11.15-11.22.06
The Cleveland Store

In this week's issue:
* BizTech Profile Dean of CSU Levin College of Urban Affairs Mark Rosentraub
* Comment “The Cleveland Store” And Immigration by Mark Rosentraub
* Interview Stephanie Morrison-Hrbek & Bob Navis from Near West Theatre
* Interview Award-winning Author and Former Clevelander Steven Kotler
* RoldoLINK Democrats Here Front for Wealthy Interests
* Sounds "Love Sincerely," Writes the Writer by Daddy's Gonna Kill Ralphie
* Preview Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, CC Blog click here

Thanks for all your kind words about our new redesign (see YR Turn letter below), but we're not resting yet. Each week, the Cool Cleveland team works hard to bring you relevant, positive, inspiring news, events and profiles about the best our region has to offer. Not a day goes by that we don't get thanked personally for the positive vibe we've been putting out every week for over 4 years, not surprising considering the response a local columnist received when she asked what readers want from their news (see NewsLINKS below). To make us even more relevant, complete our survey and allow us to bribe you with the chance to own a Video iPod. Take the 2-minute survey here. Meanwhile, can we turn you on to the best of this week: Music Man at Near West Theatre, and a provocative commentary about selling Cleveland from The Cleveland Store. Take it from us, there's a lot of good stuff in that store. —Thomas Mulready


Mark Rosentraub
Dean of CSU Levin College of Urban Affairs

Mark Rosentraub is usually a very serious guy. As dean of Cleveland State University's Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs, the only one of its kind in the state, and ranked as one of the top 8 urban studies programs in the country, he's usually writing papers and books and being quoted on issues of economic development in cities. His book, Major League Losers, about the economics and politics of professional sports, was reviewed by over 100 media outlets nationally, and is now used as a text book in colleges. But lately, he's come to the realization that Cleveland hasn't been selling itself very well. So he wrote the essay, The Cleveland Store, published in this week's e-blast, and here he talks on video with Cool Cleveland's Thomas Mulready about how and why Cleveland should take a page from IKEA's book, and leverage our immigrant base to sell Cleveland from retail stores all over the country. http://www.CSUohio.edu http://www.Urban.CSUohio.edu


WATCH THE MOVIE Mark Rosentraub, Dean of the CSU Levin College of Urban Affairs

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What's Your Favorite Mtrl? Designers have a new source of inspiration and instruction with the launch of Mtrl, an ASM International initiative aimed at providing "Material About Materials." A two-day workshop for designers, held Thu 11/30 and Fri 12/1 at Idea Center in Playhouse Square, will focus on types of metals, surface finishes, physical properties, manufacturing costs and case studies, and will include tours of Don Drumm Studio and Moen's design and product headquarters. Mtrl provides tangible experiences with materials, promoting experimentation and inspiring design through exposure to materials from the everyday to the extraordinary! For information and to register visit www.asminternational.org/design/cleveland.htm.
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“The Cleveland Store” And Immigration
by Mark S. Rosentraub
Dean and Professor, Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs
Cleveland State University

While Clevelanders hoped IKEA would come to Northeast Ohio – the new store will open in the Cincinnati area instead – the US Census was telling us what we already feared. Northeast Ohio is not growing as fast as other areas and Cleveland itself seems destined to fall below 400,000 residents. How are Ikea and the dropping population numbers linked?

IKEA creates a demand and brand loyalty through advertising, stores that showcase their designs, and high-quality products. That business plan and strategy have created legions of loyal customers. Cleveland has no stores and tells virtually no one about its products and assets despite their world-class status. As a result, NE Ohio has far fewer loyal customers and residents as areas with fewer assets by far better marketing programs and images. Following Ikea’s lead, Cleveland needs to open several stores to advertise its assets and the opportunities that exist in the NE Ohio region.

Research has shown that immigrants to the United States usually make one major move after first living in an area in the country in which they have friends and family. For this reason, Los Angeles County has consistently had very large numbers of people leaving for other parts of the country and at the same time, very large numbers of new immigrants. With very large Hispanic, Asian, and Jewish communities, new Americans are attracted to Los Angeles where they find not only friends and social support systems, but other people like them to explain America and its business practices and culture. New York City, with its numerous ethnic communities also attracts large numbers of immigrants. However, when people learn the “ropes of America” they take a journey outward – usually to start their own business – and that is where advertising and “The Cleveland Store” must become the showplace of NE Ohio’s assets...
Read the Comment by Mark Rosentraub here

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Trans-Siberian Orchestra (and more!) on WVIZ/PBS this Weekend The much- anticipated holiday favorite Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Ghosts of Christmas Eve receives its annual broadcast on WVIZ/PBS this Sat 11/18 at 8PM (encore performance at 9:30PM). Watch to learn how to obtain tickets to see TSO perform at Quicken Loans Arena, Fri 12/1 & Sat 12/2. We have great seats reserved, and tickets are going fast. Then stay tuned for Austin City Limits on Sun 11/19 12AM for a performance by acclaimed singer Van Morrison. Also on WVIZ/PBS this weekend, Save your Sundays for grace and grandeur, power and passion. Watch Nature “Christmas in Yellowstone” on Sun 11/19, 8PM followed by Masterpiece Theatre “Prime Suspect VII” (Part 2) at 9PM. Visit www.wviz.org for additional information and the complete program schedule.
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100% of arts measures approved Arts and culture support wasn't only successful in Cuyahoga County, where voters overwhelmingly passed Issue 18, a cig tax that will provide $200 million over 10 years. Nationwide, all 10 arts and culture ballot issues passed in places like Austin, San Francisco and Louisiana. Info

Satie's Vexations performed 840 times in a row, according to the composer's instructions, by a team of up to 30 faculty and students from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music this Fri 11/17, starting at 6AM, and running for an expected 16 hours, to conclude around 10PM. The premiere of the 1-minute-long work in 1963, 70 years after composer Erik Satie wrote it, was played by John Cage, and the only person who remained for the entire performance was Andy Warhol. http://www.Oberlin.edu/con

University Circle is hot According to The New York Times, in a piece written by Lisa Chamberlain, former Cleveland Free Times editor, the $2 billion infrastructure investment in "eds and meds" at University Circle makes it the hottest square mile in Ohio, with 10K jobs to be created in the next 10 years. Read Your thoughts? Letters@CoolCleveland.com

RIP Gerald Levert R&B crooner and Cleveland son dies at the mere age of 40 rocking the music world and saddening the hearts of Northeast Ohio. A public memorial service will be held on Fri 11/17 at 12 noon at the Cleveland Convention Center. More and here.

Cle poet George Bilgere wins the Ohioana Helen and Laura Krout Memorial Poetry Award from the Ohioana Library Association, for the Ohio poet who made significant contributions to poetry in the state. The prof at John Carroll University has also won the Cleveland Arts Prize, the May Swenson Poetry Award, and fellowships from the Ohio Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. Info

Take the CC survey, win a Video iPod We're making improvements all the time, but we need your help to take Cool Cleveland to the next level. We know, Cool Cleveland helps you find the cool stuff, people and events in this part of the world: help us help you. Take the Cool Cleveland survey, and be eligible for a top-of-the-line Video iPod. The survey only takes 2 minutes: Take the survey.

Cleveland Originals Twenty-four Cleveland Originals Restaurants offer 3-course prix fixe meals for just thirty bucks now through Sun 11/19. Visit http://www.ClevelandOriginals.com for info and reservations.

CWRU, not Case Dr. Gregory Eastwood, Interim President assures alumni that revisions to the logo and wordmark implemented under former president, Edward Hundert, that sent them into a tizzy and caused closed wallets, are in the works. In the meantime, just call it Case Western Reserve University, not Case. Thank you very much. More. Your opinion on the CWRU branding controversy? Letters@CoolCleveland.com

Ingenuity Festival of Art & Technology (left) links Cleveland Functional Electrical Stimulation Center and Cavani Quartet in a unique collaboration (read) and sets dates for 2007 Fest: Thu 7/19 - Sun 7/22 at Playhouse Square, between E. 13th & E. 18th Streets. http://www.IngenuityCleveland.com

Wexner call for Ohio art Wexner Center in Columbus is having a call-for-entries. Artists may submit any medium to this super fab juried exhibition in May. Submissions due postmarked Wed 11/15. Click here for an application.

Schrekengost receives Medal of Arts Viktor announced as 2006 Medal of Arts Recipient by President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush. He was honored in an Oval Office ceremony at the White House Thu 11/9. Read the story here.

Unchained America Day Celebrate Unchained America Day by shopping at the many locally-owned independent businesses of Cleveland Heights during an event designed to encourage citizens to shop locally and bolster the local economy. http://www.amiba.net/Unchained.html.

Cool Cleveland Podcast Cool things to do this week in Cleveland, at the click of a button. http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolCleveland11.17.06.mp3. Add the CC Podcast to iTunes using this link. Don't forget, you can subscribe to this podcast by saving this link in your favorite program that catches podcasts.

Local heroes & success stories When columnist Regina Brett asked her readers what they wanted, they overwhelmed her with their suggestions: more positive stories about people doing good things in Cleveland, about new developments & improvements in the community, about people who make a difference. We agree, and that's probably why you're scanning Cool Cleveland right now. Read.

The Holiday Season Approaches and Cool Cleveland will again be your source for links to buying local and supporting NEO's artisans and neighborhood Mom & Pop shops. If you are a local artist, crafty/creative type or store owner with some thrillingly cool and unique loot for holiday shoppers, we want to hear from you. Send us a link with some background on you and your gift offerings to PeterATCoolCleveland.com (replace the "AT" appropriately). We will feature as many of you as possible beginning in next week's issue of your Cool Cleveland newsletter. 'Tis nearly the season!

Cool Cleveland Kids Thanksgiving is approaching, and that means the kids will be off. Take a hint from 10-year-old Cool Cleveland correspondent Max Mulready who has scoured the Internet looking for a few good events to recommend. Hear his short podcast here even if you don't have special software. If you're a whiz kid, you can download it to your iPod or your computer and listen with your own kid. Check below to see the events tagged CC KIDS under Cool Cleveland This Week for our recommendations for a fantastic family week. http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolClevelandKids11.17.06.mp3. Add the CC Kids Podcast to iTunes using this link. Adding this link to your program that catches podcasts will keep you up-to-date on the latest audio.

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Every week, all of us here at Cool Cleveland pour through gads of fantastic things happening in CLE and NEO, all in an effort to answer that ever-nagging question: "What's cool to do this week?" Submitted for your approval, here's a snapshot of what we found. Got a unique event coming up? Know of something that is a totally Cool Cleveland worthy event? We want to hear from you about it; our tens of thousands of readers do, too. Be a civic and cultural activist and turn on your fellow readers.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com


Trio Mediaeval Internationally-acclaimed trio of brilliant young Scandinavian sopranos specializing in a diverse a cappella repertoire that features the polyphonic Medieval music of England and France, comes to town on Wed 11/15 at 7:30PM. More. Trinity Cathedral. http://www.triomediaeval.no/.

Mark Winegardner, the Cleveland writer tapped to complete the Godfather trilogy started by Mario Puzo, will sign The Godfather's Revenge on Wed 11/15 at 7PM at Joseph-Beth, 24519 Cedar Road. http://www.JosephBeth.com'


Blasphemous Images, Secular Media Danish newspaper cartoons, the Holy Virgin adorned with dung and photos of desecrated religious symbols confront politicians, priests and rabbis. Heavily illustrated lecture with images from around the world on Thu 11/16 at 11:30AM addresses the ways blasphemy is a contested, fluid and dynamic category of meaning. www.case.edu.

Apollo's Fire Don't miss Pluckfest! from Thu 11/16 through 11/19 in Fairlawn, Cleveland Heights and Rocky River. Request a season brochure at 320-0012. http://www.ApollosFire.org.

Make a Pass at Us, We Won’t Turn You Down Pass Cool Cleveland onto your friends and you will both be eligible to win a Video iPod compliments of Cool Cleveland. No purchase necessary. Enter as many friends as you wish. The more friends you enter, the greater your chances of winning. Sign up by going here.

HOT Networking in the Middle First-ever young professional regional networking event on Thu 11/16 at 6:30PM. Mix and mingle with young professionals from Cleveland, Akron, and Northeast Ohio during this ground-breaking networking event organized for young professionals by young professionals. No-cost event features complimentary beer, wine and food. RSVP to november16rsvp@gmail.com. The Embassy Suites Hotel, 5800 Rockside Woods Blvd., Independence.

CC KIDS Lemony Snicket World famous children's author, Lemony Snicket comes to Northeast Ohio for a book signing and musical interlude. The "For Crying Out Loud " tour stops at Regina High School on Thu 11/16 at 7:00PM. Call 691-7000 or visit http://www.JosephBeth.com.

Making it Right Homeless men in transition create a new theatre piece based on their journeys toward recovery. No-cost show runs Thu 11/16 at 7:30PM, Fri 11/17 at 7:30PM and Sun 11/19 at 3PM. Attend special benefit performance on Sat 11/18 at 7PM. Visit http://www.Yhaven.org for info on benefit performance. Visit www.cptonline.org for all other tickets.

HOT Mitsuko Uchida Mozart Cycle She conducts Mozart from the keyboard, and she's the hottest pianist alive, with the best orchestra in the world. You won't be disappointed. 231-1111 http://www.ClevelandOrchestra.com

Greater Tuna A special preview night of Greater Tuna to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS will be held on Thu 11/16 at 8PM. Show officially opens on Fri 11/17 and runs through Sun 12/17. Beck Center. http://www.BeckCenter.org.

Listing Tip of the Week Don't be a Ramblin' Man or Woman. The target word count for an event listing in Cool Cleveland is less than 100 words; so using 1500 words to tell us about your event - probably not a good idea. We like 'em short, sweet and sassy with just a little sauce on the side. Need a few guidelines? You'll find them here. Events@CoolCleveland.com.


Sayonara Opening reception for e. gordon gallery's final exhibition on Fri 11/17 from 6 - 9PM. Exhibition features new and recent artwork from: Amathin, Amy Casey, Susan Danko, Michael Greenwald, Artemis Herber, Don Herman, John Howitt, Jeffrey Cortland Jones, Kate, Kisicki, Misha Kligman, Justin Martin, Liz Maugans, Dana Oldfather, Jen Omaitz, Meghann Snow, Matthew Studebaker, Brenda Stumpf, Paul Sydorenko, Douglas Max Utter, and Jess Wheelock. Doors close after this exhibition. http://www.egordongallery.com/.

Romantic Spirit: Tuan An exhibition featuring the celebrated master sculptor whose work merges traditional western technique with eastern Asian thought. Opening reception on Fri 11/17 from 6 - 9PM. Artist lecture at 7:30PM. Show runs through Sun 12/31. RSVP to 382-7800. Legacy Village Gallery.

CC KIDS The Music Man This show promises Seventy-six Trombones and a Barrel of Fun. Based on a story by Franklin Lacey, Meredith Willson’s The Music Man will have you out of your seat in no time. This extraordinary play features a basketful of loveable, eccentric characters and one-of-a-kind, nostalgic score of rousing marches, barbershop quartets and breathtaking ballads including "Seventy-six Trombones," "Goodnight My Someone," "Wells Fargo Wagon" and "Til There Was You." The show runs from Fri 11/17 at 7:30PM through 12/3. Visit www.NearWestTheatre.org for dates and availability or call 961-6391 to reserve your seats. Patrick's Club Building, 3606 Bridge Avenue.

GroundWorks Dancetheater Landmark Series at Trinity Cathedral on Fri 11/17, Sat 11/18 & Sun 11/19 at 8PM, plus a Sunday matinee at 3PM. Call 691-3180, Ext. 4. http://www.NotSoObvious.com.

Picante Weekend See The Conga Kings on Fri 11/17 at 8PM then jam with Johnny Pacheco Y Su Tumbao Anejo on Sat 11/18. Dinner is at 8PM; salsa party begins at 9:30PM. Get tickets at http://www.TriCPresents.com.

WCVLnotes Tonight at 8PM WCLV 104.9 FM is live at the Cleveland Institute of Music for a concert by the CIM Orchestra conducted by Cleveland Orchestra Assistant Conductor Andrew Grams. Next Tue 11/21 WCLV is live again, this time from Cleveland State University's Drinko Recital Hall, for the second in a series of faculty recitals to be broadcast this season from CSU. We've said this before, and we say it again, WCLV probably presents more live music broadcasts plus recorded live concerts than any other radio station in the country. You'll find details on all of WCLV's programming in the WCLV Guide, on the WCLV website - www.wclv.com. WCLV is a Cool Cleveland partner.


CC KIDS The Cool Clarinet Cleveland Orchestra Clarinetist Daniel McKelway will be featured in Musical Rainbow concerts, for kids ages 3 - 6. Tickets available for Sat 11/18 at 10AM only. www.ClevelandOrchestra.com.

McGuane, Hersman, Rader, and Rankins read Each writer will read from the work of another writer whom they admire on Sat 11/18 at 12 noon. Gallery 324, The Galleria at Erieview, 1301 East Ninth Street.

Carl & Louis Stokes: From the Projects to Politics A definitive exhibit about two seminal figures in American History opens at the Western Reserve Historical Society on Sat 11/18. Exhibit Preview and Benefit Gala on Fri 11/17 at 7PM. More.

Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan Tribute Come celebrate the inspiring lives of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan in this compelling and thought-provoking ballet choreographed by Christopher Fleming on Sat 11/18 to Mon 11/20. The performance is in celebration of the centennial anniversary of the Cleveland Sight Center. Call 432-0306. Tri-C Eastern Campus Performing Arts Center, 4250 Richmond Road, Highland Hills. www.DancingWheels.org. Read more here.

Where Art Lives Art House presents the Annual Holiday Art Sale held on Sat 11/18 from 11AM in the historic neighborhood of Brooklyn Centre at 3119 Denison Avenue. www.ArtHouseInc.org.

CC KIDS Astronaut Encounter Learn first hand what it's like to live in space from astronaut Michael Finke on Sat 11/18 at 11AM & 1:30PM. Make & take crafts and other fun kid-tivities from 10AM to 4PM. NASA Glenn Visitor Center. http://glennevents.grc.nasa.gov.

Microbrew Extravaganza Sample beer from local microbreweries, munch on incredible edibles and rock it out to the sounds of Punch the Clown - all to benefit the Free Clinic - on Sat 11/18 at 7PM. Call 707-3525 or e-mail fcab2004@yahoo.com' for tix. http://www.TheFreeClinic.org.

Even in Your Underwear When Cool Cleveland readers are asked what their second favorite feature is – after the edgy content – most say they appreciate the intimacy of receiving it in their inbox. In fact, some admit they even read it in their underwear. Warning: We don’t suggest this if you receive Cool Cleveland at work. Contact TL@CoolCleveland.com for info about advertising.

Tirabassi-Kin house concerts Lojo Russo, a great storytelling singer/songwriter from Minnesota whose music features blues, rock and folk influences on Sat 11/18. Call 371-3224. Cleveland Hts.

Point of No Return Improv Family friendly, not-for-profit improvisational comedy group based in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. PG-13 troupe performs at Quirk Cultural Center on Sat 11/18 and every other Saturday night at 7:30PM. http://www.pnrimprov.com.

The Mall Tour of The Santaland Diaries Catch this hilarious holiday show while catching your breath after a day of holiday mall-hopping on Sat 11/18 at 9:30PM at Southpark Mall and Sun 11/19 at 7PM at Great Northern Mall. Get tickets at www.cptonline.org.

You Will be Rewarded in Heaven if you forward Cool Cleveland on to friends or family members. Support your favorite e-zine, recently awarded the "Excellence in Journalism" award from the Society of Professional Journalists. And may God be with you.


Peanuts All Star Jam Give Thanks with Peanuts during the Peanuts All-Star Jam on Wed 11/22 at 9:30PM a 21 & over event that is open to the public. Hi-Fi Club, 11729 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood. http://www.HiFiConcertClub.com.


Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com



A wild and wonderful array of hot tech and business news & events from around Cleveland and around the region. Send your business news and events to: EVENTS@CoolCleveland.com



Ohio is "Silicon Valley of Alternative Energy" WIRE-NET hosted 50 mfgs for "Perspectives on Am. Mfg." on 11/8 Info
Y-town Tech Incubator is #1 in OH with outside investment up $33M, cooking B2B software cos. Read
Progressive sponsors Fast and Furious sequel HD-DVD with damage quotes during each cinematic car crash Read
Connie Schultz returns to the PD in 1/07, according to Editor & Publisher Read
Gannett taps bloggers for news Publisher of USA Today & 90 papers, hooks into "citizen journalism" Read
Wind energy will boost our economy and create jobs, says report by Environment Ohio Read
GCP issues report on the election with their post-11/7 analyses Read
Downtown Cleveland Alliance Clean & Safe picked up 34 tons of trash each week, removed 1351 graffiti tags More
Bank of America looking at Key Bank for possible Midwest acquisition, according to Reuters Read



Manufacturing and Int'l Trade Policy forum sponsored by CCWA @ Club at Key Center on Wed 11/15 Reservations.
Media Relations is focus of Amplify! Speaker Series on Contemporary Design Group Wed 11/15. Mike Veeck, sports team owner and son of Bill Veeck covers how to attract attn to your business through precise old- and new-media focus. RSVP to 831-9557.
VOIP Education Road Show @ Ideacenter on Thu 11/16. This 9AM event covers Telephony, ROI and emerging comm tech. Ohio.net Internet Providers sponsor. RSVP to 330-658-7581 or rsvp@ohio.net. One no-cost space per person.
NEO Manf'g Summit sponsored by NeON for Labor & Mgmt Co-op, MAGNET, AFL-CIO. Summit covers work systems and employee credentialing develops local workforce to stay competitive. Fri 11/17 Registration: 440- 366-4003 or email: rverhoff@lorainccc.edu.
The Integration of Quality and Innovation Innovation relates to change mgmt, process improvements and customer value. Fri 11/17 from 7:30AM to 6PM with former GE CEO, Jack Welsh. http://www.CorporateCollege.com.



Stephanie Morrison-Hrbek & Bob Navis
Near West Theatre

Stephanie Morrison-Hrbek and Bob Navis make it look easy, but they are working as hard as any two people on the planet, changing lives every day in their humble church annex where Near West Thetare works, rehearses, teaches, and builds community, all while putting on some of the most inspired theatre in the state. Just ask the governor, who gave them the Governor's Award for the Arts a couple years ago. Now they're planning a move to Detroit Shoreway, where they'll join CPT, Independent Pictures, Parish Hall Cleveland, and a slew of new galleries and restaurants. Meanwhile, you can catch their production of Music Man, opening this weekend and running through 12/3. Cool Cleveland's Thomas Mulready interrupted the complex rehearsal of over 80 people (on a Sunday!) and spoke with artistic director Bob Navis and executive director Stephanie Morrison-Hrbek about their unique mission, their life-changing 2-week theatrical development process, their community intergenerational casting, and why they only charge $6 for a ticket. http://www.NearWestTheatre.org

WATCH THE MOVIE Stephanie Morrison-Hrbek & Bob Navis of Near West Theatre

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Steven Kotler
Award-winning Author and Former Clevelander

Steven Kotler might be a surfer at heart, but the author is certainly no "Jeff Spicoli," to use a Fast Times at Ridgemont High analogy. Born in Chicago, Kotler grew up in Cleveland and was exposed to higher thought almost immediately.

Kotler is razor-sharp and incisive, full of cocksure swagger and punctuates his fervent sentences with a clear sense of purpose. He offers that his "formative years" in Cleveland helped him decide that religion might well be "the opiate of the masses" that Karl Marx suggested. Cleveland was also a signpost leading him to become a writer.

Cool Cleveland recently spoke to Kotler at his California home. We talked about his new book, growing up with eyes open in Cleveland, the placebo effect of God, writing as art or craft, neuroscience, evangelicalism and, well, colonics. Read on.

Cool Cleveland: You were raised—or, as your website said, bred—in Cleveland. Talk about your experience growing up here.

Steven Kotler: I moved to Cleveland when I was 5. I went to Orange High School. And the one thing I can tell you is that the suburbs are the suburbs. Most of it was not particularly my interest at all. I loved growing up around Coventry, though. What was great about being there, especially then, was that it was fairly conservative. Before subculture became normal culture, Cleveland was a great Midwestern city with that East Coast bluster and intelligence. It was the best part of growing up there. In the late 70’s and early 80’s, if you were a weirdo in Cleveland, you were in the single greatest melting pot of counterculture I’ve ever seen. That whole scene was an incredible education, if you were open to everything.

Still to this day, I’ve never seen anything rival that kind of diversity. Sitting at the table at the Arabica, you didn’t just get lectured on communism… it was immersion in Trotskyism, Leninism, Stalinism blah, blah, blah. And for a 16-year-old, that was just awesome...
Read the interview by Peter Chakerian here


Democrats Here Front for Wealthy Interests

By Roldo Bartimole

The defeat of the monopoly gambling issue suggests strongly that people now give a look at the County Commission because it’s a governmental body out of touch with its job and its constituents.

To borrow from Keith Olbermann, the Cuyahoga County Commissioners – Jimmy, Timmy and Petey - are the WORST PERSONS IN THE WORLD!

Dimora, Hagan and Lawson Jones tried to pull a fast one on voters by backing – along with a number of other politicians, including Mayor Frank Jackson and Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones – a monopoly gambling gift to two of our WORST families – the Jacobses and the Miller/Ratners.

They tried to sell this piece of garbage by calling it an education measure. They went along with the business community (Greater Cleveland Partnership, i. e., Cleveland Tomorrow) to try in sucker the public...
Read RoldoLINK here


Links to interesting NEO blogs
Kenn wonders why some people with money have no taste. Businesses in Midtown celebrate the power of stories. Gloria Ferris shares a healthcare situation. Jay Yoo describes his motivation for starting KOYONO. Bill thinks House of Blues is a terrible venue. Matt enjoys poetry night @ the Literary Cafe. Check the Cool Cleveland weblog here, where Peter Chakerian comes to some stunning revelations about alternative energy, entrepreneurial spirit and talks up this week's NEO news briefs/links. When you're through, add your own comments, questions and attitude. Letters@CoolCleveland.com.




"Love Sincerely," Writes the Writer
Daddy's Gonna Kill Ralphie
Joko Records

With the winter chill in the air and holidays encroaching, the mere thought of a band named for a scene in "A Christmas Story" is bound to warm the cockles. Turns out that when you open up the Digipak for the latest Daddy's Gonna Kill Ralphie CD release, "Love Sincerely," Writes the Writer, the trio are pictured candidly gawking at the "leg lamp" from said film in question. Talk about a Full Cleveland moment.

It also turns out that DGKR -- "[B]orn and raised in the backwaters just outside of Cleveland," to quote the guys themselves -- is a whole lot smarter than sticking your tongue to a frozen flag pole; their sound recalls equal parts Housemartins, Belle & Sebastian, Violent Femmes, Eels and Barenaked Ladies (at least their pensive stuff, anyway).

Sometimes they're too smart for their own good: good poetry doesn't always need to rhyme, but it is a tad odd and off for something that often sounds "sing-songy." Other times, they go out of their way to be a lot of things to a lot of listeners (consider the aforementioned acts attempting a jam session). But the jangly, acoustic-based pop concoctions are a whole lot more interesting than some of what's happening on the indie scene these days; somehow singer Toby Fallsgraff and co. manage to keep things just interesting enough that you don't hit the stop button.

This journalism grad from Ohio U sure has a handle on words; lyrically, it seems that his clever wit and sing-songy anti-rhymes can actually hold a whole album together. Highlights from the album include "Another Flight," "Wrong Side," "Asleep" and an intriguing number called "The Semblance of Some Rest." All are fairly intriguing. This is a cool follow-up to their last long-player, Letter Carrier (if these buttons control you). But don't take my word for it; check them out for yourself (see below). You'd buy the beer on a Saturday, anyway. Expect some off-kilter stage banter, wry wit and a lot of fun.

Daddy's Gonna Kill Ralphie performs a no-cost show at the Garage Bar this Saturday, November 18. For more information, please visit http://www.daddysgonnakillralphie.com and the group's MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/daddysgonnakillralphie

From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian PeterATCoolCleveland.com

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.




Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra @ Severance Hall

It’s hard to believe, but the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra is now older than any of its members are allowed to be! This Sunday is the first concert of its 21st season, and the first under the helm of its new conductor and music director, Jayce Ogren, who is also an assistant conductor of the older Cleveland Orchestra.

The program is mostly familiar works. Two are Russian: the opening work—Overture to Ruslan and Ludmila by Mikhail Glinka and the final one, the rousing Symphony No. 2 of Sergei Rachmaninoff. In between are the Interlude from Sången by the Swedish Wilhelm Stenhammar and Medea's Meditation & Dance of Vengeance, op. 23a, by the American Samuel Barber.

Mr. Ogren, a native of Hoquiam, Washington, earned a bachelor’s degree in composition from St. Olaf College in 2001 and a master’s degree in conducting from the New England Conservatory in 2003. He then studied for three years in Sweden, before returning to this country.

He finds the members of the youth orchestra to be incredibly focused and very talented. They and their young conductor recently learned more about each other during a two-day retreat in Chagrin Falls, part of his attempt to build more ‘community’ with each other.

He was given latitude to plan his three-concert season for the youth orchestra, and based his choices on what he thought the 110 musicians could do. It is a challenging list of selections, but he is confident of the results. The season finale in May will conclude with Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra—a daunting choice, to be sure. A Lincoln Portrait by Aaron Copland, and narrated by William Marshall will be featured on the February concert, along with the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus in the John Adams piece, Lollapalooza!

Mr. Ogren’s first musical experiences came through playing French horn in his high school band, and having been a leader in other endeavors, he thought of perhaps becoming a high school band instructor. As his ‘intellectual awakening’ progressed, however, he began to think of college level band director. But then at the age of fifteen, prompted by concerts of the Seattle Symphony, he raised his sights even higher, and went off to St. Olaf College. It wasn’t long before he found his real calling—that of orchestra conductor and composer.

He still plays horn, however. For the past two summers, he’s been a participant at the American Academy of Conducting at Aspen, where aspiring conductors are also required to play in the orchestra when they’re not wielding the baton. When he’s not making music of one form or another, he likes to cook and hike and ski. He also runs every morning. His non-orchestral musical tastes run toward pop artists who write their own songs, such as Ani DiFranco.

Single tickets or three-concert subscriptions to concerts by the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra are available on-line at http://www.clevelandorchestra.com or by calling the Severance Hall ticket office at 231-1111. Three-concert subscriptions are also available.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net



Quick reviews of recent events
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Andy Borowitz @ Improv Comedy Club, 11/6 When you are borrowing your neighbors’ cocktail napkins to wipe your mascara-stained, teary cheeks, the result of unrelenting (and somewhat painful) laughter, that’s when you know you’ve found a great comedian. And Andy Borowitz, a Shaker Heights ex-pat and one of the country’s top political satirists, knows how to deliver the kind of comedic genius that creates guffaw-turned-snorts into the kind of medicine that could erase years of internal stress build-up, making every antioxidant in the world jealous. You can’t stop laughing from his zany rants that include save-the-world inventions and unique views on our political culture (for example, he believes the day George W. took office he officially cancelled the agreement between nouns and verbs). His delivery is thought-provoking, insightful and just plain whack. To sign up for his e-letter that delivers a daily fake and hysterical news story, go to http://www.borowitzreport.com/. From Cool Cleveland correspondent T. L. Champion tlATcoolcleveland.com

The Waxwings @ The Barking Spider Tavern 11/9

After a minute into their innocent singsong romp of "How dry I am," it was apparent that the Waxwings can make an audience soar. This old-time trio of twins Laura and Lisa Cyrocki and singer-songwriter Pete McDonald debuted to an attentive packed house at The Barking Spider Tavern in University Circle on Thursday November 9.

Their clear renditions of traditional old-time songs and modern tunes with an old-timey flavor kept the audience focused, and sometimes giggling and singing along. An entertaining history to each tune was given by McDonald, who is from Chardon Ohio, or by one or another of the Cyrocki sisters in their upper Midwestern inflection. They are from Jackson Michigan.

To the benefit of listeners here, all are now Clevelanders. Only McDonald has played professionally before and he recorded an album, "Here and Gone," which was released in 2005 at the Beachland Ballroom. They honed their act while entertaining shoppers on Saturdays in the past year or so at the Coit Road Farmers Market in East Cleveland.

The Waxwings gained their name last summer when a friend asked them to play for her wedding at a little country church in the Catskill Mountains in New York State. "We all have an affinity for a bird called the Cedar Waxwing. It is a stunning bird and native to this region," said Laura.

The Cyrocki duets are sonorous and alluring. The twins have been singing together most of their lives. "We think our range is mezzo-soprano, although we’ve never had any formal music training to help us understand our voices," said Laura. During the show one of them asked the audience, "Does anyone know someone who can teach us how to yodel?" "Gary Hall," someone shouted. Hall, a folk singer, is a regular act at the Spider.

"Thanks for staying so quiet so you can hear us," said one of the sisters to the audience. Their captivating tunes kept us attuned. "Who’ll rock that cradle when you’re gone…I’ll sing your song when your gone," go lyrics to the, "Red Rocking Chair," a song about love gone amuck which was first recorded in the 1920’s under the title "Sugar Babe," by banjo player Dock Boggs. For anyone who’s ever lost a lover, feeling wells up hearing the haunting banjo tune, "Undone in Sorrow," by Ola Bell Reed.

Other tunes included: "Could You Love Me One More Time, (written by Carter Stanley of the famous bluegrass playing Stanley Brothers and arranged by the Lonesome Sisters); The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Bill, (arranged by the Girls of the Golden West); Red Clay Halo, (by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings); Like a Songbird That Has Fallen, (by T-Bone Burnett and Bobby Neuwirth and recorded by the Reeltime Travellers for the movie "Cold Mountain.")

Old-time music evolved in the Appalachian Mountains early in the 19th Century. While its roots are in folk ballads from the British Isles, it developed into a uniquely American form of music. A typical old-time song has a lead fiddle playing melody accompanied by guitar and banjo.

Lisa plays an old parlor-style guitar from the 30’s, and her grandfather’s old carpenter saw. Laura plays a 125-year-old banjo, and Pete plays fiddle, mandolin, guitar and harmonica. All do vocals and play around with close vocal harmonies.

Someone in the audience quietly told a friend, "sweet." It was two days after an election that most there were probably happy about. A big guy in the back of the room shouted, "That’s sweeter than a Blackwell cake with Rumsfeld frosting." The audience roared.

The Waxwings will play this Thursday (November 16) on WRUW 91.1 FM at 9 p.m. on the show, "When the Roses Bloom Again." They are also scheduled to play at the Lakewood Phoenix Café, 15108 Detroit Road (216-226-4401) at 8 p.m. Friday December 15th and a family concert there at 3 p.m. Sunday January 14th, and at the Hanna Perkins School, 19910 Malvern Rd. in Shaker Heights (216-991-9472, ext. 102) they’ll be doing a children's concert at 1 p.m. on Saturday January 20th.

McDonald has a web site at www.petemcdonaldmusic.com.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Lee Batdorff BatATadva.com

The Fabulous Food Show @ I-X Center, 11/10-12 Yes, it was fab. And it included much more than outstanding gourmet food displays. There were espresso brewing systems, wine stations, chocolate fountains, martini fountains, and high-end cooking equipment displays. Extra virgin olive oil flowed in abundance at every cooking demonstration, with delicious food giveaways everywhere you turned. People had a hard time talking – their mouths full with delicious chicken marsala, spicy gourmet beef burgers, bruschetta with drizzled vinegar and olive oil, garlic risotto, seared pork chops, grilled cinnamon French toast … a heavenly feast for the senses. Celebrity chefs Paula Deen, Ted Allen, Tyler Florence, Jason Roberts, and Cat Cora performed live cooking demos with overhead monitors for close-ups of their concoctions. My favorites to watch were the chocolate truffles rolled in chopped pistachios, the clam pasta with panchetta, and the tomato canapés created in the Main Kitchen Theatre. But, unfortunately, no tasting was allowed. Neither were doggie bags! From Cool Cleveland correspondent Susan Schaul

Arms and the Man @ Actors' Summit 11/10
What: A terrific, engaging version of George Bernard Shaw's popular comedy about soliders, war, and romantic illusions, impeccably directed and with a strong cast led by Reuben & Dorothy Silver. Well worth a drive to Hudson.
Reasons to go: Even with many trips to the world-class Shaw Festival, I've never seen a better production of this comedy. Director A. Neil Thackaberry brilliantly contrasts the worlds of those who understand gritty reality (a professional soldier and two pragmatic servants) versus well-meaning rich airheads who live on slogans and lofty ideals. Dana Hart is magnificently real as the down-to-earth Capt. Bluntschli, the "chocolate cream soldier" on the lam who takes refuge in a rich girl's bedroom; his first act is, simply, stunning. Alicia Kahn has a dizzy charm as the Serbian heiress who speaks in italics, and the redoubtable Silvers steal scene after scene as her doting parents. And Sally Groth's fiery, sexy servant Louka could convince you that the play has two female protagonists, not one.
Bottom line: It's a thoroughly charming production of one of Shaw's best works, and one with deep resonance -- especially as it parses the reality of war so brilliantly within a comic frame.
Backstory: The words "labor of love" come to mind watching Co-Artistic Director MaryJo Alexander scamper from job to job at this mom-and-pop theater. She designs the costumes (always outstanding and lush), greets the audience, then hoists up her skirt and takes out her power drill between acts to do the set changeover.
Details: Actors' Summit, 86 Owen Brown, Hudson. (330) 342-0800. Thru 11/19. http://www.actorssummit.org
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com

La Traviata and Friends @ CIM 11/10 This program of operatic scenes was more or less devoted to ‘scandalous ladies’ of which opera seems to have an abundance. Thank goodness!

In addition to the young singers of the Opera Department directed by David Bamberger, the CIM orchestra was also present on stage, under the brisk direction of Stephen Byess, known to many Ohioans from his years with Ohio Light Opera in Wooster. With colorful and splendidly appropriate costumes (by Alison Garrigan and Esther Montgomery Haberlen) occasional lighting effects and a few props, the students presented portions of ten operas. As usual, the selections ranged from hilarious to serious, and from solos to complete ensembles. The students range from first year freshmen to doctoral candidates, which naturally results in a bit of unevenness in capability and stage presence. There is, however, no lack of enthusiasm!

Each of the scenes was introduced by one or two of the vocal students, in costume, providing a bit of background information to the audience. There were also English surtitles, as arias were sung in the original language.

Operas represented were Carmen (orchestral prelude to Act I); Manon; Don Pasquale; Le Nozze di Figaro; Hänsel und Gretel; Linda de Chamounix; La Bohème; Don Giovanni; Mignon; La Traviata (entire Act I); and the finale of Hänsel und Gretel. Many of the solo roles were double-cast, affording nearly all the students their turn in the spotlight. It would seem safe to say that the future of opera is fairly secure, at least from the standpoint of having singers of sufficient caliber to keep it going.

The next presentation by the Opera Department will be a staged version of Die Fledermaus on February 28, March 2 & 3, 2007. CIM regularly presents concerts and recitals by both faculty and students, as well as guest artists.

For tickets or other information about any of these presentations, visit the web-site: http://www.cim.edu or call 791-5000. From Cool Cleveland correspondent Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net

"Montage" @ CWRU 11/12 Every autumn CWRU dance department’s faculty concert is one of our regular stops. We’ve always assumed that choreography and dancing at a faculty concert are likely to be at a higher level than at student-choreographed concerts, an assumption we’ve left largely untested.

Last Saturday’s “Montage” (11/12/06) -- six short pieces, none choreographed by students -- gave us some interesting choreography and a good look at the 4 MFA candidates who present their graduation concerts this year. Consider this a preview of next week’s Thursday thru Saturday (11/16 – 11/18/06) continuation of the same program. And a plug for those MFA concerts.

The program opens with “Daughters of Okeanus,” an exquisitely costumed lyric study for 4 women choreographed by modern dance pioneer Erick Hawkins. “Daughters” offers a gorgeous, poetic window into the choreographer’s deeply personal understanding of classical Greek civilization. We’ve already described our excitement over this dance in a Cool Cleveland review last April. But it’s a tricky piece to bring off and its placement here as a program opener suggests that, whatever plans CWRU’s dance department may have for it in the future, “Daughters” is not currently in the limelight.

James Hansen, an assistant Professor of Dance at SUNY Purchase, choreographed “Fade to Snow and Grey,” a dance for 6 with recorded music by Oliver Messiaen. We’d seen the piece before but “Fade” has not faded, largely due to strong performances by the cast, 4 of whom are the graduating MFA candidates, DeWitt Cooper III, Mingming Liu, Sheau-Feng Luo, and Kelli Sanford. Choreographer Hansen’s performance credits seem to be almost all in ballet, but you’d never guess it from “Fade,” in which the dancers alternate hesitant, wavering steps with bursts of desperate purpose in which they hurl themselves at each other. The dance creates a mood of despair in the aftermath of some unspecified tragedy and, paradoxically, it’s wonderful to watch.

“Poemes” is set to gorgeous vocal music by Maurice Ravel and Jean Francaix. In this lyric dance for 3 women, choreographer Richard Dickinson lets his long tenure as ballet master for Ohio Ballet show, but leaves no doubt that he’s also a graduate of CWRU’s MFA program. There’s a lot of recognizably balletic material here, but it’s a little like Hawkins’ steps for “Daughters” in that the balletic is transmuted by a modern dance sensibility. The dance’s many small jumps, for instance, are smaller and faster than we’d expect to see them in a ballet. We were struck by how completely Dickinson has developed his thematic material here; Poemes seems a ripe and full composition. Among the dancers, Liu and Luo demonstrate their achievement as jumpers.

We’ve seen “Burghers of Calais” a number of times before but this dramatic dance for 3 men wears well. Choreographed by Case Program Director Karen Potter, “Burghers” shows the city fathers preparing to surrender their besieged city and their lives, keys to the city in hand and nooses about their necks. Dancers Cooper, Dickinson, and Kerville Jack provide the controlled passion and gravitas that the Graham-based piece demands, sustaining interest and intensity in the midst of the inevitable.

“In Common Space” is billed as a technology-based work; a structured improvisation that uses life-sized live video projections of 4 of the dancers mixed with live, in-person performances by 2 more dancers. In its 10/11/06 premier, the video feeds came from Gainesville and Miami, Florida but in last Saturday’s performance, adapted from the original by Artistic Director / Production Manager Gary Galbraith, the 2 pairs of dancers on video occupied other studios in Mather Dance Center. Judging by the speed and precision of the dancing on view Saturday, we’d guess that what began as an improvisation has been edited, condensed, and polished beyond any hesitation or faltering. Again, the 4 MFA candidates in the cast add considerably to this dance, sustaining audience interest in a piece over 20 minutes long, drawing perhaps on personal vocabularies and showing other sides of themselves, a sneak preview of what their own concerts may offer.

The program finale, “Fields of Motion,” was choreographed by Nina Nelson, a 1978 graduate of CWRU’s MFA program. With its large ensemble of dancers, colorful costumes (Red, white, and blue, yet! Shades of the traditional patriotic finale that goes back beyond Broadway to vaudeville.), and upbeat Americana music, “Fields” is a sterling example of a finale number that slays.

We cannot help but admire the way Nelson has drawn from materials that came readily to hand for her as Chair of Western Michigan University’s dance department to create a piece that fulfills the needs of a university dance program. The choreographic vocabulary of “Fields” maintains interest while providing performance opportunities for a large ensemble, not all of whom are dance majors. And the music was a local product, composed and conducted by Robert Spradling, conductor of WMU’s own symphonic band. Get what you need by using what you got.

Well worth your time, Montage is at Mather Dance Center on CWRU campus at 8 pm Thursday, 11/16/06 thru Saturday, 11/18/06. $10 general admission with special prices for seniors, faculty, staff, and students. Reservations 216-368-6262 or go to http://dance.case.edu.

We’re also planning on checking out some student choreography at CWRU. The choreography of MFA candidates Mingming Liu, Sheau-Feng Luo, and Heather Koniz is featured at the MaDaCol fall production at Mather Dance Center. Thursday, 11/30/06 and Friday, 12/1/06 at 8PM and Saturday, 12/2/06 at 7 pm and 8:30PM. General admission tickets are available at Mather Dance Center prior to each performance. No reservations. Early arrival suggested. For more info, go to http://dance.cwru.edu/Events/2006-2007/MaDaCol/FallPressRelease.html, or phone 368-6262.

From Cool Cleveland Elsa Johnson and Victor Lucas vicnelsa@earthlink.net



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the new look is really eye-catching (and no, it doesn't make your butt look big). also, wanted to thank you for the election guide, it really helped a lot. yay for the arts! yay for smoke-free-ohio! yay yay yay!
from Cool Cleveland reader Lisa Green grreen3ATyahoo.com

On Steelyard Commons (See Steelyard Paradox here) While I'm not thrilled with all of Wal-Mart's policies, the fact of the matter is, the company is here to stay. Like it's been said a million times: People can make the choice to shop there or not. If it took a Wal-Mart to bring us Steelyard Commons, then I say right on! When I first moved to Tremont, I was surprised when my realtor called me an urban pioneer. I only moved here four years ago, and by the time I got here, the neighborhood was full of coffee shops, restaurants, bars, galleries, small stores, etc. Not exactly an urban wasteland. It was only later I realized what he meant: There was only one bank (not mine); no nearby grocery stores (the Tops on Clark Avenue was limited in what it offered; the service was slow; and it was filthy); no drug stores; no cheap eats other than fast food places along Clark and W. 25th; Target and Home Depot and Lowes were at least a 15-minute drive away; etc. I'm all about supporting local businesses, and I do it whenever I can. But sometimes I need something that isn't sold in my neighborhood. People are leaving Cleveland to shop at Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Payless, Radio Shack, Target, etc.. I'm glad we now have an opportunity to purchase what we need without leaving the neighborhood. Plus, I think Steelyard Commons is an awesome reuse of space!
from Cool Cleveland reader Sandy Smith slsmith819AThotmail.com

On the resignation of dance critic Wilma Salisbury (See State of the dance here) Having been in the dance world for more than a quarter of a century, I feel that Wilma should have done some further exploration of her appraisal of the local dance scene in Cleveland. For far too long, I have felt that the view of dance and who should or should not take the lead in the absence of the two ballet companies in Cleveland has been bias and one sided. Suggesting that if Verb or Pointe of Departure received a million dollars they could step up to the plate and replace Cleveland or Ohio Ballet! A million dollars would give any company a boost, but what about sustainability and wherewith all to keep it going. Giving a big hurrah to a company for finally getting an agent or hosting a day of dance. Where has she been! Where is her business sense? Has she ever done her homework on how each company is actually run? I think not. An added thought would be to share the fictitious million dollars amongst all the operational dance companies in Cleveland, this way everyone can sustain their operations and audiences can enjoy the plethora of distinctive and diverse works that have long enriched dance in Cleveland Celebrate the differences and support the differences.I truly applaud these companies for their efforts and their wonderful work, but honestly they are really at the infancy stage of operating their companies on a full time basis. That is the true test of endurance and sustainability. Full time salaries, rent, insurance, in addition to all the project based expenses. It is not easy to keep "the wheels in motion" year after year. I know from my end, our company has had an agent for 15 years, we have had a home at the Masonic for over 9 years and a school for 15 years, we tour throughout the nation each and every year. Our dancers are on 12 month contracts and are provided unemployment and other such benefits. I also know that other companies in Cleveland work very hard to sustain their dances and provide Cleveland audiences with quality and unique work. It was not more than 3 years ago, that we presented "The Cleveland Dance Connection" producing a full evening of dance at Playhouse Square for a number of dance companies in Cleveland and their choreographers. That of course was minimized. I am truly looking forward to journalism that is factual, comprehensive and unbiased reporting. I have said it before, there is a distinct difference between reporting and reviewing or critiquing. A critic should give an opinion of what is scene or heard on stage and a reporter reports the facts as investigated to the highest level of accuracy possible. I am hopeful that this practice will now come to fruition..
from Cool Cleveland reader Mary Verdi-Fletcher, Dancing Wheels, VFletcher1ATaol.com

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1) BizTech Profile Cleveland Cavaliers & Quicken Loans Owner Dan Gilbert
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2) A Steelyard Paradox Comment by Lee Chilcote.
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3) Election RoundUP The official unofficial results.
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4) Ohio 3rd biggest exurb Not a list we want to be #3 on.
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5) Slavic Village launches incubator One year of subsidized rent.
http://www.SlavicVillage.org



Minding the Store You don't need to wonder who is doing so when the Hard Corps step up to the plate. Thanks to Peter Chakerian, Roxanne Ravenel, TL Champion, George Nemeth, Kelly Ferjutz, Linda Eisenstein, Roldo Bartimole, Lee Batdorf, Susan Schaul, Elsa Johnson, Victor Lucas 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.

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