Erin O'Brien
Stories by: Erin O'Brien
Erin O'Brien's eclectic features and essays have appeared in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and others. The sixth generation northeast Ohioan is also author of The Irish Hungarian Guide to the Domestic Arts. Visit erinobrien.us for complete profile information.
These straightforward tactics contributed to a stunningly successful policing story for the Cleveland Police Department and its extended team during the Republican National Convention.
Yesterday, staff of the Ritz-Carlton Cleveland treated Fresh Water Cleveland to a sneak peek of the most unique pop-up shop around.
Saks Fifth Avenue will operate a temporary boutique in the sixth floor hotel lobby at the Ritz-Carlton in Tower City from July 17 to 21. While the doors aren't open yet, Fresh Water can say with confidence that Republican National Convention visitors - or anyone dropping in - will be treated to the likes of Judith Leiber clutches, KYBOE! watches and Burberry bags for last-minute gift and accessories. The shop will also offer select clothing and toiletry items
Guests staying at hotel will receive a $50 savings certificate valid when making a $300 minimum purchase at the boutique. For after-hours fashion emergencies, special trips to the larger Saks Fifth Avenue store in Cleveland can also be arranged for hotel guests, along with overnight tailoring, measurements for which will be taken at The Ritz-Carlton.
The posh boutique will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saks Fifth Avenue will operate a temporary boutique in the sixth floor hotel lobby at the Ritz-Carlton in Tower City from July 17 to 21. While the doors aren't open yet, Fresh Water can say with confidence that Republican National Convention visitors - or anyone dropping in - will be treated to the likes of Judith Leiber clutches, KYBOE! watches and Burberry bags for last-minute gift and accessories. The shop will also offer select clothing and toiletry items
Guests staying at hotel will receive a $50 savings certificate valid when making a $300 minimum purchase at the boutique. For after-hours fashion emergencies, special trips to the larger Saks Fifth Avenue store in Cleveland can also be arranged for hotel guests, along with overnight tailoring, measurements for which will be taken at The Ritz-Carlton.
The posh boutique will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fresh Water uncovers the weird, the overlooked, the hidden, the has-been and even the naked in this rollicking roundup.
Last week in Cleveland, some 200 Forward Cities attendees from across the nation explored strategies that foster entrepreneurship and social innovation in minority communities.
It seems Cavs fever has spread to news outlets far and wide and .... above.
Laramie, Wyoming, loves LeBron as evidenced by this local fan roundup: "Larry Shyatt recently stepped down as the Wyoming men’s basketball coach. In 1964, he was there to see Cleveland win its last championship before Sunday night, when the Browns beat the Baltimore Colts 27-0 in the NFL Championship Game, two years before it was dubbed the Super Bowl."
Ever concerned about the high and mighty dollar, earlier this month the San Francisco-based Market Watch explained Why it pays to be a Cleveland Cavaliers fan.
And then there was this from the Manila Times ahead of the historic Game 7 win: "Despite the feat of LeBron James and Kyrie Irving pulling the Cleveland Cavaliers within 3-2 in the ongoing best-of-seven series of the National Basketball Association Finals, the majority of Filipino NBA fans see the Golden State Warriors retaining the crown."
Or not.
But perhaps most notably, the Onion reported this from The Heavens: "Despite allowing the Cavaliers to win the city’s first major sports championship in 52 years, God Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, confirmed Sunday that He still hates Cleveland fans. 'I just figured that enough is enough, so I decided to throw them a bone and finally give them a title, but believe me, I still can’t stand Cleveland teams or their fans,' said the Lord."
Well then, perhaps we can win God Almighty over for the Indians during this year's World Series.
Laramie, Wyoming, loves LeBron as evidenced by this local fan roundup: "Larry Shyatt recently stepped down as the Wyoming men’s basketball coach. In 1964, he was there to see Cleveland win its last championship before Sunday night, when the Browns beat the Baltimore Colts 27-0 in the NFL Championship Game, two years before it was dubbed the Super Bowl."
Ever concerned about the high and mighty dollar, earlier this month the San Francisco-based Market Watch explained Why it pays to be a Cleveland Cavaliers fan.
And then there was this from the Manila Times ahead of the historic Game 7 win: "Despite the feat of LeBron James and Kyrie Irving pulling the Cleveland Cavaliers within 3-2 in the ongoing best-of-seven series of the National Basketball Association Finals, the majority of Filipino NBA fans see the Golden State Warriors retaining the crown."
Or not.
But perhaps most notably, the Onion reported this from The Heavens: "Despite allowing the Cavaliers to win the city’s first major sports championship in 52 years, God Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, confirmed Sunday that He still hates Cleveland fans. 'I just figured that enough is enough, so I decided to throw them a bone and finally give them a title, but believe me, I still can’t stand Cleveland teams or their fans,' said the Lord."
Well then, perhaps we can win God Almighty over for the Indians during this year's World Series.
Dear fellow journalists,
On June 11, the following headline ran in your admirable publication:
"It looks like Cleveland's championship curse will continue"
What followed was an opinion piece by the venerable Randy Hollis, who went on to suggest that Cleveland was the "City that always weeps" amid other transcendent observations such as "And now, with LeBron James and the Cavaliers just one loss away from succumbing to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals for a second straight year, it looks like the "Cleveland Curse" is about to continue."
Oh dear ….
Now then, we appreciate your jocularity and have been trying to find a way to return the favor. Perhaps Mr. Hollis is the "writer who shouldn't have said a peep" or the Deseret's good editor, Mr. Paul S. Edwards is the "editor that didn't go too deep," but we can probably all agree those are a bit clunky to say the least.
No matter.
As our esteemed colleagues, we also appreciate that you would step up to the plate – perhaps one in Progressive Field, wherein the Indians (which are leading in the in the AL Central) bested the White Sox in the 10th inning just yesterday – and offer commentary on sports franchises 1,700 miles away. After all, while you do an excellent job of covering high school soccer, we certainly understand the desire to stretch one's legs.
We also note you describe your mission thusly: "to be a leading news brand for faith and family oriented audiences in Utah and around the world."
Hm. Too bad that faith didn't extend to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
As you can imagine, here in Cleveland we are busy bathing ourselves in wine and gold, but we felt a need to check in just the same. As for Mr. Hollis, perhaps he should focus on "copy editing and page layout/design" and leave the sports predictions to those who are a little closer to the game.
With our warmest regards,
Erin O'Brien
Managing Editor
Fresh Water Cleveland
On June 11, the following headline ran in your admirable publication:
"It looks like Cleveland's championship curse will continue"
What followed was an opinion piece by the venerable Randy Hollis, who went on to suggest that Cleveland was the "City that always weeps" amid other transcendent observations such as "And now, with LeBron James and the Cavaliers just one loss away from succumbing to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals for a second straight year, it looks like the "Cleveland Curse" is about to continue."
Oh dear ….
Now then, we appreciate your jocularity and have been trying to find a way to return the favor. Perhaps Mr. Hollis is the "writer who shouldn't have said a peep" or the Deseret's good editor, Mr. Paul S. Edwards is the "editor that didn't go too deep," but we can probably all agree those are a bit clunky to say the least.
No matter.
As our esteemed colleagues, we also appreciate that you would step up to the plate – perhaps one in Progressive Field, wherein the Indians (which are leading in the in the AL Central) bested the White Sox in the 10th inning just yesterday – and offer commentary on sports franchises 1,700 miles away. After all, while you do an excellent job of covering high school soccer, we certainly understand the desire to stretch one's legs.
We also note you describe your mission thusly: "to be a leading news brand for faith and family oriented audiences in Utah and around the world."
Hm. Too bad that faith didn't extend to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
As you can imagine, here in Cleveland we are busy bathing ourselves in wine and gold, but we felt a need to check in just the same. As for Mr. Hollis, perhaps he should focus on "copy editing and page layout/design" and leave the sports predictions to those who are a little closer to the game.
With our warmest regards,
Erin O'Brien
Managing Editor
Fresh Water Cleveland
Salt Lake City "wordsmith" offers up snarky Cleveland nickname
Perhaps someone ought to tell Randy Hollis of the Deseret News that the Lake Erie Monsters won the Calder Cup Championship last night and that the Cavs haven't lost the series to Golden State just yet.
Instead of recognizing any of that, Hollis wants to hand Clevelanders a tissue from his desk in (ahem) Utah. Here is an excerpt from his latest "effort."
New York City has long been called "The City That Never Sleeps."
And for the past 50-plus years, Cleveland could very well be called "The City That Always Weeps."
Not since 1964, when star running back Jim Brown led the Cleveland Browns to the National Football League championship, has that Midwestern city been able to say it's the home of a major professional sports champion.
The City That Always Weeps, eh? Very clever, Mr. Hollis.
If you want to, read the rest of his "writing" here.
Instead of recognizing any of that, Hollis wants to hand Clevelanders a tissue from his desk in (ahem) Utah. Here is an excerpt from his latest "effort."
New York City has long been called "The City That Never Sleeps."
And for the past 50-plus years, Cleveland could very well be called "The City That Always Weeps."
Not since 1964, when star running back Jim Brown led the Cleveland Browns to the National Football League championship, has that Midwestern city been able to say it's the home of a major professional sports champion.
The City That Always Weeps, eh? Very clever, Mr. Hollis.
If you want to, read the rest of his "writing" here.
This summer, Mark Mothersbaugh's Myopia will enchant Clevelanders and Akronites alike with a host of surreal characters, giant graphics and all things DEVO.
Last week, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo opened the highly anticipated Rosebrough Tiger Passage.
First announced last September, the $4.1 million installation occupies a staggering 48,000 square feet, which includes the space designated for the cats as well as their adoring fans. The new habitat includes climbing poles, meadows, shallow streams, soaking pools and outdoor overnight access. Visitors can enjoy highly interactive viewing as the animals have access to overhead catwalks. Large viewing windows and paths that traverse the environment round out the experience, which encourages visitors to explore and seek out the Zoo's two resident Amur tigers, Klechka, a 12-year old male, and Dasha, a 15-year-old female.
Per Andi Kornak, the Zoo's director of animal and veterinary programs, the two cats wintered at the Zoo's Sarah Allison Steffee Center for Zoological Medicine while Panzica Construction Company of Mayfield Village completed the build-out of the new habitat. The Cleveland based firm Van Auken Akin Architects and WDM Architects out of Wichita, Kansas; which specializes in creating sustainable, authentic environments that immerse and inspire zoo visitors; designed the sprawling space.
The two cats were understandably shy during the grand opening, said Kornak.
"It will take them a few weeks to acclimate to their new exhibit," she noted during the event. "It's five times the size of the old one so there's lot of space to explore and become comfortable with."
The Zoo's executive director Christopher Kuhar said the space is designed to allow the animals to prowl, climb and saunter around in a way that they've never had the opportunity to do before.
"While it seems that we're focusing exclusively on the animals," said Kuhar, "the reality is that the best possible guest experience is to see animals performing their natural behavioral repertoire, to see them moving around and exercising and doing all those really cool things that cats do."
Kuhar added that the new exhibit also focuses on education as there are only 500 Amur tigers left in the wild.
"We want to connect people with wildlife, to inspire personal responsibility to take conservation action," he said. "What we hope is that people are going to see these great cats and be inspired to do something in their own way to help animals in the wild."
First announced last September, the $4.1 million installation occupies a staggering 48,000 square feet, which includes the space designated for the cats as well as their adoring fans. The new habitat includes climbing poles, meadows, shallow streams, soaking pools and outdoor overnight access. Visitors can enjoy highly interactive viewing as the animals have access to overhead catwalks. Large viewing windows and paths that traverse the environment round out the experience, which encourages visitors to explore and seek out the Zoo's two resident Amur tigers, Klechka, a 12-year old male, and Dasha, a 15-year-old female.
Per Andi Kornak, the Zoo's director of animal and veterinary programs, the two cats wintered at the Zoo's Sarah Allison Steffee Center for Zoological Medicine while Panzica Construction Company of Mayfield Village completed the build-out of the new habitat. The Cleveland based firm Van Auken Akin Architects and WDM Architects out of Wichita, Kansas; which specializes in creating sustainable, authentic environments that immerse and inspire zoo visitors; designed the sprawling space.
The two cats were understandably shy during the grand opening, said Kornak.
"It will take them a few weeks to acclimate to their new exhibit," she noted during the event. "It's five times the size of the old one so there's lot of space to explore and become comfortable with."
The Zoo's executive director Christopher Kuhar said the space is designed to allow the animals to prowl, climb and saunter around in a way that they've never had the opportunity to do before.
"While it seems that we're focusing exclusively on the animals," said Kuhar, "the reality is that the best possible guest experience is to see animals performing their natural behavioral repertoire, to see them moving around and exercising and doing all those really cool things that cats do."
Kuhar added that the new exhibit also focuses on education as there are only 500 Amur tigers left in the wild.
"We want to connect people with wildlife, to inspire personal responsibility to take conservation action," he said. "What we hope is that people are going to see these great cats and be inspired to do something in their own way to help animals in the wild."
With newcomers such as MOCA and the utterly transformed Uptown District, University Circle (UC) has exploded with new activity that has easily blended in amid funky Hessler Street, the towering puppets of Parade the Circle and the venerable cultural institutions lining Wade Oval.
If you build it, they will come. So goes the saying and so it is for UC, a development that University Circle Inc. (UCI) and its partners have noted and then some.
"I really think transportation is on a lot of people's minds lately. It's certainly on our minds here in University Circle and the surrounding area," says Laura Kleinman, UCI's vice president of services. "Such substantial growth means a greater volume of people in the area," she adds, noting that the influx increases pressure on the environment, the infrastructure and most importantly, the people.
To ease it all, UCI, along with some 20 area partners, has developed the expansive Moving Greater University Circle's Transportation and Mobility Plan. At more than 140 pages, the document is daunting, but it's implementation and intent are already evidenced in the UC area in the friendliest of ways, starting most notably with a familiar link that's just expanded and aims to make navigating the area easier than ever.
Continue reading ...
If you build it, they will come. So goes the saying and so it is for UC, a development that University Circle Inc. (UCI) and its partners have noted and then some.
"I really think transportation is on a lot of people's minds lately. It's certainly on our minds here in University Circle and the surrounding area," says Laura Kleinman, UCI's vice president of services. "Such substantial growth means a greater volume of people in the area," she adds, noting that the influx increases pressure on the environment, the infrastructure and most importantly, the people.
To ease it all, UCI, along with some 20 area partners, has developed the expansive Moving Greater University Circle's Transportation and Mobility Plan. At more than 140 pages, the document is daunting, but it's implementation and intent are already evidenced in the UC area in the friendliest of ways, starting most notably with a familiar link that's just expanded and aims to make navigating the area easier than ever.
Continue reading ...
Circlepass to offer discounted admission to four University Circle venues
Last Thursday during their spring meeting, University Circle Inc. (UCI) representatives announced a forthcoming Circlepass, which will bring a popular tourist concept to the city's cultural focal point.
CirclePass will be one combined ticket for the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (MOCA), the Cleveland Botanical Garden, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the Western Reserve Historical Society's Cleveland History Center. Circlepass will be discounted by 25 percent off regular admissions.
Each pass will remain valid for ten days and is valid for one entry at each museum. Hence users may visit all the venues on one day or over several days. Circlepass will be available for purchase online and users will receive it via text or email. Those who prefer a paper experience will be able to print out their pass. Smart phone users will be able to display the pass therein. UCI expects to officially launch the much-anticipated program by the end of the month.
Lisa Sands, UCI's director of marketing and communications noted that similar types of event passes are available at cities such as Toronto and Seattle among others, but University Circle's unique layout sets Circlepass apart.
"What makes Circlepass unique and especially appealing is the proximity of each participating institution," said Sands at the meeting. "Unlike most passes in Boston and Chicago, the Circlepass experience is entirely walkable."
Sands said she hopes Circlepass attracts visitors of all walks, be they conventioneers, groups or those who might make a one-tank trip from Pittsburgh, Columbus or Erie. She mentioned the PNC Bank's support of the program several times.
While still in the pilot stage, Sands said UCI hopes to eventually add other area venues, hotels and restaurants, but the organization felt launching ahead of the RNC was critical.
"The time is right to launch it this year with all the excitement and visitorship destined for our city," said Sands, noting the affordability and convenience of the pass concept. "They're very popular with tourists."
Last Thursday during their spring meeting, University Circle Inc. (UCI) representatives announced a forthcoming Circlepass, which will bring a popular tourist concept to the city's cultural focal point.
CirclePass will be one combined ticket for the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (MOCA), the Cleveland Botanical Garden, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the Western Reserve Historical Society's Cleveland History Center. Circlepass will be discounted by 25 percent off regular admissions.
Each pass will remain valid for ten days and is valid for one entry at each museum. Hence users may visit all the venues on one day or over several days. Circlepass will be available for purchase online and users will receive it via text or email. Those who prefer a paper experience will be able to print out their pass. Smart phone users will be able to display the pass therein. UCI expects to officially launch the much-anticipated program by the end of the month.
Lisa Sands, UCI's director of marketing and communications noted that similar types of event passes are available at cities such as Toronto and Seattle among others, but University Circle's unique layout sets Circlepass apart.
"What makes Circlepass unique and especially appealing is the proximity of each participating institution," said Sands at the meeting. "Unlike most passes in Boston and Chicago, the Circlepass experience is entirely walkable."
Sands said she hopes Circlepass attracts visitors of all walks, be they conventioneers, groups or those who might make a one-tank trip from Pittsburgh, Columbus or Erie. She mentioned the PNC Bank's support of the program several times.
While still in the pilot stage, Sands said UCI hopes to eventually add other area venues, hotels and restaurants, but the organization felt launching ahead of the RNC was critical.
"The time is right to launch it this year with all the excitement and visitorship destined for our city," said Sands, noting the affordability and convenience of the pass concept. "They're very popular with tourists."
The nationally syndicated columnist chats about the state of feminism in America, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
Dropping that plastic water bottle into a recycling bin is just the beginning of the story. And far too often, we're all making big recycling mistakes.
This short hard-hitting film aims to help young people develop empathy and see the world through other peoples' eyes.
MOCA's cosmopolitan flair is rooted in its commitment to connect Cleveland to points across the globe via art and people.
A group of high school seniors will light up Beachwood High School on April 30 with fun, food trucks and 200 vendors ranging from international giants and local businesses to student entrepreneurs at EntrovationCLE.
YWCA Greater Cleveland is celebrating its 40th anniversary of honoring women in Northeast Ohio through the Women of Achievement awards, in which eight local leaders will be named Women of Achievement and 46 others will be designated as Women of Professional Excellence.
The awards allow companies and groups throughout Northeast Ohio to recognize the contributions of exceptional women in their organizations. Women receiving it exemplify high professional standards and career and personal growth; make significant contributions to the effective, efficient operation of their organizations; display a willingness to support and mentor others; and make a positive impact on the community. Previously known as the Merit Award, more than 1,500 women have received this honor since 1977.
The 2016 "Women of Achievement Award" recipients include:
The women will be recognized at the 40th YWCA Women of Achievement Luncheon and Women’s Leadership Conference on Monday, May 2 at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel, which will also feature a host of conference workshops. More information about the event and registration details are available online.
The awards allow companies and groups throughout Northeast Ohio to recognize the contributions of exceptional women in their organizations. Women receiving it exemplify high professional standards and career and personal growth; make significant contributions to the effective, efficient operation of their organizations; display a willingness to support and mentor others; and make a positive impact on the community. Previously known as the Merit Award, more than 1,500 women have received this honor since 1977.
The 2016 "Women of Achievement Award" recipients include:
- Micki Byrnes, president and general manager, WKYC
- Lee Friedman, CEO, College Now Greater Cleveland
- Kathryn “Kit” Jensen, COO, ideastream
- Kym Sellers, founder, Kym Sellers Foundation; television and radio personality
- Robyn Minter Smyers, partner-in-charge, Thompson Hine LLP – Cleveland Office
- Maryrose Sylvester, president and CEO, Current Powered by GE
- Nancy Tinsley, president of Parma Medical Center, University Hospitals
- Sue Tyler, executive vice President and chief experience officer, Medical Mutual of Ohio
The women will be recognized at the 40th YWCA Women of Achievement Luncheon and Women’s Leadership Conference on Monday, May 2 at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel, which will also feature a host of conference workshops. More information about the event and registration details are available online.
