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

Cincy's ice bar serves holiday spirits 'on the rocks'

The "ice bar" is the chillest attraction amid my city's New Year's Eve festivities.

Every December 31, thousands of locals converge on Fountain Square in the heart of Cincy to ring in a new year. The event, dubbed the "Blast", is among my favorite winter festivities. I, personally, look forward to the very cool "ice bar", which will again be serving spirited drinks. But I especially enjoy the camaraderie and embracing high hopes for the coming year. My city likes celebrating, which might explain our high number of fireworks displays during winter months. This year's "Blast" starts at 8 p.m. and includes free ice skating, music by DJ Pillo, hot food, and, of course, plenty of merriment. Then close to midnight, we'll count down the final seconds of 2010 amid cheers, sing Auld lang syne, and, in customary Cincy fashion, enjoy a fireworks display above Fountain Square.

DJ Pillo
http://www.soulcommune.com/profile/djpillo

Cincy Dweller finds beloved British culture at home

Cincy's John A. Roebling Bridge crosses the Ohio River to connect Ohio and Kentucky.

The Tower Bridge links north/south London.

Last Christmas, my daughter Elle was preparing to embark on a four-month stay in the United Kingdom. She returned from her trip in the spring, but left her heart abroad. So to counter her melancholy, I looked for British experiences in Cincy to embrace her faraway love. We begin our excursion with High Tea. Instead of The Brown's Hotel in London, we take our tea at The Cincinnatian Hotel http://www.cincinnatianhotel.com/. Next, shopping at High Street for "fierce objects, studio designs, and London style." We recently attended High Street's "Black Friday, White Russian" party and had a blast ... another place high on my list of Cincy favorites. Our shopping continued with a visit to Hyde Park Square. Unlike London's Hyde Park, Cincy's is a haven for specialty shops. Pub fare at Rookwood Commons follows. I drink for the two of us - since Elle's of Pub age in the UK but underage in the States. For our nightcap, we watch the British movie Run Fatboy Run while enjoying an ale (ginger ale, that is). Our night concludes with recounts of her life abroad, including her 20th birthday celebration in a church turned Pub, events via Pure Groove Records, shopping at Miss Sixty, French Connection, Harrods, and Topshop, hanging out at Trafalgar Square and Tower Bridge, visits to Oxford, Wales, Edinburgh, and then Paris (EU) pour Easter, traveling on the Tube and international culture. The lesson: experience our world wherever you live -- Peace and Love!!!

Cincy Tea Rooms and Houses
Mrs. Teapots http://www.mrsteapots.com/hightea.htm (adorable)
Essencha Tea House http://www.essencha.com/ (trendy)
Orchids http://www.orchidsatpalmcourt.com/events.html#anchor5
Basically British Tea Room basicallybritish.com up north in Dayton (charming)
The BonBonerie: http://www.bonbonerie.com/ (sweet)

British Shopping
High Street http://www.highstreetcincinnati.com/
Hyde Park Square http://www.hydeparksquare.org/.

Handful of our Numerous Pubs
English: Cock and Bull http://www.theenglishpub.com/
Scottish: Nicholson's http://www.tavernrestaurantgroup.com/nicholsons.html
British: The Pub / Rookwood Commons
http://www.tavernrestaurantgroup.com/pub_rookwood.php
Irish: O'Bryon's http://www.obryonsirishpub.com/

Fashion Streak: Uncanny message gains popularity

"Ohio Against The World" design is courtesy of Floyd at http://ableprojects.com/.

Original Thought Required (OTR) reports that their "Ohio Against The World" T-shirts and sweatshirts sell out quickly, with each new shipment. Visit OTR at 1307 Main Street, Cincy, or order your merchandise here: http://www.otrfresh.com/shop/womens/womens-tees/ohio-against-the-world-tee1/

Also check out their blog: http://www.otrfresh.com/

In case you missed Graffiti City, in which the "Ohio Against The World" poster appears, experience the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGh9vByeStU&list=UL0cK4ghV9Mec&playnext=2