One of the more perplexing reflexes of man is to offer an “explanation” in the face of a sure guilt. For without offering even the most absurd of excuses he has not tried to explain away the hot potato his glove box. And not trying is reflexive surrender which is universally seen as the softest of attributes.

Explanations are painful to offer but fun to listen to …. and sometimes they get you out of extremely awkward situations.

The college photography class … among the many things that made you uncomfortable during critique is that thing that makes all right-minded people cringe, bad pictures of homeless people.

Yes, it’s a matter of perspective and we won’t give a sermon on the subject, but will say that the essence if photography to us is communication and gaze. The camera gives power to the one who holds it; its product can turn one man’s wallpaper into another man’s flower. Its product never gives you reality in a literal sense, only a reality tainted by the perspective of the person taking the picture.

As you all know, Cleveland SGS loves us some street photography. However this time we chose not to use the gaze of our artsy selves and pass the camera to SGS Associate Ross (SGSAR). In the past we have attempted to document the goings on of downtown Cleveland but came back only with printer cartridges and fluorescent lights. Ross on the other hand resides on 9th and Superior and has a keen eye for the City’s daily happenings. With his photographs he managed to turn much of what we found forgetful into memorable pearls of wisdom.

We are proud to present the photographic gaze of none other than Ross. Tomorrow, maybe you will view the world as he sees it.

Music, 808 by Steel & Ross

Pondefloor stinjbubblingremix by stinj

In the summer of 2007 Cleveland SGS, with a little help from their alien friends, coined the phrase, “Cleveland punishes those who build for kings“. By this we mean that if we design our likeness after so-called “winning” places, Mother Cleveland will relentlessly punish us from now until the end of time. Now that you know the recipe to never-ending suffering throw out the ingredients and start a new. Trust SGS, this knowledge is pure and will release you from the burdens of life. Build for your self, not for kings.

One of the greatest gifts Ken Lanci has given the people of Cleveland is the gift of a handsomely designed backdrop, perfect for both portrait and group photography*. In many ways Lanci’s red, white, and blue eagle-burst graphic is the backdrop to our own political aspirations. The tanned Lanci hand resting on a cream colored faux-Victorian couch is a subtle nod to the everyman that anything is possible in our beloved city.

Some call his bid for County Executive a fantasy … we call it a Ken Lantasy.

* Commonly referred to as a “Lance-Up”

Ken Lanci’s appeal to the 10-17 year old age demographic is truly amazing. When asked, 72.3% of children surveyed cited Lanci’s “gangster” style as his most admirable attribute. As many of us know Lanci is a legitimate businessman who has never to our knowledge been involved in criminal activities; he does however possess a street flash-n-swagger that is absent from machine politics, this could account for his popularity amongst urban youth. After all Lanci is the only candidate who is both from the projects* and willing to work on them with others.

* Source

On our way to the slave ship SGS had the pleasure of meeting the above pictured three guys. Coming from a peaceful night of slumber at the affordable Inn at TwentyOneHundred, the three guys interrupted their morning routine to talk politics and fashion with SGS.

One of the more interesting topics addressed was Ken Lanci’s bid for County Executive. The three guys were all in agreement that Lanci is solely responsible for reuniting fashion and politics in the Cleveland area. Not since Mayor Perk had they seen such a beautifully crafted head of hair and pearly white teeth. We were all in agreement that Lanci’s monogrammed french cuffs and golden tan were enough to make George Hamilton blush.

The meeting with the three guys reaffirmed our belief that you never really know your city until you stop random people on the street and ask them questions that make little sense. Ken Lanci, much to our surprise, is truly the people’s candidate. Young and old, black and white, seem to support the candidacy of Ken Lanci. It was told to us by the three guys “Shit …. if we’re gonna have a casino we need a politician who looks like he was born in one!”