Cincinnati Re-adventure

Gordo's Pub & Grill

noreply@blogger.com (redrabbit) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:05:00 +0000

I've recently talked about Terry's Turf Club and Zip's, but my friend Evan (@nth_degree) insisted that the Cincinnati burger was actually in Norwood, at a place called Gordo's.

First off, I'd like to mention how awesome it was to meet up with Evan, Sara and co. I only know Evan through Twitter-- except for a quick hello during the fateful architecture tour that ended with Dan and I buying a condo-- and spending a little time together at this charming bar was worth the trip on its own.

And then there was the burger. I copied Evan and ordered the Gordo's Burger, which came slathered in bacon, mushrooms, boursin cheese and more. (I'm typically a lettuce and tomato kind of girl, but I'm trying to grow up a bit.) Mm, so delicious! It was a different burger experience for me, but it was definitely one I'd repeat.

So! Who's going back with us? And/or where is the next stop in the Burger Tour?

Gordo's Pub & Grill website: http://www.gordospub.com/

Cincinnati Auto Expo

noreply@blogger.com (redrabbit) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0000

I've never been to a car show. None of my friends or family were gearheads, at least before Dan. When the Expo rolled around, it was kind of a given that Dan and his parents would go... and I guess I'm arm candy?

Yeah so look, there's an engine. I know *nothing* about cars-- I think I know a good amount about a good amount, but cars elude me completely. From what my friend Jordan said, this year's show was really stripped back-- naturally, it has been for a couple of years since the auto industry's heyday came to a grinding halt.

I had a good time, though. The highlight was probably getting to sit inside a new Prius, which had a solar panel on top and a very sci-fi interior. (I know I'm supposed to be drooling over a Maserati or something, but this did it for me.)

I really, really wish the Auto Expo would consult with me about how to make their show more accessible to non-gearheads (and, er, women) like me. I think there are some simple things they could do that would bring an entirely new audience to the show, without having to be tugged in by significant others. I guess that's just the marketer in me talking. Eww.

Cincinnati Auto Expo information: http://www.hartproductions.com/cincinnati-auto-expo/

Linchpin giveaway winner

noreply@blogger.com (redrabbit) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:07:00 +0000

Our Linchpin giveaway winner is Kelly! Random.org liked the number 8 tonight.

I don't know Kelly at all, or how to get in contact with her! Kelly, if you could please email us at blog@cincinnatireadventure.com, we will drop your copy of Linchpin in the mail post-haste. I hope you'll let us know what you think!

Film This (at Take the Cake Cafe)

noreply@blogger.com (redrabbit) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:04:00 +0000

It turns out I love Take the Cake even MORE at night, if that's possible.

@AlexShebar (along with @alisonjo1, though I haven't really met her yet) have set out to watch all the AFI's top 100 movies within a year. They're about 15 into the list already, and Dan and I recently found out that Fargo was coming up, so we put it on our calendar.

We had no idea it'd be such a big event! There were 20-something people in the room, and that was with Bockfest going on concurrently.

This particular event was held at Take the Cake, which-- had you any idea?-- apparently has a full A/V setup. (I talked to @GeekJames and he said this had something to do with being downstairs from an art gallery. So awesome.)

Dan and I bought cupcakes-- hell, EVERYONE bought cupcakes, why on Earth WOULDN'T you-- but the room was far too dark to capture their deliciousness in a photograph. Trust me, though... the pumpkin-y spice cupcake I had was divine. It's hard to match Take the Cake are far as desserts go, and when you pair that with a Coen brothers movie... mm. Mmm mmm mmm.

By the way, I made some comment to @GeekJames about how I hope the bakery made good money that night-- he just shrugged and said that wasn't the point. Sounds like @TaketheCakeCafe is hosting another dozen or so #FilmThis events, because they're an active part of the community and just love good movies. *dreamy sigh*

I'm hoping to tag along to more of the #FilmThis (renamed to #WatchThis for reasons that are probably apparent) events. What an awesome way to see some of the best movies in America?

Thank you for making this available to all of us, Alex & Allison!

FilmThis' website: http://filmthis.tumblr.com/
Take the Cake's website: http://takethecakecincinnati.com/

reminder - Linchpin giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (prolix21) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:24:00 +0000

Just a reminder about our Linchpin giveaway - enter by commenting on the original blog post!

We'll be randomly selecting a comment and announcing the winner sometime next week!

It's Just Crepes

noreply@blogger.com (redrabbit) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:06:00 +0000

It's Just Crepes has opened a second location, a stone's throw away from my place of business. O frabjous day! After 5 years at the same agency, with the same lunch spots in the same stone's throw, I've been a little burnt out.

Mm, this place is a great new option. I'd visited the previous location a few years back, but I'd forgotten how delicious these crepes are! A great portion for lunch, made quickly (but also made to order of course), and a great menu of options.

I had the Southwestern, which did not disappoint. If I had any caution to share, it might be to avoid eating here with business associates-- it's hard to eat these crepes with any sort of grace. But if your coworkers have seen you with cheese dribbling down your chin before, have at it.

It's Just Crepes' website: http://itsjustcrepes.com/
It's Just Crepes on Twitter: http://twitter.com/itsjustcrepes

Essencha Tea House

noreply@blogger.com (redrabbit) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:10:00 +0000

Essencha was the third and final stop in my day out with Bradley. I'd been there once before-- with the mayor, actually! (My awesome friend Cole has racked up enough Essencha cred to own the place on FourSquare.)

Just as Cole instructed on my first visit, I ordered the matcha soy latte (cold). Great googly moogly, it's as good the second time around. Bradley had a straight-up black tea (English Breakfast, methinks) but I believe he enjoyed his too. We sat around for an hour or so, playing Milles Borne (which I picked up at Boardwalk!).

Isn't this place beautiful? Our waiter was sweet and stayed out of our way as we played our card game. Our tea was great and the atmosphere is perfect.

Essencha's website: http://essencha.com/
Essencha on Twitter: http://twitter.com/essencha/

Linchpin giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (redrabbit) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:03:00 +0000

In one of our most popular posts, I reviewed a book called Linchpin and talked about how I truly believe Over-the-Rhine is full of people who go above and beyond the call of duty to create art, community and progress.

Seth Godin, author of Linchpin, recently sent anyone who purchased an advance copy of his book an additional copy. I've been noodling how best to use this extra copy-- of course, my favorite solution was to give it away on our blog.

I took a lot away from Linchpin and I hope it will end up in a good home. To enter this giveaway, comment on this post and name a book that has meant something to you. (Any book. I don't care if you were 6 years old.) Our winner will be randomly chosen about a week from today and I will mail or hand-deliver the book shortly thereafter.

Good hunting!

Boardwalk Hobby Shop

noreply@blogger.com (redrabbit) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:01:00 +0000

If there's anything better than Zip's Cafe, it's what I found right next door to it. I've mentioned that I'll never be a food blogger, but geekery I can talk about easily. Boardwalk Hobby Shop, where have you been all my life?

As you can see, walls of games. Humina humina.

When you get into geekery of any kind, you quickly learn that the best shops specialize. Some focus on card games or RPGs, others on comics and memorabilia. Boardwalk is a fantastic shop for board games and models (trains, planes, automobiles)-- that's *it,* but it does those two things so well!

And when I say board games, I mean just about anything you can think of. (I should know. I can think of a LOT.) They have an interesting collection of vintage games, so even if you've played every game that's out there, I bet you can find something from before your time to suit your fancy.

I should mention that if anyone in Cincinnati wants to play just about any geek game, I'M IN. My recent favorites are Settlers of Catan, Zombies!!!, Fluxx, Magic: the Gathering, and Carcassonne (a new-to-me game I've heard so much about, and picked up at Boardwalk).

I can't wait to head back to Mt. Lookout to hit up Boardwalk again. Who's with me?!

Zip's Cafe

noreply@blogger.com (redrabbit) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:04:00 +0000

Alright, you win! I'll eat at Zip's!

As I mentioned a few posts ago, everyone and their brother has told me to try Zip's Cafe. Unfortunately they never say "let's go!," it's always "you should go."

Finally, my my own brother suggested we head over to Mt. Lookout for some hawt burger action. It was a Sunday afternoon and the place was fairly full-- I can only imagine how busy they get during their peak times.

I ordered a plain ol' burger, which they do really well. The way I explained it to Bradley, I'd go to Terry's if I wanted a gourmet burger with foreign cheese and a unique taste. I'd go to Zip's when I want a burger. And yes, the burger was fantastic. Om nom and all that; can't wait to go back.

Toward the middle of our meal, the place emptied out a bit. That last picture is Bradley, reveling in our new seats next to the condiments. He's odd and I love him to pieces.

Flying Pig #8: Palomino

noreply@blogger.com (redrabbit) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 14:11:00 +0000

Hurrah!

Last weekend we had lunch with @5chw4r7z-- we ended up at Ingredients, but originally thought we'd eat at Palomino. On our way up, DAn and I stumbled across Queen Porktunia!

Thank heaven for placards, because this would have been a doozie to find online. There's no information out there, except for where Porktunia was originally supposed to be, years ago.

Café de Wheels

noreply@blogger.com (redrabbit) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:23:00 +0000

What's that then?

Oh, that's just Café de Wheels, Cincinnati's mobile burger truck. Tonight, it tweeted that it was at Fries Cafe, which is a hop, skip and a jump from Dan's place in Clifton. We walked less than a block, and suddenly it was as though there were a restaurant there that had never been there before.

Oh man do I love this truck. Between shutting the window to keep the cold out, the @burgerbgood staff talked to me about their business-- the proprietor is from New York, where food carts are, as you might imagine, infinitely more abundant. I asked why they weren't parked at the CAC for the much-lauded Shepard Fairey opening, but apparently there is nowhere to (legally) park a food truck downtown. This is a serious shame, as there are corners of downtown Cincinnati that could sorely use some affordable, late-ish night fare.

Convenience is only half the fun, though-- Café de Wheels' food is fantab. I wanted a burger but the Truck Dude (should have asked for a name) recommended their Lenten fish special... man that was a good choice. Damn good fish sandwich. Dan had the crispy chicken and insists it was, in his words, yummy.

Mobile food trucks might be my favorite use of Twitter. I love the idea of food that travels around and can be tracked online. Our paths will likely cross again, but if not, I plan on hunting down that dreamy burger truck.

Café de Wheels' website: http://www.cafedewheels.com/
Café de Wheels on Twitter: http://twitter.com/burgerbgood

Contemporary Arts Center

noreply@blogger.com (redrabbit) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:10:00 +0000

The local web has been a bit clogged up with Shepard Fairey whatnot lately, but I need to throw another log on the fire. On Monday night, Dan and some friends of ours headed to the CAC to see the Shepard Fairey: Supply & Demand exhibition.

I had a great time at the CAC-- it had been a few years since I'd been there, and it had been much too long. One of the things I've been chastising myself for has been my lapse in visiting our awesome art resources in the city.

What a great way to hang out with friends, too. We spent an hour or two milling about the museum-- a work of art in itself, of course-- talking about art and sharing our opinions. I need to remember that there's more to do in this city than eat dinner and watch movies.

A side note for Cole: I finally wore my gold shoes! It was a bit too chilly for them, but sometimes you have to suck it up, eh? (Read about Cole's Golden Shoes resource site for women with PCOS, visit GoldenShoes.org.)

Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center on Twitter: http://twitter.com/cincycac
Website: http://www.contemporaryartscenter.org/

Cincinnati Bell FiOptics - long term review

noreply@blogger.com (prolix21) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:14:00 +0000

If you know me in real life, or follow my twitter you probably know I can be a harsh critic of products or services that don't live up to my expectations. Nobody is safe from my trashing, my scorn, my tongue-in-cheek commentary - even my beloved Apple (cough, Apple TV, cough).

It's even worse when you're a service I rely on for my internet connection that allows me to unleash that scorn upon the twitterverse.

Cincinnati Bell has probably been the target of a lot of that over the past six months - they may see it as an assault - I see it as tough love. The folks who monitor the @CincyBell twitter account probably disagree, but luckily some people higher up see it differently and have chosen to engage with me about my concerns and my previous blog posts, and I get to share with you some of fruits of those conversations.

First - I think we all agree the internet side of FiOptics is a rock star. It is fast, stable and did I mention fast? I think their Westell router is a piece of crap (remember the Cisco 675?) - but I also work in a data center, so my standards for equipment may be too high, and my dreams of Cincinnati Bell just giving me an ethernet hand off for my own router is probably unrealistic.

Second - again, something I think all FiOptics customers universally can agree upon - the DVR GUI is flat out awful. It's like 1992 threw up inside the device.

The good news is that this is not the shape of things to come - they're reading our tweets, our blog posts and improvements are coming.

I've been asked to hold back some details, but Cincinnati Bell FiOptics customers can rest assured that change is coming, and it should all occur in 2010. The first upgrade is an update to the current software - I'm not sure what all it addresses, but it should be a step forward, and really, anything would be an improvement.

The second upgrade is a big one and the one I can't really give many details on - trust me though, it is very cool and is a total replacement of the current DVR software. The functionality is slick and on par with anything else out there, possibly better and should make everyone pretty happy, and they're hoping for a 2010 rollout.

Teak Thai

noreply@blogger.com (redrabbit) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:43:00 +0000

I am not, nor will I ever be, a food blogger.

I'm just not good at food. I have a boring palette and I tend to eat the same things when I re-visit restaurants. (I'm not as bad about this as good Sir Daniel, but I'm still not very adventurous.)

But it's impossible to explore a city without remarking about the food. I was joking with @foodhussy today about how I can't wait for it to warm up so I can stop writing about food-- I feel like the cold weather has trapped me inside and the only blog-worthy thing I do is eat.

It should mean nothing to you that I love Teak Thai. Why? Because I order pad Thai at a level 1 spiciness, and if I eat sushi it's probably an avocado roll. Not exactly the Thai experience, now is it?

But I love this place. The pad Thai is the best I've ever had-- they don't skimp on the egg or peanuts, and this mainstay dish manages to be full of flavor even at a wimpy 1. The service is quick and friendly, the sushi boats are beautiful (and from what I hear, delicious), and the building itself is adorable, airy and bright.

Teak was a great way to send of a beloved coworker, as he begins a new endeavor at a new workplace. I'll miss you, Russ... but if your quitting is what it takes to get us to lunch at Teak, mazel tov.

architecture - the parkside

noreply@blogger.com (prolix21) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0000

We've become amateur architecture buffs over the last few months. I've always been a bit of one, but our recent visit to Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater really cemented it for Erica.

Cincinnati is a treasure trove of architectural gems, both famous and not-so. Frank Lloyd Wright has three residences here that he designed for various people, and the University of Cincinnati is a veritable who's who of contemporary architecture.

I'd also be remiss if I didn't include the CAC building downtown by Zaha Hadid and César Pelli's Aronoff Center. While those are all rather modern additions to our collection, I think our historical collection is even more impressive. Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine area is one of the nation's largest intact historic districts, comprised of 943 buildings of various architectural styles, and we're lucky enough to have purchased a condo in the emerging Gateway Quarter that we'll move into this spring.

Throughout Cincinnati you'll find impressive architecture, and as we journey we plan on writing up more of these, but first up I want to talk about our current home base, the Parkside building in Clifton. Designed in 1897 by Joseph G. Steinkamp, and built by Thomas Emery's sons, the building was added the National Register of Historic Places on 2008 February 29 after undergoing a full renovation and rebirth in 2006. The building had deteriorated to the point of being a health hazard, but has now been remodeled to be clean, modern and ready for another 100 years.

One thing that I've found interesting and rather refreshing since moving in here is the dedication and love the other tenants have for the building. It's an old and rather ornery building, and requires a lot of upkeep - however, everyone who lives here seems to value it and it's been a nice place to live. Cincinnati could use some more people who are as dedicated to preserving our historic structures as those living here at the Parkside.

Mr. and Mrs. Downtown

noreply@blogger.com (redrabbit) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:40:00 +0000

I thought the 5chw4r7zs deserved a post of their own. Voila!

In case (somehow) you don't know these two, they are Bob & Erin Marie Schwartz, and they are Mr. and Mrs. Downtown. I hope one day to be half as connected to the city as these two are!

Oh, and there's also Dan. (Hi Dan.) Dan is holding a poster tube... Bob, in his infinite generosity, picked up a limited edition, signed and numbered Shepard Fairey print at the CAC opening. There were 450 and they were sold out by 10pm that night, and Dan and I couldn't make it to the event. We were really hoping to have that piece of art for our condo, and definitely couldn't have scored one without the help of 5chw4r7z. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

So we lunched together at Ingredients, and had a grand old time talking about the city. Can't wait to bump into the Downtowns again soon!

Shepard Fairey murals

noreply@blogger.com (redrabbit) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 14:26:00 +0000

Worth a thousand words, yeah?

I thought we had them all, but I've since learned that I missed a small one at Shake It Records. No big loss, as I look forward to any opportunity to head back over there.

I've also heard that there will be 30 murals in total, when Shepard Fairey is all finished... though these 6 (7) may be all for this particular installation. Word on the street (I literally heard this from a person on 14th Street) is that Fairey will be back in May with more murals.

High Street, Shepard Fairey mural

noreply@blogger.com (redrabbit) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:01:00 +0000

Dan and I have driven past High Street a hundred thousand times and never stopped in. This time was different-- they'd just had a Shepard Fairey mural installed, and we were curious to stop by and see it. And since we're suddenly in the market for awesome furniture anyway, might as well pop in before they close, yes?

I was warmly greeted as soon as I stepped inside. I was offered tea and we talked about the new mural. The salespeople were so kind and so helpful and so not in my way. I can't stress this enough... they were there when I wanted someone, and when I didn't they were nowhere in sight.

The store... is incredible. Everything I love, under one roof. Exquisite design, unique and so totally how I want our condo to look! (Some day, perhaps...)

One hangup: this chair is clearly supposed to be mine, so where does High Street get off stealing it from me?

High Street website: http://www.highstreetcincinnati.com/
High Street on Twitter: http://twitter.com/highstreetcinci

Terry's Turf Club

noreply@blogger.com (redrabbit) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:43:00 +0000

There are many typical Cincinnati places that I've never visited. I'd say the one I'm hounded about the most would be Terry's Turf Club.

Oh Erica! I can't believe you've never been there! How long have you lived here? The burgers, Erica, the burgers!

(This kind of attitude, by the way, is a huge deterrent to me. It makes me want to never go to that place out of sheer spite. Just tell me you like the damn burgers and let's move on.)

Anyway!

After church one day, Dan and I were in the mood for something out of our normal routine. I suggested Terry's, which was a bit of a gamble as Dan doesn't like hamburgers. (I know, right? And I hate bacon. Which of us is less American?)

And so, in case there are any other Terry's Turf Club n00bs left in the Queen City, a few things I learned during our visit:

1. Sunday at the stroke of noon is a fantastic time to visit. You'll be seated promptly and served right away. By the time you leave, there will be an actual line out the door.

2. Order the burger. Yes, it's as delicious as you've heard. Plan to eat half. You'll have delicious leftovers and your internal organs will thank you.

3. You are seated at a table with strangers. For me, this is a blessing-- it reminds me of the one-and-only cruise I've taken in my life. At dinner every night, they with you with another couple or family, and you make conversation throughout the meal. However, odds are good that you're going to be seated next to people who see this as some kind of torture. They will avoid eye contact, scoot their chair as far from you as possible, and sit with a pained look on their face. This happened to us... twice.

4. The place gets packed... and I mean packed. One woman waiting for a table ended up standing next to ours-- she was actually much, much friendlier than our table-mates. I enjoy this kind of vibe. Not everyone does.

5. No iced tea. What... the what.

Overall we loved our experience. Now if I can just visit Zips, maybe y'all can get off my back for a while? Yes? ;)

Naked Condo

noreply@blogger.com (redrabbit) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:18:00 +0000

A few weekends ago, Dan and I revisited our future home in the Gateway Quarter. The difference this time around? No staging furniture.

Thought I'd share a few pictures of our new digs, now that we're able to imagine what our stuff will look like when it's our home.

We close in late April (because of current rental agreements). Argh, I cannot wait. OTR, here we come!

The full photoset of our naked condo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rrrrred/sets/72157623287954307/

Dear Vanity Fair

noreply@blogger.com (redrabbit) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 02:28:00 +0000

There's been some recent backlash about a Vanity Fair article, wherein they mention that Cincinnatians have "meager pickings" to boast about. I first heard about this through Kate the Great's snappy retort, and shortly thereafter, WineMeDineMe suggested that other Cincinnati bloggers take up the charge.

Kate touched on food and art. A few points of my Cincinnati pride, from a historical perspective:

The Cincinnati Zoo is the second-oldest in the country, with the oldest existing zoo building (the Reptile House). It mates Sumatran rhinos. It's home to white tigers and record-breaking cheetahs. It is one of the best zoos in the country, and I can walk there from our current home in Clifton.

The Cincinnati Reds were the first professional baseball team. Our mayor may not be able to throw a ball, but you must respect the heritage of our original Red Stockings.

The Cincinnati Opera is the second-oldest in the country, trailing only behind the New York Met. Music Hall is one of the most beautiful buildings in Cincinnati and boasts a rich history of its own, including playing host to the 1880 Democratic National Convention.

And Union Terminal (Cincinnati Museum Center) is my personal favorite landmark and stunning example of Art Deco style (not to mention the inspiration for the Halls of Justice).

Cincinnati is much more than the living museum I'm making it out to be, but as I delve deeper and deeper into the history of this city, I become more and more proud of its heritage and its roots. There is art, there is architecture, there is history, and I am proud to boast about the Queen City.

Guestblog: "Unseen Costs: Shayne Graham's Price Tag"

noreply@blogger.com (redrabbit) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:06:00 +0000

Yes!! An update to the Bengals content on our blog! I love this post (written, as always, by my little brother Bradley) and I've put my favorite paragraph in bold. Even if you're not a football fan, give 'er a skim. Thank you Bradley!

As excepted, Shayne Graham's pair of missed goals during the Bengals' 24-14 wild card playoff loss to the New York Jets had a significant backlash-- one that will cost him his job.

But it's been all but subtle, as the Bengals have brought on two new place-kickers to match up against the veteran's impressive seven year stint with the Bengals, who brings with him one pro-bowl invitation, All-Pro honors, a franchise leader in field goals, and a laundry list of other highlights. But as for Graham, the hefty three-million price tag he carries around might be the most important detail to his departure.

So with the official signing of Redskins's Dave Rayner to the team, it seems that Graham's loyalty is being called into question. His dedication had been undisputed for several years, as Graham as brought an excellent work ethic and valuable skills to the table.

But has that gone to his head?

Earlier in the season, deadlines for new contracts meant no new ink for Graham, causing an uncharacteristic spout of anger toward the Cincinnati Bengals via his Facebook. Graham even went as far as ducking out of Cincinnati's locker room after his AFC Wild Card performance, and leaving early during the next day's departures.

But it's not hard to predict Graham's future. We're signing new blood left-and-right, and with examples like rookie Kevin Huber it's hard not to fantasize where that extra few million could be redistributed throughout the team. But what's also important to consider are two areas often undervalued in a player's position on the team.

Unfortunately for Graham, his most recent years have put him in a position to be hated among Bengals fans. Without his performance at the wild card game, Shayne was racking up a bad wrap for his performances. A missed goal against the Steelers, Bengals bashing and constant injuries made him a constant target by fans for dead weight. And with the current lack of depth at the receiving corp, it's easy to see fat in need of a trim.

But what's so strange about Graham's place with the fans-- which can have devastating effects-- is that he's also considered to be one of the most charitable members of the Cincinnati Bengals, and of Cincinnati as a city.

With the current economic recession, more and more charities are scaling back. Money is harder to give, and winning teams can give a fledgling city a small but well-earned edge for capital. But with Shayne Graham's departure from Cincinnati, we can kiss goodbye all of the good fortune he's brought the underprivileged kids of the Kicks For Kids program. Tack on charity dinners, his work with Goodwill, the Freestore FoodBank, collaborations with the Westin, IHOP's Read Across America, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Hospital, the YMCA, the Fraternal Order of Police and countless others, cutting Graham might be more detrimental to the City of Cincinnati than just one of its teams.

So while there's little doubt in my head that Graham's colors will remain orange and black during the 2010 season, I'm hard-pressed to imagine that his selfless acts and charitable donations will continue to occur in a city he no longer occupies. We've put our own players between a rock and a hard place with the city of Cincinnati, a problem that if isn't fixed sometime soon, will come at a much higher price than we can imagine.

Green Dog Café giveaway WINNER

noreply@blogger.com (redrabbit) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:21:00 +0000

Hurrah!

I am so sorry for the delay-- I picked up a hellacious stomach bug and have been down for the count. Thank heaven for post-dated blog updates, yes?

Our Green Dog giveaway winner, chosen by the gracious Random.org, is "John F," whose favorite Cincinnati restaurants are "Sake Bomb, and another vote for Melt!"

Mr. F, could you please email us at blog [at] cincinnatireadventure.com with your mailing address? As soon as I can battle the snow to pick up the $21 gift card from Green Dog Cafe, it's yours!

as seen on apartment therapy

noreply@blogger.com (prolix21) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:22:00 +0000

With the pending purchase of our new condo in OTR we've been spending a lot of time studying the interior and figuring out how we want to use the space, and what of our current furniture collection will, or will not, be moving with us.

For help I turned to Apartment Therapy and they were kind enough to post my question on their site - we got a lot of great feedback, including some from Cincinnati's own VisuaLingual.

So if you're in a design bind I highly recommend you check out Apartment Therapy, and even submit a question. Lots of readers there who have great ideas.