Etheostoma Caeruleum

Are any of these still a possibility?

A lot of people who are helping make things happen in Cleveland do not reside right in the city proper. That's good that interest is being gained from the outside. An effort to restore Woodland Cemetery is spearheaded by someone in Mentor, all part of the greater metro region, anyway. Thanks for the donation!

Love round-a-bouts... Once people learn how to use them, they are no problem on foot, bike, or in vehicle. Don't get me wrong, there are badly designed ones. But overall, I loved these while living in Oz. At first, I hated them..But then after while... I saw the benefits. One obvious benefit if you live at an intersection with a stop light.. These would help prevent those who are discourteous, from sitting in front of your home blasting you with audio assault.

Good kids! Sounds like they have some hometraining. We must find contact information for those kids! LMAO!! Don't be a fool! You know what I am talking about..Don't point out some exceptional case and make excuses for this.

That's the point. You can't PROVE anything you've said above. You have no way of knowing. It would not be evident to you why I had one. YES. I DO.. I am telling you I see the SAME people SPRINTING out off cars and into a business establishment. If that is not enough cause to at least QUESTION this, I don't know what is. The point is.... someone has to question it who is in a position of authority as to who enforces laws on such. I am not suggesting denying this tag to someone who truly needs it.. BUT, look at the criteria... Maybe some people actually are so deluded into thinking they actually NEED one of these....But let's have a look at the criteria below. I would hardly think these parameters qualifies someone who sprints out of the car, or someone running errands perhaps. It is important to stop defending the "right" to abuse this system. I could take someone for a drive and point out what I am talking about. And if they chose to pretend like it is not abuse, that is their choice to be ignorant to the obvious...But don't tell me "You don't know" Gee...someone who sprints with a cell phone from the drivers seat...HARDLY meets the qualifications below. Yes, I will continue to get plate numbers and turn these vehicles in.

Your first points were well taken and what I was trying to illustrate. As for the last statements...What are you talking about? Since when is this about 'freedom?' It is about obvious abuse of tags....and last I checked, is not someone's 'freedom' to suck off the system, if they don't need it...(and I will be totally fair....either at a corporate level or social) In this case, people are abusing these tags, full stop..and yes, I will be the police who blow the whistle on such abuse because there is a criteria as to what qualifies one to get these. It is utterly pathetic to see what is going on and if you think its acceptable because we are so used to seeing it and thus have become complacent, then that is your issue. And please.......Don't start wrapping this up in a flag or freedom thing. It has nothing to do with either. It is about breaking the law, really. And I find it disgusting that when my Mother needs a space..and the space is taken by someone who obviously can get by without the tag much more than she can. No, you don't have to explain to me "why"......as I was just curious, but everyone who applies for such needs to answer to someone before they are just blindly handed out. And all I am saying is maybe this needs to be questioned a bit more before they just start throwing these out like candy at a parade. Its also about accountability on the part of BMV.

Maybe its completely OT but how are you making these stream systems? Does it take a custome tank? In a reef setup you usually shoot for non-laminar bursts or chaotic or swirling water. But many reef habitats have a flow like this, especially near the shore. What kind of flow in GPH would be in that 2nd vid you showed where the camera pans around the aquarium? Well, those videos are of various examples of river tanks. Many have different ways of mimicking the flow of a river...and the calmer pool habitat in the same system. If I made a custom system, it would be a wide and shallow aquarium, maybe no more than 12" deep (this is for river tanks..not lake and pond, keep in mind) I would keep the flow going in a continuous cycle with the outflow at one end (drilled into the sides of the tank) and the overflow at the other. (overflow as in the typical reef system) The flow would be much stronger than a reef system...and I like to turn the water over 6 times an hour if I can. You could place pumps like the RIO 500's inside the tank to hide them..to make pockets of subsurface flow. The flow should be obstructed here and there to make a riffle like effect as found in a creek--and to offer areas of 'pool-like' habitat, because even fish like this like to hang out in calmer waters for a break. I also place the internal flow pumps on timers, so as again, not blow the fish into smithereens! The design and decor is the fun part, because you are trying to achieve as much as possible, a sort of cross section of a stream/pool habitat. Filtration options are many, and most commonly used ones are the old wet/drys and large Eheim cannisters, or have the main unit built in as I alluded to above with the overflow. Lighting is important as we have to simulate a 'clouded daylight' effect... and make it appear as though sunlight is shining down into the stream through forested riverbanks. We also provide 'sunny' areas of the tank. The color of the lighting is important too, or the tank will either look to pink or yellow wit many standard aquarium lights...And that is not good! It is important, at least to me, to have the system in a room that gets a lot of daylight..BUT not direct sunlight, there is a difference. For temperature, unless you have a cold room, it is wise to invest in a chiller...keep the water around 68 in the summer..and down to 50's in winter. With that cycle, you may even witness breeding activity! After all is said and done, they really are a great looking aquarium, when set up right. They can provide many educational challenges in aquarium keeping in their own right, as do the reef systems in theirs. I have often generically referred to small creek systems and their forested zones which are intertwined, as the 'inland reefs of freshwater' in that they are so diverse in life. Health of reefs and many ocean habitats are related to the health of our rivers as well. Once I got 'hooked' on them, I never looked back! I love going on trips to streams and rivers to add to the fun. These systems do not have to be expensive and you do not necessarily have to have the best to make it work and have the animals be happy and healthy. You can also incorporate a riverbank habitat as pictured above.

Do you need one? If so, Why? And...Maybe so.....But, you are the exception to what is obviously going on. Perhaps I can technically qualify for one with the fact that I have dislocated my knees in sports several times. (bending knees backwards) It does often hurt to walk....but the more I cease walking, the worse I will become, so I chose to not get one because I am not about to go around labeling myself as disabled until it is a last resort..but that is just me. I realize a bit of discomfort does not have to have me running to the BMV claiming a disability. The fact people go parading around town with these hanging in their mirrors as though it were some air freshener..and they're proud of a disability, is simply pathetic. My Mother ONLY places that tag on the mirror when the car is parked. As it is supposed to be. But that part is more a peeve, but funny how we suddenly have this explosion of disabilities. What used to be a simple deal with it thing now qualifies for disability? My cousin, while serving in Vietnam, had his partner step on a land mine. He died, but my cousin sustained a severe leg injury as it almost got blown off. To this day I see the photo of it when it happened, and it is utterly horrifying. Luckily, they saved his leg, but he very well could have lost it. Now, he has pains in it these days which can be quite severe..BUT, he chose to not get a tag, eventhough he is someone who legitimately needs one. Now, I cannot compare this to the crap I see at a Wal-Mart, etc. parking lot. In all reality, it is likely that half of these issuances of these tags should have never happened, based on what the real criterion is and should be to warrant such an issuance. Again, such a disregard for those who really do need it. I am not saying I am the judge of this, I am referring to what is outlined in the law....and what I end up seeing in reality daily.

Read my original post. What your saying is ideally how it should be. I have witnessed over and over again....people who are perfectly FINE..and repeating this abuse over and over again...same people...NOT watching over anyone, who are abusing these tags just to get a good parking space. Is it jumping to conclusions that I witness many of the exact same people doing this over and over again? Hmmmm..where is the disabled person never seen? If they are running errands, and the disabled person is at home, fine, but that does not give the errand person who is perfectly able bodied, the excuse to use the tag. The people who get out of the car look like they can run a marathon. Don't be so naive to think this system is not being abused, because it is..and it burns me up to know there ARE people who really need a tag, and then I see what is going on right before my eyes! It is soooooo damn obvious. My Mother has a tag and is someone who legitimately needs one. The criteria for granting such permit basically states that if you cannot walk 'x' amount of feet without severe fatigue, if you are mamed, injured, and crippled, then you qualify. And, anyone with a legit problem, should not be denied.However, A line needs to be drawn before such is cut off...and one example I like to use is obesity...... Obesity, generally, imo, should not be constituted as a disability, eventhough it does make it to where people cannot walk if chronic enough, granted---but if we acknowledge this as yet another disability.....here come the costs levied on society associated with it---and sorry, if someone--and as I notice this very often--is obese, and is still going into the grocery store loading their carts full of crap food (which costs a lot too, with the amount I see, piled to the rim of the shopping cart) and has these tags... Bzzzzzzpp! Sorry to sound heartless and cruel, but they don't deserve the tag. Same thing with getting public health assistance, you are on oxygen paid for by healthcare, and you still continue to smoke. Am I being anymore cruel than those who are abusing such a system.....which is totally disregarding those who legitimately actually NEED this tag? To keep giving them out in this case only helps become a part of the problem in fostering a poor health lifestyle...and I said a PART, of the problem. Granted, many people who are obese have other problems than diet which may and have contributed to their 'disability' and that is understandable and acknowledged, but the problem here lies in virtually all that is needed for BMV to grant one of these is a doctors excuse...and they do not question it. Tag signed, sealed, and delivered. I did email Carl Monfday about this and he agreed with me. He said he did do stories on the abuse of the tagging system. At least, as it has been without watch for so long, maybe it is time to start asking some questions. Just start watching this and making a point to do so in your area... You will see exactly what I am talking about. In fact, I am seeing more able bodied people, younger people especially, using these tags to run in and go to a store. If the operator of the vehicle can run, and is using this tag, sorry..No ifs ands or buts, it is wrong in any language--and if that person is going to be stupid enough to do something like that, under the guise of disability, then naturally, it will draw question marks and conclusions, or questioning attention by peers. So, don't get on the case of people who actually give a damn and say .. "Hey..wait a minute here...is something slightly wrong with this picture?" Funny how we have had a ten fold increase of these tags being handed out on the past few years. Maybe that has something to do with the lack of questioning to anyone who is applying for them. You should also hear the rest of what Carl Monday had to say about this.

I am familiar with that, but I still question it. Many would argue otherwise.....And, this situation is one reason why they should have not gotten into this deal. Such concerns need to be all worked out before making such a decision to purchase. So do you feel the county handled this responsibly? :argue: Here we go again... Hell no :whip: It should have been marketed as a hotel or a condo from jump! I agree on that. I'd love to see the place cleaned/polished..and some accent lighting at night, perhaps. Could never understand why so many people seemed to think this building is ugly.

Thanks, To whom do you turn in such information? I see this every day all the time as described above. It is almost as if getting one of these tags has become a sort of sub-culture for some people.

I am just throwing this out for discussion. I sent this note to the Plain Dealer in Cleveland to do a possible investigation. Does it concern anyone or is anyone noticing this abuse like I am? I didn't quite know who to contact about this subject matter..But I strongly believe it should be investigated by The P.D. Or some sort of story done on it...and this subject is the abuse of the disability tag permit that is running rampant through Ohio. Every day I witness dozens using these who I see getting out of their cars walking perfectly..Younger people mostly! Their typical often excuse is that they are driving their "grandmother's car" Granny driving a tripped out Escalade with illegal boom car audio equipment and exhausts? I think not! Besides, it does not give them a right to use someone else's permit! I am seeing more and more and more of this abuse and it is obvious these people do not need these tags. Additionally, they are really not supposed to go parading around in their cars with these tags hanging from the mirror as though it were some sort of air freshener....or as if to advertise to everyone what a sick and unhealthy state we are. The situation is disgraceful and being taken advantage of. It is really insulting to those who actually NEED this permit. There are many factors that should be considered before giving out one of these permits--and if someone is either too fat or lazy to walk...or if they just want to assure a good parking spot, then this needs to cease. It is high time someone addresses this to the Bureau Of Motor Vehicles who has been handing these out like candy with nothing needed but a simple Dr's excuse. Is there a reporter who covers such topics? I would appreciate your forwarding this information and getting me in contact with this person as soon as possible.

Thanks for your interest! Well, it really is a 'niche' kind of interest in the aquarium keeping world, such as reef keeping is. Few stores stock many species on a regular basis other than platys/black mollies/sailfins. There are others that appear seasonally. The best thing to do is first, join a field trip to the various habitats, as you will gain a better appreciation and understanding for their specif needs---as we are immersed right into the habitat of which they're from. That is a lot more than the store can offer in inspiring the new interest. It really brings out the field naturalist in all of us! And, you just may discover some really interesting surprises about the rivers woods and streams that contain the area's natural heritage. You can join the NANFA discussion list for free at www.nanfa.org. to find out what to mix, what not, best diet, lighting, water conditions, and simply how to bring out the best in your native aquarium. You will have fun with this because you will become a lot more involved. I will post a video of a typical native 'stream aquarium' but as I said, the videos or photos don't do the fish justice when you get the chance to see them outdoors in breeding season and in their natural habitat. Also, these are cold water fish so there are advantages of not having to have heaters--But having said that, in order to be healthy, they need specific needs just like their delicate tropical reef cousins. The videos make the fish appear washed out in color and do not do this sort of display justice, but it will give you an idea on layout.... The aquariums are designed to create a high current as in a swift moving creek. Appropriate species are selected. Any collecting of fishes must be done in accordance with local laws. There are plenty of sources of information on that topic.

Wow! Will the dream Cleveland come true one day?

Here are two photos of replications of native aquatic/terrestrial river habitats in aquariums. The first is a close up of a simulated under water rock/soil riverbank with some branches hanging in the water. I physically went out and viewed some clear pools in small creeks and rivers to get photos, then sampled the soils and rocks for color...then attempted to do all the artwork involved with matching the epoxy paints to match the real thing. Diatom powder mixed with the paint gave the surfaces a flat no shine look. This was actually a lot of work. I did another with concrete, to match a mud river bank and bottom. The second photo, is professionally done and features a view of above the water near a river, as well as below. The photos never do these displays justice. They actually look more realistic in person. The last photo is a friend of mine observing the amazing spawning ritual of many fishes. The water was about a one foot deep open clear pool in a stream about 30 minutes from downtown Cleveland. When we netted some of the fish, the breeding colors were brilliant! The water was crystal clear. Pretty cold, though! :-o

"Yes, there is. A Lot, too. The permanent supportive housing model that is being discussed here goes beyond just being low income housing, though. It is a model of housing that is meant to provide people who have been chronically homeless with a stable housing situation first and foremost, and access to social services and the rest later. I really like the model. I wish it wasn't being placed along Euclid Ave, however." I agree, nice model, bad location.

Great photos. Would be great to see this concept implemented on I-90

Wow...would be visually impressive to get at least a couple of these someday. Pretty tired of looking at the same scene.

Thank you! It is interesting you mention what you mention because that is always a common misconception---and hence why I post some of the photos. In reality, what a lot of people forget when looking at fishes in aquarium shops, is that some are actually 'man made' for lack of a better way to put it (long story)....and many would never exist together in a natural habitat in the wild. There are just as many mundane colored tropical fish as there are colorful--in both fresh and marine---However, ONLY those that are eye candy are bred/collected, and sold on the market. So, it gives this impression that all tropicals are colorful. What we really see in today's home aquarium is usually an 'all-star' team of fishes from different parts of the world-- And often in a simulated habitat that would not exist. There are exceptions, though, the many who like to create bio-type aquariums to closely resemble a specific habitat with the appropriate species. Some do a 'species' tank, meaning all one species. If you dive in any tropical river, or see under water photos, often is the case that it looks pretty plain, so the home version of a tropical fish habitat is often a pretty far cry from reality. Oh, and also, there are actually a lot of North American species found in today's home aquaria trade. The easiest example are some of the tetras of Mexico (Mexico, actually being part of N.A.)..and the platys and "rainbow dace"... Axlerod's catalog shows many natives. In fact, keeping natives was the original concept in aquarium keeping in North America. What I have learned the most in keeping the native N.A. species, however, (by the way, North American species greatly prized in Europe Aquariums) is that I found myself learning more about, and appreciating a whole functioning habitat--as often we try and recreate the one where these fishes come from locally. I also found myself appreciating more about the animals than superficial appeals such as color---and this in turn, helped stimulate my involvement in the conservation for nature and all animals--whether we see them as ugly or not. I learned they all have unique purpose, function and individual character. I guess it had me becoming more of a 'naturalist' type. But, as for those who like flashy colors, there are a myriad of native species that rival even the most bold tropical species--and this is always the pleasant surprise we are left with when learning about some of our local species. They boast a lot of earth toned rustic colors, and iridescents....and even bright ones such as the colors of autumn...all complimenting the woodland habitats and eco-systems many of these animals make home. These photos are not enhanced. In fact, the best way to observe these species and appreciate them is to go on local nature outings and see the fish retrieved in viewer containers on a sunny day in late April or May. It is a challenge to bring out any true color on natives in home aquaria, though. If you are ever interested in learning about that, I can save that for another story! Thanks for stopping by again! By the way, the sunfish are what I generically call the "North American answer to Chiclids".....actually belonging to the centrarchid family of fishes. Oh, and if you look at the photos above again, you will notice that on the brownish fish, they boast a lot of interesting markings. The Hog Sucker is like the native version of the "Chinese Algae Eater" found in home aquariums.

Good points. I was never a fan of the 'build it and they will come' strategy, overall. Indeed, many factors as you indicated, besides 'retail' alone would influence one's decision to live any given place. That's a given. But, in a regional scene mostly dominated by typical sprawl, and in the habit (lifestyle) of living in such, one of downtown's biggest strengths in being a place to chose to live.......its biggest selling point would be a lot of the unique aspects relating to the arts, history, culture, convenience, cost of living, the offering of a 'car-light' lifestyle, the big blue lake, and what it can offer those who are looking for something different. At least, that is what I feel a big part of the target market crowd could be. Even if someone moved here, and yet their job would be in the burbs---downtown, with all the other appealing characteristics could even be a choice for a place to live. That, instead of the other way around. (work downtown, live in burbs) Wondering...Is there a poll on UO that asks people who live/and or recently moved directly in, or very near downtown, such as Tremont, etc... Why they chose to do so? I'd be curious to see their answers.

Just wondering if anyone else on this thread wrote or called the city in support of this project, as outlined by Russ....

This is not about the state parks, people.. It is the preserves that actually contain some of the best bio-diversity in the state...rare habitats that boast Ohio's natural heritage. Some of the last places we can see a lot of what was.

I am familiar with that, but I still question it. Many would argue otherwise.....And, this situation is one reason why they should have not gotten into this deal. Such concerns need to be all worked out before making such a decision to purchase. So do you feel the county handled this responsibly? :argue: Here we go again...

This whole saga makes me fume! Hiring consultants in these situations is sometimes needed, BUT, only as a last resort when getting such work done from within is NOTan option. If all this article is true to the tee... It was such a haphazard waste of money. I get tired of hearing how the 'space is inadequate.' My question is WHY did it suddenly become so inadequate? I am sure with the floors cleared, a new configuration of the space can be created. Perhaps removing a floor and opening up atrium-like space. There are obviously companies out there who's specialty is making the best out of a bad situation, with the whole adaptive-reuse/configuration thing. Yes, this costs a lot, but for goodness sakes look how much was supposedly spent, anyway, and this complex is still siting desolate, on a main intersection, too! Is it really 'inadequate'...OR, is it more of a pervasive mentality these days to tear down and build new? I am sure many would have made heaps of money on that...while imposing demo fill on already stuffed Ohio landfills. There are currently 2 way tooooooo obvious embarrassments downtown right now: The parking lots in the WHD/P.S., and this intersection comes to mind. It drives me up the wall when a local government entity purchases a property with public funds, then turns around and says it cannot use it in the end. Guess what? If I did that or anyone else, as an individual, I could not just turn around and walk away from it with ease. Where is the accountability? Geeez! What it boils down to is 3 million to have someone go in there and tell you whether or not you can have your offices there....After you've invested over 21 million in purchasing it? As Hagen alluded to, this kind of work and decisions probably could have been done within. Then the decision to demolish the building! Oh, man...don't get me going on that one. This corner is PRIME and even in a poor economy, you think it would be drawing some interest. Well, apparently it has, maybe we just don't hear about it in the news......Oh, but I forgot.. "the credit crunch" I'm just tired of hearing that! This building, if you look at it, is starting to look really filthy too... What a pillar statement to tough times, on what was once one of the busiest spots downtown! When you envision what this corner/property structures could be/should be...it is hurtful to see it as it is right now.

There is increasing protest against reverse racism, though.....People who are sick and tired of being told that "if you don't agree with us, you're racist." Many will not give up rights and freedoms to conform to what someone else's idea of a non-racist is.