Hypes and Gripes

A new-look library, broken escalators, graffiti jerks and more stuff we can't help but call out.

• Hypes to downtown’s new library branch. It’s just what was needed downtown. Rather than a traditional library with stacks of books, it’s a place to plug in, relax and read a magazine or newspaper. Still, if the mood strikes, you can choose from a pared down selection of popular novels and classics, all with the covers showing—not spines—to make browsing easier. We’re happy with the use of our tax dollars.

• Speaking of downtown: Gripes to the complete and utter a**holes who spray-painted graffiti all over buildings and features, including one of the three GRN:BOXes and, most tragically, the Gillioz Theatre. You are not wanted here.

• Hypes to the Tommy Leo’s bartender who, without fail, hollers “Best issue ever?” to our delivery crew when they drop off a new issue. Our reply: “Yep.” His answer, “Excellent.” If friendly familiarity breeds success, Tommy Leo’s is a winner.

• Gripes to JC Penney’s maintenance crew or contractor for not getting its escalators fixed on Memorial Day. One of the busiest shopping days of the year, and all customers have to either tromp up stairs or wait on an elevator.

• Hypes to Paul Pinion with Advanced Appliance Services. Paul came on the Friday before Memorial Day weekend to our office to fix the refrigerator. While doing the repair he turned the thermostat off…and forgot to reset it. We returned on Tuesday after the long weekend to a fridge and freezer full of ruined food. Extremely miffed, we called him to tell him his mistake and our loss of mostly good food. Fully expecting him to argue it wasn’t his fault, quite the opposite happened. Paul immediately apologized and offered a full refund of the service call. He even brought the check by the office. How refreshing! At a time when a lot of people refuse to take personal responsibility for their mistakes, Paul bent over backwards to make things right. No hard feelings Paul. We’ll definitely call you again!