I have to say that Cleveland is blessed with an abundance of young professional groups. Just think of all the groups that connect us all – Cleveland 20/30, City Club New Leaders, Playhouse Square Partners, Cleveland Bridge Builders, Society of Urban Professionals and Emerging Business Leaders at the Union Club just to name a few. My good friend Patrick Manfroni had the great idea of pulling all of these great young professional resources together in one portal – brilliant! Do yourself a favor and go to www.clevelandconnexion.com. And get connected, Cleveland.

Well former Prez anyway. I had the honor and privilege of meeting former President Clinton last week in Shaker Heights. I was invited by Michael Wager – current Chairman of the Cleveland Port Authority and partner at Squire Sanders. It was fascinating to see such a historically charged figure up close and personal. Truth is he looked a little tired and frustrated upon entering the reception (with maybe 50 other people in Michael’s front room), but once he got the mic in his hand – you could see why so many people were attracted to his intellect. Anyway, I got this photo of POTUS listening to a question.

This was one of those fascinating life moments for me. And to see the President within arm’s length was extraordinary. To listen to Clinton certainly gave one a charge. He is incredibly insightful and is very aware of the “politics du jour.”

Hey everyone – this is a great invite to a very unique opportunity for the tech and creative industries to participate in a special rehearsal of Hansel & Gretel sponsored by Opera Cleveland. My good friend Sarah Stilgenbauer (if there was ever an opera name she has it) has 50 VIP passes set aside for those who work in the technology and creative industries in Cleveland to attend this special dress rehearsal on October 27^th @ 7pm. The first 50 who RSVP get in! THE EVENT IS FREE PEOPLE!

To participate contact Sarah Stilgenbauer @ 216.575.0903, extension 263 or at stilgenbauer@operacleveland.org.

As Sarah said to me, “Vote for free beer and opera.” Indeed. Also any major opera that has a chicken as a spokesperson – Carl, the Opera Chicken is okay with me. (http://www.operachicken.blogspot.com/) I hope you will join us for this event. Make it happen, Cleveland.

I try my best to be cool with everyone…but I have to go on record about Tech Emperor. I just plain don’t like him. Like, why does he always dress like he is in an old Bugle Boy’s commercial? What’s with the three day beard growth that looks uneven and evil? Ever heard of a trimmer, big boy? Anyway he started talking smack as I made my way back to my car after a delightful lunch at #1 Pho. Let’s just go on record as saying I took care of business. I gave him a couple of “fresh ones.” Photographic evidence is posted below.