I don’t know why, but the demise of the Crystal City Underground (where I work) fascinates me. Perhaps it’s because the place is dominated by the most marginal of retail stores yet the least worthwhile seem to be the ones with the most staying power. Since the last update, the following stores have left: B. Dalton, Kraven’s deli, The Dutch Lady, Like On TV, the store that sold earrings to prostitots, and whatever used to be between the Village Cobbler and The Engraving Store. Mad About Bears and Puppet Heaven: both still around. I marvel at the demographics that make Taco Bell an unsustainable business while any place that sells statues of dogs is a guaranteed hit.