stardog kiosks, we're talking flower shops, Shorma shops, produce stands, and so on), it is affecting numerous migrant workers. According to the article, 7,000 people are out of a job because of the decision and they were given almost no notice. Beth and I do not live close enough firsthand, but we have heard friends talk about the speed and severity that these stands were taken out during the middle of the night. They were literally torn apart where they stood. I'm sure this didn't happen to all of them, but still.
I don't know enough to make judgements on what was right or wrong to do, or what should happen. But my gut's telling me something's just not right.
Of course this is saddening on other levels. While ultimately mayor Sobyanin's decision is only removing 15% of total kiosks (and not only Stardog kiosks, we're talking flower shops, Shorma shops, produce stands, and so on), it is affecting numerous migrant workers. According to the article, 7,000 people are out of a job because of the decision and they were given almost no notice. Beth and I do not live close enough firsthand, but we have heard friends talk about the speed and severity that these stands were taken out during the middle of the night. They were literally torn apart where they stood. I'm sure this didn't happen to all of them, but still.
I don't know enough to make judgements on what was right or wrong to do, or what should happen. But my gut's telling me something's just not right.
I love the new layout and photo up at the top! Is that your photo on the background? Can you tell me how you put that as your background?
ReplyDeleteAlso, Stardogs...from a distance looks like Crapdos
Hey Meredith!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you like it! It's actually just a picture of mine that I edited up at picnik.com. Just added a few effects to enhance it, but other than that I didn't do much. I can send you the before and after image.