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Etheostoma Caeruleum

Key Tower 947'
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Everything posted by Etheostoma Caeruleum

  1. Etheostoma Caeruleum replied to a post in a topic in Ohio Politics
    Absolutely NOT.... That, like all the other environmental roll backs to the stone age a certain political influence is pushing...under the insane gullible notion that if we "get off the polluters/corporation's back, they will do right by us", are under severe threat. It would be a step backwards to eliminate this structure of law. N.E. Ohio has among the highest concentrations of air pollution. If they were doing right, there would have never been the need for the rules implemented in the first place. The abuse of the river was the impetus for a new slew of water laws. Is this program flawless?......no way..... And can it improve, absolutely YES...but do away with it totally.....no way! Why does it not target vehicles it should? Because of the legislation that is very polluter friendly, and the fact that EPA is headed by political appointees who are also very polluter friendly and quite often have no education whatsoever in anything environmental. So, the problem is NOT with EPA itself ( I know many who work for EPA. who will attest to this) the problem is with who controls it, and who controls it is decided by a mostly very polluter friendly majority of lawmakers in the state house, which happen to be Republican. I am not trying to get into an "us versus them" thing, but this just happens to be how it is....and that is how it has been for years. There are so many cars and motorcycles riding around with illegally modified exhausts in such places like Mahoning and Trumbull County, where no e-check exists--and is why there are so many more vehicles getting away with it. If this were the case in Cuyahoga, I shudder to think how much worse the air quality would be. The fact that this sort of thing is so much lower in Cuyahoga, relates to e-check standards. If anything, we need stricter air standards, not weaker ones as some of the Tea Part likes who are in bed with polluters, would like you to believe. Sure there can be exemptions like with brand new vehicles or those not older than a certain year where it is unlikely there would be any major emission issues, but as I said, the reason the vehicles that should be MORE targeted are not, is largely due to the fact that EPA is not targeting them (large trucks for example) ..and again, not doing so because of who mandates the agenda at Ohio EPA, which I have mentioned above. The structure of law is there and good. It needs tweaked, has for years, and needs to keep the politics out of what EPA is intended to do. If that cannot be the case, it cannot be very effective in its ideal intent. Then we would not have people like Mike Trivisonno and Howie Chizic who have no idea what they are talking about when it comes to this, spewing bad information on the airwaves. In theory, the program is good and has done good. It needs to be made better..and such "better" needn't be authored by polluter friendly sources alone. Environmental maintenance is not something we do once and forget about it, no more than you restore an old home once, and expect it to stay that way forever........."clean it up... and we're good to go forever" so to speak. Keeping the environment protected and healthy is an ongoing job in the face of constant threats brought on mostly with how we live and basically not understanding that resources aren't limitless. Pollutants of the past are always replaced with new ones, although maybe less visually dramatic. ....But we cannot afford to sit on our laurels just because we did something good 20 years ago and think the work is done. In a consumer society, the work never ends, nor should the watch dogging on such issues, and instead be left in the trust of companies who tell us they will do right by us. This has not worked, the river caught fire once for it..and oil spilled in the gulf when safety standard recommendations were ignored that would have prevented that disaster. The lists of incidents that happen when we get off their backs, is endless.
  2. Great photos...have friends who live near here and know others... Like it, for what it is, but to be honest, the turd-in-the-punchbowl becomes the overtaking of the bikers. It becomes "Hoonsville" and a scene out of Mad Max... weaving a tapestry of "grotesquery" The cast of Jerry Springer abounds! Many local residents are actually fed up with it too. Why?...... See: http://qualitychatter.com/2011/06/benevolent-bikers-would-you-ride-for.html Because of the scenario described in the link. Looking for a reasonable peaceable getaway on the lake with a carnival setting? Stay away from here. You get one, but not without a price. The place epitomizes, stylistically, 20's through 50's lakeside resort eras. Wish it were that without the crotch rockets and hogs.
  3. Gardens Under Glass welcomes Bio-Dynamicz as another addition to the project and to downtown specialty/niche retail. They have donated a lot to the project, and are currently going to manage the ship in expanding the growing component throughout the central court. Future plans may include living walls and a possible rooftop green roof. If you live in or near downtown and have limited growing space and would like to learn how to maximize such space, you can learn everything you need to know here. Additionally, you will find a wide array of products serving all your hydroponics, roof or balcony garden, etc. needs. There will be workshops demonstrating many aspects of this unique kind of growing, as well as for creating more sustainable yard-scapes utilizing native plants. The herbs grown are organic and available to the public. Come and see herbs produced through aquaponics and how to create such systems in limited space in your own home. I also want to note that Eco-Tuesdays, an event centered around aggregating people with ideas and initiatives that promote a more sustainable N.E. Ohio---as well as those who wish to learn how to promote more healthy and sustainable living---will now be held once a month at Gardens Under Glass's Re-Source Center. Eco-Tuesdays are held in a handful of cities in the US, with Cleveland being one of them. The event is fun, educational, and offers a chance to meet many like-minded people. Below are websites for Bio-Dynamicz and Eco-Tuesdays... http://solarponicgreenhouses.com/index.html http://www.meetup.com/Cleveland-EcoTuesday/
  4. Now I noticed the facade. It looks like something may have broken. I hope it doesn't get left with plywood too long. Looks like crap like that.
  5. ^ "Kasich thinks he can just declare something "cool" and it will be so. He and his people are so completely out of touch with the wants and needs of upcoming generations that it is laughable. He might as well show up for his next public event in a white disco suit..... he is that out of touch." I could not agree more. He is also totally out of touch with existing generations...and/or those who are unable to drive, do not wish to drive, etc... for whatever reason. And after reading the article... I still shudder to think ONE GUY has the power to impose his dogma on an entire state!
  6. Didn't know if anyone here knew, but there is a movement to get Ohio to adopt a law that would allow for recalling extremist politicians like Kasich. Naturally, he was the inspiration for the movement.
  7. These are all some great posts! Mayfield Pets was a favorite, and since my Father was a dealer in small appliances, sewing units and higher end home cleaning systems, I remember the several small independent vacuum stores owned by those whom he had business acquaintances. (Interesting to note: Royal Vacuums, when they were made of all shiny metal, later "Dirt Devil" used to be made in greater Cleveland at nearby Alpha Park, before going to China) I also remember as younger kid, going into the large lighting store, or others along the road..One called "Cleveland Lighting?" with my parents. The light displays were magical. I cannot name them off the top of the head, but does anyone know what some of the original line-up of stores was in the large plaza near I-271? How many times I have been there but cannot recall the exact original line-up of anchors. And of the many fine local watering holes along this road... "Spodo's" or some name like that was frequented by myself and some friends in the early 90's.
  8. The offense or lack there-of lately is the root of the problems...creating eventual other collapses. Let's not expect so much and thus we will not take it so hard. Do the fans deserve more, heck yeah....should we settle for mediocre, no...but this may be as good as it can get right now until more talent emerges, or some step up like they need to be doing. "Mr. Strike out", Sizemore, is just one example.
  9. This thread is just for fun: I have always been a long time advocate for local and/or independent small family owned business establishments as a component of creating a more self-sustaining and diverse economy that can breed stability. Not only directly in Cleveland proper, but for our surrounding communities and buffer zones in the greater Cleveland area. One of my favorite continuous corridors featuring such, is Mayfield Rd. on the East side. Like its counterpart Lorain Avenue on the west side, Mayfield Rd. from Little Italy to I-271 features just about every kind of local business you can think of needing/wanting. Many unique businesses from clothing to food, ethnic bakeries and food stores....to furniture and appliances, and repair.....to gifts, to music...to... you name it.... The stretch is on a main transport line, still maintains what can be walkable if taken advantage of, due to the fact many sidewalks follow the road...as well as neighborhoods right behind the main thoroughfare. Most of the setbacks are not huge. There is even a bit of a hint of the retro feel of the 70's Cleveland area plazas (although indeed, not my favorite from an urban preservationist's point of view) along this stretch for those of you who may be in your early 40's and beyond, who remember the larger but locals like Uncle Bill's, Silverman's, Fisher Foods, Value City, etc--long before the newer mega big box invasion circa early 90's. These places, in themselves, may touch a bit of sentimental fun for some. Wow, if only sprawl could have stopped at that point and not stretched to distances as far as Medina! The idea that this corridor has maintained so much of its local/independent appeal, makes it really special amidst the highly franchised clone zone retail/business market these days. Hopefully that can continue with support and promotion. How about sharing your favorite current and/or past business experience along this road. Is there any unique place worth supporting to date? Best kept secrets? This is a tribute to one of the Cleveland area's longest commercial corridors and part of a US Highway running nearly 500 miles connecting Cleveland, Ohio with Atlantic City, New Jersey, since 1926. Share your memories or present experiences, etc. about Mayfield Rd. businesses. What are some great finds?
  10. I didn't notice...Maybe its being cleaned/repaired?
  11. ^ Kasich and Philosophy: "The New Hitler"
  12. Sometimes I can't help but think these plaza redesigns are a way to move/prevent homeless people from using them. Get rid of any shade trees, planters that act as benches, and put in a wide expanse of concrete. The side effect is that no one wants to use it now and it creates a pedestrian dead zone. I thought the same thing. I wrote a letter to the company talking about how I hope that this brilliant plan would not be done across the street. They said they are just replacing the concrete. At the same time, if such were really the ulterior motive....and if I owned the property and wanted a professional environment maintained, I would not want my employees to be constantly panhandled or deal with camp sites on what is a main corridor. I do not believe that was really ever an issue there, though, but with 9th re-inventing and possible vacancies looming, it could go in that direction. There is already a camper at the old OE building at 9th and Superior. There is no doubt, however, that clearing such could backfire and create the dead zone where no one BUT the homeless go! The pictures above say it all.....But, I will leave it at that...as this discussion could get into a whole philosophical thing with me likely being suspended or labeled something inappropriate.
  13. Like this idea, but as one who notices slack follow up maintenance on other existing parks, venues, public spaces, storefronts, etc...I wish there would be a demonstration in making such places the best they can be FIRST, before adding more, that could possible be subject to the same lack of follow up. Quality over quantity. My biggest concern is the upkeep quality as there are potential issues that could arise that I have not seen addressed.
  14. This is really nice! Is the bus stop still near there? It was party to a lot of inappropriate loitering and other activity.
  15. In a perfect world, I would like to see this bridge too....but as is the current status....metaphorically speaking....having a tree branch too close to the roof and the ants will drop in. I hate to say this, but lack of a bridge may be the one thing deterring riff raff from escalating in another neighborhood. Or, I suppose one can debate that it will drive up revitalization. In the short term, I would bet on the former. The neighborhood/area, as it is now, still has many anchor appealing attractions that could set the table. St. Stan's, Broadway Scenic Byway, Washington Park on the other side of I-77, Mill Creek, The Historical Center, a few good local cafes, stores, some new and renovated housing and other elements.
  16. ^ Yes, I wrote to them about that. Its awful.
  17. What happened to the food cart initiative that would allow local restaurants to offer fare on the streets? I heard it was supposed to be green and everything....promote least waste and litter and a lot of good. I have not heard about that in a long time. On the other hand... is all we do here is EAT? I have an idea... How about a gym cart that offers on the spot work outs/therapy massage for ten minutes and then sending you off on your way!
  18. I would actually like to see a real theater back in there..Maybe one specializing in foreign films (Italian films?)...This and perhaps a small specialty market. Many possibilities, but maybe nice to see something other than another restaurant for a change..if anything ever does happen to it.
  19. Tower City already possess a host of chains... some not the best as what was listed above, but chains do exist. Maybe a few higher end ones, but keep it at that and not set a bad precedent. And, R&R... Are you kidding? People "want" what they've been forced to be exposed to.....and in some places, those kinds of places have been the steady diet for reasons that will go way beyond topic here. Tell ya what, in order to preserve a downtown's character...one that separates it from the sprawl scene, I would be willing to have a cab service to take anyone who wants "Applebee's, etc." on a 10 minute excursion to Rockside Road or Westgate Town Center scenes. My God..how did people live..where did they eat..how did they possibly survive before the chain gang invasion in every town and city across the country!
  20. ^ Times Square has lost a lot of heart and soul with its cloning trend, IMO. One city no different from the next is the direction I would want to avoid. Maybe its time more people who were so used to and who have gotten hooked on Applebee's, take some time to see what they're missing out on.
  21. Personally, I hate food court set ups or anything remotely related. The reason is because it is not an environment in which one can single out and actually discover a unique establishment with its own individual appeal. IMO, they're somewhat cheap, gaudy, tacky and passe. Food courts or what is described here, sets a scene of all places jumbled together, mixing the smells of all the foods....not even allowing the senses to detect the aroma of ONE particular place at a time. Then, all patrons sitting in an open court, look like hogs feeding at a trough. While I know what is described in the above idea is not exactly a "food court" enviro... It still relates in that all these places would be on one floor. Greater Cleveland already has its share of such establishments. Please leave the core to a place where individual artisans of all sorts can practice and hone their craft, be it food or whatever. It can be a place where they can all have a consolidated competitive edge amidst a highly franchised-out U.S. these days. Additionally, I am with Willyboy on this... Cleveland is GREAT in that you can live almost exclusively without relying on clone zone chain gangs. Why make it a franchised out city hat is no different from exurbia and parking lots? Such an idea is also so counter productive to the fostering and promotion of independent, local foods as well.... And, this is the direction we should be moving towards to promote more sustainability and a self supporting economy where we do not have to rely on The Lone Ranger to come in and save the day for us...do it for us, when we can do it ourselves as we see the talents of the great local cooks/chefs manifest. I would like to mention that at The Galleria, an idea is being tossed around about creating a local foods food court.... All local, all independent, no bad smells.
  22. I love this project and feel it can be a great spark for the neighborhood. I love the history of League Park in baseball's history--and this is one of the last remnants of a bygone era evoking every urbanist's dreams in neighborhood fabric, and what Hough was overall. One thing however, that concerns me is follow-up maintenance and watching over of the place. Realistically, currently the neighborhood is not exactly Disney Land...and just a few bad seeds can create a problem with potential vandalism. When reading the Feb. article above...this statement stood out to me: "They want to make sure it's accessible to the community and kids can enjoy the space and can play some on that field," Dow said. While in theory I agree....in gut feeling and reality, I see, if not watched over or a plan set in place to nip broken window theory issues in the bud..... a place where litter, broken glass, loitering, fighting, or other inappropriate activity could hamper the otherwise fantastic neighborhood revitalization catalyst. Some people's idea of "kids playing" is other people's idea of vandalism and unruly behavior. Do kids/public need a place to play? Play.... YES.... trash and vandalize?....NO. So, I hope some sort of plan is in place or long term thinking to address this issue.
  23. "U.S. More nonstop Cincinnati-Cleveland flights coming" Well I should hope they'd be non-stop from Cleveland to Cincy! :-o
  24. One thing is certain...their will be plenty of available vacant spots upon which to build the new Youngstown. Let's hope that it does not lead to any old development at any cost, though.