Clevelanders Learn Cultural Competence For Gay Games

Hundreds of Greater Clevelanders have completed a cultural competency training program developed by the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio, in preparation for the Gay Games, being held next week in various venues throughout Cleveland and Akron.

Up to 30,000 people are expected to either participate or attend one or more of the games or related events.  Christen DuVernay is Director of Programs for the Diversity Center, and in this interview, she explains gender fluidity, non-conformance, and why the word "queer" is no longer considered an offensive term among members of the LGBTQ community.

She defines LGBTQ, too.

The 2014 Dream House Drawing Draws Near

Tour the Lake County YMCA Dream House, and for the price of admission ($15.00) you could own the beautiful new town home in the Residences at Willoughby Pointe in downtown Willoughby. But you only have until Sunday, August 10th to do it.

Listen to this interview with Construction Liaison Kathy Wallace of Store with Style, and project staff chairman Bob Hoffman, Chief Facilities Officer for the Lake County YMCA to learn how it works.

Is It Too Little Too Late For Christians in Iraq?

With President Obama now authorizing airstrikes "if necessary" against Islamic State terrorists in Iraq, we revisit the interview with Robert Alt, President of the Buckeye Institute for Public Policy Solutions. It was recorded when ISIS first began taking control of Iraqi towns in early June, and when much of the world was first made aware of the persecution of religious minorities, including Christians in Iraq.

Edison Nation Helps Inventors Get Products To Market

If you build a better mousetrap, or even just design one, or anything that may be innovative and in demand, Edison Nation can help you bring it to the market.  Scott Dromms, Manager of Intellectual Property at Edison Nation reviews invention submissions and works with manufacturers and retailers who are looking for outside innovations to solve problems.

Michael Symon, Cleveland Indians Help Autism Speaks

Laura Hoffman, Autism Speaks
Photo credit: Jim McIntyre, Salem Communications

Two big events to benefit Autism Speaks are coming up.  One involves star power, the other, step power.  The 2014 Chef Gala for Autism Speaks features the stars of The Chew, Cleveland's own Michael Symon and special guest Mario Batali on August 9, at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Walk Now for Autism Speaks is the other event Laura Hoffman, Director of Field Development for Northeast Ohio for Autism Speaks discusses in this interview. It will take place on Sunday, September 14 at Progressive Field.

Tea Party Tom Explains Opposition To $ 17B VA "Fix"

The Senate has passed the bill to give the Department of Veterans Affairs $17 billion, with an almost unanimous vote, following House approval earlier this week.  Republican Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma is one of the few who voted no.  Why?  Because he said the problem isn't a lack of funds; it's management, accountability, and culture within the VA.  In other words, throwing money at the problem isn't going to fix it.

That is exactly what Tom Zawistowski, Executive Director of the Portage County Tea Party said in our interview earlier this week.  The interview was recorded before the votes to approve the bill were taken in Congress.

Playoff Football Has Already Arrived In Cleveland

17-1.  That was the regular season record for the Cleveland Gladiators Arena Football League team, after a 4-14 season last year.  Coach Steve Thonn explains the turnaround, previews the playoffs, and talks about some of the differences between the NFL and Arena football.