The Taste of Cincinnati 2009 (Through My Eyes)

Every year Cincinnati shuts down a few blocks of 5th Street in the heart of the city and hosts some of the best eateries of the city.

During this three day event, you are able to sample some of the best dishes of the city within just a few steps rather than driving all over the city.

This years 'Taste' was held over the Memorial Day weekend, and though some showers temporarily dampened the event, over all it was a great weekend!

Where is the love at?

I know that you are never supposed to end a sentence with a preposition but I love to live one the edge...lol

You wanted to send out a quick note the Cincinnati NAMjA is in the process of becoming a "brand name" here in the Queen City.

Look for more details in the coming months, but I just wanted to give a 'heads up' to those few loyal readers.

Enjoy the rest of the day!

Coffee Emporium: The best little coffee shop in town

I can not say enough about this neighborhood coffee shop, centrally located on Central Parkway (no pun intended).

Even at 7am, right when they opened this morning, the barista were cheerful and happy despite the early morning hour and over cast sky.

Cheers to ya CE and keep up the great work!

Coffee Emporium
110 E Central Parkway
www.coffee-emporium.com

Morning stroll through 'tha Hood'

Yesturday morning I began my trek to work a bit earlier than normal and stopped off @ Coffee Emporium for a cup of Joe and bought a half dozen cookies for the girls at the office.

Here are some pics that I snapped along the way.

MTV's "Taking The Stage" In My Backyard

Every so often Cincinnati gets thrown into the nation's spotlight. Some of that light has not been the brightest (i.e. The Cincinnati Riots of 2001 and the resulting boycott by a number of high profile African American entertainers).

Most of Cincinnati's recent nation wide fame has come in the form to television programs, beginning back in the '80's with "WKRP in Cincinnati".

This has morphed into this year's MTV reality show, "Taking The Stage" which follows 5 highschool students attending The School for the Creative and Performing Arts which is located just across the sreet from my appartment.

Several times through out the school year, I have watched as the film crew shot the students in action.

Here are a few pics of Malik and Mia shooting another scene yesturday afternoon.

Pendleton Neighborhood's 7th Annual Spring Fling / Information Fair

When: Saturday, May 30 12pm tp 3pm
Where: Pendleton Arts Center, 1310 Pendleton St.

Why:
The goal of the Spring Fling is to display, promote and generate awareness regarding summer activities within and around Pendleton for children (and adults) who reside in the area. This year's event will be held in conjunction with the Pendleton Art Center's 2nd Look Saturday event.

For additional details, visit our website at pendletonneighborhood.org and click Events/Volunteer @ the top of the page.

See you there!

Associated Content Article: Ab Busting Workout

I published this article in the beginning of the year, when we all were just fresh on our New Year's resolutions.

I thought I would just send out a gentle reminder that though the New Year is not so new, it's no reason to give up our resolutions. I think this is more for me than for any one person in particular...lol.

Enjoy!

Looking For A New Name

I am yet again in search for a title for one my books that I am in the process of publishing.

Everytime that I go through this naming process for one my books I feel as though I am that little princess in the movie "The Never Ending Story" yelling through the highest castle tower, "Atreyu! Just give me a name!"

I have 5 projects which I am currently working on and two of them have already surpassed the point where a title and definative description were needed so that I can begin the publishing process.

This third piece is a collection of novellas written by myself and features two other novellas written by other authors (including the novella which won my publishing company's novella contest in 2008).

Since this seems to be one of the hardest processes in writing a book, I am opening it up to the blogesphere for suggestions. The novella compilation will consist of the following stories:

Story 1: Set in 1865 Cincinnati, this novella chronicles a forbidden love, wrapped around one of the country's most controversial court trials of its time.

Story 2: Set in the care free 1960's suburban California, this story takes you through a pre-teen's summer filled with love loss and burgeoning responsibility.

Story 3: Set in present day, a highschool nerd has been chosen to lead his fellow students to safety when his school is taken over by an unlikey advisary.

Strory 4: Set in present day Cincinnati, a man struggles to come to grips with his own demons while assisting a mentally disabled veteran of the US military.

I welcome all suggestions...maybe they will get my creative juices flowing.

Playing w/ my new phone app @ Findley Market

Created with PicSay Pro on my T-Mobile G1

President Obama's Best Bet To Ensure Economic Recovery

I just published this article on Associated Content where I give the Pres' my thoughts on what will stimulate the economy.

I think that most off you will be happy as to what I propose.

Read it here.

I hope you enjoy!

My Articles @ Associated Content

Three years ago, I began to act upon my life long love of the written word. I started to take a more proactive approach to completing the novel which I started writing several years ago, in addition to adding a few other projects.

About this same time, I thought that I should start learning some tricks of the trade and cultivating my writing skills so I began selling articles to Associated Content, a website that purchases your articles for a nominal fee and pays you according to the number of "hits" that your article receives.

The following is a list of my top 7 most popular articles which I have penned.


7. The Underground Railroad In Northern Kentucky Is Still Alive (566 Hits)

6. Learn How To Drink Wine Without Shoving A Foot In Your Mouth (647 Hits)

5. The Color Purple: Directed By Steven Spielberg (803 Hits)

4. Gay Men's Fashion: Jeans (2,511 Hits)

3. Gay Man's Guide To A Break-Up (2,875 Hits)

2. How To Get Over A Break-Up (2,945 Hits)

Drum roll please....

1. What Should Women Wear To The Gym (4,240 Hits)

Gay Soldier's Letter To President Obama

I read this article on CNN.com written by a gay soldier to President Obama.

I feel for him because he was discharged after a long distinguished career in the military just because he was gay.

This was one of the reason why I decided not to continue my military career.

It accurately summarizes the trails and tribulations that most of our gay and lesbians soldiers go through trying to balance a personal life while serving their country.

Book of the day: Nitewalker by Jocelynn Drake (the photo)

Book of the day: Nightwalker by Jocelynn Drake

A few weeks ago I heard that a highschool friend had published this fiction novel.  I am a few chapters into it and can already tell that I will be picking up the sequal.

Look for a review coming soon!

Guide To Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (Part 4): Where To Play

In the throws of all that is holy, one of the only reasons why we 'homos' travel half way across the world is to get away from the conservative restraints that our own country (wink, wink) has put on us and let out hair down. Most would be aghast if, in my last installment of this Mexican guide, I were not to mention some of night clubs where you can dance all night without the worry of waking up the next morning and dragging yourself into your mundane 9 to 5.

On any given night of the week, the club scene does not 'pop off'' until mid-night so if you do not want to wait that long to begin your night, you may want to check out either La Noche or Stereo.

Both places are hip, and play the latest in urban/hip hop music. Though they both are small, your ability to mingle with other vacationers without becoming offensive coupled with their great drink selection (mixed drinks and cervasas alike) make either of these venues a great jump off to the evening.

Puerto Vallarta prides itself has possession some of the most beautiful people in the world, and it is ever omnipotent at Club Manana. This semi enclosed dance club, fully equipped with a viewing platform elevated over a wading pool and a stage where you can either dance and watch a drop dead gorgeous Drag Queen impersonate Cher.

In addition, the club boasts of an indoor stage located in the rear and three separate bars where you can purchase libations making this a perfect spot to party.

As mentioned in previous posts, Puerto Vallarta has been popular with movie goers for decades, and, in recent years, has become one of the most sought out destinations in North America. I would definitely suggest visiting this ocean side resort town before you leave this world. Following this guide will not open the entire Pandora's box that Puerto Vallarta has to offer.

There is definitely more to see and do (no pun intended) in Puerto Vallarta then the above mentioned, but using these helpful hints and ideas, fun is sure to follow.

Guide To Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (Part 3): Where To Eat

In the third installment of my travel guide to the southern most country of our continent, we delve into where to satisfy you taste buds.

With a plethora of burrito stands splattered on the streets coupled with the current exchange rate of the Mexican peso to the American dollar (14 Peso to 1 dollar as of the day of release) you can minimally satisfy your appetite for just pennies on the dollar for no more than $3 to $5 (American).

For your daytime manage, you should definitely check out the beach chair side service provided to you at the Blue Chairs. For an afternoon of cocktails and a mid afternoon lunch and snack, you will leave the beach before heading out for the evening without spending more than $25!

It's gay infused sea-side location couple with its selection of fresh seafood and Mexican/American grub is a perfect addition to your margarita on the beach while you take in the glorious view that the ocean side spot has to offer.

If you are looking for a more flamboyant fare, you will want to sink your teeth into what you can find at the Kit Kat, a hip, upscale restaurant located in the midst of Puerto Vallarta's old town and just a block away from the beach. Definitely not a place to frequent every evening for dinner (entrees are around $15 American), this eatery is a perfect example of how a sleek, uptown New York bistro can find its niche in Mexico.

With appetizers as extravagant as those found in the most posh LA restaurants, and the eye candy which goes along very well with its décor, you will find this a perfect place to begin a night on the town.

Signs, Signs, Everywhere's A Sign

Just a few snap shots of the multi-tude of signage on my walk home from work.

What in the world would we do without them?