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i still feel krusty

I am pretty sure I need to see a doctor. I have not been to one in probably 6+ years and I am pretty sure there are multiple things wrong with me. However, all of these self diagnosed concerns may simply be symptoms of seasonal allergies. Either way, I need to get something scheduled to see if I need surgery, drugs, therapy or all of the above.

I also may be recovering from this past weekend, which included the 20th annual Krusty’s Summer Sauce Camp at Whiskey Island. After a Friday night out at Bar Cento, Krusty’s on Saturday and a 5:00am triathlon on Sunday, I suppose one might feel a tad overworked. Next year I am going to try and get the CLE Triathlon moved to a non-Krusty’s weekend, but somehow I don’t see that happening.

After a very fun weekend, I only managed to get a couple photos but at least Metromix was there to capture a fantastic group shot. Why is it always so difficult to take a couple pictures. Oh wait, because my Droid Incredible has no battery life!

good thing this was taken before we were all drenched in sweat.

This one brings a smile to my face, because this may be the first time plum has sang karoeke in front of anyone! Thank you, Lakewood Village Tavern.

they were getting really into it.

Here’s to Tuesday. May all your tacos be crunchy.

living in CLE…with a whole gallon of juice

Apparently time got away from me once again. I was planning on submitting a video application to the Cleveland City Living Awards contest, but my potential videographer/editor and I never joined forces. However, you can view and vote for your favorite entry HERE.

I know iheartcleveland enjoys Doc Harrill’s video, but my vote has to go to Seth Hrbek. While both of these entries include original song, I found myself giggling uncontrollably while listening to Seth’s “I love you Cleveland!” lyrics. In regards to the LOL factor, the “butterflies on my shoulder, I beg your pardon” line was the icing on the cake.

You only have until this Thursday, August 4th to vote!

where is HOME?

Public art takes on many forms. It can be viewed by millions and interpreted in a million ways. Often times, these pieces signify unity and collaboration, displaying the value of community. While the city of CLE contains some great examples of public art, we could certainly use many more installations throughout our artistic neighborhoods.

One new public display can be found in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood (hey, I live there!), featuring artist Melissa Daubert. Tomorrow night, “Where is HOME?” will open to the public, featuring neighborhood residents reactions and thoughts from the W. 83rd Street explosion in January 2010. This interactive, on-site installation consists of silhouettes of residents who were affected by the explosion, providing their view on how they define the word “home” and the ways the community has healed since the incident.

The location of this installation is actually inside one of the abandoned properties damaged by the explosion and will remain on view through August 7. After the public showing, the house will be demolished and the property will be transformed into a community park. So even if you miss this public art viewing, you will still be able to enjoy the space as a new urban gathering place. And who doesn’t like parks?!?

“Where is HOME?” Public Art Viewing
Opening reception on Thursday, July 28 at 8:00pm
July 28 – August 7, 2011 from 9:00pm – Midnight each night
2040 W. 83rd Street

Strongsville = Strangeville

This is my hell.

After reviewing my tweets since this past Friday, the majority of the content includes ripping on the suburbs and those who reside in them. I should probably take some of my own advice from my previous post, “you should probably watch what you say“, and do just that.

Part of my problem is that I am such a loyal advocate of the city of CLE and urban living in general, that I get defensive and territorial while not realizing how crass I can be. So to those who I may have offended, please accept this as an apology. However, I must provide you with some observations why suburban folk get on my nerves.

You think I live in the ghetto
You take up my parking spaces in Tremont
You look at me like I am crazy for wearing something somewhat fashionable
You have never been anywhere else in CLE except for a sporting or concert venue
You cannot drive downtown even though it’s incredibly easy
You take over my favorite places on the weekend and then look at me like I don’t belong there
You say how nice things are developing in the city and don’t have the guts to move here
You think you live a “better” life in that subdivision
You keep your children from the city, depriving them from culture and local history
You think using a bicycle to get to places is crazy talk

Whether you live in the city or a suburb, I guess the snobbery goes both ways. I just have a difficult time understanding why suburban life is so much better. But one day things will change. People will sprawl once again, but this time it will be back to our urban cores — mark my words.

*Disclaimer – I do not believe ALL suburbanites agree with all of the above statements. I have family and friends who call suburbia home and I love them with all my heart (but they should consider being my neighbor).

luau on the lake

It’s balmy and sunny in the CLE. The beaches are crowded. The boats are sailing across the shores of Lake Erie. Our current weather conditions scream summertime.

While we don’t live in a tropical climate, one can dream of palm trees swaying along the landscape of Whiskey Island. But wait – you can experience a little island flavor in the Northcoast! This Saturday, the 6th annual Luau on the Lake will be held at Wendy Park.

This Hawaiian-themed party benefits Shoes and Clothes for Kids and includes amazing food, drinks, music, volleyball, raffles and enough fun for any big Kahuna. There is not much time to purchase your discounted pre-sale tickets, which ends this Wednesday, July 13th.

DATE: Saturday, July 16, 2011
TIME: 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
LOCATION: Wendy Park at Whiskey Island, 2800 Whiskey Island, Cleveland, OH 44102

For more information and to purchase your tickets, please click HERE. Aloha!

boom boom boom

it was quite the holiday weekend. It was everything I could have imagined and more, filled with loved ones, laughter, sun and spirits. One of those long weekends when you think about what life would be like if your job consisted of relaxation, socializing and consuming large amounts of food and alcohol. Wait, that lifestyle is attainable. However, I believe one might call that retirement. Can I retire once I hit the big 3-0?

Naturally, I did not take as many photos as I should have, specifically shots of myself lounging in a kiddie pool floating around the waters of Put-in-Bay. I must recreate that scene ASAP.

Last week I mentioned it was a packed weekend of P’s (parties and Perry’s) via Twitter and Facebook. Please see my evidence below.

: Justin grills some ribs at BZone’s.

: W. 61 St. display.

: The Perry Monument.

: A little Katy Perry.

And this little clip was taken at plum’s bash — yet another P! The more I think about it, the more I realize how I have become more ridiculous with age. Here’s to never taking myself too seriously.

things you should do right now

After an enjoyable three-day weekend filled with friends and festivities, I have some items to add to your to-do list, if you have not checked them off already.

Market Garden Brewery & Distillery – The newest hot spot on W.25th is more than hot. It’s like surface of the sun hot. After food and beverage consumption this past weekend, I suggest you try the mussels, tacos and #1 wheat ale.

Pop Up party – This third installment was held on Friday at Battery Park Wine Bar featured the musical stylings of Graydar. This was my first Pop Up party and I really enjoy the concept. It’s like a pop up shop, but a one night shabang. A legal rave, if you will. Dancing is required.

Cleveland Museum of Art Solstice Party – Quickly becoming CLE’s party of the year, there is not much to say about this cosmopolitan affair because you really need to go and experience it for yourself. Strolling through the art galleries at 1:30am is reason enough to check this party out!

Edgewater Beach – Yes, many are frightened by our city’s only public beach (it does need some work), but it can be a beautiful place if you give it a chance. Plus, you cannot beat the people watching. Thongs, kite surfers and hookahs, oh my.

SPACES – It’s not an art gallery. It is a forum for artists to explore and experiment their craft. Not only one of the coolest venue’s around, they also host one of the coolest benefit’s every November. Attend the exhibitions, donate, volunteer and enjoy the creative genius!

trololo time

i could discuss more important topics. i could describe my excitement for the cleveland museum of art summer solstice party this weekend. i also could recap how enjoyable my first dinner in the dark experience was this past week.

but i just had one of those days. one of those days that knocked me down. a day that i look at life and say, wuuut!?! (insert lil’ john voice)

and when i have less than adequate moments, i watch or listen to something enjoyable and/or funny. many times it involves a little trololo sing along.

i would be surprised if most of you have not seen this YouTube hit, but if you have not, you’re welcome.

last friday night

so i tried something new this past friday night. it’s called yoga. i’m sure you’ve heard of it.

you might say i was not 100% excited about the idea, provided that i do not work out on a regular basis, nor have i ever been able to touch my toes. however, statistics say that acts of this kind are known to reduce stress levels, increase muscle tone and improve posture.

the particular session that i went to is dubbed as “punk rock” yoga, which didn’t really exude either punk nor rock in my opinion, but they did play some subtle punk rock tracks. i guess i was expecting the instructor to come out in a mohawk and eye liner. that would have been something to see.

all in all, my trip to the studio was pretty successful. i kept up with the rest of the group for the most part, not counting the three times i almost fell over. and in true sean fashion, i sweat my asski off. at one point, i thought about asking for a clean mat so i would keep from slipping on mine.

i am pretty sure i will be back to The Studio – Cleveland for some more downward dog action. i can definitely see how practicing yoga could improve your overall mind, body and spirit. i mean, who doesn’t need some oms.

and speaking of last friday night, have you seen the new katy perry video? it is a HOOT. while there may be one too many 80s references, i found myself smiling all the way though the video. the endless celebrity cameos are hilarious, the wardrobe department must have had a field day and katy perry is just too darn funny. watch “last friday night” all the way through the credits. even if you aren’t into top 40 pop hits, i think you will LOL at least once.

ahi nama

after a very pleasant weekend of relaxation, rejuvenation and a little rampage, i have one more thing to add to my bucket list – SALSA. not the edible kind, but the cuban born dance form.

and since i already have taught myself other variations of dance including hip hop, crump and booty pops, i figured i should give ballroom a shot. but as far as i’m concerned, salsa seems to be on the more exciting and spicy side of ballroom dance. and i like spicy.

while listening to the rhythmic sounds at roseangel on saturday night, i really wanted to just pick a random mama sita and bust out some ~~latin~~ polish flavor on the dance floor. the temperature was roughly 900 degrees that night, which was most likely due to the amount of sexiness happening all around me. i really wanted to join in.

if you are interested in seeing some of the best CLE salsa dancers, i suggest you go to roseangel on any given saturday night. order a pitcher of sangria, get a table in the back, and enjoy the show. and if you would like to partake, let me know. who wants to be my salsa partner!?!

of course, i didn’t get any photos from the night, but you can view some here at TropicalCleveland (who hosts every saturday night dance party).