Conscious Becoming

8.08-8.15.07
Conscious Becoming

In this week’s issue:
* Interview Cain Park Artistic Director Russ Borski
* Be Intentional about sharing this email
* CLE+ Sticker gets responses from around the country
* BFD Weekly A new study shows the impact of diversity on social networks
* Interview Local Composer Monica Houghton
* Sounds Dreamcatcher from Doug Wood
* Previews Burning River Fest
* Reads Jack Ricchiuto’s Conscious Becoming
* Straight Outta Mansfield Race: Still America’s Flashpoint
* RoldoLINK Should Hagan Have Recused Himself from Vote?
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, Brewed Fresh Daily here

We are becoming a new region, consciously or not. Cleveland’s offer of water to the suburbs if they start sharing taxes and stop poaching businesses is a great start. Checking out our video interview with the co-director of Cain Park’s production of Nine will shine the spotlight where it belongs. And we’re comfortable enough with our burning river legacy to name not only a beer, but now an annual festival after it. We can argue over whether the new County tax for a convention center and medical mart should be put on the ballot or not. We can even discuss the difficult issues of race and privilege, essential to our region facing its own reality and becoming itself. Zen business coach Jack Ricchiuto’s new book, Conscious Becoming may have given us our theme, but it’s the citizens of this region who are making it happen. As his book says, The need for followers and leaders are simply distractions from what we can do right now. And if Cool Cleveland can help with a few links to the most worthwhile things and people happening this week, well, feel free to empower yourself with a few clicks. —Thomas Mulready

Russ Borski
Cain Park Creative Director

Russ Borski has served as creative director at Cain Park for the past 18 years, handling lighting design, scenic design, and basically whatever needs to be done. Along the way, he’s collaborated with director Victoria Bussert, who heads the prestigious theatre program at Baldwin-Wallace, in over 70 productions. Their latest collaboration is Nine at Cain Park now through Sun 8/19, with lighting and scenic design by Borski and a wild video segment created by Cleveland video genius Kasumi. Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready stepped on the Borski-designed Alma Theatre stage at Cain Park, with it’s Felliniesque severity, innovative set, and crystal-clear chairs, for a discussion about the state of theatre in and out of Cleveland, how artists like Borski and Bussert instigate their collaborations, and the anxiety he felt using, for the first time, pure white light on stage. www.CainPark.com

Win a Cool iPhone! Question: What’s Your ability to pay it forward? Our readers are the reason for our success — we grew virally from people forwarding it to their friends — and we’re asking you to help us again by forwarding CC to one person today, making you both eligible to win an iPhone or video iPod! Please include a personal note in the subject line, encouraging them to sign up at here. Winners announced in future issue.

Perseids Meteor Shower is expected to put on quite a sky show over Northeast Ohio in August and a late rising moon should produce better than average viewing conditions mid-month. The seasoned astronomy staff at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s Walter R. Schuele Planetarium is focusing a series of programs on the celestial fireworks, capped off by a Perseids telescope viewing party on Sat 8/11 at 7PM. Part of group of programs celebrating stars, meteors and outer space. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, 28728 Wolf Rd., Bay Village. For the complete list of events, visit http://www.lensc.org.

Creature Comforts See animals in action! Swamp monkeys diving for grapes, otters enjoying fish-sicles and tigers hunting for papier mache prey. It’s all part of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s annual “Creature Comforts” family event, featuring a full day of animal enrichment demonstrations on Sat 8/11 from 10AM 4PM. Visitors can watch as animals engage in activities designed to encourage natural behaviors, stimulate their minds and keep their bodies active. Keepers will be on hand to explain how the various species benefit. http://www.clemetzoo.com.

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Picture This . . . a one-of-a-kind collection of photographs, spanning from 1850 to 1960, featuring 60 artists from the museum’s remarkable holdings of American photography . . . and this spectacular exhibit has no admission fee, and is open to the public. Witness this rare treat at the “Icons of American Photography” exhibit now through Sun 9/16 at the Cleveland Museum of Art. With over 100 iconic images, “Icons of American Photography” illustrates the development of an art form and a nation in one exhibition. The artists represented include every major American photographer including Ansel Adams, Margaret Bourke-White, Imogen Cunningham, Walker Evans, Robert Frank, Dorothea Lange, Helen Levitt, Gordon Parks, Aaron Siskind, Edward Steichen, Alfred Stieglitz, Paul Strand, Carleton Watkins, Weegee, and Edward Weston. For more info go to www.clevelandart.org. The Cleveland Museum of Art is a Cool Cleveland Kids partner.
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Tremendous Treehouses Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens hosts this exhibit of 11 distinctive treehouses installed throughout the landscaped gardens and grounds. The treehouses are interactive and visitors will be able to walk through them all. Bring comfy shoes–the exhibit is located on a 1.5 mile loop that winds through the property. Many of the treehouses are handicap-accessible. More information is available at http://www.stanhywet.org.

Cedar Fairmount Summer Festival This no-cost event, sponsored by Cedar-Fairmount Special Improvement District, hits Sun 8/12 from noon to 5PM and features activities for children, musical performances, pony rides, Euclid Beach rocket car rides, a Pretty Pet Parade, clowns, face painting, works from local artists and crafts persons, and much more. Cedar-Fairmount restaurants and merchants will offer specials during the festival. The festival will be located on Cedar Road from Fairmount Blvd. to Euclid Heights Blvd. at the top of Cedar Hill in Cle Hts. Don’t miss it!

Final Blast Off! The program that helps families explore space together at the Cleveland Children’s Museum celebrates its final launch Sun 8/12, in collaboration with experts from NASA’s Glenn Research Center. Blast Off! is designed to allow young children to pretend, play and explore space in a fun and creative atmosphere and encourages family participation through hands-on family learning in an interactive environment. Don’t miss your last chance at interplanetary fun! 10730 Euclid Ave., University Circle. http://www.clevelandchildrensmuseum.org.

You don’t want to miss what 11-year-old Max has for you and your family this week. Listen here: http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolClevelandKids08.10.07.mp3. Click here to subscribe: iTunes or other.

Cool Cleveland readers from around the country say:

Wanna score your very own Cle+ Euro-style bumper sticker for your Hybrid or Humvee? Send your mailing address, along with your favorite reason why Cleveland is so cool, to: ClevelandPlus@CoolCleveland.com Your sticker will arrive in the mail before they’re available to the public.

My wife and I moved from Cleveland to Fort Lauderdale (to join the family business) three and a half years ago. And a week does not go by that we don’t sincerely miss something about Cleveland. West Side Market, orchestra, Jacobs Field, the view of the river from our Riverbend Condo, the people, the inexpensiveness, the museums and performance centers…the list goes on and on. My favorite saying: “All else being equal, Cleveland offers you better and more than any other city we have ever visited.” – Rubén Garcia, Fort Lauderdale, FL

I’m a life long Clevelander, who recently accepted an assignment with my company in NYC (Now I REALLY hate those Yanks.) While the people are friendlier than reputed, and there is plenty to do (and I am enjoying those many things)…it seems everyone wants to do the same thing at the same time. This may be the slowest place on the planet. The famed New York minute seems to take twenty. I miss the Wine Bar, the lake, The Tribe, the art museum, the ease of getting around town, Ohio City and all the cool things that make Cleveland…well…Cool Cleveland. I’d LOVE to place the Cle+ sticker on my mini as I sit in all the traffic on the “Not So” Grand Central Parkway going out to my Long Island Office. – Jim Newell, Brooklyn, NY

I moved from Cleveland to Seattle a year ago and I miss so much about Cleveland. Parade the Circle has it all over the Fremont Solstice parade (with the overdone sensationalism of the naked bikers an little else) and Pike Market is a kitschy tourist trap compared to th real thing on West 25th. Thirty-some years ago, Seattle an Cleveland were facing similar economic slumps. If I find the magi fairy dust that led to the dramatic growth here—I will scoop it up bottle it and send it back there. But not if it turns Cleveland int the blanched, white, exclusively rich city that Seattle has become. – Wendy Johnson, Seattle, WA

Having moved away from Cleveland to St. Louis eleven months ago, I’m already finding myself nostalgic for all of those uniquely Cleveland-centric things that were so familiar growing up…Parma Pierogies, the holiday lighting ceremony downtown, the Bionic Woman at the Health Museum, Honey Hut ice cream…things that only other Clevelanders can appreciate. Rest assured that when my time in St. Louis is over, I’ll be back in Cleveland, this time to stay! No other place can hold a candle to it! – Leah Lombardo, St. Louis, MO

We’ve posted another batch of letters here

2008 Derek Hess calendar launches Click
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MOCA selects museum design but wants feasibility study to confirm fundraising budget MOCA

Are You Feeling It? Did you know that, according to our recent survey, 45% of Cool Cleveland readers have become more involved in their community as a result of reading CC? How cool is that? For more info about advertising contact us at Info@CoolCleveland.com.

Masumi Hayashi honored with exhibitions at four area institutions, after her senseless murder last year. Akron Art Museum, on Gila River internment camp & Asian temples (10.27 – 01.27.08) http://www.AkronArtMuseum.org; Cleveland State University Art Gallery, with a retrospective (11.2 – 12.15) http://www.csuohio.edu/art/gallery/; SPACES, on her 360-degree Cleveland landscapes (11.16 – 01.04.08) http://www.SPACESgallery.org; MOCA Cleveland, on WWII internment camps (11.02 – 12.30) http://www.MOCACleveland.org.

Chrissie Hynde to open VegiTerranean at Northside Lofts on Sat 9.15 and plays concert with Bizarros & 15 60 75 (The Numbers Band) at Akron Civic that evening. Read

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Sound Like Anyone You Know? “NINE” is a seductively heartbreaking masterpiece based on Fellini’s autobiographical film, “8 1/2.” “NINE, the Musical,” is the story of a man who is growing older, but is busy juggling his midlife crisis and the women in his life, refusing to grow up. The production is now playing at Cain Park and discount tix (a cool $2 off) are available for CC readers Wed 8/8 – Sun 8/19. Experience what the N.Y. Times has described as “a galloping fantasy [with a]…ravishingly inventive and tuneful score.” “NINE,” is a sultry and enchanting musical. Discount available when you mention Cool Cleveland when calling 216-371-3000. Limit 2 tickets per person www.cainpark.com.
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Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Gestalt & Creativity How does creativity play a role in our current culture? People from all over the world will ponder that question at the International Gestalt Conference, held at The Gestalt Institute of Cleveland starting Wed 8/8. Learn how creativity — traditionally seen as a special gift of remarkable and exceptional personalities — is considered as essential for adapting to life experiences and an important ingredient in healthy relationships. Keynote address by Italy’s Margherita Spagnuolo-Lobb, an internationally renowned Gestalt theorist, practitioner, and the co-editor of Creative License. Details at http://www.gestaltcleveland.org.

ArtsPlymouth Community Festival Explore the Passport Project Global Journey at Plymouth Church Thu 8/9 at 6PM, including “Festa Brasileira.” The no-cost, multicultural event features music, dance and visual arts through workshops and performances for all ages. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Plymouth Church, 2860 Coventry Rd., East of Shaker Square. For more details, visit http://www.plymouthchurchucc.org.

HOT The Region’s New Vision The latest installment of Professionals in the City, the venerable news, knowledge and networking series offers a panel discussion on “The Region’s New Vision” Thu 8/9 at 6PM. Panelists include Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs-Jones and Hon. Mayors Frank Jackson, Don Plusquellic (Akron), Jay Williams (Youngstown). Theme-focused discussion features a Q&A at the conclusion. Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd. Register

Downtown@Dusk The Akron Art Museum’s popular outdoor summer concert series returns to museum grounds for its 23rd annual season starting Thu 8/9 with Anne E. DeChant and running through the end of September. Concert-goers will enjoy music, food and art every Thursday in the Museum’s south parking lot, future site of the museum’s sculpture garden (entrance off High Street). Gourmet picnics will be available for purchase from the museum’s new Jazzman’s Café; informal ArtTalks@Dusk by museum staff and area artists are held in the museum’s auditorium during breaks in the action. For a complete list of performers and art topics, visit http://www.akronartmuseum.org.

Coventry Street Fair The highly-lauded Coventry Street Fair returns Thu 8/9 from 6-9PM. They close the street to traffic and feature music, art, merchant’s specials, a farmer’s market, jugglers, vendors, fire-eaters, storytellers and friends meeting on the street. Something Dada provides comedy at center stage at 6PM; Reuben’s Train rocks out from 7-9PM and fair faves Brent Hopper and Brittany Reilly will appear on the street. The Cleveland Museum of Art will also offer creative hands-on projects for all age groups. http://www.coventryvillage.org.

HOT Mid West Reggae Fest Nelson Ledges Quarry Park hosts the 16th annual event starting Fri 8/10 and running through the weekend. One of the longest running reggae festivals in the country, this year’s lineup features Lucky Dube, Morgan Heritage, Ken Boothe and the Meditations; local acts I-Tal, Mifuné, Carlos Jones, Dub Flex, Rich Lowe and Prayer Warriors. Get your groove on! Weekend tickets available. http://www.clevelandreggae.com. http://www.NLQP.com.

Future Flux This photography opening at Parish Hall Cleveland features the work of Rose Marincil and Matthew Fehrmann Fri 8/10 at 7PM. Memory contained in empty space as a thread for universal human experience is the call of the exhibit; post opening show by Helen Money. No cost, though donation is suggested. Show runs through mid-September. Parish Hall Cleveland, 6205 Detroit Ave. http://www.parishhallcleveland.com.

Sari Feldman The Executive Director of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, will speak on the future of public libraries at noon on Fri 8/10 at The City Club of Cleveland. Feldman heads one of the nation’s 10 busiest library systems, ranked by Hennen’s last yearas the Number One library in the US among libraries serving populations of more than 500K. She was honored in 1995 with the Vice President’s Award for Teacher of the Year. http://www.cityclub.org.

Brasilian Party Dance to Brazilian music performed by Cacau’s Sextet Aroeira on Sat 8/11 at 8:30PM! Caipirinhas are featured at a very special donations bar, which also includes homemade Brazilian food. Cacau displays his artwork, including inspirational Mandalas. Also, don’t miss the Festa Brasileira (see Thursday’s ArtsPlymouth listing above!) 12801 Buckeye Rd. http://wwwppassportproject.org.

Cinema at the Square Playhouse Square’s slate of classic film continues with their 2007 installment of “Cinema at the Square”. Classics include playing this weekend include The Jerk and Funny Face Fri 8/10 and The Way We Were and Viva Las Vegas Sat 8/11. For a complete schedule of films, visit http://www.playhousesquare.us/cinema2007.

A Lime Spider Houseguest In September, the Akron club the Lime Spider closes its doors for good. The club has served as a homebase for many Akron bands during the past 5 years. This Fri 8/10 at 9PM marks the last time the local act Houseguest will play there. Knoxville’s Royal Bang plays with them. And hey, admission is cheaper than the beer on this particular evening. Come get one of your last LS fixes before the club shutters. http://www.myspace.com/houseguest. http://www.thelimespider.com.

HOT Gallery Ü Haul ArtMIX Gallery Ü Cleveland features a 24-hour “ArtMIX” event starting Fri 8/10 at 6PM and ending the following day at 6PM. The multidisciplinary event features dance, theatre, music, creative writing and visual art from beginners and experts in one huge collaborative effort. Come see how all this creativity intermingles, forging new ideas, approaches and relationships. The gallery is owned and operated by Patsy Kline who received her BFA from the Cleveland Institute Art. Gallery Ü Cleveland, 2338 Scranton.

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WCLVnotes Back in the 50s, Hollywood star Tim Conway and Ernie Anderson (known as Goulardi) were big on Cleveland television. They created a comedy album about baseball that was never released. WCLV has that recording, and you’ll hear big chunks of it on the Sat 8/11 broadcast of WCLV’s “Weekend Radio” with Robert Conrad. Included are some very funny tracks such as “Helicopter Baseball, “Baseball Wedding” and “Rainy Day Baseball.” And for something completely different, tune in two hours earlier at 8PM for The Cleveland Orchestra Concert conducted by Franz Welser-Moest. It includes Rossini’s “William Tell” Overture (the Lone Ranger theme). Hear Robert Conrad do the opening of the Lone Ranger radio program – “Return with us now to the days…” Complete details on all of WCLV’s programming can be found at www.wclv.com.
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Burning River Fest, now at Wendy Park on Whiskey Island, will feature organic food, beer from sponsor Great Lakes Brewing Company, local artisans and bands, and a wide range of booths and demonstrations from area environmental education groups, on Sat 8/11 from 1-9:30PM, 440-729-7571 http://www.burningriverfest.org.

Cruise for a Cause Join Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson & Mrs. Ohio America 2006-07 Lisa Piepsny for a Nautical Adventure benefiting the Cleveland Tenants Organization Sat 8/11 beginning at 5PM with a Pre-Boarding Reception at Sokolowski’s University Inn, 1201 University Rd. Auction & Raffle Prizes from local businesses, Sokolowski’s tasty nosh and a kynote speech from Mayor Jackson yield to a 7:30PM Sunset Cruise aboard the S.S. Holiday, with fantastic views of the Cle skyline on a 2-hour sunset cruise. Boarding will occur at 1800 Scranton Rd. For tickets and info, contact Denise Cooper at 432-0617. http://www.clevelandtenants.org.

Cellar Door Records Release Party features Doug Ivancic, This Is Exploding, Keith Vance, Rachel Bruening and The Frozen Hellsicles at the Beachland Ballroom on Waterloo Sat 8/11 at 8PM, Get a CD at no charge with every admission! All ages. For more info, go to http://www.cellardoorrecords.com and http://www.beachlandballroom.com.

Romanian Festival Come discover one of Cleveland’s unique ethnic communities, experience a traditional “hora” orchestra, Romanian folk dances, and heaps of classic Romanian fare with the oldest Romanian Orthodox parish in the United States Sat 8/11 at 6PM. Take the opportunity to explore the church’s cathedral, which features traditional Romanian iconography, or take a tour of the Romanian Ethnic Art Museum, home to statues, mosaics, and a copper frieze that depicts 2000 years of Romanian history. This Cleveland parish is the “cultural center” of the Romanian-American community; unless you are planning a trip to Romania, there’s no better way to learn about this fascinating culture! St. Mary Romanian Orthodox Church, 3256 Warren Rd. RSVP: 255-9005 or mahern@ccwa.org.

HOT Walk+Roll Cleveland Every Sunday this August beginning Sun 8/12, experience University Circle, the Cleveland Cultural Gardens and Martin Luther King Blvd in a whole new way – without your car! Explore and enjoy Rockefeller Park by walking, biking, unicycling, jogging, rollerblading, wheelchairing or baby strolling. MLK Jr. Blvd comes alive with friendly folks starting at 10AM, creating another amazing outdoor experience and unique destination in Cleveland. http://www.walkroll.com.

What’s Going On this Weekend? In our recent survey 78% of you said you attended an event as a result of reading Cool Cleveland (Can I just say “Wow!?”). Help weekends all over the city by sending this to your favorite person(s) by simply using the link at the top of this email and put your personal message in the subject line, encouraging them to sign up. Thanks, in advance, from the Hard Core gang at CC.

Science Café Cleveland is a lively, informal scientific discussion in an inviting atmosphere of food and drink held on the second Monday of each month at Great Lakes Brewing Company. This month’s episode “Oh, My Aching Back!” hits Mon 8/13 at 6:30PM, covering the topic of Human Evolution. Appetizers are provided, and participants are welcome to purchase additional food and drinks. Dr. Scott Simpson (Anatomy Dept. of Case Western Reserve University) and Dr. Bruce Latimer (Cleveland Museum of Natural History) will speak. Great Lakes Brewing Company, 2516 Market Ave. For more info, visit http://www.case.edu/affil/sigmaxi.

Janiva Magness The 2007 Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year winner stirs it up at Fat Fish Blue Tue 8/14 at 8:30PM. She’s soulful, gritty and very talented. Check her out and get your Cajun fix of Voodoo Mussels, Deep-fried Pickles and a divine Oyster Po’ Boy from the FFB menu besides! Fat Fish Blue, 21 Prospect Ave. http://www.fatfishblue.com. http://www.janivamagness.com.

Anya Marina The singer-songwriter performs her indie pop music Wed 8/15 at 9PM Her record “Miss Halfway” earned a San Diego Music Award for Best Recording, with select tracks ending up on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy as well as the show’s soundtrack and MTV’s The Real World. Winchester Tavern & Music Hall, 12112 Madison Ave., Lakewood. http://www.thewinchester.net.

Calling all Writers with a passion for revitalizing Clev. Interested in writing for Cool Cleveland? Let us know your area of interest, cause we’d love to hear from you. Letters@CoolCleveland.com

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

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

NYC Medical Mart? $1B, 1.2M sf World Product Centre sited across from Javits Convention Center Read
Liability law veto overturned by political Ohio Supremes. Punitive damages capped at $5K. Alert your legislators
Build over Inner Belt trench to create 23 new acres between Central & Euclid from E. 22 to E. 30 Read
Want water? Don’t compete Cle offers cheap water to suburbs if they don’t poach. Regionalism? Read
Can thePD stay neutral as publisher Egger joins the Cleveland Clinic board. Even the PD wonders. Read
Regionalized trash pickup by 7 east suburbs. Bulk buying saves tax money, “…it’s a no-brainer.” Read

Morning Buzz focus on Importance of Corp Wellness Wed 8/8 feat. Dr. Thomas Stover Details
7th Ann NODMA Summer Social feat. networking, boat rides, picnic fare Thu 8/9 Register
CSU Entrepreneurship Immersion for Ugrads hits Mon 8/12 – Fri 8/17 – a 1-week academic experience for 35 students. Call 687-9794 for details
Plexus Networking Nights in Cle & Akron feat. John Kenyon from Ontario Gay/Lesbian CoC, Mon 8/13 and Tue 8/14. Register
TechSkills career wkshp feat. Aaron Boyce. “What is the Net Worth of Your Job Network?” hits Fri 8/17 at 2PM. Amphitheater of the Crown Center, 5005 Rockside Rd., Independence. RSVP to Bob McDonald at 216-446-1010 or at rmcdonald@techskills.com
CAAO Black L’ship Retreat feat. Paul Hill, ED of East End N’hood House Sat 8/25 Read
Make the B2B Connection w/ no-cost B’wood COC show Mon 10/8 starting at 2:30PM. Hilton Cle East, 3663 Park East Dr., Beachwood. Call 831-0003, e-mail mail@beachwood.org. More
Maia Beatty asks “Are You Engaging Your Circle of Influence as Powerfully as You Can?” Wed 10/10 Details

The hottest topic on BrewedFreshDaily.com (run by Cool Cleveland’s George Nemeth) this week

A definitive study by well-known social scientist Robert Putnam found that the greater the diversity in a community, the fewer people vote and the less they volunteer, the less they give to charity and work on community projects. In the most diverse communities, neighbors trust one another about half as much as they do in the most homogenous settings. The study, the largest ever on civic engagement in America, found that virtually all measures of civic health are lower in more diverse settings.

Read more and add your comment here

Local Composer Monica Houghton

Okay. So you’re at about the right age for a mid-life change. Crisis is too strong a word for what’s going to happen here. But you’re close to 40, been married, have two kids in their teens, and then you go off to New York for a mini-vacation. Gee, this could make for a good novel, except that it’s real life we’re talking about here.

You see, the person in question is Monica Houghton of Shaker Heights. That momentous trip to New York happened in 1998, during which she went to the Metropolitan Opera House. The Kirov Opera was visiting, led by Valery Gergiev, acclaimed artistic director of the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. It was there that Monica saw Tchaikovsky’s Mazeppa – a very Russian opera about a slice of life in that country. “It really struck me,” she says now with a smile. “It was so Russian, had such a sense of place. I wanted nothing more in the world than to write an opera with that ‘sense of place’ about my country. The American West…”

Read the interview by Kelly Ferjutz here

Links to interesting NEO blogs
The Lime Spider announced it was closing last week. This week, it’s Parish Hall.
Last week’s flooding ruined one architect’s office.
Is the climate of Rock Radio just terrible in the Cleveland area?
Check’n Go charges 392% annual interest for a loan ranging from $50 – $500.
Dan Hanson wonders what you’re listening to.
Who would pay for capping the freeway and could we prevent a Big Dig fiasco?
Does anyone use IBuyNEO.com?
Did you know that Ohio has the single highest number of Fracture Critical Steel Deck Truss Bridges?

Dreamcatcher
Doug Wood
WG Records

Doug Wood plays guitar the way life should be lived: nimble, engaging, gratifying, spiritual, with intention. The local musician and former member of Watts Gnu offers a “folk/jazz” blend of finger style guitar prowess on Dreamcatcher – a fluid effort which recalls everything from Leo Kottke, Michael Hedges and Bruce Cockburn, to the grace and finesse that labels like Narada and Windham Hill have come to represent over the last 20 years…

Read the review by Peter Chakerian here

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

Great Lakes Burning River Fest
Where the vision becomes reality

If you want to see a great sunset or the best view of Cleveland’s skyline at night, go to Whiskey Island. Acres of cottonwood forest and grass meadows make Wendy Park on Whiskey Island a quiet retreat where the natural world and industry intersect. Wendy Park is home to many species of birds, turtles, deer, and coyote. From the Lake, the green space of Wendy Park stands out amongst warehouses, freighters, and smokestacks. It’s the perfect place to celebrate nature while learning how to sustain the region. On Saturday, August 11, those who are concerned about the environment will gather at Wendy Park on Whiskey Island for the Great Lakes Burning River Fest.

Wendy Park, which is owned by the City of Cleveland, through its Foundation and various sponsors, has so far this year held several festivals in support of good causes. The Play Until Dark @ Wendy Park event was to raise funds to get the Towpath to the Lake. Other events were Luau on the Lake, which benefited Shoes and Clothes for Kids, the Hermes Corporate Challenge (sand volleyball), and Krusty’s Summer Sauce Camp benefit for Malachi House.

The Great Lakes Burning River Fest (http://www.burningriverfest.org) will feature green exhibits, music, artists, boat rides, interpretative performers, face painting, a climbing wall, yoga demonstrations, and Great Lakes Brewing Company beer. Exhibitors include Eco City Cleveland, Earth Day Coalition, Cleveland Waterfront Coalition, Friends of Crooked River, Friends of Whiskey Island, Great Lakes Science Center, Green Energy Ohio, and Western Reserve Land Conservancy. Discussions will take place on green building, alternative energy sources, urban gardening, and green living. Local musicians will perform, and participating restaurants and food vendors, including Fat Cats, Ohio City Pasta, Vue, and the Sunset Grille at Whiskey Island, will cook naturally using locally-grown food.

The goal of the festival is raising awareness of environmental issues that affect the Cuyahoga River ecosystem. The Burning River Foundation is behind the scenes, a non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide education and resources for scientific exploration, historic exploration, environmental conservation and protection, and a sustainable future for our waterways.

Wendy Park (http://wendypark.org) was named for the daughter of Dan and Marge Moore, who walked the Island’s trails and photographed its wilderness and the surrounding industrial views of downtown Cleveland, the crooked Cuyahoga River, and the bridges connecting east and west. Her father, industrialist Dan Moore, envisioned the current 230 slip Whiskey Island Marina.

While Whiskey Island was the original home of early immigrants, bootleggers, and rail and shipping operations, what stands out for most Clevelanders is the abandoned Coast Guard Station at the end of a long pier. This architectural site is on the National Register of Historic Places and was designed by Cleveland architect J. Milton Dyer. Future possible uses of the Coast Guard Station are a lakefront café or a maritime/environmental educational facility. It would be the ultimate lakefront destination for the Towpath Trail. It deserves to be restored.

Go to Wendy Park and Whiskey Island for the Great Lakes Burning River Fest. While learning about environmental issues, the point of conservation will be emphasized as you wander park trails, admire city views, and explore a historic place. Or, take a drive one evening to see the sunset and skyline, then see what you can do to keep this place pristine.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Claudia J. Taller ctallerwritesATwowway.com

Conscious Becoming
Jack Ricchiuto
DesigningLife Books

Noted author and Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki said in the prologue of his classic Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind, “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, in the expert’s there are few.” If you’re familiar with Buddhism, eastern wisdom and knowledge about the self, you know that mastery takes serious practice. Local author/coach/mentor Jack Ricchiuto’s latest book, Conscious Becoming, offers insight into about what it means to more conscious in life, work, and relationships. And when you’re through with it, you’ll feel a little more like an expert yourself…

Read the review by Peter Chakerian here

Race: Still America’s Flashpoint

Mike Polensek is not a racist. I’m not a racist. We both love Cleveland. However, if you had been listening in to the radio talk show that we both appeared on last Saturday (Aug. 4), you might have been hard-pressed to discern that fact. Our very brief verbal wrangling, sparked by the self-described “hate letter” he sent 18-year-old Arsenio Winston (who was recently indicted for selling drugs in the councilman’s ward), would lead one to believe that we are polar opposites in terms of what each of us want for Cleveland; and that is simply not the case. We both care deeply about our city … and indeed, the region — and our country as well. We just happen to view some matters from a different perspective; which is understandable and not incompatible with us seeking solutions to the myriad problems facing our communities…

Read more from Mansfield Frazier here

Should Hagan Have Recused Himself from Vote?

FIRST A NOTE: Give Democracy in Cuyahoga County a boost. Go to http://www.putitontheballot.com to volunteer to help put the sales tax increase on the ballot. August is a bad month for such an effort and it needs all the help it can get.

Should County Commissioner Tim Hagan have recused himself from voting for the sales tax increase that will benefit his friend Christopher Kennedy?

I think if he were honest, he would have.

Tim Hagan, it is well known, is a friend of the Kennedy family.

He basks in the Kennedy connection. In his home, there are photographs of him with the Kennedys along with numerous photos of his family, according to an article by Tom Diemer of the Plain Dealer…

Read more from Roldo Bartimole here

Quick reviews of recent events
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[Never] Heard From Again @ CPT 8/2
Impressively commanding: In this company-created coming-of-age tale with drums and dance, 4 troubled teens go into the forest to meet a wolf: the “inner beast” driving them toward destruction which, if faced, could save their lives. This riveting, authentic, and entertaining production by urban teens in CPT’s nationally-recognized STEP program is as powerful as an ancient fable, yet ultimately relevant to our community.
Heroes: Director Chris Siebert has magnificently shaped & staged the material, and brought together a sublime group of artist/mentors, including dancer Najaa Young, drummer Jacqueline Westhead, actor Jimmie Woody, vocalist Nadia Tarnawsky, and costumer Alison Garrigan. All the kids show intense focus, but special kudos to Kelli Fitzgerald for her heartbreaking mother’s solo “Lost” and Eric Namaky for creating such a sinister, slippery wolf you can almost feel his fangs. And a shoutout to the 9 City Councilpeople who sponsored the free city-wide tour.
Details: Thru 8/12 @ 4 city parks + CPT, http://www.cptonline.org.
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com

Nine, the Musical @ Cain Park 8/3 Nine, the Musical which is now on stage at the Alma Theatre at Cain Park, is a challenging undertaking. The script requires a director who not only understands the personality and idiosyncracies of Federico Fellini, the famous film director upon whom the story is based, but also has a fine command of stage techniques. There is a demand for an extraordinary choreographer, a cast of 14 very talented women, a male lead who has to control the stage, and a young boy who carries a great deal of the play’s meaning on his tiny shoulders.

Local theatre-goers need not worry. The Cain Park production is not only up to the task, but far exceeds expectations. The show is in the competent hands of director Vicki Bussert, choreographer Martin Cespedes and musical director Nancy Gantose-Maier. It stars Fabio Polanco, who is surrounded by a remarkable set of talented performers.

Nine, the Musical has a book by Arthur Kopit. Kopit, is probably best known for his 1960 play, Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mama’s Hung You in the Closet and I’m Feeling So Sad. An avant-garde writer, his style has been dubbed “pseudoclassical tragifarce.” He was a perfect choice to write about Federico Fellini, whose life was much like an absurdist comedy/drama. Fellini was a genius who ad libbed his way through many of his often abstract, but critically acclaimed films. He was also a man who seemingly had little understanding of long term personal or professional commitments. As Guido Contini (Fellini’s name in the play) sings, “I wouldn’t be lonely if I could be only with you… and you… and you.”

It’s early 1960. Contini (Fellini) is facing his fortieth birthday and is in the midst of a midlife crisis which is blocking his creative impulses. In addition, he is entangled in a web of difficulties involving his wife, a producer, his mistress, a protege, and his deceased mother.

Through a series of daydream sequences, often interrupted by Guido’s waking thoughts, the audience gets a look into the mind and creative process of a man who many consider to be not only a genius, but a troubled soul. As deadlines and relationship problems fill his thoughts, Guido retreats deeper into his reflections until the past and present become a single blend of love, hurt, comedy, and drama.

The Broadway production, directed by Tommy Tune and starring Raúl Juliá, opened in 1982 and ran for 729 performances. It won five Tony awards, including best musical. A 2003 revival ran for 283 performances, won two Tony awards, including that for best revival of a musical. The cast included Antonio Banderas, Mary Stuart Masterson, Chita Rivera and Jane Krakowski.

Vicki Bussert has a talent for making the “small” play into a great piece of theatre. Such past Cain Park productions as Bat Boy, tick, tick…Boom! and Side Show were all examples of fine, fine theatre. She knows how to use intimate spaces like the Alma Theatre to get the audience totally involved in the goings on. She makes Nine a must see production.

Bussert is aided by Martin Cespedes, the premiere choreographer on the Cleveland theatre scene. The winner of numerous Times Theatre Awards, Cespedes has a talent for seeing choreographic possibilities that fit both the dancers, no matter their level of talent, while fulfilling the needs of the script. His staging of “Folies Bergeres” is nothing short of spectacular. It’s worth going to see the show to experience this one number.

Musical director Nancy Gantose-Maier and her orchestra were in fine tune. Ross Borski’s scenic and lighting designs were excellent and Terry Pieritz’s black and white costumes set a perfect tone.

And, then there was the cast. Even though the show has clear leading roles, it is, in reality, an ensemble vehicle which requires every performer to be of top quality. This cast is of top quality!

Fabio Polanco was properly obsessively driven as Contini. He has a strong singing voice and acting skills to match. He does not portray the Fellini character, he occupies it.

Maryann Nagel, the grand dame of Cleveland musical theatre, was her usual excellent self as Lilliane LaFleur, Contini’s producer. She was the soul of the spectacular “Folies Bergeres” number, walking down the runway of life with confidence and a flair.

Tracee Patterson, another local acting celeb, was compelling as Luisa, Contini’s long suffering wife. Her “Be On Your Own,” was emotionally wrenching, while “My Husband Makes Movies,” was well interpreted.

Trista Moldovan (Carla) gave a fine sensual rendition of “A Call From The Vatican;” Cassandra Goldbach (Sarraghina) sang a powerful “Ti Voglio Bene/Be Italian;” and, though she often feigned Claudia by posing and posturing rather than experiencing the feelings and thoughts of the character, Joan Ellison effectively sang “A Man Like You.”

Aric Generette Floyd almost stole the show with his performance as the young Guido. Aric has a mobile face, stayed in character throughout the production, and performed his lines with meaning and clarity. This is one talented young man.

Only “The Grand Canal Film” sequence was questionable. The film, which was produced by Kasumi, was overly long. Though it attempted to duplicate the choppy, segmented feel of Fellini, it failed to do so. It was overly repetitive and missed it’s mark by being more comic than absurd.

Capsule Judgment: Cain Park’s Nine, the Musical is a must see for anyone wanting to experience thoughtful musical theatre at its finest. Those wanting pure entertainment would be better guided to Playhouse Square’s The Lion King. For the rest, Nine’s the right number!

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com

Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2002 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info

The Lion King @ State Theatre 8/4 When it was proposed that the film The Lion King which is now being staged at the State Theatre in Playhouse Square, be transformed into a stage musical, there were many nay-sayers. How could animated animals be successfully portrayed by real people? How could the stage include such vast and sweeping elements as the rolling African savannah and the plot-necessary wildebeest stampede?

Enter Julie Taymor. She not only conceived the concept for the production, but directed the show, devised the costumes, co-designed the masks and puppets, and wrote additional lyrics to supplement those used in the Disney movie. The result of her creative genius is a spectacular visual and artistic production.

The stage version opened in New York October 1997. It was an instant success, going on to win Tonys for Best Musical, Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Lighting Design, Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical (Julie Taymor).

The story line centers on the animal kingdom of the African veldt. Simba, a young lion prince avenges his father’s murder by his treacherous uncle. In the process he ventures into the jungle, discovers new and eccentric friends, finds his true love, and discovers his destiny. The message? “You can run from your past, or learn from it.”

One of the concerns of attending a touring show, especially of a production that has already been around in its original traveling version, is that there will be a watering down of theatrical elements. Fear not. The touring production is every bit as vibrant as the Broadway production. The sets, the costumes, the masks, the special effects, the musical sounds, the acting talent—they are all on our local stage.

Appearing on that stage are over 200 puppets; 25 kinds of animals, birds, fish and insects; 12 bird kites; 18-foot giraffes; 39 hyenas; 52 wildebeests and a 13 -foot elephant. It takes two 48-foot semi-trailers to transport the production’s puppets from city to city. There are 143 people directly involved in each production, including 53 cast members, 21 musicians, 17 wardrobe people, 5 hair/makeup artists, 3 puppet craftsmen, 13 carpenters, 10 electricians and 3 sound people.

Right from the parade of the animals at the beginning of the show when the human/puppets traverse down the aisles, it is apparent that this is an audience pleasing epic. The applause and “ohs” and “ahs” started immediately and continued throughout the show, climaxing in a screaming ovation as the curtain fell.

Those familiar with the movie version, which has music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice, will be reacquainted with such songs as: “The Circle of Life,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Hakuna Matata.” Added are pieces from “The Rhythm of the Pride Lands,” a recording inspired by the film, which sets a sound and mood of South Africa.

There are no well known names in the cast, but each performer is excellent. No second rate, “making their acting debut” performers here, which is often the case in some touring shows.

Since my “kid’s point of view” assistants, grandsons Alex and Noah Berko, are at sleep away camp, I was curious about how children were reacting to the show. Between the dark moments, the scary hyenas, the death of the lion king and the explosions, I was wondering how little ones were affected. Most parents of those four and above indicated the kids were thrilled, except for the fact that “it wasn’t like the movie.” Cries of terror during certain scenes indicated that some of the littler ones weren’t faring as well.

Anyone planning on taking young children should be aware that the show is long and that there are some scary parts. Watching an animated character die on television is not the same as seeing a real person expire or get attacked so it is essential to evaluate the emotional sensitivities of your child.

”Capsule judgment: If you are going to see The Lion King in its full glory, you need to get to the State Theatre and see this, the final official touring production. Though local theatres may attempt to stage the script, it will be nearly impossible to reproduce the spectacle elements!”

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com

Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2002 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info

The Lion King @ Playhouse Square 8/4
Spectacular and unique: Genius director Julie Taymor has created such an eye-popping series of brilliant costume/puppets and stage images that it’s worth the ticket price just to experience the shiver-inducing opening number. This stage adaptation of the Disney movie is a visual and aural feast of South African music, dance (including a stunning aerial ballet), and amazing sights, from living grasslands to ingenious animal transformations. Cast standouts include New Zealand hunk Geno Segers as the lion Mufasa and diminutive Gugwana Diamini as the baboon/shaman Rafiki. If you’ve never been to the Broadway series, this is the one: there’s still nothing in the world like it.
Quibbles: Kids could get squirmy at the nearly 3-hour length. However, it’s guaranteed to be a memorable experience.
Details: Thru 9/9, State Theatre. http://www.playhousesquare.com
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com

Cleveland Int’l Piano Competition @ Severance Hall 8/4 Cleveland has had two ‘Final Four’ competitions this year. In early April, the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament was played out at the Quicken Loans Arena in downtown Cleveland. Now, in early August, Severance Hall was host to the other Final Four. And the winner is…? Well, he wasn’t the winner but he should have been. I’m speaking here about Jahja Ling, former resident conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra, and now music director of the San Diego Symphony. A gifted pianist in his own right, Mr. Ling had the delicate task of conducting the four finalists of the Cleveland International Piano Competition in the final—concerto—round. Four individualistic, idiosyncratic performances of four complex and varied piano/orchestral favorites. And he did it all superbly, keeping everyone on the same page (or mostly so) at all times, and assuring that the ending for each pianist and the orchestra musicians occurred just as it should. It was truly a magnificent accomplishment.

Thirty-one pianists from sixteen countries began the music marathon event on Wednesday, July 25 at the Bolton Theater of the Cleveland Play House. During the next six days, each of them played two separate solo recitals in the first round; one of thirty minutes and one of forty minutes. The first portion of the judging pared this to eight semi-finalists, who each performed an hour long solo recital over the the next two days. Again the judges did their thing, and after a day of rest and consulation, the four finalists began the concerto round. This is no small event—just sitting at a piano in front of the internationally–renowned Cleveland Orchestra in order to determine the winner is almost as wonderful an event as being named the winner! Almost.

Finally, Saturday evening, August 4, it was all over, except for a lot of shouting, and indeed there was that. Perhaps half the people who’d attended the concert stayed in the Hall to hear the announcement of the winner. No surprise there. One pianist – the oldest of the bunch – had emerged early on as a solid contender, and his concerto performance cemented his standing, although he had to wait to discover that, just like the rest of us. Alexander Ghindin of Russia was, for no very good reason, selected to perform as the final pianist of the group of talented young men. His concerto of choice was the heftiest—the one with the most notes—the Concerto No. 3 of Sergei Rachmaninoff.

Friday night’s pairing consisted of the Israeli Ran Dank in Rachmaninoff’s Second Concerto, followed by the Russian Alexandre Moutouzkine in the Concerto No. 1 of Piotr Tchaikovsky. Saturday evening’s first contestant was the other young Israeli, Yaron Kohlberg who would play Beethoven’s Fifth and last piano concerto. Pairings were set primarily because of piano choices by the contestants: Dank and Moutouzkine played the American Steinway while Kohlberg and Ghindin preferred the Hamburg piano.

Coincidentally, they finished—officially—in reverse order of their performances: Ghindin first, Kohlberg second, Moutouzkine third and Dank fourth. Each of them had devoted followers who thought otherwise, but this wasn’t basketball, and the rules are different here. Still, when you’re playing a 40-minute concerto (as did Ghindin and Kohlberg) a certain amount of stamina is required, not to mention physical dexterity and manual coordination. They need mental coordination as well: they play everything from memory. (Without the music in front of them.) The other two concertos were each perhaps five minutes shorter in duration, but just as complex and exhausting to perform.

In addition to their hefty cash awards, Moutouzkine won the Beethoven and Junior Jury Awards; Dank won the Baroque Prize and Kohlberg won the Contemporary Award. Two pianists who did not advance past the first round won other awards: Esther Keel of the US won for best performance of an American work and Hoang Pham of Australia won for best performance of a work by Mozart. Ghindin also receives a recording contract and two years of management services plus a raft of already-secured appearances here and there. His first scheduled appearance in Cleveland will be at CIM on November 18; the Carnegie Hall debut follows on December 3.

After a short respite for a collective catching of breath, etc., they’ll begin planning for the next competition to be held July 29 through August 9, 2009. For more information about becoming more involved (in case you weren’t this time around) or anything connected to the competitions, visit the web-site: http://www.clevelandpiano.org.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net

Nine @ Cain Park 8/5
Reasons to go: Victoria Bussert’s elegant production of Nine, the musical based on Fellini’s autobiographical 8 1/2, has several brilliant components which put it a cut above even the Broadway original. The heart is her perfect pairing of egotistical, womanizing Guido (Fabio Polanco) with the luminously expressive Aric Generette Floyd as his inner/lost child: the kid’s infectious smile and vulnerability shine like a beacon through the script’s otherwise cold exterior. Tracee Patterson is a sympathetic wife, but Trista Moldovan’s sexy Carla could melt the paint off the walls.
Problematic: The show implodes in the 2nd act, when the narcissistic protagonist’s fine whines are compounded by his heretofore spunky women’s tedious “he done me wrong” songs, and young Guido has to deliver a cloying moral, making obvious what Bussert had made subtle and implicit. And though an interesting risk, experimental filmmaker Kasumi’s Monty Pythonesque “Grand Canal” film pulls focus and hits the wrong notes.
Details: Cain Park’s Alma Theatre, Cleveland Heights. Thru 8/19. http://www.cainpark.com
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein linda@coolcleveland.com

Piano Competition Winners Recital @ Severance Hall 8/5
Hair-raising: As WCLV’s 5-year-old blogger wrote, “the Russian rocks!” The final recital of the Cleveland International Piano Competition proved conclusively that they picked the right guy: first prize winner and virtuoso Alexandre Ghindin OWNED the Stravinsky suite from Petrouchka, bringing out all its humor and passion, yet infusing it with his compelling personality.
Show and tell: Fourth-place Ran Dank’s encore was very entertaining: his shaggy young looks and showy attacks in the Liszt transcription Reminiscences of Norma made me ponder what an early rock star Liszt himself must have been. And kudos to the competition for assembling their “Junior Jury”, 6 high school pianists who awarded their own “best” prize to the other Russian, coolly controlled Alexandre Moutouzkine.
Save the date: 11/19 @ CIM’s Kulas Hall, when Ghindin returns for a preview of his New York debut recital. http://www.clevelandpiano.org
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein linda@coolcleveland.com

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On the Medical Mart referendum (See Med Mart referendum ) On July 26th, the county commissioners voted 2-1 to deny the citizens of Cuyahoga County the right to vote on an increase in the sales tax. Because of the regressive nature of a sales tax, some have called this “a tax on the least able”. Within hours of passing the tax, a website, putitontheballot.com, was up and running to explain the issue and get people involved. By Saturday, the first petitions were on the street and being signed. In less than 30 days, 46,000 valid signatures of registered Cuyahoga County voters must be collected. The deadline is noon on Friday, August 24. The volunteers in this effort range from elected officials to “first-timers” taking part in a living civics lesson. They are young and old, rich and poor, black, white and Hispanic, Libertarian, Green, Democrat and Republican, from the East, West and South sides – from all over Cuyahoga County. They all agree on one thing “put it on the ballot and let the people decide”. Interestingly, similar groups have sprung up in Ashtabula, Lorain and Hamilton Counties – each of them have successfully circulated Referendum petitions and put their new taxes on the ballot Please go to the website, take our survey and become one of the “Put It On The Ballot” Team. From Cool Cleveland reader Gloria Ferris

On the Ingenuity Festival (See Ingenuity wrap-up ) I was sorry to hear that the Ingenuity Festival did not yet break even this year – but it is definitely worth continuing. I think it has tremendous potential and I sincerely hope that James Levin will not get too discouraged by having to keep “tap dancing”. We attended this year, as well as the first year (did not attend year 2) and were really impressed with what a long way the event seems to have come since the first year! The more compact event area worked out very well. We saw some great art, dancers in acoustic dresses playing rakes, bicycle tricks and the kids area was fantastic. We probably would have seen more, but we couldn’t get our son away from the romote control robots/cars. I am glad to see something fun and visionary going on in Cleveland, look forward to going again next year, and am very thankful to Mr. Levin and the others who are taking the time to put this together.
from Cool Cleveland reader Deby Auerbach-Brown cabdabATearthlink.net

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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) Transforming America’s older industrial cities A report that’s part of a broad campaign to shape a state and federal revitalization agenda that transforms America’s older industrial cities.
www.Brookings.edu

2) Straight Outta Mansfield The Hate Letter That Shook up the World
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3) RoldoLINK Suckered Before, Why Not Again
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4) Win the trip of a lifetime Tuscany, Umbria and Rome and $1K in spending cash.
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5) Ingenious An Ingenuity Fest Volunteer’s POV Postscript
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On a higher plane Thanks to the following people for taking this publication to a new level: Roldo Bartimole, Mansfield Frazier, George Nemeth, Peter Chakerian, TL Champion, Linda Eisenstein, Kelly Ferjutz, Roy Berko, and Claudia Taller. 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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