I’ve been wanting to go up to the Cleveland Art Museum to see their new Art of the American Indians exhibit, but this week they added some new pieces to the outdoor collection….GO CAVS!!!!

There is a big issue that is hitting Northeast Ohio. No, it’s not on the May ballot, nor is it really a democratic decision. Rather it’s fingers crossed and knocking on wood that our beloved LeBron will stay in Cleveland. Since last year after all of the Obama/Palin (you never here about the guy that ran with her, who was it?) presidential hoopla ended, Northeast Ohioans began a grassroots effort to show King James just how much he means to this area. Countless websites (and seemingly even more t-shirts) have popped up- everyone wanting a little piece of the action and to convince LeBron to stay. So will he? Is a t-shirt or a Facebook group enough to save this area?

I can think of many local companies (primarily t-shirts), us included, that do pretty well off of the “LeBron Mania” that has swept the area. If he were to leave, no doubt we would all be absolutely devastated. Merchandise companies would fall out, bars & restaurants that run Cavs promos would lose business, and no doubt the attendance at Cavs’ games would rival the early years of the Gund. We all witnessed last month the sheer upset over Z’s one month “vacation” from the Cavs, but he doesn’t have too many years left; same with Shaq (who I really hope once he retires returns to that incredible film career he started mid-90s); there is certainly hope with Mo Williams and Antawn Jamison- but let’s be honest- it’s LeBron that makes it all worthwhile. So LeBron, please do this area that has watched countless Browns’ losses and the curse of Rocky Colavito riddle the Tribe a favor, and Just Stay. Please Don’t Leave #23. Or #6, as will be the case next year- merchandise sales rejoice!

By Sarah G (since there are a bunch of us bullsheeters now)

As I’ve mentioned many, many times before, growing up, I HATED Akron.  You might say I was quite miserable with my hometown.  Once I moved out of state and was away for a few years, I oddly began to miss the Rubber City.  That sense of longing grew to love, and after moving back two years ago, I am happily committed to Akron (got a pre-nup just in case).  I can honestly say- and not because I work for a company based on “Akron-pride”- that I truly love this city.  So I was a bit ticked off this morning when I read a little article in the Beacon about an article in Forbes Magazine ranking the “Top 20 Most Miserable Cities in America”, with Akron at #12.  In fact, someone at Forbes must really hate the Buckeye State, because Cleveland was #1, Canton #9, Toledo #15, and Youngstown #18.  Other cities on the list include Memphis, TN; Detroit and Flint, MI; New York City; Miami, FL; and Chicago.  The ABJ front-page article on the matter featured some commentary from  our own Ed Gaffney Jr & a pic of Natalie aka Chrissie B Hynde in our Downtown store.

If Akron is SOOOOOOO miserable, why is it that I can think of at least a dozen friends that moved away from Akron only to move back because they missed it?  Or better yet, why is it that we have not one, but SIX companies devoted to Akron pride: Rubber City Clothing, Revivalist, Campfire, 10x Your City, RockEveryWear, and Made in Akron, and all are doing pretty well.  For the last year and a half, I have lived & breathed Akron.  I meet all kinds of people that live here, are from here, or are just visiting, and RARELY is it that I hear anti-Akron bashing.  Sure this city isn’t perfect, but no place is.  I’m really curious as to the deciding factors that the geniuses at Forbes used to compile this list.  There are hundreds of other cities that probably don’t have the parks, restaurants, nightlife, local shops, industries, historic homes, and really awesome t-shirts that Akron does.  Who does Forbes think they are?  I can’t rely on the opinion of a company run by that goofy looking guy that tried to run for President & wasn’t funny hosting SNL.

We have much love for our fellow list-makers- especially Cleveland.  Thousands of CLE Clothing Co. shirts sold over the holidays don’t lie.  Let’s show Forbes how NON-MISERABLE this town is; on March 12th (funny number), Akron will be 185 years old.  Let’s make that Akron day!  Where Akron shirts, support local business, and make sure EVERYONE knows how much you love this city.  I’m going to look into this Akron Day stuff.  Anyone with tips/suggestions, please comment on how to get this thing moving!

Tonight is the home opener for the Cleveland Cavaliers 2009-2010 season aka THE YEAR WE WIN IT ALL!  Vinnie is wearing the 10x Your City “SHABRON” t-shirt to the game.  Go Cavs!

From the good ‘ole Plain Dealer:

Cleveland TV’s Ghoulardi, Akron’s Knight brothers subject of documentaries

By Julie Washington, The Plain Dealer

October 23, 2009, 4:58PM

“Turn Blue: The Short Life of Ghoulardi” airs at 9 p.m. Tuesday on WEAO Channel 49 and repeats at 2 a.m. Wednesday and 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.Two new documentaries on men who made their names in Northeast Ohio — Ernie “Ghoulardi” Anderson and Akron Beacon Journal publishers Jack and Jim Knight — premiere this week.

“Turn Blue: The Short Life of Ghoulardi” uses interviews and clips to remember when WJW Channel 8’s late-night horror host Ghoulardi ruled Cleveland. Anderson played the character of Ghoulardi from 1963 to 1966.

“Turn Blue” airs at 9 p.m. Tuesday on WEAO Channel 49 and repeats at 2 a.m. Wednesday and 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. The documentary includes interviews with “Big Chuck” Schodowski, Dick Goddard, who appeared in many Ghoulardi skits, and The Plain Dealer’s Tom Feran and Mark Dawidziak.

“The more I learned about Ernie, the more I could appreciate him on many levels,” said “Turn Blue” producer-director Phil Hoffman, general manager of the student-run television station at the University of Akron. “The character of Ghoulardi and Ernie Anderson weren’t separated by much.”

Sneak previews of “Turn Blue” will be part of Ghoulardifest, a nostalgia convention running through Sunday at Cleveland Airport Marriott, 4277 W. 150th St. Go to theghoulardifest.com.

“Final Edition: Journalism According to Jack and Jim Knight” premieres at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Akron-Summit County Public Library, 60 S. High St., Akron. “Final Edition” also will be on WEAO, premiering at 10 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27. A repeat will be 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.

A discussion and reception follow the screening. All events are free.

Akron brothers John (Jack) and Jim Knight created the Knight-Ridder Newspapers Inc. group of 31 daily newspapers, including the Akron Beacon Journal, Detroit Free Press, Miami Herald, Philadelphia Inquirer and San Jose Mercury News.

“Final Edition” tells the story of the Knight family, the Beacon Journal and the rise and fall of Knight-Ridder. The company was sold in 2006.

The documentary was produced and written by Paul Jacoway, of Paul R. Jacoway Productions of Akron, and Kathleen Endres, professor of communications at the University of Akron.

And here’s a preview:

Twice now in the past week, the prestigious New York Times has written about Northeast Ohio.  Last week there was an article on the art collection of Akronite Mary Schiller Myers, and now a loving piece on Cleveland.  A ‘Mistake on the Lake’ no more, Cleveland is beginning to hold its own as a cultural hub.  If Akron and Cleveland unite, we could take on the world!….or at least Chicago.  Here is the article, 36 Hours in Cleveland:

36 Hours in Cleveland

The Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame

David Ahntholz for the The New York Times

“YOU Gotta Be Tough” was a popular T-shirt slogan worn by Clevelanders during the 1970s, a grim period marked by industrial decline, large-scale population flight and an urban environment so toxic the Cuyahoga River actually caught on fire. These days it still helps to be at least a little tough; a fiercely blue-collar ethos endures. But instead of abandoning the city, local entrepreneurs and bohemian dreamers alike are sinking roots; opening a wave of funky boutiques, offbeat art galleries and sophisticated restaurants; and injecting fresh life into previously rusted-out spaces. It’s a vibrant spirit best exemplified by Cleveland’s new all-female roller derby league, whose wry name, the Burning River Roller Girls, and home, a former GM auto factory retooled into a 60,000-square-foot sports facility, say it all.

Friday

3 p.m.
1) HELLO CLEVELAND!

Staring at platform shoes worn by Keith Moon or Elvis Presley’s white jumpsuit hardly evokes the visceral excitement of rock music, let alone its rich history, but the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum (751 Erieside Avenue; 216-781-7625; www.rockhall.com; admission, $22) thankfully has a wealth of interactive exhibits in addition to its displays of the goofier fashion choices of rock stardom. There’s a fascinating look at the genre’s initial 1950s heyday, as well as the hysteria that greeted it — preachers and politicians warning of everything from its incipient Communist subversion to its promotion of wanton sexuality. On the top floors, a well-curated exploration of Bruce Springsteen’s career is on display through next spring.

5 p.m.
2) FROM STEEL TO STYLISH

The steelworkers who once filled the Tremont neighborhood’s low-slung houses and ornately topped churches have largely vanished. A new breed of residents has moved in along with a wealth of upscale restaurants, artisanal shops and galleries showcasing emerging artists. Inside Lilly Handmade Chocolates (761 Starkweather Avenue; 216-771-3333; www.lillytremont.com), you can join the throngs practically drooling over the mounds of freshly made truffles. Or grab a glass at the wine bar inside Visible Voice Books (1023 Kenilworth Avenue; 216-961-0084; www.visiblevoicebooks.com), which features scores of small-press titles, many by local authors.

7 p.m.
3) IRON CHEF, POLISH CLASSIC

Cleveland’s restaurant of popular distinction is Lolita (900 Literary Road; 216-771-5652; www.lolabistro.com), where the owner and “Iron Chef America” regular Michael Symon offers creative spins on Mediterranean favorites including duck prosciutto pizza ($13) and crispy chicken livers with polenta, wild mushrooms and pancetta ($7). (Reservations are recommended.) More traditional comfort food is at Sokolowski’s University Inn (1201 University Road; 216-771-9236; www.sokolowskis.com), a beloved stop for classic Polish dishes since 1923. Even if you’re unswayed by Anthony Bourdain’s description of the smoked kielbasa ($7.25) as “artery busting” (from him, a compliment) at least swing by for the view from the parking lot — a panorama encompassing Cleveland old and new, from the stadiums dotting the downtown skyline to the smoking factories and oddly beautiful slag heaps on the riverside below.

11 p.m.
4) CLASSIC COCKTAILS

One aspect of Tremont has remained steady over the years: it’s a night crawlers’ paradise. Nowadays, discerning drinkers head for the nearby Velvet Tango Room (2095 Columbus Road; 216-241-8869; www.velvettangoroom.com), inside a one-time Prohibition-era speakeasy and seemingly little changed: the bitters are housemade, and the bartenders pride themselves on effortlessly mixing a perfect Bourbon Daisy or Rangpur Gimlet. Yes, as their menu explains, you can order a chocolate-tini — “But we die a little bit every time.”

Saturday

11 a.m.
5) FARM FRESH

Start your day with a visit to the West Side Market (1979 West 25th Street; 216-664-3387; www.westsidemarket.com), where many of the city’s chefs go to stock their own kitchens. Browse over 100 vendors selling meat, cheese, fruit, vegetables and baked goods, or just pull up a chair at Crêpe De Luxe’s counter (www.crepesdeluxe.com) for a savory Montréal (filled with smoked brisket and Emmenthal cheese; $6) or the Elvis homage Le Roi (bananas, peanut butter and chocolate; $5).

2:30 p.m.
6) ART CANVAS

For nearly 20 years the William Busta Gallery (2731 Prospect Avenue; 216-298-9071; www.williambustagallery.com) has remained a conceptual-art-free zone — video installations included. “With video, it takes 15 minutes to see how bad somebody really is,” said Mr. Busta, the gallery’s owner. “With painting, you can spot talent right away.” And that’s predominantly what he exhibits, with a focus on exciting homegrown figures like Don Harvey and Matthew Kolodziej. In the nearby Warehouse District, Shaheen Modern & Contemporary Art (740 West Superior Avenue, Suite 101; 216-830-8888; www.shaheengallery.com) casts a wider geographic net with recent solo exhibits from the buzzy ex-Clevelander Craig Kucia, as well as New York-based artists like Mark Fox and Keith Mayerson.

6 p.m.
7) PARIS ON LAKE ERIE

The most talked about new restaurant this year is L’Albatros (11401 Bellflower Road; 216-791-7880; www.albatrosbrasserie.com), which the chef Zachary Bruell opened last December. Set inside a 19th-century carriage house on the campus of Case Western Reserve University, this inviting brasserie serves impeccably executed French specialties like chicken liver and foie gras mousseline ($9), a niçoise salade ($10) and cassoulet ($22).

8 p.m.
BALLROOM BLITZ

The polka bands are long gone from the Beachland Ballroom (15711 Waterloo Road; 216-383-1124; www.beachlandballroom.com), replaced by an eclectic mix of rock groups. But by running a spot that’s as much a clubhouse as it is a concert venue, the co-owners Cindy Barber and Mark Leddy have retained plenty of this former Croatian social hall’s old-school character. Beachland draws local favorites like the avant folkie Bill Fox and post-punkers This Moment in Black History, as well as hot touring acts like Neko Case and the Hold Steady. Mr. Leddy, formerly an antiques dealer, still hunts down finds for the basement’s This Way Out Vintage Shoppe.

Sunday

11 a.m.
9) BEETS, THEN BEATS

One of the few restaurants in town where requesting the vegan option won’t elicit a raised eyebrow, Tommy’s (1824 Coventry Road; 216-321-7757; www.tommyscoventry.com) has been serving tofu since 1972, when the surrounding Coventry Village, in Cleveland Heights, was a hippie oasis. The bloom is off that countercultural rose, but the delicious falafel ($5.79) and thick milkshakes ($4.59) endure. The time warp continues through a doorway leading into Mac’s Backs bookstore (No. 1820; 216-321-2665; www.macsbacks.com), a good place to find out-of-print poetry from Cleveland post-Beat writers like d.a. levy, T. L. Kryss and rjs.

2 p.m.
10) FREE IMPRESSIONISTS

For decades, the University Circle district has housed many of the city’s cultural jewels, including Severance Hall, the majestic Georgian residence of the Cleveland Orchestra; the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, one of the country’s best repertory movie theaters; and the lush 285-acre Lake View Cemetery. At the Cleveland Museum of Art (11150 East Boulevard; 216-421-7340; www.clemusart.com), already famed for its collection of Old Masters and kid-friendly armor, the June opening of the museum’s Rafael Viñoly-designed East Wing puts the spotlight on more modern fare, moving from a roomful of Impressionists dramatically centered around one of Monet’s “Water Lilies” paintings, up to current work. A visually arresting 2008 drawing by Cleveland’s T. R. Ericsson more than holds its own amidst heavyweight contemporary pieces from Anselm Kiefer and Kiki Smith. A further enticement: admission to the museum’s permanent collection is absolutely free.

THE BASICS

Many major airlines fly nonstop from New York area airports into Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. A recent Web search found round-trip fares for fall flights starting at $239. Although a light rail system connects the airport with both downtown and University Circle, a rental car is advised for reaching most other neighborhoods.

The Marriott Downtown at Key Center (127 Public Square; 216-696-9200; www.marriott.com) is a 25-story, 400-room hotel in the heart of the city. The comfortable, amenity-filled rooms provide quick access to downtown attractions; some feature impressive views of Lake Erie. Doubles start at $159.

A boutique-style option is the Glidden House (1901 Ford Drive; 866-812-4537; www.gliddenhouse.com), 60 quaint rooms in a 1910 French Gothic mansion on the Case Western Reserve University campus, an easy walk to most cultural destinations around University Circle. Doubles from $139.

Check out this awesome photo of our good friend Maurice from Winslow.  This was taken when Winslow opened up last week for Robert Randolph & the Family Band at the House of Blues in Cleveland.  I saw Robert Randolph open up for Eric Clapton last year at Blossom.  Does this mean someday Winslow could play with Clapton?  Certainly good company to have!  At the rate Winslow is going- appearances on Fox 8, Time Warner Ampitheater, shows all over the region- it’s quite the possibility!  Come to RCC to pick up their album, Crazy Kind of Love, as well as t-shirts, posters, stickers, & pins!

I was born and raised in Akron, the daughter of a die-hard Cleveland sports fan.  I spent almost every summer weekend of my childhood going up to Municipal Stadium to see the 80’s Tribe; the stadium so unpopulated that my brother and I used the empty sections as a playground.  I was always a Tribe fan when I was little; got into the Cavs more when I started playing basketball in 3rd grade; and even though I never really cared for football, I wore Milkbones in my hair on ‘Browns Day’ at school.  I was a Cleveland sports fan.

Around the time I was in 4th or 5th grade, I jumped off the bridge with everyone else and started liking the Bulls and the Hornets in basketball (let’s be honest, the Cavs never had a cool Starter jacket); began to completely ignore the Browns (so did Art Modell); but was still a strong Indians fan.  I think it was when I was in 4th grade the Cavs made it to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, and my family went to a game against ‘da Bulls’ (think George Wendt and Chris Farley).  Even though I’m fairly sure I bet my dad $5 that the Bulls would win, it was pretty exciting to see a Cleveland team doing great.  Well, we know how that ended.

Just two years later, we got another shot at getting close to a championship, with the 1995 Indians.  That was a great year to be a fan in Cleveland.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen my dad so happy as he was that season.  But alas, that season ended with the Tribe losing the World Series (their first in 41 years) to the Atlanta Braves.  The hurt was just the same in ‘97 when we lost to the Marlins.

Then began a good 5-6 year slump of being a fan in Cleveland.  By that time, there were no Cleveland Browns and the Cavs’ popularity was dwindling. The Indians would have several players who went onto Playoffs and/or the World Series (Jim Thome, Coco Puffs Crisp, even Milton Bradley saw some October action).  While Cleveland struggled, other cities thrived.  In that same time period, the Chicago Cubs came close to getting to the World Series (seemingly almost impossible since the Billy Goat curse of ‘45); and even those losers known as the Boston Red Sox- (I forgot to mention that after my first trip to NYC in 1996, the first thing I saw in NY was Yankee Stadium.  From then on I swore to be a Yanks fan, and sure enough they won the WS that year- and three times more in the next 4 years.  The point of all of this is to say that as a Yankees fan, I hate the Red Sox.  Plus I lived in the Bronx.  The Red Sox suck.  Still love the Tribe too.)- but even those ‘idiots’ the Red Sox won a World Series.  I honestly couldn’t tell you what was going on with football, but whatever was, it wasn’t in Cleveland.  But things were looking a little different on the hardwood court in Cleveland.  With one lucky lotto draw in 2003, the destiny of the Cavs and the potential for a Cleveland title was forever changed.

Around 2000/2001, I started to hear about this kid from a rough part of Akron who got a basketball scholarship to play basketball at St. V.  He was supposed to be really really good.  I didn’t care about high school sports, so I really didn’t pay much attention.  But more and more, the name ‘LeBron James’ was popping up everywhere.  Sports Illustrated and ESPN were even talking about this kid.  He must be really good.  Then in 2003, after he had already been gifted that infamous Hummer, the Cavs lucked out and not only got a ‘hometown’ boy; but they acquired one of the greatest players in the game.  LeBron signing with the Cavs started to change Cleveland sports fans.  People were excited again.

Fast forward to present time, 2009.  The Indians are…well, it’s still early in the season.  The Browns… I’ll be honest, I don’t care… but I know give ‘em 3 games and they’ll blow the season.  But the Cavs…that’s another story.  Right now we are four games into the Eastern Conference Finals.  The Cavs had an amazing regular season- the best in the league; and they SWEPT the first two rounds of the post-season.  Not since ‘95 can I say I’ve seen this kind of mania for a Cleveland team.  I’ve sold I can’t even tell you how many ‘Akron WITNESSED First‘ shirts.  Even I’m watching basketball again, which I NEVER thought would happen.  I’ve got friends (girls) who don’t know squat about sports, that are watching every game and screaming at the TV.  LeBron and the rest of this Cavs team have given us HOPE.  Tonight is Game 5 against Orlando.  3 out of the 4 games in this series have either been won or lost by a point.  This is serious.  If the Cavs lose tonight, you will hear hearts breaking all over Northeast Ohio.  The hope is there.  C’mon Cavs!  Win this for Cleveland.  We need it!  Don’t make us ‘wait till next year’.

P.S.  While I was typing this, I hopped over to Facebook and saw my friend Joe Strailey did an excellent piece for Scene Magazine this week on being a Cleveland sports fan.  Check it out here to check it out.  He’s a REAL Cleveland fan.  I’m just a bullsheeter.

WITNESS fever has reach new heights! Check out this video from Cleveland rapper A. Gully:

I wonder if he knows that AKRON WITNESSED FIRST?