BUZZ Photo still from "Search Engines"
"One Night Only" film fest to focus on women
Ohio Independent Film FestSaturday, November 05, 2016
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One thing the Indians had the Cubs didn't
New York PostFriday, November 04, 2016
From Joel Sherman for the New York Post:

The Cubs were looking for a way to psych themselves up with their season possibly nine innings away from termination. But even facing elimination, the underdog motif fit these Cubs as well as a Mini-Me costume does Shaquille O’Neal.

Read the whole story here.
 
BUZZ Tink Holl Food Market
Does fat make you fat? Cleveland Clinic doc weighs in for WaPo
Washington PostThursday, November 03, 2016
From the Washington Post:

The weight-loss industry has long been saturated with gimmicky, too-good-to-be-true diets, so one could be excused for thinking the main benefit of “Eat Fat, Get Thin” is to burn calories by causing particularly vigorous eye-rolling.

I mean, doesn’t eating fat, like, make you fat?

Actually, the answer is a big, fat no, at least according to Mark Hyman, director of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine and the man behind the “Eat Fat, Get Thin” plan.

“The misinformation that has been pushed on our population by the food industry and our government, which is that all calories are the same — that’s true in a laboratory, when you burn them,” Hyman said. “It’s not true when you eat them.”

Read the whole story from Des Bieler here.
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USA Today: it's all about the Cubs and insulting Cleveland
USA TodaySunday, October 30, 2016
From USA Today, Oct. 30, 2016, by Bob Nightengale:

Cubs not dead, planning return trip to Cleveland for Game 6 of World Series

The city of Cleveland has never been confused for anyone’s idea of a tourist destination, where even the natives love to poke fun at their two seasons:

Winter and construction.

Yet, despite all of the jokes over the years about their city, and those cold and long winters, there’s nowhere more a group of young men from Chicago would rather be next week than in Cleveland.

“Whoever says they want to go to Cleveland?’’ Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Montero says. “Especially in November.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say those words.

“But right now, there’s no place I’d rather be.’’

Fresh Water has a simple response to Misters Nightengale and Montero: Cleveland Indians: 7 runs; Chicago Cubs: 2 sour grapes.

 
BUZZ progressive field
From the Daily Beast: The myth behind the first Cleveland Indian: Louis Sockalexis
Daily BeastSaturday, October 29, 2016
"Baseball legend recounts how [Louis Sockalexis] dazzled Cleveland fans in 1897. With the first Native American ever to play pro baseball so dominant, Ohioans started calling his team 'The Indians.' His on-field feats and Apollo-like physique had already inspired a Maine writer and rival manager Gilbert Patten, using the pseudonym Burt L. Standish, to create the mythical scholar-detective-superstar dime-novel athlete Frank Merriwell. The great sportswriter Harry Grayson would judge Sockalexis faster than Ty Cobb, stronger than Babe Ruth, and a better outfielder than Tris Speaker.
 
Sockalexis’s rookie year was so dramatic, with his .331 batting average, that 18 years later, in 1915, the franchise resurrected that magical moment. Calling the club “The Indians” made a name that’s now considered racist by some actually a salute to honor this hero, this Native American 'Jackie Robinson,' and his people.
 
Read over the simple story. Savor the legend. Imagine his greatness. Now learn the truth."
 
Read the whole fascinating story from Gil Troy over at The Daily Beast.
 
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Forbes: Why Cleveland is America's hottest city right now
ForbesFriday, October 28, 2016
"Unbeknownst to most outsiders, however, Cleveland’s rebirth is happening at street level as well. This gritty, 'underdog' city is now home to six James Beard award-winning chef-inspired restaurants, a thriving bar, arts, and music scene, and biomedical and 'smart' manufacturing start-ups that are quickly luring America’s youngest and brightest away from Boston, Austin, and Silicon Valley. All of which makes every Saturday night along East Fourth Street just north of Quicken Loans arena look more like SoHo or South Beach than the 'Rust Belt' strip some would conjure up in their minds when anyone says 'Cleveland.' So just who sprinkled the fairy dust on Cleveland this year?"

Find out how Peter Lane Taylor answers that question for Forbes here.
BUZZ Indians Win Game One of the World Series 2016
Success rings across Cleveland, national media freaks out
FreshWater StaffWednesday, October 26, 2016
As locals know, from the wins on the court and around the diamond to a nearly incident-free Republican National Convention, things are going very well here in Cleveland

The national press is predictably flummoxed.

- In this one for the Washington Post, for instance, Adam Kilgore seems to believe we're all slack-jawed and blinking doe-eyed at one another, bewildered that anything other than gray skies and doom could befall our unfortunate lot:

"People here are trying to comprehend what has happened over these past few months, how to process a delirious and wholly unfamiliar confluence."

- The incredulous question mark in this headline for Corky Siemaszko's effort for NBC was not lost on us. It's as if to say, can this really be happening? In Cleveland?

The 'Year of Cleveland'? Hard-Luck City's Sports Fans Are Losers No More

- Lastly, this headline and subhead atop this article from Jared Diamond for the Wall Street Journal has us in crisis mode:

Success Is Giving Cleveland an Identity Crisis

The city’s sports fans could experience a second major championship in one year—a 180-degree turn for a town accustomed to losing.

Now then, gentlemen, while we appreciate the concern, not to worry. We can handle it. We suggest you, however, calm down and take a powder.


 
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"World's longest sports parade" stops in Nebraska en route to Cleveland
Lincoln Journal StarSunday, October 23, 2016
A cross-country caravan celebrating the city of Cleveland gathered at the intersection of 40th and -- of course -- Cleveland streets at UPCO Park in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Saturday.
 
When the Cleveland Cavaliers took home an NBA title on June 19 for the first time in 52 years, Weston Wride, a Cleveland native living in Provo, Utah, thought celebration was in order. That’s when he decided to take a crew of photo, video and social media gurus on a ride in his 1992 Ford F-150 on a cross-country journey. They call their grassroots movement, “Cleveland is Calling” and the stops along the way are “Believe Rallies.”
 
The idea is to rally Clevelanders everywhere, alerting people to their coming using social media or word of mouth, or even a good Cleveland vibe. Lincoln was the first visit where they didn't have somebody waiting for them and organizing a welcome. So it was a bit of a whim.
 
“Everyone in Cleveland truly appreciates and clings on to their roots,” Wride said. “We love that people suffer and celebrate together, and there’s such a good feeling of overcoming when you come from an underdog, middle-class city.”

Get the whole story from the Lincoln Journal Star here.
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Is Cleveland the best sports town in America right now?
USA TodaySaturday, October 22, 2016
USA Today poses the question: Does all of the local basketball and baseball success make Cleveland the best sports town in America right now? Watch Luke Kerr-Dineen and Charles Curtis break it down in a short video here.


 
BUZZ progressive field
National spotlight once again on the 216 and winning Tribe
Thursday, October 20, 2016
It's much to the delight of Fresh Water staff to roundup some national coverage on the stunning Tribe pennant victory over the Toronto Blue Jays last night.

"The team hasn't won the World Series since 1948." - CNN

"Cleveland had waited so long for this." - USAToday

"Welcome to the October of Tito." ESPN

And perhaps our favorite - a headline from the New York Times: "Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, Cleveland Indians: Your Thursday Briefing"

Now who saw that trio coming? Not us. Go Tribe!
County issues utility scam alert
Cuyahoga CountyWednesday, October 19, 2016
Cuyahoga County’s Department of Consumer Affairs is issuing a new utilities scam alert after learning scammers are posing as electric company employees and calling Cuyahoga County residents, threatening them with immediate utilities shutoffs if they don’t pay.
 
The threat of losing power can scare people into wiring money or making a phone payment before they’ve had time to think the call through. The Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs wants you to know it’s OK to hang up on these calls. Any utility that plans to shut off your service will send you a written notice, not spring the news on you during a phone call.  Scammers have in the past used the names of First Energy, the Illuminating Company, Cleveland Public Power, Dominion East Ohio and Cleveland Water.
 
Consumers who receive these calls should hang up and report them to the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs at consumeraffairs.cuyahogacounty.us or by calling 216-443-7035.
 
How to protect yourself:
 
- Don’t panic. Utilities don’t make cold-calls about shut offs. They will always send written disconnection notices.

- Be skeptical of the Caller ID. Scammers may spoof their numbers.

- Know that disconnections are typically not scheduled at night or on weekends.

- Be wary if anyone asks you to pay a bill using a wire transfer, prepaid card or gift card. Those are payment methods most utilities don’t accept, but scammers like because they’re hard to trace.

- Never give account information to someone who calls you.

- If you believe you may owe, contact your utility using the number from your bill, not one provided by a caller.
 
Follow the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs on Facebook and Twitter to report, ask questions and stay up to date on the latest scams.
 
BUZZ Bike Lane on the Detroit - Superior Bridge
Brief online survey gauges transportation priorities for 20-year plan
NOACASaturday, October 15, 2016
The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) is asking area residents to participate in a quick and easy online survey to gather information about what they think transportation in Northeast Ohio should look like over the next two decades, including priorities for commuters, cyclists and transit users. The survey will remain online until October 30.

The effort is part of NOACA’s Long-Range Transportation Plan, a 20-year framework to guide investments for all forms of transportation and the movement of freight throughout the region. The plan is slated for approval by NOACA’s board in March 2017.

“This survey will help us to inform Northeast Ohio’s transportation goals, wants and needs for the next two decades,” said Grace Gallucci, NOACA executive director in a statement. “We’ve been really thoughtful in designing a survey that encourages users to think about transportation differently,” she added. “We hope that this survey will help highlight the need to prioritize transportation wants cohesively, as a region.”

Take the survey here.
BUZZ dance
Got talent? Save the date!
America's Got TalentFriday, October 14, 2016
America's Got Talent invites all singers, dancers, magicians, performers and purveyors of entertainment to come and show them what you've got at an open call audition on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, at the Huntington Convention Center, 300 Lakeside Ave. in downtown Cleveland.

Details on registration, creating a Performer Profile and auditioning online for the show's season 12 are available here.

“There’s no show on television that changes lives and discovers stars the way that America’s Got Talent does,” said executive producer Sam Donnelly in a statement. “Each year we continue to find new and amazing acts through our open auditions.  We’re excited to visit each of these cities to discover the best talent they have to offer.”
BUZZ CPAC Cleveland
CPAC launches free online business course for Cleveland artist start-ups
CPACSunday, October 09, 2016
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Thrillist: Cleveland's most underrated neighborhoods
ThrillistFriday, October 07, 2016
From Billy Hallal for Thrillist:
 
There’s a problem with the current discourse on progress in different areas of Greater Cleveland: you can’t describe a neighborhood as “on-the-rise” when it’s already risen. Some neighborhoods and districts have been established for decades. Everyone knows about Coventry’s hippie/hipster vibe and Little Italy’s old-world charm. Some have seen their star rise rapidly in the past decade or so: your in-the-know friends have had an apartment in Ohio City or Gordon Square for years, and even your grandparents know that Tremont is the cool place for dining out.

Yet despite the renaissance of cool Cleveland neighborhoods, there are some that aren’t getting quite the press they deserve. Hang out in them now before the high-rise condos and spinning studios show up.

Now go and read which CLE locales he tags.

 
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Woman discovers decade-old certified LeBron-James-chewed bubble gum
Ohio.comWednesday, October 05, 2016
"Along with the gum is a notarized affidavit signed by then Akron Deputy Mayor David Lieberth who chuckled Tuesday when told the 'infamous' LeBron gum had resurfaced."

Chew on the whole story from Ohio.com here.
BUZZ Lake Erie Starts with Me! tee shirts support WCC
Lake Erie starts with me ... and you
West Creek ConservancySaturday, October 01, 2016
Though daunting to consider, every action we take affects the water we drink, the water for our crops, and the water we play in. Across the entire Greater Lake Erie region, the phrase “Lake Erie Starts with Me" applies to each of us.
 
The West Creek Conservancy has worked to protect vital stream and wetland systems, forested areas, as well as open green spaces - all in an effort to protect the waters of Greater Lake Erie. The conservancy's goal is to protect, restore, connect and reclaim important natural areas throughout the Greater Cleveland area.
 
As the organization continues to raise awareness about protecting the water quality within the Lake Erie watershed, it invites you to become a Stewardship Sponsor. With each individual donation of $20 or more, you’ll receive a “Lake Erie Starts With Me!” shirt.

All proceeds benefit the West Creek Conservancy Stewardship Fund to help the organization continue its great work.
 
Get more information and order your shirt here.
 
BUZZ Sweet Moses treats
10 things to do around town in October from free to five bucks
Friday, September 30, 2016
A no-frills cheat sheet. Click through for more information on all the events. Let's have a great October, Cleveland!

Oct. 1 and 8: Uptown Saturday Nights, University Circle. FREE.
 
Oct. 2: International Cleveland Community Day, Cleveland Art Museum. FREE.
 
Oct. 7: Cleveland Institute of Art's Lunch on Fridays: Michela Picchi. FREE.
 
Oct. 8: Tour Undiscovered E. 40th Street on Lolly the Trolley. $5.
 
Oct. 12: Concert at the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern featuring Dutch Babies, Skim the Reason and Jeremy Porter And The Tucos. FREE.
 
Oct. 15: Sweet Moses presents a boogie - woogie retro event featuring "The Everley Sisters." FREE.
 
Oct. 22 and 23: $1 Family Night, Cedar Lee Theatre. "Wallace and Gromit" The Curse of the Were-Rabbit." $1.
 
Oct. 23: All City Candy's 3rd Anniversary Extravaganza. FREE.
 
Oct. 23: MOCA: Preschool Play Date: Artsquad Plays! FREE.
 
Oct. 28: Carpe Diem String Quartet performs at Praxis Fiber Gallery. FREE, donations appreciated.
 
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Flower harvest to bring lush beauty to Spice this weekend
Spice Kitchen and BarTuesday, September 27, 2016
How many fresh-cut flowers can fit in a Detroit Shoreway restaurant? Anyone opting to dine at Spice Kitchen and Bar this weekend will have a chance to find out during the popular eatery's "Flower Field Takeover" event on Friday, Sept. 30th, and Saturday, Oct. 1st, from 4 to 10 p.m.

Staff is harvesting the entire half-acre Spice Acres flower field, which is part of a 13-acre sustainable family farm in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. All of the blooms will be transported to the restaurant in order to offer up a beautiful farewell to summer while visitors explore the fresh tastes of Spice's new fall menu.

While bouquets will be available for sale, there is no additional cost to attend the event. Reservations, however, are recommended. Call 216.961.9637 or go online to reserve your table.
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Register to vote on September 27!
Cleveland VOTESWednesday, September 21, 2016
On Tuesday, Sept. 27, Cleveland VOTES will partner with local organizations to host a series of events for National Voter Registration Day 2016. The effort is part of a massive 50-state drive to register thousands of voters before Election Day, November 8. The theme for this year’s National Voter Registration Day is "Celebrating Democracy in America."
 
The day will be marked by an array of registration drives across the city, from a “Pop Up Cook Out” at Moulton/Scoutway Park, East 115th and Moulton Avenue from 2 to 5 p.m., to the “Pan pa’ Casa /Drive Thru Voter Registration” at Walton Elementary School, 3409 Walton Avenue, from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
 
In Ohio, the voter registration deadline for the November 8 election is October 11. Ohioans are encouraged to make sure their voter registration is up to date. If you have moved, changed your name or had any other changes since you last voted, you need to re-register by October 11.

Ohioans must register to vote in person or by mail. Click here for more information, or attend one of the more than 14 local registration activities on Tuesday, Sept. 27, National Voter Registration Day, at locations all over Cleveland and times to accommodate every schedule. Get the full list here.