NEOtropolis

11.11-11.18.09
NEOtropolis

In this week’s issue:

We’ve been busy putting together our new program, NEOtropolis, with Western Reserve PBS 45/49, which throws the focus on our emerging economy, instead of the same old story line of decline. Check it out Friday nights at 9PM, and clue us into your favorite area businesses. This week, we talk with the new ED of the CAC, we stop into one fab food show, hike on over to the Kent State Folk Fest, and review the Orchestra’s new DVD, while Roldo explains Dennis’ vote and Mansfield is fresh out of tears. All the while, we’re about to give away real money, just for your clicks. That’s just part of the beauty of living in NEOtropolis. –Thomas Mulready

Think Outside the [Big] Box

Thinking about buying holiday gifts? Check out Cool Cleveland’s popular Holiday Gift Guide, which points you to local, sustainable, small businesses in our region that offer quality gifts. We’ve got holiday gift ideas in every category: art, arts & crafts, books, music & films, outdoors, health & wellness, wearable art, fashion, style & boutiques, sustenance & sundries. We’ll be adding new listings every week through the end of the year, and we feature a tiny fraction below. Are we missing your favorite local shop or service? Send us a note at InfoATCoolCleveland.com. Check out the complete CoolCleveland Holiday Gift Guide here: Holidaygiftguide09

HOT Made in the 216 Holiday Shoppe is sure to blow you away. Room Service owner/creator Danielle DeBoe puts her heart and soul into promoting the Cle arts + design scene–and it shows! Made in the 216 [pictured at left] features a hodgepodge of hip items–from home and personal accessories to clothing, photography and baby goods–all made from 50 Cle based designers. The shoppe is open daily from 5 – 9PM ’til Sun 11/29. Live music each Friday. Located next to the Capitol Theater at 1390 W. 65th St. http://RoomServiceCleveland.com, plus check Holiday Gift Guide here.

Embellish Stop by for a fair trade trunk show on Wed 11/11 and Thu 11/12 from 11AM – 7PM featuring Kazuri beads made by women in the Third World. When you purchase Kazuri beads, you support women in the Kikuyu Tribe who form clay into beads, then paint and glaze them by hand. It’s a product you can feel good about (it helps disadventaged women) and you feel good about giving (it’s cool, unique and beautiful). 19055 Old Lake Rd., Rocky River. http://EmbellishAccessories.com, plus check Holiday Gift Guide here.

Gray’s Auctioneers is the place for truly one-of-a-kind items. Gray’s auctions are classy, with a focus on fine art, jewelry, antique furniture and high-brow decor. When you buy goods at an auction, they often cost less than reproductions and cheap knock-offs from the big-box stores and sprawling shopping centers. They are made better, last longer and preserve a style of craftsmanship rarely found today. Check out Gray’s latest fine art, antiques and decorations auction on Sat 11/14 at 1PM. See a preview on Thu 11/12 from 12 – 8PM and Fri 11/13 from 12 – 5PM. 10717 Detroit Ave. http://www.GraysAuctioneers.com, plus check Holiday Gift Guide here.

The Heights Arts Annual Holiday Store is packed with over 80 regional artists selling paintings, prints, cards, books, CDs, ceramics and other good stuff. You don’t have to travel beyond Cedar-Lee to find high quality artwork. The store, in its 8th year, is open from 1:30 – 9:30PM through Wed 12/30. Heights Art Gallery, 2173 Lee Rd., Cle Hts. http://HeightsArts.org, plus check Holiday Gift Guide here.

GREEN Gifts From the Heart of Nature Take a drive to the Holden Arboretum for their annual nature-inspired, handmade gift show [pictured]. Shop from over 25 local artists. All gifts are made from environmentally responsible material and are priced to fit any budget. This year, be considerate to the Earth when doing your shopping. Attend the special preview party on Fri 11/13 from 3 – 8PM. Sales runs through Sun 12/17. 9500 Sperry Rd. in Kirtland. Info, plus check Holiday Gift Guide here.

Advertise on Cool Cleveland for the upcoming Holiday season and into 2010. Info@CoolCleveland.com.

We’re getting ready to give away $250 just for clicking on the SPONSORED: links and Sponsored Videos in this week’s issue of CoolCleveland.com below. Click as many times as you want. The more different links you click, the better your chances of winning. It’s that simple. Real people win real cash, but you can’t win if you don’t click. Click To WIN

SPONSORED: An Epicurean Adventure The Natural History of Onions is a fascinating way to learn about the history and cultural influences of our everyday foods, from local authors, TV personalities and culinary enthusiasts. The pungent root vegetable has been grown in central Asia, Africa & India for at least 5000 years, and now it is a staple of diets worldwide. Edward Macek of Foster’s Wine Estates will provide commentary on each course’s complementary wine selection. Check out future evenings on Balsamic Vinegar, Chocolate and Cherries. CMNH.org

Karen-Gahl Mills to lead Cuyahoga Arts & Culture

Karen Gahl-Mills spoke exclusively with Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready while she was in town this week being named the new Executive Director of Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, the group charged with distributing the $16 million per year collected from the Cuyahoga County cigarette tax, making it one of the top five sources of government support of the arts in the entire United States.

Watch the video as Karen discusses her past experience with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, for-profit work in film & television, and a background as a vocalist and cellist, and her thoughts on raising the profile of the CAC and looking forward to reauthorization in 2016. http://www.cacgrants.org

SPONSORED: Pack The Q for United Way! Cheer on LeBron, Shaq and the Cleveland Cavaliers and support United Way of Greater Cleveland by purchasing discount tickets for the Tue 11/17, Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors game. Buy discount tickets through this promotion and the Cavaliers will donate $5 for every ticket sold to United Way (be sure to select United Way on the order page.) Don’t miss this opportunity to support Cleveland and the community. It’s a Slam Dunk! http://www.uws.org/cavaliers/index.asp

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HOT We have one of the best Little Italies in the world. AskMen.com ranks our Little Italy 3rd best worldwide [photo at left by Stuart Spivack]. Read

NYT praises the Cle Corner Store Project and its efforts to combat obesity. Among other guidelines, the Project encourages convenience stores to place fruit, not candy, near registers. Read

Foreclosure crisis not ending anytime soon, according to report by Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs at CSU. But You Probably Knew That

Cle Museum of Art receives $1.9 mill grant from Mellon Foundation to hire curator of Japanese and Korean art. http://ClevelandArt.org

Cool jobs at Natural History Museum In this tough job economy, it’s nice to hear that the Cleveland Museum of Natural History has immediate openings for an Online Content Manager and a Media Service Manager. Tell ’em Cool Cleveland sent ya!

HOT Check out the new online mag Ohio Authority created by former publishers of Northern Ohio Live. Covers local art, food, people… all that good stuff. http://OhioAuthority.com

Got City Game is a wrap Tune in on Tue 11/17 for the online show’s premiere. Features teams competing in challenges around the city for your vote. Click photo at left for video. http://GotCityGame.tv

HOT Bust this YouTube at 56 West Check the crazy video of what happens when you order a burger at 56 West. And join the Tour of Good Cheer and get a comp dessert when you bring in a gently used sweater, socks, hat, gloves or scarve for a lunch or dinner on any Monday in November, and 56 West will give 15% of your bill to “The Tour” who who’s been distributing winter items to the needy for 25 years. 56 West

More fun from Forbes Silly city ranking of the week: America’s Most Toxic Cities. You guessed it, we’re No. 6. Click

CSU trustee Rev. Dr. Marvin A. McMickle wins a National “Best Books 2009” Award His book Profiles in Black: Phat Facts for Teens wins best of African American studies category. Congrats

GREEN Farmers markets: Not just for summer Visit Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market in the Cretan Party Cntr, 3853 W. 168th St. the 2nd Sun of every month from 10AM – 2PM w/ 15 – 20 vendors. http://KammsCorners.com/farmersmarket.html

GREEN HELP Don’t dump it- donate it Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore seeks yr old household tools, landscaping items, cabinets, etc. Reduce clutter and save the planet. Tell Me More

gen eff is a new national, Cle-based health care awareness org for teens Their mission is to raise awareness of serious disease and encourage teens to document family health issues. Check out their cool website at http://GenEff.org

SPONSORED: Cello & Space The last Fridays@7 event with The Cleveland Orchestra was an awesome sell-out. Don’t miss the next one on Fri 11/20. Former Clevelander Alisa Weilerstein will perform Dvorak’s Cello Concerto. Then, be blown away by the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey, Richard Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra. Finally, stay for an electrifying world music event with musicians from Oberlin and CIM, organized by world percussionist Jamie Haddad. Use promo code 7142 on ClevelandOrchestra.com for a $35 ticket PLUS a complimentary drink coupon, while supplies last…

CSU senior Megan McGervey
Honors student aims for medical school

Megan McGervey is taking advantage of the unique opportunities offered by Cleveland State University’s Honors Program, including the full tuition support, and she is loving it. Besides working in Dr. Girish Shukla’s biology lab, she also participates in her sorority and is planning to attend medical school.

Watch the video interview with Megan at CSU’s cool recreation center where she works out when she’s not conducting cutting edge genetic research. Talk about engaged! http://www.EngageCSU.com

Cool Cleveland Podcast Weekly roundup of cool events, in an easy-to-digest 3 minute audio format, for playback on your computer or iPod.

Click here to subscribe to the Cool Cleveland Podcast in iTunes.

Very Fabulous Food Show

Mission Impossible? You have 23 family members and friends coming to your house for Thanksgiving dinner. Ay Carumba! What are you going to cook?

To get great ideas, visit the Fabulous Food Show and see how the experts create delicious seasonal feasts. Mission Impossible now becomes Mission Sensational…

Read about the Fabulous Food Show by Susan Schaul here

SPONSORED: The primitive… so fragile Join us for an art exhibit & sale of the work of Polish-born French artist Yarek Godfrey on Sat 11/14 from 4-6PM at the Beck Cafe. Yarek Godfrey says, “The almost primitive, and for me natural need to express the mix of joy, anguish and solitude is always emotional and magic like an initiation rite. It’s the way to communicate without words and to share profound feelings with the risk to reveal too much… to become weak in the fact of exposing oneself… So, fragile… The desire and the power to create gives birth to images composed from my memories, dreams and hopes.” http://www.BeckCafe.com

Nature Tales Story Time Sing songs and hear stories of Mother Nature lore on Thu 11/12 at the Cle Botanical Garden. Listen to tales about secret gardens, runaway bunnies and firefly magic, with a craft to follow. For kids 6 and under with an accompanying adult. No additional charge with garden admission. Every Thu at 11AM in the Eleanor Squire Library. 11030 East Blvd. Details

HOT Poetry Slam! Join the kids from America SCORES Cle on Fri 11/13 for a night of blazing poetry and spoken word. America SCORES is an org bringing sports and creative classes to inner-city students in grades 8 – 12. When SCORES kids get up on stage to read their poetry, they realize how powerful their words are for creating change and expressing themselves. Q-Nice and Heartbeat Afrika will emcee and provide beats. 6 – 8PM. John Hay High School, 2075 Stokes Blvd. http://AmericaScores.org/#/cleveland/news/6353

Ohio Young Birders Club 3rd Annual Conference Young ornithologists unite on Sat 11/14! Hear from other like-minded young bird enthusiasts, including Malkolm Boothroyd, a 17-year-old from Whitehorse, Yukon, who cycled 13,133 miles, identifying 548 different bird species along the way–all to raise funds for bird conservation. Expect a fun bird quiz and a field trip to the marsh [pictured]. 8:30AM – 4:30PM. Ottawa Nat’l Wildlife Refuge, 14000 W. State Rt. 2 in Oak Harbor. Register at http://BSBOBird.org/OYBC_conference.htm

The Secret Life of Girls @ Karamu For ages 14 and up only: See a performance based on interviews w/ girls on the receiving and giving end of bullying on Sat 11/14 and Sun 11/15 at 1PM. This play draws attention to the impacts of “cyberbullying” and other mean-spirited behavior that are, unfortunately, a prevalent part of growing up. Through Sun 11/22. Karamu House, 2355 E. 89th St. Tickets

Once Upon a Mattress @ Mandel Jewish Community Cntr See this family-friendly musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale The Princess and the Pea performed by the JCC Players. The cast includes actors in grades 8 – 12. Catch it on Thu 11/12 at 7PM, Sat 11/14 at 8PM or Sun 11/15 at 2PM. Fairmount Temple, 23737 Fairmount Blvd. in Beachwood. Call 216-831-0700 ext. 1230 for tickets. http://MandelJCC.org

SPONSORED: Loung Ung stands center stage at the Cleveland Public Library Writers and Readers Author Series on Sun 11/15 at 2PM at CPL’s Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium. Find details on this internationally renowned speaker and author of First They Killed My Father: A daughter of Cambodia Remembers, by visiting Writers and Readers at http://www.CPL.org.

NEOtropolis throws a spotlight on our emerging economy every Friday evening at 9PM on Western Reserve PBS 45/49- find your local channel here. Did you miss the premiere episode on 11/6? You can view it anytime online here.

Tune in this week on Fri 11/13 at 9PM with host Thomas Mulready of CoolCleveland to hear how groups like JumpStart and BioEnterprise are taking advantage of the state’s Third Frontier funding to transform NEO. And read the great coverage by The Plain Dealer, Akron Beacon Journal, The Canton Repository, The Youngstown Vindicator, and The Business Journal.

SPONSORED: Want $20 off your next flight to Ft. Lauderdale or Ft. Myers on AirTran Airways? AirTran.com

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

CWRU’s Weatherhead School of Management rated 33rd best biz school in nation according to the Aspen Institute’s 2009-2010 edition of Beyond Grey Pinstripes survey. Info

Youngstown is young again The Economist says Y-town may be (slowly) on the road to recovery [photo at left by Stuart Spivack]. We Can Hope

GREEN Speaking of Youngstown… Southern Calif. is turning to Youngstown to learn how to become more eco-friendly. YBI portfolio co. GreenEnergyTV videos now playing on LA trains and buses. http://GreenEnergyTV.com

GREEN Al Gore gives props to Cardinal Fastener of Bedford Hts Cites company as a good example of a biz transforming itself to meet needs of a green economy. (It’s about 8 minutes into the video.) Cool

SPONSORED: Have an idea for a new product but don’t know how to turn it into a business? Contact the Incubation Program at MAGNET, the Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network. MAGNET’s proven start-up services and entrepreneurial coaches can shorten your time to market. It’s worked for dozens of start-ups, it can work for you. http://www.magnetwork.org/incubation

NEOUPA World Usability Day at Corp College E on Thu 11/12 from 5:30 – 8:30PM. No charge but you must register here

Face to Face w/ Designer Michael Bierut [pictured] Learn how great design can transform a biz. At CIA on Fri 11/13 at 4:30PM. RSVP

Global Entrepreneurship Week at LCCC from Mon 11/16 to Sun 11/22. Lectures, workshops, discussions. Schedule

Entrepreneurial Journalism in the Digital Age SPJ Cle luncheon w/ Chris Seper and Steve FitzGerald at the downtown Doubletree Inn on Thu 11/19 at 12PM. Email Tom Moore at clevelandATspj.org to RSVP. Info

SPONSORED: Hey Cleveland Sports Fans! United Way’s 7th Annual Sports Auction on WTAM.com is now live. Don’t miss your chance to bid on autographed sports memorabilia and experiences from the Browns, Cavaliers, Indians and Monsters. Some of the items up for bid include Shaquille O’Neal and LeBron James Autographed Cleveland Cavaliers jerseys, Josh Cribbs Autographed Authentic Cleveland Browns jersey, Foursome of Golf on Firestone Country Club’s South Course and much, much more. http://www.uws.org/sportsauction/index.asp

Kent State Folk Festival
The Times They Are A Changin’

It’s light. It’s clean. It’s not crowded. Things have really changed at Ray’s Place in Kent.

Two years ago, husband Paul and I went to Kent for the Kent State Folk Festival, a campus tradition for 43 years. I never went to the Folk Festival when I was a student at Kent State–Steely Dan was more my style.

The crowd has changed from long-haired philosophers to fraternity boy business majors. The entryway has been updated and windows were added. The bar, Uncle Sam’s poster, the moose, the black bulletin board that Gerty wrote on, and the Budweiser horses in the rotating chandelier are the same. They still sell good beer, not Budweiser. The pub food is still good. Is there less philosophizing, less trying-to-save-the-world going on these days?

It may be time to go back to find out, knowing the food’s still good. This year’s Kent Folk Festival events are spread out over nine days, starting with the music of Edwin Colon Zayas/Masters of Puerto Rican Roots Music on Thu 11/5. Folk music is by definition “roots” music–it comes from regional tradition, the backwoods porches of Tennessee and Louisiana, the mountains perches of Utah or Romania, home-spun and true. From places like Puerto Rico and the lawns of immigrants who made America their home…

Read about the Kent State Folk Festival by Claudia Taller here

SPONSORED: Worth getting up early for! Set your alarm on Sat 11/14 and be at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History between 8-10AM to receive your 20% OFF coupon good all day at their fabulous Museum Store, and start your Holiday shopping right. Plus, enjoy fresh coffee, teas, fruit juices and delicious homemade breads while you shop. You can even purchase raffle tickets for handmade nature-themed trees, wreaths and swags and enter a drawing to win a free-range, organic turkey. No reservations or admission charge. CMNH.org

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

HOT Harmonic Hues CIM New Music Ensemble presents a concert of contemporary music to complement MOCA’s latest exhibition Julian Stanczak: Recent Work. [Pictured at left is Stanczak’s Parade of Reds.] Hear music by Toru Takemitsu and Jacob Druckman at this no charge event on Wed 11/11 at 6:30 – 9PM. Begin your evening roaming the galleries and stay late for a reception w/ the musicians. Your Wed nights have never been cooler. MOCA Cle, 8501 Carnegie Ave. RSVP required. Call 216-421-8671 ext. 70. Info

Richard Heinzl: Enduring Questions Lecture Series @ BW Across the world, people are applying their knowledge and skills to positively affect society and, in turn, become role models. On Wed 11/11 hear Richard Heinzl who earned his medical degree and founded MSF Canada – Doctors Without Borders, and org that sends volunteer doctors to 3rd world countries. Hear about his work in Cambodia and about winning the Nobel Peace Prize. 8PM. Kulas Musical Arts Bldg., Gamble Auditorium, 96 Front St. in Berea. http://BW.edu/enduringquestions

HELP Reels For Meals Join the fight against hunger while checking out the new Capitol Theater [pictured] at the annual fall benefit for the West Side Ecumenical Ministry Food Centers on Thu 11/12. Reception w/ hors d’oeuvres from Latitude 41n and open bar from 5 – 7PM. Then choose admission to one of 3 featured films. Add purpose to your Thu nights! Capitol Theater, 1390 W. 65th St. Tickets

SPONSORED: Today, Thursday, November 12th can be an important day for a person you do not know, but who needs the blood you can donate at WCLV’s annual “Thanks-4-Giving” Blood Drive on behalf of LifeShare. The day-long event takes place at Lorain County Community College, and WCLV personalities will be on the air live periodically throughout the day with updates and live music. All donors get a WCLV Goody Bag and a chance to spin the WCLV Prize Wheel. Remember that each pint of blood can help up to four patients. http://www.WCLV.com

HOT After Hours @ Cle Museum of Art Stay up late at the CMA on Fri 11/13. From 9PM – 1AM, get hip w/ refreshments, a cash bar, live music and, of course, art. CIA Students: Cleveland 2009 showcases 10 pieces made just for this event inspired by Paul Gauguin and other anti-establishment artists. At 9:30PM, hear Marina Rosenfeld’s Sheer Frost Orchestra–17 performers using floor-bound electric guitars and nail-polish bottles re-purposed as musical instruments. Then boogie on down w/ electro-squiggle duo Eats Tapes [pictured]. 11150 East Blvd. http://www.CMA.org/exhibitions/afterhours.aspx

GREEN Farm to Table Friday @ Fabulous Food Show This monstrous event running at the IX Center from Fri 11/13 to Sun 11/15 features famous chefs, cooking demos and culinary challenges. But what’s really cool is Farm to Table Friday. Go on Fri 11/13 to sample locally roasted fair trade coffee, learn how to start a business growing food and hear about the benefits of buying food from local farmers (not corporations using factory farms and chemicals). The day begins at 10:30AM. http://www.fabulousfoodshow.com/farmtotable.aspx

GREEN Green Urbanism: The Global Shift Towards Sustainable and Resilient Cities Green urbanism is an urban design strategy where cities create their own locally-produced renewable energy and grow their own food in hopes of becoming more sustainable. Plenty of cities are adopting green urbanism tenets. Is Cle next? We think/hope so. Learn more about this green trend and what NEO can do at a lecture by Dr. Timothy Beatley, prof at Univ. of Virginia, on Fri 11/13 at 7:30PM. CMNH Murch Auditorium, 1 Wade Oval Dr. Tickets

An Evening of Buster Keaton Spend the evening of Fri 11/13 watching movies featuring film icon Buster Keaton while listening to the music of ragtime composer Scott Joplin. All short films will be accompanied by CIM doctoral student Shuai Bertalan-Wang on piano. Yep, that’s great film + live music. Program curated and intro’d by Robert Spadoni, associate professor of film studies at CWRU. 7:30PM. Cle Cinematheque, 11141 East Blvd. http://Case.edu/film/keaton.html

HOT OUROBOROS @ convergence-continuum Billed as an “ingenious reversible play,” OUROBOROS [pictured] is a mysterious and intellectually challenging puzzle that’s actually 2 plays in one. Two unrelated American couples are caught in a love story steeped in deja vu and cross-referenced realities as they tour Italy while traveling through time in opposite directions. This Twlight Zone-like performance features 5 scenes that can be performed in any order. You gotta see it twice–in fact the theater is encouraging you to, with discounted tickets for your second visit! Opens on Fri 11/13 at 8PM. Plays ’til Sat 12/19. The Liminis at 2438 Scranton Rd. in Tremont. http://www.convergence-continuum.org

The most famous “bust” in Cle Hts’ history happened 50 years ago on Fri 11/13. On this day, Cle Hts Police raided the Heights Arts Theater (now the Centrum), shut down a showing of the movie Les Amants and arrested the theater manager all b/c of a 3-minute love scene. Why was this scene so… obscene? That’s the big question. See for yourself (the scene is completely tame and forgettable by today’s standards) at a showing of Les Amants and a lecture beginning at 6:30PM. You’ll get free popcorn and won’t have to worry about being arrested. Cle Hts Public Library, Brody/Nelson Mtg Rm. Call 216-291-4878 or email kodonnellATclvhts.com to RSVP. http://www.CHHistory.org

GREEN Instrumental Evening for the Earth This year’s annual Earth Day Coalition benefit has it all: World-class chamber music from the Cle Orchestra, a reception of local and organic foods from the city’s top restaurants, a green silent auction, a challenge grant and a chance to meet other eco-friendly folk in your neck of the woods. Go green at this gala on Fri 11/13 from 6 – 9:30PM. Westshore Unitarian Universalist Church, 20401 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River. Tickets at http://EarthDayCoalition.org/iefe.09.php

Ethos Percussion Group @ Tri-C Metro Esquire says Ethos [pictured] is “redefining classical music for the twenty-first century.” The quartet integrates global instruments and worldwide rhythms into traditional percussion chamber music to create an amazing auditory experience. Hear them on Sat 11/14 at 8PM. The performance concludes w/ Missa Luba, a mass in the Congolese style that develops into a collective improv in call-and-response style. Tri-C Metro Auditorium, 2900 Community College Ave. http://EthosPercussionGroup.org For tickets go

here.

Call Me Malcolm Film Tour stops by Cle on Sat 11/14. Watch the critically acclaimed Call Me Malcolm, a documentary about a transgender seminary student struggling with the negative messages of his church. Q&A with Malcolm after the film. 5PM. Plymouth Church UCC, 2860 Coventry Rd., Shaker Hts. Click here or go to http://CallMeMalcolm.com

GREEN America Recycles Day @ Cle Botanical Garden is actually celebrated on 2 days: Sat 11/14 from 10AM – 4PM and Sun 11/15 from 1AM – 4PM. Learn how to be “more green” by talking to local eco-friendly orgs and watching Tapped on Sat. There’s also a used tool drive to benefit Cle Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore and plenty of hands-on events for kids. 11030 East Blvd. http://www.CBGarden.org/Events/America_Recycles_Day_Celebration.html

The Sugar Babies “It’s about sugar. It’s about children. It’s about time.” Sugar ain’t so sweet. If you think slavery ended with the civil rights movement then you gotta see this documentary. On Sat 11/14 at 7PM, learn about the children of sugar cane cutters in the Dominican Republic and expose yourself to their lives of human trafficking, exploitation and modern-day slavery. It’s not pretty. But it’s real and needs to be addressed. Part of West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church’s Social Action Film Series. 20401 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River. http://WestShoreFilmSeries.wetpaint.com and http://SugarBabiesFilm.com

HOT Winter Concert Series @ W. 9th Phoenix Coffee Winter isn’t so bad. It’s a chance to stay indoors, slow down and reconnect with good people. But you don’t have to stay home. Head over the W. 9th Phoenix for their Winter Concert Series. What’s better than lounging on a couch, sipping excellent coffee, listening to live tunes and watching the snow fall? Hear blues guitarist and vocalist Dan Holt on Sat 11/14 from 8:30 – 10:30PM. Schedule at http://www.Facebook.com/west9thphoenixcoffee

HOT Who Says There’s No Surf in Cle? You’ve heard rumors of folk surfing Lake Erie but you now have visible proof. On Sun 11/15, the Beachland Ballroom is hosting a surfing benefit w/ all those crazy legendary surfers. There will be live music from the Barn Owls and the All Golden and an awesome raffle (you can even win a surfboard). All proceeds benefit the new flick Out of Place [pictured at left], which documents an insider’s perspective of the Cle surf scene and is directed by Lakewood native Scott Ditzenberger. 5 – 10PM. No charge. 15711 Waterloo Rd. http://BeachlandBallroom.com/calendar.asp?Page=2 and http://OutOfPlaceMovie.com

The Suburban Symphony @ Severance Hall Celebrate the Symphony’s 55th anniversary season w/ a concert on Sun 11/15 at 3:30PM. Hear Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, Bernstein’s Overture to Candide and selections from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. Symphony includes players from 21 Cle suburbs. http://SuburbanSymphony.org or click for Tickets

Jason Ricci and New Blood + Mike Zito Band @ The Winchester Now’s your chance to see the Blues Critic ’09 “Harmonica Player of the Year”! Jason Ricci [pictured at left], harmonica player extraordinaire, will play alongside New Blood on Mon 11/16. C’mon, who doesn’t love a harmonica?! Blues singer/songwriter and damn-good guitarist Mike Zito will also perform. 9PM at the Winchester, 12112 Madison Ave. in Lakewood. http://TheWinchester.net

GREEN E4S Champions of Sustainability Awards & Panel Join the Entrepreneurs for Sustainability (E4S) to recognize the most sustainably-minded biz pioneers in town on Tue 11/17 from 5:30 – 8:30PM. Panel discussion to be led by Roger Saillant, the new Director of the Fowler Center for Sustainable Value at Weatherhead. Hear the next steps for eco-friendly businesses and meet some local green entrepreneurs you never knew about. Great Lakes Brewing Co. Tasting Rm, 2701 Carroll Ave. Register

HOT I Will Stay If… Cle develops the lakefront? One of our sports teams wins? We become green pioneers of sustainability? The Great Lakes Urban Exchange (GLUE) wants to know what Cle must do in order to order to make you (want to) stay here. [Detroit event pictured at left.] Join a growing network of young leaders committing to revitalizing Cle while sharing yr dreams for our city on Wed 11/18. W/ presentations form Matt Zone, Cle Foundation’s Lillian Kuri and Policy Bridge chairman Randell McShepard. 5:30 – 8:30PM at Speakeasy (under Bier Markt), 1928 W. 25th St. http://IWSICleveland.blogspot.com or visit http://GlueSpace.org

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Bruckner Symphony #7 DVD
The Cleveland Orchestra
Arthaus DVD

If there are folks on your holiday gift list who appreciate classical music, here’s the perfect gift for them.

Shop early and save yourself a lot of running around in the process! Just be sure to also acquire one for yourself.

This is a truly gorgeous package. For years now, the orchestra has been using the slogan ‘Hear what the world is talking about.’ Well, now, people can see as well as hear what we in Cleveland have known for some time…

Read the review from Kelly Ferjutz here

Wanna get reviewed? Send your band’s CD (less than 1 year old) to: Cool Cleveland, 14837 Detroit Avenue, #105, Lakewood, OH 44107

Fresh Out of Tears

What kind of mother doesn’t shed even one tear as her 29-year-old only son is sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole?

A very strong – albeit tired – one named Jeannette Halton-Tiggs.

Her son, Timothy Halton, Jr. received the sentence on Oct. 30 in the courtroom of Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Ronald Suster for gunning down Cleveland Heights Police Officer Jason West in cold blood on May 25, 2007…

Read more from Mansfield Frazier here

Dennis Votes The Way Voinovich Will Vote- NO!
Plus, Ten Murdered in Cleveland- Finally Noticed…

Ran into an old friend this morning at University Hospital where we older people are likely to meet. Boy was she angry. At Dennis Kucinich, a favorite of hers.

Kucinich, as you may have noted, vote NO on the health care bill the other night. He gave good reasons. It squeaked in by a couple of votes. So his NO vote was a typical Kucinich vote.

But this fan said she had given him her last dime. And I’m sure she’s given him a lot more than that…

Read more of Roldo Bartimole here

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

Carmen @ Opera Western Reserve 11/06/09
Read the review by Kelly Ferjutz here

For Better @ Actors’ Summit 11/6/09
Read the review by Roy Berko here

Cool Cleveland readers write

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Cleveland’s Biggest Issue The Biggest Issue with Cleveland is… a low self esteem. This been caused primarily by condition known as a self fulfilling prophecy. As any teacher or educator knows, if you think and say something is awful or unworthy long enough, over time people come to believe it. Unfortunately too many in Northeast Ohio have heard for too long that this area has so many deficiencies, that many now believe it to be true and tell others outside the region the same…

Read the letter from Chris Whipple here

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

1) What Cleveland has that Pittsburgh wants. PopCityMedia.com

2) Soundbite Laureate Flu Scorecard: H: 1 Author: 0. You might already have H1N1 if… CoolCleveland.com

3) Slipshod Police Work Mansfield wonders if some lives could have been saved. CoolCleveland.com

4) Ohio is stunningly beautiful Just look at these photos from the Ohio Environmental Council. See the slideshow here, and contest winners here

5) Rockometer could have saved Dinner Impossible Would serve 2000 diners in the largest special events venue East of Las Vegas. Rockometer.com.

All hail the 216! And the 330, and the 440! And thanks to our NEO writers: Roldo Bartimole, Roy Berko, Kelly Ferjutz, Mansfield Frazier, Susan Schaul, Claudia Taller, and Sarah Valek. And lastly, though certainly not least, thanks to our readers and everyone who partners with us. Want to volunteer and contribute your writing to Cool Cleveland? Send your reviews, articles, or story ideas to: Events@CoolCleveland.com.

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–Thomas Mulready
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