Leaving Steubenville, we took Ohio Route 7 north. Rich green leaves canvassed the rise up along the hills of the valley as the route hugged the Ohio River, road and water lacing through the small cities and towns of the old industrial America. Camera-ready, bright sun illuminated all, allowing my mind to catch the images.
It is diificult to believe that so many people move away from the bustle to the Western states like Colorado and Montana, when beautiful landscapes lie near, often unnoticed, undervalued. Perhaps a few stop here and see. Settle. Grow deep strong roots.
7 turned off the waterway and into Route 11. Then our exit onto the interstate came. We headed northwest to Cleveland. It's a big city, but traffic was very manageable, especially being Sunday afternoon.
After unloading our gear at the hotel, we drove out to see Sandra's family. For me, it was my first meeting. Father. Mother. Two brothers. Talk about the neightborhood, its changes. Talk about the city's basketball team, its possibility. This is home for Sandra. She showed me the tree her father planted when she was young, a tree which grew with her. It's a tall strong tree in the backyard now. Leaves filling the sky, it shades the lawn.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
To Ohio and Back: Day Three--Steubenville
We had a slow start to the day. The food wasn't the best at the place we were staying and it took some time to gather everything. After packing up the car to check out and see more murals, we drove up the hillside to Franciscan University, a large Catholic University. From the top, we had a decent look of the river valley. Steubenville is located on the Ohio side, the west side of the Ohio River, across the city of Weirton. Fencing prevented us from getting too close to the cliff edges and a more dramatic view, still what we saw was nice.
We then descended back down into downtown, driving through it, before stopping at the Visitors Center to orient ourselves for the sightseeing. Steubenville is known as a city of murals as more than twenty works dot the building sides. The man inside was extremely helpful. He had been in many places, Chicago, Caribbean, before settling in Ohio. He had managed one of the local hotels before helping out with the Visiting Center which also served as the entranceway to Old Fort Steubenville.
Inside the Center, there were many old Indian artifacts. Outside was a reconstructed fort built to the specifications found in the diary of the original army commander. Fort Steubenville was established to provide protection to the surveyers of the territory at the end of the 1790s. For a place that housed a company of 100 men, the fort was small, designed so that the corner towers could fire upon the center of the square in case the walls were breached.
Notice the firing slits for rifles on the second level:
Corner Tower
Inside several building were displays showing quarters for officers and enlisted men. Also included was the hospital, which gave a nice look at the old tools of the doctor/surgeon trade. In the center of the site, a group from Franciscan University are performing an archaeological dig.
Searching for the Past
From the grounds of the Visitor center, we also got a good view of the river and a still active steel mill.
Mill along the River
Eastern Ohio, West Virginia, and western Pennsylvania, all have been hard-hit areas economically. This isn't something new or related to the the general economy, but instead due to the long-term decline in coal mining and the steel industry.
Viewing Downtown
We headed into downtown on foot to get a view of the murals. There are over a dozen murals within a short walking distance. The city commissioned the works to revitalize the area and bring people back to Steubenville. In a sense, it has worked. Sandra and I are proof. Still it was Sunday and not much activity downtown, so I don't think the reality has reached anywhere near the hopes.
While some pieces were mediocre and few needed restoration, there were fine examples of public art.
Going Places
This was fading in places, but I love how this work spilled across the boundaries of its "canvas".
Gas Station
Notice the smoke from the cigarette drifting away.
Man with Cigarette
Eric Grohe had some more works in town. One is Centennial Arch. According to the man from the visiting Center, the 3-D perspective of the mural even fools animals, as people in the restaurant across the street occasionally notice birds fly into the painted scene.
Archway and Sandra
The murals tucked away in all kinds of spots throughout downtown. Here's one. that's more 2-D, next to a couple of parking spaces.
Remembering the Bank
Here's another representative work of Grohe's. This honors the dedication of the employees in the steel mill.
Steel through the Generations
The generational aspect (grandfather, father, and son) of the work shows clearly to me. Here's a closer look.
Father and Son?
Here's a couple tucked behind some buildings along the alleyways. In particular, I love the monochromatic character of the second mural.
Commotion Leaving the Firehouse
Tribute to Modern Invention
Downtown had a captivating collection of murals. We also drove out to a shopping mall on the outskirts of town and viewed two more. One was a tribute to Dean Martin, who was born in Steubenville. The other celebrated the pioneer welcoming us to the lush river valley.
Into the Ohio Territory
Yep, that last one is another work by Grohe. Incredible art.
We then descended back down into downtown, driving through it, before stopping at the Visitors Center to orient ourselves for the sightseeing. Steubenville is known as a city of murals as more than twenty works dot the building sides. The man inside was extremely helpful. He had been in many places, Chicago, Caribbean, before settling in Ohio. He had managed one of the local hotels before helping out with the Visiting Center which also served as the entranceway to Old Fort Steubenville.
Inside the Center, there were many old Indian artifacts. Outside was a reconstructed fort built to the specifications found in the diary of the original army commander. Fort Steubenville was established to provide protection to the surveyers of the territory at the end of the 1790s. For a place that housed a company of 100 men, the fort was small, designed so that the corner towers could fire upon the center of the square in case the walls were breached.
Notice the firing slits for rifles on the second level:
Corner Tower
Inside several building were displays showing quarters for officers and enlisted men. Also included was the hospital, which gave a nice look at the old tools of the doctor/surgeon trade. In the center of the site, a group from Franciscan University are performing an archaeological dig.
Searching for the Past
From the grounds of the Visitor center, we also got a good view of the river and a still active steel mill.
Mill along the River
Eastern Ohio, West Virginia, and western Pennsylvania, all have been hard-hit areas economically. This isn't something new or related to the the general economy, but instead due to the long-term decline in coal mining and the steel industry.
Viewing Downtown
We headed into downtown on foot to get a view of the murals. There are over a dozen murals within a short walking distance. The city commissioned the works to revitalize the area and bring people back to Steubenville. In a sense, it has worked. Sandra and I are proof. Still it was Sunday and not much activity downtown, so I don't think the reality has reached anywhere near the hopes.
While some pieces were mediocre and few needed restoration, there were fine examples of public art.
Going Places
This was fading in places, but I love how this work spilled across the boundaries of its "canvas".
Gas Station
Notice the smoke from the cigarette drifting away.
Man with Cigarette
Eric Grohe had some more works in town. One is Centennial Arch. According to the man from the visiting Center, the 3-D perspective of the mural even fools animals, as people in the restaurant across the street occasionally notice birds fly into the painted scene.
Archway and Sandra
The murals tucked away in all kinds of spots throughout downtown. Here's one. that's more 2-D, next to a couple of parking spaces.
Remembering the Bank
Here's another representative work of Grohe's. This honors the dedication of the employees in the steel mill.
Steel through the Generations
The generational aspect (grandfather, father, and son) of the work shows clearly to me. Here's a closer look.
Father and Son?
Here's a couple tucked behind some buildings along the alleyways. In particular, I love the monochromatic character of the second mural.
Commotion Leaving the Firehouse
Tribute to Modern Invention
Downtown had a captivating collection of murals. We also drove out to a shopping mall on the outskirts of town and viewed two more. One was a tribute to Dean Martin, who was born in Steubenville. The other celebrated the pioneer welcoming us to the lush river valley.
Into the Ohio Territory
Yep, that last one is another work by Grohe. Incredible art.
Last Night
Sometimes you can see everything you long to see. Candlelight on a cheekbone. A smile glowing bright.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
To Ohio and Back: Day Two--Muralling Onward
After refueling our stomachs in Bucyrus, we headed eastward to Massillon. The drive was very picturesque as large rolling hills curved the landscape. It was that perfect time of day too--the hours before sunset. Light casted the forests in a warm gold.
We entered the city of 30,000 people just as light was fading. Unlike some other cities and towns, there was activity downtown. Bar. Theater. Pizza. We parked and walked to get a closer look at some murals.
Massillon is situated along the Ohio-Erie Canal and the first artwork celebrated this. The light was a little low and flat and cars in the parking lot obscured some of the scene, but the romanticism of the journey still showed.
Through the Arches: the Canal
A couple of blocks away, we spotted a tribute to gridiron heroes.
The Gridiron
Yes, Football
Football is an influence in this part of Ohio. The local high school has one of the best rivalries with nearby Canton (yes, that Canton...home to the Football Hall of Fame). Paul Brown, one of the forefathers of the NFL, hailed from Massillon. Other players call the city their birth place. Surprisingly, from another sport, Bob Knight of college basketball fame, was also born in Massillon.
We sat and had some refreshment at a local coffeehouse before hitting the road again. The night's destination was Steubenville. The sun had set and the two lane path was pleasant. But then, it grew winding. Right turn. Left turn. 25 max mph. I pushed the rental car through the twists and bends. Accelerate. Decelerate. The road became a long series of S's and then right angles. The moment focused on some ever changing asphalt in the dark countryside. Intense. Hills of Ohio. By the time, we reached our stay for the night, I was glad to be done with the driving.
A long day. A good day. More to come.
We entered the city of 30,000 people just as light was fading. Unlike some other cities and towns, there was activity downtown. Bar. Theater. Pizza. We parked and walked to get a closer look at some murals.
Massillon is situated along the Ohio-Erie Canal and the first artwork celebrated this. The light was a little low and flat and cars in the parking lot obscured some of the scene, but the romanticism of the journey still showed.
Through the Arches: the Canal
A couple of blocks away, we spotted a tribute to gridiron heroes.
The Gridiron
Yes, Football
Football is an influence in this part of Ohio. The local high school has one of the best rivalries with nearby Canton (yes, that Canton...home to the Football Hall of Fame). Paul Brown, one of the forefathers of the NFL, hailed from Massillon. Other players call the city their birth place. Surprisingly, from another sport, Bob Knight of college basketball fame, was also born in Massillon.
We sat and had some refreshment at a local coffeehouse before hitting the road again. The night's destination was Steubenville. The sun had set and the two lane path was pleasant. But then, it grew winding. Right turn. Left turn. 25 max mph. I pushed the rental car through the twists and bends. Accelerate. Decelerate. The road became a long series of S's and then right angles. The moment focused on some ever changing asphalt in the dark countryside. Intense. Hills of Ohio. By the time, we reached our stay for the night, I was glad to be done with the driving.
A long day. A good day. More to come.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Closing a Chapter
Farrah Fawcett died. So has Michael Jackson. Both were pop culture icons. Even people who knew little about American pop culture could identify Farrah and Michael, Farrah for her beauty, Michael for his voice and style, and then later, his eccentricity.
In that sense, a chapter in the American novel has closed. Fawcett's death, in many ways, was expected. She was 62 and had been sick for some time. While she never reached the cultural zenith that Marilyn Monroe reached, she did capture our attention, and that tv-screened moment has passed.
Michael Jackson's death, on the other hand, was completely unexpected. Even through the strange twists and turns of his life, he was the "King of Pop". The artist, whose album "Thriller" is the most widely sold record worldwide, grew in the public eye. From a small child to the man with a surgeon's face, he was a mixture of the many elements of our culture: sweet-faced little singing angel, crotch-grabbing attention-making twenty-something, and fading incongruent star. I don't think we'll ever quite understand Jackson and we don't have to understand. He gave us music and images and strange tabloid stories, and behind all that surface was a person.
A generation earlier, there was Elvis Presley. His rise to fame and excessive stardom was part of the American cultural core in every connotation, good and bad. Michael Jackson was a creator of my generation. In some ways, I am a "Thriller" boy. There are strings of memory which reach out to a singer who is now dead. Yes, like Elvis, he can be written about and spoken about and admired and ridiculed. The range of connotations fit. People will wonder why and some might not believe. All this is a reflection of us, our nature.
We have turned a page. Another chapter is writing.
In that sense, a chapter in the American novel has closed. Fawcett's death, in many ways, was expected. She was 62 and had been sick for some time. While she never reached the cultural zenith that Marilyn Monroe reached, she did capture our attention, and that tv-screened moment has passed.
Michael Jackson's death, on the other hand, was completely unexpected. Even through the strange twists and turns of his life, he was the "King of Pop". The artist, whose album "Thriller" is the most widely sold record worldwide, grew in the public eye. From a small child to the man with a surgeon's face, he was a mixture of the many elements of our culture: sweet-faced little singing angel, crotch-grabbing attention-making twenty-something, and fading incongruent star. I don't think we'll ever quite understand Jackson and we don't have to understand. He gave us music and images and strange tabloid stories, and behind all that surface was a person.
A generation earlier, there was Elvis Presley. His rise to fame and excessive stardom was part of the American cultural core in every connotation, good and bad. Michael Jackson was a creator of my generation. In some ways, I am a "Thriller" boy. There are strings of memory which reach out to a singer who is now dead. Yes, like Elvis, he can be written about and spoken about and admired and ridiculed. The range of connotations fit. People will wonder why and some might not believe. All this is a reflection of us, our nature.
We have turned a page. Another chapter is writing.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Lifer
Dictionary Entry:
n. [Slang] 1 a person sent to imprisonment for life 2 a person who spends his or her whole life working in a certain occupation or profession, esp. in the armed forces
The word, lifer, doesn't have the most positive meaning. That's clearly true for the first definition, but even the second, when in use, carries a connotation of a person mindlessly getting by with their job and hoping to reach retirement. Errrrr...I think it's time to reinvent the word.
For my model, I'm going to turn to the Germans. If you come from Berlin, you're a Berliner. From Hamburg, you are a Hamburger. The "er" ending means "resident of" or "from the town of". So, in this sense, a Lifer is a resident of Life, a person who lives in Life, comes from that town we all share.
Think about it when someone is called a lifer.
n. [Slang] 1 a person sent to imprisonment for life 2 a person who spends his or her whole life working in a certain occupation or profession, esp. in the armed forces
The word, lifer, doesn't have the most positive meaning. That's clearly true for the first definition, but even the second, when in use, carries a connotation of a person mindlessly getting by with their job and hoping to reach retirement. Errrrr...I think it's time to reinvent the word.
For my model, I'm going to turn to the Germans. If you come from Berlin, you're a Berliner. From Hamburg, you are a Hamburger. The "er" ending means "resident of" or "from the town of". So, in this sense, a Lifer is a resident of Life, a person who lives in Life, comes from that town we all share.
Think about it when someone is called a lifer.
To Ohio and Back: Day Two--A Muralling Way
We left Columbus well into the afternoon, so I was a bit nervous about when we would arrive at our ending destination on Saturday. Though somewhere along the road, I let things be where they would be. We'll get there when we do.
Our first stop on our mini-tour of Ohio towns was Marion. What led us on this path was the murals painted by Eric Grohe. A friend, Jen, had sent me images of his work a year ago, and his murals stunned me with how he could utilize bare sides of buildings and some paint to create wonderfully three-dimensional works of art.
The first mural we stopped to view was alongside a small public park in downtown Marion. It had rained and still was a bit misty, so I didn't bring out the camera. In some sense, the work was very characteristic of Grohe: three dimensional perspective, prominently painted archways, and symbolic figures which represented a quality of the town or human condition. For a view of the mural, click Marion welcomes.
After Marion, we headed to Bucyrus. Driving on one of the main roads into town, we spotted the Grohe's murals and parked to look more closely. The first we viewed was Bucyrus, Great American Crossroad
Viewing Bucyrus, 100 Hundred Years Ago
The detail and vividness of the art captured my attention completely. The man reading the newspaper. The boy selling the paper. A couple standing. Together they are common people on a common day, yet the facial expressions give them character. Even small touches like the water tower on top of a building to the left show the artist's focus on the moment which harkens back to the turn of the 20th century in a small town in Ohio.
Man and Children
The Main Plaza
A small plaque illuminated the viewing of the mural, explaining the plaza features and some of the symbols.
Explaning
A freshness of activity dominates the scene. Also, seeing the present overlapped with the past gives a sense of perspective that is heightened by the sharp three dimensional presentation and the use of archways which force the viewer's eyes to peer through and into the scene.
Eric Grohe and others researched the history of the town to faithfully show how Bucyrus appeared decades ago. The central blue building and the courthouse are two buildings which have lasted from an idyllic past shown in the mural to the present.
Then: The Artist Recollects the Past
Now
The other mural in town is called Liberty Remembers. It's a tribute to the American veterans. No one is forgotten.
The Lady
Again, the detail is sharp, giving the faces of people much life.
Examining More Closely
If you want to see more detailed photos, just click on the images and the browser will send you to a larger file version on my photo directory.
If you want to read more about Eric Grohe's work or see his other projects, check his web site, Eric Grohe's Murals and Design.
Our first stop on our mini-tour of Ohio towns was Marion. What led us on this path was the murals painted by Eric Grohe. A friend, Jen, had sent me images of his work a year ago, and his murals stunned me with how he could utilize bare sides of buildings and some paint to create wonderfully three-dimensional works of art.
The first mural we stopped to view was alongside a small public park in downtown Marion. It had rained and still was a bit misty, so I didn't bring out the camera. In some sense, the work was very characteristic of Grohe: three dimensional perspective, prominently painted archways, and symbolic figures which represented a quality of the town or human condition. For a view of the mural, click Marion welcomes.
After Marion, we headed to Bucyrus. Driving on one of the main roads into town, we spotted the Grohe's murals and parked to look more closely. The first we viewed was Bucyrus, Great American Crossroad
Viewing Bucyrus, 100 Hundred Years Ago
The detail and vividness of the art captured my attention completely. The man reading the newspaper. The boy selling the paper. A couple standing. Together they are common people on a common day, yet the facial expressions give them character. Even small touches like the water tower on top of a building to the left show the artist's focus on the moment which harkens back to the turn of the 20th century in a small town in Ohio.
Man and Children
The Main Plaza
A small plaque illuminated the viewing of the mural, explaining the plaza features and some of the symbols.
Explaning
A freshness of activity dominates the scene. Also, seeing the present overlapped with the past gives a sense of perspective that is heightened by the sharp three dimensional presentation and the use of archways which force the viewer's eyes to peer through and into the scene.
Eric Grohe and others researched the history of the town to faithfully show how Bucyrus appeared decades ago. The central blue building and the courthouse are two buildings which have lasted from an idyllic past shown in the mural to the present.
Then: The Artist Recollects the Past
Now
The other mural in town is called Liberty Remembers. It's a tribute to the American veterans. No one is forgotten.
The Lady
Again, the detail is sharp, giving the faces of people much life.
Examining More Closely
If you want to see more detailed photos, just click on the images and the browser will send you to a larger file version on my photo directory.
If you want to read more about Eric Grohe's work or see his other projects, check his web site, Eric Grohe's Murals and Design.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Family
To celebrate Mother's Day a month ago (yes, I'm a month behind), Sandra and I took my mom out to eat yesterday at a local Chinese restaurant. The food was excellent, and in typical Chinese fashion, affordable--a good time.
Yesterday was also Father's Day. In honor of that, here's a picture of Sandra with her father when we visited Cleveland last month:
Daughter and Father
Yesterday was also Father's Day. In honor of that, here's a picture of Sandra with her father when we visited Cleveland last month:
Daughter and Father
To Ohio and Back: Day Two--Columbus Daze
Columbus was bustling with guests for the weekend. A volleyball tournament was in town as was a big rock concert. Also the Race for the Cure was held that Saturday morning. Looking out the window of the hotel room, we could see the pink colors of the runners and walkers as they made their way down North.
Stream of Pink
From the photo, you can also get a peek (to the right) at the Convention Center attached to Marriot. Designed by Peter Eisenman and constructed in 1993, the Center was controversial because of its odd angles. To find out more, check Wikipedia's entry about the Convention Center.
After checking out of the hotel, we stopped at North Market, which is an eclectic blend of farmers' produce, butchered meats, restaurant prepared food, and goods. Sandra, in particular, had to try the wild boar bacon. We also picked a few beers, some nice vinegars, and a homestyle sorbet.
Next was campus. Sandra wanted to show me several of the building where she had classes and some other nice places in the heart of Ohio State University. At the wheel, it was a bit disortienting. Turn here. Look there. But eventually we parked, and walked to Mirror Lake. It's quiet spot on an otherwise busy campus (even on a Saturday).
Sandra spent a lot of relaxing time there when she was studying. We sat for a nice stretch and ate the sorbet. It was good to be able to share some places in her life.
Here is a link to a pic of the Lake from the Ohio Historical Society: Mirror Lake, ca. 1895-1900.
Stream of Pink
From the photo, you can also get a peek (to the right) at the Convention Center attached to Marriot. Designed by Peter Eisenman and constructed in 1993, the Center was controversial because of its odd angles. To find out more, check Wikipedia's entry about the Convention Center.
After checking out of the hotel, we stopped at North Market, which is an eclectic blend of farmers' produce, butchered meats, restaurant prepared food, and goods. Sandra, in particular, had to try the wild boar bacon. We also picked a few beers, some nice vinegars, and a homestyle sorbet.
Next was campus. Sandra wanted to show me several of the building where she had classes and some other nice places in the heart of Ohio State University. At the wheel, it was a bit disortienting. Turn here. Look there. But eventually we parked, and walked to Mirror Lake. It's quiet spot on an otherwise busy campus (even on a Saturday).
Sandra spent a lot of relaxing time there when she was studying. We sat for a nice stretch and ate the sorbet. It was good to be able to share some places in her life.
Here is a link to a pic of the Lake from the Ohio Historical Society: Mirror Lake, ca. 1895-1900.
Summer Solstice
For the Northern Hemisphere, yesterday marked the Summer Solstice, which has the maximum amount of possible sunlight. For the Southern Hemisphere, the day marked the Winter Solstice, which has least amount of sunlight. To celebrate the occasion, NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day offered a brilliant image of the Sun rising behind the Parthenon in Greece.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Morning Musings
Last night, some fierce storms came through town and dumped all kinds of rain, though the skies have cleared now to a sun-filled morning. During a brief interlude between showers yesterday, I managed to catch a couple of pics, which I'll post once I get a chance to upload them.
I was poking around the web and checked one of the favorite sites on the web, NASA's astronomy picture site. Today's pic of the day shows a Moon mirage over water. Also, in the explanation, they mentioned the phenomena and something simlar called green flash. Clicking on the link, I found a cool photo of a green flash from a setting sun.
I was poking around the web and checked one of the favorite sites on the web, NASA's astronomy picture site. Today's pic of the day shows a Moon mirage over water. Also, in the explanation, they mentioned the phenomena and something simlar called green flash. Clicking on the link, I found a cool photo of a green flash from a setting sun.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Free Classical Music
Chicago's classical music series kicked off at Millenium Park's outdoor stage a week ago Wednesday. To open, the orchestra performed a lengthy Tchaikovsky piece. Later this season, works by Rachmaninoff and Bruckner headline the schedule, though sometimes lesser known scores surprise with their power. From last year's series, John Adams' The Dharma at Big Sur tucked between two more well known composers captured my attention with its sweeping melodic lines--simply graceful and powerful.
While listening to the performances, you can sit on the lawn and picnic--eat well and enjoy a glass of wine--as the city's skyline soars to north and west. And it costs zero dollars. It's one of the truly nice aspects of living in a large metropolitan area like Chicago.
To find out more, check out the web site, Grant Park Music Festival.
While listening to the performances, you can sit on the lawn and picnic--eat well and enjoy a glass of wine--as the city's skyline soars to north and west. And it costs zero dollars. It's one of the truly nice aspects of living in a large metropolitan area like Chicago.
To find out more, check out the web site, Grant Park Music Festival.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
To Ohio and Back: Day One--Nights of Columbus
After a short refueling of the stomaches, Sandra and I headed out to check out the city. She had lived here back in the 80s and 90s and wanted to see how things were and point out places to me.
We drove up High Street into an area called Short North, a bustling area of galleries and restaurants. It was always a hip spot, but Sandra was a bit shocked by how much it had gentrified and grew. Lots of people were out milling around; the scene reminded me of "hip" neighborhoods like Lincoln Park or Bucktown back in Chicago.
We continued north and along the campus. For Sandra, it was a memory lane as she comented on that place was this or that's still here. We briefly turned off High so she could show me a couple of her old places in which she lived. After undergraduate elsewhere, she did advanced studies at Ohio State, so she had spent eight years in Columbus. It was her town for quite a while.
We ended up at Dick's Den, which was her watering hole. It wasn't part of the typical student's fashion back when she was a student but more a grad student and local hangout, and by judging the age of the patrons, it still wasn't for the undergrads. A jazz band played, and despite being Friday night, we found seats at the bar.
Dick's didn't seem particularly hopping on the night, and we sat and drank a few reasonably priced beers, capping the start of the trip.
We drove up High Street into an area called Short North, a bustling area of galleries and restaurants. It was always a hip spot, but Sandra was a bit shocked by how much it had gentrified and grew. Lots of people were out milling around; the scene reminded me of "hip" neighborhoods like Lincoln Park or Bucktown back in Chicago.
We continued north and along the campus. For Sandra, it was a memory lane as she comented on that place was this or that's still here. We briefly turned off High so she could show me a couple of her old places in which she lived. After undergraduate elsewhere, she did advanced studies at Ohio State, so she had spent eight years in Columbus. It was her town for quite a while.
We ended up at Dick's Den, which was her watering hole. It wasn't part of the typical student's fashion back when she was a student but more a grad student and local hangout, and by judging the age of the patrons, it still wasn't for the undergrads. A jazz band played, and despite being Friday night, we found seats at the bar.
Dick's didn't seem particularly hopping on the night, and we sat and drank a few reasonably priced beers, capping the start of the trip.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
To Ohio and Back: Day One--The Road
The nice thing about travelling by car is that you're not enslaved to a plane's or train's schedule. So if you need to sleep in a little, you do. If you have to finish packing at the last minute, you can. What's bad about the same travelling by car is the previous reasons; it's easy to leave past noon to face a 6+ plus hour ride.
Add a little rain and our start on Friday was teetering on the slow side. It wasn't like we had to be in Columbus at a certain hour, but certainly 6 or 7pm sounded good and that was in a bit in jeopardy.
The arrival time was rattled by a bumper-to-bumper stretch on Interstate 80/94 heading east through northern Indiana just as we reached the I-65 exit. Construction leads to slowdowns, and in our case, as we headed south on I-65, complete gridlock which annihilated what remained of an arrival time resembling early evening. Perhaps some patience, too, was lost. It's difficult to understand traffic congestion when farmland flanks both sides of the road.
Though there was a find in the middle of all that Indiana prairie: Fair Oaks Farms. Oh, it's commercial. Very commercial with touristy flourishes. Yet, there is something refreshing in how a dairy farm can become a destination for anyone other than a cheesehead or ice cream fanatic.
The farm hosts tours of its facilities, home to 30,000 dairy cows. That means constant milking and enough of the white liquid to feed the city of Chicago. Though honestly, our reason to stop was simple hunger. It was time for lunch and their sandwiches nicely satisfied. Add some cheese tastings and a small ice cream cone which was actually two scoops and not one, and Fair Oaks Farms more than satiated our stomaches.
After buying some cheese as tasty momentos, we were back on the road. The rest of the trip into Columbus was fairly uneventful, though it was clearer as we approached that we would be coming into town late, nine o'clockish. The late arrival and confusion over directions (somehow the wrongs numbers were stuck in my head) led us to the right hotel just at the wrong location.
Columbus is a big league city. We first found the Hyatt at Capitol Square, but no reservation. Thirty minutes later, we discovered the Hyatt at the Convention Center and the reservation. Leading us into and up the service elevator, the bellhop was quick and efficient and knowledgable about the ins and outs of the hotel. With thanks, I'd like to recommend his service, because after long hours on the road, it was good to sit for a moment, enjoy a glass of wine and a view.
Add a little rain and our start on Friday was teetering on the slow side. It wasn't like we had to be in Columbus at a certain hour, but certainly 6 or 7pm sounded good and that was in a bit in jeopardy.
The arrival time was rattled by a bumper-to-bumper stretch on Interstate 80/94 heading east through northern Indiana just as we reached the I-65 exit. Construction leads to slowdowns, and in our case, as we headed south on I-65, complete gridlock which annihilated what remained of an arrival time resembling early evening. Perhaps some patience, too, was lost. It's difficult to understand traffic congestion when farmland flanks both sides of the road.
Though there was a find in the middle of all that Indiana prairie: Fair Oaks Farms. Oh, it's commercial. Very commercial with touristy flourishes. Yet, there is something refreshing in how a dairy farm can become a destination for anyone other than a cheesehead or ice cream fanatic.
The farm hosts tours of its facilities, home to 30,000 dairy cows. That means constant milking and enough of the white liquid to feed the city of Chicago. Though honestly, our reason to stop was simple hunger. It was time for lunch and their sandwiches nicely satisfied. Add some cheese tastings and a small ice cream cone which was actually two scoops and not one, and Fair Oaks Farms more than satiated our stomaches.
After buying some cheese as tasty momentos, we were back on the road. The rest of the trip into Columbus was fairly uneventful, though it was clearer as we approached that we would be coming into town late, nine o'clockish. The late arrival and confusion over directions (somehow the wrongs numbers were stuck in my head) led us to the right hotel just at the wrong location.
Columbus is a big league city. We first found the Hyatt at Capitol Square, but no reservation. Thirty minutes later, we discovered the Hyatt at the Convention Center and the reservation. Leading us into and up the service elevator, the bellhop was quick and efficient and knowledgable about the ins and outs of the hotel. With thanks, I'd like to recommend his service, because after long hours on the road, it was good to sit for a moment, enjoy a glass of wine and a view.
To Ohio and Back
Just over a month ago (May 15th to be precise), Sandra and I headed out to Ohio to make a tour of the state. To celebrate the trip, I will be highlighting in word and image some of those moments in a nine part epic tale.
So let the wheels spin...
So let the wheels spin...
Monday, June 15, 2009
Grinder Bash '09
A few weeks ago, Sandra and I had an opportunity to visit the stadium of the Chicago White Sox during Grinder Bash, which is an Appreciation Day for ticket holders for the club.
After the a buffet-style ballpark meal (hot dogs, chicken, and burgers), we stepped onto the center field warning track and made our way around the stadium.
Viewing Left Field
We had a chance to sit in the home and visiting dugouts and get a coach's perspective on the field.
New Hometown Skipper?
We also stepped into the visiting team locker room. What struck me the most was how it wasn't a million dollar fancy moment. There was coffee and raisins and lots of ordinary hair care products.
The Visiting Snack Bar
The lounge for the Scout Seats, a super premium seats behind home plate, was also open--think fancy mushrooms in gourmet food!--so we could see how the wealthy fans eat and drink.
After spending some time in the "bowels" of the stadium, we headed out to the outfield concourse where several activities were situated. We examined the 2005 World Series trophy and even tried throwing a little. The radar gun clocked my best fastball at just over 40 mph. Sandra hit the mid 20s. No surprise that neither of us is playing ball!
A Champion's Trophy
And the Sox beat the Royals in KC...now that's a bit of baseball.
After the a buffet-style ballpark meal (hot dogs, chicken, and burgers), we stepped onto the center field warning track and made our way around the stadium.
Viewing Left Field
We had a chance to sit in the home and visiting dugouts and get a coach's perspective on the field.
New Hometown Skipper?
We also stepped into the visiting team locker room. What struck me the most was how it wasn't a million dollar fancy moment. There was coffee and raisins and lots of ordinary hair care products.
The Visiting Snack Bar
The lounge for the Scout Seats, a super premium seats behind home plate, was also open--think fancy mushrooms in gourmet food!--so we could see how the wealthy fans eat and drink.
After spending some time in the "bowels" of the stadium, we headed out to the outfield concourse where several activities were situated. We examined the 2005 World Series trophy and even tried throwing a little. The radar gun clocked my best fastball at just over 40 mph. Sandra hit the mid 20s. No surprise that neither of us is playing ball!
A Champion's Trophy
And the Sox beat the Royals in KC...now that's a bit of baseball.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
A Random Story
From 101 Zen Stories, here's a random story (there is a link you can hit, if you would like to read a random story):
True Friends
A long time ago in China there were two friends, one who played the harp skilfully and one who listen skillfully.
When the one played or sang about a mountain, the other would say: "I can see the mountain before us."
When the one played about water, the listener would exclaim: "Here is the running stream!"
But the listener fell sick and died. The first friend cut the strings of his harp and never played again. Since that time the cutting of harp strings has always been a sign of intimate friendship.
...
What can this story mean for you?
True Friends
A long time ago in China there were two friends, one who played the harp skilfully and one who listen skillfully.
When the one played or sang about a mountain, the other would say: "I can see the mountain before us."
When the one played about water, the listener would exclaim: "Here is the running stream!"
But the listener fell sick and died. The first friend cut the strings of his harp and never played again. Since that time the cutting of harp strings has always been a sign of intimate friendship.
...
What can this story mean for you?
Monday, June 8, 2009
In Flight
Above the cloud layer, I view the white stretch like hills, not rolling hills, but swift wintry crests and valleys tumbling to a wide, thin sea. An atmospheric ocean. One expansive ice field riding the current across many many lands.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Thought Wandering Through
The greater the difficulty, the greater the glory.
--Marcus Tullius Cicero
The college has little lines of inspiration posted throughout the hallways. The Cicero quote fills a sign which is attached to a fence used as barrier for a construction zone in front of a building being remodeled.
While most of the lines are generaly practical and useful thoughts to consider, I have trouble with the above phrase. There seems to be an inherent sense that you have to overcome an "obstacle" in order to achieve. Why do we buy it? Why we believe in a concept which seems to set us for struggles?
--Marcus Tullius Cicero
The college has little lines of inspiration posted throughout the hallways. The Cicero quote fills a sign which is attached to a fence used as barrier for a construction zone in front of a building being remodeled.
While most of the lines are generaly practical and useful thoughts to consider, I have trouble with the above phrase. There seems to be an inherent sense that you have to overcome an "obstacle" in order to achieve. Why do we buy it? Why we believe in a concept which seems to set us for struggles?
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Gardening Indoors
I decided to grow things again this year. Back in the early part of the decade, I used to grow a few herbs indoors. Some worked. Others didn't. The successes included cilantro, basil, and parsley. The parsley, in particular, grew for over two years. At some point, I grew careless and the plants died.
So I decided to grow things again this year. Sandra and I picked up some pots and dirt and seed at beginning of April. We planted a few of the varieties. Some germinated. Others didn't.
Here's pictures of the plants growing:
Basil, Basil, Basil
Sunspot Sunflowers
Over the past week or so, we finally returned to plant the rest of the seed (my life sometimes holds onto unfinished projects for a while). Hopefully in a full weeks, I'll have more pictures to share.
So I decided to grow things again this year. Sandra and I picked up some pots and dirt and seed at beginning of April. We planted a few of the varieties. Some germinated. Others didn't.
Here's pictures of the plants growing:
Basil, Basil, Basil
Sunspot Sunflowers
Over the past week or so, we finally returned to plant the rest of the seed (my life sometimes holds onto unfinished projects for a while). Hopefully in a full weeks, I'll have more pictures to share.
Sunspots
The current solar wind and sunspot activity are very low compared to recent past observations. The net result is that the sun has not emitting as much radiation to the planet. This change hasn't been enough to counter other warming effects here on Earth, but the cycle of sun activity does lead me to wonder about the larger system of factors which are currently operating.
Longer term cooling trend?
Short term cooling trend?
What happens if the sun increases radiation output given the amount of greenhouses in our atmosphere now?
More about the spots and solar activity, read NASA article
Longer term cooling trend?
Short term cooling trend?
What happens if the sun increases radiation output given the amount of greenhouses in our atmosphere now?
More about the spots and solar activity, read NASA article
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
A Pause on the Return Home: Rend Lake
Leaving Carbondale, Sandra and I headed north and then east on smaller two lane roads. As we drove through the towns of south central Illinois, the clouds completely broke and let the sun guide with bright light--a good traveling day!
Just before catching I-57 for the bulk of the trip back to Chicago, we stopped at Rend Lake, no little pond, but a waterway which stretches over 18,000 acres (that's 13 and 3 miles at its longest and widest points). It was formed by Army Corps of Engineers in the 1960s and 70s by damming the Big Muddy River to provide reliable water for the local counties. These days, the lake also doubles as habitat for a wide range of fish, animals, and birds.
Our stop was for the water and a possible glimpse of waterfowl like cranes or herons. We saw the lake from the interstate when we headed south on the way to Giant City State Park and it looked serene in the fading afternoon light. Now in full sun, it still appeared gorgeous.
Rocks to the Shore
Basking in the Sunshine
We left the car and approached the shore. Along the rocks, dozens of spiders scurried, while just as many lay still, apparently soaking in the mid-day sun. It was nice, mid-60s and gobs of rays--all the weather that we didn't feel when we were at Giant City.
A View of the Lake
Here's Sandra studying the water:
With Shades
For the Illinois Department of Resources site about Rend Lake, click here.
Just before catching I-57 for the bulk of the trip back to Chicago, we stopped at Rend Lake, no little pond, but a waterway which stretches over 18,000 acres (that's 13 and 3 miles at its longest and widest points). It was formed by Army Corps of Engineers in the 1960s and 70s by damming the Big Muddy River to provide reliable water for the local counties. These days, the lake also doubles as habitat for a wide range of fish, animals, and birds.
Our stop was for the water and a possible glimpse of waterfowl like cranes or herons. We saw the lake from the interstate when we headed south on the way to Giant City State Park and it looked serene in the fading afternoon light. Now in full sun, it still appeared gorgeous.
Rocks to the Shore
Basking in the Sunshine
We left the car and approached the shore. Along the rocks, dozens of spiders scurried, while just as many lay still, apparently soaking in the mid-day sun. It was nice, mid-60s and gobs of rays--all the weather that we didn't feel when we were at Giant City.
A View of the Lake
Here's Sandra studying the water:
With Shades
For the Illinois Department of Resources site about Rend Lake, click here.
After Sunset
It's 9:05. To the west, the church tower is lit in whitish light. Far to its left, a few dark lines of clouds stray eastward. It's that time of night, a rub of red at the reach of the horizon which drifts into orange and then blue, that pastel palette. Such a deep blue overhead as the moon pours its mirrored rays onto a quiet urban evening.
Upcoming from Forgotten Chicago
Forgotten Chicago is offering a few new events in June and July.
Walking Tour No.4 - Downtown Confidential Walking tour of marginal uses downtown. Sign up now! June 21 & 28, 12 noon.
Free Presentation at the Palos Park Public Library - 12330 Forest Glen Blvd. July 21st, 7pm.
Walking Tour No.4 - Downtown Confidential Walking tour of marginal uses downtown. Sign up now! June 21 & 28, 12 noon.
Free Presentation at the Palos Park Public Library - 12330 Forest Glen Blvd. July 21st, 7pm.
Last Evening in Giant City
I figured I'd get to this before three months had passed...
The skies stayed fairly cloudy much of the time we stayed in the state park. Though the clouds parted during our hike of Trillium, they returned later. Still, we headed to the top of the water tower on the Lodge site, which actually rises as the highest point in the park, to view the landscape.
While conditions were not ideal for photos, I snapped a few pictures at sunset.
Bald Knob Cross
Forests stretch everywhere, and in the distances, the terrain dips and rises. The above photo captures a ridge near Alto Pass. On top of a Bald Knob Mountain (in Illinois, it qualifies as a mountain), a 111 foot cross, completed in 1963, stands. It is a local landmark which can be seen miles away from the ridge tops.
Last Fires
The stay in Giant City was very enjoyable. The wine at nearby vineyards compentently showcased the local varietals and taste. The beauty of the park trails stood out even during the leafless start to Spring. Also, the accomodations of the cabins were spacious with large separate bedroom and living room.
Plus, the food at the Giant City Lodge more than satisfied. While traditional American with a nod to some Southern style cooking, the restaurant menu offered reasonable fare and the best fried chicken I've ever had (and I'm not a lover of the dish). And the pankcakes! The blueberry pancakes burst with fresh berries. Back in the big city, I almost feel that someone here would try and charge $15 or $20 a plate just for the blueberries.
If you're in southern Illinois or looking for somewhere to stay which is not in the mainstream jet scene, I recommend Giant City State Park. For more information, check the Illinois Department of Resources' Giant City State Park link or the park's Lodge site. If you don't live in the area, I would check your neighborhood. There's probably a natural gem there waiting for you to explore.
The skies stayed fairly cloudy much of the time we stayed in the state park. Though the clouds parted during our hike of Trillium, they returned later. Still, we headed to the top of the water tower on the Lodge site, which actually rises as the highest point in the park, to view the landscape.
While conditions were not ideal for photos, I snapped a few pictures at sunset.
Bald Knob Cross
Forests stretch everywhere, and in the distances, the terrain dips and rises. The above photo captures a ridge near Alto Pass. On top of a Bald Knob Mountain (in Illinois, it qualifies as a mountain), a 111 foot cross, completed in 1963, stands. It is a local landmark which can be seen miles away from the ridge tops.
Last Fires
The stay in Giant City was very enjoyable. The wine at nearby vineyards compentently showcased the local varietals and taste. The beauty of the park trails stood out even during the leafless start to Spring. Also, the accomodations of the cabins were spacious with large separate bedroom and living room.
Plus, the food at the Giant City Lodge more than satisfied. While traditional American with a nod to some Southern style cooking, the restaurant menu offered reasonable fare and the best fried chicken I've ever had (and I'm not a lover of the dish). And the pankcakes! The blueberry pancakes burst with fresh berries. Back in the big city, I almost feel that someone here would try and charge $15 or $20 a plate just for the blueberries.
If you're in southern Illinois or looking for somewhere to stay which is not in the mainstream jet scene, I recommend Giant City State Park. For more information, check the Illinois Department of Resources' Giant City State Park link or the park's Lodge site. If you don't live in the area, I would check your neighborhood. There's probably a natural gem there waiting for you to explore.
Something to Consider
Check this article:
Glimpsing What's Beneath the Ice
It's interesting how longer and shorter term trends in environmental systems seem to emerge.
Glimpsing What's Beneath the Ice
It's interesting how longer and shorter term trends in environmental systems seem to emerge.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Trillium Trail
The last of the trails that Sandra and I hiked in Giant City State Park was the two mile long Trillium, which split into two very distinct parts: lower and upper.
The lower transversed moss-filled wetlands at the base of a bluff. This area offers a nice look at the rock formations and various foliage. In particular, it's a great area for viewing spring flowers, though we were a week or two too early for wildflowers. The only blooms we saw were from a small white flower (which we identified but the name eludes me now).
The Shape of Rock
Layers and Divides
About midway through the hike we ascended a fairly steep incline which we even had steps on the upper portion of the rise. At the top of the bluff, the ecosystem change from a wet to a drier environment. No moss, instead, trees of various types and sizes dominated the landscape. We paused for a moment and took in the scene.
Downward
While the top offered impressive views of the valley, the view varied little as the trail progressed. However, one thing which interested me greatly was the number of little dry ravines which cut across the trail. The action of the water after rains and snow melts obviously carved into the rock, exposing step patterns and cracks in the bluff, further illustrating how the Streets of Giant City formed.
The trail follows closely to the bluff edge, so it can be hazardous in wet weather. Also, while overall I enjoyed the trail, the time and effort versus reward wasn't as high on Trillium compared to others, but that might have been partly due to our timing. Locals highly recommended the trail. Depending upon the season, I can see Trillium offering a substantially different perspective, particularly in mid-Spring or Fall, so I am curious to return again and experience the contrasts.
The lower transversed moss-filled wetlands at the base of a bluff. This area offers a nice look at the rock formations and various foliage. In particular, it's a great area for viewing spring flowers, though we were a week or two too early for wildflowers. The only blooms we saw were from a small white flower (which we identified but the name eludes me now).
The Shape of Rock
Layers and Divides
About midway through the hike we ascended a fairly steep incline which we even had steps on the upper portion of the rise. At the top of the bluff, the ecosystem change from a wet to a drier environment. No moss, instead, trees of various types and sizes dominated the landscape. We paused for a moment and took in the scene.
Downward
While the top offered impressive views of the valley, the view varied little as the trail progressed. However, one thing which interested me greatly was the number of little dry ravines which cut across the trail. The action of the water after rains and snow melts obviously carved into the rock, exposing step patterns and cracks in the bluff, further illustrating how the Streets of Giant City formed.
The trail follows closely to the bluff edge, so it can be hazardous in wet weather. Also, while overall I enjoyed the trail, the time and effort versus reward wasn't as high on Trillium compared to others, but that might have been partly due to our timing. Locals highly recommended the trail. Depending upon the season, I can see Trillium offering a substantially different perspective, particularly in mid-Spring or Fall, so I am curious to return again and experience the contrasts.
Monday, June 1, 2009
For a Moment
Check out yesterday's Calvin and Hobbes repost on GoComics:
Calvin and Hobbes at Lookout Hill
Bill Watterson is exceptional at showing expressions. The expression on Hobbes' face, the eyes in particular, in the middle frame of row two is priceless. Watterson also nicely illustrates the point of how we sometimes blur through life. I made a point of having a lazy day yesterday, one where you can enjoy the moment, and it was nice.
Calvin and Hobbes at Lookout Hill
Bill Watterson is exceptional at showing expressions. The expression on Hobbes' face, the eyes in particular, in the middle frame of row two is priceless. Watterson also nicely illustrates the point of how we sometimes blur through life. I made a point of having a lazy day yesterday, one where you can enjoy the moment, and it was nice.
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