Ohio has a long history of using barn sides for advertising. Over the weekend, one landowner outside of Bowling Green used his barn to show his support for Barack Obama. According to a recent ABC News poll, Senator Obama narrowly leads Senator John McCain in Ohio.

^{(photo © JD Pooley/Getty Image)}

Today, October 6 (2008) is the last day to register to vote in the general election, November 4, 2008.

To vote in the state of Ohio, you must be a US citizen, be at least 18 years of age, and reside in the state at least 30 days prior to the election. You may register in person at one of the following locations: (You can register at any location within the state, but you must vote in the precinct where you live.)

• Any County Board of Elections Office
• Any Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Registration Office
• Any public or vocational school in the state
• Public libraries
• Any County Treasurer's Office

You remain registered if you vote in one general election at least once every four years. You may also request an absentee ballot without giving a reason.

Let yourself be heard. Register to Vote!

Voting is just one way to make a difference in Cleveland.


^{(Photo Courtesy of the Ohio Dept. of Travel and Tourism)}

Are you planning a Halloween party? Consider these ten, fun Halloween cocktails from Colleen Graham, the About Guide to Cocktails. There are traditional favorites, like a Zombie and Black Martini (pictured at right) as well as new ones (at least to me), like the Ghostbuster.

For more on Halloween, see:

• Best Cleveland Halloween Events
• Halloween Decorating
• Northeast Ohio Haunted Houses
• Pumpkin Recipes
• Haunted Cleveland

^{(Photo © C. Graham; Licensed to About, Inc.)}

The annual Ashtabula Covered Bridge Festival, held October 11 and 12 at the Ashtabula County fairgrounds, celebrates the 16 fascinating examples of historic covered bridges in that county -- the most of any county in Ohio.

The festival events include self-guided and hosted tours of the bridges, a parade, a quilt show, live entertainment, food, a farmer's market, and lots more. Admission is $4 for adults and free for those under 12. Read more about the festival at the official website.

^{(© istockphoto; Licensed to About, Inc.)}