STOP HB 319!

Posted this comment today in response to this article:

To recoup demolition costs, Cleveland targets out-of-state property firms

Cleveland says it has leveled 4,300 structures since 2008 at a cost of $25.9 million. The city has recovered only $1.8 million, a rate of 7 percent.

Across Ohio--cities are looking at progressive ways to produce sustainable energy.  Zoos are at the forefront of this trend, most likely,  because they are in the business of saving species from extinction. 

The Cincinatti Zoo has the largest publicly accessible solar array in Ohio.  Columbus and Akron will be following soon. 

Kudos to Sarah Buduson of WEWS last night for her investigative report on outrageous delinquent taxes owed in Cuyahoga County:

By now, some City of Cleveland residents are alerted to the fact that the Jackson administration pledged away $1.5 million dollars of your money to Peter Tien (of Sunpo Optu LED scam) to facilitate the construction of a garbage incinerator on Ridge Road. 

Image from BBC World News

We all wear masks in our daily life.  The recent dust-up about the Guy Falkes masks are illustrative of a problem in NEO that needs dialogue. 

At some point in our future, there will be a realization that it is important to hear more than one voice or see more than one reality.  I think that the world will appreciate the art made in places besides New York.  I think Northeast Ohio has some amazing art and amazing artists.  See it, hear it, feel it.

Tonight, 75 persons attended the meeting held by Ohio Citizen Action at Neighborhood Family Practice on Ridge Rd organized by Sandy Buchanan.

Credit to Councilman Cummins for attending and addressing concerns, though much has to be explained on behalf of the City of Cleveland, and specifically, through Mayor Jackson's office pertaining to the proposed gasification plant at Ridge Rd.

A beautiful day in the Brooklyn Centre neighborhood of Cleveland.  Thank you to all of the wonderful folks who put together a tribute to three of the greats buried at Riverside Cemetery: Robert Lockwood Jr., Roberto Ocasio and Robert "Skeets" Ross.

From the program:

Every day someone is faced with a medical emergency.  My situation occurred during the care of a loved one on a Saturday.  Try to find medical treatment on a Saturday or Sunday.

In Cuyahoga County, most public employees are trained to use the service 211.

http://www.211cleveland.org/ContactUs.aspx

My first reaction to the medical emergency, which I incorrectly assessed as not life threatening, was to find an urgent care or primary care facility that would take blood and properly assess the symptoms. 

Our world has changed so dramatically in ten short years.  I am reproducing this letter I received here.  I hope the author does not mind:

Please see this link while it lasts:

http://webapp.cleveland-oh.gov/aspnet/docs/get.aspx?id=873&file=CAPER201...

Despite all the on-going corruption and the sad real estate speculation in the City of Cleveland--there are moments of magic, like tonight, as Verb Ballet performed in Tremont's Lincoln Park.  The impromptu dance routine by many of the kids in attendance captured my imagination. 

Folks will remember that TWDC made bald-faced parking/land grabs for several properties in Tremont.

For a change of scenery, I recently took Amtrak to Western Maryland.  I chose Frostburg, because I like the people and the environs.  The views in Maryland are especially restorative. When you think "Purple Mountains Majesty," this is Maryland. 

The loss of the Columbia Building and possible loss of historic structures in University Circle--discussed here by Craig Bobby and as reported by the Plain Dealer:

Folks may have missed these two stories:

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/07/cleveland_schools_clearing_way.h...

subtext: CMSD pays big bucks--your money--- to Weston Development Group...to eventually determine that it will be most cost effective for administrators to work out of one of the district's shuttered schools--either East High or South High. 

So much for transparency--did you know that CE FitzGerald quietly disposed of Richard Klaibur at the County Engineer's office and created an even larger Public Works bureaucracy under former ODOT 12 Deputy Director Bonnie Teeuwen? !!

http://topics.cleveland.com/tag/robert%20klaiber/index.html

Recently, I caught a rebroadcast of a PBS documentary entitled: The Judge and the General.

http://www.pbs.org/pov/judgeandthegeneral/film_description.php

Some of the most magical experiences found in NEO are available to all of US for FREE!

Please make time to walk or ride your bike to the nearby Canalway Sunset Series or the Brookside Lawn Chair Concert Series in your Cleveland Metroparks.

For more information see: http://clevelandmetroparks.com

Upcoming events include:

I have lived in NEO for most of my life and somehow this annual event was not on my radar. 

After a week of gloomy weather, the rain lifted and the sunshine and clouds almost stole the show--the dancing acts were entertaining, despite a difficult seating and stage arrangement.

Archaic Revival: Works by Gary Spinosa
Ronald E. Holstein Gallery -Erie Art Museum
May 6, 2011-August 28, 2011

Make a day trip to visit Erie, PA and the Erie Art Museum's exhibit of Gary Spinosa's most recent work.  You will be rejuvenated.

Do you plan on staying here? If so, what are the reasons keeping you here in NEO?

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It's been a glorious day for NEO.  I was only able to hit Pop UP Pearl, Pedal for Prizes and the Asian Festival. 

I know so many other things were happening today.  I look forward to some photos from other folks.  Meanwhile, here are my images of a beautiful day in NEO.