Tension

10.28-11.04.09
Tension

In this week’s issue:

Democracy can be tense. Especially around election time. This cycle, we have the forces of the failed status quo pushing the disingenuous Issue 5, and regardless of how you feel about casinos, Issue 3 is not a good deal for citizens or economic development. Either way, please vote on Tue 11/3 and feel free to use our Endorsements if you wish. We’re excited about MOCA’s new show, tension and all, and we’ve always loved Mike Miller of Wilbert’s for his impeccable ear for music. We’ve got a roundup of the big Halloween spookfests, plus a slew of edgier alternatives. Mansfield is on his high horse, and Roldo is, too. We’re pleased to be kicking off a new PBS TV show on regional economic development. You can win cash by clicking on our Sponsored links & videos. Or, just sit on this bench at Holden Arboretum. Now, what were we so tense about, anyway? –Thomas Mulready

Political and Religious Tensions at MOCA

Perception is most definitely not reality. A series of ten square black panels line the wall, they each have a repetition of thin white lines on them that bend up and over ridges that emerge from the surface of each black square panel, in an abstract but geometric way. Simple enough.

But wait! Looking closer, putting your head against the wall next to the panels, viewing them from this angle, you can see that the panels are flat! What you perceive is so much more than what is really there…

Read the review of current exhibitions at MOCA by Carol Drummond here

For the upcoming Tue 11/3 election, Cool Cleveland’s endorsements on the major issue and candidates. Read more here after previewing our endorsements below. Regardless of your affiliation or leanings, we encourage you to VOTE!

* Issue 1: YES Read more

If you’d rather have the cash, we’re OK with that! When our last winner Kristin Tarajack heard she could choose either a new Apple iPhone or the cash equivalent, she took the cash. We’re thinking you’d do the same.

Now you can win $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. Ask Kristin, who says she never won anything in her life.

Now get busy clicking below, and best of luck! Click to WIN

SPONSORED: Tix are going fast for Holiday concerts at Severance Hall Share the tradition of The Cleveland Orchestra’s Christmas Concerts and experience carols, sing-alongs and festive cheer. PLUS, if you and the family have a hankering to experience Handel’s Messiah, the Burning River Brass, or An Irish Christmas with Eileen Ivers, you’re in luck: tickets start at just $26. Take your pick of good seats from December 10 thru 21 by calling 216-231-1111 or by visiting ClevelandOrchestra.com. Sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Bedford. Enjoy the season!

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

HOT African Soul Intl.’s classes are back! Choose from African dance/drum and hip hop classes. Sliding scale fees w/ scholarships available [pictured]. AfricanSoulInternational.org

HELP NYT applauds our approach to homelessness Likes how our city gov coordinates services w/ homeless advocates. Read

HELP Speaking of homelessness, shelters are in desperate need of blankets! Drop off new or used blankets to 2100 Lakeside Ave. Or do a blanket drive and they’ll pick ’em up. Call 216-432-0540 ext 103 for info. Click

Yet another silly city ranking This time, The Daily Beast lists America’s Smartest Cities. We tied for 31st. Who Comes Up w/ These Things?!

So we don’t have a sample of Amelia Earhart’s hair after all “Hair” sample held at the Intl. Women’s Air & Space Museum turns out be thread. Read

CoolCleveland’s Mulready to host NEOtropolis on PBS How about a TV show focused on economic development in the entire NEO region? That’s what the folks at Western Reserve Public Media had in mind when they created NEOtropolis, premiering Fri 11/6 at 9PM (find your local channel here). Western Reserve PBS, formerly PBS 45/49, is the only broadcast television service that reaches all of northeast Ohio. It is available to 1.8 million households and 4.4 million people in the Cleveland and Youngstown designated market areas. The fast-paced, in-depth weekly 30 minute program will report on new and emerging business ventures, business incubators and entrepreneurship, and developments in NEO’s growth sectors, and each segment will be analyzed by a weekly roundtable. Got ideas for the show? Info@CoolCleveland.com. Tune in and Learn more.

The Collinwood Observer is the newest community newspaper on the block Say hello and check it out at http://CollinwoodObserver.com

Wanna (actively) create a culture of peace? Take a 20-hour workshop in nonviolence training for personal and social change on Sat 11/14 through Mon 11/16. Call Doug at 216-651-6250. Must register by Fri 10/30. Scholarships available. http://CreatingACultureOfPeace.org

HELP Stop the Hate: Youth Speak Out! is an essay contest for students in grades 6 – 12. Write about ways to stop discrimination and you could win big. Details at http://StopTheHate.maltzmuseum.org

Lakewood’s Spooky Pooch parade makes it to CNN.com Was your mutt there? View

Are you ready for 30 days and nights of literary abandon (aka NaNoWriMo)? November is the month to write your novel and Cuy County Public Library branches are hosting write-ins to get you going. Write On

SPONSORED: Spooky or Savvy? Whether you’re up for Halloween fun or Eco-boosting inspiration, The Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s Nature League has something for everybody. This Sat 10/31, groove to food, drinks, desserts and “Abby Normal” at CMNH’s 13th Annual Halloween Party. Then on Fri 11/6, be swept away with a dazzling 3-hour film program, Patagonia’s Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival. make a statement and do both. See you there? CMNH.org

Christopher Buckley in Cleveland

Christopher Buckley’s parents, the infamous conservative William F. Buckley, and socialite mother Pat, passed away within a year of each other, and Christopher’s memoir, Losing Mum and Pup, chronicles the “unattractive and hurtful flaws” of his parents, among other delicious and scandalous stories.

Watch the video interview with CCPL’s Sari Feldman as she describes the upcoming visit by Christopher Buckley where he will no doubt discuss how his own book, Thank Your For Smoking, was turned into a hit film. On Tue 11/3 at the Ohio Theatre, where you can hear Buckley read and ask him questions. CuyahogaLibrary.org.

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

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

SPONSORED: A Night at the Library, a party you won’t want to miss! Interact with some of your favorite authors and book characters from classic literature. Don’t skip out on this great chance to eat, drink and enjoy live music. To order your tickets or learn more information, visit A Night at the Library at http://www.CPL.org or call 216-623-2821.

HOT Trick or Treat on South High Street The Akron Art Museum is all decked out for a Halloween bash on Thu 10/29. Bring your kids to collect goodies on a special museum scavenger hunt, make crafts and enroll in an art-inspired costume contest. Categories are “Do the Robot” inspired by Nam June Palik’s High Tech Child, a space traveler category inspired by Peter Dean’s Black Astronaut and “Down on the Farm” from William Sommer’s Bordner Mural. 6:30 – 8:30PM. No charge for members. 1 S. High St., Akron. AkronArtMuseum.org

The Trusty Trombone is the first installment of Cle Orchestra’s Musical Rainbow Series. These 30-minute classes introduce 3- to 6-year-olds to instruments of the orchestra, one at a time. Meet the trombone on Fri 10/30 at 10AM and Sat 10/31 at 10AM and 11AM. Clap and sing along to family-friendly tunes played by trombonist Allen Kofsky. Come in costume if you’d like! Reinberger Hall @ Severance, 11001 Euclid Ave. Tickets

All Hale’s Eve Celebrate Halloween at Hale Farm & Village on Fri 10/30 from 6 – 9PM [pictured]. Little kids can listen to stories told by candlelight and go trick-or-treating while big kids (16+) and adults try to conjure up spirits with Western Reserve Paranormal, who’ll discuss the best ways to listen to spirits. 2686 Oak Hill Rd. in Bath. Details

Fall Family Fun Day @ MOCA Bring your kiddie crew over to MOCA for a day of hands-on art appreciation on Sun 11/1. There will be art activities and projects, plus delicious treats to enjoy. No charge. Show up anywhere between 1 – 4PM. 8501 Carnegie Ave. http://MOCACleveland.org

Bowl For Kids’ Sake and to support the Jewish Big Brother Big Sister Association on Sun 11/1. Join other families for a day of comp food, prizes, T-shirts, entertainment and, yes, bowling! All funds raised go directly toward matching children with carefully-screened Big Brothers and Big Sisters. 9AM. Freeway Lanes, 33185 Bainbridge Rd., Solon. Register

SPONSORED: Ball of Confusion in Solon and Brooklyn The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum’s award-winning Ball of Confusion: Rock Music and Social Change will rock Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Solon and Brooklyn branches on Wed 11/4 at 7PM. Check out this interactive, multimedia class and get your rock and roll Ph.D. For information, visit CuyahogaLibrary.org.

Keep On Rockin’ Me
Mike Miller Loves Bringing Hot Music to Wilbert’s

It’s 7:40 on a Friday night, and the crowd at Wilbert’s has dwindled to a few hangers-on who either don’t have tickets to the Indians-Tigers game or are nursing one last beer before they go.

Mike Miller, the owner of the establishment, sits at the long bar and talks to the bartenders. One is an old friend; the other is his brother-in-law. Everything’s going well tonight, except maybe for the fact that…

Read the profile on Wilbert’s’ Mike Miller by Diane DePiero here

SPONSORED: Great School! Great Price! That’s how U.S. News & World Report describes Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea. B-W consistently is ranked among the Best Colleges and Best Values in the Midwest. See for yourself. Come to the Baldwin-Wallace College Fall visit Day Saturday morning, Sat 11/14 and learn about exceptional academic programs and student life, great financial aid and more! Lunch is on us. Reserve you place online at http://www.bw.edu/events.

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

GREEN Green Plus Institute for Sustainable Dev. come to Cle COSE first in area to offer Green Plus sustainability education + certification program for smaller businesses. http://www.GoGreenPlus.org

More bad news for newspapers Akron Beacon Journal proposes 17% wage cut for employees. Yikes

Local tech site forays into live theater, politics and intersections of tech and culture Have you checked ’em out yet? http://www.Geniocity.com

Local production co. Jack of Trades adopts generous business model Opens Jack of Hearts program, where percentage of customer cash goes into an account. When acct reaches goal, a performance is put on for at-risk youth. Pictured: Aaron Bonk of Jack of Trades as The Man of Steel. More

SPONSORED: AirTran Airways is on sale at Akron-Canton Airport! Hurry sale ends November 10! http://www.AirTran.com.

GREEN Inaugural Local Food Cle Network Event at Great Lakes Brwng Co Tasting Rm on Mon 11/2, 5:30 – 8:30PM. Register

Cuy Affordable Housing Alliance monthly mtg at HUD office on Mon 11/2 from 1:30 – 3PM. Affordable housing threats and programs. Call 216-432-0540 for details. http://NEOCH.org

Social Media ROI: Being Seen is Not Enough at City Club on Thu 11/12 at 7:30AM, moderated by Tech Czar Michael DeAloia, featuring George Nemeth of BrewedFreshDaily.com [pictured], Jason Therrien of thunder::tech & John Heany of Orange Envelopesand Dominic Litten of Fathom SEO. No charge. Email melissa.chambersATbusinesswire.com to RSVP . Info

Women of Color Foundation Training & Leadership Develop. Institute and Awards luncheon at One Cle Cntr Bldg on Thu 11/12 from 8AM – 4:30PM. http://WomenOfColorFoundation.com

SPONSORED: While other cities are treading water to stay afloat, Mayor Frank G. Jackson has balanced the books, increased services and created a realistic vision for sustainability. He needs your vote this Tuesday, November 3, to continue his work. More at http://www.MayorFrankJackson.com. (Paid for by Frank G. Jackson for a Better Cleveland, Scott C. Finerman, Treasurer, 3029 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland Ohio 44115)

Andrew Light and the Ethics of Climate Change

Andrew Light has turned the study of philosophy into an engaging career advising The National Science Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service and the National Parks Service on environmental policy and climate change. His fascinating Humanities Week keynote on “Ethics and Climate Change” capped a busy two-day whirlwind organized by the Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities.

Watch the interview with Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready as they touch on the importance of Cleveland’s water and how our two senators will be critical in the upcoming votes on renewing the Kyoto Protocols, and why he calls this “the most important moment in the history of the planet.” Seriously. http://artsci.case.edu/bakernord/

SPONSORED: Not your grandma’s classical music. Violinist Jennifer Koh is the sort of player who “grabs the listener by the ears and refuses to let go” (The Strad). On Thu 10/29, Oberlin College’s Artist Recital Series presents her concert featuring Bach’s dazzling partitas alongside a premiere for violin and video. Watch a sample at http://www.Oberlin.edu/artsguide.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

The Human Subject An array of locally-, nationally- and internationally-known artists come together to explore the complexities and beauty of the human figure in this recent exhibition [pictured]. See drawings from NY’s Susan Hauptman, sculptures by London’s Sean Henry and paintings and mixed media works from CSU alumnus Misha Kligman on Wed 10/28 from 10AM – 4PM. On display through Sat 12/5. CSU Art Gallery, 2307 Chester Ave. Info

Yellowman @ Karamu House is an edgy and provocative play exploring the ugly realities of intra-racism in the Black community. Alma and Eugene are childhood friends turned lovers. But while Alma struggles with her mother’s poverty and alcoholism, Eugene must contend with the legacy of being “yellow”–having a lighter skin tone than his brutally mean dad. See what transpires at the opening on Wed 10/28 at 7:30PM. 2355 E. 89th St. http://www.KaramuHouse.org Get tix here.

HOT Bach & Beyond w/ Jennifer Koh Koh is a violinist who possesses a “unique combination of fire and elegance.” This 2009 Grammy nominee plays with an unmistakable spark and intensity and she’s coming back to Oberlin College, her alma mater, on Thu 10/29 at 8PM. She’ll play alongside a multimedia premiere by artist Tal Rosner. It’ll be a feast for your eyes and ears. Finney Chapel, 90 N. Professor St., Oberlin. Info

HOT The Revenge of the Freakishly Short Animation Festival Treat yourself to 70 minutes of animated, Halloween-inspired indie film shorts from around the globe on Thu 10/29. This no charge event is first-come, first-serve. It’s sure to be packed so get there early! Starts at 7PM. Encore screening on Sat 10/31 at 2PM. Presented by the Akron Film Festival @ the Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St. in lovely Akron. http://AkronFilm.com

Civic Design & Inspired Infrastructure: A National Perspective How can engineering and design come together to shape the new American city? How can we make practical yet beautiful infrastructure projects? Some of the nation’s most innovative urban design thinkers and practitioners answer these questions and more at a panel discussion on Thu 10/29 from 6 – 7:30PM. No charge. Cle Public Library Louis Stokes Auditorium, 325 Superior Ave. Followed by a discussion on Fri 10/30 about how Cle can optimize planning and design. 9AM – 12PM at CSU. Details

Lakewood Chocolate Walk is what dreams are made of. Basically, (upon registration) you walk down Detroit Ave. on Thu 10/29 and are given chocolate treats when you stop in one of 30 participating businesses. Some treats, like chocolate soup, are for savoring on the spot, while others are packed for you to take home. Plus, raffles, a golden egg search and tunes from Cats on Holiday. Event ends with a giant sundae bar. 6 – 9PM. Go ahead, indulge a little. Consider this your Halloween candy. Tickets at http://DowntownLakewood.org/blog/?page_id=521.

A Day in the Life of a Consumer Columnist The Plain Dealer’s Consumer Columnist, Sheryl Harris, will speak at the City Club on Thu 10/29 at noon. She will discuss her work as a consumer columnist and the ethical decisions she makes in reporting consumer issues. The luncheon program is $25 for non-SPJ members and includes a buffet lunch. Reservations can be made with Tom Moore tmoore56ATmsn.com, 440-454-3282.

Hitchcock for Halloween! Forget about seeing those cheesy, formulaic new-school horror films. Old-school horror movies –Hitchcock films specifically–are where it’s at. See I Confess, a rarely-revived moody and atmospheric tale of sin and guilt on Thu 10/29 at 6:30PM introduced by Hitchcock expert Phil Skerry, Lakeland professor and author of Psycho in the Shower [pictured]. Also plays on Sat 10/31 at 5:30PM. The Wrong Man, an offbeat docudrama about a wrongly accused musician, will be shown at 8:30PM on Thu 10/29 and 7:25PM on Sat 10/31. CIA Cinematheque, 11141 East Blvd.

Synopsis

A Proper Murder @ Asterisk Gallery is a spin on Georg Buchner’s Woyzeck, which is one of the great modern tragedies. An impoverished soldier trying to make a living for his family is driven completely mad when he discovers his girlfriend’s infidelity. Watch the accessible and entertaining Theater Ninjas do their thang at the opening on Thu 10/29 at 8PM. Runs through Mon 11/16. 2393 Professor Ave. in Tremont. Tickets at http://TheaterNinjas.com

25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concerts An extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime series of concerts on Thu 10/29 & Fri 10/30 at Madison Square Garden in NYC to raise $4M for the Rock Hall’s endowment, each themed like only the Rock Hall can: Bruce Springsteen’s set features Sam Moore & Darlene Love; Stevie Wonder hosts Smokey Robinson, BB King, Sting & John Legend; Crosby, Stills & Nash play with James Taylor, Jackson Browne & Bonnie Raitt; Metallica jams with Lou Reed & Ozzy Osbourne; Aretha Franklin sing with Lenny Kravitz & Annie Lennox. If you can’t make the gig, check out the nine-disc DVD set Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Live featuring highlights of past Rock Hall inductions. http://www.rockhall25.com

SPONSORED: Now is the time to put Thu 11/12 on your calendar for 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 All You Can Eat: A Buffet of Architectural Ideas for Cle Chances are you’ve passed a vacant spot in Cle that made you think, “Man, someone should really do [insert cool idea here] with this building!” Well, lots of other 216ers have felt the same way–and they’ve submitted their schemes to POST Architecture Journal! See raw, cooked, half-baked and hair-brained ideas of transforming Cle’s vacant spots on exhibit on Fri 10/30 from 5 – 10PM and Sat 10/31 from 12 – 6PM. Select entries will be highlighted in a special publication. Euclid Ave Gallery of The Sculpture Center, 12210 Euclid Ave. Details

Franklin Stein’s Project is Mary Shelly meets campy teenage horror flick. Franklin Stein is a high school outcast who creates a killer science project–literally. Will Frankie get revenge against the people who bullied him? Find out at an 8PM or midnight showing of this play, which is written and produced by CSU students, on Fri 10/30. CSU’s Factory Theater, 1833 E. 23rd St. Additional dates and times listed at http://FranklinSteinsProject.com

Heggs House of Horror isn’t a commercial haunted house–it’s actually someone’s home all decked out for the season. Located in Old Brooklyn, Heggs House was voted one of the Top 5 best residential haunted house displays in the nation in a contest sponsored by Good Morning America. Come on Fri 10/30 and Sat 10/31 to gawk at over 40 figurines and displays made by homeowner Frank Smith. This celebration of Halloween gaudiness is located at 1608 Merl Ave. http://www.HeggsHouseOfHorror.com

Playing For Change It’s no secret that music can unite people. Just look at Playing for Change. This loosely-knit band consists of musicians from all walks of life who’ve come together to play for peace. The band is a journey in itself, picking up new members along the way while delivering a transformational, positive message. Hear their Songs From Around the World on Fri 10/30 at the Masonic Temple Auditorium, 3615 Euclid Ave. Doors at 7PM. Music at 8PM.

http://PlayingForChange.com

HOT 5th Annual Sugar Coated Show Before you go partying or trick-or-treating on Sat 10/31, head over to the Pop Shop’s (art)ificial gallery to gaze at Halloween and fall inspired art from Cle’s best undiscovered talents. Also on view is Wake Me When I’m Profound, featuring works from so-called “outsider artist” Bob Peck. Yes, two shows in one! But wait… there’s more! Stick around and head next door to Mullens bar for their costume contest from 6PM – 1AM. Gallery open 12 – 7PM. 17020 Madison Ave. in Lakewood. http://PopShopGallery.com

Dia de los Muertos Celebrate this rich, sacred Mexican holiday with local artists, music, food, lectures, decorated altars, pan de muerto and a procession of skulls and skeletons on Sat 10/31 from 12 – 10PM. Continues on Sun 11/1 from 12 – 8PM and Mon 11/2 from 12 – 6PM in the exciting Gordon Square Arts District. Orthodox Church & Parish Hall at 6205 Detroit Ave. http://www.DiaDeLosMuertosOhio.com

The Vagabond & Friends Tour Get spooked with The Vagabond, a play written, directed and performed by NEO native F.A. Taylor. Using humor and bone-chilling moments, this play tells the story of a mysterious time traveler through song, poetry and dance. Includes performances by Jobs Corps of Cle students and Rock N Robots. Sat 10/31 and Sun 11/1 at 5PM. You can even take a ride on Euclid Beach’s legendary “Thriller Car.” Cle Play House, 8500 Euclid Ave. Tickets

A Night to Wake Up and Live w/ the Arts If handing out candy isn’t your thing, spend the evening of Sat 10/31 being entertained with a taste of Cle’s vibrant arts community, featuring Cody Wood, Anita Rose Banks and hosted by Peter Lawson Jones. All funds raised go to Wake Up and Live’s artistic programs and education services for people in transition and teens in crisis. Ivy’s Catering at Greenmont, 800 S. Green Rd., South Euclid. 7PM. Tickets

WCSB Halloween Masquerade Ball All you monsters, come mash it up at a no charge Halloween party thrown by your buddies at WCSB radio on Sat 10/31 at 9PM. Put on a sweet costume, chat with your fave WCSB personalities, listen to live bands (Zero Boys, My Dad is Dead, Fragments and more) and be generally scary. Cle Public Theater, 6415 Detroit Ave. Info

HOT Don Giovanni @ State Theatre Modernity and tradition are seamlessly blended together in this visually striking OperaCleveland production of Mozart’s masterpiece playing on Sun 11/1 at 2PM. Characters dressed in period costume are juxtaposed with abstract, ultra modern sets to offer a totally different opera experience. Simply put, it’s Mozart like you’ve never seen him before. Also plays on Fri 10/30 at 8PM and Sat 11/7 at 8PM. 1519 Euclid Ave. Tickets

Cle Youth Wind Symphonies I & II Hear a delectable selection of classical pieces played by NEO’s finest young woodwind, brass and percussion players on Sun 11/1 at 3PM. Severance Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave. Tickets

Three Rivers Film Festival: Cle OK, so this is Pittsburgh’s indie film festival. Well, we love indie films just as much as they do so we’re gonna celebrate! Catch a flick during Cle Cinemas’ “Bargain Mondays” at the Cedar-Lee and hear remarks by Pittsburgh Filmmakers Director Andrew Swenson on Mon 11/2 at 7PM. Then meet him afterward at Jimmy O’Neill’s Tavern for giveaways and drinks. Email Laura at lherbATpghfilmmakers.org for more info. http://3RFF.com

Sea Monsters Because, really, what’s cooler than watching gigantic prehistoric sea monsters swim on an OMNIMAX screen? See what life was like when North America was buried beneath a rolling sea. Movie opens on Mon 11/2 at 12PM, 2PM and 4PM. Great Lakes Science Cntr, 601 Erieside Ave. http://GreatScience.com/visit/omnimax.php?id=40

Pretty Things Peepshow is old-school adult entertainment mixed with a lil’ modern rock-n-roll. This vintage-style traveling burlesque sideshow features a cast of suicide girls who celebrate the diversity of beauty (tattoos, curves and all). Sideshow acts include sword swallowing, glass eating and terrifying acts like the Bed of Nails, Blade Box and Electric Chair. This sexy retro sensation takes place on Tue 11/3. Doors at 8PM. Show at 9PM. The Sachsenheim Ballroom, 7001 Denison Ave. http://PrettyThingsProductions.com

GREEN Spotlight on Green Roofs Vegetated roofs are efficient and eco-friendly. Plus, they look pretty cool. Find out more about this roofing system and its various applications (tray systems vs. inclusive layered systems) at an informational session on Wed 11/4 from 3:30 – 5PM. After the talk, take a tour of the on-site green roof installed 6 years ago. 3500 Lorain Ave. https://NEOGBC.org/index.php?id=11

Cleveland Culinary Challenge Where else can you sample great food from Cleveland’s top chefs like Doug Katz, Marlin Kaplan, Zach Bruell, Steve Schimoler and Sergio Abramof, plus witness an exciting competition with Cuyahoga Community College’s work study program for hospitality students, while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, adult beverages and entertainment like a jazz trio, cake decoration and ice sculpting, all to benefit Positively Cleveland’s worthwhile Spirit of Cleveland program and Tri-C, on Wed 11/4 from 5:30-8PM at Tri-C Metro. http://culinarychallenge.eventbrite.com

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

The Spooky Time of the Year

Pumpkins and cornstalks. Hayrides and haunted houses. Apple cider and doughnuts. Bobbing for apples and Halloween costumes. Ghouls and goblins, oh my!

So what’s your Halloween costume this year? Is it a corny Crayola Crayon? A Barrack Obama mask? Or maybe you’ve chosen to be a sexy witch or handsome vampire (that gives me the chills…)

Read more from Claudia Taller here

Ohio Legislative Black Caucus: A Den of Prostitutes?

CheckSmart, those “nice” payday lending folks who routinely charge customers a whooping, ungodly 391% apr (annual percentage rate), is now partnered with the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), an organization which hasn’t had a office in Cleveland or Ohio for at least four decades that I am aware of, and the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC), that den of black elected officials whose mission is supposed to be looking out for the best interest of the minorities that elected them…

Read more from Mansfield Frazier here

Can Newspaper Editorials Be Honest?
Plus, Corporate Shill Eckart Backs Monopoly Casino…

I’d have to agree with Elizabeth Sullivan’s Sunday column saying newspaper should take the responsibility of endorsing candidates and issues.

I don’t agree, however, that they do it because they “care.” That’s giving them a little too much credit.

I think unfortunately that the closed way they make their endorsements are a disservice to the public…

Read more of Roldo Bartimole here

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

Twelfth Night & The Mystery of Edwin Drood @ Great Lakes Theatre 10/17 & 10/18/09
Read the review by Laura Kennely here

COSE Small Business Conference 2009 @ I-X Center 10/21/09
Read the review by Susan Schaul here

Cool Cleveland readers write

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

Class Warfare? I have an issue with Roldo’s comments here. While some of his concerns may be valid, I get a little tired of the class warfare thing. The “have’s” versus the “have not’s”. Is profit a bad thing? Why do outsider’s invest money in Cleveland if not to make a profit?…
Read the letter from Chris Bailo here

Send your letters to: LettersATCoolCleveland.com

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

1) Endorsements 2009 Don’t take our word on it. Just vote. CoolCleveland.com

2) Cle is the “Magic of the mid-west” Brit travels to NEO and is convinced he’s found the REAL America. ThisIsPlymouth.co.uk

3) L’Albatros Brasserie & Bar Makes Esquire’s list of Best New Restaurants 2009. Esquire.com

4) Me and Jimi Hendrix Very few, if any, of the so-called facts in my Jimi Hendrix story are capable of factual verification… CoolCleveland.com

5) Friends of the Cleveland Public Library Check out A Night At The Library on 11/14. friendsCPL.org.

Don’t be scared! Yes, it’s a lot of work. But who else is keeping their eye on the cool in Cleveland? We’d like to thank our writers: Roldo Bartimole, Diane DiPiero, Carol Drummond, Mansfield Frazier 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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