CSX bridge painting fans out there (AntiGates), here goes the city of Covington Ky. again.

[Modelcar]

....Yes, I believe most posters should know by now there is a steel that left unpainted formes it's own protective and sealing coat of "rust"...and of course its not to be painted...and I would think not too many heavy steel beams and structural steel used in bridges is stainless....So that leaves many of them that will accept paint.  Suppose that brings us back to who can afford to do it and who can't and won't.

The sealing rust process of that kind of steel has been with us for decades.

[fuzzybroken]

I've found the market for these renovated industrial condos downtown to be remarkable.  I don't know who is buying these but they are selling like hotcakes and they can't rennovate them fast enough.  I guess it is a great way to maintain the historical nature of some of these buildings (the Blatz brewery on Milwaukee St. is a great example) without leveling everything. 

One more thing.  Do you know if they actually use that CNW Milwaukee River bridge or is it just rusting away to nothing?  I have never seen a train on those tracks and I am down in that area all the time. 

I'm always amazed too at how many buildings are becoming condos in this town.  On a related note, have you seen the new condo (or are they apartments?) development on KK, right next to CP's line to Jones Island?  So much for the view there, unless you live in one of the units!  It even has a railroady name to it, though I don't recall what it is at the moment...

And no, the Milwaukee River bridge hasn't been used since the warehouses the line used to serve became condos...  I remember seeing boxcars down there, though I wasn't a photographer at the time -- too bad.

[WP 3020]

Why not ask the city or state to buy advertiing space on them if they want them to look better? Paint isn't free and it can be a dangerouse job to paint up there.

[Anonymous]

Anyway, you did not reply to any of the points I stated in my last post. Again, how do you want to reveal myself, Mr. Gates?     

No, you've just accomplished for me what I was after.  You've tried to be in my face  twice this week over views that i have  presented, and I just wanted to make it clear that it is you trying to provoke hostility at the personal level, so that once you succeed it will be abundantly clear  where it all originated. 

There is not a word that I have said that is untrue. If you don't like it, well that's just too bad.

To use an expression i am sure you are familiar with,  just how small does your world have to become before you can feel happy within it. Heh, how's that for a rhetorical turn about?

As far as the work you do best in person, I'm sure you dearly adore key scratching cars as well as krapping in paper bags and setting them on fire on people's porches. But if you have anything more direct in mind, don't threaten me with a good time.

[Anonymous]

AntiGate's -

The fact that CSX doesn't paint their bridges is not indicative of negligence. 

I believe that the word I used was "neglect" was it not? An accusation I stand unwaveringly in support of.

Negligence would come into play if the stockholders eventually end up having to pay to fix the accelerated deterioration resulting  from the neglect.

But the guilty parties will all be cashed out and dead before that ever comes to the fore.

in the mean time, those unlucky enough to have CSX's neglect affecting their property values are the ones being taken advantage of

[Anonymous]

     AG:  You're suggesting that CSX spend money to make a bridge look better, even though a prettier bridge will not make a penny more for the bridge owner?  OK.  Why stop there?  Why not make the railroads keep open money losing branch lines too?  After all, pulling up a money-losing branch line certainly must pull down the property values of "some poor suckers" along the line, right?

     Actually, I get the feeling that you're playing devil's advocate here.

In reply to the first paragraph, it's really a matter of degree. And it is of a nature that has a significant impact upon the peoples lives who have that rusting hulk imposing on their skyline.

If no body ever repainted bridges, that would be one thing. But here we have an entity that stands out in that regard, from outward appearances they are doing so for profit motive, and I think they need to be a little more sensitive to the impact they are having.


Paragraph 2...yes somewhat.   But I'm neither an ex nor an aspiring paint salesman. thanks for the smile tho, it made me chuckle

[Poppa_Zit]

Maybe I'm missing something here.

There are some interesting points being made between the petty salvos being fired by some of the participants. This bridge -- so maligned -- in the photo above looks like it is on an Interstate highway. I see no homes anywhere in the vicinity. Whose property values and/or quality of life are being so adversely affected by the appearance of this bridge?

Are you guys also the type of railfan who gets upset when RRs don't keep their locomotives sparkling clean for your photographs? How does outward appearance affect performance, both in locomotives and bridgework?

If the folks from Covington, Kentucky, get pimples over stupid things like rusty railroad bridges, then they'd better stay away from the south side of Chicago, a.k.a. "The Nation's Rust Belt." Maybe I've lived in Chicago for too long and have grown to where cosmetics don't bother/affect me. I've also been in Covington, and believe me, I didn't confuse it with the Hamptons. By the way, what is the crime rate in Covington? They've got that problem solved now, just so they can focus on bridge cosmetics?

And anyone who chooses to blame RR owners for focusing totally on profit at the cost of ignoring cosmetics, please post your home address so we can take and post photos of the outside of your house, just to see if you practice what you preach.      

[Anonymous]

probably worth mention that during the period when the bridge in question was fabricated and assembled, metallurgy was no where near as refined as it is today, Cor Ten didn't even exist, and engineering was significantly less sophisticated  such that bridges under construction often collapsed under their own weight (didn't the Niagra river bridge do exactly that during the same time period (roughly)?)

For a significant portion of the 19th century, a structural engineer's stamp of approval could be bought outright, if a deep pocketed customer wanted to save on construction cost.

Gee, interesting parallel to the issue at hand, isn't there?  Profit motive over riding the importance of doing things the right way

[Anonymous]

This bridge -- so maligned -- in the photo above looks like it is on an Interstate highway. I see no homes anywhere in the vicinity. Whose property values and/or quality of life are being so adversely affected by the appearance of this bridge?  

The bridge pictured in this thread is not the bridge people are complaining about down in Covington.

the pic here is merely one from my collection, that reflects by example the standard CSX advocates.

[Poppa_Zit]

This bridge -- so maligned -- in the photo above looks like it is on an Interstate highway. I see no homes anywhere in the vicinity. Whose property values and/or quality of life are being so adversely affected by the appearance of this bridge?  

The bridge pictured in this thread is not the bridge people are complaining about down in Covington.

the pic here is merely one from my collection, that reflects by example the standard CSX advocates.

Oh. So the bridge in Covington is in the middle of a toney neighborhood?

[Anonymous]

pss  This is not my best shot.  I do my best work in person.   

That supposed to be some kind of threat?  Don't  make me laugh so hard, I almost spilled my dinner.

You also said:  "You may rant and rave about "greedy capitalists," but its still the pursuit of profits that pays for everything.  Including, Sir, all the railroads that we inthusiasts enjoy.  It is also one of the ingredients that has helped to make this country great and to help fund that high horse that you often climb."

Sounds to me like you need to take a deep breath and relax man,  your affrontive nature isn't gonna change my opinion one bit.  Even Trains magazine has documented CSX's legendary neglect to infastructure. Recently referenced in their " the fight for conrail" article. If you have not already read it, I heartily recommend it.

Regardless, if I choose to sympathize with the cause of those objecting to how CSX's neglect affects them personally, I hope you'll understand that my failure to ask  for your permission  is purely intentional.  OK?

Now back under the bridge with you so you can be ready to pounce on the next unwary traveler to come walking down the pike.

 

I often lurk under bridges "ready to pounce" on the "unweary."  Kinda what I do and get paid for it.  Funny that way, huh?  Mr Gates the affrontage nature is exactly what this debate is about.  Your mind has been made up for years and nothing I can say or do could change that nor would I try.  The arguement is about the tone of the views you present. 

There are evils all over this world and wrongs to be righted.  However, the "tone" of your arguements are very condesending(did I spell that correctly?),at times.  Remember, Mr. Gates, its easy to critisize yet difficult to achieve.  Its easy to mount the perverbial soap box and go on about this or that, but the truth and or the answers, apart from what this side or that side says is often not that easy to descern.   

Anyway, you did not reply to any of the points I stated in my last post. Again, how do you want to reveal myself, Mr. Gates? Don't let me keep you from your dinner(paid for by the fruits of all those evil pursuits of capital, I surmize) he,he.  Nice touch, that "pink" to hilight my post.

ps  Its a crime to post threats over the internet, Mr. Gates.  Mine? Simply a statement of fact.  I do indeed do my best work in person.  More fun that way, you know!     

AntiGate's -

The fact that CSX doesn't paint their bridges is not indicative of negligence.  I agree with you - they look pretty rough, but structurally they are sound.  I think the cities involved here need to admit this a purely cosmetic complaint - something that could easily be turned around on the city.  I am sure they have public property that is in deplorable condition as well.  Here in Milwaukee some city politicians own rental property that has asbestos and lead hazards in the building.  These are real hazards to real people (especially when they are undisclosed).  To listen to a politician complain about the condition of a bridge and when his backyard is just as messy can ring a little hollow at times. 

Like most Railroads getting very lazy and not mowing thier weeds.

[Anonymous]

Oh. So the bridge in Covington is in the middle of a toney neighborhood?

I have no idea what you mean by "toney" neighborhood, not familiar with that expression.

But, if it is some attempt to dress the discussion in a "you must be perfect yourself, before finding fault with  others" frame of reference. I don't buy it. (sorry if I'm wrong,  but the discussion just had a 'feel' that it might be headed that direction, so I guessed)

It's a matter of degree. (IMO)

[Poppa_Zit]

Oh. So the bridge in Covington is in the middle of a toney neighborhood?

I have no idea what you mean by "toney" neighborhood, not familiar with that expression.

But, if it is some attempt to dress the discussion in a "you must be perfect yourself, before finding fault with  others" frame of reference. I don't buy it. (sorry if I'm wrong,  but the discussion just had a 'feel' that it might be headed that direction, so I guessed)

It's a matter of degree. (IMO)

Toney or tony: Marked by an elegant or exclusive manner or quality: a toney country club...

No, I would never use that simple of an argument -- i.e., claiming you must be perfect yourself to judge others blah, blah, blah. I'll leave that to others here. I was just being sarcastic. 

I also know you're taking the role of DA here, which is fine, but that doesn't absolve your thoughts from scrutiny. I enjoy debating sane people who stick to the facts and understand the protocol. 

But I believe it is contradictory when you hold the city and the railroad to different standards. It's okay for the city to ignore its own blight problems and focus its attention to fundraising via its original brand of extortion on an easy target, an out-of-town big business (that doesn't vote, heh, heh) while you say greedy CSX is too focused on profit at the expense of letting its infrastructure become cosmetically ugly. Didn't the city allow the same thing? And the RR would have to spend its own money, while the city could force the property owners to pay for their own cleanup. Which, based on casual observation the last time I drove through, is not being done.

Beautification programs should be applied with a shotgun, not a dart. -- Poppa Z   

[Andrew Falconer]

What the real problem is for everyone is not to simply paint the bridge, but to completely replace the bridge and make it from new, more attractive materials. A new bridge that looks like success will lead to a more successful city. Remember the slogan : "Grime causes Crime" ? That is so true.

Andrew

[Poppa_Zit]

What the real problem is for everyone is not to simply paint the bridge, but to completely replace the bridge and make it from new, more attractive materials. A new bridge that looks like success will lead to a more successful city. Remember the slogan : "Grime causes Crime" ? That is so true.

Andrew

I think a better slogan for this situation is: "Painting/replacing the railroad bridge in Covington would be like slapping lipstick on a pig."

[CatFoodFlambe]

Covington is definitely not a sleek Yuppified community.  It's directly across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati in the flood plain of the Licking and Ohio Rivers, and is in fact a bit gritty, if not on the scale of, say, East St. Louis.   The part of town in which the bridge is located is rather remote and off the beaten path, which is makes this whole situation so comical.  

Its historical contribution to the economy of Greater Cincinnati over the years was to provide a convenient outlet for bars and other forms of semi-illicit recreation in order to allow us Ohioans to maintain the high moral ground ("We NEVER would allow that sort of establishment in Hamilton County, Ohio!)

 

 

 

 

 

[ValleyX]

Covington is definitely not a sleek Yuppified community.  It's directly across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati in the flood plain of the Licking and Ohio Rivers, and is in fact a bit gritty, if not on the scale of, say, East St. Louis.   The part of town in which the bridge is located is rather remote and off the beaten path, which is makes this whole situation so comical.  

Its historical contribution to the economy of Greater Cincinnati over the years was to provide a convenient outlet for bars and other forms of semi-illicit recreation in order to allow us Ohioans to maintain the high moral ground ("We NEVER would allow that sort of establishment in Hamilton County, Ohio!)

Upscale Covington, what there is of it, is on the river, the rest of it is a little less upscale, shall we say.

Wasn't Newport even more wide-open than Covington once upon a time?

 

 

 

 

 

[Cheviot Hill]

Yes, Newport at one time was run by the mob. Tons of strip bars. Now though I think there are 2 strip bars left. Covington if I'm not mistaken has much more of them. There was a picture of the 15th bridge in question on an earlier post. Pretty much looked like AntiGates picture. Rusting, flaking paint that probably has not seen new paint sinse new. Maybe 60+ years ago.

No keep in mind now that Mayor of Covington is upset with CSX and is looking at all of the CSX bridges in Covington to find more problems to level fines against them. Maybe Covington should hold all the money in fines and paint the 15th street bridge themselves. I dought it though, they'll find some place to spend it.

Aas far as crime goes, Covington is loaded with it. Maybe not as much as Cincinnati but running a pretty close second. Newport on the otherhand is doing something about their unsightly railroad bridge. Their painting them purple. It's the famed Purple People Bridge (ex L&N, ex CSX bridge spanning the Ohio River).

[Anonymous]

. I enjoy debating sane people who stick to the facts and understand the protocol. 

-- Poppa Z   

Well then, why waste your valuable time with me?

You are as tangential as anyone else here, could it be perhaps that your patience for abstraction is simply short when you happen to disagree with the point being made?

Passions for steel rails run deep here, for the obvious reasons. Sometimes I suspect POV becomes purposefully biased in favor of rail interests in a "one for the gipper" type of mindset.

In those instances, I think it sometimes helps to look at the problem painted in a neutral light in attempt to drag objectivity back into the equation, kicking and screaming, if necessary.
If doing so irritates you, then I'm sorry you're irritated.

NIMBYism is something that is easy to find fault with from a remote perspective. Funny how even the hardest boiled egg can suddenly pick up the passion when it is their own back yard about to be taken to task.

I tend to try an put myself in the shoes of those suffering the consequences. How would I  feel If I were the one with a 40,000 ton mountain of rust towering over wht otherwise should be an asset (the waterfront)  Way to turn an asset into a liability. Certainly would discourage potential investors from investing  their own assets towards urban renewal, if they have the other built in annoyance to blight them, courtesy of CSX.

Sure, there are some things I need to be doing for my own house, as most people here could probably say as well.  But they are not items so severe that they violate local ordinance, having the neighbors and local authorities alike  up in arms looking to press for correction.  A 'matter of degree' in other words.

Maybe CSX should do what I did? invest in vinyl siding, and 'never have to paint again'? lol!

 

[Poppa_Zit]

. I enjoy debating sane people who stick to the facts and understand the protocol. 

-- Poppa Z   

Well then, why waste your valuable time with me?

You are as tangential as anyone else here, could it be perhaps that your patience for abstraction is simply short when you happen to disagree with the point being made?

Passions for steel rails run deep here, for the obvious reasons. Sometimes I suspect POV becomes purposefully biased in favor of rail interests in a "one for the gipper" type of mindset.

In those instances, I think it sometimes helps to look at the problem painted in a neutral light in attempt to drag objectivity back into the equation, kicking and screaming, if necessary.
If doing so irritates you, then I'm sorry you're irritated.

NIMBYism is something that is easy to find fault with from a remote perspective. Funny how even the hardest boiled egg can suddenly pick up the passion when it is their own back yard about to be taken to task.

If I thought any of this was a waste of time, Mr. AntiGates, you wouldn't be seeing my name on these here forums.

You may have nailed it, though, by noticing my lack of patience for abstraction. I have been in the news industry for over 30 years and have been doing major market talk radio for nearly the same time and therefore find it extremely difficult to discuss in the abstract because in my business you simply cannot think that way. In addition, the average intellect (our audience) has trouble assimilating information in such discussions. Take this as a compliment: you are one of a very few who are perhaps a little too pointy-headed for most of the posters here. Plus, your avatar can be very threatening to most who don't understand your soft side.   

By nature of my career, I'm a stickler for facts and separating fact from fiction. I do spend a lot of my posting time here and on other forums -- not asking questions to initiate threads, but questioning the lineage of bold, unsubstantiated statements and silly rumors, of which there is an endless supply. It's also a great way to keep honed one's skills. Not to mention fun. LOL

I rarely choose sides, you'll notice, unless I perceive someone is being treated unfairly. I'd rather sit back and watch, and then jump in as an ersatz referee in an effort to keep things according to Hoyle and make sure arguments aren't bolstered by hearsay and innuendo and that statements are relative. In most cases, when you call them on their sources, they have a hissy fit and resort to name-calling and other childish behavior. Or even better, they trot their forum seniority out -- or as in the olden days, their "star power."

I also am a sarcastic SOB, which accounts for some of my more smarmy posts. However, I only zap those who I believe deserve it.

Regarding the original concept of this thread, and trying to stay within the lines, I still think it is ludicrous the city of Covington has in its "beautification initiative" chosen CSX and a remote railroad viaduct as the major target from among a wealth of more appropriate and visible targets in its own backyard (i.e., the shotgun vs. dart analogy used above). Please understand I am not condoning CSX's lack of enthusiam for cosmetics; I just think it is being treated unfairly by being extorted for political reasons as well as Covington's financial gain.

We can sit around and search for deeper meanings (if such exist), but the original premise of this thread wasn't all-inclusive about railroads ignoring infrastructure integrity and cosmetics; it is about one rusty bridge in one rough river town. That's why the nuts-and-bolts version I've patched together above makes the most sense to me.

My goal is to be as accurate as possible all of the time -- and to make people think. I also don't mind being corrected on the facts -- in fact I encourage it, as should others.

Poppa Z-meister

PS -- Isn't vinyl siding is akin to lipstick?

   

[Cheviot Hill]

. I enjoy debating sane people who stick to the facts and understand the protocol. 

-- Poppa Z   

Well then, why waste your valuable time with me?

You are as tangential as anyone else here, could it be perhaps that your patience for abstraction is simply short when you happen to disagree with the point being made?

Passions for steel rails run deep here, for the obvious reasons. Sometimes I suspect POV becomes purposefully biased in favor of rail interests in a "one for the gipper" type of mindset.

In those instances, I think it sometimes helps to look at the problem painted in a neutral light in attempt to drag objectivity back into the equation, kicking and screaming, if necessary.
If doing so irritates you, then I'm sorry you're irritated.

NIMBYism is something that is easy to find fault with from a remote perspective. Funny how even the hardest boiled egg can suddenly pick up the passion when it is their own back yard about to be taken to task.

If I thought any of this was a waste of time, Mr. AntiGates, you wouldn't be seeing my name on these here forums.

You may have nailed it, though, by noticing my lack of patience for abstraction. I have been in the news industry for over 30 years and have been doing major market talk radio for nearly the same time and therefore find it extremely difficult to discuss in the abstract because in my business you simply cannot think that way. In addition, the average intellect (our audience) has trouble assimilating information in such discussions. Take this as a compliment: you are one of a very few who are perhaps a little too pointy-headed for most of the posters here. Plus, your avatar can be very threatening to most who don't understand your soft side.   

By nature of my career, I'm a stickler for facts and separating fact from fiction. I do spend a lot of my posting time here and on other forums -- not asking questions to initiate threads, but questioning the lineage of bold, unsubstantiated statements and silly rumors, of which there is an endless supply. It's also a great way to keep honed one's skills. Not to mention fun. LOL

I rarely choose sides, you'll notice, unless I perceive someone is being treated unfairly. I'd rather sit back and watch, and then jump in as an ersatz referee in an effort to keep things according to Hoyle and make sure arguments aren't bolstered by hearsay and innuendo and that statements are relative. In most cases, when you call them on their sources, they have a hissy fit and resort to name-calling and other childish behavior. Or even better, they trot their forum seniority out -- or as in the olden days, their "star power."

I also am a sarcastic SOB, which accounts for some of my more smarmy posts. However, I only zap those who I believe deserve it.

Regarding the original concept of this thread, and trying to stay within the lines, I still think it is ludicrous the city of Covington has in its "beautification initiative" chosen CSX and a remote railroad viaduct as the major target from among a wealth of more appropriate and visible targets in its own backyard (i.e., the shotgun vs. dart analogy used above). Please understand I am not condoning CSX's lack of enthusiam for cosmetics; I just think it is being treated unfairly by being extorted for political reasons as well as Covington's financial gain.

We can sit around and search for deeper meanings (if such exist), but the original premise of this thread wasn't all-inclusive about railroads ignoring infrastructure integrity and cosmetics; it is about one rusty bridge in one rough river town. That's why the nuts-and-bolts version I've patched together above makes the most sense to me.

My goal is to be as accurate as possible all of the time -- and to make people think. I also don't mind being corrected on the facts -- in fact I encourage it, as should others.

Poppa Z-meister

PS -- Isn't vinyl siding is akin to lipstick?

   

I agree with you about the bridge, it is CSX property and if it needs painting they should do it. I just don't like seeing the government telling what someone should do with their property.

Also if you read your post in a Julia Childs voice it's hilarious. Pass the Grey Pu Pon. Just having some fun with ya.

[Poppa_Zit]

Also if you read your post in a Julia Childs voice it's hilarious. Pass the Grey Pu Pon. Just having some fun with ya.

You musta heard me on the radio, then? I got the job because I sound exactly like Julia Child. Pays $450,000 a year. Squeak! Squeak!

[solzrules]

Also if you read your post in a Julia Childs voice it's hilarious. Pass the Grey Pu Pon. Just having some fun with ya.

You musta heard me on the radio, then? I got the job because I sound exactly like Julia Child. Pays $450,000 a year. Squeak! Squeak!

[Cheviot Hill]

Also if you read your post in a Julia Childs voice it's hilarious. Pass the Grey Pu Pon. Just having some fun with ya.

You musta heard me on the radio, then? I got the job because I sound exactly like Julia Child. Pays $450,000 a year. Squeak! Squeak!

[Murphy Siding]

    I never knew Julia Child was a railfan.

[METRO]

The Milwaukee River Bridge on the old CNW line no longer goes anywere. The CNW station is now O'Donnel park and the CNW Air Line is now a bike trail.

For a while the bridge was used to serve the last of the industries in the Third Ward. It was cut down to one track (from the original two) and was used once a day by the local switch crew. The last summer it was used to my knowledge was 2001 (I've got a few pictures somewhere of a UP GP38-2 and an unpatched CNW caboose switching cars in the Third Ward and using the bridge.

The bridge is still owned by Union Pacific and is kept in operable condition, but the switch tracks on the Third Ward side have been reduced to one lead, the rest being removed earlier this summer. The city reciently repaved the street just off the bride apron and made sure not to foul the flangeways too much, and the new curb was built to allow trains to pass through. I've not seen it used since 2001, and the rail doesn't look like it's been used anytime reciently. The lead still on the Third Ward side is only about 100' to 150' long so I don't know how useful it would be for switching chores.

The city and state are currently looking into making the bridge a historical landmark protecting and preserving it should it ever be officially abandoned.

Cheers!
~METRO

[Anonymous]

You may have nailed it, though, by noticing my lack of patience for abstraction. I have been in the news industry for over 30 years and have been doing major market talk radio for nearly the same time and therefore find it extremely difficult to discuss in the abstract because in my business you simply cannot think that way. In addition, the average intellect (our audience) has trouble assimilating information in such discussions. Take this as a compliment: you are one of a very few who are perhaps a little too pointy-headed for most of the posters here. Plus, your avatar can be very threatening to most who don't understand your soft side.   

Well, I'll tell you what, if you truly think that you just paid me a compliment,  I'll just take it at face value, thank you for it, and leave well enough alone. 

I got to thinking about this thread while I was at a ball game last night, and realized that one poster who obviously had intent to irritate  me may have exhausted all my patience before you ever even said "boo", and some of that may have carried over to our discussion, which I will say I regret, I shouldn't have let that happen. Sorry.

Vinyl siding = lipstick?  heh, 40 year non smudge lipstick,  perhaps. 

It is noteworthy, I feel, to muse over how the various and sundry supporters of the CSX side of this debate (over the past several months) are freely insulting of the city/citizens and their supporting arguments, and that is all seen as just "banter".

However, turning the tables and pointing a few sarcastic barbs at the RR side of the contest  is viewed as being insensitive and being on a "high horse".  Sensitivities are a funny thing, hence the abstraction of the subject seemed well advised.

Ahh well, I'm done for now.

[Andrew Falconer]

If Eminent Domain were skillfully exercised by CSX they could take over Covington, demolish the entire town, and build what they need to serve the industries better.

The current layout and population of Covington could be in the way CSX conducts business for the entire Southeastern U.S..

Perhaps the people of Covington need to improve everything all at one time. Let CSX redesign your town so it matches the CSX standard of business.

Andrew

[Poppa_Zit]

In addition, the average intellect (our audience) has trouble assimilating information in such discussions. Take this as a compliment: you are one of a very few who are perhaps a little too pointy-headed for most of the posters here. Plus, your avatar can be very threatening to most who don't understand your soft side.   

Well, I'll tell you what, if you truly think that you just paid me a compliment,  I'll just take it at face value, thank you for it, and leave well enough alone. 

It was meant as a compliment. The line about the avatar was humor.

point·y-head   (point-hd) n. Slang  An intellectual.