How To Shop

11.30-12.07.05

How To Shop

In this week’s issue:
* Cool Cleveland Interview with Artistic Director Jonathan Sheffer of Red {an orchestra}
* Cool Cleveland Holiday Appreciation Bash on 12/15, get $11.99 tix by midnight Thu 12/1 here
* Cool Cleveland Preview Xmas Dance presentations
* Cool Cleveland Sounds Which Moment by Trenchcoat Manifesto
* Cool Cleveland Christmas Music Spectacular 2005
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, CC Blog click here

This week, in a holiday mood, we suggest a true alternative to the Wal-Mart bashing and the corporate holiday shopping hysteria: spend your gift dollars in Cleveland on area artists and entrepreneurs, and let’s stimulate our own economy instead of sending our cash to help pay for some executive’s overpriced beach home. To that end, our ongoing series Cool Holiday Shopping should help.

Our Cool Cleveland Interview with Jonathan Sheffer should whet your appetite for Red {an orchestra}’s A New Amahl {A Red Christmas} concert next week. But take advantage of the exclusive 2-4-1 ticket offer, only for CC readers, before Fri 12/2.

As good citizens, we urge you to get involved with the Ohio Department of Transportation, who have apparently already made up their minds about the Innerbelt bridge and how many fewer exit ramps we need, without really listening to the public or conducting an economic impact study. Maybe a few e-mail blasts will get their attention.

Read the letters in Yr Turn and see if you agree that Cuyahoga should follow Summit in banning smoking indoors. We hope to see you at the 12/15 CC Holiday Apreciation Bash with low prices, open bar and good friends. So whenever possible, shop local and buy from an artist. And we’ll see you around this week! –Thomas Mulready

CC Holiday Appreciation Bash 12/15

It’s hard to believe, but Cool Cleveland is 3 feisty years old and we’re celebrating by throwing an out-of-control Bash at Fat Fish Blue Thu 12/15. Help us burn it to the wick from 5:30 – 7:30PM with an open bar featuring wine and Cleveland’s own award-winning Thirsty Dog beer topped with unlimited heavy Cajun hors d’oeuvres that are too tasty to deny: jambalaya, chicken and andouille sausage gumbo, cornbread, sweet potato chips, mini crab cakes with cajun mayo, delta dip with black tortilla chips, praline chicken tenders with Jack Daniel’s sauce, southern fried pickles, beignets and cheesecake bites by FFB. To celebrate we’ll be handing out CC t-shirts and stickers and you will get the down low from some of the characters from this summer’s Ingenuity Festival as they mix it up with talk of their super-secret plans for the 2006 Fest. Starting at 6:30 (until 10:00), get out your bump and grind to that my-baby-just-left-me sound by The Bluestones. Get this: Stay all night — until 2:30 — with no cover, invite your friends for a riotous holiday celebration, and get the whole shebang for a ridiculous $11.99 if you order online by midnight Thu 12/1. That’s over 40% off the door price! Make sure you check out pics from our last party here. Get your discount tix at http://www.coolcleveland.com/tickets/121505

Cool Cleveland Interview
Jonathan Sheffer of Red {an orchestra}

Before arriving in Cleveland, Jonathan Sheffer led the stunning Eos Orchestra in New York for nearly a decade. Along the way, he lent his talents to scads of motion picture soundtracks; if you punch him up in the Internet Movie Database sometime, you may find he had something quite musical to do with a favorite film of yours. These days, Sheffer is lending the cinematic predilections to Cleveland’s musical landscape… and he’s doing some amazing work, quite frankly. Cool Cleveland recently spoke to Sheffer during rehearsals. They perform A New Amahl at the Masonic Auditorium on 12/8 & 12/10. For a special 2-for-1 offer, exclusive to Cool Cleveland readers, click here, and type “Cool Cleveland” in the “comments” section.

Cool Cleveland: You really do have to dig to find the good stuff in Cleveland and it’s nice to see Red helping people find those great artistic things. Those reciprocal relationships are a concept not all that foreign to you.

Jonathan Sheffer: When I was leading my orchestra in New York, we had to start our own organization because we wanted to do exactly what Cool Cleveland was doing—linking like-minded people together—because no one else was doing it. We started thinking we should be a resource for these people and help direct them to other groups. After we had that up and running, there were about 100 members who would come and attend our concerts, who would also later be a part of other events we drew attention to. That’s exactly what Cool Cleveland is doing here. When I saw what [Thomas] was doing, I thought, ‘This is so right. It’s what groups need, it’s what audiences need.’ And truly it works for everyone.

What happened in New York City with Eos? Much of what I have read pegged the demise on finances and economic downturn related to September 11th… but for clarity’s sake, I thought I’d ask the source.

Well, there is a website out there called New Music Box, which published an essay that I wrote about Eos here, one that I suggest everybody reads. After 10 years, I felt like I had to fight an uphill battle. I might have been willing to fight during the first 5 years… there was the ever-present constant of how to grow the audience, how to increase funding, how to maintain a critical reputation that would help keep things going. I just felt drained from trying to do that. I never felt that the artistic program was anything less than sustained at a very high level…
Read the inteview with Jonathan Sheffer here

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
You Can Live Just Steps Away from University Circle at the University View Condominiums, a beautifully renovated building with old world charm and modern amenities. Features include 1-2 bedrooms, marble bath, sunroom, hardwood floors, restored natural woodwork, high ceilings, granite kitchen countertops, large new windows, state of the art security system, cable/satellite/Internet wiring and secure, gated parking. As a bonus, tax abatement and special financing are also available. Suites are affordably priced from $144,900-$169,900. For a limited time, special incentives are available for University Circle employees or students – a $2,000 credit towards upgrades or closing costs, plus free condo fees for two years! Coming soon, a completely furnished model suite will be available to view. Check our website at www.ProgressiveUrban for a complete list of properties and open houses.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Cool Holiday Shopping In our continuing effort to offer Cool Cleveland readers options and alternatives to spending all your money online or at national retailers in soul-draining shopping malls, here are local, low-priced and artistic holiday shopping choices that will stimulate your gift-buying routine as much as they stimulate our regional economy. Know of others? Send them to us at: Letters@CoolCleveland.com, and we’ll broadcast ’em next week!

Art on Wheels has a new holiday shoppe on the West Bank of the Flats next to Shooters and Jillian’s, offering one-of-a-kind jewelry, paintings, photography, ceramics, stained glass, note cards, and wearable art, plus a masseuse onsite and a complementary sugar treat.

Cleveland Restoration Society offers unique items for sale at the lovely Sarah Benedict House, 3751 Prospect Avenue, and books such as the new Cleveland Sketchbook with images by CIA students and captions by local historian Carol Poh Miller, Creative Essence: Cleveland’s Unique Sense of Place, tracing Cleveland’s artistic history by Nina Gibans, Those Wonderful Old Houses: A Handbook for Homeowners by Ohio City Near West Development Corporation, or a mug, pen or membership. If you’re out & about this Sun 12/4, consider attending their Open House.

10,000 Villages stores in Rocky River and in Trinity Cathedral offer jewelry, home decorations and children’s gifts made by artisans around the world thru a community based organization that pays a fair wage.

Little Italy Art Walk is a fantastic opportunity to score real art by really good Cleveland artists. Check it out this Fri 12/2 5-9PM, Sat 12/3 12-9PM, and Sun 12/4 12-6PM, and wander from art gallery to Italian restaurant to bakery to ice cream shoppe, as you stroll one of the country’s finest historic neighborhoods.

Holiday CircleFest celebrates the most amazing one square mile that is University Circle, this Sun 12/4 1-5:30PM, with most institutions from the Botanical Garden to the Natural History Museum to Severance Hall to the Western Reserve Historical Society hosting a festive Open House and offering special gifts in their gift shops.

Artefino Art Gallery Cafe at 1900 Superior Avenue features espresso, juice bar and soups, plus area artists and their wares, including wearable art, most of it for sale.

ArtCraft Building is holding their 18th Annual Open Studio Holiday Sale, featuring the work of over 60 resident and visiting artists at 2570 Superior Avenue, with secured parking in the rear. Sat 12/3 noon-7PM and Sun 12/4 noon-5PM. Details here.

Fair Trade Gift Baskets support living wages for farmers in developing countries, as an alternative to sweatshop products. Choose from 3 basket sizes; select your gourmet coffees, teas and hot chocolate. Order at http://www.IRTFcleveland.org or call 216-961-0003.

Women Speak Out for Peace and Justice Holiday Festival and Bazaar takes place this Sat 12/3 10AM-4PM at Pilgrim Church, 2592 W. 14th Street in Tremont. This annual gathering of Cleveland’s peace and justice organizations will have works of local artists for sale, plus cards, calendars, t-shirts, gifts, books, house plants, a bake sale, homemade soup, chili and sandwiches.

And finally, don’t overlook Tower City Center and The Galleria at Erieview. Both downtown shopping centers offer a wide range of gift ideas and many locally-owned enterprises. They are convenient to transportation and Downtown offices, and patronizing them will stimulate our Downtown and Cleveland’s tax base.

Tell us about a gallery or artist space that’s selling cool local art and gifts this season by e-mailing us at Events@CoolCleveland.com and we’ll list as many as possible in the next few weeks. For a complete listing of local Cool Cleveland holiday shopping options, click here. Ideas? Send them to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Start a New Family Tradition: Breakfast with Santa and an OMNIMAX® Movie! Join a hilarious battle for Christmas when the Snowman and his minions square off against Santa and his elf army in “Santa Vs. the Snowman” at the Great Lakes Science Center’s OMNIMAX® Theater. Movie-only tickets are $8.95/adults, $6.95/kids and the combination OMNI/Science Center admission is $12.95/adults and $8.95/kids. Visit www.GreatScience.com for show times. This not-so-traditional tale is included with Breakfast with Santa on Sat 12/10 starting at 8:30AM with a visit from Santa and two of his real reindeer! Your ticket also includes full breakfast, a make and take holiday craft and admission to the Science Center exhibits – all for $20/adults and $15/kids. Call 216.621.2400 for reservations.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

ODOT still doesn’t get it If you attended the public meeting held on 11/17 at the Wolstein Center, one thing was obvious: the Ohio Department of Transportation already has made up their minds about the Innerbelt Bridge. While they say they want public input, read their letter to the PD closely (here): “The upstream (southern) alignment was fully considered prior to being removed from further consideration…” It is precisely the ODOT’s refusal to get a second opinion on the southern option suggested by Cuyahoga County Planning Director Paul Alsenas that is frustrating citizens. Alsenas is rightly urging a signature bridge rather than the pedestrian model pushed by ODOT. And by eliminating four exit ramps and seven entrances to the Innerbelt, area residents and businesses are incredulous. During the audience Q&A, Midtown entrepreneur Mike Chesler of the Chesler Group politely but firmly asked the question we’re all wondering: “How could ODOT make a recommendation without having conducted an economic impact study?” Their plan will move traffic very smoothly from Columbus to Buffalo right through Downtown Cleveland, but it’s hard to see the logic for people who live and work in this city. Cool Cleveland has been recommending that you send a note to ODOT Project Manager Craig Hebebrand (craig.hebebrand@dot.state.oh.us), and that might still be a good idea, but now we think you should also send a message to Deputy Director Dave Coyle (david.coyle@dot.state.oh.us), and see if we generate a little more respect for public opinion. After all, our tax dollars do pay their salaries, and will pay for the Innerbelt alignment and new bridge, whether it’s beautiful or butt-ugly. While you’re at it, Cc: Cool Cleveland at Letters@CoolCleveland.com and we’ll keep the pressure on. See Yr Turn letters below.

Opportunity Corridor Finally, ODOT is seriously considering extending I-490 the three miles East from E. 55th to E. 105th, connecting University Circle to Cleveland’s world-class highway network with a $260 million road project that would open up Cleveland’s “Forgotten Triangle,” including some of the city’s most depressed areas, to 200 acres of new development. Collateral damage includes 60 homes in Slavic Village, plus churches and no doubt a few neighborhood landmarks. See details at http://www.Innerbelt.org. See story here.

Getting serious about regionalism Realizing that they can save a boatload of taxpayers’ money, 10 eastern suburbs are in serious discussions about combining their fire departments. Of course they will lose some autonomy, but even a recent Baldwin-Wallace study recommends that area communities consolidate fire operations, and even firemen are seeing the light. “I think the sky’s the limit,” says Beachwood Fire Chief Patrick Kearns. See story here.

Cool Cleveland Kids Click on the link to hear 9-year-old Max Mulready’s recommendations for the week of 11.30 – 12.07. Listen right on your desktop as Max tells your kids about the modern-day version of The Twigbee Shop, a classic Christmas story come to life, and the biggest open house ever to hit the Circle. Listen to his short podcast here even if you don’t have special software. If you know what you’re doing, 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/CoolClevelandKids12.02.05.mp3. Adding this link to your program that catches podcast, will keep you up-to-date on the latest audio.

Discuss Great Lakes online Through this Fri 12/2, you can participate in an unprecedented international online forum discussing the future of the Great Lakes region, joining other folks from the Upper Great Lakes all the way to the eastern provinces of Canada. The International Joint Commission, created 100 years ago to settle border disputes, is hosting the online forum to discuss restoring water quality, and how to modernize the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, last changed in 1987. Join the discussion at http://www.webdialogues.net/ijc/greatlakes.

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Red an Orchestra: 2-4-1 Tickets Only for CC Readers! Celebrate the spirit of the season with the entire family and Red {an orchestra}. A New Amahl {a Red Christmas} is a story of poverty, wealth, sacrifice and miracles brought to life through the dreams of an urban boy with larger-than-life sized puppets by Basil Twist and video imagery by Ben Kinsley. Experience A New Amahl on Thurs 12/8 at 8PM and Sat 12/10 at 2PM in the Masonic Auditorium, 3615 Euclid Avenue. Concert tickets start at $15. Cool Cleveland readers are offered a 2 for 1 discount: two tickets for the price of one! Discount good until Fri 12/2! For tickets at this price call 440-519-1733 or visit www.RedAnOrchestra.org. and type Cool Cleveland in the “comments” section when ordering.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

New to Cleveland? A new meetup just for people who are new to Cleveland. With over 100 members they hook each other up with fun things to do, places to go and other new-to-Clevelanders to do it all with. They host meetups about once a month, and have done a jazz night out at Nighttown, a party at Playhouse Square, and an International Potluck at the Market Avenue Wine Bar. No charge to join. http://newintown.meetup.com/67.

The YMCA Of Greater Cleveland Needs Help They are in need of corporate sponsors for their Black and Hispanic Achievers Programs (that may fit into your organization’s diversity, community outreach and internship initiatives). Find out how you or your organization can get involved in the March 2006 Teen Leadership Summit, which will bring more than 400 teens to Cleveland (including leadership training, scholarships and more)! Help make a difference in a young student’s life. Contact Viola Rembert at 216-263-6859 or vrembert@clevelandymca.org.

Emissions from the blogsphere Focusing on economic development issues, Don Iannone relates a study by Michael Porter’s group that find inner cities do not gain jobs. MaryBeth Matthews is having a discussion with her readers about poverty and education in large urban school districts. The North Coast Green Spieler is reporting that SF’s new aquarium is going to be the largest green building. Lev Gonick announces the first ever design charette for using video games to treat autism. David Abbott meets the bloggers to discuss Voices & Choices. Check the Cool Cleveland weblog here where Peter Chakerian gets fired up on the Summit County Smoking Ban and letters to Cool Cleveland regarding it. He also hits Steelyard Commons, Chris Whitley, Black Sabbath, Dick Feagler’s Friends and a Cleveland Orchestra advertisement that would make even the most modest Severance Hall fan blush and chortle. When you’re done there, fire up those fingers and give him a dose of your own medicine. Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Mayor-elect has walk-on Surprising everyone in the audience at Karamu House’s recent production of Cuyahoga County Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones’ play The Family Line, Mayor-elect Frank Jackson appeared in a bar scene, bumping into another customer who says to him, “Who do you think you are, the next Mayor?” Not only did Jackson fulfill his first campaign promise (according to Jones, who had supported Jackson if he would appear in Jones’ play), but Jackson also fulfilled a pledge he made to arts supporters before the election, when he said he would be more visible in attending arts events. Our suggestion: invite the new Mayor to your upcoming show. Apparently he’s got more of a sense of humor than most people are giving him credit for. See story here.

The Cleveland Colectivo Got an idea that would make a difference in Cleveland? The Cleveland Colectivo wants to support great projects that will benefit our town. If you have an innovative project that you would like to make a reality, visit http://www.ClevelandColectivo.org and give your answers to three simple questions: 1) In a paragraph, what is your proposal? 2) Why has no one else done this? 3) What makes you the right person to do this? Individuals, new businesses and community projects are encouraged to participate and grants will range from $500-$5,000. Deadline submission is Sun 1/15.

Ohio ranks #4 in business site selection, according to Site Selection magazine, but interestingly, scored #1, #2 or #3 in all categories except “Executive Survey,” or the opinion of site selection executives, in which Ohio scored #14. So it’s not objective business criteria where we lack, it’s in our inability to sell Ohio on it’s merits. And perceptions are something we can change. Maybe we need new salesmen or women promoting the region and the state to businesses. See story here.

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Like Hot Cakes! MillCreek, adjacent to the Cleveland Metroparks, is an award-winning community of single-family homes ― with only two left! The first starts at $164,500 with 1550 square feet, an open floor plan, 2 large bedrooms, 1½ baths, and a formal living and dining room. The other home starts at $177,400 with 1730 square feet, open floor plan, 2 large bedrooms, 1½ baths, eat-in kitchen, porch, stainless steel kitchen appliances, washer, dryer, finished bonus rooms, 15 year tax abatement and 1.5% below market interest rate. MillCreek is on 58 exquisitely landscaped acres, located 20 minutes from Downtown, Beachwood Place, Great Northern and has a clubhouse and pool with parks in the community. Models by appointment only. Contact Don Picciano (216) 513-7030 or www.ZarembaHomes.com.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

50,000 condoms distributed In conjunction with World AIDS Day, on Thu 12/1, the AIDS Taskforce, Planned Parenthood and the Lesbian/Gay Community Service Center have teamed up to distribute 50,000 condoms, Fri 12/2 to Sun 12/4, in bars, nightclubs, community centers, college campuses and other venues where adults gather as part of the Wrap It Up, Cleveland! campaign. The mass distribution is designed to counteract the message of groups who’ve claimed that the use of condoms has a negligible effect on the prevention of AIDS. Interested in volunteering for the campaign? Call 621-0766. What do you think about the Wrap It Up, Cleveland! Campaign? Send your thoughts to Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Family overnights at the Zoo Pack up the camping gear and get ready for an awesome overnight adventure designed for kids six and older and their moms and dads. Track gray wolves, beavers, bald eagles and other North American wildlife during the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s Night Tracks overnight family adventure on Fri 12/2, Fri 12/9 or Sat 12/10 from 7PM to 11AM the next morning. Call 635-3391 or visit www.CleMetZoo.com for more info or to reserve a spot for your family.

Mural My Neighborhood Young artists, age 12-17, who are residents of Cleveland are being offered a unique opportunity to beautify their neighborhoods for years to come through a collaborative mural painting project. The program will be led by two professional mural artists based out of the Glenville Recreation Center and Cudell Fine Arts. The MMN program will culminate in two public art murals for the Glenville Community and two for the Detroit/Shoreway and Cudell community. Youth artists with a portfolio of drawings, sketches or paintings who are interested in taking part in the project should call 664-2562 to set up an interview.

Crooked River Reading Club the only independently-owned, regular, retail bookstore in downtown Cleveland, opened in the Galleria at Erieview over the summer. The store specializes in books by Northeast Ohio authors and often hosts book-signings, but also carries an eclectic mix of new release, classic and unusual fiction/non-fiction books to fit every taste, from highly refined to highly questionable. Visit the Crooked River Reading Club to check out some of their unusual titles or your favorite regional author. The store is open from 10AM-6PM on weekdays and from 10AM-4PM on Saturdays.


Cool Cleveland This Week

11.30-12.07

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Helping America Vote: Is Ohio Better Off Today Than it Was in 2004? with guest speaker Congressman Bob Ney (R-OH), co-author of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). He will discuss the recent contentious and controversial elections in Ohio, electronic voting, and transforming Ohio’s electoral system. On Wed 11/30 at noon at CSU’s Marshall College of Law Moot Court Room, E. 18th at Euclid Ave, 523-7330, http://urban.csuohio.edu/cei.

The Future of Ohio’s Lake Erie Basin: Balancing Land Use and Water Quality. Hear top officials in coastal management, planning, development economics and political leaders offer insight into how land use and economic activity in northern Ohio are inextricably linked to Lake Erie. Learn how the ecology of the lake is directly impacted by its many human uses during this Thu 12/1 session from 9AM-4PM. Click here for more info. Lorain County Community College, John A. Spitzer Conference Center, 1005 Abbe Road North, Elyria.

Newsroom Diversity: Myth and Reality Panelists Barbara Gauthier, anchor and reporter for TV station WKYC Channel 3; Ebony Reed, assistant metro editor for The Plain Dealer; George Thomas, columnist for the Akron Beacon Journal; Tom Moore, anchor-reporter for Clear Channel; and Dr. Jae-Won Lee, professor of journalism at CSU, will share their experiences and observations about diversity in the newsroom, sources and news stories during a no cost, open event on Thu 12/1 at 5:30PM. Cleveland State University’s School of Communications, Kiva Conference Room in CSU’s University Center, 2121 Euclid Avenue.

Damjan Kozole: Slovenian Auteur Catch the Cleveland premiere of three of the filmmaker’s critically acclaimed films. Pornofilm, on Thu 12/1 at 7PM, described as a modest and funny film, tells the tale of a thirty something Slovenian and his wolfish friend who decide to shoot “the first real Slovenian porn film” with Russian hookers. Then at 8:40PM see Spare Parts a darkly funny movie about organ trafficking in contemporary Europe, told from the smugglers’ perspective. Call 421-7450 for more info. Visit www.cia.edu/cinematheque for tickets. Cleveland Cinematheque at CIA, 11141 East Boulevard .

Cool Cleveland Podcast Cool things to do this week in Cleveland, at the click of a button. http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolCleveland12.02.05.mp3. Don’t forget, you can subscribe to this podcast by saving this link in your favorite program that catches podcasts.

Williams Sisters Tour The famed international tennis stars will jet into the Q on the latest leg of their exhibition tour on Thu 12/1 at 8PM. The multi-grand-slam-winning powerhouse pair will put on a clinic for mere tennis mortals as they play each other in a little sister-to-sister combat to benefit the local Ronald McDonald House. The show opens with multi-platinum R&B crooner, Brian McKnight, and jazz saxophonist, Mike Phillips. Get 2-for-1 ticket coupons from Mickie D’s then click here to purchase tickets. Quicken Loans Arena (Formerly the Gund Arena).

Voices and Choices at the City Club Dr. Carolyn J. Lukensmeyer, President of AmericaSpeaks, the organization that is managing the Voices & Choices initiative, and David Abbott, Executive Director of The George Gund Foundation will engage the audience in a lively discussion about Voices & Choices and the importance of regional public engagement on Fri 12/2 at 12PM. Visit www.CityClub.org for more info or tickets. City Club of Cleveland, 850 Euclid Avenue, 2nd Floor.

Murray Hill Art Walk Pick up a gift for that special someone, or something extra special, just for you, during the December Art Walk on Fri 12/2 from 5-9PM, Sat 12/3 from 12-9PM and Sun 12/4 from 12-6PM. Sample fabulous food from local Italian bistros, attend special exhibitions like the interdisciplinary, collaborative effort with CIA at e. gordon gallery or take in a mini yoga class at Eight Limbs Yoga. Browse items from South and Central America at Galeria Quetzal and stop in Cleveland Magazine’s pick for 2005 Best Boutique, La Bella Vita. Call 721-1233 or visit http://www.LittleItalyCleveland.com for more info.

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
One of Cleveland’s Favorite Holiday Traditions! Celebrate the holidays with The Cleveland Orchestra and Choruses in the splendor of Severance Hall. Christmas Concerts for the whole family feature classic holiday favorites performed on a festively-decorated stage overflowing with holiday cheer. The holiday festival also includes Handel’s glorious oratorio Messiah, Holiday Organ and Brass, and Musical Rainbow programs for children up to age 10. Concerts begin next Fri 12/9. Tickets for these magical performances are selling quickly, so plan your visit now and order today at (216) 231-1111 or online at ClevelandOrchestra.com.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Hodge School Exhibition – Tap into the fire of creative expression on display during this exciting working artist exhibition on Fri 12/2 from 6PM to 9PM and Sat 12/3 between 12PM and 4PM. Explore the diverse, creative works from inspirational artists in a historical school setting, including the amazing community labyrinth created by resident artist Rafala Green over the past summer. Hodge School, 1075 East 74th Street, St.Clair-Superior Neighborhood. The Hodge School is right off St. Clair and the E. 72nd St. exit of I 90. Turn R on E. 76th. Go one long block. Hodge School is the first R in the next block. Parking and entrance on E. 76th.

A Splendid Evening on Coventry Enjoy delicious food and fun during the Coventry Village Special Improvement fundraiser on Fri 12/2 at 7PM. The event also marks the grand opening of Johnny Malloy’s at the former location of the Centrum Theater. Proceeds will benefit the Coventry Street Fairs and Farmer’s Markets. Harvey Pekar will also be on hand to autograph copies of his new book and an original Pekar/Harvey Dumm cartoon that appeared in The Free Times will be auctioned off. Call 556-0927 for info or tickets. Johnny Malloy’s, 2781 Euclid Heights Boulevard at Coventry. http://www.coventryvillage.org.

CC KIDS Dancing Wheels’ The Snowman Enjoy this family production about a young boy who brings home his new found friend, The Snowman. Join the two on their magical journey of new adventures that brings them face to face with a host of delightful characters and frolicking friends. Get your tickets for the multi-season sell-out on Fri 12/2 & Sat 12/3 at 7:30PM or Sun 12/4 at 2PM, before you’re left out in the cold. Dinner and show packages also available. Call 432-0306 or visit www.DancingWheels.org. Tri-C Mainstage Theatre, East 30th and Woodland Avenue.

The Elixir of Love Enjoy a charming tale of love, marriage and a magical “love potion.” This two-act, witty opera, sung in Italian with English “subtitles,” follows the tale of the rich and beautiful Adina and her poor, infatuated admirer, Nemorino. How could he ever hope to win her affection? A traveling salesman with a magical love potion claims to have the answer. Enjoy an evening of laughter, love and music, on Fri 12/2, Fri 12/9 & Sat 12/10 at 8PM and Sun 12/4 at 2PM. Reserve your tickets at http://www.ClevelandOpera.org or call 241-6000. State Theatre, 1519 Euclid Avenue.

States of Shock The calm of a family restaurant, populated by two disgruntled customers and an inept waitress, is disrupted by sounds of war and destruction. But the real disruption begins when the Colonel, pushing a dazed young veteran in a wheelchair, makes his appearance. The evening quickly escalates into singing, dancing, flying food and a naughty encounter with some clam chowder. Call 687-0074 or visit http://www.convergence-continuum.org for tickets to the show which opens Fri 12/2 at 8PM and runs Thursday to Saturday at 8PM through 12/17. The Liminis, 2438 Scranton Road, Tremont.

Scrooge’s Night Out Can it be the 18th Annual already? Join the hoopla to benefit the Towpath Trail and Canal Basin Park. Food, drinks, music, casino, VIP lounge, all at the elegant Galleria at Erieview, Fri 12/2 from 7PM – 1AM. 520-1825, http://www.OhioCanal.org.

Our clients are sellouts It’s happened more than once. After a Cool Cleveland Art/Tech/Dance party, the real estate developers we’ve worked with have sold out of their luxury loft apartments, condos and penthouses featured on our tours. See the testimonials here. Contact Info@CoolCleveland.com when you’re ready to sell out.

Kent Arts District Gallery Hop in conjunction with the Annual Kent Festival of Lights, happens on Sat 12/3 from 10AM-10PM on North Water Street and other locations in Kent. Stop by the Jewelry Show, a group exhibit at the North Water Street Gallery; the Pie Festival/Silent Art Auction at Standing Rock Cultural Arts; Two Turtles Museum Shop for storytelling with Edwin George; Steinart Glass School for glass blowing demos and hands-on art activities or the Show and Sale featuring the work of local Kent artists at the Downtown Gallery. Call 330-673-4970 or visit http://www.StandingRock.net for more info.

Irish Craft Fair Pick up unique items for everyone on your list with a fancy for all things Irish. Browse jewelry, clothing and several other items imported from the Emerald Isle on Sat 12/3 from 10AM-4PM. Also on-hand, the Tea House, offering 14 delicious teas, plus coffee and hot cocoa. Regina High School, 1857 South Green Road, South Euclid.

CC KIDS Kid’s Holiday Shoppe @ Trinity Commons A special selection of gift books and toys just right for kids to give to their siblings, parents, teachers and friends, most priced under $10, will be featured by the shops of Trinity Commons on Sat 12/3 and Sun 12/4 from 11AM-3PM. Volunteers and staff will be on hand to assist children in making gift selections. Call 774-0470 or 575-1058 for more info. Trinity Commons, 2230 Euclid Ave.

Artists of Cleveland Holiday Show Expand your art collection, browse unique crafts or pick up items for your poor art-deprived friends during the 18th Annual Holiday Open Studio Sale at the ArtCraft Building. Visit the studios of the resident artists and peruse the fine offerings available from more than 60 resident and visiting artists. Pick up items by some of your favorite local artists or discover the work of emerging artists on Sat 12/3 from 12-7PM or Sun 12/4 from 12-5PM. Call 533-1348 for info. Artcraft Building, 2570 Superior Avenue, 6th Floor Studios. http://www.artistsofcleveland.com/holidayshow.htm.

Bertrán and Sauermann Reflections of the “Plein Air” Painter. Meet Maria Bertrán and Walter Sauermann during an Artists’ Reception on Sat 12/3 from 2-6PM. The artists have returned from abroad and are ready to share their experiences and knowledge of painting in “plein air”, outdoors, on location, as the American and European impressionists did in the 1800’s. Explore Bertrán’s inviting Provencal landscapes with their vivid colors and strong brush strokes and Sauermann’s simplified renderings of the landscape and its elements during the exhibit which runs through 1/20/06. Call 401-8920 for gallery hours. La Cachette Gallery, http://www.BOArtists.com.

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
What Does Your Wish List Look Like? Julie Jacquette takes a look at the things we desire with her “Wish List” exhibition running Sat 11/26 – Thurs 12/22. Jacquette observes the assumingly mundane artifacts of her daily life in New York – food, jewelry, cakes and flowers – by creating a tension between what is desirable and what is genuine. Her politics of gender extends into food as commodity where a reading of woman as commodity is ever present. See Jacquette discuss her work in a free public lecture on Sat 12/3 at 7PM at The Cleveland Institute of Art’s Ohio Bell Auditorium. A public reception to greet the artist will be held from 5–7PM in the On Site Gallery in the Institute’s Reinberger Gallery. Visit www.CIA.edu/dreams or call 216-421-7000.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Cleveland’s Screaming Photo Show View vintage photographs of Cleveland area misfits from the late 70’s to mid-90’s, as seen through the lens of photographers Janet Macoska, Anastasia Pantsios, Steve Wainstead, Theresa Kereakes, and Jim Lanza. Author Brad Warner will be on hand to sign his book, Hardcore Zen and the group St. Andrew will provide a musical backdrop during the Sat 12/3 show at 6PM. Second show runs Sat 12/10 at noon. Call 221-4479. bela dubby gallery , 13321 Madison Avenue, Lakewood.

True Value Vintage – Relive Christmas past at the True Value Vintage Exhibit where you’ll be transported back into the glorious moments when your primary concerns were: which Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle will be fighting Shredder; what Barbie and Ken would eat for dinner and whether your older brother demolished your Lego fort. The portal to your childhood opens on Sat 12/3 at 6PM during the opening reception for the exhibit, which runs until 1/14, where you can revisit your childhood, rediscover the glory of challenging Atari during interactive exhibits and browse the work of local contemporary artists. Call 227-8440. Join the fun at The Pop Shop Gallery and Studio, 17020 Madison Ave, Lakewood.

Julia Jacquette Lecture Join the artist on Sat 12/3 at 7PM for a discussion of her recent exhibits which dealt with desire, memory, longing, and self-consciousness as it relates to the American dream, middle class values, and an idealized version of sexuality and femininity. The lecture is in conjunction with Wish List, her On Site exhibition of prints which span her career. The exhibit runs through Thu 12/22. Ohio Bell Auditorium, The Cleveland Institute of Art.

Cleveland Underground Photographs by Stephen Bivens, a show inspired by Cleveland’s outdoor museum, the Lakeview Cemetery, marks the artist’s first Cleveland exhibition. Attend the wine and cheese opening reception on Sat 12/3 from 7-10PM. Call 554-5548 for more info or gallery hours. Paradise Gallery, 2199 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights. http://www.ParadiseGallery.net.

CC KIDS Holiday Circle Fest Twenty museums, galleries, gardens, schools and churches in University Circle will open their doors for a no charge day of family fun bursting with unbelievable music, hands-on activities and holiday shopping on Sun 12/4 from 1-5:30PM. Participating venues include Children’s Museum of Art, HealthSpace Cleveland, CMA, CIA, CIM, Cleveland Play House and many more. Families will enjoy musical performances by members of the Cleveland School of Arts, CIM and Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra at various locations throughout The Circle. Visit www.UniversityCircle.org for a full schedule of events. Still want more? Then mosey on over to Cleveland Museum of Art’s Winter Lights Lantern Festival on Wade Oval from 5:30-6PM.

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Culture, Entertainment and Convenience Cleveland’s quiet downtown neighborhood, The Avenue District, is coming to E. 12th & St. Clair. This $200+ million dollar residential development project will incorporate 400+ residential units. Design your contemporary living space with choices that include luxury townhomes, lofts, condominiums, live-work units and penthouses with green space and retail (clothing boutiques, cafés, art galleries and bookstores). Imagine living at the heart of the city in Cleveland’s elite, modern and cultured downtown dwelling. The Avenue District will be a walkable neighborhood with easy access to the theaters, Gateway, civic and lakefront districts, and is located next door to CSU and the Galleria. The Avenue District pre-sales begin January 2006, with ground breaking slated for June 2006. Contact Don Picciano at 216.274.0080 or www.The AvenueDistrict.com.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

The Woodchoppers Ball Experience the fireworks of a dozen of the best guitar players around setting the stage on fire as they perform, round robin style, on Sun 12/4 at 7PM. Join Bill Dutcher, Todd Hallowell, Jim Volk, Eric Loy, Neil Jacobs, Brian Henke, Frankie Starr, Alex Bevan, JJ Haas, David “Bassboy” Mayfield, Jon Mosey and Richie Terbush for the mother of all guitar fests during an event that will benefit the Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. Random Acts of Music will be filming the show for their TV series. Visit www.KentState.org for tickets. The Kent Stage, 175 East Main Street, Kent.

Polystylism: A Composer’s View Join Pullitzer Prize-winning composer, Paul Moravec, for a lecture on issues relevant to contemporary music and culture on Mon 12/5 at 4PM. Cleveland State University Campus, Music and Communication Building, Room 311, 2001 Euclid Avenue.

Western Reserve Land Conservancy Partnership The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes will hold an Environmental Town Hall Brown Bag Lunch Series (for Adults) on Tue 12/7 at noon. Hear a discussion regarding the Chagrin River Land Conservancy’s successful efforts which brought together a total of eight local land trusts to form a single organization focused on strategically weaving a permanent network of preserves and parks into our communities, which is called the Western Reserve Land Conservancy (WRLC). For further information call 321-5935 or visit http://www.shakerlakes.org.

Community of Minds Meeting Join guest speaker, Don Brown, CEO of Arteriocyte, on Wed 12/7 from 5:30-7:30PM, during an ongoing spotlight on local “doers”. Arteriocyte is a developer of proprietary cutting-edge, non-embryonic, stem-cell-based therapies to grow new blood blood vessels for patients suffering from a variety of vascular diseases. Click here to learn more about the role of technology in the exciting local success story. 1890 at the Hyatt, downtown Cleveland.

Interactive Media Information Night Considering a career in Interactive Media? Learn more about interactive media and the opportunities available in our area during this no cost informational session open to the public on Wed 12/7 from 7-9PM. High school and college students and other individuals considering a career in interactive media can learn from area professionals currently working in the field, several of whom are Tri-C graduates, while enjoying complimentary refreshments. Call 987-5212. Tri-C Western Campus, “C” Building Atrium, 11000 Pleasant Valley Road. http://www.geeksandgurusonline.com.

Historic Warehouse District Annual Tour Revisit this charming district of work and living spaces starting with an opening reception on Thu 12/8 at 5:30PM in the brand new workspace of Realty One Real Living. Next embark on progressive tours starting at 6:30PM. Visit The Bradley Building, Bridgeview Apartments, Erie Building, 425 Lakeside, Grand Arcade Condominiums, Perry Payne and The Pinnacle. Tour participants will end the night with sweet treats during a Dessert Finale at Sammy’s with entertainment by The Prayer Warriors. Download your invitation here. Realty One Real Living Home Office, 800 West St. Clair Avenue.

WCLVnotes WCLV 104.9 FM and The Red Cross have announced that the annual January “Celebrate Life” Blood Drive will take place on Tues 1/17 from 7AM to 7PM at the Crawford Auto/Aviation Museum at the Western Reserve Historical Society. In addition to the live music, good food and WCLV Goodie Bags, donors will receive free parking, free admission to the Crawford Museum and tickets for visiting the Western Reserve Historical Society. WCLV personalities will be on hand, broadcasting throughout the day. You can give the gift of life and at the same time help keep the “Celebrate Life” Blood Drive the biggest one-day blood drive in Ohio. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to reserve a place. www.WCLV.com. WCLV is a Cool Cleveland partner.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Cool Cleveland Sounds
Trenchcoat Manifesto
Which Moment
Dharmajava Records

When I fired up Which Moment by local multimedia performance art duo Trenchcoat Manifesto, I had just finished consuming the Johnny Depp-led Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas… and a copious amount of double-distilled beverage in the process. This is important for three reasons: 1) the TC experience recalls Thompson and Burroughs (“Words of Advice” comes to mind); 2) who other than Thompson and Burroughs would appreciate my condition?; 3) irreverent narratives and the contemplation of Austro-German Marxism and Carl Jung always goes better with single malt.

Which Moment is a collection of short atmospheric vignettes exploring the uniquely American spin on Joseph Campbell’s Hero With a Thousand Faces—the archetypal hero vs. villain mythology and the transformative journey therein. It just so happens that the scenery features the dark-and-bountiful history of Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood. And it bears out that TC masterminds Richard Hearn and Tom Adams met in Tremont; Richard’s family history in Tremont reaches back 4 generations…
Read the review by Peter Chakerian here

Cool Cleveland Christmas Music Spectacular 2005
Now we don our iApparel. This year the CD continued to accelerate into its agonizing death spiral. This was bad news for the blood-sucking major record label Scrooge-Jackals who have been bending us over at $15.99 a pop for decades. So Happy Alchoholidays Sony!

This year, I will download all my fave holiday tunes to my iPod, but not to my 1985 cassette “WalkMan”. That won’t work, and it is yet another blow to Sony Claus.

Rhapsody lists 728 albums in the holiday genre. Ranked by popularity, there are some obvious “please do not even consider it” choices in the first few hundred selection. This includes anything by “The Trans-Siberian Orchestra”. These guys are not from the “former Soviet Union” and in fact, are holiday music-thieving sympho-rock wankers from Meat Loaf hell, and yet again, Steve Popovich doesn’t get a dime. Step away from the keyboard if you sense the urge to download this dung…
Read the rest here

Cool Cleveland Preview
Xmas 05

Cleveland’s dance scene is rife with traditional holiday entertainments. You can pick and choose on the theory that if it’s good it will be back next year or you can do what we do and see everything every year for a total Xmas buzz.

This year’s Nutcracker, performed by Cincinnati Ballet, is new to Cleveland audiences but it promises to touch familiar bases. Battling mice and toy soldiers, a live orchestra of Cleveland area musicians and 80 local dance students. Wed 12/7 – Sun 12/11 at the Allen Theatre. $15 – $68 with many special discounts. 216 241-6000 or http://www.PlayhouseSquare.com.

Dancing Wheels’ Snowman puts a decidedly different spin on what is, in its 6th year of performance, a new holiday tradition. In Snowman the company lives its credo, that dance is an expression of the human spirit and truly for people of all abilities…
Read the review by Victor and Elsa here

Instant Karma
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

OPAL @ Kalliope Stage 11/23 Opal is a very imaginative young girl, but she isn’t really Opal, either. She thinks she’s really Francoise D’Orleans, washed ashore in Oregon, the victim of a shipwreck in which her parents died. She thinks lots of things, some of which make sense, and some don’t.

OPAL, as seen onstage currently at Kalliope Stage in Cleveland Heights—in the area premiere—is a longish one-act piece of musical theater, with book, music and lyrics by Robert Lindsey Nassif. The work is based on the childhood diary of Opal Whitely, but there are questions regarding the authenticity of the diary, as well as the author.

The production, directed by co-founder Paul F. Gurgol is excellent. He is an absolute wizard at moving twelve actors around Kalliope’s small stage area. He does this by using nearly all of them in a sensible fashion as scenery, scenery changers, and props as well as people. The set by Russ Borski—which mainly portrays a logging camp in Oregon—would do credit to a much larger and wealthier theater than Kalliope Stage…
Read the review by Kelly Ferjutz here

Cleveland Orchestra @ Severance Hall 11/25 Tranquility was the name of the game at Severance Hall on Thanksgiving weekend. What else would one expect from the combination of Mitsuko Uchida, Mozart and the Cleveland Orchestra? Even when the latter was in a very reduced condition.

For some years now—happily for us—Ms. Uchida has been working her way through all twenty-something of the piano concertos by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, whose 250th birthday is next January 27. In this first of her appearances here this season, we had two—one from his younger years and one from later in his career—as well as a Divertimento (minus piano) from his even younger years!

By the age of 20, Mozart had already produced a reasonable quantity of music including several symphonies, chamber pieces, operas and other concertos The piano concerto No. 8 in C major was catalogued as K. 246. This number would place this concerto about mid-way through his vast output. It was written for the Countess Lützow, while Mozart was still in Salzburg…
Read the review by Kelly Ferjutz here

Yr Turn
Cool Cleveland readers write
We encourage our readers to speak out by sending us letters and commentary. Send your letters to Letters@CoolCleveland.com. You must include your full name (required) and you may include your e-mail address (optional). You may also create a new Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail e-mail address and submit it with your letter. Letters submitted to Cool Cleveland, or edited portions, may be published in an upcoming issue of Cool Cleveland at our discretion.

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

On Summit County’s indoor smoking ban (See Summit County bans smoking here) Way to go Summit County! Let’s hope it goes state wide VERY soon. Enough of smelling like smoke and ingesting that crap every time I go to hear my favorite blues bands!
from Cool Cleveland reader Bruce Hicks bwh1ATadelphia.net

I’ve been to bars in both Manhattan and California this year. It was wonderful being able to enjoy a drink or two with friends and actually being able to enjoying breathing at the same time. No jockeying away from smokers or holding my breath periodically or having to wash smoky clothes afterwards. Not that I conducted a scientific poll but in California both of my friends were smokers. They went outside periodically to take a puff but otherwise seemed “undiscommoded” by the situation. It’s too bad Cuyahoga County hasn’t done the same. Certainly one reason I don’t go to bars or clubs as much is due to the smoke. So they are losing my business now.
from Cool Cleveland reader David K. Ream DaveReamATLevTechInc.com

As a former Clevelander and someone who doesn’t smoke, I completely agree with the smoking ban. We were in town last weekend visiting and we went to see some friends play at a bar on the West Side. Everyone complained about the bar smoke….we don’t have smoking in bars here in Arlington Virginia. It makes a big difference and it may be good for your business, not bad for it. Hey club owners, think of your lungs, your customers’ lungs and the lungs of your employees!!
from Cool Cleveland reader Bob Rabatsky, Arlington, VA bobATfintrac.com

I think this is great!! I wish the entire state of Ohio (or at least Cuyahoga County) would do this. I do know that I will be making my way from Beachwood to frequent various bars and restaurants. And for all of the restaurant and bar owners who are bitching about all of the smokers going elsewhere to dine or drink…… did you ever bother to think about all of the NON-smokers who will become regular patrons at a non-smoking establishment? I’ve turned into something of a home-body because I hate going out for a drink and coming home with my clothes and hair reeking of smoke. Nevermind the health consequences. And with all of these people whining about losing the smokers as patrons…. smokers only make up approximately 25-30 percent of the population. Why do they get to dictate how the other 70-75 percent of us live?
from Cool Cleveland reader Christina Ross

I couldn’t disagree more!!!!! All the reasons stated for a smoking ban are indeed a big plus. However, I just cannot agree with the government banning a LEGAL activity in MY bar or restaurant if I owned one. Let each individual place decide for itself. A wholesale ban seems somehow VERY un-American to me. Property owners, not the government should decide their own fate.
from Cool Cleveland reader Rick Pouliot Clevefan from Cincy rpouliotATfuse.net

As an owner of a small, independent coffee house on Cleveland’s west-side, I full heartedly oppose an indoor smoking ban. It’s a tough market out there. One of the few commercial adavntages that I can offer (as opposed to out of town chains with bottomless pockets for advertising, etc) is the fact that someone can come into my shop and enjoy a smoke with their coffee. I make concessions for non-smokers. There is a smoking and non-smoking section. I try to keep the smoke out of the non-smoking section as best as I can (we have a very loud exhaust fan in the smoking section for when it gets too smoky). Many coffee-house’s do not allwow smoking. We do. As such, we have people who come out of their way to hang out at our shop. I have had people tell me that they really like our shop but they do not come in as often as they might because we have smoking…
Read the letter here

We’ve submitted petitions to the state to put non-smoking on the ballot for fall 2006. We now need everyone’s support by writing your local newspaper and state officials to support the non-smoking effort. Everyone’s letter helps. Some facts that can be stated in your letter are:On Smoke Out Day the press conference stated such statistics as 34% increase in strokes for smokers, sitting in a smoky bar for 2 hours equals smoking 4 cigarettes,children have twice the level of continine in their blood that adults do(cotinine is found in the blood of someone who smokes or has been exposed to smoke), second hand smoke kills 53,000 nonsmokers each year,and bar and restaurant workers have the right to working in a smoke free environment.
from Cool Cleveland reader Pat Kitzel, NE Ohio Smoke Free, trishkitATnetzero.net

On Downtown storefronts (See Your ideas for Downtown storefronts here) The use of storefront windows to present the visual arts creates a wonderful opportunity to showcase local artists downtown where people can easily see their work. While cities like Pittsburgh have made a large investment in their local artists, Cleveland lags behind. By having a downtown presence, people will become more aware of the vibrant cultural scene that is normally found at SPACES and MOCA – spots that are difficult for Clevelanders to get to during the work day. How great would it be to pass windows showcasing cutting edge contemporary work while getting a quick bite to eat while on lunch break?
from Cool Cleveland reader Ted Cowan theodorecowanATmac.com

On Roldo (See Yr Turn here) Clipped from today’s (11/23/05) column: (On Roldo You have created a space where Clevelanders can share their ideas and take joy in being a Clevelander. That said, I am confused why you give Roldo a place to make his polarized and out-dated commentaries. Even as a liberal democrat, I find his stances are often close-minded and do not take into account the realities of Cleveland… I don’t understand why you allow his views to be part of CoolCleveland. While I do not expect any action on your part, I do ask that exclude his commentaries from your weekly newsletters. PS Thanks for caring about Cleveland and keep up the good work! from Cool Cleveland reader Joel Wimbiscus jwimbiscusAThotmail.com) Let me understand this a little better: let’s share everybody’s ideas except Roldo’s. And maybe some other ideas that I don’t like, because I’ve labeled myself a liberal democrat. Joel: take a minute to listen to yourself. And welcome back to Cleveland: we need a few more liberal democrats to tell us what we should not be reading. How else would we know?
from Cool Cleveland reader Bob Chalfant RChalfantATbmwlt.net

On Kucinich and Cheney (See Kucinich calls Cheney on carpet here) As an ex-patriot of the city of Cleveland I have enjoyed subscribing to Cool Cleveland. It helps me keep tabs on the comings and goings off a city that I still call home. You recent remarks about Dennis Kucinich crossed a line I had hoped you would not cross. To endorse his conspiracy theories to to relegate Cool Cleveland to the tin foilt hat wearing crowd. I am not going to argue the merits of the war in Iraq, nor am I going to fully rehash the intelligence that went into the decision to go to war…
Read the letter here

On Cleveland’s Innerbelt Bridge & ODOT (See Signature bridge still in jeopardy here) The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has an obligation to Cleveland, its citizens and visitors in regards to the redesign of the innerbelt curve, the access ramps to point east and into the city center, and especially the unique opportunity to correct a great dis-service that was done when it was first built. Clevelanders and others in this region need to demand that the innerbelt be covered up (tunneled) so as to bridge the dividing gap created so many years ago…
Read the letter here

On holiday donations I am contacting you to ask that you remind the readers of Cool Cleveland that they may be able to double their donations to non-profit arts and culture venues through matching gift programs sponsored by their employers. If the employer has such a program, the employee should ask what organizations are eligible for the match and if their favorite is not on the list how can they be added. The process is usually simple and the additional funding support can only strengthen the arts and culture scene…
Read the letter here

On Cool Cleveland (See This week, thankfully… here) Anyone who says “there’s nothing going on in this town” is either stupid or lazy.
from Cool Cleveland reader William Walker WWalkerATINVENT.ORG

I think what you’re doing is great. The City of Cleveland needs more leaders like yourself. I’m sure that your efforts are inspiring others. I like staying connected with your newsletter. I am a Cleveland transplant living in South Florida, hoping to make it back one day.
from Cool Cleveland reader Brian Talbot briantalbot71ATmsn.com

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

Top 5
Here are the Top 5 from last week’s issue, with one more chance for you to click.

1) RoldoLINK Roldo Bartimole cites the area’s bloggers as a new factor in the civic discourse.
www.CoolCleveland.com

2) Downtown project welcomes gays Click thru to take the survey.
http://www.APlace4Us.org

3) A&Q w/G: Madeleine Bruml Cool Cleveland’s CIO talks to the executive director of a program to market Cleveland to the region’s high schoolers.
www.CoolCleveland.com

4) Cleveland’s First Suburbs An invaluable tool for locating real estate and other economic opportunities in and near the inner-ring suburbs.
http://www.fscdc.org

5) Your Dream Home: Live Next to the Metroparks MillCreek townhomes are 20 minutes from just about everywhere. All of them but 2 have sold. Wonder why?
www.ZarembaHomes.com

Does Cool Cleveland Speak to You? If so, first check your Prozac prescription for expiration dates. If it hasn’t expired, consider sharing your Cool Cleveland friend with other friends who would also enjoy a good read.

Santa has elves Thomas has the Hard Corps. Thanks to Peter Chakerian, Roxanne Ravenel, TL Champion, George Nemeth, Clyde Miles, Kelly Ferjutz, Victor Lucas, Elsa Johnson 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

Download the Cool Cleveland podcast each week at http://www.CoolCleveland.com. Click on the Cool Cleveland Blog here. Read the Cool Cleveland column each month in Cleveland Magazine here. Listen to Cool Cleveland on WCLV-FM 104.9 twice each Friday during drive time. Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com, and your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com. For your copy of the free weekly Cool Cleveland e-zine, go to http://www.CoolCleveland.com.

Shop ’til Cleveland pops,

–Thomas Mulready
Letters@CoolCleveland.com

all contents ©2005 MulreadyGROUP all rights reserved
(:divend:)

Post categories:

Comments are closed.
[fbcomments]