However, there's one thing about it that just describes this city's problems perfectly. The businesses are all listed by category. There's one business under "Furniture", three under "Music", thirteen under "Clothing", and so on. There's also one category labelled "Miscellaneous".
Now, I can't recall the last time I looked up "Miscellaneous" in the yellow pages. Basically, I interpret that as "businesses we can't fit into any existing categories." It might mean second-hand shop, but there are four of them in their own category. So, let's take a look:
Miscellaneous
Hm. Yes, that certainly is a miscellaneous list. No possible connecting thread whatsoever.
Now let's look at some of the businesses which are the only ones in their category:
You know, just like all those times you go to the mall to find an architect. Now, you might call me a skeptic, but I don't think someone seeking either hobbies or crafts are going to find them at Tile Outlet 2005.
Oh, and here's my personal favourite:
Never mind the fact that a) 70% of its floorspace is magazines, b) it's not affiliated with the "Mac's Convenience Store" franchise, c) a convenience store is, almost by definition, miscellaneous, and d) they call themselves a cigar store.
Anyway, my point is that if they really wanted a "Miscellaneous" category, they had no shortage of options. Instead, they used the category to round up all the undesirables, and sweep them under the rug. You know, the ones that interfere with our "family values" image. The ones that are a direct result of our "gas and oil boomtown" image.
Now, there's nothing wrong with directing an economy -- but "directing" isn't the same as "really, really hoping that ignoring that industry will make it go away."
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