The people I admire most in this world are people with a strong point of view. These people are often called “creative types”. Which should be the ultimate compliment. But I have often noticed that there are some people who use the term in a semi-derogatory way. Of course it’s the verbal quotation marks that transform the phrase from it’s literal into a mass-market form of name-calling.

Creative types are not the only folks who have gotten formerly positive descriptors turned into a mean-spirited stereotype.

Remember when “liberal” meant to give freely or generously. Don’t get me started on the term “progressive”. How has progress gotten manipulated into a dirty word?

I bring this up because I was recently in the company of some wonderfully talented creative types bringing progress to the Los Angeles consumer.

Because I attended the opening of a new shop in town this past Friday. Actually it’s a new kind of shop. It’s called Studio Root66, which is a rather creative play on its location. Because historic Route 66, running through Highland Park, is where this store is located.