blood from a stone

Unsuccessfully I searched to find how Cuyahoga county ranks after Dimora and Hagan voted in the .25% increase to our sales tax (that the Plain Dealer so much endorsed - they probably all live and shop in the burbs). I know that we are not first in the nation, New York and Chicago probably have that honor, but if our combined state and local tax burden was rated 5th in the nation in 2007 we may have snuck up a notch.

Although I am curious where the money is coming from. If we are ranked #1 or so in poverty, then who the heck is paying for this? You would think the money would go directly back into the pockets of those that need it, not into some Chicago based organization that has or hasn't quite committed to the city yet depending on whom you ask.

Good times.

You may be able to do something to get the whole thing put on a public ballot (imagine, the public being asked about issues that affect them - CRAZY!)

How walkable is your city?

There are many reasons why walkable cities work. Pedestrian level engagement with the environment increases exposure to the city creating recognition of neighborhoods, retail areas, provided services, public spaces, etc. A walkable city is a healthier city, there is less traffic congestion, less pollution, safer streets (more eyes looking out for you), people get a tad bit more exercise. I could go on and on.

Instead I offer you a chance to rate the walkability of your city with the walk-o-meter. Just kidding, such a thing doesn't exist. Yet.

I present instead the Walk Score. Just input your zip code and google maps is queried to find certain services in your area from grocery stores to libraries, parks to hardware stores.

A small sampling of results.

Downtown Cleveland (44114) - 35/100
Lakewood, Ohio (inner ring cleveland suburb 44107) - 80/100
West Bank (44113) - 71/100
Midtown (where I moved from Lakewood to 44103) - 66/100
Mentor, Ohio (where no one freaking walks 44060) - 37/100

At first I thought I would find the results skewed and really quite wrong but after really testing the system I have to surprisingly report that I am amazed at how accurate I think the system is.

Here are the particulars

How It Works
Walk Score helps people find walkable places to live. Walk Score calculates the walkability of an address by locating nearby stores, restaurants, schools, parks, etc. Check out how Walk Score doesn't work.

What does my score mean?
Your Walk Score is a number between 0 and 100. The walkability of an address depends on how far you are comfortable walking—after all, everything is within walking distance if you have the time. Here are general guidelines for interpreting your score:

90 - 100 = Walkers' Paradise: Most errands can be accomplished on foot and many people get by without owning a car.
70 - 90 = Very Walkable: It's possible to get by without owning a car.
50 - 70 = Some Walkable Locations: Some stores and amenities are within walking distance, but many everyday trips still require a car.
25 - 50 = Not Walkable: Only a few destinations are within easy walking range. For most errands, driving is a must.
0 - 25 = Driving Only: Virtually no neighborhood destinations within walking range. You can walk from your house to your car!
How it Works
Walk Score™ uses a patent-pending algorithm to calculate the walkability of an address based on:

The distance to walkable locations near an address.
Calculating a score for each of these locations.
Combining these scores into one easy to read Walk Score

MOCA Launchpad

Thursday, July 26, 2007
MOCA Cleveland
7-10pm

What happens when you combine the power of the internet (by power, I mean unreasonably simple access for anyone to state an unverified fact or misplaced opinion) with an established art institution and a cash bar?

The answer is Launchpad, an unveiled attempt to herd string cheese through a strong ocean current in an attempt to touch the face of God. I can only explain it that way because I have no idea what to expect. I know that there will be some very strong opinions present, I know that at the very least it should be...interesting and I know that all the beautiful people will be there.

What? You weren't invited? Oh, how embarrassing. Well, I can get you in.

You can even make some blogger friends.

Free and open to the public.

Waterloo Arts Fest

5th Annual Waterloo Arts Festival
Saturday, July 28th 2007
North Waterloo at E. 156th. St.
11am - 7pm

A day long arts festival celebrating the wonderfully resiliant and creative community that is Collinwood. Come on out and celebrate the fun!

Fun FREE crafts and activities for kids and families
Bike Rodeo
Live music
Great food
Original artwork for sale
Hands-on, interactive art demonstrations
Dance performances
Chalk art festival
Exhibits and installations

And don't forget to stick around for 'after festival parties' at the Beachland Ballroom and Music Saves (they have ice cream!).