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Originally uploaded by Integrity.

"When people say to me 'Mr. President, why is it that our troops don't have the proper body armor on the battlefields of Iraq?' I point a finger at the heavy-gauge steel protecting Integrity's office from errant rounds of AK-47 fire."

An exasperated thank-you to Old Navy for finally abandoning their campaign of bile-churning musical pranceabouts (razorblade encrusted with the tortured mug of Morgan Fairchild, no less). In its stead: A surprisingly clever, and undeniably well executed series of variations on the "Shopping is Fun Again!" theme. For a company comfortable with its position on the rubbing edge of fashion, they've pegged their realm of creative flexibility -- the act of shopping itself. In one advert, attractive young women run cheerfully through a corduroy field at early dusk, picking ripe pairs with equal glee from leafy shrubs. In another, a hipster mother and her wriggling children sit innocuously in an everytown greasy spoon before being served their chinos, pocket tees, and hoodies slinger-style by an archetypal gum-chomping diner waitress.

Now, if only their clothes had such style ...

The Tivoli theatre down the road brings the best indie flicks to St. Louis. Surely one of the anchors of the Delmar Loop. During a lunchtime stroll about a week ago we were confronted with an interesting sight. A crowd of wheelchairs and able-bodied individuals looked on as youth athletes learned the rules of Quad Rugby. This was an effort to promote the new documentary Murderball. Prompted by this demolition demonstration I caught a screening last night. This is a great movie. Wheelchair hits so jarring that I ended up wearing my Kaldi's coffee and Ted Drew's custard. These guys are TOUGH physically and mentally. So check out Murderball now playing at the Tivoli theatre.

At stltoday.com, columnist Deb Peterson pegs the peculiarity of a relatively high-rising hotel in the Loop (which requires the unfortunate destruction of a fairly gorgeous funeral home):

WATCH JOE GO: Joe Edwards, the visionary of Delmar-velous Boulevard, is at it again. He's got plans to break ground by the end of the year on a $15 million, 120-room boutique hotel at 6177 Delmar between his Pageant and Pin-Up Bowl locations. Edwards said he planned to work with Kiku Obata & Co., which won an international award for the Pin-Up Bowl design. "This is just something so different, and that's what I like to do."

"Oooh, our honeymoon suite is called 'The Duck Room'"

"Hrm, must be a typo."

Cheers and welcome to Fifi's, a punk and rockabilly boutique taking over the space previously occupied by Macrosun (next to Big Shark's apparel annex). They boast a selection of, um, punkabilly gear to satisfy even the most compulsive hipster -- and a staff of inked lovelies who'll make your cheeks go blush and your J. Crew catalog go flush.

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Originally uploaded by Integrity.

The abandoned Yellow Cab Co. across the street from the Integrity office received a visual improvement last night. What was once a aluminum grey eyesore is now occupied by some above average spray.

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Originally uploaded by Integrity.

Philco, a music player, died of Hard drive failure Monday (July 27, 2005) in the line of duty at the Integrity office. He surrendered a brave effort fighting the blue screen of death. He was 5 years old.

Philco spent his first few years on Windows ME doing lightwave 6.5 renders in Sprinfield, MO. After an early retirement Philco moved to St. Louis where he went through several reformats and spent his last few months serving as the Integrity's music server.

Philco was an avid Elvis fan despite iTunes attempt at a random playlist.

See more pics of Philco