12.31.08-01.07.09
Baby New Year
In this week's issue:Drawing inspiration from the proverbial New Year's baby, the writers and editors at CoolCleveland.com respectfully suggest you ring in 2009 by celebrating what's fresh, local and cool. Start with a New Year's party, including the family classic First Night Akron, then follow it up with pancakes on 1/1 at Tommy's, plus a grab bag of fun stuff for you and your visiting relatives to get involved in this week. Read about the green collar revolution from Mansfield, Roldo's take on the loss of Ed Hauser, plus links to news, events & blog postings on New Year's resolutions for our cool burg. Go, baby, go! --Thomas Mulready
Grant Cleveland
Dune Craft
Grant Cleveland, the CEO, founder and President of Dune Craft, which manufactures educational science novelties and theme terrariums for kids is interviewed by Thomas Mulready of CoolCleveland.com. DuneCraft invents these cool windowsill greenhouses, micro-terrariums and dome gardens, plus science fair & classroom kits. Listen to how Grant and his company refuse to work with Dollar Stores, Wal-Marts or close-out retailers, and how he threw Wal-Mart out of their booth. Watch the video. 
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Get comp tix to Chicago in NYC after faux pas by Broadway producer dissing Cleveland tourists: here's how
Cle's Velvet Tango Room named one of Top Ten speakeasys in USA Today article here
Susan G. Komen for the Cure seeks community input on healthcare issues for Obama Transition Team. Click
CSU, Kent, Tri-C to offer "dual admissions program" and all the details are here
Cle Museum of Natural History adds full-sized replica of a T-rex in a face-off pose with the Museum's Triceratops cast to its repertoire. Click
Five Guys moves to Lakewood The world HQ of Five Guys Burgers and Fries will be at the center of Lakewood on Detroit Road with 23K sf near Phoenix and The Exchange, featuring cool awnings, new historically consistent brick on all sides, stepped parapets and (get this) outdoor dining! With a 10-year lease, Wholesome Development, Inc. will create 10 new jobs and $80K in taxes to the city and are looking to develop the retail on either side. They have won Best Burger awards in 30 cities, and have plans to open 40+ restaurants in NEO & Pittsburgh. Read.The Greater Cleveland Film Commission announced its first annual Road to the Red Carpet Gala recently -- a Hollywood-inspired black-tie affair celebrating the Academy Awards. The event will take place Sun 2/22 from 6:30 - 11:30PM at the House of Blues on Euclid Ave. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.roadtotheredcarpet.com.
Cle radio legend Bill "Smoochie" Gordon dies and all the details are here
Call to artists: Stockyards Redevelopment Organization is calling for participation in the W. 54th Street Mural project -- a public art project striving to make an impact in one of Cle's hardest-hit neighborhoods. Submission deadline is 1/9/09. For more info, call 961-7687 or e-mail matt@stockyardredevelopment.org
Saints in the City on Cuy Cty poet laureate Daniel Thompson can be found by clicking here
Call to Artists: St. Clair Superior Development Corporation is now accepting proposals for the Chinese Zodiac Public Art Project: The Year of the Ox, celebrating the area's growing Asian artistic and biz community. Submission deadline is 1/16/09. For more info, call 881-0644 or email rbritton@stclairsuperior.org
Local guy's Obama shirts are an internet sensation and feature image from the Prez-Elect's Berea rally. Click
A Rosemary Vinci dragnet? Where's Sgt. Friday when you need 'em? Click
The new Grotto Wine Bar located on Shaker Square looks pretty hot to us. We hear that while they're not having a Grand Opening until mid-Jan, New Year's might be afoot at their location (13101 Shaker Square). Call 664-1120 or visit here
From Rust Belt to Artist Belt the new 78-page white paper from CPAC, outlines challenges & assets, plus what artists offer Rust Belt Cities (inner city migration, property value boost, sweat equity, engaged citizens), and vice versa (affordability, active CDCs, cultural assets, market proximity, diverse spaces). Recommendations: update zoning codes, develop lo-cost artist spaces, stop displacing artists, dispel urban stereotypes, market artists' work, make capital available to artist entrepreneurs, Read the white paper.Volunteer at the 18th Annual Homeless Stand Down The dignity-affirming Stand Down services over 2,000 people facing poverty and homelessness. Guests enjoy haircuts, massages, 17 different health screenings, over 30 social service providers, personal hygiene products, bus passes and new winter clothing, live entertainment, breakfast and a hot lunch. This event is put on by over 10 non-profits and 90 religious and school communities. Check out a video here then participate at the following events: 1/31 @ Pilgrim Congregational (2592 W 14th St.); 2/2 @ Cleveland Convention Center (500 Lakeside); 2/16 @ Trinity Commons (2254 Euclid Ave.). Shifts are from 8AM - noon and 11:30AM - 3PM. http://www.interactcleveland.org.
SPONSORED: Leon is talented And he needs your help. Adoption Network Cleveland is working to recruit at least 50 new adult mentors for youth in foster care by the end of 2008. A mentor termed a "permanency champion" can help a youth just like Leon and Jaylin and Michael transition to adulthood successfully, who might otherwise be alone in facing the prospect of aging out of foster care without a permanent family. To learn more about Adoption Network Cleveland's Mentoring Program, call Julia at (216) 325-1000 or visit http://www.AdoptionNetwork.org
Cool Cleveland Podcast Weekly roundup of cool events, in an easy-to-digest 3 minute audio format, for playback on your computer or iPod.
Click here to subscribe to the Cool Cleveland Podcast in iTunes.
The Annual New Years at Noon Celebration at the Cleveland Children's Museum is a great way for the kiddos to experience the thrills of the ball drop without keeping them up all night to do it. Parents need their beauty sleep, too. Hit the Museum on Wed 12/31 at 10AM. http://www.clevelandchildrensmuseum.org.
Noon Year's Eve festivities at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo include kid-friendly activities the whole family can enjoy. Watch a crew of charismatic critters in a special wild animal show; make New Year's ReZOOlutions and create eco-friendly crafts on Wed 12/31 at 11AM. http://www.clemetzoo.com.
9th Annual Tommy's New Year's Day Pancake Breakfast This Coventry institution is doing it all over again to benefit Heights Arts on Thu 1/1 from 10AM - 2PM. Bring an unwanted (and unwrapped) but Greatly Appreciated Holiday Gift for the day's raffle. All proceeds, including generous tips, benefit Heights Arts. Tommy's, 1824 Coventry Rd., Cleveland Heights. http://www.tommyscoventry.com. http://www.heightsarts.org.
Cool Cleveland Kids Podcast Weekly roundup of cool events for kids & families from 12-year-old Cool Cleveland Kids correspondent Max.
Click here to subscribe to the Cool Cleveland Kids Podcast in iTunes.
Beck Cafe
Paul Sykes, the international art dealer, has been working around the clock to open the Beck Cafe, an art gallery, coffeehouse and music venue attached to the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood, featuring Euro-style steamed flavored coffees, espresso & cappuccino, plus soups and sandwiches, smoothies, tea and bakery. In this exclusive interview, Paul talks with Cool Cleveland's Thomas Mulready and shows off their exquisite indoor waterfall and innovative custom-designed aquarium, installed into the accessibility ramp! He'll rotate the exhibitions, which currently feature Yarek Godfrey & Natasha Turovsky, and the Cafe will host string quartets, piainists, harpists from Oberlin, B-W, Kent State and from the Cleveland Institute of Music, of which Paul is a trustee. 17801 Detroit Avenue, 216-521-2540
A hot selection of tech and business news & events from around the region. Got business news? Send it to: EVENTS@CoolCleveland.com
Continental ends their Cle-Paris route but moves the London Gatwick flights to Heathrow! Details
Big shareholder margins support PNC/NCB deal according to this piece
Cleveland Foundation awards nearly $19 million in grants and you can read about it here
Record $44M in jobless benefits mailed out to Ohioans. Click
Hey creative types! Check out this Peanuts parody on ad agencies. Even if you're not employed with one, or know anyone in the biz, you oughta get a real kick out of it. A holiday masterpiece! Click
The Ohio Senate passed HB 196 a.k.a. the Film Production Industry Tax Credit Bill, by a vote of 21-11, on Wed 12/17. But it didn't stand (not surprisingly) since Gov. Strickland had taken every opportunity to voice his intent to veto the bill. And that's what he did this week. Watch the hearing in streaming video here. Tell Gov. Strickland he's made a big mistake by writing to him here. Filming in Ohio brings jobs, econ. development, goodwill and publicity -- not even to mention the bragging rights.
COSE Arts Network Education: Creative Marketing for the Arts hits on Thu 1/8 at 5:30PM at the Cle Play House. Click
Introduction to iPhone Development seminar hits Sat 1/10 at 9AM at CCC Corp College East (4400 Richmond Rd.) Prereq's: C or Java or any OO programming bkrnd. Recommended: Macbook, Xcode (free), iPhone SDK (free) Info and enrollment
Building and Leveraging Diversity in the Nonprofit Boardroom is a BVU seminar that hits Tue 1/13 at 8:30AM. This is a seminar for nonprofit chief executives and board leaders. Click
Summit on Leadership Cle Business Leaders of The Union Club present their 2nd annual affair Thu 1/29. Details, registration and guest speakers here
The Tech Czar's guide to making Cleveland the center of the social media universe When he worked as the City of Cleveland's "tech czar," Michael DeAloia (now with FIT Technologies) watched as we missed a few opportunities: Progressive's HQ on Public Square and a Gaming Center of Excellence, to name a couple. Now, with our region's strength in social media, we have a chance to make our mark: a speaker's guide, an eBook, a social media center, a venture fund, and a learning continuum would help our cause. Interested individuals can join the growing Cleveland Social Media Club here and add your comment to Mike's post here.HOT Regional Opportunities in a Tough Economy This panel discussion/lunch hits on Fri 1/16 at 11:30AM at Windows on the River. Features speakers from TeamNEO, JumpStart, Fund For Our Economic Future, Cleveland Plus and is moderated by CC creator/catalyst Thomas Mulready. Register here
Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com
HOT Insurrection Mass and Possibilitarian Puppet Service Ring in the New Year Wed 12/31 at 3PM at the Coventry Library. A "New Years Eve Insurrection Mass" complete with a "Funeral March for the Rotten Ideas of 2008" parade. Includes a no cost show includes a Bread and Aioli nosh. This is a non-religious Puppet Service in the presence of the paper-mache gods of the day, with a Fiddle Sermon inspired by the Rotten Idea of the Day. Parade at 3:45PM. Open to people of all ages. Participants are needed; to be in the show meet at the library at 11AM. No performing experience necessary. For more info, call 771-8287 or email diana_sette@yahoo.com. 1925 Coventry Rd., Cleveland Heights.
New Year's Eve at Crop Bistro & Bar When it comes to kickin' out the Old and bringing on the New, nobody does it better than Steve Schimoler, innovative chef-owner of Cleveland's award-winning Crop Bistro & Bar; and there's no better time to sample his forward-thinking fare than Wed 12/31, when Steve presents Crop's second annual New Year's Eve Bash, a five-course, prix-fixe blowout. Score a long, tall glass of bubbly, then get ready for your palate to dance. For vegetarian friends, a meat-free version of the prix-fixe can be arranged, by prior request. It all happens from 5 - 10:30PM. Snag your seat now by calling 696-2767. Read Managing Editor Peter Chakerian's interview with Schimoler here. Crop Bistro, 1400 W. Sixth St. http://www.cropbistro.com.
HOT Casino Royale @ 2020 Martini Lounge & Cafe Raise a glass to the coming New Year with an all-inclusive that includes a $200 Karaoke Competition, champagne toast, open bar, gourmet buffet, casino action (featuring Blackjack, Roulette, Craps and Texas Hold'em Poker), live entertainment and DJ. Singles, couples and VIP access tickets available for this shindig Wed 12/31 starting at 8:30PM. 2020 Center St. Call 776-0202 to reserve your spot(s). Space limited to 320, so act fast! Email your name(s), digits, # of people in your party to newyears@ime-mts.com. http://www.2020martini.com.
HOT First Night Akron Now in its 13th, this is a New Year's Eve celebration unlike any other! This family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration of the New Year (pictured) brings the community together to experience a brief moment in time while creating lasting New Year's Eve memories on Wed 12/31. Entertainment and fun featuring music, dance, theater, visual and interactive arts will delight everyone throughout 18 different venues in downtown Akron! For a complete schedule of events, visit http://www.firstnightakron.org.Starry Starry Night promises a special New Year's Eve experience at Executive Caterers of Landerhaven Wed 12/31. Enjoy "An Out-Of-This-World Experience!" featuring the band Run Avril Run, Cosmic Cocktails (Open Top-shelf Bar), Astronomical Appetizers, Celestial-style Food Stations, Satellite Sweets and a Coffee Bar. Then launch into a Big Bang Breakfast Buffet at 1AM. Complimentary valet parking. All inclusive per-person and table rates available. Plus, special adjacent hotel rates available! 6111 Landerhaven Dr., Mayfield Hts. Call 440-449-0700 etx. 288. http://www.executivecaterers.com.
HOT Wilbert's Big New Year's Bash hits Wed 12/31 and features Mary Bridget Davies from Love, Janis and Big Brother and the Holding Company. Aside from a traditional champagne toast and sweet tunage, the food promises to be extraordinary: a Prime Rib Buffet with Pork loin, stuffed tilapia, crablegs, mashed and baked potatoes, Israeli couscous, vegetables, tossed salad, rolls, desserts and more! There are other great menu options as well. Doors at 7PM; show starts at 9PM; champagne toast at Midnight! http://www.wilbertsmusic.com.
HOT Jason & the Scorchers New Year's Eve Reunion Join the folks at the Beachland Ballroom for this very special reunion performance with special guests Stacie Collins and The Whiskey Daredevils Wed 12/31. Their special NYE package includes tickets to the concert, one Hilton Garden Inn guest room, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum pass(es), a champagne toast at midnight and breakfast after the show. Call 383-1124. Tickets here. http://www.beachlandballroom.com.
Tropical Rhythms & Word of Mouth Promotions deliver a 2009 New Year's Eve Party at Sunset Lounge Wed 12/31 at 8PM. Features deluxe party favors, a complimentary champagne midnight toast, valet parking, V.I.P. Tables & Bottle Service and more. Watch The Ball drop on a giant video screen and enjoy the danceable sounds of DJ Felix & DJ Majette, who will spin the best in Salsa, Top 40, Reggaeton, R&B, Hip Hop & Dance. Proper attire expected; early arrival strongly suggested. Reservations: call 535-0001. http://www.tropicalcleveland.com.
SPONSORED: WCLV 104.9 FM celebrates New Years Eve with a gala concert by The Cleveland Orchestra at 8PM. Franz Welser-Most conducts selections by Mozart, Schubert and the Strauss Family. On Thu 1/1, at 11AM, WCLV offers the annual New Years Day concert by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Complete information on WCLV's classical music programming available at http://www.WCLV.com.
9th Annual Tommy's New Year's Day Pancake Breakfast This Coventry institution is doing it all over again to benefit Heights Arts on Thu 1/1 from 10AM - 2PM. Bring an unwanted (and unwrapped) but Greatly Appreciated Holiday Gift for the day's raffle. All proceeds, including generous tips, benefit Heights Arts. Tommy's, 1824 Coventry Rd., Cleveland Heights. http://www.tommyscoventry.com. http://www.heightsarts.org.
Motown Turns 50 The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum celebrates the influential label's Golden Jubilee with its newest exhibit MOTOWN: The Sound of Young America Turns 50. it launches Thu 1/1 in the Museum's Ahmet M. Ertegun Main Exhibit Hall. In an incredibly short amount of time, the Motown label produced 14 Rock Hall inductees; the exhibit features instruments, clothing, programs, posters, sheet music, original music scores, contracts and recordings from Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, the Supremes, the Four Tops, the Temptations, the Jackson 5, Rick James, Martha and the Vandellas and others. http://www.rockhall.com.
HOT New Year's Day Poker Run The CAMBA (Cleveland Area Mountain Bike Association) New Year's Day tradition continues for the eighth year in a row! They finally figured out the ideal way to do the Poker Run last year, so they'll follow the same format this year on Thu 1/1. It starts with a ride in the heart of Cleveland -- through downtown, The Flats, Tremont, and Ohio City -- and and ends at Johnny Mango! Get the details, registration info and the map of the route by clicking here.
HOT SurfQuake on the Lake Come bask in the warmth of live surf music Fri 1/2 at 8PM with SurfQuake on the Lake at the Beachland Ballroom. Four bands will perform -- Cocktail Preachers, The AmpFibians, Spy-Fi and the X-Chroma Tones. Don't miss this kitschy n' supercool show; bring your Hawaiian shirt and an attitude to match, Johnny Bravo. http://www.beachlandballroom.com.
Azur & Asmar is the first in a series of first-run films at the Cleveland Museum of Art's "First-Run Film Fridays." It screens Fri 1/2 at 7PM and Sun 1/4 at 1:30PM. Directed by Michel Ocelot., this beautiful animated fable from the director of Kirikou and the Sorceress is a plea for racial and religious tolerance. Set in medieval times somewhere in the Middle East, the movie follows two childhood friends -- one Aryan, one Arab -- who grow up to become rivals in the search for a fairy princess. In English. Rated PG. (cool website is pictured at left) http://www.azuretasmar-lefilm.com. Details on the entire film series at http://www.clevelandart.org.Luca Mundaca Her voice has been compared to the likes of Maria Rita, Adriana Calcanhoto and Marisa Monte by some of the top people in the music industry. She graces the Brothers Lounge Wine Bar's stage this Fri 1/2 at 6PM and she's definitely worth your while. Wind down the holiday season with a silky, sassy blend of jazz and world music and soak up the Brothers vibe in the process. You'll be glad you did. http://www.brotherslounge.com. http://www.myspace.com/lucamundaca.
HOT Perception vs. Reality How do we talk about race, class and diversity in our community? Check out the Cleveland Museum of Natural History's program The American Dream: Have We Lived Up To Our Ideals? Sat 1/3 at 1:30PM. Examining the many ideas and sentiments expressed about the definition of the American Dream -- including the divergent views of America that emerged during the 2008 Presidential Campaign -- a panel discusses what is a "real American"? and what does that mean in the context of race, socio-economics, religion, gender, national origin, lifestyle and more. Should be VERY enlightening. http://www.cmnh.org.
Cleveland Jazz Project returns to Nighttown in Cleveland Heights Sat 1/3 at 8PM. The last time CJP played there, the place was packed; this time, they launch an Ohio tour there. In addition to James Muschler, Jacob Bergson and Nathan Davis (all grads of Cleveland Hts High) two musicians from the New School for Jazz Studies and Contemporary Music in NYC will join them -- Wenzl McGowan from Europe on sax and Nick Jozwiak from Naperville, Illinois on bass. Come hear what these "Young Lions of Cleveland Jazz" are capable of. http://www.nighttowncleveland.com.
Cornell University Glee Club hits on Sat 1/3 at 7:30PM at Trinity Cathedral, 2230 Euclid Ave. The Cornell Club of Northeast Ohio and the Cornell University Glee Club offers this no-cost (donation appreciated) and open to the public music event with a holiday program. Music lovers of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to attend, with a special invitation for area music teachers, faculty and their students. Refreshments provided. http://www.ccneo.com. http://www.gleeclub.com.
Wallace Coleman & The Rhythm Syndicate While you're hanging the mistletoe, fa-la-la-ing and decking festive halls everywhere, break out the calendars and circle Sat 1/3. That's a key date, gang -- local sizzlers The Rhythm Syndicate open for the legendary bluesman extraordinaire, Wallace Coleman at 9PM sharp! And, where is said blues-a-rama happening? None other than the one and only Wilbert's in downtown Cleveland...just north of Progressive Field! So you can soak up all the soul food and coooolld bevvies while you're there. What could be better? http://www.wilbertsmusic.com.
HOT PLAN of NEO Exhibition Since 1989, PLAN of Northeast Ohio has provided help to those living with chronic mental illness, cognitive disabilities and mood disorders. PLAN's mission is to help the people challenged by mental illness progress in their recovery by providing innovative, family centered treatment. This traveling art exhibit shares PLAN's Art, Poetry and Mental Health Recovery Project, displaying art
created by PLAN members recovering from mental illness in workshops with local art therapists and artists. Opening Reception hits Heights Arts Studio Sun 1/4 at 2PM. 2340 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights. Call 371-3344 for details. http://www.planneohio.org.
Ten Films by celebrated British director David Lean, who died in 1991, will show between starting Mon 1/5 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. Entitled "David Lean 101," the series commemorates the 101st anniversary of Lean's 1908 birth as well as constituting a primer for those unfamiliar with this major filmmaker. It includes all of his essential works. Includes Great Expectations, Oliver Twist, Lawrence of Arabia, Dr. Zhivago and more. Runs through early March. Aitken Auditorium of the Cleveland Institute of Art, 11141 East Boulevard in University Circle. For info, call 421-7450 or go to http://www.cia.edu/cinematheque.
First Mondays Heights Arts offers a forum for up-and-coming writers and authors to test out their works and read those of others as well. It happens every Monday including this Mon 1/5. CC contributor Susan Petrone will be reading an excerpt from her novel in progress (tentatively titled Fastball). She'll be reading with Bob Dolgan, former sportswriter for the Plain Dealer for about 40 years. Heights Arts on Lee Rd., across from Cleve Hts Main Library. http://www.heightsarts.org.
Purification If Your New Year's Resolution is to be a healthier you, with more energy and stamina, then consider an event that will get you started. Jennifer Patriarca will be the guest speaker on Tue 1/6 at the Purification and Weight Loss Program offered by Russell Chiropractic at the Lakewood YMCA, 16915 Detroit Ave. Seats are limited. RSVP to 221-1788 or visit http://www.russellchiro.net.
HOT 3-C Rail Corridor Summit On Wed 1/7 starting at 7:30AM, join The Hon. Mayor Frank Jackson and All Aboard Ohio in building support for modern, comfortable, energy efficient passenger trains linking Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati and other cities enroute. State officials are proposing to implement the first phase, supported by federal stimulus funds, in 2010! All Aboard Ohio, a nonprofit association, is organizing a series of 3-C Summits in many 3-C Corridor cities. The first will be in Cleveland at the Corner Alley banquet room, 402 Euclid Ave. Includes a breakfast buffet (scrambled eggs, sausage, pastries, cereal, fruit, coffee, juice, etc). RSVP by Mon 1/5 to Ken Prendergast at 288-4883 or kenprendergast@allaboardohio.org. http://www.thecorneralley.com. http://www.allaboardohio.org/cms/index.php.
Transitions The 5th OddyFest show features Stairwell by Matt Greenfield (The First OddyFest movie projected on a big screen; Conspiracy Theory ("a staged quasi-reading") by Cat R. Kenney and Do I Have to Walk? by Steve Maistros. It's quirky stage-and-screen presentations at their finest. Be sure to join the fun Wed 1/7 at 7PM (repeating Wed 1/21 at 7PM) for a wide gamut of pre-show acts, including an epic Abbey Road-esque medley, performed by that fab band Hamilton's Revenge! Heights Arts Studio, 2340 Lee Rd., Cle Hts.
Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com
HELP! and Going Green Without Going Broke
I need help from you, my readers. A few weeks ago I was published in Tina Brown's new online publication, The Daily Beast. In an article about what makes Bernie Madoff tick, the lead sentence I wrote read as follows: If it's true that, as E.L. Doctorow observed, "Duplicity, of course, is the basis of civilization," does it follow that as we become more "civilized," the more we're prone to flim-flamming our fellow beings?The problem is, Doctorow emailed the editors of the Beastie, saying that he couldn't recall where (or if) he'd written that line, and asked that he be reminded of which book it was in. Now I'm positive that he wrote it, but I read it over 15 years ago, and can't recall in which of his many books I read it in. Dinner is on me at Table 45 for anyone who can find the quote in one of Doctorow's books, from between the period of 1960 to 1990. Whatever reputation I have is hanging in the balance here.
Going Green, Without Someone Going Broke
California social justice and environmental activist Van Jones' (pictured) most recent book, The Green Collar Economy: How One Solution Can Fix Our Two Biggest Problems seems to have been written with Cleveland in mind. In it, among other things, he proposes workable solutions to utilizing hundreds of acres of long-vacant inner-city land to grow food, while employing currently unemployed former incarcerated persons to raise the crops and distribute them...
Read more from Mansfield B. Frazier here
This week's most active post on BrewedFreshDaily.com
2009 is upon us. Clevelanders have been adding to a list of resolutions for the City of Cleveland started by Christine at Really Bad Cleveland Accent. BFD readers have added:
Read the other New Year's resolutions for CLE and add yours on the BFD post Wishes for Cleveland
The Western Glow
Adam Zucker
AdamZuckerMusic
It must be something in the water. Matt Urminski (Ohio University African Ensemble), the guys in the Cleveland Jazz Project and Adam Zucker are all brilliant musicians. And they've all got one thing in common: they are all recent Cleveland Heights High School grads. While Urminski's loves are polyrhythmic and the CJP has a freestyling jazz jones, Zucker is an indie-folk love whose alternative style offers nods to everyone from Dylan to Oberst to Yorke. Zucker's craft is meditative and textured -- with lyrics that reach beyond his years and your ears. His voice is a low-range, low-register drone/hum perfect for compelling storytelling... his approach could have helped a national act like Shawn Mullins be more successful. Zucker's tracks "A Soldier's Lullaby," the set-opener "Going Home," "Chasing Tomorrow" (our personal fave) and "Summer Sky" are perfect adult-alternative cuts with striking instrumental interplay and staggered layers softened in passion and production. Each tune is like a beach stone, tumbled on the lake floor before washing on the shore. Take note: Jacob Bergson from the CJP plays organ on three of the disc's tracks. Good stuff from this Zucker cat; an auspicious debut. So when should we expect some live gigs, Adam?From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com
Wanna get reviewed? Send your band's CD (less than 1 year old) to: Cool Cleveland, 14837 Detroit Avenue, #105, Lakewood, OH 44107
Links to interesting NEO blogs
Stephanie Tubbs Jones is one of the 20 celebrated lives in this year's NY Times retrospective.
If Peter Lawson Jones immediately withdrew his support for the Medical Mart Convention Center would his public career benefit?
The reason "smart" families need to make these "really tough choices" right now is the result of years and decades of "stupid" public policy that has essentially made life without a car unbearable.
Nothing compares to the Schvitz.
Morningstar calls Forest City stock worthless, but FCE vehemently objects.
Cleveland City Councilman Mike Polensek may or may not have done anything illegal, but the deal he got isn't one that you, poor citizen, are likely to get.
Ed Hauser Died for Lack of Health Insurance
Ed Hauser's death was a tragedy that didn't have to happen. It was a death that should not have happened. In many other countries it would not have happened.The circumstances of his death may be the reason many more will die today and tomorrow.
Ed died because America doesn't have the decency to protect its own citizens with the health care that's basic in all other industrial societies.
The American aversion to universal health care is killing people by neglect. It must be corrected.
Ed didn't have health insurance...
Read more from Roldo Bartimole here
Quick reviews of recent events
Submit your own review or commentary to Events@CoolCleveland.com
Crumble (Lay Me Down Justin Timberlake) @ CPT 12/18
Intense: Shelia Callaghan's quirky play about a depressed mother and daughter barely enduring their first fatherless Christmas is intense yet oddly charming. Part of it has to do with Callaghan's poetic indirection, but two memorable performances carry you through it. As 11-year-old Janice, equally obsessed by bomb-making and Justin Timberlake, Magan Dee Yantko is haunted, spooky, yet vulnerable and funny, playing tea party with headless dolls and muttering obscene, tuneless songs. And as the personification of their neglected Apartment, Dennis Sullivan wanders about like a duke turned hobo, alternately pleading with ("touch me!") and hectoring Janice's worried mother (Susan Lucier, taut as a string).
Props: CPT deserves props for its nervy holiday programming -- this one was a winner. Next up: 7 hot weekends of new work-in-progress by area writers, dancers, and musicians, when CPT debuts its annual Big [Box] event. http://www.cptonline.org.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein lindaATcoolcleveland.com
Home For the Holidays @ Severance Hall 12/22 The stage had no people on it when the lights dimmed, but two minutes later, there was a declamatory roll on the tympani, the lights came up and there amidst the colorful splendor of the stage at Severance Hall, were the twelve members of the Burning River Brass, who launched into the first chorus of Home for the Holidays. Todd Wilson then appeared from the right and seated himself at the organ for the second chorus, and for the final go-round, out came nearly two dozen members of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus along with their director, Robert Porco. It made for a different and spectacular opening number....
Read more from Kelly Ferjutz here
FiftySixWest opens in Lakewood across from the Detroit Theatre, with certified farm fresh grain fed beef burgers ($6+), sourdough baguette sandwiches (with bread from local Breadsmith) like the incredible Picnic In The Park pulled pork sandwich with stoneground mustard BBQ, brie and slaw piled on top ($7), plus real (!) Caesar Salad ($7). They make their own pickles and then toss them in a special seasoned flour, beer battered & fried, with red curry dipping sauce ($6). Full beer & wine menu and knowledgeable waiters, and they even serve sweet potato fries with Gaujillo chile pepper rub ($3). Open for lunch, dinner & carry-out every day. Yum. 226-0056 http://www.FiftySixWest.com
Most clicked
Here are the Top 5 most clicked links from last week's issue, with one more chance for you to click.
1) Lucy's Sweet Surrender It would be extremely sad to see this stellar location close. Read Michael Fiegenbaum's blog post
ForHeavensCake.blogspot.com
2) Potemkin Pittsburgh, perpetuated Our local paper's story might go down in history as the most uninformed look at Pittsburgh ever written...
PittsburghLive.com, and the original story at Cleveland.com
3) Rosenberg lawsuit against PD makes NYTimes.
NYTimes.com
4) Chateau Hough (Or, How the Lowly Grape Can Save Inner-city Cleveland)
CoolCleveland.com
5) Cleveland Int'l Film Fest gets some love from the Academy
CrainsCleveland.com
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