Immigrant Song

Immigrant Song

Dear Friend,

In this week’s issue:

• Reclaiming Cleveland’s Immigrant Entrepreneurs on our past and potential role as an immigrant gateway by Rose A. Zitiello and Richard T. Herman
• RoldoLINK the latest installment from watchdog commentator Roldo Bartimole
• Cool Cleveland People featuring award-winning arts educator Mary Beth Matthews
• Cool Cleveland exclusive interview with Rep. Dennis Kucinich on his Presidential campaign
• Mark Your Calendar for upcoming Art/Tech/Dance events on 6/17 and 7/29

Reclaiming Cleveland’s Immigrant Entrepreneurs
by Rose A. Zitiello and Richard T. Herman
In an increasingly global economy, highly skilled and entrepreneurial immigrants provide the necessary bridge to the talent, business, and capital in their homeland. The risk-taking factor in the immigrant community, coupled with scientific accomplishment, internal networks providing seed capital, and access to inexpensive overseas labor markets, provide a formidable combination for local economic development. Recent studies show that immigrants to the U.S. are much more likely to be entrepreneurs than native-born Americans. For some immigrant groups, the entrepreneurship rate is 2 to 3 times greater than the American-born population. As a result, Northeast Ohio is less connected to global opportunities (particularly in emerging markets), and remains vulnerable to adverse consequences of globalization. In contrast, our bustling neighbor to the north, Toronto, enjoys a foreign-born community that comprises 43% of its total population. In studying regions around the U.S., research finds that “the leading edge of population and economic growth in the country is related to immigration,” particularly from Asia and Latin America. The Brookings study revealed the percent change of the foreign-born population from 1980 to 2000 for the following cities: Atlanta: +816%; Raleigh-Durham: +709%; Las Vegas: +637%, Austin: +580%, Denver: +258%, Salt Lake City: +211%, Minneapolis: +196% and Cleveland: -11%. Only Pittsburgh and Buffalo (classified like Cleveland as former “immigrant gateways”), performed worse, by losing -23% and -26% respectively. Clearly, Cleveland should attempt to reclaim some of its glory as an immigrant magnet for international talent and entrepreneurship…
Read the commentary by Rose Zitiello and Richard Herman by clicking here

Cleveland on sale The beleaguered Convention & Visitors Bureau has a daunting task, as our fair city has to deal with the sometimes unappreciative locals who may not always notice the advantages of our area as easily as transplants. How will a local convention bureau showcase Cleveland when it has a hard time seeing the forest (city) through the trees? With a new president, some rearranging of the board (disclosure: Mulready now serves on the board), and recommendations from an Arts and Cultural Tourism committee that’s suggesting the selling of Cleveland to neighbors within 200 miles on Cleveland’s rich cultural assets, the CVB has some serious work to do. Read more here and here.

Euclid Corridor on track Bike lanes, high-tech traffic lights, and hybrid diesel-electric buses called BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) all add up to an excellent effort to link Downtown Cleveland to University Circle and East Cleveland. But first, some critical land-use and zoning changes need to be put into place to allow for desired development. “Right now you can do just about everything but what we want,” says architect Paul Volpe. Typically negative PD headline (“Euclid Corridor: boondoggle or benefit?”) only helps to turn public opinion against this best-chance economic development project. Read more

Gambling on betting Cleveland developer John Ferchill wants to play follow the follower, citing how casinos have bolstered cities like Detroit (where he happens to be developing a hotel). To quote Ferchill, “We would have never done the hotel there without the three casinos” and “We need to see if gaming can work as part of economic development activity”. Read more

Ohio school funding is unconstitutional and illegal The Ohio State Supreme Court has ruled no less than four times: basing school funding on property taxes is wrong. That’s why virtually every school district, even the wealthy ones like Beachwood and Brecksville-Broadview Hts (which turned down its recent school levy) are going broke. Read more

County thinks big The 2000 Cuyahoga County employees deserve better than their current outdated digs, so they have accepted proposals to move the new County HQ. New location proposals include the former May Company site, the former Higbee’s site, a lakefront site by Browns Stadium, and NEO park off I-480. Interestingly, 4 of the 8 proposals are sites along Cleveland’s once-grand Euclid Avenue, including an intriguing idea to use the beautiful AmeriTrust rotunda and attached 28-story tower. Read more

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
The peak of perfection The Pinnacle Condominiums in the historic Warehouse District will offer incredible amenities and panoramic views. Just imagine having an empty canvas upon which to design your own unique home! The Pinnacle will feature a contemporary design, spacious and light-filled rooms, gourmet kitchens, luxury baths, oak hardwood floors, and balconies. Other amenities include a fitness center, indoor parking, roof gardens and a swimming pool. When you step out the door, you can walk to the Water Street Grill for a glass of wine and a great meal, or check out half price sushi night on Wednesdays at another local eatery, Sushi Rock. Plus special financing and 15 year tax abatement! Located on Lakeside between W. 6th and 9th. For a complete listing of our open houses this weekend, visit our website at http://www.progressiveurban.com
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Cleveland Orchestra spurns BBC The Cleveland Orchestra is bowing out of an invitation to perform at the BBC Proms because its concerts would be webcast without payment to the Cleveland musicians. Norman Lebrecht stated “Open access is what makes the Proms a magnet for the world’s great orchestras…the trade-off is that everyone does it on the cheap…the basic wage in the Cleveland Orchestra is $97,090 per annum, twice the going rate for London musicians and for less than half the work.” http://www.scena.org/columns/lebrecht/040428-NL-cleveland.html

Rock Hall free shows The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is pleased to announce the summer line-up for the Summer in the City Concert Series. This 6-week summer concert series features national and Cleveland bands on Key Plaza each Wed starting 6/9 from 6-9PM. These concerts are free and open to the public. The schedule is as follows: Wed 6/9 Cobra Verde, Sign Offs, 6/23 Greenhornes, New Lou Reeds 7/7 Legendary Shack Shakers, Hayshaker Jones, 7/21 Spitalfield, Lovedrug, 8/4 Electric Six, Machine Go Boom 8/18 Disengage, Red Giant, Vacancies, DJ Larry Szyms. Beer and food will be available at all events. Starting 6/9 through Labor Day visitors can tour the Museum on Wednesdays from 6-9PM at a discount price. http://www.rockhall.com

Electric Community Center Not just coffee and computers, it’s computers, coffee and culture happening in Kent where you’ll find music, art, film, computer education and community outreach. You’ll want to check out this innovative effort. http://www.c1media.com

Grass is greener Cuyahoga County wistfully looks at Summit’s form of government for reform, while Summit wishes it had a regional sewer district. But one truth came out of a recent forum: “The greatest impediment for economic development is the state of Ohio,” said Summit County Executive James McCarthy “The county government, whether you have a charter form of government or commission, is limited in the things it can do.” Read more

Organic Trade Association can tell you everything about organic farming, news and the latest government policies and fact sheets on organic meat processing. Check it out, you will be more than surprised. http://www.ota.com

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
The power of art and architecture Dr. Fred T. Smith, author and Kent State University’s Director of Galleries and Professor of Art History, will present his lecture Architecture and Decorative Arts of West Africa at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. This event coincides with the highly praised exhibition Senenkunya: Many Voices, One Family on display now at the museum. Dr. Smith, a noted authority on the arts and architecture of Western Africa, will discuss West African buildings, shrines, domiciles, decorations and wall paintings and their relationships and significance to the people that create them. One night only Thu 5/13 at 7PM in the museum’s Murch auditorium; for tickets call 216-231-1177 or 800-317-9155 x3279. Are you aware of the benefits offered to museum members? Find out and discover the nature of your universe at Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, 231-4600. http://www.cmnh.org/senenkunya.html
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

2004 Rust Belt Slam call-out The Rust Belt Regional Poetry Slam is being hosted in Cleveland this year, with teams from around the Midwest gathering to compete for the Rustbelt title Fri 6/25 & Sat 6/26 at the Beachland Ballroom. Financial support is needed to make this event successful; show some love for our local literary culture and demonstrate your commitment to the arts: individual sponsorships begin at $25, company sponsorships begin at $100. Your donations are tax deductible, too. Checks can be made out to Clevelandpoetics and mailed to: Michael Salinger, 7326 Presley Avenue, Mentor, Ohio 44060. For more info visit http://www.clevelandpoetryslam.com/rustbelt or email salinger@ameritech.net

OneCampus NEO The Northeast Ohio Council on Higher Education wants to spend $5 million over 3 years to attract and retain college students. Part of the hefty ticket is to pay fees to Collegia, a consulting firm in Wellesley, Mass., that has developed similar projects in Boston, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Another example of Cleveland’s tendency to pay outside “experts” to build our community. Read more

Thompson leaves CrainTech Since late 2000, Crain Tech? editor Chris Thompson has been an aggressive, rigorous voice on the beat of Cleveland’s burgeoning tech scene. His editorials have pushed against Cleveland’s entrenched power structures and attitudes to advocate for a move to new economy. With reporter Shasta Clark’s departure a few weeks ago, and Thompson’s move next week to PR flacks Edward Howard, (known as the voice of Cleveland’s entrenched power structure), a lot of questions are left unanswered: rather than Thompson’s railing for progressive policies, does this mean we have another apologist for the status quo? What will happen to Crain Tech the online branch of Crain’s Cleveland Business, now that their strongest voice has left? See CrainTech” here.

Hard to believe Some politicians never seem to stop feeding at the trough of the taxpayers. Lib or conservative, this should piss you off. http://story.news.yahoo.com

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Urban Pioneer Stake your place in the heart of downtown Cleveland’s most bustling neighborhood! The Bingham — loft living combined with full-scale amenities in the Warehouse District. Enjoy features such as: a fitness center, concierge service, community rooms, indoor parking and fully-stocked gourmet market! Gaze at the Cleveland skyline from your 1 or 2 bedroom unit; or from your two-story, or 3 bedroom penthouse! Different floor plans feature many unique spaces; private balconies, curved walls, brick walls and high ceilings. All units feature contemporary kitchens with modern appliances, neutral carpet/hardwood floors, T1 internet capability and free basic cable. Live in Cleveland’s most unique neighborhood and enjoy true urban conveniences; with shops, restaurants, clubs and galleries just minutes from your front door. Visit http://www.thebingham.com or call 216.579.4000 for more information. The Bingham, 1278 W. Ninth St.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Rock ‘n’ Roll Cleveland…With A Twist The latest Rock ‘n’ Roll Cleveland…with A Twist postcard that’s illustrated by Frank Derrig is now out. The card features a comical story about Alice Cooper (you may have gotten yours in the mail already). These cards will continue to be mailed out, but Frank can no longer give them away to the general public. And we don’t wanna hear any whinin’, because hey, seven cards in this 12-card series were given out for free–that’s not too shab, right? Hopefully, you’ll be compelled to go buy them all at Collector’s Warehouse located at Pearl & York; My Mind’s Eye record shop on Madison in Lakewood; Bookstore on West 25th St; and at High Tide Rock Bottom on Coventry. For info see http://www.fderrig.com

A place for people After years of setbacks, arguments and redesigns, the director of the Cleveland Heights libraries, Steve Wood, can finally begin the transformation of the Lee Road main library and the former YMCA building across the street into one big library and cultural arts center. The idea to combine the library and the former YMCA into a community arts center came out of a series of community meetings conducted in the fall of 2000. His vision: “Technology implies that libraries will get smaller. But I’ve always thought the opposite. Libraries will become community centers, and we will need a place to put the people.” See Cleveland Jewish News here.

Building Blocks for Youth An alliance of children’s advocates, researchers and community organizers that work to protect youth of color in the justice system and advocate for more effective and rational policies. See their website for startling statistics and links http://www.buildingblocksforyouth.org

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Reefer Madness This 1936 film began life as Tell Your Children, an exercise to educate young adults about the dangers of marijuana. However, through a re-cut and subsequent reintroduction, it became the cult movie classic Reefer Madness, which was dwarfed only by Rocky Horror Picture Show. And in the ’90s, co-writers/composers Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney set it to music as Reefer Madness the musical. Reefer Madness traces the steps of two fresh-faced kids and their descent into lewd behavior and bad grades from the use of pot. The Beck Center will present the inaugural U.S. production, coming after the LA premiere and Off Broadway run. Opening night Fri 5/21 at 8PM and showing on Saturdays and Sundays – plus, special late night showings…call for details. The Beck Center for the Arts, 521-2540, 17801 Detroit Ave in Lakewood. http://www.beckcenter.org.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

+‘Mark Your Calendars
[‘PDA-worthy events forthcoming”+]

A Moveable Feast We’re just recovering from last week’s excellent Art/Tech/Dance event at Abbasso Underground Lounge, with over 400 of our closest and coolest friends. Now we’re making plans for our first foray into the Inner Ring! Mark Your Calendars for Thu 6/17 from 4-8PM for a wild after-work event that’ll have you hopping all over the intersection of Cedar and Lee Roads in Cleveland Heights. We’ll be partying in the outdoor Mini-park, watching Cleveland films in the Cedar-Lee Theatre, checking out art in the galleries and generally hanging out in this wonderland of a neighborhood. And the after-party includes free admission to Cain Park at 8PM! You can’t register yet, but mark the date in your Palm Pilot and stay tuned to http://www.coolcleveland.com.

Urban Living Cool Cleveland sponsor The Bingham Building has been promoting their cool new apartments (350 of ’em!) opening right now, and Cool Cleveland readers have been very intrigued by their plans to include a grocery store on the first floor. We’re planning an Art/Tech/Dance event right inside the place on Thu 7/29 from 4-8PM, with an after-party nearby. Expect the usual neighborhood hors d’oeuvres and open bar, and as usual, expect the unexpected. Hold the date and spread the word. Downtown living is here to stay. Check back for registration information at http://www.coolcleveland.com.

+Cool Cleveland ‘This Week
[‘5.5 – 5.12”+]

Send your cool events to eventsatcoolclevelanddotcom

Cinco De Mayo Sample some favorite Mexican dishes and tune into the “What’s It All About?” discussion on the Battle of Puebla that started it all: how Mexico won the battle, lost the war, and started a great party! Savor brunch, snacks and observe demonstrations of Mexican crafts with “make and take” souvenirs. Professor Gerardo Cummings will show his favorite clips from Mexican films and discuss the values they portray in “Mexican Film for Everyone.” Join the group festivities Wed 5/5 from 10AM-2PM. Call 687-9394. The Office of Minority Affairs and Community Relations, Cleveland State University, University Center, Room 364, 2121 Euclid Ave. http://www.csuohio.edu

Collaborating for Success Midwest Regional Conference looks at creating and operating multi-tenant nonprofit centers. Plans are under way for a regional conference on creating affordable, high quality, healthy office and program spaces for all types of nonprofit organizations. Issues will include financing, shared services, operations and management Thu 5/6 thru 5/7; spread the word to your colleagues, professional networks, and project partners! Nonprofits, developers, foundations, consultants, media, community members, as well as city and government officials are invited to attend. Call 961-8850. Located at Fairhill Center, 12200 Fairhill Rd. Register at http://www.nonprofitcenters.org

Rebels with a Cause champions of freedom cocktail party. Come by after work for drinks and hors d’oeuvres, thought-provoking entertainment, and a chance to socialize with Cleveland’s savviest civil libertarians! Special guest is Mike Olszewski, veteran Cleveland radio personality and author of Radio Daze: Stories from the Front in Cleveland’s FM Radio Wars. He will begin a casual discussion on the role of radio in the free flow of ideas Thu 5/6 from 5:30- 8PM. Max Wohl Civil Liberties Center, 4506 Chester Ave. Advance reservations are required; get tickets at https://www.acluohio.org/4506/rebels.htm

Music Theater Master Class You’re invited to take part in this year’s Singers’ Forum with one of Broadway’s leading ladies, Dee Hoty, currently starring on Broadway in the smash hit Mamma Mia. Dee Hoty began her theatrical career 36 years ago at Lakewood High School, and she’ll be coaching four singers who have been active in musical theater locally. Her critique of their performances will be invaluable to those observing, Thu 5/6 at 8PM. Seating is limited and registration is encouraged at 228-2800. The Beck Center, 17801 Detroit Ave in Lakewood http://www.beckcenter.org

Things that make ya go Hmmmm Poetry and hot jazz at the Nia Coffeehouse with “the voice” Vince Robinson and the Jazz Poets doing free-style music and spoken word. Roll out to hear the special guest poet and open mic Fri 5/7 from 6-8:30 PM. Call 707-2673. Want to keep up with cutting edge events? Join the Nia mailing list and family at realraresteak-nialist@yahoo.com . Nia Coffeehouse is located at the Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd. http://www.clevelandart.org

Zakir Hussain: Masters of Indian Music This Grammy Award winner’s genius has been sought out not only by the finest musicians and dancers of his native India, but also from Western musicians such as Philip Glass and Van Morrison. He will lead violinists Ganesh and Kumar and a troupe of Indian percussion virtuosos in “spectacular rhythmic fireworks” Fri 5/7 at 7:30PM. For tickets call 421-7350. Gartner Auditorium, Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd. http://www.clevelandart.org

Punk Rock Fest with local thrash music at its best and angriest; hear rants from Dropgun, The Cheats, The Standing 69s, Concrete Trampoline, and Profesional Againsters for a night of thrashingly deviant sound and attitude Fri 5/7, doors open 9PM. Call 330-523-1112. Annabell’s Cocktail Lounge, 784 West Market St. in Akron http://www.annabellslounge.com

Candide An audacious, satirical romp (in the style of Monty Python and Benny Hill), the fast-moving adventure with Candide and professor Pangloss thoughtfully and humorously examines the abuse of power, the folly of optimism, the hypocrisy of religion, and the corrupting power of money set to a fabulous Leonard Bernstein score. You’re invited to their Best of All Possible Opening Night’s party Fri 5/7, doors open 5:30PM with performances beginning 7:30PM. Call 621-3242. Near Performances are at St. Pat’s Club Building, 3606 Bridge Ave. in Ohio City. http://www.nearwesttheatre.org

Cloud 9 Sushi Pre-Party Mingle with the leaders of Cleveland’s fashion and style designers, media, models and everyone who thinks they’re anyone Fri 5/7 at 8PM; this event is free & worth the trip for the raw fish. Call 363-1113. Cloud 9 Ultra lounge, 1299 West 9th in the Warehouse District.

Sexual and Aggressive Themes in the Art of Henry Darger panel discussion in collaboration with the Cleveland Psychoanalytic Center and the Association for Psychoanalytic Thought. Through the lens of Darger’s disturbing and enchanting images, we’ll attempt to understand his intra-psychic reality and its links to his profound creativity Fri 5/7 at 7:30PM. Call 621-2314. SPACES, 2220 Superior Viaduct. http://www.spacesgallery.org

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Are you in love with Cleveland? Is your relationship committed and long-term, just an occasional casual date, or are you thinking about breaking up? On Wed 5/12 at 7:30PM, you can learn to love Cleveland once more when Jay Walljasper speaks on Falling in Love with Cities All Over Again at Trinity Cathedral. For nearly twenty years, Walljasper was editor of Utne, an alternative magazine in which he wrote frequently on urban and community issues. Now he’s executive editor of ODE, an international independent news magazine. Walljasper’s talk is open to all; donations will be welcomed. Before Walljasper’s presentation, Trinity Cathedral will host Choral Evensong at 6PM followed by a light supper for a nominal cost; children and students are free. Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, E. 22nd & Euclid, 771-3630. Free lighted parking, adjacent to the building off Prospect. http://www.trinitycleveland.org
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

mmm…A Multimedia Marathon Music freaks, make the trip out to Oberlin to satiate your audial obsessions at this progressive marathon performance of multimedia works by TIMARA students, faculty and guests. Overload and indulge with 16 hours of art, film and music Sat 5/8 from 3PM-11PM. Yvette Mattern, visiting professor from Berlin, will screen recent films, and while you’re there check out the interactive installations with audience participation. Call 440-775-8223. West Lecture Hall, Science Center at Oberlin College. http://timara.con.oberlin.edu/mmm

The Artist’s Way Learn to release life-long fears and blocks, liberate your inner artist, take yourself on artist dates, explore your spirituality, and express yourself in ways that empower you! This course will help you unleash your creative potential; live more fully; help you let go of life-long fears and blocks; empower you to express yourself; experience the support of a healing, artistic circle. Local actress and artist Maura Haas will facilitate this group-driven experience Sat 5/8 from 1-3PM. Lesbian-Gay Community Service Center of Greater Cleveland, 6600 Detroit Ave. Call 651-5428 or visit http://www.lgcsc.org

Cleveland Fashion Show Anything goes in this show collaborating with Fashion Week Cleveland, designed to showcase the three important schools of Fashion Design (Kent State, Ursuline College, Virginia Marti) and the many important fashion designers in Northeast Ohio. See spring collections of Cleveland’s top fashion designers and boutiques along with area fashion-forward professionals. Word has it that this is where Cleveland’s leading fashion & style makers converge Sat 5/8 beginning 7PM-1AM. Call 877-877-7645. The Club at Key Center, 127 Public Square in the Marriot Building. http://www.theclubatkeycenter.com

No Speeches, No Tuxes…It’s Only Rock and Roll This year’s event will feature an all star lineup including the B-52’s, 1994 Hall of Fame Inductee Eric Burdon (of the Animals), Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King, Chris Montez, Southside Johnny, Ray Parker, Jr., J.T. Taylor and others. There will be a limited number of entertainment-only tickets available for stadium style seating and a cash bar available during the show Sat 5/8 at 6:30PM. Call 348-2200 for info, for tickets call 241-5555. Public Hall at the Cleveland Convention Center, 500 Lakeside Ave.

Dirge A Midwest Premiere! A stranded traveler turns for help which follows into a psychological drama exploring the connections we make, the connections we hold onto, and the connections we’re forced to let slip away Sun 5/8 at 7PM. A Night Kitchen Production, providing a venue for experimental work that stretches traditional theatrical boundaries and allows emerging artists to develop their craft while providing high quality theatre for 18-30 year olds in the Cleveland area. Call 932-3396. Dobama Theatre, 1846 Coventry Rd in Cleveland Hts. http://www.dobama.org

Orpheus Chamber Orchestra This group is critically accaimed as one of the world’s foremost performing ensembles, combining a symphonic range of repetoire with the intimacy of a chamber ensemble. They’re known for their eloquent and exuberant performances as well as the discipline, precision, and quality of interpretations. Hear selections from Respighi, Ravel and Bartok Sun 5/9 starting 2:30PM. Order tickets at 421-7350. Cleveland Museum of Art, Garner Auditorium, 11150 East Blvd. http://www.clevelandart.org

Researching and Capturing Key Interviews Learn how to obtain the information you need for your writing project, be it a fiction or nonfiction book, in-depth article, or memoir. Conducting personal interviews is a key factor in backing up your research, and author and rock historian, Deanna Adams, will discuss how to contact experts in the field of your writing and get the most out of your interviews Mon 5/10 7-9PM. Call 421-0403. PWLGC Literary Center, 12200 Fairhill Rd, Townhouse 3-A in Cleveland Hts. http://www.pwlgc.com.

E City Awareness and Recognition Breakfast If you attended last year, you know what a terrific and uplifting event it was, one that provides recognition for students, teachers, volunteers, donors and friends of E City. Featured speakers are the E City graduates Crystal Ramos, winner of the national Young Entrepreneur of the Year award who will be honored at the Entrepreneur of the Year Dinner and Awards Ceremony in New York City this month. Stop in for breakfast Mon 5/10 at 7:30PM. Executive Caterers at Landerhaven, 6111 Landerhaven Dr. in Mayfield Hts http://www.ecitycleveland.com

Inside my brain Capsule gets musically invasive with hardcore, punk and raw rock n’ roll from D Js? russ and rotty who’ll be spinnin’ and drinkin’ Mon 5/10 at 10PM. Please stop by so these boys won’t have to drink alone, call 216-CAPSULE. 13376 Madison Ave.

Send your cool events to eventsatcoolclevelanddotcom

WCLVnotes If you haven’t caught From the Top on WCLV, you should give it a try. One of the freshest classical music programs around, From the Top features extremely talented high school aged musicians not only performing but having some radio fun with host Christopher O’Riley. You have two chances to listen on WCLV – Sundays at 6:05 PM, with a repeat on Saturdays at 9:00 PM. Beginning on Friday, May 14th at 9:00 PM, WCLV rolls out a 13 week retrospective series from the 2003 Cleveland International Piano Competition hosted by Mark Satola. In addition to the broadcasts locally, WCLV is distributing the one-hour shows to a whole passel of stations around the country. a Cool Cleveland partner http://www.wclv.com

RoldoLINK
The real problem with the high spending from a special fund by Cleveland CEO Barbara Byrd Bennett wasn’t totally about what she extravagantly spent. More important was where she got the dough. Although distasteful, the fancy dinners and trips to London and Hawaii were peanuts in comparison with the cost incurred by Cleveland schoolchildren by Byrd Bennett’s co-opting by Cleveland’s Corporate Club. She’s being pampered (fed money to entertain herself and others) by the Cleveland Foundation, Gund Foundation and Cleveland Tomorrow (so discredited that it recently changed its name to Greater Cleveland Partnership). They give her dough to do this fancy stuff so that it wouldn’t come from public funds, thus likely not be revealed in a school system now run essentially as a private club for its hierarchy, including its mayoral-named school board…
Read Roldo’s column at CoolCleveland.com

Cool Cleveland People:
Mary Beth Matthews

Mary Beth Matthews is a local arts educator making change, one student at a time, at the Max S. Hayes Vocational High School in Cleveland. With her innovative approach to education and student empowerment, she’s been selected for the Northeast Ohio Arts Educator of the Year. You can keep up to date with the lastest news via her blog at http://mbmatthews.blogspot.com. When you boast to people outside Cleveland about Cleveland, what’s on your list?
The lake. I can see the water of Lake Erie each day as I look out my classroom window, and I believe that there is nothing that can soothe my soul more thoroughly than a walk along the beach. I also love the local neighborhoods; each one has its own personality with places to go and things to see that are unique. The industrial valley is especially interesting with its tough beauty of steel mills, train tracks, warehouses, and the factories pushed up against the shores of the river. It sometimes saddens me when I read about the imminent end of the industrial age of the city – the need to abandon that era and move into the future. I am a romantic at heart and I can’t help but feel that much of Cleveland’s spirit was formed in the industrial valley.
What’s your vision of how Cleveland should look and feel?
My vision for Cleveland is one of a bustling city: lots of jobs and lots of action, lots of things going on. For that to happen, it is imperative that the revitalization of this region’s economy is given a priority. As we look towards economic revitalization, we also must remember that it goes hand in hand with educational reform. We cannot attract businesses to the region without a trained workforce. The region’s largest school district is hemorrhaging students, with Cleveland’s student population numbers over 70,000. The district’s graduation rate is only 38%. It’s important to realize that means 62% of those 70,000 will not receive a high school diploma – that is HUGE, and the implications are staggering. Those who discuss revitalizing the region without considering Cleveland’s education crisis are like physicians trying to treat the symptoms while ignoring the cause. As a community, we cannot keep ignoring the problem, or categorizing it as purely an education issue. It has festered for too long, become too big, and it will continue to grow.
Read the Cool Cleveland People column with Mary Beth Matthews

Kucinich Beat
Cool Cleveland talks with the candidate for President

Cool Cleveland exclusive interview with Presidential candidate Representative Dennis Kucinich
Interview conducted 5/4/04 by Thomas Mulready

What have you heard from your home district in Cleveland? Are they supportive of your Presidential campaign, or do they miss you?
“Well, you know I got 86% in the primaries, so they have indicated their support for my years of work in the community. People voted for me to say they wanted me to be in Congress, and some said they wanted me to be President. And I got some delegates, not only in my district, but also in the 11th District next door. And I’ll tell you why my support is holding in Cleveland. The very things I’m talking about in Cleveland: peace, health care, jobs, changing NAFTA, the Patriot Act, tuition-free education at all public universities, many of those issues I’ve been talking about for the past four decades in the city of Cleveland. So my campaign for the Presidency is a direct outgrowth of my work in Cleveland, and it reaffirms that people all over this country feel that those things are important. And I’ll give you an example, I’ve picked up delegates in Maine, North Carolina, North Dakota, Minnesota, Colorado, Washington state, Alaska, Hawaii, just to name a few. From one end of the country to the other, the things I talk about are what people are concerned about. And it means that Cleveland is one of the centers of political thought and public policy in America. People know what direction America should be going in. There is a wisdom in Cleveland, in the neighborhoods. That’s what I’ve carried with me in the national campaign. It’s been an advantage to me. It’s the fact that I come from Cleveland that enables me to be in the race and still gather delegates from one end of the country to the other…”

Read the exclusive Cool Cleveland interview with Dennis Kucinich here: A Wisdom In Cleveland

Instant Karma
Quik reviews of recent events

Web Association @ Windows 5/4 The topic, E-mail Marketing in the Age of CAN-SPAM couldn’t be more timely, and that’s why a healthy (and gender-diverse) 80+ showed up to hear panelists (L to R) Chip House, VP of Privacy and Deliverability of Exact Target (even he joked about his strange title), Jason Moore, Internet Marketing Manager of Little Tykes; Marcelo Weiss, Database & Campaign Manager of Dealer Tire; David Koch, Database Marketing Manager of American Greetings?.com; and moderated by Optiem’s Jeff Rohrs. Although the national anti-spam legislation was rushed through and watered down to basically nullify the much stronger California standards that were about to be enacted, a few rules must be followed: legal e-mailers must use a physical return address, they must allow users to opt-out, and they can’t lie in the subject line. But from there it gets a bit tricky. Most of the discussion centered on creating trust and “best practices,” which no doubt was useful to the e-mail marketers in the audience. Some obvious tips: don’t buy lists online, don’t append e-mail addresses to the street addresses you already have, and “Lead with your chin,” says Koch, meaning, use your brand in the return address and the Subject: line unless you want recipients to trash your message before they even open it. “Use the 3-second rule,” says House, and if your reader can’t figure it out in that amount of time, clarify your e-mail message. http://www.webassociation.org

Nickel and Dimed @ Gordon Square Theatre 5/1 Rarely does theater deliver a performance that makes us laugh as well as provide us with the inspiration to make a difference. If the more than 200 people who came together for this Cleveland Public Theatre and Great Lakes Theatre Festival joint effort didn’t feel the jolt of witnessing something unique early in the show, if they didn’t leave with more than a few thoughts rolling around their heads and didn’t wake up with some of the same, I would challenge if they were indeed at the same production. The seats surrounding the square stage are nearly full when one of the crew casually places a folding tray stand and a plastic dish bin filled with plates, cups and saucers just off center stage. The house lights go down replaced by a single soft spot over the props. An uneasy anticipation drifts across the theater as we sense the oncoming confrontation with a secret life we hope will never be our misfortune to fully understand…
Read the review by Tom Perrino

Takacs Quartet @ Reinberger Chamber Hall 4/19 Roll over Chuck Berry, Beethoven rocks Reinberger! If you like your Beethoven performed with period instruments or in a historical performance style this concert was not for you. The Takacs performed six of the sixteen Beethoven quartets this past week. This was installment number two of a three year program of performing all the Beethoven string quartets. Monday’s performance included string quartets from the early, middle and late period and was performed in a manner that could not have happened 100 years ago let alone 200 years ago. The Takacs took the stage armed with musical ideas of the 20th century, including rock; at times these performances were juiced. Now this is not to say that these were over the top performances, these performance were not a Beethovenian exercise in exhibitionism, but were a sensitive, intellectual approach to the music, though when the music called for a bit of Ubermensch the Tackas did not hesitate to give it. In particular in the String Quartet No. 8 in E minor, Op. 59, No.2 (“Razumovsky”); the second movement was performed in a fantastically beautiful manner. The final movement was performed in a space between in and out of control and with an amazing tension and urgency. The performance also included String Quartet No. 3 in D major, Op. 18, No. 3 from the early quartets and String Quartet No. 12 in E-flat major, Op.127 from the late quartets. My only regret was that I missed Sunday’s performances of three other quartets from the cycle. If you have not plugged into any of these Takacs concerts to date do not miss next season’s final installment of this Beethoven cycle. Concerts of this caliber are rare and will stay with you for the rest of your life. from Cool Cleveland contributor Brian E. Schriefer briancpa@msn.com

Cleveland Orchestra @ Severance Hall 4/29 Please come back, Alan Gilbert! Alan Gilbert returned to Cleveland this past week to masterly conduct the Cleveland Orchestra. Mr. Gilbert at the youthful age of 35 is a great talent and I hope to hear more from him at Severance Hall in the coming years. Mr. Gilbert previously held a post with the Cleveland Orchestra as assistant conductor from 1995 to1997. He currently holds various conducting and directorship positionswith the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, North German Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Santa Fe Opera. Mr. Gilbert has the rareability of seeing the piece in is full state, from beginning to end. And rather than conducting through the music he is in the music and this makes for extraordinary music making…
Read the review by Brian Schriefer

Yr Turn
Cool Cleveland readers write

Send your letters to lettersatcoolclevelanddotcom

On Kafka, Corsets, and Beautiful Scars I enjoyed Kafka, Corsets and Beautiful Scars today. Has some very sharp word-ly expressions! I admire your attempt to make the book relevant to our own locale. I think it is noteworthy you chose to tackle tattoos and self imposed scarring – very interesting. Some thoughts on “purposeless shopping”: It has a purpose! To defy and eliminate any other purpose! Isn’t it the most lovely, self-absorbed, un-creative recreation one can engage with?!! Well done, Tisha. from Cool Cleveland contributor Niko Angelis info@studioangelis.com

On My Brain is Crying and Anthony Houston Hooray, the MBIC girls are back. I was just about to write a complaint “where’s My Brain is Crying?!!!” Good dialogue this week, as usual…I think we tend to be more forgiving towards the parents who work hard at getting all their “stuff” and don’t make time for the most important things in their lives (their family) than we do at the parents who don’t, won’t, or can’t work to provide a decent life for their families… there really is no difference, people should just know that a happy childhood is not built on “stuff”, it’s built on the emotional, unconditional love that you are given at home…be it a mansion or a small apartment…single mom and dad or huge family. I have to say to Deb and Tisha, I’ll bet there are children out there who went to you for a hug, that will never forget you were there for them. We all need to take care of each other, not just our own families but the children who are poor emotionally. And unfortunetly for teachers (who are over worked and underpaid), the burden is going to keep falling on their shoulders…and not just in poor urban schools, but wealthy, private ones also. It’s nothing new…Catcher in the Rye is timeless: wealthy boy, emotionless family, lost in the world. Then you read an interview like Cool Cleveland’s this month on Anthony Houston, and you see that someone or something touched his life and now he is here in Cleveland giving back. That’s what it’s all about & no excuses, you just gotta do what you can do. You girls are hard core…keep up the good writing. from gallery owner, entrepreneur, and Cool Cleveland reader Lisa Nemeth finestra@sbcglobal.net

Send your letters to lettersatcoolclevelanddotcom

Top 5

We use IdeaStar.com tools to track which articles were clicked the most. Here are the Top 5 from last week’s issue, with one more chance for you to click.

1) Cool Cleveland exclusive interview with Tony Houston, City of Cleveland, Director of Empowerment Zone
www.coolcleveland.com

2) $1 rent in Slavic Village? Have you checked out the beautiful 20,000 square feet octagonal-shaped Broadway Free Library Building in historic Slavic Village at the corner of Broadway and 55th Street? http://www.libraryrestaurant.net

3) School cuts 500 Cleveland school employees who plan on retiring or resigning this summer will not be replaced.
Read more

4) $1 Stephen King film? Cuyahoga Falls resident James Renner paid $1 for the rights to King’s All That You Love Will Be Carried Away.
Read more

5) Warehouse district apartment living Distinctive city living in the heart of downtown Cleveland’s most desirable neighborhood at the Bingham.
http://www.thebingham.com

Cool Cleveland grows exponentially because you refer the people you know to CC.com. Thanks for sending them to http://www.coolcleveland.com (and check out the new site) or having them send an e-mail to signupatcoolclevelanddotcom

Is your marketing plan business as usual? Then it’s time for a change! Cool Cleveland reaches tens of thousands of subscribers who support our work by visiting the links to our sponsors. Check the Top 5 above and you’ll see a sponsor or two almost every week. Find out more by dropping us a line, then check the packages we’ve put together with Cleveland Magazine, WCLV radio and Cool Cleveland. Drop us a note to infoatcoolclevelanddotcom and let the cool Clevelanders hear from you.

The Hard Corps make it happen week in, week out. Big thanks to Brian Schriefer, Tom Perrino, Tisha Nemeth, Deb Remington, George Nemeth, and all our contributors who help make Cool Cleveland so cool. Want to volunteer and contribute your writing to Cool Cleveland? Send your reviews, articles, or story ideas to: eventsatcoolclevelanddotcom

Thanks to everyone
for a great party
last week. (:divend:)