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The Sound of Ideas: Archive by Date

August 2011

Redistricting in Ohio

Posted August 1, 2011
Topics:

The once-a-decade re-drawing of Ohio's legislative districts is about to begin and once more it’s republicans leading the effort. Ohio loses two Congressional seats because other states grew faster. Northern Ohio is poised to lose one of them. Monday on the Sound of Ideas, we break down the nuts and bolts of the process, look at some of the strategy behind redistricting, and hear why one longtime Northeast Ohio congressman is even hinting at a move out of state. Join us at 9:00 on 90.3.

Deficit Debate Goes Down to Wire

Posted August 2, 2011
Topics: Economy, Government/Politics

Politicians in Washington brought the debt ceiling debate to the edge of the cliff before Republican and Democratic leaders this weekend finally made a deal. The country can borrow more money to pay its bills. And Congress will promise to spend less of it in the future. Thursday on The Sound of Ideas, we'll talk about the economic and political impact of the debt ceiling deal. Join us with your thoughts at 9:00 on 90.3.

New Perspectives on the Middle East

Posted August 3, 2011
Topics: Community/Human Interest, Government/Politics

Many have a limited view of the Middle East and Muslim culture, especially those who get most of their information via coverage of wars or political unrest. The Muslim world represents an array of cultures, societies and political views. Four local colleges have joined forces to educate Northeast Ohioans about Muslims and the Middle East and to foster conversation. The education begins on the Sound of Ideas, Wednesday at 9 on 90.3.

Suburbia’s Deer Problem

Posted August 4, 2011
Topics: Community/Human Interest, Government/Politics

Deer are mating like rabbits in Ohio. At least 750,000 populate the state, outstripping the natural resources needed in some areas to sustain them. And the danger of deer-car collisions increases as the herd grows. The debate over how to cull the herd rages on, with the city of Solon now a focal point as the city again turns to hunting while residents go to the ballot to outlaw it.

Friday Reporters’ Roundtable

Posted August 5, 2011
Topics: Community/Human Interest, Economy, Regional Economy/Business - News, Courts/Crime - Fire/Law Enforcement, Government/Politics

No will mean "no" on the ballot this fall when voters decide whether or not a new collective bargaining reform law should stand. That matter was settled by the state's ballot board this week. The battle over Senate Bill 5 is now the battle of Issue 2. Also this week, a former Cuyahoga County judge is sentenced to 14 months in prison for her role in a corruption scandal. Those and other top stories on our regional reporters roundtable, Friday at 9 on 90.3.

A Chat with the Benevolent Dictator

Posted August 8, 2011
Topics:

Michael Feuer co-founded OfficeMax and, a decade ago, sold it for a bundle. He's on to his next venture: Selling medical supplies the way he used to sell office supplies. Feuer joins us Monday to talk about his entrepreneurial philosophy, including the need to rule a business like a benevolent dictator, which also is the title of his new book. We'll get a definition, and have a conversation, Monday at 9 on the Sound of Ideas.

Senior Standouts

Posted August 9, 2011
Topics: Education

With the coming of 2011 hHigh school graduation season some amazing kids from Northeast Ohio collected their diplomas. Anyone worried about the future might feel more assured after talking to these young people. In an encore presentation of The Sound of Ideas, we'll visit again with a handful of senior standouts to find out how they managed to make their mark in high school and how they plan to make their mark on the world. Join us Tuesday at 9 on 90.3.

Let’s All Go to the Fair

Posted August 10, 2011
Topics: Arts and Culture, Community/Human Interest

It's fair season in Ohio, when a slice of Americana -- with a side of fried anything -- sets up shop in counties across the state. Moms and dads and wide-eyed kids walk the midway. 4-H teens show off their prized pigs and home gardeners present the season's perfect peppers. On the next Sound of Ideas, we'll visit the Cuyahoga County Fair and discuss the lure of fairs across the region and throughout Ohio. Admission, of course, is free. Wednesday at 9:00 on 90.3

NASA--What Next?

Posted August 11, 2011
Topics: Government/Politics, Transportation, Technology

Now that the space shuttle has made its last flight, what will the future hold for NASA and for Cleveland's NASA Glenn Research Center? These are nagging questions that don’t yet have answers. On the next Sound of Ideas we’ll see how space is essential to the workings of modern civilization and we’ll try to answer that big question…what’s next? Help us launch the discussion Thursday morning at 9:00 on 90.3.

Friday Reporters’ Roundtable

Posted August 12, 2011
Topics: Community/Human Interest, Economy, Regional Economy/Business - Analysis and Trends, Courts/Crime - Fire/Law Enforcement, Education, Government/Politics, Health

Ohio's Rob Portman is among those taking center stage in the next act of Washington's deficit reduction drama. He's a bona fide numbers guy who is seen as open to compromise. Labor's fight with Republican reformers stumbles in Wisconsin raising questions about fallout in Ohio. A Cleveland jury recommends death for a serial killer as another mass murder erupts in Copley. Scrutiny of MetroHealth goes up a notch - All fodder for conversation Friday on the Sound of Ideas with Host David Molpus and the reporters roundtable.

Battling Invasive Plants in Northeast Ohio

Posted August 15, 2011
Topics: Arts and Culture, Natural Sciences, Community/Human Interest, Environment, Government/Politics

The invaders are here! They're multiplying rapidly, choking the locals and their mission is to take over vast stretches of Northeast Ohio territory. Everybody, quick. Run for your ... Gardening gloves? The invaders are innocent looking plant species such as garlic mustard and Japanese honeysuckle. They threaten the balance of nature in park systems and neighborhoods. We'll tell you what's being done to repel the invaders. Monday on the Sound of Ideas.

Port of Cleveland

Posted August 16, 2011
Topics: Economy, Regional Economy/Business - News, Transportation, Terrorism

Grand, and incredibly expensive, plans to relocate the port of Cleveland and to remake miles of Cleveland lakefront have been scrapped. Instead, the port authority plans to stay right where it is, beef up maritime operations and devote itself to stewardship of the lakefront and the Cuyahoga River. And there’s still room for lakefront development. Port Director Will Friedman joins us to talk about the port's new plan, tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. on the Sound of Ideas.

What Makes a Smart Home Smart?

Posted August 17, 2011
Topics: Arts and Culture, Architecture, Natural History, Economy, Housing/Real Estate, Energy, Environment, Technology

Try to imagine a house so efficient it doesn't have a furnace or an air conditioner. It may sound like magic, but the people at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History claim to have pulled it off. On The Sound of Ideas we'll find out why the Museum's Smart Home uses just ten per cent of the energy of a normal house. Plus: how it's built, how some of the materials are truly local, and how to adapt the ideas found there to just about any home. On this rebroadcast from last June, you'll hear from the smart people who designed and built Ohio's first passive house, Wednesday morning at 9:00 on 90.3.

Asking for Money in Taxing Times

Posted August 18, 2011
Topics: Community/Human Interest, Economy, Regional Economy/Business - Analysis and Trends, Education, Government/Politics

The November ballot in Northeast Ohio is crowded with more than a hundred tax issues for schools and local governments. Most are just asking to keep the share they're getting. Some seek tax hikes. Those who rely on the public money say their budgets have been stressed by cuts in state funding. They're stressed, too, worrying about asking for money in a tough economy amid a nationwide anti-tax movement. Thursday at 9 on the Sound of Ideas.

Friday Reporters’ Roundtable

Posted August 19, 2011
Topics: Community/Human Interest, Economy, Housing/Real Estate, Regional Economy/Business - Analysis and Trends, Government/Politics, Transportation, Terrorism, Technology

Governor Kasich used GOP muscle to push through a controversial collective bargaining law. Now, as pressure builds for repeal, the Governor says he's ready to make a deal. Your next walk through that airport scanner will be a little less revealing. Firearms sales appear to be on the rise; Summit County takes a record dive in property values; and a former Cleveland baseball hero still thrills the local fans. Friday morning at 9 on the Sound of Ideas reporters' roundtable,

Pay to Participate

Posted August 22, 2011
Topics: Education, Parenting/Child Care

Tax dollars fund public schools, but in some districts, taxes alone aren't enough to cover kids who want to do more than just hit the books. Increasingly across Ohio, parents are taking a hit to the wallet, paying fees to allow their students to take the stage, storm the field, sink a shot or bang a drum. Public school isn't free. Should it be? Join us with your thoughts, Monday at 9:00 on The Sound of Ideas.

A Growing International Flavor on Campus

Posted August 23, 2011
Topics: Economy, Regional Economy/Business - Analysis and Trends, Education, Government/Politics, Immigration

Graduate schools, especially business schools, are becoming increasingly international. Foreign students, particularly those from China, flock here to earn their master's degrees. It's a good sign that U.S. oolleges are still a magnet for those who want a good education, but are American grad students being crowded out? Educators and students from local colleges join our discussion, Tuesday at 9 on the Sound of Ideas.

School Report Cards

Posted August 25, 2011
Topics: Education

School's just starting for kids, but report cards are already out for their schools. On the next Sound of Ideas, we'll talk about the winners and losers across Ohio, where overall scores generally improved. Lorain schools are celebrating a move out of academic watch while Cleveland schools take a step back. Next year, the grading gets tougher. How did your schools do? And how important is the state report card, anyway? Join us, Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. on 90.3.

Friday Reporters’ Roundtable

Posted August 26, 2011
Topics: Community/Human Interest, Economy, Regional Economy/Business - Analysis and Trends, Education, Government/Politics, Health, Parenting/Child Care

Despite an increase in jobs created, Ohio's jobless rate hits the 9 percent mark again, while the state turns down $176-million in aid for the unemployed. Cuyahoga County considers domestic partner benefits. Summit County may ban civil servants from partisan political activity --- a state law requirement. High School graduation rates go up in Cleveland, but maybe not for long. Join ideastream Executive Editor David Molpus and a panel of journalists as they review the week's top stories. Plus, a terrorism expert discusses the state of US security as we approach the 10th anniversary of September 11. We'll explore the meaning behind the headlines, Friday morning at 9:00.

A New Wave of Lawyers and How They’ll Affect Your Life

Posted August 29, 2011
Topics: Community/Human Interest, Economy, Regional Economy/Business - Analysis and Trends, Courts/Crime - Fire/Law Enforcement, Education, Energy, Environment, Ethics/Religion, Government/Politics, Health, Aging/The Elderly, Immigration, Technology

How do you teach someone to be a lawyer? No, this is not a lawyer joke: Lawyers don't think those are funny and other people don't think they're jokes. One the next Sound of Ideas, we'll discuss how to really prepare the next wave of lawyers with the new law school deans from Cleveland State and Case Western Reserve universities. From courtrooms to boardrooms and beyond; educating America's future lawyers --- and how their work will impact your life. Join host Mike McIntyre for the conversation, Monday morning at 9:00 on 90.3.

Healing the Wounds of War

Posted August 31, 2011
Topics: Community/Human Interest, Government/Politics, Health, Technology

Soldiers volunteer to put themselves into harm's way and the reality of war is that some of those soldiers come home harmed. Northeast Ohio researchers are doing cutting edge work to help these wounded warriors restore some of what they've lost. Science is developing revolutionary replacement limbs that mimic real arms and legs, and electrodes that bypass broken neural pathways in soldiers with spinal cord injuries, restoring function. Healing the wounds of war, Wednesday morning at 9 on The Sound of Ideas.