I can't wait for the Browns - Bills game Sunday. I hope it snows 2 feet! The Christmas season and the return of the Kardiac Kids reminded me of this classic:
On the 12th Day of Christmas Art Model (boo! hiss!) gave to me...
Dave Logan leaping
Doug Dieken blocking
DeLeone a'hikin'
Kardiac Kids a'Winnin'
Darden interceptin'
Newsome a'catchin'
BOTH THE PRUITTS' MOVES....
Alzado attacking
Brian Sipe a'passin'
Don Cockroft Kickin'
on a Rutigliano Super Bowl Team!
Go Browns!
More on the real 12 days of Christmas including a great video by the Indiana University a capella group.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Euclid Ave Construction
I have been pretty quiet recently about the lack of progress and the poor planning on this job because I see a handful of workers out there every day. Of course, the planners should never have counted on late November as having good enough weather to work but that’s just another example of their ineptitude.
What bugs me the most the last few days is that sections of the street are now a single lane! So, for example, turning from Mayfield onto Euclid this AM, cars were backed up in the intersection because a bus was loading/unloading a block down Euclid and there was nowhere to go. This extremely busy stretch of road that includes University Hospital (and all the emergency vehicles!), bus lines, CWRU and all the University Circle Institutions is limited to a single lane.
That’s beyond poor planning.
If there was some great new benefit that the community would enjoy because of this, the hardships would be more easily digested. But if/when this is ever completed, the quality of life won’t be improved – except for those few who were awarded huge contracts for this work.
With all the issues Cleveland has, throwing money away like this is a crime. Someone should be held accountable.
What bugs me the most the last few days is that sections of the street are now a single lane! So, for example, turning from Mayfield onto Euclid this AM, cars were backed up in the intersection because a bus was loading/unloading a block down Euclid and there was nowhere to go. This extremely busy stretch of road that includes University Hospital (and all the emergency vehicles!), bus lines, CWRU and all the University Circle Institutions is limited to a single lane.
That’s beyond poor planning.
If there was some great new benefit that the community would enjoy because of this, the hardships would be more easily digested. But if/when this is ever completed, the quality of life won’t be improved – except for those few who were awarded huge contracts for this work.
With all the issues Cleveland has, throwing money away like this is a crime. Someone should be held accountable.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Ed Corrigan
Assistant County Prosecutor Ed Corrigan was killed Thursday morning in a car accident.
For those of you who didn't know, Ed was instrumental in the original incorporation and then the 501c3 status for Computers Assisting People (CAP) Inc.
He volunteered his time and expertise and was with CAP from the beginning. Though extremely busy as prosecutor in the major case group - prosecuting homicides and sexual assaults - he never turned down a request for help from CAP.
He was a straightshooter, hard-working and honest - the kind of guy we wish there were more of. I (and others) always asked him when he was going to run for judge. That was in his near-term plans - he was doing such great work as a prosecutor that he wanted to help there for a while longer. He would have made a fantastic judge.
He served on the CAP Board of Directors from day one.
Ed was only 48 years old.
Please keep Ed and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
He will be missed greatly.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
6 boys on Iwo Jima
Sometimes when we look at statues or monuments we think of the "old-timers" that they honor. Often, in reality, the statues honor very young people.
The "men" in the famous Iwo Jima photo and monument were teenagers with the "old man" being 24.
When you read about who the 6 boys were and what happened to them, hopefully it will open your eyes, as it did mine, to the true meaning of Veteran's Day.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
iCheap
I just got around to reading the Forbes 400 issue of Forbes Magazine. No, I didn't see my name there.
They had one section called "Cutting Big Checks" that lists the Net Worth, Donated Wealth and Percentage of Wealth given away.
As you might guess, Bill Gates leads the pack having given away $42 billion or 42% of his wealth.
Gordon Moore, Ted Turner, Eli Broad, Alfred Mann and Warren Buffett all come across pretty well too.
But of the $5.7 billion that Apple chief Steve Jobs has, he has given away ZERO, NADA, NIL to philanthropic causes. ZERO!!!
How this marketing genius keeps his "cool" image is beyond me. Having that kind of wealth and not donating any of it is iPathetic, iCheap and iDisgusting.
They had one section called "Cutting Big Checks" that lists the Net Worth, Donated Wealth and Percentage of Wealth given away.
As you might guess, Bill Gates leads the pack having given away $42 billion or 42% of his wealth.
Gordon Moore, Ted Turner, Eli Broad, Alfred Mann and Warren Buffett all come across pretty well too.
But of the $5.7 billion that Apple chief Steve Jobs has, he has given away ZERO, NADA, NIL to philanthropic causes. ZERO!!!
How this marketing genius keeps his "cool" image is beyond me. Having that kind of wealth and not donating any of it is iPathetic, iCheap and iDisgusting.
Friday, November 02, 2007
The Yiddish Policemen’s Union
Usually I just post reviews of business, tech or science books on the GreatLakesGeek site.
But I try to do other reading as well and just finished an interesting novel called The Yiddish Policemen’s Union by Michale Chabon.
As is stated in the review, "I like detective stories. I like alternative histories and I love the Yiddish language - it is so rich and descriptive. So I should have really enjoyed The Yiddish Policemen’s Union. I did enjoy it but not as much as I thought I would."
The framework of Jews finding refuge in Sitka "Alyeska" instead of Israel during/after World war II is a great place to start. But it never developed enough, in my opinion.
Yiddish is so rich, yet the alternative history development was not as deep as it could have been.
Still it's a worthwhile read. Check out my complete review.
But I try to do other reading as well and just finished an interesting novel called The Yiddish Policemen’s Union by Michale Chabon.
As is stated in the review, "I like detective stories. I like alternative histories and I love the Yiddish language - it is so rich and descriptive. So I should have really enjoyed The Yiddish Policemen’s Union. I did enjoy it but not as much as I thought I would."
The framework of Jews finding refuge in Sitka "Alyeska" instead of Israel during/after World war II is a great place to start. But it never developed enough, in my opinion.
Yiddish is so rich, yet the alternative history development was not as deep as it could have been.
Still it's a worthwhile read. Check out my complete review.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Celebrity Double Standards
It kills me when a "celebrity" - famous by birth or because of a TV, music or movie career - dispenses advice for the rest of us - the great unwashed.
Madonna and her ilk tell Joe Blue Collar to cut back on energy consumption as they whiz around on their private jets and limos - not to mention the energy used in their mansions.
But I understand that the Nobel people wanted to make a statement with their Peace Prize this year, just as they did with Yasser Arafat years ago.
As Robert Faletra says in CRN, "Remember, Gore spent $30,000 in electricity and gas bills for his mansion in 2006."
It's a 10,000 square foot house and he used 221,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity in 2006 - more than 20 times the national average.
Read Faletra's column and then comments on his blog. It's not political - left or right. More of a statement about celebrity. Whatever the heck "celebrity" is.
Maybe that's why messages from people like Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Mother Teresa will endure. They walked their talk. Unlike most current "celebs" and politicians.
Madonna and her ilk tell Joe Blue Collar to cut back on energy consumption as they whiz around on their private jets and limos - not to mention the energy used in their mansions.
But I understand that the Nobel people wanted to make a statement with their Peace Prize this year, just as they did with Yasser Arafat years ago.
As Robert Faletra says in CRN, "Remember, Gore spent $30,000 in electricity and gas bills for his mansion in 2006."
It's a 10,000 square foot house and he used 221,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity in 2006 - more than 20 times the national average.
Read Faletra's column and then comments on his blog. It's not political - left or right. More of a statement about celebrity. Whatever the heck "celebrity" is.
Maybe that's why messages from people like Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Mother Teresa will endure. They walked their talk. Unlike most current "celebs" and politicians.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Elves, Clowns and Road Construction
I can't really comment much because my friends and I used to paint our faces and wear dawg noses for Browns games. I haven't done that in the new stadium yet - it seems too corporate.
But, for some reason, the girls a few rows ahead of me last Sunday wore Elf/Fairy/Brownie costumes complete with masking tape pointy ears.
But the funniest/strangest get up was from a guy I saw after the game. He was a big guy and not a kid - probably mid-40's. He had on a huge orange clown wig and red nose - just like Krusty the Clown's wig in the Simpsons except it was orange, not blue.
On the back of his jersey it had the name Krustofsky. Too funny!
Not so funny is the same sad situation on Euclid Avenue between Chester and Mayfield. While there are a few infrequent spottings of workers, this prime real estate and important road (hospitals, CWRU, University Circle, commuters, police, fire, EMS, etc.) is largely without any workers.
They could have completed that vital strecth in a few weeks - especially in this great weather - instead of the eternity it is taking.
Maybe they should all be issued Krustofsky jerseys - they are sure acting like clowns.
But, for some reason, the girls a few rows ahead of me last Sunday wore Elf/Fairy/Brownie costumes complete with masking tape pointy ears.
But the funniest/strangest get up was from a guy I saw after the game. He was a big guy and not a kid - probably mid-40's. He had on a huge orange clown wig and red nose - just like Krusty the Clown's wig in the Simpsons except it was orange, not blue.
On the back of his jersey it had the name Krustofsky. Too funny!
Not so funny is the same sad situation on Euclid Avenue between Chester and Mayfield. While there are a few infrequent spottings of workers, this prime real estate and important road (hospitals, CWRU, University Circle, commuters, police, fire, EMS, etc.) is largely without any workers.
They could have completed that vital strecth in a few weeks - especially in this great weather - instead of the eternity it is taking.
Maybe they should all be issued Krustofsky jerseys - they are sure acting like clowns.
Friday, September 28, 2007
University Circle Update
Some of you have asked why I stopped posting Euclid Avenue updates. One suggested I was captured by the RTA Police and silenced.
No bus jail can hold me! ;-)
Basically, I have seen 1 or 2 or maybe even 4 on a good day, workers on the important stretch between Chester and Mayfield.
But not much progress. On this beautiful sunny day today, there was 1 guy puttering around this morning. Meanwhile the few lanes were all blocked and an emergency vehicle had to do some crazy maneuvering to get to the hospital.
The other day we spent over 20 minutes going from Chester to Mayfield on Euclid and if an ambulance, police or fire vehicle had needed to get through, they couldn't have. No way.
It's just poor planning and slow progress and someone should be held accountable for this.
I was planning on attending One World Day at the Cultural Gardens on Sunday before the Browns beat the Rave-Hens, but with the construction and now East Blvd torn up too, I may blow it off.
I didn't attend the Midtown Anniversary last night where they offered free preview rides on the RTA Silver Line but I am sure there was plenty of self-congratulations and mutual back-patting going on.
I still have that fear that some emergency vehicle is going to be delayed enough on that 1 mile stretch of Euclid to cause unnecessary suffering or worse. It's inevitable the way the streets are clogged.
No bus jail can hold me! ;-)
Basically, I have seen 1 or 2 or maybe even 4 on a good day, workers on the important stretch between Chester and Mayfield.
But not much progress. On this beautiful sunny day today, there was 1 guy puttering around this morning. Meanwhile the few lanes were all blocked and an emergency vehicle had to do some crazy maneuvering to get to the hospital.
The other day we spent over 20 minutes going from Chester to Mayfield on Euclid and if an ambulance, police or fire vehicle had needed to get through, they couldn't have. No way.
It's just poor planning and slow progress and someone should be held accountable for this.
I was planning on attending One World Day at the Cultural Gardens on Sunday before the Browns beat the Rave-Hens, but with the construction and now East Blvd torn up too, I may blow it off.
I didn't attend the Midtown Anniversary last night where they offered free preview rides on the RTA Silver Line but I am sure there was plenty of self-congratulations and mutual back-patting going on.
I still have that fear that some emergency vehicle is going to be delayed enough on that 1 mile stretch of Euclid to cause unnecessary suffering or worse. It's inevitable the way the streets are clogged.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Ahoy Matey!
It's that time of year again. It's Annual Talk like a Pirate Day.
The creators of the day have added a new celebration for tomorrow: Walk like a Pirate Day
Before we make anyone walk the plank, there was some roadwork activity on Euclid Ave yesterday. I didn't see anyone there this morning (sigh) but at least they've dusted off some of the equipment.
Is it that the crew is spread so thin or poor planning or what? If no activity on this beautiful sunny day, maybe a keel haul would be in order for the project planners after all
The creators of the day have added a new celebration for tomorrow: Walk like a Pirate Day
Before we make anyone walk the plank, there was some roadwork activity on Euclid Ave yesterday. I didn't see anyone there this morning (sigh) but at least they've dusted off some of the equipment.
Is it that the crew is spread so thin or poor planning or what? If no activity on this beautiful sunny day, maybe a keel haul would be in order for the project planners after all
Friday, September 14, 2007
University Circle Update
This morning was a perfect example of the mess on Euclid between Chester and Mayfield.
Besides the usual ugly, torn up streets that students and pedestrians must traverse.
Since they are down to 4 narrow lanes (2 each way), if something goes wrong, it's a major problem. This morning a delivery truck was blocking one of the lanes going West - so 1 lane was open westbound.
Then the sirens started and 2 fire trucks and a rescue squad started coming up Chester. The westbound lane had nowhere to go and the 2 eastbound lanes were packed so everyone had to do some fancy and dangerous maneuvering.
The whole time, I spotted 1 worker sitting in a vehicle.
I hope nobody is injured or killed while waiting for an ambulance or other emergency support while the road sits torn up and practically untouched.
And for what? As Feagler (I think it was him) pointed out, Do you really think the Severance Hall crowd is going to suddenly abandon their cars and decide to hop a bus down to East 4th? The same people who ride the bus now will ride the bus then.
Most people will not abandon their cars because there is a shiny new bus line going up Euclid.
Now if we hadn't sold (for a song) our street cars to Toronto, that would have been a cool, workable option. Don't get me started on that fiasco.
Besides the usual ugly, torn up streets that students and pedestrians must traverse.
Since they are down to 4 narrow lanes (2 each way), if something goes wrong, it's a major problem. This morning a delivery truck was blocking one of the lanes going West - so 1 lane was open westbound.
Then the sirens started and 2 fire trucks and a rescue squad started coming up Chester. The westbound lane had nowhere to go and the 2 eastbound lanes were packed so everyone had to do some fancy and dangerous maneuvering.
The whole time, I spotted 1 worker sitting in a vehicle.
I hope nobody is injured or killed while waiting for an ambulance or other emergency support while the road sits torn up and practically untouched.
And for what? As Feagler (I think it was him) pointed out, Do you really think the Severance Hall crowd is going to suddenly abandon their cars and decide to hop a bus down to East 4th? The same people who ride the bus now will ride the bus then.
Most people will not abandon their cars because there is a shiny new bus line going up Euclid.
Now if we hadn't sold (for a song) our street cars to Toronto, that would have been a cool, workable option. Don't get me started on that fiasco.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Life in Cleveland is Cyclical
That's the first line in an article called Cleveland Chooses Revival in LastMile Magazine.
It was a surprise to get the mail this morning and see the cover of the July/August 2007 issue. It features former Tech Czar Mike DeAloia standing in front of the Free Stamp holding an award.
Of course, DeAloia has moved on from the Tech Czar post.
The article won't bring anything new to Clevelanders but it gives an insightful look into the process of our municipal broadband initiative. The best part is a callout box that explains "Just what the heck is Michale DeAloia standing in front of on the cover of this issue of Last Mile."
The Free Stamp itself (love, hate, love, etc.) is a good example of the cyclical life in Cleveland.
*******
Euclid Ave Update. 2 workers (1 was sweeping) were spotted between Chester and Mayfield this AM.
It was a surprise to get the mail this morning and see the cover of the July/August 2007 issue. It features former Tech Czar Mike DeAloia standing in front of the Free Stamp holding an award.
Of course, DeAloia has moved on from the Tech Czar post.
The article won't bring anything new to Clevelanders but it gives an insightful look into the process of our municipal broadband initiative. The best part is a callout box that explains "Just what the heck is Michale DeAloia standing in front of on the cover of this issue of Last Mile."
The Free Stamp itself (love, hate, love, etc.) is a good example of the cyclical life in Cleveland.
*******
Euclid Ave Update. 2 workers (1 was sweeping) were spotted between Chester and Mayfield this AM.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Free printer ink - today only
Walgreen's has a special today
Details here.
And I am happy to say that there was significant activity (maybe a dozen guys) working (well, mostly observing) on Euclid Ave. between Chester and Mayfield this morning.
Details here.
And I am happy to say that there was significant activity (maybe a dozen guys) working (well, mostly observing) on Euclid Ave. between Chester and Mayfield this morning.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
ALL CAPS is like shouting - Duh!
I just finished a very disappointing book.
Send: The Essential Guide to Email for Office and Home
With e-mail being such a killer app, I thought a NY Times editor and an e-i-c of Hyperion Books might offer some useful tips.
Instead they share such nuggets as explaining the CC and BCC fields and warning not to use all caps. How lame.
Read the review here.
Euclid Ave Update: There was some activity this AM as 4 or 5 workers again stood around a hole in the street and peered in. No shovels lifted or repairs attempted but their studious gaze was the most activity witnessed in many months.
Send: The Essential Guide to Email for Office and Home
With e-mail being such a killer app, I thought a NY Times editor and an e-i-c of Hyperion Books might offer some useful tips.
Instead they share such nuggets as explaining the CC and BCC fields and warning not to use all caps. How lame.
Read the review here.
Euclid Ave Update: There was some activity this AM as 4 or 5 workers again stood around a hole in the street and peered in. No shovels lifted or repairs attempted but their studious gaze was the most activity witnessed in many months.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Ups and Downs
Up: Fun pre-game activities at the Brown's Opener.
Down: Do I have to tell you? The game was an embarassment.
Up: Huge flag that covered the entire field was unveiled before the game.
Down: Uh, did I mention the game?
Up: Great halftime tribute to newly inducted Hall of Famer Gene Hickerson. See pics here.
Down: #66 should have been inducted many years ago and maybe he would have been able to appreciate it more.
Up: Fun people with me at the game (Gary Baney and Heidi Hooper from Boundless Flight and Lev Gonick from Case)
Down: Did I mention the game?
Up:The Tribe came through on National TV agaisnt the Angels
Down: OK, no more mention of the game.
Up: There were about 4 guys looking at a huge hole on Euclid this morning about halfway between Mayfield and Chester. WooHoo!
Down: Summer sand volleyball is over
Up: Indoor volleyball starts tonight
And no more talking about the game.
Down: Do I have to tell you? The game was an embarassment.
Up: Huge flag that covered the entire field was unveiled before the game.
Down: Uh, did I mention the game?
Up: Great halftime tribute to newly inducted Hall of Famer Gene Hickerson. See pics here.
Down: #66 should have been inducted many years ago and maybe he would have been able to appreciate it more.
Up: Fun people with me at the game (Gary Baney and Heidi Hooper from Boundless Flight and Lev Gonick from Case)
Down: Did I mention the game?
Up:The Tribe came through on National TV agaisnt the Angels
Down: OK, no more mention of the game.
Up: There were about 4 guys looking at a huge hole on Euclid this morning about halfway between Mayfield and Chester. WooHoo!
Down: Summer sand volleyball is over
Up: Indoor volleyball starts tonight
And no more talking about the game.
Friday, September 07, 2007
It's on the tip of my tongue
I admire people with a rich vocabulary. Especially those who use it effortlessly as opposed to those who try to impress.
I've always said that an old high school chum (who later went to law school at the University of Chicago and is now with a DC firm) had the best vocabulary I ever came across. He lived off 146th in Cleveland and read every book in their relatively small library branch when he was growing up. He started at the top of one shelf, borrowed as many as they would allow, read them and repeated the process.
Last night I heard Dr. Luis Proenza, President of the University of Akron, speak at a Neosa event at Lockkeepers. I expected him to have a well-prepared presentation. But what impressed me most was his excellent word choice in the extemporaneous Q&A session.
What a great example for his students and the community.
***
Euclid Ave. update - my excitement yesterday may have been premature. There was zero, zip, nada activity again today. Drat.
I've always said that an old high school chum (who later went to law school at the University of Chicago and is now with a DC firm) had the best vocabulary I ever came across. He lived off 146th in Cleveland and read every book in their relatively small library branch when he was growing up. He started at the top of one shelf, borrowed as many as they would allow, read them and repeated the process.
Last night I heard Dr. Luis Proenza, President of the University of Akron, speak at a Neosa event at Lockkeepers. I expected him to have a well-prepared presentation. But what impressed me most was his excellent word choice in the extemporaneous Q&A session.
What a great example for his students and the community.
***
Euclid Ave. update - my excitement yesterday may have been premature. There was zero, zip, nada activity again today. Drat.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Could it be?
I think I saw a guy in an earth-moving truck on Euclid near Mayfield today.
He wasn't digging or working with the truck but just having someone in the area is a major accomplishment after the last many months of zero activity.
Hopefully I'll have something good to report soon
He wasn't digging or working with the truck but just having someone in the area is a major accomplishment after the last many months of zero activity.
Hopefully I'll have something good to report soon
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
What got you here...
As I was finishing up this book - What Got You Here Won't Get You There
How Successful People Become Even More Successful - I realized how many of the 20 bad habits and practices covered in the book were on display in the ongoing Euclid Avenue repairs.
I thought the book would be fluff - and some of it is - but it has some good ideas and you will see yourself and people you know in some of the examples.
Read my full review.
Today is the day after Labor Day and students are back in school and workers are back at work. Except, once again, there is no activity on Euclid Ave. construction between Mayfield and Chester (and as far as the eye can see in both directions). But the street remains torn up and lanes are closed.
Maybe I should buy them a copy of this book.
How Successful People Become Even More Successful - I realized how many of the 20 bad habits and practices covered in the book were on display in the ongoing Euclid Avenue repairs.
I thought the book would be fluff - and some of it is - but it has some good ideas and you will see yourself and people you know in some of the examples.
Read my full review.
Today is the day after Labor Day and students are back in school and workers are back at work. Except, once again, there is no activity on Euclid Ave. construction between Mayfield and Chester (and as far as the eye can see in both directions). But the street remains torn up and lanes are closed.
Maybe I should buy them a copy of this book.
Friday, August 31, 2007
On a clear day...
On a clear day, maybe you can see forever but again I could not see any activity on the roads.
I made a point of looking far east from Mayfield and Euclid and again as far West as I could down Euclid before turning down Chester and not a sole was in site doing roadwork.
Perfect weather again and one of the city's most popular spots is all chewed up for the big Labor Day weekend without even an indication of progress being made.
Thanks for the many responses from other frustrated Clevelanders.
I made a point of looking far east from Mayfield and Euclid and again as far West as I could down Euclid before turning down Chester and not a sole was in site doing roadwork.
Perfect weather again and one of the city's most popular spots is all chewed up for the big Labor Day weekend without even an indication of progress being made.
Thanks for the many responses from other frustrated Clevelanders.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Cleveland +
It was particularly frustrating being trapped on torn up Euclid Ave. yesterday afternoon. It took about 20 minutes to go less than 1 mile between Chester and Mayfield on Euclid.
As usual there was no sign of any workers - just the torn up streets and closed lanes. So all the University Hospital emergency vehicles and the CASE traffic and the buses and regular commuters sat and steamed.
But the good news (sarcasm intended) is that we were able to glance up and look at the brand spanking new Cleveland+ banner hanging from a building.
I'm sure others were as proud and inspired as I was.
This morning? Not a worker in sight - as usual.
As usual there was no sign of any workers - just the torn up streets and closed lanes. So all the University Hospital emergency vehicles and the CASE traffic and the buses and regular commuters sat and steamed.
But the good news (sarcasm intended) is that we were able to glance up and look at the brand spanking new Cleveland+ banner hanging from a building.
I'm sure others were as proud and inspired as I was.
This morning? Not a worker in sight - as usual.
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