Gelkote

Ever wonder the best way to store a certain food or how long something should last? StillTasty has all the answers!

Happy Face Carved into a Chair
Flower Hospital’s ICU Waiting Room – Sylvania, OH – March 20th, 2009

Sitting at my desk this Saturday evening with the window cracked, I am listening to a soundtrack of light rain on the porch roof and a 2007 OAR concert from a place called Sloss Furnace in Birmingham, AL. It’s the perfect recipe!

What a month February has shaped up to be. I’ve sworn off Chinese Buffets forever in Dayton, experienced Chicago for the first time while attending the AWP Conference, had a bout with a cold and tasted enough warmer weather to know Spring is just around the corner.

I haven’t shared much but I’m hopeful that will change as life, for a better word, settles. Until then, enjoy these two pictures from my recent travels.

Dip Switch Hair Dryer – Courtyard Dayton Beavercreek – February 7th, 2009

Rain Rain Go Away – Indiana Toll Road Chicago Bound – February 11th, 2009

I was looking over my work instant messanger contacts today when I came across a funny status for one of the Canadian backup guys.

Aliens are coming to Earth on Friday, and their mission is to abduct all good looking and sexy people.

You will be safe, I’m just saying goodbye.

His reminded me of one I used to use a few years ago when I was away from my desk.

I’m hiding under a rock. Find the rock and you find me!

Mother Nature is throwing Northwest Ohio a bone this afternoon with sunny skies, light wind and a high around 40°F. Perfect weather to crack the windows and air out the house.

Pilgrim Restaurant’s Colored Windows – Findlay, OH – February 1st, 2009

We have been going to the Pilgrim Restaurant the last few weekends for pancakes. The building got its start in the late 60s as a fast food concept restaurant for Howard Johnson called HOJO Junction. The concept never flourished with only three being built. Check out HoJoLand for more Howard Johnson history and trivia.

Pilgrim Restaurant’s Coffee Station – Findlay, OH – February 1st, 2009

I was walking past Cherie’s record collection today when my eye caught a most interesting record sleeve proclaiming the virtues of records.  What surprises me is how wordy the entire thing is.  It’s like a PowerPoint presentation gone horribly wrong.

Records Give You More Of What You Want

Here’s How Records Give You More Of What You Want:

• The Best For Less. Records give you top quality for less money than any other recorded form.

• They Allow Selectivity Of Songs And Tracks. With records it’s easy to pick out the songs you want to play, or to play again a particular song or side.  All you have to do is lift the tone arm and place it where you want it.  You can’t do this as easily with anything but a phonograph record.

• They’re The Top Quality In Sound. Long-playing phonograph records look the same now as when they were introduced in 1948, but there’s a world of difference.  Countless refinements and developments have been made to perfect the long-playing record’s technical excellence and insure the best in sound reproduction and quality available in recorded form.

• They’ll Give You Hours Of Continuous And Uninterrupted Listening Pleasure. Just stack them up on your automatic changer and relax.

• They’re Attractive, Informative And Easy To Store. Record albums are never out of place.  Because of the aesthetic appeal of the jacket design, they’re beautifully at home in any living room or library.  They’ve also got important information on the backs – about the artists, about the performances or about the program.  And because they’re flat and not bulky, you can store hundreds in a minimum of space and still see every title.

• If It’s In Recorded Form, You Know It’ll Be Available On Records. Everything’s on long-playing records these days … your favorite artists, shows, comedy, movie sound tracks, concerts, drama, documented history, educational material … you name it.  This is not so with any other kind of recording.

• They Make A Great Gift. Everybody you know loves music.  And practically everyone owns a phonograph.  Records are a gift that says a lot to the person you’re giving them to. And they keep on remembering.

And Remember…It Happens First On Records.

Crate of Records

I accidentally discovered the concept of Ghost Signs today while looking something else up on the Internet. Ghost signs are faded signs on the side of barns and brick buildings. You’ve probably seen them before but never given them much thought. Mail Pouch anyone?

There are Flickr groups and websites devoted to ghost signs in specific towns such as those in Philadelphia and Chicago.

Without thought, I captured an Eveready Flashlights & Batteries ghost sign while on Christmas holiday in WV.

Caboose with Ghost Sign – New Martinsville, WV – December 26th, 2008

More pictures for the cube but this time with a theme!

Bath Time

Crazy Leg

Two Nuns

The Pimp – “View at Red Wood Landing”

While in Louisville for IdeaFest ’08, I picked up a documentary called My Porcelain Past which captures the last day of a 32 year old White Castle forced to close over a lease disagreement. Thousands came out that December day in 1988 to bid farewell, share stories and demonstrate an awesome sense of community. I wonder in this day and age what kind of institution would be necessary to draw the same crowds and spirit.

My Porcelain Past – A farewell party of gastronomic proportions.

The 20 minute documentary is up on YouTube in two parts or you can hit me up for my copy.