When sifting through old clippings that I keep for Zurbwords carnage, I came across this article. It seemed funny to me. Here was a "citizens' group" expressing their voice to the community over what can be "justified" as a problem. Though the style is probably only a trend that is sure to die soon, one wonders why this is such a big issue. One reason might be that these buildings are semi-permanent-a visual that will last a lifetime. Who cares?

I can identify with their cause- it makes me feel relief that someone is more anal retentive about design, but I don't feel they justified their point. I appreciate that the newspaper is reporting on design debates more than issues presented. The fact that I even have the clipping is reason enough to be excited. Rarely do I open the paper anymore when news is just a click away on the internet.

There was a brief pause, and then came the words that would change my life forever. “I’m sorry. We no longer carry Enchiritos.”

Beef Enchiritos were my favorite growing up. Apparently I am not alone. The Enchirito was a staple for me in the preteen years and was my favorite fast food meal. It seemed to be a special treat when my parents decided to skip cooking and head for the Border. Living in Minnesota this was Mexican (OK, I lied, we had El Toritos). So when the item disappeared my life suffered a blow. The change was a disappointment, but I soon got over it. Years past and eventually to my surprise Taco Bell reintroduced that prized menu item. Today it has regained the top spot for fast food cuisine.

Where am I going with this? Out of site, out of mind. When I look at the host of the links I have collected in Zurbwords, half have been changed or removed. I will probably go back to fix or remove the ones that are dead when I have a chance, but I cannot recapture the page that I linked to originally. I will have the content, but the meaning will be less without the link. The web in its greatness is wonderful for its information, but it is an organic creature that moves with life. As more information becomes strictly digital it will be interesting to see what happens to history. Buildings and newspapers capture time, but the internet with its ability to archive information, has just as much power to recreate history and time. Nothing is static. Pages move. Content re-purposed. Templates recreated. What is history?

Enchiritos disappear with time. The internet recreates time. Maybe Taco Bell arches capture time.