Your Town

Today I had the privilege of having lunch (me & like 100 others) with Mr. Al Ratner, co-chairman of the board of Forest City Enterprises, Inc. His forecast for Cleveland was not as positive as I would have liked to hear, but the reality made sense. His main message to us "young" professionals was that Cleveland needed more people, more diversity and with this more positive change would happen. He challenged each of us to bring simply one family to Cleveland and it would make our city a better more prosperous place to thrive.

It was a gorgeous day downtown. The sun was shining, a warm breeze was rolling off the lake and over browns stadium. As I walked to my car I tried to reflect on the poem that Mr. Ratner left each of us with.... it took a bit of searching (thanks Hanna), but I would like to kick off this gorgeous weekend by imparting this poem to each of you.

I hope it speaks to you, like it did to me. Thanks Al! Happy Weekend.



Your Town

If you want to live in the kind of town
Like the kind of town you like,
You needn’t slip your clothes in a grip
And start on a long, long hike.
For you’d only find what you left behind–
There’s nothing that’s really new.
It’s a knock at yourself when you knock your town,
It isn’t the town–it’ YOU.

Real towns are not made of men afraid
Lest somebody else gets ahead.
When everybody works and nobody shirks
You can raise a town from the dead.
And if while you make your personal stake
Your neighbor may make one too,
You can make a town what you want it to be,
It isn’t the town-it’s YOU!

-Unknown

Pools!

With the passing of Memorial Day weekend, your local neighborhood city pool SHOULD now be open!

I LOVE a public pool on a weekend afternoon. Nothing is better than a stack of junk mail, a large soda fountain diet coke, a layer of SPF 15 and the concrete around the sparkly blue pool water of your neighborhoods swimming hole. Why not check yours out this weekend...looks to be a great weekend weather wise!

Most outdoor pools are open from mid-May through Labor Day and many offer free swimming lessons. For more information, see the Cleveland Parks and Recreation Department Web site.

Some of the neighborhood OUTDOOR Pools are listed in alphabetical order below...wouldn't it sorta be fun to visit each of these pools this summer? One a weekend?



Camp Forbes, 25440 Harvard Rd.
Duggan Park, Catalpa Rd., north of Euclid Ave.
Forest Hills Park, Thornhill Rd., south of Arlington
Glendale Park, E. 149th St., north of Harvard
Glenview Park, Dupont Ave. and E. 109th St.
Greenwood Park, W. 38th St., south of Lorain
Grovewood Pool, E. 164th St. and Grovewood Ave.
Halloran Park, 3550 W. 117th St. -- Outdoor pool
Impett Park, W. 155th St. and Montrose Ave.
James Bell Pool, E. 71st St. and Central
Kovacic Recreation Center, 6250 St. Clair Ave.
Lake Park, W. 85th St., North of Detroit Ave.
League Park, E. 66th St. and Lexington
Lincoln Park, W. 14th St. and Starkweather Ave.
Loew Park, W. 29th St. and Oakpark
Luke Easter Park, MLK Jr. Blvd. and Ramona Ave. (bonus waterslide!!)
Mark Tromba Park, Mandalay and Rudyard Aves
Meyer Pool, W. 30th and Meyer Ave.
Neff Park, E. 193rd St. and Bella
Sunrise Pool, 3521 W. 95th St.
Warsaw Park, E. 64th St., North of Harvard
Zelma Watson George Recreation Center, 3155 MLK Jr. Blvd

Terminal Tower

More of my fun finds...



Three potcards all representing the Terminal Tower. One of the cards is postmarked 1944. They each have a 2 cent stamp on the back!

Franco For Sale (6/21)

Sunday, June 21st, 2009

He's talented, attractive and IN PERSON, Cleveland welcomes Golden Globe winning actor (Pineapple Express & Milk), James Franco

Franco, of Milk and Spider-Man fame, makes a live appearance at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The museum will screen the Cleveland premier of the art film, Erased James Franco. After the film, Franco and the filmmaker, contemporary artist Carter, will speak to the audience in person. Museum Director Timothy Rub will moderate. The film will be screened in the museum's Lecture Hall.



For the film Carter approached Franco about reenacting scenes from previous films in his oeuvre (James Dean, Spider-Man trilogy & Rock Hudson) but to revisit these scenes with restraint. At no point is Franco given the opportunity to delve deeply into any one character. Instead Carter directs Franco to use a flat voice and limit his instinctual movement during the filming of each scene. Carter describes his direction as “artificially relaxed - to withhold James' natural ability to act …” which gives the film a muted quality.

Tickets are selling fast $20 for members, $25 for non members. 2:30pm.

West Side Market "House"

Look what the market used to be called. How fun! I am going to start calling it the market house again.

Vintage Edgewater

Last week I was lucky enough to accompany my friend Shannon on a buying trip (Shannon owns Stash Style in Chagrin Falls) to the Clark Country (near Dayton) Antique Extravaganza.

I found many odds and ends including a vintage purse, some great nautical buttons, an old retro Schwinn cruiser and many postcards.

As we welcome the official start to summer I thought I would share these postcards ($1 each) from Edgewater Beach in 1909! There is something about discovering a little image from one hundred years ago that is super cool. I hope you enjoy the cards as much as I do. Happy Memorial Day Weekend.

It's Blossom Time (5/21-25)

Thursday May 21st - Monday, May 25th, 2009

Looks like this weekend is going to be SPECTACULAR! I am so excited because I am going to experience Blossom Festival in Chagrin Falls for the very first time! Hot air balloon races, pie eating contests, music, carnival rides and a race (Sunday @ 9am), my kinda weekend!

Join the residents of the Chagrin Falls as they welcome the arrival of warmer weather to the Falls. With flowers and trees in full bloom, the Chagrin Falls area is transformed from a winter wonderland into a warm, peaceful, enchanting place to spend your lazy summer evenings. After shopping, eating, rides, and games at the festival, don't forget to spend some quality time enjoying the natural beauty of the area homes, gardens, parks, and the Chagrin River.

I think the best part of the weekend (besides the cotton candy) will be all the hot air balloons scattered over the village sky. There is something about a hot air balloon that hypnotizes me. Perhaps it’s the purring sound of the rush of flames being thrown into the sky, or the quiet calmness that hovers over the crowd as they watch in astonishment. Anyone want to get up early and meet me out there to watch the balloons take off Sunday morning, 6:00am, I will bring the coffee?



For those of you who think they are as cool as I do, check out these few fun facts....
• the most popular balloon is as tall as a 7-story building
• the average balloon costs $20,000 to $40,000
• ideal times to fly are just after sunrise and just before sunset
• a hot air balloon can land in water
• balloons can stay up for 1-2 hours depending on conditions and occupants
• inflating a balloon takes about 15 minutes
• invented back in 1783 in Paris, France (GO PARIS!)

For the full schedule and race application

Hops @ Crop (5/20)

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

Join the gang at Crop Bistro to sample a quintet of out-of-the-ordinary beers from Chicago’s Two Brothers Brewing Company

Among the evening’s top quaffs, you’ll be tasting Domaine DuPage (a spicy, fruity French Country ale); Dog Days (a Dortmunder-style lager); and the extraordinary 2008 Bare Trees Weiss Wine, a barley-wine ale, bottled like fine Champagne, and boasting a whopping 11.5% ABV. Rounding out the offerings, Ebel’s Weiss Beer, a traditional German hefeweizen; and Cane and Ebel, a hoppy red-rye ale crafted with Thai palm sugar.

To eat, the kitchen will be crafting a special assortment of beer-friendly small plates. And for answers to all your beer-related queries, take time to chat with Two Brother’s representative Christian Wicklund, who will be on hand with tasting notes, food-pairing suggestions, and beer lore.

Sample all five beers for $20; add a la carte small plates for $4 each; or order from our Spring dinner menu. (Tax and tip not included.)

www.cropbistro.com 5:30-8pm



Reservations are appreciated, walk-ins are welcome, and those under 21 should think again.

Celebrate LUXE (5/24)

Sunday, May 24th, 2009

All day Sunday, come and toast the first Birthday of Luxe Kitchen & Lounge. Party on the new Patio! Listen to two bands, no cover! (Diane Chittester from 3-5pm & Quadrophonic Desperation from 7-9pm.



It's been a GREAT year, and why not celebrate on this holiday weekend.
www.luxecleveland.com

Fashion Feud (5/18)

Monday, May 18th, 2009

SCION is thrilled to present Fashion Feud a "Project Runway"-esque event in which two emerging local designers compete to create the best possible outfit, all from a bag of raw clothing material, scissors, needles, thread and a few accessories.

Each designer will have an hour to create an outfit for one of two female models, and the audience will vote for their favorite designs by applause. The event will run 7pm-10pm. The winning designer will receive a cash prize from SCION.

Fashion Feud Cleveland is held at the Grog Shop (www.grogshop.gs) free, 18+ event. Hair and make up is provided by Erin Ferguson and Sara Tanno.

Ohio City Home Tour (5/17)

Sunday, May 17th, 2009

Visit Ohio City for the annual Home Tour which features eight to 10 highly historical, highly designed homes. Lolly transports guests from home to home during the Home Tour, giving visitors the opportunity to hop on and off as they like. Neighborhood restaurants and shops are open during the day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.



Tickets for the Home Tour are on sale now and can be purchased either online or by calling 216.781.3222. Tickets for the Home Tour also may be purchased on the day of the event at the ticket booth on the corner of Market Avenue and West 25th Street, just across the street from the West Side Market). Home Tour tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the gate.

The tour is from 10 to 4. www.ohiocity.com

Euclid, "In the Day"

Imagine being downtown on Euclid Ave amoung all of these people. How fun! Wonder what the parade was for.



Start hanging out downtown, and maybe we can get it to look like like this again someday.

MOCA Opening (5/15)

Friday, May 15th, 2009

This spring at MOCA there are some really insightful, inspiring exhibits including INTERNAL COMPASSES, opening this week. Featuring visual thinkers who map, code, and catalog experiences and information, then systematically arrange the material evidence according to personal internal strategies. This exhibition takes viewers on a journey through imagination and inquiry by way of pattern and process.

Also showing during the run of this exhibition in the Space Lab, Sung Jin Choi presents an intricate installation composed of found objects intended to evoke cultural nostalgia.



Choi received a BFA in sculpture from the Seoul National University in Seoul, Korea, followed by an MFA in sculpture (Seoul National University) and and an MFA in combined media from Hunter College in New York City. He has shown internationally with a focus in New York and Korea.

6 – 9pm : MOCA : $5, FREE FOR MEMBERS

French Brass (5/15)

Friday, May 15th, 2009

French fun invades the Beachland this week...Tarace Boulba (from France) is a brass band with thirty mouths and ten times more fingers and I hear they put on an amazing show.



Not only is it a spectacular musical experience, it’s also an association called Rasta Baboul, which was formed under French law 1901, and offers musicians an opportunity to hone their craft, play on stage, and generally progress musically and contribute their talent to a collective vibe

$10.00 Beachland Ballroom | All Ages

Dane Cook (5/14)

Thursday, May 14th, 2009

Named a "comedian phenom and icon" by Entertainment Weekly, Dane Cook has maintained his reputation as one of today's most prolific stand-up comedians while simultaneously distinguishing himself as a charismatic and versatile actor in a variety of film and television projects. Last fall, Cook starred in his first leading role as the likable slacker Zack in Lionsgate's Employee of the Month, leading the romantic comedy to a box office gross of over $30 million and DVD sales that topped the charts.

A samples of Dane..."The Friend Nobody Likes." (Rated R...Adult language)



Don't miss comedian, funny man, Mr. Cook, this week at the Q, 8pm.
For tickets call 216.241.5555, $33.

Learn to Stilt (5/16 & 17)

Saturday, May 16th & Sunday, May 17th, 2009

Ever wanted to learn to walk on stilts? An automatic "IN" to any area parade! This weekend the Cleveland Museum of Art, (in preparation for Parade the Circle) is offering "Stilt Weekend."

Canadian stilters Brad Harley and Rick Simon show you how to take a few steps high in the air! Free to all, children must be at least 10 years old to participate. You may order stilts during stilt weekend: $50 (yours to keep after safety training).



Parade the Circle is organized by the Cleveland Museum of Art and is presented through the generous support of the Womens Council of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

1:30-4:30pm, For more information visit www.clemusart.com

Go Cavs (5/11)

Monday, May 11th, 2009

Cheer our team on TONIGHT at 7pm against the Atlanta Hawks! Only one more game and we SWEEP!



For team information including schedules, visit www.nba.com/cavaliers/playoffs_atlcle_090511.html

Vintage Cleveland

I found this photo and had to share.



I love Cleveland, now AND then!

Martini & Mani

Thursday, May 7th, 2009

Hello ladies (& gentleman)! Big plans for the weekend? Need a manicure but don’t know when you will be able to squeeze it in before Friday night? Have I got an idea for you!

Back by popular demand, your favorite ladies night out returns at The Mercury Lounge...Martinis and manicures.

Order that $4 dirty martini or cosmo to kick off the “almost weekend.” Sit back and relax while the stylists from Studio Palmeri work their magic and with files and pretty polishes for a FREE Manicure; to leave your digits weekend-worthy! Enjoy the Electro-pop tunes of DJ Good Life Mike and Still Life while the CAVS shine on the bar screens.



Anyone interested? I desperately need a mani and a martini to put this week to bed. 6-11pm

Open Studios (5/09)

Saturday, May 9th, 2009

This Saturday, peddal on over to The Lake Erie Screw Factory for their annual open studio afternoon.

The resident artists will be opening to the public to explore the working of a local gallery and artists businesses. A variety of fine art and craft will be on display and for purchase.

Featuring the work of Ann Brown, Gina DeSantis, Katie Hanrahan, Hunter Harrison, Peter Jennings, Marc Konys, Allyson Meier, M.C. Nagel, Martin O’Connor, Steven Ollay, Ann Onusko, Kari Sanford, Josh Sanford, Ruth Sholtis-Furyes, Kate Tobin and Liz Trenholme.

The Lake Erie Building is located in the Bird Town area of Lakewood at 13000 Athens Ave. The building houses artist studios and local businesses. Both the second and third floors house artist studios.

Student Art (5/08)

Friday, May 8th, 2009

Looking for a new piece of art to hang above your sofa or to brighten up that solid wall in the family room?

Join Art House as they celebrate the artistic accomplishments of artists from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District at the annual "Students & Teachers Year End Exhibition Reception."

View inspiring, fresh artwork and enjoy refreshments provided by McDonalds....french fires at a gallery opening, how "PBR" of them!



4-7pm Art House, 3119 Denison Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44109. For more information contact 216 398 8556 or visit www.arthouseinc.org

Pecha Kucha (5/08)

Friday, May 8th, 2009

Pecha Kucha - Japanese for the sound of conversation - was conceived as an opportunity for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public. Each presenter is allowed 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds each – giving 6 minutes 40 seconds of fame before the next presenter is up. This keeps presentations concise, the interest level up, and gives more people the chance to show. Without any pushing, Pecha Kucha Night has spread virally to over 100 cities across the world.

8:20pm. Free, no tickets necessary. This event will take place either just outside MOCA on the grass below their windows or inside the museum. For more information visit www.mocacleveland.org

Shoes! (5/08)

Friday, May 8th, 2009

If you are a fan of shoes like I am (total addict) then Shoes, Shoes, Shoes: Footwear Fashions Past & Present hosted by Cleveland Public Library, Social Sciences Department will be a reason enough to call in sick this Friday!

The documentary of Head Over Heels will be presented as well as an exhibit on the history of shoes. Come in and see what fashion and costume resources are available at the library. The exhibit will be on display throughout May.



10:00 am Cleveland Public Library, Louis Stokes Wing, 5th floor, 525 Superior Ave. Cleveland. www.cpl.org

Paris 36

If it rains this weekend, you'll know where to find me...

Opening this weekend at Cedar Lee....Paris 36. A film set in 1936 Paris where three out-of-work friends (Gérard Jugnot, Clovis Cornillac, Kad Merad) create a musical and must struggle with their lack of experience and a local thug in order to run the show and raise enough money to buy the theater.



If you want more, check out this scene in the movie filled with a french nautical musical review...I was in heaven!
www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi1846084377/



For showtimes visit www.clevelandcinemas.com

Circle Home Tour (5/03)

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009

Ever wanted to explore some of the old homes in the University Circle area? This Saturday join University Circle Inc. as they present the first annual Circle Home Tour.



Look into ten very diverse homes and lifestyles of the University Circle area. Start your tour at the University Circle Visitor Center (11330 Euclid Ave) or at Judson Manor (1890 East 107th Street at Chester Ave.)

1-5pm : Tickets are $10 per person if purchased in advance; $15 if purchased on Sunday. Registration available online at www.universitycircle.org

One Mans Personal Star Wars (5/07-10)

A one-hour, high energy, nonstop blast through the first three Star Wars films. The catch is there's only one cast member. Charles Ross, the writer and solo performer, spent too much of his childhood in a galaxy far, far away and adulthood has been similar. Ross plays all the characters, recreates the effects, sings the music, flies the ships, and fights both sides of the battles.



Wednesday, May 6th @ 8:30pm, Thursday, May 7th @ 8:30pm, Friday, May 8th @ 8:30pm, Saturday, May 9th @ 3:30 & 8:30pm and Sunday, May 10th @ 2:30pm

For more details on this performance and many more involved in Fusion Fest visit www.clevelandplayhouse.com