A new look for Chevy

Dare i say it, but the new 2011 Chevy Aveo RS actually looks pretty cool. However, why is it that every Chevy car has about the same interior and same front clip. They find it so necessary for brand identity to put the same grille on every car, except of course the corvette and camaro. Here is an update i made to the car. Not bad looking for about 5 minutes of Photoshop.

Look-a-likes

This is obviously a departure from my typical blogs. I've noticed lately that some people from tv look a like. 

Sean Algaier and Susan Boyle

Adam Lambert and Kelly Clarkson

Also, i just noticed Tracy from the biggest loser looks like Molly Shannon.

Winter Beer

From time to time when i visit close friends, I like to bring a 

new beer. This time I brought Indigo Imp Winter Solstice.  

The occasion, doesn't matter. There doesn't have to be a 

reason. Most of the time i try them out. This time I didn't; 

I just knew that it would be a good beer. I've had their beer 

before and I'm all about local beer. The first beer I had 

of theirs was the Blonde Bombshell. I like their signature 

of wax on one of their bottles in a 6 pack. Its nice to see 

something different, something that grabs your attention. 

First its the look, then when you get home, it's the beer.  

I know this time of the season, everyone like to bring 

Great Lakes Christmas Ale, but I wanted something 

different. Sometimes, GLB tastes the same. Same 

base flavor with a twist of something different.

Since I'm on the topic of Winter Beer, I just so happen to be 

enjoying a new one. 12 Dogs of Christmas, by Thirsty Dog, 

Akron Ohio. I was fortunate enough to hear about this beer 

from my friend Derek. We went out Thursday night and 

Friday night. He asked for it at both places we went and 

they didn't have it.He claims that it is the original recipe of 

Great Lakes Christmas Ale from 3 years ago. That is when 

I first had it, and haven't had it as much since, only because 

of the effects after drinking it.

Well after writing this post, I think that Thirsty Dog, has 

matched that batch of GLB from 3 years ago. I have a pretty good buzz.:)

Beer of the Week

Honestly it could probably be beer of the day. I can dream...right? I first had this beer at work. The work environment is pretty laid back. Sometimes beer helps to get the ideas flowing. Anyways, our office manager brought a few of these in, so i tried one. I instantly liked it. It has a clove ..y taste and amber color. Not overpowering though. It is called Pumpkin Ale from Buffalo Bill's Brewery. I found this beer at the Miles Market. I'm sure Heinen's or your local specialty grocery store will have this. Next week's beer of the week is a good one. I had it on Tuesday. It was smooth, delicious, and local.

A new ride..compliments of the Government

A month and a half late, I'd like to show off my new car. Of course i'd have to thank the government and the American People for their tax dollars. After 5 years of driving my 1999 Ford Explorer Sport, I decided it was time to trade her in. About a year ago my dad suggested that I put it up for sale for about $1,500. Glad I didn't because I got $4,500 for it a mere year later. My explorer was my daily driver even at 226,749. I trusted it every time i went out. It did; however, need some work, more work than the car was worth. The suspension was shot which was evident at every bone jarring pothole, needed serpentine belt, rear brakes soon, had rusty tailgate amongst other places, no a/c. Still this thing was a beast in the snow and there was nothing stopping it. Giving it up was hard and i still miss it, but I feel it was a good way to let it go. Euthanization as i call it. It could have in and out of the repair shop for the next year, but this way was quick and painless. Below is a series of pictures with the Explorer and my new car. A 2010 Mazda 3 i touring, manual of course.

Partial week at a Glance

Here's the scoop. It's friday work should be over. I'm a little hungover from last night, but came to work and had a very productive day. And why you ask am i still at work? Well the delivery driver for some garden containers got my company confused with one on E. 84. So he is about an hour or so away. Great news for me. Tired and hot and have no desire to be here. And the icing on the cake, i could have left at about 4 and was half way home at that point. But i guess, when can you ever trust the delivery guy...sigh... Side note... Last night was great. My friend....uhhh code name...Mar was invited to the 2019 Sustainability Summit in Cleveland and it was interesting to hear all about it. Here seems to be about the whole jist of it. Cleveland (the rust belt... sounds so exciting) needs industry and since we don't really have anything going for us... Let's be green. Start manufacturing industries for an industry that has not quite taken off. For Cleveland to be the mecca of the industry or a pioneer. Housing, buildings, all tailored to the industry. Almost like a prototype. Sounds great right? Well my only kwam with this is that Mar was telling me about the groups and how there we set up. This was supposed to be a brainstorming summit of minds from all walks of life. Professionals, students, and citizens. Here is where they screwed up. They mixed everyone together. Well we've all worked in groups before and typically they don't work. In her group there were some professionals who imediately shut ideas down and said, " that won't work" or "that is too expensive". Those who voice that opinion while the though might be candid, it is not necessary. Those thoughts and voices prohibit great ideas. The groups should have been set to have people from similar backgrounds. That way , you would get a whole range of ideas and people get think " wow, I really like that idea, I'd like to incorporate it into my idea" Yes cost is a problem, but that is where grants and donations, and luck come into play. And really all this is a gamble. Why Cleveland? They can't do this half way if they want to be the leader. Cleveland is going to have to spend some money. Yep, I said it. The citizens are going to have to invest. Also, they are going to have to be motivated. I firmly believe that ideas are better off and more efficient if set up from a grass roots perspective. You can't put a Coach Store in the ghetto and expect great business. Same goes for Cleveland. There has to be a demand for it and people are going to have to pay more sometimes. It's like stores in Tremont may be pricey, but you know what they are niche and some people like stores like that, and if more people go, they will stay in business. The point I'm getting at is, yes things are going to cost money, but if you want it to become successful you are going to have to invest some capital. Oh yeah, and do it quickly. Though plans should be well thought out, don't do what you are doing with the Medical Mart. Please!!! That process is taking way too long. What's stopping another city from putting one in before we do? Nothing. Same goes for the idea of 'Green Infrastructure'.

Empty Space: 2

Well I had a special place for the first installment for 'A City Reborn', but the gate was closed and had a lock on it. I guess I'll just have to contact Buzz to get me some exclusive photos. So onto my second place. This empty void filled with overgrown invasive species is located at the alley behind W. 9th Street bars including: Anatomy, Map Room, and the Water Street Grille. It is also near The Pinnacle.

                                                     

                                                  Here is a photo that shows the General location.

Another thing that I have been thinking about is the perception that Cleveland is a scary place. I actually almost believe this. I don't want to, but think about it. I thought about how I would like to ride my bike more.  Imagine the commute from W.6th's Dive Bar to Bar Cento in Ohio City. You don't want to, at least I don't. Both are great places, but the commute between the two, while possible, is full of stereotypes.

So cleaning up this space, along with its connectors is also crucial. Take this picture for instance.

                                                        

                                    This is the alley, or as my girlfriend calls it 'Scary Alley'. 

                                               This is the short cut to W.9th from W.6th. 

    

       

Here are some pictures into the space. It looks like a building was once here, torn down and forgotten.