Making a home in Norwood, Ohio

Now here is a place that puts my home renovation to shame. Lots of hard work and meticulous effort has made a dingy repair garage in Norwood in to an amazing home. Drew and I were invited over to see the place this evening. It took everything I had had to keep my camera phone in my pocket and not be an invasive guest taking photos of everything. We got the total tour. The place is amazing. Lots of great details and wonderful Cincinnati furnishing finds. It takes an outsider perspective to see how wonderful the things that we throw out. The kitchen they have was purchased from people that were remodeling. They now have it proudly displayed in their open airy home. It looks amazing and I am sure the original owners would probably cringe now realizing what they gave up. Drop them a line if you have a project in mind. They certainly have the talents. 1923mills.blogspot.com

Favorite Dynamist Flickr post.

Birthday card for my brother - he brings out the 10-year-old in me...
Originally uploaded by dynamist.

Favorite Dynamist post.

My new home

Den
Originally uploaded by ekalb.

Got another request to publish photos of my condo. I would really rather wait until I get a few more things done before I reveal it all. I have a slide show of my condo on Flickr. Mostly taken after moving.

I really want to paint or stain my kitchen cabinets. I despise the current color, but it was the best the developer offered other than the upgrade. The upgrade was not exactly what I wanted at the time. But now I wish I had done it because the cost of redoing the cabinets. I have determined that I am not capable of doing a decent job myself. I would need some serious practice first.

I am also ordering a second outdoor table to match my current one. Then I will put a large door size table over the two smaller tables to create space for bigger dining parties. After living here for six months I have decided not to purchase a regular dining table. One, because I rarely eat in the kitchen. I usually eat at the kitchen island, at the coffee table in front of the TV or on the balcony. Two, because it would take up too much space that I would need when I do have parties.

I still need to paint the downstairs bathroom as well as organize some type of office supply organization in the closet downstairs. It is currently a mess. Even after I purged six boxes of stuff last month. I want to be able to have a place for everything rather than things that go anywhere they fit.

Photographer Scott Beseler

Photographer Scott Beseler
Originally uploaded by ekalb.

I purchased this fantastic photo from Scott Beseler's gallery show last week. It is a perfect moment in the old Kauldi's on Main Street at sunset. I cannot wait to get this framed.

Fancy Fast Food

This site says it is still not good for you, but that it looks better. I am not so sure. Fancy Fast Food

There, fixed it

Some really scary quick fixes found on this site reminds me the downsides to ingenunity.

collective nouns 5x7 - Scott Beseler

collective nouns 5x7 - Scott Beseler
Originally uploaded by ekalb.

Scott Beseler Show. Collective Nouns 5x7

Main Street, Cincinnati, OH. Friday June 26.

Cardin Villa

For a house that is so bizarre it is amazingly tasteful and elegant.

Drew & Megan at OTR Summer Celebration

Make your own path

This is a great idea for night cyclists. Laser bike lanes.

Tucker's OTR

MY OTR RANT

I am seething about the ridiculous bogus crime report from yesterday. Last year Cincinnati Police District One (includes OTR) reported the lowest crime statistics in Cincinnati's Five Police Districts. There is no denying Cincinnati's OTR neighborhood has had difficult times in the past. But that is far from the real picture of today. If anything Cincinnati Over The Rhine neighborhood is quickly becoming one of the finest neighborhoods in the US. Show me a neighborhood with all this going for it. Seriously, please show me just ONE.

If anything check out the photos near the end of this...

COMPARE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD:

How many new condos does your dangerous neighborhood have?

Does your crime neighborhood have summer celebrations and 5k runs? Sound silly? Why would anyone plan such an event if people were at risk?

How about popular French influenced restaurants?

Does it have the world's largest collection of artist studios under one roof?

Or a Green Store?

How about one of the oldest operating open Markets. And I am not talking about a junk market, but a real farmers market in the city?

What about cool media companies, or even a Silicon Alley? OTR boasts: Light-Borne, Metaphor Studio, Pixels and Dots, Kennedy Creative, KGB Advertising, Willow Creative Group and Walk Upright.

And what about a new Creative and Performing Arts School?

Or one of the nations kick ass indie Music festivals?

How about one of the oldest US Celebrations of Beer?

Outstanding performance theatre venues like
Music Hall, Memorial Hall. Know Theatre and The Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati.

Plans for a Street Car and a revival of a Brewery District?

At least check out some recent OTR urban photos.

Check out what the local bloggers have to say...

UrbanCincy.com

QueenCitySurvey.com

Cincinnati.Blogspot.com

5chw4r7z.com


Email me at blakefox at gmail.com if you have a neighborhood that has more going for it than this? I double dog dare you!

Over The Rhine is simply the most exciting and beautiful neighborhoods found anywhere. Spend time on this Flickr search and see for yourself.

Blake's Party

Blake's Party
Originally uploaded by ekalb.

My neighbor captured my 80's music video wall that I set up for my party a week ago. I still have the hookup ready for the next party! As well as a case of beer!

Civilization

Marco Brambilla's Civilization is epic!

Ate too much at work. Bacon Cheese burger. Tater Tots. And some Blueberry Yogurt. I have been really good this week about my eating habits, but I gave in this evening. This was the first time in a while that my Khakis fit my waist and I did not feel like I would hurl from them being too tight. I will need to get some exercise this weekend.

Sad I missed the Thursday showing of the 1959 movie "Some Like it Hot". I was going to be shown in Eden Park by the Art Museum. I find it amusing that it gets promoted as being in Mt. Adams. I doubt most people will walk to the UDF to get ice cream. Is it even open that late?

I keep debating if I should get the new iPhone. I think it is waste of money for myself since I already have a nice Canon Elf camera. I do not travel much so I am in no need for a compass and I rarely use my phone in my car so voice commands would seem silly. The only thing I would like is 3G because the 2G does is not available where I work. Supposedly they installed repeaters, but they must only work 3G. I wish I knew someone at work that could verify an iPhone works. The only other excuse to have the upgrade would be the camera video capabilities and better performance. I have to admit I use my phone cam much more often since I have to think about carrying the Canon or Nikon cameras. But I am not sure the price/features merits the upgrade. Quick, someone show me something new and gadgety to stray my attention.

My first Big Party at Parker Flats

Finally, my first big party in my new Condo. Many of my favorite peeps arrived. As well as those I have not seen in awhile, which made it even better. I want to to thank everyone for the birthday wishes. My new wine collection. I wish I knew more about wine because I think a few of you spent too much. I also want to thank someone for the award winning beer that I tucked safely in my cabinet for a special occasion. The too generous gift certificate to the Teak and for the special architecture book. Thanks to Brian for providing the homemade Guac. Luckily the extra container was not found until late so there were morsels left for me. And to my neighbors for the delicate quite beautiful plant. They had no idea they had given this plant it's slow debilitating death sentence. Also to those that helped out with the much needed ice run. And most certainly my Dreworama for all the prep.

The turnout was bigger than I expected. Luckily, everyone came and left in shifts. But even with the biggest crowd, there was plenty of room to move about on the balcony and in the den. Later in the evening I had guests that were invited by earlier party goers that had since left. It was at first difficult to figure out if these strangers were at the right party since my neighbors above and below me were both having parties at the same time. It was sort of cool to have strangers show up that I have recognized in the Cincy Media. Yet I have never met them before and they did not know me but only through that evenings invite by cell from friends of friends.

I had my projector displaying old 80's videos and recent mash-ups over the staircase in the kitchen. As well as a changing LED light behind the bar. All that was missing was the mirrored disco ball. Just over a case of beer left. Not much left in the 1/2 barrel. Still have lots of veggies left over. But snacks were mostly depleted. So I can say is was a good start for my first party. I would love to list the whos, who, but they know who they are and I love them all.

Ironing

I am not a big fan of ironing. But this extreme ironing has won my heart.

Ault Park

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by hjoew.

Joe Wessels took this wonderful photo of the fountain at Ault Park full of flowers. I must go and check it out. Amazing.

Traditions

YouTube - Project Natal

If this demonstration is anything close to reality. The future is truly here. I already enjoy using my XBox for gaming, video downloads, and using it as my Netflix box. I can see far more applications for this than what was shown. It seems there is already some voice recognition. Possibly face recognition. How cool would it be to walk in front of your TV and have it pull up your favorite web links, and email. Or give you important household information reminders. If Microsoft plays this right they may corner the market on interfaces for future computing.

Office Space Invaders

Spring Cleaning

Currently doing some online spring cleaning. It is really an excuse to avoid the real spring cleaning my house needs.

Amazing Local Jump Ropers!

I had no idea King's high school were so famous. Apparently they have performed all over. From this video I can see why. Need to make the short drive north and check them out!

Outside In Cincinnati

Outside In Cincinnati
Originally uploaded by ekalb.

Enjoying a perfect Spring day. Last night Drew and I had Jay come over for dinner. I made country spare ribs. Slow simmered in beer, slathered in barbecue and roasted in the oven. We then walked down to Fountain Square to get Graeter's ice cream. The line was out the door at 9:30 pm. We then sat and enjoyed people watching on Fountain Square. Checked out the CAC window display, Basake's hats and then the Hustler store for kicks. Then relaxed at my place watching Youtube videos on my TV via AppleTV as well as the 2nd season 1st episode of the IT Crowd.

This morning I walked over to the Deli and picked up OJ and Eggs. But Drew and I ended up only having cereal for breakfast. Drew played at bit of Amplitude on PS2. I am surfing the web and getting ready to nap with Drew before we head off to the Planet Earth Day Events at Sawyer Point.

Brad joined us for the Sawyer Point festivities. It was cool catching up. Need to plan a video game day soon. I was looking forward to seeing the SPCA at the festival, but it seems they were a no show. But the Cincinnati Zoo had a quick show on the stage and brought out a Bear Cat. Who knew Bear Cats really existed? Much more cuddly looking than the one depicted as the University of Cincinnati mascot.

Powerboard

If I were a bit younger I would be saving my pennies for one of these. An all terrain device that you can fit in your car trunk. Apparently you can even drive over small logs! YouTube - Scarpar Prototype 3 - 2008

Easter Bunny donates his body to science

A gift for every kid this Easter. Etsy :: CraftyHedgehog

Gladys Cravitz peep show

Like Gladys the nosy neighbor in the old TV show Bewitched. I too love to see what is going on in other people's homes. Well, mostly just to see how they live in their dwelling. Growing up I was always shocked at how simple some people lived while others in pure luxury. A life that their on the street persona never divulged. That is why I wish I could see this exhibition in London. Ethelburga Tower: At home in a high-rise - Geffrye

Start again?

Well, the new blog is not up to par. After a month of posts and editing. I am still not happy with it. While I love the features, the layout is something left to be desired. So I guess I will come back home to Blogger. I have left at least six times over many years and always returned. So I guess this is not any different. I hate having two blogs. But until I get the other one corrected, I would rather not replace this one just yet. So there may be a little bit of life left with this one.

Hiatus

I have not been posting too often since I have been focusing on a new blog which will eventually replace this one. Thanks for checking in. Hopefully I will be up and running in March.

Spinning wheels

I spent nearly twelve hours cleaning out one closet. I sifted through multiple boxes. Sorted out items no longer needed. Emptied others into each other. Moved them into different storage locations. I moved all my magazines from my library and hauled them upstairs to my bedroom to become nightstand items. This opened up space to put the last of my books that were stored in boxes on the shelves. I was able to free up some space. But even after all of that work I still have a closet full of boxes. Ugh!

Star Wars Pants

Replacing words for pants in Star Wars. via - Kottke.org

Outside living

The sun is almost out. It is 60 degrees outside. I usually keep my condo around 60 in the Winter anyway. So opening the door is like a breath of fresh air. Makes cleaning house much more pleasant.

CAC ceiling

CAC ceiling
Originally uploaded by ekalb.

Jen invited me to join her and friends to see the new show at the Contemporary Arts Center Cincinnati. The show was really wonderful. Tara Donovan's works were intense as well as playful. The straw wall was astonishing. I almost did not bother walking up to it. From a distance it looked like a blank wall. But then as I approached I realized something was there because people were standing right up to the wall. Once I saw it close up it was still difficult to fathom because of the sheer volume.

The pin cube was also amazing. But as I stood there a group of people were just finishing looking at the stacks of buttons. When a girl from the group turned around as they were walking by, her purse knocked the corner of the pins from the cube as I was standing looking at it. As she and her group walked away unknowingly causing the accident. I stood there looking up to see if anyone else noticed. I then realized I would look like the guilty party because I was now standing the closest to the damaged corner. I quickly made my exit.

How's your news

BBTV reviews this new series on MTV "How's your news". Growing up with a brother with Down Syndrome, this show makes me happy that these guys have some true time on TV. The rocking and rolling at the end of the video really should help a few realize that we all celebrate the same.

Making it better

I have lived in my new building for over a month now. Construction on the building is ongoing with walls unfinished and garages without doors. The hallways on my floor have been unfinished drywall. Until yesterday when I came home to lime green walls. I really should not call it lime as much as bright avocado? It is an interesting choice, but not one I am opposed to looking at each day. Far better than beige or white. But today when I walked out my door I noticed these circular pencil marks. They started out small around my door. Then progressively get larger as they progress down the hall. By the time I got to the elevator you could see the rage in the pencil strokes as they became larger and seemingly made with someone with an agenda. Looking more closely they were marks to show where patches to drywall dents were needed. Or places where the paint was thin. After walking the hallway it was obvious someone was attempting to make a quality statement. But I cannot help but wonder if that time might have been better spent help fixing the issues rather than making circles on the walls. Something I think everyone is guilty of at times.

Slow commute

Slow commute
Originally uploaded by ekalb.

Icy morning

Icy morning
Originally uploaded by ekalb.

Dream job

It has been over about a month now since I moved to Parker Flats. It all seems so surreal at times. Monday the furniture repairman came. The movers had taken off the corners of my brand new table. So he was sent to either repair the table or approve the claim for replacement. Happily he was able to repair it like new. What was even more enjoyable was finding out some of his history. He has been in the furniture repair business for forty years. He started at Swallen's in Fairfax. I grew up shopping at Swallens with my family. My aunt had lived behind Mr. Swallens huge garden next to Route 50. I always loved going there because the Keebler cracker factory was just up the street and smelled so sweet. We both spoke fondly of shopping at Swallens in the maze of connected warehouses. He said back then all of his furniture came from there. As did mine. He learned his craft there and now has a great collection of furnishings of his own. He still loves his job and his skills showed it.

What was really amusing was seeing his expression when he first walked in my door. "Wow" were his first words. He said he had never seen a home like this before. Now that was something to hear after learning his history of working in so many homes of the city. That was my first impression when I saw the drawings of the building I said to him. I have always dreamed since I was a teenager to live in a modern home. My plan was to eventually build one. But this project came along and made it come true for me. I wake up and get excited all over again to enjoy the changing light of the day. Even more the excitement I have to see the changing of the seasons without stepping outside. Speaking with him about his fondness for furniture and mine for modern architecture. I realize we both are living the dream. Only he gets paid for his.

Cincinnati Streetcars at Government Square

Historic Cincinnati
Originally uploaded by ekalb.

Curry and Organizing

Finally getting over being sick! I missed doing so much this week. Have not been productive. Friday evening Drew and I went to Teak. They seated us in the front window in front of the Sushi bar. In all the years I have eaten at Teak, this is the first time I have ever been seated in the front window. I was a treat. But I am sure it would have been far more interesting in warmer weather when there are more people walking around Mt. Adams. We ordered vegetable rolls. The wasabi was the perfect answer to my stuffed head. Of course I ordered my favorite dish Red Curry Chicken. No other restaurant in Cincinnati has matched the creamy consistency they give this dish. We then took a few trips around downtown to find a parking space so we could treat ourselves to some Starbucks for dessert. Then took our cups to my place and watched Dark Knight on BluRay. I have to admit even though I love this type of film, it was just a bit too long. I found myself getting up a few times for my own intermission.

That night I plotted and planned my attack on my stored stuff. I have found that something in a box is rarely used. So my plan is to create a shelf for everything. First thing Saturday morning I hauled my tired body to Ikea. I bought a large cabinet that will now become my bar for the living room. It holds all the wine glasses, glass tumblers and cocktail glasses that cannot fit in my kitchen cabinets. It also provides plenty of space for liquor. I am not too keen about having another piece of furniture in the small space. But without it, all these items would be in the front closet. Now for the front closet I purchased a bunch of shelves. But I may end up taking them back before I install them. Even with all the measuring and plotting I am still not sure how I want to setup the front closet. At least a third or more will be used for kitchen equipment, bakeware, extra bowls etc. As well as a pantry for items I do not use as often or cannot fit in the kitchen cabinetry. I only have a few coats and I prefer to hang the ones I use on the back of the door rather than use a hanger. I am not sure I even need to use this closet for coats. Most guests assume the top of the bed is where their coat will be stored. But I do plan on keeping a small area for hanging coats on a hanger. The rest of the closet will be for storage. Hopefully the kind where everything can be seen at a glance and nothing becomes a forgotten relic stowed away for years.

Movie of the week - The Valet

Jackie + Paris Hilton

Me + Paris Hilton
Originally uploaded by dynamist.

I thought I did not have to worry about Jackie moving to California.

SMS from Chad

SMS from Chad
Originally uploaded by ekalb.

Hulu on Boxee

Hulu on Boxee
Originally uploaded by ekalb.

I have been geeking out this evening. Loading the new version of Boxee to my Apple TV so I can watch internet video on my Television. What surprises me the most is how amazingly clear the content looks on my television. A true testament to Samsung's video display technology that processes and enhances on the fly specific to the content. But if you have a spare computer I cannot recommend enough Boxee. Today I spent a hour watching old MTV videos reliving the 80's.

Reviewing Cincinnati Bus Routes

Now that I have moved I have to find a new bus route to work. It seems none of the routes get me completely door to door without a transfer. I was hoping now that I lived next to a bus stop I could somehow easily find a bus route that made my commute easier. My favorite bus is 39 because it travels to all my favorite destinations, downtown, UC, Ludlow and Northside. But for downtown, Government Square is nearly six blocks of walking. Now I can catch a transfer for those few blocks. But that seems sort of silly and could cause me to extend my wait times between buses.

Bus 46 seems to have the most direct route from Government Square up to the hospitals. But when I compared it with Bus 1 the route time is about the same. Even though Bus 1 goes up through Mt. Adams and Walnut Hills. Maybe bus 46 makes more stops, or has more lights? I do like Bus 1 because when coming back into downtown it brings me within two blocks of home. Shame the route the other way is still blocks away. But at least it is one block less to walk than 46. All this is subjective since I have not been on either of these routes. But this morning will be my first test. I leave it up to which ever one shows up first.

One thing during this investigation turned out great. Viewing route info on my iPhone when offline. Apparently if you use a Yahoo mail account. Any files downloaded on the iPhone are stored in memory for offline viewing. Unlike other mail services that only allows files to be viewed while online. The only problem was many of the Sorta.com multiple page PDF files are much too large to view on the iPhone. So I went through Adobe Acrobat and separated the pages into individual PDF files. Now I can view them on my iPhone even when I do not have internet access. When I get a chance I will post the files to Scribd.com so anyone can download them.

Ikea Groceries

Great article. Ikea Groceries: Some Assembly Required | Serious Eats - via Kottke.org

Crazy Orangina ad

Crazy Orangina ad
Originally uploaded by bousinka.

It's only Tuesday

It was so cool to have dinner at Nada with Ronnie, Donnie and Dave. R&D seem to have the busiest schedules of anyone I know. Figures since they are both so talented. It seems impossible that it has been a year since I last saw R&D. I guess with all the great changes in my life this year things have moved quickly for me. While having dinner, another wonderful friend Jeff stopped by our table. He was giving accolades to Donnie for getting hired as an actor for a GE commercial. Oh, ran into my neighbors having a birthday dinner as well. Later everyone stopped to see my new digs downtown and for some desserts from Tazza Mia. Dave gets an offer for a job at Columbia in an email while we are sitting in my kitchen. Did I say I had talented friends? They had to leave soon after since Ronnie has to leave for Boston in the morning and I had to be on my way to work.

Drew is busy with his color guard and I could not be more excited for him. So far the photos I have seen look like this show is going to be amazing.

On a less exciting news. I got my kitchen hardware installed. My new Starck chairs arrived. I hung a large picture and mirror. As well as paid some important bills. My cafe table is on the way. But the outdoor chairs will probably not arrive until February. I am a bit disappointed with the Starck chairs. They are far smaller and fragile than I imagined. But they definitely give the expected pop of color and cool factor that I wanted for the hard industrial feel of my living room.

My team R2BeatU tied our last Broomball game against the 5/3 team Monday night. I ended pulling a muscle in my back that is still bothering me now. Tomorrow is going to be spent getting some rest. Then having a nice cappuccino with barista Drew-o-rama before going to work.