This is Jake and this is his place.
Who are you?
I'm Jake O'Connor - Student / Circulation Aide / Freelance Writer / Sneaker Connoisseur / Hip-hop Aficionado
What is your place?
The Salt Lake City Public Library
Why is this place special to you?
Because it is the first place that I have worked where I actually enjoy going every day. Even on days when I am not working, I am there; either hanging out, reading, or just enjoying the view from the rooftop.Working with the public is very interesting too, and at the SLCPL, there is quite the variety of people. People from all different backgrounds, lifestyles, and nationalities come in on a daily basis, and I check out their books to them, as well as check them in.
It is also special to me because no matter what kind of mood I am in, I can go there and just relax, and I feel better. It has such a great location too - personally, I don't think there is a better spot in the city – it's next to everything.
What do you enjoy most about Salt Lake City?
What I enjoy most about Salt Lake City is how easy it is to get around, and navigate. When I travel to other cities, I notice how streets are just named, and not on a numerical grid system – or in any kind of order for that matter. It is really hard for people who aren't familiar with the area to just adapt to. Here, all you need to know is the number and direction, and you're good. I also enjoy the hills that lead from the University to downtown – they are ideal for biking down.What do you dislike about Salt Lake City?
How everything closes so early, especially on Sundays. Sometimes I need some new pants or a new shirt at 8:00 on a Sunday night, but I am out of luck because everywhere closes at 6:00. Sure, Target and Smiths are open, but sometimes that is just not enough. Restaurants as well...10:00 is the usual closing time I have notice, and after that, you are left with minimal options - Denny's, Dee's, Village Inn, or Beto's. Not much variety there. It would be nice if there were some more late night sit-down restaurants. Maybe I am just not well informed though, there could be more... that is just something that has bothered me about SLC for quite some time.
Do you have any additional comments about living here?
Living in SLC is great, I would choose it over a lot of other cities that I have visited. We have a lot of beautiful scenery, and downtown is always fun to walk around. There are a lot of cool local stores in the city – Blindside, Mechanized, Fice, 10 – to name a few. We also have some real talent here that doesn't get much recognition, the Hip-hop artists especially. Groups like Blue Collar Theory and The Knoitalls are better than most of the stuff you hear on the radio.
Another thing - SLC is such a simple city from the outside, but when you really look into it, it is very complex. I am amazed every day with the things I see here.
How do you get around town?
I usually drive my Mazda Protege to and from work. To get to the University, I park at work (the library) and take Trax. I try to take Trax, ride my bike, and bum rides as much as possible, because I am a poor college student with a sneaker addiction.
Can you elaborate on this sneaker addiction?
Sneakers are special to me. Every pair has a story. I could tell you when, where, and why I bought each pair I own. It started out as just wanting more variety in my wardrobe – you know, matching shoes for my shirts – but once I looked into the aspects of the shoes like why they were made, who designed them, how many pairs were made, I just became infatuated with them. It turned into buying clothes that would go with certain shoes. Every other week I would buy a new pair. I admit the limited edition factor does play into it. It is nice knowing that you have something nobody else has – or at least not a lot of other people have. Finding a rare or special pair in person, not online, is a great feeling. It is something you just have to experience for yourself, or you won't really get it…I have toned it down a little, only getting ones that really appeal to me, but sometimes I cave and get something just because it looks good.
More information about Jake and his place:
You can also view these photos as well as outtakes in this
6 comments:
I just came across your blog and I must say, its quite interesting so far. Its great to read about good ol' SLC.
Nicely done. I think it would be great to include a bit of background on how you came to know each person. Like where in the world did you meet Jake? And how did you and he agree to do this? :)
Also I think you missed a crucial question, which is : How many pairs of sneakers does he have?
Mark, you made a good point so I asked Jake. "I counted. About 50... I had more, but I recently got rid of a bunch of them."
Noice!
I love it, such a good idea. I love how when he went to criticize the city the worst thing he could think of was how quiet it is on Sundays. What a rad kid, that cracks me up. Nice photo sess, the big squarish one where he's above the front door is really nice. Thanks for sending me those links. Keep me posted on this blog.
I've told you this already, but great job on the photos! It was fun. I will be following this until the end.
I honestly still can't think of anything else to criticize the city for! It is hard. I guess I am just too easy going.
And on the sneakers...quality will always reign over quantity ;)
what a great project idea. i love this set of pictures very much. what an interesting guy to feature.
and a very interesting way to display the information both visual and written.
www.williamhessian.com
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