SEAL of Approval
United States Navy SEAL teams are many things: tough, focused, and cool under pressure. What they would freely admit they are not are Hollywood actors. Perhaps that’s why Act of Valor co-directors Mike McCoy and Scott Waugh appear in a brief prologue not so much to disclose their employment by the U.S. Navy but to…
The Quality of Cleveland Life Report
Your guide to living in fabulous Cleveland. Dream Big: Mayor Jackson’s budget proposal includes raises for city workers and restored funding for various axed programs, plus free Cinemax for six months and a trampoline foreverybody who wants one. Bright Lights, Steep Beer: Ohio City’s annual Brite Winter Festival went off without a hitch last weekend,…
Rock Hall Has a Crapload of Things Going on During Induction Week
Hopefully Girl Talk will be in better position to spin some records on April 7 Stock up on your stimulant of choice (coffee, Red Bull, cocaine, whatever): The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has 10 days of events leading up to the Induction Ceremony at Public Hall on April 14. It all starts on…
Ohio Man Accidentally Stabs Himself in Neck with Sword
We’re not entirely sure how this happened, but a Sandusky-area man was doing something with his sword and… well… he stabbed himself in the neck. At least that’s how the story goes. The gentleman went to the hospital, and the wound looked suspicious enough for the staff to contact the police, who arrived to find…
Maybe GNR Won’t Be Reuniting in Cleveland After All
This really should come as no surprise, since the band has been dicking over fans in one way or another for 25 years now. But now Slash says all that talk about Guns N’ Roses reuniting at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Cleveland on April 14 may not happen after…
More State Ballot Issues in the Pipeline
Gay marriage? How will that help me recruit hookers? With all the proposed ballot issues flying around Ohio, our ballots could start looking like California’s, which frequently lists dozens of such measures. Groups on the right are already gathering signatures to try to put two constitutional amendments on the ballot: a “Personhood” amendment, which would…
Cleveland International Film Festival Unveils Schedule
You can tell he’s a Superthief because he has dollar bills by his head The 36th Cleveland International Film Festival has unveiled its schedule, and you can spend the rest of your day reading about the more than 300 movies they’ll be showing here. The fest starts on March 22 and runs through April 1…
Life is Good In ‘Shatner’s World’
If you can’t find something fun to see and do in Cleveland, you aren’t trying. In terms of traveling roadshows alone, the next months will bring us performances from Bruce Springsteen, Cirque du Soleil, and Sesame Street Live. Then there’s William Shatner, who’s bringing his one-man show to the State Theatre on Playhouse Square on…
Frank Gehry: Making Boring Landscapes Interesting Again
“Hey man, your building’s running.” The Guardian has a good morning read on Frank Gehry and the critical backlash that’s trying bite into his considerable legacy. The American architect is world famous for his weird, wobbly, eyesight-defying designs, one of which we have in our own backyard: The Weatherhead School of Management’s Peter B. Lewis…
LeBron Liked Appletinis, and Other Important LeBron Dining News
During an important business meeting with Scene contributor and blogger extraordinaire Cleveland Frowns last weekend, we happened to strike up a conversation with a former waitress at XO. That W. 6th hot spot, you might remember, was one of LeBron James’ favorite stomping grounds during his time in Cleveland. The problem with having LeBron James…
Mick Boogie and Terry Urban Remix Obama
President Obama made a Spotify playlist a couple weeks ago filled with some of his favorite songs, including cuts by No Doubt, Sugarland, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Wilco, and for some reason Darius Rucker, who gets two tracks. But the 28-song set wasn’t so much a mix as a straight-up playlist, as many people pointed out.…
50 Years Ago John Glenn Orbited Into Space-Flight History
It was 50 years ago today that Ohio-born and -raised John Glenn became the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth. He had been a pilot and flight instructor in the Navy and the Marines and served in both World War II and the Korean War before being chosen by NASA to participate in Project…
Battlefield Ohio: Santorum Passes Through Ohio, Says Stupid Stuff Along the Way
“What? You want me to clarify that last statement? Okay, but first . . . look at this sweater vest. Uh huh, keep looking.” Former Senator and current GOP Presidential flavor-of-the-month Rick Santorum made a quick tour of Ohio over the weekend. The candidate, now polling higher than Mitt Romney among Buckeye Republicans, has called…
County Spokesman Was Laid Off, Not Fired, Following DUI Arrest
Back in December, right before Christmas, Cuyahoga County spokesman John Kohlstrand got busted on a DUI charge. His BAC was 0.162. If you’ll remember, there were a handful of county workers in the past two years who lost their jobs or came under intense media scrutiny after driving over the limit, and subsequently being under…
Be Thankful You Don’t Answer the Phone at the Local News Stations
Take a look at the tweets below and bathe in the burning hot stupidity of folks who call the local news stations around time for stupid, stupid, stupid reasons, all chronicled by someone who has to field those loony calls for channel 5. Then look at your job. Not so bad all of a sudden,…
Cold Doesn’t Keep Tough Clevelanders From Brite Winter Festival
Trying to stay warm For its third edition this past Saturday, the Brite Winter Festival moved a few blocks — from its former riverside location in the Flats to Ohio City. Festivalgoers huddled around three bonfires in a parking lot at Bridge and West 26th, while bands played from 5-10 p.m. on the outdoor stage…
Man Punches Woman Because She Forgot to Order His Croissan’Wich Without Egg
He’ll have it his way, and no other way. Today’s top prize in the always competitive Violent Misogynist Douchebags category goes to this fella from Sandusky who police say punched his lady friend after she made a run to Burger King for breakfast sandwiches but got the order wrong. Via the Sandusky Register: Sandusky resident…
No, We Will Not Stop Hating LeBron, Thank You
This image seems appropriate. If there’s one thing this town hates, it’s a loser. If you don’t believe me, google “Factory of Sadness.” If there’s anything we hate more than a loser, however, it’s a person who collectively wrongs us. From the obvious big names like John Elway and Jose Mesa to smaller national media…
CNN Airs (Finally) Cleveland Segment
Last week we told you to come out and smile for the cameras, because CNN was in town. The segment on Cleveland Cash Mobs finally aired yesterday and in case you missed it, you can watch it here. It’s great national exposure for Tremont’s Visible Voice Books and Big Fun Toys on Coventry, not to…
Boccuzzi’s DC Pasta Co. Goes Live Tonight
D.C. Pasta Company, Dante Boccuzzi and Carmela del Busso’s new Italian eatery, officially parts its doors tonight. Located in Strongsville, in the home of the short-lived Palate, D.C. features affordable Italian classics built around housemade pasta. The meat of the menu consists of 10 pastas, each available by the taste ($4), appetizer ($8) or main…
Attorney general Dewine issues new presidential endorsment
Mike DeWine: Fair-weather friend? Things are heating up in the Republican presidential primary here in Ohio, if you can say with a straight face that anything having to do with wimpy Ohio attorney general Mike DeWine generates heat. DeWine, who had endorsed Mitt Romney in the presidential race, has withdrawn his endorsement and flipped to…
DEA Raid Two Locations in Cleveland
Various news outlets are reporting big moves on the part of the Drug Enforcement Agency this morning. At least six locations in Northeast Ohio have been raided, and it isn’t even lunchtime yet. Newsnet5 says two houses in Elyria were hit, one in Lorain, and one in Ashtabula. Two Cleveland spots were also part of…
Suspects Charged in YSU Hazing Assault
“Do you see me laughing about this?” There’s new information coming to light regarding the Youngstown State University students who were reportedly beat during frat hazing. That’s right, students, because for the first time we’re hearing there was a second victim who felt the wrong end of an inappropriately wielded paddle. Police have also charged…
Parent Dressed as Mickey Mouse Causes School Lockdown
There’s a routine for visitors who stop by schools, and for good reason. You can’t just have anyone waltzing through the doors and getting near our innocent, vulnerable children. So you have to be buzzed in at the door at most temples of education. Then you’re going to have to sign in with a secretary…
Lakewood’s Key to Parking Meter Cash? Stop Paying for Enforcement
Don’t worry, they’re not checking the meters. Those of you who live or shop or drink and then swerve home from Lakewood know well of the change that started taking shape with city parking meters a couple of years back. Disappearing were the “spin a free half-hour” meters of old, which allowed you to crank…
Congressman Holds Testosterone-Heavy Hearings
Issa panel on birth control: notice anything missing? Lots of Clevelanders move to the west coast. Most don’t appear to be suffering from heat-induced delirium. But Cleveland-born congressman Darrell Issa, a Cleveland Heights High School dropout who moved to Southern California in 1985, has become known for his showboating in support of positions some might…
After Finding No Drugs on Campus, High School Gets Ready to Look Again
“Roastbeefroastbeefroastbeefroastbeef.” When administrators down at Hoover High School in North Canton got sick of hearing the rumor mill finger their school as a hotbed of illicit substances, they did what any self-respecting education officials would do in 21st Century America — they called in the K9 unit for a sweep. The raid went down in…
Video: Cavs Mascot Falls, Hurts His Special Mascot Parts
Want to see Moondog fall and hurt himself in that little special mascot man area? Sure you do. (Via Athlon Sports)
Youngstown Is the Best Place to Buy a Home
All of Youngstown looks like this, right? If you’re still suffering under the divisional aliment known as home ownership, there is some good news today for Northeast Ohio. The National Association of Home Builders — those guys who’ve been burning the candle at both ends for a decade-plus trying to put a positive spin on…
University Study Lists Most Corrupt Cities in US; Breathe Easy, Cleveland Didn’t Make the Cut
Today the Daily put together this nifty little chart illustrating the results of a University of Illinois study into the most corrupt municipalities in the states. You can breath easy, we didn’t land prime real estate on this ignoble breakdown — at least not for now. The list was complied through a data search of…
Justice Scalia Thinks Young Lawyers Should Move to Cleveland, Work Fewer Hours, Chill Out
Work fewer hours and move to Cleveland. That’s not advice that most young lawyers hear from their elders, but it’s exactly (and laughably) what Justice Scalia said during a talk at the University of Chicago Law School. He’s being mocked by those lawyerly types who admit that while it’s nice to have a balance of…
Midpark Girls Beat Berea 101-19 Last Night
No, that scoreboard is not malfunctioning. Midpark really beat Berea 101-18 last night, and that was with the starters on the bench of the entire 4th quarter. Imagine if they were trying to run up the score.
“Corporate Persons” to Greet Romney in Cleveland Tomorrow
“Corporations may be human but there’s a chance I’m not.” Tomorrow, Thursday February 16, presidential candidate Mitt Romney will be the special guest at the Cuyahoga County Republican Party’s Twentieth Annual Lincoln Day Celebration. As the big spenders are rolling in for the 5 p.m. V.I.P. reception that precedes the 6-8 p.m. dinner at Landerhaven,…
Looking for Charlize Theron on the Rapid
Seriously? You thought you’d spot her “sleeping on a wooden bench in the Tower City station”? “Charlize Theron Hired To Ride Struggling Cleveland Light Rail System Monday Through Friday,” reads the headline to this breaking news story: CLEVELAND—As part of an ongoing effort to rejuvenate its public transportation system, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority…
Video: Cavs Singing a Valentine’s Day Song for You
Horrific vocals on a track by your Cleveland Cavaliers for a song called “Our Fans,” which is of course set to the tune of “My Girl”? Sure, why not.
Battlefield Ohio: Santorum Laps Romney in Latest Primary Polls
“I want to karate chop that stiff back to Bain . . . with your help, Ohio.” This deep into primary season, about three weeks out from Super Tuesday, the contest for the GOP presidential nomination doesn’t so much resemble the pruning Mitt Romney runway walk we’d been told to expect, but more like a…
CD Review: Shearwater
Philosopher Immanuel Kant distinguished man from the rest of animal life by reasoning that we are rational beings. On Animal Joy, Shearwater frontman Jonathan Meiburg obliterates that distinction while trading the voluminous prog rock of his past for something more forthright and reflective. On songs like the piano-driven “You as You Were,” Meiburg offers impressions…
Out of Bounds
The single 9mm bullet that struck Daniel Ficker sank into his left side near the armpit, punching through rib and lung before resting near his spine. As the echo rattled through the sleeping Parma neighborhood, the 27-year-old crumbled onto the narrow patch of grass between the sidewalk and the white bungalow he shared with his…
Whistle Blowers
It’s possible to fashion a tuneful and hilarious musical around the idea of corrupt city leaders, a depressed population, and a monumental water event, as Urinetown proved. It’s also possible to make a mess of similar elements, as is shown in Anyone Can Whistle, now at Lakeland Community College’s Civic Theatre. Despite a cast studded…
Local Band in Focus
Meet the Band: Frank Secich (vocals, bass), Terry Hartman (vocals, rhythm guitar), Pete Drivere (vocals, lead guitar), and John Koury (vocals, drums). Out of the Blue: Secich’s ’70s power-pop band Blue Ash is held in such high regard by genre enthusiasts that he was asked to contribute to a tribute album for the late Bomp!…
CD Review: The Heights Band
(facebook.com/theheightsband) On this seven-song EP, the Heights Band nail classic-sounding, grunge-soaked, guitar-based garage rock. Singer and guitarist Dustin Dockery’s raspy voice summons Eddie Vedder and Jack White, while the rest of the Akron band’s thick, melodic power riffs reach stoner-dimension atmospherics. We Own the Sun’s one pop-leaning cut, “Waiting,” features a rolling bass line straight…
CD Review: Heartless Bastards
Like so many bluesmen before her, Erika Wennerstrom has got ramblin’ on her mind. The frontwoman for Heartless Bastards — originally from Cincinnati, now based in Austin — has spent four albums crisscrossing the country in search of some peace of mind. On Arrow, she aims for a measure of stability and generally hits her…
Mardi Gras in Cleveland
Here’s another great thing about NEO: When we say it’s Hurricane season, we’re talkin’ signature Mardi Gras cocktails, not natural disasters. That being the case, prepare to toast the last blowout before Lent at Salmon Dave’s now through February 21. On the menu, dishes like Dave’s Voodoo Salmon, tenderloin Creole, and Bourbon Street shrimp. And…
Chill Out
Thomas Fox, a co-chair and one of the three organizers of the third Brite Winter Festival, knows what you’re thinking: An outdoor music fest? In February? In Cleveland? That’s fucking stupid. But Saturday’s bash, which takes place at eight venues throughout Ohio City, is a pretty awesome thing. “Mostly the reason we do this is…
From Green to Black
Like Boston’s Dropkick Murphys before them, Los Angeles Celtic rockers Flogging Molly tread that rebellious road hewed by the likes of Irish punks the Pogues and expats like Black 47. Both bands have scored mainstream triumphs with Celtic-infused drinking hymns, but only Flogging Molly have brought such deep, dark thoughts to the bar with sobering…
On Stage This Week
At Cleveland Play House: Radio Golf Cleveland knows a thing or two about the precarious balance between gain and loss that can make urban development so dicey. Radio Golf, August Wilson’s Tony Award-nominated drama and the finale of his 10-play cycle chronicling the 20th century African-American experience, is set in a crime-ridden Pittsburgh neighborhood in…
Home Movies
Take Shelter (Sony) Michael Shannon, who should have been nominated for an Oscar, is terrific as a Lorain County husband and father with visions of an apocalyptic storm approaching. He may or may not be nuts, since mental illness runs in his family. One thing is certain: He’ll do anything to protect his family, including…
Concert Calendar
Twin Sister First glance: another group of Brooklyn trustafarians making mood music for cat owners. Second glance: all of that, but with reluctant admiration. Twin Sister entered the blogo-consciousness with two cosmic-disco EPs, but they earned their rep last year with the full-length debut In Heaven. Rather than picking a trendy direction and sticking with…
The Fresh Prince of Cleveland
We’re like morticians,” Tony Anselmo says of the fresh produce game. “The farmers kill the stuff in California, we drag it across the country, put a little spit shine on it, and pray that it makes it to the plate.” If you don’t know the Anselmo name, perhaps you’ve seen his trucks. Bearing the Premier…
On View This Week
At the Cleveland Museum of Art: Dutch Treat When Rembrandt in America opens at the Cleveland Museum of Art this Sunday, it will be the largest collection of the Dutch master’s paintings assembled in America in a century. It presents a comprehensive history of the painter’s reception and interpretation in the States, and illuminates how…
Film Capsules
Safe House Denzel Washington can look menacing without saying a word. He did it in Training Day, and he’s at it again in Safe House, though the results aren’t nearly as textured or deep. Washington plays Tobin Frost, a former CIA agent accused of trading national secrets. Ryan Reynolds is a baby-faced CIA newbie who…
We Get Mail
Love for the Little Guy I love all of these businesses! [“Generation Sell: How a new wave of entrepreneurs find success in our crumbled economy,” January 25, 2012]. What a great support system they are for each other too. Owning a small business is certainly a risk, but when you love what you do and…
Savage Love
I headed north last week to do Savage Love Live — a rapid-fire, slightly tipsy Q&A session — at the University of Alaska Anchorage. All of this week’s questions were submitted by folks there. Dear Dan: I am with a girl who is a female ejaculator. It’s pretty cool, but the quantity of ejaculate is…
Get Out!
Thursday | 16 Kid Stuff Candy Land Comes to Life The staff at the Heights Libraries has pulled out all the stops for tonight’s special kids’ program: A live-action version of Candy Land, complete with candy canes, a gingerbread house, and a colorful path winding across a life-sized game board. Brave gingerbread girls and boys…
Stay In!
TOP PICK Giant Single: Profile Records Rap Anthology (Profile/Legacy) Like most hip-hop careers, pioneering rap label Profile ran out of steam in its second decade. But the first part of this 31-song, two-CD set is loaded with tracks from a time when guys used to have fun rhyming over cuts like Tom Tom Club’s “Genius…
Short Cuts
It’s a shame that the Oscars’ short-film category doesn’t get more attention. Some of the year’s best movies can be found buried in here. I could go on forever running down the merits of two of the great movies in the animation field — the edgy and creepy A Morning Stroll or Pixar’s sweet and…
CD Review: Tennis
If someone says their album sounds like “Stevie Nicks going through a Motown phase,” the inclination is to stay far, far away from it. But the Denver indie-rock trio Tennis — whose 2011 debut, Cape Dory, came out of a seven-month sailing trip the husband-and-wife bandleaders took after selling off their possessions — are worth…
