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CARE Party of Oak Park

2012-03-23T15:15:20Z

JeanneLanz: /* Animal Welfare */

The '''CARE Party of Oak Park''' (Citizens Active for Respect for the Environment) had its founding in 1985 in Oak Park, [[Illinois]]. From 1989 until the current date, its president has been [[Les Golden]]. Under his direction, CARE has achieved numerous environmental successes, including the ban of pesticides, conservation of water and paper, reform of garbage collection, preservation of trees, landscaping, and the election of numerous individuals to positions on various boards to legislate such concerns.<ref> (2001) Golden, Les, “It’s not easy being green, but here are some ideas”, ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', April 11, p. 40</ref>

==Political Activity==
===Political Candidates===
[[File: LesGoldenNotEasyBeingGreen.jpg|thumb|left|175px|<small> One of the leading environmentalist spokesmen and activists in Illinois, Les Golden as President of the CARE party in Oak Park, Illinois, secured the election of a majority on the Park Board which on their first day in office banned pesticides in the parks and recreation centers.</small>]]
Dr. [[Les Golden]] of Oak Park, Illinois, has directed successful candidacies for nearly 10 people and has slated dozens, all with a focus on environmental issues. He has also run as a candidate for the park board to bring forward environmental concerns. These include Francis "Bud" Corry, who became president of the park board, Christine Comer, who became president of the park board, Barbara Jepsen (park board), David Ristau (high school board), Steve Robinson (village board), George Doherty (township board), Gary Johnson (library board), Bruce Samuels (library board), and others.

===Save the Pedestrian Mall===
In 2005, Les Golden organized a movement to save the dozens of trees, hundreds of bushes, and numerous floral gardens on the Marion Street Pedestrian Mall from destruction from the plan to put in a street and destroy the pedestrian mall. One of the political parties adopted his position as its major platform which led to a ban on future streeting of pedestrian areas.

===Green Building Design===
Dr. Golden has had a leadership role in large-scale commercial development as principal of Holley Court Partners. His proposal features green technology, including LEED, a rooftop garden, and internal recycling.<ref>http://www.oak-park.us/public/pdfs/Planning/Harlem_South/2006%20RFP%20Responses/09.26.06_Holley%20Court%20Partners.pdf</ref>

===The $100,000 “Trees: Our Natural Infrastructure for the Environment” Challenge===
On January 1, 2010 Dr. Golden announced a program to raise $100,000 to inoculate trees against Dutch Elm disease. Elm trees require inoculation every three years to prevent the devastation of this disease, but governments prefer to cut down diseased trees rather than prevent their demise. In his press release, Dr. Golden wrote: “One of the most effective means that the individual can do to prevent global warming is to secure the lives of trees, the natural cooling infrastructure of the Earth. Each moderate size tree has the cooling capacity of dozens of air conditioners. Trees provide habitat for animals, both in their canopy and in their root structure, food, natural mulch, and prevent water run-off. The longest living and largest of all of nature’s creatures, we should devote ourselves to saving trees.”

Dr. Golden seeded the “Trees, Our Natural Infrastructure for the Environment” or “TONE” program with $5,000 of his own money. Each Arbor Day, Dr. Golden and his volunteers in the CARE Party place exhibits in the parks and raise money to reach the $100,000 goal. Once achieved, it will provide a lasting fund to pay for the inoculation of all village trees against Dutch elm disease.

==Ban on Pesticides==
===Ban Put in Place===
In 1991, as the president of the CARE party (Citizens Active for Respect for the Environment), the local environmental group, he slated and led the campaigns of three individuals who won election. On the first day in office in April 1991 they banned pesticides in the parks of Oak Park. For years a group of women in town had been writing letters and giving speeches to ban pesticides, to no avail. Dr. Golden knew the only way to achieve this was to get control of the park board, which he did. The ban remains in effect to this day! Before the ban, dogs had died of ingesting pesticides and kids who had crawled in the grass were developing intestinal problems. Dr. Golden wrote about organizing school kids to pick the weeds instead, which received widespread accolades in the local press.<ref>Linden, Eric (1991), “’Dandelion Dig’ idea blooming,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', May 29, p. 7</ref>

===Weed Picking and Green Committee===
The idea was slow in becoming reality. After periodic lobbying of the park district by Golden and the members of the CARE party over many years, however, the creation of a Green Committee by the park district in 2008 has finally formalized Golden’s proposal and made weed picking rather than pesticides the practice at every park in the village. The practice has now been adopted as well by neighboring towns.

==Tree Activism==
===Educating Against Volcano Mulching===
[[File: LesGoldenParksCandidacy.jpg|thumb|right|225px|<small> As a candidate for the Oak Park Park District, Les Golden suggested an imaginative use for a local park.</small>]]
With the onslaught of Dutch elm disease, the village plants new parkway trees. But the landscapers “volcano mulch” the newly planted trees for appearance sake and this leads to root-bound trees which then die prematurely. Dr. Golden in 2009 led a movement which led to the Boy Scouts in Oak Park being recruited and instructed in proper mulching and their properly mulching all the newly planted parkway trees in the village.

===Saving Old Growth Trees===
In about 1998, Dr. Golden discovered that all the trees around a parking lot were to be destroyed. He organized the local parents and their children, and notified the Chicago television media to cover the protest. Diann Burns of ABC Channel 7 famously reported, "Why don't they just move the fence?!"

In 2007, Dr. Golden discovered that all the old growth trees in a park in Oak Park were to be destroyed for a ball field. He contacted the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, organized a rally on two days notice, arranged for the Chicago Tribune, Chicago t.v. stations, and the local media to be present, had speakers including the Green Party candidate for governor appear, and in an emergency meeting the Department of Natural Resources forced the local park district to save many of the trees slated for destruction.<ref>http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-11-24/news/0411240206_1_new-trees-oak-park-district-mulberry-trees</ref><ref>Dwyer, Bill (2007), “Tree Fury at Field,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', July 10, p. 1; http://www.oakpark.com/News/Articles/07-10-2007/Tree_fury_at_Field</ref><ref>Noel, Josh (2007), “Oak Park tree-removal plan heads for debate,” ''Chicago Tribune'', July 12, p. 7; http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2007-07-19/news/0707181717_1_trees-park-renovation-plan</ref><ref>(2004) http://www.oakparkjournal.com/2007/2007-Field-Park-ralley-July-8th-2pm.html</ref>

===Prevention of Deforestation===
Another tree-lined park in Oak Park was to be deforested as part of “development.” Dr. Golden organized a movement to save the trees in that park, and they have now been preserved as part of the redesign.

===Organization of Neighborhoods===
He has for many years organized neighbors to pay for preventative treatment of elm trees against Dutch Elm disease and ash trees against Emerald borer-born disease and this has led to the saving of many trees in Oak Park. The village provides no money for such preventative measure.

==Water Quality==
The village had intermittently published a “water quality” pamplet, which was poorly written and poorly organized. Dr. Golden suggested that it be done annually and commented in the newspapers about the amateur quality of the pamphlet. It is now published annually with a very professional presentation.

==Landscaping and Conservation of Resources==
===Bushes===
When another park was developed, Dr. Golden lobbied the contractors and the park district to save the dozens of flowering bushes and to make them available for homeowners to plant in their gardens. He obtained the services of landscapers for no charge and those bushes now thrive surrounding numerous homes in the area. This also saves ground water.

===Sod Distribution===
Each Fall, the park district resods worn portions of soccer and baseball fields. Les Golden met with park district officials and arranged an annual “Sod Distribution Week” during which the trimmings are made available to homeowners for use in their lawns rather than driven to landfills.

==Bird Kill and Road Kill==
===Bird Kill===
The new library was built with a façade of glass windows, which led to massive bird kill. Dr. Golden brought this to the attention of the public and the library installed shields that the birds view as an obstruction and the bird kill has ceased.

===Road Kill===
Dr. Golden has organized a “road kill” brigade. For years, he has written a column each fall and each spring asking motorists to slow down and “stop the roadkill.” He regularly monitors the busy streets and picks up the roadkill and brings it to the proper location for disposal. This prevents other critters from going onto the road and trying to eat the kill and getting killed themselves. He is currently lobbying the village to place speed bumps on the streets next to the forest preserves where many critters live.<ref> Golden, Les (2002), “All it would take is a fence to keep critters alive,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', June 12, p. 41</ref><ref>Golden, Les (2000), “Les ‘Cut the Roadkill’ Golden says, Slow Down!”, ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', April 19, p. 25</ref>

==Animal Welfare==
Believing that the Earth belongs to all its creatures, Dr. Golden writes frequently about animal welfare and is an activist on their behalf. This includes combating dog fighting, incarceration of large mammals in zoos, wildlife advocacy, and animal rehabilitation facilities.<ref>Golden, Leslie M. (2005), “Elephant deaths are a matter of physics,” ''Chicago Sun-Times'', January 28, p. 24</ref><ref>(2000) “Trailside needs a champion,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'' (editorial), November 1, p. 32</ref><ref>Vincent, Ed (2002), “The Lost Chukar,” http://www.suburbanjournals.com/Stories2002/Lost-Chukar-Returned-Home-2002.html, August 10</ref><ref>http://www.elephantinformation.com/CEMENT%20FLOORING%20or%20HARD%20DIRT%20GROUND.htm </ref><ref>Golden, Les (2000), “Hey, Sylvestri, save our furry and feathered friends,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', October 25, p. 34</ref><ref>Little, Rebecca and Trainor, Ken (2000) “Silvestri responds to Golden, Trailside,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', November 1, p. 2</ref>
<ref>Golden, Les “Let’s Save the Dogs” Golden (2002), “Ask politicians to make dog fighting a felony,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', May 22, p. 32; (2008) </ref><ref> “Inside Report: Les ‘Cut the coyotes a break’ Golden,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', January 23, p. 5</ref>

==Toxic Chemical Removal==
In 2008, Dr. Golden, who has degrees in engineering as well as astronomy, observed children in the park playing with a large bucket of the extremely toxic construction chemical crystalline silica. It had been left by workmen outside a daycare center in the park. After receiving no aide from municipal officials, Dr. Golden took matters into his own hands and at his own health risk removed the bucket, covered it up, and drove it to the local waste management site for proper disposal.

==Intergovernmental Cooperation in Environment==
===Government Mulch===
Around ten years ago, Dr. Golden suggested that the chipped up mulch from dead parkway trees be used in the parks and school grounds for landscaping rather than driven to landfills, with the waste of gas and associated pollution. He contacted the school district, the park district, and the village and organized them to cooperate to make this their policy.<ref>“Oak Park Environmentalist Persuades School to Save Taxpayer Dollars, Intergovernmental Cooperation the Key to Recycling Dutch Elm Mulch,” www.oakparkjournal.com/stories2004/2005-les-golden-mulch-nov.html</ref>

===Citizen Mulch===
When a tree in his neighborhood is cut down (usually for Dutch elm disease), Dr. Golden by himself or with the help of neighbors, contacts the neighbors to see if they want the chipped up remains. He then carries bushels of chipped mulch to the homes and lays down the material. This saves the gas of the trucks carrying the chips to landfills and provides material for mulching trees and landscaping.

==Water Conservation and Waste Reduction==
===Water Reduction===
When the park was installing a splash pad, Dr. Golden argued that a mechanical on-off switch would lead to massive waste of water and persuaded the park district to install an electric eye switch so that water would be used only when kids were in the splash pad area. He estimated this saves 3 million gallons of fresh water every summer season.

===Saving Newsletter Waste===
Over a period of years, Dr. Golden wrote letters and spoke to the various elected boards in Oak Park about the need to save trees by combining newsletters. As a result of his efforts, the library and the grammar school district combined their newsletters with that of the municipal government.

===Waste Reduction===
He lobbied the village to provide two sizes of garbage cans with different monthly fees to encourage recycling. The village finally instituted this policy. He is now working with the village to provide composting for vegetable kitchen waste.

===Political Lawn Sign Recycling===
He has consistently lobbied against the use of political lawn signs during election cycles. After the polls are closed, he contacts the schools, churches, and other polling places to gather the yard signs. He also has organized volunteers to walk the neighborhoods to pick up yard signs. He then delivers the yard signs and their metal spines to orphanages, schools, and libraries for use by children for art and architecture projects.

==References==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:1; column-count:1;">
<references />
</div>

==Categories==
[[Category:Academia]]
[[Category:American academics]]
[[Category:American actor-politicians]]
[[Category:American environmentalists]]
[[Category:American essayists]]
[[Category:American non-fiction writers]]
[[Category:Politics]]
[[Category:Political slogans]]
[[Category:Research]]

CARE Party of Oak Park

2012-03-23T15:13:31Z

JeanneLanz: /* Ban Put in Place */

The '''CARE Party of Oak Park''' (Citizens Active for Respect for the Environment) had its founding in 1985 in Oak Park, [[Illinois]]. From 1989 until the current date, its president has been [[Les Golden]]. Under his direction, CARE has achieved numerous environmental successes, including the ban of pesticides, conservation of water and paper, reform of garbage collection, preservation of trees, landscaping, and the election of numerous individuals to positions on various boards to legislate such concerns.<ref> (2001) Golden, Les, “It’s not easy being green, but here are some ideas”, ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', April 11, p. 40</ref>

==Political Activity==
===Political Candidates===
[[File: LesGoldenNotEasyBeingGreen.jpg|thumb|left|175px|<small> One of the leading environmentalist spokesmen and activists in Illinois, Les Golden as President of the CARE party in Oak Park, Illinois, secured the election of a majority on the Park Board which on their first day in office banned pesticides in the parks and recreation centers.</small>]]
Dr. [[Les Golden]] of Oak Park, Illinois, has directed successful candidacies for nearly 10 people and has slated dozens, all with a focus on environmental issues. He has also run as a candidate for the park board to bring forward environmental concerns. These include Francis "Bud" Corry, who became president of the park board, Christine Comer, who became president of the park board, Barbara Jepsen (park board), David Ristau (high school board), Steve Robinson (village board), George Doherty (township board), Gary Johnson (library board), Bruce Samuels (library board), and others.

===Save the Pedestrian Mall===
In 2005, Les Golden organized a movement to save the dozens of trees, hundreds of bushes, and numerous floral gardens on the Marion Street Pedestrian Mall from destruction from the plan to put in a street and destroy the pedestrian mall. One of the political parties adopted his position as its major platform which led to a ban on future streeting of pedestrian areas.

===Green Building Design===
Dr. Golden has had a leadership role in large-scale commercial development as principal of Holley Court Partners. His proposal features green technology, including LEED, a rooftop garden, and internal recycling.<ref>http://www.oak-park.us/public/pdfs/Planning/Harlem_South/2006%20RFP%20Responses/09.26.06_Holley%20Court%20Partners.pdf</ref>

===The $100,000 “Trees: Our Natural Infrastructure for the Environment” Challenge===
On January 1, 2010 Dr. Golden announced a program to raise $100,000 to inoculate trees against Dutch Elm disease. Elm trees require inoculation every three years to prevent the devastation of this disease, but governments prefer to cut down diseased trees rather than prevent their demise. In his press release, Dr. Golden wrote: “One of the most effective means that the individual can do to prevent global warming is to secure the lives of trees, the natural cooling infrastructure of the Earth. Each moderate size tree has the cooling capacity of dozens of air conditioners. Trees provide habitat for animals, both in their canopy and in their root structure, food, natural mulch, and prevent water run-off. The longest living and largest of all of nature’s creatures, we should devote ourselves to saving trees.”

Dr. Golden seeded the “Trees, Our Natural Infrastructure for the Environment” or “TONE” program with $5,000 of his own money. Each Arbor Day, Dr. Golden and his volunteers in the CARE Party place exhibits in the parks and raise money to reach the $100,000 goal. Once achieved, it will provide a lasting fund to pay for the inoculation of all village trees against Dutch elm disease.

==Ban on Pesticides==
===Ban Put in Place===
In 1991, as the president of the CARE party (Citizens Active for Respect for the Environment), the local environmental group, he slated and led the campaigns of three individuals who won election. On the first day in office in April 1991 they banned pesticides in the parks of Oak Park. For years a group of women in town had been writing letters and giving speeches to ban pesticides, to no avail. Dr. Golden knew the only way to achieve this was to get control of the park board, which he did. The ban remains in effect to this day! Before the ban, dogs had died of ingesting pesticides and kids who had crawled in the grass were developing intestinal problems. Dr. Golden wrote about organizing school kids to pick the weeds instead, which received widespread accolades in the local press.<ref>Linden, Eric (1991), “’Dandelion Dig’ idea blooming,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', May 29, p. 7</ref>

===Weed Picking and Green Committee===
The idea was slow in becoming reality. After periodic lobbying of the park district by Golden and the members of the CARE party over many years, however, the creation of a Green Committee by the park district in 2008 has finally formalized Golden’s proposal and made weed picking rather than pesticides the practice at every park in the village. The practice has now been adopted as well by neighboring towns.

==Tree Activism==
===Educating Against Volcano Mulching===
[[File: LesGoldenParksCandidacy.jpg|thumb|right|225px|<small> As a candidate for the Oak Park Park District, Les Golden suggested an imaginative use for a local park.</small>]]
With the onslaught of Dutch elm disease, the village plants new parkway trees. But the landscapers “volcano mulch” the newly planted trees for appearance sake and this leads to root-bound trees which then die prematurely. Dr. Golden in 2009 led a movement which led to the Boy Scouts in Oak Park being recruited and instructed in proper mulching and their properly mulching all the newly planted parkway trees in the village.

===Saving Old Growth Trees===
In about 1998, Dr. Golden discovered that all the trees around a parking lot were to be destroyed. He organized the local parents and their children, and notified the Chicago television media to cover the protest. Diann Burns of ABC Channel 7 famously reported, "Why don't they just move the fence?!"

In 2007, Dr. Golden discovered that all the old growth trees in a park in Oak Park were to be destroyed for a ball field. He contacted the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, organized a rally on two days notice, arranged for the Chicago Tribune, Chicago t.v. stations, and the local media to be present, had speakers including the Green Party candidate for governor appear, and in an emergency meeting the Department of Natural Resources forced the local park district to save many of the trees slated for destruction.<ref>http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-11-24/news/0411240206_1_new-trees-oak-park-district-mulberry-trees</ref><ref>Dwyer, Bill (2007), “Tree Fury at Field,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', July 10, p. 1; http://www.oakpark.com/News/Articles/07-10-2007/Tree_fury_at_Field</ref><ref>Noel, Josh (2007), “Oak Park tree-removal plan heads for debate,” ''Chicago Tribune'', July 12, p. 7; http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2007-07-19/news/0707181717_1_trees-park-renovation-plan</ref><ref>(2004) http://www.oakparkjournal.com/2007/2007-Field-Park-ralley-July-8th-2pm.html</ref>

===Prevention of Deforestation===
Another tree-lined park in Oak Park was to be deforested as part of “development.” Dr. Golden organized a movement to save the trees in that park, and they have now been preserved as part of the redesign.

===Organization of Neighborhoods===
He has for many years organized neighbors to pay for preventative treatment of elm trees against Dutch Elm disease and ash trees against Emerald borer-born disease and this has led to the saving of many trees in Oak Park. The village provides no money for such preventative measure.

==Water Quality==
The village had intermittently published a “water quality” pamplet, which was poorly written and poorly organized. Dr. Golden suggested that it be done annually and commented in the newspapers about the amateur quality of the pamphlet. It is now published annually with a very professional presentation.

==Landscaping and Conservation of Resources==
===Bushes===
When another park was developed, Dr. Golden lobbied the contractors and the park district to save the dozens of flowering bushes and to make them available for homeowners to plant in their gardens. He obtained the services of landscapers for no charge and those bushes now thrive surrounding numerous homes in the area. This also saves ground water.

===Sod Distribution===
Each Fall, the park district resods worn portions of soccer and baseball fields. Les Golden met with park district officials and arranged an annual “Sod Distribution Week” during which the trimmings are made available to homeowners for use in their lawns rather than driven to landfills.

==Bird Kill and Road Kill==
===Bird Kill===
The new library was built with a façade of glass windows, which led to massive bird kill. Dr. Golden brought this to the attention of the public and the library installed shields that the birds view as an obstruction and the bird kill has ceased.

===Road Kill===
Dr. Golden has organized a “road kill” brigade. For years, he has written a column each fall and each spring asking motorists to slow down and “stop the roadkill.” He regularly monitors the busy streets and picks up the roadkill and brings it to the proper location for disposal. This prevents other critters from going onto the road and trying to eat the kill and getting killed themselves. He is currently lobbying the village to place speed bumps on the streets next to the forest preserves where many critters live.<ref> Golden, Les (2002), “All it would take is a fence to keep critters alive,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', June 12, p. 41</ref><ref>Golden, Les (2000), “Les ‘Cut the Roadkill’ Golden says, Slow Down!”, ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', April 19, p. 25</ref>

==Animal Welfare==
Believing that the Earth belongs to all its creatures, Dr. Golden writes frequently about animal welfare and is an activist on their behalf. This includes combating dog fighting, incarceration of large mammals in zoos, wildlife advocacy, and animal rehabilitation facilities.<ref>Golden, Leslie M. (2005), “Elephant deaths are a matter of physics,” ''Chicago Sun-Times'', January 28, p. 24</ref><ref>(2000) “Trailside needs a champion,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'' (editorial), November 1, p. 32</ref><ref>Vincent, Ed (2002), “The Lost Chukar,” http://www.suburbanjournals.com/Stories2002/Lost-Chukar-Returned-Home-2002.html, August 10</ref><ref>http://www.elephantinformation.com/CEMENT%20FLOORING%20or%20HARD%20DIRT%20GROUND.htm </ref><ref>Golden, Les (2000), “Hey, Sylvestri, save our furry and feathered friends,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', October 25, p. 34</ref><ref>Little, Rebecca and Trainor, Ken (2000) “Silvestri responds to Golden, Trailside,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', November 1, p. 2</ref>
<ref>Golden, Les “Let’s Save the Dogs” Golden (2002), “Ask politicians to make dog fighting a felony,” May 22, p. 32; (2008) </ref><ref> “Inside Report: Les ‘Cut the coyotes a break’ Golden,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', January 23, p. 5</ref>

==Toxic Chemical Removal==
In 2008, Dr. Golden, who has degrees in engineering as well as astronomy, observed children in the park playing with a large bucket of the extremely toxic construction chemical crystalline silica. It had been left by workmen outside a daycare center in the park. After receiving no aide from municipal officials, Dr. Golden took matters into his own hands and at his own health risk removed the bucket, covered it up, and drove it to the local waste management site for proper disposal.

==Intergovernmental Cooperation in Environment==
===Government Mulch===
Around ten years ago, Dr. Golden suggested that the chipped up mulch from dead parkway trees be used in the parks and school grounds for landscaping rather than driven to landfills, with the waste of gas and associated pollution. He contacted the school district, the park district, and the village and organized them to cooperate to make this their policy.<ref>“Oak Park Environmentalist Persuades School to Save Taxpayer Dollars, Intergovernmental Cooperation the Key to Recycling Dutch Elm Mulch,” www.oakparkjournal.com/stories2004/2005-les-golden-mulch-nov.html</ref>

===Citizen Mulch===
When a tree in his neighborhood is cut down (usually for Dutch elm disease), Dr. Golden by himself or with the help of neighbors, contacts the neighbors to see if they want the chipped up remains. He then carries bushels of chipped mulch to the homes and lays down the material. This saves the gas of the trucks carrying the chips to landfills and provides material for mulching trees and landscaping.

==Water Conservation and Waste Reduction==
===Water Reduction===
When the park was installing a splash pad, Dr. Golden argued that a mechanical on-off switch would lead to massive waste of water and persuaded the park district to install an electric eye switch so that water would be used only when kids were in the splash pad area. He estimated this saves 3 million gallons of fresh water every summer season.

===Saving Newsletter Waste===
Over a period of years, Dr. Golden wrote letters and spoke to the various elected boards in Oak Park about the need to save trees by combining newsletters. As a result of his efforts, the library and the grammar school district combined their newsletters with that of the municipal government.

===Waste Reduction===
He lobbied the village to provide two sizes of garbage cans with different monthly fees to encourage recycling. The village finally instituted this policy. He is now working with the village to provide composting for vegetable kitchen waste.

===Political Lawn Sign Recycling===
He has consistently lobbied against the use of political lawn signs during election cycles. After the polls are closed, he contacts the schools, churches, and other polling places to gather the yard signs. He also has organized volunteers to walk the neighborhoods to pick up yard signs. He then delivers the yard signs and their metal spines to orphanages, schools, and libraries for use by children for art and architecture projects.

==References==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:1; column-count:1;">
<references />
</div>

==Categories==
[[Category:Academia]]
[[Category:American academics]]
[[Category:American actor-politicians]]
[[Category:American environmentalists]]
[[Category:American essayists]]
[[Category:American non-fiction writers]]
[[Category:Politics]]
[[Category:Political slogans]]
[[Category:Research]]

CARE Party of Oak Park

2012-03-23T15:12:31Z

JeanneLanz: /* Ban on Pesticides */

The '''CARE Party of Oak Park''' (Citizens Active for Respect for the Environment) had its founding in 1985 in Oak Park, [[Illinois]]. From 1989 until the current date, its president has been [[Les Golden]]. Under his direction, CARE has achieved numerous environmental successes, including the ban of pesticides, conservation of water and paper, reform of garbage collection, preservation of trees, landscaping, and the election of numerous individuals to positions on various boards to legislate such concerns.<ref> (2001) Golden, Les, “It’s not easy being green, but here are some ideas”, ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', April 11, p. 40</ref>

==Political Activity==
===Political Candidates===
[[File: LesGoldenNotEasyBeingGreen.jpg|thumb|left|175px|<small> One of the leading environmentalist spokesmen and activists in Illinois, Les Golden as President of the CARE party in Oak Park, Illinois, secured the election of a majority on the Park Board which on their first day in office banned pesticides in the parks and recreation centers.</small>]]
Dr. [[Les Golden]] of Oak Park, Illinois, has directed successful candidacies for nearly 10 people and has slated dozens, all with a focus on environmental issues. He has also run as a candidate for the park board to bring forward environmental concerns. These include Francis "Bud" Corry, who became president of the park board, Christine Comer, who became president of the park board, Barbara Jepsen (park board), David Ristau (high school board), Steve Robinson (village board), George Doherty (township board), Gary Johnson (library board), Bruce Samuels (library board), and others.

===Save the Pedestrian Mall===
In 2005, Les Golden organized a movement to save the dozens of trees, hundreds of bushes, and numerous floral gardens on the Marion Street Pedestrian Mall from destruction from the plan to put in a street and destroy the pedestrian mall. One of the political parties adopted his position as its major platform which led to a ban on future streeting of pedestrian areas.

===Green Building Design===
Dr. Golden has had a leadership role in large-scale commercial development as principal of Holley Court Partners. His proposal features green technology, including LEED, a rooftop garden, and internal recycling.<ref>http://www.oak-park.us/public/pdfs/Planning/Harlem_South/2006%20RFP%20Responses/09.26.06_Holley%20Court%20Partners.pdf</ref>

===The $100,000 “Trees: Our Natural Infrastructure for the Environment” Challenge===
On January 1, 2010 Dr. Golden announced a program to raise $100,000 to inoculate trees against Dutch Elm disease. Elm trees require inoculation every three years to prevent the devastation of this disease, but governments prefer to cut down diseased trees rather than prevent their demise. In his press release, Dr. Golden wrote: “One of the most effective means that the individual can do to prevent global warming is to secure the lives of trees, the natural cooling infrastructure of the Earth. Each moderate size tree has the cooling capacity of dozens of air conditioners. Trees provide habitat for animals, both in their canopy and in their root structure, food, natural mulch, and prevent water run-off. The longest living and largest of all of nature’s creatures, we should devote ourselves to saving trees.”

Dr. Golden seeded the “Trees, Our Natural Infrastructure for the Environment” or “TONE” program with $5,000 of his own money. Each Arbor Day, Dr. Golden and his volunteers in the CARE Party place exhibits in the parks and raise money to reach the $100,000 goal. Once achieved, it will provide a lasting fund to pay for the inoculation of all village trees against Dutch elm disease.

==Ban on Pesticides==
===Ban Put in Place===
In 1991, as the president of the CARE party (Citizens Active for Respect for the Environment), the local environmental group, he slated and led the campaigns of three individuals who won election. On the first day in office in April 1991 they banned pesticides in the parks of Oak Park. For years a group of women in town had been writing letters and giving speeches to ban pesticides, to no avail. Dr. Golden knew the only way to achieve this was to get control of the park board, which he did. The ban remains in effect to this day! Before the ban, dogs had died of ingesting pesticides and kids who had crawled in the grass were developing intestinal problems. Dr. Golden wrote about organizing school kids to pick the weeds instead, which received widespread accolades in the local presss.<ref>Linden, Eric (1991), “’Dandelion Dig’ idea blooming,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', May 29, p. 7</ref>

===Weed Picking and Green Committee===
The idea was slow in becoming reality. After periodic lobbying of the park district by Golden and the members of the CARE party over many years, however, the creation of a Green Committee by the park district in 2008 has finally formalized Golden’s proposal and made weed picking rather than pesticides the practice at every park in the village. The practice has now been adopted as well by neighboring towns.

==Tree Activism==
===Educating Against Volcano Mulching===
[[File: LesGoldenParksCandidacy.jpg|thumb|right|225px|<small> As a candidate for the Oak Park Park District, Les Golden suggested an imaginative use for a local park.</small>]]
With the onslaught of Dutch elm disease, the village plants new parkway trees. But the landscapers “volcano mulch” the newly planted trees for appearance sake and this leads to root-bound trees which then die prematurely. Dr. Golden in 2009 led a movement which led to the Boy Scouts in Oak Park being recruited and instructed in proper mulching and their properly mulching all the newly planted parkway trees in the village.

===Saving Old Growth Trees===
In about 1998, Dr. Golden discovered that all the trees around a parking lot were to be destroyed. He organized the local parents and their children, and notified the Chicago television media to cover the protest. Diann Burns of ABC Channel 7 famously reported, "Why don't they just move the fence?!"

In 2007, Dr. Golden discovered that all the old growth trees in a park in Oak Park were to be destroyed for a ball field. He contacted the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, organized a rally on two days notice, arranged for the Chicago Tribune, Chicago t.v. stations, and the local media to be present, had speakers including the Green Party candidate for governor appear, and in an emergency meeting the Department of Natural Resources forced the local park district to save many of the trees slated for destruction.<ref>http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-11-24/news/0411240206_1_new-trees-oak-park-district-mulberry-trees</ref><ref>Dwyer, Bill (2007), “Tree Fury at Field,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', July 10, p. 1; http://www.oakpark.com/News/Articles/07-10-2007/Tree_fury_at_Field</ref><ref>Noel, Josh (2007), “Oak Park tree-removal plan heads for debate,” ''Chicago Tribune'', July 12, p. 7; http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2007-07-19/news/0707181717_1_trees-park-renovation-plan</ref><ref>(2004) http://www.oakparkjournal.com/2007/2007-Field-Park-ralley-July-8th-2pm.html</ref>

===Prevention of Deforestation===
Another tree-lined park in Oak Park was to be deforested as part of “development.” Dr. Golden organized a movement to save the trees in that park, and they have now been preserved as part of the redesign.

===Organization of Neighborhoods===
He has for many years organized neighbors to pay for preventative treatment of elm trees against Dutch Elm disease and ash trees against Emerald borer-born disease and this has led to the saving of many trees in Oak Park. The village provides no money for such preventative measure.

==Water Quality==
The village had intermittently published a “water quality” pamplet, which was poorly written and poorly organized. Dr. Golden suggested that it be done annually and commented in the newspapers about the amateur quality of the pamphlet. It is now published annually with a very professional presentation.

==Landscaping and Conservation of Resources==
===Bushes===
When another park was developed, Dr. Golden lobbied the contractors and the park district to save the dozens of flowering bushes and to make them available for homeowners to plant in their gardens. He obtained the services of landscapers for no charge and those bushes now thrive surrounding numerous homes in the area. This also saves ground water.

===Sod Distribution===
Each Fall, the park district resods worn portions of soccer and baseball fields. Les Golden met with park district officials and arranged an annual “Sod Distribution Week” during which the trimmings are made available to homeowners for use in their lawns rather than driven to landfills.

==Bird Kill and Road Kill==
===Bird Kill===
The new library was built with a façade of glass windows, which led to massive bird kill. Dr. Golden brought this to the attention of the public and the library installed shields that the birds view as an obstruction and the bird kill has ceased.

===Road Kill===
Dr. Golden has organized a “road kill” brigade. For years, he has written a column each fall and each spring asking motorists to slow down and “stop the roadkill.” He regularly monitors the busy streets and picks up the roadkill and brings it to the proper location for disposal. This prevents other critters from going onto the road and trying to eat the kill and getting killed themselves. He is currently lobbying the village to place speed bumps on the streets next to the forest preserves where many critters live.<ref> Golden, Les (2002), “All it would take is a fence to keep critters alive,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', June 12, p. 41</ref><ref>Golden, Les (2000), “Les ‘Cut the Roadkill’ Golden says, Slow Down!”, ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', April 19, p. 25</ref>

==Animal Welfare==
Believing that the Earth belongs to all its creatures, Dr. Golden writes frequently about animal welfare and is an activist on their behalf. This includes combating dog fighting, incarceration of large mammals in zoos, wildlife advocacy, and animal rehabilitation facilities.<ref>Golden, Leslie M. (2005), “Elephant deaths are a matter of physics,” ''Chicago Sun-Times'', January 28, p. 24</ref><ref>(2000) “Trailside needs a champion,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'' (editorial), November 1, p. 32</ref><ref>Vincent, Ed (2002), “The Lost Chukar,” http://www.suburbanjournals.com/Stories2002/Lost-Chukar-Returned-Home-2002.html, August 10</ref><ref>http://www.elephantinformation.com/CEMENT%20FLOORING%20or%20HARD%20DIRT%20GROUND.htm </ref><ref>Golden, Les (2000), “Hey, Sylvestri, save our furry and feathered friends,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', October 25, p. 34</ref><ref>Little, Rebecca and Trainor, Ken (2000) “Silvestri responds to Golden, Trailside,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', November 1, p. 2</ref>
<ref>Golden, Les “Let’s Save the Dogs” Golden (2002), “Ask politicians to make dog fighting a felony,” May 22, p. 32; (2008) </ref><ref> “Inside Report: Les ‘Cut the coyotes a break’ Golden,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', January 23, p. 5</ref>

==Toxic Chemical Removal==
In 2008, Dr. Golden, who has degrees in engineering as well as astronomy, observed children in the park playing with a large bucket of the extremely toxic construction chemical crystalline silica. It had been left by workmen outside a daycare center in the park. After receiving no aide from municipal officials, Dr. Golden took matters into his own hands and at his own health risk removed the bucket, covered it up, and drove it to the local waste management site for proper disposal.

==Intergovernmental Cooperation in Environment==
===Government Mulch===
Around ten years ago, Dr. Golden suggested that the chipped up mulch from dead parkway trees be used in the parks and school grounds for landscaping rather than driven to landfills, with the waste of gas and associated pollution. He contacted the school district, the park district, and the village and organized them to cooperate to make this their policy.<ref>“Oak Park Environmentalist Persuades School to Save Taxpayer Dollars, Intergovernmental Cooperation the Key to Recycling Dutch Elm Mulch,” www.oakparkjournal.com/stories2004/2005-les-golden-mulch-nov.html</ref>

===Citizen Mulch===
When a tree in his neighborhood is cut down (usually for Dutch elm disease), Dr. Golden by himself or with the help of neighbors, contacts the neighbors to see if they want the chipped up remains. He then carries bushels of chipped mulch to the homes and lays down the material. This saves the gas of the trucks carrying the chips to landfills and provides material for mulching trees and landscaping.

==Water Conservation and Waste Reduction==
===Water Reduction===
When the park was installing a splash pad, Dr. Golden argued that a mechanical on-off switch would lead to massive waste of water and persuaded the park district to install an electric eye switch so that water would be used only when kids were in the splash pad area. He estimated this saves 3 million gallons of fresh water every summer season.

===Saving Newsletter Waste===
Over a period of years, Dr. Golden wrote letters and spoke to the various elected boards in Oak Park about the need to save trees by combining newsletters. As a result of his efforts, the library and the grammar school district combined their newsletters with that of the municipal government.

===Waste Reduction===
He lobbied the village to provide two sizes of garbage cans with different monthly fees to encourage recycling. The village finally instituted this policy. He is now working with the village to provide composting for vegetable kitchen waste.

===Political Lawn Sign Recycling===
He has consistently lobbied against the use of political lawn signs during election cycles. After the polls are closed, he contacts the schools, churches, and other polling places to gather the yard signs. He also has organized volunteers to walk the neighborhoods to pick up yard signs. He then delivers the yard signs and their metal spines to orphanages, schools, and libraries for use by children for art and architecture projects.

==References==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:1; column-count:1;">
<references />
</div>

==Categories==
[[Category:Academia]]
[[Category:American academics]]
[[Category:American actor-politicians]]
[[Category:American environmentalists]]
[[Category:American essayists]]
[[Category:American non-fiction writers]]
[[Category:Politics]]
[[Category:Political slogans]]
[[Category:Research]]

CARE Party of Oak Park

2012-03-23T14:48:22Z

JeanneLanz: /* Animal Welfare */

The '''CARE Party of Oak Park''' (Citizens Active for Respect for the Environment) had its founding in 1985 in Oak Park, [[Illinois]]. From 1989 until the current date, its president has been [[Les Golden]]. Under his direction, CARE has achieved numerous environmental successes, including the ban of pesticides, conservation of water and paper, reform of garbage collection, preservation of trees, landscaping, and the election of numerous individuals to positions on various boards to legislate such concerns.<ref> (2001) Golden, Les, “It’s not easy being green, but here are some ideas”, ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', April 11, p. 40</ref>

==Political Activity==
===Political Candidates===
[[File: LesGoldenNotEasyBeingGreen.jpg|thumb|left|175px|<small> One of the leading environmentalist spokesmen and activists in Illinois, Les Golden as President of the CARE party in Oak Park, Illinois, secured the election of a majority on the Park Board which on their first day in office banned pesticides in the parks and recreation centers.</small>]]
Dr. [[Les Golden]] of Oak Park, Illinois, has directed successful candidacies for nearly 10 people and has slated dozens, all with a focus on environmental issues. He has also run as a candidate for the park board to bring forward environmental concerns. These include Francis "Bud" Corry, who became president of the park board, Christine Comer, who became president of the park board, Barbara Jepsen (park board), David Ristau (high school board), Steve Robinson (village board), George Doherty (township board), Gary Johnson (library board), Bruce Samuels (library board), and others.

===Save the Pedestrian Mall===
In 2005, Les Golden organized a movement to save the dozens of trees, hundreds of bushes, and numerous floral gardens on the Marion Street Pedestrian Mall from destruction from the plan to put in a street and destroy the pedestrian mall. One of the political parties adopted his position as its major platform which led to a ban on future streeting of pedestrian areas.

===Green Building Design===
Dr. Golden has had a leadership role in large-scale commercial development as principal of Holley Court Partners. His proposal features green technology, including LEED, a rooftop garden, and internal recycling.<ref>http://www.oak-park.us/public/pdfs/Planning/Harlem_South/2006%20RFP%20Responses/09.26.06_Holley%20Court%20Partners.pdf</ref>

===The $100,000 “Trees: Our Natural Infrastructure for the Environment” Challenge===
On January 1, 2010 Dr. Golden announced a program to raise $100,000 to inoculate trees against Dutch Elm disease. Elm trees require inoculation every three years to prevent the devastation of this disease, but governments prefer to cut down diseased trees rather than prevent their demise. In his press release, Dr. Golden wrote: “One of the most effective means that the individual can do to prevent global warming is to secure the lives of trees, the natural cooling infrastructure of the Earth. Each moderate size tree has the cooling capacity of dozens of air conditioners. Trees provide habitat for animals, both in their canopy and in their root structure, food, natural mulch, and prevent water run-off. The longest living and largest of all of nature’s creatures, we should devote ourselves to saving trees.”

Dr. Golden seeded the “Trees, Our Natural Infrastructure for the Environment” or “TONE” program with $5,000 of his own money. Each Arbor Day, Dr. Golden and his volunteers in the CARE Party place exhibits in the parks and raise money to reach the $100,000 goal. Once achieved, it will provide a lasting fund to pay for the inoculation of all village trees against Dutch elm disease.

==Ban on Pesticides==
In 1991, as the president of the CARE party (Citizens Active for Respect for the Environment), the local environmental group, he slated and led the campaigns of three individuals who won election. On the first day in office in April 1991 they banned pesticides in the parks of Oak Park. For years a group of women in town had been writing letters and giving speeches to ban pesticides, to no avail. Dr. Golden knew the only way to achieve this was to get control of the park board, which he did. The ban remains in effect to this day! Before the ban, dogs had died of ingesting pesticides and kids who had crawled in the grass were developing intestinal problems. Dr. Golden wrote about organizing school kids to pick the weeds instead, which received widespread accolades in the local presss.<ref>Linden, Eric (1991), “’Dandelion Dig’ idea blooming,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', May 29, p. 7</ref>

==Tree Activism==
===Educating Against Volcano Mulching===
[[File: LesGoldenParksCandidacy.jpg|thumb|right|225px|<small> As a candidate for the Oak Park Park District, Les Golden suggested an imaginative use for a local park.</small>]]
With the onslaught of Dutch elm disease, the village plants new parkway trees. But the landscapers “volcano mulch” the newly planted trees for appearance sake and this leads to root-bound trees which then die prematurely. Dr. Golden in 2009 led a movement which led to the Boy Scouts in Oak Park being recruited and instructed in proper mulching and their properly mulching all the newly planted parkway trees in the village.

===Saving Old Growth Trees===
In about 1998, Dr. Golden discovered that all the trees around a parking lot were to be destroyed. He organized the local parents and their children, and notified the Chicago television media to cover the protest. Diann Burns of ABC Channel 7 famously reported, "Why don't they just move the fence?!"

In 2007, Dr. Golden discovered that all the old growth trees in a park in Oak Park were to be destroyed for a ball field. He contacted the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, organized a rally on two days notice, arranged for the Chicago Tribune, Chicago t.v. stations, and the local media to be present, had speakers including the Green Party candidate for governor appear, and in an emergency meeting the Department of Natural Resources forced the local park district to save many of the trees slated for destruction.<ref>http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-11-24/news/0411240206_1_new-trees-oak-park-district-mulberry-trees</ref><ref>Dwyer, Bill (2007), “Tree Fury at Field,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', July 10, p. 1; http://www.oakpark.com/News/Articles/07-10-2007/Tree_fury_at_Field</ref><ref>Noel, Josh (2007), “Oak Park tree-removal plan heads for debate,” ''Chicago Tribune'', July 12, p. 7; http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2007-07-19/news/0707181717_1_trees-park-renovation-plan</ref><ref>(2004) http://www.oakparkjournal.com/2007/2007-Field-Park-ralley-July-8th-2pm.html</ref>

===Prevention of Deforestation===
Another tree-lined park in Oak Park was to be deforested as part of “development.” Dr. Golden organized a movement to save the trees in that park, and they have now been preserved as part of the redesign.

===Organization of Neighborhoods===
He has for many years organized neighbors to pay for preventative treatment of elm trees against Dutch Elm disease and ash trees against Emerald borer-born disease and this has led to the saving of many trees in Oak Park. The village provides no money for such preventative measure.

==Water Quality==
The village had intermittently published a “water quality” pamplet, which was poorly written and poorly organized. Dr. Golden suggested that it be done annually and commented in the newspapers about the amateur quality of the pamphlet. It is now published annually with a very professional presentation.

==Landscaping and Conservation of Resources==
===Bushes===
When another park was developed, Dr. Golden lobbied the contractors and the park district to save the dozens of flowering bushes and to make them available for homeowners to plant in their gardens. He obtained the services of landscapers for no charge and those bushes now thrive surrounding numerous homes in the area. This also saves ground water.

===Sod Distribution===
Each Fall, the park district resods worn portions of soccer and baseball fields. Les Golden met with park district officials and arranged an annual “Sod Distribution Week” during which the trimmings are made available to homeowners for use in their lawns rather than driven to landfills.

==Bird Kill and Road Kill==
===Bird Kill===
The new library was built with a façade of glass windows, which led to massive bird kill. Dr. Golden brought this to the attention of the public and the library installed shields that the birds view as an obstruction and the bird kill has ceased.

===Road Kill===
Dr. Golden has organized a “road kill” brigade. For years, he has written a column each fall and each spring asking motorists to slow down and “stop the roadkill.” He regularly monitors the busy streets and picks up the roadkill and brings it to the proper location for disposal. This prevents other critters from going onto the road and trying to eat the kill and getting killed themselves. He is currently lobbying the village to place speed bumps on the streets next to the forest preserves where many critters live.<ref> Golden, Les (2002), “All it would take is a fence to keep critters alive,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', June 12, p. 41</ref><ref>Golden, Les (2000), “Les ‘Cut the Roadkill’ Golden says, Slow Down!”, ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', April 19, p. 25</ref>

==Animal Welfare==
Believing that the Earth belongs to all its creatures, Dr. Golden writes frequently about animal welfare and is an activist on their behalf. This includes combating dog fighting, incarceration of large mammals in zoos, wildlife advocacy, and animal rehabilitation facilities.<ref>Golden, Leslie M. (2005), “Elephant deaths are a matter of physics,” ''Chicago Sun-Times'', January 28, p. 24</ref><ref>(2000) “Trailside needs a champion,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'' (editorial), November 1, p. 32</ref><ref>Vincent, Ed (2002), “The Lost Chukar,” http://www.suburbanjournals.com/Stories2002/Lost-Chukar-Returned-Home-2002.html, August 10</ref><ref>http://www.elephantinformation.com/CEMENT%20FLOORING%20or%20HARD%20DIRT%20GROUND.htm </ref><ref>Golden, Les (2000), “Hey, Sylvestri, save our furry and feathered friends,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', October 25, p. 34</ref><ref>Little, Rebecca and Trainor, Ken (2000) “Silvestri responds to Golden, Trailside,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', November 1, p. 2</ref>
<ref>Golden, Les “Let’s Save the Dogs” Golden (2002), “Ask politicians to make dog fighting a felony,” May 22, p. 32; (2008) </ref><ref> “Inside Report: Les ‘Cut the coyotes a break’ Golden,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', January 23, p. 5</ref>

==Toxic Chemical Removal==
In 2008, Dr. Golden, who has degrees in engineering as well as astronomy, observed children in the park playing with a large bucket of the extremely toxic construction chemical crystalline silica. It had been left by workmen outside a daycare center in the park. After receiving no aide from municipal officials, Dr. Golden took matters into his own hands and at his own health risk removed the bucket, covered it up, and drove it to the local waste management site for proper disposal.

==Intergovernmental Cooperation in Environment==
===Government Mulch===
Around ten years ago, Dr. Golden suggested that the chipped up mulch from dead parkway trees be used in the parks and school grounds for landscaping rather than driven to landfills, with the waste of gas and associated pollution. He contacted the school district, the park district, and the village and organized them to cooperate to make this their policy.<ref>“Oak Park Environmentalist Persuades School to Save Taxpayer Dollars, Intergovernmental Cooperation the Key to Recycling Dutch Elm Mulch,” www.oakparkjournal.com/stories2004/2005-les-golden-mulch-nov.html</ref>

===Citizen Mulch===
When a tree in his neighborhood is cut down (usually for Dutch elm disease), Dr. Golden by himself or with the help of neighbors, contacts the neighbors to see if they want the chipped up remains. He then carries bushels of chipped mulch to the homes and lays down the material. This saves the gas of the trucks carrying the chips to landfills and provides material for mulching trees and landscaping.

==Water Conservation and Waste Reduction==
===Water Reduction===
When the park was installing a splash pad, Dr. Golden argued that a mechanical on-off switch would lead to massive waste of water and persuaded the park district to install an electric eye switch so that water would be used only when kids were in the splash pad area. He estimated this saves 3 million gallons of fresh water every summer season.

===Saving Newsletter Waste===
Over a period of years, Dr. Golden wrote letters and spoke to the various elected boards in Oak Park about the need to save trees by combining newsletters. As a result of his efforts, the library and the grammar school district combined their newsletters with that of the municipal government.

===Waste Reduction===
He lobbied the village to provide two sizes of garbage cans with different monthly fees to encourage recycling. The village finally instituted this policy. He is now working with the village to provide composting for vegetable kitchen waste.

===Political Lawn Sign Recycling===
He has consistently lobbied against the use of political lawn signs during election cycles. After the polls are closed, he contacts the schools, churches, and other polling places to gather the yard signs. He also has organized volunteers to walk the neighborhoods to pick up yard signs. He then delivers the yard signs and their metal spines to orphanages, schools, and libraries for use by children for art and architecture projects.

==References==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:1; column-count:1;">
<references />
</div>

==Categories==
[[Category:Academia]]
[[Category:American academics]]
[[Category:American actor-politicians]]
[[Category:American environmentalists]]
[[Category:American essayists]]
[[Category:American non-fiction writers]]
[[Category:Politics]]
[[Category:Political slogans]]
[[Category:Research]]

CARE Party of Oak Park

2012-03-23T13:58:11Z

JeanneLanz:

The '''CARE Party of Oak Park''' (Citizens Active for Respect for the Environment) had its founding in 1985 in Oak Park, [[Illinois]]. From 1989 until the current date, its president has been [[Les Golden]]. Under his direction, CARE has achieved numerous environmental successes, including the ban of pesticides, conservation of water and paper, reform of garbage collection, preservation of trees, landscaping, and the election of numerous individuals to positions on various boards to legislate such concerns.<ref> (2001) Golden, Les, “It’s not easy being green, but here are some ideas”, ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', April 11, p. 40</ref>

==Political Activity==
===Political Candidates===
[[File: LesGoldenNotEasyBeingGreen.jpg|thumb|left|175px|<small> One of the leading environmentalist spokesmen and activists in Illinois, Les Golden as President of the CARE party in Oak Park, Illinois, secured the election of a majority on the Park Board which on their first day in office banned pesticides in the parks and recreation centers.</small>]]
Dr. [[Les Golden]] of Oak Park, Illinois, has directed successful candidacies for nearly 10 people and has slated dozens, all with a focus on environmental issues. He has also run as a candidate for the park board to bring forward environmental concerns. These include Francis "Bud" Corry, who became president of the park board, Christine Comer, who became president of the park board, Barbara Jepsen (park board), David Ristau (high school board), Steve Robinson (village board), George Doherty (township board), Gary Johnson (library board), Bruce Samuels (library board), and others.

===Save the Pedestrian Mall===
In 2005, Les Golden organized a movement to save the dozens of trees, hundreds of bushes, and numerous floral gardens on the Marion Street Pedestrian Mall from destruction from the plan to put in a street and destroy the pedestrian mall. One of the political parties adopted his position as its major platform which led to a ban on future streeting of pedestrian areas.

===Green Building Design===
Dr. Golden has had a leadership role in large-scale commercial development as principal of Holley Court Partners. His proposal features green technology, including LEED, a rooftop garden, and internal recycling.<ref>http://www.oak-park.us/public/pdfs/Planning/Harlem_South/2006%20RFP%20Responses/09.26.06_Holley%20Court%20Partners.pdf</ref>

===The $100,000 “Trees: Our Natural Infrastructure for the Environment” Challenge===
On January 1, 2010 Dr. Golden announced a program to raise $100,000 to inoculate trees against Dutch Elm disease. Elm trees require inoculation every three years to prevent the devastation of this disease, but governments prefer to cut down diseased trees rather than prevent their demise. In his press release, Dr. Golden wrote: “One of the most effective means that the individual can do to prevent global warming is to secure the lives of trees, the natural cooling infrastructure of the Earth. Each moderate size tree has the cooling capacity of dozens of air conditioners. Trees provide habitat for animals, both in their canopy and in their root structure, food, natural mulch, and prevent water run-off. The longest living and largest of all of nature’s creatures, we should devote ourselves to saving trees.”

Dr. Golden seeded the “Trees, Our Natural Infrastructure for the Environment” or “TONE” program with $5,000 of his own money. Each Arbor Day, Dr. Golden and his volunteers in the CARE Party place exhibits in the parks and raise money to reach the $100,000 goal. Once achieved, it will provide a lasting fund to pay for the inoculation of all village trees against Dutch elm disease.

==Ban on Pesticides==
In 1991, as the president of the CARE party (Citizens Active for Respect for the Environment), the local environmental group, he slated and led the campaigns of three individuals who won election. On the first day in office in April 1991 they banned pesticides in the parks of Oak Park. For years a group of women in town had been writing letters and giving speeches to ban pesticides, to no avail. Dr. Golden knew the only way to achieve this was to get control of the park board, which he did. The ban remains in effect to this day! Before the ban, dogs had died of ingesting pesticides and kids who had crawled in the grass were developing intestinal problems. Dr. Golden wrote about organizing school kids to pick the weeds instead, which received widespread accolades in the local presss.<ref>Linden, Eric (1991), “’Dandelion Dig’ idea blooming,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', May 29, p. 7</ref>

==Tree Activism==
===Educating Against Volcano Mulching===
[[File: LesGoldenParksCandidacy.jpg|thumb|right|225px|<small> As a candidate for the Oak Park Park District, Les Golden suggested an imaginative use for a local park.</small>]]
With the onslaught of Dutch elm disease, the village plants new parkway trees. But the landscapers “volcano mulch” the newly planted trees for appearance sake and this leads to root-bound trees which then die prematurely. Dr. Golden in 2009 led a movement which led to the Boy Scouts in Oak Park being recruited and instructed in proper mulching and their properly mulching all the newly planted parkway trees in the village.

===Saving Old Growth Trees===
In about 1998, Dr. Golden discovered that all the trees around a parking lot were to be destroyed. He organized the local parents and their children, and notified the Chicago television media to cover the protest. Diann Burns of ABC Channel 7 famously reported, "Why don't they just move the fence?!"

In 2007, Dr. Golden discovered that all the old growth trees in a park in Oak Park were to be destroyed for a ball field. He contacted the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, organized a rally on two days notice, arranged for the Chicago Tribune, Chicago t.v. stations, and the local media to be present, had speakers including the Green Party candidate for governor appear, and in an emergency meeting the Department of Natural Resources forced the local park district to save many of the trees slated for destruction.<ref>http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-11-24/news/0411240206_1_new-trees-oak-park-district-mulberry-trees</ref><ref>Dwyer, Bill (2007), “Tree Fury at Field,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', July 10, p. 1; http://www.oakpark.com/News/Articles/07-10-2007/Tree_fury_at_Field</ref><ref>Noel, Josh (2007), “Oak Park tree-removal plan heads for debate,” ''Chicago Tribune'', July 12, p. 7; http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2007-07-19/news/0707181717_1_trees-park-renovation-plan</ref><ref>(2004) http://www.oakparkjournal.com/2007/2007-Field-Park-ralley-July-8th-2pm.html</ref>

===Prevention of Deforestation===
Another tree-lined park in Oak Park was to be deforested as part of “development.” Dr. Golden organized a movement to save the trees in that park, and they have now been preserved as part of the redesign.

===Organization of Neighborhoods===
He has for many years organized neighbors to pay for preventative treatment of elm trees against Dutch Elm disease and ash trees against Emerald borer-born disease and this has led to the saving of many trees in Oak Park. The village provides no money for such preventative measure.

==Water Quality==
The village had intermittently published a “water quality” pamplet, which was poorly written and poorly organized. Dr. Golden suggested that it be done annually and commented in the newspapers about the amateur quality of the pamphlet. It is now published annually with a very professional presentation.

==Landscaping and Conservation of Resources==
===Bushes===
When another park was developed, Dr. Golden lobbied the contractors and the park district to save the dozens of flowering bushes and to make them available for homeowners to plant in their gardens. He obtained the services of landscapers for no charge and those bushes now thrive surrounding numerous homes in the area. This also saves ground water.

===Sod Distribution===
Each Fall, the park district resods worn portions of soccer and baseball fields. Les Golden met with park district officials and arranged an annual “Sod Distribution Week” during which the trimmings are made available to homeowners for use in their lawns rather than driven to landfills.

==Bird Kill and Road Kill==
===Bird Kill===
The new library was built with a façade of glass windows, which led to massive bird kill. Dr. Golden brought this to the attention of the public and the library installed shields that the birds view as an obstruction and the bird kill has ceased.

===Road Kill===
Dr. Golden has organized a “road kill” brigade. For years, he has written a column each fall and each spring asking motorists to slow down and “stop the roadkill.” He regularly monitors the busy streets and picks up the roadkill and brings it to the proper location for disposal. This prevents other critters from going onto the road and trying to eat the kill and getting killed themselves. He is currently lobbying the village to place speed bumps on the streets next to the forest preserves where many critters live.<ref> Golden, Les (2002), “All it would take is a fence to keep critters alive,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', June 12, p. 41</ref><ref>Golden, Les (2000), “Les ‘Cut the Roadkill’ Golden says, Slow Down!”, ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', April 19, p. 25</ref>

==Animal Welfare==
Believing that the Earth belongs to all its creatures, Dr. Golden writes frequently about animal welfare and is an activist on their behalf.<ref>Golden, Leslie M. (2005), “Elephant deaths are a matter of physics,” ''Chicago Sun-Times'', January 28, p. 24</ref><ref>(2000) “Trailside needs a champion,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'' (editorial), November 1, p. 32</ref><ref>Vincent, Ed (2002), “The Lost Chukar,” http://www.suburbanjournals.com/Stories2002/Lost-Chukar-Returned-Home-2002.html, August 10</ref><ref>http://www.elephantinformation.com/CEMENT%20FLOORING%20or%20HARD%20DIRT%20GROUND.htm </ref><ref>Golden, Les (2000), “Hey, Sylvestri, save our furry and feathered friends,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', October 25, p. 34</ref><ref>Little, Rebecca and Trainor, Ken (2000) “Silvestri responds to Golden, Trailside,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', November 1, p. 2</ref>
<ref>Golden, Les “Let’s Save the Dogs” Golden (2002), “Ask politicians to make dog fighting a felony,” May 22, p. 32; (2008) </ref><ref> “Inside Report: Les ‘Cut the coyotes a break’ Golden,” ''Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest'', January 23, p. 5</ref>

==Toxic Chemical Removal==
In 2008, Dr. Golden, who has degrees in engineering as well as astronomy, observed children in the park playing with a large bucket of the extremely toxic construction chemical crystalline silica. It had been left by workmen outside a daycare center in the park. After receiving no aide from municipal officials, Dr. Golden took matters into his own hands and at his own health risk removed the bucket, covered it up, and drove it to the local waste management site for proper disposal.

==Intergovernmental Cooperation in Environment==
===Government Mulch===
Around ten years ago, Dr. Golden suggested that the chipped up mulch from dead parkway trees be used in the parks and school grounds for landscaping rather than driven to landfills, with the waste of gas and associated pollution. He contacted the school district, the park district, and the village and organized them to cooperate to make this their policy.<ref>“Oak Park Environmentalist Persuades School to Save Taxpayer Dollars, Intergovernmental Cooperation the Key to Recycling Dutch Elm Mulch,” www.oakparkjournal.com/stories2004/2005-les-golden-mulch-nov.html</ref>

===Citizen Mulch===
When a tree in his neighborhood is cut down (usually for Dutch elm disease), Dr. Golden by himself or with the help of neighbors, contacts the neighbors to see if they want the chipped up remains. He then carries bushels of chipped mulch to the homes and lays down the material. This saves the gas of the trucks carrying the chips to landfills and provides material for mulching trees and landscaping.

==Water Conservation and Waste Reduction==
===Water Reduction===
When the park was installing a splash pad, Dr. Golden argued that a mechanical on-off switch would lead to massive waste of water and persuaded the park district to install an electric eye switch so that water would be used only when kids were in the splash pad area. He estimated this saves 3 million gallons of fresh water every summer season.

===Saving Newsletter Waste===
Over a period of years, Dr. Golden wrote letters and spoke to the various elected boards in Oak Park about the need to save trees by combining newsletters. As a result of his efforts, the library and the grammar school district combined their newsletters with that of the municipal government.

===Waste Reduction===
He lobbied the village to provide two sizes of garbage cans with different monthly fees to encourage recycling. The village finally instituted this policy. He is now working with the village to provide composting for vegetable kitchen waste.

===Political Lawn Sign Recycling===
He has consistently lobbied against the use of political lawn signs during election cycles. After the polls are closed, he contacts the schools, churches, and other polling places to gather the yard signs. He also has organized volunteers to walk the neighborhoods to pick up yard signs. He then delivers the yard signs and their metal spines to orphanages, schools, and libraries for use by children for art and architecture projects.

==References==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:1; column-count:1;">
<references />
</div>

==Categories==
[[Category:Academia]]
[[Category:American academics]]
[[Category:American actor-politicians]]
[[Category:American environmentalists]]
[[Category:American essayists]]
[[Category:American non-fiction writers]]
[[Category:Politics]]
[[Category:Political slogans]]
[[Category:Research]]

Del Close

2012-02-13T22:59:22Z

JeanneLanz: /* Chicago Years */

{{Infobox person
| name = Del Close
| image =
| caption =
| birth_date = {{birth date|1934|3|9}}
| birth_place = [[Manhattan, Kansas]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| death_date = {{dda|1999|3|4|1934|3|9}}
| death_place = [[Chicago, Illinois]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| occupation = Actor, Teacher
| years_active = 1960–1999
}}

'''Del Close''' (March 9, 1934 – March 4, 1999) was considered one of the premier influences on modern [[improvisational theater]]. An actor, improviser, writer, and teacher, Close had a prolific career, appearing in a number of films and television shows. He was a co-author of the book ''Truth in Comedy'', which outlines techniques now common to improvisation and describes the overall structure of the Harold, which remains a common frame for longer improvisational scenes.<ref>{{cite book|title=Truth in Comedy|author=Charna Halpern, Del Close, Kim Johnson|year=1994|isbn=9781566080033}}</ref> His favorite framework for comedic storytelling was the structures of Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle.

==Life and career==
===Early life===
Close was born and raised in Manhattan, Kansas, the son of an inattentive, alcoholic father. He ran away from home at the age of 17 to work on a traveling side show, but returned to attend college at Kansas State University|Kansas State. At the age of 23, he became a member of the Compass Players in St. Louis, Missouri|St. Louis. When most of the cast -- including Mike Nichols and Elaine May -- moved to New York, Close followed to perform stand-up comedy, appear in the Broadway musical revue "The Nervous Set," and perform briefly with an improv company in the Village with Mark and Barbara Gordon, who had appeared with the Compass Players in Chicago.

Around this time, Close also worked with John Brent to record the classic beatnik satire album ''How to Speak Hip''. The album became a prized record for DJs worldwide, and was one of Brian Wilson’s favorite comedy albums.{{Citation needed|date=December 2007}}

===Chicago Years===
In 1960, Close moved to Chicago – which was to be his home base for much of the rest of his life – to perform and direct with Second City. Close was fired from Second City due to his substance abuse and spent the latter half of the 1960s in San Francisco, where he was the House Director of The Committee theater, toured with the Merry Pranksters, and made light images for Grateful Dead shows.

After returning to Chicago in the early 1970s, Close was hired again to direct at Second City. He also performed and directed the Second City show in Toronto in 1977. Over the next decade he helped develop many of today’s leading comedians. Many of his protégés have gained prominence in the field of comedy; at any given time, roughly a quarter of ''Saturday Night Live''’s cast has been composed of his former trainees.

Close spent the early 1980s in New York, as "House Metaphysician" at ''Saturday Night Live'', coaching the cast in the wake of producer Lorne Michaels' departure. He spent the mid-to-late 1980s and 1990s teaching improv, collaborating with Charna Halpern in Yes And Productions and Improv Olympic. Despite suffering from emphysema, he continued to consume pot brownies, and use various tobacco supplements. During this period, Close acted in several movies, including portraying a corrupt alderman in ''The Untouchables'' and an English teacher in ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off''. He also co-authored the graphic horror anthology ''Wasteland'' for DC Comics with John Ostrander, and co-wrote several installments of Grimjack's backup feature Munden's Bar. Close joined Charna Halpern at the ImprovOlympic Theater, which she had founded and briefly run with Compass Players producer David Shepherd.

Among Close's last words to those visiting him in his hospital room were, "I’m tired of being the funniest person in the room."

===After Life===
Before he died, Close requested that his skull be given to the [[Goodman Theatre]] for use in '' [[Hamlet]] '' productions, with him being duly credited in the program as portraying [[Yorick]]. A former roommate of his, who had worked as a forensic pathologist while attending law school in Chicago, flew in from Hawaii to perform the procedure, and Halpern, named by Close as the executor of his will, began plans for the procedure. Northwestern Memorial Hospital, however, despite the legality of the proceedings, being became concerned about violations of Illinois law and prohibited its conclusion. The erstwhile pathologist provided this information to Close’s student/protege [[Les Golden]] at Close's memorial gathering at [[Second City]] along with the observation that the actual skull lacked Close’s open-spaced front teeth and had a patina indicating it was not a fresh skull. This substitution of skulls was in fact commonly known among associates of Close, but was allowed to be perpetuated for the dramatic effect.

In a 2006 article in the Chicago Tribune, [[Robert K. Elder]] had written a general piece in which the legend was propagated as one of several other strange-but-true Chicago-area news bits, but to set the record straight Golden called Elder at the Tribune to advise him that in fact the skull that was donated to the Goodman by Halpern was not that of Close. That tip led to a front-page [[Chicago Tribune]] article by Elder<ref>http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2006-10-05/news/0610050127_1_skull-charna-halpern-del Accessed 2011-07-03</ref> that the donation of Close’s skull was a hoax, a fact which was then publicized nationwide.<ref>{{cite news | last = Friend | first = Tad | title = Skulduggery | publisher = [[The New Yorker]] | date= 2006-10-09 | url = http://www.newyorker.com/talk/content/articles/061009ta_talk_friend | accessdate = 2006-12-17}}</ref> In fact, the skull was cremated with the rest of Close's body.

To memorialize Close, his former students the Upright Citizens Brigade created The Del Close Marathon. Del's voice can be heard narrating in the opening credits for the first two seasons of the television show Upright Citizens Brigade, which features a group of his former students.

==Quotes==
"It is easy to become deluded by the audience, because they laugh. Don't let them make you buy the lie that what you're doing is for the laughter. Is what we're doing comedy? Probably not. Is it funny? Probably yes. Where do the really best laughs come from? Terrific connections made intellectually, or terrific revelations made emotionally." -Del Close (Truth in Comedy 25)

"What we do is too enchanting to be quantified" - Del Close

"Del Close is my biggest influence in comedy" - John Belushi [http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/obituary-del-close-1083014.html]

== Notable students ==
{{col-start}}
{{col-break}}
*Dan Aykroyd
*James Belushi
*John Belushi
*Matt Besser
*Heather Anne Campbell
*John Candy
*Stephen Colbert
*Andy Dick
*Brian Doyle-Murray
*Rachel Dratch
*Chris Farley
*Tina Fey
*Neil Flynn
*Aaron Freeman
*{{Col-break}}
*[[Les Golden]]
*Jon Glaser
*Tim Kazurinsky
*David Koechner
*Shelley Long
*Adam McKay
*Tim Meadows
*Susan Messing
*Jerry Minor
*Bill Murray
*Joel Murray
*Mike Myers (actor)|Mike Myers
*Bob Odenkirk
*Tim O'Malley (actor)|Tim O'Malley
*David Pasquesi
{{col-break}}
*Amy Poehler
*Gilda Radner
*Harold Ramis
*Ian Roberts (actor)|Ian Roberts
*Andy Richter
*Mitch Rouse
*Horatio Sanz
*Amy Sedaris
*Brian Stack
*Eric Stonestreet
*Miles Stroth
*Dave Thomas (actor)|Dave Thomas
*Matt Walsh (comedian)|Matt Walsh
*Stephnie Weir
*George Wendt
{{col-end}}

==''The Delmonic Interviews''==
In 2002, Cesar Jaime and Jeff Pacocha produced and directed a film composed of interviews with former students, friends, and collaborators of Del Close. The film documented not only Del's life and history, but the impact he had on the people in his life and the art form he helped to create. It is not sold on DVD and was made as a thank you and a tribute to Del, "as a way to allow those that never got to meet or study with him, a chance to understand what he was like."<ref>{{cite web | title = Cesar Jaime | publisher = ImprovResourceCenter.com | url = http://www.improvresourcecenter.com/mb/showpost.php?p=555744&postcount=11 | accessdate = 2008-07-18}}</ref>

The Delmonic Interviews includes interviews with: Charna Halpern (co-founder of Chicago's iO), Matt Besser (iO's The Family; Upright Citizens Brigade), Rachel Dratch (iO; Second City; Saturday Night Live), Neil Flynn (iO's The Family; NBC's Scrubs), Susan Messing (iO; Second City; Annoyance Productions), Amy Poehler (Upright Citizens Brigade, Saturday Night Live), and Miles Stroth (iO's The Family; Del's "Warchief"). The film was shown at several national improv festivals, including the 2004 Chicago Improv Festival, the 2004 Phoenix Improv Festival, the 2002 Del Close Marathon in New York City, and the 2006 LA Improv Festival.

==Close in Print==
Close is featured in an extensive interview in ''Something Wonderful Right Away'', a book about the members of the [[Compass Players]] and [[Second City]] written by [[Jeffrey Sweet]]. Originally published in 1978 by Avon, it is currently available from Limelight Editions.

In 1982, Close's student [[Les Golden]] was asked by Close to perform a surrogate interview with ''Spring'' magazine discussing Close's improvisation techniques.<ref>(1982), “Improvising Your Way to Success,” ''Spring'', 1, 6, p. 34, Rodale Press</ref>

In 2005, Jeff Griggs published ''Guru'', a book detailing his friendship with Close during the last two years of his life. Due to Close’s poor health (in part caused by long-term alcohol and drug use), Halpern suggested that Griggs run errands with Close. ''Guru'' gives a particularly detailed and complete picture of Close based on those shared hours. At the beginning of their relationship, Griggs was a student of Del’s, and the book includes several chapters in which Griggs depicts Close as a teacher.

The book has been adapted into a [[screenplay]], and as of 2006 [[Harold Ramis]] was attached to direct the script, although it does not appear that the movie will soon be made.<ref>{{cite web | title = Harold Ramis interview | publisher = SuicideGirls.com | url = http://suicidegirls.com/interviews/Harold+Ramis/ | accessdate = 2006-12-17}}</ref> Ramis would like [[Bill Murray]] to play Close.

In 2007, Eric Spitznagel wrote an article in the September issue of ''[[The Believer (magazine)|The Believer]]'' magazine reflecting on Close's life and his propensity for story-telling.<ref>{{cite web | last = Spitznagel | first = Eric | title = Follow the Fear | work = The Believer | month= September | year= 2007 | url = http://www.believermag.com/issues/200709/?read=article_spitznagel | accessdate = 2007-09-14}}</ref>

In 2008, Kim "Howard" Johnson's full-length biography of Close, ''The Funniest One in the Room: The Lives and Legends of Del Close'' was published. Johnson himself was a student of Close, and remained friends with Close until his death.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* Audio Interview with Griggs on [[The Sound of Young America]]: [http://libsyn.com/media/tsoya/tsoya072305.mp3 MP3 Link]
* [http://www.improvcomedy.org/hall/close.html Del Close at Improv/Comedy]
* [http://www.delclosemarathon.com/ Del Close Improv Marathon]
* [http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/delclose/ "As Del Lay Dying," an account of Del Close's final days (w/ video)]
* {{IMDB name|0167081}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2010}}

{{Persondata 
| NAME = Close, Del
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| DATE OF BIRTH = March 9, 1934
| PLACE OF BIRTH = Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| DATE OF DEATH = March 4, 1999
| PLACE OF DEATH = Chicago, Illinois, USA
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Close, Del}}
[[Category:1934 births]]
[[Category:1999 deaths]]
[[Category:Actors from Kansas]]
[[Category:American comics writers]]
[[Category:American film actors]]
[[Category:American SubGenii]]
[[Category:American theatre directors]]
[[Category:Deaths from emphysema]]
[[Category:ImprovOlympics]]
[[Category:Second City alumni]]

[[pt:Del Close]]

Del Close

2012-02-13T22:54:15Z

JeanneLanz: Created page with '{{Infobox person | name = Del Close | image = | caption = | birth_date = {{birth date|1934|3|9}} | birth_place = Manhattan, Kansas, U.S. | death_date = {{dd…'

{{Infobox person
| name = Del Close
| image =
| caption =
| birth_date = {{birth date|1934|3|9}}
| birth_place = [[Manhattan, Kansas]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| death_date = {{dda|1999|3|4|1934|3|9}}
| death_place = [[Chicago, Illinois]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| occupation = Actor, Teacher
| years_active = 1960–1999
}}

'''Del Close''' (March 9, 1934 – March 4, 1999) was considered one of the premier influences on modern [[improvisational theater]]. An actor, improviser, writer, and teacher, Close had a prolific career, appearing in a number of films and television shows. He was a co-author of the book ''Truth in Comedy'', which outlines techniques now common to improvisation and describes the overall structure of the Harold, which remains a common frame for longer improvisational scenes.<ref>{{cite book|title=Truth in Comedy|author=Charna Halpern, Del Close, Kim Johnson|year=1994|isbn=9781566080033}}</ref> His favorite framework for comedic storytelling was the structures of Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle.

==Life and career==
===Early life===
Close was born and raised in Manhattan, Kansas, the son of an inattentive, alcoholic father. He ran away from home at the age of 17 to work on a traveling side show, but returned to attend college at Kansas State University|Kansas State. At the age of 23, he became a member of the Compass Players in St. Louis, Missouri|St. Louis. When most of the cast -- including Mike Nichols and Elaine May -- moved to New York, Close followed to perform stand-up comedy, appear in the Broadway musical revue "The Nervous Set," and perform briefly with an improv company in the Village with Mark and Barbara Gordon, who had appeared with the Compass Players in Chicago.

Around this time, Close also worked with John Brent to record the classic beatnik satire album ''How to Speak Hip''. The album became a prized record for DJs worldwide, and was one of Brian Wilson’s favorite comedy albums.{{Citation needed|date=December 2007}}

===Chicago Years===
In 1960, Close moved to Chicago – which was to be his home base for much of the rest of his life – to perform and direct with Second City. Close was fired from Second City due to his substance abuse and spent the latter half of the 1960s in San Francisco, where he was the House Director of The Committee (improv group)|The Committee theater, toured with the Merry Pranksters, and made light images for Grateful Dead shows.

After returning to Chicago in the early 1970s, Close was hired again to direct at Second City. He also performed and directed the Second City show in Toronto in 1977. Over the next decade he helped develop many of today’s leading comedians. Many of his protégés have gained prominence in the field of comedy; at any given time, roughly a quarter of ''Saturday Night Live''’s cast has been composed of his former trainees.

Close spent the early 1980s in New York, as "House Metaphysician" at ''Saturday Night Live'', coaching the cast in the wake of producer Lorne Michaels' departure. He spent the mid-to-late 1980s and 1990s teaching improv, collaborating with Charna Halpern in Yes And Productions and Improv Olympic. Despite suffering from emphysema, he continued to consume pot brownies, and use various tobacco supplements. During this period, Close acted in several movies, including portraying a corrupt alderman in ''The Untouchables” and an English teacher in ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off''. He also co-authored the graphic horror anthology ''Wasteland (DC Comics)|Wasteland'' for DC Comics with John Ostrander, and co-wrote several installments of Grimjack's backup feature Munden's Bar. Close joined Charna Halpern at the ImprovOlympic Theater, which she had founded and briefly run with Compass Players producer David Shepherd.

Among Close's last words to those visiting him in his hospital room were, "I’m tired of being the funniest person in the room."

===After Life===
Before he died, Close requested that his skull be given to the [[Goodman Theatre]] for use in '' [[Hamlet]] '' productions, with him being duly credited in the program as portraying [[Yorick]]. A former roommate of his, who had worked as a forensic pathologist while attending law school in Chicago, flew in from Hawaii to perform the procedure, and Halpern, named by Close as the executor of his will, began plans for the procedure. Northwestern Memorial Hospital, however, despite the legality of the proceedings, being became concerned about violations of Illinois law and prohibited its conclusion. The erstwhile pathologist provided this information to Close’s student/protege [[Les Golden]] at Close's memorial gathering at [[Second City]] along with the observation that the actual skull lacked Close’s open-spaced front teeth and had a patina indicating it was not a fresh skull. This substitution of skulls was in fact commonly known among associates of Close, but was allowed to be perpetuated for the dramatic effect.

In a 2006 article in the Chicago Tribune, [[Robert K. Elder]] had written a general piece in which the legend was propagated as one of several other strange-but-true Chicago-area news bits, but to set the record straight Golden called Elder at the Tribune to advise him that in fact the skull that was donated to the Goodman by Halpern was not that of Close. That tip led to a front-page [[Chicago Tribune]] article by Elder<ref>http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2006-10-05/news/0610050127_1_skull-charna-halpern-del Accessed 2011-07-03</ref> that the donation of Close’s skull was a hoax, a fact which was then publicized nationwide.<ref>{{cite news | last = Friend | first = Tad | title = Skulduggery | publisher = [[The New Yorker]] | date= 2006-10-09 | url = http://www.newyorker.com/talk/content/articles/061009ta_talk_friend | accessdate = 2006-12-17}}</ref> In fact, the skull was cremated with the rest of Close's body.

To memorialize Close, his former students the Upright Citizens Brigade created The Del Close Marathon. Del's voice can be heard narrating in the opening credits for the first two seasons of the television show Upright Citizens Brigade, which features a group of his former students.

==Quotes==
"It is easy to become deluded by the audience, because they laugh. Don't let them make you buy the lie that what you're doing is for the laughter. Is what we're doing comedy? Probably not. Is it funny? Probably yes. Where do the really best laughs come from? Terrific connections made intellectually, or terrific revelations made emotionally." -Del Close (Truth in Comedy 25)

"What we do is too enchanting to be quantified" - Del Close

"Del Close is my biggest influence in comedy" - John Belushi [http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/obituary-del-close-1083014.html]

== Notable students ==
{{col-start}}
{{col-break}}
*Dan Aykroyd
*James Belushi
*John Belushi
*Matt Besser
*Heather Anne Campbell
*John Candy
*Stephen Colbert
*Andy Dick
*Brian Doyle-Murray
*Rachel Dratch
*Chris Farley
*Tina Fey
*Neil Flynn
*Aaron Freeman
*{{Col-break}}
*[[Les Golden]]
*Jon Glaser
*Tim Kazurinsky
*David Koechner
*Shelley Long
*Adam McKay
*Tim Meadows
*Susan Messing
*Jerry Minor
*Bill Murray
*Joel Murray
*Mike Myers (actor)|Mike Myers
*Bob Odenkirk
*Tim O'Malley (actor)|Tim O'Malley
*David Pasquesi
{{col-break}}
*Amy Poehler
*Gilda Radner
*Harold Ramis
*Ian Roberts (actor)|Ian Roberts
*Andy Richter
*Mitch Rouse
*Horatio Sanz
*Amy Sedaris
*Brian Stack
*Eric Stonestreet
*Miles Stroth
*Dave Thomas (actor)|Dave Thomas
*Matt Walsh (comedian)|Matt Walsh
*Stephnie Weir
*George Wendt
{{col-end}}

==''The Delmonic Interviews''==
In 2002, Cesar Jaime and Jeff Pacocha produced and directed a film composed of interviews with former students, friends, and collaborators of Del Close. The film documented not only Del's life and history, but the impact he had on the people in his life and the art form he helped to create. It is not sold on DVD and was made as a thank you and a tribute to Del, "as a way to allow those that never got to meet or study with him, a chance to understand what he was like."<ref>{{cite web | title = Cesar Jaime | publisher = ImprovResourceCenter.com | url = http://www.improvresourcecenter.com/mb/showpost.php?p=555744&postcount=11 | accessdate = 2008-07-18}}</ref>

The Delmonic Interviews includes interviews with: Charna Halpern (co-founder of Chicago's iO), Matt Besser (iO's The Family; Upright Citizens Brigade), Rachel Dratch (iO; Second City; Saturday Night Live), Neil Flynn (iO's The Family; NBC's Scrubs), Susan Messing (iO; Second City; Annoyance Productions), Amy Poehler (Upright Citizens Brigade, Saturday Night Live), and Miles Stroth (iO's The Family; Del's "Warchief"). The film was shown at several national improv festivals, including the 2004 Chicago Improv Festival, the 2004 Phoenix Improv Festival, the 2002 Del Close Marathon in New York City, and the 2006 LA Improv Festival.

==Close in Print==
Close is featured in an extensive interview in ''Something Wonderful Right Away'', a book about the members of the [[Compass Players]] and [[Second City]] written by [[Jeffrey Sweet]]. Originally published in 1978 by Avon, it is currently available from Limelight Editions.

In 1982, Close's student [[Les Golden]] was asked by Close to perform a surrogate interview with ''Spring'' magazine discussing Close's improvisation techniques.<ref>(1982), “Improvising Your Way to Success,” ''Spring'', 1, 6, p. 34, Rodale Press</ref>

In 2005, Jeff Griggs published ''Guru'', a book detailing his friendship with Close during the last two years of his life. Due to Close’s poor health (in part caused by long-term alcohol and drug use), Halpern suggested that Griggs run errands with Close. ''Guru'' gives a particularly detailed and complete picture of Close based on those shared hours. At the beginning of their relationship, Griggs was a student of Del’s, and the book includes several chapters in which Griggs depicts Close as a teacher.

The book has been adapted into a [[screenplay]], and as of 2006 [[Harold Ramis]] was attached to direct the script, although it does not appear that the movie will soon be made.<ref>{{cite web | title = Harold Ramis interview | publisher = SuicideGirls.com | url = http://suicidegirls.com/interviews/Harold+Ramis/ | accessdate = 2006-12-17}}</ref> Ramis would like [[Bill Murray]] to play Close.

In 2007, Eric Spitznagel wrote an article in the September issue of ''[[The Believer (magazine)|The Believer]]'' magazine reflecting on Close's life and his propensity for story-telling.<ref>{{cite web | last = Spitznagel | first = Eric | title = Follow the Fear | work = The Believer | month= September | year= 2007 | url = http://www.believermag.com/issues/200709/?read=article_spitznagel | accessdate = 2007-09-14}}</ref>

In 2008, Kim "Howard" Johnson's full-length biography of Close, ''The Funniest One in the Room: The Lives and Legends of Del Close'' was published. Johnson himself was a student of Close, and remained friends with Close until his death.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* Audio Interview with Griggs on [[The Sound of Young America]]: [http://libsyn.com/media/tsoya/tsoya072305.mp3 MP3 Link]
* [http://www.improvcomedy.org/hall/close.html Del Close at Improv/Comedy]
* [http://www.delclosemarathon.com/ Del Close Improv Marathon]
* [http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/delclose/ "As Del Lay Dying," an account of Del Close's final days (w/ video)]
* {{IMDB name|0167081}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2010}}

{{Persondata 
| NAME = Close, Del
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| DATE OF BIRTH = March 9, 1934
| PLACE OF BIRTH = Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| DATE OF DEATH = March 4, 1999
| PLACE OF DEATH = Chicago, Illinois, USA
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Close, Del}}
[[Category:1934 births]]
[[Category:1999 deaths]]
[[Category:Actors from Kansas]]
[[Category:American comics writers]]
[[Category:American film actors]]
[[Category:American SubGenii]]
[[Category:American theatre directors]]
[[Category:Deaths from emphysema]]
[[Category:ImprovOlympics]]
[[Category:Second City alumni]]

[[pt:Del Close]]

User talk:Ockham

2012-01-07T22:10:04Z

JeanneLanz:

{{Greeting}}

== Lovin' what you're doing ==

It is very exciting to see someone taking the bull by the horns, as you're doing, and laying the groundwork for what could be a great semantic sub-encyclopedia. You've already created an integer attribute, too! Phew! - [[User:MyWikiBiz|MyWikiBiz]] 07:49, 28 January 2008 (PST)

:Gack! Some excellent advice [http://mywikibiz.com/index.php?title=User_talk:MyWikiBiz&diff=53523&oldid=53517 found here]. I'm too junior a SemWeb noobie to remember things like this -- I just see the strategic beauty of doing things semantically. - [[User:MyWikiBiz|MyWikiBiz]] 08:55, 28 January 2008 (PST)

== Since when? ==

Igor Alexander has never been suggested to have been responsible for setting up www.wikipediareview.com. You must have gotten confused of that. Igor doesn't claim that, I don't claim that, Selina doesn't claim that, nobody claims that. Igor Alexander set up the ProBoards site. A group of 6 founding members set up the domain name. This included Igor, but it wasn't his idea. Lir, Blissyu2, Qwerty, Igor Alexander, Selina and Blissyu2 are your 6 founding members, who set up the new domain name. I haven't seen anywhere that anyone has disputed that. Is it being disputed? Perhaps Somey is suggesting that he went back in time to do it? Gosh darn it, these pesky time machines! [[User:Blissyu2|Blissyu2]] 04:04, 13 October 2008 (PDT)
: So fix it then, as it is in MWB mainspace. [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 04:05, 13 October 2008 (PDT)

== Revolting suggestions ==

[http://www.mywikibiz.com/index.php?title=Directory_talk:The_Wikipedia_Point_of_View&curid=39216&diff=71641&oldid=70479 See here] for my suggestions. -- [[User:MyWikiBiz|MyWikiBiz]] 06:08, 14 October 2008 (PDT)

== Google cache ==

I hope that you'll see [http://www.mywikibiz.com/Directory_talk:The_Wikipedia_Point_of_View/FT2_on_Animal_Films my note]. -- [[User:MyWikiBiz|MyWikiBiz]] 10:28, 26 November 2008 (PST)

== [[Kenneth Freeman]] ==

I am new here (though I've been here once before as User:bluevictim, I wanted to create an account under my real name), so I have just created an article, [[Kenneth Freeman]]. Is this how articles are done here, properly? What should be improved?

[[User:Jonas Rand|Jonas Rand]] 15:33, 1 January 2009 (PST)

:Jonas, I've made a note to you on your Talk page. I'll look for your response. I am not big into managing headaches on a repeated basis here. That's not a threat or anything... just giving you my perspective. -- [[User:MyWikiBiz|MyWikiBiz]] 16:51, 1 January 2009 (PST)

== Thank you, once again ==

Ockham, thank you again for all the good, quality work that you're doing here under the subject of medieval philosophy. It certainly lends an air of respect to our site. -- [[User:MyWikiBiz|MyWikiBiz]] 11:57, 4 January 2009 (PST)
: My pleasure. I am keeping up the account on Wikipedia see [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Petrus_de_Ibernia&diff=261943476&oldid=245335938 here] for example but the article [[Peter of Ireland|here]] is going to be better, of course. Is there any benefit in linking the Wikipedia articles here? [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 12:01, 4 January 2009 (PST)
::I believe that if you create here a hyperlink to the Wikipedia article, that has the net effect among search engines (Google, Yahoo, etc.) to "enhance" the reputation and PageRank of the Wikipedia article. If you create a hyperlink from Wikipedia to the article here on MyWikiBiz, it will not have a net effect among the search engines, because back in early 2007, Wikipedia selfishly put "nofollow" on most of their external link functions, on orders from Jimmy Wales. I immediately pointed out that the exceptional few links that remained impervious to "nofollow" happened to be to Jimmy's Wikia.com profit project. For that, I was again blocked from editing Wikipedia.
::Even with Wikipedia's "nofollow" effrontery, it is still helpful to link FROM there TO here, but only if you're actually doing so to assist Wikipedia users to find more helpful, authoritative information, and you are not doing it to boost your own ego or profit margins. Don't worry, others who hold power on Wikipedia will decide for you what your motives are. If you disagree with their decision, you may be blocked for daring to hold such an opinion.
::As a note, MyWikiBiz has about [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:LinkSearch&target=%2A.mywikibiz.com 40 links to it] from Wikipedia article and talk space. From these links, we garner about 4 or 5 "hits" per day. Nothing to break a sweat over. -- [[User:MyWikiBiz|MyWikiBiz]] 18:45, 4 January 2009 (PST)

:::Oh well. On a positive note [http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=siger+de+courtrai&meta= this search] brings in Siger at #3 on Google, above the The Cambridge History of Medieval Philosophy. Ulrich of Strasbourg comes #3 also. It is also interesting to compare the Wikipedia version of '[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Interpretatione On Interpretation]' with the [http://mywikibiz.com/On_Interpretation MWB version]. Notice the MWB is complete, the Wikipedia is not. This is not because anything was deleted from the Wikipedia version, but because the author of that article was banned for a period from Wikipedia and completed the article on MWB instead.

::: Which is rather unfair because when you Google [http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=%22Of+contradictory+propositions+about+the+past,+one+must+be+true,+the+other+false%22&hl=en a phrase from both versions] it comes 3rd after Wikipedia and a scraper, and to add insult to injury, it comes the omitted portion of "in order to show you the most relevant results, we have omitted some entries very similar to the 2 already displayed!". Yet if you Google a phrase [http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=%22Aristotle+enumerates+the+affirmations+and+denials+that+can+be+assigned+%22&meta= only in the MWB] it is #1 of 1, naturally. [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 09:42, 6 January 2009 (PST)

== I replied ==

I replied to your Google issues, on my Talk page. Just thought I'd leave you a note here, while you're beavering away on the site. Feel free to erase this. -- [[User:MyWikiBiz|MyWikiBiz]] 10:11, 25 January 2009 (PST)

== Transcription wiki hacks ==

I'd like to ask you some questions about your manuscript transcription wiki hacks. I'd looked at modifying MediaWiki for that purpose about 4 years ago, but had very little luck. Please drop me a line via the wiki email address.

[[User:Benwbrum|Benwbrum]] 13:06, 18 April 2009 (PDT) [http://manuscripttranscription.blogspot.com/] [http://beta.fromthepage.com/]

: Hi I replied with a test email. [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 07:49, 19 April 2009 (PDT)

== The Wikipedia Point of View ==
Hi my name is Peter and I am from '''Australia'''. I’ve been reading the article ''“The Wikipedia Point of View/Peter Damian Evidence”'' and the ''“The Wikipedia Point of View “'' with great interest. I originally came to Wikipedia to do a little bit of editing. But found myself writing in an area of Wikipedia that seems to be in a constant edit war. Wikipedia is becoming a domain for an ever-growing number of '''wiki-bullies'''. The idea of an encyclopedia proper just cannot be achieved this way and it’s probably past the point where any reform can help it. Here in Australia Universities, colleges and other tertiary education facilities have banned the use of Wikipedia as a research tool.

My particular experience with Wikipedia is that it is being used as a promotional tool for political agendas. This then brings up all sorts of moral issues, which I think should be important.
I would like to add a chapter to the article ''The Wikipedia Point of View'' concerning this. I would like to present my writings to you if I may. I think I need a realty check. I feel like I’ve been banging my head against a wall with this for a while now, on my own, and it’s only now that I’m presenting my concerns outside of Wikipedia. Thanks [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 17:54, 22 September 2009 (PDT)
: Thanks, and by all means post something here on my talk page. I will then post it on WPOV with attribution, if you are content with this. [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 00:02, 29 September 2009 (PDT)

==The Balkans==
Moved to [[User talk:Ockham/Wikipedia & Political Agendas]]

: Actually (though the above is useful) do you have links to the articles that are problematic? I looked at the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tito article on Tito] and there are clear problems there. Is there anything else? Thanks [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 01:56, 3 October 2009 (PDT)

:: Hi! So, Wiki links that are problematic concerning the article. Hmmm, I like that. I'll get back to you on that one. Thanks for the tip. [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 02:49, 3 October 2009 (PDT)
::: No, other articles in ''Wikipedia'' - or is it just the Tito one? Let's start with which specific Wikipedia articles you have a problem with :-) [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 02:51, 3 October 2009 (PDT)
:::: Ok! The Tito one, for now, as an example.[[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 02:54, 3 October 2009 (PDT)

Can you see if you are allowed to edit [[User talk:Ockham/test page]]? [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 03:00, 3 October 2009 (PDT)
: No, I'm not allowed to edit the article. I went through all the Wiki protocol on the talk page & presented my arguments to Wikipedia:Neutral point of view/Noticeboard & Wikipedia:Editor assistance/Requests, they told me go and edit somewhere else. [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 03:13, 3 October 2009 (PDT)

Yes [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 03:31, 3 October 2009 (PDT)
: OK I have moved the page (see above). We can edit it there and then move it to the main space when complete. [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 03:47, 3 October 2009 (PDT)
: You are 'Sir Floyd', correct? And the other one is 'Direktor'. It looks to me as though there is an issue here (forgive me, I generally avoid political articles as they are so inherently difficult to make NPOV. I agree with you, using standard reference sources as a benchmark is the only way to achieve neutrality. [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 03:51, 3 October 2009 (PDT)

::Thanks! ''"Sir Floyd is not a bad guy once you get to know him."'' I'm lucky they didn't block me. They launched a huge attack against me once they saw that I wanted to change their Broz article. Director is their leader. I was suspicious from day one, but as you say "political articles are so inherently difficult to make NPOV" and I agree. I've been to Croatia many times, so I have a personal experience from that region. They seem to want to make Wikipedia to read like the propaganda of the Communist Party of Yugoslavia. My main worry is the power of Wikipedia to inform. [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 05:39, 3 October 2009 (PDT)

Ockham are you on line?[[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 07:57, 3 October 2009 (PDT)
: Yes, if you click on 'User contributions' you can see where I am working. I have added some more material to the article.[[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 07:59, 3 October 2009 (PDT)

:: Thanks for responding. My partner has gone to bed, so please forgive me for my written English. I'm a bit dyslexic and a '''bi-lingual''' one at that, this was actually used against me at Wikipedia. Firstly thank you for putting your time into this. I lived in Croatia for ten years (long story) 78 to 88, so I know the place like the back of my hand. Can I please make some comments. By the way your bloody good at this!.[[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 08:15, 3 October 2009 (PDT)
::: Go ahead I put it there so we can both work on it.[[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 08:28, 3 October 2009 (PDT)

::::Thanks! We might have to put old Draza Mihailović on the bottom of the article (in terms of importance), because he switched sides during WW2 (but he still aided Allied Pilots), if that's Ok. [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 08:40, 3 October 2009 (PDT)
::::: I am just collecting material for the moment. Mihailović seems to have been guilty of something, but it is by no means as clear cut as the Wikipedia article suggests. Sources are ''everything''. I might split this into several articles. [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 08:50, 3 October 2009 (PDT)

Cult of Personality is Wiki (Tito's) article's greatest weakness. His ''"Cult of Personality"'' is well documented (and it is quite disconcerting). You have to understand that there is a lot of '''feel good''' info written on him, until the collapse of Yugoslavia. He played a major role in Cold War propaganda, but it sadly turned out to be political spin. I'm going to add a few more references then I'm off to bed. At the moment I'm drinking a nice Aussie red wine. Cheers & Thank You! [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 09:26, 3 October 2009 (PDT)
: Mmm my favourite. Might have some myself tonight in London. [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 09:31, 3 October 2009 (PDT)

Hi Ockham, are you on line? Thanks for the message and your work, it's looking great. [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 07:57, 4 October 2009 (PDT)
: I'm here (for a bit). As I said, follow my contributions to see if I am on line. Thanks for a great lead. [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 07:58, 4 October 2009 (PDT)
:: Wikipedia:Neutral point of view/Noticeboard, what a waste of''' time'''. Just logged off Wikipedia. I must have hit a raw nerve with the "Sources Interlink Attack". Ok I'll follow up, & get back to you. Are you still in London? I love London. Cheers [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 08:17, 4 October 2009 (PDT)

Hi Ockham, I'll be posting my thoughts on my talk page, so when you've got some spare time, check it out. Regards [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 20:28, 5 October 2009 (PDT)
: I've been away, I'll check your page out tomorrow. [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 11:53, 8 October 2009 (PDT)
::: Check out the Youth Indoctrination stuff, it is very funny. It reminds me of Hitler's Youth. [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 21:59, 9 October 2009 (PDT)
::::Check out "Wiki Balkan Dramas" & "Wiki's Encyclopedic Editors Style of Communication" [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 20:37, 12 October 2009 (PDT)
== Wiki Editors Publishing Wiki Articles (In a Book) ==

G-Day Ockham! Do you know anything about Wiki Editors publishing Wiki articles (in a book) and making money from it. [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 02:47, 8 October 2009 (PDT)
: Sorry, no [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 11:53, 8 October 2009 (PDT)
I brought this book of the Internet called History of Dalmatia [http://www.amazon.com/History-Dalmatia-Dalmatia-Dalmatian-principalities/dp/6130027028]. It turned out to be 95% Wiki (maps & all). I though that Wiki was a '''non-profit''' organization. Without my knowledge I was surprised to see myself listed as a source author (& they got my statement wrong). [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 19:38, 9 October 2009 (PDT)

:User:MyWikiBiz‎ has got information on the '''History of Dalmatia''' book [http://www.mywikibiz.com/User_talk:MyWikiBiz#Wiki_Editors_Publishing_Wiki_Articles_.28In_a_Book.29]. [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 20:45, 12 October 2009 (PDT)

== Wikipedia:Neutral point of view/Noticeboard ==

"Tito was the commander of the Partisans and there are far too many examples of '''mass murders''' & '''mass arrests''' [http://www.goliotok.com/] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goli_otok][http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goli_otok] for it to be ignored (& there are many more). Any good encyclopedic article should make reference to them. It would be like Stalin without his rule of terror being documented. This just dosen't make sense in the modern world. What we have here is a clear avoidance of these issues (in the article), thus making it biased. Direktor stated ''"they have absolutely nothing to do with Josip Broz Tito"''. Well then,what did Tito do? Did he let these horrible events just happen? Did he have a moral conscience (the war did end)? Was he incompetent? Was he the great leader that the Yugoslav Communist state propaganda machine portrayed him to be? Even the Wiki article states this. I have shown here credible references and sources to prove my argument, please take them into account."

''Taken'' from Summary of Josip Broz Tito Article-21 October 2009 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Neutral_point_of_view/Noticeboard#Summary_of_Josip_Broz_Tito_Article].

:Hi Ockham. Hmmm! I 'm finding the Wikipedia:Neutral point of view/Noticeboard approach to these issues to be be quite odd. It's taken on a darker tone. They (the Admin) have not responded at all. No encyclopedia should remain quite on these matters (this is media material). This just '''dosen't''' make any sense. Cheers [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 18:18, 21 October 2009 (PDT)
:: It's the editor called DIREKTOR who is the problem, isn't it?[[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 01:20, 24 October 2009 (PDT)
::: Yes, he is part of the problem, but what's happening with Admin. Am I missing something here? I've meet some realy nice editors and some bad ones, but in the end somebody (or somebodies) has to make the '''main''' call. Are there any similarities with your situation? [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 05:28, 24 October 2009 (PDT)
:::: Do you mean by 'admin' the administration in general? Or a particular admin? Administrators generally can't make content judgments, only on behaviour, which is the main problem with Wikipedia [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 06:00, 24 October 2009 (PDT)
::::: Ok, thats interesting. How about when editor approaches "Neutral point of view/Noticeboard, with his/hers concerns and there is no responds (except my mate). Even though the issues are very serious. I have seen this with many others.[[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 06:24, 24 October 2009 (PDT)
:::::: This is exactly as expected. [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 06:29, 24 October 2009 (PDT)
::::::: Your're saying that's expected, because the editors are just not '''qualified''' or maybe they just playing ''boys club'' games (or both).[[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 06:59, 24 October 2009 (PDT)
G-Day! ''It's taken on a darker tone''. What I am referring to is the '''ethical''' and '''moral''' issues involved in creating a feel good article about a man who allowed '''mass arrests/torture''' & '''mass murders''' (100 000 plus). Granted during the cold war he was portrayed as a hero (that was such a long time ago), however this is not the whole truth. Then we have editors surporting the article & finaly an admin who just don't get involved '''???''' What is going on at Wiki? Not very encyclopedic that's for sure. What if there was a feel good article on Stalin or Hitler? So do you think our article is nearly finish? On a lighter note, these days I am going for the preservative free wine. Cheers [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 01:55, 25 October 2009 (PDT)
: Gday! I had too much ordinary wine last night. I think the article has some way to go, in terms of more fact checking, more context and a bit more of a thread, particularly an active comparison to Wikipedia. E.g "Here are the facts as recognised by mainstream historians, here is how Wikipedia presents it, and here is why". Actually Wikipedia does a reasonably good job where there are enough experts to represent the mainstream view. In this case, there is one guy or two who completely control that set of articles. The administration never do anything because their job is to control behaviour. Also most administrators have hardly any education, I don't know if you realise that. PS sorry I haven't been able to help more - if you look at my contributions you see I am loading my old website onto MWB after Googlepages deleted all of it. [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 02:30, 25 October 2009 (PDT)
:: Yes, you have been busy. Thanks for the feedback. ''"Also most administrators have hardly any education, I don't know if you realise that."'' I noticed that something wasn't right, but couldn't quite pin point it. I thought that the place was run mostly by young teenagers. So I wasn't far of, I think. That would explain some of it. Thanks [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 21:35, 25 October 2009 (PDT)

== News Flash ==
'''News Flash''': Editor DIREKTOR is being considered (by some in Wiki) to be nominated for Admin [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:Polargeo/Archive_1#Admin] & [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:AniMate#Admin.3F].
: Link please! [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 13:17, 27 October 2009 (PDT)
::'''News Flash''': Editor DIREKTOR has won "The Barnstar of Diplomacy" Award! [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:DIREKTOR#Award] -It's like giving Robert Mcgarbie a Noble Peace Prize- Go Wiki.
(What ever happened to MyWikiBiz ?) [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 17:46, 27 October 2009 (PDT)

== JA ==
JA: Why the devil did they do that? [[User:Jon Awbrey|Jon Awbrey]] 07:44, 25 October 2009 (PDT)
: They have changed it to 'Google Sites' the purpose of which is to prevent uploading of html files. You can only do it by using their editor and copying and pasting so, stuff that, I have moved in here. [https://www.google.com/support/sites/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=90558] [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 08:56, 25 October 2009 (PDT)

== Amusing edit ==

[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Brandywine_Springs&curid=23842546&diff=321568812&oldid=321443794] Note to self: try and find a place for this. [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 12:24, 26 October 2009 (PDT)

== Article ==

Wikipedia’s Communist Propaganda Articles! [http://www.mywikibiz.com/Wikipedia’s_Communist_Propaganda_Articles%21#Dictator_Josip_Broz_Tito]
: Thanks - I shall be using some of this material shortly.[[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 14:02, 7 November 2009 (PST)
Really? Thanks, have you read about the "Commission on Concealed Mass Graves in Slovenia". They have finally finished their work and it's having a huge effect on the Croatian & Slovenian community. Some of it is just an eerie silence.
*Slovenian Press Agency [http://www.sta.si/vest.php?s=a&id=1378327&pr=1] Columnist Says Silence on Post-War Killings Needs to End

Check out this good old fashion edited war [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Josip_Broz_Tito#Josip_Broz_Tito]. [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 17:55, 7 November 2009 (PST)

'''''News Flash''''' - have been report, is the down fall of Sir Floyd? [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Administrators%27_noticeboard/Incidents#WP:OUTING_violations_by_User:Sir_Floyd]

The World According to Wikipedia:[http://www.mywikibiz.com/User_talk:Peter_Z.#The_Word_According_to_Wikipedia] [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 23:18, 7 November 2009 (PST)

Hi there! I've pretty much bottom out on my reference work (the ones that are bullet proof) [http://www.mywikibiz.com/User_talk:Peter_Z.#Notes_on_References]. What holds for the future for references from this part of the world, who knows? I got a feeling that post ''The Commision'' things might start changing, I hope. Well next time when I'm here, I might be part of the Block Editors Gang.

Ps check out my music [http://www.amrap.org/fmn.php?pageid=4&nodeid=458&a=1&p=1&c=intrinsic] [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 01:02, 8 November 2009 (PST)

== Events on Wiki Balkan Articles ==
Hi Ockham! Italian admin have pick up on my ''" Wikipedia:Requests for comment/Biographies"'' and all hell has broken lose [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Josip_Broz_Tito#He_never_made_a_mistake.3F_There_is_nothing_to_criticize.3F]. Their '''might be''' some changes? I've done some more research. It's quite possible that the propaganda is being pushed from a guy from Slovenia (he's part of the Wikipedia's Hive Mind). Why on earth would anyone want to push old communist propaganda stuff? This indeed is truly '''strange'''? [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 01:51, 5 December 2009 (PST)
: HI, sorry I've been away a bit. I will take a look. [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 08:42, 28 December 2009 (PST)
:: Happy new year-Ockham![[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 00:32, 1 January 2010 (PST)
::: and to you!!!! [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 05:42, 2 January 2010 (PST)

== Wikipedia’s Communist Propaganda Articles!-Dictator Josip Broz Tito ==
Hello! Any change of moving this [http://www.mywikibiz.com/Wikipedia’s_Communist_Propaganda_Articles%21] on to the "Directory:The Wikipedia Point of View". Regards [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 19:40, 8 January 2010 (PST)
: [http://www.mywikibiz.com/Directory:The_Wikipedia_Point_of_View/Wikipedia_%26_Political_Agendas Done].
:: Thanks [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 05:38, 9 January 2010 (PST)
:::[[User talk:Ockham/Wikipedia & Political Agendas]]/ updated [[Wikipedia’s Communist Propaganda Articles!]]-did some work, any change, sometime, please, have a look, Ockham. [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 17:39, 11 January 2010 (PST)
:::: Hello! I've created my own [[User talk:Peter Z./Wikipedia & Political Agendas]]. There I've transfer some of my own work. The User talk:Ockham/Wikipedia & Political Agendas reads better now. Regards [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 17:37, 13 January 2010 (PST)

== House of De Bona==
Hi Ockham! Are you still alive? Check this out [http://www.mywikibiz.com/User_talk:Peter_Z./Wikipedia_%26_Political_Agendas#House_of_De_Bona House of De Bona]. I reckon there's a article in this, if not more. Cheers [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 21:23, 5 February 2010 (PST)
: Hi there yes of course! Just a bit distracted at the moment with RL issues such as completing a book. I will check out your link. [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 03:04, 7 February 2010 (PST)

==Help This is not doing well on Google!==

[[Sarey Savy]] needs to reach number one on google search engine can you help it's like number 15. ([[User:Michael Chen|Michael Chen]] 21:37, 11 February 2010 (PST))
:Not sure why you're bothering an expert in medieval philosophy with your Google search problems, but I am here to help. -- [[User:MyWikiBiz|MyWikiBiz]] 05:55, 12 February 2010 (PST)

== Reply on SMW matter ==

Ockham, I have [http://www.mywikibiz.com/User_talk:MyWikiBiz#Help:SMW replied] to you. -- [[User:MyWikiBiz|MyWikiBiz]] 02:22, 6 May 2010 (UTC)

== The Wikipedia Point of View/Pornopedia/2010-May porn purge ==
Interesting reading. [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 13:03, 13 May 2010 (UTC)
: Glad you enjoyed it! [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 15:12, 13 May 2010 (UTC)
:: Ockham there seems to be tons of this neo-communist crap on Wiki. Ha! It's a joke! They have turn it into their own little blog. Is this the next [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Soviet_Encyclopedia Great Soviet Encyclopedia]? Hey, check out my new baby [[Nationalistic Editing on Wikipedia]].
:: That's fabulous and thanks for the links to my pages. Very sunny weather in London, I am in the garden drinking cider. [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 15:04, 22 May 2010 (UTC)
::: Rain in Fremantle, drinking ...... water! [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 14:56, 23 May 2010 (UTC)
:::: Yes I saw [[Nationalistic Editing on Wikipedia]]. On another subject, check out my blog [http://ocham.blogspot.com/2010/06/avicennian-logic.html here] - the scale of POV here was immense. The English weather is back to normal, sadly. [[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 07:06, 10 June 2010 (UTC)
::::: That is a ''cool'' blog, but is it as ''cool'' as my web site ?: http://www.peterzuvela.com/ :) That Avicennian logic looks very interesting, I'll have to give a good reading later on. Mad house here at the [http://www.mywikibiz.com/Directory:J_Shed_Ceramic_Art_Studio#Reburial_of_Yagan.27s_Head-Current_Project moment]. See Ya! [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 07:39, 10 June 2010 (UTC)
:::::: Thanks for your support here by the way [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Administrators%27_noticeboard#Proposal_to_unblock_Peter_Damian]. Unfortunately it turned into the usual fiasco.[[User:Ockham|Ockham]] 14:36, 11 June 2010 (UTC)
::::::: I like the term: ''Activists''. [[User:Peter Z.|Peter Z.]] 01:25, 26 July 2010 (UTC)
== Equine greetings! ==

Hello! You get a big Horsey kiss! Mwah! Mwah! [[User:Horsey|Horsey]] 03:09, 10 June 2010 (UTC)

I like your work here. But I haven't seen your edits since the fall of 2011?
[[User:JeanneLanz|JeanneLanz]] 22:10, 7 January 2012 (UTC)