Here's a note I just received from Bob Sopko, Strategic Technology Alliance, Case:

Anybody can dream dreams. They don’t deserve big headlines on the front page of our only daily newspaper.

So will the Plain Dealer please stop acting as the public relations outlet of downtown developer  dreams! I know that we all want to hear “good news” about our economic progress. However, “good news” that never seems to materialize is “bad news.”

That's right--the time is upon us, again.  Mark your calendars for June 26th!

Location

Now that we have $4 a gallon gasoline upon us maybe we should look at what could have been if only…

If only our Regional Transit System had concentrated on being a system that had as its main aim the transit dependent, not to mention our environmental needs.

Here's a press release on Ed Morrison's recent presentation in Illinois:

..." Sunday, May 18, 2008 10:59 PM CDT
Regional networking key to future economy, ECIDC speaker says

By BILL LAIR, Managing Editor
blair [at] jg-tc [dot] com

The challenge for civic leaders today is figuring out how to forecast the future workplace needs of the country.

Ed Morrison, an economic policy adviser for the Purdue center for Regional Development, said people spend too much energy placing blame on economic problems instead of planning for improvements.

Morrison was the featured speaker at the nine-county East Central Illinois Development Corporation’s Annual Dinner and BESI Awards on Thursday in Effingham.

The BESI awards went to Jim Ryan of Marshall, John Inyart of Charleston and to the Journal Gazette/Times-Courier for their achievements in business ethics and social involvement.

= 1209618000) && (nAdsysTime <= 1212296399)) { aAd = new Array('news+bigads', '46571-1194541040', 'swf'); aAd[3] = '336'; aAd[4] = '280'; aAd[5] = new Array(); aAd[5][0] = 'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.firstmid.com'; aAd[6] = 'news%2Bbigads'; aAd[7] = 10; aAd[8] = 0; aAd[9] = 545; aAd[10] = 0; aAd[11] = 0; aAds[aAds.length] = aAd; } if ((nAdsysTime >= 1209618000) && (nAdsysTime <= 1212296399)) { aAd = new Array('news+bigads', '74513-1209649693', 'swf'); aAd[3] = '336'; aAd[4] = '280'; aAd[5] = new Array(); aAd[5][0] = 'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.richeys.com'; aAd[6] = 'news%2Bbigads'; aAd[7] = 10; aAd[8] = 0; aAd[9] = 545; aAd[10] = 0; aAd[11] = 0; aAds[aAds.length] = aAd; } if ((nAdsysTime >= 1199426400) && (nAdsysTime <= 1515131999)) { aAd = new Array('news+bigads', '109908-1205339109', 'js'); aAd[7] = 10; aAd[8] = 0; aAd[9] = 545; aAd[10] = 0; aAd[11] = 0; aAds[aAds.length] = aAd; } if ((nAdsysTime >= 1209618000) && (nAdsysTime <= 1212296399)) { aAd = new Array('news+bigads', '121553-1206998996', 'swf'); aAd[3] = '300'; aAd[4] = '250'; aAd[5] = new Array(); aAd[5][0] = 'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.illinoisexpresseyecare.com'; aAd[6] = 'news%2Bbigads'; aAd[7] = 10; aAd[8] = 0; aAd[9] = 545; aAd[10] = 0; aAd[11] = 0; aAds[aAds.length] = aAd; } if ((nAdsysTime >= 1209704400) && (nAdsysTime <= 1214888399)) { aAd = new Array('news+bigads', '121781-1210369432', 'swf'); aAd[3] = '300'; aAd[4] = '250'; aAd[5] = new Array(); aAd[5][0] = ''; aAd[6] = 'news%2Bbigads'; aAd[7] = 10; aAd[8] = 0; aAd[9] = 545; aAd[10] = 0; aAd[11] = 0; aAds[aAds.length] = aAd; } if ((nAdsysTime >= 1209531600) && (nAdsysTime <= 1212296399)) { aAd = new Array('news+bigads', '122887-1207687672', 'swf'); aAd[3] = '300'; aAd[4] = '250'; aAd[5] = new Array(); aAd[5][0] = 'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kcsummersnissan.com'; aAd[6] = 'news%2Bbigads'; aAd[7] = 10; aAd[8] = 0; aAd[9] = 545; aAd[10] = 0; aAd[11] = 0; aAds[aAds.length] = aAd; } if ((nAdsysTime >= 1207890000) && (nAdsysTime <= 1212296399)) { aAd = new Array('news+bigads', '123586-1209489510', 'swf'); aAd[3] = '300'; aAd[4] = '250'; aAd[5] = new Array(); aAd[5][0] = 'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.barbeck.com%2F'; aAd[6] = 'news%2Bbigads'; aAd[7] = 10; aAd[8] = 0; aAd[9] = 545; aAd[10] = 0; aAd[11] = 0; aAds[aAds.length] = aAd; } adsys_displayAd('http://adsys.townnews.com', 'jg-tc.com', aAds, aCampaigns); // -->

East Cleveland does not have a historical society like Westlake or a popular annual home tour like Ohio City, but it should. So for now, I am founding the online East Cleveland Historical Society on Realneo. Please feel free to join. There is no membership fee. Membership only requires that you share your knowledge and research.

First, a bit of explanation:
Over the last several months I have posted here about Smaller Indiana, an online and f2f community based in Indy and lead by Pay Coyle, and others. The intent of Smaller Indiana is to make "creative people and innovative ideas easier to find. This is the place for you to share your ideas and engage with Indiana's most creative and inspired souls...working together to build community,culture and commerce."

Pat Coyle, leader in our colleague community Smaller Indiana, just sent along this notice about how they are accelerating creativity in the online and face-to-face community. It serves as a good and replicable model - a "how to"  embed creative positive activity. To learn more, build your connections, and contribute, join by visiting smallerindiana.com

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania published today research directly linking the success of  broadband to socio- and economic revitalization, and the need for innovative public policy. The  design of flexible, resilient public policy will happen with high levels of civic engagement guiding local municipal government. A combo of collaborative leadership and community strengths.

Join your neighborhood community ARTS center for costume-making, dance & music that will be presented for thousands at the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Parade the Circle Celebration! Special guest artist, Trinidad Carnaval artist, Michael Guy James, leads the group, and is joined by artists from around the world and around the corner--including the Passport Project Global Dance & Music Collective.

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Intel and Grameen announced a new partnership today, using new tools to lift poverty and build enterprise.

Two of our Midtown Wednesdays Civic Forums at Myers University in the summer of 2006 were lead by two leaders from Africa, Masalakulangwa Mabula and Kudzai Shava. We learned about shared challenges and solutions..the same in Tanzania as in Cleveland urban commuities, we are just separated by an ocean.

What is our opportunity to replicate this model here in Northeast Ohio and elevate a 20 year history of deep poverty? Here's the announcement:

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Addressing the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) 2008, Intel Corporation Chairman Craig Barrett announced that Intel Capital and Grameen Trust will form a business venture dedicated to social and economic development. Also during his opening-day keynote, Barrett announced collaboration with NetHope and demonstrated a new Aid Station device designed to support non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in their health care, disaster relief and economic growth efforts.

What a waste of potential and so typical of our leadership.  Sheryl Harris again proves she is one of the most balanced voices out there.

Some people just must have too much money.

Fred Nance of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey hasn’t submitted a bill yet to Cuyahoga County for his work on the $900 million deal for a medical mart and convention center. He’s the county’s lawyer on these matters.

I walked into the City Council hearing room in mid-2001, to find one-time Mayor Michael White’s nemesis Pat O’Malley sitting with a number of suits in a nearly empty room. O’Malley was the County Recorder at the time.

Having known O’Malley as a once progressive/aggressive Council member and foe of Mayor Michael White, it made for an amusing sight for me. I asked him pointedly what he was doing sitting there with a team of suits. I suspected nothing good.

Celebrate knowledge with music, poetry and a wealth of reading choices.  

THIS SATURDAY, May 17th--AFTER SHOPPING FOR BODY FOOD AT THE WEST SIDE MARKET--SHOP FOR MIND FOOD!!!

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If these are average Clevelanders, living in older urban neighborhoods like around University Circle their entire lives, they have been lead poisoned, perhaps severely. Thursday morning, May 22nd, join 100s of NEOs leaders concerned with our community's health, intelligence, safety and economy meeting at the Cleveland Natural History Museum for a free breakfast, keynote discussion and breakout sessions about lead poisoning and urban redevelopment. I guarantee you will leave this brief event with a completely realigned understanding of the core barriers to the success of our urban neighborhoods, leading to better planning for a healthy, effective region in the future.

Hopefully after this week I will be able to put my sweaters and other wool clothes away until next fall. I have a large pile of items ready to go to the dry cleaner but I know the perchloroethelene most dry cleaners use is bad for the environment and bad for my family. What are the alternatives? I have already reduced the number of dry clean only garments in my wardrobe, but many vintage items require dry cleaning.

Clearly University Circle wheels are squeaking and the PD has agreed to be an unquestioning amplifier. A couple weeks ago there was a spate of articles/editorials and then readers were  given a break, but now the pd is  back at it…”We got to have it- that Opportunity Corridor- we just gotta."  After all, “important people” want it.

Join the nonprofit organization ClevelandBikes on its annual "Bike to Work" rides, everyday May 12-16, now bigger than ever by partnering with other riding organizations in the first Cleveland Bicycle Week.   Ride and you can be elgible for great prizes!  This year, you can also find partners on your own through a "Bike Buddy" system brought to you by NOACA. And remember, join us for our ride on Wednesday May 14th and wear yellow for Lance Armstrong Foundation's LIVESTRONG Day! 

* ClevelandBikes hosts commuting rides downtown to our host, the Greater Cleveland YMCA (2200 Prospect Avenue), every day during Cleveland Bicycle Week, May 12-16.  Join us for coffee, while the YMCA provides free, secure bike parking, showers and free passes for the day.  Join us and share your goals about riding in Northeast Ohio, while riders are eligible for fun prizes.

* ClevelandBikes is also pleased to assist with the Northeast Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), which is offering to match solo riders through th Ohio Ride Share "Bike Buddy" program, matching riders with common starting points,ride times and common destinations (www.ohiorideshare.com).

* ClevelandBikes also supports a major health initiative, with a "Bike to Work"ride for the Lance Armstrong Foundation (www.livestrong.org) and "LIVESTRONG" day on Wednesday May 14.

* ClevelandBikes will host "Bike to Work" rides on the final Friday of every month and special rides for festivals and other activities.

Pick a starting location from the list below and ride along with a ClevelandBikes ride leader, or just meet us between 8:00 and 9:00 AM at our downtown host, the Greater Cleveland YMCA,  which is offering free showers, secure bike parking and free day passes for YMCA activities.

East Side Starting Points

7:45 AM  Arabica at 11300 Juniper in University Circle
7:15 AM  Dewey's Coffee on Shaker Square
7:30 AM  Starbucks at Cedar and Fairmount
7:00 AM  Bus Shelter at E. 222nd and Lakeshore
7:45 AM  McDonald's on E. 159th and Lakeshore

South Side Starting Point
7:15 AM  Arabica at 5615 Turney Rd.

West Side Starting Points
7:45 AM  Civilization Coffee Shop in Tremont at W. 11th and Kenilworth
7:50 AM  Talkies Film and Coffee Bar in Ohio City at 2521 Market Ave.
7:25 AM  Phoenix in Lakewood at 15108 Detroit near Warren Rd.
7:50 AM  Arabica in Lakewood at 11604 Detroit near W. 116th

National "Bike to Work" Week is sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists  (www.bikeleague.org), which offers bicycle advocacy and support programs for more than 125 years.

ClevelandBikes , a 501C3 nonprofit organization, is committed to advancing all forms of bicycling as economical and healthful recreation, sport and transportation.

For More Information, Contact:  Kevin Cronin
216.374.7578; kevin [at] clevelandbikes [dot] org
On the Web: www.clevelandbikes.org
When ClevelandBikes. Cleveland Benefits!

Reading along in the Sustainable Industries Website I found this link for the earthnow EXPO.

It’s time to come out from hiding, Sherrod.

Sen. Sherrod Brown doesn’t want to make a choice in the Democratic primary race.

But it’s time for him to show some courage. Bite the bullet and give us your choice for the Democratic nominee.

Some Democrats with backbones need to tell Hillary Clinton that her performance and obstinacy in remaining in the race as a spoiler needs to end.

Her pigheadedness now endangers the chance for a Democrat to win the White House and others to win in the Congress.