Crane outside my place
Crane outside my place
Originally uploaded by ekalb.
Workmen hauling drywall up to the finish one of the penthouses. Each unload I could feel the building shake. Felt like mini quakes.
Weekend
I cannot remember it ever being so hot during July. I work nights. So I rarely notice hot summers because I sleep during the day and avoid the worst of the heat. But this year has had some extraordinary hot nights. Drew and I went shopping Saturday morning. First it was Findlay Market. I finally bought strawberries, blueberries and bagged them for the freezer. As well as chopped up some bananas for later. Then to Florence so he could find a specific type of yarn. I went exploring. Never been to Otto's discount before. Reminded me of a cheap version of Costco. They had a huge selection of books and even some best seller hard cover books for only $4! I may go back just to stock up on spices. Large containers less than a dollar. Tons of house ware item deals. We then went to another location and I hit up Half Price books and bought a bunch of DVD's for $2 each.
After that it was Newport on Monmouth. It has been ages since I visited the street. I was sort of taken aback how well maintained it looks. Considering so many areas like this usually have store fronts that look dilapidated. This looks more like Mayberry USA. I guess I am always driving. Walking gives a completely different perspective. First we visited the discount store and I found a Jeffrey Archer paper back for 50 cents. Drew stopped at Knit-On. While I picked up some cola at Dixie Chili to try and beat the heat. It is one of the few places I have been to on Monmouth Street repeatedly. A favorite chili alternative to Cincinnati Chili. Then went to check out the Reser bicycle shop. Wow this place is cool looking. It reminded me of a bike store in California, only better looking. This place is on the corner with picture window glass on two sides. The bike selections are presented really well against the light wood floors. Displays with all the latest bike gadgets and gears. Plus several workstation areas for bike fixes.
I took an afternoon nap, then woke up to put a whole chicken the grill. Streamed some veggies, cut up yams to broil in the oven. Then we settled down to several movies. Later that night I finally attempted to make banana ice cream from the chopped up pieces I put in the freezer that morning. Well after using every mixing/chopping appliance in my house. It seems my small food processor does the best job of getting the creamy texture. Bananas may turn into a ice cream texture, they taste fairly bland. Definitely needed the additional vanilla ice cream mixed in. But at least it was filling without using as much.
After that it was Newport on Monmouth. It has been ages since I visited the street. I was sort of taken aback how well maintained it looks. Considering so many areas like this usually have store fronts that look dilapidated. This looks more like Mayberry USA. I guess I am always driving. Walking gives a completely different perspective. First we visited the discount store and I found a Jeffrey Archer paper back for 50 cents. Drew stopped at Knit-On. While I picked up some cola at Dixie Chili to try and beat the heat. It is one of the few places I have been to on Monmouth Street repeatedly. A favorite chili alternative to Cincinnati Chili. Then went to check out the Reser bicycle shop. Wow this place is cool looking. It reminded me of a bike store in California, only better looking. This place is on the corner with picture window glass on two sides. The bike selections are presented really well against the light wood floors. Displays with all the latest bike gadgets and gears. Plus several workstation areas for bike fixes.
I took an afternoon nap, then woke up to put a whole chicken the grill. Streamed some veggies, cut up yams to broil in the oven. Then we settled down to several movies. Later that night I finally attempted to make banana ice cream from the chopped up pieces I put in the freezer that morning. Well after using every mixing/chopping appliance in my house. It seems my small food processor does the best job of getting the creamy texture. Bananas may turn into a ice cream texture, they taste fairly bland. Definitely needed the additional vanilla ice cream mixed in. But at least it was filling without using as much.
Bookshelf Porn
The Fox Den
Originally uploaded by ekalb.
I am particularly proud of my idea of using cheap industrial Ikea shelves for my bookshelves. Turned out to look far more sophisticated than Ikea particle board shelves that cost more.
There is something about bookshelves that is just plain sexy. Becoming lost in pages. Deciding on whim to read a new topic. Discovering an old book with notes from years past. Finding that book that will prop up that table leg.
Now that Amazon is selling more e-books than real books. I expect shelves like these to become rare commodities. Enjoy the Bookshelf Porn while you can.
Things to do in Cincinnati
Check out the newest club opening.
http://www.passagelounge.com/
Listen to live bands at Northside Tavern or South Gate House.
http://www.northside-tavern.com/
http://www.southgatehouse.com/
Go to a Reds Game.
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=cin
Have some German Beer at Hofbrauhaus. First location outside Munich Germany.
http://www.hofbrauhausnewport.com/
Party in the Park this Wednesday along the riverfront.
http://www.party-in-the-park.com/
Bet on the horses at Riverdowns on the east side of town or at Turfway in Kentucky.
http://www.riverdowns.com/
http://www.turfway.com/
Bar hop Mt. Adams. I recommend checking out the Blind Lemon for chilling and City View to meet relaxed locals.
http://mtadamstoday.com/restaurants/
Check out the Shepard Fairey Supply and Demand Exhibit at Contemporary Arts Center
http://contemporaryartscenter.org/ShepardFairey
Or just hang out on Fountain Square. There are events there 305 days a year.
http://www.myfountainsquare.com/
Ah, this is just a start...
http://www.passagelounge.com/
Listen to live bands at Northside Tavern or South Gate House.
http://www.northside-tavern.com/
http://www.southgatehouse.com/
Go to a Reds Game.
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=cin
Have some German Beer at Hofbrauhaus. First location outside Munich Germany.
http://www.hofbrauhausnewport.com/
Party in the Park this Wednesday along the riverfront.
http://www.party-in-the-park.com/
Bet on the horses at Riverdowns on the east side of town or at Turfway in Kentucky.
http://www.riverdowns.com/
http://www.turfway.com/
Bar hop Mt. Adams. I recommend checking out the Blind Lemon for chilling and City View to meet relaxed locals.
http://mtadamstoday.com/restaurants/
Check out the Shepard Fairey Supply and Demand Exhibit at Contemporary Arts Center
http://contemporaryartscenter.org/ShepardFairey
Or just hang out on Fountain Square. There are events there 305 days a year.
http://www.myfountainsquare.com/
Ah, this is just a start...
Republic Bikes
I love these build your own bike combinations. The Dutch version is particularly cool since the rider sits more upright. Has built in racks for hauling all those city found goods. I would probably order the "grandpa version" because it is mostly black. Republic Bike | Build custom Plato Dutch bike | built by us & you
3CDC Annual Report
Lots of great information about all the progress made in Cincinnati. Check it out! 3CDC Annual Report 2009-2010
Raw on Cool Hunting
The sound of raw food never really sounded appealing to me. But it really is about presentation and taste. 42 Raw in Copenhagen looks like they may have the delicious down. 42�Raw on Cool Hunting
Map of Local Trails
Now this is cool! Cincinnati Off Road Alliance - Map of Local Trails. Now I just need trail tires for my bike.
Are You Invisible?
Are You Invisible? | blog@CACM | Communications of the ACM: "Azzarello early on in her career at HP, many employees believe that if they do their job and work hard, they will be recognized and justly rewarded. Not so, says Azzarello.
Azzarello’s career advice for employees is to make sure the work that you do is aligned with the company’s goals, bring your accomplishments to the attention of your superiors, and create a network of mentors who will guide you and ensure that you win a spot on the company’s list of employees who are the leaders of tomorrow. Her advice is tersely described as: Do better, look better, and connect better."
Azzarello’s career advice for employees is to make sure the work that you do is aligned with the company’s goals, bring your accomplishments to the attention of your superiors, and create a network of mentors who will guide you and ensure that you win a spot on the company’s list of employees who are the leaders of tomorrow. Her advice is tersely described as: Do better, look better, and connect better."
The Agnostic Cartographer
Great article in the Washington Monthy how Google is changing how the world is viewed. Wrote Andrew McLaughlin, Google’s then director of public policy (and now President Obama’s deputy chief technology officer). “If different countries dispute the proper name for a body of water, our policy is to display both names.” The Agnostic Cartographer - John Gravois
World's Most Beautiful Campus
UrbanCincy.com site mentions that Forbes Magazine rated University of Cincinnati's Campus one of the world's most beautiful. High praise considering the other choices include Oxford, and Princeton.
Ohio River Trail
One of the things I most look forward to in Cincinnati (other than the new Streetcar) is the The Ohio River Trail connecting to Lunken Airport. Today if you want to get to Lunken by bike you must traverse the heavy truck traffic on the sometimes two lane road of Eastern Avenue. At a few points it can be difficult with the broken glass and broken sidewalks. The day that there is a bike path that connects the Little Miami Trail to downtown is when Cincinnati will really shine has a living city. I imagine families taking their kids to the riverfront by bike. Businesses starting up along the path offering food and refreshments. Or even small boutique hotels or bed and breakfasts offering those Northern Ohio bike enthusiasts a destination point. The ability to traverse a bike into our downtown on a safe designated path will bring many more people into the urban core. It will connect the citizens in a way that cars cannot.
YouTube Leanback
Youtube has a cool feature that makes it easy to enjoy videos with simple keystrokes. YouTube - Leanback
Creating a great Fan Page
Even though I am not a fan of Facebook. It is simply one of the best ways to advertise on the internet. Other than Twitter, Facebook provides an excellent way to communicate directly with consumers. Smashbook Magazine has put together a nice collection of tutorials and resources to create a profitable Facebook Fan page.
Chicago Weekend
Thanks to my incredible friends for making my weekend one of the best in a very long time. I got a luxury ride up to Chicago in a new Ford with air conditioned seats. It was nice having cold air blown on my butt the whole trip in this 90 degree weather. Our wonderful driver provided plenty of pit stops along the road.
When we arrived in Chicago, we were welcomed with open arms by our friends at their magnificent home at One Museum Park. We met up with more friends for dinner at Chicago Firehouse. Friday I had my first visit to Wrigley Field to see the Reds beat the Cubs. I have to say that old school stadiums are cool. I was proud to see the Reds pennant at the top of the scoreboard high above all the other teams. Maybe that is why none of the Cubs fans gave me trouble even though I was warned of being heckled. Saturday we visited the Museum and the treated with a picnic with the Chicago symphony in Millennium Park. Sunday a trip was made to Navy Pier to see Cirque Shanghai. I also got a bike tour of Lake Shore beaches and Lincoln Park Zoo. As well as a Sidetrack up town.
But best of all was sharing some hearty laughs with some amazing friends. Seeing them happy. Basking in the fruits of their achievements. I only wish I saw them more often.
When we arrived in Chicago, we were welcomed with open arms by our friends at their magnificent home at One Museum Park. We met up with more friends for dinner at Chicago Firehouse. Friday I had my first visit to Wrigley Field to see the Reds beat the Cubs. I have to say that old school stadiums are cool. I was proud to see the Reds pennant at the top of the scoreboard high above all the other teams. Maybe that is why none of the Cubs fans gave me trouble even though I was warned of being heckled. Saturday we visited the Museum and the treated with a picnic with the Chicago symphony in Millennium Park. Sunday a trip was made to Navy Pier to see Cirque Shanghai. I also got a bike tour of Lake Shore beaches and Lincoln Park Zoo. As well as a Sidetrack up town.
But best of all was sharing some hearty laughs with some amazing friends. Seeing them happy. Basking in the fruits of their achievements. I only wish I saw them more often.
Fox rolling theatre
Fox rolling theatre
Originally uploaded by ekalb.
Last weekend I had rolled out the TV to watch it from outside on the balcony. It was frustrating having to do all the moving of wires. I finally got around to putting all my gaming and media components on the cart. It actually is an old fabric cart. I put a glass top on it years ago to make it a side table. So this weekend I got a few scraps of wood to create the lower shelf for holding the media components. Everything is plugged into a bar so I only have one wire to plug into the wall. It works great. Now I can easily move all my gaming a media events to which ever room I prefer. Even outside to the balcony.
Furnishing
Yep. My modern furniture fetish has struck once more. I swear this is the last time! It has to be since there is not much room for anything more. At least not comfortably. This is the purchase I had planned to make before I bought my Starck bubble sofa. Which by the way is awesome. However, it is a bit too short to stretch out on and take a nap without curling up in a ball. These sectional pieces will sit in the corner of the room facing the view of the city. And during warm summer months I will arrange them out will on the balcony. Much to the dismay of my neighbor below me which will endure my constant dragging of new furnishings across my floors. Instead of the ottoman I decided on another sectional piece. I really look forward to creating one long sofa on the balcony so I can sleep outside when it is warm. Or enjoy some late night parties with friends. Something I have not really done that much of since moving into my place. Now that I have the proper seating. There is no excuse not to celebrate.
Watch World Famous Chefs Basics
I have owned a really nice kitchen stove for a year now. My interest in cooking has increased dramatically. I have found that once I have improved my basic skills I had the confidence to tackle more complex recipes. But for all practical purposes, it is the simple dishes that usually taste the best if they are fresh ingredients a pallet easily recognizes. I also learned that there are very few tools or equipment needed other than an excellent knife, an all clad type pan, a pot for boiling and a good heat source. The rest of the stuff is just cool shiny gadgets. And of course I must collect them ALL!
Here are some excellent videos for novice cooks. Watch World Famous Chefs Teach Basic Techniques (in Video) - Cooking - Lifehacker
Here are some excellent videos for novice cooks. Watch World Famous Chefs Teach Basic Techniques (in Video) - Cooking - Lifehacker
Ko-sho Japanese in Northside
Ko-sho Japanese in Northside
Originally uploaded by ekalb.
The box dinner for two. Enjoyed the variety of items. I do find Japanese food a bit bland after eating spicy Thai. But the selection here offered plenty variety for my tastebuds satisfaction.
Obey Propaganda
Obey Propaganda
Originally uploaded by ekalb.
I have been using a sliding metal mint case for my credit cards for years. Today at the Cincinnati Contmporary Arts Center I found this business card holder fits the bill much better. Plus it has a matching fancy fountain pen so I look pimp when signing receipts.
Plans
Well, this will be my last full weekend free. I may be working overtime until mid-February due to an important software rollout at work. I am really excited to be part of it. I already found a couple of items missing from their instructions forms and informed the appropriate people. It feels great to contribute and help things run smoothly.
But it also means I may not have as much time to post here. I have already missed several days of food updates as well as not posting my workout progress. Which has been hit or miss a bit. I did actually finish a whole Yoga session on Wii Fit Plus. I am tired of the instructor saying I am a bit off balance. It is far tougher than I ever imagined. Now to keep my cardio promise. Anyone that works out knows it is important to not stop because of a missed a session. Get back on the horse. Otherwise you go nowhere!
But it also means I may not have as much time to post here. I have already missed several days of food updates as well as not posting my workout progress. Which has been hit or miss a bit. I did actually finish a whole Yoga session on Wii Fit Plus. I am tired of the instructor saying I am a bit off balance. It is far tougher than I ever imagined. Now to keep my cardio promise. Anyone that works out knows it is important to not stop because of a missed a session. Get back on the horse. Otherwise you go nowhere!
Shot in OTR
Now for a positive view of shootings in Cincinnati. I remember the 1990 A Rage In Harlem transformed Main Street that summer. Production companies made over building facades and restored grocery store fronts. But Eight Men Out really started it all, getting developers to recognize Cincinnati's OTR historic district that resembles cities of the east coast in mid 1800s. Four minutes into this Sufjan Stevens video gives a proper glimpse into what the neighborhood may have looked. Showing the beauty of Washington Park atop Memorial Hall even in the stark winter. Many people involved early in the Cincinnati Film Commission have moved on to Hollywood. A college friend that worked for them. Was responsible for choosing locations here moved on to do location scouting for 90210, The X-Files and various films over the years.
Now a whole new set of performers are shooting for stardom from Cincinnati with MTV's "Taking The Stage" created by Cincinnati local Nick Lachey. It will be exciting to see the transformation that will now occur on the other side of OTR once the school moves into the new location next to Washington Park near Music Hall.
Now a whole new set of performers are shooting for stardom from Cincinnati with MTV's "Taking The Stage" created by Cincinnati local Nick Lachey. It will be exciting to see the transformation that will now occur on the other side of OTR once the school moves into the new location next to Washington Park near Music Hall.
go Metro
I will be riding the Metro Thursday to work since my convertible Miata has serious issues driving in the snow. I really need to start riding the bus daily. It is nice to be able to relax, listen to music or surf the web on my phone without having to deal with stop lights, bad weather and other drivers.
Economic Development
The city of Cincinnati's Economic Development department has created a website giving business and individuals reasons to choose the city. Scroll to the bottom for the directory.
Social Media Metrics
I love blog posts that get to the point. The Social Organization has a point list for Social Media Metrics.
* Activity Metrics
* Survey Metrics
* ROI
* Individual Metrics
* General Tracking
* Activity Metrics
* Survey Metrics
* ROI
* Individual Metrics
* General Tracking
Bathroom System
Now this is a fresh view on bathroom fixtures. The One Bathroom System by Rapsel brings simplicity and warmth to the bath in this three tier setup. Sleek. I really like how the toilet lid is part of the system so the bathroom becomes like a spa.
CES
The 2010 International CES, January 7-10 begins and already companies are releasing their press releases to get ahead of the flood of new products that will be presented this week. The gadget freak in me is all tingly.
Productivity Secret
Jerry Seinfeld's Productivity Secret - Goals - Lifehacker: "get a big wall calendar that has a whole year on one page". "He said for each day that I do my task of writing, I get to put a big red X over that day. 'After a few days you'll have a chain. Just keep at it and the chain will grow longer every day. You'll like seeing that chain, especially when you get a few weeks under your belt. Your only job next is to not break the chain.'"
Social Media Marketing
What’s Working?:
"Unsurprisingly, buying ads—even targeted ones—was the least effective type of social media marketing overall."
"most success with monitoring Twitter for PR problems and contacting users who posted negative comments about their brand".
"But the most effective tactic for consumer-oriented companies was creating a Facebook application"
"Unsurprisingly, buying ads—even targeted ones—was the least effective type of social media marketing overall."
"most success with monitoring Twitter for PR problems and contacting users who posted negative comments about their brand".
"But the most effective tactic for consumer-oriented companies was creating a Facebook application"
The brush factory
Check out the post at Design Cincinnati about the brush factory. A new store opened up this month by a fashion design graduate of DAAP. Setup to enable designers to create their own store and sell their collections in meat space as well as in the cloud. I cannot wait to check this out!
See trends in twitter
Trendistic is a insightful way to see what topics are hot on Twitter. How they play out over time. And who are the people behind it.
Tech questions answered
The the Tech-Ease site seems to have been created for educators. It is a perfect resource when you need answers to basic technical questions. This link is to their Mac site, but there is a Windows resource as well.
Broomball begins on Fountain Square!
Third year of Broomball on Fountain Square ice rink begins tonight at 6:00 pm. If your free, stop down and cheer on the teams. A great time to bring the kids will be for the Cincinnati Mascots game. This Saturday, January 9th.
Food Served on Wheels
I am interested in checking out the Cafe de Wheels sometime. I have read online about the illegal taco trucks in Los Angeles as well as the sponsored ones that twitter their location. For many the trucks represented a change of menus for those stuck within a lunch time radius. I recently tracked down the new Habanero truck during a concert downtown via twitter. Check out the article about Cafe de Wheels revs up gourmet food truck operation from Soapbox. As well as the Cafe de Wheels on twitter. Seems like a good trend for foodies in the city.
Day Three
Had a Healthy choice meal of pasta and chicken at work. Snacked on roasted almonds. Banana. Plenty of filter water. Made an onion, green pepper omelet. Orange Juice. Ate last of the left over corn chips and salsa.
Kitchen Skills
Six Kitchen Skills You Can Pick Up This Weekend Lifehacker
From properly seasoning a skillet, sharpening knives, to proper recipe ratios and cooking eggs properly. There are some good tidbits. As well as plenty of links to other sites.
From properly seasoning a skillet, sharpening knives, to proper recipe ratios and cooking eggs properly. There are some good tidbits. As well as plenty of links to other sites.
Apple iSlate
"Apple iSlate should be this simple. With an aluminum or white polycarbonate body, perhaps even rubberized, and no bezel whatsoever, with a very thin black frame. It really doesn't need anything else. Ogle its simple beauty in the gallery".
Apple iSlate Concept Is Exactly How This Thing Should Be - iSlate - Gizmodo
Apple iSlate Concept Is Exactly How This Thing Should Be - iSlate - Gizmodo
Be like Steve
The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs
Act 1: Create the Story
Act 2: Deliver the Experience
Act 3: Refine and Rehearse
Act 1: Create the Story
Act 2: Deliver the Experience
Act 3: Refine and Rehearse
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