[NEohioPAL]Cool Cleveland 06.02.04 Portrait of the Artist

Tue Jun 1 23:20:25 PDT 2004

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6.02-6.09.04
Portrait of the Artist
Dear Friend,

In this week's issue:
*Cool ClevelandPeoplewith CPT founder James Levin
* Missive From Indiafrom Cleveland born Buddhist nun Ani Palmo
*Cool ClevelandInterviewwith Cleveland Foodbank Executive Director Anne Goodman
* KucinichBeatexclusive interview withCool Cleveland
* Cool party in the HeightsCool Clevelandparty on6/17in Cleveland Heights includes free ticket to Cain Park: discount online registration available now
http://www.corpmeetings.com/register/thomas/atd8/index.html 
here.

Cool ClevelandPeople with James Levin
Portrait of the Artist as an Idealistic Economic Development Genius

Exactly twenty years ago, when attorney and founder James Levin moved the fledglingCleveland Public Theatre to its current home at the corner of West 65thand Detroit Avenue, most people thought he was nuts. Even those of uswho understood his passion felt the area was crime-ridden and too faraway from the Playhouse Square or east side theatre districts. Butsteadily, real estate acquisition tracked along with his expandingvision. Now, Levin is announcing a change in his role away from theday-to-day operation of the CPT complex. He's taking on the mostambitious project of his career: raising $6.5 million for The ArcadiaProject, an enterprising arts and learning campus and "idyllic placefor 
art and culture," right in the heart of the mean streets that couldpotentially be one of Cleveland's most promising neighborhoods.

Cool Cleveland:Talk abouthow CPT has generated economic development in the Detroit Shorewayneighborhood. What was Detroit &; W. 65th like when you first movedhere?
James Levin:It was March of 1984. Detroit Avenue was marked by boarded-up storefronts, quite a few vacancies, and not many things that would attractconsumers, or anyone from outside the area...there were seven or eightspaces [in the current Theatre] that were used for cold storage and acompany that did "alterations on vehicles." I think I represented allof them [as an attorney] - they were arrested for diverting electricalpower from a telephone line. What you have to remember that's uniqueabout CPT is that it's the only theatre in America where the firstmembers were criminal defendants of mine. Everything that was done inthe Theatre was done in exchange for legal services. Building 
work,electrical work, stage set building.

They were called the Brew Crew? Who gave them that name?
Theygave themselves that name. They heard about The Stage Crew, TheTechnical Crew, so they named themselves the Brew Crew. That whole areawas so different. The apartment building at West 64th and Detroit... wasa den for criminals... there was more street violence back then:thievery, vandalism, prostitution and drug dealing. There wasexponentially more crime and violence than there is now. About seven toeight years ago, I made a deal with the drug dealers to get them tomove down the street - I hear they moved to the high 80s. In the olddays, when we had African-American performers or gay performers, therewould be harassment at the City Grille [bar across the street], nowthey go out of their 
way to appeal to the cast, the crew, thetheatergoers...
ReadCool ClevelandPeople with James Levin
http://www.coolcleveland.com/index.php/Main/CoolClevelandInterviewJamesLevin 
here.

Looking for a cool party?This deal will not be repeated. Buy a ticket to the nextCool ClevelandArt/Tech/Danceparty on6/17from 4-8PM at the corner of Cedar &; Lee Roads in Cleveland Heights, and get a free ticket to the opening night ofGreaseat Cain Park at 8PM that night. For one low price (order online now tosave even more), you get all this: open bar with beer &; wine, hothors d'oeuvres from more than 15 great Heights restaurants, films byOhio filmmakers in the Cedar-Lee Theatre, gallery openings, DJ musicand all the great pubs, shops, restaurants, and coffeeshops in theneighborhood, every one of them open forA Moveable Feast,the first foray into the inner ring forCool Cleveland.Join 
hundreds of your new friends and don't get sold out. Click now to register and pay online in advance and save
http://www.corpmeetings.com/register/thomas/atd8/index.html 
http://www.corpmeetings.com/register/thomas/atd8/index.html

Arts and Cultural District OK'dThe law was against Cleveland. It used to be that a Cultural Districtcould only be formed if the largest city was 500K or larger, and sinceCleveland is just under that, we were out of luck. But last week, artssupporters worked with the Ohio State legislature to attach a newprovision that would allow a Cultural District to be formed if thecountyis larger than 500K, and Cuyahoga meets that criteria easily. Once it'ssigned into law, the County Commissioners would be able to set up anindependent board (like the ones that run the Metroparks and the PortAuthority) to oversee arts and culture funding. The Cultural District,which could include counties surrounding 
Cuyahoga, would then have theauthority to levy property taxes for the arts. "This is anotherpositive step forward," Community Partnership for Arts and Culturepresident Tom Shorgl toldCool Cleveland."It broadens citizen participation in publicpolicy at a County level." Next steps? "Is there an opportunity to workwith the state legislature to broaden the authority of and Arts andCulture District to generate different types of revenue, not justproperty tax? Our research data says that the property tax is the leastacceptable option, because of the already-high property tax in CuyahogaCounty. Some of the other types of revenue generators are: a bed tax, asin tax, real estate transfer fees, 
sales tax. It's our responsibilityto look at all those vehicles to see which would be more appropriate."
http://www.supportartsandculture.com 
http://www.supportartsandculture.com

Cleveland losing immigrant raceCleveland can't afford to continue squandering its natural resources:its cultural riches, its incredible, water, river and lakefront assets,its authentic neighborhoods, and its immigrant heritage. But in someimportant ways, we're already losing the race to renew our region withimmigrant entrepreneurs. Between 1980 and 2000, while the foreign-bornUS population skyrocketed up 57%, Cleveland, where immigrants built thesteel mills, auto plants, and the businesses that made our town acenter of the industrial revolution, actually lost immigrants by 11%.Why is this so tragic? It's been shown that the new immigrant gateways,whether traditionals like Chicago (up 91%), 
Boston (up 66%), New York(up 71%), or the newer hotspots like Portland (up 217%), Minneapolis(up 197%) and Denver (up 258%), possess more of the mojo thatimmigrants bring: a tough, unrelenting work ethic, and built-inconnections to the new global "borderless" economy. Among someimmigrant groups the rate of entrepreneurship is 2-3 times that of theUS population. And it's not just hard work, they bring money. Indianand Chinese entrepreneurs headed up 29% of Silicon Valley's techbusinesses. The biggest snags? Language problems (of course), confusingcity business permitting (this can be addressed), and an aversion tobanks, taxes and credit. Is this a growth opportunity for one ofCleveland's 
many area banks? SeeWashington Post Writers Group
http://www.postwritersgroup.com/archives/peir0510.htm 
here.

Cleve Foundation kicks off new arts fundingIn order to address the chronic under-capitalization of midsize artsorganizations in Cleveland, and to develop a network of highly skilledarts leaders, the Cleveland Foundation has selected six Cleveland artsorganizations to receive initial funding from their new ArtsAdvancement Program: Apollo's Fire, The Cleveland Film Society,Cleveland Public Art, Great Lakes Theatre Festival, Museum ofContemporary Art, and Young Audiences. They will receive a one-timeadvancement grant, plus annual operating support grants, totalling $4.5million for the entire program. See Foundation Center
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/news/story.jhtml;jsessionid=OU1AV1VGEIAUKP5QALRSGXD5AAAACI2F?id=70600043 
www.FDNcenter.orgPlus, June is Arts Funding Month at the Foundation Center, featuringnews, reports, research and special offers for those raising money inthe arts.
http://fdncenter.org/focus/arts/ 
http://fdncenter.org/focus/arts/

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Live in Cleveland's Creative CorridorPayne Avenue Lofts and Loftworks feature stylish, live/workcondominiums in Cleveland's newest loft district! Features includelarge, open floor plans, huge new windows, 12-14 foot ceilings, exposedbrick, hardwood floors, modern kitchens and much more. Located inhistoric, renovated warehouse buildings, you'll be just a bicycle ridefrom downtown! Plus, you can save money with special financing and taxabatement. Zip over to Siam Cafe or Seoul Hot Pot for some eclecticneighborhood fare, or visit the nearby, tucked-away gem of KirtlandPark - right in the neighborhood! Condos in Loftworks start at $95,000;condos in Payne Avenue Lofts start at $154,900. For a 
complete list ofproperties and open houses this weekend, please visit
http://www.progressiveurban.com 
http://www.progressiveurban.com.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Wanted: music writersLove Cleveland music? Know the difference between Anne E. DeChant and Devo? Are you articulate? Opinionated?Cool Clevelandis looking for writers to contribute regularly on the Cleveland-areamusic scene: local bands, new CD releases, live shows, the economicrealities and impact of the music business on our local economy. Ifyou're interested, drop a line to
mailto:Events at CoolCleveland.com 
Events at CoolCleveland.comor visit
http://www.CoolCleveland.com 
http://www.CoolCleveland.comand submit your thoughts on our "Contact" page.

Online advertising and e-commerce on the riseInteractive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and PricewaterhouseCoopersannounced that Internet advertising totaled nearly $2.3 billion in thefirst quarter of 2004; the highest quarterly total on record since theybegan tracking revenues in 1996. See IAB
http://www.iab.net/news/pr_2004_5_24.asp 
here.Also, word that e-merchants sold $114 billion worth of goods online in2003, led by the travel industry, according to an annual survey of 150retailers conducted by
http://www.Shop.org 
Shop.org.A better-than-expected sales jump of 51% allowed online retailers tocollectively make a profit for the first time. It took the direct mailcatalog business 146 years to reach $126 billion in sales, a figurethat e-commerce will surpass in just 19 years.

Book sales decline23million fewer books were sold last year than in 2002, according to arecent study by the Book Industry Study Group, a non-for-profitresearch organization. Hardcovers and paperbacks took the biggest hits.SeeDetroit News
http://www.detnews.com/2004/books/0405/27/books-152218.htm 
here.

JumpStart seeks business plans by 7/1All eyes are on JumpStart, NEO's newest hope for stimulating the entrepreneurial spirit in Cleveland. Last week,Cool Clevelandreported that Thom Ruhe had made the move from president of Optiem to Chief Marketing Officer at JumpStart (seeRuhe jumps in; Rohrs jumps up
http://www.coolcleveland.com/index.php/Main/TheVillageOnTheCuyahoga 
here). Now JumpStart announces a7/1deadline for business plans. They plan to review a couple hundredbusiness plans a year (they've already seen 80 since January), offer"significant business development services" to about 45 of thosecompanies, and fund 10-15 of them at levels ranging from $50k to $800k,investing a total of $3 million per year for the next three years.Their website outlines their criteria: they are looking for early-stagecompanies that have strong potential in the marketplace, solidprospects for high growth, and are likely to qualify for later-stagefunding. Watch for additional deadlines 11/1/04 and 3/1/05. 363.3400
mailto:Ray.Leach at JumpStartInc.org 
Ray.Leach at JumpStartInc.org
http://www.JumpStartInc.org 
http://www.JumpStartInc.org

Hair Saloon for men opensWomen get pampered pretty well in these parts; it's about time we took care of the men. Opening this Friday6/4is the Reagle Beagle, a "hair saloon," complete with complimentary foodand beverage, massage service, big screen TVs, beer and wine for abuck, and even a putting green. The focus in on three areas:hospitality (an attendant caters to your needs), entertainment whileyou wait for your haircut (smoke a fine cigar, play a round of darts,do some putting), and quality grooming in private booths, featuringArbonne's natural men's products. Besides premium services such as backwaxing, eyebrow tweezing, and color enhancements, the $28 haircutincludes a mini facial, 
shampoo, menthol treatment, scalp massage, warmlather neck shave, hot rock neck massage, and complimentary shoeshine.Reagle Beagle Hair Saloon, 17617 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, 228-9677
http://www.ReagleBeagle.net 
http://www.ReagleBeagle.net

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Where to be in the Warehouse districtis definitelyThe Bingham,Cleveland's newest renovation for city living. The Bingham is anarchitecturally significant Cleveland warehouse that has beenpainstakingly restored into an urban loft apartment complex. Amenitiesinclude a fitness center, indoor parking and a soon to come gourmetgrocery. Each unit includes the amenities you want: contemporarykitchens with wheat-burnished cabinetry, brushed chrome fixtures,laundry hook-ups, T1 internet capability and free basic cable. All thisand the convenience of being in the center of Cleveland's most vibrantneighborhood, with shops, restaurants, clubs and galleries just minutesfrom your door. Visit
http://www.thebingham.com 
http://www.thebingham.comor call 216.579.4000 for more information. The Bingham, 1278 W. Ninth St.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

CSU raises admission standardsWhile still adhering to its original open admissions policy in placesince its founding, Cleveland State University is raising admissionsstandards for new freshman students for Fall 2006, using the followingcriteria: completion of 13 units of the high school core curriculum(currently CSU is the only Ohio college that doesn't require this), a2.3 grade point average, and a 16 on the ACT or a 750 on the SAT. Meetall 3 and you get admitted, and students who meet 2 of these 3 criteriawill be granted provisional admission. The benefits? More studentsuccess, better retention and graduation rates, more employablegraduates and an improved University image. The 
University alsoannounced a $62 million plan for 6 construction projects over the next5 years, including renovation of the 167,000 sf University Center, anew student bookstore at Euclid Avenue &; East 21st Dtreet, andrenovating historic Fenn Tower for retail, conference rooms and studenthousing. Good news.
http://www.CSUohio.edu 
http://www.CSUohio.edu

Citizenship volunteers soughtMost people do not need to hire an attorney to complete their U.S.citizenship applications, often they just need someone to help walkthem through the paperwork. If you are interested in becoming avolunteer to help permanent residents complete their N-400 Applicationfor Naturalization forms, training sessions will take place every otherTuesday, beginning6/15, 2004, from 5:30 p.m - 6:45p.m. at the offices of Margaret W. Wong &; Assoc. Co., LPA., 3150Chester Avenue. After two training sessions, volunteers should be readyto help permanent residents become U.S. citizens. The only requirement?Trainees must be fluent in speaking and writing English. For more info,call 
579-0150.

Comic Book ProjectPayattention to what these kids are doing. Through a grant from theCleveland Foundation, and organized by Cleveland Public Art, schoolchildren from across the city planned, designed, and produced originalcomic books on the theme of conflict resolution. The comics will be onpublic display from6/19thru 7/2 in the Louis StokesWing of the Cleveland Public Library. The Comic Book Project is anart-based literacy initiative hosted by Teachers College, the school ofeducation at Columbia University. The goal of the project is to helpchildren forge an alternative pathway to literacy, while fosteringsocial development and engagement in the learning process. Visitorsalso get a free 
copy of the accompanying comixPeace In Our Schools.917-674-0014
http://www.ComicBookProject.org 
http://www.ComicBookProject.org

Coincidences exist?Orwe just pretend they do. But when something inexplicable occurs, wearen't sure what to make of it - but the fact that it does occurcertainly indicates significance to us. Our philosophical systems arehard-wired in a way to make sense when there isn't any, andcoincidences make it all the complex. SeeThe New Yorker
http://www.newyorker.com/PRINTABLE/?ON-LINE_ONLY/010903on_onlineonly01 
here.

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Spend your summer in AfricawithSenenkunya: Many Voices, One Family.Experience a sub-Saharan village designed to show how native Africanslive. It's a world of learning and discoveries, with rare sculptures,carvings, textiles, ceremonial masks, Tutsi war spears and authenticmusical instruments. Enter its world of important artifacts and objectsat The Cleveland Museum of Natural History. This exhibit features manyinteractive displays and is large enough for children and adults tophysically enter and explore. Bring your family for a lifetimeexperience you can share with your children; for tickets call216-231-1177 or 800-317-9155 x3279. Discover your world atThe Cleveland Museum of Natural 
History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, 231-4600.And check it out-startingWed 6/2, the museum will open Wednesday evenings all summer until 10PM!
http://www.cmnh.org/senenkunya.html 
http://www.cmnh.org/senenkunya.html
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Cleveland housing styles now onlineCleveland's rich housing stock is a true asset that other regions donot enjoy. Now, whether you're renovating the historic home of yourdreams or just curious, the Cleveland Restoration Society has updatedtheir website to include an illustrated guide to the architecturalstyles found in homes in our area. The resource library has helpfulinformation such as a styles guide, how to hire and work with acontractor, and other homeowner resources. Plus, the Society offerstechnical assistance and low interest (1.5% to 3.5%) loans to owners ofhistoric (50+ years) homes in Cuyahoga County. For more info, call426-1000,
http://www.ClevelandRestoration.org 
http://www.ClevelandRestoration.org

Outdoor film fest wants your filmThe Overlook Park Shorts will screen area filmmakers' work on 8/7. No entry fee. Please submit your films on DVD or VHS by7/1submission deadline. Jurors include Cleveland Museum of Art Associate Curator Jeffrey Grove.
http://www.OverlookPark.com 
http://www.OverlookPark.com

Regional entertainmentYou know regionalism has hit the mainstream when one of theentertainment mags does a 4600-word story on it, with no fewer than 23smart-aleck sub-heads. Their conclusion: "What's stalling regionalismis rampant self-interest on all fronts." Ya think? No doubt it servesas a comprehensive primer on the subject for readers, and itadmirably touches all the bases, and gets quotes from all the majorplayers. It even offers an approach that might work: solutions would"just have to be modest in their goals, politically neutral in effect."And it ends on a truism: like a drug addict, Cleveland might rise upfrom its problems, "after all, we've already got the hitting bottompart 
covered." And this is true. SeeScene
http://www.clevescene.com/issues/2004-05-26/feature.html/1/index.html 
here.

The Cleveland Public Library receives Ward Marsh Motion Picture CollectionA partial installment of 70,000 movie still photographs are housed inthe Library's Photograph Collection, and are an excellent resource forthose researching the history of cinema from 1915 through the 1970's.Images included in this online exhibit represent the first 25 years ofOscar winning motion pictures and actors. The Library's videocollection offers patrons the opportunity to reserve and borrow all ofthe "Best Picture" winning films. A list of these films, along withlinks to each library catalog record, is included with this exhibit.See Cleveland Public Library
http://www.cpl.org/ExhibitHall.asp?FormMode=Exhibit&;ID=3 
here.

Akron's brain drainsIt's a familiar feeling, all too well articulated byAkron Beacon Journalcolumnist David Giffels. "As I sat in a lawn chair at his going-awayparty, watching our kids play together, I began to count who was left.Maybe it would be enough. But I began to recognize two problems. First,there was no guarantee the rest would stay. And second, I wasn't seeingenough new talent coming in from other places." He's looking for readerinput, and he's probably planning some follow-up. SeeABJ
http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/columnists/david_giffels/8737091.htm 
here.

Writing as a way to tame the worldAccording to John Updike, it's a method to get society turned around,and like all inspired writers, he isn't running out of things to writeabout. SeeWashington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A2454-2004May4?language=printer 
here.

Ohio Writerremembers DanielEveryone in Cleveland's arts community was touched by the recent passing of Daniel Thompson.Cool Clevelanddid a special remembrance issue
http://www.coolcleveland.com/index.php/Main/DanielThompsonPoetWarrior 
here,and nowOhio Writermagazine plans to publish a collection of memories of Cuyahoga County'sPoet Laureate in their next issue. Write a paragraph or two detailinghow much Daniel meant to you, and e-mail your contributions to
mailto:OhioWriter at DeepCleveland.com 
OhioWriter at DeepCleveland.com. They'll publish as many as they can in their July/August issue.

Cleveland 103These behind-the-scenes tours of Cleveland's architectural gems sell out quickly, so act now. On6/11at 5:15PM, experienceA Night At The Theatre,with a guided tour of the country's second largest performing artscomplex, Playhouse Square Center. It includes a walking tour of theCleveland Theatre District. On7/17at 9:45AM, check outA City of Bridgesas you view some of the fantastic, fascinating and functional architecture that spans the Northern Cuyahoga River. On8/18at 5:15PM, join Tim Barrett, a design specialist with the City of Cleveland forDowntown Building Tour,pointing out the skyscrapers, arcades and Cleveland's grand old buildings that outline the Group Plan of 1903. 
On9/18at 9:45AM, meet in the Historic Gateway District forLiving In The City,a Saturday morning tour of some of the finest addresses in Cleveland.All tours include a dutch treat lunch at a nearby restaurant. Createdin partnership with the City Club's New Leaders group. Call 621-0082for info and tickets.

Lock 3 Live kicks into gearOne of Northeast Ohio's most interesting venues usually flies under theradar. Situated right on the lock of the canal next door to the (newlyrestored and amazing) Akron Civic Theatre, this 3000-seat outdoor stagehas been called a "Mini-Blossom" for its pleasant hillside and greatoutdoor vibe - and it's right in the heart of the city! This year,they've kicked it up with an Akron Family Barbeque festival that runs7/2 -7/4, and a special Lollipoplooza Children's Festival in August.Plan for the Ragin' Cajun Fest, with Cleveland's Cats On Holiday andBeausoleil avec Michael Doucet on6/26at 4PM. EverySaturday except 7/3 is Homegrown Saturday Mornin' from 9AM to 
2PM,featuring a farmers market with locally grown produce, cheeses, bakedgoods, specialty food items, coffees and teas, hand-made jewelry andfashion accessories, clothing, arts and crafts, plants, and flowers,strolling entertainment, cooking, flower-arranging and otherdemonstrations. Also watch for classic car, Harley-Davidson motorcycleand Mini-Cooper car shows throughout the summer. Call 330-253-2488, formore info.
http://DestinationDowntownAkron.com 
http://DestinationDowntownAkron.com

Save the dateCool Clevelandis at it again. We're putting together an Art/Tech/Dance party forThu 7/29from 4-8PM at The Bingham, with an after-party at SPY, starting at 8PM. We're calling itDowntown Living.Watch for more details, but you can count on the usual open bar, hot hors d'oeuvres, and more. Free admission to the SPY after-party will feature salsa dancing till all hours. Block your calendar and stay tuned to
http://www.CoolCleveland.com 
http://www.CoolCleveland.com

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
The Web Association features BlueBridgeThe Web Association is a newly formed professional organization builtupon the prior success of the Cleveland Association of InternetProfessionals. The Association hosts monthly luncheon events andexclusive member-only events on current topics of interest to the localInternet community. OnTue 6/8at 6PM, theAssociation will visit BlueBridge Networks, an exciting new high-techCleveland company. This complimentary evening event for Web Associationmembers includes a tour of BlueBridge's state of the art collocationand managed security facility, an educational presentation by DanDeSantis, CTO of BlueBridge Networks, and a wide assortment ofappetizers, beer, 
wine, and alternative beverages. Visit
http://www.webassociation.org 
http://www.webassociation.orgtolearn more about membership and to register for the upcoming event.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Cool ClevelandThis Week
6.02-6.09

Send your cool events to:
mailto:events at coolcleveland.com 
events at coolcleveland.com

Marketing Boot CampAday and a half course facilitated by an experienced instructor andhosted by the American Marketing Association; expect heavy classinteraction geared toward marketers who are new to the profession, orthose seeking a refresher course. Learn to differentiate yourself fromthe competition by implementing and evaluating marketing plans withlots of idea sharingThu 6/3from 8AM-5PM and Fri 6/4 from 8AM-Noon. Register at 1-800-262-1150. Holiday Inn, 6001 Rockside Rd in Independence.
http://cleveland.marketingpower.com 
http://cleveland.marketingpower.com

Raising Our Voice Art exhibit &; auctionfeaturing the knock out visuals by Derek Hess, individualistic imagesby Karen St. John-Vincent and grooves by DJ Kinetik. Guests can meetthe artists and bid on artwork while enjoying summer drinks and horsd'oeuvresFri 6/4from 6-10PM. Treat yourself to artwhile supporting an important cause; all proceeds directly assist theCleveland Rape Crisis Center. Call 619-6194. Spaces Gallery, 2220Superior Viaduct
http://www.spacesgallery.org 
http://www.spacesgallery.org

Spring Art Show at Market Avenue Wine BarBrowse and buy from more than twelve local artisans and designers in auniquely contemporary and temporary marketplace; make a day or eveningof it in Ohio City amidst the glow of Cleveland's cool restaurants andnight spots. While you're there, visit the hectic and fun West SideMarket and see the sights at Open Air in Market SquareFri 6/4from 5-9PM and Sat 6/5 from 1-9PM. Market Avenue Wine Bar, 2526 Market Ave.
http://www.lingg.us 
http://www.lingg.us

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Street Performers Take Over DowntownLook out Cleveland-this Summer downtown will rock as
http://www.cleveland.com/sparx 
Sparx in the Citytransforms the streets for 16 weekends in 4 downtown districts. Funkypercussionists, guitarists, stilt dancers, a cappella singers, andcomic performers will be part of the scene. Be on the lookout Fridaysat lunch and after 5PM and on Saturdays in the early evening. Get thedetails by attending theStreet Beats Kickoffpreview and sidewalk sale onFri 6/4, from 10:30AM-2PM at National City Plaza, E. 9th &; Euclid Ave.Sparx in the City is a program of the
http://www.downtownclevelandpartnership.com 
Downtown Cleveland Partnership, a not-for-profit advocate dedicated to revitalizing Cleveland's downtown.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Frequency ResponseWantit hard and funky? You got it with techno tweakers from Soniktextureand Hoi Fans Recordings; float on transforming beats of Product 19'selectrosoul and house straight from the UK, then stay around forCleveland's own Paco de Bongo of ExperimediaFri 6/4from 9PM-2:30AM. Call 566-7278. Abasso Underground, 1222 Prospect Ave.

Three Man Show: the Individual &; Collaborative Worksof Ken Chapin, Mike Moritz, and Abe Olvido closing night reception isyour last chance to see how these artists brilliantly restructured themodernist gallery, they will also preview a film made especially fortheir installation/exhibitionFri 6/4from 7-10PM. Call 440-375-7461. B.K. Smith Gallery on the campus of Lake Erie College, Gillett St in Painesville.
http://www.lec.edu 
http://www.lec.edu

Little Italy's Summer Art Walkis now in its 25th year, get on your walking shoes and discover newattractions and events throughout the weekend. Local restaurants willoffer box lunches with tables and chairs lining the sidewalks, withstrolling musicians and entertainers wandering through the crowd. Artgalleries will be throwing special events: Fiori Gallery's fused glassand rare art glass, Verne Gallery's Japanese prints, and Anne vanHauwaert Fashions will have two major trunks shows with GabriellaIannarelli's colorful and exotic earrings and Lisa Battaglia'scollections of retro style hats. Hit it all weekend long in LittleItalyFri 6/4from 5-10 PM, thru Sun 6/6 at 12-6 PM. Call 421-1717 or 
visit
http://www.murrayhillartwalk.org 
http://www.murrayhillartwalk.org

Open air marketNow inits 7th season, it's a favorite destination spot for bargain hunting,entertainment and socializing with a variety of activities. Analternative to the big shopping malls, it connects you to communititiesof artists; check out funky antiques, fine imported items andcollectibles every Saturday including thisSat 6/5from 10AM-4PM. Call 781-3222. At Market Square, the corner of W. 25th &; Lorain Ave.
http://www.openairmarketsquare.com 
http://www.openairmarketsquare.com

Martin and OrloffAdark, wickedly funny Dadaist comedy that tells of an advertisingfashion designer who attemps suicide when an actor wearing one of hiscostumes (an eggroll with eye holes) accidentally drowns. Shortlythereafter he finds himself hanging aroud with an insufferablepsychiatrist and his bizarre friends; it's a Cleveland premiereSat 6/5at 6:30PM. Call 421-7450. Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, 11141 East Blvd.
http://www.cia.edu/cinematheque 
http://www.cia.edu/cinematheque

2-2 Tango - A Latin dance partyLet loose with Latin dance set to scorching music to benefit Pointe ofDeparture Ballet's summer performance season. Grab someone you want tobe close to and tango, slip into hot salsa moves, then simmer down withtapas. You'll also watch a special preview of 2-2 Tango, performed byKaren Gabay and Raymond RodriquezSat 6/5at 7:30PM. Call 921-5306. The Powerhouse Nautica, Windows on the River, 2000 Sycamore in the Flats' West Bank.
http://www.pointeofdeparture.com 
http://www.pointeofdeparture.com

Professional Leadership &; Development SeminarAttendees will learn the ropes how to obtain professional goals, managecareers and seek promotions. Keynote speaker is Ms. Margot J. Copeland,Executive Vice President and Director of Corporate Diversity forKeybank. Congruently, a leadership expo will be taking place withvendor booths offering products and services geared towards employmentopportunities and/or career developmentSat 6/5from 8AM-4:30PM. Call 440-232-3648. Cleveland State University Convocation Center, 2106 Prospect Ave.
http://www.bpaonline.net 
http://www.bpaonline.net.

Reds, Whites &; BrewsIt's one hell of a fiesta combining good taste and 225 guests at abusiness casual event to support literacy efforts in Greater Cleveland.Dip into heavy hors d'oeuvres, wine from Spain, Mexico and the U.S., abeer tasting, a silent auction, and a raffle boasting a trip for two toSan Francisco. The Cleveland Reads benefit happens Sat6/5from 7-10:30PM; call 436-2222. Sammy's in the Flats, 1400 West 10th St.
http://www.clevelandreads.org/reds,_whites_%26_brews.htm 
http://www.ClevelandReads.orgor
http://www.sammys.com 
http://www.sammys.com

Signals, circuits, and things that go glitch in the nightAmerica's energy security will be the topic of this summer lecturefeaturing John Thorton. Hear how renewables can help reduce ourdependence on polluting and foreign sources of energy, with lightrefreshments and networking session onSat 6/5from 1-3PM. Call 526-5545. Lake Metroparks Lake Farmpark, 8800 Chardon Rd. in Kirtland.
mailto:katya at greenenergyohio.org 
katya at greenenergyohio.org.

Artefino Gallery Cafe openingGot a jones for an entirely different art experience? Cleveland artistHector Vega presents the grand opening of his gallery Artefino. Come bythe Tower Press Building (whereCool Clevelandheld one ofour early Art/Tech/Dance parties) then bid on the super-successful artthat pushes the limits designed by Vega and treated by different localartists. Sip wine from Chalet Debonne Winery and take in hors d'oeuverswhile hanging at Cleveland's newest art space that will eventuallyhouse a cafe for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Come bySat 6/5from 8-11PM. Space is liminted, get tickets in advance at 6312-3378. At the historic Tower Press Building, 1900 Superior Ave.
mailto:info at artefinogallery.com 
info at artefinogallery.com. Visit
http://www.artefinogallery.com 
http://www.artefinogallery.com

Birds, Bees &; FantasiesArtists will use fantasy as their primary mode of expression in thisexhibition that displays works meant to appeal to the child in all ofus. Observe exquisitely painted landscapes where black humor, dreamimagery and bizarre logic intersectSat 6/5from2-4PM. Show will run through the month of June in the library'sGallery; admission is free. Call 440-943-8128. Avon Lake PublicLibrary, 32649 Electric Blvd. in Avon Lake.
http://www.alpl.org 
http://www.alpl.orgor visit
http://www.deadhorsegallery.com 
http://www.deadhorsegallery.com

Steppin' in the HouseHip Hop will heat up at Art House as part of their dance series. Thisworkshop is open to all dancers; watch and learn from Kid Cuba who, inconjunction with Progressive Arts Alliance, will teach the basics ofhip hop dancing including popping, locking and breaking. No longer justa fad, hip hop has now become part of American culture - don't missthis workshopSat 6/5at 7:30pm. Advancedregistration is required and light refreshments will be provided. Forreservations call 398-8556. Art House, 3119 Denison Ave. email
mailto:lisa at arthouseinc.org 
lisa at arthouseinc.org.

Vinyasa yogaGet offyour couch and start moving! Enjoy Jennie McMullen's comfortable yogainstruction along with kick-boxing, wild hip hop and moving body basicsthat are easy to master; classes startSun 6/6at 1:30PM.Register by calling Morrison Dance Studio, 4201 Lorain Ave, visit
http://www.MorrisonDance.com 
http://www.MorrisonDance.comor
http://peacefulwarrioryoga.com 
http://peacefulwarrioryoga.com.

Cliff climbingRiskloving, thrill seeking "carpe diem" adventurists can start out learningthe foundation for the safe pursuit of rock climbing. The basics willinclude rappelling techniques, knots and essential gearTue 6/8at from 6-9PM. Call 341-1704 to register. Cleveland Rock Gym, 21200 St Clair Ave., Building B3 in Euclid.

Web Security in the Age of InsecurityYou're cordially invited to attend the BlueBridge headquarters to hearwhy internet security can make or break your business. Complimentaryfood and beverages will be provided, so come by with questions and do alittle networking while you're at itTue 6/8at 6PM. Call 621-2583. 1255 Euclid Ave, Suite 500. For info email
mailto:mdealoia at bbnllc.com 
mdealoia at bbnllc.com

Art &; Wine at 806Becaptivated into a world created within Eric McAffee's canvas ofcompositions, where spiraling movements of bold color, transparencies,spatial relationships and depth are made tangible. Try out the new artvibe at the atmospheric Wine &; Martini BarWed 6/9, from 6-9PM. Call to R.S.V.P. at 696-4806. Located at 806 Literary Rd. in Tremont.

WCLVnotesThe last of this season'sMusic from the Western Reserverecitals over WCLV (104.9 FM) will be thisFri 6/4at 9PM.Cellist Peter Rejto of the Oberlin Conservatory will be the soloist. OnTue 6/8,both WCLV and WRMR (1420 AM) go traveling to the Marc's store at 6231SOM Center in Solon. Both stations will be broadcasting live throughoutthe day. Here's your chance to meet the voices you hear on WCLV andWRMR - Bill O'Connell, Jacquelin Gerber and Robert Conrad from 104.9and Ted Alexander, Carl Reese and Jim Davis from 1420. The WCLV/WRMRprize wheel will be spinning to award prizes to all participants.aCool Clevelandpartner
http://www.wclv.com 
www.wclv.com

Send your cool events to:
mailto:events at coolcleveland.com 
events at coolcleveland.com

Cool ClevelandInterview with Anne Goodman

Anne Goodman is Executive Director of the Cleveland Foodbank, whichserves over 100,000 people a year in our region, providing meals forhungry people. ThisThu 6/3they are hosting Hunger Awareness Day attheir facility at 1557 East 27th Street. Visit
http://www.ClevelandFoodBank.com 
http://www.ClevelandFoodBank.comfor more info.

I understand that the Cleveland Foodbank provides 37,000meals per day, which is the same as providing a meal each day to allthe people living in Bay Village, Brecksville and Pepper Pike.We actually serve 6 counties: Cuyahoga, Ashland, Richland, Lake,Geauga, and Ashtabula county. The 18 million pounds we provided served14 million meals last year. There are over 100,000 people in ourterritory that use emergency food throughout the year.

That's a tremendous amount of people who live in our region needing food.
Nationwide,20% of people experience "food insecurity". That's a technical term weuse that means they skipped a meal involuntarily, or didn't know wheretheir next meal was coming from, or they went hungry. In our area, 38%of our clients are children, which is a shame.

Because they can't fend for themselves.
Inaddition, 40% of the families we serve are working. If you're livingpaycheck to paycheck and your car breaks down and that costs $350. Sopeople have to make a choice between the car repair and food, or rentand food.

It's ironic and sad, considering the current focus on obesity in America with the filmSuper Size Me, and McDonald's new light meals with salads. How do hunger and obesity relate to each other?
Goodquestion. We get a lot of questions about child obesity and what it'sattributed to. You can go to McDonald's and get their "dollar meal" andget a hamburger, fries and a drink for $3. But if you buy chicken,asparagus and potatoes, that will cost you more than $3. Theavailablilty of cheap junk food is a key reason for obesity. As aworking mom, you get off work, and you have to walk to the grocerystore in the inner city. The big retailers don't want to go into theinner city, so there are these smaller food markets where food is moreexpensive, and fresh food is much more scarce, so the availability ofhealthy food is actually more scarce in highly populated urban areas.Obesity and hunger 
can go hand in hand. We consider this at theFoodbank, that poor nutrition is related to food insecurity, becauseyou go for what is most easily available. But surviving off Oodles ofNoodles won't take you very far. 35% of the households we serve containpeople living in poor health...
Read theCool ClevelandInterview with Anne Goodman
http://www.coolcleveland.com/index.php/Main/CoolClevelandInterviewAnneGoodman 
here

Kucinich Beat
Cool Cleveland interviews the Presidential candidate

What's on your calendar this week?
I'm back in Washington for votes this week, then I'm joining JesseJackson on Sunday, then on to Montana &; New Jersey for theirprimaries on Tuesday.

What are you doing with Jesse Jackson?
He's thinking of a bus tour and I'm joining him on it. We're travelling the country for working folks, a living wage, jobs.

How's the delegate count?
In thelast couple of days, we had a gain of 6 delegates in Washington Stateand 2 more in Hawaii. In the last week, we received 25% of the statecaucus in Maine, 50% in Alaska. That's the first time we've come infirst, or tied for first. We also got 30% in Colorado. Then, over theweekend, we picked up the additional delegates in Washington andHawaii.

So what's your total delegate count?
I don't know the totals, they keep going up.

You've picked up a lot of votes and a lot of delegates in the past few weeks. What does it change?
Whatit says to the people in Montana &; New Jersey is to change thedirection that the party is going in. We've been plowing ahead andgathered steam in the last few weeks.

You've also received a lot of press because of these recent successes.
Yeah, I've been onMeet the Press,MSNBC, Wolf Blitzer...

What's the media's take on your recent delegate gain?
They just report it as it is.

Are they interpreting this?
No one is interpreting it at this point.

So what is your strategy?
We are fully staffed for the convention. We have 2000 supporters coming from around the country.

Are you planning any surprises at the Democratic Convention?
No, the basic issues will be discussed.

Do you have a comment on the current prisoner scandal? What would you do if it were your administration?
It'sobviously not an isolated matter. That's where the responsibility ofthe people at the top becomes critical to review. As far as I'mconcerned, the responsibility goes all the way to the top. We are noteven close to hearing the end of this. This is very damaging toAmerica. It gives us a black eye.

What is your take on the recent developments in Iraq?
We'restill pushing for the Democrats to get out of Iraq. We have to becareful not to exchange a Republican version of the war for aDemocratic version of the war. I wouldn't buy a used car from thisadministration, I certainly wouldn't buy a used war from them.
For more information, visit
http://www.kucinich.us 
http://www.kucinich.us
Interview by Thomas Mulready

Missive from India
by Ani Palmo

Ani Palmo (nee Catherine Rybicki) is a Cleveland bornBuddhist nun who has recently returned to India to teach English at aTibetan Buddhist monastery. At her "Light of Asia" debut show lastsummer, she exhibited the photographs of her experiences as she bouncedback and forth between the US and Asia. This exhibit will be again beshowing at the Michael Stefan Salon at 4082 Erie Street in Willoughbyrunning through to the end of June. For more info, call 440-946-6644.

Hello one and all! Ahh. I think I gotmore sleep on that one flight than I've gotten in weeks! Once in Delhi,I got a "retiring room" in the airport without any problem whatsoever.This is a simple room with two single beds, an attached bath and an airconditioner which sounds like a motorboat. The cost? 10 bucks!... Oncein the monastery, things got a little rough... they put me in thisconcrete box just at the base of the stairs and right next to the door.I had to leave it to walk down the hall and unlock a padlock to getinto the toilet, the squat type, which is very hard with my bad kneesand back... Darjeeling really is a most hideous place. I recently sawan article that listed it as one of 
the 10 worst places in India.Imagine that-- I am living in a worst place in India for god's sake!The whole town is filthy and has the feel of a slum. There arebuildings upon buildings, many covered with corrugated iron roofs.Everything seems to be falling apart. And the smells are not pretty,either. Almost every day since my arrival the skies have been foggy andgloomy. The roads are very narrow and on my walk to school, I suck inso much exhaust that the inside of my nose is literally black. Ugh...
ReadMissive From Indiaby Ani Palmo
http://www.coolcleveland.com/index.php/Main/MissiveFromIndia 
here

Instant Karma
Quik reviews of recent events

The Sweepers @ Ensemble Theatre 5/29
What:Three overwrought Italian-American mamas at theend of World War II angst over changes in their lives -- from returningshell-shocked vets to the marriage of a son to an assimilated girl fromoutside the neighborhood.
Caveats/Reasons to Go:Picardi's over-the-top pieceisn't just set in the 40's -- it's a throwback. You won't see suchcarpet-chewing histrionics outside melodramas of suffering mothers like"Mildred Pierce." Jean Zarzour plays uber-drama queen Bella, who nearlythrows herself off a balcony when her 4-F son (a pained James SavageJr.) won't make his shy new bride hang out her wedding sheets to showthe neighborhood that she's a virgin, not "Jenny the Pump." Bella issupported by a brace of old friends, the ditzy Dotty (Tracey Field) andstony Mary (Meg Kelly Schroeder). Jennifer Clifford does lovely, subtlework as fiance Karen.
Backstory:Expect to see more Picardi. The playwrighthas big ambitions: a play about the Italian-American experience foreach of 10 decades, a la August Wilson, and Artistic Director LuciaColombi wants to stage them all. Next season she's hoping for therights toSeven Rabbits on a Pole,Picardi's 1930's play.
Target audience:Addicts of old-fashioned AMC or Turner Classics melodramas.
Details:Ensemble Theatre, at Cleveland Play House's Brooks Theatre, 8500 Euclid Avenue, 216-321-2930. Through 6/13.
http://www.ensemble-theatre.com 
http://www.ensemble-theatre.com.
fromCool Clevelandcontributor Linda Eisenstein
mailto:Linda at CoolCleveland.com 
Linda at CoolCleveland.com

Cleve Orchestra @ Severance Hall 5/27Franz Welser-Most conducted the Cleveland Orchestra last week in aprogram that on paper looked like a mixed bag of music, but the actualresult was surprisingly good. The evening began with GioachinoRossini'sOverture to William Tell.When it comes to Rossini's music, what too often comes to mind is music from television programs, likeBugs BunnyorThe Lone Ranger...
Read Brian Schriefer's review
http://www.coolcleveland.com/index.php/Main/ClevelandOrchestraAtSeveranceHall05272004 
here.

Yr Turn
Cool Clevelandreaders write

Send your letters to:
mailto:letters at coolcleveland.com 
letters at coolcleveland.com

On Cleveland's passive aggressive complacencyFromMy Brain Is Crying; Dueling dialogue that's unsafe at any speed-Tisha Nemeth:We meet and listen to many people in Cleveland who are full ofdissatisfactions, and yet they don't actively pursue ways to change orimprove what they're dissatisfied about..."HolyShit! I couldn't agree more! Do you think it's passive aggressivecomplacency? I swear you could write a dissertation about thatparticular chip on Cleveland's shoulder. btw...Cool Cleveland is agreat resource for more than I can even tell ya! For one, I justgraduated from CSU's Urban Program and really appreciated your articleon Mark Rosentraub. I sent it to my "proud Papa" in Minneapolis 
who hasonly heard good things about the Levin College from me...it was a greatarticle to share with him as an introduction to the school I'm so proudof.fromCool Clevelandreader Sue Barthelemy
mailto:urban_girl_sue at hotmail.com 
urban_girl_sue at hotmail.com

On government waste... or creativity?I followed the link to the Yahoo! News storyWine, Cigars, Deer Head--Charge It to Uncle Samand did note one "creative excuse" that probably wasn't an excuse, but in fact saved taxpayers a bunch of money.LEGOs are often used in robotics courses, including a fairly popular one at CWRU (which you should check out, as it's very cool) and the Lego Mindstorms line-- the basic kit for which is in the $200 range-- is explicitly designed to let people build and program their own robots.Contrast this to what the military could have spent on robotics systems for the same purpose.Tack on two or three extra zeroes, and you get the idea. As for why military men would 
need to understand robotics, robots and similar mechanized aides are becoming more prevalent in the military.Navy engineers might have to use a robot to inspect a reactor core on a submarine one day, or reprogram that robot to do something it wasn't intended to do. Of course, that presumes that it wasn't a case of someone buying a LEGO kit for his office and hiding the expense with a plausible excuse... and buying a deer head to help airmen with identification does seem more than a bit silly. Thanks for the newsletter!fromCool Clevelandreader Eric A. Meyer, Principal, Complex Spiral Consulting
mailto:eric at meyerweb.com 
eric at meyerweb.com

On Mayor Campbell's proposal to increase income tax for the schoolsIncreasing the City Income Tax will do little if anything to solve the funding issues for the Cleveland City Schools, or for that matter any of the majority of school districts in this region who are having challenges.Even better funded districts like Hudson and Beachwood have had to make cuts. Increasing the City Income Tax will only force more business to abandon the city (downtown) and move to the suburbs.The need to be in downtown or in the central city is no longer vital for any business, beyond lawyers who need to be close to the Justice Center or the other courts.So, suddenly you raise income tax by 1%. To a CEO who 
is making $250,000 a year - that is another $2,500 in tax and, oh by the way, in some suburbs the tax are a per cent less than Cleveland today (before the increase).So, add another $2,500 in tax savings and suddenly, it is not so great to be in downtown.In other words, a tax increase may only drive more business from downtown and the city to the suburbs. The State has cut funding to schools and that is what we are "paying for" now.So, we next to fix the system, not add a tax that will drive business from the city.Ohio is already a high taxed state and when you add in the rest of the taxes in this region -- we are paying like we are in New York.This is a determinant to economic development. 
So, while we need to fund education, we need to do it in manner that will not drive business from the city.fromCool Clevelandreader Tom Sudow, Executive Director, Beachwood Chamber of Commerce
mailto:tom at beachwood.org 
tom at beachwood.org

Send your letters to:
mailto:letters at coolcleveland.com 
letters at coolcleveland.com

Top 5

Cool Clevelanduses
http://www.optiem.com 
Opticasttools to track which articles were clicked the most. Here are the Top 5from last week's issue, with one more chance for you to click.

1.Put Some Reality Into The Quest For Regionalismby Roldo Bartimole. Regionalism has become the new trite banner carried by ouridea-deprived elite. If you want regionalism, here's the way to do it -and the only way that should be acceptable to common folk, which meansthe majority of us.
http://www.coolcleveland.com/index.php/Main/RegionalismReality 
http://www.coolcleveland.com/index.php/Main/RegionalismReality

2.Cool ClevelandPeople Jim Lanzaencapsulates the essence of Cleveland's alternative entrepreneurs,combining underground culture, music, fashion and community in OhioCity where he fronts The Modern World, analternative/vintage/skate/punk merchandise business.
http://www.coolcleveland.com/index.php/Main/CoolClevelandPeopleJimLanza 
http://www.coolcleveland.com/index.php/Main/CoolClevelandPeopleJimLanza

3.Towpath closer to completionOnly six milesremain to connect the Towpath Trail from New Philadelphia on the OhioRiver to Downtown Cleveland, and now, due to a deal withback-from-the-dead steel maker International Steel Group Inc.
http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1085139013194620.xml 
Click here

4.Faux Downtown in WestlakeArchitecturecritic Steve Litt is uncharacteristically wowed by the efforts ofself-styled "poet-developer" Robert Stark, who has forced worthwhilezoning changes in Westlake, allowing his 75-acre Crocker Park mixed-useretail/housing/office park-cum urban style development to break therules.
http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/entertainment/1085218355152530.xml 
Click here.

5.Cool Cleveland'sMoveable FeastYou are invited to joinCool Clevelandfor our first foray into the inner ring. Join Cleveland's creative andbusiness elite for an after-work networking party that takes you to thehottest spots in town.
http://www.corpmeetings.com/register/thomas/atd8/index.html 
http://www.corpmeetings.com/register/thomas/atd8/index.html

Affirmative actionReaders like you are getting into taking back our city by supporting its events, its people, and its rich culture by readingCool Cleveland.We're committed to keeping Cleveland alive and happening, and ourreaders help out by referring people you know at home and at work toCC.com. Now can send them to register for our e-zine at
http://www.coolcleveland.com 
http://www.coolcleveland.com(and check out the new site) or have 'em send an e-mail to
mailto:signup at coolcleveland.com 
signup at coolcleveland.com

Marketing makeoverYoucan do it to your business plan with the alternative advertisingvehicle: CoolCleveland.com. Every week we reach tens of thousands ofsubscribers who love what we do and visit the links to our sponsors.Find out more by dropping us a note to
mailto:info at coolcleveland.com 
info at coolcleveland.comand let us hear from you.

Hard Corps love for the cityWe're working with a great group of individuals who put Cleveland first in theirlives by dedicating themselves to the content you enjoy week afterweek.CCprops and love goes out to Tisha Nemeth, Deb Remington, LindaEisenstein, Brian Schriefer, Marc Majercak, Steve Goldberg, Bill Nagode, George Nemethand all our contributors who help makeCool Clevelandabsolutely cool as hell. Want to volunteer and contribute your writing toCool Cleveland? Send your reviews, articles, or story ideas to:
mailto:events at coolcleveland.com 
events at coolcleveland.com

SeetheCool Clevelandcolumn each month inCleveland Magazine.ListentoCool Clevelandon WCLV-FM 104.9 twice each Friday during drive time.Sendyour cool events to: events at coolcleveland.com For your copy of the free weeklyCool Clevelande-zine, go to
http://www.coolcleveland.com 
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Can art save
our city?

--Thomas Mulready

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<strong><font size="+1">6.02-6.09.04</font></strong><br clear="all"> 
<strong><font size="+3">Portrait of the Artist</font></strong>
<p><strong><font size="+1">Dear Friend,</font></strong>
</p><p><strong><font size="+1">In this week's issue:</font></strong><br clear="all">
<strong>*</strong> <em><strong>Cool Cleveland</strong></em> <strong>People</strong> with CPT founder James Levin<br clear="all">

<strong>* Missive From India</strong> from Cleveland born Buddhist nun Ani Palmo<br clear="all">
<strong>*</strong> <em><strong>Cool Cleveland</strong></em> <strong>Interview </strong> with Cleveland Foodbank Executive Director Anne Goodman<br clear="all">
<strong>* KucinichBeat</strong> exclusive interview with <em>Cool Cleveland</em><br clear="all">

* Cool party in the Heights Cool Cleveland party on 6/17 in Cleveland Heights includes free ticket to Cain Park: discount online registration available now <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe901372746c057872-fe2e1170756d007e711173">here.</a>
Cool Cleveland People with James Levin 
Portrait of the Artist as an Idealistic Economic Development Genius
<img src="http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/Main/Levin1.jpg" border="0" alt="" align="left">
Exactly twenty years ago, when attorney and founder James Levin moved the fledgling
Cleveland Public Theatre to its current home at the corner of West 65th
and Detroit Avenue, most people thought he was nuts. Even those of us
who understood his passion felt the area was crime-ridden and too far
away from the Playhouse Square or east side theatre districts. But
steadily, real estate acquisition tracked along with his expanding
vision. Now, Levin is announcing a change in his role away from the
day-to-day operation of the CPT complex. He's taking on the most
ambitious project of his career: raising $6.5 million for The Arcadia
Project, an enterprising arts and learning campus and "idyllic place
for art and culture," right in the heart of the mean streets that could
potentially be one of Cleveland's most promising neighborhoods.
Cool Cleveland: Talk about
how CPT has generated economic development in the Detroit Shoreway
neighborhood. What was Detroit & W. 65th like when you first moved
here? 
James Levin: It was March of 1984. Detroit Avenue was marked by boarded-up store
fronts, quite a few vacancies, and not many things that would attract
consumers, or anyone from outside the area...there were seven or eight
spaces [in the current Theatre] that were used for cold storage and a
company that did "alterations on vehicles." I think I represented all
of them [as an attorney] - they were arrested for diverting electrical
power from a telephone line. What you have to remember that's unique
about CPT is that it's the only theatre in America where the first
members were criminal defendants of mine. Everything that was done in
the Theatre was done in exchange for legal services. Building work,
electrical work, stage set building.
They were called the Brew Crew? Who gave them that name? They
gave themselves that name. They heard about The Stage Crew, The
Technical Crew, so they named themselves the Brew Crew. That whole area
was so different. The apartment building at West 64th and Detroit... was
a den for criminals... there was more street violence back then:
thievery, vandalism, prostitution and drug dealing. There was
exponentially more crime and violence than there is now. About seven to
eight years ago, I made a deal with the drug dealers to get them to
move down the street - I hear they moved to the high 80s. In the old
days, when we had African-American performers or gay performers, there
would be harassment at the City Grille [bar across the street], now
they go out of their way to appeal to the cast, the crew, the
theatergoers... 
Read Cool Cleveland People with James Levin <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe8f1372746c05787d-fe2e1170756d007e711173">here</a>.

<img src="http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/Main/PartyImageForOpticast.jpg" border="0" alt="" align="left"> Looking for a cool party? This deal will not be repeated. Buy a ticket to the next Cool Cleveland Art/Tech/Dance party on 6/17 from 4-8PM at the corner of Cedar & Lee Roads in Cleveland Heights, and get a free ticket to the opening night of Grease
at Cain Park at 8PM that night. For one low price (order online now to
save even more), you get all this: open bar with beer & wine, hot
hors d'oeuvres from more than 15 great Heights restaurants, films by
Ohio filmmakers in the Cedar-Lee Theatre, gallery openings, DJ music
and all the great pubs, shops, restaurants, and coffeeshops in the
neighborhood, every one of them open for A Moveable Feast, the first foray into the inner ring for Cool Cleveland. Join hundreds of your new friends and don't get sold out. Click now to register and pay online in advance and save <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe8e1372746c05787c-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.corpmeetings.com/register/thomas/atd8/index.html</a>

Arts and Cultural District OK'd
The law was against Cleveland. It used to be that a Cultural District
could only be formed if the largest city was 500K or larger, and since
Cleveland is just under that, we were out of luck. But last week, arts
supporters worked with the Ohio State legislature to attach a new
provision that would allow a Cultural District to be formed if the county
is larger than 500K, and Cuyahoga meets that criteria easily. Once it's
signed into law, the County Commissioners would be able to set up an
independent board (like the ones that run the Metroparks and the Port
Authority) to oversee arts and culture funding. The Cultural District,
which could include counties surrounding Cuyahoga, would then have the
authority to levy property taxes for the arts. "This is another
positive step forward," Community Partnership for Arts and Culture
president Tom Shorgl told Cool Cleveland. "It broadens citizen participation in public
policy at a County level." Next steps? "Is there an opportunity to work
with the state legislature to broaden the authority of and Arts and
Culture District to generate different types of revenue, not just
property tax? Our research data says that the property tax is the least
acceptable option, because of the already-high property tax in Cuyahoga
County. Some of the other types of revenue generators are: a bed tax, a
sin tax, real estate transfer fees, sales tax. It's our responsibility
to look at all those vehicles to see which would be more appropriate." <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe961372746c057b75-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.supportartsandculture.com</a>
Cleveland losing immigrant race
Cleveland can't afford to continue squandering its natural resources:
its cultural riches, its incredible, water, river and lakefront assets,
its authentic neighborhoods, and its immigrant heritage. But in some
important ways, we're already losing the race to renew our region with
immigrant entrepreneurs. Between 1980 and 2000, while the foreign-born
US population skyrocketed up 57%, Cleveland, where immigrants built the
steel mills, auto plants, and the businesses that made our town a
center of the industrial revolution, actually lost immigrants by 11%.
Why is this so tragic? It's been shown that the new immigrant gateways,
whether traditionals like Chicago (up 91%), Boston (up 66%), New York
(up 71%), or the newer hotspots like Portland (up 217%), Minneapolis
(up 197%) and Denver (up 258%), possess more of the mojo that
immigrants bring: a tough, unrelenting work ethic, and built-in
connections to the new global "borderless" economy. Among some
immigrant groups the rate of entrepreneurship is 2-3 times that of the
US population. And it's not just hard work, they bring money. Indian
and Chinese entrepreneurs headed up 29% of Silicon Valley's tech
businesses. The biggest snags? Language problems (of course), confusing
city business permitting (this can be addressed), and an aversion to
banks, taxes and credit. Is this a growth opportunity for one of
Cleveland's many area banks? See Washington Post Writers Group <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe951372746c057b74-fe2e1170756d007e711173">here.</a>
Cleve Foundation kicks off new arts funding

In order to address the chronic under-capitalization of midsize arts
organizations in Cleveland, and to develop a network of highly skilled
arts leaders, the Cleveland Foundation has selected six Cleveland arts
organizations to receive initial funding from their new Arts
Advancement Program: Apollo's Fire, The Cleveland Film Society,
Cleveland Public Art, Great Lakes Theatre Festival, Museum of
Contemporary Art, and Young Audiences. They will receive a one-time
advancement grant, plus annual operating support grants, totalling $4.5
million for the entire program. See Foundation Center
<a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe941372746c057b77-fe2e1170756d007e711173">www.FDNcenter.org</a>
Plus, June is Arts Funding Month at the Foundation Center, featuring
news, reports, research and special offers for those raising money in
the arts. <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe931372746c057b76-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://fdncenter.org/focus/arts/</a>
*************** SPONSORED LINK *************** Live in Cleveland's Creative Corridor
Payne Avenue Lofts and Loftworks feature stylish, live/work
condominiums in Cleveland's newest loft district! Features include
large, open floor plans, huge new windows, 12-14 foot ceilings, exposed
brick, hardwood floors, modern kitchens and much more. Located in
historic, renovated warehouse buildings, you'll be just a bicycle ride
from downtown! Plus, you can save money with special financing and tax
abatement. Zip over to Siam Café or Seoul Hot Pot for some eclectic
neighborhood fare, or visit the nearby, tucked-away gem of Kirtland
Park - right in the neighborhood! Condos in Loftworks start at $95,000;
condos in Payne Avenue Lofts start at $154,900. For a complete list of
properties and open houses this weekend, please visit <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe921372746c057b71-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.progressiveurban.com</a>. *************** SPONSORED LINK *************** 
Wanted: music writers Love Cleveland music? Know the difference between Anne E. DeChant and Devo? Are you articulate? Opinionated? Cool Cleveland

is looking for writers to contribute regularly on the Cleveland-area
music scene: local bands, new CD releases, live shows, the economic
realities and impact of the music business on our local economy. If
you're interested, drop a line to <a href="mailto:Events at CoolCleveland.com">Events at CoolCleveland.com</a> or visit <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe911372746c057b70-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.CoolCleveland.com</a> and submit your thoughts on our "Contact" page. 
Online advertising and e-commerce on the rise
Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and PricewaterhouseCoopers
announced that Internet advertising totaled nearly $2.3 billion in the
first quarter of 2004; the highest quarterly total on record since they
began tracking revenues in 1996. See IAB <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe901372746c057b73-fe2e1170756d007e711173">here.</a>
Also, word that e-merchants sold $114 billion worth of goods online in
2003, led by the travel industry, according to an annual survey of 150
retailers conducted by <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe8f1372746c057b72-fe2e1170756d007e711173">Shop.org</a>.
A better-than-expected sales jump of 51% allowed online retailers to
collectively make a profit for the first time. It took the direct mail
catalog business 146 years to reach $126 billion in sales, a figure
that e-commerce will surpass in just 19 years.
Book sales decline 23
million fewer books were sold last year than in 2002, according to a
recent study by the Book Industry Study Group, a non-for-profit
research organization. Hardcovers and paperbacks took the biggest hits.
See Detroit News <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe8e1372746c057b7d-fe2e1170756d007e711173">here.</a>

JumpStart seeks business plans by 7/1 All eyes are on JumpStart, NEO's newest hope for stimulating the entrepreneurial spirit in Cleveland. Last week, Cool Cleveland reported that Thom Ruhe had made the move from president of Optiem to Chief Marketing Officer at JumpStart (see Ruhe jumps in; Rohrs jumps up <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe8d1372746c057b7c-fe2e1170756d007e711173">here</a>). Now JumpStart announces a 7/1
deadline for business plans. They plan to review a couple hundred
business plans a year (they've already seen 80 since January), offer
"significant business development services" to about 45 of those
companies, and fund 10-15 of them at levels ranging from $50k to $800k,
investing a total of $3 million per year for the next three years.
Their website outlines their criteria: they are looking for early-stage
companies that have strong potential in the marketplace, solid
prospects for high growth, and are likely to qualify for later-stage
funding. Watch for additional deadlines 11/1/04 and 3/1/05. 363.3400 <a href="mailto:Ray.Leach at JumpStartInc.org">Ray.Leach at JumpStartInc.org</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe951372746c057a75-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.JumpStartInc.org</a>

Hair Saloon for men opens Women get pampered pretty well in these parts; it's about time we took care of the men. Opening this Friday 6/4
is the Reagle Beagle, a "hair saloon," complete with complimentary food
and beverage, massage service, big screen TVs, beer and wine for a
buck, and even a putting green. The focus in on three areas:
hospitality (an attendant caters to your needs), entertainment while
you wait for your haircut (smoke a fine cigar, play a round of darts,
do some putting), and quality grooming in private booths, featuring
Arbonne's natural men's products. Besides premium services such as back
waxing, eyebrow tweezing, and color enhancements, the $28 haircut
includes a mini facial, shampoo, menthol treatment, scalp massage, warm
lather neck shave, hot rock neck massage, and complimentary shoeshine.
Reagle Beagle Hair Saloon, 17617 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, 228-9677 <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe941372746c057a74-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.ReagleBeagle.net</a>
 *************** SPONSORED LINK *************** Where to be in the Warehouse district is definitely The Bingham,
Cleveland's newest renovation for city living. The Bingham is an
architecturally significant Cleveland warehouse that has been
painstakingly restored into an urban loft apartment complex. Amenities
include a fitness center, indoor parking and a soon to come gourmet
grocery. Each unit includes the amenities you want: contemporary
kitchens with wheat-burnished cabinetry, brushed chrome fixtures,
laundry hook-ups, T1 internet capability and free basic cable. All this
and the convenience of being in the center of Cleveland's most vibrant
neighborhood, with shops, restaurants, clubs and galleries just minutes
from your door. Visit <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe931372746c057a77-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.thebingham.com</a> or call 216.579.4000 for more information. The Bingham, 1278 W. Ninth St. *************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

CSU raises admission standards
While still adhering to its original open admissions policy in place
since its founding, Cleveland State University is raising admissions
standards for new freshman students for Fall 2006, using the following
criteria: completion of 13 units of the high school core curriculum
(currently CSU is the only Ohio college that doesn't require this), a
2.3 grade point average, and a 16 on the ACT or a 750 on the SAT. Meet
all 3 and you get admitted, and students who meet 2 of these 3 criteria
will be granted provisional admission. The benefits? More student
success, better retention and graduation rates, more employable
graduates and an improved University image. The University also
announced a $62 million plan for 6 construction projects over the next
5 years, including renovation of the 167,000 sf University Center, a
new student bookstore at Euclid Avenue & East 21st Dtreet, and
renovating historic Fenn Tower for retail, conference rooms and student
housing. Good news. <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe921372746c057a76-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.CSUohio.edu</a> 
Citizenship volunteers sought
Most people do not need to hire an attorney to complete their U.S.
citizenship applications, often they just need someone to help walk
them through the paperwork. If you are interested in becoming a
volunteer to help permanent residents complete their N-400 Application
for Naturalization forms, training sessions will take place every other
Tuesday, beginning 6/15, 2004, from 5:30 p.m - 6:45
p.m. at the offices of Margaret W. Wong & Assoc. Co., LPA., 3150
Chester Avenue. After two training sessions, volunteers should be ready
to help permanent residents become U.S. citizens. The only requirement?
Trainees must be fluent in speaking and writing English. For more info,
call 579-0150.
Comic Book Project Pay
attention to what these kids are doing. Through a grant from the
Cleveland Foundation, and organized by Cleveland Public Art, school
children from across the city planned, designed, and produced original
comic books on the theme of conflict resolution. The comics will be on
public display from 6/19 thru 7/2 in the Louis Stokes
Wing of the Cleveland Public Library. The Comic Book Project is an
art-based literacy initiative hosted by Teachers College, the school of
education at Columbia University. The goal of the project is to help
children forge an alternative pathway to literacy, while fostering
social development and engagement in the learning process. Visitors
also get a free copy of the accompanying comix Peace In Our Schools. 917-674-0014 <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe911372746c057a71-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.ComicBookProject.org</a>

Coincidences exist? Or
we just pretend they do. But when something inexplicable occurs, we
aren't sure what to make of it - but the fact that it does occur
certainly indicates significance to us. Our philosophical systems are
hard-wired in a way to make sense when there isn't any, and
coincidences make it all the complex. See The New Yorker <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe901372746c057a70-fe2e1170756d007e711173">here.</a>
 *************** SPONSORED LINK *************** Spend your summer in Africa with Senenkunya: Many Voices, One Family.
Experience a sub-Saharan village designed to show how native Africans
live. It's a world of learning and discoveries, with rare sculptures,
carvings, textiles, ceremonial masks, Tutsi war spears and authentic
musical instruments. Enter its world of important artifacts and objects
at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History. This exhibit features many
interactive displays and is large enough for children and adults to
physically enter and explore. Bring your family for a lifetime
experience you can share with your children; for tickets call
216-231-1177 or 800-317-9155 x3279. Discover your world at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, 231-4600. And check it out...starting Wed 6/2, the museum will open Wednesday evenings all summer until 10PM! <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe8f1372746c057a73-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.cmnh.org/senenkunya.html</a> *************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Cleveland housing styles now online
Cleveland's rich housing stock is a true asset that other regions do
not enjoy. Now, whether you're renovating the historic home of your
dreams or just curious, the Cleveland Restoration Society has updated
their website to include an illustrated guide to the architectural
styles found in homes in our area. The resource library has helpful
information such as a styles guide, how to hire and work with a
contractor, and other homeowner resources. Plus, the Society offers
technical assistance and low interest (1.5% to 3.5%) loans to owners of
historic (50+ years) homes in Cuyahoga County. For more info, call
426-1000, <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe8e1372746c057a72-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.ClevelandRestoration.org</a>
Outdoor film fest wants your film The Overlook Park Shorts will screen area filmmakers' work on 8/7. No entry fee. Please submit your films on DVD or VHS by 7/1 submission deadline. Jurors include Cleveland Museum of Art Associate Curator Jeffrey Grove. <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe8d1372746c057a7d-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.OverlookPark.com</a> 
Regional entertainment
You know regionalism has hit the mainstream when one of the
entertainment mags does a 4600-word story on it, with no fewer than 23
smart-aleck sub-heads. Their conclusion: "What's stalling regionalism
is rampant self-interest on all fronts." Ya think? No doubt it serves
as a comprehensive primer on the subject for readers, and it
admirably touches all the bases, and gets quotes from all the major
players. It even offers an approach that might work: solutions would
"just have to be modest in their goals, politically neutral in effect."
And it ends on a truism: like a drug addict, Cleveland might rise up
from its problems, "after all, we've already got the hitting bottom
part covered." And this is true. See Scene <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe8c1372746c057a7c-fe2e1170756d007e711173">here.</a>

The Cleveland Public Library receives Ward Marsh Motion Picture Collection
A partial installment of 70,000 movie still photographs are housed in
the Library's Photograph Collection, and are an excellent resource for
those researching the history of cinema from 1915 through the 1970's.
Images included in this online exhibit represent the first 25 years of
Oscar winning motion pictures and actors. The Library's video
collection offers patrons the opportunity to reserve and borrow all of
the "Best Picture" winning films. A list of these films, along with
links to each library catalog record, is included with this exhibit.
See Cleveland Public Library <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe941372746c057575-fe2e1170756d007e711173">here.</a>
Akron's brain drains It's a familiar feeling, all too well articulated by Akron Beacon Journal
columnist David Giffels. "As I sat in a lawn chair at his going-away
party, watching our kids play together, I began to count who was left.
Maybe it would be enough. But I began to recognize two problems. First,
there was no guarantee the rest would stay. And second, I wasn't seeing
enough new talent coming in from other places." He's looking for reader
input, and he's probably planning some follow-up. See ABJ <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe931372746c057574-fe2e1170756d007e711173">here.</a> 
Writing as a way to tame the world

According to John Updike, it's a method to get society turned around,
and like all inspired writers, he isn't running out of things to write
about. See Washington Post <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe921372746c057577-fe2e1170756d007e711173">here.</a>
Ohio Writer remembers Daniel Everyone in Cleveland's arts community was touched by the recent passing of Daniel Thompson. Cool Cleveland did a special remembrance issue <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe911372746c057576-fe2e1170756d007e711173">here</a>, and now Ohio Writer
magazine plans to publish a collection of memories of Cuyahoga County's
Poet Laureate in their next issue. Write a paragraph or two detailing
how much Daniel meant to you, and e-mail your contributions to <a href="mailto:OhioWriter at DeepCleveland.com">OhioWriter at DeepCleveland.com</a>. They'll publish as many as they can in their July/August issue.

Cleveland 103 These behind-the-scenes tours of Cleveland's architectural gems sell out quickly, so act now. On 6/11 at 5:15PM, experience A Night At The Theatre,
with a guided tour of the country's second largest performing arts
complex, Playhouse Square Center. It includes a walking tour of the
Cleveland Theatre District. On 7/17 at 9:45AM, check out A City of Bridges as you view some of the fantastic, fascinating and functional architecture that spans the Northern Cuyahoga River. On 8/18 at 5:15PM, join Tim Barrett, a design specialist with the City of Cleveland for Downtown Building Tour, pointing out the skyscrapers, arcades and Cleveland's grand old buildings that outline the Group Plan of 1903. On 9/18 at 9:45AM, meet in the Historic Gateway District for Living In The City,

a Saturday morning tour of some of the finest addresses in Cleveland.
All tours include a dutch treat lunch at a nearby restaurant. Created
in partnership with the City Club's New Leaders group. Call 621-0082
for info and tickets. Lock 3 Live kicks into gear
One of Northeast Ohio's most interesting venues usually flies under the
radar. Situated right on the lock of the canal next door to the (newly
restored and amazing) Akron Civic Theatre, this 3000-seat outdoor stage
has been called a "Mini-Blossom" for its pleasant hillside and great
outdoor vibe - and it's right in the heart of the city! This year,
they've kicked it up with an Akron Family Barbeque festival that runs
7/2 -7/4, and a special Lollipoplooza Children's Festival in August.
Plan for the Ragin' Cajun Fest, with Cleveland's Cats On Holiday and
Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet on 6/26 at 4PM. Every
Saturday except 7/3 is Homegrown Saturday Mornin' from 9AM to 2PM,
featuring a farmers market with locally grown produce, cheeses, baked
goods, specialty food items, coffees and teas, hand-made jewelry and
fashion accessories, clothing, arts and crafts, plants, and flowers,
strolling entertainment, cooking, flower-arranging and other
demonstrations. Also watch for classic car, Harley-Davidson motorcycle
and Mini-Cooper car shows throughout the summer. Call 330-253-2488, for
more info. <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe901372746c057571-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://DestinationDowntownAkron.com</a>

Save the date Cool Cleveland is at it again. We're putting together an Art/Tech/Dance party for Thu 7/29 from 4-8PM at The Bingham, with an after-party at SPY, starting at 8PM. We're calling it Downtown Living. Watch for more details, but you can count on the usual open bar, hot hors d'oeuvres, and more. Free admission to the SPY after-party will feature salsa dancing till all hours. Block your calendar and stay tuned to <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe8f1372746c057570-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.CoolCleveland.com</a>
 
 *************** SPONSORED LINK *************** The Web Association features BlueBridge
The Web Association is a newly formed professional organization built
upon the prior success of the Cleveland Association of Internet
Professionals. The Association hosts monthly luncheon events and
exclusive member-only events on current topics of interest to the local
Internet community. On Tue 6/8 at 6PM, the
Association will visit BlueBridge Networks, an exciting new high-tech
Cleveland company. This complimentary evening event for Web Association
members includes a tour of BlueBridge's state of the art collocation
and managed security facility, an educational presentation by Dan
DeSantis, CTO of BlueBridge Networks, and a wide assortment of
appetizers, beer, wine, and alternative beverages. Visit <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe8e1372746c057573-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.webassociation.org</a> to learn more about membership and to register for the upcoming event. *************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Cool Cleveland This Week 6.02-6.09 
 Send your cool events to: <a href="mailto:events at coolcleveland.com">events at coolcleveland.com</a>
Marketing Boot Camp A
day and a half course facilitated by an experienced instructor and
hosted by the American Marketing Association; expect heavy class
interaction geared toward marketers who are new to the profession, or
those seeking a refresher course. Learn to differentiate yourself from
the competition by implementing and evaluating marketing plans with
lots of idea sharing Thu 6/3 from 8AM-5PM and Fri 6/4 from 8AM-Noon. Register at 1-800-262-1150. Holiday Inn, 6001 Rockside Rd in Independence. <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe8d1372746c057572-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://cleveland.marketingpower.com</a>

Raising Our Voice Art exhibit & auction
featuring the knock out visuals by Derek Hess, individualistic images
by Karen St. John-Vincent and grooves by DJ Kinetik. Guests can meet
the artists and bid on artwork while enjoying summer drinks and hors
d'oeuvres Fri 6/4 from 6-10PM. Treat yourself to art
while supporting an important cause; all proceeds directly assist the
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center. Call 619-6194. Spaces Gallery, 2220
Superior Viaduct <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe8c1372746c05757d-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.spacesgallery.org</a> 
Spring Art Show at Market Avenue Wine Bar
Browse and buy from more than twelve local artisans and designers in a
uniquely contemporary and temporary marketplace; make a day or evening
of it in Ohio City amidst the glow of Cleveland's cool restaurants and
night spots. While you're there, visit the hectic and fun West Side
Market and see the sights at Open Air in Market Square Fri 6/4 from 5-9PM and Sat 6/5 from 1-9PM. Market Avenue Wine Bar, 2526 Market Ave. <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe8b1372746c05757c-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.lingg.us</a>

*************** SPONSORED LINK *************** Street Performers Take Over Downtown Look out Cleveland...this Summer downtown will rock as <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe931372746c057475-fe2e1170756d007e711173">Sparx in the City</a>
transforms the streets for 16 weekends in 4 downtown districts. Funky
percussionists, guitarists, stilt dancers, a cappella singers, and
comic performers will be part of the scene. Be on the lookout Fridays
at lunch and after 5PM and on Saturdays in the early evening. Get the
details by attending the Street Beats Kickoff preview and sidewalk sale on Fri 6/4, from 10:30AM-2PM at National City Plaza, E. 9th & Euclid Ave. Sparx in the City is a program of the <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe921372746c057474-fe2e1170756d007e711173">Downtown Cleveland Partnership</a>, a not-for-profit advocate dedicated to revitalizing Cleveland's downtown.

*************** SPONSORED LINK *************** 
Frequency Response Want
it hard and funky? You got it with techno tweakers from Soniktexture
and Hoi Fans Recordings; float on transforming beats of Product 19's
electrosoul and house straight from the UK, then stay around for
Cleveland's own Paco de Bongo of Experimedia Fri 6/4 from 9PM-2:30AM. Call 566-7278. Abasso Underground, 1222 Prospect Ave.
Three Man Show: the Individual & Collaborative Works
of Ken Chapin, Mike Moritz, and Abe Olvido closing night reception is
your last chance to see how these artists brilliantly restructured the
modernist gallery, they will also preview a film made especially for
their installation/exhibition Fri 6/4 from 7-10PM. Call 440-375-7461. B.K. Smith Gallery on the campus of Lake Erie College, Gillett St in Painesville. <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe911372746c057477-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.lec.edu</a>

Little Italy's Summer Art Walk
is now in its 25th year, get on your walking shoes and discover new
attractions and events throughout the weekend. Local restaurants will
offer box lunches with tables and chairs lining the sidewalks, with
strolling musicians and entertainers wandering through the crowd. Art
galleries will be throwing special events: Fiori Gallery's fused glass
and rare art glass, Verne Gallery's Japanese prints, and Anne van
Hauwaert Fashions will have two major trunks shows with Gabriella
Iannarelli's colorful and exotic earrings and Lisa Battaglia's
collections of retro style hats. Hit it all weekend long in Little
Italy Fri 6/4 from 5-10 PM, thru Sun 6/6 at 12-6 PM. Call 421-1717 or visit <a href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe901372746c057476-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.murrayhillartwalk.org</a>
Open air market Now in
its 7th season, it's a favorite destination spot for bargain hunting,
entertainment and socializing with a variety of activities. An
alternative to the big shopping malls, it connects you to communitities
of artists; check out funky antiques, fine imported items and
collectibles every Saturday including this Sat 6/5 from 10AM-4PM. Call 781-3222. At Market Square, the corner of W. 25th & Lorain Ave. <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe8f1372746c057471-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.openairmarketsquare.com</a>

Martin and Orloff A
dark, wickedly funny Dadaist comedy that tells of an advertising
fashion designer who attemps suicide when an actor wearing one of his
costumes (an eggroll with eye holes) accidentally drowns. Shortly
thereafter he finds himself hanging aroud with an insufferable
psychiatrist and his bizarre friends; it's a Cleveland premiere Sat 6/5 at 6:30PM. Call 421-7450. Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, 11141 East Blvd. <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe8e1372746c057470-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.cia.edu/cinematheque</a>
2-2 Tango - A Latin dance party
Let loose with Latin dance set to scorching music to benefit Pointe of
Departure Ballet's summer performance season. Grab someone you want to
be close to and tango, slip into hot salsa moves, then simmer down with
tapas. You'll also watch a special preview of 2-2 Tango, performed by
Karen Gabay and Raymond Rodriquez Sat 6/5 at 7:30PM. Call 921-5306. The Powerhouse Nautica, Windows on the River, 2000 Sycamore in the Flats' West Bank. <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe8d1372746c057473-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.pointeofdeparture.com</a>
Professional Leadership & Development Seminar

Attendees will learn the ropes how to obtain professional goals, manage
careers and seek promotions. Keynote speaker is Ms. Margot J. Copeland,
Executive Vice President and Director of Corporate Diversity for
Keybank. Congruently, a leadership expo will be taking place with
vendor booths offering products and services geared towards employment
opportunities and/or career development Sat 6/5 from 8AM-4:30PM. Call 440-232-3648. Cleveland State University Convocation Center, 2106 Prospect Ave. <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe8c1372746c057472-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.bpaonline.net</a>.
Reds, Whites & Brews
It's one hell of a fiesta combining good taste and 225 guests at a
business casual event to support literacy efforts in Greater Cleveland.
Dip into heavy hors d'oeuvres, wine from Spain, Mexico and the U.S., a
beer tasting, a silent auction, and a raffle boasting a trip for two to
San Francisco. The Cleveland Reads benefit happens Sat 6/5 from 7-10:30PM; call 436-2222. Sammy's in the Flats, 1400 West 10th St.
<a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe8b1372746c05747d-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.ClevelandReads.org</a> or <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe8a1372746c05747c-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.sammys.com</a>

Signals, circuits, and things that go glitch in the night
America's energy security will be the topic of this summer lecture
featuring John Thorton. Hear how renewables can help reduce our
dependence on polluting and foreign sources of energy, with light
refreshments and networking session on Sat 6/5 from 1-3PM. Call 526-5545. Lake Metroparks Lake Farmpark, 8800 Chardon Rd. in Kirtland. <a href="mailto:katya at greenenergyohio.org">katya at greenenergyohio.org</a>.
Artefino Gallery Cafe opening
Got a jones for an entirely different art experience? Cleveland artist
Hector Vega presents the grand opening of his gallery Artefino. Come by
the Tower Press Building (where Cool Cleveland held one of
our early Art/Tech/Dance parties) then bid on the super-successful art
that pushes the limits designed by Vega and treated by different local
artists. Sip wine from Chalet Debonne Winery and take in hors d'oeuvers
while hanging at Cleveland's newest art space that will eventually
house a cafe for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Come by Sat 6/5 from 8-11PM. Space is liminted, get tickets in advance at 6312-3378. At the historic Tower Press Building, 1900 Superior Ave. <a href="mailto:info at artefinogallery.com">info at artefinogallery.com</a>. Visit <a href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe9b1372746c067d75-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.artefinogallery.com</a>

Birds, Bees & Fantasies
Artists will use fantasy as their primary mode of expression in this
exhibition that displays works meant to appeal to the child in all of
us. Observe exquisitely painted landscapes where black humor, dream
imagery and bizarre logic intersect Sat 6/5 from
2-4PM. Show will run through the month of June in the library's
Gallery; admission is free. Call 440-943-8128. Avon Lake Public
Library, 32649 Electric Blvd. in Avon Lake. <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe9a1372746c067d74-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.alpl.org</a> or visit <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe991372746c067d77-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.deadhorsegallery.com</a>
Steppin' in the House
Hip Hop will heat up at Art House as part of their dance series. This
workshop is open to all dancers; watch and learn from Kid Cuba who, in
conjunction with Progressive Arts Alliance, will teach the basics of
hip hop dancing including popping, locking and breaking. No longer just
a fad, hip hop has now become part of American culture - don't miss
this workshop Sat 6/5 at 7:30pm. Advanced
registration is required and light refreshments will be provided. For
reservations call 398-8556. Art House, 3119 Denison Ave. email <a href="mailto:lisa at arthouseinc.org">lisa at arthouseinc.org</a>.

Vinyasa yoga Get off
your couch and start moving! Enjoy Jennie McMullen's comfortable yoga
instruction along with kick-boxing, wild hip hop and moving body basics
that are easy to master; classes start Sun 6/6 at 1:30PM. Register by calling Morrison Dance Studio, 4201 Lorain Ave, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe981372746c067d76-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.MorrisonDance.com</a> or <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe971372746c067d71-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://peacefulwarrioryoga.com</a>.
Cliff climbing Risk
loving, thrill seeking "carpe diem" adventurists can start out learning
the foundation for the safe pursuit of rock climbing. The basics will
include rappelling techniques, knots and essential gear Tue 6/8 at from 6-9PM. Call 341-1704 to register. Cleveland Rock Gym, 21200 St Clair Ave., Building B3 in Euclid.

Web Security in the Age of Insecurity
You're cordially invited to attend the BlueBridge headquarters to hear
why internet security can make or break your business. Complimentary
food and beverages will be provided, so come by with questions and do a
little networking while you're at it Tue 6/8 at 6PM. Call 621-2583. 1255 Euclid Ave, Suite 500. For info email <a href="mailto:mdealoia at bbnllc.com">mdealoia at bbnllc.com</a>
Art & Wine at 806 Be
captivated into a world created within Eric McAffee's canvas of
compositions, where spiraling movements of bold color, transparencies,
spatial relationships and depth are made tangible. Try out the new art
vibe at the atmospheric Wine & Martini Bar Wed 6/9, from 6-9PM. Call to R.S.V.P. at 696-4806. Located at 806 Literary Rd. in Tremont.

WCLVnotes The last of this season's Music from the Western Reserve recitals over WCLV (104.9 FM) will be this Fri 6/4 at 9PM. Cellist Peter Rejto of the Oberlin Conservatory will be the soloist. On Tue 6/8,
both WCLV and WRMR (1420 AM) go traveling to the Marc's store at 6231
SOM Center in Solon. Both stations will be broadcasting live throughout
the day. Here's your chance to meet the voices you hear on WCLV and
WRMR - Bill O'Connell, Jacquelin Gerber and Robert Conrad from 104.9
and Ted Alexander, Carl Reese and Jim Davis from 1420. The WCLV/WRMR
prize wheel will be spinning to award prizes to all participants. a Cool Cleveland partner <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe961372746c067d70-fe2e1170756d007e711173">www.wclv.com</a>

Send your cool events to: <a href="mailto:events at coolcleveland.com">events at coolcleveland.com</a>
 Cool Cleveland Interview with Anne Goodman
<img src="http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/Main/Goodman1.jpg" border="0" alt="" align="left">
Anne Goodman is Executive Director of the Cleveland Foodbank, which
serves over 100,000 people a year in our region, providing meals for
hungry people. This Thu 6/3 they are hosting Hunger Awareness Day at
their facility at 1557 East 27th Street. Visit <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe951372746c067d73-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.ClevelandFoodBank.com</a> for more info.
I understand that the Cleveland Foodbank provides 37,000
meals per day, which is the same as providing a meal each day to all
the people living in Bay Village, Brecksville and Pepper Pike.
We actually serve 6 counties: Cuyahoga, Ashland, Richland, Lake,
Geauga, and Ashtabula county. The 18 million pounds we provided served
14 million meals last year. There are over 100,000 people in our
territory that use emergency food throughout the year.
That's a tremendous amount of people who live in our region needing food. Nationwide,
20% of people experience "food insecurity". That's a technical term we
use that means they skipped a meal involuntarily, or didn't know where
their next meal was coming from, or they went hungry. In our area, 38%
of our clients are children, which is a shame.

Because they can't fend for themselves. In
addition, 40% of the families we serve are working. If you're living
paycheck to paycheck and your car breaks down and that costs $350. So
people have to make a choice between the car repair and food, or rent
and food.
It's ironic and sad, considering the current focus on obesity in America with the film Super Size Me, and McDonald's new light meals with salads. How do hunger and obesity relate to each other? Good
question. We get a lot of questions about child obesity and what it's
attributed to. You can go to McDonald's and get their "dollar meal" and
get a hamburger, fries and a drink for $3. But if you buy chicken,
asparagus and potatoes, that will cost you more than $3. The
availablilty of cheap junk food is a key reason for obesity. As a
working mom, you get off work, and you have to walk to the grocery
store in the inner city. The big retailers don't want to go into the
inner city, so there are these smaller food markets where food is more
expensive, and fresh food is much more scarce, so the availability of
healthy food is actually more scarce in highly populated urban areas.
Obesity and hunger can go hand in hand. We consider this at the
Foodbank, that poor nutrition is related to food insecurity, because
you go for what is most easily available. But surviving off Oodles of
Noodles won't take you very far. 35% of the households we serve contain
people living in poor health... Read the Cool Cleveland Interview with Anne Goodman <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe941372746c067d72-fe2e1170756d007e711173">here</a>
Kucinich Beat 
Cool Cleveland interviews the Presidential candidate

What's on your calendar this week? 
I'm back in Washington for votes this week, then I'm joining Jesse
Jackson on Sunday, then on to Montana & New Jersey for their
primaries on Tuesday.
What are you doing with Jesse Jackson? 
He's thinking of a bus tour and I'm joining him on it. We're travelling the country for working folks, a living wage, jobs. 
How's the delegate count? In the
last couple of days, we had a gain of 6 delegates in Washington State
and 2 more in Hawaii. In the last week, we received 25% of the state
caucus in Maine, 50% in Alaska. That's the first time we've come in
first, or tied for first. We also got 30% in Colorado. Then, over the
weekend, we picked up the additional delegates in Washington and
Hawaii.
So what's your total delegate count? 
I don't know the totals, they keep going up. 
You've picked up a lot of votes and a lot of delegates in the past few weeks. What does it change? What
it says to the people in Montana & New Jersey is to change the
direction that the party is going in. We've been plowing ahead and
gathered steam in the last few weeks.

You've also received a lot of press because of these recent successes. 
Yeah, I've been on Meet the Press, MSNBC, Wolf Blitzer...
What's the media's take on your recent delegate gain? 
They just report it as it is. 
Are they interpreting this? 
No one is interpreting it at this point.
So what is your strategy? 
We are fully staffed for the convention. We have 2000 supporters coming from around the country. 
Are you planning any surprises at the Democratic Convention?

No, the basic issues will be discussed.
Do you have a comment on the current prisoner scandal? What would you do if it were your administration? It's
obviously not an isolated matter. That's where the responsibility of
the people at the top becomes critical to review. As far as I'm
concerned, the responsibility goes all the way to the top. We are not
even close to hearing the end of this. This is very damaging to
America. It gives us a black eye.
What is your take on the recent developments in Iraq? We're
still pushing for the Democrats to get out of Iraq. We have to be
careful not to exchange a Republican version of the war for a
Democratic version of the war. I wouldn't buy a used car from this
administration, I certainly wouldn't buy a used war from them.
 
For more information, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe931372746c067d7d-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.kucinich.us</a>

Interview by Thomas Mulready
 Missive from India by Ani Palmo
Ani Palmo (nee Catherine Rybicki) is a Cleveland born
Buddhist nun who has recently returned to India to teach English at a
Tibetan Buddhist monastery. At her "Light of Asia" debut show last
summer, she exhibited the photographs of her experiences as she bounced
back and forth between the US and Asia. This exhibit will be again be
showing at the Michael Stefan Salon at 4082 Erie Street in Willoughby
running through to the end of June. For more info, call 440-946-6644.
Hello one and all! Ahh. I think I got
more sleep on that one flight than I've gotten in weeks! Once in Delhi,
I got a "retiring room" in the airport without any problem whatsoever.
This is a simple room with two single beds, an attached bath and an air
conditioner which sounds like a motorboat. The cost? 10 bucks!... Once
in the monastery, things got a little rough... they put me in this
concrete box just at the base of the stairs and right next to the door.
I had to leave it to walk down the hall and unlock a padlock to get
into the toilet, the squat type, which is very hard with my bad knees
and back... Darjeeling really is a most hideous place. I recently saw
an article that listed it as one of the 10 worst places in India.
Imagine that-- I am living in a worst place in India for god's sake!
The whole town is filthy and has the feel of a slum. There are
buildings upon buildings, many covered with corrugated iron roofs.
Everything seems to be falling apart. And the smells are not pretty,
either. Almost every day since my arrival the skies have been foggy and
gloomy. The roads are very narrow and on my walk to school, I suck in
so much exhaust that the inside of my nose is literally black. Ugh... Read Missive From India by Ani Palmo <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe921372746c067d7c-fe2e1170756d007e711173">here</a>

Instant Karma Quik reviews of recent events
 The Sweepers @ Ensemble Theatre 5/29 
What: Three overwrought Italian-American mamas at the
end of World War II angst over changes in their lives -- from returning
shell-shocked vets to the marriage of a son to an assimilated girl from
outside the neighborhood. 
Caveats/Reasons to Go: Picardi's over-the-top piece
isn't just set in the 40's -- it's a throwback. You won't see such
carpet-chewing histrionics outside melodramas of suffering mothers like
"Mildred Pierce." Jean Zarzour plays uber-drama queen Bella, who nearly
throws herself off a balcony when her 4-F son (a pained James Savage
Jr.) won't make his shy new bride hang out her wedding sheets to show
the neighborhood that she's a virgin, not "Jenny the Pump." Bella is
supported by a brace of old friends, the ditzy Dotty (Tracey Field) and
stony Mary (Meg Kelly Schroeder). Jennifer Clifford does lovely, subtle
work as fiancé Karen. 
Backstory: Expect to see more Picardi. The playwright
has big ambitions: a play about the Italian-American experience for
each of 10 decades, a la August Wilson, and Artistic Director Lucia
Colombi wants to stage them all. Next season she's hoping for the
rights to Seven Rabbits on a Pole, Picardi's 1930's play.

Target audience: Addicts of old-fashioned AMC or Turner Classics melodramas. 
Details: Ensemble Theatre, at Cleveland Play House's Brooks Theatre, 8500 Euclid Avenue, 216-321-2930. Through 6/13. <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe9a1372746c067c75-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.ensemble-theatre.com</a>. from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein <a href="mailto:Linda at CoolCleveland.com">Linda at CoolCleveland.com</a>

Cleve Orchestra @ Severance Hall 5/27
Franz Welser-Most conducted the Cleveland Orchestra last week in a
program that on paper looked like a mixed bag of music, but the actual
result was surprisingly good. The evening began with Gioachino
Rossini's Overture to William Tell. When it comes to Rossini's music, what too often comes to mind is music from television programs, like Bugs Bunny or The Lone Ranger... Read Brian Schriefer's review <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe991372746c067c74-fe2e1170756d007e711173">here</a>.
 Yr Turn Cool Cleveland readers write

Send your letters to: <a href="mailto:letters at coolcleveland.com">letters at coolcleveland.com</a>
On Cleveland's passive aggressive complacency From My Brain Is Crying; Dueling dialogue that's unsafe at any speed - Tisha Nemeth:
We meet and listen to many people in Cleveland who are full of
dissatisfactions, and yet they don't actively pursue ways to change or
improve what they're dissatisfied about..." Holy
Shit! I couldn't agree more! Do you think it's passive aggressive
complacency? I swear you could write a dissertation about that
particular chip on Cleveland's shoulder. btw...Cool Cleveland is a
great resource for more than I can even tell ya! For one, I just
graduated from CSU's Urban Program and really appreciated your article
on Mark Rosentraub. I sent it to my "proud Papa" in Minneapolis who has
only heard good things about the Levin College from me...it was a great
article to share with him as an introduction to the school I'm so proud
of. from Cool Cleveland reader Sue Barthelemy <a href="mailto:urban_girl_sue at hotmail.com">urban_girl_sue at hotmail.com</a>

On government waste... or creativity? I followed the link to the Yahoo! News story Wine, Cigars, Deer Head--Charge It to Uncle Sam and did note one "creative excuse" that probably wasn't an excuse, but in fact saved taxpayers a bunch of money. LEGOs are often used in robotics courses, including a fairly popular one at CWRU (which you should check out, as it's very cool) and the Lego Mindstorms line-- the basic kit for which is in the $200 range-- is explicitly designed to let people build and program their own robots. Contrast this to what the military could have spent on robotics systems for the same purpose. Tack on two or 
three extra zeroes, and you get the idea. As for why military men would need to understand robotics, robots and similar mechanized aides are becoming more prevalent in the military. Navy engineers might have to use a robot to inspect a reactor core on a submarine one day, or reprogram that robot to do something it wasn't intended to do. Of course, that presumes that it wasn't a case of someone buying a LEGO kit for his office and hiding the expense with a plausible excuse... and buying a deer head to help airmen with identification does seem more than a bit silly. Thanks for the newsletter! from Cool Cleveland reader Eric A. Meyer, Principal, Complex Spiral 
Consulting <a href="mailto:eric at meyerweb.com">eric at meyerweb.com</a>

On Mayor Campbell's proposal to increase income tax for the schools Increasing the City Income Tax will do little if anything to solve the funding issues for the Cleveland City Schools, or for that matter any of the majority of school districts in this region who are having challenges. Even better funded districts like Hudson and Beachwood have had to make cuts. Increasing the City Income Tax will only force more business to abandon the city (downtown) and move to the suburbs. The need to be in downtown or in the central city is no longer vital for any business, beyond lawyers who need to be close to the Justice Center or the other 
courts. So, suddenly you raise income tax by 1%. To a CEO who is making $250,000 a year - that is another $2,500 in tax and, oh by the way, in some suburbs the tax are a per cent less than Cleveland today (before the increase). So, add another $2,500 in tax savings and suddenly, it is not so great to be in downtown. In other words, a tax increase may only drive more business from downtown and the city to the suburbs. The State has cut funding to schools and that is what we are "paying for" now. So, we next to fix the system, not add a tax that will drive business from the city. Ohio is already a high taxed state and when you add in the rest of the taxes in this region -- we are paying 
like we are in New York. This is a determinant to economic development. So, while we need to fund education, we need to do it in manner that will not drive business from the city. from Cool Cleveland reader Tom Sudow, Executive Director, Beachwood Chamber of Commerce <a href="mailto:tom at beachwood.org">tom at beachwood.org</a>

Send your letters to: <a href="mailto:letters at coolcleveland.com">letters at coolcleveland.com</a>
 Top 5 
Cool Cleveland uses <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe981372746c067c77-fe2e1170756d007e711173">Opticast</a>
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. Put Some Reality Into The Quest For Regionalism by Roldo Bartimole. 
Regionalism has become the new trite banner carried by our
idea-deprived elite. If you want regionalism, here's the way to do it -
and the only way that should be acceptable to common folk, which means
the majority of us. <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe971372746c067c76-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.coolcleveland.com/index.php/Main/RegionalismReality</a>

2. Cool Cleveland People Jim Lanza
encapsulates the essence of Cleveland's alternative entrepreneurs,
combining underground culture, music, fashion and community in Ohio
City where he fronts The Modern World, an
alternative/vintage/skate/punk merchandise business. <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe961372746c067c71-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.coolcleveland.com/index.php/Main/CoolClevelandPeopleJimLanza</a>
3. Towpath closer to completion Only six miles
remain to connect the Towpath Trail from New Philadelphia on the Ohio
River to Downtown Cleveland, and now, due to a deal with
back-from-the-dead steel maker International Steel Group Inc. <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe951372746c067c70-fe2e1170756d007e711173">Click here</a>
4. Faux Downtown in Westlake Architecture
critic Steve Litt is uncharacteristically wowed by the efforts of
self-styled "poet-developer" Robert Stark, who has forced worthwhile
zoning changes in Westlake, allowing his 75-acre Crocker Park mixed-use
retail/housing/office park-cum urban style development to break the
rules. <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe941372746c067c73-fe2e1170756d007e711173">Click here</a>.

5. Cool Cleveland's Moveable Feast You are invited to join Cool Cleveland
for our first foray into the inner ring. Join Cleveland's creative and
business elite for an after-work networking party that takes you to the
hottest spots in town. <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe931372746c067c72-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.corpmeetings.com/register/thomas/atd8/index.html</a>
 Affirmative action Readers like you are getting into taking back our city by supporting its events, its people, and its rich culture by reading Cool Cleveland.
We're committed to keeping Cleveland alive and happening, and our
readers help out by referring people you know at home and at work to
CC.com. Now can send them to register for our e-zine at <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe921372746c067c7d-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.coolcleveland.com</a> (and check out the new site) or have 'em send an e-mail to <a target="_blank" href="mailto:signup at coolcleveland.com">signup at coolcleveland.com</a>

Marketing makeover You
can do it to your business plan with the alternative advertising
vehicle: CoolCleveland.com. Every week we reach tens of thousands of
subscribers who love what we do and visit the links to our sponsors.
Find out more by dropping us a note to <a href="mailto:info at coolcleveland.com">info at coolcleveland.com</a> and let us hear from you. 
Hard Corps love for the city
We're working with a great group of individuals who put Cleveland first in their
lives by dedicating themselves to the content you enjoy week after
week. CC props and love goes out to Tisha Nemeth, Deb Remington, Linda
Eisenstein, Brian Schriefer, Marc Majercak, Steve Goldberg, Bill Nagode, George Nemeth
and all our contributors who help make Cool Cleveland absolutely cool as hell. Want to volunteer and contribute your writing to Cool Cleveland? Send your reviews, articles, or story ideas to: <a href="mailto:events at coolcleveland.com">events at coolcleveland.com</a> 
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 at coolcleveland.com For your copy of the free weekly Cool Cleveland e-zine, go to <a target="_blank" href="http://cl.extm.us/?fe911372746c067c7c-fe2e1170756d007e711173">http://www.coolcleveland.com</a>

</p><p><br clear="all"><font size="+1"><strong>Can art save<br clear="all">our city?</strong></font><br clear="all">
</p><p><strong><font size="+2">--Thomas Mulready</font><br clear="all"><font size="+1"><a href="mailto:letters at coolcleveland.com">letters at coolcleveland.com</a></font></strong>
</p>

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