Archive for the ‘Giveaways’ Category

Cleveland’s got game…Got City GAME!

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

Cleveland has got a lot going for it!  Sometimes Cleveland residents forget just how great this town can be.  Enter a new web TV show called Got City Game-Cleveland.  This is the brainchild of Executive Producers Barbara Oney and TL Champion.  The idea is simple.  Why create a static website that people may or may not go to, when you can create a dynamic interactive television experience that is accessible from the web!  All the while promoting the sights and sounds of this cool town that is Cleveland, Ohio.  When I first heard about Got City Game sometime this summer, I was intrigued.  I was told to watch out for a local Cleveland based “Amazing Race” concept that would showcase local neighborhoods and spots.  thought, “wow, I’ll have to watch that!”  Somehow, the site launched and I must have had my head in the sand, because I missed it.  In my own defense, I so not read print media, and I haven’t seen a local news show in years (is that Dick Goddard guy still around ) so it slipped right by me.  Still, I can’t help but wonder where are all the Cleveland bloggers and those who are always talking up Cleveland when this cool concept was released?  Was I out sick that week?  The joy of this idea being web based is that I am able to catch up whenever I like.    So I am.

The episodes are all in easy to watch You Tube style video formats that are all under 10 minutes.  Easy to catch an episode on your coffee break or while sipping your morning coffee before getting to those emails.  I am up to episode 7 and I am pretty hooked.  The contestants are real life local people-they might be your neighbors or friends.  The show’s host is a local, too-Jason Zone Fisher and he does a top notch job.  I have a favorite team and am secretly rooting for them to win.  I am voting for them, too.  Oh yes, you get to vote!  Not only does each team win points for each challenge, but your votes help them along.  What is the prize?  A year of Cleveland!  That’s right, a year of rent free living in the Tremont neighborhood, gift certificates for entertainment and food, all the stuff you need to really enjoy this town!  But wait, the prizes do not stop there!  Every time you vote, you are entered into a drawing.  Each week some lucky winner gets a new prize like Lake Erie Monster tickets or tickets to a show at Pickwick and Frolic.  At the end of the season, some lucky winners will also win a college scholarship!  The cool thing about this prize is that it is gift-able and transferable!  Wanna give your niece a scholarship?  Go vote!  Want to send your son to an Ivy League school?  This scholarship might be just the ticket to help pave the way.  Always wanted to pursue a PhD?  Enter for your shot!  How did I not know about this? What’s more you can enter once a day-all just by voting for your favorite team!

If that isn’t enough to make you go and watch this show, then there are plenty of cool shorts on the site as well.  There are these cool little mini two minute quizzes and clips of contestants and people who tried out… enough to make you stop by every day for at least a minute or two: see a clip, vote for a team, maybe win a prize, and learn something cool about this awesome town while you are at it!  So why are you spending so much time playing Farmville when you could get some knowledge and some prizes?  Start today, because there are only a few weeks left before it is too late and the more times you visit, the better your chances of winning a scholarship!  Oh yeah, Cleveland’s got game:  Got City Game!

Amplify

Do Good and Eat Well!

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

Today I am reposting a post from a blog that I follow.  It is written by a great woman, Michelle V, and can be found at Cleveland Foodie.  Consider skipping your morning Mocha and making a donation to a great cause.   Help promote education in nutrition, remember the government spent many years classifying ketchup as a vegetable in its school lunch program!

After writing this blog for nearly four years, I think I can safely make some assumptions about you, my readers. Assumption one: you like food.  Two: you like food prepared by one of our many talented chefs. Three: You’re pro Cleveland and will always support local when able. Four: You care about this community and supporting others when in need. Five: You have $5.

(and I’m willing to bet you’d happily exchange that $5 for free dinner out the rest of the year.)

After meeting Farming Lee Jones, I learned about the Veggie U initiative, a national program that promotes the well-being of children through a healthy lifestyle with a focus on making wise food choices, combating adolescent and juvenile disease, and attaining an understanding of sustainable agriculture. The program is embraced and loved by teachers and students alike. Locally, 150 schools in the Cleveland Metro School District have been using the 4th grade Veggie U science program. Unfortunately, they don’t have any funding to continue as $200 per classroom is needed to fund the kits.

On the way home from that initial meeting and fabulous dinner, we had an idea to try to help these students and teachers. Would you be willing to donate a minimum of $5 to help this cause? That’s your morning Starbucks. If we all help and spread the word, we have an opportunity to make a difference here. And if you’ve watched the news lately, you know Cleveland students can use a little bit of good news.

If you donate $5 to Veggie U, you will automatically be entered to win more than $1,200worth of gift cards to all your favorite eateries and shops. Want to increase your odds? Donate $10, $25, $50 or more (I promise you won’t miss $25). For every $5 you donate, you will earn another entry into the drawing. The more you donate, the greater your chance of winning. You have until February 13 to donate and be entered. It’s easy – just call419.499.7500 ext 119; you must reference Cleveland Foodie (a winner will be picked using random.org).

As soon as we worked out all the details with Veggie U, I reached out to the chefs and owners to share the idea and ask for support. Almost immediately I started to hear back. The backing of our food community and willingness to work together to help all sorts of causes beyond this is inspiring, admirable and personally greatly appreciated by myself. Thank you to everyone for your generosity and willingness to pitch in.

One incredibly lucky diner will spend the year eating and drinking their way throughout Cleveland:

Western Reserve Wine / $50 gift card
Tartine / $50 gift card
Momocho / $50 gift card (Eric Williams also generously donated an additional $200 to fund one classroom)
Lola / $50 gift card
The Greenhouse Tavern / $50 gift card
Heinen’s / $100 gift card
Blue Canyon / $50 gift card
The Flying Fig / $50 gift card
Fire / $50 gift card
Erie Island Coffee / $50 gift card
Fahrenheit / $50 gift card
Miles Farmers Market / $50 gift card
Jekyll’s Kitchen / $50 gift card
Moxie / $200 gift card!!
Touch Supper Club / $50 gift card
Parallax / $50 gift card
L’Albatros / $50 gift card
Chinato / $50 gift card (opening very soon!)
Crop Bistro / $50 gift card
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And to top it all off, the winner will receive one ticket to their choice of upcoming dinners atThe Culinary Vegetable Institute (you’re in for a real treat here) and The Chefs Garden will send you one of their e-commerce family boxes.

To kick it off, Jamie and I will donate $100 (we will not be counted for the drawing). Would you also consider making a pledge? I know times are tough for many, and if you can’t, it’s completely understandable. But if you’re able to give something back and if you’re a follower of this blog I can only assume it’s a greater cause that matters to you, please call. Let’s follow the lead of our chefs and local owners and show what the Cleveland food community can accomplish when we work together.

Thank You.

Update: Just learned that The Culinary Vegetable Institute will give a copy of the 2009 official cookbook of the Food & Wine Celebration to the first 20 people that donate $50 or more!

Amplify

Cleveland prepares for its Sustainability Summit, still time to win!

Saturday, August 8th, 2009

I spent some time talking with Andrew Watterson of the Department of Sustainability of the City of Cleveland.  We were at an event as a sort of “pre-summit happy hour” for those planning on attending.  The group was diverse.  We talked about the roll out of the recycle program and I expressed my opinion that we need to step it up.  I never miss an opportunity to tell someone employed by the city that we need to step up our recycling program.  More interesting was the expectations for the upcoming summit.  He let me know that there are a variety of demographics and sectors to be included in this process.  Some people are being turned down, despite their obvious ability to contribute valuable to the outcome.  Truth is, this is about including everyone.  Local business, as well as non-profit and government; young and old.  How I managed to wrangle an invitation, I will never know, but I am thrilled to be included.  What would you say, if you were to participate in this summit?  Of course, first and foremost in my mind is recycling. Other things that are on my mind include:  Stormwater Runoff, we need to fix our aging infrastructure and find a way to keep sewage out of Lake Erie;  Alternative Energy, can we get cheap clean energy from the sun and the lake; Public Transportation, finding a way to make it better and more inclusive-especially as we plan to renovate the I-90 bridge;  Incentives for New Business in the City, reusing existing buildings and infrastructure and luring green businesses to the region.  What else, should be included.  As I understand it, this summit will use the Appreciate Inquiry method to actually formulate public policy.  Let your voice be heard.  Comment here or drop me an email at:  robert@thegldc.com and I will try to get your opinion heard.

print1We are still waiting for more comments for the giveaway for a framed print.  Go here to read the post, but to encourage you, here is the print I am going to give away.  It is an 8×10 framed black and white print of Lincoln Park in Tremont. This contest end on Wednesday (Aug 12), as the summit starts that day!

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How can we make our lake really blue?

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

Lake Erie. When it is clean, it is a joy. There is plenty of recreation available and parks on the lakefront. Furthermore, we are trying (still) to commit to a new and exciting lakefront development. Unfortunately, when we get a good rain like we have had recently, you have to worry about how much raw sewage is overflowing into our beautiful lake. When the city is cash strapped, who is out watching the lake to watch for illegal dumping? What about our aging Port Authority complex that has NO system for dealing with rainwater runoff? Everytime it rains, the majority of the oil stained, dirty asphalt of the city’s port area is washed clean…and into the lake.

The Great Lakes

The Great Lakes

President Obama has a budget for 2010. In it he has allocated nearly $500 million for the first stages of cleanup of the Great Lakes Region. What can we expect from this amount of cash? We have a lot to do to fix our collection of lakes. To get the party started, the US EPA is holding a series of meetings around the region. In Cleveland, you should plan on attending the meeting in Cleveland Heights. The meeting is July 27, 2009, 6-8pm at the Canal Way Center, State Boat Landing Room 4524 E 49th St Cuyahoga Heights, OH 44125-1008. Please join me and make your voice heard. We can talk about lakefront development for another 10 years, but we need to deal with the issues of the lake right now! If you want more info about this meeting, or one closer to you (if you live outside Ohio) then check out their website.

Among the other issues that we are facing in cleaning up our lake, are the invasive species that are damaging the ecosystem. Fish are brought in by ships from other waters in their bilge tanks. Once in the lakes, they thrive without their natural predators and push out native animal and fish species. Don’t forget that we have also destroyed much of the local habitat through industry over the years, and allowed manufacturing to pour tons of chemicals into our water streams that are still lingering about. I do worry about what will happen, as the lake is an important source of wildlife, nature, and drinking water. We need to take care of it, now that we have mucked it up. I am all for developing the waterfront. It could be a great economic draw to the region. The issue that concerns me is that the port Authority is currently not managing its storm water runoff, so what is the plan for managing debris, and pollution during their proposed move and the development of the property that is currently their home? Once again, I fear that our lackluster attitude, and our inability to demand that things be handled properly on our local level will be our downfall. Maybe with the help of the EPA, we can start some new enforcement and new momentum toward a cleaner, safer and bluer lake.

Won’t you join me and have your voice heard?

Amplify

Still giving away art!

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

I haven’t posted a new art piece to give away, as I am still looking to give away the framed piece I chose for last week’s recycle post. Go here and read the post. I want everyone to contact someone on the list and then post a comment on who you wrote to. So far, there have been no takers….

C’mon, I need your help here.

Amplify

Urge your council to support recycling-just in time for the summit!

Monday, July 13th, 2009

If you live in the city of Cleveland, then either you have curbside recycling, or you don’t.  Either way, contact your city councilperson and the mayor.  Tell them you want to have a citywide curbside recycling and mandated recycling at all events that require a city permit.  It is easy.  I am sick of having to drag my recycling down to the nearest bin, but that is not the reason for this particular rant.  I was asked by a colleague of mine what to do about recycling all their old magazines.  Now this is a smart guy.  Problem is, since we have made is so difficult for residents to recycle and even worse for commercial customers, that even the brightest residents haven’t all followed through.  We have not taken the minimal time and effort to educate the public that they can recycle metal, paper, newspapers, magazines, cardboard and plastics at their local Cleveland recycles dumpsters.  If you do not know where your nearest site is, look at the city listing. This site has much more information as well, like a recycle guide-what to recycle and where to do it. It is great information, but I rarely hear about it… The other reason that I am on this tirade is that I am sick of the public events in this town not having recycling at the most basic level. I went to a Port Authority meeting last week to discuss the lakefront project. (BTW this project looks great and we need to get started on it-plan on attending the August meeting!) They served food, which was delicious, and a selection of sodas. I can understand them not being prepared to recycle the plates or cutlery, but at least two of us had to ask about a recycle bin before one appeared for the aluminum cans.

img040This weekend the difference between Cleveland and Cleveland Heights was made glaringly obvious. I attended the Cain Park Art Fair. The park had recycling cans available throughout the area. Judging by their appearance, they have been serving the public for a while now.  Moreover, the visitors and exhibitors alike were dutifully dropping their cans and bottles inside and I didn’t wee a single wadded up wrapper or paper make it in.  That means the residents of Cleveland Heights know what they are doing.  They have been schooled on at least the basics and they understand that a recycling program must be followed or it will not work.  In contrast, if you put a recycling bin at nearly any Cleveland area event, and it is half full of garbage and dumped out anyhow.

I also attended Ingenuity Fest.  ingenuity-fest1This is a great event (more on this later, as well-I am trying to stay on topic).  But for a Cleveland event that was based on ingenuity and new ideas, why could I not find a simple recycling bin for a water bottle ANYWHERE? The irony was not lost on me.  Besides the vendors and their waste, I saw a lot of attendees looking around for their spot to dump their can and choosing the garbage-it wasn’t really a choice anyway.  So for a city that is promoting ingenuity, we couldn’t be enough on the edge to even put out a recycle bin?  More than that, we keep talking about a Green City on a Blue Lake, but we aren’t going to take the step of requiring permit holders for public events to even provide a single recycle bin?  Now that is downright lazy if you ask me.  So, here is my plan.  I am attending the Cleveland Sustainability Summit in August.  It is going to be a big deal.  I request that everyone send their councilperson and the mayor a brief not asking them to start curbside recycling thorough out the city and to mandate public events permits issued with recycling bin requirements.

Here is the link to the Mayor Frank Jackson’s office. or email him directly at mayorsactioncenter@city.cleveland.oh.us

Try contacting his cabinet, too. They are all listed here.

Here are your City Council members:
Ward 1 Terrell Pruitt: ward01@clevelandcitycouncil.org
Ward 2 Nate Wilkes: ward02@clevelandcitycouncil.org
Ward 3 Zachary Reed: ward03@clevelandcitycouncil.org
Ward 4 Kenneth Johnson: ward04@clevelandcitycouncil.org
Ward 5 Phyllis Cleveland: ward05@clevelandcitycouncil.org
Ward 6 Mamie Mitchell: ward06@clevelandcitycouncil.org
Ward 7 TJ Dow: ward07@clevelandcitycouncil.org
Ward 8 Shari Cloud: council8office@sbcglobal.net
Ward 9 Kevin Conwell: ward09@clevelandcitycouncil.org
Ward 10 Eugene Miller: ward10@clevelandcitycouncil.org
Ward 11 Michael Polensek: ward11@clevelandcitycouncil.org
Ward 12 Anthony Brancatelli: abrancatelli@clevelandcitycouncil.org
Ward 13 Joe Cimperman: ward13@clevelandcitycouncil.org
Ward 14 Joe Santiago: jsantiago@clevelandcitycouncil.org
Ward 15 Brian Cummings: ward15@clevelandcitycouncil.org
Ward 16 Kevin Kelly: ward16@clevelandcitycouncil.org
Ward 17 Matt Zone: councilward17@sbcglobal.net
Ward 18 Jay Westbrook: ward18@clevelandcitycouncil.org
Ward 19 Dona Brady: ward19@clevelandcitycouncil.org
Ward 20 Martin Sweeney: ward20@clevelandcitycouncil.org
Ward 21 Martin Keene: ward21@clevelandcitycouncil.org

Just in case you don’t have an ideas on what to say, here is some sample text. Simple copy and paste into your email browser:

Dear Cleveland City Councilperson/Mayor:

As we strive to become a truly Green City on a Blue Lake, I think it is of utmost importance that we address the issue of recycling in the city of Cleveland. The savings on tipping fees and transportation of garbage, coupled with increased revenue from the sale of recyclables will more that off set the initial outlay of funds to implement a city wide program now. I understand that their is a program in place to roll out our program over 6 years, but if we act now, we can save money and increase our standing in the national community. Being able to market ourselves as a world class destination for tourism and business relocation is of the utmost importance. Not having a comprehensive recycling program merely tarnishes our reputation. I urge you to make recycling a priority in the city’s agenda. Furthermore, I would urge you to tie all city permits for public events and festivals to, at the very least, providing recycling bins as an alternative to garbage cans throughout the event. Our large events and festivals often draw large crowds from outside the city and by requiring recycling bins at these events, we are increasing the visibility of our commitment to recycling and greening our city and region.
Thank you.

Okay, I gave you the links and the words, all you have to do is cut and paste…now please help me out! I will bring this up as many times as possible at the Sustainability Summit in August. By the way, if you are not in Cleveland, feel free to contact our mayor and let him know what your city is doing about recycling and how you feel about it. After you email someone in the city government, write a comment here, telling me who you wrote to, and I will enter you in a drawing for a nice framed print!

Amplify

I know Art-He’s such a great guy!

Friday, July 10th, 2009

If you don’t have art on the agenda for this weekend, then you are missing out! There is so much art and culture going on this weekend, that I am having trouble figuring out what to do! First there is the open studios tour at the 78th Street Studios. This is a great building that was converted into galleries and studios. This is there big summer open house. The studios are open from 5:30 to 9pm Friday and 1-5 pm Saturday. Check out this flyer for more info. Also tonight is the Tremont Art Walk. All the galleries and many of the local watering holes will be debuting their new artists for the month. Grab a glass of wine and see some great art!

Of course the big news for the weekend is the Ingenuity Fest. An entire weekend chock full of performance and other arts, this is the place to be this weekend. I meant to go last year, but was unable to attend. This year promises a full calendar of exciting things. Melissa Daubert is going to have her “Urban Trotter” rambling down the streets. This is going to be a great place to hang out. I got my tix online with the promo code STRE for 50% off. I also saw that you can get your tickets at Dave’s Markets for half off as well. This is a great way to support your local merchant as well! Robotics, music, video, opera, singing and who knows what else! The streets, alleys, theaters, and halls of the Theater District will all be transformed into performance art spaces. I can’t wait to see what cool things await…Join me!

Another great event is the Cain Park Arts Festival. The entire park will be transformed into a juried art fair with vendors from all over coming to show and sell their wares. Be sure to bring plenty of water, as I hear this show is worth taking the time to see every little thing! There are something like 150 artists with booths at this show, so if you are in need of art (and who isn’t) this is the place to be! Besides, outdoor art festivals are a great way to get some exercise, spend time with friends or family, and are a great way to work that excess energy off of the kids! So the show is FREE on Friday night and $2 each on Saturday and Sunday. Hours are 3-8, 10-8, and 12-5 respectively.

While you are out and about on Saturday, check out the Cleveland Food Co-op. It is at 117th and Euclid. This weekend is their Summer Social.

Join us to celebrate the season with other community-based groups… food, local artists, farmers, and musicians! There will be raffles, free samples, you name it!
Sarva Soaps will be a vendor, and we look forward to seeing you!

Sounds like fun and it is a great place to shop for healthy foods.

Wrap things up on Sunday with a trip to the Gordon Square Farmers Market and a trip to Reddstone. Reddstone is hosting the anniversary party for Metromix. Called the Get Lei’d Birthday Party, they will have a free pig roast , food and drink specials, and even a sand volleyball tournament. Be sure to check them out, they have a great patio! The festivities start at 1pm. What? Never heard of Metromix? You should definitely check it out. I would call it a Cleveland Interactive Entertainment News and Events Online Magazine. There is so much going on in this town that this is a great way to be connected to the events and happenings in the area. Want to find a new place for dinner? Wondering what is going on when your out of town guests arrive? Want to get reviews of the latest music, TV or movie? Where is the hottest new club? All these questions can be answered in one spot at Metromix!
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So in honor of the Arts this weekend, I am giving away another print. This is an 8×10 Black and White print. Matted and mounted. Simply comment on my blog ( and I am not picky-any post is fine!) before noon on Monday! Good luck! Congrats to RG for the last win!

Amplify

A day late….but a giveaway all the same…

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

printSo the idea behind the giveaways was to increase the dialogue, but also give people a reason to check in at least once a week and see what is going on at the blog. However this ideas will only work if I manage to be on time and post these giveaways on a regular basis. Last week’s winner was Jessica in Canada! Today I am giving away another 8×10 print. This one is a color print. Matted and mounted for framing. Once again, post a comment on my blog anytime this week and Friday morning I will randomly choose a winner.Okay-go crazy!

Amplify

Giveaway Chosen

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

By random draw, the winner of the B&W print was chosen. But do not fret. Tomorrow I will be posting the next print to be given away over the weekend. Thanks!

Amplify

Swag, Treasure, Give-aways, Freebies….

Monday, June 29th, 2009

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Call it what you will, many of the blogs that I read these days are giving stuff away. I can see a bandwagon, so this is one that I am jumping on! I am going to give away limited edition prints from my inventory. Inventory of what? I am a photographer. Check out my art site. As of late, I have had precious little time to pursue my artistic desires and to commit the energy necessary to put on shows. Still, I have a good sized inventory in stock and thought I would share it with those of you who read my blog.  Additionally, I have some other goodies that I am going to give away. I have never tried to do a contest before, but here goes.

The object is simple. Subscribe to my blog. Write a comment on the post with the giveaway. I will draw a name from a hat. I send you the prize. Easy, right? Tell your friends. Ready? Let’s go!

Today I am giving away a limited edition black and white, silver emulsion print. It is an 8×10 matted and mounted print. I just sat this on the scanner, and set the resolution very low, so the print looks better in person. I took this picture of a man who was walking downtown under some scaffolding. Comment now.

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