Plymouth Pilgrims Persevered, Followed Their Faith

There were slightly more than a hundred pilgrims packed onto the Mayflower, double the intended number of passengers according to historian Rod Gragg in his newest book.  About half of them did not live to celebrate their first Thanksgiving.

In this interview, Rod offers some fascinating information about the group that settled the Plymouth Colony and the Thanksgiving celebration, which lasted several days and featured on the menu not only turkey, but also lobster and (gulp) beaver.  

New Drug Being Tested For Alzheimer's Patients

A new drug could help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.  Research is being conducted at University Hospitals Case Medical Center.  Dr. Alan Lerner, Director of the Brain, Health and Memory Center at UHCMC is the lead researcher, and explains how this study focuses on patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

The Chaplin's Cross: A World War Two Tale

Based on real events that took place during the final weeks of World War II, author Ed DeVos writes his second historical novel, The Chaplain's Cross, from two points of view: that of a fighter pilot in the Japanese military, and a U. S. military chaplain based with the the unit assigned to confront Japanese forces.

The novel is subtitled Crisis in Conscience, as is Mr. DeVos' first novel, The Stain, which followed the centurion the author imagined as John the Baptist's executioner.  Both books reflect the author's interest and expertise in military history, and his deep devotion to Christ.

God Is Gary Wright's Dream Weaver

He was brought in as a studio musician to play keyboards on George Harrison's first solo album, the epic All Things Must Pass.  Thus began a friendship, based on mutual interests that included not only music, but also gardening, food and devotion to God, guided by a guru and Indian philosophy.

Gary Wright's memoir, Dreamweaver: Music, Meditation, and My Friendship With George Harrison comes complete with some rare photographs, including two shot by Cleveland photographer Janet Macoska in the 70's.  It's a rock and roll story minus the sex and drugs.  Refreshing!

You Can Help Project Hope Fight Ebola In Africa

Project Hope is raising funds to fight the Ebola virus at its source: in Western Africa.  Representative Scott Wilder implores you to donate by calling 844-454-HOPE (4673) or by donating online.

He explains how Project Hope is one of Charity Navigator's most highly-rated organizations, with less than 5% of the funds raised used for administrative costs.

Celebrate The Holidays With The Mom Squad

Moms, get ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas this Saturday, when Sara Carnes of The Family Friendly Morning Show on 955 The Fish hosts a Mom Squad Holiday Celebration at La Centre in Westlake.  Robin Swoboda will deliver the keynote speech, and Lori Triplett will sing.

Vikings Coach Gary Waters Is At CSU to Stay

Gary Waters speaks to the Rotary Club of Cleveland/ Photo credit: Jim McIntyre

Gary Waters, head coach of the Cleveland State University men's basketball team, is the most successful coach in Vikings history, surpassing Kevin Mackey for the number of games won under his leadership over the past eight seasons. And Coach Waters recently signed a contract extension that will keep him at CSU through the 2019-2020 Season.

The Vikings lost their season opener in Iona, but beat Tiffin in the home opener at the Wolstein Center 85-56.  Coach Waters thinks the Vikings can compete against the biggest schools in the NCAA, and can win on any given day.

A Glance At The Golden Age Of TV In Cleveland

Barnaby, Captain Penny and Ghoulardi are featured prominently in Cleveland TV Tales: Stories from the Golden Age of Local Television.    Cleveland Pop Culture expert Mike Olszewski and his wife Janice have researched and written not only an entertaining account of the characters who helped create local TV, they also offer a look back at the last half of the 20th century in Cleveland.

Mike and Janice will appear at various venues leading up to Christmas.  Cleveland TV Tales would be a great gift or stocking stuffer, especially for anyone over 50 who grew up watching Barnaby in the morning, Captain Penny after school, and Ghoulardi with dad on Friday night.

CPI: Producing Plumbers And Preventing Problems

Have you winterized your plumbing?  It's especially important if you plan to travel for the holidays, leaving your house empty for a number of days.  Jason Shank, President of the Northern Ohio Chapter for the American Society of Sanitary Engineering offers helpful hints as the holidays approach.  The biggest takeaway:  get rid of your garbage disposal.

Jason is also Training Director for the Cleveland Plumbing Industry.  He is a big proponent of apprenticeships for aspiring plumbers, and he discusses the CPI apprenticeship program.

Nazi Propaganda The Focus Of Maltz Exibition

From maltzmuseum.org, with permission

The new exhibition is now on display at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage.  Mark Davidson, Education Manager for the Maltz Museum, and Samantha Fryberger, Director of Marketing and Communications discuss the various components to State of Deception: The Power of Nazi Propaganda, and how it compares to the current use of social media by current day terrorists.

The exhibition runs through March 15, 2015.

Looking To Pick The Northern Ohio Rose of Tralee

Denise McConvile, Ashley Speaker and Mike Killeen

Applications are now being accepted for the 2015 Rose of Tralee Northern Ohio Rose candidate.  The winner gets a free trip to Ireland, to represent our region at the Rose of Tralee International Festival in May, 2015.

The local festival will be held in February.  Dan Coughlin of Fox 8 Sports is the Master of Ceremonies.

Event Executive Denise McConvile, whose father was instrumental in establishing the festival in Ireland relays the story that inspired the Rose of Tralee.  She is joined by Mike Killeen, President of Westlake World Partners, the non-profit organization that sponsors the local festival, and Ashley Speaker, the 2012 Northern Ohio Rose.

Woman With Terminal Condition Lives Life With Dignity Dad Shares Brave Daughter's Story

Dr. Mark Pinkerton, Cedarville University

Not everyone feels Brittany Maynard is a hero. Brittany Maynard is the 29-year old who took her own life November 1st, after being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in January of this year.

Melinda Pinkerton suffers from neurofibromatosis type 2, also a terminal condition. But she has lived with it for 12 years. Her father, Dr. Mark Pinkerton says she is in constant pain due to non-cancerous tumors on her brain and spinal cord.   Yet Melinda, who tries to find joy in painting despite the pain, shed tears when learning of Ms. Maynard's suicide, calling it cowardly according to her father.

Melinda not only paints, but she shares her experiences on her blog.  Dr. Mark Pinkerton tells his daughter's courageous story in this interview.

Compass MD: The match.com for Doctors and Patients

Anthony Stedillie, CompassMD

With all the changes in health care fostered by the Affordable Care Act, finding the right doctor is more important than ever before, and Anthony Stedillie, the CEO of CompassMD explains the "technology empowered matchmaking for the 21st Century" provided by CompassMD.                          

Small Business Coaches Help Companies Grow

Adam Sonnhalter and Jack Mencini

Adam Sonnhalter and Jack Mencini of  Maximum Value Partners coach small businesses.  Here they explain how they developed MVP and how they can help small business owners get to the next level.

Give A Dog A High-Tech Bone For Healthy Teeth

Bill Leimkuehler and Paul Ruflin, with the Zumby

The Zumby is a new invention that uses micro-current technology to keep your dog's mouth healthy. How?  Bill Leimkuehler and Paul Ruflin of Animal Oralectrics explain in this interview.

They also explain how you can pre-order a Zumby for your dog, while at the same time help fund manufacturing of the doggie dental devices through a crowd-funding campaign.

The technology behind the Zumby was tested at Case Western Reserve University.

Update: The Man Who Confessed To A Fatal Drunk Driving Crash Still Imprisoned

The social movement begun by Alex Sheen in Lakewood continues to grow around the world. Because I Said I Would gained notoriety a year ago, when a young Columbus man confessed to driving drunk and causing a crash that killed another man, BEFORE he was even charged.  Matthew Cordle made a promise, to own up to the crime and accept whatever punishment he was given.

He remains behind bars.

Cordle's video confession went viral, focusing attention on Mr. Sheen and the story behind Because I Said I Would.  A new video gives Cordle another chance to deliver his anti-drunk driving plea.  And in this interview, Alex Sheen explains how Because I Said I Would has grown in the past year.

Edwins Celebrates First Anniversary At Shaker Square

Brandon Chrostowski, Larry Shields, and Ramsey Smith/Photo credit: Salem Cleveland

Have you dined at Edwins yet?  The Shaker Square restaurant also serves as a culinary school for newly-released convicts, who learn skills useful to restaurant owners across Greater Cleveland.

Edwins Leadership and Restaurant Institute celebrated its first anniversary on November 1st. Founder and CEO Brandon Chrostowski tells the Edwins story in this interview.  Two current students, Larry Shields and Ramsey Smith join Brandon to explain how Edwins is helping them change their lives.

Book Looks Into The Lives Of Sowell's Victims

Five years ago this week, the world learned of the violent deaths of 11 women at the hands of Anthony Sowell, when their remains were found in and around Sowell's house on Imperial Avenue in Cleveland's Mount Pleasant neighborhood.

This week, on the fifth anniversary of the discovery of the first of Sowell's victims, many family members gathered for the groundbreaking of a memorial to their loved ones at the site where the House of Horrors once stood.

Journalist and author Robert Sberna researched the case by looking into the lives of each of Sowell's victims, interviewing many family members.  He also interviewed the killer himself.

Rob Sberna will appear at the Brunswick Library author's fair from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM on November 15, 2014.

Ministering To Muslims For The Salvation of Souls

The author of Engaging Islam is fighting Islamic extremism...and eternal damnation...by saving the souls of muslims through Christ. In this interview, Georges Houssney describes his life-long ministry, and offers non-muslims a primer on the fundamentals of what he calls a false religion.

Mr. Houssney is the founder of Horizons international, which is dedicated to transforming the world, especially the Muslim world, through God's love and forgiveness.