Ronn Richard Breaks It Down

CoolCleveland.com 03.10-03.17.04
Ronn Richard breaks it down

Dear Friend,

Ronn Richard on Cleveland Cleveland’s largest foundation, the Cleveland Foundation, gives away about $70 million every year around the region in the areas of arts & culture, education, neighborhoods & housing, an early childhood initiative, an aging initiative, and economic development. Eight months ago the board had the difficult task of replacing retiring Executive Director Steve Minter, and the man they chose, Ronn Richard, has impressed nearly everyone with his intelligence, his passion, and his determination to take risks and approach Cleveland’s problems differently. Formerly the head of research and development for Panasonic, and also serving stints as a diplomat in the State Department, and in the venture capital arm of the Central Intelligence Agency, Richard brings a unique and cosmopolitan perspective to Cleveland. In an exclusive, broad-ranging interview, Richard spoke with Cool Cleveland about leadership, the foundation world, and economic development.

Cool Cleveland: When you first looked into coming to Cleveland, what was your impression of the assets and liabilities of the community?
Ronn Richard: I can’t honestly say I looked into it, this just happened. It was a long arduous process. I came early and rented a car and drove up and down every street. The first thing I noticed was the number of beautiful new buildings in Cleveland, like the Cleveland Clinic, but I noticed that they are non-profits and they don’t pay property tax, so I did some research on property tax revenues, the more I looked into it the more of a problem I realized. Only by a more regional approach can we bring enough tax revenue into the city to strengthen it. The Lake is one of the largest business assets I have seen in this city. I see enormous opportunity for tourism. We just don’t market ourselves as well as we need to.

The Cleveland Foundation has been a major driver in the development of The Fund for Our Economic Future. Talk about your vision for this initiative.
One of the search committee members asked me what is my first priority, and I said economic development because otherwise we won’t have an art museum to contribute to. This area has some great strengths, such as technology. But we have some weaknesses, like the diminishment of manufacturing. Challenges are coming such as disruptive technologies like fuel cells. Reports are that fuel cells may be responsible for the loss of 140,000 jobs because of drive trains & engines not being needed. We need to find the 4 or 5 clusters: fuels cells, bioinformatics and windpower. We have to take the Jack Welch approach and become #1, not #2. Cleveland Foundation is working with other foundations to spot new industries, since new industries will create new companies. Money from the Fund for Our Economic Future will not go to companies, but to trade associations that will build industries that will create companies that will spawn jobs. We won’t be funding individual companies. It’s a fund for new and/or existing initiatives, not companies…
Read the exclusive Cool Cleveland interview with Ronn Richard here

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Affordable + Luxury = Yours Give yourself the gift of open space! Marvin Homes offers open floor plans, views from a large, light-filled bay window, plenty of room for guests in three bedrooms and 2.5 baths, and a gorgeous, vaulted master bedroom for yourself! Create gourmet meals in the island kitchen, packed with perks such as maple cabinets, hardwood floors and granite countertops. Other amenities include bedroom level laundry and 15 year tax abatement. At this near west side location in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood, you are close to the city’s excitement. Invest in a home that Sun Newspapers dubbed “affordable luxury.” Homes start at $149,900. Visit our open house this Sun 3/7 2-4 PM at the model home at 2922 Marvin Ave., off W. 25th Street, just north of I-71. http://www.progressiveurban.com
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Ohio Trespassers we photograph abandoned buildings / urban decay / modern ruins – including forgotten hospitals, prisons, asylums & other locations in the ohio area. we live in Akron and would appreciate any help in promoting our website. http://www.OhioTrespassers.com

Looking for a challenge? Northeast Ohio is currently the home of one of the hottest night clubs in the country, in the beautiful 1949 vintage former Croatian Liberty Home. In 2000, former Free Times editor Cindy Barber and partner Mark Leddy opened up the back Ballroom and the front Tavern as the Beachland Ballroom (Euclid Beach is 1/2 mile due North), presenting hundreds of the country’s coolest bands. Now they are looking for an equity partner to bring the club to the next level. If you’ve got either hospitality management or entertainment production experience, and are willing to learn all aspects of running a national level concert venue, talk with Cindy and Mark about a buy-in or sweat equity deal. Real estate investors may also want to get in touch to talk about other projects in the North Collinwood renaissance. Call Cindy Barber at 216-383-1124 http://www.beachlandballroom.com

Not a dream, a plan University Circle is aiming to become “the best college town in America.” The Los Angeles architecht Frank Gehry has been lined up to revamp University Circle. Edward Hundert, president of Case Western Reserve University said, “This process I’ve been leading on Peter’s (B. Lewis) behalf has been one of the most energizing and exciting things I’ve ever worked on.” Gehry is known as the architect of sculptural buildings, like the Guggenheim Museum in Spain and the Peter B. Lewis building on the campus of Case Western Reserve University. www.Cleveland.com

Prepare for the coming upturn IT budgets are expected to grow 4-8% in ’04 according to InfoWorld, but this time it will be different. Your best approach? Upgrade outdated hardware and software; hang on to your best employees (they’ll be tempted to make a move with new opportunities); outsource, but do it carefully (Dell had to bring their enterprise customer service back from India due to customer complaints); learn to communicate the ROI of your IT projects; info security will be the #1 concern, due to recent worms, viruses and hacks. Read more at InfoWorld: http://archive.infoworld.com/reports/07SRupturn.html

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Directing the future Cleveland is exploring solutions for its future at REI@Weatherhead. We’re crafting ways to connect Cleveland’s innovation economy by engaging interested citizens in an open-source process of dialogue and inclusion to explore global strategies for our region. Coming up: REI presents the Making Change Workshop, picking up where their last conference left off: Making Change: Networks for our Innovation Economy. It’s a new interactive and pro-active discussion about the region’s direction on Fri 3/12 from 11AM-4PM in Room 21 of the futuristic Peter B. Lewis Building on the campus of CWRU. For more info, send e-mail to rei@weatherhead.cwru.edu. Visit The Center for Regional Economic Issues http://Weatherhead.Case.edu/REI
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Ascherman Returns to Coventry We’re hearing this story more and more often. A couple of weeks ago, one of the most-clicked stories in Cool Cleveland was about the family who moved out to Wadsworth for a better life, only to be confronted with a neighbor’s murder and a naked man in their daughter’s room; they decided to move back to W. 130th Street in the city. Read more. Now we hear from photographer Herbert Ascherman who eight years ago moved from his long-time home on Coventry Road to a studio in “the commercial hinterlands of Beachwood.” He is now moving back to the very same space he once occupied on the second floor of the landmark white terracotta building at 1846 Coventry Village, Suite 200. Ascherman was having lunch on Coventry, looked up at his old space, saw that it was available, and made “an instantaneous decision” to move back. “What I have missed,” he says, “is the Soul of the Street, which was so much a part of who I am and the work that I created for the 18 years we were in residence. Coventry is more than just a community or retail district. It is a vital area that generates and promotes creative thinking. We’ve missed it sorely.” He plans a house re-warming and gallery opening on Sat 4/10 from 4-8PM featuring the work of master platinum photo printer Sal Lopes, who also happens to be Herb’s old roommate at the University of Hartford, and was the first artist featured at the original Coventry gallery space in 1977. Welcome home. http://www.ascherman.com

Writers on Writing The Poets and Writers’ League of Greater Cleveland and its Ohio Writer Magazine are accepting unpublished fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction entries for the 2004 Best of Ohio Writer Contest. For details, guidelines, and entry form visit http://www.pwlgc.com

Arousal triggered by intellect Scientists have recently discovered that women experience increased sexual satisfaction through the stimulation of their brain. It’s true, guys — women really are turned on by intellect. www.Telegraph.Co.UK

Number crunchers love literature A UK survey reveals that accountants read more books for pleasure than any other profession http://books.guardian.co.uk

Get your Film Fest tickets online now Their new website is pretty awesome. From the site, you can view the witty trailer produced by Glazen, which you’ll see often when you attend the Fest. The site also allows you to help the Film Sociey by donating to their challenge match from the Cleveland Foundation. But the best part is the ability to purchase tickets to all their films right online. See you at the Fest! http://www.clevelandfilmfestival.com

Cool Cleveland lunchboxes Still hanging on to your old briefcase? Now you can purchase the indispensible Cool Cleveland lunchbox right off the site! Whether you collect lunchboxes or not, you’re sure to find something of interest when you visit http://www.cafeshops.com/coolcleveland

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Only in Cleveland The Rock Hall inductions will be held at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City, but The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame+Museum in Cleveland is the only place that’s hosting an exclusive live broadcast of the induction ceremony on Mon 3/15. The broadcast will begin at 8PM with doors open at 7PM. Witness the entire four-hour ceremony, see the the unedited performances, the flubs and uncensored comments cut from the televised broadcast. This one-time showing will be seen on several large screens throughout the Museum. Performer Inductees are Jackson Browne, the Dells, George Harrison, Prince, Bob Seger, Traffic and ZZ Top. The Inductee in the “Lifetime Achievement in the Non-Performer” category is Jann S. Wenner. Tickets are only $10, and can be purchased through Ticketmaster at 241-5555 or the Museum box office. The Rock Hall, 1 Key Plaza RockHall.com
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+Cool Cleveland ‘This Week
[
‘3/10-3/17”+]

Send your cool events to: EventsAtCoolClevelandDotCom

The Cleveland Waterfront Coalition meeting and public forum is open to the public, with discussions on “The plans and visions for the Lakefront and riverfront” by officials from the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. David Beach, director, EcoCity Cleveland will present a summary of the BLUE Project and Levin College will present a summary of its Waterways Forum Series Wed 3/10 at 5:30PM-8PM. Levin College of Urban Affairs Atrium, 1717 Euclid Ave. 556-4483.

Studio Open House Art instructors for Art House’s spring classes will be on hand to discuss the classes and demonstrate their work. Guests will have an opportunity to try pottery making and other types of art. Music will be provided by accordionist Pat Tamburro. Light snacks will be provided Wed 3/10 from 5-8PM. Art House is located one and a half blocks west of the Pearl Road and Denison Avenue intersection at 3119 Denison Ave. Call 398-8556. http://www.arthouseinc.org

Women’s Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century is an action-packed event offering cutting-edge insights on the most pressing concerns of women business owners today. Women business leaders, owners and entrepreneurs nationwide, plus women leaders making a difference from all aspects of life should attend Wed 3/10 from 8AM-3PM. Convention Center will have vendors on hand to provide lunches. Cleveland Convention Center 500 E. Lakeside Ave. Call 1-877-US2-JOBS. http://www.women-21.gov/cleveland.asp

Freakbass has collaborated with funk legend Bootsy Collins on different projects, the most recent being Freekbass’ The Air Is Fresher Underground; he’s a native of Cincinnatti, and according to Bootsy, “Freekbass is the new spiritual warrior for the Funk.” Find out why Thu 3/12 at 9PM with Flo White and the Cash Explosion. Grog Shop, 2785 Euclid Hts Blvd in Cleveland Hts. Call 321-5588 or visit http://www.freekbass.com

Sibelius, Mozart, Verdi with Wilson Hermanto conducting and Elisabeth Batuashvili on violin performing Botti’s world premier of Impetuosity, Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, and Shostakovich’s Symphony No.1 Thu 3/11 at 8PM. Order tickets at 231-1111. Cleveland Orchestra, 11001 Euclid Ave. For info http://www.clevelandorchestra.com

Salvador Dali: Master of Surrealism The largest collection of Dali artwork made available to the public will be exhibited exclusively at Contessa Gallery, hosting a world-class exhibit of Salvador Dali’s works from the Pierre Argillet collection with over 100 original paintings, watercolors, etchings and Aubusson tapestries created mostly in the 1930s through the 1960s. One of the most important artists of the 20th century, Dali developed a lifelong friendship with the late Pierre Argillet, renowned French art and book publisher and the pair collaborated on 200 of Dali’s finest engravings. On Fri 3/12 see the opening reception 5-9PM and hear Christine Argillet’s free public lecture at 7:30PM. 24667 Cedar Rd in Lyndhurst. Call 382-7800 or visit http://www.contessagallery.com

Moliere’s Imaginary Invalid Bodwin Theatre Company presents the satisfyingly complex french classic Fri 3/12 at 8PM thru 3/14. Directed by Bodwin Artistic Director Peter Manos, this play is rounded out with actors Sandra Manos, Peg Buerkel and Allan Branstein, and others; it’s a free event with support from Actor’s Equity, the professional stage actors union. Pilgrim Congregational Church, West 14th St and Starkweather Ave in Tremont.

Pure Salsa Fridays Merengue? Sure, we like merengue. Bachata? Yeah, we’re all over that, too. But sometimes we just need a salsa fix, and now you can step out for a night of strictly salsa. Spend a few hours on the large mirrored upstairs dance floor at Wish, whether you’re dancing or just taking a break in the candlight lounge area with a caipirihna or mojito, the music will keep you moving. Fri 3/12 doors open at 9PM, no cover before 11PM. Wish, 621 Johnson Court. Call 902-WISH

In The Heart of America is an Ohio premier by MacArthur Grant winner Naomi Wallace. This rich, political drama blends haunting images of Vietnam and the first Gulf War, raising timely questions about racism, war, class and homophobia Fri 3/12 8PM. Dobama Theatre, 1846 Coventry Rd in Cleveland Hts. 932-6838 http://www.dobama.org

Bitch and Animal Susan Powter Bitch and Animal are a hyper-animated duo of beat-savvy, verse-spoutin’ multi-instrumentalists reacting to their surroundings by writing and performing sexually energized songs that move butts and bust guts. They’re exactly the kind of act you won’t find on commercial radio or MTV, even though the world would be a much happier place if you could. These radical chicks have toured the country for years spreading their words, funky grooves, poetic rants and political messages, now you can see them Fri 3/12 at 10:30PM . Call 383-1124. Beachland Ballroom Tavern, 15711 Waterloo Rd. http://www.beachlandballroom.com

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Enter into Africa with Senekunya: Many Voices, One Family, a rare view into a sub-Sarahan Africa village, complete with authentic “Hogon” hut for village leaders, a mosque, granaries, a hunter’s hut, a “Toguna” where male council members meet, and more unexpected discoveries. It’s all arranged around a typical village setting with rare sculptures, carvings, textiles, ceremonial masks, musical instruments and Tutsi spears. See and learn about these amazing artifacts and objects in the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. This interactive exhibit is large enough for children and adults to physically enter and explore. Bring the family starting Sat 3/13 for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, 231-4600 http://www.cmnh.org/senenkunya.html
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Shine Tour with Max Graham throwing down a tripped mix of chunky house and lovely melodies extended-mix style, and double your pleasure with Deviant’s deep progressive house; he’s also also founder of HeadRush Music. Then wind your way to the Backroom, the scene for trance/house/breaks for more techno than you can handle Sat Mar 13 from 9:30PM-8AM (for all you hardcore ravers, the bar re-opens at 5:30AM). Metropolis, 2325 Elm St http://www.trunightlife.com

Finely Low: Applied Arts Workshop Series It’s Newsense’s installation constructing environments intended to blur boundaries and assumptive inclinations toward hierarchies between high art and low art via craft workshops. Positioned in a gallery setting for ‘fine artists’, Newsense Enterprises endeavors to debunk associations of decorative genres categorized as lowbrow and ineffectual. Exhibition kicks off Sat 3/13, workshops begin Sun 3/14 at noon with others running thru 4/14; experience Rags to Stitches and learn other useful projects to develop new skills. The viewing public is welcome to stop by during these times to experience the performative aspect of this interactive installation. Heights Arts Collaborative, 2163 Lee Rd in Cleveland Hts. For info 371-3457 and sign up online to register for the series at http://www.newsenseonline.com

23 degrees and Rising See this exhibition at brand new art gallery Paradise in Cleveland Heights, drop in to meet owner Rick Silverman and check out the Glass Bubble Project from Ohio City, potterist Sandy Miller, controversial works by Alicia Ross, our buddy Colin Toke from Nimbis and others Sat 3/13. Call 554-5548. At 2199 Lee Rd in Cleveland Hts.

Irreversible Gaspar Noe’s adventurous, vilified and electrifying film of a French couple who take a shattering emotional journey–ending in violence and murder. An extremely dark, disturbing movie, not for the squeamish Sun 3/14 at 8:45PM. Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque11141 East Blvd. 421-7450 visit http://www.cia.edu/cinematheque

Peter Bogdanovich is the director of such highly acclaimed films as The Last Picture Show, What’s Up Doc?, Paper Moon, and The Cat’s Meow. His controversial “off screen” life is as colorful as many of his films. A scholar of the movies, Bogdanovich has written a dozen books about film, including studies of Orson Welles and John Ford, and Who the Devil Made It, a collection of interviews with 16 legendary directors. The Cleveland Public Library will present Mr. Bogdanovich, at An Afternoon for Writers and Readers on Sun 3/14 at 2PM. The free program will take place at the Main Library, Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium, E. 6th St and Superior Ave. For info call 623-2869. http://www.cpl.org

Kassaba Cleveland’s avant-garde jazz quartet featuring piano, bass, saxophones and numerous percussion instruments from around the world, with evocative, original works. The ensemble delivers music paired with movement on stage that flows like choreographed work; these accomplished band members are alumni of the Cleveland Institute of Music and Berklee’s College of Music in Boston. Give your brain a musical work-out Sun 3/14 starting 8PM at the Beachland Ballroom. 15711 Waterloo Rd in Collinwood. 383-1124 or visit http://www.kassaba.com or http://www.beachlandballroom.com

BrainDance with techno, electro, drum&bass with Rephlex label artists; New Music Express hails Rephlex as “The coolest record label in the world” featuring DJs Markone and Plasticman, fine purveyors of UK grime/dubstep, their production talents are featured on a forthcoming album GRIME. Check out Detroit’s Soundmurderer and Mullinx (a.k.a. Dabrye) who’ve recently released their rewind compilation through Rephlex. Get exposed to emerging music and unwind in simplistic modern décor with the trendsetters (not the trendy) Mon 3/15 10PM. B-Side Liquor Lounge. Tickets on sale at Ticket Master and the Grog Shop. 2785 Euclid Hts Blvd. in Coventry 932-1966. For info on the tour visit http://www.grogshop.gs http://www.rephlex.com

Heavy Metal Night at Duck Island with guest DJs Roger “Joe Gizmo” Warmuth. Starting in April they’ll have a Tarot Card reader doing card readings in the back lounge. Get out the Aqua Net hairspray, spandex, and head out Mon 3/15; happy hour begins 4-8PM. Call 621-7676. Duck Island Club, 2102 Freeman in the Duck Island Neighborhood of Tremont

Community of Minds Show up to see the people that you do need to meet, enjoy draft beer and free hors d’oeuvres while getting in on the inside track for the latest in the region’s technology research. Our region enjoys a rich, varied and vibrant technology scene, and momentum is clearly building. While many of us think first of IT, there is more to our tech community than bits and bytes. Guest speaker Eric Cottington, Case Western’s Associate Vice President for Research discusses current research activities at the University, including life sciences, nanotechnology and other research accomplishments. You’ll also hear about Case’s upcoming Research Show Case, a major event highlighting technology research achievements in our area Tue 3/16 from 5:30-7:30PM. Reservations required; register at http://www.communityofminds.com 1890 At The Arcade, located in the Hyatt Regency Cleveland At The Arcade, 420 Superior Ave.

Send your cool events to: EventsAtCoolClevelandDotCom

WCLVnotes This Sunday at 3PM, Arts on the Air over WCLV 104.9 will have as its guest Brian Holley, Executive Director of the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Arts on the Air is a cultural version of The City Club Forums – with the guest quizzed first by an interviewer (in Holley’s case, by Jennifer Coleman Fluker), then the studio audience gets its chance to ask questions. Arts on the Air is generally presented in the Riverview Room of the Ritz Carlton on a Tuesday at 11:30AM, and following the broadcast, the Ritz serves up a pretty neat lunch. The broadcasts are aired on WCLV the following Sunday at 3PM. Future guests on Arts on the Air, which is presented as a benefit for Access to the Arts, will be John Mack, former principal oboist of The Cleveland Orchestra on Tue 4/13 and on Tue 5/18 at 6PM at the Mayfield Country Club, the guests will be Mark and Steve O’Donnell. Mark is the co-author of the Broadway musical Hairspray and Steve is head writer for the Jimmy Kimmel Live show on ABC. For reservations call 216 791 1727. A Cool Cleveland partner http://www.wclv.com

Instant Karma
Qwik reviews of last week’s events

Experimental Behavior @ The Beachland 1/30 Over 150 multi-aged art enthusiasts witnessed inspired Cleveland creators and musicians/writers/performance artists as a collective entity at the Beachland Ballroom which hosted the web site launch of Experimental Behavior, a collaborative effort opening the entire arts community as a cool experiment in “mixing up the arts”. Rather than catering to one style or niche, EB concentrates on being the site where all other sites in Cleveland gather together, combining artists, audiences and promoters. Brent Gummow, one of EB’s creators, wants to use the site to get people, “to turn off their televisions, get off their blue collar couches and attend the myriad of concerts, art shows, readings, film festivals and other happenings around town…”
Read the review by Cavana Faithwalker and Deb Remington

Orchestra @ Severance Hall 3/4 One of the most memorable concerts from last season involved the artistic duo of soprano Dame Felicity Lott and conductor Franz Welser-Most performing with the Cleveland Orchestra. The duo met again at Severance Hall last week and continued their artistic bliss. The evening began with Claude Debussey’s La Damoisell elue. The performance featured Dame Lott, Elizabeth De Shong and the Women of the Oberlin College Choir and put the listener in that early morning state of limbo with a gentle breeze blowing from an open window from across the room. That gentle breeze was followed by a few harsh winds of a Norwegian winter; ACT a world premiere piece by Norwegian composer Rolf Wallin. There is an unspecific something that is found in many Scandinavian composers, Sibelius, Greig, Leifs that was ever present in Mr. Wallin’s ACT. Mr. Most was in his element in conducting this compelling pulsating 10 minutes of music. Next, the return of Dame Felicity Lott performing the Four Orchestral Songs of Henri Duparc. Dame Lott performed these French pieces in a sophisticated seductive manner while Wesler-Most held the orchestra in a beautifully controlled state of elegance. I am not sure why Ms. Lott brings out the best in Wesler-Most, but it is quite remarkable to experience. Franz Wesler-Most was riding a creative high as he came out after intermission and conducted a riveting performance of Johannes Brahms Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90. His attention to detail and line was specifically impressive which is too often lacking in his performances. How about we commission an artist to cast a full body sculpture of Ms. Lott, and when Franz is conducting we can drag the sculpture on stage and stick it in the corner? (just an idea). from Cool Cleveland contributor Brian Schriefer

Amy’s View @ Dobama Theatre 2/28 Amy’s View by Sir David Hare, now on stage at Dobama Theatre is very ‘live’, by the way. Just as one would not want to give up taped or filmed versions of any performance, neither should we want to abandon ‘live’ theatre or concerts. During a talkback after the performance, reference was made to the many ‘threads’ used by the playwright in this script. Several times it was likened to a tapestry. It seemed that too many of these threads were of a fiber incompatible with all the others used. There are so many plot lines in these four short acts (performed as two longer acts, with one intermission) that too many of them get very short shrift, leaving the audience a tad confused… Read Kelly Ferjutz’s review

Food for Thought @ Drinko Recital Hall CSU 2/27 This dance performance of six newly choreographed works developed over the past four months was dramatically different in its 7th year from the collaboration of dancers with other artists outside their discipline. Each group of presenting artists took great risks in developing their body of work…
Read Nancy Prudic’s review

Cool Cleveland People: Neal Hamilton
Neal Hamilton is a Clevelander with what many would consider the dream job, traveling around the United States photographing musicians for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He’s spread his unmistakably creative photography and positive Cleveland vibe to every stop he’s made around our nation; listen in as Cool Cleveland finds out what he’s up to.

What does Cleveland have to do to make itself indispensable in the 21st century?

NH: Develop its water front, without a doubt…
Read More

+My Brain is Cryin
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‘Dueling dialogue that’s unsafe at any speed”+]

Deb Remington: Where’s all the activists these days?
Tisha Nemeth: I think they’ve retired…but seriously, we need a centralized forum for activists to meet regularly and strategize on issues they want to change. Cleveland has a loosely structured activist base, and it would make sense to bring it all together. It might even make activism convenient; imagine that.
Deb: I want to talk about how the reality of the present leaves no room for a future…
Read My Brain is Cryin’

+‘Yr Turn
[
‘Cool Cleveland readers write”+]

On Ohio’s unconstitutional school funding system “In the last newsletter, in talking about the school levies, you said, “Everyone knows that Ohio’s system for funding schools is unconstitutional and illegal…” I guarantee you that if this is true, few people and certainly not everyone, knows it. I’d love to see a piece on it…Especially because I am a resident of University Heights.” from Cool Cleveland reader Todd Vura

Cool Cleveland points out: From the 2/29/04 Plain Dealer: “Paying for Ohio’s public schools is a partnership between the state and local school districts, with districts paying an average of 52 percent of the costs. The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled four times that the system is unconstitutional because it relies too much on local property taxes. The court, however, dismissed the lawsuit last year, after again ordering the state to develop a constitutional system. The dismissal removed a big incentive for the state to act.” Read the entire article here.

On steel and what we can do about it “I’ve come to expect a constructive spin from you on even the worst news. Where was it in your comments on steel? Steelworkers didn’t leave when their jobs did, and neither did their kids. I’m thrilled they’ll be eating, even if we all have to pretend not to smell the Valley. If it’s going to happen – let’s talk about how this community could steer a stronger ISG to clean up their act and integrate new materials. If British Petroleum can become a leader in solar, ISG can move beyond cold rolled to supply Cleveland’s expert metal/materials-working companies as whole industries shift away from steel.” from Cool Cleveland reader Mati Senerchia senerchia@sbcglobal.net

On Cleveland radio “Cleveland has one of the BEST college radio networks in the country!!! They don’t limit their playlists to what is approved by unknown owners who have never set their foot in Cleveland. You can hear ANY kind of music you want on Cleveland’s FM college stations [88.3, 88.7, 89.3, 89.7, 90.3, 91.1, 91.5]. They all have internet streaming and you can download whole shows from WRUW 91.1. So, protest Clear Channel by leaving your dial left of 92… save one button on your pre-sets for WCLV.” from Cool Cleveland reader Valdis Krebs valdis@orgnet.com

On the defeat of Issue 31 “I wanted to thank you for all your hard work and support for Issue 31. It’s unfortunate the issue didn’t pass, but I feel confident a similar issue will prevail in the near future. This city needs to focus on our arts and culture, and it’s great to see how far we’ve come in the last 5 weeks. Thanks again! Your newsletter is something I look forward to every week!” from Cool Cleveland reader Greg Cusick gcusick@osinc.com

On the defeat of Issue 31 “Regarding Issue 31, I think the arts organizations have dodged a bullet. I believe that funds from this source would have quickly (2 years or less) been tied to the development of new jobs in the arts community with little or nothing going to ongoing operations. If indeed we have a state law that prevents tax support of the arts in communities with less than 500,000 population, our arts organizations need to first advocate for legislative change. The confusion and distrust over how Issue 31 money would have been spent must be addressed. Clean this up and the arts community will not need a campaign chest to get voter passage — I think that this community will embrace it in a lovefest.” from Cool Cleveland reader Ward Pallotta, Director of Development, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry

On regionalism “I’ve been thinking a lot about Cleveland’s mayor and Columbus. I thought you could either help, or point me in the right direction. I was recently told that in Columbus, all the surrounding suburbs vote for mayor, not just those that live in the city. I want to know why that isn’t the case in Cleveland. A lot of people either work downtown or use the city for a variety of entertainment purposes. Just because these people don’t live in the city doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be able to cast a vote. I am a huge supporter of Cleveland and would live there myself, if housing wasn’t so expensive. They cushion the $250,000 minimum costs by throwing out tax abatements. They say they want to attract young professionals to the city. Well, I’m single, 27 and a professional – the target – and I don’t have $250,000 to spend. But I have views and opinions about the city and should be able to have a voice. What I’m getting at is this: Is there a way to start a petition to make Cleveland more like Columbus, in the mayoral voting process anyway?” from Cool Cleveland reader Michelle Vocaire mvocaire@marcusthomasllc.com

On the defeat of Issue 31 “Sorry to see Issue 31 did not go through. They shot part of the videos in our building for the commercials. I thought it interesting that you used our Brownfield story to help sell the message in Cool Cleveland. For us it was a risk worth taking four plus years ago and I would do it again. It will also be nice to have two new neighbors sharing this ONCE Brownfield, abandoned rail site (Cleve Food Bank and Cleve Clinic’s contract laundry service). The other item you mentioned in your article, the Tooling University http://www.toolingu.com , would never have launched were it not for the Brownfield expansion and the opportunity it provided. Today nearly 6,000 students have signed up for the over 130 manufacturing classes at Tooling U. Best of all, we have hired ten of the best and brightest people from area colleges, CSU, Kent State, Akron Univ to write the curriculum, to program the operating system, and to sell the classes. Tooling U is showing these young people there are high tech jobs right here in northeast Ohio which are meaningful. Though not a total solution we hope we have helped address the crisis we are facing in education of the shortage of trained skilled workforce and slowed down the loss of the “brain drain” by at least ten people.” from Cool Cleveland reader Jack Schron, Jr, President, Jergens, Inc. and Tooling University LLC jack.schron@jergensinc.com

On Cool Cleveland and Cleveland’s agenda “I’m continually struck by the fact that your news is a genuinely excellent source. When I’m working with a distant community, I like to read the local newspaper in an attempt to stay in touch, which is often awkward. But I realize that, even when I’m in Cleveland, I read your news first. But that’s not why I write. What leapt shouting from my screen this morning was your statement that Cleveland’s creative class “will drive the economic development agenda.” That’s quite an assertion. I’d love to hear more. Can you refer me to early editions of CoolCleveland where you expound on this point, or say more in reply, or is this just wild optimism — unusual among the acres of cynicism so carefully cultivated by nearly all reporters?” from Cool Cleveland reader Michael Kinsley, Rocky Mountain Institute kinsley@rmi.org

On luckPsychologist finds answer to why luck happens here was a particularly interesting article. The results of Prof. Wiseman’s study has implications for places, not just people. The idea people’s thoughts and behavior are responsible for much of their good and bad fortune suggests that Northeast Ohio’s collective attitude plays a part in our current situation as well as the contributing to the outcome of future efforts. Pessimism, indecision, and reservations to take chances have contributed to self-fulfilling prophecies of economic uncertainty and crisis. I don’t mean to suggest that these are the roots causes of the region’s current circumstances, but rather a contributing element. Our attitude has a bigger impact than some may realize. In addition to establishing programs and project to address problems, we should also adopt a resilient attitude. If one thing doesn’t work, we’ll try another, and another, until an opportunity turns into a success. Wasn’t it our parents that always told us to “Think positively. You can do anything that you think you can do”. I think that Northeast Ohio has what it takes to be great. Maybe the power of positive thinking could go a long way in getting us there. Glad to see that Cool Cleveland made the connection.” from Cool Cleveland reader Molly Schnoke mss32@weatherhead.cwru.edu

+‘Corrections
[
‘We try to learn from our mistakes”+]

When we announced The Art Fix last week, we got the wrong email address. The correct email is AugustoBordelois@AugustoFineArt.com.

Top Five Links

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.com launches Now you can check our recommended current events, see all the archives, submit your cool announcements, and register for the Cool Cleveland newsletter.
http://www.coolcleveland.com

2) Regionalism via suburban mayors The latest effort to focus on regional solutions to the area’s suffering economy is The Cuyahoga County Mayors and City Managers Association. www.cleveland.com

3) Cleveland area election results Kerry wins Ohio, Kucinich ties Edwards for 2nd in Cuyahoga County. No surprises here, except possibly the emergence of Ohio as a critical swing state in the general election in the Fall. http://boe.cuyahogacounty.us

4) Case scientists threatens court fight A Case Western Reserve University scientist says he will go to court if the State Board of Education approves a 10th-grade biology lesson plan that allows teachers to include intelligent design. www.cleveland.com

5) Faith Popcorn on advertising Futurist and trendspotter Faith Popcorn is paid big bucks to prognosticate. Read what she has to say about viral marketing www.aef.com

Cool Cleveland is surprising Cleveland Why? Because you’re turning your friends on to CC. If you know someone who doesn’t get it, tell them where to go: http://www.CoolCleveland.com (and check out the new site) or have them send an e-mail to SignupAtCoolClevelandDotCom

Developing your marketing plans? Cool Cleveland is a proven way to reach tens of thousands of influential people in the area. 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 hardcore Hard Corps scan the city non-stop getting real content that’s not fluff. Thanks to Nancy Prudic, Tisha Nemeth, Cavana Faithwalker, Deb Remington, Brian Schriefer, George Nemeth and Kelly Ferjutz who are just a few of the writers and contributors collaborating to bring you the stuff you love. Want to volunteer and contribute your writing to Cool Cleveland? Send your reviews, articles, or story ideas to: EventsAtCoolClevelandDotCom

See the Cool Cleveland column each month in Cleveland Magazine. Listen to Cool Cleveland on WCLV-FM 104.9 twice each Friday during drive time. Read Thomas Mulready’s column Up Front in the Free Times. Send your cool events to: EventsAtCoolClevelandDotCom For your copy of the free weekly Cool Cleveland e-mail newsletter, go to http://www.CoolCleveland.com (:divend:)

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