BIO
MIMICRY Innovation Imitating Life : Northeast Ohio ’ s role in the biomimicry movement.
MUSIC / ENTERTAINMENT / ARTS + CULTURE / LIFE / INDEPENDENT / PRESSURELIFE.COM
1 IN 5 CHILDREN IN CLEVELAND ARE HUNGRY. YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT POVERTY IN CLEVELAND? IT’S TIME TO THINK AGAIN WITH
INTERTWINED Learn the root causes of why our kids are really going without food. Think. Learn. Act.
UNITEDWAYCLEVELAND.ORG/INTERTWINED
S AY WH AT YOU SEE
PressureLife Creative Director, Owner Art Director, Partner Managing Editor, Partner Senior Writers
Staff Writers Media Producer Contributors
Jim Bacha Hannah Allozi Alex Bieler Adam Dodd Dan Bernardi Kevin Naughton Dave Sebille James Earl Brassfield Kevin Naughton Cait Hogan Casey Rearick
@caseyrearickphoto
Dave Skorepa India Pierre-Ingram Jason Dunlap Mandi Leigh Mary Santora Scott Anderson Stuart Philipps Tesh Ekman Wilson Rivera Distribution
Icon Expedited
Enjoying PressureLife? We would love to hear your thoughts. PressureLife.com/feedback
FIND THIS GUY IN ONE OF OUR ADVERTISEMENTS + WIN $25 Weir was found by Tracy hiding in Battery Park Pub's ad in Issue 24 of PressureLife. Weir will he be next? For your chance to score a $25 gift card, locate the elusive Weir stashed in one of our advertisements and be the first to cast his location to @thepressurelife through Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Want to wear Weir?
PressureLife.com has your size.
CONTENTS J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 9
24
06 Blood, Beards, and a Trip to Blockbuster
The origins of Cleveland’s darkest drag show.
08 From Broken to Beautiful
How Deanna Dionne turned broken auto glass into something spectacular.
26
12
10 (Will You) Mary Me
The unexpected benefits of dry spells.
12 Lights, Camera, Cocktails
SpilledTV aims to raise the bar for mixology on screen.
14 Lindey's Lake House
Dine with the PressureLife team.
16 Innovation Imitating Life
How Northeast Ohio became a hub for the biomimicry movement.
06
10
22 The Killer History of Cleveland
An author’s perspective on the area’s homicide problem.
24 The Black Norman Rockwell
08
Cannaday Chapman adds a modern twist to an old medium.
26 Tech Trends
Disturbing data: Shitty things tech companies do to you with your own data.
28 Dirty Hands Made CLE
Skidmark Garage has the tools to build a community of fixers.
30 Torn on the Fourth of July
4 reasons to celebrate (even if you don’t feel very patriotic).
Follow Us Facebook // Twitter // YouTube // Instagram @thepressurelife
16
28
Local Drinks, Local Support Enjoy some good beer for a good cause. you can help support women around the world through beer. BEER.WOMEN.ROCK, a collective of female brewers, distributors, and other members professional and amateur members of the beer scene, is set to host its eponymous annual event at Jukebox in Ohio City’s Hingetown to support local charities and celebrate women in the Cleveland brewing community.
ON SATURDAY, JULY 27,
“The beer industry is heavily dominated by men,” says Head Organizer and Committee Chair Ann Cinovec. “So five years ago we came together naturally to support each other and the companies that hire women and decided to use the opportunity to give back to our community.” After donating $18,000 across the past four years for various local charity partners, BEER.WOMEN.ROCK aims to raise $6,000 this year for another Cleveland-based non-profit organization: Drink Local, Drink Tap (DLDT). The organization’s goal is to solve water issues through creative education and events like beach clean ups while also providing help on a global scale its ‘Breaking the Silence of Menstruation’ Program. “In rural Africa, many girls drop out of school during menstruation and some permanently,” Cinovec says. “Through our partnership they will be able to help approximately 500 girls by teaching them how to make their own sanitary products. This teaches them both practical sewing by hand and machine skills and how to manage their periods safely.” So how can you help BEER.WOMEN.ROCK and DLDT? There are several different ways. First, head to Jukebox to enjoy a cold beverage or two. Several local and out-of-state breweries will donate a keg to the event, including Dogfish Head Brewery, Bell’s Brewery, and Brick and Barrel Brewing. BEER.WOMEN.ROCK will also have Beauty School Drop Out, a special table beer brewed at Brick and Barrel for the event. All proceeds from Beauty School Drop Out and the donated kegs will benefit DLDT. You can also help raise money through the event’s prize raffle and 50/50 raffle – even if you don’t win, you still got karma, and a few beers, on your side.
Want to help, but can’t make it to Jukebox July 27? Check out DLDT at drinklocaldrinktap.org or consider donating a raffle prize or supporting BEER.WOMEN.ROCK on GoFundMe.
same time,” Mike says. “I talked about it since I was 18, like ‘why is no one doing this?’” Right around that time, Now That’s Class started holding In Training, a dance party focused around the LGBTQ community. In Training “was a step in the right direction” according to Mike, but he still “needed the drag performances to be a part of it.” Fast forward to a year ago. The Chamber is swarmed in rumors that it and all of its sister venues will soon close. Naturally, attendance is down and booking is rough. Mike sees an opportunity and books the very first Black Mass three weeks out from the available date with no performers, no DJs, and very little plan. Mike knew that it was time to take charge of what he had been trying to get other people to do for years. Cleveland longed for an all-inclusive, one-of-a-kind drag show, and Mike was the messiah we needed.
Blood, Beards, and a Trip to
Blockbuster The Origins of Black Mass Cleveland. Dave Sebille
A
“I saw these amazing shows in Chicago and Pittsburgh, and I realized if I wanted this to happen in Cleveland, I was going to have to do it myself,” Mike explains. Quickly picking the name Black Mass and contacting everyone he knew in the scene, Mike put together the first blood-soaked and critically-acclaimed alternative drag shows in the city.
I saw these amazing shows in Chicago and Pittsburgh, and I realized if I wanted this to happen in Cleveland, I was going to have to do it myself.
fter years of Catholic education, Mike McKay has developed a different type of congregation. Black Mass is a year-old monthly alternative drag queen and king, and everything in between, show curated by Mike. He grew up in Cleveland attending Parma’s St. Francis School. His vivid imagination ran wild as he sat through endless Roman Catholic masses and religion classes, imagining dark, sinful situations that would surely land him in a meeting with principals, priests, and nuns.
On a fateful day in Mike’s early adolescence, he strolled past a VHS tape in a local Blockbuster titled Elvira: Mistress of the Dark. Nothing was ever the same. Now that Mike knew he wasn’t alone in his infatuation with everything glamorous and evil, he started to see what else may be out there for him to absorb. Enter Macaulay Culkin and his 2003 role as Michael Alig in Party Monster. Mike first saw Party Monster in seventh grade and realized the world he imagined and desired was real and that he wasn’t the only sprinkle on a very vanilla planet. “I was sneaking into punk shows when I was 16 and 17, and then drag shows when I was 18 – I wanted both experiences at the
6 PRESSURELIFE | ISSUE 25
After three successful shows at The Chamber, Mike changed venues to The Five O’Clock Lounge. The Five offered him a monthly Saturday show for a year. He took it. “The Five O’Clock has taken Black Mass to a new level, because we have our own separate room to go crazy in,” Mike gushes about his new home. “We hit our stride in February with the John Watersthemed show, and the religion-themed show after was insane.”
Another local drag show that ran when Black Mass started told its performers they could not vogue, swear, or get political on stage. As a result, Mike welcomed vogueing, swearing, and getting super political at his open casting calls. Now he hand selects performers for his shows. Was starting a drag show named Black Mass an act of rebellion against his religious upbringing? Yes. This encapsulates the entire vibe of Black Mass. Will Black mass push everyone’s boundaries? Yes. Do they care about your sensitivities? No. Is it exactly what we need in a time that we desperately need it? Go and make your own decision.
Want to join the congregation? Check them out on Instagram at @blackmasscle or see a live show at Black Mass XI: Summer Camp Saturday, June 29 or at PressureFest Saturday, Aug. 10.
Pressure Picks Upcoming Events to See.
The Midnight June 27 // House of Blues
Smoking Popes June 28 // Grog Shop
Item June 29 // Beachland Ballroom
The Deep End July 13 // Beachland Ballroom & Tavern
Lord Huron July 15 // Agora Theatre
Rosé Ale Rumble July 16 // Voodoo Tuna
Belle & Sebastian July 19 // House of Blues
E.S.T. Fest 6 Aug. 2-3 // Ohio Dreams
Joyce Manor + Saves the Day Aug. 9 // Phantasy Cleveland
PressureFest Aug. 10 // 5 O’Clock Lounge, Foundry, Symposium, Phantasy
PRESSURELIFE | ISSUE 25 7
From
Broken to
Beautiful How Deanna Dionne turned broken auto glass into something spectacular. Tesh Ekman
U
sually, having your car broken into doesn’t inspire much other than being more careful about where you park. For Deanna Dionne, this experience turned into something else.
Within a week of moving to Cleveland in 2014, someone smashed in Dionne’s car window. Rather than be dismayed, it gave her an idea–to take those broken pieces and turn them into something beautiful. She started crafting ornate necklaces, bracelets, and earrings from the same type of glass she found laying on the street below, shattered in pieces where her car window once was. While Dionne knew she had something unique in the early stages of her craft, she didn’t realize how far it would go. “When I started, I thought it would just be a Image Courtesy of Grace McConnell fun project for a summer– you know, make a bunch of jewelry, pop up at the Cleveland Flea,” she explains. She officially launched Cleveland Street Glass in May of 2016 before rebranding to Street Glass Studio in 2019. Dionne’s move to Cleveland at 25 years old from the metro Detroit area came as part of a self-described quarter-life crisis. Unhappy and ansty to do more with her creativity to earn a living, she quit her job and decided it was time for a new locale; one with the affordable artist studio space she craved to be able to explore and evolve her art.
8 PRESSURELIFE | ISSUE 25
Her tendency to be inspired by what she finds in her environment seems to be a shared family trait. Her father, a potter, moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the ‘70s to live off the land, digging up clay from nearby Teaspoon Creek to make his pieces. “I moved to my area to do my own thing,” she explains. “It just so happens it’s an urban environment and what I’m finding is auto glass.” Dionne’s street glass jewelry can be found online, at local pop ups, and in gift-shops and boutiques such as Threefold Gifts in
Image Courtesy of Hannah Thornhill
Image Courtesy of Devin Anding
Lakewood and The W Gallery in the 5th Street Arcades downtown. She’s also looking to expand her reach, applying to calls to artists in Cincinnati and as far as Romania to feature her jewelry. While doing that, Dionne has found a new outlet for her passion.
I moved to my area to do my own thing. It just so happens it’s an urban environment and what I’m finding is auto glass.
In April of last year, something clicked where Dionne started making sculptures, applying what she had learned from using autoglass to make jewelry on a larger scale where she felt more free to create different types of pieces. “I’m expanding things, with a necklace it’s basically a one dimensional thing and so now I can work with more dimensions and I don’t have to make sure it hangs around a neck,” Dionne explains. “It could hang on one string, it could not hang at all.”
Dionne’s goal is to keep building up her sculpture collection so she can approach fine art galleries to feature and sell her work. While having already sold a piece a local collector, she admits she’ll likely have to look beyond the area to find buyers for higher end pieces, but that doesn’t necessarily mean she’ll be packing her bags to leave. “I will always be in a rust belt city I believe,” Dionne says. “I’m a very rust belt girl, so even if I want to sell my work in let’s say, New York, I would never live there.” Despite those challenges–and even if she doesn't get her car windows smashed in again as inspiration–Dionne plans to stay and enjoy the space and affordability Cleveland provides her as an artist.
Interested in Street Glass Studio? To shop and see more of Dionne's work, visit clevelandstreetglass.com
PRESSURELIFE | ISSUE 25 9
(Will You)
MARY ME The unexpected benefits of dry spells. Mary Santora @marysantoracomedy
They turn you down? Cool. What’s one more night alone with the Rabbit when it has already been eight months?
It’s
been twelve weeks. Twelve long, exhausting, dry-ass weeks. It’s borderline torture. We as human beings need to be needed, want to be wanted. It's in our nature to procreate, or at the very least, practice. Dry spells will make you feel like you're going through a second sexual awakening. A mere smile from a cute stranger has your flag raised to half mast. Did you seriously just gawk at the arms on the 40-year-old bald cashier with the “dad bod” at Walgreens? Oh no, you actually tried to get the attention of someone on the bus. Go ahead, try to convince yourself that he’s minimizing his carbon footprint. That's really important to you. You definitely didn't have to Google, “carbon footprint.” Last night, you were actually scrolling through your contacts looking for the option with the least amount of consequences. Spoiler alert: they all suck or else you'd still be hooking up with someone. That's why things end – because they aren't right or you found out they've had a girlfriend for nine years. Either way, their time in your bed has passed.
So, now what? What are you supposed to do with all of this pent-up energy? Are fuck buddies a thing? Can two people be friends with benefits without one of party developing feelings? Sure, you could just download an app and be up front about the fact that all you want out of this is sex, but you're over one night stands. Sneaking out of apartments after they fall asleep is far less alluring in your 30s and you genuinely have to work in the morning. Plus, you're ultimately looking for something much more meaningful than a “hit it and quit it,” so where is the compromise? As someone who has spent most of 2019 living the driest of lifestyles, I have found it so easy to focus on all of the cons of not getting laid, but what about the pros? What about all of the good that can come from not getting it in?
10 PRESSURELIFE | ISSUE 25
Pro:
You develop a sense of bravery like you have never felt before. With sex already off the table for such an extended period of time, you literally have nothing to lose by hitting on someone. While you're at it, go for someone way out of your league. What’s the worst that’s going to happen? They turn you down? Cool. What’s one more night alone with the Rabbit when it has already been eight months? Best case scenario, you get to talking and one thing leads to another...congratulations, you just banged a solid midwestern seven!
Pro:
You broaden your horizons. You’re going to start trying new things because you want to meet new people. Let me rephrase that – you have to meet new people. The same regulars at your favorite bar and the girl who runs trivia night clearly aren't into it, so you need some new options. Maybe you get all dolled up to go to an event at an art gallery hoping to meet a petite artistic man with a scarf and just enough Instagram followers to be full of himself. Instead, you end up finding out that you’re super into impressionism and buy a piece from a badass local artist that brings your living room together better than “The Dude’s” rug. It feels good to be cultured.
Pro:
You get hotter. When it’s been awhile since you've been intimate with someone, you start to see opportunities around every corner. Any place could be the place you meet your slumpbuster. You start to care about what you look like in public, like you're a functioning member of society or something. Make up at the gym? Don't mind if I do. Happy hour while wearing your best-fitting button down? Absolutely. A simple run to the grocery store to pick up some drinks might end with you leaving with something else to “cure your thirst.” So why not wear those jeans that hug your ass the best? Throw on that low-cut shirt and take that coffee shop by storm! Just remember, the next time you find yourself incredibly frustrated at the amount of sex you haven't been getting, you're becoming a better person because of it, whether you learned a new joke so you have an opener for that hottie on OKCupid, or you've hit the gym six times this week because of the dreamy front-desk worker. We’re all happy that you're finally bettering yourself, even if it is out of desperation and completely on accident.
A Space for Creation How CPL’s MakerSpace cultivates creativity through public access. Cait Hogan this summer, 27 branches, including the Ohio Public Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled and mobile libraries, the Cleveland Public Library (CPL) is one of the most accessible publicly-funded institutions in the state of Ohio.
CELEBRATING 150 YEARS
The CPL offers dozens of free programs and community classes, positioning itself as “The People’s University.” One of the more unknown programs is the TechCentral MakerSpace, with mobile and branch events offered regularly. In addition to scheduling one-on-ones, “MakerSpace Mondays” is a weekly class series with the full schedule on CPL’s website. Any good-standing, card-carrying member of the CPL can access the several fabrication and software programs within the MakerSpace, along with library assistants who have spent weeks learning each program available. Before new equipment is introduced to the public, the entire staff has first access, not only to master the technology for themselves but to create tutorials for the patrons. From the staff to the regular patrons, TechCentral has cultivated a creator’s culture with an emphasis on access. “Several Kickstarters, small businesses, and even kids’ button business have started within this space,” TechCentral Manager Suzi Perez says. “We are here to give access and education to equipment and programs not usually seen in the home.” Walking into the MakerSpace, there’s immediate acknowledgement and a friendly hello. The library assistants are quick to answer any question or give directions personally. The philosophy within TechCentral is to support self-sufficiency and collaboration among the patrons. The MakerSpace offers access to music recording and editing, video editing, and graphic design programs, as well as fabrication technologies such as a 3D printer, a laser engraver and cutter, two vinyl printers with a heat press, and even a button maker. Knowing Cleveland is largely a T-shirt based economy, the CPL offers the most competitive rates, charging only for the vinyl used. “Suzi said it best, our goal and philosophy is access,” says Tana K. Peckham, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer for Cleveland Public Library. “We are here to offer access to the people of Cleveland, which not only includes offering the latest creative technologies but teaching patrons how to use them as well.”
TechCentral MakerSpace is housed in the Louis Stokes Wing of the CPL’s main library, located at 525 Superior Ave. For more information, visit cpl.org
PRESSURELIFE | ISSUE 25 11
Lights, Camera,
Greenhouse Tavern and being on the opening team for Porco Lounge & Tiki Room. These days, Ford spends up to 30 weeks a year consulting for bars around the world.
Cocktails SpilledTV aims to raise the bar for mixology on screen. Alex Bieler Three bartenders work feverishly behind the bar at Society Lounge on East Fourth Street as a crowd watches. Within minutes, the trio churn out multiple carefully-crafted cocktails. However, these drinks aren’t for paying patrons. It’s Sunday afternoon and these bartenders are putting on a show for, well, a show.
Still, the average person likely recognizes him from a different role: master mixologist for Bar Rescue. Ford has appeared on nine episodes of the TV series, working with entrepreneur and hospitality consultant Jon Taffer to revitalize poorly-performing bars. While Ford is proud of the work done on Bar Rescue, he’s faced criticism from industry peers because of the show. “I was participating in the only show that showed bartending and mixology, but it always showed it in a negative light,” Ford says. “It got me to wonder why there wasn’t anything that showed it in a positive light and why there wasn’t anything other than Bar Rescue on TV about bars.”
"There’s an abundance of cooking-related shows. For Christ’s sake, there’s three cupcake competition shows."
Seven cameras and a 39-person crew surround the bar to film the first episode of SpilledTV, a competition show for mixologists. The shoot began at 6 a.m., but the true genesis of this scene stems from a chance encounter at Ohio City’s ABC the Tavern nearly two years ago. SpilledTV Creator and Host Shawn Ford is no stranger to TV shows, bars, and TV shows about bars. The Northeast Ohio native has a lengthy resume, including serving as the beverage manager at The
This inspiration led to the initial framework for SpilledTV. Ford worked on the idea for nearly two years, but he needed help to bring his concept to fruition. Appropriately, this help came from another bartender.
During a fateful last call at ABC, Ford struck up a conversation with Graham Beck, a bartender who he had known for a few years. Beck overheard a Bar Rescue fan ask Ford for a picture and had no idea about this part of Ford’s career. Shortly after, Beck told Ford that he was attending film school at Cleveland State University. At this point, Ford found his co-creator and producer.
With Beck’s background, the duo honed Ford’s initial idea into a concept based on competition shows like Chopped. The current formula for SpilledTV involves a three-round competition where judges award bartenders “tips” based on originality, mouthfeel, use of ingredients, and presentation. These tips are converted to points, with the leader winning the competition. Like Chopped, the show unveils mystery ingredients at the beginning of a round. These range from tequila to buff dewlap African goose eggs, which Ford describes as “the size of my fist and as dense as a brick.” As the duo worked on the show, the team drew in people who lent credibility to the project. A pitch meeting for in-show product placement with liquor company Beam Suntory resulted in a $10,000 commitment. Three staff members of Bar Rescue plan to direct the show. Ford also gathered a trio of judges: reality show veteran Chef Kevin Bledsoe, award-winning bar owner Molly Wellman, and Beastie Boys DJ and producer DJ Hurricane. Another key for success is the bartender-shaped hole in the TV market.
12 PRESSURELIFE | ISSUE 25
“There’s an abundance of cooking-related shows,” Ford says. “For Christ’s sake, there are three cupcake competition shows. That led us to believe the need for [mixology-related] content was there.” Still, there were some issues. Ford and Beck planned to film with a local media company around Memorial Day in 2018. That relationship ended when the duo say the company “tried to hold us hostage” and raised its price five days before the shoot. “It seemed real then,” Beck says. “It was pretty tough for both of us to have to pull the plug on it because we were so close to getting this thing done.” Still, the delay gave the SpilledTV team more time to build relationships. Garrett Moeller joined on as co-creator, producer, and DIT (data information transfer) to provide expertise on investment opportunities and using demographics and location information to make key decisions. Beck used his CSU connections to source equipment from the university’s School of Film & Media Arts, which opened in 2018. In addition, many members of the film crew at Society Lounge were students from CSU and Kent State University. Local companies also offered support. The crew shot footage at Ohio City BBQ and Ohio City Provisions for a chef round where contestants pair drinks with prepared dishes. Cleveland Camera, Dodd Camera, and Hughie’s Event Production Services helped with equipment. These combined efforts made a major impact on the shoot at Society Lounge. “Without the network we’ve formed, you’re talking about a $200,000 production just for that one day,” Moeller says. “We were able to do that at a fraction of the price because people dedicated their time because of their belief in the project and the people who are a part of it.” With the shoot completed, the SpilledTV crew estimate that they’ll be able to pitch the series to networks by the end of July. SpilledTV is currently set up as a travel show that moves competitions from city to city, but it can also shoot a full season on a studio set in a couple weeks. “[SpilledTV] has been set up so that it can be molded into whatever the network is looking for,” Ford explains. “What appeals to one network might not appeal to others, but it has enough of everything that we feel it gives us a lot of markets to pitch to.” There’s no guarantee for success, but the approach certainly improves SpilledTV’s chances. Regardless of how the final product turns out, Northeast Ohio can know that it played a vital role in helping raise the bar for bartending on the small screen.
PRESSURELIFE | ISSUE 25 13
that accompanied it tasted quite a bit like a sweet cocktail sauce. Jim’s fish and chips were battered nicely, although the serving was a bit scant. Honestly, Hannah’s cornbread with the hot honey was one of my favorite items. However, the prices didn’t always seem to match the quality or the portion sizes. For example the crab cake was great, but it was also $14 for some mixed veggies and something the size of a cookie. Still, I’d rather have something be good, pricey, and small than large, cheap, and mediocre.
LINDEY'S LAKE HOUSE
Rating: 3.5/5
Dine with the PressureLife Team.
H
ate onions? Put ketchup on your ketchup? We all have unique likes and dislikes, but you don’t always know if a reviewer’s tastes align with your own. Instead of reading a review from one source, take it from four members of our team, along with a list of our personal preferences. Even though we are woefully under-qualified to review a restaurant, at least one of us will likely share some of your distinct tastes.
For this issue, the PressureLife crew visited Lindey’s Lake House in Lakewood. The restaurant is the third Lindey’s in the region, joining the Beachwood and Flats locations as part of Owner Rick Doody’s mini Lake House empire. The Lakewood location opened in the former Jammy Buggars space this past May to serve up a sizable menu that ranges from burgers and tacos to crab cakes and steak. Will Lindey’s help make locals forget Jammy Buggars? Find out what our crew thought about the latest Lindey’s.
ALEX:
My first impression of Lindey’s Lake House is how you’d never know that it was in the old Jammy Buggars space. Doody and company did a laudable job redoing the space. As for the quality of the food, I was generally pleased. The pizza didn’t do much for me, but most of the dishes were successes. My steak was a lovely medium-rare and seasoned well, although the steak sauce
Likes + Dislikes Get to know the group's taste preferences 14 PRESSURELIFE | ISSUE 25
Alex: Mango is death; thinks garlic is a beautiful ingredient; can be seduced with a good meat and /or cheese board but hates blue cheese; loves meat in pretty much all forms. Jim: Prefers a salad over a burger but a steak over anything else; loves spicy
What We Ate
The group's menu item ratings Jumbo Lump Crab Cake: 4.5 Korean BBQ Wings: 2.5 Organic Fried Chicken with Cornbread: 4 Coastal Burger: 4.5 Ale Battered Fish & Chips: 3.5 Steak & Frites: 3.5 Pepperoni Brick Oven Cracker-Thin Pizza: 2
JIM:
Let’s start with the renovation; it was really well done. Taking down the middle wall and making it a more open concept with a bar in the middle made a lot of sense. For the decor, the modern and sleek vibe was diminished by the abundance of portraits of women in bikinis posing with fruit. The highlights for me were the burger, crab cake, and fried chicken. For the price, some of these dishes may want to be rethought. The fish and chips was $18 for three small pieces of fish and the crab cake was the size of a tin of chew for $14. With all that said, I think there is a future for Lindey’s in Lakewood but some price points have to be revisited. If you’re on a budget and want a nice night out with friends or significant other, this is your first and last stop. Although I enjoyed most of my experience and the atmosphere was nice, I don’t think I’ll be back for quite some time. Rating: 3/5
HANNAH:
When you first walk in, you feel out of place if you’re not wearing docksiders. Sans the exceptionally framed stock photos of white families with golden retrievers on their boats — the renovations were really beautifully done. The open-air doors that let the beautiful smell of the ocean (what?) into the dining room sets the mood nicely. But on to the food. Generally speaking, I was really pleased with everything we ate, other than the Korean BBQ wings that
and sour flavors; despises donuts and dry bakery; will try anything once. Hannah: Enjoys foods that are savory and slightly over-salted; meals are typically a collection of small snacks; hates funky cheeses and properly cooked red meat; generally not a picky eater.
Dave: The bolder, the better. Prefers big flavors that stick around in your molars. Not a huge fan of sweets; would rather have an Irish coffee for dessert. Tries to keep it as unique and local as possible, but is not above McDonald's breakfast. Please hold the zucchini and squash.
tasted a little bit like a cinnamon candle. Some high notes for me were the fried chicken, fish & chips and the burger. However, upon scanning the menu prices, it became increasingly clear that Lindey's was trying to recoup on renovation costs. One crab cake? for $14? Look, it was delicious and didn't taste like it was caught on the shores of Erie, but even the lima beans that filled the rest of the plate didn't satisfy my need for another crab cake (or $7 bucks back). Even though I was really pleased with the quality and taste of everything, I don't think I'll be docking my boat there again until there's a reality check on their pricing. Rating: 3/5
DAVE:
The layout of the restaurant was amazing compared to what occupied the building before. Obviously a lot of work had been done, mostly on installing garage door-style windows that allow the nice summer air to blow through the restaurant. The service was textbook – quick and with a smile. I had two cocktails; the Paloma, which featured fresh grapefruit juice. I had a hard time picking up any bitters or lime juice in the Dockside Buzz. It was basically an $11 whiskey and ginger beer. Nobody seemed to be over or underwhelmed with their food. Everything was pretty much just as you’d expect. The fried chicken was better with honey and the pizza was better with hot sauce, although the steak sauce didn’t seem to make much sense on steak. The burger was the best-tasting, yet most ridiculously-priced dish on the table at $15.90. The check was the biggest bummer. I hope Lindey’s figures out a killer happy hour, because at regular price, even with a fun group of friends and a great staff to take care of you, Lindey’s is not worth the price. Rating: 2.5/5
Lindey's Lake House 15625 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107 lindeyslakehouse.com
PRESSURELIFE | ISSUE 25 15
Innovation
IMITATING
LIFE
Northeast Ohio ’ s role in the biomimicry movement. Tesh Ekman
"
“A biologist, a designer, an engineer, and an entrepreneur all walk into a room together” might sound like the beginning of a bad joke, but such a meeting is how the concept of biomimicry is applied at some of the biggest, most innovative companies and institutions in Northeast Ohio. Put in the simplest terms, biomimicry is the process of looking at how nature does things for inspiration in finding solutions to problems or creating new innovations. One of the most famous examples of biomimicry in action is when George de Mestral developed velcro in 1941. The Swiss electrical engineer was walking in the woods with his dog when he noticed the seeds of the burdock plant clinging to them. Taking a closer look under the microscope,
Images courtesy of Great Lakes Biomimicry
he saw that the seeds used a series of hooks to fasten themselves to the loops found in both the fabric of his pants and his dog’s fur. After several years of experimentation and research, de Mestral patented the fastener, which became the well-known product many people use today. While humans have looked to nature for inspiration for centuries, biomimicry wasn’t a widely recognized concept or field until 1997 when Janine Benyus used the term in her game-changing book Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature. The book inspired scientists, engineers, designers, and others around the world to look to nature and its lessons from 3.8 billion years of evolution for modern solutions.
That inspiration impacted Northeast Ohio in a big way. In 2007 and 2008, local entrepreneur Tom Tyrrell was introduced to the concept of biomimicry while part of a Cuyahoga Valley
PRESSURELIFE | ISSUE 25 17
Initiative consortium discussing local sustainability and economic development. As Tyrrell learned more about the field, he realized its potential impact. Tyrrell founded Great Lakes Biomimicry (GLB) in 2010 with the purpose of inspiring innovation and economic growth in the region. Around the same time, Tyrrell connected with Dr. Peter Niewiarowski, an evolutionary ecologist at the University of Akron, which led to the idea of putting together a class around the subject.
Douglas Paige, an industrial design professor at the Cleveland Institute of Art had also already brought up the concept of biomimicry at one of his classes. After discussions with Niewiarowski, the two of them designed a GLB-funded class that combined CIA and University of Akron students. This became the first step that led to the launch of the University of Akron’s Biomimicry Research and Innovation Center (BRIC) in 2012. “Those conversations were extremely forward thinking back in the day and eventually involved a hundred different people in our community and our region having meetings, talking about this and seeing is this really a viable business plan, is this something we could do,” explains Christine Hockman, one of three current co-directors of GLB.
Dispensed Wisdom
Biomimicry in
ACTION Real-world examples of how biomimicry helped local companies discover new solutions for their products.
18 PRESSURELIFE | ISSUE 25
When locally-headquartered GOJO Industries wanted to make its liquid dispensers more energy efficient, the question they asked wasn’t “how does nature make a dispenser?” but rather “how does nature distribute and transfer fluids?” Emily Kennedy, a biomimicry Ph.D. student and the GOJO team looked at various examples in nature, like how squids propel themselves through water, how cobras spit their venom, how trees move water and nutrients up to its leaves against gravity, and
GLB began establishing a footprint for biomimicry in the region by engaging corporate, academic, and other local organizations and institutions as partners to learn how looking at nature’s organisms, systems, and processes could help them innovate and educate. An important part of building that local presence was for GLB to acquire sponsor companies for the University of Akron’s Ph.D. program that would be launched as part of BRIC. Not only was this the world’s first Ph.D. program offered in the field of biomimicry, its fellows would also spend half their time embedded with the internal project teams of sponsor companies to see how biomimicry concepts could be implemented and applied to their own processes. In turn, these sponsor compa-
how the human heart pumps blood. These examples inspired four different dispensing design patent applications which used half the energy through various operational efficiencies. Going Batty GOJO also found that nature had an answer when they wanted to design a versatile mounting bracket for use in various hospital or care environments. Researchers studied the way nature attaches itself such as bird talons, starfish suckers, and bat feet. When humans clench their fists, it takes energy
" Biomimicry is the
process of looking at how nature does things for inspiration in finding solutions to problems or creating new innovations. nies have access to subject matter experts from GLB and the University of Akron’s various colleges of engineering, arts and sciences, polymer sciences, and business. The first group of fellows began the fiveyear program in 2012, spending up to 20 hours a week working directly with local businesses Parker Hannifin, GOJO Industries, and Sherwin Williams as sponsor companies. The program immediately drew in talent from far and wide. Daphne Fecheyr-Lippens
and being in an active state. However, bat claws are in a resting state when clenched and use their bodies as a counterweight while roosting. They use energy when their “hands” are open - the complete opposite to us. The company recently announced that this inspired a design for a new clamp mechanism. Gecko Glue” Researchers at the University of Akron studied the mechanism geckos use to attach and move around on surfaces. These researchers turned their discoveries into Akron Ascent Innovations, a startup that launched a product called ShearGrip, a strong, dry adhesive that leaves no residue.
was a graduate student in Belgium who became enamored with biomimicry after a friend sent her a video of a talk done by Benyus and then attending one in person. Emily Kennedy came from Boston after reading Benyus’ book in a course she took as part of a study-abroad
They found that the pads on a gecko’s feet are covered with millions of microscopic, pliable hairs. These hairs get so close to surfaces that they form a molecular bond that holds the geckos in place and becomes unstuck as the gecko moves. This mechanism for attaching and detaching led the researchers to create polymer-based nanofibers used to mimic that function in creating the revolutionary new adhesive. Hedgemon Cleveland-based startup Hedgemon was founded in 2015 by University of Akron Biomimicry Ph.D. fellows, among others while looking at the problem of concussions. The
program in Australia. Another fellow, Bor-Kai “Bill” Hsiung came from Taiwan. “If you have these major Northeast Ohio companies and they’re all coming together learning about biomimicry and feeding the only Ph.D. program that
team started examining animals that are built to take a hammering and absorb head shock such as woodpeckers, rams and hedgehogs. The team found that hedgehog spines are structured to deflect impacts by hitting adjacent quills, initiating a cascade effect that disperses the load across many different directions instead localizing it. The team has done initial testing with 3D-printed liners in helmets based off this design with promising results that are on par with current technologies in use. Next steps for the are to continue optimizing the design using polymer injection molding techniques that they believe will further improve results.
PRESSURELIFE | ISSUE 25 19
services provide consultations to companies, helping them solve specific short-term problems by engaging local biomimicry expertise. Professional education services includes running workshops to introduce biomimicry concepts to companies and teach people how to observe nature and see the potential that biomimicry has to impact their own projects.
we know of, all of a sudden you have a cluster of knowledge that’s here and no place else,” mentions John Nottingham, co-president of Nottingham Spirk and GLB board member. GLB, as part of this partnership with the University of Akron’s BRIC, also hosts the world’s only Biomimicry Corporate Innovation Council which meets at least bi-annually. It provides a platform for corporate sponsors, Ph.D. fellows, and experts in various fields to get together and discuss their findings, challenges, and successes so that they can collaboratively advance the work done through biomimicry. The biomimicry field has become more recognized and seen worldwide growth since 1997, but what was it about Northeast Ohio specifically that made this hub come together here? In addition to passionate people, many of who volunteered their time to help, Northeast Ohio had the right mix of industries, companies, and academic institutions to allow for a collaborative approach between business and education. These regional traits permitted the area to become a global hub for biomimicry research, education, and application.
" All of a sudden
you have a cluster of knowledge that ’ s here and no place else. “It’s really a unique situation,” Hockman states. “That’s why we haven’t seen it pop up all over the world. Really, we’ve had smaller groups and organizations around the world doing biomimicry that maybe want to start a hub. They contact us and ask ‘how have you done this?’” The efforts to grow the regional biomimicry presence don’t stop at sponsor companies and the Corporate Innovation Council. Partnerships were formed with various schools and institutions like the Cleveland Institute of Art, Baldwin Wallace University, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo among others to add even more expertise and opportunities to make biomimicry more mainstream. This includes educating grade school students about the idea of biomimicry and thinking differently in looking to nature for inspiration. GLB and the BRIC also co-deliver professional education and innovation services to companies. Innovation
20 PRESSURELIFE | ISSUE 25
With this local ecosystem in place for almost a decade and showing positive results, the goal is to continue that growth. This is done by increasing awareness and engagement about what biomimicry is and what it can offer in coming up with novel designs. “We were just at an industry conference, the Society of Automotive Engineers in April, and we had a lot of interest from companies, and they were scattered all over the U.S. and one in India.” Hockman says. “If we continue to get this type of interest then we have to scale up as an organization, so that’s what we’re working really hard to do now.” Biomimicry in Northeast Ohio has created the recipe to be something very special to both the region and the world. Not only does the field serve as a magnet for brilliant minds, bring in economic development through cutting-edge innovations, and create new jobs, it also provides the potential for designing sustainable, environmentally-friendly solutions to help preserve our future and the planet.
Want to learn more about biomimicry in the region? For more info, visit glbiomimicry.org, uakron.edu, nottinghamspirk.com
The
Killer History of Cleveland An author’s perspective on the area’s homicide problem. Mandi Leigh
The
infamous Torso Murders didn’t just add more victims between 1935 and 1938. Apathy was on the rise too. What was once a front-page sensation was merely backpage commentary by 1938. One columnist from The Plain Dealer, Philip W. Porter, wrote, “[T]he outstanding feature about these victims is that there is nobody looking for them or caring about them. In short, they are presumably bums… Frankly, aside from a few hundred morbidly curious ones, the public is generally indifferent.” The killer was never found. Seventy-five years later and four miles east of Kingsbury Run, the bodies of four women were found along East 93rd Street. These crimes echo the events of the 1930s. Not only are they in the same neighborhood; their killer(s) is still at large.
The Department of Justice’s findings in 2014 agree. The DOJ wrote to Mayor Frank Jackson that investigators found evidence of police using deadly force in violation of the Constitution. Alarmingly, investigators also found that, “[CPD] supervisors’ anal“How dare yses of use of force incidents is superficial at best and, at its worst, appears to be designed to justify they blame their subordinates’ unreasonable use of force.” victims for the
crimes? That’s passing guilt and taking the easy way out."
It’s been six years since the first body on East 93rd Street was found. In that time, the Cleveland Police Department formed the Homicide Review Task Force and The Murder Accountability Project, a nonprofit that compiles information about homicides, speculated that Cleveland may have as many as three active serial killers. Despite this, we don't seem to know any more than we did in 2013.
This comes as no surprise to James Renner, the author of True Crime Addict and former investigative journalist for Cleveland Scene Magazine. While the CPD believes it is a lack of community cooperation that leaves so many homicides unsolved, Renner has other ideas.
22 PRESSURELIFE | ISSUE 25
“I don’t understand how the public is at fault at all,” Renner says. “Their leaders need to change first. Put the community above themselves. How dare they blame victims for the crimes? That’s passing guilt and taking the easy way out.”
The DOJ findings aren’t the only factor making Cleveland a prime place for killers.
“Over prosecution of petty crimes has made people fearful of police, too,” Renner suggests. “This created the perfect killing fields for Ariel Castro and Anthony Sowell. [They knew] even if someone saw something, they’d stay quiet because there was a warrant out for them for petty drug use.”
It’s not uncommon for individuals who call the police for help to wind up getting arrested. Derek Szeto learned that the hard way when he let the woman assaulted by Kareem Hunt use his phone to call 911. Szeto was arrested for disorderly conduct when he refused to give up his phone to the officers that arrived on the scene, while Hunt was not.
“Cleveland needs to rebuild trust between its citizens and the police in order for these real crimes to be reported in a timely manner, in order to stop more Anthony Sowells,” Renner continues. “This should start with the reduction in prosecution and sentencing for petty drugs offenses.” It isn’t just the relationship between the community and the CPD that factor into Cleveland’s history of serial killers, Renner explains. It is important to look at what creates a killer. “Several people have to fail a child first before he grows up to be a monster,” he says. He seems to be right. Michael Madison’s mother abused him until he was taken by child services at the age of three. Madison would eventually be placed back in her care but continue to be frequently hospitalized. Child services was alerted again, yet he remained in her care until the age of sixteen. “If we really wanted to make this a better place to live, we would embrace restorative justice, which gives pride and support back to the criminal so that when he goes back out into the world he can contribute to society,” Renner explains.
“If everyone really got to know the person living beside them, we’d quickly discover the real Ariel Castros and Ted Bundys of the world.”
Restorative and rehabilitation programs in other states have shown positive results. They’ve found intensive therapies done by professionals have reduced the rate of repeat offenders. Unfortunately, once the Lake Erie Correctional Institution became for-profit, it began cutting its rehabilitation programs, including a Kent State University education program.
“Again, I think this speaks to our retributive system,” Renner says. “We get to think of criminals as others, as something less than us. They get what they deserved. Why should we waste resources trying to understand them–that’s the mentality we’re up against.”
While Renner cannot change the prison system, he can start a nonprofit. The Porchlight Project connects families with missing loved ones to media resources. He believes media attention will keep the search for victims and their killers alive. But what can the average Clevelander do to help our city? Renner encourages us to get to know our neighbors. He believes fear and isolation only feed the problem. “If everyone really got to know the person living beside them, we’d quickly discover the real Ariel Castros and Ted Bundys of the world,” he explains.
To find out ways you can support families with missing loved ones in Cleveland, visit porchlightonline.org
PRESSURELIFE | ISSUE 25 23
The Black
NORMAN
ROCKWELL Cannaday Chapman adds a modern twist to an old medium.
24  PRESSURELIFE | ISSUE 25
James Earl Brassfield
In
the modern digital age, physical illustration is a dying art. The act of putting pen to paper and drafting the human likeness is a skill that’s as ancient as our most valued historical treasures. The value of older crafts and trades are on the rise as modern interest and desire for nostalgic stylings has brought light to things that are disappearing even in the art world. Cannaday Chapman has been featured in the most fabled publications in the world. He is an illustrator with the ability to make an image jump from the page, a rare talent here by way of New York. Cannaday Chapman is like the modern, black Norman Rockwell. Cannaday’s work has been featured locally and nationally, with clients like The New Yorker, GQ, and Oprah. Cannaday, when possible, depicts people of color in his work, although his art is not really about race, it’s about representation.
How does a humble kid born in Virginia who later transplanted to Rochester, New York end up in The New Yorker? Cannaday says it all starts with cartoons. “Way back as a kid, I was into American cartoons and Japanese cartoons,” Cannaday explains. “I would try and draw what I saw on television—GI Joe characters, Dragon Ball characters, action figures.”
How does one end up in The New Yorker? Cannaday says it all starts with cartoons.
When you look at Cannaday’s work, it’s evident that some people are just born with the ability to draw well. Growing up, Cannaday realized drawing dudes with muscles could finally pay off for him.
When the time came for higher education, he matriculated via scholarship at the prestigious School Of Visual Arts in New York City. He completed his course of study with a bachelor’s degree in illustration. Cannaday saw his time on campus as in intro to the professional realm. He saw people succeeding in the field and his professors and peers were either starting or had established careers in illustration. For a kid this gifted, the art world was wide open.
THE BLACK NORMAN ROCKWELL continues on page 27
PRESSURELIFE | ISSUE 25 25
out? Try talking about "cat food" a lot (best if you don't even own a cat) and see what happens. What's that crap? Those are private conversations! Don't worry, they also reading through your private messages on the messenger platform. Let's not cut Google any slack here either. Can anyone guess why they would go through all the trouble to develop a very sophisticated email service like Gmail, only to give away for free? DING DING DING! Because they're reading your email to sell ads, dummy! I'll wait for you to think about the emails you've sent that you don't want people reading, let alone using the content to start showing you incriminating ads. This is what tech companies have done for years. Let's talk about what they're about to start doing.
TECH TRENDS Disturbing data: Shitty things tech companies do to you with your own data.
Dave Skorepa
It's
cool to hate on Facebook, but did you know just how awful they really are? Not just Facebook, too—all the platforms you rely on do terrible, evil things with your data, your privacy, and even your health.
Facebook is going to start processing your personal photos, scanning them with AI, and allowing advertisers to use them in their ads. Imagine you post a photo with a visible Starbucks cup (like on the set of Game of Thrones). Starbucks can use that image in an ad shown to your friends as social proof that Starbucks is good and all their friends drink it. Now let's pretend the advertiser is something more, ahem, personal. What about things that personally identify you? No, not facial recognition. That's baby stuff you noob. I'm talking about much less obvious ways to track you. Did you know the way you hold your phone and use your computer mouse are as unique to you as your fingerprint? Tech companies can use this information to idenThis is what tify if it's really you holding your phone or not.
tech companies have done for years. Let's talk about what they're about to start doing.
Facebook created a system based on exploiting the worst instincts of our society. It rewards divisive, even hateful, content because the platform is built to reward "engagement." Millions of Americans fighting to "own the libs" qualifies as engagement apparently. They don't care about the harm it does, they care that it gives them data for targeting ads. These platforms are designed to be addictive, compelling you to constantly check and interact (which in itself is unethical). When you throw all the terrible stuff they do with your data into the mix, there’s no choice but to see them as outright dangerous. “Oh yeah, Dave? Like what exactly?” Glad you asked. Let's start small. They use the microphone on your phone to listen in on your very boring life to target you with ads. Want to test it
26 PRESSURELIFE | ISSUE 25
“But Dave, this seems like a more secure way to lock unwanted users out of my device!” Maybe, but those same movements can also detect markers for things like Alzheimer's disease. Now tech companies have some data on you that you may not even have about yourself yet. Guess what motivates them—that's right, money. So who would want to know that data? I'll give you a hint—it ain't your doctor. It's your insurance company, which can deny you medical coverage for a disease you didn't even know you had.
Boom. I just blew your mind. This list goes on, but I'm already fearful they’re reading this draft on my computer to target me for “Thoughtcrime,” so I'll be headed to a cabin in the woods, wearing my tinfoil hat, and not taking my iPhone.
This article is sponsored by Aztek, a web design, development, and digital marketing agency located in downtown Cleveland.
learn more at aztekweb.com
EV
THE BLACK NORMAN ROCKWELL continued from page 25
ERY DAY
FREE
SHIPPING
PRINT LOCAL Cannaday hung out in NYC for a bit before he heard the sirens call of sweet Cleveland. His mother was originally from the region. Also, American Greetings actively recruited him for a few years. Still, he was in love with New York City. “At the time I didn't want to Leave New York, but I think it was good for me,” Cannaday says. “New York is so fast and expensive, and as an artist, some people think if you’re doing your thing and getting by that’s enough. I didn't feel like I was doing anything important. When I came to Cleveland, my career took When he grew off. I had time… I had no stress.”
up, Cannaday realized drawing dudes with muscles could finally pay off for him.
SAVE 15%
ON BUSINESS CARDS, T-SHIRTS, STICKERS & MORE! Use Exclusive Promo Code
PRESSURE19 Call 216.622.6360 Click jakprints.com
Call for custom pricing on orders over $1000. Promo Expires 6/30/2019
An illustration is on par with oil painting, engraving, and linocut when it comes to difficulty. One is almost all digital now, another is a craft these days, and the linocut is extinct. Cannaday still uses actual ink and paper. He then scans the images and does the final work on a computer. As a 33-year-old man, Cannaday remembers going to school and not having the modern computer drafting table. Those roots in a fading craft are apparent in his work and bring desirability to his work.
Pressure Life - 2019-v02.indd 1
2/5/19 11:06 AM
“My own stuff is getting bigger than it ever has,” Cannaday says. “How far can you really go?” When you get work in The New York Times, that's like the top of the charts. Luckily for Cannaday, his creativity and style are the recipe for longevity. There are more achievements beyond showing up in big-name publications. Cannaday is making moves with Cleveland as a home base. See the work for yourself and be struck by the atmosphere he creates all with just a pen and a pad.
To check out more of Cannaday's work , follow him on Instagram @cannadaychapman or online at cannadaychapman.com
PRESSURELIFE | ISSUE 25 27
DIRTY HANDS
Made CLE
Skidmark Garage has the tools to build a community of fixers. James Earl Brassfield
J
ust past Shay’s Restaurant, a favorite hangout of Harvey Pekar's located at the corner of East 40th Street and St. Clair Avenue, sits a newer Cleveland secret. Weekend project motorheads who are aware of the space are flocking to Skidmark Garage. Skidmark is a community motorbike repair or modification workshop, and the creation of Brian Schaffran. Skidmark’s workspace is the culmination of an idea that finally came to fruition after 20 years of work.
Brian’s idea for a collaborative motorbike workspace came to him while living in California. Brian did not discover his love of motorcycles in Cali. He instead discovered how easy it was to work on engines.
week off from the classic syllabus. The teaching staff took kids to various museums and other non-traditional classroom experiences to taste the culture. Brian brought in three Honda CB motorcycles. No field trip, just greasy hands.
His roommate at the time was a motorcyclist with a can-do attitude. “When he wanted to change something on his bike, he just did it,” Brian says. That DIY spirit jarred Brian, and soon he was tooling on his Volkswagen into the night right next to his roommate.
“Seeing those kids tear those bikes down to the ground, I realized they had no idea how to start, they didn't know how to use tools, but they were having fun,” Brian recalls. The kids’ active engagement was the first glimpse Brian had of how this community garage idea could work.
Years later while working as a teacher, Brian’s school had a transformative idea. To keep the kids engaged, every class would have one
After years networking and collecting tools, Skidmark Garage officially kicked off in 2015. The heart of midtown is now the home
You’re entering
The Zone Zone, a Twilight Zone Podcast! Adam Dodd
28 PRESSURELIFE | ISSUE 25
Why is outer space only 34 miles outside of Reno? Why are they called “ro-bits?” Is Death really this bad at his job? Are Westerns really this boring? If cosmic queries like these bake your noodle, do we have the podcast for you! The latest podcast to join the PressureLife stable, The Zone Zone is a Twilight Zone review
series hosted by magazine alumni Adam Dodd and Dave Sebille. Adam’s grown up with the series while co-host Dave is experiencing the show for the very first time. Together, they’ll explore every single episode of Rod Serling’s seminal series in chronological order. Join along every Monday as we review, rate, and recast each and every wonderfully weird tale!
Check out the first four episodes, which premiered June 3, at pressurelife.com/ zonepod and everywhere podcasts are available. After that, check back every Monday for a new episode. Be sure to check out the Zone Zone! New episodes every Monday everywhere podcasts are available and at Pressurelife.com/zonepod
of Cleveland's DIY project bike revolution. Brian shares space with many local businesses, including Ingenuity, the local celebration of all that is DIY and weird. Brian has planted his business deep within the area’s self-starting culture.
The heart of midtown is now the home of Cleveland's DIY project bike revolution.
Brian has made a space where people can tear motorcycles down and get their hands dirty. Dirty hands are not really commonplace these days. Brian still has people ask, “I can drop my bike off and you’ll fix it, right?” The answer is no. If you want to keep your hands clean and wait on a mechanic to call you and tell you it’s time to ride, that’s not the idea behind the collaborative workspace.
It’s an ongoing challenge to get people to understand exactly what goes on at Skidmark. In short, you rent a space and drag your bike in to fix it or slap on some new parts. The Garage offers use of all the tools in the shop and the knowledge of the community within Skidmark. The Garage is adaptable, as Brian teams with businesses and even brides looking for an odd wedding venue to make the best use of the space. Skidmark is more than a huge garage filled with motorcycles in various stages of repair. They also have an old school lounge bar because a burgeoning mechanic needs to have a place to sit down and have a cold one after a hard day of wrenching.
we have the power to help ClevelanD stuDents A ShoeS And ClotheS for KidS progrAm
A ShoeS And ClotheS for KidS progrAm
reappear
Skidmark is a place for people of all backgrounds and skill levels to come and try their hand at fixing something so they can ride off and see the other side of Cleveland. Brian’s next step is to make Skidmark mobile, taking tools and old bikes or cars into schools all across Northeast Ohio. It’s an appropriate goal since Skidmark started with the accomplishment Brian felt as he would watch the kids wipe the grease off their hands and marvel at something they mended.
If you’d like to get your hands dirty, learn more about Skidmark on Instagram @skidmarkgarage or at skidmarkgarage.com
When Cleveland’s neediest kids don’t have proper clothes and supplies for school – many of them just don’t go. And by 6th grade, chronic school absence becomes a leading indicator that a child will drop out of high school. Shoes and Clothes for Kids is committed to eliminating the lack of clothes and shoes supplies as a barrier to attendance and helping more kids reach graduation day.
Do something powerful for ClevelanD kiDs at sC4k.org/give
PRESSURELIFE | ISSUE 25 29
TORN
On the Fourth of July
4 reasons to celebrate (even if you don’t feel very patriotic). Dan Bernardi
If you're anything like me, you may be unenthusiastic about America's annual birthday banger, when our country seems as orderly as a half-off pizza buffet during dinner rush. While we descend into madness at home, to the folks overseas we come off as the “US of A-holes,” who do nothing but feud among ourselves and complain about how good we have it. Bad hombres on both sides of the aisle are clawing for their piece of the pie, rather than cutting everyone a fair slice. Even if your crust isn't stuffed with American pride this year; here are four reasons to forget party lines and just party this Independence Day.
It's easy to hate on the States when digging through its notoriously seedy origins. A trip down memory lane means revisiting every oopsie! From stealing this country to stealing people to work for it, it's true; the U.S. red, white, and blew it, many times over. However, it’s undeniable that after all these years, America has developed an uncanny way of sorting through the garbage and recycling the good stuff. We remember our mistakes, learn from them, and avoid at all cost a rinse and repeat. Americans won't tolerate those who wish to walk back our hard-earned rights, because one man's trash is another man's treason.
America may be the closest thing imaginable to a free country. “Freedom isn't free,” but it’s pretty cheap. Even if you're a first-time customer, it's worth the list price. The Constitution is a veritable coupon book stuffed with discounts, giveaways, and protections from the government. However, with that we get capitalism and consumerism – imperfect systems, but they allow us to put in the effort to get something in return of equal or lesser value. The list of benefits goes on, but the most important is this – in America, you're free to forge your own life path, then stumble down it aimlessly until you wander into the American abyss and settle.
Lately, the U.S. comes off as a scary, exclusive nightclub, where the door guy likes to give you a hard time then deports your parents and cages your kids. Yet people still long for admission, not because we're finally selling pot, but because we're the melting pot. If you're a die hard for American values – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness – welcome to the party, pal! You don't have to go home, but you can stay here. Anyone can be an American. The core ideas of our nation don't fade away at the borders; they're universal, delicious, and everyone can have some.
So the United States isn’t the perfect specimen of a fully functioning country, but we're here anyway. Shucks. Before you resign to the notion that we're permanently fucked, consider our country's tendency and capacity for change. Everything can and will change. Our President. Our Constitution. Our technology. Our pants. In about a hundred years, there'll be a brand new population dealing with brand new problems. So until we pass the buck to the next American generation, remember this – as a group, we can change the country for the better, but as an individual, only you can change your pants.
INDEPENDENCE DUMPSTER DIVE
THE ALL-AMERICAN ANYBODY
30 PRESSURELIFE | ISSUE 25
LAND OF THE BUY-ONE-GET-ONE FREE
AMEN FOR AMENDMENTS
PRESSURELIFE | ISSUE 25  31
32 PRESSURELIFE | ISSUE 25