PressureLife Issue 18 by PressureLife

THE

FUSION CLEVELAND'S NEWEST FOOTBALL R E V O LU T I O N.

MUSIC / ENTERTAINMENT / ARTS & CULTURE / LIFE / INDEPENDENT / PRESSURELIFE.COM

S AY W H AT YO U S E E

PressureLife Creative Director, Owner

Jim Bacha

Art Director, Partner

Hannah Allozi

Operations Manager / Illustrator

Aaron Gelston @gelston.design

Managing Editor

Alex Bieler

Content Strategist

Adam Dodd

Senior Writers Staff Writers Media Producer Project Coordinator Contributors

Dan Bernardi Gennifer Harding-Gosnell Darrick Tahir Rutledge Kevin Naughton Kevin Naughton Tiffany Fields Anthony Franchino Ben Diamond Casey Rearick @caseyrearickphoto

Dave Sebille Dave Skorepa Graham Beck Ian Douglas James Earl Brassfield Juliet Abram Lex Watson Mike Suglio Wilson Rivera Distribution

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CONTENTS APRIL / MAY 2018

06 Pressure Plays: Pillärs

A diverse metal band with a dash of social consciousness.

08 Bring the Noise

I’m From Cleveland, gatekeepers of local hip-hop.

10 PressureLife Visits SXSW

Cleveland makes an appearance in Austin, Texas.

12 Il Rione

Dine with the PressureLife team.

14 Lunch with a Gastronaut

An ancient mold and traditional deli meet an inventive mind.

16 Cleveland’s New Football Revolution

The Cleveland Fusion and the WFA.

22 Printing the Unexpected

The real word on the street from Cleveland’s zines.

24 Don’t Call Him Aaron

A one-man graphic art studio living the Pants brand.

28 The Cleveland Bridge War of 1836

The bizarre tale of when Cleveland and Ohio City fought an actual battle over a bridge.

30 Putting the “High” in Ohio

How Ohio can cope with the reefer revolution.

PressureLife Turns 3 Years, months, and days, are pretty typical. Rent fans will let you know that there are 525,600 minutes in a year. For a publication like PressureLife, time is measured in issues.

THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO MEASURE TIME.

Every single release of PressureLife serves as a time capsule of sorts, containing not only pieces that reflect the happenings of Cleveland at the time, but individual memories of meetings, interviews, and gatherings for all the people involved in our paper. As each release marks a two-month bubble, our current issue marks a bit of a milestone. Not only is this current issue our eighteenth edition of PressureLife, it also marks the third-year anniversary of the current iteration of our publication. During the last three years, we’ve had the pleasure of working with some very dedicated people and having the support of the people of Cleveland. We’re thrilled to have the ability to share stories about what makes Cleveland such a great place to live, work, and play, and we wouldn’t be able to do it without our readers, advertisers, and the talented people who help put this paper together. _________________________ With your support, we’re ready to keep the PressureLife going for another 18 issues and beyond.

Like to read your stories online? You can check out Issue 18 and other online-exclusive stories at pressurelife.com

signatures and scales on the spot. Her most musical memory was playing and singing at church in her youth. “If you look at the history of rock and roll, that guy playing guitar in clubs all week is sure as hell playing at church on Sunday,” Zach says. “That’s where the soul comes from.”

Pressure Plays

Pillärs A diverse metal band with a dash of social consciousness. Dave Sebille

the simplest of terms, Pillars reeks of Cleveland in all possible ways. Their album Abandoned, released earlier this winter, displays a harmony of respect and knowledge of their craft and those that came before them. With said respect for the past, they are not afraid in the least to do something that makes zero sense at all, and stand behind it firmly.

“I’m a big believer in cross-pollination,” Guitarist and Singer Zach Germaniuk says. “When you listen to the record you’re going to hear anything from Eastern European folk to black metal, and everything in between. When you start mixing the pot like that, you have to play with others open to exploring.” Pillars is a trio that met in the most organic way possible. Zach, a metal veteran coming from the Akron/Canton area, made a name for himself with the band Red Sun. Bassist Beth Piwkowski blazed her path as a college radio host on WCSB. Drummer Mike Burrows is just that: the drummer. The man plays everywhere with everyone, and he does it well. Zach and Beth met in an interesting combo of events. Zach turned on his radio at 7:30 a.m. on a Tuesday to the absolute pleasure of hearing Weedeater. “Who is playing this,” he thought. “I must know this person.” About the same time, Beth tuned in to her neighborhood watch discussion board to find some non-idiotic suggestions from some dude named Zach. Messages exchanged and soon enough they were jamming on a few songs Zach had written and the rest is Pillars. Before Pillars, Beth was in a string of “stupid” punk bands that never seemed to cut the mustard. She also jammed with foreign exchange Credit: Steve Thrasher students from all around the world, having to learnPhoto different time

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Mike met Bethi through the Beachland Lottery League, an annual event in which musicians are randomly paired up to perform together. It’s undeniably and unanimously agreed amongst the table, one of Cleveland’s finest gems. Pillars was in a sort of bidding war for his talent, and they won. Zach is a public defender in the Slavic Village area of Cleveland. “I have a hard time seeing the little guy get kicked around constantly,” he says, tying his career and music together with a single thought. Mike works with autistic children around the city, and showed up to Pillars first practice with the entire demo memorized. Beth studies the We’re not history of what has happened here reinventing the over the last two hundred some wheel, we’re just years. Pillars may be the most Cleveland band there has ever been. putting sweet

rims on it.

“If you want to know what we stand for just read the lyrics, it’s fairly blatant,” Zach blurts out. “If you look back at the roots of heavy metal, it’s really talking about topics that rock and roll was not supposed to talk about. It’s resistance music, it’s protest music.” “We have a real skepticism of power, the whole ‘if you don’t get with the program you don’t deserve to live’ idea,” Beth adds. This is a very socially conscious band rooted deeply in their Eastern European lineage. However, the band does have one bone to pick with white metal artists: stop being racist. No matter how many Slayers or Motorheads try to justify the use of Nazi imagery, it will never be okay for a band that has seen this city for what it is and what it can be. “We make a lot of aesthetic choices as a band to go against the use of European symbols as a sign of racism in the metal scene.” Zach and Beth both agree that diversity needs to be celebrated rather than compartmentalized. No more iron crosses okay? Okay. When it comes to Pillars, you’re looking at a band that comes around once every few years. Get the album. See the band. Look them up. Listen closely.

Learn more about Pillars on their Facebook page facebook.com/pillarsmusic or listen at pillrs.bandcamp.com

Pressure Picks Upcoming Events to See

Guided by Voices

April 21 // Grog Shop

Wild Ones

April 24 // Beachland Tavern

The Decemberists

April 24 // Agora Theatre

Tom Green

May 4-5 // Hilarities

Dead Kennedys

May 5 // Agora Theatre

Bill Maher

May 6 // Hard Rock Rocksino

Coma Cinema

May 8 // Mahall’s

Fu Manchu

May 15 // Grog Shop

The Sidekicks

May 20 // Mahall’s

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I’m From Cleveland is a collective of hip-hop lovers, artists, and super-smart guys who are quickly establishing themselves as the go-to authority on the latest and greatest emerging talent locally. They are the Cleveland hip-hop scene’s solution to the struggle of sifting through all the shit. “I’m From Cleveland is a media outlet,” explains IFC Co-founder John Stursa. “We use our websites and social media followings to promote what’s going on, primarily in the hip-hop scene, but other genres as well—just people making good music in general.”

Bring the Noise Meet I’m From Cleveland, gatekeepers of local hip-hop. Gennifer Harding-Gosnell

he defining force in our post-millenium lives, the internet, continues to present challenges to the music business for everything from how music is best sold and distributed to how fan bases are built. It’s a given that the fragmentation of information streams and the sheer amount of them makes it extremely difficult to connect fans and audiences; new music seekers often find themselves sifting through a lot of shit online before finding a hidden gem or two. Social media continues to be the trickiest internet landscape to navigate. How are you supposed to reach a mass audience in this type of environment?

Good Kids, Mad City Names in Cleveland’s Rap Scene You Better Know Courtesy of I’m From Cleveland, here’s a short list of local artists already on the way to finding nationwide appeal:

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Ezri He’s best known as an actor, having starred in the 2015 indie film, The Land, and appearing in several episodes of the TV series, Empire. He was signed to rap icon Nas’ label, Mass Appeal, and has released an EP, Be Right Back. Check out the title track, a coming-of-age song you might find tugging at your heartstrings. Malcupnext Fourteen-year-old Malcolm White caught the ear of Big Boi after his cover of Fetty Wap’s “Trap Queen” went viral. He’s since

Artists submit their work via song, video, or mixtape. The submissions are reviewed by the IFC team, who then decide what content to post to the web by judging its talent level and quality. The best submissions are posted on their website and social media channels with the potential to reach their thousands of followers. This creates a singular hub that saves Cleveland hip-hop enthusiasts from wasting time clicking through a lot of generally bad music. I’m From Cleveland continues to grow in its scope and services. “We’re trying to start with more original content,” Stursa says. “We’re going out and interviewing artists, recapping events, and we want to throw our own music showcases and do artist development. I’d really like to be a one-stop shop where artists know they can come to us for anything and be like, ‘Hey, I’m dropping this mixtape in a month. What can I do to start getting people ready for it? Who’s hands should I be getting my music into?’ We want to be there for artists helping them through every step, whether it’s creating content, promoting their content, and then getting it heard by the right people.”

Learn more about I'm From Cleveland at imfromcleveland.com

been signed to Big Boi’s label, Camp Purple, and is receiving mentoring from the boss to bring him up through the business. Earl St. Clair Def Jam Recordings made sure to swoop up St. Clair, whose Ray Charles-esque vocals and jazzy jams could spur a whole new/old movement in the R&B genre. He spent his younger years in Cleveland producing for the likes of MGK and Rick Ross before launching his own career as a musician.

Michael Conor If Harry Styles were American and could rap, he would be Michael Conor. The Shaker Heights native won ABC’s Boy Band TV singing competition. His original music—see the video for “Shine”— shows Conor to be introspective and articulate. Q Money His song “Work” exploded last year as part of a social media dance challenge. He’s since been signed and continues releasing music on his way up the hip-hop ranks.

Local Somebodies

Highlighting Talented Clevelanders James Earl Brassfield All over town, there are people about to make it big. It’s time to learn about some locals on the rise to the top of their field, as well as others who are already sitting quietly atop their profession. Here’s one of Cleveland’s future somebodies that you should know.

Rustin McCann

Comedian, Lover, Fighter Photographer Rustin McCann is in town by choice. The popular opinion is that a pure love of Cleveland is attainable only via migration. After a while, folks from here don’t care about the beauty hidden in the Forest City. Rustin uses his unique photographic eye and knowledge of local culture to capture the images people often miss. He’s looking for the escapeable moment of joy hidden in the moment. The ability to look deeper into the scene in front of him comes from a traditional art school education. For Rustin, that started with a 2005 Bachelor of Arts in studio art from Oberlin College. Next came a 2009 Post Baccalaureate Certificate from The School Of The Museum Of Fine Arts in Boston. He then finished strong with a 2011 Master of Fine Arts in photography from Cranbrook Academy Of Art, which just so happens to be the alma mater of the antagonist in the film 8 Mile. All that fancy book learning helps Rustin tap into the veins of the town. Rustin is what amounts to the official documentarian of the local comedy scene. If he’s not at a show, it’s bound to be lightly attended. He’s always holding a camera of some kind, from some era. If you know someone who’s trying to improve behind the shutter, Rustin is happy to talk shop. Rustin lives the dream of most creatives in the city, with control of his own content and it’s identity. He has a unique opportunity via vision. When the world checks in on Cleveland, Rustin wants us all to be ready. He’s also the main artist and producer of Brite Box Media. Brite Box is a media company Rustin uses to produce shows in the city, including new episodes of Sitting Room Only, a showcase that’s becoming the apogee of programing for local creatives. Rustin left his old job as a rental manager to focus on professional growth and do some freelance work. Now he grows his portfolio every night. Rustin is working on producing more content with local artists under the Brite Box Media blanket. He’s already collaborated on some great events that he also filmed this year. When the weather breaks, look out for a 6-foot-4 CaliClevelander. He’ll be the one with a camera in your face.

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PressureLife Visits

SXSW Cleveland duo Shetler Jones highlights another exciting SXSW experience. Mike Suglio Photography // Clare Welsh

“Everyone here [at South by Southwest] and Austin are very welcoming and respectful,” Shetler added. “The Cleveland music scene has grown a lot in the past few years, but coming off the plane everyone here is immediately interested in what you’re doing and what you’re playing and they want to share what they are doing as well. I think it is really refreshing to come to another city that is very welcoming when a festival is going on.”

ome say “third time’s a charm,” but I always think the fourth Jones and Shetler use songs pulled from The Nate Jones Band and Top time is when you really “get it.” This was my fourth year in Hat Black, Jones’ and Shetler’s other respective bands, as material for a row attending South by Southwest (SXSW), a music, film, the new duo to explore. Both musicians are used to having a full band, and interactive media festival in Austin, but the challenge of being a duo forces them to fill Texas. This multifaceted event encompasses all in for roles held by other bandmates. walks of life, from indie music to virtual reality, safely under one large festival umbrella. Many The Shetler Jones duo allows both artists to venture During South by festivals can only dream to be this inclusive. in musical exploration in ways they have never Southwest, [Austin] encountered. Neither of them have ever been peris one of the PressureLife Photographer Clare Welsh and I cussion players, but both Shetler and Jones have were fortunate enough to experience a Cleveadapted from being in a band to find new ways to coolest places on land-based duo at the Saxon Pub during our complement each other. the planet. first night in Austin. Shetler Jones is a very new project between Cleveland-based sing“Being an acoustic duo, almost out of necessity, I er-songwriters Jessica Shetler and Nate Jones. know my strengths and my limitations of my guitar Acclaimed for their energetic vocal harmonies playing, but I have to be a percussion player along and onstage flair, the duo plan to launch their debut album with with a guitar player to get the most out of being one instrument with a string of gripping and energetic live performances. two voices,” Jones explained. The Saxon Pub was the perfect smaller venue for the bluesy, acoustic folk duo, whose harmonies transcended through the bar and spoke directly to the patrons as they enjoyed their locally-crafted brews. Shetler and Jones are great storytellers, as many of their songs exhibit a clear narrative which draws the audience closer to hear their tales. The Austin audience sat quietly captivated by their performance, which was the duo’s first time at SXSW.

“There’s really no way to compare South by Southwest with anything else because it is such a massive gathering of musicians and consumers,” Jones said. “It’s really unlike anything we’ve really ever done. There’s so much going on everywhere and the level of energy is really unique.”

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As the duo continues to collaborate together on material, they find solace in creating new songs. Both Shetler and Jones have a full catalog of original content from their respective bands, but the duo allows them to be creative in new ways. SXSW was an excellent reason to essentially force the duo to put our new material. Even though it has been a lot of time and work to prepare for SXSW, Shetler acknowledges the joy that comes from starting a new direction. “The songwriting process has been fun and it’s more organic,” she said. “We both have different styles but we also have similar styles so when we bring them together it is cool to see how they mesh.

By performing as a duo over a band, it is a more intimate performance.”

Shetler Jones

With their other respective bands, Shetler and Jones may have played “at” and audience, but as a duo they’ve found that they’re playing more “to” them by providing a more intimate experience for the listener.

“Because we are duo, you can’t play at a crowd and drown everyone out and blow past them,” Jones explained. “It is like being a comic, you really rely on the audience, especially because we play in a lot of smaller venues.” Playing to audiences in smaller venues is how many of the artists who provide musical inspiration and influence to the duo got their start. Shetler Jones’ music is grounded in the folks and blues style of yesteryear. I found myself dreaming of Rod Stewart and Bob Dylan as I lost myself in their performance. “We both are old souls and are influenced by music from the ‘60s and ‘70s,” Shetler added. “Our music is a little darker, but bluesy and rough at the same time.” While Shetler Jones made Cleveland proud during their stint in Austin, the local music scene also had its moment to shine. Showcasing before Shetler Jones at the Saxon Pub was Buenos Diaz, led by Austin musician Nick Diaz, who exploded onto the set with a ton of energy and stage presence. His music was upbeat and fun and is what I imagined true Austin music to be like. His soft-spoken, yet hard rock was accompanied by fastpaced and strong guitar strumming over meaningful lyrics, which were at times spoken and not sung.

Buenos Diaz

“It felt great to be so involved with the music portion of the conference and to be repping Austin as a local so much during the week,” Diaz stated after his performance. “During South by Southwest, our city is one of the coolest places on the planet where everyone involved in any modern creative medium wants to visit and witness the energy surrounding the event.” With the always-fantastic music and gaming scenes, SXSW proves to be unlike any other festival. In a world dominated by “mainstream” music, it was incredibly refreshing to find one of the largest attended festivals in the world make such an effort to support up-and-coming artists and highlight the local, Austin talent in all areas of entertainment. After a fourth trip to Austin, I am more eager to return next year to SXSW than ever before.

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What We Ate

The group's menu item ratings

Food Review

Clam Pizza : 4.75 (middleneck clams, parmesan, mozzarella, garlic, oregano)

Il Rione Pizzeria

White Pizza: 3.5 (mozzarella, ricotta, garlic)

Green Pizza: 4 (red sauce, mozzarella, arugula pesto, fried sage leaves, basil, add pepperoni)

Diavolo Pizza : 3.75

Dine with the PressureLife Team

ate onions? Put ketchup on your ketchup? We all have unique likes and dislikes, so when you hear about a new restaurant, whether it be from a foodie or someone who lives off of toaster pastries, you don’t know if his or her tastes align with your own. So, instead of reading a review from one source, take it from four members of our team. Even though we are woefully under qualified to review a restaurant, at least one of us will likely share some of your distinct tastes.

For this issue, the PressureLife crew visited Il Rione Pizzeria in Gordon Square, where Owners Brian Moss and Brian Holleran serve up New York-style pizza out of a renovated pub space from 1917. Will their pies take the cake? We tried four different pizzas to see if Il Rione is worth your hard-earned dough.

ALEX:

I love garlic. If you’re not a fan, you may say my obsession borders on unhealthy, but that’s false, especially since garlic can help lower cholesterol and regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Anyway, I say this because I love a good, stinky breath-inducing white pie, and Il Rione didn’t disappoint. However, the highlight of the dinner for me was the clam pie. It took all the things I love about the white pie—you know, garlic and mozzarella—and added these wonderful little bits of sweet

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Alex: Mango is death; thinks garlic is a beautiful ingredient; can be seduced with a good meat and /or cheese board but hates blue cheese; loves meat in pretty much all forms. Jim: Prefers a salad over a burger but a steak over anything else; loves spicy

(red sauce, mozzarella, calabrian chiles, spicy salami, red onions) and salty middleneck clams. The red sauce-based pizzas we ordered were no slouches either. While some of our party weren’t as keen that the pesto on the green pizza leaned on the vegetal side, i didn’t mind. The diavolo was No. 4 in my rankings, but still solid, although make sure you enjoy the other pizzas first so that the spiciness doesn’t overwhelm your taste buds when you dip into another slice of white. Rating: 4/5

JIM:

The thought of clam pizza has always grossed me out; seeing it being made on television never seemed appetizing. Boy was I wrong, the clam pie at Il Rione is now in my top three pies in Cleveland. Out of the five suggested pies, I would normally order the diavolo with the spicy salami. It was good, but didn’t stand a chance to the clam pie. I wouldn’t plan on talking to anyone for a day or so after eating here, as the garlic game is heavy. Albeit a little pricey, it’s worth checking out. With an influx of pizza joints opening in Cleveland, Il Rione did not disappoint and stands tall with the others. Kudos to the Brian’s and their staff. Rating: 4/5

and sour flavors; despises donuts and dry bakery; will try anything once. Hannah: Enjoys foods that are savory and slightly over-salted; meals are typically a collection of small snacks; hates funky cheeses and properly cooked red meat; generally not a picky eater.

Dave: The bolder, the better. Prefers big flavors that stick around in your molars. Not a huge fan of sweets; would rather have an irish coffee for dessert. Tries to keep it as unique and local as possible, but is not above McDonalds breakfast. Please hold the zucchini and squash.

HANNAH:

Clams are sick. But when the clam pizza is listed as the first menu item, that must be intentional, right? It was by far my favorite out of the four pies we ordered and the pool of oil, butter, and garlic on the bottom of the pan was perfect for dipping the other pizzas. Up second for me was the green pizza. At first, I thought the pesto was overwhelming, but it definitely grew on me. It was herbaceous and fresh, but still savory thanks to the little, wonderfully overdone pepperoni cups. Next up was the diavlo. This was around the time the tables’ conversation had shifted to Mt. Rushmore, Tracy Chapman, and Alex’s childhood pet turtle, Edwina, so the distraction of capsaicin killing off my tastebuds was welcome. Last was the white pizza. It was a little too rich for me with the ricotta cheese, but still very good. Overall, I enjoyed the atmosphere, food, and the company – I will definitely return. Rating: 4/5

DAVE:

I may not have a waxed handlebar moustache, but I know a thing or two about classic cocktails. Apparently so does Joey Nix, the bartender on duty during our visit. I ordered a Negroni (equal parts gin, campari, and sweet vermouth) and it was perfectly diluted to show off all three components. After dinner, I had a Manhattan (rye whiskey, bitters, and sweet vermouth) which was also made perfectly. My only complaint was that it was automatically served over a big cube and I prefer my manhattans up. As for the pizzas, I think a lot came down to your gameplan. Being a spice fiend and poor decision maker, I went all in on the diavolo. It was probably the pie I will order when I go back next. As for the clam pie, everyone wanted to marry this pizza, but I feel like it’s more of a side piece. Have your date order it and just snag a bite. The green pizza had the best meat by far. I’m still dreaming of crisp little pepperoni cups. The pesto tasted fresh, maybe too fresh for some. Last and least was the white pizza. This would be a great way to ease in to the meal and wake up your taste buds, but intros are never anyone’s favorite song on the album. Overall, I dug the vibes, cocktails, and pies. Rating: 4.5 /5

Il Rione Pizzeria 1303 W 65th St, Cleveland, OH 44102 // 216.282.1451 ilrionepizzeria.com

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Lunch with a

Gastronaut Jeremanskbrst he’ sonopen Jeremy Umansky’s a ingmission a deli in n he’sd. to Clevela Mars—but first opening a deli in Cleveland.

Ben Diamond Photography // Kevin White c/o America's Test Kitchen

eremy Umansky wants to swallow buildings whole, infest your food with mold, and make barren planets habitable. He also wants to serve you a sandwich, made from scratch, at his new delicatessen. He's going to do it all with the help of a few friends—some human and some fungi. If this all sounds a little strange, it's true. The future's going to be strange. But it's also going to be delicious.

Umansky wasn’t like other kids growing up in Cleveland. He had Tourette's and couldn't walk without braces until he was six. Traditional education was difficult, so he relied on himself, developing a talent for obsessive self-learning by reading encyclopedias cover to cover. Literally. A to Z. He could have honed in on anything as his life's focus, but he was surrounded by a family who cooked, so that was the spark. Umansky eventually landed at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. It's where he met his future wife, Allie LaValle, and developed his craft. But something about the Institute didn't sit right with him; it seemed the Institute cared more about enriching the food industry than producing quality chefs. Umansky and a like-minded cohort of friends laid the groundwork for a philosophical counter-movement. They coined a new term. Something they could actually aspire to become: gastronauts. The gastronaut is the foil of the gastronome: a snobbish, out-of-touch foodie who considers haute cuisine the only cuisine. "We looked at it as a play on little gnomes that live underground, who don't want to change their ways, versus a gastronaut being someone who wants to explore and see everything else that's out there," Umansky said.

Gastronauts seek higher planes of existence. They are intrepid explorers who pursue great food to elevate humanity, not keep it to Technically, Umansky is a chef, but his interests and body of work themselves. Among the gastronauts that united with Umansky at go far beyond traditional culinary confines. He's a the Culinary Institute, one is now head of R&D for forager, farmer, and fermenter; an entrepreneur José Andrés, one is head captain at New York's and an environmentalist. Recently he's been recfamed Per Se, and another is a brewer in Misognized for his innovative use of an East Asian sissippi. Umansky dropped out of the Culinary The future of food fungus called koji, a highly-anticipated new Institute three months before graduation to puris the future of life project named Larder, and his involvement with sue his own path. Redhouse Architecture's Biocycler. Taking the as we know it, and thousand-mile view, all of his endeavors are conUmansky never thought he'd be back in Cleveland, thanks to Umansky, nected. His ultimate goal? Becoming a gastronaut. but after pursuing his passion for food preservaits growing in a jar tion and cooking in New York with roles ranging off W. 29 Street. We ask our children what they want to be from farmer to executive chef, he moved back when they grow up. Somebody invariably home with Allie to start a family in his reinvigosays they want to be an astronaut, trumping rated hometown. Then he landed a role as master all the other kids who said doctor, firefighter, larder and wild food forager at Jonathon Sawyer's or archaeologist. To actually become an astronaut requires Trentina in 2014. It was there that he developed an impressive wild such an oversized intellect, a mastery of many skills, and an food, pasta, and charcuterie program and witnessed Sawyer win the enduring spirit that almost no one realizes that dream. But James Beard Award in 2015. It was also where he met a curious ally: nobody takes you seriously when you're a kid. an ancient mold with seemingly magical properties.

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Aspergillus oryzae, or koji, is a mold that has defined Asian cuisine for thousands of years. It breaks down sugars and proteins in rice and other grains, imparting an intense umami flavor and serving as the building block for foods like miso, sake, and soy sauce. Umansky originally acquired a sample to make a pseudo-miso out of chickpeas, but soon began experimenting with non-traditional methods, using koji-culturing to encrust scallops and pork chops and to accelerate the aging of meat. Koji breaks down its host in the most delicious way, transforming its essence and opening up a world of possibility. "The aroma, the smell, the flavor of it, is just beyond intoxicating," Umansky said. Strictly-speaking, few have done more innovative work with koji in recent years. Umansky's next move, Larder, a traditional-style Eastern European delicatessen, might seem like a humble next step, but it's the launchpad for his gastronaut mission. A full partnership with his wife Allie and chef Kenny Scott, it's the culmination of Umansky's experience and history: a callback to his grandmother's kosher catering company, his Jewish heritage and even further, to the nativized cuisine of Cleveland. "The food that we are doing is Cleveland food. To a 'T,'" he said. Larder follows another food philosophy that Umansky likes to call the "Modern Archaic." Everything is made from scratch when possible. Fermented pickles, cured meat, pastries—even cultured cream and churned butter. Ingredients will be sourced as locally as possible, showcasing the terroir of Northeast Ohio. Inventive techniques will be on full display, such as the use of koji to maintain a zero-waste bread program. Smart design is at the core of Umansky’s approach, drawing inspiration from the past and present to make food both tastier and more sustainable. Larder will also serve as an affordable resource for the community, with various class offerings. Scott's unofficial tagline: "Cooking for the masses, without being asses." Umansky's mission to empower people through food is well on its way, but he has his sights set higher. He's not joking when he says, "the moon and Mars." He's been tapped by NASA as part of a civilian consulting program to explore the possibility of terraforming other planets through fungi technology. Apparently knowing too much about mushrooms can help you get to space. But what about the perfectly good planet that we currently live on? Umansky wants to use mushrooms to make it more livable as well. He's partnered with Cleveland’s Redhouse Studio to devise a mobile "Biocycler" which uses mycelium technology to recycle construction waste while simultaneously producing new construction material and gourmet mushrooms. The future of food is the future of life as we know it, and thanks to Umansky, its growing in a jar off W. 29 Street. There's still much to discover and a great deal of work to do. But for now, let's eat.

Larder Delicatessen and Bakery 455 W. 29 St., Cleveland, OH 44113 // 216.912.8203 facebook.com/larderdb

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ON RE

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Lex Watson + Juliet Abram Photography // Anthony Franchino // Art-Abandoned Photography

he landscape of football in America is one of grit and passion that has advanced alongside 100 years of athletic and technological evolution. In this last century, football has been an physical spectacle pitting man against man in a competitive turf war. While men’s-only leagues dominate public awareness, the Cleveland Fusion are a part of the next step in that evolution: breaking down social constructs through women’s football. This is a sports town, women are as passionate as the men and football is the dominant sport,” Fusion General Manager Tom Monachino says. “Cleveland women know football.”

This isn't some kind of feminist manifesto; it's a glimpse into the next frontier in this sport. The Cleveland Fusion are part of the Women’s Football Association (WFA), which was established in 2007. The WFA facilitates 63 teams across the country broken up into three divisions, with Cleveland as one of 10 teams in the top group. After the regular season, there are two playoff rounds followed by the W Bowl, which will be in Atlanta July 28. Though the Fusion have been involved in competitive play since 2001, the WFA provided the Fusion with benefits that other leagues couldn’t. As an operating non-profit, the WFA charges franchised teams 70 percent less than other women’s football leagues and gives 75 percent of money raised back into its teams. This is a winning formula that ensures the teams can count on players sticking around with their teams and help build a culture of women’s football. For many locals, the Fusion might be their introduction to women’s football in general, but Cleveland has a fairly rich history in this arena. “Cleveland had a successful team that enjoyed a very successful nine-year run between 1971 and 1979, then came back

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into existence as the Fusion in 2001,” Monachino explains. In addition, the Cleveland Brewers won a National Women's Football League championship in 1983 before the league exchanged tackling for flag football in the mid ‘80s. Right now, the timing couldn't be better for women’s football in Cleveland and across the country. In 2017, 43 of 45 spots on the U.S. National Women's Football Team were filled by WFA players. In addition, two players from the Cleveland Fusion, Elizabeth Dillow, offensive line, and Maria Jackson, alternate wide receiver, were selected for the six-team IFAF Women’s World Championship, which culls players from around the world. Incredibly, not a single WFA player was named to the U.S. National Team in 2011. By 2013, 96 percent of the roster was made up of WFA players, proving that the WFA is at the pinnacle of women’s football. For those imagining women’s football as a watered-down version of the game, think again. This is real, hard-hitting tackle football fielding all-female rosters and coached by real football personnel. However, if you haven't heard tale of the league you're not alone. Most of the players had to hear about it from players they ran into or a friend of a friend. “Right now, we are competing with the Cavs, Monsters, Indi-

ans, and Browns,” Monachino says. “We believe we have a great story to tell.” The Fusion battle it out at Mustang Stadium at Maple Heights High School, where they practice and play their home games. Again, this is real tackle football. How real? The athletes on these squads play old school “Ironman” football, a concept that would have made John Madden blush. Ironman football is a format men’s leagues from middle school to the NFL have pretty much abandoned since the '60s. American football requires mental and physical toughness, a strong fortitude of mind and body most people regardless of gender don't possess. However, it’s just a part of the game in the WFA and the Fusion’s players have proven they have what it takes. With four playoff appearances in the last five years, the Fusion are a formidable bunch. In 2018, the only thing on this team’s mind is the W Bowl championship trophy which still eludes them. While the Fusion battle for the title, the WFA itself pushes towards it's major goal: increased media coverage. The W Bowl championship is aired on ESPN3, but coverage of women’s football is still limited. The fight for media exposure should eventually get a bit easier with

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the increased interest in women’s sports. Women's football is coming along at a time when women's UFC is getting international recognition, and women’s college and Olympic hockey both receive ample coverage. It stands to reason we will see women’s football infiltrate the NCAA in the near future. Yes, every athlete on any team overcame the odds and fought through adversity. Women in football had to first break down the door and then fight to partake in a sport they were told growing up they weren’t supposed to play. Players like Shanolen Kendall, who

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FUSION C O M M U N I T Y As a member of the Greater Cleveland area, the Fusion are no strangers to community-building initiatives. Since the team's inaugural season, the importance of spreading goodwill off the field has proven to be a major component to the team’s culture. Some of the team’s community efforts are designed to get girls interested in football at a young age. One initiative involves working with Cleveland-area Girl Scouts to present the game of football to the next generation as a legitimate option for young women. The team is also involved in numerous flag football clinics put together in partnership with the NFL. These activities not only promote the team but also deliver the message to the young women of tomorrow looking for a future in football. “We work actively with as many groups as possible in Cleveland to make a Fusion game an affordable, family-friendly event,” General Manager Tom Monachino says, laying out what we can expect in future community outreach contributions from the team. “At our home games this year, we are showcasing youth sports teams from across Northeast Ohio, and we are doing a fundraiser for the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter. We are also beginning to work with businesses to promote diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace, using the Fusion as an example. You’ll find Fusion players volunteering across the area, helping to promote local 501c3’s and the work that they do.” In what will be regarded as the biggest acquisition for the 2018 season, the Fusion landed a major partnership with MetroHealth. This deal will make MetroHealth the primary healthcare provider for members of the team and opens up a bevy of opportunities for building community awareness. This partnership lends major league legitimacy to women’s football in Cleveland and an opportunity to promote health and wellness under the Fusion banner.

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plays on the offensive and defensive line and goes by the nickname BigDawg, know they’re as good as the boys because they played them everyday. “I've been an athlete all my life, thought it was cool to get out there and play with the guys,” Kendall says, explaining that she played football and basketball starting in elementary school. “I tried out for the high school team with the same guys I'd play with in the streets. The coach said they couldn't let a woman play football even though I played raw street football with the guys going hard everyday. So this sport has always been in my blood.” Other players like Tiffany Johnson, who’s seen duty as a center and tight end, gravitate toward football as a means to exercise the competitive spirit they developed in a life of team sports. “I heard about the team from a friend,” Johnson says. “I tried out and made it, which was big for me because I missed being involved in team sports and I missed the competition.” Each player has her own story of how she came to suit up for the Fusion, but they all have lives away from the game. Women of all ages participate, from a 17-year-old running back to a 50-year-old grandmother who helps anchor the offensive and defensive line. They all come from a variety of backgrounds and occupations. One coach is a Cleveland police officer. Another is an engineer. The team brings videographers,

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military personnel, and other types of Clevelanders together, some of whom drive longer than an hour for practices and games. Women's football doesn't exactly pay the bills, but these players have dedicated a part of their busy lives to partaking in and advancing the sport. “Outside of playing football, I work with adults with disabilities and am also a mother of an 8-year old, which is a job in itself,” says Janell Clements, who plays on both lines and at running back. “Fitting football into my life, being an active mom, and working was also hard, but now it's just a part of life.” With that mindset, the Fusion are ready to compete, but the WFA is not solely about winning championships. The league also acts as a talent pool for the NFL. Yes, the WFA is on the NFL’s radar as the league can prepare women for NFL careers. The San Francisco 49ers brought on former Kansas City Titan Katie Sowers as an full-time assistant coach in 2017 after her experience as a player and an internship with the Atlanta Falcons in 2016, a season that would see the Falcons reach the Super Bowl. Former Pittsburgh Passion player Stephanie Balochko has been a part of the Pittsburgh Steelers intern coaching staff for over a year and is regarded as the frontrunner to be the first female head coach in NFL history. The WFA is providing itself the real deal in giving women’s football some serious recognition.

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The Fusion are in an uphill battle for recognition in a city saturated with live sports offerings. While that's part of being in a league that’s simultaneously fighting public perceptions and gender normality, the women of the Fusion are playing a role in changing what people think when they see a football. In the end, perhaps the women grinding it out on the field today will be part of the fabled names that inspire the football dreams of tomorrow's daughters and granddaughters.

Want to support the Cleveland Fusion? Head to clevelandfusion.com to look up their schedule, find ticket prices, and learn more about the team.

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Printing the

Unexpected Cleveland’s zines continue legacy of independence and creativity.

Adam Dodd

rinted by any means necessary, “zines” are exactly what their names intimates: an abbreviated form of magazine. Their modest means of manufacture allow zines to serve as the de facto word on the street in the most visceral, immediate, and ink-stained manner possible.

Whether they’re newsprint, pamphlets, flyers, or booklets, zines take the shape of whatever is most readily available to the public. It’s this direct current from creator to audience that belies the art form’s practicality. There are no publishing houses, board of directors, HR departments, or marketing specialists to dilute what the artist or writer envisions. Zines are an essential conduit between the citizen and their city. Any truth whose travel is staggered across a bottlenecked and sterile evening news report can blister across the pavement when carried across an independent letterhead. It was Cleveland’s poet laureate of the 1960s, d.a. Levy, that exposed a chronic housing

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scandal throughout University Circle. Levy’s anti-establishment zines, the Marihuana Quarterly and the Tibetan Third Class Junkmail Oracle, helped bring multiple city officials to justice for corruption and racial disparity in housing. Pulps with similar pulses for the public still make the rounds on nearby street corners and small shop counters today. Lakewood’s Sleeper Service, aptly billed as “a Cleveland DIY community journal,” offers earnest poetry, stark photography, and unapologetic appraisals toward the state of the city, including a scathing indictment in their second issue, “Detroit Shoreway and the Criminalization of Poverty,” which questions the validity of a string of local forced evictions while accusing city officials of “the same arrogance that led to the Cleveland Museum of Art being founded to ‘civilize the poor’, the same arrogance that leads to the mass public works projects being grounded in concepts of social engineering.” A proto version of Sleeper Service, originally titled The Free, was originally distributed through Guide to Kultur bookstore before the tightknit group of friends and creators retooled their creation. Sleeper Service Co-creator A. Cameron speaks to the newsprint’s current inception.

“The genesis of it came from [co-creators] Mason and Gus and their idea of having something to do,” Cameron says. “We’re all friends and we all have different skills that we bring to the table from editing, graphic design, or understanding poetry.” The versatility in content that Sleeper Service possesses, ably shifting local politics to poetry with a single turn of the page, showcases why the atypical format of most zines own a large portion of their appeal. Far from locked into a single genre, the limits of any zine are as far-reaching as its creator’s purview allows. Emma Shepard’s hilarious, Dr. Seuss-inspired “Oh, The Men You’ll Unfortunately Date Before You Turn 30!” is all but sold out of its first printing. Rightfully so, with choice rhymes like “Now that you’re sober you can’t just glaze over his wind-chime collection and patchouli-esque odor.” Kat Cade’s Fuzz has allowed the creator to become a paper champion to burgeoning local music. Her most recent offering, Terrestrial :: Nebulous, Zines are an is a stunning short-run print that essential conduit “explores photographic abstraction and looks into the otherworldly between the citizen nature of our own planet.”

and their city.

Jacque Beas’ inarguably striking art zine, Sensations, exists within this selfsame gamut. “It focuses on the carnal pleasures and kink related material,” Beas says about her latest offering, which is currently making the rounds at art shows and bookshops around town to swooning reviews. “I am very much about including queer visibility in my work. I like very powerful figures in my work that execute strength and sexuality at the same time but not in a way that is super seductive. I like to take on societal norms and gender norms.” From social activism, music, literature, and visual arts, zines put the means of production squarely in the hands of its creators. It’s a do-or-do-not art form that possesses an inherent blue collar ethos that owes its presence not from benefactors, grants, or vapid social media content generators, but through the sheer will and dedication of its creators. From print shops to basements, the independent presses across Cleveland, Lakewood, and the Heights are alive with the words and images that form and inform your daily life; all you need do is keep turning the page.

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DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T CALL HIM AARON OkPants: The dreadlocks are gone, but the name remains the same. James Brassfield Photography // Anthony Franchino

“OkPants

... Destroy all losers!” The phrase is a call to arms for the one-man graphic art studio OkPants. That one man is Aaron Sechrist, also known as Pants Pantsly. He’d prefer you call him Pants.

The origin of the nickname Pants is not as interesting as Cleveland’s eye-catching, forward-thinking, rebranding monster himself. Pants says that during the early days of his Cleveland Institute Of Art education, “This kid walked up to me apropos of nothing and said ‘your name is Pants.’” At the time, Pants didn’t think a stupid nickname would become a living, but in that moment he’d been given a brand name so strong that he wouldn’t need a business card. Just try and forget the name OkPants.

"This kid walked up to me apropos of nothing and said, ‘your name is Pants.'"

The name is weird, but in the best way. The only time Pants had misgivings about the name was during the assembly of his first professional portfolio. Pants knew the likelihood of not getting meaningful work because of your oddly-named company was high. Providence and corporate checks favor work ethic. With a mantra like “I’m going to be an artist, I’m not waiting tables when I get outta here,” hard work seems easy for Pants. Working on a national stage with massive organizations like Disney, Red Bull, and The Smithsonian starts with producing good work, with oddity providing some of the appeal. Notwithstanding the dedication to craft, Pants’ erudition comes from the long nights and weird stories. Pants channels the experiences and emotions from some years of wild, late-night Cleveland living to create work that feels fiercely new, yet somehow familiar. The creative process is different for all creatives, and Pants tends to disregard the normal practices for a less grid-happy approach. Less grid, more eyelids. His work has an ability to feel as reckless as the Presidency, if the tweets were positive and cool looking. That deviation is the thing that demands you look at the work, like a beautiful car fire. Eyes

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shoot to those kinds of images. It’s no wonder mega corporations, bands, and comedians gladly reach into their coffers to buy the feeling Pants can create.

Blind love for the craft ended up giving Pants the gig he is most proud of: designing promotional posters for Patton Oswalt. Pants took the initiative to create a poster for a show Oswalt had in town. He then offered the venue a few posters to put up out of his pocket. Eventually, Oswalt saw the poster and wanted to meet the artist. Pants would love to say he made those free posters out of a clear vision. In reality, he just wanted to make something he could be proud to see out in the city.

The magic happens while he’s perched at his iPad Pro. Eccentricity combined with determination and a penchant for being cool has made the Pants treatment an asset. Pants isn't moved by the money. “The stuff that pays well never comes "I’m going to be an with stories,” he says. He calls his art “work” artist, I’m not waiting only because he recognizes the value of what tables when I get he produces. Oftentimes, big jobs and recogoutta here." nition come from slaving over the iPad and then giving away your creativity for nothing. That kind of DIY hope is the Pants brand.

Tech Trends

Life with Alexa Dave Skorepa

"So, what...you just talk to it and then what?" asks my hard-ofhearing dad upon seeing our Echo for the first time. "Lexus, do something!" "Dad, it's Alexa." I correct him. He tries again. "Oh-lexit." "UH-LEX-UH. You know what? Nevermind."

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My dad never grasped the device— and even if he did, he wouldn't have been able to hear her respond—but the rest of my family took to her immediately. Of course, the first day with your new Echo is filled with the usual grade school antics of trying to get her to say a dirty word, giving up on that, and just swearing at her directly. The decision to buy an Echo was one I was nervous about. They looked interesting, but I worried about the “always listening” Big Brother device I was inviting into my home. You know what? Screw it. What is the FBI going to do with endless audio of me baby-talking to my dog like an idiot? "Who's a good boy? That's right! You are!" See what I mean? And we didn't just buy the Echo. No sir. This was our big, fun, tech gift for Christmas, so we also got a Dot for every bedroom. Now we have four of these surveillance assistants all over the house. Three months later, not only do I still use it, I freaking love it. Love. It.

When Pants was first making anything on a professional level, the skills he’d crafted in the early 2000s at Cleveland Institute Of Art were almost fully unused. Still, a man has to pay his cellphone and Honda bills. As luck often works, he walked right into a backpage ad job fresh out of school. Luck eventually turned on him when the company was acquired soon after he started. The severance check was cut and spent. Right when Pants was desperate to pay that Honda

Now I constantly have music playing throughout my house. My music. That my kids don't like. Loudly. If they don't become Wu-Tang Clan fans soon, they may end up being someone else's kids. Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) is a timeless classic.

At night, I sleep better because she plays ocean background noise (you can't listen to Wu-Tang all the time).

When I am getting ready in the morning, Alexa reads me my news from NPR. Fox News is an option, but...no.

My daughter thinks her jokes are hilarious (they aren't).

When we cook, she sets our timers. And by we, I mean my wife. Before I go running, she tells me the weather. I don't even look outside first! After dinner, we play Jeopardy so we can feel stupid as a family.

She reminds us all when to wake up in the morning. My teenage kids don't listen, but at least Alexa does her job.

This is the just stuff we use daily. We don't even take full advantage of everything Alexa can do, so my fears of it being an unused novelty appear to be unfounded. Unlike the Apple Watch, Alexa provides something useful that will enhance your life. If you want to fight with me about the Apple Watch, name the time and the place. That thing is pointless.

This article is sponsored by Aztek, a web design, development, and digital marketing agency located in downtown Cleveland. aztekweb.com

bill, another backpage ad gig popped up at the place that acquired his first job but, except this time it was for less money. The road to becoming a nationally-desired commercial artist is plagued with terrible abuse, misuse, and underuse of your skill set. Pants is not like the new art school kids of today. He’s steeped in the art of paper and pen; the old ways of the graphic arts game. He learned his craft right on the cusp of technology changing the format. This allowed him to catch the edges of change in his field, from extinct software and equipment to the iPad Pro. In the transition from paper to computer-based work, there is a loss of something. Technology is known for taking the tactility out of art. Pants says the idea of his creations being almost purely digital is something he’s always seen coming. “Putting ballpoint pen to printer paper is my favorite,” he says. “There’s a feel to it… I don’t know how art school works now.” Is it still art if it’s ones and zeros? Pants thinks so. If you really break down the genesis of an idea, it starts as electrical impulses in your mind. Pants didn't get national recognition by having trouble adapting. Pants showed good judgment to decline desk work in the corporate environment. When you work with a corporation, you have the option not to deal with those people. Pants can schmooze in the sterilized corporate world and still meet you at Hooples. He’s just a guy from Beachwood out making a name for himself. Well, he’s not just out anywhere; he’s right here with us. Pants always has local issues in mind. He was all about rebranding the Cavs look, and the results were very inspiring. He was so far ahead of the Chief Wahoo debacle, his Instagram seems like it’s managed by Nostradamus. He’s also had enough of the Browns, too. He gets us. If Aaron Sechrist never became Pants, do you think he could do what he does now? What if his nickname was AlrightTrousers? He could be in a suit with other dudes hunkered over iPads, trying to finish off something he really hates. Thank god for the boy that was bold enough to walk up to the big guy in cargo shorts and say “Your name is Pants.”

Check out Pants’ work for yourselves online at or on his Instagram okpants.com or @okpants.

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The Cleveland

Bridge War of 1836 The tale of when Ohio City and Cleveland once fought a battle against each other Kevin Naughton Illustrations // Aaron Gelston

here has always been a healthy rivalry between the city’s East and West sides. Playful teasing and jabs made in jest are about as serious as things get these days, but nothing a pitcher of Dortmunder shared over a corned beef sandwich can’t fix. 200 years ago, however, was an entirely different matter. On Halloween in 1836, tensions between the East and West sides boiled over, resulting in an actual battle, complete with muskets and a cannon, fought on what is now the Columbus Street Bridge.

be substantial obstacles, with crossings mostly relegated to ferries or pontoon bridges that were prone to being washed away into the lake. It became clear that a more permanent solution would be needed. The Eastsiders caught of wind of this, though. They weren’t about to let those jealous, undeserving Westsiders move in on their golden goose! They had to act before Ohio City was able to build their river crossing and start eating into Cleveland’s profits. Luckily, they had something the evil Westsiders didn’t: cash, and a whole canal full of it.

The result was the Columbus Street Bridge, which then cost At the beginning of the 19th century, Cleveland and Ohio City were $15,000—an amount that equates to nearly $400,000 these separate municipalities that had only just been days—and became the largest structure built officially recognized as cities. As two of many in Ohio at the time. Meanwhile, Westsiders small, unassuming port towns on Lake Erie, looked with shame at their pathetic pontoon they were rather unremarkable; at the time, bridge on Center Street. they were even smaller than neighboring citOhio City officials ies like Painesville, Madison, and Ashtabula. Perfidious Cleveland had ulterior motives, as the summoned a council There was no cause for major rivalry, and both bridge was deliberately built just south of Ohio of war—yes, an actual Eastsiders and Westsiders coexisted quietly and City in order to divert commercial attention council of war—and an peacefully. away from Ohio City. The Westsiders were livid.

attack was planned.

This all changed when the Erie Canal opened on the east bank of the Cuyahoga River in 1832, making Cleveland the most important shipping center on Lake Erie. The ability to efficiently ship goods inland via the canalway caused Cleveland’s economy and population to explode. Across the river, residents of Ohio City watched with grim envy. Something had to be done if they wanted a slice of Cleveland’s sweet canal pie.

The answer? Bridges! If the Ohio City merchants could just get their goods across the Cuyahoga, they could also use the canal and attract the shipping industry to their side of the river. This was easier said than done, however. In 1836, large rivers like the Cuyahoga proved to

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The Ohio City contingent began to demand a second bridge—their slogan was “Two Bridges Or None!”—specifically one that would replace the makeshift bridge at Center Street, but the Eastsiders were unfazed by some whiny Westside malcontents and decided to escalate the rivalry. One night, city officials ordered the east half of the Center Street Bridge to be dismantled under the cover of darkness. The act was the final straw for the long suffering Westsiders. It was clear that the filthy Eastside tyrants could not be reasoned with. For years, all Ohio City had wanted was access to Cleveland’s commercial market; now it wanted vengeance.

Ohio City gave Cleveland a dose of its own medicine by declaring the Columbus Street Bridge a public nuisance, vowing to remove the grandiose viaduct just as Cleveland had removed their modest Center Street crossing. An explosive charge was detonated under the west side of the bridge, but the damage to the stone support structure was minimal. Next, the city marshall and his deputies dug trenches at the eastern entrance of the bridge, rendering it impassable to vehicles. But this was merely a temporary solution; only the total destruction of the bridge would satisfy the enraged Westsiders. Ohio City officials summoned a council of war—yes, an actual council of war—and an attack was planned. On Oct. 31, 1836, Ohio City carried out full-scale assault on the bridge. A posse of nearly a thousand men, armed with clubs, rocks, and rifles—they brought a lawyer and chaplain just in case things got really hairy—marched to the bridge and began dismantling it. Cleveland reacted quickly, sending the militia to the bridge. They even wheeled an old cannon from the War of 1812 to the edge of the Cuyahoga. A standoff ensued. Shit was about to get real. Cleveland’s first mayor, John W. Willey, tried to reason with the enraged Westsiders, but he was greeted with a volley of rocks for his trouble. He quickly retreated back behind Cleveland’s militiamen. According to the Nov. 1, 1836 edition of The Daily Herald, “The Sheriff commanded them to desist. The command was suffered to pass unheeded. He then ordered the cutting of the tackling with which they were endeavoring to destroy the bridge. In giving this order, he was knocked down by a bludgeon, and taken off the ground.” A skirmish broke out. One heroic Westsider made a name for himself by making a mad dash for the Clevelanders’ cannon and disabling it. Finally, faced with the superior arms and organization of the Cleveland militia, the Westsiders were forced to retreat. According to the same Daily Herald article, “a few firearms were discharged, the mob dispersed, and order was restored. Thus ended the unpleasant affair. Two or three individuals were wounded.” After the battle, armed guards were posted around the clock to prevent the wily Westsiders from making another attempt at destroying the bridge. While Ohio City may have lost the Battle for the Columbus Street Bridge, they ultimately won the war; the old flotilla bridge at Center Street was replaced with a new one that rivaled the glory of the controversial Columbus Street Bridge. The Great Cleveland Bridge War was over. Years passed, fences were mended, and bridges were literally rebuilt. Cleveland eventually annexed Ohio City in 1854, setting their past differences aside and realizing that they worked far better as allies than enemies. Today, the Cuyahoga River is dotted with seemingly countless bridges. As we cross the river with ease on our way to our favorite pubs, The Battle of the Columbus Street Bridge seems like an impossibly distant memory, a testament to our city’s ability to recover from conflict and strife. We Clevelanders can be pretty silly sometimes, but we get it together when it counts most.

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Putting the “High” in Ohio Playing devil’s advocate for the devil’s lettuce. Dan Bernardi in the last presidential election, it's clear that the heart of the state is still red blooded. Whether we like it or not, our veins will course with green as medical marijuana becomes legal in the Buckeye State this September.

WITH 51 PERCENT OF OHIO VOTING REPUBLICAN

Fore/20 Fathers. Perhaps one of the greatest, most patriotic arguments for legalization involves renewing our forefathers 18th century attitude toward it. At the time, “marihuana,” known for its multi-purpose hemp by-product, was a valuable, renewable cash crop, and our founding trailblazers grew our beloved republic out of the very same soil as the now notorious plant. For the strict U.S. constitutionalists out there, there is no mention of pot in the legendary document, meaning the states have the right to decide how to handle it. This is one case where Ohio should probably take a page out of George Washington's handbook and promptly roll one up with it.

Sure, this legislation isn't fully baked and smoking the ganja is still outlawed, but it's only a matter of time before the bud gates open. For the conservative Ohioan, it may be difficult to cope with our country's current reefer revolution. In honor of the underground and soon-to-be national herbaceous holiday 4/20, I thought I'd play devil's advocate for the devil's lettuce and give you a few reasons Now's the time to why legal weed ain't so bad after all.

God's Green Earth. You may or may not believe in God. If not, you're probably fine with legal weed and can feel free to go about your godless existence. If you are a believer who get on board the is unconvinced that pot is an acceptable medicine/party cannabis-infused Stimulus Pack It Up. You may think it's counter intuitive for favor for responsible adults, consider this: no matter what gravy train. a capitalist society to legalize a plant that notoriously turns God you worship, that God put marijuana on our planet. people into free-loving, farm-roaming, hippie deadbeats. In Unlike alcohol, painkillers, and many other widely-used actuality, legal marijuana has proven to be a highly-successful man-made drugs, marijuana is completely natural and has industry. In 2017, Colorado alone made over $1 billion in pot sales. a death toll of roughly zero in the history of Earth—which Now's the time to get on board the cannabis-infused gravy train. It's true some people is somewhere between 6,000 to 4.5 billion years old depending on who you ask. and organizations will lose money... the government, our prison systems, big pharma, lil' That's a pretty good track record, so either we're being dutifully tested for our pharma, and a bunch of greedy special interest folks like the ghost of William Randolph proclivity to sin by way of a benignly evil plant, or God has exceptional taste in Hearst. On the flip side, just think about the increase in Pringles sales. drugs. Which leads me to my final point... Nature’s Discount Drug Mart. One thing we can agree on is that drugs are bad, unless a doctor prescribes otherwise. The government also has to give their seal of approval, so sorry stoners. Marijuana was labeled as a Schedule 1 drug by the Drug Enforcement Agency, meaning it has a strong potential for abuse, is as dangerous as meth or heroin, and has no accepted medical benefits. Some studies disagree, with claims that pot can treat glaucoma, decrease anxiety, relieve arthritis, help with PTSD, prevent cancer... and these are just a few reported benefits. What better excuse can anti-potheads have for embracing pot than the fact that it helps them remain alive and functional long enough to carry out their agenda of abolishing it?

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Have You Tried This Stuff? I know you Ohio; you're no stranger to pot. Let's cut the charade and bring it over the counter. If you’ve never given marijuana a chance— or just didn’t inhale—you should, but I’m one to admit it's not for everybody. Some people will toke up and feel anxious, paranoid, or glued to the couch. Sadly, it won't cure all the sick and dying of their medical ailments, and there will surely be abuse and misuse. But for the rest of us, holy smokes—that's some good shit.

Photos courtesy of Janet Macoska & RRHOF

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Issue 18

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