Snap, Crackle ...Pop Hall (Or why a Superman Tribute NEEDS to be built on the shores of Cleveland, Ohio!)

"I can't stand to fly. I'm not that naive. Men weren't meant to ride, with clouds between their knees. I'm only a man - in a silly red sheet - digging for kryptonite on this one way street. Only a man, in a funny red sheet, looking for special things inside of me..."

So, in case you missed it, last night was the 100th episode of "Smallville" - which showcased the fateful, untimely death of Jonathan Kent - the adoptive father of the son of Jor-el, also known as Clark Kent.

The death of Jonathan Kent is an important part of "The Superman mythology" because it signals the metamorphosis of young Clark Kent into his adult alter-ego, Superman.

Huh. Interesting timing, to say the least.

If anybody out there has been paying attention to this blog for the past several months, then you know that on NUMEROUS occasions I have been asking these questions:

• Why isn't there a tribute, memorial, museum or SOMETHING dedicated to the creators of "Superman" - Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel - who both grew up and created The Man of Steel right here in Cleveland during The Depression Era-???
  

• Why couldn't a Joe Shuster-Jerry Siegel-Superman tribute be the main part of a much grander focus - like a Pop Culture Museum ("The Pop Hall") right here on the shores of scenic Lake Erie-?

• If we could get a "The Pop Hall" built here in Cleveland - why couldn't it be a shoreline bookend to it's kissing cousin - The Rock Hall-? And why couldn't it feature exhibits and tributes to Clevelanders who have gone on to create lasting mainstream contributions to Pop Culture (Paul Newman, Drew Carey, Halle Barry, Bob Hope, etc.) in our national fabric-?

• Why couldn't it also involve a special section to Clevelanders - who stayed in Cleveland - and have a made a tremendous impact right here on the shores of the Cuyahoga-? I'm thinking Harvey Pekar from "American Splendor" fame and legendary Cleveland rock 'n' roll journalist, Jane Scott.

Well, after a meeting I had this morning, it looks like these questions are starting to be answered. And after gathering numerous support from many members of The Cleveland community, it looks like the ball may just start to get rock and rolling on "The Pop Hall." There have been offers of creative support. There have been some possible offers of financial support. There have been offers from some local businesses in the area. But it's just The Beginning...

Why not Cleveland - and why not NOW-? With the movie "Superman Returns" opening this summer in 2006, what better way for Cleveland to jump on the hype-bandwagon and get some great - and free - publicity to showcase our fine town here on The North Coast!

Did I mention I was rejected from the graduate program in Popular Culture at Bowling Green State University-??? (Ironic, huh-? No hard feelings, Bowling Green folks!)

Up, up and away! For more information contact me at: krypto_mcsupedog@yahoo.com

** Special thanks to George Nemeth of "Brewed Fresh Daily" for getting the word out there! **