11.22-11.29.06
Unite or Die

In this week's issue:
* Cool Cleveland Party Holidaze Hullabaloo 12/14!
* BizTech Profile Erin Aleman & Justin Glanville of Emerging Cleveland Tours
* The 2006 Cool Cleveland Holiday Buying Guide Keepin’ it Real and Local
* Comment Unite or Die by Graham Krausser & Christopher C. Whipple
* Sounds Why I Hate Women by CLE iconoclasts Pere Ubu
* Preview Peanuts All-Star Jam
* Dining NEO Sushi
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, CC Blog click here

Welcome to Cleveland, for all of you expatriates and prodigal sons and daughters, returning from the coasts to the place you call home for the holidays. Take Justin & Erin's Emerging Cleveland bus tour and see what you've been missing. Do the Peanuts All-Star Jam, grab some sushi, or catch one of the hot cultural activities we've selected for your enjoyment this week. Check out our new Holiday Buying Guide to bask in NEO's locally-produced art gifts while thinking outside the (big) box. Finally, if you're gonna be around Thu 12/14, register for our super-hot Cool Cleveland party before the price goes up, guaranteeing a happy holiday for all. —Thomas Mulready

Holidaze Hullabaloo 12/14
Super low price until midnight Thu 11/23 here!

Holiday Cool Cleveland party! With Fat Fish Blue as the hosts, you know you can count on a maxified par-tay with all the the delicious ingredients from the Big Easy! Join us Thu 12/14 from 5:30-8:30PM. MAP

You get all this:

• Unlimited Louisiana Cajun buffet
• Open bar with beer and wine
• Hot Chocolate Peppermint Schnapps drink special
• Swamp pop with Cats On Holiday
• Party late with the Gaetano Letizia Band
• iPod giveaway

Ticket prices go up after midnight Thu 11/23 so score now by clicking here:
https://CoolCleveland.net/tickets/121406/index.php

A wild and wonderful array of hot tech and business news & events from around Cleveland and around the region. Send your business news and events to: EVENTS@CoolCleveland.com

Frommer's: Cle is underrated Cleveland makes the list as one of 8 underrated places: " cities that don't get their due, but that are worth a visit," including Bratislava, Lyon, and Ottawa. Read
Case Entrepreneur Program Leading the Growth Enterprise scholarships for experienced executives Info
6 tech commercialization projects get $1M funding from Fund for our Economic Future: stem cells, flexible displays... Read
Ohio Franchise Center expands nationally for franchisees, franchisors, suppliers, entrepreneurs Info
UCI considers SID Special Improvement District could allow Univ Circle to enhance security, maintenance Read
Third Frontier grants go to NEO $12.4M for entrepreneurial development, incl. $5M to JumpStart for early-stage companies Read
Sustainable business leaders honored by Entrepreneurs for Sustainability: CityWheels, Crown Point... Read
CityWheels comes to Univ Circle expansion of $5.90/hr car-sharing service Read

HOT Start Up Cleveland: Launching a Web Business in Northeast Ohio on Wed 11/29. Register.
Mtrl/Wksp Material for Materials Workshop by ASM Intl on 11/30 & 12/1 @ Ideacenter, touring Moen & Don Drumm Studios Details
Akron SCORE offers no-cost sessions for individuals interested SB startup Wed 11/22. AM and PM sessions @ One Cascade Plaza (NCB), Akron. Call 330-379-3163.
Standing Tuesday entrepreneur forums @ CIA’s FUTURE Center for Tech Transfer and Design this Tue 11/28, guided by I-Open. 11610 Euclid Ave. Thomas M. Nosek, Ph.D., CWRU Professor of Physiology and Biophysics speaks. No-cost. Info
Pick PD Pres./CEO Terrance Egger’s brain at 5PM Wed 12/06 as Myers Univ hosts Annual Leadership Seminar. Chester Hall, 3921 Chester Ave. No-cost. Call 361-2746.

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
What are You Waiting for? In a world of global competition, an MBA is no longer an advantage, it’s a requirement. Look closer at the Accelerated MBA at Cleveland State University. Our outstanding curriculum, convenient schedule and flexible format allow you to earn an AACSB accredited MBA in 11 months—without interrupting your life! You’ll take away state-of-the-art knowledge from more than just textbooks. You’ll develop the skills to apply that knowledge from the moment the program begins. Classes start in January. It’s not too late to apply! Financial Aid is available. Graduate in December 2007 with the management and leadership skills you need to advance your career in the direction you choose. Visit www.csuohio.edu/cba/coolcleveland or contact Patricia Hite at 216.687.6925 or p.hite@csuohio.edu.
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Erin Aleman & Justin Glanville
Emerging Cleveland Tours

Emerging Cleveland tours by CSU Urban Affairs students Justin Glanville and Erin Aleman, offer ex-pats a view of some unexpected neighborhoods in Cleveland. Cool Cleveland's Thomas Mulready caught them on video on the roof of the CSU parking garage explaining why they like turning people on to the cool parts of town, what to expect on the tours, and what their single favorite neighborhood is. Fri 11/24 at 2PM, Sat 11/25 at 10AM, then again in December. http://www.EmergingCleveland.com.

Watch The Movie:

Windows movie

Mac movie

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What are Your Kids Doing this Holiday Break? Sign up for Children’s Technology Workshops offering technology camps for children from grades 2 – 8. CTW Holiday Camp in Chagrin Falls, (Mon 12/18 - Thu 12/21) is open for enrollment now online. Give the kids in your life the gift of learning about animation, computer game making or robotics – all in the context of cool, day-long adventures. Summer camps are also available and spaces are filling for 2007! Call Karen at 440.484.2222 to learn more. Children’s Technology Workshop also offers enrichment programs throughout the region at venues ranging from the Maple Heights branch of the Cuyahoga Public Library to the Hathaway Brown Middle School. If you would like to learn more about this fun, educational program either email us at Cleveland@ctworkshop.com or visit www.ctworkshop.com. Space is limited. Sponsored by The Beta Strategy Group, www.BetaGroup.us, founders of the Children’s Technology Workshop of Northern Ohio and a founding sponsor of Cool Cleveland Tech.
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Your One-Stop Source for Local Gifts, Wares and Sundries

The Holiday Season will be here before you know it, and whether you're prepared for it or not. We here at Cool Cleveland are no strangers to that sudden hustle and bustle, complicated further by the eternal quest for something unique and original. We decided to revisit our annual (and wildly popular) "Holiday Shopping Guide" again this year. At Cool Cleveland, we know you can think outside the (Big) Box (stores). That's why we have compiled a list of local shop owners, purveyors and proprietors to help you support NEO's artisans, neighborhood Mom & Pop shops and crafty/creative types across the region. Print this out and take it with you, or pass it on to others who might be struggling similarly with Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Festivus, New Year... even those who get a little wild celebrating Dido's birthday.

If you know of some thrillingly cool and unique loot for holiday shoppers, or run a local shop, we want to hear from you. Send us a link with some background on you and your gift offerings to PeterATCoolCleveland.com (replace the "AT" accordingly). We hope to feature as many of you as possible in the coming issues of your Cool Cleveland newsletter. Buying local is a smart, equitable and sustainable business practice that helps of support your local economy. Click HERE to start your holiday shopping. -- Peter Chakerian, Managing Editor

Unite or Die
by Graham Krausser & Christopher C. Whipple

It’s never simple for proud individuals to set aside their own self interest for an unforeseen greater gain in the collective good. This is why over 250 years ago Ben Franklin first created the above artwork demonstrating the importance of joining efforts; a concept which still rings true in our own community, as the contemporary rendition was created by talented CIA graduate Graham Krausser, clearly shows.

Initially, Flora Stone Mather made sure the University Circle institutions combined their efforts, and what she understood has recently been proven by reams of economic evidence. Quite simply, institutions are strongest when they work together and weakest when they are segmented. As we struggle to find new ways of reinventing Cleveland, we under publicize the amazing resources already established here. If the University Circle institutions combine their marketing and other efforts, they can serve not only as the intellectual center of this great city, but also as selling point to others. Imagine weekend tour packages which included events at The Orchestra, The Art Museum, The Gardens and other venues. By working together, the University Circle institutions can serve to showcase our city, allowing individuals from outside the region to begin to appreciate Cleveland and understand what Clevelanders have always known and enjoyed about our great city.

Regionalization of this microcosm is necessary for the regionalization of NE Ohio. These leaders can easily and convincingly demonstrate the benefits regionalization can achieve, which would demonstrate to the citizens of the county the benefits of working together. How can this community articulate the importance of regionalization and cohesiveness to the citizens of Cuyahoga County, when its own, greatest intellectual leaders refuse to do so? We can all hope these benevolent leaders will lead by example.
Graphic by Graham Krausser, text by Christopher C. Whipple

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Do You Have Gingerbread Dreams? If so, celebrate the season with a new tradition by going to Cleveland Botanical Garden’s WinterShow starting Fri 11/24 through Sun 12/31 to see unique gingerbread house displays. These fantasy creations have been warming the holidays since the 1800’s. Take a break from your hectic schedules and relax during an afternoon of fun for the whole family. Enjoy the magical holiday decorations, programs for all ages, great shopping in the Garden Store and lunch in the Garden Café. Plus fabulous trains from Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum and the amazing Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse — the best butterfly house in Ohio — are included with your admission. Adults: $7.50; Children 3-12: $3; Children under 3 and CBG members: no charge. Tue – Sat: 10AM – 5PM; Sun: Noon – 5PM. Closed Mondays. Contact www.cbgarden.org or 216.721.1600.
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Carolyn Jack joins rock band The PD's arts writer, who has covered critical issues on creativity, gov't funding for the arts, and most recently, the run-up to the successful Issue 18 arts levy, has decided to take the newspaper's buyout offer, and will sing and write lyrics in a new rock band, Karmic Dogma. Jack, whose incisive stories and analyses have helped place arts and culture at the forefront of NEO's civic agenda, is taking the opportunity to re-invent herself after 6 years of freelance followed by 8 years full-time as the general assignment arts writer. Her stories on the need for a city-wide arts festival preceeded the formation of the Ingenuity Festival of Art and Technology, and her coverage of public funding for the arts set the stage for the passage of Issue 18. Your thoughts? Letters@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.

Boycott Black Friday What will you be doing on the busiest shopping day of the year: Black Friday 11/24? Participate by not participating. Or better yet, shop local, as recommended by our Cool Cleveland Holiday Buying Guide below. Info

Incentives for Downtown living Rockford, IL offers city and county employees free financial advice and up to $10K towards their down payment if they move Downtown, take a home-buyer education class, and continue their gov't employment. Read What other incentives might work here? Letters@CoolCleveland.com

Cool Cleveland Kids With the holiday, the kids are off, so we know you'll be looking for stuff to do with them. Take a hint from 10-year-old Cool Cleveland correspondent Max Mulready who has scoured the Internet looking for a few good events to recommend. Hear his short podcast here even if you don't have special software. If you're a whiz kid, you can download it to your iPod or your computer and listen with your own kid. Check below to see the events tagged CC KIDS under Cool Cleveland This Week for our recommendations for a fantastic family week. http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolClevelandKids11.24.06.mp3. Add the CC Kids Podcast to iTunes using this link. Adding this link to your program that catches podcasts will keep you up-to-date on the latest audio.

Take a survey, win an iPod Take our brief survey and at the end you'll have a chance to enter to win a Video iPod compliments of Cool Cleveland. No purchase necessary. Take the survey here

Ohio ranks 50th in reproductive rights We try to stay positive at Cool Cleveland, but this is getting out of hand. While the recent election showed that voters rejected divisive wedge issues, Ohio ranks low because of weak hate-crime laws, our constitutional ban on gay marriage, and state-sponsored "Choose Life" license plates. Go here and click on Ohio. How do you feel about this? Letters@CoolCleveland.com

Congrats to Strickland: Now listen up Now that Ted Strickland is Governor-elect, and NEO's Lee Fisher is Lt. Governor-elect, you may want to contact them to apply for a job in government, or just give them a piece of your mind. After all, they will be working for you, something we apparently need to keep reminding our public servants about. http://GovElect.Ohio.Gov If you do send suggestions, why not Cc: us at Letters@CoolCleveland.com so we can help keep the pressure on.

Cool Cleveland Podcast Cool things to do this week in Cleveland, at the click of a button. http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolCleveland11.24.06.mp3. Add the CC Podcast to iTunes using this link. Don't forget, you can subscribe to this podcast by saving this link in your favorite program that catches podcasts.

We Were One Author and former Lakewood resident, Patrick K. O'Donnell, returns to Northeast Ohio with a tour for his controversial book that gives a riveting first-hand account of the fierce battle for Fallujah and the Marines who fought there. Visit http://www.WeWereOne.com for more info.

Every week, all of us here at Cool Cleveland pour through gads of fantastic things happening in CLE and NEO, all in an effort to answer that ever-nagging question: "What's cool to do this week?" Submitted for your approval, here's a snapshot of what we found. Got a unique event coming up? Know of something that is a totally Cool Cleveland worthy event? We want to hear from you about it; our tens of thousands of readers do, too. Be a civic and cultural activist and turn on your fellow readers.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

HOT Avoid the Mall Day Instead of the battling the crowds at the mall, enjoy a family-friendly day at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes on Fri 11/24 from 10AM to 5PM during a fun alternative to shopping on the day after Thanksgiving. Call 321-5935 or visit http://www.ShakerLakes.org. Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Shaker Hts.

CC KIDS Christmas in Peninsula Don't miss the Log Cabin Gallery Wonderland Winter Exhibit featuring 25 local and regional artists who will be on hand to answer questions and give limited demonstrations on Fri 11/24 from 11AM to 5PM and through Sun 12/17. Meet Santa's Elves or Frosty the Snowman or the Toy Soldier or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer for unscheduled visits during the weekends as they stop at The Log Cabin Gallery before wandering throughout Peninsula. Enjoy special "No Grown Ups" shopping for children every weekend. Call 330-657-2670. The Log Cabin Gallery, 1671 Main Street (Route 303), Peninsula. http://www.TheLogCabinGallery.com. http://www.ExplorePeninsula.com.

Larchmere Holiday Stroll The perfect holiday shopping event for both the aficionado and the jaded. Families can enjoy their stroll down the boulevard, while shopping enthusiasts will revel in the variety of choices. Grandparents will appreciate the nostalgic flashbacks, kids will delight in the retro flair, and everyone will discover something new. Fri 11/24 11AM to 8PM; Sat 11/25 11AM to 5PM and Sun 11/26 from 1 - 5PM. One block north of Shaker Square. http://www.larchmere.com.

Emerging Cleveland Tours Book your visiting relatives on a tour that will have them lickin' their chops and wondering why they ever left home on Fri 11/24 at 2PM, Sat 11/25 at 10AM. http://www.EmergingCleveland.com.

Gingerbread Dreams Walk through the doors at CBG the day after Thanksgiving and be swept away by the exquisite aromas of gingerbread and fresh pine. If the fantastic smells of the holiday don’t get you, the works of art made out of gingerbread and confections will. Gingerbread Dreams, the CBG’s Winter Show, falls into the category of "Very Cool." With 80 gingerbread structures on display, you’ll be amazed at what these professional, amateur, and child “artist/bakers” can do. Personal favorites were the Rock Hall replica, Hansel & Gretel Cottage, and a depiction of Key Tower by a 7-year-old. The show runs thru 12/31. Visit http://www.cbgarden.org for more.

The Intimacy of Your In-box Besides the content, Cool Cleveland readers like having their weekly news distributed through the most important workspace: their computer. Our clients call it "The intimacy of the In-box." And the proof is in the numbers: Tens of thousands of loyal subscribers and growing. Contact TL@CoolCleveland.com for details about advertising.

A Christmas Carol Charles Dickens' classic tale of one man's ultimate redemption on Fri 11/24 at 7:30PM through Sat 12/23. Get tickets at www.GreatLakesTheater.org.

SantaLand Diaries The bitter Macy's elf makes his hilarious return on Fri 11/24 thru Sat 12/23. www.cptonline.org.

Kick Off the Holidays Party at Major Hooples Riverbend Café (1930 Columbus Road) on Fri 11/24 from 8PM - 1PM. Radio Hannibal will DJ.

HOT Black and Blue Friday Check out the Burning River Roller Girls during an exhibition bout and a game of Full Contact Musical Chairs on Fri 11/24 at 8PM. Uncle Scratches Gospel Revival and DJ Larry Szyms will perform. http://www.BurningRiverRollerGirls.com. United Skates of America, Wickliffe.

WCLVnotes Tomorrow afternoon, Thanksgiving, at 2PM, WCLV 104.9 offers appropriate music for basting and/or eating turkey with an “All-American Thanksgiving” featuring selections by American composers such as Copland and Gershwin. On Sat 11/25, at 2PM, WCLV begins a concert series by the Vienna Philharmonic. And on Sun 11/26, at the special time of 3:30PM, The Cleveland Orchestra on the Radio will feature Pierre Boulez conducting “Romeo and Juliet” by Berlioz, a performance from May of 2000 that has never been broadcast before. Complete details on all of WCLV’s programming can be found on line at www.wclv.com.

CC KIDS A Christmas Story House Grand Opening on Sat 11/25 at 10AM. Take a nostalgic journey to the sights and scenes where Ralphie Parker dreams of nothing but receiving a genuine Red Ryder 200-shot Carbine Action Air Rifle for Christmas; see behind-the-scenes photos and movie memorabilia. Full schedule at http://www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com/.

Dunham Tavern Museum Antiques Show Seventy-five dealers, many new to Cleveland, offer a diverse selection of quality antiques with an emphasis on furniture, cabinetry and accessories that are reasonably priced. Sat 11/25 from 11AM to 5PM and Sun 11/26 from 11AM to 4PM. Call 431-1060 or email dunhamtavern@sbcglobal.net. Dunham Tavern Museum, 6709 Euclid Avenue.

CC KIDS Winterfest Launch the season's festivities on Sat 11/25 at 6PM when Public Square becomes a winter wonderland. Enjoy the lights, a bigger than ever parade with vintage horse-drawn carriages, marching bands, Santa and fabulous complimentary entertainment and activities. http://www.cleveland.com/winterfest.

HOT Cleveland's Screaming Don't miss the final chapter of the "Cleveland's Screaming " series - a musical showcase featuring Cleveland bands from the 80's reunited - on Sat 11/25. Call 798-8297. http://www.BeachlandBallroom.com.

Listing Tip of the Week Imagine inviting all of your friends over for Thanksgiving dinner only to have them end up at your neighbor's house instead. Double check whether your website is a .com, .net, .us, etc. before submitting your listing so that we can direct traffic to you - instead of your competitors. Otherwise, you'll end up eating a whole lot of turkey all alone. Send your events - with the correct URL - to Events@CoolCleveland.com.

HOT Arc Ancient's Holiday Blues Party Relax, unwind and get pampered to the sounds of some great music during the holiday kick-off event on Sun 11/26 from 12 - 7PM. You'll get tasty hors d'oeuvres, complimentary mini-massages and hear the sounds of local music greats, Gloria O'Neil-Savage, Bob Fraser and Rick Fisher. Call 458-1444 or visit http://www.ArcAncient.com.

Pardon us for Being so Forward Is there an extra zing in your step on Wednesdays? If reading Cool Cleveland makes your day (or, dare we say “week”) then consider passing it onto a friend or family member and spread the love.

Protecting Green Infrastructure, Solutions for Ohio Communities Elaine Marsh will highlight the benefits of a green infrastructure with the latest research, illustrations, case studies and stunning dollar values on Wed 11/29 at 7PM. Call 661-4998. Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way. http://www.FriendsOfBigCreek.org.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Links to interesting NEO blogs

Gloria Ferris blogged about being stuck in a traffic jam after the Browns game and hopes reading is "someone who can make a difference in traffic patterns after events in Cleveland". She also says "people who read Cool Cleveland appear to be a 'take action' crowd and they might do something with the idea." People who read Adam Harvey's blog were relieved to read his post about finding a job and staying in Cleveland. He posted it because "There are always comparisons between NYC and Cleveland in MSM and everyday conversation. My post might be useful to illustrate how Cleveland doesn't need to be like NYC. A city doesn't have to be big to be a good place to live." Sage Lewis writes about lunch with the CEO of Summa Health:

Ron Finklestein writes about comments he received after an large event he organized. "When I wrote it I was hoping that the individuals who made the comments about the invocation would read them. After I posted the blog article I realized I wanted it to be a general post and hopefully stimulate a dialog about the topic. We are becoming a society of intolerance jerks. What does it matter if I choose to open the conference with a prayer? Why does it matter if I chose to recognize a nine year old for taking initiative? I think it is time to take a stand. Political correctness has gone to far. I felt it was time for me to stand up for what is important. I have been so concerned with being politically correct I was afraid to take a stand. If it is politically incorrect to say I believe in the power of pray then so be it. I am politically incorrect. If it politically incorrect to reward a nine year old for taking a risk then I am politically incorrect. I am tired of walking on egg shells and I suspect other Cool Cleveland readers might feel the same way.

Check the Cool Cleveland weblog here, where Peter Chakerian takes a break from mourning Altman to comment on Shirley Hawk’s passing, Schreckengost’s latest award, a CWRU commentary on the Towpath Trail, “Foreclosure of a Dream” and cheers at “Organic/Mechanic” being gainfully employed and sticking around the CLE blogworld. When you’re through, add your own comments, questions and attitude. Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Why I Hate Women
Pere Ubu
Smog Veil Records

It’s been said in many places, at many times, over the course of four decades. But no other band in the world sounds quite like legendary Cleveland “avant-garage” act Pere Ubu; to wit, Pere Ubu sounds like no other band. Singer David Thomas (nee Crocus Behemoth) has been the only consistent member during the past 30 years. And though pieces of his art rock outfit’s new release, Why I Hate Women, start out like his Two Pale Boys side projects, Thomas spins their darkness into something downright otherworldly.

Thomas peppers Ubu’s unpredictable sound and noir post-modern tales with an unparalleled sense of eclecticism. It's like Barth or Pynchon set to equal parts art-punk and Motown soul. He mines an unwritten novel from author Jim Thompson and comes up with a spooky, obsessive, noisy and occasionally laconic release—one that is thrillingly cinematic for all of the cogent woe. Dissonance, angular rhythms, dense melodies, stillness and signal-to-noise type sounds …all are here and all are pure Ubu, though it’s a tough thing to assess an Ubu record, folks. About all you can do as a writer is absorb how the soundscapes make you feel, let that feeling sit, and then write it down.

Lyrically, Thomas conducts non sequitur internal dialogues that only start to come together as a story with repeated listenings. Or maybe not. Is this a concept album? Is it a Texas murder mystery? Maybe both, but after you take in the stylophone-laced “Texas Overture,” you’re not sure which... or if the protagonist from GWB territory is an insatiable lover or cannibal of hearts. Or both. Or neither. The release is certain in its uncertainty.

One thing about this release is certain: Thomas and his band of mysterians—Keith Moliné (guitars), Robert Wheeler (synths), Michele Temple (bass/vocals) and Steve Mehlman (drums)—do a great job of keeping you guessing. Do I ponder or tap my feet? All that said, you could call Why I Hate Women post-modern fiction for the ears and you would be totally right… and totally wrong. No surprise from the most original rock act to come outta CLE.

Pere Ubu performs at the Beachland Ballroom with special guest New Lou Reeds this Friday, November 24. For more information, visit Pere Ubu’s “Projex” website at http://www.ubuprojex.net and the Beachland at http://www.beachlandballroom.com.

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

Hey Writers! Wanna write about Cleveland music? We've got a slew of recently-released CDs and DVDs by Cleveland-area musicians that could use your critical commentary for Cool Cleveland Sounds. If you're interested, send us a note at Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Peanuts' All-Star Jam

Thanksgiving is the quintessential potluck holiday. Families get together, give thanks and indulge themselves in a hodgepodge of casseroles, home-cooked favorites and brand new recipes. Perhaps that’s why local music journalist Peanuts has settled on Thanksgiving eve for his annual All-Star Jam—an “open invite” gathering of available musicians from around the region. Everyone gets together, breaks out their favorite musical dishes and, well, pigs out. We assure you that no turkeys were harmed during the course of this interview.

Cool Cleveland: What contributed to the All-Star Jam becoming a Cleveland Thanksgiving tradition? It's like the annual Turkey Bowl, it seems. Peanuts: It’s just sort of evolved over time, one that fell into tradition. It started out as a band meeting. People like getting together and playing. Now it’s like Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls, you know? It’s "the oldest established permanent floating crap game in Cleveland." It shows up every year, and you just sort of go with it. The closest it came to blowing up was 1989, at the old Cleveland Café, which is now a parking lot for Staples.

Who are your favorite area bands currently? I think View From Everest is great. There’s so much out there. A Rare Blend is good for what they do, that jazz-rock stuff. For acoustic stuff, Anne E. DeChant is great and Brian Henke… well, I really like him. I always put him up on stage [at the All-Star Jam] between the 2 loudest acts on the show. (smiles)...
Read the preview by Peter Chakerian here

Give Thanks with Peanuts during the Peanuts All-Star Jam tonight, 11/22 at 9:30PM. This is a "21 & over" event that is open to the public. Hi-Fi Club, 11729 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood. http://www.HiFiConcertClub.com.

NEO Sushi: Food Hedonism without a ticket to NYC

Sushi has always been a delicate delectable in my book. From the moment I first sampled that slightly sweet-tart, vinegared rice, nori seaweed and fresh raw fish in concert, I was captivated. Sushi dates back to 14th Century China, Japan and Southeast Asia, and began as a means to preserve and prepare fish simultaneously. Raw, cleaned fish and rice were cured together with sea salts and pressed together by heavy stones. Weeks later, the dish was ready to eat—a far cry from the more modern sushi we’re used to today..

Sushi hit its Western stride in New York during the 1970s; today, there are some 5,000 sushi restaurants in the States, all of them frequented by the health-conscious, food hedonists and all in between. There are quite a few good sushi spots in Northeast Ohio (yes, Virginia, there is life outside Sushi Rock) and one of them is owned by a master who I’m proud to say I studied under at the old Century Sushi Bar at the Ritz-Carlton.

James “Kimo” Javier was the sushi chef at the Century a few years back and began conducting classes for the food-curious. He only taught the rainbow of styles to a few passionate students before deciding to open his own space, Kimo’s Sushi in Ohio City. Nestled near Oui Oui Café and Johnny Mango, the place seems like a “hole-in-the-wall” from the outside… nothing to look at. But on the inside, Javier creates some of the most magical and amazing stuff you’ve ever tasted. Aside from a Hawaiian Barbeque to die for, Javier’s specialties include a Spicy Scallop Roll, the Spider Roll (a must-have), a light Tako Poke Salad (Octopus) and a Soba Noodle Roll that really is unique and tasty. And best of all, he’s a nice guy who caters to your tastes… and he does take out.

Sushi Katsu in the Merriman valley is a bit of a trek for Clevelanders, but it is truly the most captivating Sushi bar in NEO. It is further up on the “cosmopolitan cool” gauge; after a couple warm sakes and one of Katsu’s burgeoning plates, you forget you’re in greater Akron. It feels like one of those mega-hip NYC locations (with a bit of Midwestern grit, that is), until you leave for the parking lot. Bountiful colors and flavors dance on the plate, ranging from bonito and gizzard shad, to more mainstream tastes like tuna, squid, eel and smelt roe. All this, and no plane ticket to worry about.

If you’re looking for something a little closer to home, there’s always the venerable locales Sushi 86 and Sushi Rock—both of which have gathered a lot of steam amongst the cognoscenti and glitterati in Cleveland—are always good choices. But you end up paying a lot more money for sushi that sometimes lacks the character and flair that Kimo’s and Katsu’s do. If the thought of leftover turkey is churning your guts, hit these places for a fantastic change of pace. All locations will tell you that NEO really can be as hip as NYC a lot of the time… you just have to know where to look for the good stuff.

Where do you get your Sushi fix, Cleveland? Write and tell us. Letters@CoolCleveland.com

From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

Quick reviews of recent events
Going out this weekend? Take along your PDA and your digital camera. Scratch out a few notes to send us with a picture of it for our Instant Karma real-world reviews of what's really happening. We'd love to hear from you. Send your stuff to Events@CoolCleveland.com

Deck the Hall @ Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Akron, 11/16 If you closed your eyes and tried to envision the perfect place for the story of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, in your wildest dreams you could never imagine a setting as perfect as Stan Hywet. The Nutcracker comes to life during their “Deck The Hall” celebration 11/24-25 and 12/8–12/30 from 6:30–8:30PM (closed December 24 & 25). Drive through those iron gates to the 65-room Manor House and experience an amazing journey… lit up for the holidays! (It’s hard to believe it was actually someone’s home--The Seiberling’s of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company fame in 1915.) Each room on the tour was painstakingly decorated by "Design in a Day" to represent scenes from the famous ballet. While many of the decorations are on a grand scale, there are many ideas you can recreate in your own home, except, perhaps, for the spontaneous performance by the Children’s Ballet Theatre (http://www.childrensballettheatre.org). I was impressed as these local dancers skillfully delivered highlights from The Nutcracker, designed especially for the Stan Hywet audience. Visit early and often. You’re going to want more than one look. Visit http://www.stanhywet.org for more. From Cool Cleveland correspondent Nan Frost NanetteHFATsbcglobal.net

Greater Tuna @ Beck 11/19
What: A laugh-out-loud two-hander with 20 assorted eccentrics and bigots from Greater Tuna, the third smallest town in Texas, all played by local comic treasures Nick Koesters and Kevin Joseph Kelly.
Barrels of laughs: Funny-man Koesters has the greatest range: his characters go from subtly sweet animal shelter volunteer Petey Fisk to a downright scary juvenile delinquent. Kelly takes no prisoners in his killer drag roles -- his cheerful, book-censoring housewife Bertha Bumiller is worthy of Divine. The funeral scene, where Koesters' prim Vera Carp meets Kelly's cane-wielding dog-poisoner Pearl Burras, is sublime, as is the "Smut Snatchers" meeting.
Caveats: It starts off a little slowly, and too often director Scott Spence seems to think louder equals funnier. But it's a very entertaining show.
Backstage heroes: Special kudos to Jenniver Sparano for funny costumes that help delineate character and three dressers who help make costume changes so lightning-fast they seem miraculous.
Details: Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. 216-521-2540. Thru 12/17. http://www.beckcenter.org
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com

Music Man @ Near West Theatre 11/26 With non-stop excitement, a classic score and enough good vibes to fill any theatre, Meredith Wilson's Music Man stacks the deck before the baton even drops. Add Near West Theatre's 60+ cast, spilling off the stage, entering from the house, marching across your toes, and you've got a guaranteed family winner. Highlights: a cast ranging in age from 7 to 75, a spot-on barbershop quartet, a sweet lisping Sam Buck as little Winthrop, the comic genius of Joe Kenderess as Marcellus Washburn, and a sincere and slick Patrick Ciamacco as Professor Harold Hill, reminding one of a cross between B'ville Mayor Jack Hruby and Cuyahoga Commissioner Jimmy Dimora. Bring mom & dad and the neices and nephews thru Sun 12/3, and buy Star Seats to more closely approximate NWT's costs. http://www.NearWestTheatre.org

Apollo’s Fire @ St. Paul’s Church 11/8 In addition to plucks, there were bows and thumps and not a few stomps to be heard and seen Saturday evening at St. Paul’s Church in Cleveland Heights, as Apollo’s Fire presented another evening of marvelous music. Differing from the usual orchestral configuration, this time there were never more than nine music-makers and frequently fewer than that on stage at one time. But oh! What those nine could do when they put their hearts and souls and bodies into it!

The first half of the program concentrated on works from the German or Austrian repertoire, Buxtehude, in particular, while the second half was all Italian or Spanish in origin. Fireworks were everywhere! May I be the first person to suggest this should be an annual event? (If not first, then next?)

Nell Snaidas is a soprano of unusual gifts – her clear voice and impeccable diction float through the performing space as if carried on the wings of angels. Her luminous dark eyes flash joyously as her smile illuminates the music in enchanting fashion. At times, she’s an invigorating guitarist, as well.

The perfect counterpart to her performance is the flashy and sultry dancing and guitar playing of Steve Player, who takes off in flights of fancy that evade easy description. You really need to see as well as hear his marvelous and varied techniques.

In addition to these two talented guests, regulars from Apollo’s Fire string and percussion sections combined to provide absolute magic. David Greenberg and Miho Hashizume, violin; cellist Catharina Meints (who played Gamba in the first half); Richard Stone and William Simms on lute, archlute and theorbo, plus Danny Mallon, percussion, were guided by music director Jeannette Sorrell, who took turns at the harpsichord or chamber organ.

It was one entirely splendid evening of music making. Greenberg and Hashizume are nearly total opposites in technique; he is full of fire and flamboyance, she is cool and usually calm in demeanor, but they are so in tune with the music that the results are always impressive. Meints brings her years of experience on either instrument to the fore, providing a solid foundation for the others, while occasionally moving into the spotlight, as she did near the end of the program. One might have wished for Mallon to be in a more visible location as he demonstrated his versatility with castanets and tambourine.

For those who might have wondered exactly what is a lute or an archlute or theorbo, Stone and Simms were seated right up front, to either side of the stage area – except for Stone’s Vivaldi concerto – when he was front and center.

Brava! to Ms. Sorrell for her wonderful programming, and the orchestration/arrangements as well, for the Fiesta de la Gitarra en Espagna. Really. This needs to be an annual event.

In December, Apollo’s Fire will present their much-lauded version of Handel’s Messiah. For tickets or information, call (216) 320-0012, or visit the web-site at: http://www.ApollosFire.org

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net

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Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

On "The Cleveland Store" (See The Cleveland Store here) I couldn't agree more with the commentary about the "Cleveland Store". I was born and raised in California, the majorty of that in Southern California and not too far away from Los Angeles. I came to Cleveland about a year and a half ago thanks to a job offer that came along at the right time. The introductory email I received began with "Have you ever considered living in Cleveland?" The short answer was no...I barely knew that Cleveland existed, I had come to the conclusion that Cleveland was somewhere in this place called "Ohio". I think the terms "Rust Belt" and "Drew Carey" were somehow associated with the city, but beyond that I knew nearly nothing. Now that I've been here for a year, I can't imagine moving back to California. For all of the self-pitty, whining, and missteps that can be attributed to Cleveland, it really is an awesome city--an Northeast Ohio is an awesome region--The Cleveland Orchestra, Playhouse Square, the Cleveland Play House, the Cleveland [Musuem|Institute] of Art, Case, The Cleveland Clinic, The Westside Market, ...Heck, even the Cleveland Public Library is an amazing resource. There are so many unique benefits and attractions in the region that have so much to offer but since don't seem to have any cohesive marketing plan it all gets lost in the noise of Cleveland being a city "in the dumps". Don't get me wrong, Cleveland has its fair share of problems but for that to change we need to set the focus on the positives. The city isn't going to grow by using the "We're an industrial wasteland past our prime and one of the poorest cities in the country, want to move your business here?" marketing message that seems so prevalant. In short, I think Cleveland is a city with a self esteem issue.
from Cool Cleveland reader Lincoln King-Cliby lkingclibyATgmail.com

Hopefully the city, circle and region will wake up to the potential for tourism in this Univ Circle area. Some economists are stating tourism is the largest industry in the world. So when so many Clevelanders are bemoaning the loss of automotive and other industrial employment opportunities, why aren’t we waking up to the economic potential of a world class tourist site. With tourism comes plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs, artists and other. Michael Bloomberg coined the phase cultural tourism, lets hope Clevelander’s can learn from it.
from Cool Cleveland reader Christopher C. Whipple whippleusATadelphia.net

On Case vs. CWRU (See CWRU, not Case here) I just wanted to leave a quick note. The majority of people in the world know nothing about the merger between Case and Western Reserve University. They have no idea that Engineering and English majors come from different “sides” of the institution. CASE is a far stronger brand than CWRU. I have no idea why the school doesn’t get a team of researchers to go out and obtain the average person’s opinion on the two names, through clever questions. For me CASE feels like a far more substantial name than a random acronym that I would know little about had I not gotten my Ph.D. there. I am from Washington D.C. originally so I like to think I have a blank slate perspective compared to people who are steeped in the history of the school (or who have even heard of it since they were younger for that matter). Of course, I understand the sensitivities involved when dollars are withheld. I just think it’s a shame that we can’t make this decision based on marketing research rather than donor affect. Just wanted to throw it out there.
from Cool Cleveland reader Bauback Yeganeh, Ph.D. baubackATcase.edu

On Cool Cleveland Sounds (See Instant Karma here) Thank you for running The Waxwings. Cool Cleveland provides the only option to get a story published in a time frame that can help this act now.
from Cool Cleveland reader Lee E. Batdorff LbatdorffATadva.com

On Cool Cleveland's videos (See CC Interview with Doug O'Bryon here) Just a note to say THANKS for featuring a video of our Kush Computing Workstation in your weekly newsletter and later on your www.coolcleveland.com website. If a picture is worth a thousand words - then a video is worth a MILLION! Because the Kush represents an entirely new high-tech form factor, having your video as a visual reference point has proven invaluable in expediting conversations, enabling investors to immediately grasp the concept and appeal of this revolutionary consumer product over the web. Rather than asking someone to ‘visualize’ a product hybrid of “Aeron meets La Z Boy meets the Matrix,” I simply forward your link and they can instantly SEE our cool and comfortable cocoon of computing. Plus, the “give and take” nature of the interview exchange is very natural and conversational, so key points can be made without glossy brochures or the typical hyperbole (and expense) of a commercial or infomercial. In a global sense, your contemporary video genre integrates all of the major media influences in our world today – kind of a “Reality TV meets Entertainment Tonight meets Bill O’Reilly meets You Tube?” but all focused on the people, personalities, and profiles of our Cleveland community. And it WORKS – in fact, since you posted our interview at the CEO Forum a few weeks ago, I have leveraged this visibility to get audience with angel investors, Jump Start?, the Cleveland Institute of Art, product designers like Nottingham-Spirk and AP Tech, local legends like Mark Hauserman, Terry Travis, and Dan Cuffaro, a picture of the Kush was featured in the Plain Dealer, and I was even invited by Tom Furnas to showcase the Kush at the Idea Center, and as a result a friend from LA recently saw our Kush Computing Environment on the Discovery Channel! (If you were smart, you’d start CHARGING people for this kind of coverage)! Thanks again, keep up your passionate work, and remember, “A great lake deserves a great city – without your voice, there would just be an erie silence.”
from Cool Cleveland reader Douglas J. O’Bryon, Kush Life, dougobryonATjuno.com

On Cool Cleveland's new look & endorsements Your new design format is outstanding! Cool Cleveland looks good and the read is even easier. Because of it, you are now forgiven for your stance on Issue 3 and the two smoking issues! With respect to smoking, first be aware that I do not smoke. But I do have a really hard time with big brother legislating morality, while at the same time minimizing personal accountability and constitutional freedoms. How long will it be before the morality police start peeking through our windows at night. Then, will they tax us for what they see or throw us in jail? Or both?
from Cool Cleveland reader Tim A. Schultz TasBoomATaol.com

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1) Cleveland Originals Twenty-four Cleveland Originals Restaurants offer 3-course prix fixe meals for just thirty bucks.
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Unity Through Diversity The Hard Corps unite every week to give you the most diverse range of events and voices around. They put the "fight" in "fight or flight" because of their passion for NEO. Join them? Thanks to Peter Chakerian, Roxanne Ravenel, TL Champion, George Nemeth, Nan Frost, Kelly Ferjutz, Linda Eisenstein 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.

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