11.25-12.02.09
Crunch

In this week's issue:
* The Edible Economy Chocolate Crunch. Yum.
* Holiday Gift Guide Say Bye-Bye to the Big Box
* NETworking Sprout Connections
* Party LimeRibbon.com launch party on Mon 12/7
* Reads The Oral Tradition Lives On- Somewhere
* Straight Outta Mansfield Deja Vu All Over Again
* RoldoLINK MMPI Gets $1 Million Every Quarter
* Cool Cleveland podcast & BFD blog & Facebook & Twitter

Crunch the numbers and you'll agree. NEO has the coolest stuff around. Take this week for example: Solon's Pretzables knocked out Oprah; Sprout Connections sprouts wings; we host a launch party for LimeRibbon; First Mondays keeps the oral tradition alive... maybe; Mansfield smells Deja vu all over again; Roldo adds up MMPI's invoices; our Soundbite Laureate says you can eat whatever you want this Thanksgiving; an we invite you to participate in the new NEOtropolis show on PBS 45/49. That should give you something to crunch on. -Thomas Mulready


Chocolate Crunch

Got your attention, huh?

Oprah couldn't resist the chocolate crunch of Solon's Lisa Paige Blair's Pretzable creations either. Pretzables, Sweets with a Twist, was featured in O Magazine on "The O List: A few things we think are just great."

What's a Pretzable? It's chocolate crunch, but it's much more. Lisa Paige Blair, creator of the decadent delights and owner of the retail business based in Solon, describes it this way: Each pretzel is crafted in the spirit of gourmet tradition.

The end result is a decadently delicious and fun design that satisfies your chocolate cravings in one bite. Chocolate AND crunch...
Read about Pretzables by Claudia Taller here

Thinking about your online marketing? Cool Cleveland's been helping our partners reach out to active people in NEO for 7 years. Info@CoolCleveland.com


To ensure you receive Cool Cleveland every week, take a moment now and add CoolCleveland@CoolCleveland.com to your address book, trusted sender list, or corporate white list. Learn More.



NEWS

Lakewood is for families City named Ohio's Best Place to Raise Kids by Business Week. Affordability, great schools among city's many assets. [Pictured is Lakewood's annual Walk + Roll.] Rankings

HOT 5 Stars for Cuy Co Public Library Library named one of America's Star Libraries by LJ. See Report

HOT GREEN 40 Sustainable Chefs Under 40 We have #36. Greenhouse Tavern's Jonathon Sawyer makes MNN's list. Read

Akron is cheap A-K listed as America's Least Expensive College Town by Forbes. That's a good thing, right? Rankings

Ingenuity Leaves Downtown for the Bridge Ingenuity Fest moves to Vets Memorial Bridge following success of Bridge Project. Another change: the fest will be in Sep instead of summer. Read

Bored on Wed nights? Don't be. Head over to the Cafe @ Arts Collinwood for live jazz, food (featuring vegan options) and drink specials every Wed night starting at 8PM. No cover charge! Be There

Oberlin College, w/ its vegan BBQ tofu pizza and wide array of vegan dishes, almost won title of America's Most Vegetarian-Friendly College. We Heart Tofu

Boost the Cle arts scene by voting Cle as yr fave US destination for contemporary art. American Style mag is taking yr vote on Top 25 Arts Destinations and we're in the MID-SIZE category. Vote

Rolling Stone's 25-page love note With celebrity photos of Springsteen, U2, Jagger, and many of the Rock Hall's inductees, the 11/26 cover story details not only the recent $5 million all-star concerts at MS Garden, but more: "How Do You Get Into The Hall of Fame?", "20 Greatest Moment," and "Inside the Hall," specifically romance the Cleveland rock museum. You'd think publisher Jann Wenner was on the board or something. Which he is. Read

Y-town has 2nd most affordable housing according to CNNMoney.com



Watch it live, or watch it online. Tune in on Fri 11/27 for our Black Friday special, and every Friday night at 9PM on Western Reserve PBS 45/49.

NEOtropolis takes a fresh look at our economy and the business world, hosted by CoolCleveland.com's Thomas Mulready.

Watch the most recent episodes here, and get more info here.

Got ideas for businesses, trends or cool business people we should be covering? Friend us on Facebook, or drop us a line at Info@CoolCleveland.com


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.

SPONSORED: Take your family on a holiday journey to Neverland! The Lost Boys, Darling children, and the dastardly Captain Hook return for another high-flying adventure with Peter Pan at the Beck Center for the Arts, Fri 12/4 through Sun 1/3. Children tickets are just $13! Hurry before this popular show sells out. http://beckcenter.org/seats/peterpan09.htm


Cleveland City Dance is offering two no-charge performances on Sat 11/28 at 3PM and 4:30PM. See excerpts from the Cle City Dance Co.'s annual performances of Winter Wonderland and the Nutcracker [pictured] while shopping at a dancers boutique and bake sale. Also features the Cleveland City Rhythm Tap Dancers. Your kids may be inspired to take up a dance class themselves. http://ClevelandCityDance.com

GREEN Get Crafty w/ Paper Mache Kids ages 4 - 8, attend a child-only workshop on Sun 11/29 and make eco-friendly gifts for your friends and family. Instructors will teach you to use paper mulch to create recycled paper bowls and other inventive decorations. 12:30 - 1:30PM. Children's Museum of Cle, 10730 Euclid Ave. Call 216-791-7114 to register. Details

Holidays in Toyland Spend Sun 11/29 being serenaded by the Cleveland POPS w/ songs from your favorite holiday movies. Before the concert, hear tunes from the Beachwood Schools String Ensemble and play with adoptable puppies and kittens in the lobby. And, yes, Santa will be there. Bring a toy to donate to the City Mission. For kids 2 and up. Palace Theater, 1615 Euclid Ave. Tickets

Decorate a Tree w/ Your School and you might win big. The Cle Metroparks invites you to enter their School Holiday Tree Decoration contest at the Chalet Toboggan Chutes in Strongsville. Sign up and decorate your tree by Fri 12/4. The winning school will get a private toboggan party at the Chalet for 50 people. Want more info? Email decATclevelandmetroparks.com or call 216-635-3274. Learn More



SPONSORED: Witness Yarek Godfrey at Beck Cafe on exhibition through 12/31. Experience the classical and primitive grandeur of Godfrey's majestic canvases on display now. Or connect with agent Paul Sykes at 440-227-4592 and he'll bring the artwork directly to your home or office walls, so you can see how it will look. Check out Yarek Godfrey and other featured artists at Travel-Art http://www.trvlart.com or contact Paul directly at psykes123@mac.com.


Say Bye-Bye To Big Box Shops...

...And hello to sustainable, customer-oriented stores owned by people in your neighborhood. Check out Cool Cleveland's Holiday Gift Guide for the best boutiques in town. We'll point you to the perfect stores to find gifts in every category: art, arts & crafts, books, music & films, outdoors, health & wellness, wearable art, fashion, style & boutiques, sustenance & sundries. We'll be adding new listings to the Guide every week through the end of the year, and we feature a sampling below. Are we missing your favorite local shop or service? Send us a note at InfoATCoolCleveland.com. Check out the complete CoolCleveland Holiday Gift Guide here: Holidaygiftguide09

HOT Bazaar Bizarre @ Larchmere Holiday Stroll Don't head to a mall on Black Friday. Go local and spare your sanity! Get out and stroll through the 40 shops, galleries and eateries on Larchmere for holiday sales and specials on Fri 11/27 and Sat 11/28 from 10AM - 8PM. Hit up Bazaar Bizarre's east side show featuring 50 vendors selling edgy handmade goods. [Pictured is a Love Bird Wallet from vendor Get Felt Up!.] 1 block north of Shaker Square. http://BazaarBizarre.org/cleveland.html Check out the complete CoolCleveland Holiday Gift Guide here: Holidaygiftguide09

Old Dog Days Shopping Extravaganza Old dogs need love, too. Support graying hounds while shopping for the mutt in your life. You'll find everything from toys and treats to beds, belly bands and the Sanctuary's calendar Graying Muzzles 2010. Plus, a raffle, refreshments and plenty of old dogs to give you kisses. Fri 11/27 and Sat 11/28 from 10AM - 4PM. Sun 11/29 from 12 - 4PM. At the Sanctuary for Senior Dogs Adoption & Education Ctr, 4681 Broadview Rd. http://SanctuaryForSeniorDogs.org/id30.htm Or visit the full CoolCleveland Holiday Gift Guide here: Holidaygiftguide09

Lakeland Holiday Artists' Market Help out the Lakeland CC Fine Arts Gallery and their annual student exhibition while getting some shopping done. Peruse a diverse selection of clay, glass, fiber and wearable art, starting on Tue 12/1 from 11AM - 2PM. Also on Wed 12/2 and Thu 12/3. A-Building Atrium Hallway (between the Bookstore & Counseling @ Lakeland CC, 7700 Clocktower Drive in Kirtland. Call 440-525-7029 for more info. http://LakelandCC.edu Holiday Gift Guide here: Holidaygiftguide09



SPONSORED: Cleveland Public Library celebrates Winterfest 2009 with a performance by Cleveland School of the Arts Urban Dance Collective. Don't miss your chance to witness Urban Dance Collective bring down the stage at CPL's Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium, Sat 11/28 at 2PM. http://www.CPL.org.


Ryan Florio of Sprout Connections

Sprout Connections is not only the newest organization in town (as far as we know), but it also boasts what may well be the longest sub-head of any area organization: "Where Cleveland professionals meet and mingle for business, social, dating and philanthropy."

And yet, that still doesn't tell you everything. That's why Cool Cleveland correspondent David Budin had to talk to one of Sprout Connections' founders, Ryan Florio, to get the rest of the story. And just in time, too - the group's very first event takes place on Tue 12/1.

Watch the video and then visit http://www.SproutConnections.com

SPONSORED: Make Change in Greater Cleveland with Your Phone The Cleveland State Vikings Men's Basketball Team will team up with United Way of Greater Cleveland to raise money through an innovative text-to-give campaign on Sat 11/28 vs. Wichita State. During halftime, fans will be asked to text the word CHANGE to 864833 and make a $5 donation to United Way. With your help, we can raise thousands of dollars with just a few taps of your finger! Go here to purchase tickets to the game. To learn more about the United Way mobile giving program visit http://UWS.org/mgive.


A hot selection of tech and business news & events from around the region. Got business news? Send it to: EVENTS@CoolCleveland.com


GREEN Alcoa wheels add dash of green New hybrid Coca-Cola trucks in Belgium are using Alcoa wheels b/c they're lighter than steel and 100% recyclable. [Picture of truck at left via Business Wire.] See

GREEN Greening Ohio Industry Ohio manufacturers can achieve energy savings and emissions reductions. And Policy Matters has the plan to do it. Read It



SPONSORED: Get a Cup for A Buck! Caribou Coffee proudly being brewed at CAK AkronCantonAirport.com/caribou.


The Write Stuff w/ Wylie and Warner The Press Club of Cle all-day seminar at CCC Corp College E on Mon 11/30 from 7:45AM - 3:30PM. http://WriteStuff.eventbrite.com

NOCA Forum Revitalizing the MarCom Industry Begins by Securing the Home Market at the Plain Dealer on Wed 12/2 at 8AM. Info

Transforming the Landscape of Business in America A Minority Business Early-Stage Capital Summit at InterContinental Hotel Cle on Thu 12/3 from 7:30AM - 5PM. Register

Women Who Know Their Place: Museums and Women LWV First Thu series w/ CMA's Deborah Gribbon at Trinity Commons on Thu 12/3, 7 - 9PM. Info

Akron young professionals band together for the YPN and YPA Joint Holiday Reception & Fundraiser at Brubaker's Pub on Thu 12/3, 5:30 - 7:30PM. [YPA pictured at left.] Register

GREEN Sustainable Business Strategies: First Steps Workshop Learn how yr biz can benefit from eco-friendly practices at E4S Connection & Lrng Ctr on Tue 12/8, 3 - 5PM. Register

GREEN CES Sustainability Symposium at NEO Regional Sewer District Env. & Maintenance Services Ctr. in Cuy Hts on Sat 12/9, 7:30AM - 1PM. Register




Lime Ribbon Launch Party
Win 2 AirTran tix on Mon 12/7 at CROP Bistro!



Right here in NEO, we're launching a new social media shopping site that allows you to create your own gift lists, or "ribbons" for you, your family and friends, and share those Lime Ribbons with your Facebook friends and Twitter followers. You'll be able to shop online at places like BestBuy, Amazon, Shop.com, Golf Galaxy, NewEgg, Discovery Store, Target, Dicks Sporting Goods, PlasticJungle.com and others. A NEO-based team of entrepreneurs, designers, marketers and idea people are inviting you to share in the celebration, log on and share. Find LimeRibbon on Facebook here. Order your tix here.

LimeRibbon.com Launch Party admission includes:

* Unlimited Complimentary beer
* Unlimited Complimentary Spirited CROP Bistro & Bar Special Punch, tinted lime green in honor of the occasion!
* Raffle for two round-trip airline tix anywhere that AirTran Airways flies in the domestic USA!
* Hot hors d'oeuvres featuring:
* CROP’s savory Lamb Sliders, topped with blue cheese, pickled onions, fresh mint, and coarse-grain mustard
* Assorted Flatbreads dressed with seasonal toppings
* Veggie Kebabs with local, artisanal cheeses
* Chef Steve Schimoler's signature popcorn, capped with a tasty toss of sauteed veggies, shredded Asiago, and balsamic glaze
* Cash bar will also be available for wine and cocktails
* Order your tix here


The launch party will be held in partnership with CROP Bistro & Bar, Steve Schimoler's inventive American restaurant in downtown's Warehouse District. at 1400 W. 6th Street on Mon 12/7 from 5:30-7:30PM.

Join NEO's entrepreneurial class as we celebrate with an old fashioned dot-com launch party! Bring your friends, enjoy complimentary drink and delectable CROP hors d'oeuvres, and take a chance on winning a pair of AirTran tickets!

Score your special $10 ticket to this exciting event here: https://coolcleveland.net/tickets/lr09/index.php


Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com



Cats on Holiday's Thanksgiving Eve Party Ring in the holidays w/ an evening of Cle's finest "swamp pop music" on Wed 11/25 from 8 - 12PM. Cats on Holiday [pictured] is concocting a savory gumbo w/ a dash of Johnny Cash, a sprinkle of Chuck Berry and a little reggae for good taste. The 5 O'Clock Lounge, 11904 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. http://CatsOnHoliday.com

HELP Open Mic w/ a Cause Help out a family in need while being entertained by comedians (stand-up and sketch), musicians, dancers, filmmakers and other creative people who apparently don't have stage-fright. The Stage is Y-town's premier community arts theater. Check it out at this open mic event on Wed 11/25. 8 - 10PM. All proceeds go to a local family who just lost their teenage son. Oakland Center for the Arts, 220 W. Boardman St. in Youngstown. Details

Waterband's Psychedelic Carnival Show! If you're in the need of positive vibrations and expressive musical improv, then check out the Waterband on Wed 11/25 at 9PM. They may just bring peace to your life. Beachland Ballroom, 15711 Waterloo Rd. http://MySpace.com/waterband



Xmas Music That Doesn't Suck Not all Christmas music is groan-inducing. Need proof? Check out the Ohio City Singers [album pictured] at the Thanksgiving Turkey Jam on Thu 11/26 at 9PM. The Singers play original music about snowflakes, candles, and enjoying time w/ friends and fam. Join them of an unplugged set of songs inspired by Cle at the Treehouse, 820 College Ave. in Tremont. http://TheOhioCitySingers.com

Hot Carl's Annual Comedy Jam Hot Carl's been doing his comedy shtick for over 5 years. This year, let him amuse and entertain you after a long day of eating. See him in his glory on Thu 11/26 at 9:30PM w/ stand-up comics Chad Zumock, Ryan Dalton, Sean Paul (not the rapper) and more. The Winchester, 12112 Madison Ave. in Lakewood. Info \\\

SPONSORED: Thu 11/27, Thanksgiving Day, its The Cleveland Orchesta All Day, beginning at 6AM and running to Midnight. You'll hear eight full length concerts from 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, with conductors Franz Welser-Moest, Robert Porco, Michael Tilson Thomas, Giancarlo Guerrero, and Mitsuko Uchida. Most WCLV's regular daily programming will be scrapped for this Cleveland Orchestra Marathon. Details at http://www.WCLV.com.



HOT HELP The Wild World of Alfred McMoore w/ the Black Keys The late Alfred McMoore [pictured] was a longtime friend of the Black Keys (he even inspired the band's name) and an outsider artist known for his sprawling pencil and crayon drawings. Though he had mental issues, he was able to live independently w/ help from Community Support Services (CSS). The Black Keys will play an intimate concert in remembrance of their friend on Fri 11/27. All proceeds benefit CSS, which treats more than 2,000 people in NEO. 6PM at Musica, 51 E. Market St. in Akron. Tickets

Malls R Us Just in time for the holiday season, the Cle Museum of Art is showing a provocative documentary about our relationship with malls. This isn't your average "malls are bad" movie. This film uses stunning cinematography to delve into the history, architecture, economics and politics of international shopping malls. Are malls a plague on the earth or a special place of community and ceremony? Think about it while catching this film on Fri 11/27 at 7PM or on Sun 11/29 at 1:30PM. Cle Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd. Get info or watch the preview.

A Christmas Story @ Cleveland Play House This is the final year of your favorite Christmas movie coming alive on stage, so don't miss out! See Ralphie, his Red Rider BB Gun, those fuzzy pink bunny pajamas and the "Bumpus hounds" starting on Fri 11/27 at 7:30PM. Runs through Sun 12/20. Bring your family and enjoy a Cle classic. 8500 Euclid Ave. Tickets

The Wiz @ Near West Theatre Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman and the Lion travel on a futuristic road trip and learn about rising above one's background and expectations in this saucy, multicultural play. The NWT is sure to bring their own brand of raw energy and enthusiasm into the mix, making of one very lively (and affordable) show on Fri 11/27 at 7:30PM. Runs 'til Sun 12/6. http://NearWestTheatre.org

Hell on Earth 5 is the perfect name for an event of Black Friday. And no, this Hell on Earth is located in a mall parking lot. Head over to the West Park Party Ctr on Fri 11/27 for the "most intense pro wrestling in the US." See the Return of Mad Man Pondo, the Intense Div. Title Match and lots of dudes jumping around in spandex. 6:30 - 11:30PM @ 3556 W. 130th St. http://AIWrestling.com

15 60 75 (The Numbers Band) CD Release Show @ Kent Stage Catch the release of the Numbers Band's newest CD The Inward City at a show on Fri 11/27 at 8PM. Planning to get the CD? Purchase it at the doors and get in the show at no additional charge. Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St. in Kent. http://NumbersBand.com



HOT Genghis Con You won't find fading TV celebrities, Superman comics or even vendors that pay to table at this unconventional comic convention [flier pictured]. Instead, you'll find talented, indie, original graphic storytellers who don't fit into the normal perception of what a comic book should be. And they're all from the Midwest. Derf, Gary Dumm, John G and Chris Crow will be there--and you should to--on Sat 11/28 from 12 - 6PM @ the Beachland, 15711 Waterloo Rd. http://TheGenghisCon.com

True Value Vintage Show Remember the feeling you'd get running downstairs on Xmas morning as a kid? Well... a group artists do. And they created art inspired by those brief moments of glee. No matter how old (or young) you are, this is a show you can relate to. Catch the opening on Sat 11/28 from 6 - 9PM. Runs through Sat 12/26 at the Pop Shop/What Is Artificial Gallery. While there, also check out the Deck the Halls Show of skate deck art from 25+ contemporary artists. 17020 Madison Ave. in Lakewood. Info

The Santaland Diaries @ CPT David Sedaris' classic holiday satire is back in live form on Sat 11/28 at 7:30PM. A 33-year-old slacker takes a job as a Macy's Christmas elf and retells his experience. Of course, hilarity ensues in this crowd-pleasing play. Runs through Sat 12/19. @ 6415 Detroit Ave. Tickets

Small Worlds, Strange Worlds It's the day after Black Friday. Time to ditch the crowds, the shopping and the lunacy of it all and hide away in a gallery--specifically one featuring vintage motorbikes. Get yourself to Moto Gallery on Sat 11/28 for the opening of a show w/ works by Peter Jennings, Hans Gindlesberger, Brandon Juhasz and other 216 superstars. Party afterward at Mullens. 17007 Madison Ave., Lakewood. Info



Musically Speaking Hear masterpieces in a whole new way. In this new concert series, you get the inside scoop of the music plus a performance sure to blow you away. First half features a richly textured audio-visual presentation about the composer and piece to be performed. Then you get to hear the Cle Orchestra [pictured] play the entire piece full-throttle. First concert in the 3-part series is on Sun 11/29 at 3PM. Hear Dvorak New World Symphony No. 9. Severance Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave. Tickets





Fine Tuning @ Beans Coffee House is a collaborative creative experience. Are you a budding playwright [pictured] or actor? Share your plays in progress or get feedback on your acting skills at this Readers Theater on Mon 11/30 from 7 - 10PM. It's a way for performance writers to fine tune their scripts and actors to fine tune their talents--all set to live music. Last Mon of the month at Beans Coffee House, 121 Main St. in Chardon. For info or to participate visit http://www.jfd.cc/FineTune.





The Rat Pack is Back! Vega's four favorite sons come back to life on Tue 12/1 at 7:30PM. Using humor, uncanny vocalizations and a live big band, this tribute recreates the Rat Pack's famous "Summit at the Sands" show, when the group was in its hipster heyday. Also plays on Wed 12/2 and Thu 12/3 at 7:30PM at EJ Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St. in Akron. Tickets

Voices Against the Silence Join the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cle on World AIDS Day, Tue 12/1, to honor individuals and orgs who aren't afraid to speak up and break the silence of HIV/AIDS. Light breakfast at 8AM followed by reception. Email Jason Weiner at jweinerATatfgc.org or call 216-357-2223 to RSVP. Located at the Taskforce office, 3210 Euclid Ave. http://AIDSTaskforce.org




Larry Porter Trio @ Nighttown Jazz pianist Larry Porter [pictured] comes home to his native city on Wed 12/2 for a performance w/ 2 of Cle's finest jazz musicians, Peter Dominguez and Paul Samuels (both are also jazz professors at Oberlin). Porter has traveled the world and even lived in Afghanistan, where he studied traditional music. Welcome him back at 7PM @ Nighttown, 12387 Cedar Rd. in Cle Hts. http://MySpace.com/westeastmusic Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com


The Oral Tradition Lives On - Somewhere

If you ask a friend to go to a reading with you, he or she might look at you funny. After all, reading is a verb, it's something you do alone, quietly, not a something you go to.

Jean Cummins, founder of the First Mondays Reading Series, has been working to change this perception. A program that started in order to offer readings of new plays has expanded to included poetry and fiction readings.

Now, after three years of working under the umbrella of Dobama Theatre and building an audience for new work, the First Mondays series is looking for a new home...
Read about First Mondays by Susan Petrone here



Deja vu All Over Again

A few weeks ago I wrote a relatively scathing piece regarding payday lenders. I'd received an email inviting me to a "financial literacy educational seminar" that was being sponsored by, of all people, those nice folks who run CheckSmart, the outfit that found a way around the law and continues to charge poor and working class Ohioans interest rates that amount to usury: APRs that can amount to 391 percent.

I admit that words like "prostitutes" and "whores" did slip into that piece, and I was roundly taken to task in a couple of phone calls and in a face-to-face meeting for using such strongly pejorative terms to describe the action of black elected officials.

I suppose I should, at this juncture, take the opportunity to apologize for using such language and I sincerely want to do so... but to do it now would be premature...

Read more from Mansfield Frazier here


Eat Whatever You Want on the Holidays!

Every year around the Holiday season, scores of well-meaning, tongue-clucking, “It’s Good-For-You” articles start appearing in newspapers, magazines, and blogs telling people about the latest No-Fat gravy OR how exchanging cornbread for rhubarb will make Grandma’s secret stuffing Low-Carb.

Or maybe how to track, shoot, dress and carve the ultimate Tofurkey OR about an ancient Aztec custom of combining orange tree bark and gruel to create the perfect pumpkin-less pie.

These recipes and suggestions are then coupled with drill-sergeant-like commands ordering you to immediately speed-walk after dinner to work off ALL of those calories before you’re allowed to return to the dining room for your choice of low-carbon Mocklate, free-range-coffee, or tea and strumpets...
Read the Soundbite Laureate by Douglas O'Bryon here



MMPI Gets $1 Million Every Quarter With No Details
Plus, Voinovich Only Absent U.S. Senator For Big Vote, and more...

I find the way MMPI bills Cuyahoga County for its monthly "fee" an example of bad management taken to extreme. The billings tell the County nothing of what MMPI does for its healthy fee.

Here's what the entire "invoice" from MMPI says as a description of what it did for $333,333.33 - or a penny shy of $1 million every three months:

"Const. Mgmt/Developer fee - $333,333.33. Total due $333,333.33."

That's it. Pretty much a blank sheet of paper.

No mention of what work might have been done. No mention of how many people did what. No mention of money paid out by MMPI. No mention of hours worked. Not a shred of documentation. Nothing. Nada.

Now that's the way to be able to bill a client. Sweet...

Read more of Roldo Bartimole here



Quick reviews of recent events
Submit your own review or commentary to Events@CoolCleveland.com

Browns Rules @ Cleveland Public Theatre 11/11/09
Read the review by Roy Berko here

The Cleveland Orchestra @ Severance Hall 11/19/09
Read the review by Kelly Ferjutz here

The Cleveland Orchestra @ Severance Hall 11/19/09
Read the review by Laura Kennelly here

Wicked @ State Theatre 11/19/09
Read the review by Roy Berko here

Fridays@7 @ Severance Hall 11/20/09
Read the review by Elsa Johnson & Victor Lucas here

Fraulein Maria @ Great Lakes Theatre 11/20/09
Read the review by Roy Berko here

Fraulein Maria @ Great Lakes Theatre 11/20/09
Read the review by Laura Kennelly here


Cool Cleveland readers write

All letters must include your full name (required) and you may include your e-mail address (optional).
Send your letters to: LettersATCoolCleveland.com

We need RTA RTA continues to reduce and eliminate needed bus service due to decreased county sales tax revenue. The obvious solution nobody mentions, in America's dumbest and most corrupt big city, where information is controlled by the Plain Dealer to serve the wealthy, is to scrap the not-needed medical mart, and give that money, over $ 74 million so far from the county commissioners' unvoted county sales tax increase, to RTA so it can preserve and restore bus service, including the community circulators. ...
Read the letter from Steve Gannis here

Send your letters to: LettersATCoolCleveland.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) Holiday Gift Guide The most-clicked link once again. Quit the Big Box and shop local. CoolCleveland.com

2) Ready to party? LimeRibbon.com launch party at CROP on Mon 12/7. Plus, win 2 tix on AirTran. Tickets

3) 3 Guys One Cool Idea. And their next event is Tue 12/8. CoolCleveland.com

4) 11 More Victims Mansfield documents the finger-pointing. CoolCleveland.com

5) A bike path on the Innerbelt Bridge? Why not?
GCBL.org

Doing our crunches These are the Cool Cleveland writers who get it done: Roldo Bartimole, Roy Berko, David Budin, Kelly Ferjutz, Mansfield Frazier, Elsa Johnson & Victor Lucas, Laura Kennelly, Douglas O'Bryon, Susan Petrone, Claudia Taller, Sarah Valek. And lastly, though certainly not least, thanks to our readers and everyone who partners with us. Want to volunteer and contribute your writing to Cool Cleveland? Send your reviews, articles, or story ideas to: Events@CoolCleveland.com.

It's crunch time,
--Thomas Mulready

LettersATCoolCleveland.com
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