Happy New Year: 2012 ... ready, set, here we go!!!

UPDATE: SelfDiploma.com has released its 2011 Recap Video that highlights his crew's events on Cincy's Fountain Square: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9aCBKuVPMQ

COUNTDOWN TO 2012 ON FOUNTAIN SQUARE 

I've spent much of last week reflecting on events of the past year. Although there were plenty of good times (I'm in Cincy after all), some heartbreaking moments also occurred. Nevertheless, here's some of my 2011 adventures and reflections that I'm taking into 2012:

1. Getting hooked on the Coffee Emporium's brown sugar/walnut scones: http://www.coffee-emporium.com/ 

2. Having weekly breakfasts at Servatii's on Court Street

3. Touring the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center: http://www.freedomcenter.org/ 

4. Dining at TASTE OF BELGIUM for my first-ever serving of chicken & waffles: http://authenticwaffle.com/ 

5. Visiting the Cincinnati Art Museum to tour the Art Deco exhibit http://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org/  and discovering Trial by Fire -- a  hand-blown glass installation by Darren Goodman. I'll share more about him in a later post; meanwhile, here's an intro to his creativity: http://www.darrengoodman.net/ 

6. Watching Love's On Its Way video by Corinne Bailey Rae http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IbfmWA8Ja4 and being moved into re-thinking how I should live 

7. Meeting Cincinnati Bengal Rey Maualuga: http://www.bengals.com/media-lounge/videos/rey-maualuga-in-the-locker-room-5109/f6f0fea1-bc85-4288-bf7e-169c2529c867

Farewell 2011! Welcome 2012 ... glad to greet you

As 2011 winds to a close, I'm preparing my end-of-year ritual: dance away the disappointments of this year and boogie toward my hopes for the coming one. I'm getting my party started this final week of 2011 with BoA's Energetic … report to the dance floor … By mid-week I'm sure to be mellowing with some old-school Funkadelic -- Maggot Brain, perhaps? Then by week's end, I'll probably be in the mood to crank up the volume on Parliament's Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker). On New Year's Eve, you'll find me celebrating 2011's final hours with a cheery crowd on Fountain Square. So long, au revoir, arrivederci, adios, lebewohl 2011! Hello, bonjour, ciao, hola, hallo 2012. Happy New Year everyone!!!

JOIN MY VIRTUAL PARTY 
BoA: Energetic @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qE05Bv1e_fo
Funkadelic: Maggot Brain @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dh3bleXWaCk
Parliament: Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)  @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UypeE3zTwBs

NOTE: We're now cincydwellers.com

Joy to the World, Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men!

In celebration of Christmas, here's a rendition of my favorite Christmas carol "Silent Night" sung by the Temptations: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v256VIjz_JU 

Also, enjoy "Silent Night" in the languages below -- Merry Christmas!

Silent Night (German)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUb8ySdERKs

Silent Night (Spanish)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M32-rY015HE

T'is a season of love, hope, peace, joy - & shopping

Dillard's (Kenwood Mall) holiday display by Daniel.

UPDATE: We moved ... Come follow us to cincydwellers.com


======================================
Love, hope, peace, and joy is what Christmas means to me. But I also get pleasure from holiday shopping, holiday displays, and the overall merriment of the season. Regardless of your religious or spiritual take on the holiday season, I hope each of you will join me in cultivating the love inside ourselves to bring hope for a brighter future, peace in our relationships, and joy to each and every day -- no matter what! Peace and love from Cincy!!!

Christmas flash mob:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azaWZi9O34U

PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo (with Czechoslovakian puppet system): http://cincinnatizoo.org/events/festival-of-lights/

T'is the season in Cincy
Santa rappels onto Fountain Square and other stuff in downtown Cincinnati:
http://www.downtowncincinnati.com/holiday

Bengals Linebackers: Santa Claus is coming to town
http://www.straitpinkie.com/humor/cincinnati-bengals-linebackers-sing-santa-claus-is-coming-to-town/

Thanksgiving Day 2011: 'Take a seat at the table'

Thanksgiving is an act of LOVE, so let's give it freely to someone in need.

Photograph by Nantucket

UPDATE: We moved ... Come follow us to cincydwellers.com


Once again, it's Thanksgiving Day in the U.S.A. Soon I'll make the two-hour trekk to Indiana for a holiday feast with my beloved family. This year's celebration will be particularly heartfelt where, during the year, times of wondrous blessings were interspersed with periods of grief. Yet, the atmosphere will be full of love, remembrance, and a greater appreciation for one another. 

That being said, in keeping with my Thanksgiving mantra of lazy cook, my offering to the feast is, of course, being catered -- oh, how I am thankful for those extra hours to enjoy my family!

Heart of the Art: Yarn bombers weave their mark

BombShells release yarn bomb on Central Parkway.

UPDATE: We moved ... Come follow us to cincydwellers.com

The setting - Cincinnati's Central Parkway median strip. The target - every tree, planter, pole, and utility box along the median. The villain - an incognito knitting faction known only as BombShells. In September, the posse, who's spray paint transforms into knitting needles and endless yarn, weaved their mark on Cincy. Like graffiti artists, the BombShells, in hidden identities, knitted their way across Central Parkway in downtown. From yarn puffs and jellyfish hanging from trees to Oz's wicked witch squashed beneath a huge planter, the yarn bomb survived two weeks before vanishing. Nevertheless, it was quite an awe-inspiring exhibit while it lasted!

Yarn bomb slideshow w/ music by Hectic Zeniths (my new favorite trip hop band); song titles: why shoot debris about it; zeitschtichen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_7z6z-nyuw&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Hectic Zeniths: http://hecticzeniths.bandcamp.com/

Note: Although no knitters have been identified, it has been discovered that Art Works, a local nonprofit arts organization, supported the project: http://www.artworkscincinnati.org/.

Crazy Lazy Cookbook: tazza mia brews java culture

Java and a delectable coconut macaroon-YUM!

UPDATE: We moved ... Come follow us to cincydwellers.com

I was headed to Starbucks at Fourth & Vine when I noticed "free Wi-Fi" on a sign inside a window at tazza mia. In the mood for a bit of change, I ventured inside to a quaint sophisticated coffee bar filled with retro chic ambience. Turns out that tazza mia is brewing more than just java in its three downtown cafes. This Cincy local is brewing a coffee culture in that's also good for the environment; but, for that piece of the story, you'll need to visit tazza mia and discuss the roasting process -- that's where their story unfolds.

I enjoyed tazza mia so much that my visit lasted all morning. What began with a sign in a window ended hours later, with great java, great fun, and great friends -- I can hardly wait to return!

tazza mia: coffee bar for connoisseurs
http://www.tazzamia.com/
441 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio, 513.381.1388

A Healthy Dose of Realism: A Cincinnati summer

Hello World! Thanks for remaining faithful to cincy dwellers during my hiatus -- lots of local summer events and sprinkles of family gatherings. Come September, I will have new posts to bring you closer to Cincinnati.

Click the link and check out "Upcoming Events" on Fountain Square:
http://www.cincinnatiusa.com/Attractions/detail.asp?AttractionID=326

Happy reading!
Edie-n-Cincy

Heart of the Art: Shepard Fairey murals revisited

UPDATE: We moved ... Come follow us to cincydwellers.com

Several Cincy-area Shepard Fairey murals survive vandals' paint brush.

Several vandals have taken paint and paintbrush to cover some of Cincinnati's Shepard Fairey murals. So, in honor of those murals stricken by masked painters, here's a ditty via Edie's novice video talents:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=halltAeixpM&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

A Cincinnati Sunday: Welcome to a bit of my world

UPDATE: We moved ... Come follow us to cincydwellers.com

On a recent Sunday, I took my trusty digital Nikon out for a tour of downtown Cincy. Fountain Square is the heart of my fair city and central to where art deco embraces a business district sprinkled with urban delights. Because of your continued interest in cincydwellers.blogspot.com, here's a sneak peek of downtown Cincy courtesy of my walk-about photos. Peace & Love!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJrJ0M0ukJY

Pig-ticipants hightail it in 'Flying Pig' marathon

Piggy in a pink pen.

Marathon pig-ticipants.

A piggy at the Pasta Pig-out.

UPDATE: We moved ... Come follow us to cincydwellers.com

This year's Flying Pig Marathon pulled in a field of more than 30,000 piggly, wiggly runners and walkers from across the country. Since it began 13 years ago, the annual event has raised more than $8.5 million for charities. Cincy dwellers David Riddle and Kerry Lee both hightailed it to second place wins in both the men and women's divisions.

Men's Division
1st: Kieran O’Connor, 24, New York City hogtied the top spot.
2nd: Cincy Dweller David Riddle, 29, hightailed it to second place.
3rd: Rob Morwood, 36, of Otterbein, Ohio, squealed into third.
Women’s Division
First:: Amy McDonaugh, 34, of Irmo, South Carolina
Second: Kerry Lee, 36, of Cincinnati 
Third: Carrie Kutzli, 25, of Grand Rapids, Michigan

For more Flying Pig news:

http://www.flyingpigmarathon.com/

Heart of the Art: Contemporary living a joy in Cincy

UPDATE: We moved ... Come follow us to cincydwellers.com

Avista Developers' stunning hillside homes overlook Cincy and Northern Kentucky. 

View from "The Elite's" rooftop patio.

As a city built on seven hills, Cincinnati offers spectacular views and many housing options. I have always loved open floor plans, so it was shear delight to discover the area's countless lofts and contemporary home styles. Then one day things got better -- I found my dream home. Dwelling One in Phase I of "The Elite" development on Mt. Adams is the ultra contemporary abode I'd always envisioned for myself. A tour of the home's 3,000 square feet of stunning living space was a spiritual sojourn. I'd place dibbs on this luxurious residence in a heartbeat if $895,000 ever falls into my lap! If you love contemporary living, and aren’t shy about paying nearly a million dollars for a home, "The Elite" is certainly worth a personal tour! For the rest of us, check out the virtual tour via the link below:

Avista Developers

380 Oregon Street, #204

Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Take the virtual tour:

http://www.trulia.com/property/1096229276-430-Oregon-St-Cincinnati-OH-45202

Heart of the Art: CAC exhibits Keith Haring pop art

UPDATE: We moved ... Come follow us to cincydwellers.com

Cincinnati's Contemporary Arts Center in downtown is designed by Zaha Hadid.

The Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) in downtown Cincy offers free admission, starting at 5 p.m. on Mondays. I recently took advantage of that freebie and toured the iconic pop art exhibit of Keith Haring. Where much of Haring's work is for mature audiences, it was amusing to witness a group of high school students react to those images. Also on display was Rosson Crow's uncanny American motorcycles exhibit. Both Haring and Rosson produced some extraordinary works; however, I enjoy the CAC's architecture as much as the exhibits. The ultra contemporary building is itself a work of art. It's the perfect setting for special events that have included a sneaker designer's launch party. For anyone who appreciates uncanny art, the CAC might be for you -- it's certainly for me!!
Keith Haring:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVqGOdYo5FU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dr9rpiN9Zf0
Rosson Crow:
http://contemporaryartscenter.org/exhibitions/rosson-crow
Contemporary Arts Center:
http://contemporaryartscenter.org/keith-haring

Lend Me Your Ears: Music comforts nocturnal state

UPDATE: We moved ... Come follow us to cincydwellers.com

The Heavy: "How You Like Me Now" is famously used in the U.S. to market Kia Motors. 

The "soulful" Jessie J.

It's 4:45 a.m. on a Sunday morning and I've been awake all night. Unable to sleep, I have taken comfort in a cup of steaming Chamomile flavored with honey & lemon. I compliment my twilight tea with British music while awaiting the Chamomile's relaxing effects to take hold ... simply kickin' back and enjoying a private musical sojourn -- holla!!!

My tea party jams are below: 

The Heavy: How you like me now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVzvRsl4rEM

Jessie J.: Mama knows best: http://www.firstup.se/2011/03/jessie-js-snl-performances-mama-knows.html

little people: Mickey Mouse Operation: http://www.littlepeoplemusic.com/mickey-mouse-operation.
Also, enjoy these free downloads of early unreleased amazing songs. Get them here and DJ mix here and mashup here.


Update: My beloved "little people" aka Laurent Clerc has scheduled his first U.S. concert -- yeahhh!!!

Cincy hip hop artist opens for Wu Tang Clan's GZA

Correction: My apologies for using the
wrong image for  hip hop artist
Ill Poetic (above).

UPDATE: We moved ... Come follow us to cincydwellers.com

I was surprised to learn Earlham College, a small Quaker college in Indiana, would host a hip hop concert, featuring Wu Tang Clan founding member GZA. But it was really special to hear that Cincy hip hop artist Ill Poetic would open the show -- quite a coup for a rising Midwest homeboy, who also shared the Earlham stage with hip hop heavyweights' Brother Ali, Freddie Gibbs and Illogic. Check out the musicality of cincy dweller Ill Poetic below:
The Beautiful
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFP-0ED7Tb0
The Last ("eff word" warning):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrS6YPnC6CU
Earlham College
http://www.earlham.edu/

24 hours in Cincy: Cleo, Clooney, Rose and more ...

      
Over the course of today - 2/23/11, I saw baseball great Pete Rose at a local grocery store event, witnessed actor George Clooney on Fountain Square, filming his new movie "The Ides of March", toured the extraordinary "Cleopatra" exhibit at Union Terminal, and photographed Art Deco in downtown Cincy. Afterward I received a message from my nephew via Facebook, reminding me of one of the funnest day's of my life -- when he, my daughter, and me drove to Jacksonville, Florida, while listening to Everlast play in the CD player. So in remembrance of that trip and the last 24 hours in Cincy, I end my day chillin' to "Eat at Whitey's" and other Everlast tunes!
E V E R L A S T
What it's like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RG7NU7L92b0&feature=related

Saving Grace: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vxu21fYnKMw

So long: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C9uU0R89Bo&feature=related

When death comes calling: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9VwlENJQT8&feature=related

Blinded by the sun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8YV18njbSg&feature=related

I can't move: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fb6SaL7mGs

Art & Music blog posts among audience favorites

Shepard Fairey video and slide show dominate cincydwellers.blogspot.com fan favorites.

As support for cincydwellers.blogspot.com continues to grow, I think it's time to revisit the two most viewed posts: Shepard Fairey slide show and Dubstep music genre. So for those who seemingly can't get enough of Fairey's art or bass- and grime-heavy tunes, here's to you:

Shepard Fairey Slide Show:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=halltAeixpM&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cincydwellers/show/
Works in Process:
http://cincinnati.metromix.com/events/photogallery/shepard-fairey-installs-new/1955085/content

Dubstep music

- Mt. Eden via http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDYIdBZUl2Y

- Nero via http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uscmrfjq6TY

- Galactik Knights at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mg4PWfKyIhs

- Graffiti City dubstep remix of Brittney Spears' TOXIC: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4wE2xJnr9o&feature=BF&list=UL0cK4ghV9Mec&index=2

- Cincy music and more via DJ Psyfer's FB page @ http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=814290503

Crazy Lazy Cookbook: Cincy cafe takes the cake

Northside cafe's decadent confections and trendy lunch menu is among my Cincy favorites.

Sweet idea brings steady stream of customers.

At first glance, it is easy to miss "take the cake". But once inside, the unassuming exterior gives way to a quaint cafe that easily lives up to its name. Next to a decadent display of cupcakes and other yummy desserts, on which I focused most of my attention, is a wall of design and fashion magazines. I'm enchanted by the lunch menu cleverly displayed on a floor-to-ceiling chalkboard mounted across from the cash register. Local artwork that lines the walls is a real pleasure. Simple seating fills the cafe, with mix-matched chairs and wooden tables that provide a homey yet chic feel. "take the cake" is a great place for a quick pickup of quality, unique, and delicious food. The only thing that might take awhile is deciding which item to order! But with affordable prices, you won't feel guilty enjoying a spot of tea with a cupcake or two (or three)!

take the cake: http://www.takethecakecincinnati.com/

Lend Me Your Ears: Cincy's claim to P-Funk fame

UPDATE: click http://funkmusicnews.wordpress.com/2011/11/14/bootsy-releases-incrediboots-line-with-old-navy/ to view Bootsy's "Old Navy" TV advertisement.

Cincy's music scene is a plethora of genres; however, I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge our music legend and cincy dweller Mr. Bootsy Collins. In the mid 1970s, I attended a P-Funk concert at Hara Arena (Dayton, Ohio), in which Bootsy handed long-stem red roses off the stage into the excited hands of a few lucky girls: I was among those recipients. Fast forward: after traveling the world, performing for Funkateers everywhere, Bootsy opened a fabulous restaurant produced by famed chef Jeff Ruby. Although Ruby recently acquired the restaurant space, Cincy's beloved Bootsy continues his philanthropy and local public appearances. For my P-Funk fans, take a journey back to these old-school Bootsy hits: 

I'd rather be with you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t3qtgO1wHc

What's a telephone bill?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVZ4FH5ng7c

Days Go By (w/ Dirty Vegas)

http://www.openfilm.com/videos/dirty-vegas-live-with-bootsy-collins-dancestar-usa

Web site:

http://bootsycollins.com/bootsy/Welcome.html

A Healthy Dose of Realism: Self-service society

Some years back, when gasoline stations installed self-service pumps, I was miffed. After a full day's work, didn't I deserve to have an attendant pump my gas, check my oil, and clean my windshield? Then to my dismay grocery stores installed "U-scan" do-it-yourself checkouts. Wasn't it enough that I was trading my hard-earned cash for the grocer’s products, but now I have to cashier for myself? Always one to support library levies, I'm no longer feeling the love for them since my dear library has become another self-service entity. So where does it stop? Profitable self-service has replaced customer service, takes more of my valued time, and increases my stress level. So it's up to me and you to go old school if there is a chance of reinstating that valued commodity known as customer service. I’m doing my part by grocery shopping at Whole Foods and IGA where I'm guaranteed a cashier at checkout. Also, I utilize the Internet for audio and video and Kindle my books. I hope we remember that even though these "U-Scans" are technically savvy, the personal experiences are what make simple tasks like pumping gas and buying groceries special. In the lyrics of the Jessie J. song Price Tag, "...wanna make the world change? Forget about the price tag!" Listen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBYOl-HpPRM