The Sound of Ideas: October 2008

Big Chuck! & The Capitol Steps
Friday, October 31
You may know him as the Kielbasy Kid, Certain Ethnic Guy, or Little John’s sidekick. Chuck Schodowski has been on Northeast Ohio television sets for 47 years. Big Chuck, with a newly published biography in hand, will talk with us about working with Ghoulardi, flying with Hoolie, boxing Mike Tyson and ultimately retiring from the longest run in television history. Join the conversation on The Sound of Ideas®, for a conversation with Big Chuck followed by a special Halloween comedy show from The Capitol Steps. It’s an hour of fun – beginning at 9am on 90.3.

Thursday Reporters’ Roundtable
Thursday, October 30
Ohio voters prepare to tackle five statewide issues when they go the polls next week. Should the constitution allow construction of a single resort casino in southern Ohio? Should limits be placed on the interest payday lenders can charge? Thursday on the Sound of Ideas, we'll try to clear up any remaining confusion about state issues one through six. And our panel of journalists will take on the week's other top stories...another severe blow for the Flats East Bank project and the Port Authority's role in scuttling Eaton's move to the Flats; and a Cleveland construction company executive to serve time for bribery in Lorain County.

Candidates’ Forum: 13th Congressional District
Wednesday, October 29
Democrat Betty Sutton has served the 13th congressional district since 2006, and the Akron Beacon Journal says she's starting to get pretty good at the job. Her Republican opponent disagrees. Dave Potter accuses her of working harder for her campaign donors than for her constituents. On The Sound of Ideas®, you'll have your chance to grill the major party candidates vying for the chance to represent a district stretching from the shores of Lake Erie to the southern edge of Summit County. Join us tomorrow morning at nine on 90.3.

Understanding the National City Sale
Tuesday, October 28
There are a lot of questions about National City's sale to Pittsburgh-based PNC, but one aspect of this is crystal clear: with the Treasury now in the business of picking winners and losers, the local bank is definitely not a winner. PNC's $5.6 billion purchase of what was Cleveland's biggest bank may alter the economic outlook for Ohio as surely as it alters the outlook for the bank's 4,000 local employees. We'll find out how and why it happened and what it says about how the Treasury will operate in the days ahead. Join us Tuesday morning at 9.

Is Ohio Ready For The Election?
Monday, October 27
The coming election is expected to generate record voter turnout, but at the same time, many election boards are using brand new equipment and processes, so how well will it all work? There are tons of questions about voting, about filling out the ballots, ID requirements and even what you're allowed to wear. On the Sound of Ideas, we'll be live from the the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections and we'll find answers to every voting question you might have, except who to vote for. Join us this morning at 9:00 am, on 90.3.

Ohio Gets Ready To Vote
Friday, October 24
The coming election is expected to generate record voter turnout, but many election boards are using brand new equipment and processes, so how well will it all work? Are we ready? What's the worst that could happen? There are tons of questions ...and myths....about voting, about which votes get counted, about filling out the ballots, ID requirements and even what you're allowed to wear. On the Sound of Ideas, we'll be live from the the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections and be joined by the Secretary of State to find answers to every voting question you might have... except who to vote for. Join us, Monday Morning at nine, on 90.3.

It’s a Dog’s World
Friday, October 24
"Why won’t Spot sit when I tell him? How can I stop Fido from pulling me down the sidewalk? Why does Sammy eat all my good shoes when she has 10 toys that squeak? I don't get no respect!" Dog training can be tough. Experts say consistency is key - and sometimes it’s the humans who are the slowest learners. We’ll find out what it takes to have a “good dog” and learn what Skipper is really thinking when you say “roll over.” Help with man’s best friend, on The Sound of Ideas®. Photos: Luna and Willie

The Road Is Done But Can It Transform The City: The Euclid Corridor Promise
Thursday, October 23
Two hundred million dollars will buy a gleaming new bus line and seven miles of rebuilt road and brand new sewer lines underneath, but can it drive the economic development Cleveland needs? The Euclid Corridor is about to officially re-connect University Circle to Public Square. The project has brought us new sidewalks, new public art--new jobs along the way--but the street still has a whole lot of empty storefronts. On our program, we'll talk about the new road and bus line and the prospects of a coming transformation. We'll be live on the Corridor at East 14th, right in front of the idea center. Thursday morning at 9, join us there, right here online, or on 90.3.

An Ohio GOP Congressional Seat for more than 60 years that could go Democratic
Wednesday, October 22
Of the nation's 435 congressional districts, all but about 60 are considered safe for the incumbent party. One of the truly competitive races though is right here in Northeast Ohio. It encompasses Wayne, Stark and part of Medina counties. Democrat John Boccieri and Republican Kirk Schuring are vying to replace retiring congressman Ralph Regula. Some are calling this a "democratic year," which raises the question: Will the 16th Congressional District remain Republican as it has since 1946? Both parties are focusing lots of attention this one. On this Candidates Forum, you have a chance to talk to both candidates. Join us Tuesday morning at 9.

Roll the Dice on Casinos?
Tuesday, October 21
Three previous attempts to sell Ohio voters on the benefits of casino gambling failed but backers of Issue 6 think they have a winner this time around. They say a casino proposed for southwest Ohio would create thousands of permanent jobs and pour millions of dollars into public coffers in all 88 counties. So, they're asking voters to pass an Ohio constitutional amendment to clear the way. Detractors say both the job and tax revenue figures are overblown and will be offset by economic losses to other businesses. Join us with your questions as we discuss Issue 6 Tuesday morning at 9:00 on 90.3.

Foreign Relations & Food Supply
Monday, October 20
Richard Clarke has worked for every president since Ronald Reagan and has some firsthand experience in negotiating with declared state enemies, and he thinks negotiating without preconditions may not be such a bad idea. "Talking nation to nation is not a sign of weakness," he says. "In fact, it's a sign of strength." The Former National Security Adviser joins us to talk about the national security decisions facing the next president. Of course, the next president will have to deal with more than just national security. Journalist Michael Pollan would like to see the next president reform our nation's food policy. Pollan says the nation shouldn't subsidize corn and soy -- instead it should subsidize diverse, organic and regionally based food production. In Defense of Food, and the nation, Monday morning at 9 a.m.

Working the Beat: Officer Jim Simone
Friday, October 17
He was shot twice, run over and stabbed, and he’s killed 5 people in the line of duty. Cleveland police veteran Jim Simone is anything but average, even for a cop. Some say he’s making the streets safer; others say he's too eager to resort to force. Officer Simone returned to work recently after a routine 90 day administrative suspension for fatal shots fired at a suspect fleeing a bank robbery. All previous shootings were deemed justified by police and citizen review groups. Simone isn’t afraid of bad guys – just of his life not having purpose. We’ll spend the hour with this inner city cop and take your calls on The Sound of Ideas®. Photo courtesy The Plain Dealer

Reporters’ Roundtable
Thursday, October 16
In the news this week, studies of the Innerbelt bridge force ODOT to keep four lanes closed indefinitely; a local branch of a national community organizing group is called to account for phony voter registrations; and the Cuyahoga County corruption probe expands to include the Cuyahoga Metro Housing Authority and a former MetroHealth executive. On our weekly reporters' roundtable, we'll talk about those stories and get analysis on the final presidential debate. Join us Thursday morning at 9.

Swing State 2008: Taxes
Wednesday, October 15
Senator John McCain just announced a proposal to slash capital gains taxes by fifty percent. Barack Obama says he'll cut income taxes for 95 percent of Americans. Which is best? Both candidates of course have lots of other proposals, from tax credits for health insurance to others for saving for retirement. On our program, we'll compare all of them and get some analysis on what they would mean for your family and for our country. Be sure to join us Wednesday morning at 9.

Candidates’ Forum: Ohio Attorney General Race
Tuesday, October 14
Ohio Treasurer Richard Cordray would like to be the state's next attorney general. He says his investment background makes him uniquely qualified to go after Wall Street on behalf of Ohioans. Cordray's opponent is former US attorney Michael Crites. He says campaign donors too often wind up winning lucrative contracts from the AG's office. On The Sound of Ideas®, we'll hear from both candidates vying to be the state's top cop. You're invited to join us at nine on 90.3

Science Cafe: What’s New with Old Bones
Monday, October 13
There's a lot to learn from old bones: not just what animals might have lived 65 million years ago, but what they ate, how they lived and how they used their brains. On our program, we'll take a much needed break from the economic meltdown and politics to preview Monday night's Science Cafe at the Great Lakes Brewery in Cleveland. This month's program is focused on contemporary issues in paleontology. We'll talk about the relevance ancient bones and fossils hold for us today; we'll learn what they tell us about climate change and evolution and how modern medical tools--like CT Scans--are being used to unlock their mysteries. We look forward to your questions, too. Join us Monday morning at 9.

Rescue Your Own Finances
Friday, October 10
Sure, it's your money congress is spending, but what about your money that you control - your cash, your 401K, your investments? The Fed slashes interest rates. Retirement accounts lose trillions. The government bails out banks. The stock market refuses to be calmed. It's a frightening time. We’re going to get some advice on how to protect what's left of our savings... find cash for the kids' college... curtail spending. Experts offer help for the common man on The Sound of Ideas®.

Reporters’ Roundtable
Thursday, October 9
In the news this week, a retail development in Solon dries up, a grim report details new numbers on recent job losses. In election news, polls suggests the November ballot's casino proposal just might pass, Attorney General candidate Richard Cordray returns tainted contributions, and voters are being cautioned about what they’re not allowed to wear to the polls November 4th. We'll talk about those stories and others on our weekly reporters roundtable. Be sure to join us Thursday morning at 9. In the news this week, a grim report details new numbers on recent job losses, a retail development in Solon dries up, and gambling could be in Ohio’s the future after all.

Post Debate Analysis
Wednesday, October 8
In their first debate, the performances of John McCain and Barack Obama were notable for their relative politeness. Since then, the campaign has taken a turn towards the negative. As Obama and McCain face off in a town hall style debate, they're forced to answer questions from ordinary Americans. On our program, we'll assess their answers and their performances. We'll do some truth squadding and consider whose message resonated strongest. We can't do it without you, so be sure to join us Wednesday morning at 9.

Senator Sherrod Brown
Tuesday, October 7
Ohio Senators Sherrod Brown and George Voinovich voted with the majority when the Senate opted to bail out Wall Street. Said Brown, 'inaction is not an option.' The stock market reacted with a sharp drop Friday and another on Monday, with the Dow industrials trading at levels not seen since 2004. We'll talk with Senator Brown about his vote and where the economy might be headed next and how it might affect the agenda of Congress and the next President. We'll spend the hour with Sherrod Brown Tuesday on The Sound of Ideas. Join the conversation at 9:00 a.m. on 90.3.

Candidates’ Forum: Cuyahoga County Commissioner Seat
Monday, October 6
Democratic Cuyahoga County Commissioner Peter Jones faces an unexpectedly tough re-election battle - his opponent - Republican suburban mayor Debbie Sutherland. She blames Jones for mismanagement at the county level and says it's time for new leadership. Jones maintains he has served his constituents well. On The Sound of Ideas®, a special candidates' forum in the race for Cuyahoga County Commissioner.

Veep Debate ‘08
Friday, October 3
He’s prone to talking and talking until he puts his foot in his mouth, while she’s barely talking at all and giving a muddled message when she does. It’s the most anticipated vice presidential debate in recent memory -- Biden, the six-term senator against Palin, the newcomer who wows conservatives and leaves liberals speechless. It’s a golden opportunity for either campaign to win over wavering voters. Who will it help? We'll talk about it on The Sound of Ideas®, at 9 on 90.3.

Reporters’ Roundtable
Thursday, October 2
Early voting began this week, allowing Ohioans to register and cast a ballot inside of an hour. Meanwhile Republicans are crying foul and alleging voter fraud. New revelations emerge about the obscenity case against Cuyahoga County's former recorder: Patrick O'Malley faces sentencing on Friday. On our regional reporters roundtable, we'll discuss those stories, plus the prospects of a Lake Erie wind farm, and the latest on the financial crisis. Join us Thursday morning at 9.

Candidates’ Forum: 10th Congressional District
Wednesday, October 1
Even while lawmakers are focused on a financial crisis, the business of electing new lawmakers continues. Democrat Dennis Kucinich faced one of the toughest primaries of his career this year, and now, he faces former state lawmaker Jim Trakas. Trakas says Kucinich has a bizarre political agenda, too far to the left of most Ohioans. Kucinich maintains his views are representative of the mainstream. On The Sound of Ideas®, you get to decide. Join us for a special candidates' forum at 9 am, on 90.3.