Tag: cleveland

DEAR CLEVELAND: DEMONSTRATE A BETTER STEWARDSHIP OF WATERFRONT BEFORE PROMOTING GREATER ACCESS

I submitted this OP-ED to The Plain Dealer Commentary Section. 

In a perfect world the idea of “re-connecting” Cleveland’s citizens with access to its lakefront–a sentiment often expressed by community leaders, planners and activists–is surely noble and necessary.

However, such “re-connection” must also accompany understanding the significance and importance of the lake’s bio-integrity. If not, then the flood gates will open to more abuse and degradation that our once pristine but still recovering Lake does not need.

The abuse of which I write about is courtesy of the filth that nearby visitors and many residents leave behind. The current lack of understanding or care for such matters is clear every time I am close to the waterfront. Our waterfront is visually filthy with debris–and all coming from human activity and disregard for our environment as well as our everyday fellow citizens.

Please read the entire commentary here: http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2014/05/cleveland_must_value_lakefront.html

Posted by Angry Man In The Basement at 5:16 PM No comments:

Idling Engines Wasting Fuel–Is this REALLY always necessary?

I have noticed a seemingly increasing unnecessary and wasteful act in the general public today. It is the increasing tendency to allow vehicles to idle for moments on end. A reason I can overlook an idling vehicle: A hot day where senior citizens with breathing problems are an issue or anyone else with one for that matter where excessive heat may exacerbate a breathing condition. OR, the opposite in cold weather conditions or emergencies like being stranded, where heat or cooling may be necessary for staying alive! After this I have to ask why I see–mostly young people on the kind of beautiful days where you would love to park under a tree, roll the windows down, read and enjoy a breeze–sealed up in a vehicle letting it run?

In a nation where we are destroying the environment for the sake of oil and gas energy which will be mostly used in an economy to produce excessive  “STUFF” we simply do NOT need, the last thing we should be doing is something like this. Every little bit of energy wasted simple contributes to the total sum of energy used and wasted for no legitimate reason. Additionally, allowing engines to idle for moments and hours, simply contributes to the conditions that result in weather extremities from which we are trying to shelter ourselves to begin with!

I would have thought we would have already learned such environmental ABC’s and basics in the 70’s, but it seems we have all but forgotten, and need to be trained all over again. And, this kind of collective waste that adds up to be a lot does not stop here…two other most preventable forms of energy waste are the use of plastic shopping bags and littering! But, these are stories that need separate attention. Maybe in a future post.

Meanwhile, to those young people with NO health issues sitting in cars letting them idle for moments at a time, get off your rear ends and out of the car–and go for a walk! Don’t become a future drain on healthcare or the environment!

Posted by Angry Man In The Basement at 11:02 AM 2 comments:

BOSTON BOMBING–Hardly “Terrorism”

Witnessing the sensational reactions of the mainstream news media as well as all the flags flying at half staff over this so called “Terror In Boston” it seems America just loves to throw pity parties for itself and behave in such a way that suggests our pain is always the worst. This isolated incident in Boston, has been molded into some kind of “attack on America” Immediately following the event, news screens on television posted in epic style fonts, headlines that resembled a Towering Inferno movie poster! It played like a bad script that once again, many gullible, self-centered Americans will embrace as a reason the world should feel sorry us–or worse, possibly a reason to wager an invasion on another country! The song “Dirty laundry” by Don Henley comes to mind.

I am waiting for the next chapter to somehow connect this incident with the Middle East, or “Terrorism!” WHY is this being called “terrorism?” Is it because the rating hungry conservative corporate owned media knows this word–which has been repeated a billion times over ten years–seems to resonate so well with paranoid Americans who stand a better chance of being eaten by Jaws in a gold fish bowel than being attacked by a terrorist? Calling this “terrorism” is like calling a blood type needle prick a fatal stabbing!

Let’s forget about the hundreds of thousands killed daily here and abroad over unspeakable atrocities, or how corporations pollute our environment daily with products that should be banned–but are allowed to exist under the guise of “commerce” and “Free Enterprise”–and instead, let’s create a 911 style atmosphere for a few casualties in Boston. Such daily incidents in Iraq courtesy of US occupation are called “Collateral Damage” and contain such horrors involving innocent people of all ages, that are conveniently hidden from the American public’s eye. Are we so arrogant, blind, and myopic that we actually believe “they” do not matter?

As I see all the attention given to this incident with the flag waving and news coverage–and how it has been blown out of proportion much larger than any bomb, I cannot help to think that such reactions are playing right into the hands of the perpetrators and doing EXACTLY what they want. When will America, the land of the so called brave with so many gripped in fear, will ever learn how they are played like a fiddle.

My heart goes out to the families who have either had anyone injured or lost in this terrible incident, but let’s still keep it in perspective. Let’s ask if anyone here crying over this outside those families has ever cried a tear for this kind of incident which is a daily occurrence somewhere else? Do not call yourselves ‘compassionate” or tell me I am being heartless if you have not!

Being from Ohio, I also have to ask if this incident would have been made into such a major deal if it happened in Cleveland or maybe Detroit? OR, do we have to do as we are told and cry for our precious New Yorks or Bostons? We have become such a delusional nation that has also become so “UN-critically” thinking or questioning….and its time we stop running from our own shadow!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSdRNDbB27E

Posted by Angry Man In The Basement at 3:44 PM No comments:

Time To CLOSE The OPEN Signs!

Has anyone take notice lately of a phenomenon in storefront/business-front windows that features one of the several styles–but very similar–models of these “OPEN” signs? When I first noticed these signs, I thought they were actually unique until their popularity exploded and has made them every bit as tacky, yet not nearly iconic as the Parma pink lawn flamingo of the late 50’s through early 70’s, or more recently, that silly talking fish featured on a series McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish commercials aired during sporting events a few years back.

I wonder if businesses, which perhaps thought they were being different and standing out by hanging one in their windows, have taken notice to their counterparts and neighbors all showcasing the same thing in their windows! I wonder if their was some kind of mass mailing of catalogs all featuring these signs, OR, did buyers all rush off to Sam’s Club to get one?

Whatever the case, the cheaply foreign made sings are nothing clever, unique, or even attractive…OR stand out, when they are everywhere within eye shot. I think their presence has to rival the obesity plague in numbers. Yes, this surely is a peeve, but the signs are just downright tacky (not even in a kitschy original way) and bordering UGLY! Uhhh, hey businesses…..we KNOW you are likely OPEN if your lights are on, people can be seen in your establishment, and it is usual business hours. We do not need to have “OPEN” flashed in our faces with cheesy imitation neon signs.

Alternatively… Business owners, if you really want to be unique, stand out, be original, not be a part of the clone zone….and insist on hanging something like this in your windows to let customers who already KNOW you are open, that you are “OPEN”– Then why not find a REAL vintage neon sign at a local re-sale store, or from a local neon vendor or sign expert. Yes indeed, they were in existence long before these tacky over played “OPEN” sings arrived! You will stand out and at the same time, help support a local business and local independent economy, instead of helping to build China’s by being a sucker for purchasing these crummy signs!

Posted by Angry Man In The Basement at 4:56 PM No comments:

ENOUGH LOUD IN OHIO CITY

NoiseAfter attending the May, 2012 Franklin/Clinton Block Meeting with the featured issue of a variance request by the Harp establishment to host outdoor live music, I have the following comments and thoughts to share and strongly suggest that those who ultimately make a decision on granting a variance, DO NOT do so, for many reasons which will be outlined below.

At the meeting, I was not surprised to experience the indifference, dismissive, smug, arrogant, and entitlement attitudes of some of the persons attending in favor of this variance. Some were musicians, another a bar owner, I believe. I have been dealing with and have been pro-active with quality of life issues, noise being a number one, for several years, and what I have learned is that those who make the most noise, seldom act any other way, and because they’re used to living loud all the time, simply cannot understand how loud their establishments can be to others. They are often wrapped up in their own little world of deafening themselves without regard to anyone else outside their music zone–where such sound encroaches on private property–and hence becomes NOISE to someone else who does not wish to be forced to hear it.

Today’s ultra loud high technology that amplifies this “music” denies such a person the right to enjoyment and  reasonable peace in their own home. It can be very damaging to the body as it is very unnatural to be exposed to today’s amplified sounds. The body was simply not designed to be subjected to this kind of noise. Excessive noise exposure has many adverse health affects. Additionally, it is linked to many social, economic, and environmental negatives. I will not use this letter to prove nitty gritty facts, but invite anyone to do their own research. But, in short,exposure to excessive highly amplified sound is a public health issue, and NOT a mere nuisance. It can contribute to hearing loss, learning disabilities, sleep deprivation, nausea, anxiety, headache, hyper-tension, aggressive indifferent behavior, rapid heart beat, and even aggravate post traumatic stress disorders. It results in what audiologists refer to as “Flight or Fight” responses.

According to the US Census Information, it is among the number one reason peaceful law abiding citizens move out of a given area. Cleveland, like many other cities across the nation, have their fill of an already overly-noisy sound scape. Granting Harp a variance simply adds to this already full quota of noise pollution emissions.With regard to existing noise levels in the city, why add more to creating an eventual acoustic sewer? Even in tough times, the least we can have is a good night’s sleep.

It amazes me at how many businesses, as did spokespeople for Harp,  attempt to argue about “all the wonderful things” they brought to the neighborhood, or even how well they keep their property maintained. Wait a minute! This should be expected anyway when you maintain a curb front business and should not be rewarded extra kudos, or met with an attitude that suggests that because a bar or club keeps up their property they should be given some special pass to be extra loud! Such to me simply demonstrates how low standards/expectations have sunk.

It amazes me how often, in Cleveland the last few years, that a neighborhood’s taxpaying stakeholders, seem to be held in less regard than loud establishments. When I kept hearing how much Harp contributes to the neighborhood, I had to ask, “What about the neighbors?” Don’t they ALSO pay taxes and contribute to the fabric of the neighborhood?
It amazes me that some who operate or are associated with places that feature live music, seem to think that just because they pitch in some money into the hat of benevolence/charity, that it somehow relives them of their personal responsibility to respect and obey noise ordinances and therefore can be as loud as they wish and for as long as they wish!

It amazes me at how many times I have witnessed establishments being granted variances for such outdoor music, and then over time, abuse their privilege. One’s so called right to be loud, should never supersede another person’s basic human right to domestic peace and tranquility in their own home. Even the constitution is supposed to assure that right.

I wonder how many bar or club owners take the time to consider the fact that people who live in the neighborhood, have children, jobs, and responsibilities that require a healthy living environment for them to perform their duties well, just how much noise can affect them from doing their best? They have a livelihood to uphold as well, just like musicians who lament they’re living is being affected!

At the meeting, I was not moved by Harp’s, or other associates attempts to gloss over the pointed issue of noise encroachment by offering a palette full of all the good things they have done for the neighborhood. I viewed this as the pointed issue being twisted into a “the people are picking on us and we are victims” thing.

I hope many who attended that meeting supporting this variance are reading this and hear this well, that is, if their hearing is not already damaged! (I will comment on that as well in a moment) This is NOT and NEVER was an “anti-music/musician” thing. I heard one ridiculous rationale from one woman at the meeting that suggested something to the nature that because she now hears music from Harp, she no longer hears other crime related noises/sounds. Uhhhh… that’s just great.. Let’s just cover the noise the real crimes are making, right? Let’s do the individual trying to break in a house a favor by covering the noise he makes! Nonsense to say the least! Her testament should in NO way help a cause for granting a variance.

Only an irrational non-critically thinking selfish fool would twist this whole topic into such “anti-music” directions as above. I repeat: The subject is as mentioned above… excessive noise emanating off a given premisses and violating the rights of others peace in their own home. It is a simple common sense and courtesy issue that should not take mountains of debating to understand. I also witnessed attempts to stray off the topic of the particular kind of noise at hand, to point out a host of other noises in society. Again, ridiculous. The point of the meeting was to address one issue at a time, and this issue at hand happened to be this particular kind of noise and granting Harp a variance.

Other excessive noises are also not good and have their own negative contributions, but this was not the forum for such discussion. The attitude of those who attempted to articulate that, was one of “Oh, well they make this noise over there…..so I can make my own noise over here” That attitude also reaffirmed my belief they they knew very little about the ill-effects of particular kinds of noises and most importantly, the differences! It suggested to me they, like most people, knew little if anything about the psychology of noise. I would suggest the well crafted book.. “WHY NOISE MATTERS”.

In an attempt to compromise, I attempted to suggest that establishments stop jumping on the bandwagon of louder and bigger is better with this cookie cutter approach to music delivery in a venue, that simply follows a “blast it as loud as you can” game plan–AND,  instead, why not tailor the sound for the particular size of the venue? Too often these days, in bars or clubs, you cannot decipher instruments in music, ups and downs, because it is so loud that it is all jumbled together and simply becomes unidentifiable–and NOISE.

Now I want to get back to my mention of hearing loss as stated earlier. It is important to note that those who are exposed to loud music or any noise long enough, cannot hear as well as someone who has not, and therefore really cannot fathom how loud they are really being! They often speak very loudly as well because their hearing has been temporarily disabled to a degree where they cannot even hear themselves speak.

With respect to hearing loss or damage, the following information is from Dr. Louis Hagler. This portion is taken from a  summary, prepared by Louis Hagler, MD, and taken from a 100+ page World Health Organization Guideline (Guideline for Community Noise) that provides information about the harmful effects of noise on human health. This document can be seen in its entirety at:

 http://www.who.int/environmental_information/Noise

“Given the importance of the problem, occupational noise exposure is fairly well regulated and controlled worldwide. Environmental noise exposure, especially that related to leisure-time activities, has not been controlled in the same way. Given both the increasing number of noisy activities and the increasing exposure duration (such as in loud cars) regulatory activities are to be encouraged. Whereas dose-response data are lacking, based on the limited data that are available, there appears to be no risk to hearing with exposures to 70 dB or less. Daily l hour exposure levels should not exceed 85 dB. It is recommended that exposure to sound levels greater than 100 dB should be limited to a 4-hour period and should not occur more than four times per year. Exposure to higher sound pressure levels and greater duration of exposure are significant risk factors. To avoid hearing impairment, impulse noise exposure should never exceed 140 dB peak sound pressure in adults and 120 dB peak sound pressure in children.”

I am in the opinion, despite the numbers above, that hearing damage can result over long periods of time to even lower decibel levels, much like eating marginally fatty and unhealthy foods may still result in a longer term or slower weight gain. If you have ever walked out of a concert and were temporarily affected in the hearing, you will understand what I am talking about. But, no worries because the deafer they become, let’s just turn it up another notch until we are stone deaf by 40 and then need to go on some sort of public assistance! Indeed, that’s where we’re headed, folks, in the culture of loud.

In regard to the whining “But we might lose business” Another unsupported battle cry of the loud, I have to wonder, are venue owners so narrow dynamic in their creativity that the only thing they can come up with to offer a good time for patrons is to offer mega loud? This is not just happening in night clubs, it is happening in local pubs and eateries too. People are frequently assaulted with audio they did not ask for nor need. You would never hear of someone walking OUT of an establishment because it was NOT loud enough, but you likely WOULD hear about someone waking out because ambient sound levels are just to loud. So, I have to ask….Where are the places where the background music enticed you to want to hear more… and perhaps even buy the record somewhere as you listened closer? Where is the place you can have music playing, but still be able to have a dinner conversation with friends and family, instead of being acoustically assaulted by cacophony?

My concern for Ohio City, and because I have been considering investing in a home in the neighborhood after renting for so long, is that it is over-the-top catering to such uncreative overly-loud music venue types for the sake of quick money and a mostly non-resident party-type crowd between 21 and 34. Sure, there are many short term gains to be made for a few, and it is good to have a healthy scene for such a group, but short term gains is NOT how elected city leaders or neighborhood movers and shakers should be thinking.

They need to be thinking in long terms of creating a neighborhood environment conducive to people wanting to live in it, not just eat and party….then go back to a suburb. Let’s also cater more to those who wish perhaps to raise a family—-OR cater more to the age bracket that actually spends the most in the economy, between 35 to 55. This is a largely overlooked and ignored demographic. I do not want to see the neighborhood become mostly what are essentially glorified bars, but unfortunately, that seems to be where a lot of the agenda of OCI, the neighborhood’s supposed premier development group, has ventured lately. Its seems they have become a marketing group for such establishments in question, rather than a community group that promotes healthy balance in the neighborhood with respect to quality of life issues such as noise. .

Granting of a variance sets a bad “we did it for them so we have to do it for everyone else” precedent. It should NOT be granted now…or at least until existing establishments have proven they can respect the existing rules/ordinances which govern noise. The burden of proof about what is overly loud should not be on residents shoulders….nor be left up to the hearing damaged bar owners or musicians to decide! Most of us know very well what too loud is and if we cannot exercise some common sense in this issue, then I shudder to think in what direction this neighborhood is going.

Afterall, we would not have had to craft new guidelines, rules, and ordinances to govern noise if not being too loud was being respected in the first place. And bar owners who testify that they are not really responsible for what happens outside their establishment: You most certainly are responsible for what goes on outside your premises when the origin of the issue is on yours and in this case we are talking about sound emanating from your property, that goes on for too long and is simply too loud.

At the meeting, I heard some pro-variance folks bemoan that if this “too loud” thing was a problem, why didn’t they (residents) come to meetings, or call, or why they (bar owners) didn’t get any complaints about it. Well, I have to answer that question by saying that just because no one may complain does not mean the problem does not exist. Second, you can easily say no one is complaining, but that does not make it true. I beg to differ because noise is among the top complaints the police receive.

Interestingly enough, their questions to such, in turn, beg the question from me….and so I ask, WHERE are the establishment owners at block meetings? I only see them there when they feel they are being picked on! Many have overstepped their boundaries and privileges in regard to offer live outdoor music, and then cry when new rules or stiffer ordinances need to be crafted to remind them that they need to exercise a little more personal responsibility and common sense, courtesy, and manners. Its really simple folks…. all the residents want is for you to respect their right to peace in their homes. Do you get it? Why is that so difficult to understand? Or does it take someone acoustically assaulting you when it is NOT convenient for you… to finally get it?

Finally… Be a good neighbor… and respecting basic rights to reasonable peace goes a long way, for no amount of charity, curb appeal and so on excuses obnoxiously and continual in-your-face loud that violates current laws and ordinances, and ultimately another’s right to peaceful enjoyment of their own home. Your rights, END where theirs begin and this is about respecting that concept. Clearly many of you do not, or you would not be at such a meeting defending your sound invasions in other people’s homes.Hey! I have an idea for a charity…. How about the right to peace, comfort, safety, and enjoyment of, in one’s own home?!

No variance granting for Harp. Enough is enough. Its nothing personal.

I am amending this article with the following final thought……

I would like to note that much of this issue is about the amplified OUTDOOR music and its impact on the nearby residents in being intrusive and denying them the right to peace and enjoyment of their own home. It is about addressing the impact of the kind of outdoor “entertainment” that is so often offered at venues these days that have been gentrified away from the small neighborhood social clubs or bars they used to be when the loudest components were just a juke box, or an maybe an acoustic band.

These former venues shared neighborhoods with residents and were gathering places for locals, but were rarely as loud as these newly fashioned venues which may occupy these former social halls or neighborhood pubs. The technology just perhaps wasn’t this loudly evolved or so often used. THAT’S the difference! This new sound we hear is NOT tailored with respect to proximity to residences. This is another part…and POINT which many who defend LOUD just seem to not get!

Posted by Angry Man In The Basement at 8:25 AM No comments:

A New Casino?…. Or is it Wal-Mart?

Admittedly, I will probably not visit the new casino, nor view it as some kind of savior for anything. But having said this, I know many will and I do hope that it can add some positive component to downtown.

The renovation of the Higbee Building has brought back an historic gem with new opulence. It appears grand and exudes class.

It deserves to be visited by those who will make an effort to demonstrate a little self respect and pay homage to such a storied venue–and new event–in patronizing the casino–by not showing up looking like a complete slob.

I am not saying one needs to invest in a $1,000 suit, but how about at least making an attempt to look and smell as though you have not crawled out from under a rock?

I shudder to think of such a spectacular place, peopled with what looks more like a scene awaiting the opening of a new Wal-Mart!

Perhaps somewhat of a dress code might weed out some of the folks who probably cannot afford to be spending their last dime gambling in the first place. This is not about vanity, rather, about self respect.

Posted by Angry Man In The Basement at 3:35 PM 2 comments:

NEW ONLINE CLEVELAND RADIO STATION EMERGING IN NEAR FUTURE!

ATTENTION LOCAL BUSINESSES, RESIDENTS, ACTIVISM GROUPS, ORGANIZATIONS…ETC. — INTRODUCING A NEW ONLINE RADIO STATION HERE TO SERVE YOU!

We are promoting a new online radio station in what is a growing up and coming media source. The mission of the station is to serve a sector of economy, and wide age range of audience, which most mainstream and commercial media sources have ignored for years. This sector is the local, independent, and family owned businesses that are the very fabric, character, and definition of the many unique neighborhoods throughout the Greater Cleveland area—and especially such in the core city. In addition, we believe in promoting such entities because we feel they are what makes our city one of a kind. We will broadcast throughout the region and to the world!

To help promote ourselves, we will be spreading the word through handout fliers, the web, neighborhood associations, block groups, and word of mouth. Our programming, which will be very original….AND…locally and community oriented, is what will really set us apart. Programming will include many pod casts covering issues such as the environment, music, quality of life issues, special infomercials featuring a unique business of the month and many other topics. We also hope to add live talk that can include everything from world issues to local politics and community events, sports, economy, environment, and other topics.

We will feature radio mystery theater broadcasts, and some music programming that will cover many influences such as Classic R&B and Soul, Philly Soul…Classic Jazz and Classic Rock covering the 40’s through today. Ragtime, Reggae, Latin, World, Doo Wop, Show Tunes, Big Band, and much more. Basically we will cover music influences spanning several decades and reach audience age ranges and tastes that will appeal to people in their mid to late 20’s to mid 60’s and higher.

We will not promote any influence that glamorizes crime and/or anti-social behavior. We want to keep this mature, professional, fun, and clean…..and not full of the loud ‘in-your-face’ formats too often prevalent today. We would like to get back to what radio used to be—and that is entertaining, informative, original, and local. We want to show our audience how refreshing this can be!

This station will be a professional and mature, yet a fun arrangement of programming. Best of all, as I mentioned at the beginning, we are promoting what big media has failed to do, and that is.. YOU.. Your business and why it is special and unique for the community. As an incentive, we are offering FREE advertising to a select pioneering group of businesses to help launch the station and to collect an audience. There is no obligation, no contracts.

All we need is to meet, discuss and exchange ideas about your business—and then we will create an ad ranging from 15 to 60 seconds–only to be broadcast upon your approval. As the station’s popularity increases, we will be accepting donations to offset operational costs and help pay for our time. If you help us grow, we can help you grow–and offer something that is rarely found through traditional advertising means–especially on radio.

If this interests you, please call us at 330-393-4448 so we can arrange a time to meet. This is NOT a gimmick. We need businesses that would like to advertise…but cannot afford the costs of commercial and mainstream media. It is time small business join force amidst the highly franchised economy of today.

We look forward to working with you soon! Help us and we will help you….. Call 330-393-4448 and ask for Robert. That’s me…and I will personally look forward to meeting with you and discussing your advertising needs.

Thank you,
Regards,
Robert S. Carillio
WCR-World Community Radio-For The Community of Cleveland!

Posted by Angry Man In The Basement at 2:01 PM

Stop Funding Sprawl-Start Funding Urban Cores!

The recent decision of the Cleveland Regional Transit Authority to discontinue the service of smaller circulator bus services inspired the following thoughts which I shared with several state representatives……

As Ohio moves into the future we must find was to help preserve its urban historical heritage and its rural/natural historical heritage.

I believe we can do both, but only if we cease this archaic spending pattern that has rural interests being represented more than urban. By shifting funding interest and support in favor of urban, Ohio will boast attractive urban cores that will promote economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, less dependency on oil—as well as social and economic diversity. We will create thriving and world wide competitive urban cores that are truly one of a kind.

What the above will in turn mean for rural interests is that we preserve Ohio’s family agriculture community from being overrun with unsustainable, unethical, and environmentally destructive factory farming. Additionally we will help protect many other small locally owned and independently operated businesses from the homogenization of the clone zone franchising scene. We will preserve Ohio’s unique natural heritage/environment—and rural identity.

I do not comprehend how anyone who is thinking on a long term future basis—can be supporting measures that lead to the kind of land and energy consuming sprawl we do not need. Supporting spending stimulus money for rural over urban, for example, contributes to making rural Ohio go extinct. Where was the gain? How does this end up ‘supporting’ or benefiting rural areas, in the long run when they will be destroyed along with the quality of life they offer? Is such support looking out for the best interests of the identity forged for years that became the charm of rural America??? No, its not… And people need to learn that sprawl in areas that do not need it, is not some sort of benefactor as conventional misguided wisdom seems to suggest.

By taking federal stimulus money and spending most of it outside the urban core, we only dig a deeper hole in being more oil co-dependent–by creating energy consumptive cities outside of cities outside of cities and so on. When does this aggressive cycle level off and strive to achieve sustainability?

No more spending on, and construction of roads, bridges, and other infrastructures that will eventually become a maintenance spending never ending nightmare—if we cannot even maintain what we have already. What kind of mess is this state visually going to look like in the future? Do you think such a chaotic seen will foster the kind of quality of life people or businesses seek when deciding to locate somewhere. Why hasn’t Ohio learned after all these years, that such sprawl and financial support of it, only benefit’s a few, and not the state overall?

Ohio is still following these outdated spending models that favor rural over urban. As a taxpayer with a say in the matter, I do not want more money, especially stimulus money, spent on new rural roads and bridges, etc., that will just promote more sprawl…..UNLESS they are existing items that are in need of repair. Otherwise, we should be spending the majority of the money helping to build healthy and competitive urban core scenes that we can be proud of in Ohio. Part of helping to achieve creating the thriving urban core means increasing spending for encouraging and promoting alternative means of transportation such as busses, trains. It means MORE funding for public transportation, NOT less!

This state for too long has been given limited choice in the transportation scene as we have had cars and highways crammed down our throats for too long, which helped to foster and promote this very costly ongoing habit of the automobile, in the first place. Had trains and busses had the luxury of finance, advertising and promoting as do anything associated with cars, highways, etc, you would see more people riding these alternative modes. Ohio had it right the first time when the state designed a comprehensive network of rail service. Then, suddenly, we scrapped that, and allowed the auto industry to get us hooked on cars. While that certainly has purpose, by no means should we be so limited in choice.

Environmentally, we need to pull our heads from our tails and the sand…get out of denial and understand we are reaching a pivotal tipping point in this world. We will have to chose which direction we will want that scale to fall before there is no turning back–and all goes downhill, economically, socially, and environmentally. 1. On a side that has negative outcomes….by supporting sprawl and becoming more co-dependent on oil and other limited recourses—leaving us on this never ending treadmill rat race to nowhere and thus becoming the ‘good ‘ole boy’ closed minded laughing stock of the nation. OR 2. We chose to create positive impacts that will gain international kudos—and be an example setter and leader—by rebuilding the urban cores to achieve the kind of sustainability which is essential if we are going to become a place of choice for anyone or any company with forward progressive thinking. I hope for the sake of our state’s future, you will consider taking the latter choice.

Please do not undermine our urban cores OR our rural heritage anymore by supporting this mis-allocation and balance of funding that continually favors rural. The time for that kind of thinking has long passed. I do not want to be embarrassed of this state anymore by decisions that are contrary to what we should be doing for a more sustainable future for both urban and rural environments.

Posted by Angry Man In The Basement at 12:55 PM

Please Ohio, Once Again—Just Say NO To The Gaming Industry Hype!

Here is my rather redundant editorial on the latest gaming proposal idea!

Ohio… Psssst.. Listen up.. Please STOP being sold a bill of garbage that casinos are the be all end all cure for economic woes. Just because many surrounding states bought on to this bandwagon, does not mean we have to follow the leader and do a “monkey see monkey do.” Nor does it mean they’re right and we’re wrong.

We should not be trying to build an economy around this sort of thing…. Something that simply has no accountability where the money goes. If people read closely through the proposed issues (as in the past you will find that there is NO guarantee we’d make anything from these entities. Too many loop holes; too many empty promises. We should not be building an economy around entities that help to produce and foster bad and self destructive habits—that in the long run, could be a cost burden on the state, Example: bankruptcies, etc. I can see it now, already economically depressed…..what a time for gaming promoters to pitch their goods! (especially when their own industry is in decline!) People gamble and drink when depressed…and we see people peeing away their government assistance checks on gaming! This will NOT attract high end gaming enthusiasts as Vegas. We will NOT be the gaming destination place like Vegas. Gaming promoters are in business for one thing: PROFIT! NOT charity to states! Please see past the smoke and mirrors, Ohio.

Even if proposed right… I am still not sold on this idea. If we want to help our economy, we’d be trying to lure and promote high tech jobs and workforces that perhaps can have our region being the hot pit for cutting edge green technologies, such as windmill manufacturing, alternative fuels, green vehicles, solar panels, recycled product manufacturing, etc. Such would display a contrast and total change from our industrial polluting past manufacturing base. The jobs that could result in a green economy…. could help foster a better populous in body, mind, and spirit by creating a healthier environment—and hence—this could help keep people living here long term and raise their family. Can you see how such an economy would be a contrast to what depending on the tobacco, booze, fast food, and gaming industry, helps to trickle down produce in the population?——A sad sap bunch of obese mental numb heads who are so down and out and misinformed, that somehow they become deluded into thinking gaming will cure everything from world hunger to cancer! Absolutely pathetic if this is the best this entire region can do for economic re-development.

Let me reiterate…. How about Cleveland and Ohio in general, being a world leader in green or other future technologies? For every product produced, there is a job behind making it, marketing and selling it. It is time Cleveland and N.E. Ohio re-invent itself from the past economies—and placing a band-aid on the economic woes right now with the gambling hype is NOT going to sustain a long term future economy—nor should we build one around such that ultimately is a contributing factor in producing the mediocre mid-west ‘Kielbasa Kid” mentality that is so pervasive throughout our region.

Every state, every city in this region having a casino, is the same as seeing the big box “Sprawl-Mart” stores all over the place—and what is so very special about that? Would such a scenario have people coming from all over to see just another casino? I don’t think so, and rather, I see the scene as a soon to be a dated one…so pase. Seen one seen ’em all! Please, Ohio, don’t follow this extremely deceptive bandwagon and instead…. discover all the other alternatives to build the economy–and the entertainment sector, in particular, that really will lead to making Cleveland, N.E. Ohio a place people will want to live, work and play—and visit. Let all the others who thought this was the answer, look at Cleveland/Ohio and envy us for something we have that they do not—all because they were all too busy following the leader…to a road that leads to nowhere, nonetheless!

Lastly, I plead again…..Many think Ohio is a joke because they have voted the gaming down so many times. Ohio is only a joke if many of you posters actually believe this is going to salvage the economy…and are duped into thinking this is the only thing we can do to make the city/state shine and be attractive for the future. When people are desperate, they’ll latch onto anything that sounds promising with little question, as long as the hype is all the tootie fruttie nonsense people want to hear. The casino hype is a classic example of what I am talking about. Why do you think promoters hit this whole part of the country hard in the first place? It is easy to lure the hungry and desperate. Please tell me you’re not this desperate Ohio, that you will allow anything at any cost set up shop in your state, as long as the promoters spew all the right ‘jobs and taxes’ B.S.

Posted by Angry Man In The Basement at 8:45 PM

Improving The Cleveland Hopkins International Airport Experience

Since an airport is one of the first things travelers will see when arriving into any destination, it only stands to reason that it should offer the best possible aesthetic and welcoming image. At Cleveland Hopkins, I am sure most of the needed improvements can be accomplished by reaching to the depths of creativity by those who’s building renovation specialty is taking a rather mundane situation—and making people turn around and say “WOW!” after all the construction dust clears!

Improvements at Hopkins to make a big difference could be as follows: Let me start with the INSIDE of the airport…..

First there are obvious improvements to be made. Start by removing dropped ceilings and adding some skylights to open up the place and make use of natural lighting. Fresh coats of paint with timeless colors that will not look too dated in 5 years, and natural stone flooring would make a notable immediate difference in the otherwise dated facility. Oh, and please, NO MORE CARPET!!! Carpet in such places like airports or malls, where there are high volumes of foot traffic, does not only present a dirty germ laden condition (as carpet is actually a dirty thing), it also presents an ongoing cost factor to have to replace is ever 10 years or so. As far being cleaner, a timeless, and better flooring alternative that will add in making the place seem more roomy and less ‘boxed-in’ would be natural stone tile. It is also durable. In fact, the original flooring IS tile. As in Chicago O’Hare, for example, the only place I think carpet is acceptable is in places where people wait for flights in the chairs.

Other basic improvements could be a better selection of stores—many should be local “Cleveland” entities like Great Lakes Tavern, or Malley’s Chocolates, and local coffee shops that actually serve coffee in a glass mug should you chose to sit down at the establishment—and not serve it in wasteful styro-foam. Real classy, Starbucks! Please no more Starbucks!

Now how about basic cleaning at our airport? Better and more frequent washing of windows, and maintenance around door jams and frames as such gets used a lot would make small but noticeable differences. Having cleaner restrooms is something that good management should never have to be reminded about for an airport—or any place where a higher volume of people travel. It should be an ongoing thing all day every day as soon as crews get a break to go in and clean.

Now to address some of the décor and things that promote Cleveland and N.E. Ohio for visitors. I would suggest adding a lot more local artwork that displays the history, human made and natural, of Cleveland and the region. We need to put on a show for visitors who may happen to be wondering what the region offers in terms of things to do, places to go. This can be achieved by asking the visitors bureau to make their information booths available in more areas where travelers exit planes.

This brings us to the people who we see everyday at the airport. As for the staff at Hopkins, I am often surprised at much of the ‘dead head’ attitude of much of the help. These people, and their attitudes is not the first thing I would want visitors—or locals to experience when coming into or going out of our city. We need to hire people who are actually enthusiastic about living here, KNOW what the region offers, and people who want to see it become better. Yes, we DO exist amidst the pervasive culture of the Cleveland/North East Ohio inferiority complex.

Hopkins should not be hiring or maintaining people who exercise no class, and give us a bush league simple image, by shouting at their fellow employees from across the halls talking about what they are going to do Friday night and so on. It really is embarrassing for those of us who are proud of our city and trying to do good things here. Again, why this is important for the airport people to really have this sink in their heads is because the airport and personnel is what visitors will first likely encounter here. Overall friendlier help at the airport does much to leave people with a better image of your city and people.

Better signage and cleaner better lit RTA facilities would round out my immediate improvements on the inside of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. .

Now for the OUTSIDE…..

Airports are often in areas where the air quality is really bad. Traffic from cars, planes is commonplace, naturally. We are next to Ford and Ford is next to the airport—and this does not make for the freshest air around. People getting off of flights which contain bad air to begin with usually cannot wait to step outside and get some fresh air. Since airport air is not exactly a fresh breath of country air, we should do all we can to ease the poor air conditions.

What can the airport do about this? Simple…plant many more native tree species suitable for the grounds. (Ala Orlando–Beautiful!). This will make the airport look much nicer outside of the terminal. Trees filter air and provide oxygen, as well as offer a general healthier feel. Kindly asking smokers to stand clear of doors would be a plus. I personally do not enjoy inhaling second hand smoke the second I walk out the door, or have it whisked back inside by opening and closing doors—and people going in and out—if I am awaiting my baggage!

Better landscaping, litter clean-up and follow up on maintenance would be very noticeable as well. Just offer a little more earth and a bit less concrete as a general rule–and try implementing NATIVE OHIO plant species. I also notice that the airport can do a better job in sprucing up the outside building look as well by maybe painting, cleaning existing facades , and keeping up after litter bugs…maybe pressure washing certain areas as well. Better cleaning of the outside terminal structure needs to be performed, and that means maybe some pressure washing from time to time, or a new coat of paint.

Lastly, we NEED to employ a recycling program. Many airports have recycling programs. Why have we not joined the progressive examples? Airports generate an incredible amount of senseless waste. Can we do a little to at least show wee care? These are some of the improvements I see should be implemented at our airport. Many are simply BETTER and basic maintenance and follow up routines–which require a staff that actually takes pride in its work. The others are renovations that can be all completed in a year or more. Seeing the changes should not take 10 years. Oh and by the way, for people groaning about walking too far in the terminals. I say this to you….Unless one is totally incapacitated and cannot move there is no excuse to not get off your rear and walk. You will have plenty of time to sit and cramp-up on flights or rides home. North East Ohio should be the last place anyone complains about walking because obesity and laziness is out of control.

Posted by Angry Man In The Basement at 2:04 PM