tedders55

^ JetDog, thank you for the response and I apologize for making that sum all fallacy. It is true that the NextConnect service is not just used solely with mobile phones. I will maintain an argument that this should be an optional function of the website. From your explanation it sounds as if it is easier for the Live Departures to recognize Buses rather than Trains. With the overhaul of the Red Line trains has there been a consideration into changing the way that the information is being transmitted? And how to activate it? NextConnect does have great potential, and hopefully can be iterated to a better product. Most of the issues that I was describing above are due to the website overlay of the data. If the website for NextConnect was designed and approved by RTA then these issues can hopefully be fixed fairly easily, as opposed to having to go back through the SP and work with their separate (and usually offsite) team. Regardless, I will be sending an email about getting in on the testing phase of the re-done website. Thank you JetDog and Jerry for keeping us informed.

That is where Mirch Masala was supposed to go, but would not surprise me if it became a Subway. Especially seen as that spot always had some restaurant "coming soon". Also, that would explain why it appears there is finally construction happening there.

^I think you are correct as if you ever look at their "live map" for the Red Line there are very few actual trains on the map. In order for someone to even develop a raw data feed app they would need to have the trains (and buses for that matter) reliably connected. Otherwise it is of no more use than a generic schedule.

^ Work on the T Line was already going on while I was in SF 2 weekends ago. I was only really by the Market/Union Square Terminal and the Chinatown one, but they are under construction. The connection to Chinatown is important, but the set up that this provides as far as getting over toward Telegraph and North Beach Area is huge.

I can't really bemoan a place that is successful and wants to close one day a week. It does suck that everywhere downtown has chosen Sunday to be that day though. Start requesting them to be open more, who knows maybe the Owner/GM will have finally received enough requests that they will follow through. Onto some restaurant news: on my walk from Tower City to work there was actual work being done at Mirch Masala's. The door was open but I couldn't see any action. I did hear real construction equipment and everything from there though. Who knows maybe something will actually happen instead of just changing the "coming soon" sign in a couple months.

Speaking of NextConnect: The website is horrible. I'm not sure how much control RTA has over this but it really needs to be redesigned to work on a mobile phone. Right now it is optimized more for a desktop. No one is going to check when their train/bus is going to arrive on a full web browser. They are going to be using their phones. Also, I'm not positive yet and this is just conjecture but when you navigate to the Live Departure Times the times listed are just the scheduled times. Now maybe RTA is that good, which is great but seems a little strange. Also, each time that you select a route, direction, or stop from the live departure home screen it reloads the page. This can be a real waste of time, and especially from the TC platform where the cell reception is not great.

The wife and I actually took the rapid down to the Browns game as well, but we came from the Wast Side. Getting down, our story pretty much mirrors yours. Train left on time and by the time we got down there it was a pretty full train. Not overwhelming as we were meeting people to tailgate so left kinda early. The ticket machines I don't think are that onerous. I actually think that they have improved the flow from when they first came out. The height is a different issue though. On the way back though we had a bit of a different experience. Nothing terrible, just frustrating and why taking the rapid can be a pain. As Jeff said most people stayed til the end of the game, so there was a pretty sizable crowd waiting for the train by the time we got to TC (we walked back from the stadium as we had to pick up the cooler from tailgating). As I take the Rapid each day I know the size of the crowd those trains can handle and when we walked up there were easily enough people to fill one 2 car trainset. Well I figured that we would be getting on a train in 10 min. tops, I was thinking that RTA would have a couple extra trains out basically running rush hour headways. Did not seem to be the case, as we waited at least 20-30 min. By this point the crowd for the west bound trains had filled to more than 2 trainsets. In the end it did appear that RTA was running extra trains as we left from the pocket track, but this only cleared half the platform. I'm not sure what caused the delay, and it would have been nice if it was announced. Once we got on the train everything was fine though. I know that RTA has the NextConnect sign at the top of their ad kiosk in the middle of each platform, but it only faces toward the doors of TC. It would be extremely helpful to have two facing either direction. When we were in SF, BART and Muni had these and it does put the mind at ease to know that a train/bus is coming and when.

Not my area of expertise, but yes, that was the explanation offered for why many existing teams play in large stadiums. The original discussion on UO was here: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,7469.280.html FYI, there are actually very few 60K plus stadiums that are used exclusively for club teams. Most are built for the national team. As always wikipedia has a nice list of stadiums and who uses them. Like I said most of the larger stadiums are for national teams, or were built for a World Cup and now have a club team. New England, DC, and Seattle all play in Football stadiums. New England because they are owned by the Krafts and don't want to invest in a new stadium (and it shows on the field too) despite pressure from the league office. DC has been in a constant state of flux regarding playing at RFK. They want a new stadium, but have been running into problems left and right as they want to stay in DC proper. Latest rumor is they may be moving to Baltimore. Seattle is the only MLS side that can actually accommodate a 60K plus stadium. The Pacific Northwest is crazy. MLS is pushing all their teams to build soccer specific stadiums for a variety of reasons, but one is it is a much better fan experience. These usually put the fans about 10 feet from the touch lines, much more intimate. They can do this because they only bring 18-20 players to a game, with 3-5 assistant coaches. Compare that to the 45 players and seemingly another 45 assistants at a football game. Much less space required. For a good example watch some of the US men's game tonight on ESPN2, they are playing in KC's new stadium that is really amazing. In regards to a dome/roof on CBS. That proposal is ugly, no way should that be put up. And in regards to the concerts, I thought things were moving away from stadium shows and going to smaller spaces?

Potbelly's has been slowly expanding their hours. When they first opened it was only 11-7, after about 1 month they included breakfast and are now 7-7. Obviously that is not an indication that they will be moving to weekend hours, but just an observation of what they did previously. I think the bigger issue is still the critical mass factor. That and inconsistent visitors coming into that area.

^^^ But your right that is not a public beach, and actually, while it is geographically close to Sandusky it is about 30-45 mins away. You have to go all the way around the bay to get there. Now Marblehead, or whatever township is the jurisdiction there, could have set that the Marina that is there, Baypoint, maintain a public access portion but they didn't care. Which is really what this thread is about. Now there is a Giant Marina, like 800 slips, a Restaurant and Beach that is private, along with new SF housing that they are building just south of the Marina. I know all this because we have friends that have their boats over there, and we almost moved ours there. Instead we are staying in Downtown Sandusky. Which, as others have pointed out, has tremendous potential and is starting to capitalize somewhat on their tourist potential. Friends that have docked DT for the past 20-25 year said that even 10 years ago you would not be able to recognize what has happened since. There are a good number of restaurants that are opening. And they actually have as many waterfront living options as Cleveland: 1. Both converted warehouse space on that was on the water.

Actually, it’s the boys getting fatter. Not so much the girls. Everyone says that this is due to video games, and they probably play a role. But, I’m going to say that, especially in the suburbs, there’s been a definite de-emphasis on phys ed and a major de-emphasis on the competitive aspects of same. This results in them being less adept at team sports when they get older, where phys ed is also de-emphasized. Then there’s soccer. Suburban moms love soccer because no one gets hurt. The problem is half the team can wander around the grass “being on the team”, without really harming the team. It’s like playing catcher or right field, minus the stigma. Everyone makes a team, too. While the public sector does this, the private sector is giving boys an opportunity to work out the competiveness and even aggression that young males display in just about every culture in history….without getting any exercise. Sprawl plays a role in this too, when there’s not enough kids in walking distance to get up a decent game. That's hilarious that you mention soccer, as I would say that it is true of most youth athletics. All you need is one star on any team and the rest can just wander around. Same with Youth Football, defenders are usually where you can hide players. The bigger problem with youth soccer is that they make a jump to a bigger field at a younger age than they should. This is what leads to the impression of kids wandering around. Really, a full field shouldn't be used until 13. edit: it looks like ASYO is doing this now. I recall when I was younger that at 12 you moved to the big field and played with 11. Now it looks like they keeping a smaller field with only 9 players. Although their max of 100yrd by 50yrd is the smallest FIFA approved regulation pitch. And don't get started on the "no one gets hurt" argument. Soccer has just as many if not more injuries.

Putting turf in will nullify the ability to host international Soccer Matches. So no World Cup Qualifying (or matches if the WC were back in the USA) or international friendly matches. While this isn't an actual stipulation, and in fact FIFA does allow for the surface, it is definitely a detractor when choosing a site. Seattle, where they are absolutely crazy about soccer (sold out CenturyLink Field, about 66K, for a recent match) has FieldTurf mostly due to their weather and that growing grass when it is always wet is darn near impossible. However when Chelsea came to play an exhibition match this summer they had to bring in a grass field. Also, when the US Open Cup was looking for a venue for their Championship match it came down to RFK in DC (no need to describe that stadium) and Seattle. RFK won because they have real grass as their field surface. Just something else to consider, especially if Haslem wants more use in the summer months. Most friendly soccer matches are played during the summer months.

I was in San Francisco on vacation during this game. The Wife and I had dinner that lasted until the game was over, and as we were at a pretty nice restaurant there was no watching the game (I'm not much of a baseball fan to begin with). As we were walking back to the hotel we saw a lot of Giants fans doing a very familiar walk ... the post Cleveland Browns game walk. But it wasn't just that we knew they had lost we knew that the Giants had just took a shellacking. Some walks are the same anywhere.

Re: basements. They do tend to get a little damp especially in Spring and Fall, but a dehumidifier will take care of the dampness pretty easily. Also they aren't too expensive and tend to last. I think we have had ours for 5 years now with no problems. Now regrading water in the basement that is something that hopefully won't happen but certainly can, and is not an easy fix. Generally they will have to dig out around the foundation of the house and re-seal the wall. That said it shouldn't be something that happens often. Just make sure you get a good home inspector before purchasing (usually the banks will require this anyway) as they can point out any flaws.

Hopefully they can take a look at some of the Red Line Stops once the WFL is fixed up. Actually for the most part the stations are in good shape, some just need to be completely replaced. I'm looking at you Brookpark, and I know the situation so I'm not expecting much any time soon. I am really looking forward to the new Little Italy station though, the old station at E 120th made Brookpark look like it was brand spanking new.

Also, don't forget the stink that the PD made about there being no connecting parking to the MM/CC. I believe the way the bridge is laid out this would be mostly covered parking right into the Ballroom area, could be wrong about the connection to the mall though.

Agree and this is why I think mixed use can do a ton of good. Say the County moves into Huntington and the whole building remains office space. That's great 9-5, but nights and weekends it's still a huge dead space. Now somehow add residential (or hotel space) into the mix on select floors and the place is buzzing with activity 24-7. It doesn't necessarily need residential to pull that off either. As long as the building is not solely office space along its street edge and instead has a retail component that will ensure some life outside of the 9-5 crowd.

In regard to TC, it looks like City Leather which had been next to Victoria Secrets has moved to the old K-line space. Not the greatest of openings, but it does put an open shop in a pretty large space which is a plus. I would also think that their old space would be more attractive to a national brand than the new corner they are occupying, but that is just me speculating. These new apartments that are supposed to be coming online can't get here soon enough.

Another problem for Nexus is that the space they had is huge. It could almost be 2 separate retail spots in there. not based on street frontage, but on the overall usable space. I think it is going to take something other than a cafe/bar in that space to make it work. Feels too large otherwise.

It looks like work is starting on converting the Bang and Clatter to Chipotle. Workers were in there this morning tearing out the old ticket window ( I think that was what it was). I had never been in there so hopefully someone can provide some more information, but the space seems awfully small. I'm sure there is a theater back there somewhere and walls just need to be removed, and Chipotle's don't usually need a ton of space, but most Black Box theaters don't operate with much space to begin with. Anyway I am really looking forward to this and I know my office mates are too. Stuff is like a drug sometimes I swaer. Also, J. Gumbo is coming along. Was able to peak in and it looks like they have removed everything that used to be there (if there even was anything). Hopefully actual construction of the space and kitchen will begin soon.

Because he's practicing to be a Vogue model -- the only job he's going to be able to get at the end of his contract. Assuming he doesn't drop that, too. EDIT: Melanie Weeden (Brandon's wife) is retweeting posts that the fans will unjustly rip the Browns and that Brandon's jersey was pulled when he threw the last pass. Maybe on both. One more thing that bothers me. The Ravens were able to put pressure on Weeden with four and even three pass rushers. So much for our improved offensive line. Like I said, if Browns players can't execute even a boring/conservative game plan, they ain't gonna be able to win many any games. Young, young team. They are going to make mistakes, as I believe you have said KJP. Plus with 4-5 rookies on offense I think you have to have a conservative game plan. Now obviously Little is extremely frustrating, there were at least 3 or 4 should be catches that would have made a huge difference in the game. Don't forget though, this is a very very good Ravens team. They completely embarrassed the Bengals on Opening Day. I actually think the some of the rookies are ahead of where I thought they would be at this point. This team is still so young that they haven't figured out how to win. That is the biggest thing right now, and has been for awhile. Remember to try and take away some positives from each game. Like the Browns being competitive against an elite team, or our defense showing some skill at multiple positions and providing depth.

That's more than plausible. I'm not unhappy with the outcome though. Like Euclid Avenue, the waterfront is too special for private offices. Offices are inert for the majority of the day, week, month and year. That limits the utility of the land, and by extension all the land around it, because it adds distance between walkable destinations. I agree with you here, but the RTA loop is a bit of dead land as is. It is pretty much cut off from everything. I think it is going to take an incredibly ambitious and expensive plan to make it into something feasible for pedestrian use.

^ Why would I want to go to Oakland?

^ My parents live out by Mason, and yes I did grow up there it was miserable. They still get the Enquirer, and are always amazed at how the Plain Dealer still feels and reads like a real paper. I am amazed as well, every time I am back home it feels like the Enquirer keeps getting smaller. I wonder if in 10 years they are just going to be mailing leaflets?

Will be interesting to see if there is integration with the available transit apps. I believe this is Apple's goal, not to provide the information themselves but instead send you to a dedicated app. Basically a giant fail by Apple. TechCrunch and other tech sites have been harping about this for a while now. Supposedly Google will be releasing a stand alone Google Maps App. Provided of course that Apple lets them into their playground.