Legendary, BIZ MARKIE

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A Rookie’s guide to tailgating.

As many of you are aware this weekend is the home opener for our Cleveland Browns, but what you may or may not know is the in’s and out’s of tailgating.

As a resident of the "Cleve" for over ten years believe it or not but I have never truly tailgated. I mean, I may have parked in a lot off of West 6th for one beer pre-game which I hear doesn't really count, but to truly set an alarm, get there early, eat chips for bfast, etc. etc. Let's just say this Sunday I am in for a real treat!

I asked a friend to give me a little run down on tailgating tips, and after his VERY thorough response, I couldn't resist but share with everyone. You're gonna love them, read on....



"You see tailgating on TV all the time. Your friends always talk about the fun times they’ve had before the games. You want in. You want to be part of all the excitement. But how? You might have lots of questions so let me try to be of some help.
Here are a few tips to make your tailgating experience a little more enjoyable:

What’s the big deal about tailgating?
> With the Browns not faring so well on the field, tailgating is sometimes the most fun you’ll have on that Sunday

Which games are best for tailgating?
> The home opener is always the best. The weather is still warm and the team’s record isn’t a disappointment yet. The tailgating atmosphere for the first several home games is always energetic.

Can anyone attend?
> Yes, of course. You don’t need a ticket to the game or even be a Browns’ fan. But be warned; do not wear opposing teams’ jerseys or even colors. Not cool at all.

What to bring?
> Depends….are you meeting up with a group already tailgating or creating your own tailgate spot? If you are meeting up with an established crew then just bring whatever you plan on drinking and some food to contribute to the group. Keep it simple. If you plan on creating your own situation then at a minimum you’ll need a grill, coolers and music system. Still don’t go overboard as a rookie. Start slow and figure out what you’ll need for next time.

What are the liquor laws regarding tailgating?
> The simple answer is just use common sense and don’t be a jerk. Keep all drinks in a non-see through cup. Don’t use bottles or even carry around cans. Don’t advertise that you are drinking. Everyone knows what’s going on but it’s easier on the cops if you aren’t abusing their leniency.

Where to tailgate?
> See image above. The only answer to this question is the Muni Lot. Everywhere else is a shadow of what’s going on there. You’ll know what I mean when you see it. Once you tailgate in the Muni Lot everywhere just becomes unacceptable.

What time do I need to get there?
> New rules on the opening of the parking lots changed from 4 am to 7 am. If you plan on driving you better get there way before 7 and get in line. Otherwise you’ll end up parking far, far away.

Best way to get there?
> Any method besides driving a car. I prefer taking the RAPID or calling a cab. Actually, when the weather is nice I like to ride my bicycle!

How much is parking?
> I rarely take my car down there but I think they’re charging around $25.

How far is the walk to the stadium?
> Not far. Just follow the herds. For a 1 o’clock game, people start tearing down their site around noon and walking over a half hour before kick off.

Well I hope some of this information helps you. Be safe, have fun and GO BROWNS!"

Thank you "Major" for the incredible run down on tailgating in Cleveland. I hope others find this as helpful as I did. I will be the one with my face painted, football-shaped brownies, perhaps orange finger nails and a strategically cut sweatshirt from Unique! GO BROWNS!

Celebrate Fall in Ohio!

The other day I was driving on 90 and noticed the onset of gold, red and orange.in the trees. Beginning in September, visitors of Cleveland flock to witness the brilliant colors that make up the region's fall foliage. Add to that the areas wealth of seasonal harvests like apples and pumpkins, and we've got a traditional autumn getaway complete with hayrides, crisp color and crafts.



Celebrate the season at one of these fall-themed festivals.
> Yankee Peddler Festival: Sept. 18-19, 25-26 at Clay's Park
> Village Peddler Festival: Sept. 18-19 at Lake Metroparks Farmpark
> Cedar Valley Settlers Celebrations & Music Festival: Sept. 19 at the Rocky River Nature Center in the Cleveland Metroparks
> Fall Fest: 18th Century Festival: Sept. 26 at the Brecksville Reservation in the Cleveland Metroparks
> Fall Harvest Festival+Antique Tractor Show: Sept. 25-26 at Lake Metroparks Farmpark
> Corn+Pumpkin Harvest Weekend: Oct. 9-10 at Lake Metroparks Farmpark
> Apple Butter Stirrin' Festival: Oct. 15-17 at Historic Roscoe Village

30 years fresh (09/19)

Sunday, September 19th, 2010

Whole Foods Turns 30! I hear Whole Foods is turning 30, don’t worry WF, 30 is the new 21! This Sunday at their University Heights Location they are offering many exciting specials. So, after the Browns win, and you are looking to prepare for the week ahead and maybe you need to go pick up a few groceries...head to the party.



They will have a live band playing the tunes of the 80’s (the year they were born), free samples of birthday cake for everybody, 30 products throughout the store at 1980’s prices, special culinary demos, vegetable sculpting and a chance to win many prizes including an 80 second shopping spree!

Happy birthday dear Whole Foods, happy birthday to you!

Fundraisers

With the onset of fall comes the arrival of fall not for profit "charity-fundraising season." Post-summer vacations and pre-holiday season, this is the perfect time to scrape your extra change together and give back to the numerous not for profit organizations in the community.

Here are a just two of this weekends events you might not want to miss...

Sips & Dips : raising money for Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital

A Taste of Little Italy : Montessori School at Holy Rosary

Hop around the City (09/11)

Sparx City Hop is a free all day event that celebrates the visual, culinary and performing arts of Cleveland’s most central and metropolitan neighborhoods. Free trolley service by Lolly the Trolley allows individuals and families to “hop” through the neighborhoods of Downtown (Historic Gateway Neighborhood, Historic Warehouse District, PlayhouseSquare and the Campus District) plus the districts the connect directly to Downtown (Tremont, Ohio City, MidTown, AsiaTown and St. Clair Superior).



The trolley routes connect people to over 70 galleries & artist studios, over 100 restaurants, several markets and dozens of specialty retail shops. In addition, Sparx City Hop connects participants to a variety of sidewalk concerts, main stage performances, special gallery and studio events, the Terminal Tower observation deck (see details below), the Tower City Street Fair, the Sparx Classic Car Show, a variety of merchant specials and so much more.

Bring your family to the fully restored Terminal Tower Observation Deck to see an unparalleled view of the entire city! Originally opened in 1929, Terminal Tower has been a Cleveland landmark for over 80 years. The interior of the Observation Deck has been restored to resemble what it looked like in the 1930’s and 40’s. Tickets are just $5 and kids 5 and under are free. To purchase tickets for this weekend visit http://terminaltowerodeck.eventbrite.com/

Between 25,000 and 30,000 people participate in the Sparx City Hop each year. Don’t miss this opportunity to get out and explore what makes the core of our city so special!

All "LIT" Up (09/11)

I just fell head over heals for this adorable invite/graphic for this literary event. Take a look and perhaps all you literary buffs, or wanna-be-buffs would like to attend...plus there is an after party...wonder if someone will write about it? HA! (sorry, bad joke)



The Academy has the Oscars...The LIT has the Lanterns. Join the Northeast Ohio Literary Community for a celebration of writers and writing in eight different genre categoreis and be there as we honor Sheila Schwartz and Harvey Pekar with a final tribute.

Saturday, September 11, 2010 at Palace Theatre at PlayhouseSquare 8-10pm
Cash bar, Book Browsing, Hob-knobbing, and a LITtle bit of Entertainment
$35 ticket ($50 ticket includes Turn the Page After-Party)
Purchase tix at www.playhousesquare.org or 216-241-6000

Turn the Page After-Party at the Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative
1309 Euclid Avenue, Suite 200 10pm - Midnight (Only $50 ticket-holders admitted)

Wierd Al (09/03)

I know that this Friday is the anticipated Rock Hall Ball..but has anyone heard the news? Wierd Al Yankovic is also performing in Cleveland on Friday! Remember him?

I can vividly remember singing the Madonna tune to the lyrics of "Like a Surgeon" as I pranced around my parents home as a young kid. Since those days "Al" has gone on to write and perform many hits such as "Canadian Idiot" and "Polkarama," a parody on polkas.



You can find Mr Yankovic at this years Taste of Cleveland running from Friday September 3rd through to Monday the 6th at Time Warner Cable Amphitheater at Tower City in downtown Cleveland. Everything from Polish cuisine and spicy Cajun fare to Grammy Award-winning artists and radio rock stars are on the menu...fingers crossed no rain for the holiday weekend!!!

Ohio City Blues Fest (08/21)

Saturday, August 21, 2010

This year marks the third annual Ohio City Blues Fest on Saturday, August 21, from 4:00- 11:00pm at Wendy Park on Whiskey Island. A full day of great blues music on the shore of Lake Erie, along with great food provided by Fat Fish Blue and a variety of traditional and hand-crafted beers.

The line-up for this year's event, which is presented by Ohio City Pasta with generous support from Vitaminwater,is as follows:

4:00-5:00 Real Deal Blues Band
5:15-6:15 Memphis Cradle
6:30-7:30 Frankie Starr
7:45-8:45 Wallace Coleman
9:00-10:30 Walkin’ Cane

Lakewood Art Festival (8/07)

Saturday, August 7th, 2010

Don't miss the amazing music lineup! For details on the bands, visit the Festival Website.

Ale Fest (07/24&25)

2010 Scene Ale Festival Lincoln Park, Tremont, OH

Burning River Fest (07-24 & 25)

http://www.burningriverfest.org

Congrats Chef Sawyer.

Just chillin at the beach and I realized I hadn't done a congrats "shout out" to our local chef who hit the cover page of this months "Food & Wine" Magazine.

Congrats to Jonathan Sawyer of East 4th's, Greenhouse Tavern...your recipe for Steamed Clams with a Foie Gras sounds super yummy.

I think I will grab a group of gal pals, a few dozen clams and celebrate your recent fame!

Congrats & happy summer Mr. Sawyer!

24 flavors.

The other night I was driving home during a summer storm and had to get gas...we are talking driving on fumes.

I pulled over at a random gas station that barely accepted credit cards at the pump, you know the kind. As the rain dripped through the over hang my gaze was drawn to a shiny red light of the neighboring business.

There it stood in the rain, parking lot filled with cars, people in raincoats with umbrellas, pushing and shoving their way into this random ice cream shop/grille. For a moment I thought to myself, "why on earth would this place be so hoppin, and who would actually make it a destination on a hot and humid night?"

Then somehow, my feet started walking towards the light, just like a bug zapper luring a mosquito. I was entering the Cone Zone & Grille, located in Cleveland (next to Westpark) at 4081 Rocky River Drive. There was a big banner on the front of the building reading "24 Flavors of Soft Serve"....Apricot. German Chocolate. Coconut. Peach. Peanut Butter. Just a few of the LOTS of flavors of soft serve.

I hadn't eaten dinner so it gave me a free summer dinner pass for a small cup of cheesecake soft serve and WOW, was it tasty. Don't judge a book by it's cover. Fill your car and head over to the Cone Zone for a variety of smooth creamy treats. Next time, I'm thinking a mixture of peach, coconut & banana, tropical fun.

Free Concert for the 4th (05/01)

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Join thousands of your neighbors, family, and friends in downtown Cleveland for a special evening celebrating Independence Day, brought to you FREE by Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.

The fun begins at 5 pm with a Pre-Concert Festival of performances by exciting local youth ensembles. The festivities continue with The Cleveland Orchestra Concert at 9 pm, led by assistant conductor Tito Muñoz, presenting the Orchestra's 21st annual community concert in downtown Cleveland. The program features all-American favorites by Bernstein, Copland, and Gershwin, music from Star Wars, and a Salute to the Armed Forces, with special guest soloist, Cleveland’s own Grammy-nominated violinist Caroline Goulding. The evening comes to a rocketing end with Tchaikovsky's “1812” Overture and a spectacular fireworks display cascading over the skyscrapers of downtown Cleveland — and it's all FREE! This is a free concert presented as part of The Cleveland Orchestra's Community Music Initiative.

Free Twighlight! (06/26)

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

Hey i heart cleveland readers...join vitaminwater this saturday, at the Great Lakes Science Center for a 'prepare for the eclipse' evening. FREE to the public!

They will be screening the 'twilight' film at 6pm, intermission in the planetarium (because this is the date of the lunar eclipse) and afterwards screening of 'new moon'. (flyer reads 'new moon' screening at 10p, likely to be earlier) complimentary popcorn + vitaminwater. giveaways + chance to win eclipse premier passes. everyone is welcome! see you there.

CELEBRATE (food) CARTS (06/10)

Thursday, June 10th 2010

Have you heard the buzz? Food delivered right to your place of work? Or how about gourmet food to cure your late night cravings? yes, Cleveland has recently upped the ante by adding a series of food carts to our already stellar lunch and dinner options.

Cleveland Public Art, The Zygote Press and Ohio City Near West are hosting an event to celebrate the latest and greatest. Swing by West 26th Street (in front of CPA) the street will be closed so we can eat from the carts & drink in the street! Zygote Press artists' prints will be on display in CPA's office gallery.

Fingers crossed the sun shines. Sounds like it will be such a fun evening.5:30-9:00pm

It's a CAVS weekend!

Whether you attend the official PNC Cavaliers Watch Party for Game 3...the Cavs vs. Boston Celtics—at Quicken Loans Arena on Friday, May 7th, (Doors open @ 6pm with live game action on ESPN featured on Q-Tube @ 7pm, tickets $6) or you are having a group of friends over for Friday night fun, or your Sunday plans include a trip to your neighborhood "watering" hole be sure to cheer on our CAVS to victory.

celebrate earth day!

Let's go CAVS!!!

Just a Monday shout out to our CAVS, Good luck tonight team! Unfortunately I don't have tickets to the game, but I will find myself some fancy tv, a chicken sandwich and perhaps a cold beer to help in rooting on our home team.



Come on CAVS you can do it, put a little power to it, do it, do it, do IT!!!

(photo by andrewjweber.com)