The Mayor Of Parma

8.11-8.18.04

The Mayor of Parma

Dear Friend,

In this week’s issue:
* Cool Cleveland Interview with Parma Mayor Dean DePiero
* RoldoLINK on Cleveland’s media bias, and why only 2.7% of partners at Cleveland 10 big law firms are minorities
* Skirting The Issue on 20 years of political activism
* Cool Cleveland Interview with Terry Burgler & Nancy Cates of the Ohio Shakespeare Festival
* Cool Cleveland People with activist arts professor Nancy Prudic

Cool Cleveland Interview
Parma Mayor Dean DePiero

Recently elected Mayor Dean DePiero is a Parma native who served as a prosecutor and a Parma city councilman from 1995-1998. As a state representative, he served the 15th House district which included Parma, Brooklyn, Linndale and Middleburg Heights. During his time in Columbus, DePiero pushed for legislation strengthening laws against sexual predators and domestic violence offenders.

With recent scandals involving Parma police and a turnover of elected officials, DePiero is seen by many as a popular and welcome voice for reform. Cool Cleveland sat down with Mayor DePiero for this exclusive interview.

How do you see Parma playing a part in regionalism?
When people talk about regionalism like they have done in Minnesota, where you make one big suburb if you will, or one entity. You know, combining cities or their governmental outfits. It’s a little more radical and a little tougher to do. But, I think of the areas that we engage in regionalism currently: regional transit, regional sewer district, regional SWAT teams, if you will. They all work well and we can learn from those examples. As it gets more expensive to operate cities like Parma, Lakewood, Strongsville, we have to look to do that to stay within our budget and within our means.

How in the past has Parma been it’s own worst enemy?
We have not been progressive, we have not been willing to take chances, and we have put out the wrong image.

Tell us a little about that image?
I think we have put out the image we are not open. I think this has changed a lot. I’m not talking recently, I’m talking about the way past. I think for the most part we have done a good job the last few years. The racial stigma we have always had; the stigma that we are a bunch of protectionists here. I think that has been put out there, and I think sometimes unfairly so. We have not done enough to try to change that image.

How are you working to change that image now?
Everyday we engage in image building here. Everything we do, we try to do things that make people believe we run a good shop here. That we have a good honest police force. That we have good recreation programs. That we are open to different ideas and different cultures. That we are progressive in our thinking. That we are not back in the 1970s. It’s an ongoing type of approach…
Read the exclusive Cool Cleveland Interview with Parma Mayor Dean DePiero by David Tarditi here

Cleveland City Arts Festival charging ahead A world-class arts festival for Cleveland? Cool Cleveland has been talking about it for months. Now James Levin of Cleveland Public Theatre and Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready have done more than talk. We’ve put together a budget and a plan, and approached members of the cultural and political worlds in Cleveland to see how interested they are. And they are very interested. The County Commissioners have seen the plans, they think it’s a good idea, and they’ve asked their development department to run the numbers. What did they come up with? They see a positive return on investment in economic development and taxes for the county, not to mention the insanely positive buzz that would be generated about Cleveland in our surrounding regions. See PD here, but note that the online version only includes the first half of the article as printed in the paper.

Akron addresses brain gain What’s the difference between Cleveland and Akron when it comes to brain drain? Akron is doing something about it. The old-line business community (The Greater Akron Chamber, the City of Akron) have hired 32-year-old consultant Rebecca Ryan to create a plan to attract and retain young professionals. And to kick things off, The Akron Beacon Journal, along with the new blood– five young professionals groups in Akron (Torchbearers, Young Professionals of Akron) hosted a talk by Ryan and a round table discussion with a group of young Akronites and Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic. Read the panel discussion on Ohio.com here, with full text here. ABJ columnist David Giffels (featured in a recent Cool Cleveland Interview here) followed up with his perspective: “…alarms are going off in Ohio… and, well, most other places… Akron has begun to adapt. Last week we saw that in action.” Read Giffels column here.

New Ohio theatre mag Theatre in the state of Ohio is sincerely awesome, and now we’ve got a journal to celebrate it every month. Due out in September, Spotlight Ohio is for anyone who enjoys attending or being a part of professional or community theatre in Ohio and promises statewide coverage of current theatre events, news articles, and interviews with actors, directors, set-designers and producers who excel in their line of work. The best part: a non-theatre person can pick it up, and follow what’s being said without having to know everything there is to know about the stage. Both the website and magazine will have a listing of shows and audition notices, organized by location. See the current issue at http://www.spotlightohio.com

Your marketing secret weapon It has come to be known as “viral marketing” or “permission-based marketing.” What it means is your customers hear about you from their friends, from their peers, and from their work associates. It used to be called “word-of-mouth,” and it’s still the most powerful marketing weapon you can wield. When your customers have opted-in to a vehicle like Cool Cleveland, they trust its content, they read it closely and they forward it on to their friends. How do you get noticed in today’s noisy marketplace? Contact Cool Cleveland, and we’ll help you improve your public image. Info@CoolCleveland.com.

TWiFi rocks Tremont Wireless connectivity to the Internet is one area where Cleveland is seriously competitive. Find out for yourself as you travel around the country this summer, and see how difficult it is to locate WiFi hotspots in other cities. TWiFi (Tremont WiFi) is committed to bringing even more wireless fun to the Historic Tremont neighborhood. Join the TWiFi Benefit at South Side, Tues 8/17 from 5-8PM, for beer, soft drinks, appetizers, and an update on the Lincoln Park project. South Side, 2207 W. 11th Street in Tremont, 937-2288 http://www.twifineighbor.net

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Contemporary Living in an Historic Location Kenilworth Mews features 17 Arts and Crafts style homes in the Cedar-Fairmount neighborhood of Cleveland Heights. The homes offer stone, brick and cedar shingle exteriors, have a private street location, gourmet kitchens with granite counters, two-story living rooms, first-floor master bedrooms, master baths with Jacuzzi tubs, full basements, and a patio or deck. Numerous upgrades are available; buyers can customize a home to their personal tastes! Plus you get the convenience of living within 10 minutes of downtown, and within walking distance of Nighttown’s top-notch food and jazz, Murray Hill’s shopping, restaurants and art galleries, and the cultural cornucopia of University Circle. Prices start in the mid 400’s. For a complete list of properties and open houses this weekend, please visit www.ProgressiveUrban.com
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KnowItNow 24X7 How unbelievably sweet is this? Cleveland Public Library is partnering with the Cuyahoga County Public Library, the CLEVNET Library Consortium, and NOLA (Northeast Ohio Library Association) to launch a free statewide virtual reference service. It’s called KnowItNow 24×7, and it offers free online access to live librarians who answer your questions via a chat session anytime of the day or night. It’s the first online reference service in the nation to combine the information expertise of librarians, the comprehensive resources of the CLEVNET libraries, which began in 1982, and state-of-the-art technology to meet the information needs of patrons. Cleveland’s libraries have been recognized as some of the best in the nation, and now, with the help of technology, we can access these award-winning resources online. http://www.cpl.org/vrd/learnmore.html

Artist lofts at sub-market rates The Tower Press is once again announcing the availability of subsidized live/work lofts for artists earning less than $25K a year. Artists will be selected through a competitive 2-part jury process. First, artists’ submissions will be screened, and finalists will be selected by a jury of outstanding regional arts professionals. Then finalists will be interviewed and selected by a panel of community leaders. To apply, artists should submit a resume (including complete day and evening contact information), 10-15 clearly labeled slides of work (at least 10 current work), a slide description sheet, and a self- addressed, stamped envelope (for return of slides) to: Tower Press Ltd. P.O. Box 91644 Cleveland, OH 44101-3644. Submissions must be received by August 15, 2004 at 5PM. For details, email info@towerpress.com

Coventry Street Fair redux Another Coventry Street Fair/Farmers’ Market is scheduled for Thu 8/12, and according to Cleveland Heights Police estimates, their last go-round drew 4,000 people. When you talk to folks, everyone, from attendees, to merchants to restaurateurs really feel like Coventry is back. You’ll also be interested in the ironwork sculptures by Brinsley Turrell which are appearing on Coventry. Working with Heights Arts, the Coventry Village Special Improvement District commissioned Kent State Sculptor Turrell to design 59 ornate ironworks. Each tells a story about the history of the art (and is engraved with a referencing name), some are already up for viewing in the block where Tommy’s is located. http://www.coventryvillage.org/market.htm

Support the Lakefront Plan Quit moaning about our lack of access to the Lakefront, and get out and do something about it. As a citizen of our fine community, you are invited to a public discussion about the critical Dock 32 (behind the Great Lakes Science Center) being returned to the public as a 7-acre park and extension of Northcoast Harbor. Cleveland City Council votes on this legislation soon, so it’s important to show up and express yourself. Be there at Cleveland City Hall, 2nd Floor Council Chambers on Wed 8/11 at 6PM. If you can’t make it, send an e-mail to Council President Frank Jackson fjackson@clevelandcitycouncil.org, or Downtown Councilman Joe Cimperman jcimperman@clevelandcitycouncil.org and tell them you support the city’s Lakefront Plan and the city’s acquisition of Dock 32.

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Party with Martin Sheen & Others; 2nd event added! Here’s your chance to hobnob with real Hollywood glitterati right here in Cleveland, the heart of the biggest battleground state of them all: Ohio, which has suffered the brunt of the current administration, with 6% unemployment and 270,000 job losses since Jan ’01. Bring Ohio Back is dedicated to educating Ohioans about the impact that President Bush has had on the lives of our residents, and about Senator John Kerry’s record and policy initiatives. The 5PM fundraiser was so successful that this second after-party is being added! Join Chad Lowe, Fisher Stevens, and Julianna Margulies on Sat 8/14 at 6:30PM at Bossa Nova Club at the Eton Collection on Chagrin Boulevard, for a Bring Ohio Back Bash, along with special guests Martin Sheen and political satirist Andy Borowitz. Your $50 contribution will go towards getting the message out in Northeast Ohio. For tickets: here. For more info: http://www.BringOhioBack.org or info@BringOhioBack.org.
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BioTech execs moving to Cleve It’s a nice turn of events for a rustbelt city. Executives are leaving established bioscience companies in blazing-hot Boston and other hi-tech towns to hook up with the nascent but growing biotech start-ups right in Cleveburg. “What really surprised me was the collaborative approach here in Cleveland between University Hospitals of Cleveland, the Case technology transfer office and BioEnterprise,” says Don Brown, who left Boston’s ViaCell, Inc., with 200 employees and $32 million in sales, for local stem cell start-up Arteriocyte, with no employees or sales. “That is really a unique approach you don’t find on the east and west coasts.” It’s nice to get accolades for our cooperation, rather than for our divisiveness. See CrainTech here

Window artist sought The Sculpture Center seeks artists for the 2005-2006 Window to Sculpture Series, an annual exhibition series designed to provide emerging sculptors the opportunity to display their work, learn to install their exhibition, and gain recognition and access to an interested art audience. They’re accepting applications from artists for the 2005-2006 season. Selected artists will receive a four-week exhibition slot, promotion, and a 1000 sq. ft. gallery space to show new work. Each artist will keep 100% of sales on their work, and appplicants must be Ohio artists. Application form is available at http://www.sculpturecenter.org, or by calling The Sculpture Center at 229-6527. Postmark deadline is 10/31.

Akron Art Museum never sleeps The Akron Art Museum is planning a slew of Fall membership events that prove they are not slowing down during their construction. The doors of the Museum may be closed, but Museum members will be busy experiencing exciting cultural events. On 9/10, members will be headed to pottery country, visiting the Homer Laughlin China Co. (maker of Fiestaware), and The Museum of Ceramics. On 10/16 & 10/17 members will experience a delight to the senses as they travel during peak fall foliage with an overnight trip to the Carnegie International Museum in Pittsburgh. Featured paintings, sculpture photography, works on paper, film and video works by established and emerging international artists will be on view. This exclusive trip also includes visits to private collections and tours of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water and Kentucky Knob. Learn about these and other cultural activities by calling 330-376-9186 x225 and visit http://www.akronartmuseum.org

Community Shares benefit This event, at the venerated Beachland Ballroom, supports Greater Cleveland’s premier community workplace giving program for social justice organizations. Clevelanders looking to make change while having a good time are invited on Sat 8/14 at 8PM to enjoy the music of four local rock bands: Cleveland-based performers Burning Sage, an all-female rock ensemble; XeLa, a solo performer who plays “jazz-punk” and “rhythm & fuze”; The Twilight, a rock quartet; and Cleveland indie rock trio The Perfect Guy. Learning how you can support the vital work of Community Shares and its progressive member organizations at http://www.communityshares.org. Info on the Beachland at http://www.BeachlandBallroom.com

Call for art Green Panda Press announces Anthologese the Fifth: You Can’t Hither Than That in dedication to Cleveland, urbanity, the recently-passed Daniel Thompson and buddha-wry jazz. Send your artwork, photos, poems, essays, songs, collage, outburst and concrete poetry to greenpandapress@yahoo.com or via snail mail: Bree c/o Green Panda Press, 14314 Superior Avenue, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118. There isn’t a deadline, but the sooner they receive it, the better. Payment is in the form of one free copy.

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The economic politics of architecture They call it The Bilbao Effect. When Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum transformed the sleepy provincial Spanish town into an international cause célèbre, as was their intention, all other mid-sized cities took notice. When everyone found out that the architectural project and museum generated $920 million in its first three years, plus $184 million in taxes, they fell over themselves commissioning high-profile architecture. Seattle got a Rem Koolhaas library, Fort Worth bought a Tadao Ando modern art museum, and Milwaukee ordered a Santiago Calatrava museum, each of which triggered a tripling and quadrupling of attendance, along with the corresponding regional economic jolt. See CNN here.

Graffiti Archaeology It’s the study of graffiti-covered walls as they change over time, a way to see the evolving nature of street art and theories behind it. It’s a pretty tight website, and the grafarc.org project is a timelapse collage, made of photos of San Francisco graffiti taken by many different photographers from 1998 to the present. http://www.otherthings.com/grafarc/about.html

County Library announces writer’s series How do you top last year’s presentation of Nobel-prize winning poet Seamus Heany? You bring in top-notch authors like New Yorker humorist Calvin Trillin (10/19), playwright and Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks (11/16), Under The Tuscan Sun author Frances Mayes, and Ragtime and City of God author E. L. Doctrow (4/5/05). All writers appear at the Ohio Theatre at Playhouse Square at 7:30PM, and season tickets are available starting 9/1 at 749-9486, while single tickets can be bought starting 10/15 at 241-6000 or http://www.tickets.com. Check the packages for book signings, dinners, lunches and other ways to rub shoulders with these great writers, all to benefit the Cuyahoga County Public Library Foundation Endowment. More info here.

Genes linked to high-risk personalities People who smoke, take street drugs or become heavy drinkers may be genetically predisposed to their habits, suggests the results of a large new study. By combining 46 previous studies, scientists have definitively linked two genes to personality traits thought to make people more likely to take up risky lifestyles, resulting in a more anxious, neurotic personality and an increased chance of cancer. “Our study suggests that there’s a genetic basis to certain kinds of personality traits, which may be important in influencing whether people take up habits like smoking or whether they can subsequently give them up,” says Marcus Munafõ, team leader of Cancer Research UK’s GP research group in Oxford. In the future, pharmaceutical or behavioral treatments could be tailored to the type of person you are, he told New Scientist. http://www.newscientist.com/hottopics/alcohol/alcohol.jsp?id=ns99993841

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Cleveland…home of Hot Dawg action! You’d better hurry and get your package to the Brown & Orange Weekend coming September 3-6. Cleveland pro-football fans have been ranked #1 for the last three rankings by Street and Smith’s Business Journal (we always knew that we’re #1!) and Browns Backers from all over the world will be “barking” throughout Cleveland, attending the Browns vs. Bears game, going crazy at the Loud & Proud pep rally and taking in the Rock Hall, Science Center and Taste of Cleveland with their Cleveland All-Access Pass. Don’t miss out!…get your BOW package today by clicking TravelCleveland.com or calling 877-222-4084. Tickets are limited, so act now!
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“Irish coffee” injection prevents stroke damage A caffeine and alcohol cocktail similar to an Irish coffee could prevent severe brain damage in stroke victims, new research has revealed. The experimental drug, called caffeinol, has the potency of two cups of strong coffee and a small shot of alcohol. When injected into rats within three hours of an artificially stimulated stroke, brain damage was cut by up to 80 per cent.http://www.newscientist.com/hottopics/alcohol/alcohol.jsp?id=ns99993619

Karamu seeks scripts Arenafest is Karamu House’s annual festival of new plays, and they’ve been doing it for 13 years. They are looking for scripts that are well-constructed and celebrate the African-American experience. Submissions must be postmarked by 10/31. Selected scripts will be presented in staged readings in March of 2005, with audience discussion following each show. Call 795-7070 http://www.Karamu.com

People are stumped by grammar and spelling Here’s an eye-opener: publishers of the Oxford English Dictionary report that half the people currently using it are stumped by the difference between “reign” and “rein,” and “pouring” and “poring.” Is our culture resentful when it comes to learning and discipline? It’s time to get over it and learn the basics. See The Telegraph here.

They all love Cleveland Isn’t it funny how people who visit Cleveland from out of town rave about the city at the top of their lungs, while most of our natives just grumble. Check out the raves from The Charlotte Observer here (that’s North Carolina, BTW), and a wine connoisseur out of New York here, and just try to imagine a local cheering about our accessible public transportation, “fantastic weather,” lack of traffic (“getting about became a pleasure”), our lively neighborhoods and our savvy promotion of arts and culture (“They have done more for art and culture than any other similarly sized city in the United States”). But the readers of Cool Cleveland already knew that.

Failure teaches you everything Success teaches you nothing at all. “You learn things about people, how two-faced and sycophantic they can be. People who wouldn’t piss on you if you were on fire when you’re a failure are suddenly all over you when you’re successful.” Read This Much I Know by Irvine Welsh http://observer.guardian.co.uk/magazine/story/0,11913,1261887,00.html

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Bingham says “Thank-You” A ton ‘o fun was had at the Cool Cleveland party on 7/29 (some cool photos here) at The Bingham, Cleveland’s newest urban loft apartments. Party-goers toured this classic Cleveland compound located in the Warehouse District, with the amenities for your busy lifestyle: fitness center, indoor parking, free basic cable, T1 lines, in-suite laundry hook-ups, and a soon-to-come new convenience store, complete with gourmet deli and coffee shop. Enjoy unique skyline views from your 1, 2, or 3 bedroom unit; or from your two-story loft or penthouse! Plus, if you move in by 9/30, you’ll receive one month totally rent free. To take advantage of this offer, send an e-mail to Leasing@TheBingham.com with the message ‘Cool Cleveland one month free offer’ in the subject line. Or just call 216.579.4000 and mention the ‘Cool Cleveland one month free offer’ on the phone. http://www.thebingham.com. The Bingham, 1278 W. Ninth St.
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Hold the date Mark your PDA for Fri 9/17, when Cool Cleveland hosts our next Art/Tech/Dance extravaganza, this one in conjunction with the Urban Gallery Hop, featuring four free trolleys toting you all over Downtown and up to the Cool Cleveland party on West 25th Street from 4-8PM. We’ll have our usual open bar, snacks from neighborhood eateries, tours of the luxe penthouse in the Fries & Schuele building, and a swinging after-party at Moda, all for one low price. Check the photos from our last event on 7/29 by photographer Herb Ascherman and watch this space for more info next week. www.CoolCleveland.com


Cool Cleveland This Week

8.11-8.18

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Mid work week blowout It’s the working man’s bar by day and a blue collar rock club by night; get back in touch with professional music fans and professional drinkers alike. Pull on your leather and downshift with gritty local sounds of the New Lou Reeds and Red Pony Clock from San Diego Wed 8/11 at 9PM. Call 621-8044. Pat’s in the Flats, 2233 West Third at the bottom of literary hill in Tremont. http://PatsInTheFlats.com

Greek Nights It’s Greek culture Cleveland style as the Nautica Queen cruise ship presents an ethnic approach to entertainment and travel on Lake Erie with Greek cuisine linked up with celebratory Greek music. Bring all your friends and cruise the shores of Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River, through the Flats and down Cleveland’s stunning coast line. Music from the local Greek band Stigma will set the mood and keep it upbeat Wed 8/11. Boarding begins 6PM in front of the Power House Complex on the West Bank of the Flats. Cruise happens 7-10PM. Greek cruises continue every Wednesday night through the month of August. Call 696-8880. Located on the West Bank of the Flats. http://www.NauticaQueen.com

Fresh food, fresh art Enjoy outdoor cafés and fabulous sidewalk sales at Coventry Village Farmers’ Market. Watch stilt walkers, magicians and balloon sculptors while listening to the music of Hillbilly Idol and Xela Thu 8/12 from 6-9PM. Parking is available at the Coventry Garage and also at Lakeview Cemetery (entrance next to Mayfield Cemetery). Fair is located on Coventry Rd. at the P.E.A.C.E. Park, south end of the Coventry commercial district. http://www.CoventryVillage.org/market.htm

Blue Lunch @ Meet Me on the Mall Catch after-work music that’s free with the hep guys from Cleveland band Blue Lunch, then stay on afterwards for the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Bring a blanket, your friends and something to eat Thu 8/12 at 6:30PM. For info call 696-2122 x124. At Mall B on Lakeside Ave between Ontario and E. 6th St.

Koresh Dance Outdoors Renowned for their powerful stage presence and high energy style, Philadelphia’s dance group has been lauded as an extraordinary newcomer to the national stage. The troupe presents an exciting and emotional blend of modern and jazz-styled ballet that speaks a physical eloquence. Take in their rapid-fire based, large scale choreography Thu 8/12. It’s part of DANCECleveland’s 2004-2005 contemporary dance program. Call 440-914-0744. Cain Park, Evans Amphitheater at Lee and Superior Rds in Cleveland Hts. http://www.DanceCleveland.org

I Hate This A true story peformed and written by David Hansen about his personal experience with stillbirth. This one-man show delves into the unspoken issues and psychological effects of stillbirth, which currently remains an undocumented occurence that’s rarely explored in public. A sensitively peformed and bracing depiction of a father’s journey thru stillbirth and loss, the play tracks the event of his child’s birth, death, and the year that follows, but not necessarily in that order. This local talent is also hitting the New York International Fringe Festival this month; save the date and see it in Cleveland Thu 8/12 at 8PM. Show is free at Dobama Theatere, 1846 Coventry Rd. in Cleveland Hts. Call 556-0919. http://www.BadEpitaph.org/ihatethis.html

MorrisonDance free outdoor performance rehearsals Drop in and see their gifted movement performances for free on any given Thu or Fri, including this Thu 8/12 and Fri 8/13 from 4-6PM including at any of the workshop locations, where you may come across their rehearsal process. Locations are in Tremont’s Lincoln Park, Ohio City’s Novak Park between Fulton & Bridge and Orchard Park at West 41st. http://www.MorrisonDance.com

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Don’t be afraid…It’s only art Wander Tremont’s Art Walk this weekend, or head out to the Warehouse District and feel the pulse of the city beating. Once again Sparx in the City is presenting interesting street performers to enhance the weekend vibe. This Fri 8/13 from 7-9 PM, modern dance duo Liquid Dyode will captivate you with their athletic and graceful movements near Scoops at 2362 Professor in Tremont. Also on Fri 8/13 from 7-9 PM in the Warehouse District, you’ll find Matthew Abelson producing mesmerizing sounds from a hammered dulcimer. Cleveland’s filled with a diverse range of talent, artistry and passion — get out there, check it out and spread the word.
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Tunick Reveal Party You came! You saw! You braved 56-degree weather in the nude! MOCA salutes you. Thanks to everyone in Cleveland who made the Spencer Tunick installation a roaring success, and MOCA is hosting a party to celebrate this history-making and record-breaking public art event, as they reveal a large, 71 x 89 ¼ inch museum-sized print of the final image of the Cleveland installation on Fri 8/13. The first hour, from 6-7PM, will be open to participants and their guests only. After 7PM the public is welcome. Participants in the installation will receive their free 8 x 10 print of the installation, so be sure to bring an ID in order to pick up your print. Video footage of the event filmed by Spencer’s crew and a tape of some of the amazing television coverage we received (including a great two-and-a-half-minute piece on CNN international) will be shown. Event runs till 11PM. Call 421-8671. 8501 Carnegie Ave. http://www.MOCAcleveland.org/home/index.asp

Spontaneous Art Show Ohio City Gallery & Circle Studios are hosting a show that demonstrates artists’ works that exhibit spontaneity, and three of them will be producing art on the spot. Come straight from work and get spontaneous; have David Rankin sketch your portrait, watch artists design silk screen prints, check out Molly Nook’s french-style photo monoprints, and see artists paint found objects. Meet and greet other resident artists and supporters of art while you taste food and drink of the neighborhood complemented with music Fri 8/13 from 5:30PM-10PM. At the the southwest corner of West 45th St. and Bridge Ave. in the heart of Ohio City.

Beyond Timbuktu: Images of Mali A collection of images that capture the heart and energy of the city of Mali. See rare shots of Griot singers, artistry of mud architecture, the stunning mask dancers of the Dogon cliff, and a series of bold imagery depicting the rhythmic moments of a vibrant culture. Show is now on view Fri 8/13 from 10AM-5PM thru 8/29. Museum hours are Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM, Wed 10AM-10PM and Sun noon-5PM. Call 231-4600. Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval in University Circle. http://www.cmnh.org

Kiddo, The Reputation of Lookout Records and Imperfect An unholy trio of midwestern sound at the Beachland features The Reputation from Chicago, their sound is a meld of melodic punk with alt-country and 70’s singer-songwriters sensibility, except they’ve got the driving force of Naked Raygun, tempered with piano, strings and horns. Kiddo is an emergent Detroit/Cleveland combo that resembles “a caffeine-and-sugar-loaded Blake Babies/Juliana Hatfield kidnapped by Travis Morrison and forced to write pop tunes.” Hear them along with Cleveland/Columbus outfit Imperfect Fri 8/13 at 9PM. Call 383-1124. Tavern at Beachland Ballroom, 15711 Waterloo Rd in Collinwood. http://www.BeachlandBallroom.com and visit http://www.LookOutRecords.com/catalog/item.php3?matrix_id=1013

First-Ever Chili Pepper Fest Taste the heat at this fiery festival with 10 days of food and fahrenheit. The horticultural and cultural significance of chili peppers will be the focus; you’ll be exposed to the IHOP (International Hall of Peppers), and discover dozens of different salsa recipes from mild to wild, featuring peppers from Asia, Central America, Northern Africa, Hungary, and the Caribbean. Judge a chili-tasting contest featuring chili recipes by local chefs, and relax with music and entertainment while you explore other chili-themed activities Fri 8/13 thru Sun 8/22 from 10 AM-5PM daily. Call 707-2839. The Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd. in University Circle. http://www.CBGarden.org

Free interactive Cleveland ‘zine tour Ladyfriend is a gutsy DIY ‘zine touring the midwest and east coast, accompanied by art, workshops, favorite stories and projects plus live interviews and readings. The event is free, and you can meet up and speak with local art activists, contributors Miss Melvis plus Lyz and Gabe Bly of Newsense Gallery. The Free Advice ‘zine collects audio advice from strangers off the streets, presenting their words of wisdom in a printed zine format as well as audio format. Then introduce yourself to the biannual small press Ladyfriend, which brings together components of female friendship, comaraderie, health and body image on Fri 8/13 at 7PM. Call 321-BOOK. Macs Backs Paperbacks, 1820 Coventry Rd. in Cleveland Hts. http://www.Ladyfriend.homestead.com

Downtown Neighborhood Block Party A special exhibit with live music, conversation and refreshments will be part of the mix; patrons can view the “Downtown Cleveland: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” exhibit on the third floor of the original Main Library Building, illustrating the changes in residential architecture of Downtown Cleveland from its earliest days. Ideas for its future, with graphic contributions from local developers and planners, will also be displayed. Honorary guests include Cleveland Councilman Joseph Cimperman, Chris Ronayne, City of Cleveland Planning Director and Cleveland Public Library’s new Deputy Director, Holly Carroll, will be present Fri 8/13 from 6-8PM. Event is free and open to the public. Call 623-2878. Eastman Reading Garden, Main Library, Louis Stokes Wing, E. 6th St. and Superior Ave.

Springtime In A Small Town is an exquisite Chinese romance. In this re-make of the 1948 Chinese melodrama of the same name, an ill land owner and his beautiful, but unfulfilled wife living in a rundown estate, are visited by the landowner’s doctor, who stirs repressed passions within her. From the director of The Horse Thief, it’s a New York Film Festival selection. Catch this Cleveland premiere on Fri 8/13 at 9:30PM and Sat 8/14 at 7:50PM. Call 421-7450. Cleveland Institue of Art Cinematheque, 11141 East Blvd. in University Circle. http://www.cia.edu/cinematheque

WCLVnotes Last Friday at St. Paul’s Church in Cleveland Heights, PAND presented its annual concert in commemoration of the atomic bomb blast at Hiroshima. An ensemble made up of members from The Cleveland Orchestra and Red, {an orchestra} and other instrumentalists, and a chorus, many from The Cleveland Orchestra and Blossom choruses, performed Mozart’s Requiem conducted by Robert Porco. WCLV recorded the concert and will broadcast it this Fri 8/13 at 9PM. a Cool Cleveland partner www.wclv.com

New Moon Drive multimedia event Deviant, the founder of internationally recognized Cleveland-based progressive house label Toes in the Sand, will start the night with a dj mix of uplifting and intelligent house music. The Midwest Electronic Music Ensemble, a four person collective from Chicago, will play improvised electronic music by way of analog modular synthesizers, processed rin gongs, drum machine, and other devices including processed electric violin and a metal box. T3 will close the night with a Cleveland debut of true techno performed using turntables, digital f/x, and live looping. (You can hear T3 this Sat 8/14 at 6PM on WRUW’s Raver’s Edge 91.1 FM.) These guys are waveform wizards; meet them and see the difference Sat 8/14 starting 11PM at Orthodox Cleveland, 6205 Detroit Ave., at the corner of West 64th and Detroit. Full details, mp3s, and a scrapbook are at http://www.midnightmixer.com

Colin Dussault compact disc release Dussault’s 6th Erica Records CD release is titled Not Tonight Baby, I’ve Got the Blues. Get a feel for local blues and original material with Cleveland’s original singer, songwriter and harmonica player augmented by other Cleveland musicans and The Prayer Warriors Gospel Choir Sat 8/14 at 9PM. Savannah Bar & Grille, 30676 Detroit Rd in Westlake. http://www.ColinDussault.com

WARM Group Show We all know that Kent has an abundant arts crowd, and you can join them to get a last glimpse of mod art at their closing show. Take a visual journey with works comprised of digitally enhanced photography, mixed media, acrylics and others. Live music by Raw Purr will fill the space Sat 8/14 at 8PM. Call 330-688-5210. ECC Cultural Center, 252 North Water St. in Kent

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Our best friends August brings with it the “dog days of summer” – and The Cleveland Museum of Natural History will honor our canine friends this weekend at a two-day Dog Days Festival, Sat 8/14 from 10AM-5PM and Sun from 10AM-5PM. Come and hear talks given by dog experts, see demonstrations of different working dogs, find out about a variety of dog breeds and learn about dog rescue missions. There will be experts to give instruction about owning, caring for and training a dog. Plus, you can learn more about Ohio’s native dogs – the red fox and gray fox in the museum’s Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden! Try your hand at dog-related crafts, activities and browse dog-related wares from local vendors. This weekend will have everything – unless you’re a cat person! Because there will be so many dogs participating in the festival, pet owners are asked to please leave their dogs at home. Find out and discover the nature of your universe at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, 216-231-4600 www.cmnh.org
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

1st Annual Public Learn to Row Weekend Rowing is now Cleveland’s “main stream activity,” and everyone is invited to learn the finer points of rowing for free. It’s a hard hitting upper body workout and a way to see killer views of the Cuyahoga; schedule your weekend around this unusual event Sat 8/14 and Sun 8/15; morning sessions begins 9AM-Noon, or select the afternoon session from 1-4PM. Call 440-808-2288 to register. CRF Boathouse, 1948 Carter Rd. Register oline at e-mail mark@clevelandrows.org and visit http://www.ClevelandRows.org

Strhess Fest 2004 Overload on contemporary and on-the-fringe music: As I Lay Dying, Himsa, Burnt By The Sun, Senses Fail, Beloved, Code Seven, Wires on Fires and other will sync up with delectable visual art selections from the StrhessFest gallery. Be it hardcore rock, emo music, CD cover art or the fine arts, it’s a renaissance-like fusion of culture with particpating local galleries: Asterik Studios, Derek Hess, Nokturnal and Tes One and Amathin Sun 8/15 beginning 12:30PM. Call 861-3229. Scene Pavilion, 2014 Sycamore. For tix on line visit http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/050038C1B4CBF5D0?brand=hob&majorcatid=1000%check out http://www.strhessfest.com

CanalFest The Ohio & Erie Canal is one of the main reasons Cleveland is situated where it is. Hauling coal up from West Virginia & Pennsylvania from the Ohio River to the mouth of the Cuyahoga, where they met the ore boats coming in on the Great Lakes from Minnesota. This weekend’s a good time to party on the banks of the old canal at CanalFest 2004, this Sun 8/15 from 1-5PM at the Canal Fulton Community Park on Cherry Street in Downtown Canal Fulton. Besides the food & drink & fun, you and your family can experience boat rides and exhibits. 330-434-5657

Annual Farm to Table Benefit A celebration of local farmers and farmers markets, as chefs from Cleveland’s top restaurants prepare early harvest cuisine utilizing fresh and organic local produce. This year’s chefs will offer food inspired by and featuring that most amazing and versatile of plants: the chili pepper. There will also be a Symposium on “Eating Seasonally” at 5:30PM Mon 8/16; dinner on the garden’s terrace begins 6:30PM. Proceeds benefit Cleveland Botanical Garden’s Green Corps program and local farmers and farmers markets. Call 707-2847. Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd. in University Circle. http://www.CBGarden.org

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

RoldoLINK
news DISTORT: Who Makes The News and for Whose Benefit?

by Cool Cleveland contributor Roldo Bartimole

One of the features of “retirement” is that you have more time to read new books and review old books.

I pulled out a 1971 book, probably little read, called Don’t Blame the People – How the news media use bias, distortion and censorship to manipulate public opinion, by Robert Cirino. I don’t think it was well distributed because I found on the first page a note from the author that asked that if I wrote about the book please list the box number where it could be purchased since he was unable to get a publisher to distributed it.

The book’s title and content express a valuable lesson. People are not given the kind of information needed to make proper decisions in a democratic society.

Cirino asked early in the book a simple question that is revealing about the news media, its power and for whom it isn’t used.

“Could America have ignored the hungry if the poor had had their own ABC, NBC or CBS?” he wrote.

You could extend that question to almost every problem we face – from proper health care to poverty to our creaky justice system. The problem is that the news media don’t look at power institutions or the society in general from the viewpoint of the disadvantaged, the discriminated against or victims of the society.

At the beginning of each chapter, Cirino quotes some historical or distinguished person. One is Edward P. Morgan of ABC News, now a forgotten name. Morgan said: “There is an instrument of devastating effectiveness which we have only superficially, often hypocritically employed. It is called the power of the press. Let’s face it. We in the trade use the power more frequently to fix a traffic ticket or get a ticket to a ball game than to keep the doors of an open society open and swinging, by encouraging honest controversy, or, if you’ll pardon the term, crusading for truth and justice.”

That struck me when observing coverage of President George Bush’s media coup when he recently visited Cleveland to open the Children’s Games in Democratic Cleveland…
Read RoldoLINK here

Skirting the Issue
Political Activism 2004: 1984 Revisited

Cultural and social commentator Lyz Bly speaks up about political trends, activism, pop culture and the cost of being a feminist in eyes of the media and the public arena.

As I swept the floor of my family’s home gallery on the morning of 7/24, following our “Lick Bush” film benefit for the Kerry-Edwards campaign, I ruminated on the previous night’s happenings, especially on the comments of many of our 55 guests. People in their 20s were wide-eyed as they departed; they smiled earnestly at us and said, “Thank you so much for doing this.” The few elders in the crowd – the die-hard baby boomers – glanced knowingly at my husband, Kristin, and I as they said their good-byes. For them, the film benefit was a nostalgic occasion; my sister-in-law’s mother showed her approval by saying, “You and Kristin would’ve fit in with the group we hung out with in the 60s…”

But, as I thought more about our guests’ reactions to the evening, I started thinking about my own, as well as my generation’s, experiences with political activism. The actions – both political and nonpolitical – of those of us who were born in the 1960s and 70s were overshadowed by the activities and the political rebellion of the youths of the 1960s. Those of us “first wave Gen-Xers” (a phrase coined by historian and guru on generational trends, Neil Howe) who remember the 1970s and came of age in the 1980s, remember feeling lost; after all, how could we ever live up to the previous generation with their political power, revolutionary music, liberated fashions, and unrestrained experimentation with sex and drugs…? But by the early 1980s, things started to look up. MTV was born… punk was fully entrenched (though not mainstreamed) in the American underground music scene, and New Wave was burgeoning and booming… And fashion was off the charts cool…

While things were looking up culturally for our generation, politically the situation was deteriorating. My freshman year at Kent State University was 1984 – the same year Reagan and Bush 1 began their second term in office. Political apathy was just not allowed at KSU in the 1980s; by the end of my first year I had not only completed my freshman intro courses, I had also acquired a crash course in political activism. In 1985 I joined the KSU branch of Amnesty International (AI)… But my political activism reached its pinnacle in 1988 when my friend Kate and I started the Kent Women’s Organization (KWO), a feminist group with the goal of educating students on women’s issues, and feminist theory and ideas…

But with the 2004 election, in this post-9/11, Patriot Act era, there is so much at stake that I, like many other people, have felt compelled to get involved again, to fight like hell to get Bush out of office in November…
Read Skirting The Issue by Cool Cleveland columnist Lyz Bly here

Cool Cleveland Interview
Terry Burgler & Nancy Cates

This dynamic theater couple are Co-Artistic Directors of the Ohio Shakespeare Festival, one of Northeast Ohio’s professional theatre companies – but with a difference. Founded in 2000, OSF performs a summer season of shows on the grounds of Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, the historic Seiberling estate, in nearby Akron. Cates’ superb production of Side by Side by Sondheim runs this Wed 8/11 thru Sun 8/15. Enthusiastic and candid, they gave an exclusive, free-wheeling interview about their philosophy of theater and how it’s affected their company’s work to Cool Cleveland’s Linda Eisenstein. OSF show info: http://www.stanhywet.org

NC = Nancy Cates; TB = Terry Burgler

Cool Cleveland: What makes doing theatre at Stan Hywet special for you and for audiences? I was at your Saturday performance, and there’s no question that the atmosphere lends an extra magic to the proceedings.
Terry Burgler: It sure does! It adds to the joy of the preparation work to be building, preparing, and working in an environment that is lifting you while you work. Last year during The Tempest, the actors were working against that gorgeous cliff. We had two full moons and the breeze would be blowing. The actors would sneak off to watch each other work whenever they could – not just to see the performances, but because it was so beautiful to see the place.
Nancy Cates: On the other hand, doing the O Coward musical involved crawling on a cliff face in heels and satin! You have to have a company member that loves you in order to do that.
TB: Stan Hywet has a long tradition of performing Shakespeare on their grounds. The Seiberlings were avid fans of Elizabethan times. Not only did they model the looks of their home on Tudor architecture, but they had Elizabethan theme parties. They would hire professional New York costumers who would create costumes for all their famous guests; Shakespeare is very much part of their heritage…

How did you get to Cleveland and how do you keep afloat financially? I don’t expect that OSF can manage to keep you both solvent.
NC: Terry came to take the job as associate professor as Kent State University and Director of Porthouse Theatre. He still teaches at KSU. I’m a professional freelance director who does several shows a year around the country. When I don’t direct, I substitute teach, I work at our company member Tim Champion’s law office, and I do makeup for commercial projects. All those put together make an income.

Maybe having those other incomes allows you to take more artistic risks.
TB: That’s true. We didn’t just want to recycle the popular plays, ad infinitum. In our second season, we wanted to try more challenging work like The Tempest, knowing it was a risk both for audiences and ourselves. That expanded the parameters of what we did.
NB: Our other risk was deciding to give Mr. Shakespeare some good company on the bill. We were very happy to see how Akron audiences came to adore Noel Coward…
Read the Cool Cleveland Interview with Terry Burgler & Nancy Cates here.

Cool Cleveland People
Nancy Prudic

Nancy Prudic is one of Cleveland’s active feminists who balances time between teaching sculpture, mxed media installation, visual culture and art history as well as feminist art and theory. With a BFA from the Cleveland Institute of Art and an MFA from Vermont College, she’s a distinctive lecturer, studio instructor and arts contributor involved in long distance learning, curating, and implementation of educational public programming. She’s worked for The Cleveland Museum of Art and various educational institutions and galleries, and is immersed in improving the community by diversification of the arts. Meet Nancy at the Brandt Gallery Fri 8/13 at 7:30PM and stay for her lecture on art for the closing night of her show. Cool Cleveland sat down with this Lake Erie College arts professor and Collinwood resident to hear her philosophy on experimenting and collaborative art.

When you boast to people outside Cleveland about Cleveland, what’s on your list?
Nancy Prudic: There is always something intriguing to do or see from cultural happenings to natural and industrial phenomena. There are lots of energetic people in town and they are always busy doing something for you to experience. It’s also easy to be a part of the cultural offerings in Cleveland. The low cost of living makes it easy to launch artistic and/or business projects of your own, plus you don’t have to spend all your money and energy trying to meet your basic needs. I also like to brag about the contrast of our abundant green spaces to the dark beauty of the urban industrial complex. Not every city has that to offer. Cleveland is simultaneoulsy a big and small town. There are world-class organizations and institutions, but it has a small town feel.

What’s your vision of how Cleveland should look and feel?
I think Cleveland should revive its neighborhoods. I would love to be able to walk to the grocery store, the pharmacy, the dry cleaner, the movies, etc. There should also be some investment in housing, not necessarily all new building, but serious rehab of what already exists. Little things like planters and banners should be in all the neighborhoods trumpeting their assets. And most importantly, Cleveland should feel safe.

If you were in charge of Cleveland, what would you import and export?
I would export our cultural offerings. We have more than our share and we should spread it around. I would import someone who could clean up, develop, and market our lakefront because it wasn’t done well the first time. It is an immeasurable asset and we should be enjoying it and letting everyone know about it…
Read Cool Cleveland People with Nancy Prudic here

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

Blood Wedding @ Herman Park 8/6
What: A starkly beautiful adaptation of Federico Garcia Lorca’s poetic tragedy about a village bride who runs away with her former lover on her wedding day. Performed by teens in CPT’s Student Theatre Enrichment Program.
Reasons to go: A program that blows away preconceptions of “educational” or “outreach” theatre, this Blood Wedding lets you see how amazingly focused teen actors can be when they approach a classic with discipline and dignity. No pandering here: the music comes from a Samuel Barber opera and traditional Italian and Spanish songs, while the stylized movement owes a nod to flamenco. Nevertheless, the relevance for a contemporary audience of this tragedy of passion and needless violence is pellucid.
Caveats: The production ran only a single weekend in city parks in Detroit-Shoreway and Tremont. It deserves more performances at many more venues.
Backstory: Co-directors Raymond Bobgan & Chris Seibert and vocal director Holly Holsinger bring their formidable talents to this 65-minute production: rigorous simplicity, memorable images, haunting a cappella melodies, and experimental techniques. The results are riveting and inspirational.
Target audience: Compelling for all ages — even the five-year-old I brought with me begged to come back the next day to see it again.
Details: Herman Park, Cleveland Public Theatre/STEP, Cleveland. http://www.cptonline.org
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein Linda@coolcleveland.com

Twilight at the Zoo 8/6
Have you ever slow danced with your sweetheart to Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” under a starlit sky surrounded by lions, tigers and bears? I got my chance Friday night at “Twilight at the Zoo,” an annual event that attracted 7,000 people and raised over $400,000 for our furry friends. As Cleveland’s largest fundraiser, Twilight offered 16 bands that included Latin jazz, swing, reggae, rock, country and more. Although I didn’t catch any of them dancing, the music didn’t seem to bother the four-legged creatures. From what I could tell, the camels, giraffes and monkeys were quite mellow (but I think I caught one of the polar bears humming). The people were a little crazy though, dancing to the ever popular Otis and the Shoreway Saints, and the Jim Miller Band, both known for their rock and blues. Other bands included the Zoo Station (a U2 cover band), and Robert Ocasio’s Latin Jazz Project, which kept the joint jumpin’ till midnight. My favorite was the Swingtime Big Band, which provided hits from Louis Armstrong, Glenn Miller and others. Watch for other groovin’ events at the zoo this summer or contact http://www.ClevelandZooSociety.org for more information.
from Cool Cleveland contributor TL Champion TLChampion@sbcglobal.net

tick, tick…BOOM! @ Cain Park 8/5
What: A semi-autobiographical 3-character musical by Jonathan Rent Larson about the pressures on a struggling young composer and the people who care about him.
Reasons to go: With taut staging, solid casting, and a powerhouse band, director Vicki Bussert gives this “young artist in crisis” musical her patented Vegas-slick treatment. The score includes some terrific satirical songs: a wickedly brilliant parody of Sondheim’s “Sunday” as the artist-waiter serves Sunday brunch; a male-female communication smash-up in Therapy; and a hilarious head-banger anthem No More about the economic rewards of selling out.
Caveats: Lyrics can get hard to hear when the band gets rocking, and some of the music is repetitious. But the show was put together by playwright David Auburn after Larson’s untimely death, so it’s beyond further development.
Backstory: Bussert is our local empress of small, off-beat musicals. As head of Baldwin Wallace’s Musical Theatre program, she’s responsible for jump-starting the professional musical careers of dozens of area students making their way to Broadway and beyond.
Target audience: Essential for Rent-heads and anyone who’s ever struggled to make art. Also enjoyable for general audiences, teens & up.
Details: Cain Park, Coventry & Superior, Cleveland Heights. (216)371-3000. Thru 8/15. http://www.cainpark.com
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein Linda@coolcleveland.com

Lyric Opera Cleveland Costi fan Tutte 7/28 Dating from 1790, any opera would be full of anachronisms judged by today’s standards. Mozart’s Così fan tutte is no exception. Still, Mozart’s music, when given glorious voice, can gloss over a multitude of sins—whether real or imaginary—and this is very true in the current production of Lyric Opera Cleveland. This final presentation of the season is a mostly traditional rendition with a few non-traditional flourishes to keep us all on our toes.

Stage Director Jonathon Field doubled as set designer and pulled off a real coup. The floor of the stage was covered with a mirror-like surface that reflected the lighting against the background scrim in a rippling and constantly-moving effect, much like a kaleidoscope. It was fascinating, but not especially distracting. A smallish sort of strangely-shaped platform was placed at the center of the stage floor, hiding the trap door behind it. Seen from the balcony, it proved to be trapezoidal with the front edge about six feet wide, and two feet high. The sides tapered to a width of approximately ten feet at the rear, which was at floor height—a raked stage in reverse. The balance of the set consisted of chairs and the occasional small table, deftly moved from here to there by the chorus….
Read the review by Kelly Ferjutz here

Yr Turn
Cool Cleveland readers write

Send your letters to: letters@coolcleveland.com

On a big festival A plan for a Cleveland Arts Festival is a great idea and we have all the talent and venues here. I hope this becomes a reality. It would be an opportunity to showcase this city in a positive way. Thanks for sharing this proposal in Cool Cleveland. I missed it in the PD. From Cool Cleveland reader Margaret Gallagher m.r.gallagher@csuohio.edu

Send your letters to: letters@coolcleveland.com

Top 5
Cool Cleveland uses Opticast tools to track which articles were clicked the most. Here are the Top 5 from last week’s issue, with one more chance for you to click.

1) County Planning blog Interested in urban planning and development, but don’t have the time to page through the paper to read the latest news? The Cuyahoga County Planning Commission now features a Weblog http://planning.co.cuyahoga.oh.us/blog

2) Billionaires for Bush Corporate cronyism is alive and well, and the well-heeled Billionaires For Bush are making a stop in Cleveland on their Get On The Limo Tour 2004. http://www.billionairesforbush.com/blog/chapters

3) Cool Cleveland Interview with SAFMOD The multi-disciplinary performance troupe Sub Atomic Frequency Modulation Overdose, known to Cleveland’s art audience as SAFMOD, has evolved from an avant-garde collective of dancers, musicians and performers into one of Cleveland’s premiere dance and performance companies. www.CoolCleveland.com

4) More Tunick “I participated in Spencer Tunick’s fabulous Pose Nude event. It was so fun, I put up a website to try to re-unite fellow participants and give us a chance to get to know each other. http://posenudecleveland.com

5) Self annihilating sentences Are you using them? Stop the habit! http://www.ling.upenn.edu/%7Erclark/gorn.html

Not your typical mainstream media Clevelanders are getting into the habit of supporting diversity in our neighborhoods and in the local media. Thanks to our readers who improve our city by getting involved in it, while sustaining alternative media by checking out CoolCleveland.com. Now you can have everyone you know engage with our city by visiting CC and finding out what’s new in town. Send along friends and co-workers to register for the e-zine at http://www.CoolCleveland.com (and check out the new site) or have ’em send an e-mail to signup@coolcleveland.com

Explore new marketing now Got the marketing edge? Typical strategies lose their effectiveness, and one way to get around it is the new brand of advertising at CoolCleveland.com. This far-reaching guerilla advertising works like this: weekly we are invited into tens of thousands of our subscribers’ inboxes, where they open our e-zine and visit the links to our sponsors, and then forward CC e-zine to more readers who are exposed to our advertisers. Find out more by emailing us a note to info@coolcleveland.com and we’ll get right back to you.

Hard Corps rock it They love the city, they know how to work it and then deliver it fresh to you every week. Props to everyone who submit and help coordinate the Cool Cleveland experience: Lyz Bly, Tisha Nemeth, Deb Remington, Linda Eisenstein, Bill Nagode, George Nemeth, Kelly Ferjutz, TL Champion, Roldo Bartimole, 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

See the Cool Cleveland column each month in Cleveland Magazine. Listen to Cool Cleveland on WCLV-FM 104.9 twice each Friday during drive time. Send your cool events to: events@coolcleveland.com. For your copy of the free weekly Cool Cleveland e-zine, go to http://www.coolcleveland.com

What’s your story?

–Thomas Mulready
Letters@CoolCleveland.com (:divend:)

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