Category: Uncategorized

IPOD-itis—A New Social Disease Common On Public Transportation

Do you ride public transportation and enjoy the opportunity it offers to read a book, newspaper, have a moment of thought or a cup of coffee whilst watching the world pass by through the window? This is one of many benefits I enjoy about public transportation, however, there is one relatively new social disease that appears to be running rampant on trains and buses that threatens this one little fleeting opportunity during the day to enjoy a bit of reasonable solace.

The disease, “IPOD-itis”, is especially prevalent in people ages 18 to 30 and basically demonstrates symptoms of a self indulgent nature of an insatiable need to fill one’s ear canals with some sort of sound—and never being able to go a moment without the device we call “ipods” dangling from their ears! The addiction is strong and the individuals who have the disease are so used to hearing some kind of sound that the moment the plug is pulled, they go through withdraw symptoms that seemingly have the sound of silence become intolerable.

Not only does the individual who engages in the ipod habit threaten their own hearing, the volume is often so loud that you can hear it from the other end of the bus or train, thus offending other people around the affected person. I try and be understanding to this sickness and think that just maybe, they are trying to cover up sounds they don’t want to hear, and while this is understandable, I have to ask….What about the rest of us who are forced to hear what they are hearing? This is where I have to draw the line because the right to fill the ear canals with sound, stops at where my ears begin.

Oh, I must apologize for calling it “sound” or “noise” but the reality is that for those who did not ask to hear this “music”, such really does become NOISE—and noise by definition is simply “unwanted sound” The need to have the device so loud in the first place is likely a testament of the fact that those infected with ipoditis, have already damaged their hearing, so the need to bump up the volume a few more notches is likely necessary. I better invest in the hearing aid market in the future because I’m sure to make a boat load of cash.

It would be nice if users of ipods on public transportation would exercise the common sense and courtesy to indulge in this activity at a level that respects others, but common sense is not so common anymore, and the more some people’s ears are continually plugged up with acoustic sewage, the more numbed down their brains will become, and the number the mind, the less likely it is that these individuals will be able to exercise the critical thinking skills necessary to understand why it is inappropriate to force everyone else to engage in their addiction to ipods.

Is there a cure for ipoditis? Well, I guess the answer to that question depends on whether those infected with the disease will ever take the time to discover other things to get excited about in life. In the meanwhile, the disease seems to be getting worse—and is contagious as we witness the symptoms and continue to see ipods growing like cysts or tumors from the ears, necks and chests of the ill. I wonder in dollars and sense what kind of costs ipoditis will levy on society when we sire a growing generation of hearing impaired by the time one is 20! Hmmmm….. it does make one wonder.

Posted by Angry Man In The Basement at 10:41 PM

New Film Documents Invasive Threats To Great Lakes

If anyone has ever thought zebra muscles were somehow a benefactor to Lake Erie by buying into the common misconception that “they cleaned-up the lake”…. nothing could be farther from the truth…. Check out this great new video available on the following website “Green Planet Films” (also a clip) entitled: “Lake Invaders: The Fight for Lake Huron” The same threats are posed for lake Erie. The website also contains many other great environmental film documentaries seldom seen on television or available in stores.

http://greenplanetfilms.org/product_info.php?products_id=698

 

THE CLEVELAND/N.E. OHIO INFERIORITY COMPLEX

THE LEGEND OF THE CLEVELAND/N.E. OHIO INFERIORITY COMPLEX…..

I am currently overseas in grand old Sydney, Australia. I recently have been house hunting for another place to lease in Cleveland as I am to return in April. I began searching the net, the local newspaper, etc. So goes the hunt until I decide to purchase a home to renovate. Eventually, I found and responded to an advertiser who had a place for lease and have been corresponding about the possibilities. But low and behold, it was only a matter of time before the “we’re not good enough” ” Cleveland/Northeast Ohio Inferiority Complex” stuck again with the following statement/question:

“BUT, why pray tell, does a person want to move from Sydney Australia to Cleveland, Ohio?”

SIGH!!!!…… Let me start by saying that I feel I need to make a example of such repeated lowly civic pride sentiment spewed by locals in order to help them realize just how miserable it is from the outside looking in. I will do so by writing it on a big chalkboard much in the same fashion as Mr.Hand did in the movie Fast Times At Ridgemont High, when he asked John Spicolli why he was late—And Spicolli numbly replied “I DON’T KNOW”

I will echo Mr. Hand and write: “BUT, why pray tell, does a person want to move from Sydney Australia to Cleveland, Ohio?”

If I had a dime for each time I heard a statement like this, I’d be retired. Seriously, friends….How does such question strike you if you have never been to Cleveland/N.E. Ohio and were possibly going to be there for whatever reason? Would it make you think good thoughts or hurry of and pack your bags because you cannot wait to get there to see what all the negative hype is about? Probably not! Yet, that kind of question is often asked by many when encountering newcomers who actually might have chosen Ohio as their place of work and residency!

I have lived my entire life in the Cleveland/N.E. Ohio region and have come to the conclusion that such “Why Cleveland?” questions take root in and are a product of what I have officially unofficially dubbed as “The Cleveland/Northeast Ohio Inferiority Complex” (and probably most Ohioans are afflicted with it for that matter)

ROOTS OF THE INFERIORITY COMPLEX…..

Where did it start? Hmmmm.. Great question. Here is my opinion: The complex may be a byproduct of years of what can be considered a phase of economic re-invention from a manufacturing base to a more high tech and service/business economy—which through it all—many have witnessed and endured great hardships of survival that result from losses of jobs or population, or degradation of the surrounding natural or urban environment. Whatever the source of this social civic pride disease, we’ve got it bad!

The typical N.E. Ohio inferiority complex: How many of you have experienced it in the attitudes of Clevelanders? Of all our challenges in this region, I feel the inferior attitude is our biggest hurdle and challenge to overcome, and is by far making OURSELVES our worst enemy! And to think most Clevelanders think their worst enemies are the pro-sports championship drought, The EPA, the closing of a mill/or bar, or Dennis Kucinich causing their every problem from bad wieners at Progressive Field to their erectile dysfunction!

Yeah, no kidding!!! We have the inferior complex so bad that we have economically and socially typecast ourselves as aspiring to be a sports, manufacturing, and blame- it-on-Dennis or the EPA, town! For those of you who are actually trying to make Cleveland better/great, believe we can be more then just leBron James and casinos…. and who have researched enough history to learn how our city has—for the most part of its history—been a success and great contributor to shaping the nation in so many ways—and for those who are familiar with all the attractive attributes about N.E.Ohio that are taken for granted—HOW OFTEN do you hear such a question of: “Why did you come to Cleveland when you lived in…?” floating around like a fart in the wind—and again, especially directed to newcomers? 99% of the time I hear it, it radiates from the locals! It is almost as if they were taught by their parents, who were taught by theirs, to hate their city and state!

Some with the complex tend to think everyone on the planet thinks bad things about Cleveland, when in fact, few people think negative about Cleveland unless we give them reasons to—and nor do they have the time to do so, or even CARE about us! If people walk around thinking terrible thoughts about Cleveland, perhaps a lot of that has to do with the old idea of something being unconciously repeated so many times that people conciously start to belive it! Such self doubt, lack of civic pride, confidence, etc. naturally, exudes negative things such as negative thoughts/perceptions of the city, and hence Cleveland is condemned to death row before it even has a chance to speak! For certain, the typical “Why would you want to come here?” question is amongst the biggest red flags this region has in its self perception.

Being a realist, I am also an optimist, and I have a better idea in helping to shape better opinions locally and nationally about Cleveland/N.E. Ohio. Let’s start like this: Instead of asking that kind of “Whys did you come to Cleveland?” question to a visitor or newcomer, or returning resident for that matter, maybe we should be asking…. or say something to the effect of.. “Oh, well what brings you to this part of the world?… We will do our best to show you the best of what we can…. and by the way….WELCOME” Instead, when placed in a position to ask such a question, we’re often offered the pathetic Shchleprock ‘woe-is-we, wousy, wousy, wooo…wooo’ reply.

HOW DOES THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER NOURISH THE CLEVELAND/N.E. OHIO INFERIORITY COMPLEX?

Looking further, our local paper has done nothing to help improve our city’s perception of itself, and instead has done mostly what feeds and fosters Clevelanders poor self image by starting every article that should be something focusing on a positive or strengths of the city, with some negative anecdotal connotation of something negative such as ”Cleveland, a city that is terrible, horrible, struggling, poor, continues to fail, lose population, and so on (you know their drill!)..…has attracted new interest in downtown revitalization”

Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying we should sugarcoat or downplay truths about problems here or feed people all that is light and fluffy on the menu. However, we should not solely deliver stories about Cleveland—which are supposed to be covering something positive—and sneak in the usual negative approach that cancels out the positive. Those who have consistently read The Plain Dealer and who care about this city, know what I am talking about: The sensationalistic/dramatic and non-matter of fact delivering of news. I can just hear the violin and organs playing when I read that paper. Why can’t we just say something like “Cleveland attracts new interest in downtown revitalization” full stop, with no added: “but people still scared to come downtown!” Yep…they even go a step further and make people afraid of their own city! Such writing styles we have witnessed in what I now call The “PAIN” Dealer are not clever or creative. Rather, they are tired and lazy—-and drone on like a depressing church chorus! Some of us are really over it!

Because of the constant focus on the negative by media who helps shape public opinion, we are left with a populace that is largely and poorly informed about their own region having anything good happening, or about how they can help make something better by getting involved in their community. It is as though the ONLY objective is no longer to inform, but to sell papers at any cost. Maybe the formula these days is to sell to frightened suburban populations who are irritated with life and need their ‘the sky is falling’ attitudes and opinions their city validated in ink—-and the results of such tabloidish news delivery styles simply keep the money rolling in.


NOT SO BAD HERE AFTERALL!

No matter what The Pain Dealer or the N.E. Ohio Inferiority Complex says, Ohio is actually a unique and diverse state boasting a lot of natural appeal and diversity—as well as boasting a “smaller, larger” urban appeal, so to speak. Sure we have problems here in Cleveland/N.E. Ohio, but they are not endemic to ONLY here as many seem to think—And maybe it is time for the major papers, instead of continuing on their tired and boring path that creates an ever growing ignorant population, to start hunting for the enriching stories happening daily, which have something socially, economically, and environmentally redeeming to offer in the message. Unless we change our frequent and pitiful attitude about our city/ state, we will never be anything more than what is the limited scope of small thinking–and right now, the thoughts I am talking about which hurt our area are not conducive to bettering it environmentally, socially, or economically.

As alluded to at the beginning of this story, I am currently in Sydney, Australia and have had the opportunity to see many parts of this wonderful city. With all the much touted splendor, however, I have learned that there are a lot of social, economic, and environmental challenges facing the people. Homelessness, crime, neighborhood decline, racism pollution, unemployment, etc–all of which are issues many Clevelanders seem to think are exclusive to their city alone. Still, somehow, it has not seemed to erode the civic pride and proud feeling/attitude people have about their city–And if I were to say to someone here that I have come from (and I have to say New York, because we all know how overrated new York is!)New York to be in Sydney, never would I hear such a reply that asks with astonishment and wreaks of negative vibes, something like we’d hear in Ohio that would say: “Oh, why did you come here?” Same would be if I were visiting a much less touted Australian town. The people are proud of their home and speak well of it and instead ask how I like it, what sites did I see, and welcome me with positive vibes.

Finally, Cleveland/N.E. Ohio can learn much from Sydney in the way of civic pride and what it does for images and perceptions. Generally, the people here are well aware of their fair city’s problems and challenges, yet unlike too many Clevelanders seem to be well informed and aware of all the wonderful attributes of their city, and are glad to be here. I wish I could bottle people’s civic pride here, and sell it to Clevelanders in the form of a pill for the quick fix ‘change with no effort’ they seem to expect too often. Maybe if we had such pride and involvement, we would not possess the kind of populace that allows their city/region to be dragged down by the kinds of destructive elements that have people winding up on Cleveland Dot Com bitching about—but doing nothing else to change a thing in their community! I have shared my ideas about it, but wherever, or however the Cleveland/N.E. Ohio inferiority complex begins, it needs to vanish because it plots Cleveland against a very adamant and diabolical self-destructing foe: Itself!—And holds it back from all that it can be! So then….C’mon Cleveland/N.E. Ohio, I challenge you to begin to shed your negative self-image skin and go out and learn about your region’s art, history, culture, nature, significance and role in local and international history, and peoples–Don’t be embarrassed to say you’re from Cleveland—And don’t worry, no one is thinking poorly of you until you give them a reason to!

To footnote this article, I believe there are also many Clevelanders/N.E. Ohioans who do not have the image tainted complex and I would like to include a letter from such a person which was published in the local Cleveland Scene newspaper. Please click below….

http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/here-and-loathing/Content?oid=1520954

Posted by Angry Man In The Basement at 9:25 PM

GET ON BOARD WITH RAIL TRAVEL, OHIO!

Next stop…. YOUR street! There was a time, not too long ago,not even 60 years, rail transportation in Ohio was no stranger to the lifestyles of its residents. It was widely depended upon to get from point A to point B, and Ohio had an intricate rail network reaching all corners of our state.

As the use of the automobile gained more and more popularity with the lure and seduction of independence from confinement and not having to plan around the schedules of the trains, so followed the expansion of a highway network that would eventually see to the decline of rail transportation. Add to this, the spending in marketing of the automobile and air travel as the chief modes of transportation, coupled with government subsidy for such, the final nails were driven into the coffin of rail travel in Ohio.

Out of the above, was spawned the more relaxed and open scene of the suburban living model landscape—which replaced the former higher density urban-scapes. To date, these types of areas have evolved into becoming almost entirely auto dependent to get to and from any destination. If you pause and think about it, the old urban designs were actually much more walk-able as they were built around the transportation needs of two legs rather than four wheels! Such a design also is more conducive to modern efforts in conservation to use less energy and to produce less pollution.

Back on topic with rail…….

Ohio, and America in general have reached a point that the availability of rail transportation service, both in large urban areas and rural areas has hit an all time low. It is virtually non-existent in some places like Ohio. I cannot believe in a state that is home to nearly eleven and a half million people and six major metropolitan areas, that rail travel and transportation options are so slim! I think this is a sad scenario that in the land of so-called “choice”, America, Ohio in particular, has the false sense freedom of transportation choice— because you are free as long as you drive! All this at a time when the public needs to be offered a viable real alternative to the automobile.

In Ohio, I have a concern that too many people in our state, having been fed a steady diet of mainly auto-only transportation options for the last 50 years or so, have totally forgotten just how convenient, environmentally friendly, desired by many—-and just how far behind the rest of thew world we are in terms of offering a viable transportation rail alternative! Whats more, some people cannot even fathom how to utilize such a transportation option the way their grand or great grandparents did a mere lifetime ago, as alluded to at the beginning of this article.

If Ohio is going to economically strengthen itself, it must join hands with all of its major metropolitan regions so that they may create an economic synergy between one another—and part of building this strength is re-linking ourselves with rail. I would hate to see our state become a laughing stock as the rest of the nation moves forward with rebuilding our rail networks as President Obama has promoted.

If we want to attract new talent and businesses we must acknowledge the idea that many individuals who are a part of this new economy will come from many places around the globe—Places that have transportation options like rail! The people who ride rail are used to getting on the train, reading a book, preparing for a workday on a lap top, watching the scenery, taking a nap, having a coffee, all while going to work, or traveling for business or pleasure (none of which you can do in a car!. Also note that rail riders all are potential money spenders in our economy. Moreover, those who want and will use rail are used to saving money on fuel, maintenance, insurance, and auto payments–all of which is sort of an economic slavery of which we are imprisoned when we have only one option–and that is, being forced to live our entire lives in a car.

For others who have never so much as witnessed a train, let alone a passenger train pass through Ohio, perhaps it is time they become familiar with the many positives rail travel can offer—and I can make a safe bet that if rail had the luxury of the promotional spending and/or subsidy that accommodates the promotion of cars and planes, we’d see more people discovering and riding rail.

On the job creation front,I am not at all concerned about anti-rail interests harping about jobs being lost in the auto or insurance sectors. A few riding the rail, compared to the droves of cars on the road would hardly put a dent in such businesses for years to come—and besides, hasn’t the insurance and all surrounding the auto industry gotten enough of your cash? It is time for a change. Let’s usher in the new rail era which can create a whole new plethora of jobs surrounding that industry.

I am tired of virtually being forced to own a car and feel it is time Ohio start to drop the bad auto-only habit. To be attractive in the years to come, our transportation network needs to offer the kind of choices and diversity that appeal to a diverse population. The thinking that produces this auto-only choice environment, is merely a product of the suburban model that has helped to foster it for 50 or more years–and cannot open it’s eyes to no other way. On the other hand, I am optimistic the trend can reverse, however, seeing that we have been exposed to rail transportation in the past–and the cycle back towards those roots is inevitable, be it a slow process.

Finally, it is very refreshing to go to a city or region in the world where there is a real sense of freedom in having a transportation option, where you’re not stuck in traffic—where you don’t have to worry about fines, accidents or other potential auto-related expenses, and where you don’t feel rushed. Right now, I feel bullied into owning a car. That’s not freedom to me.

As our state government is granted millions from the federal government for the purpose of expanding our part of America’s rail network, please support rail transportation options in Ohio. We cannot afford to become a transportation joke! Don’t blow the whistle our chances for rail to make a much needed comeback in Ohio–everybody climb all aboard and rediscover what has been a major part of our transportation heritage!

Posted by Angry Man In The Basement at 12:33 AM

CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

Forget about what you hear on the six o’clock news, your mainstream radio airwaves—what you read in the local newspaper—OR what you hear from your overweight, sports, chicken wings, and Rush Limbaugh addicted suburban neighbor with the chemically addicted sterile lawn, noise-making leaf blower, and titanic SUV!

Instead, Have a watch of these four short films that address climate change through the voices, eyes and ears of the world’s indigenous people’s. I hope that such films will shed a bit of light on a public who’s idea of global travel is riding the “ITS A SMALL WORLD RIDE” at Disneyland!

http://www.lifemosaic.net/filmsforcopenhagen.php

Posted by Angry Man In The Basement at 7:01 PM

Introducing Gardens Under Glass For Cleveland And North East Ohio!

There is a new concept in the works tilling in downtown Cleveland that will offer local restaurants, small farmers and community gardeners as well as individuals to grow their own food year round! It is the Gardens Under Glass concept that will transform a former specialty shopping mall called “The Galleria” into a neighborhood community institution that will offer the above gardening opportunities, specialty art galleries and unique shops/businesses and services already housed in the building—as well as an expanded selection of eco-friendly merchants carrying many independently and locally made products to serve life’s daily needs. Some of the products such as art, furniture or clothing you can find in the place will be made from recycled materials.

Gardens Under Glass at the Galleria can also serve as a “bookend” of sort for the adjacent emerging Asia Town neighborhood—as it is located in central downtown Cleveland’s northeastern most edge, opposite of Asia Town. These places are already virtually linked by nearby Rockwell Avenue. There can be a great synergy between the two places as local residents and even restaurants can rent/lease out spaces in hanging gardens to grow foods locally and hydroponically.

That said, in the simplest of words, is the very basic concept; and what a great re-invention of building and downtown district this can be! I don’t want to spoil the surprise on this…so please visit the website for further details about the proposed project.

www.gardensunderglass.vpweb.com

Note: If the above link does not work, please copy and paste it into your browser window.

Posted by Angry Man In The Basement at 3:59 PM

AUTUMN YARD CARE IS AN EXTREME AND DISTURBING OBSESSION!

As I walk the dog through various neighborhoods, I cannot help but be attentive and observant to the world surrounding us–and to the behavior of the humans who inhabit these neighborhoods. Let’s take the case of yard maintenance in the Fall. In the Autumn, I am walking frequently through suburban style neighborhoods with stately trees and larger yards—And what I notice the most in these neighborhoods at this time of year is the obsessive and anal approach they have towards controlling leaf litter and other beneficial organic yard matter on their lawns—And the overall yard obsessive maintenance approach in general.

Ever since the invention of various machines–what I refer to as “technology run amuck”– gas powered noise and emissions pollution producing lawn care products, the suburban environment does not stand a chance against the wrath of the ideology of “man versus nature” or “we must control nature” I believe this sort of fearful thinking takes root in the disconnection from—-and the lack of understanding or appreciation of how the natural world works, how it is interconnected to us, how what we do either negatively or positively affects it……OR how we can work with it and not against it to achieve a healthy co-existing balance. After all these years since the crying Indian, we still haven’t learned much.

Why do so many people seem to think that their yard has to appear completely sterile all throughout this particular season—a season that is inherently messy? As someone who has been in the carpet cleaning business, I have observed lawns cleaner than carpets! I never really understood the logic in removing leaves from a specific piece of land year after year, denying that specific ground its nutritional due.

I have also witnessed people still placing leaves in plastic bags which is totally counter productive to the natural process of natural breakdown whereby nature recycles itself back into itself 100% I have observed people trying to blow soil out from their lawn and even suck leaves off the tree with the same machine! Woah! I see this behavior as a form of insanity.

Where does it say that the yard has to be devoid of all beneficial humus such as tiny bits of twigs, leaves, grass clippings, nuts and shells, and so on? These are nourishing products for the soil, in fact are components of healthy soil, as well as an important survival element for backyard friendly wildlife such as birds, squirrels, earthworms, and harmless insects. Sort of like the “Home Depot for animals” What may seem “dirty” to you, may be a food or shelter creating source for an animal trying to survive in the up-coming cold winter months.

What I find really astonishing is that so much of this organic material that nature provides free of charge, is then purchased in the spring in the form of in-organic carcinogenic lawn chemicals, compost shipped in from far away in plastic bags, low quality birdseed (that most birds won’t eat …hence a waste of money!), fertilizers, toxic sprays and so on. I shudder to think that as this oil dependent lawn care war wages on to achieve what essentially is a worthless-to-nature mono-culture 50X75 plot of bland green turf grass–where the only thing you can find moving in it is a lawn mower—that all these chemicals involved in the effort, will eventually end up in our water resources; and our drinking water! And for what? A mere lawn?

The anal obsession with yard care, especially in the Fall, even makes the “selfish act” of walking a nightmare when each time you step out the door for what should be a reasonably peaceful stroll, you are immediately greeted not with the sounds of birds or breezes….but instead the acoustically assaulting sounds of war on the yard with the incessant running of mowers, blowers, chainsaws, and a host of other weapons, as the boys fire up their engines and unleash the daily attack. Some of the commercial maintenance services with trucks, trailers, and a host of lawn care weapons even resemble SWAT teams about to attack the neighborhood!

Seeing that we have such an obesity problem in this country today, and if people still think they MUST do this, then perhaps getting some exercise with a rake or some other non-gas powered tool may not only be healthful, but also much more respectful and less anti-social to the neighborhood. I really pity those who can find no other fruitful or enlightening way to spend their time other than obsessing about a few leaves laying in their yard — that would be ground up in a mower and recycled back into the soil by next spring anyway—if simply given the chance!

They will not be happy unless every last speck is removed from their property so that we never really know what season it is anyway. I also see the results as a drab yard, lacking in diversity, color and vibrant life, that exists in a truly healthy self maintaining yard. In a word, I see it is BORING! Could this final achievement be a testament to the personalities of the people? Afterall, we allow a lawn care industry commercials shape our opinions on subject and rarely do we stop to ask if all this obsession with thinking we can keep a yard spotless 365 days a year is really necessary. And if so, at what cost? The peace in the neighborhood? The quality of your water, soil and air….Or, your very own body? Personally, I find the behavior quite disturbing and rather scary!

Finally, I want to include a forwarded email classic that about sums it all up completely! Whoever wrote this must have been thinking exactly like me.

GOD AND ST. FRANCIS DISCUSSING LAWNS

GOD: Francis, you know all about gardens and nature. What in the world is going on down there? What happened to the dandelions, violets, thistle and stuff I started eons ago? I had a perfect, no-maintenance garden plan. Those plants grow in any type of soil, withstand drought and multiply with abandon. The nectar from the long lasting blossoms attracts butterflies, honey bees and flocks of songbirds. I expected to see a vast garden of colors by now. But all I see are these green rectangles.

ST. FRANCIS: It’s the tribes that settled there, Lord. The Suburbanites. They started calling your flowers “weeds” and went to great lengths to kill them and replace them with grass.

GOD: Grass? But it’s so boring. It’s not colorful. It doesn’t attract butterflies, birds and bees, only grubs and sod worms. It’s temperamental with temperatures. Do these Suburbanites really want all that grass growing there?

ST. FRANCIS: Apparently so, Lord. They go to great pains to grow it and keep it green. They begin each spring by fertilizing grass and poisoning any other plant that crops up in the lawn.

GOD: The spring rains and warm weather probably make grass grow really fast. That must make the Suburbanites happy.

ST. FRANCIS: Apparently not, Lord. As soon as it grows a little, they cut it-sometimes twice a week.

GOD: They cut it? Do they then bale it like hay?

ST. FRANCIS: Not exactly, Lord. Most of them rake it up and put it in bags.

GOD: They bag it? Why? Is it a cash crop? Do they sell it?

ST. FRANCIS: No Sir. Just the opposite. They pay to throw it away.

GOD: Now let me get this straight. They fertilize grass so it will grow. And when it does grow, they cut it off and pay to throw it away?

ST. FRANCIS: Yes, Sir.

GOD: These Suburbanites must be relieved in the summer when we cut back on the rain and turn up the heat. That surely slows the growth and saves them a lot of work.

ST. FRANCIS: You aren’t going to believe this Lord. When the grass stops growing so fast, they drag out hoses and pay more money to water it so they can continue to mow it and pay to get rid of it.

GOD: What nonsense. At least they kept some of the trees. That was a sheer stroke of genius, if I do say so myself. The trees grow leaves in the spring to provide beauty and shade in the summer. In the autumn they fall to the ground and form a natural blanket to keep moisture in the soil and protect the trees and bushes. Plus, as they rot, the leaves form compost to enhance the soil. It’s a natural circle of life.

ST. FRANCIS: You better sit down, Lord. The Suburbanites have drawn a new circle. As soon as the leaves fall, they rake them into great piles and pay to have them hauled away.

GOD: No. What do they do to protect the shrub and tree roots in the winter and to keep the soil moist and loose?

ST. FRANCIS: After throwing away the leaves, they go out and buy something which they call mulch. They haul it home and spread it around in place of the leaves.

GOD: And where do they get this mulch?

ST. FRANCIS: They cut down trees and grind them up to make the mulch.

GOD: Enough. I don’t want to think about this anymore. St. Catherine, you’re in charge of the arts. What movie have they scheduled for us tonight?”

ST. CATHERINE: “Dumb and Dumber”, Lord. It’s a really stupid movie about…..

GOD: Never mind, I think I just heard the whole story from St. Francis.

Posted by Angry Man In The Basement at 8:37 AM

Disability Tag Abuse In Ohio?—We’re disabled in Ohio…sick..and PROUD of it!

I don’t know if its just me, or has anyone else noticed the seemingly increasing number of disability tags dangling from vehicle window mirrors while the vehicles are in operation? I happened to examine one of these tags ( an elderly relative) closely and a note indicates that the tag should not be displayed while driving. I am not quite sure what this increase of dangling tags means because I am hard pressed to be convinced that everyone I see who sports such a tag, is legitimately ‘disabled’ based on the criteria set forth by the information that is included with the tags—as to what actually constitutes a disability.

I have witnessed many younger people driving vehicles around sporting these tags, parking the vehicle conveniently close to places like grocery stores, banks, etc—and then step out of the vehicle looking healthier than many people who have parked much farther away—only to jog to the front doors! Well, I hate to be so judgmental—AND, I will consider the possibility that perhaps its someone’s 80 year old Grandma’s car? Sure, that must be it; Her tripped out–hard to get in and out of–Escalade with an audio system loud enough to set of seismic activity in the mid oceanic ridge. But still, I thought only the person to whom the tag was issued to had the permission to use it.

Maybe the increase in tags being displayed means that there has been some sort of subculture nobility statement thing going on that takes pride in being sick or disabled? Maybe the increase in the tags is some sort of fashion statement and people chose to dangle them from the mirror while driving as though they were some sort of air freshener? Is it perhaps they’re proud of the tags and display them like some sort of Purple Heart Award?…..

OR, maybe we are just seeing this privilege abused because it is hardly watch-dogged?

I did some poking around and discovered that it is fairly easy to obtain a disability tag in Ohio. Just go get a Dr. to sign off on just what you claim ails you and POOF!…you have the pass to valet parking! Grandma’s tripped out Escalade with the revolving hubcaps never had it so good!

What are people considering a “disability” these days? I know what the rules on the disability tags state, but I will get to that in a moment. Have we broadened the scope of being disabled so widely that the criteria now includes being considered disabled because someone is too fat to walk 50 feet? Maybe in this situation it should be considered an “obese-ability” and NOT a disability! Are we including a stubbed toe, a sore foot, or a common seasonal allergy….or laziness? Maybe it’s an extreme mental disability, but if that is the case, perhaps you shouldn’t be driving in the first place!

Whatever the case, it seems that the amount of spaces available for the “disabled” has grown to small army-like proportions–and I have unfortunately witnessed many people who could have legitimately benefited from a close parking space–have to opt otherwise because of someone who clearly could have walked the extra yardage to a front door!

Now I will include the “disability” criteria as mandated by Ohio Revised Code Section: 4503.44

1. Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest

2. Cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, a cane, a crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistance service.

3. Is restricted by a lung disease to such an extent that the person’s forced (respiratory) expiratory volume, for one second, when measured by pyrometer, is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than sixty millimeters on room air at rest.

4. Uses portable oxygen

5. Has cardiac condition to the extent that a person’s functional limitations are classified as severity as class III or class IV according to standards set by the American heart Association.

6. Is severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.

7. Is blind

Based on the above criteria, I have concluded that from what I have witnessed repeatedly, there is wide spread abuse of these tags. Clearly many are not fitting the bill of being truly disabled according to what the law says–and instead chose to display these tags with pride. If our state is this abundant in sick and disabled people, it is not something we should be proud of. It actually is quite disturbing. Maybe we should do what the tag tells us and not don it unless the car is actually parked–Or, start paying attention to the obvious abuse of this system so as to not compromise the lives of those who actually need this tag.

I want to footnote this article as of 5/26/10

It occurs to me from personal experiences with many people that those who are truly unable to walk are very proud people—but not so proud as to boast that they are disabled. They want to try as much as they can to walk as long as they are able…and therefore generally do not go around boasting a disability label on their head. Could all this be a by-product of the difficulty to strive for better these days that it easier to make all that is pathetic look acceptable by lowering standards to meet the underachievement of our populace?

Posted by Angry Man In The Basement at 8:52 AM

CLEVELAND’S WOODLAND CEMETERY

I am a fan of old cemeteries, and Woodland Cemetery in Cleveland is in my opinion an underrated gem. I volunteered to help any way I could to help in the restoration of the cemetery with the introduction of some Ohio native plant, plantings….and doing a quick narrative overview of the history of the cemetery to help attract other doers and enthusiasts. It is not perfect and likely not 100% accurate, but the point is to attract more involvement in the cemetery, and awareness, so that it can continue to improve. Below is the link to the MP3. If interested in helping….please write down the contact details at the end of the pod-cast.

Thanks!

http://www.noiseoff.org/media/woodland.cemetery.mp3

Here is the new website for Woodland Cemetery!

http://www.wcfcle.org/

Posted by Angry Man In The Basement at 10:43 AM

NO McCrap in Ohio City-Cleveland!

KEEP McDonald’s OUT Of Ohio City in Cleveland

It has been brought to my attention that there is a proposed McDonald’s on Detroit near a funeral home. I am not clear on this but if there is any truth to this, such an establishment in this neighborhood should be avoided at all costs. Here are my reasons/thoughts as to why: First, It was not the greatest choice to allow Wendy’s on Loraine in the past, and with the continued development of the neighborhood—with its architectural heritage, history, culture, culinary class and wide array of locally owned and unique independent food establishments that sets us aside from many other places—a McDonald’s is an utter disrespect and slap in the face to so much of what Ohio City represents or is trying to become.

Secondly, As I try and organize frequent litter sweeps, when it comes to fast food litter, McDonald’s trash makes up an estimate of some 95% of all fast food litter. Bags continually strewn out of car windows and onto the streets by those who seem to think their window in the car is their trash receptacle. I want to add, that a large portion of litter not picked up, ends up in our lake and has many ill-health implications, makes our waterfront appear as though we take no pride in it or have respect for this limited resource—as well as create health problems for wildlife. The reason McDonanld’s makes up a large portion of fast food litter in the urban core….most likely has something to do with their target marketing. Just watch all their ads on television during–and even not during sporting events. You will see that their target market is a lot of inner city youth.

What does this have to do with litter? Well, no matter how much McDonald’s tries to romanticize this ‘hip-hop urban youth thing’ in their whimsical commercials, a good portion of the element associated with that, are those who don’t even live in the neighborhood……who grab a quick meal, and then discard their McGarbage out of the car window. Putting it kindly, since McDonald’s chooses to target this crowd in ads, some of it appeals to a certain element we already have enough difficulties dealing with in the neighborhood.

Simply put, McDonald’s, more so than many other fast foods, is also the food choice of those who chose to be anti-social, thug-like, and have no respect or concept of the visual, physical, or environmental health of the neighborhood. I am tired of seeing their garbage discarded in people’s yards and along curbs or in the middle of the street. Just because you have not immediate access to a trash can does not excuse tossing it out the window. You simple save it until you get to one–again, another basic of common sense, courtesy, and manners when living in a communal setting.

Third, such institutions only help to further the problem of obesity in this country, which is making sick populace. Their profits depend upon people making poor and uninformed food choices. Perhaps we should welcome more entities that try and educate people on making healthier food choices–and to debunk the common chamber driven and perpetuated myth that fast food is convenient, cheap–and that it costs a lot to eat well. That notion is rubbish to say the least, as world renowned chef Jamie Oliver of England blew that myth out of the water. He has illustrated that around the world in similar cultures, other than in the US, some of the poorest people actually ate the healthiest foods. Why not produce a healthier populace, body, mind and soul, who will be more productive and happy in the work place, thus benefiting our economy….who will be less of a drain on health care in the future. (taking less sick days, less diet associated diseases, etc) Those who will learn better, be more peaceful. (See the Movie Super-Size me about what improving diet did for ill-behaved, and learning challenged youth)

Lastly, such sets a bad precedent of inviting other establishments of the sort to the point we lose our unique identity. McDonald’s in the suburbs is somewhat less harmless, but in the inner city, this food addiction simply preys off those who have been conditioned to think this sort of product is all they can afford, or is somehow good for them. Placing a McDonald’s in areas where we have a lot of people with very poor eating habits, and who are very poorly informed on the topic of nutrition, is like placing a bar next to an alcoholics rehab establishment. The temptations are strong and very conflicting. Something those in such condition do not need—and such the temptation would depend upon the patron making the wrong choice.

So, if you don’t want to see increased trash in an neighborhood already struggling with such, increased transient element we do not want to see hanging around the neighborhood… aside from the dietary factors and it being a slap on the face to all the art, history and culture integrity this neighborhood represents–then please shun away this place. There is already one on Detroit up the road a way—and I invite you to go look closely at the surrounding area, the building itself–the litter, trash, etc. Is this what you want the heart of Ohio City to be?

Part of the reason I moved here in the first place was because of the intrigue on the limit in seeing chains and fast food clone zone establishments. I also invite you to look closely, the next time you see fast food litter, take notice that 8 or 9 out of ten times, you see McDonald’s as the originating source. I know, because I, and many others have cleaned it up for years and cannot babysit their irresponsible patrons anymore.

A more fruitful venture would be to continue to promote places like farm markets, the WSM, a Food Co-op, Local Food Cleveland and City Fresh to help wean people away from this harmful toxic waste packaged as food so we can produce a healthier populace which will result in a higher competitive gross domestic and national product. Several studies are available to illustrate the correlation between good health and a better economy.

Regards,
Robert Carillio

Posted by Angry Man In The Basement at 6:46 PM