Eons ago, the fresh-faced members of New Edition warned us to "cool it now." Perhaps you heeded their advice then, but now, in the midst of summer, it's definitely time to cool it. Now!

Of course, cool is more than a temperature; it's a way of being. Like Snoopy's alter ego, James Dean, Steve McQueen or Marianne Faithful, cool is something that goes down in your brain. Cool might be something you're born with - a bit of breeziness in your persona and everyone flocks to you. But sometimes coolness is something that needs inspiration and accouterments. We gathered our coolness collection into one frosty pool; dip in your toes, or dive in all at once. We're cool with that.

1. Coolest Place to Watch an Outdoor Flick

The Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road, (317) 923-1331, www.imamuseum.org

The "Summer Nights" film series remains the best place in Indy to bring your lawn chair or blanket and picnic for a flick under the stars. Gates open at 6 p.m. every Friday for pre-film picnicking. Movies begin at dusk (except on July 11, when the gate will open at 10 p.m. and "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" will begin at midnight). Tickets are $3 for members and $8 for the public (children younger than 6 are free), and can be purchased only at the gate. Concessions are available, including wine and beer (you can also bring your own alcohol). No pets, tall candles, or grills either.

2. Coolest Place to Watch an Indie Flick

Key Cinemas, 4044 S. Keystone Ave., (317) 784-7454, www.keycinemas.com

There's no glossy exterior at Key Cinemas, the only independently owned arthouse cinema in Indy. This small, cozy theater doesn't shy away from controversial films. (Did you happen to catch the screening of "Lake of Fire," the abortion documentary?) Nor does it avoid films with smaller audience potential (like locally produced films or the amazing "Oscar Shorts"). Keep in mind: It takes only cash, but a showing is usually less than $7.

- Jenny Elig

3. Coolest Place to Be Creative

Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road, (317)920-2660, www.imamuseum.org

Over the past few years, the IMA has made some excellent changes to appeal to younger audiences. The museum now lets you in for free, has extended its hours, has better digital integration and hosts more parties. Walking through the museum will certainly get your creative juices flowing. Afterward, you can explore the IMA's gardens, where you can take pictures of flowers or sit back and sketch a sculpture.

- Ben Neff

4. Coolest Place to Learn for Free

Indianapolis Marion County Public Library, www.imcpl.org

An event search on Indy.com for "library" brings up a LOT of results. How much does it cost to go to these events? Absolutely nothing. The city's libraries offer conferences, classes, seminars, movie screenings, art exhibits, concerts and more. Check out what's coming up. You're "bound" to find something appealing.

- Ben Neff

5. Coolest Place to Join a Drum Circle

Bongo Boy Music School, 8481 Bash St., Suite 1100, (317) 595.9065, www.bongoboymusic.com

Bum-dee-da-bum-dee-da-bum ..... are you feeling the beat? If so, you're not alone. Each Thursday at 7:15 p.m., Bongo Boy Music School hosts a free community drum circle. The rhythm lasts till 8:30 p.m. and drums are provided. All ages and skill levels are welcome. You can also drop by at 6:30 p.m. for a $5 hand drum class.

- Ben Neff

6. Coolest Bar to Ride a Fake Animal

BuckWildz, 6235 Guilford Ave.

Is it better to ride the one you know and love - or stray to a new wild animal? 8 Seconds Saloon long has been the go-to when you get the urge to ride a mechanical bull, but there's a new boy cow in town.

On July 18, BuckWildz will open in Broad Ripple, in Seven's old space. With dancing bartenders and yes, a bucking bronco, the Coyote Ugly-ish bar is more for the high class rider in the bunch. So, strap on your sequined chaps and give BuckWildz a ride. But know that if things don't work out between you two, 8 Seconds will always be there to ..... fall back on.

- Kate Johnson

7. Coolest Place for Good Scotch

MacNiven's Restaurant and Bar, 339 Massachusetts Ave., (317) 632-7268.

To evaluate the coolest place to drink a good Scotch, you need to ask yourself what Scotch you'll be drinking - and the answer is Macallan 18, one of the finest single-malt Scotches in the world. But where to drink it? Any place with the right Runyonesque vibe is likely to charge $20 for a few fingers of the Macallan. Instead, hop into MacNiven's, where a two-ounce pour will set you back just $13, and where you can follow up your drink by snacking on some Scotch eggs in a true old-country setting.

- Konrad Marshall

8. Coolest Resurrected Bar

Sam's Saloon, 1640 E. Prospect St., (317) 632-5365 or their myspace page

Sam Lorber opened Sam's Saloon in 1872. The establishment didn't sell alcohol during the Prohibition era, and it was closed for most of this decade. Last October, however, musician Mike Farmer convinced Steve Mascher to reopen the bar as the newest live-music venue in Fountain Square. Farmer books a steady diet of touring acts at Sam's, with an emphasis on Americana/outlaw country. Sam's has old-school character to spare, including a working gaslight by the bar. -- David Lindquist

9. Coolest Drink

The Manhattan.

Oil prices are out of control. The housing market is in a shambles. We could all use a good, stiff drink. Go old school with a Manhattan - whiskey, sweet vermouth, ice and bitters - and forget about how much gas you burned driving to the bar (and the cab fare you'll pay for the ride home). A drink with an impressive pedigree deserves a bar with one. Have Russ or Jim mix one for you at the Red Key Tavern, 5170 N. College Ave.

- Matt Gonzales

10. Coolest Incongruity in the Local Bar Scene

Absinthe at a Cubs bar.

We had a "who-wha-wtf" moment a few weeks back when a representative for a local liquor distributor told us that Keystone Sports Review, 5602 N. Keystone Ave., sells absinthe. Really. More than a little dingy, the Review isn't the kind of place that brings to mind the wannabe bohemians who used to talk excitedly about smuggling the Green Fairy into the States from Budapest. After sitting with this information for a few days, though, it started to make sense that Cubs fans might want to procure some sort of hallucinogenic before the playoffs start.

- Neal Taflinger

11. Coolest New Bar

Forty Five Degrees, 765 Massachusetts Ave., (317) 634-4545.

It's a long time comin' - planning started in 2005 - but Bill Pritt, the man behind Blu Martini, finally opened Forty Five Degrees. The sleek architecture and decor of the ultra-lounge/restaurant is molded after its namesake, with sharp 45-degree angles and shapes articulating much of the interior and even the design of the plates.

The sushi and fancy sandwiches are reasonably priced; if only the same could be said for all those empty condos around Downtown.

- Neal Taflinger, Trevor Brown

12. Coolest Place to Play Beer Pong

The Spot, 6155 E. 86th St., (317) 842-0252.

Some people got wound up the last time I gave my opinion on this sport of kings, so I'll simply say this: If you want to play beer pong somewhere other than your frat house's front yard, hit the Spot. This Castleton club offers enough tables for you to pong as long as you want, and if you get bored, there's always old-school Nintendo and new-school games like "Rock Band."

- Neal Taflinger

13. Coolest Place to Play Cornhole

8:30-11 p.m. Mondays, The Spot, 6155 E. 86th St.

Cheap domestic beer. An easy-on-the-eyes wait staff. An army of plasma TVs. Cornhole alfresco. Now if that doesn't sound like a recipe for fun, you must not be a Hoosier. Hit the Spot on Monday nights, when a weekly tournament keeps the corn-holin' going long after dark. It's just $5 to enter, and winners walk away with gift cards and bar swag. If your aim is off, don't get too down - there's always next week.

- Matt Gonzales

14. Coolest Place for Wine Snobs

Mass Avenue Wine Shoppe, 878 Massachusetts Ave., (317)972-7966.

Wine guru (and former television personality) Jill Ditmire brings her expertise to Mass Ave.'s burgeoning east end. More than 120 wines tempt with such titles as Menage a Trois Rose, Midnight Full Moon Red, Dracula Syrah, White Knight Viognier and El Burro Kickass Garnacha. And if your wine-snob attitude doesn't quite match your diet-soda budget, take heart: MAW's "Wall of Wine" spotlights 50 quality vintages for less than $15 each.

- Julie Cope Saetre

15. Coolest Restroom

The Chatterbox Jazz Club 435 Massachusetts Ave., (317)636-0584.

We won't lie - this restroom really isn't cool. In fact, it's downright shabby, but that's what makes it unique. Its walls are decorated with drawings, poems and quotes, all contributed by the artists and jazz junkies who frequent the quirky hole-in-the-wall. So if you're an NPR-listening, jazz-record-buying, art-making fool, this is the premier potty for you.

- Michelle Pemberton

16. Coolest Place for a Hangover Breakfast

Peppy Grill, 1004 Virginia Ave., (317) 637-1158.

This 24-hour greasy spoon, open since the 1930s, is the ideal place to load up before you go to bed (to avoid a hangover), or to get some post-party grease the morning after. A former Indy.com staffer perhaps best characterized the Fountain Square institution with a poem, excerpted here: "The diner is dingy but clean, like well-worn denim - faded and ripped, but soft and still a favorite that fits just right. The counter, the tables, the jukebox and servers all wear a layer of light grease on their spit-polished shine. The smell of french fries never quite stops sticking to their skin and sour smocks." When your head is aching, your gut is swirling, and your pores are leaking last night's booze, this is the place to pay the piper.

- Konrad Marshall

17. Coolest New Restaurant

Bistro de Paris, 15 W. Main St., Carmel, (317)844-7270.

Carmel's Arts & Design District continues to up its cosmopolitan flair, this time with the opening of a white-cloth French restaurant that serves salads, soups, quiches and crepes for lunch, and steak, lamb and poultry for dinner. So far, our favorites are the thick, velvety creamy mushroom soup and the chicken crepe. C'etait si bon nous avons presque fait pipi notre culottes!

18. Coolest Place to Expand Your Culinary Palate

Saraga, 3605 Commercial Drive, (317) 388-9999.

Duck fetus, roasted eel, longan fruit, a whole dried squid - a trip to Saraga will yield a cartful of mysterious wonders, some delicious, others delightfully foul. Brothers Jong Sung and Bong Jae Sung opened this international grocery store, just south of Lafayette Square Mall, not just to cater to the city's increasingly diverse citizenry, but also to expose their customers to other cultural experiences. And believe us, you will be exposed.

19. Coolest Breadsticks

Hot Box Pizza, 923 Indiana Ave., (317) 656-6000, www.gethotbox.com; 715 Broad Ripple Ave., (317)-257-7500; 116th Street and Brooks School Road, Fishers, (317) 849-4200.

Ironic that the coolest slabs of bread should come from a place called Hot Box. Growing from one wee store in Bloomington (and thankfully changing its name from the forgettable "Pizza Express"), Hot Box is an obvious hit - more so for the sticks than the pizza. In a clearly labeled "Sack" of "Stixs," you will find eight doughy sticks (logs?) of bread, perfectly salted and ready to embrace the sauce of your choice: cheese, pizza, ranch, garlic. But skip all except the cheese ..... and order two.

- Kate Johnson

20. Coolest French Fries

Brugge Brasserie, 1011 E. Westfield Blvd., (317) 255-0978.

At Brugge, the "Would you like fries with that?" takes on a certain sophistication. The upscale gastro pub's trademark pommes frites are extra-tasty, but it's the dipping sauces that will do you in. There are 11, and they're so impressive, we're going to take a deep breath and rattle them all off: mayonnaise, aioli, horseradish, sea salt and sherry vinegar, poplar syrup and French dijon, blue cheese, sweet chili, roasted garlic aioli, fresh herb pesto, homemade ketchup - and our absolute favorite, hot curry.

21. Coolest Coffee Shop

Cornerstone Coffee & Espresso, 651 E. 54th St., (317)726-1360.

Get liquored at Moe & Johnny's on Saturday night, and return on Sunday morning to dry out at Cornerstone Coffee & Espresso in the west end of the same building. Cornerstone's famous Black Thunder brew is downright restorative, and its breakfast buffet boasts breakfast burrito fixings and sweet potato pancakes. If you're looking for a hair-of-the-dog cure, they've got that, too: Cornerstone serves several gourmet beers on tap, including Bell's Two-Hearted Ale.

- Matt Gonzales

22. Coolest Vegetarian Restaurant

Udupi Vegetarian Restaurant, 4225 Lafayette Road, (317)299-2127.

You're a meatless wonder, but you don't need to be an eatless wonder. Tucked away in a strip mall just up from Lafayette Square Mall, the modest Udupi Vegetarian Restaurant is the place to head for a daily buffet of all-vegetarian Indian dishes (you won't find one tikka-ed chicken in the whole place). Daily offerings include classics like palek paneer, and some harder-to-find items, like dosas (easily put, it's Indian crepes); raita (yogurt sauce); squash or lentil dishes, and desserts such as gulab jamun.

- Jenny Elig

23. Coolest Carnivorous Restaurant

Fogo de Chao, 117 E. Washington St., (317)638-4000.

Fogo grabs this category hands down with its unlimited parade of meats and the costumed gaucho chefs who present them. Each diner has a colored disk to control the meal's pacing, and green means "Go," of course. Just place the green side up and those friendly gaucho chefs will stop by to offer you slice after slice of such fire-roasted specialties as picanha (sirloin), costella (beef ribs) or cordeiro (leg of lamb). Servings of sides, such as crispy polenta and fried bananas, keep appearing as well. And even though red meat rules at Fogo, the restaurant's plentiful salad bar will likely satisfy even the hungriest vegetarian in the group.

- Jolene Ketzenberger

24. Coolest Spicy Dish

St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail, St. Elmo Steak House, 127 S. Illinois St., (317) 635-0636.

We've seen plenty of oh-so-reserved, sophisticated diners reduced to teary-eyed, wheezing humility by this handful of shellfish swimming in a horseradish-heavy cocktail sauce. This legendary appetizer has made appearances everywhere from local fairs to food festivals, but it tastes best in St. Elmo's cozy bar environs, washed down with a beer amid plenty of heat-released endorphins.

- Julie Cope Saetre

25. Coolest Molecular Gastronomy Restaurant

L'Explorateur, 6523 Ferguson St., (317) 726-6906.

Do Pop Rocks really belong on top of scallops? Maybe yes, maybe no, but L'Explorateur chef Neal Brown will find out - and so will you if you happen to catch the dish on his unusual, ever-changing menu. While Brown's menu descriptions may be more straightforward than when the Broad Ripple restaurant opened two years ago, you'll still find plenty of evidence of his fascination with molecular gastronomy. Who knows what cool gadgets he keeps in his "laboratoire," as the kitchen is labeled, but do ask him about his anti-griddle, which can instantly freeze foods - think frozen foie gras pops.

But the chef is also a fan of fresh, local ingredients and (usually) doesn't let the wow factor get in the way of great taste. Look for Brown to pack up his anti-griddle and move the restaurant Downtown later this year.

- Jolene Ketzenberger

26. Coolest Organic Restaurant

Curator's Cafe at The Sanctuary, The Art of N.A. Noel, 75 N. Main St., Zionsville, (317)733-1117.

There can be no more divine dining experience than at the Curator's Cafe, set within a reborn church-turned-art gallery. Famed artist Nancy Noel sank at least $1.5 million into renovating the 112-year-old Victorian church, where she displays her whimsical or spiritual works in a cathedral-like setting whose focal point is a 25-foot tall fireplace. Visitors can enjoy organic foods, made with local ingredients, indoors or on the front porch. For a truly heavenly experience, don't miss the strawberry rhubarb pie.

27. Coolest Table in Town

Rooftop Garden's northwesternmost table, 1105 Shelby St. (on the roof of the Fountain Square Theatre Building), (317) 687-4857.

On a balmy summer night, there's no better spot to take in the Circle City skyline than by snagging the table closest to the northwest corner of this rooftop haven. Be warned: It's no easy task. Reservations are taken only for groups of 10 or more, so if you have a romantic evening planned, arrive early or be prepared to cool your heels in the waiting area. Once you're seated, though, your patience will be richly rewarded with an unobstructed city view over cuisine and wine from the ShelBi Street cafe & Bistro.

- Julie Cope Saetre

28. Coolest Place for Cheap Eats

Wadley's Bar-B-Q, 7636 S. Meridian St., (317)865-1157.

Even if you don't live on the Southside, this family-owned carryout rib joint is worth the drive (and the gas involved) for its mouthwatering menu of ribs and pulled pork, doused in warm, tantalizing sauce. A five-bone rib sampler with two sides - try the baked beans and potato salad - rings up at a wallet-loving $6.99.

- Julie Cope Saetre

29. Coolest Indy Band

Thunders, www.myspace.com/thunderstheband. (Next performance: July 4 at the Vogue, 6259 N. College Ave.)

Stack a band with musicians who have played in America Owns the Moon, We Are Hex, Those Young Lions and Ari Ari, and that quartet is guaranteed to receive a crush of attention in the Indianapolis underground. Thunders draws on such influences as the Velvet Underground and Spiritualized. The song "Letter to the Priest" features the line "(Life) is a stroll into the light." Thunders founder and vocalist-guitarist Ryan Reidy explains: "I'm not one to think that life is something you have to toil through as bad things happen. Good things happen, too."

- David Lindquist

30. Coolest Jukebox

The Red Key Tavern, 5170 N. College Ave., (317)283-4601.

"The jukebox does not accept change!" says a taped-on sign. This juke earned its place in the bar, right up front, despite the fact that this shiny AMI Rowe jukebox looks downright modern in the Red Key, a sleepy haunt known for its laid-back attitude.

It almost seems out of place, until you peer deep into the glass and see the names Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Glenn Miller, Tony Bennett and Perry Como. And it doesn't hurt to know that it spins original 45s owned by the bar manager. In the words of Doris Day, "It's Magic" (Selection 117).

- Konrad Marshall

31. Coolest Online Record Label

Audio Reconnaissance, www.myspace.com/ardigitalmusic

Eric Brown wants to be the facilitator of a movement, not simply the founder of an online record label. Built for the post-CD era, Audio Recon doesn't have the costs and hassles associated with distribution. The idea, Brown says, is to give emerging artists the freedom to say, "I have an album out that anyone in the world can buy if they have a computer." Visitors to iTunes.com and Rhapsody.com will find digital tracks issued by Audio Recon. Brown also recommends Amiestreet.com, which uses demand-based pricing for MP3s.

- David Lindquist

32. Coolest Music Theme Night

Bring Your Own Vinyl Record Night, Underground 9 Studio, Johnson Ave., (317) 375-3715 or www.bookmamas.com

'80s night is MANEly (har har) lame and hip hop night is ..... every night. So, what's a poor soul, faced with overdone theme nights, to do? Head to Underground 9 Studio in Irvington for Bring Your Own Vinyl Record Night.

This space really is under the ground. It's housed in the basement of Bookmamas bookstore and keeps its phone number a secret. You'll have to get through Mama to get any info on this music venue, decorated in a London underground style.

Bring that old Floyd album, or maybe Frank, or Fleetwood. Oh, and bring friends, lots of friends. This is an all-ages studio. Next event: 7 p.m. July 19.

- Kate Johnson

33. Coolest Live Music Venue

Radio Radio, 1119 E. Prospect. St. (317) 955-0995.

All due respect to the other great music venues in town, but we've gotta go with Radio Radio. Tufty and Roni's place in Fountain Square doesn't host as many shows as some other clubs, but there aren't nearly as many clunkers on the calendar here, either. The well-designed bar is clean, and the sound is great. It's smoke-free, too, which is icing on the cake.

- Neal Taflinger

34. Coolest Place to Break a Sweat

Melody Inn, 3826 N. Illinois St., (317) 923-4707.

The rock-'n'-roll life isn't so romantic in July, when your shirt is soaked through with sweat before the band even gets its guitars tuned. But if we gotta risk heat stroke to watch a show, there's no place better than the Melody Inn. The owners do their best to keep the place cool, but when it's 90 degrees outside and there are 90 people inside this tiny club, well, it is what it is. Our advice? Drink 16 ounces of water for each PBR tallboy.

- Neal Taflinger

35. Coolest Way to Stay Hot

Gyrotonic classes.

Old-school versions of gyration vary from belly-dancing classes to sex. But, welcome to the new wave of fit undulation: Gyrotonic. Developed in the 1970s by an injured dancer, the fluid, challenging, stretchy movements are performed on machines (resembling medieval torture devices) in tandem with breathing patterns - helping to mobilize the joints, build muscles, and, maybe the hardest of all: teach your brain to recognize what your body is doing.

Taught at Mindful Movement Studio, 1315C W. 86th St., (317) 257-6463; One Body Incorporated, 6528 N. Ferguson St., (317) 253-2700, Pilates Indy, 1001 Broad Ripple Ave., (317) 205-9502

- Kate Johnson

36. Coolest Place for Bling

D.J. Beauty Supply, 4235 Lafayette Road, (317)328-0298.

If you want it real, the sweet folks at D.J. Beauty Supply probably can't help you out. But if you want to stock up on Frucci, Louie Fitton and Smolce & Squibbana, you're in luck. Here you'll find flashy sunglasses, $20 grills (no lie!) and opulent, large necklaces. In fact, D.J. Beauty Supply has just about every trendy item your little heart could desire - but with a much lower price tag. Customer service is pretty good, too, as well it should be when you're buying fake teeth.

- Jenny Elig

37. Coolest Place to See Hot People

Life Time Fitness, 8705 Castle Creek Parkway, E. Drive, (317) 595-9700.

Anyone who is serious about surreptitiously watching hot people (you know who you are, weirdos) has a gym membership. But some gyms are more voyeur-friendly than others. To see what we mean, walk into Life Time Fitness and, before proceeding past the foyer, look up. Any fitness center that locates its StairMasters so, um, strategically, knows a little something about point-of-purchase marketing.

- Matt Gonzales

38. Coolest Place to Work Out

Cardio Cinema at Gold's Gym, 7140 E. Washington St., (317) 357-1917 and 8401 N. Michigan Road, (317) 357-4653.

Featured on the pages of Indy.com once before, this unique gymovation is without a doubt the single greatest new exercise invention in years, so it deserves another mention. It's the perfect motivation solution: Work out on a cardio machine while watching a movie in the cozy confines of a theater. Best of all, you get to work out in the dark, so no one can see how bad you look while sweating and laughing through all 89 minutes of "Office Space."

- Konrad Marshall

39. Coolest Place to Get Exclusive Kicks

Got Sole? sneaker boutique, 6243 N. College Ave., (317)466-1173 or www.myspace.com/gotsoleboutique

Mike Watson says his store caters to people who view sneakers as something more than footwear and people who "don't want to look like everybody else." Got Sole?, open since November, sells limited-edition shoes made by major brands Nike, Adidas and Puma, as well as tricked-out styles from underground companies such as Creative Recreation and Greedy Genius. Watson, a former executive at chain retailers Champs Sports and Finish Line, says local customers have jumped at the chance to buy exclusive gear influenced by cutting-edge pop culture: "Our customers are young, old, white, black, Asian, Hispanic, high-income, low-income, hip-hop and skate." .

- David Lindquist

40. Coolest Vintage Store

Rag-o-Rama, 1067 Broad Ripple Ave., (317) 475-0870, www.ragorama.com

This newcomer is so cool, we're almost loath to mention it - you know, for fear it won't be so cool anymore. The Indy addition to this Columbus, Ohio-based chain is organized, affordable and stocked with so many used clothes you won't know where to start.

Newer clothes mingle with real vintage finds (dig through the dress rack and you'll find a '60s Lord & Taylor dress next to a Forever 21 dress from winter 2008). Rag-o-Rama pays out decent cash for your used clothes, so you can keep a circulating wardrobe all year 'round.

- Jenny Elig

41. Coolest Place to Take Your Parents When They Visit

Indiana Medical History Museum, 3045 Vermont St., (317)635-7329.

If we are to believe Freud, you're probably repressing all kinds of psychological traumas visited upon you by your parents. Send them a subtle message of gratitude: Take them to the Indiana Medical History Museum. Once the "Indiana Hospital for the Insane," the museum is filled with all sorts of medical oddities, including jars filled with brains soaking in formaldehyde. The 'rents are sure to love it.

- Matt Gonzales

42. Coolest Thing to Do This Weekend

Be Indypendent First Friday, 6 to 9 p.m. July 4, www.beindypendent.org

Most artsy-fartsy types are already privy to the event known as First Friday, when Downtown galleries stay open late and put on a festive air on the first weekend of the month. This Friday, though, is a special one. The Be Indypendent movement, urging locals to buy homegrown art, celebrates its first anniversary with gallery viewings downtown just before the fireworks.

Locations include Art Bank, AV Framing Gallery, Big Car Gallery, Wug Laku's Studio & Garage, Myers Design: The Gallery and Ruschman Gallery.

- Kate Johnson

43. Coolest Summer Sporting Event

Amp Harris and Reggie Wayne Celebrity Basketball Game, 6 p.m. July 19, Conseco Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., $19.99, (317) 239-5151.

The impending demise of the RCA Dome made event promoter Amp Harris seek a new home for his celebrity basketball game, an annual fixture of Indiana Black Expo's Summer Celebration. This year, the game, a pre-game forum on the topic of violence and a post-game concert will be consolidated into a single event titled "Teen Bling." Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne and defensive star Bob Sanders will be on hand. Harris says the concert performers - Jadakiss, Kia Shine, Cupid, Playaz CircleHot Stylz and V.I.C. - will hit the court, too.

- David Lindquist

44. Coolest Vending Machine

iPod vending machines, Indianapolis Int'l Airport and Castleton Macy's.

Skittles and Snickers and Starbursts, oh my! But are these vending-machine staples going out of fashion? You can now satisfy your immediate need for original art, acne treatments and fishing earthworms, with the push of a button. The Art Vending Machine at the IMA, the Proactiv vender at Circle Centre mall and the bait box at Don's Guns are just a sampling.

But if coolest means most utilized, you'll love the iPopping iPod vending machines. These gigantors of the vending species sell everything your media-starved self could need.

- Kate Johnson

45. Coolest Hollywood Trend in Your Backyard

Yogokiss, 4825 E. 96th St. 300, (317) 815-1988.

Celebrities have their Pinkberry - a hyper-trendy frozen-yogurt shop - and now Hoosiers have their own version. Yogokiss owner Young Chang makes all the frozen yogurt in her year-old store, but it's not the typical fro-yo you're used to. This creamy concoction has the tanginess of store-bought plain Yoplait and more calcium than you'll need in a day. It also has a ton of active bacteria cultures, the good kinds of bacteria that regulate the bowels and whatnot.

- Amy Bartner

46. Coolest Place to Hand Out Your Business Card

The Columbia Club, 121 Monument Circle (317)767-1361, www.columbia-club.org.

Since 1889, the Columbia Club has been a hot spot for Indianapolis' distinguished residents (and a destination for every Republican president since Benjamin Harrison). Its prestigious setting, special-interest clubs (including a cigar club), events and range of indoor facilities, including a fitness center, keep the hot shots coming back. Visit the club's Web site to learn how you can get your foot in the door, with your business card in hand.

- Ben Neff

47. Coolest Place for Wi-Fi Connection

Monument Circle, Downtown Indianapolis.

Finding a restaurant or coffee shop with Wi-Fi isn't difficult. (In fact, you can find a large list at http://www.wififreespot.com/in.h... It's not all that easy, however, to find a spot outdoors to surf the Web. Fortunately, all you have to do is go to the center of the city. Monument Circle has been a hot spot since 2004, offering free wireless Internet to all.

- Ben Neff

48. Coolest Place to Play Hooky From Work

Indianapolis Indians game, www.indyindians.com

When Ferris Bueller took his famous day off, he dragged Cameron and Sloane to a Cubs game. While the Indianapolis Indians' Victory Field is no Wrigley, it's also nothing to sneeze at (although you may well be sneezing - you're "sick," remember?). Bring a basket stocked with your favorite foods and beverages and soak in the sun on the centerfield picnic area.

- Matt Gonzales

49. Coolest Place to Skate

With the Circle City Socialites at Ellenberger Park ice rink, 5301 E. St. Clair St., Sundays 4 to 5:30 p.m., Tuesdays 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

If you've ever witnessed a Naptown Rollergirls bout and wondered what it would be like to hit the rink and roll with the punches (and broken ankles and bruises), here's your chance: Indy's newest recreational roller derby league is recruiting women of all skills levels. If you're interested in learning the game, or you're just too busy to commit to the Naptown league's demanding schedule, this is the place to lace up.

- Michelle Pemberton

50. Coolest Place to Cool Off

St. Paul's Cliffs, White Rock Park, 7080 County Road 750 East, St. Paul (765) 525-3483, www.stpaulcliffs.com

OK, so you have to travel about an hour out of Indy to get to White Rock Park, but we just couldn't bring ourselves to put a suburban water park in this category. White Rock is home to expansive, shaded areas to set up camp, but the main attraction is the three quarries that run along the Flat Rock River. The area is safe for swimming (although there is no lifeguard), but many people come for the fun of leaping into the water - the quarries offering a 10-meter platform as well as two lower ones, a rope swing and a zip line. There's also an array of rafts upon which to repose and develop that perfect tan, which can be put to good use in one of the upcoming bikini contests on July 15, July 23 and August 12 (winner takes home $100).

- Konrad Marshall

A sampling of your picks, from postings at Indy.com:

Coolest Place to Watch an Indie Flick

Key Cinemas.

Coolest Coffee Shop

Lazy Daze in "the Irv," of course!

Coolest Pizza Joint

Jockamo's - the Cheese Louise is simply divoon!

Coolest Place to See Hot People

The state fair ..... but it's not always the best view.

Champps on 86th Street.

Scotty's Brewhouse.

Coolest Breadsticks

Hot Box Pizza.

Coolest Place to Eat Cheap

96th Street Steakburgers.

Yats.

Taco Loco on East 10th Street.

Coolest New Bar

The Wild Beaver Saloon.

Coolest Music Theme Night

Retro Rewind at the Vogue (it brings out the hot girls).

Coolest Place for Bling

The year 2000, when people stopped using that word.

Coolest Summer Event

Warped Tour.

Indians game.

Coolest Local Band

Amarna Reign (brutal rock band).

Margot & the Nuclear So & So's.

Easy ..... Thunders!

Coolest Place for Killer Pumps

DSW.

I second DSW but ONLY the Carmel one.

Coolest Place for a Morning-After Breakfast

(If the breakfast is without the lady friend) Nothing manlier than celebrating your evening than with a huge Breakfast Burrito from Qdoba.

Coolest Restroom

I love the bathroom show at 6 Lounge. Watching the drunkards forget to lock the door - cheap thrills.

MacNiven's.

Coolest Place to Play Hooky From Work

Victory Field.

Coolest Carnivorous Restaurant

BD's Mongolian BBQ.

Coolest Drinking Game

Beer Pong at The Spot.

Coolest Drink to Order

Draft beer.

Coolest Jukebox

Alley Cat.

Coolest Live Music Venue

The Vogue.

Disagree with our picks? Join the "Cool List" discussion here