MuRrAy HiLL

Man, this story is hitting all over national and international news right now. Google "Bexarotene" and you'll see Case Western Med School grow in real time.

BREAKING NEWS FROM CASE MED SCHOOL!!! http://casemed.case.edu/alumni/publications/mailers/mailer2-9-2012b.htm

HUGE game tonight with the Cleveland hosting the Horizon League tournament on the line. Cleveland State (20-4, 10-2) vs Valparaiso (17-8, 10-3) http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/325/cleveland-state-vikings If Valpo wins, they'll hold the tie breaker for 1st Place as they already have beaten CSU once. Anyone else going??

Varejao loves Cleveland as well: "Since I got to Cleveland, the fans have taken to me. I didn’t speak any English, but every time I would get in a game, I felt like I had somebody behind me, helping and motivating me. The fans did that for me when I got here. And now that they know me, I just want to thank them for everything they’ve done for me. [...] I feel like my football team is the Browns, my basketball team is the Cavs, and my baseball team is the Indians. That’s all I know. I feel like I’m from here." -- Anderson Varejao http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2012/02/anderson-varejao-the-fans-make-me-feel-like-im-from-cleveland/

Even CNN loves Tremont CNN shines spotlight on Cleveland for 'Cash Mob' to help Tremont business Posted: 12:56 PM Last Updated: 51 minutes ago CLEVELAND - Tremont will get national attention as CNN interviews the staff of Visible Voice Books on Saturday afternoon during a "Cash Mob" event. The Cleveland community and surrounding areas are invited to the "Cash Mob" to smile for the cameras, listen to music, and help support Cleveland. To be a part of the national spotlight, you can go to Visible Voice Books Saturday afternoon from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. If you can't make it during that time, a second cash mob event will kickoff Saturday night at 6:30 in Coventry. http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/cleveland_metro/cnn-shines-spotlight-on-cleveland-for-cash-mob-to-help-tremont-business#ixzz1luhq0wpC

Dang, us Clevelanders eat up positive press. Check out the facebook and twitter "share" difference with University Circle and the rest of the neighborhoods listed: http://www.forbes.com/pictures/efel45lkj/university-circle-cleveland-ohio/

whoa...we're growing more than I was aware! Cleveland: Biomedical business boom 9:54 AM, Feb 8, 2012 CLEVELAND -- Taking an in-depth look at several local companies that are redefining Cleveland as a world leader in innovation. Just as important, those companies are investing millions in the city and they're adding jobs. Cleveland is fast turning into a destination for big biomed money and high-powered entrepreneurs. They are leaving home behind and are part of a growing trend. http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/229376/16/Cleveland-Biomedical-business-boom

I hope there is no ripple effect to the FEB: Pepper Pike financier A. Eddy Zai indicted in Croatian fund swindle Published: Wednesday, February 08, 2012, 8:58 AM John Caniglia, The Plain Dealer PEPPER PIKE, Ohio -- Pepper Pike business icon A. Eddy Zai was indicted in the swindle that led to the collapse of the St. Paul Croatian Federal Credit Union in Eastlake. Zai, 43, was charged (pdf) with 34 counts related to more than $16 million in unpaid loans. The indictment was unsealed this morning. He is one of 19 people charged in what federal law enforcement officials are calling one of the largest credit union failures in American history. Zai runs a variety of businesses, including the Cleveland International Fund that raised $45 million for the Flats East Bank development and is seeking overseas support for construction projects at University Hospitals. Zai also has had a hand in the Cleveland Bio Fund, which has pushed for potential investors in Northeast Ohio. http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2012/02/pepper_pike_financier_a_eddy_z.html

So there was a siting of me?? Well sounds very probable as I go to Presti's approx 8 times a week, plus live in the neighborhood. PM me if you need to discuss further, not to go off topic.

Best sports coverage and insider information on the Vikes I've seen in a while. Nice work Cleveland Leader! http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/18188

Ironically, from the NY Times today: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/06/business/making-over-the-mall-in-rough-economic-times.html?pagewanted=all

I must report there is digging today at the intersection of East Blvd and Bellflower Rd near where the new CWRU Student Center is to be built. Early reports were that the building would break ground in April, but I'd wager a bet the digging is connected to the infrastructure needs to support the project.

The matrix wrap around continues...from the live webcam above (and my walk today).

Press Release from today -- getting 100K newcomers here has begun! Global Cleveland Opens Its Doors Welcome Hub on Public Square will be the first stop for newcomers CLEVELAND, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- For centuries, newcomers have been the backbone of Cleveland's economy. Now, one organization is making it easier for newcomers to connect to open jobs and the community. Global Cleveland, a civic economic development initiative focused on connecting newcomers to opportunities and the region, has opened its Welcome Hub in the heart of downtown Cleveland. The Welcome Hub, which will serve as the first stop for all newcomers, is appropriately located on Public Square, in the Huntington Bank Building at 200 Public Square, Suite 150. The space will serve as the permanent, centralized location for Global Cleveland staff and volunteers. The Welcome Hub will provide services focused on filling three needs for newcomers: connection to jobs, connection to communities and connection to resources for starting a business. Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, Cuyahoga County Executive Edward FitzGerald and dozens of community members celebrated the official opening of the Welcome Hub at an event today. "Moving to a new city can be a complicated process," said Larry Miller, who was named Global Cleveland's first president in October 2011. "Our organization will leverage its partners, partner organizations, board of directors and advisory committee to help these newcomers make a personal connection to the open jobs and vibrant communities in our region." Newcomers can visit the Welcome Hub and meet face-to-face with Global Cleveland team members and volunteers. They will have the opportunity to register in the Global Cleveland database, share their resume and speak with experienced human resource volunteers from the Cleveland Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). One goal for the Welcome Hub is to personally help newcomers tap into the appropriate public or private organizations that are already working to fill jobs and bring talent into the region. Beyond help in the job search, the Global Cleveland Welcome Hub will help newcomers connect to communities. Team members will assist them in finding and making inroads with professional, cultural, lifestyle, religious and special interest organizations. Studies have shown that connection to communities is a critical step in retaining top talent. "The value of the Welcome Hub is in making these personal connections," said Baiju Shah, chairman of the board. "When people get engaged both personally and professionally within our city they form deep roots and activate their networks to bring more people to the region. The Welcome Hub is an important step in Global Cleveland's mission." The Welcome Hub will be open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and closed Sunday. "We are proud to house the Global Cleveland Welcome Hub in our building," said Dan Walsh, president, greater Cleveland region, Huntington National Bank. "Opening this Hub in the heart of downtown demonstrates our commitment to welcoming newcomers to Cleveland and helping them to develop meaningful connections to our communities." In May 2011, Global Cleveland brought together civic, business and community leaders for a two-day community summit. The purpose of the summit was to identify regional needs and determine viable solutions. One of Global Cleveland's primary focuses is to grow the population in Greater Cleveland and the Northeast Ohio region. In October, Global Cleveland and the Ohio Board of Regents launched its first program to help immigrants with healthcare credentials, degrees or certificates from their native countries who are currently unemployed or underemployed in the region receive career support services, network with regional healthcare employers and earn basic life support (BLS) training and certification. In December, Global Cleveland partnered with the Weatherhead School of Management Career Management Office and TiE Ohio to host a seminar aimed at educating local companies on the steps and benefits of hiring international students. About Global Cleveland Global Cleveland is a new civic organization committed to regional economic development by actively attracting newcomers, welcoming and connecting them both economically and socially to the many opportunities throughout Greater Cleveland. The initiative was launched with generous funding from Huntington Bank, The Cleveland Foundation, Jewish Federation of Cleveland, The Maltz Foundation, Forest City Enterprises and The George Gund Foundation. For more information visit globalcleveland.org. SOURCE Global Cleveland http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-cleveland-opens-its-doors-138853999.html

Reminder -- there seems to be an interesting talk this Thursday at CWRU: Feb 9: "A New Future for the Past: The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History" discussion @ CWRU http://thedaily.case.edu/news/?p=5242

APPROVED: Cleveland City Council OKs $5.8 million for stadium repairs Published: Monday, February 06, 2012, 10:00 PM Thomas Ott, The Plain Dealer CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The city has agreed to give the Cleveland Browns a $5.8 million lump sum for stadium repairs, but public officials worry about the source of such payments after a countywide tax for maintaining the building runs out in 2015. City Council voted 16-2 Monday to let the team take the money from a city-administered tax on alcohol and tobacco sales. Cleveland, which leases the stadium to the football team, is required to provide only $850,000 a year for major improvements. Browns general counsel Fred Nance, who represented the city when the lease was negotiated, said $850,000 was a compromise at the time the agreement was drawn up. He said the amount, equal to less than 1 percent of the building's $300 million construction cost, is not nearly enough to cover what he termed routine work. The Browns want to use the nearly $6 million to refurbish seats and replace, repair and wateproof concrete inside and outside the 12-year-old building. Osborn Engineering's Jack Krebs, hired by the team, blamed Northeast Ohio's often severe winters for the damage. http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2012/02/cleveland_city_council_oks_58.html

And don't forget, CWRU draws a HUGE number of international students (last I checked, CWRU undergraduate alone comprised of all 50 states, 83 countries...). This students arriving for their undergrad, masters, and doctorates usually need to get an American number, and generally do not arrive with a car. I personally see it as a genius location for Verison.

^ I wonder if it's possible to have outdoor seating?

Interesting article, especially regarding the future of Ohio City: Market Garden Brewery McNulty’s dream is coming true. He is helping to turn the Ohio City neighborhood into not only an entertainment district, but a beer-centric one. He is currently working with two undisclosed groups that want to establish breweries in the area. Although not with an ownership involvement, he is actively courting other like-minded businesses to locate in the neighborhood. Even now you could do a decent pub crawl with the four McNulty-owned establishments and the Great Lakes Brewing around the corner. Speaking of which, Great Lakes brewmaster, Luke Purcell, says Market Garden is a welcome addition to the neighborhood, and anything that brings more traffic to the neighborhood is good for everyone. Their numbers are up since Market Garden moved in, and Purcell has already gone knocking on their door to borrow malt when he ran short. Pretty friendly neighbors; but not surprising since it was Tveekrem who hired Purcell at Great Lakes 16 years ago. Close by, the Light Bistro (28th and Bridge) has also noticed an increase in their numbers. It is a tapas style restaurant with an extensive wine list, a wine retail store, and 15 or so good bottled beers (many from Great Lakes) on their menu. And, a few blocks away, at 25th and Detroit is Massimo de Milano which is home every November to a Microbrew Extravaganza benefit for the Cleveland Free Clinic. So this Ohio City neighborhood is becoming a destination for good beer, good wine, and good food, and if Sam McNulty has his way, there will be more to come. http://www.examiner.com/craft-beer-in-cleveland/market-garden-brewery

I'm considering "liking" Ken's comment :D BTW, since the UptownCleveland website is still "coming soon," this may be our best way of obtaining project updates.

^ I was just thinking, what does Hershey, PA do to get so many people?

CSU is cruising! We've now notched a 20-win season! No article from the PD yet... UIC no match for Cleveland State Horizon League's top team holds Flames to 27.3 percent shooting 7:41 p.m. CST, February 5, 2012 As Cleveland State blew by Illinois-Chicago in the second half of Sunday's 70-42 Horizon League decision at the UIC Pavilion, the Vikings also showed the Flames something to strive for. "They've really put (together) a group that can do a lot of things and they're difficult to prepare for," second-year coach Howard Moore said. "We're not on that level by any means yet. "(This game) just showed the difference in where we are and where they are as a program and a team. But we're on that path, we're on the right path." http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/ct-spt-0206-uic-clev-state--20120206,0,6440838.story EDIT: Nevermind. I guess the PD accepted someone else write the story for them: http://www.cleveland.com/sports/csu/index.ssf/2012/02/balanced_cleveland_state_breez.html

West Side Market kicks off 100th birthday celebrations Published: Monday, February 06, 2012, 5:50 AM Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The West Side Market turns 100 years old this fall, so grab a shopping bag, tie on a babushka and get ready to blow out a lot of candles. A couple of times. City officials, vendors and market supporters today are announcing a trio of major centennial events, starting with a family-friendly party June 2 (rain date June 23) in the renovated Market Square Park across the street. Expect multicultural entertainment, fireworks and an ice cream social provided by Mitchell's Homemade Ice Cream. That local company also expects to open a new production facility in the neighborhood around that time. A traffic-stopping street festival is planned for Oct. 7, a rare Sunday that the market will be open, and will include food by local restaurants and celebrated food trucks, as well as a parade with costumes created in workshops led by the Cleveland Museum of Art's Parade the Circle organizers. The market's actual birthday is Nov. 2, a Friday. The gala event will be celebrated Saturday, Nov. 3 (billed as the first day of the market's next century), featuring homeboy restaurateurs and award-winners Jonathon Sawyer and Michael Symon -- along with a dozen or so of their nationally renowned chef friends. Tickets will be priced at three levels, with the most expensive providing the closest access to chefs. The Great Lakes Brewing Co. will be releasing a centennial brew http://www.cleveland.com/west-side-market/index.ssf/2012/02/west_side_market_kicks_off_100.html

Most relevant for this project to work (slide 36): Conventions and Meetings ◦MMPI reports 35 letters of intent/contracts Estimated impact-- $82,450,000 according to Positively Cleveland Medical Mart ◦35 leases placed in the hands of Phase 1 and 2 LOI holders. As of today, 8 leases signed, others in negotiation.

Proposed trash-disposal plant faces tough fight with Cleveland City Council Published: Monday, February 06, 2012, 6:02 AM Thomas Ott, The Plain Dealer CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson has made a trash-to-electricity plant the centerpiece of his new strategy for garbage disposal, but he is having trouble selling the controversial idea to the City Council. Environmentalists and neighbors already have pounced. Now, council members are raising concerns about pollution, the estimated $180 million cost, the involvement of a New Jersey consultant and how the concept has been promoted. "The project is fragile right now," he said. "There are a number of council members who are ready to say, 'We're not supporting this project.' " http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2012/02/proposed_trash-disposal_plant.html