ctmjbowes@sbcglobal.net Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 NZF you will soon see and experience, if you haven't already, the self-loathing and defeatist negativism that is endemic in the area, really the entire NE Ohio region. The economy has been in a slow motion downward spiral literally since the late 1960s. No exaggeration. NE Ohioans tend to focus on the pro sports teams in Cleveland and consider themselves fans of "major", "big time" teams. I have never understood the OSU thing, as it applies to NE Ohio, but assume that fans who tend to consider themselves fans of the NBA, MLB and NFL teams in Cleveland want to be fans of what is, to them, "big time" college football, hence OSU. Having grown up in Akron I have always hated the OSU thing and OSU as a result, and have the same chip on my shoulder as most Akron fans. Screw OSU and their fans, for sucking at least some of what could be positive energy directed toward our teams, away from us. Still though, part of the apathy of Joe Akron has, I think, something to do with the sense of decline that exists in the area. I lived away from NE Ohio for many years and moved back in 2005. I moved back away a few months ago and can say without a doubt that there exists a constant low level hum, as part of the background noise day in and day out, a negativism and defeatist tone to almost everything that happens in the region. I thank goodness for the university and the the anchor institutions that are still thriving in the Akron area, because without them Akron would have by now gone the way of Flint or Youngstown (take that eguins). Akron is holding its own and I believe that it will eventually transform itself fully into a nice, but small-ish, glorified university town. There are worse things to be for sure, but it could be said that the region is still in a kind of collective mourning over the death of the region as an industrial powerhouse, coupled with a longing for the days when "we" were more relevant and vibrant. You will see and feel all of this the more you are here, the more people you talk with. Keeping these things in mind will help you understand a little bit why things are the way they are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewZipsFan Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 NZF you will soon see and experience, if you haven't already, the self-loathing and defeatist negativism that is endemic in the area, really the entire NE Ohio region. The economy has been in a slow motion downward spiral literally since the late 1960s. No exaggeration. NE Ohioans tend to focus on the pro sports teams in Cleveland and consider themselves fans of "major", "big time" teams. I have never understood the OSU thing, as it applies to NE Ohio, but assume that fans who tend to consider themselves fans of the NBA, MLB and NFL teams in Cleveland want to be fans of what is, to them, "big time" college football, hence OSU. Having grown up in Akron I have always hated the OSU thing and OSU as a result, and have the same chip on my shoulder as most Akron fans. Screw OSU and their fans, for sucking at least some of what could be positive energy directed toward our teams, away from us. Still though, part of the apathy of Joe Akron has, I think, something to do with the sense of decline that exists in the area. I lived away from NE Ohio for many years and moved back in 2005. I moved back away a few months ago and can say without a doubt that there exists a constant low level hum, as part of the background noise day in and day out, a negativism and defeatist tone to almost everything that happens in the region. I thank goodness for the university and the the anchor institutions that are still thriving in the Akron area, because without them Akron would have by now gone the way of Flint or Youngstown (take that eguins). Akron is holding its own and I believe that it will eventually transform itself fully into a nice, but small-ish, glorified university town. There are worse things to be for sure, but it could be said that the region is still in a kind of collective mourning over the death of the region as an industrial powerhouse, coupled with a longing for the days when "we" were more relevant and vibrant. You will see and feel all of this the more you are here, the more people you talk with. Keeping these things in mind will help you understand a little bit why things are the way they are. Thank you for the very well thought-out and descriptive explanation of some of the less than upbeat points of view. Its interesting to me -- because in my short time here, I have really found the people very friendly and helpful -- not disingenuously "hospitable" to my face, and then talking sh*t about me behind my back -- which is oh so common in the South. I haven't encountered apathetic and "defeatist" people in Akron yet. And honestly -- hopefully I won't! Maybe there are enough new people moving in -- and young kids becoming adults - that don't have those chips on their shoulders dating back to the 60's-70's.. Again... as always -- glass half full Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyzip84 Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 Thank you for the very well thought-out and descriptive explanation of some of the less than upbeat points of view. Its interesting to me -- because in my short time here, I have really found the people very friendly and helpful -- not disingenuously "hospitable" to my face, and then talking sh*t about me behind my back -- which is oh so common in the South. I haven't encountered apathetic and "defeatist" people in Akron yet. And honestly -- hopefully I won't! Maybe there are enough new people moving in -- and young kids becoming adults - that don't have those chips on their shoulders dating back to the 60's-70's.. Again... as always -- glass half full Keep that glass half full (at least) Zip football has definitely been through the ringer in the D1 era. That is enough in itself to make it hard for long-time fans to expect even someone as qualified as Coach Bowden to turn things around that quickly. But I disagree with the notion that there's a constant, low-level hum of negativity permiating the area and the people who live here. There is plenty of reason for optimism as UA's 2020 vision unfolds and the city welcomes a new headquarters for Goodyear and a new technical center for Bridgestone (among other highlights). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ctmjbowes@sbcglobal.net Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 Keep that glass half full (at least) Zip football has definitely been through the ringer in the D1 era. That is enough in itself to make it hard for long-time fans to expect even someone as qualified as Coach Bowden to turn things around that quickly. But I disagree with the notion that there's a constant, low-level hum of negativity permiating the area and the people who live here. There is plenty of reason for optimism as UA's 2020 vision unfolds and the city welcomes a new headquarters for Goodyear and a new technical center for Bridgestone (among other highlights). I absolutely agree about the reason for optimism JZ84, and I too LOVE it that NZF has brought so much positivity to the boards. However, I felt a strong generalized negative vibe when we lived in Akron the last few years. Look at the economy, read the stories about the local economy in the papers, read the comments on ABJ stories online, talk to guys at work and it's hard (for me at least) to miss the negativism. Look at the time on market for homes and talk with real estate agents about the local market. I do believe that the area can and should shine again and hope that the economy will come storming back in the next decade. There is no doubt that Akron and surrounding areas have done better than many similar cities in the region and for that I thank UA, Summa and the corporate anchors that are still going strong. I do believe that some of the apathy that Joe Akron feels for the Zips is related to the local economy and negative associations made with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewZipsFan Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 I absolutely agree about the reason for optimism JZ84, and I too LOVE it that NZF has brought so much positivity to the boards. However, I felt a strong generalized negative vibe when we lived in Akron the last few years. Look at the economy, read the stories about the local economy in the papers, read the comments on ABJ stories online, talk to guys at work and it's hard (for me at least) to miss the negativism. Look at the time on market for homes and talk with real estate agents about the local market. I do believe that the area can and should shine again and hope that the economy will come storming back in the next decade. There is no doubt that Akron and surrounding areas have done better than many similar cities in the region and for that I thank UA, Summa and the corporate anchors that are still going strong. I do believe that some of the apathy that Joe Akron feels for the Zips is related to the local economy and negative associations made with it. You want to talk about a BAD real estate market? Try living in Florida for the past 6-7 years or so.... Home values dropped 30-50% (or more!). I have several friends in the real estate business and it has been almost insurmountable. I think things have stabilized -- but the bad economy/real estate downturn, etc. as we all know has been a nationwide problem. Not going to get into politics, here, however! I've got enough problems already As a newcomer -- and I have yet to really venture too far out -- and haven't had the time to meet tons of people, but what I have seen is a pretty cool city, with some very vibrant areas -- some incredibly beautiful older neighborhoods, good shopping, good restaurants, an awesome little airport (not too big, not too small.... just right).. and from the little I have seen of the Akron campus - I would have no qualms whatsoever sending my kid there in a few years. I understand that the campus used to be "open" (streets going through it) - and I can see what a great move it was to close it off, and really turn it into a campus. The student rec center is just crazy! But will someone please tell me WHAT IS UP WITH THAT BRIDGE ATTACHED TO THE JAR THAT GOES NOWHERE??? Were they planning like a tunnel underground that would connect a lot of the buildings or something? I cannot for the life of me figure out what its doing there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewZipsFan Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 I absolutely agree about the reason for optimism JZ84, and I too LOVE it that NZF has brought so much positivity to the boards. However, I felt a strong generalized negative vibe when we lived in Akron the last few years. Look at the economy, read the stories about the local economy in the papers, read the comments on ABJ stories online, talk to guys at work and it's hard (for me at least) to miss the negativism. Look at the time on market for homes and talk with real estate agents about the local market. I do believe that the area can and should shine again and hope that the economy will come storming back in the next decade. There is no doubt that Akron and surrounding areas have done better than many similar cities in the region and for that I thank UA, Summa and the corporate anchors that are still going strong. I do believe that some of the apathy that Joe Akron feels for the Zips is related to the local economy and negative associations made with it. You want to talk about a BAD real estate market? Try living in Florida for the past 6-7 years or so.... Home values dropped 30-50% (or more!). I have several friends in the real estate business and it has been almost insurmountable. I think things have stabilized -- but the bad economy/real estate downturn, etc. as we all know has been a nationwide problem. Not going to get into politics, here, however! I've got enough problems already As a newcomer -- and I have yet to really venture too far out -- and haven't had the time to meet tons of people, but what I have seen is a pretty cool city, with some very vibrant areas -- some incredibly beautiful older neighborhoods, good shopping, good restaurants, an awesome little airport (not too big, not too small.... just right).. and from the little I have seen of the Akron campus - I would have no qualms whatsoever sending my kid there in a few years. I understand that the campus used to be "open" (streets going through it) - and I can see what a great move it was to close it off, and really turn it into a campus. The student rec center is just crazy! But will someone please tell me WHAT IS UP WITH THAT BRIDGE ATTACHED TO THE JAR THAT GOES NOWHERE??? Were they planning like a tunnel underground that would connect a lot of the buildings or something? I cannot for the life of me figure out what its doing there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kangaroo Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 But will someone please tell me WHAT IS UP WITH THAT BRIDGE ATTACHED TO THE JAR THAT GOES NOWHERE??? Were they planning like a tunnel underground that would connect a lot of the buildings or something? I cannot for the life of me figure out what its doing there. It formerly connected to Memorial Hall, which was demolished around 1 year ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewZipsFan Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 It formerly connected to Memorial Hall, which was demolished around 1 year ago. Are there plans to do something else with it? Why would they leave it there if they demolished the building it was attached to? Thanks for the info, though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zippy5 Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 No one showed NZF the underground campus yet?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZachTheZip Posted February 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 No one showed NZF the underground campus yet?? No one was supposed to know about that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZachTheZip Posted February 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 Are there plans to do something else with it? Why would they leave it there if they demolished the building it was attached to? Thanks for the info, though Because the bridge is a part of the JAR, and Memorial (which the JAR replaced as our primary sports arena) was retrofitted to connect to it. We only wanted to tear down Memorial, and that's all we did. There were plans to put a new College of Education building in that spot, but they were put on hold due to a lack of funding and significant delays caused by the original demolition crew bungling the job. The plan was to have the bridge connect to the new building, and I assume that is still the case when it eventually gets done (This sounds like a job for VP Tressel, who earned his Masters degree from the very same College of Education that we're trying to build a new home for). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zipmeister Posted February 17, 2012 Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 No one was supposed to know about that! If you guys keep talking about it, he's going to figure out how to get down there. Now ssshhhhhhhhh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewZipsFan Posted February 17, 2012 Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 If you guys keep talking about it, he's going to figure out how to get down there. Now ssshhhhhhhhh. One can only imagine what actually goes on "down there"... Must be that super secret society comprised of guys named Joe Akron or something Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottditzen Posted February 17, 2012 Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 Joe Akron is a dumb hick. One can only imagine what actually goes on "down there"... Must be that super secret society comprised of guys named Joe Akron or something Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zippy5 Posted February 17, 2012 Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 We put a lot of effort into getting one guy to care about us. Hopefully he has some friends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zipmeister Posted February 18, 2012 Report Share Posted February 18, 2012 We put a lot of effort into getting one guy to care about us. Hopefully he has some friends. I think s/he may, and several of them may be new to the Zips athletic department. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyzip84 Posted February 21, 2012 Report Share Posted February 21, 2012 Return trip to Orlando next year in question? I wouldn't mind at all upsetting UCF to start the Bowden era off right AND having our FSU buddies help us out by picking up the UCF game next year, leaving the Zips to maybe add a home game instead. If UCF had to pull out of the 2013 game (I can understand them jumping at the chance to play the Noles in Jax), I would think UA would get some compensation. It's something to keep an eye on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyzip84 Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 Return trip to Orlando next year in question? I'll answer my own question: Probably not (in question) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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