Cool Coventry
In this week's issue:
* Cool Cleveland Interview Larry Collins of City Buddha
* Signs of Life on Planet Cleveland Old and New Memories by David Budin
* Cool Cleveland Sounds Hot by Gene's Jazz Hot
* Cool Cleveland Preview Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra
* Cool Cleveland Eats Babaghanoush
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, CC Blog click here
Some places never go out of style. Coventry Road, for years Cleveland's hippie haven, has been rejuvenated with a new streetscape, easy parking, and new retail. They're celebrating this week with another Coventry Street Arts Fair & Farmers' Market, and we drop the bomb on world traveler/connoisseur Larry Collins, opening his latest City Buddha boutique right on Coventry.
The place to be this week is right here in our hometown, with everything from a Greek Fest in the Heights to a hot rod show at Bela Dubby, to the Arterial Festival on Buckeye, to a Hip-Hop Boot Camp at Playhouse Square, to a Wine Tasting at Stan Hywet to a Fairy-Tale Tea at the Ritz. If you can't find some Big Fun this week, you're just not trying. –Thomas Mulready
Cool Cleveland Interview
Larry Collins
City Buddha
Inspired by a love of street markets in the Far East, one-time Cleveland live music guru Larry Collins opened City Buddha on West 25th in 1996 as a real world market. A self-professed “Coventry kid,” Collins and his friends stocked the store personally—bringing back an abundance of exotic furniture made from reclaimed teak and tamarind wood, masks, incense, bronzes, Buddhist and Hindu statuettes, baskets and jewelry from trips to Asia. It has been one of the consistently cool Cleveland stores for the last decade. Collins continues to retail these and other Southeast Asian artifacts as he celebrates the 10-year anniversary of City Buddha. He and his wife Rai (both at left, photographed in Indonesia on their wedding day) opened a second store, in the vacated Food Co-op retail space on Coventry Road early in June. They will continue to operate both locations. The new location is a source of pride for Collins, who really loves the neighborhood and grins when talking about it.
Cool Cleveland: Happy 10th anniversary! That’s a big milestone for any business to achieve, local or otherwise. How does it feel to have two locations now?
Larry Collins: Thanks very much. It was scary when we started and it’s still scary now—especially when you consider the economy here in Cleveland and all of the lack of disposable income. But I had to take the jump, you know. I grew up here in the Heights. So, it’s like a little homecoming for me. I was one of those Coventry kids, and I love it here. I'm proud to be here, and I think I really fit in the neighborhood. And it was a good opportunity, really. The city worked with me on this and everything. I really couldn’t say no. We officially opened this store on June 10th.
Just in time for the CMJ Rock Hall Music Fest, which is when I first ducked in here. Any plans for a grand opening for this location?
We just did it, you know? We didn’t really announce it or anything, we just opened. (laughs) There was enough merchandise in here to open the doors when we did. Initially, I was kinda freaking out a little bit, worrying about all of the details… but then I just decided to open the doors and see what happened. I don’t know if we will have a formal grand opening later or not. We will see. Actually, no. I’m going to say no. We’re open and a lot of people know that we’re open. So, we’ll go with that...
Read the interview by Peter Chakerian here
NewsLINKS
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If Dinosaurs Could Time Travel to 2006 and talk to us, what message would they bring us? That's the premise behind Dinosaurs Across America: Cartoons of Phil Yeh, an exhibition of approximately 30 paintings by California-based artist Phil Yeh, showing now through Sun 8/20 at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Yeh originally created these colorful paintings for his graphic novel Theo the Dinosaur, a lighthearted tale that highlights the benefits of literacy and the need to be environmentally aware and responsible. Since 1985, Yeh has promoted literacy, creativity and the arts through the organization Cartoonists Across America & the World. For more info contact www.CMNH.org.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
NewsLINKS
Emissions from the blogsphere Katherine addresses Bryan's question of finding a job when relocating to Cleveland. Chas disputes the PD's editors on their eminent domain position. Daniella recaps the Sherrod Brown interview. Tina recalls the blackout. Brian sets the record straight. Check the Cool Cleveland weblog here, where Peter Chakerian talks about EPA recommendations for NEO, Lerner going Euro with an English Premier League purchase, new PD publisher Terry C.Z. Egger, Cleveland State University's renovations, and a KISS-fan-style rally to get Jane Scott inducted into the Rock Hall (Lester Bangs be damned) ASAP. When you're done, add your own comments, questions and attitude. Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
Cool Cleveland This Week
8.16-8.23
Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com
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Listing Tip of the Week It's a mystery to us. Being mysterious has its place. Extra digits, bodily functions and strange relatives probably should remain a mystery on first dates and job interviews. But, when you are trying to get tens of thousands of Cool Cleveland subscribers to your event or to check out your website: mysterious is not so good. So, when you list your cool event don't forget the URL and physical address that go along with it. Anything else is not so cool. Get a checklist of items to include here by scrolling down to Hints. Events@CoolCleveland.com.
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Get Intimate with Cool Cleveland Besides the content, Cool Cleveland readers like having their weekly news distributed through the intimacy of their inbox. And the proof is in the numbers: Tens of thousands of loyal subscribers and growing. Contact TL@CoolCleveland.com for info about advertising.
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WCLVnotes The last live comedy variety program on the American radio networks was "The Stan Freberg Show," presented by the CBS Radio Network during the summer of 1957. It replaced the long-running Jack Benny program when Benny decided to concentrate on television. Freberg had made a name with his comedy recordings – “John and Marsha,” “St. George and the Dragonette” and other bits satirizing popular songs – and CBS spared no expense in producing the half-hour show. It had Billy May and the CBS Orchestra, the Jud Conlan Rythmnaires and a crackerjack acting ensemble drawn from the Freberg comedy recordings that included Daws Butler, June Foray, Peter Leeds and Freberg himself. WCLV 104.9 FM’s “Weekend Radio” show with Robert Conrad is presenting the fifteen 1957 CBS broadcasts of the Freberg Show on a weekly basis. You can catch “Weekend Radio” Saturdays at 10PM. Complete details on all of WCLV’s programming can be found in the WCLV Guide on the station’s website www.WCLV.com.
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An Imaginary Friend Have you come to rely on your relationship with Cool Cleveland with more regularity than some of your closest friends? If so, consider introducing us to some of them... it may enhance your relationships, giving you things to experience together.
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Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com
Signs Of Life On Planet Cleveland
Old and New Memories
By David Budin
A lot of the things I did and the concerts I saw this past week brought back memories. I saw three shows at Cain Park, just this week. Actually, that’s not exactly true. I saw two shows and I was in another one. When you’re doing a show, you don’t get to see it. I saw the audience. It’s an interesting way to view a show. With the bright lights in your eyes, you can see only the first few rows most of the time, and you can’t see anyone very clearly.
But I was up on stage singing and talking for two hours and I saw people smiling, sometimes laughing, nodding to the music and, in at least one case, nodding off, and right in the front row, too. Well, I’m sure he must have been very tired from a long, hard day. I can’t really think of any other reason …
Anyway, that was Tuesday, and it was the reunion, after 35 years, of a folk duo called David and Denise. I’m David; she’s Denise. And as I said at the show, unlike many of those other old groups that reunite for concerts after many years, Denise and I are both original members of David and Denise. If you missed it, and the vast majority of the population did, we’re planning to do an anniversary-of-our-reunion concert in a year or two. Please make a note of that. Thank you.
Then on Friday, I played another gig, backing up my brother, also a folk-pop singer-songwriter, Noah Budin, and Cantor Kathy Sebo in a monthly Friday evening Jewish service called “Rock My Soul Shabbat,” that incorporates folk, pop, rock, traditional, klezmer, Middle Eastern and other styles of music with a 10-piece band at The Temple—Tifereth Israel in Beachwood...
Read Signs of Life by David Budin here
Cool Cleveland Sounds
Hot
Gene's Jazz Hot
self published
This infectious CD carries a sort of sub-title, and believe me, truer words were never writ! They are ‘Seriously Happy, Swinging Music’, and I declare it’s impossible to listen without a smile on your face throughout. These folks love what they’re doing, and it shows! It’s not over-rehearsed or produced, not anything remotely resembling canned in any way. It’s just pure fun. Happy sounding and happy listening fun! Four veteran musicians make up the band, beginning with Gene Epstein on bass. She sings and is the graphic designer for the band, including the CD insert. Gene’s sort of the founder of the group, too. Bill Kenney triples on clarinet, vocals and humor. He writes books about jazz history in his spare time. Peggi Cella sings jazz and blues and scat in a throaty, understandable voice. Seth Rosen is a guitarist and vocalist who throws in some mandolin riffs every now and then. Of course, each of them is involved with other local groups as well. (More info on the CD insert.)
Sit back and smile as you listen to the fifteen tunes—fifteen acoustic tunes!!!—on this CD.
It Don't Mean a Thing starts off with the verse. The verse, for goodness’ sake! How rare is that? They all take turns scatting around a bit, but there’s seriously good clarinet riffs in and around the vocals. Seth gets top billing as vocalist here, but Peggi does her share, too...
Read the review by Kelly Ferjutz here
Wanna get reviewed? Send your band's CD (less than 1 year old) to: Cool Cleveland, 14837 Detroit Avenue, #105, Lakewood, OH 44107
Hey Writers! Wanna write about Cleveland music? We've got a slew of recently-released CDs and DVDs by Cleveland-area musicians that could use your critical commentary for Cool Cleveland Sounds. If you're interested, send us a note at Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
Cool Cleveland Preview
Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra
Even the mighty Boston Pops Orchestra discovered it couldn’t be in more than one place at one time, so the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra was formed to bring more of American popular music to places other than Boston. This Saturday, August 19, the BPEO will appear for the sixth time at Blossom Music Center, with its resident conductor and music director, Keith Lockhart. The concert is a celebration of the 70s—from film, TV and Broadway, and will feature as special guest artists, the group Rockapella, in its Blossom debut. The concert begins at 8 pm, but Blossom’s gates will open at 5:30 for a special All-American Cookout. Blossom chefs will prepare hamburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, and chicken, while other All-American treats such as Ben and Jerry’s novelties and scooped ice cream; French fries, funnel cakes, non-alcoholic smoothies and draft root beer will also be available. Patrons may also bring their own picnics.
Rockapella, an a cappella vocal ensemble comprised of Scott Leonard, Kevin Wright, George Baldi, John Brown, and Jeff Thacher, is best known for its theme music for the PBS hit show Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? They will sing with the BPEO as well as by themselves, and as part of a 70s sing-along. Tickets for this performance are available through the Cleveland Orchestra web-site: http://www.ClevelandOrchestra.com or by phone at (216) 231-1111 (Cleveland) or (800) 686-1141 during regular Severance Hall Ticket Office hours and at all Ticketmaster outlets. If you lived in or love the 70s, this is the place for you!
From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net
Cool Cleveland Eats
Babaghanoush
Babaghanoush, or perhaps more commonly "baba ganoush," is an extremely flavorful appetizer originating in the Middle East. In some Middle Eastern cultures, baba is more of a salad--grilled eggplant is augmented with diced onion, tomato, parsley and served with olive oil. More commonly, it is an eggplant dip made with tahini (sesame seed paste), olive oil and spices, served with pita or veggies. The eggplant is roasted or grilled, pureed and seasoned with garlic, lemon juice/zest, mint (an Armenian touch), cumin, seasalt, paprika, and/or parsley. Some even "spike" baba with variations of hot sauce. Aladdin's has rich, fantastic baba (pictured) with a lightly smoky taste and a fairly creamy consistency. It comes to you at room temperature and features an olive oil drizzle, a zesty, lemony edge and is garnished with tomato, cucumber and a kalamata olive. While delicious by its lonesome, you are best served in asking for their sweetly-spicy, homemade red pepper/jalapeño sauce to accompany it. Though not terribly hot, the heat makes your taste buds tingle. Wash it down with a short-and-sharp 9 oz. Almaza Lebanese pilsner. And ask for extra pita in advance, you'll need it. You can find Aladdin's all over town and they're veggie-friendly for those spouses and friends looking for a meal option!
Also consistently delicious, Tommy's on Coventry has been doing a grand baba (and countless other veggie and vegan offings) since 1972. The locally-owned restaurant serves it hot or cold, and in a bowl or on pita bread with veg. Your choice. They offer hot sauce as well, but the moderate smoke flavor and smoothness really stand up better without it. Up the Mediterranean flair by getting it on one of their falafel sandwiches. Sinful. Finally, the smokiest baba is at Nate's Deli on West 25th, a haunt known for wicked corned beef and a killer breakfast. Their creamy concoction still tastes more roasted than grilled, but it's got a piquant kick. They're located by the West Side Market, so load up after your shopping for the week. Just remember: they don't take credit cards, they don't serve dinner and they're not open on Sunday.
Got all that, Babaghanoush?
Where do you get the best baba, Cleveland? Write in and tell us: Letters@CoolCleveland.com
From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com
Instant Karma
Quick reviews of recent events
Going out this weekend? Take along your PDA and your digital camera. Scratch out a few notes to send us with a picture of it for our Instant Karma real-world reviews of what's really happening. We'd love to hear from you. Send your stuff to Events@CoolCleveland.com
“Always . . . Patsy Cline,” @ Stan Hywet Fri 8/11 A stellar cast, top musicians and exceptional vocalists turned this 20+ song tribute to Patsy Cline into a hilarious night of entertainment under the stars. We thoroughly enjoyed the estate’s stunning summertime beauty including the scenic backdrop and theater by the lagoon. Our evening started with a private picnic and leisurely stroll on the grounds in their “secret” gardens, followed by a side-splitting musical/comedy that had us singing the whole way home. Debra Wagoner, a talented singer in her own right, did an exceptional job of portraying Patsy and her musical anthology including songs like “I Fall to Pieces,” “Crazy,” and “Stupid Cupid.” The part of Louise, as Patsy’s number one fan and friend, played by Sarah Lyon, stole the show and provided laughs that rocked the quarries. And the Bodacious Bobcats Band was the icing on the cake. Don’t miss this special Cleveland event – you’re lucky because it’s playing again – one more time – this weekend, 8/17-8/20. For info visit http://www.StanHywet.org. From Cool Cleveland contributor TL Champion tlATcoolcleveland.com
Dr. Octagon w/Muamin Collective & Lab Rats @ Grog Shop 8/11 Kool Keith, aka Dr. Octagon, was in town this past weekend at a packed Grog Shop. The show opened with local favorites Muamin Collective. I've seen these guys open for De La Soul and Pete Rock, and they always deliver. Muamin blew up the crowd with a short, but outstanding, set culminating in a song sampling Jimi Hendrix. Next up was the Columbus live instrument/electronic combo Lab Rats, who performed at the inaugural CMJ Rock Hall Music Fest last year. They played a short set that adequately kept the crowd in the game, but before too long, people were starting to wonder when Doc Ock was coming. Those people had a rude awakening; he didn't come out for another hour. Finally at nearly 1AM, Kool Keith's DJ Kut Masta Kurt emerged to warm up the cold crowd and coax the good Doctor out. With a towel draped over his head like a legendary boxer (maybe a cliche, but appropriate) Doc wasted no time proving why he's a legend. The show dragged a bit after a hot start, but he was still able to keep the crowd; when he played his classic, "Blue Flowers," the place went crazy. He played a solid mix from his entire catalog, including work from his 1997 super-explicit masterpiece, Sex Style. Of course, he didn't need to invite girls on the stage to dance with him--they got up there without an invite wound up shaking it anyway. Certainly not his best show ever, but he's clearly still got it.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Ygal Kaufman bazy216ATyahoo.com
Bugs Bunny on Broadway @ Blossom 8/12 "When other orchestras talk about the best, they talk about the Cleveland Orchestra," announced conductor George Daugherty as he introduced his program of music by the incomparable modern geniuses Carl Stalling and Milt Franklyn. A technically impressive collection of classic Warner Brothers animations from the 30's, 40's and 50's (One Froggy Evening, A Corny Concerto, The Rabbit of Seville, What's Opera, Doc?), synched perfectly with live accompaniment and sound effects, achieved the impossible by mesmerizing a huge crowd of young and old alike. What started out to be a veritable towering lawn of Babel, with babies screaming, kids tossing Frisbees, and teens chatting loudly before the concert, turned into a community celebration of the genius of directors Fritz Freleng, Robert Clampett, Robert McKimson and especially Chuck Jones, by focusing their attention and laughter. There is nothing like hearing 10,000 people chuckling in unison at the hapless schemes of Wile E. Coyote, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Porky Pig and the Road Runner, fresh as the day these films premiered in huge venues before video killed the live movie theatre. Along the way, we rediscovered how most boomers and their kids first learned to dig classical music: Strauss, Wagner, and Rossini turned out to be the easiest to lovingly spoof. As the evening progressed, a preternatural chill descended on the acoustically perfect slope, causing kids to cuddle and families to huddle for warmth, around the huge glowing screens and the magic 8-minute time capsules that define childhood everywhere, while Cleveland listened to what the conductor called, "the best orchestra in the world."http://www.ClevelandOrchestra.com
Singing Angels/5 Browns @ Cain Park 8/12 Youth was on display Saturday evening at Cain Park, exemplified by two different groups, with one common denominator—the love of music. The Singing Angels are Cleveland’s young ambassadors to the world, while The 5 Browns are from Utah by way of New York City and the Juilliard School, courtesy of the Steinway Piano Company. If you’ve never seen the Singing Angels perform, you’ve denied yourself a major treat. These youngsters, possessed of gorgeous singing voices and smiling, happy, faces, aged 7 through 18 or so, clearly love music, love singing and performing, and will restore your faith in the younger generation. All you have to do is sit back, listen—and enjoy...
Read the review by Kelly Ferjutz here
Burning River Fest 06 @ Wendy Park 8/12 The exhibitors were the real show at the Burning River Fest, with groups like Meet The Bloggers, EcoCity Cleveland, Great Lakes Science Center and the Ohio Environmental Council offering demonstrations, education and a peek at Cleveland's eco-future: Biodiesel Cleveland and Green Energy Ohio. The event was moved to Wendy Park on Whiskey Island for 06, instigating many people to visit this jewel of a lakefront park, stretching from Edgewater Yatch Club to the awe-inspiring mouth of the Cuyahoga River. Regular visits by the Cleveland fire boat, hot bands like the Whiskey Island Ramblers, JP & The Chatfield Boys and Joe Rohan, and the award-winning Burning River Pale Ale flowing from organizer Pat Conway's Great Lakes Brewing Company kept the party happening, while the St. Edward's High School Trash Talkers (pictured and video below), laid everyone out. Next year, let's set this puppy alight.http://www.BurningRiverFest.org
WATCH THE MOVIE St. Ed's Trash Talkers at Burning River (PC) (Mac)
Walk+Roll Cleveland @ Rockefeller Park 8/13 Woe to the old-schoolers still hanging at the Feast of the Assumption. Just a short stroll North, entrepreneur Lois Moss and her mighty band of volunteers comandeered Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, shut it to traffic and staged the first Walk+Roll Cleveland on 8/6 & 8/13. With the help of glorious weather, Cleveland's underutilized Cultural Gardens were set alive with drum circles, Passport Project mural painting, a gospel chorus (pictured and video below) a Frisbee tourney and kids activities, while Clevelanders strolled, walked, rolled and biked the 2 mile stretch from Gordon Park on Lake Erie to University Circle. Already they're talking about doing it again in the winter, with X-country skiing and outdoor winter activities. We can't wait. http://www.WalkAndRollCleveland.comWATCH THE MOVIE Praise and Worship Gospel Singers at Walk+Roll (PC) (Mac)
Walk + Roll Cleveland @ Rockefeller Park 8/13 Lois Moss, avid cyclist and co-founder of Century Cycles, had a dream for Martin Luther King Boulevard; a dream of gathering people from different backgrounds together to enjoy their community. With help from the Cleveland Foundation and a small paid staff…it came true. Over two Sunday afternoons, Moss’ first-ever Walk + Roll Cleveland brought 7000+ people to the Rockefeller Park/Cultural Gardens area. The tree-lined boulevard, commonly used as a cut-through to area museums, saw children from Cleveland Public Theater performing and inner-city youth fishing, as the ubiquitous James Levin and Dick Clough, of downtown’s Ingenuity Fest and friend, Nick Kelling took in some bike riding. Bratenahl treasurer Sarah Kesselem cycled up with her husband and three daughters. Neighborhood businessman, Dr. Larry Woods, took on “ambassador” role, heading out on his three-wheeled Trikke to distribute flyers. Lakewood attorney David Janco volunteered at the food stand, which helped raise money for future Walk + Roll events. Attendance included visitors from the Wade Park area, Eastlake, Cleveland Hts., Rocky River and more. Moss’ favorite moment came as she took in the diverse group enjoying gospel singers in the Italian gardens. Relishing the view of a multi-cultural, mixed age and socio-economic crowd, a tear formed in her eye and she thought to herself; “I created this.” And how does a humble creator wind down? Moss has planned a month in Italy with her “pack-able” bike in tow and Cleveland not far from her mind. Upon returning home, she’ll continue her efforts to bring bicycles to the Cleveland Police Department and, budget-permitting, will return to MLK for a September Walk & Roll--this time to welcome Case students to their new community.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Christine Young itsmecayATvisn.net
Schism @ Fourth Wall 8/13
What: Reality TV meets backstage comedy when opening night of a college play descends into chaos, as the actors develop the same crushes as their high school characters. A cheeky, energetic new play by local playwright Matthew A. Sprosty produced by a new young company, Fourth Wall Productions.
What's fun: There's something refreshing about these brash youngsters doing their slapdash version of Pirandello, where the inmates (actors and directors) take over the asylum to the horror of the young playwright. It's the folks who underplay who do best: Dash Combs as the moony-eyed actor with a crush on his leading lady, and a delightful turn by Jeff Thompson as the stammering, asthmatic writer. Though she's way over-the-top, Alexis Black has fun as self-promoting director Becca Cole, with lines like "suck at the nipple of my genius". The real Cole does a nice job using the entire theater for staging.
Caveats: Both the script and performances run out of gas in the "improvised" second act, and ingenue Arian Steiner is more whiny than appealing. But it's energizing, seeing them take risks with a script that Sprosty says is based on "how much [more] humorous Saturday Night Live is when the actors begin to break."
Angel in the wings: Cleveland Play House Artistic Director Michael Bloom has given this young company of mostly Ohio University grads a supersweet sweet deal -- use of CPH's Brooks Theater, in order to get young people into the Play House complex. Way to go.
Details: Thru 8/20, Brooks Theater @ Cleveland Play House. http://www.fourthwallproductions.com/
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com
See something cool last week? Tell us about it: Letters@CoolCleveland.com
Yr Turn
Cool Cleveland readers write
We encourage our readers to speak out by sending us letters and commentary. Send your letters to Letters@CoolCleveland.com. You must include your full name (required) and you may include your e-mail address (optional). You may also create a new Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail e-mail address and submit it with your letter. Letters submitted to Cool Cleveland, or edited portions, may be published in an upcoming issue of Cool Cleveland at our discretion.
Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com
On Walk+Roll Cleveland (See interview with Lois Moss (PC) (Mac), and www.WalkAndRollCleveland.com) Lois Moss has my key to the city! Walk and Roll Cleveland was the best public event I have been to in this town--and such a brilliantly simple concept--Family Sundays in the Park. I only hope that the powers-that-be (who almost foiled the idea) recognize common sense and allow this magnificent public space to serve its original function by continuing this program every month!
from Cool Cleveland reader Laura McShane lmcshane23ATyahoo.com
On gaming (See Casino Gambling: A Poor Vehicle for Economic Development here) Mr. Glick presents all of the obvious and tired reasons to not embrace casino gambling. He also ends with the "heart warming" conclusion that we can do better. What he doesn't offer is an answer, which is typical for a consultant. Consultants are notorious for assembling information that is currently available, regurgitating it back to the buyer, telling him (or her) what they already know (and sometimes want to hear), then providing an invoice. Mr. Glick, were you commissioned by Senator Voinovich? Mr. Glick also comments on several casino gambling failures in other cities. While I am sure he has his facts, he fails to recognize that Greater Cleveland can instead focus on those shortcomings and create an economic situation that works this time ... for all of us. So far it's the only answer I've seen with any real chance of jump starting our tired and broken down economic engine.
from Cool Cleveland reader Tim A. Schultz TasBoomATaol.com
Thanks for the article. I wish that you had printed more about the Urban College's comments. As an alum, I am interested to see where they are dealing in truth. Especially as I just took a survey about the college name change that was so obviously biased in my opinion. I am also angry at the duplicity that has existed about the benefits to the community. Just ask any city that has had gambling for even a few months about the detriment to their community. Backers can say that it is naive or unsophisticated to expect the truth or that it is just politics. It is time that we stop accepting that lies, half truths-still lies and shirking responsibility are just the acceptable facts of life with regards to the common good of we the people.
from Cool Cleveland reader Angela P. McKinney apmck7ATyahoo.com
Look at the big picture. Millions of dollars have been invested downtown.The potential for a vibrant Downtown is there. Downtown needs an injection of people and casinos may be able to do that. This is about competing against other cities for tourism dollars and population. Last time I checked, we have been losing that race. Downtown Cleveland has the potential to regain the vibrancy we often search for in other cities. Several Casinos downtown would give people from outside the region another reason to come to Cleveland. Take a trip up 75 to Detroit, and you will notice the constant flow of tour buses headed to Greektown. Why not Cleveland? I am tired of hearing that gambling is the panacea to all economic problems. Gambling is just one more economic development tool. Every state that surrounds Ohio has legalized gambling. We are losing millions of dollars to states like West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan and soon Pennsylvania. Dollars that could have been spent on higher education and other economic development projects. However, Taft and Voinovich tell us that gambling preys on the poor and raising taxes is a better alternative to funding educational programs. Please. Ohio ranks toward the bottom in economic growth and our leaders are proposing HIGHER taxes. We need to maximize every area of the economy. Gambling is just another tool to attract tourist.
from Cool Cleveland reader Doug Nobles sir2geesATyahoo.com
Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com
Top 5
Most clicked
Here are the Top 5 from last week's issue, with one more chance for you to click.
1) A Poor Vehicle for Economic Development Cleveland State University Levin School of Urban Studies report on casinos.
www.gcpartnership.com.
2) Cleveland signage A Flickr group of signs you'll see around town.
www.Flickr.com.
3) An Entrepreneur's view of Cleveland Find out what Cleveland's doing for entrepreneurs that Buffalo, Houston and Ireland are trying to do but can't. www.Entrepreneur.com.
4) Great Lakes Burning River Fest Wendy Park on Whiskey Island is your destination for family friendly fun. http://www.BurningRiverFest.org.
5) RoldoLINK The PD's new publisher is likeable but not transparent.
www.CoolCleveland.com.
Zen and the Art of E-blast Maintainence It's a state of mind. And the Hard Corps have been refining that manuscript for nearly 4 years now, spreading the truth as they go. Thanks to Peter Chakerian, Roxanne Ravenel, TL Champion, George Nemeth, Ygal Kaufman, Roldo Bartimole, Christine Young, Linda Eisenstein, Kelly Ferjutz and everyone who partners with us. Want to volunteer and contribute your writing to Cool Cleveland? Send your reviews, articles, or story ideas to: Events@CoolCleveland.com
Download the Cool Cleveland podcast each week at http://www.CoolCleveland.com. Click on the Cool Cleveland Blog here. Read the Cool Cleveland column each month in Cleveland Magazine here. Listen to Cool Cleveland on WCLV-FM 104.9 twice each Friday during drive time. Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com, and your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com. For your copy of the free weekly Cool Cleveland e-zine, go to http://www.CoolCleveland.com.
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--Thomas Mulready
Letters@CoolCleveland.com
all contents ©2006 MulreadyGROUP all rights reserved
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