Soup and sympathy...

[msfledermaus]

I came skipping home last night to run into my neighbor Phil. He was in a bad way--a dear friend of his had a brother that had been brutally beaten and mugged, and might not live through the week. I led him over to my house for some wild rice soup and some petting time with Shamu. I felt so awful for him--what do you say to something like that? But at least I distracted him for a while, unpacking various horrible things I'd gotten over the Internet. (He laughed hysterically at the huge porcelain dolly with the blood-spatters and the skull in it's handbag.)
Ben and Peaty popped their heads out from next door after a bit, and I think the combination sent Phil home feeling at least like people care...and I'm hoping like crazy the doctors can pull his friend through. It could happen, it amazes me what they're capable of sometimes...*crosses fingers*

Personally it scares me a little that muggings have gotten more common and more violent around my city lately. I promise to be very, very careful while I'm out...

Comments

[mcohenmn.livejournal.com]

It's odd that we've had recent small-degree-of-separation brushes with violent crime, when this article just came out with Minneapolis topping the 'safe cities' list:
http://www.forbes.com/2009/10/26/safest-cities-ten-lifestyle-real-estate-metros-msa_chart.html?partner=yahoore

[mcohenmn.livejournal.com]

though I guess we are down at #9 for violent crime - better than NYC, but way worse than Portland.

[thedarkages]

Are the crimes clustered in one part of the city, or is crime up all over MPLS? (I believe that you said that the north part of town was the dangerous part.)

In any case, Beth will not be hearing of this. :-)

[msfledermaus.livejournal.com]

The rowdier places are getting rowdier, and it's spreading a little to some the areas that aren't as bad, it seems. I'd have to check the maps.

I think it's more specific people are hitting numerous targets, which makes it look like a bigger problem. A lot of this will go way down when the cops bag the guys doing this kind of thing--it sounds like a couple of guys teaming up.

[mcohenmn.livejournal.com]

What Michelle said. And we still top Forbes safe cities list :-)

[darkknight9.livejournal.com]

Its not for everyone, but one's own life and the lives of our loved ones are quite valuable.

Especially if you don't happen to already be a 6'3" 350 lbs darkknight9. :)

Joel Rosenburg. He's a good guy. Probably would even wear a white cowboy hat if you asked nicely.

Many positive thoughts inbound for your neighbor and his family.

[msfledermaus.livejournal.com]

I've got mixed feelings about the conceal-carry. It's good to be protected, but I think a weapon like a gun would make me less likely to actually pull it out if I needed it. That's the nice thing about nonlethals like pepper-spray--I've got no qualms about having to use it if I feel I need to. Plus, I can keep it in my purse at work if I'm quiet about it--I'm not allowed to pack heat in the building, and to and from work is where things get rowdy if they're going to...

I do consider gun-training sometimes. I used to be a good shot with a squirrel-rifle, taking potshots at tin cans. (Better than my brother-hehheh!)

[ravengirl.livejournal.com]

'gads, that's worrisome! I feel for the beaten man. That's horrid.

[msfledermaus.livejournal.com]

I hope the poor man lives. And that the cops catch the animals that did this to him. (They're patrolling like crazy now in that patch of town, hoping they can find them...)

Very sad to read of these troubles!

[dreadnaught.livejournal.com]

Just to say that I read you/hear you. And I too will hold a thought for healing for your friends! The world does seem fast becoming colder in so many ways; stay warm! Stay safe!

Re: Very sad to read of these troubles!

[msfledermaus.livejournal.com]

I'll do my best...and be safe and warm yourself...
*hugs you*