Readers Write

Face it, folks, most of you don’t want to pay for Cool Cleveland. That means we need to find a few good underwriters to cover our costs. Send your ideas to Thomas@Mulready.com, especially if they are Cleveland-based, progressive and cool. And for those who are willing to pay for issues, stay tuned for an upgraded Cool Cleveland that will make it worth your investment. 
Thomas@Mulready.com

Although no one is saying anything official, Director Katherine Lee Reid has confirmed that the Cleveland Museum of Art is finalizing plans to mount a juried exhibition every three or four years featuring art from NEOhio. Even the usually talkative Jeff Grove, curator of contemporary art, was uncharacteristically reticent, only saying details will be forthcoming. The new Museumregime (Museum insiders’ term, not mine), symbolized by Grove and Reid, has taken huge strides in connecting the institution to contemporary and regional art recently (the video art exhibitionInto The Light last year was a watershed). This regular exhibition of regional art, whatever it comes to be called (you can bet it won’t be called The May Show), can be nothing but good news for Cleveland artists, and has the potential to generate tremendous goodwill if the Museum finds ways to engage the local arts community through this effort. 
Cleveland Museum of Art

Almost simultaneous with last week’s announcement that former Free Times staffers were starting Angle magazine (online at first at www.anglemagazine.com) to cover the arts and culture of Cleveland, now we hear that Daniel Gray Kontar, (who wrote a column for the Free Times entitled Urban Dialect,) has started a weekly journal (online at first) entitled (you guessed it) Urban Dialect. Check it out at www.urbandialect.net. And they’re even making waves in the national media as everyone in the publishing business anxiously awaits the results of the Justice Department probe into possible collusion by Free Times owners Village Voice Media and Scene owners New Times Media. 
See Editor and Publisher

MIT Media Lab co-founder (and co-founder of Wired magazine) Nicholas Negroponte points to a number of factors that lead to creativity and a culture of innovation: don’t stigmatize failure, listen to your young, encourage diverse and multiple points of view, forget specialization and become interdisciplinary, advocate risk-taking, share ideas. Does that sound like your hometown? 
See MIT Technology Review

Fortune’s Sam Hill has his finger on the pulse. Highlights: Peter Pan-ism—The Baby Boomers quest never to grow old will make them purchasers of brands that “manage to stay hip;” Faux Authenticity—We crave what is (or appears to be) real and authentic. Play on it, advises Hill, especially if you are small; The Trust Deficit—Trust is plunging so don’t waste time and money “touting lofty goals.” Hill says, “Make concrete claims and prove them;” 24/7/365—Customers expect to do business around the clock, so let them; Celebrity CEOS—Superstar CEOs are like superstar pro players: They get superstar billing, superstar contracts and must get superstar results—and the complaints have already begun for those who don’t; Niche Picking—Thanks to the Internet, there are now national markets for even the smallest businesses, as long as they are the best in their niche. The small generalist will likely not survive because the national specialists will be on your doorstep any day now. 
See Fortune

Since January 9 when Mayor Campbell threw down the challenge to Cleveland’s corporate leaders, the bigwigs have been furiously putting together their designs for our region’s most important economic development project in years. (Or as Roldo puts it, “another $800 million corporate sucker scheme,” see City News www.citynewsohio.com) But the process was typical Cleveland back-room negotiation until Bart Wolstein, who wasn’t originally invited to the party, made public his proposal to build one south of Gateway (let’s call it SoGa), and lease it back to the city. Or, as Steven Litt says, “Give Bart Wolstein credit for crashing the party” (see his smart commentary below). This caused a sudden public outpouring of plans by the other players: Al Ratner’s Public Square proposal, the beautiful lakefront proposal by GSI Architects, and the old stand-by Mall C site. This much is certain—most people are already convinced of the need for a convention center, especially after Pittsburgh’s well-executed riverfront Strip District convention center. The most logical site for pumping the city with people may be columnist Jim Strang’s semi-tongue-in-cheek dream to use the old May Company site on Euclid Avenue—you could take the rapid right in from the airport, hop on the soon-to-be-completed Euclid Corridor Project hybrid bus out to University Circle, revitalize Cleveland’s main street Euclid Avenue, link Gateway, the Warehouse District and Playhouse Square. What do you think? See Cool Cleveland reader comments below in Yr Turn.
Roundup: Al Ratner/Forest City’s Public Square plan, too small, jamming the Warehouse District, but close (here); GSI’s lakefront plan, beautiful, but separated from downtown (here); Bart Wolstein’s SoGa (south of Gateway) proposal, separated, with intriguing financing (here); The closed-door meeting that kicked it all off (here); Steven Litt’s commentary, urging an open process (here); Jim Strang’s commentary pushing the old May Co site on Euclid Ave (here);
An overview of the four plans here

Morrison Dance is offering a selection of classes to the community out of their rehearsal studio at 4201 Lorain, taught by company performers on Sundays thru 4/15, open to all levels. Stretch Out 1-1:30PM, Mixed Bag Dance Primer 1:30-2:45, and Physical Theatre 3-4:30PM. 281-9558 
Morrison Dance

You can win up to $50,000, and all you have to do is submit an Executive Summary (that doesn’t sound too difficult) by 2/3/03. A panel will name semi-finalists by 2/24, with winners announced 5/15 in the areas of Bio Science and General Technology., In addition to the cash, winners get: one year of incubator space, a chance to present their business plan to VCs, business development from CWRU’s BioEnterprise and Enterprise Development Inc, and introductions to NEO businessmen. And all entrants get written feedback on their plan. 
CASE Business Launch Competition

has just been awarded the 2003 Governor’s Award for Community Development and Participation… and finally Cleveland seems to be picking up on how really cool they are. Check out WVIZ-TV’s Applause this week to see a special profile of this amazing art group that is changing lives in Cleveland. Tune into WVIZ-TV on Thu 1/23 at 7PM, Sat 1/25 at 5:30PM, and Sun 1/26 at 12:30PM 
Near West Theatre

The largest anti-war rally since the Vietnam War. Sub-freezing temperatures across the country couldn’t stop them. Hundreds of Clevelanders showed up in full force in the nation’s capital. AndCool Cleveland readers were there, writing: “To be united in a cause with 400,000 people –well, who’s counting; apparently no one has an accurate estimate–is an experience of a life-time. I am so heartened that so many people in America will not stand for this war. We are not even in it yet and the opposition is strong. In DC, there was a sea of people as far as the eye could see in front and behind us. Goose bumps just kept sweeping over me. People from 250 cities. Buses kept unloading and unloading and we kept spreading out and expanding. At one point, we found ourselves among a Palestinian group with their flag and a leader with a megaphone yelling chants. People with children. People in furs. People with dogs. Labor movement people. War veterans. Teenagers. Hipsters. People of every race, size, color. Anarchists and church people all waving their flags. We had a Swedish foreign exchange student marching with us who rode 24 hrs on a bus from Wisconsin that got in that morning of the march. After the march, he turned around to ride back another 24 hrs. We were outside from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the bitter cold. But it didn’t matter. We chanted, “THIS is what democracy looks like. THIS is what democracy looks like.’ The federal government would not give a permit to have a sound system at the end of the march once we all reached the naval yard. But it didn’t matter. We had our say.”

From another Cool Clevelander: “What was said to be one of the coldest days in DC in 3 years didn’t stop the hundreds of thousands anti-war protestors gathered from all over the country, all ages and diverse ethnic backgrounds. Buses from New York, Rhode Island, Illinois and most amazingly, the 27 hour ride buses from Minnesota, all lined Pennsylvania Ave as far as I could see. 17 Buses represented the Cleveland/Akron area alone. Popular news outlets proclaim the number of activists to be in the tens of thousands, but seasoned protestors insist that this number has been watered down. The anti-war rally last October had an attendance of over 100,000 and this time around the number of buses tripled. Do the math. The rally began at 11am and lasted 3 hours. Speeches by Liz McAllister (wife of recently deceased Peace Activist Philip Berrighan), John Dear, Rev. Al Sharpton, and the Rev. Jesse Jackson pepped up the crowd for its 2 mile walk from the Capitol Building to the Navy Yard where they were to partake in an “inspection”. The march halted at its destination when met with DC’s finest after it’s 3 mile trek through the streets of our city’s capitol. The crowd dispersed at 5pm onto their awaiting buses. The protest ended in accordance with its theme; peacefully.” 

It may not be as daft as it seems. Turns out his Prayer For America diatribe has been extremely influential in convincing people around the country that we need a strong leader with a vision very different from the current administration. 
www.DraftKucinich.com

Yet another economic development group is launching this week, this one going regional. Harking back to the way Cleveland feels comfortable doing business, this group is made up of the biggest of the wigs, and just to put a fine point on it, they are making their first announcement at Firestone Country Club. This is a regional effort to “leverage the region’s strengths in targeted industries to support and stimulate higher levels of business attraction, expansion and retention.” Announced by FirstEnergy CEO H. Peter Burg, Parker Hannifin CFO Michael Hiemstra, and Growth Assn CEO Dennis Eckart at the City Club on Wed 1/22 at noon, E. 9th & Euclid, 621-0082 
See City Club

focuses on the arts and culture in Cleveland more than any other single media source in the region except for the Plain Dealer. And this week, host Dee Perry and crew have a number of interesting stories they are following: On Wed 1/22, Around Noon takes a day off so ideastream can take you to Columbus for Governor Taft’s State of the State address. Listen if you dare. OnThu 1/23, Dee introduces us to playwright, novelist, screenwriter and drag legend, Charles Busch, whose play The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife is onstage at Dobama Theater. On Fri 1/24, Dee’s dancing on the radio as she welcomes members of the SAFMOD dance troupe. Plus, award-winning dancer/choreographer Bill T. Jones previews his performance at Tri-C.
Around Noon WCPN 90.3FM at noon

is taped before a live audience and broadcast over WCLV 104.9 FM. This week’s guest is Jane Scott, Rock and Roll Music Critic Emeritus of the The Plain Dealer. Wed 1/22 6PM Mayfield Country Club 1515 Sheridan Road, South Euclid 791-4654 for reservations. 

With exciting sessions like Recycled and Bio Based Materials as Found in Commercial Business Furniture, and Recycled Content of Flooring Products including Carpet, Ceramic Tile and Rubber Tile, you know this is a must-do for the nerdly eco-designer or architect in your life. College credit is available. Appetizers will be served. Thu 1/23 noon-7PM, Warren-Cheney Office Furniture, 3200 Euclid 391-3337 X209 or e-mail jlipp@wcof.net to register
Send e-mail to register: jlipp@wcof.net

Join Curator Amy Gilman for a unique talk on Brigida Baltar’s work Thu 1/23 7PM Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland, 8501 Carnegie, 421-8671 
Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland

Fr. G. Simon Harak, S.J., nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 01, 02, and 03, he founded Voices In The Wilderness and has traveled to Iraq three times, bringing medicine and toys to Iraqi hospitals. Thu 1/23 8:30PM DJ Lombardo Student Center, John Carroll University 397-4708
Voices In The Wilderness

Discussion will focus on critical pollutant information for NEOhio, and updates on Federal regulations impacting ozone and particulate matter. Fri 1/24 7:30-9:30AM Hilton Cleveland South I-77 at Rockside, 361-3100 
Cleveland Engineering Society

speaking at his hometown Cleveland City Club on Fri 1/24 at noon is already sold out, but you can watch the webcast. Click here for a reminder and more info. On Sat 1/25 at 2PM, he signs his books Finding Fish and Who Will Cry for the Little Boy at Joseph-Beth Booksellers on Shaker Square. It’s quite a sight to see the town that once abandoned him falling over themselves to take advantage of him once again.
Joseph-Beth Booksellers

(www.leonrussellrecords.com), who played in Phil Spector’s Wrecking Crew on classics like Be My Baby, and who wrote hits for Joe Cocker and the Carpenters, is making a rare appearance at The Winchester, a brand new concert venue in Lakewood. Eight quick Cool Cleveland readers won free tickets last week to this exciting new club debut. Cleveland’s own Cats on Holiday, with their lap steel and violin, will open the show with their own original Swamp Pop flava. Fri 1/24 8:30PM The Winchester 12112 Madison, 226-5681 

If you didn’t catch SAFMOD (Sub Atomic Frequency Modulation Overdose) at the recent Cool Cleveland Art/Tech/Dance party, you may have no idea what you’re in for. Five separate collaborations: South Indian Bharathanatyam dance by Sujatha Srinivasan, metal sculptor John Ranally builds an audio-activated Percussion Contraption that dancers climb through (accompanied by break-dancing by b-boy crew The Humble Ones), co-founder Young Park choreographs a Butoh piece as “an ode to forgotten childhood imagination…whispering in our ears as ghosts who cannot reincarnate,” and co-founder drummer Neil Chastain composes a piece based on the Fibonacci sequence, a mathematical formula found in nature. As part of the DanceWorks Series (runs through 3/2), SAFMOD kicks off what looks to be one of most stellar contemporary dance festivals in recent memory. Miss this one at your own peril. Fri 1/24 thru 2/2 Cleveland Public Theatre, 6415 Detroit Ave, 631-2727 www.cptonline.org
See Wilma Salisbury article here

Drinks, snacks and all the world-class art you care to look at, plus two music sets of jazz by Nighthawk in the Interior Garden Court. What a way to cap off the week in style. Now that’s more like it. Fri 1/24 5:30-8:30PM Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd 707-2598 
Cleveland Museum of Art

by Cleveland poet Terry Provost at the Museum of Art’s Coffee House Series held downstairs in the Oasis room. A special visit by the ghost of Ms. Lewinsky is not at all guaranteed. Nor is much else. Fri 1/24 7PM Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd 707-2486 
Cleveland Museum of Art

In case you haven’t checked it out, the ARTcade Project, Cleveland’s ultimate indoor art space, is a turn-of-the-century, glass-topped arcade filled with art galleries, restaurants and cool people. And this Friday, they’re all throwing their doors open: Lemur House will have lights, photos and sound, Gallery U has a silent art auction, Dots To Nuts offers painted pistachio shells, and more. Featured: Starving Artist Live and Loud Auction at Buzz Gallery at 7PM, with music by The Plank Brothers; The Mask as Art at ArtMetro’s First People’s Gallery, with masks from Western Africa, the Inuit (Eskimo) of Arctic Canada, the indigenous people of the Pacific NorthWest, and the Woodland Indians (Iroquois) of North Eastern US; and don’t miss Variations On A Theme, from 6-9PM at Groop, an experimental video shoot utilizing their current installation Manufacturing Aesthetics No 7 as the set for a film on post-modern thought, starring some of the most beautiful and intelligent artists in Cleveland, plus a video showing of sceneseven25, a happening filmed last summer. Opening Fri 1/24 5-9PM Colonial Marketplace runs between Euclid & Prospect at W. 6th, 696-1942 

reports on the breakdown at the Davis-Bessie nuclear power plant just west of here, and the campaign to keep it closed. Fri 1/24 For local broadcast time, check here, and join a national discussion at www.pbs.org/now. For more info 861-5200 
More info here

an exhibition by Clevelander Jeff Chiplis at Superior (an exhibition space), 2400 Superior 789-2821. Opening Fri 1/24 6-9PM

Simone de Beauvoir called America a “big box full of surprises.” CPT is in the middle of throwing the doors open to artists to let them create whatever the hell they want, and they are calling itBig [BOX]. This week Fri 1/24 – Sun 1/26, “A cavalcade of mediocrity, Loserville by Michael Sepesy satirizes the American experience through a series of serio-comic monologues about losers.” Cleveland Public Theatre, 6415 Detroit Ave, 631-2727 
Cleveland Public Theatre

Bring the worst X-mas gift you received and see what you can trade it for, Fri 1/24 6PM, featuring a band, drink specials, food and re-gifting, at Bottoms Up, W. 117th between Madison and Franklin 521-4386

Join the public as 13 local choreographers showcase works-in-progress before three nationally-respected dance professionals, including a 5:30PM reception and a brief presentation on the state of contemporary dance. Sat 1/25 10AM-5PM CSU Waetjen Aud, Music & Communications Building at E. 22nd & Euclid 687-4883 

against the war continue on Mon 1/27, the day that UN inspectors are turning in their report on Iraq. From noon-1PM, take the hour to say Not In Our Name at Cedar & Lee (across from Heights High), or at E. 115th & Euclid (next to McDonald’s). Then at 7PM, join a peace vigil at First Unitarian Church of Cleveland, 21600 Shaker Blvd. 732-3319
Not In Our Name

featuring the work of Michael Sean Holihan at Zygote Press, 7209 St. Clair 
Zygote Press

Paint, collage, and other materials make their way into the work of these two local artists, on view thru 2/8 at Dead Horse Gallery, 14900 Detroit #311, 228-7214 
Dead Horse Gallery

As part of the Theology on Tap series, join Mr. Anthony Camino of St. Noel Parish, with complimentary appetizers Mon 1/27 7:30PM at Pickwick & Frolic, 2035 E. 4th St. 696-6525 X1049. And check the website for a cool view of Cleveland’s E. 4th St.
Pickwick & Frolic

If you haven’t heard this big work by a big band, now’s your chance to check out Severance Hall for half price. By clicking the link below, you can get 2-for-1 tickets for the Tues 1/28 concert at 8PM. Just use the discount code (128Mahler) and order online. Bonus is the world premiere of Orion by Kaija Saariaho. Severance Hall 11001 Euclid Avenue, 231-7300 
Click here for the 2-for-1 offer

The event that all Cleveland has been waiting for! Dress up (if you wish) and sing along with special guest Charmain Carr (who played the Liesl von Trapp from the original 1965 film). Costumes, appetizers, movie, all to benefit the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland on Tues 1/28 Palace Theatre Playhouse Square 241-6000
Sing-along Sound of Music

Featuring keynote speaker Joan Southgate, who designed an educational project In Their Path, honoring unknown and unnamed heroic American slave families and conductor families of the Underground Railroad. Last spring she walked 423 miles across Ohio speaking and visiting historical sites, by walking “in their path.” Includes workshops on Economic Impacts in a Diverse Community; A Case Study: Broadway—Diversity in Progress; Appreciative Inquiry—Model of Unity in the Present and the Future; Alternative Visions: A Response to 9-11; Collecting the Community’s Voice; Physiology of Prejudice; Psychosocial Aspects of Prejudice. Wed 1/29 8:30AM-3:30PM CSU Joseph E. Cole Center, 3100 Chester Ave. To register by 1/24, call 687-9394

Did you see an event last week that you are dying to tell Cleveland about? Write it up and send it to Thomas@Mulready.com and we’ll print some of the best. Here’s some Instant Karma from this past week:

at Pickwick & Frolic 1/16. About 300 (by my count) entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, bankers, and professional networkers. Everyone seemed to have a lot of fun, although no one admitted to actually consummating any deals on the spot. But it generated enough spin to encourage a follow-up in March. A Cool Cleveland reader writes: “1) It was a good place to have a party. 2) Tim Mueller was surprisingly funny during his 5 min speech. 3) Maybe there were 2 people under 35? They left early. 4) The crowd was mostly 50 year-old men. 5) An important thing that was missing was single people trying to hook up with other single people, indicating that youth is present. 6) I wonder what each person spent on average.” Another Cool Clevelander wrote: “I really like the idea of getting that many people out to P&F on a Thursday night – but I was kind of bummed that there were so many suits. Spent some time with old friend… who realized (as she often has to) that she was one of the few Blacks (let alone Black females) in attendance. Neither of us had any great revelations as to how to change that though. And people seemed to stay within their comfort zone re mingling and networking. But so did I so I can’t throw stones. But I don’t want to gripe because it did get a lot of people out to a cool place and provided some opportunities. It will be interesting to see what actually comes of the sudden surge in events. Worst case scenario it’s a fun night out which isn’t all bad.”
See CrainTech

at Nighttown 1/19 From a Cool Cleveland reader: “Sunday January 19 at NightTown featured local Kelly Chapman singing a mixture of jazz and gospel. She has a phenomenal voice. The whole evening was great. We were seated with complete strangers and by the end of the evening we were fast friends. Yes right here in Cleveland you can go to a place that offers phenomenal local talent and a great, friendly crowd. Hopefully Kelly will sing again soon!”

From Cool Cleveland readers: “A friend of mine has been forwarding me her Cool Cleveland updates. I love it! Please add me to your list. Thanks for all the great and provocative info.”

“I love your newsletter. It’s been a great way to connect with the events and activities of our fair city. Somehow I managed to make the cut on your initial mailing and I’ve been spreading the word ever since. In addition to sharing my praise for your efforts, I’m writing to request that you change my email … I’m leaving my position at the end of next week and don’t want to miss anything. Thanks again for your stellar efforts. I look forward to each new edition.”

“Please add me to your email list. I love your perspective on Cleveland! Your newsletter is fun and informative and thankfully far from the mainstream.”

“Thanx again for playing our video during the Holiday Party. We’re hoping that there is more events like that so we can display more of our videos.”

“Finally am catching up on my email and read the past three issues of Cool Cleveland. Thanks for putting it together, there’s great info in it and the editing show a lot of care and attention. Good luck finding sponsors and I’ll keep my ears open for you.”

“I just read for the first time Cool Cleveland. What a great idea. I am sorry to have missed the previous issues. Please add me to your list.”

“I find your publication invaluable, especially considering the sorry state of the printed media in our town. I appreciate the way that your caring for the city is exuded each week. Keep it coming.”

“You have a great forum and the theme exudes ‘I love Cleveland and all it offers.’ -Jump in, participate and enjoy it!”

“First off – who the hell gave you permission to start sending me this thing? Secondly – do not, ever, under any circumstance, remove me from your list. Cool Cleveland makes my week!”

“Great information – excellent idea. Probably more effective than all of those networking events.”

From a Cool Clevelander, on the Convention Center debate: “From the articles in the paper last week I get a mixed feeling on how this city and developers feel about the issue. I believe the city wants and knows it needs a convention center but some of the developers seem to be in it for their own profit. What I did not get out of the articles, was what was best for the city. Yes this issue will be put to a vote on the November ballot, but unless more is done to promote the positives that a new convention center will bring to Cleveland then the issue will fail. Tax payers in this town do not want another outrageous multi million dollar project that has very little value. There needs to be exposure for the positives and Developers and city officials need to campaign to make a new convention center a reality. I believe from all the plans proposed, the one that make the most impact was the design on the lake. It would bring people down to the lake front and also showcase our city the best. The plan also included a large portions of public park area that would bring Clevelanders into the city. This plan would also jump start development along the lake front and it would also take advantage of our best resource Lake Erie. >>>>>> With interest rates being so low, this is the window of opportunity to make this happen. If nothing is done now then it may be another five to ten years before the opportunity may come around again and by that time it may be too late. There needs to be an influx of “NEW MONEY” and Cleveland has all the attractions in place to bring meetings and shows from out of town. An eighty year old out of date convention facility is not very attractive to out of town organizations, so a new facility needs to be built now in order to take advantage of bringing business to Cleveland.”

From a Cool Clevelander, on the problems and opportunities of Cleveland: “I agree with the masses of people who are saying Cleveland has a great deal to offer; it truly does. Our heritage is rich, and there is much beauty here. It is for the sake of that (and my love of that!) that I stay. However, we cannot overlook the glaring problems of our region, and while the PD series “Quiet Crisis” is pessimistic, unfocused, and depressing, it does bring to light certain significant and fundamental problems. Any city that has lost more than half its population to rows and rows of nowhere (as much of our suburbia seems to be) has major problems – – and not just in past leaders, but also in the people whose own prejudices have caused this. As a region, we must hold suburbanites (I’m one of them for a bit longer, until I get moved to the city) accountable for the destructive behavior that has not only devoured farmland and wilderness, but that has also decimated much of the city core. >>>>>>>> That being said, city leaders have never come up with a cohesive, comprehensive plan for the city. I would love to see Mayor Campbell seize this moment to hire a team of great architects to work together with residents and dreamers to plan the whole city. We should emphasize preservation of our architectural heritage, an increase in density and street life, and increased verticality in the way the city thinks, builds, and lives. Yes, we’ve SAID we desire these things — but little action has backed that up. (McMansions mere blocks from University Circle??!) Any plan should also give serious consideration to our intra-city transportation network – – has anyone else noticed that on the East Side, the rapid lines loop south of where we most want to focus our rebirth? The Euclid Avenue plan is a great start, but it ultimately seems half-hearted. A new convention center is a great start – – and Wolstein’s idea is the best yet – – but all of the ideas seem cobbled together in the haphazard pattern that has scarred so much of this city. A comprehensive plan by a great team – – partnered with a local commitment to adhere to it – – could be a HUGE shot in the arm for the city and region, and it would ensure the survival of the great things that keep us all here in the first place. It also would raise some questions: Is now the time to begin to wean ourselves from the dying steel industry? (“How will we retrain those whose jobs would be lost?” would then become a question.) Should we extricate ourselves from the stranglehold that the Port Authority now exercises over our most precious geographical resources? Should the city merge with Cuyahoga County to buy itself some time and regain its deserved prestige? Now is the time to start asking the tough questions about who we want to be; and we can’t just repeat the PD line: “We need to attract biotechnology firms.” We need more than just biotech firms: we need to condense, we need to internationalize, and more than anything, we need to chart a course to a future that’s better even, than our past zenith. It’ll be difficult – – as all worthwhile undertakings are – – but it’s thrillingly possible.”

to brag about Cool Cleveland—forward it to your friends, or send their addresses to Thomas@Mulready.com.