Whee!

"WHEE! We're on Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio"

Isn't this the cutest little piece of memorabilia you've ever seen? It makes me smile.

Happy summer yard sales Cleveland, get out there...there are some finds to be found.

Did you know?

That in 1902, a resident of Akron, Ohio, Martin F. Christensen, invented an automated machine that could manufacture glass marbles. Traditionally, workers made marbles by hand from clay or stone, including marble. Christensen's invention made glass-marble production an entirely automated process. Christensen established the M.F. Christensen and Son Company in Akron to produce the thousands of colored balls of glass.



While the Akron factory does not still produce marbles, you can still visit the American Toy Marble Museum located in downtown Akron. Free and open to the public. With thousands of marbles to look at I'm sure you'll find your favorite Aggie or Boulder. Throw the family in the car, take a thirty minute road trip south for a few hours of fun.

Sci-Fi Movie Marathon (1-15/17)

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 15th through the 17th, 2010.

Long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away... In the early 1970's, there were several film groups on the Case Western Reserve campus. These groups had formed because of interest in different genres of movies. Along the way, the groups merged and formed the basis of the current CWRU Film Society.

This weekend pack your backpack, Red Bull, sleeping bags and tooth brush and go to the Science Fiction Marathon. This weekend of approx 36 hrs of back to back science fiction movies, trailers, and surprises was started in 1976 and is attended by CWRU students, the Cleveland community, and people from out of state and from other countries.



The movie schedule is as follows...
Friday
8:00pm Terminator Salvation (2009)
10:15pm Moon (2009)

Saturday
12:00am The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
2:00am SURPRISE I
3:30am First Spaceship on Venus (1962)
5:15am Independence Day (1996)
8:00am Moonraker (1979)
10:15am Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
12:45pm The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988)
2:45pm Short Circuit (1986) (JOHNNY 5 is ALIVE!!!)
4:30pm SURPRISE II
6:15pm The Phantom Planet (1961)
7:45pm The Fifth Element (1997)
10:00pm The City of Lost Children (1995)

Sunday
12:00am SURPRISE III
2:00am District 9 (2009)


For all of the details including parking visit the CWRU Film Society site.

New Year, New Art!

I came across this business the other day and LOVE some of their illustrations, take a peek!



"Cleveland is one of the great unsung American cities. Certainly a large part of the industrial backbone that made this the greatest country in the world. There are so many landmarks and historical aspects of Cleveland that are beautiful and worth a second look. With your support we hope to do many more such matchbooks and posters. Let us know if you have a great subject you'd like to see. Thanks, The Management at The Great Lakes Match Co."

A week in review!

What to do this week? No fear, I'm here with a list of fun suggestions!


C : Capitol Theatre - More Than a Game...Monday night $5 movie, $1 drink, $1 candy!
L : In honor of Cleveland Beer Week, swing by Lilly's Chocolate for a beer & chocolate pairing.
E : Explore the new Gauguin exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
V : Vintage finds, deals & steals at the Cleveland Auction House, fine art & antique auction 10/25
E : Edgewater Park on the Shoreway is peaceful on a sunny fall afternoon...go beach glass picking!
L : An evening of dessert at L'Albatros...french press & frozen grand marnier souffle, yumm...
A : Animals come to town with the Ringling Bros Circus!
N : Nature drawing, Join Gail Felix for an evening of field sketching in nature. 10/19
D : A fall drive out east to view the fall hues that nature has painted across our Ohio trees!

Gender Bender Play (10/08)

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

As part of the Great Lakes Theatre Festival season opener, the actors and actresses would like to invite you to experience their work in Shakespeares, The Twelth Night.



After a shipwreck on an unfriendly shore and the loss of her twin brother Sebastian, young Viola must pose as a man to survive. Shakespeare’s sophisticated comedy of gender-bending mistaken identity is full of passionate longing and bittersweet romance. Twelfth Night is an irresistible and poignant comedy that is one of the Bard’s most luminous plays.

Get your tickets today!

be quiet & SPEAKEASY

A speakeasy was an establishment which illegally sold alcoholic beverages during the period of United States history known as Prohibition (1920–1932). During this time, the sale, manufacturing, and transportation (bootlegging) of alcohol was illegal. The term comes from a patron’s manner of ordering an alcoholic drink without raising suspicion—bartenders would tell patrons to be quiet and “speak easy."

Wondered what the glow of light from below Bar Cento on West 25th was? Have you seen the dimly lit staircase leading to the murmur below? Do you know the secret handshake? Hmmm? What's down below?

Located in a dimly lighted basement below Bar Cento/McNulty’s Bier Markt, unmarked with no sign. Speakeasy is open every Friday and Saturday night 8pm-2am. (Thursday Live Music Nights coming this Fall)



“I’ve always thought that going out for a cocktail is a great way to escape the mundane realities of life,” says McNulty. “And I was thinking: What was the ultimate escape? The speakeasy during Prohibition.” The concept started brewing in McNulty’s head last year, 75 years after the repeal of Prohibition, which banned the sale of alcohol for consumption.

Check out the culinary cocktail list inspired by Cleveland’s long history of bootlegging and raved about in the New York Times…

Speakeasy Cocktails
The Rosemary–rosemary gin, dry vermouth
Bee’s Knees–honeycomb gin, cane syrup, fresh lemon
O’Sweet Brandy–brandy infused with toasted honey walnuts
Manhattan Pig–caramelized bacon bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters
Pepperoncini Martini–pepperoncini vodka, fresh lime, seltzer
Rome with a View–Campari, dry vermouth, fresh lime, cane syrup, seltzer
Pimm’s Zingiber–pimms No.1, fresh lemon, cane syrup, fresh ginger root, seltzer
Spanish Lover–cachasa, fresh lime, fresh ginger, cane syrup, seltzer

Speakeasy Punches (serves 4)
Claret Jug–red wine, fresh lemon, luxardo, cane syrup, seltzer
Rum Runner–coconut rum, brandy, cranberry, fresh orange, pineapple

For more information and details about the new kid in town visit www.bier-markt.com/blog/

Dragon Boat (8/29)

Saturday, August 29th, 2009

Dragon boat races are believed to have originated in China more than 2,500 years ago, contemporaneous with the Greeks beginning their games at Olympia. Beyond a sporting event, the races and water festivals serve as a veneration to the dragons, hoping for health through the dangerously warm and humid summer months.



The dragon boats are incredibly beautiful, and the event “incorporates high energy, fitness, team building and recreational exercise in a fun and competitive atmosphere,” festival promoters say. The event also is designed to promote the people and unique culture of Cleveland's Asian community. Opening ceremonies will take place on the patio deck of Cyrus Waterfront Restaurant and Patio, 2000 Sycamore Street. Races will be held immediately following the opening ceremonies and continue throughout the day. There's no admission fee for spectators.

The Flats, 10-5pm www.clevelanddragonboatfestival.com

The real "Mrs Cleveland"

I think she looks so sophisticated and elegant. I would like to sit and drink tea with her on a Saturday afternoon discussing politics, fashion and the state of the weather.



(Mrs Frances Cleveland)
1899, oil, 157.2 x 92.2 cm
Wife of President Grover Cleveland

Maverick Movie (8/13)

Thursday, August 13th, 2009

Name this all time favorite flick...

"Maverick is a hot pilot. When he encounters a pair of MiGs over the Persian Gulf, his wingman is clearly outflown and freaks. On almost no fuel, Maverick is able to talk him back down to the Carrier. When his wingman turns in his wings, Maverick is moved up in the standings and sent to the Top Gun Naval Flying School. There he fights the attitudes of the other pilots and an old story of his father's death in combat that killed others due to his father's error. Maverick struggles to be the best pilot, stepping on the toes of his other students and in a different way to Charlie, a civilian instructor to whom he is strongly attracted." (IMDB)



Yep, you're right...TOP GUN. This alltime favorite is this weeks pick at Crocker Park, "Movies in the Park." Located in West Park, the movies takes place at dusk every Thursday evening. Bring a blanket of chair, this one is sure to be packed with aspiring pilots.

www.crockerpark.com

Grover "on Holiday"

I found this little illustration of our fearless leader, Mr. Grover Cleveland. Thought it was fun to share. Fishing anyone. :)

a new "Boo" in town (7/01)

So many Clevelanders, myself included; think that Mr. Michael Symon is "the bomb."

I mean, who else can pair bacon ice cream with sweet french toast and have guests swarming like bees in a hive for this luscious dessert(found at Lolas)? Mind you, you pay the valet on East 4th and wait for a minimum of :20 minutes to even get your car back...and it's still TOTALLY worth it!

Well, Cleveland ("West-siders,") no need to drive downtown to get your little "Symon on the side," look no further to the new "boo" in town...Bar Symon, opening this Wednesday evening, July 1st, 2009.



Bar Symon; an American bar and brasserie, will occupy the site of the previous Swingos Grand Tavern, which closed suddenly in February. Bar Symon, will be “like an American version of Balthazar,” Symon said, referring to the popular New York restaurant that serves classic French brasserie food.

Symon said the food at the 80-seat restaurant will be “our kind of twist on very Americana food,” such as truffled fried chicken, vegetable pot pie and smoked brisket. The restaurant will have 40 domestic beers on tap, with many from the Midwest, and another 60 beers in bottles. By contrast, he plans to offer about 50 wines. He anticipates a price point of $8 to $18.

To visit your "soon-to-be NEW BOO," swing on over to 32858 Walker Road, this Wednesday,

Trolley Tours of Lakewood (6/28)

Sunday, June 28th, 2009

Explore the fascinating history and beautiful architecture of Lakewood on a Lolly the Trolley ride guided by Lakewood Historical Society Executive Director Mazie Adams. Tour starts at the Oldest Stone House Museum parking lot and includes a stop at the historic Nicholson House for light refreshments.



Tickets are just $15. Reservations are required. Call (216) 221-7343 for more information. 1:00 p.m. (Meet at the Oldest Stone House Parking Lot)

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!

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

Vintage Cleveland

I found this photo and had to share.



I love Cleveland, now AND then!

Road Trip : Bike Museum

It’s supposed to be such a nice weekend, why not plan to take a LONG bike ride (almost 200 miles Yo!) to the Bicycle Museum of America in New Bremen, OH (3 hrs by car).

The Museum has more than 300 bikes on display and more than 1,000 sets of wheels on rotation. Take a tour or explore the collection on your own, no helmets required! :) The museum covers the history of the bike from the early 1800’s to the most recent BMX designs.



For more details on this Ohio gem, visit www.bicyclemuseum.com.

Eggshell-LAND; the movie (4/17-18)

Friday, April 17th & Saturday, April 18th, 2009



Lyndhurst residents Ron and Betty Manolio, who have been decorating their Linden Lane yard with thousands of brightly colored egg shells for 52 years, are the subjects of a new documentary "Eggshelland: The Movie" follows a year in the life of the Manolios as they planned and set up their annual Easter display for 2004. Producer and Director Christopher Noice, who was then living in Mayfield Heights, came up with the idea for a documentary the first time he visited Eggshelland in 1985.



The film will premiere April 17th & 18th, 7pm at Cedar Lee Theatre, (Cleveland Heights) For more information about the film visit www.eggshellandmovie.com

Cleveland? Rock Hall?

As friday swings into full action and the city swells with excitement over this weekends inductions, many of us will be reflecting on how music has impacted our life.

So, I was thinking... Why is the Rock Hall in Cleveland to begin with? How did it come about? Why would Cleveland be the place to celebrate rock ‘n roll? After a quick trip around the web here is the story....

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation was created April 20, 1983. However, it had no home. The search committee considered several cities, including Memphis, Cincinnati, New York, and Cleveland. Cleveland lobbied hard to be chosen, citing that Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed is widely credited with promoting the new genre (and the term) of "rock and roll", and that Cleveland was the location of the first rock and roll concert. Civic leaders in Cleveland pledged $65 million in public money to fund the construction. A petition drive was signed by 600,000 fans favoring Cleveland over Memphis, and a USA Today poll which Cleveland won by 100,000 votes. The hall of fame board voted to build the museum in Cleveland.

Never been downtown to check out the museum? This Saturday is FREE Day at the party palace, sponsored by medical mutual. Not only will the museum be decked for the weekend guests and celebrations there will also be live performances throughout the day including Pale Hollow / Rock Your Way To Cleveland YouTube contest winner (1-1:45), Decade / Plain Dealer Cleveland Rocks 09 winner (2-2:45) and Consumer Republic / 2008 Fortune Battle of the Bands winner (3-3:45)

For a full listing of the weekend events visit www.rockhall.com/induction2009/events

Bob Evans in Esquire

Every once and awhile I do a huge magazine purge. I plan on a few hours, a few glasses of wine and a few boxes of paper recycling! I plan on also discovering many fun and exciting things I get to share with all of you!

Open...the March Issue of Esquire Magazine (one of my favorite subscriptions)



The editors at Esquire have spoken and Ohio-based Bob Evans makes the cut for top hot spots in Ohio for the perfect breakfast (along with Tommy’s on Coventry). They rave about the pig sausage and farmhouse butter biscuits being a perfect chain feast, with the best “grease to gristle ratio,” (my arteries already feel tight)

Anyways, I thought today I would offer a bit of breakfast inspiration as well as Ohio/ Bob Evans History for those of us who aren’t super familiar with “bob.” Enjoy.



In 1948, Bob Evans opened a 12-stool, 24-hour restaurant where he served hot, homestyle meals at a value. When he couldn’t find high quality sausage to serve his customers, Bob started making his own recipe on his farm in southeast Ohio.

From the day that first restaurant opened, homestyle hospitality became synonymous with Bob Evans. In fact, Bob and his wife, Jewell, were like family to a lot of people. They started filming television commercials in their own kitchen at the Homestead, inviting folks to “come on down and visit us” at the farm in Rio Grande, Ohio. So many people dropped by that, after awhile, their kitchen just wasn’t big enough to accommodate everyone. That’s when the Sausage Shop was built, which is now a Bob Evans Restaurant, just a short walk from the Homestead. Since then, the original Sausage Shop has been enlarged three times and is as popular as ever.

In every Bob Evans Restaurant across the country, they still serve authentic homestyle goodness inspired by family recipes.They still insist on farm-fresh food, and offer family-friendly prices and a warm smile. You can even find the fresh sausage, homestyle sides and family dinners in your local grocer.

As a farmer, a neighbor and a visionary, Bob Evans showed the Ohio soil was good for growing a lot of things, including one remarkable legacy. Bob Evans (1918-2007) www.bobevans.com