City Clicks #2: April 5, 2020
photo: City Ombudsman
City Clicks take you to articles, blog posts, podcasts, and other curiosities with novel, interesting, &/or useful takes on problem-solving, governance, city culture, and generally making life better.
Hello! How are you doing, really? Are you currently more of a “give me more information” or a “please distract me” type? This second edition of City Clicks caters to both because most of us waver between the two these days.
Starting Sunday, March 29, the Cincinnati Metro buses stopped collecting fares and have a modified schedule. UPDATE: Mayor, John Cranley, and SORTA Chair, Darryl Haley, announced Metro will end free rides, staring Sunday, April 12, 2020, due to concerns that riders were violating the stay-at-home orders.
Yuval Noah Harari, author of Sapiens, on the need for global cooperation and The World After Coronavirus. “A self-motivated and well-informed population is usually far more powerful and effective than a policed, ignorant population.”
What can the 1918 Flu pandemic teach us about the COVID-19 pandemic? This short Washington Post video, with John M. Barry, makes an interesting point that parallels Harari’s article linked above.
Ambivalent about cultural pressure to stay positive? Mary Laura Philpott is here for you in The New York Times. This Togetherness is Temporary, “I won’t tell myself I have to enjoy every minute, because I know I won’t. And when the panic rises, I’ll remind myself: This isn’t forever. It never was.”
Is the cultural pressure to stay productive and positive too much? Remember this.
The City of Chicago temporarily suspended Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests due to COVID-19 and some people are skeptical.
A local guide to knowing your rights when making a public records request, by Jim DeBrosse, for Soapbox Cincinnati.
Also from Soapbox Cincinnati, Karrikin Spirits is making hand sanitizer and encouraging people to donate a bottle to first responders.
A few tips and 27 free Zoom backgrounds.
Library Updates: the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County will remain closed through May 1, 2020, and then reevaluate. In the meantime, the Library launched a streamlined form for electronic library cards to access online resources. In addition, thousands of resources have been added to eBranch. The eCard is for all ages, and the library relaxed ID verification so the card can be used immediately. Library Staff is still assisting individuals by phone at 513-369-6900 or online.
Audible has made some titles free for listening. No account or other sign-in required. Just start here. Titles for all ages and in multiple languages.
Yes, you are entitled to a refund if your flight is canceled. Good info from The Points Guy on how to get a refund. I was supposed to be in New Orleans this weekend. Was prepared to use this info to fight for a refund. Once I reached a human, however, Allegiant immediately refunded my money. Also, he was a very nice human, who answered after only 20 minutes on hold. So, well done Allegiant!
Are you watching Little Fires Everywhere or did you read the book? Wonder what Shaker Heights residents think of the characterization of their city? One answer at The Belt: White Lady Problems. Also, The Washington Post examined Shaker Heights’ history and race issues in an article written by a Shaker Heights native.
List of places to take a virtual tour of world sites at Thrillist.
Cincinnati Parks has a post on what the lazy gardener can do now for a beautiful garden with minimal effort.
40 fun international idioms that don’t translate well into English.
If all else fails, how to make a Bagpipe out of recorders and a garbage bag. Thanks to Franny Baker Black, who posted this on Facebook.
Note: this story was updated on April 10, to reflect the change in the free Metro bus fare policy.
What have you been reading? Add links in the comments, if you would like.
More on City Ombudsman:
For an immediate way to help neighbors, when you make a trip out to the store, read about Lisa Andrews and her People’s Pantries here.
City Clicks March 20, 2020
Issue #1 -- What does "no turn on red" on school days mean?
Read Friday Ombudsman posts:
Fred Neurohr — Traffic calming in Northside and a beef with Izzi’s
Rachel Hastings — Case study in crime reduction in Covington and that Cincinnati question
Regina Carswell Russo — Real talk on diversity and the dish that is addicting, delicious, soothing and medicinal
Dr. Amber Kelly Pro networking tips using Cincinnati’s strengths and the question I really should have asked her
Steve Ramos Animal control and his favorite “urban, egalitarian Jewish community” leader
Jeffrey Miller Food waste reduction through the tax code and York Peppermint patties
Geralyn Sparough What neighborhood felt like home for this Californian and how she weaves this City together