MayDay

Oops, forgot to add the proper caption - that's the Belvedere condominiums http://www.belvederebaltimore.com

Went to Phoenix/Scottsdale for a family event; my partner spent a few extra days with family and friends in Vegas; some photos were taken. Enjoy :-) I'm usually able to see Key Tower before takeoff, this time I saw the four tallest: PNC (Previously National City) complex near West 150th: Fairview Hospital and the Metroparks: Due to lake effect clouds, not much of a view of downtown this time: In case you needed a better description of lake effect clouds: A peek at Cedar Point: South Bend Fort Wayne, Indiana: Gary, Indiana (sorry if that results in a song stuck in your head): We had a brief layover at Midway, so I was happy to at least get some nice Chicago shots: Call me kooky, but I love seeing this patch on my trips to Phoenix - 1. from the air, it looks like a modern art piece on a mega scale (check google maps and the area where Kansas, Colorado, and Oklahoma meet) and 2. means we have less than an hour until Sky Harbor: Speaking of Colorado, we saw some of the wildfires: Not long after, we were in the Valley of the Sun: Who'da thunk, the view of Papago Park and Camelback on the descent into Sky Harbor have become somewhat sentimental over the past few years: We arrive at our hotel, the W Scottsdale: View of the Scottsdale Waterfront complex from our room: Apparently, there was a fashion show sponsored by Ferrari that night (we happily missed it but I knew some of you would like to see the vehicles ;-) ) Not far from the W are these nifty condos - huge terraces, lots of extensive and well-tended landscaping... Old school Scottsdale: New school "Snotsdale" ;-) One thing Scottsdale *does* get is the fact that funky/sculptural bus shelters can actually provide shelter from the elements. The peak of Camelback Mountain - one of these times, I'll hike to the top - not this time around, though. Saw this hotrod and had to get a pic: Lobby bar of the W: Time to head to the family event in the Troon North area: So okay, the views of the desert sunsets were alright ;-) And uhh... a crescent "moonset"? The black silhouette is Camelback Mountain. One of many moments in my life where the photo simply does not begin to do justice: Back to reality, Scottsdale-style :lol: Last night in town, view from our room: Time for me to head out... And pass the baton to my partner who took the rest of the shots in the thread during his trip to Vegas: The Strip: The newly-constructed City Center: Paris casino and surroundings: Back to City Center: The Palms, west of the Strip: Rio casino - also west (I think): Back to City Center: New York, New York: Veer Towers at City Center: And I end this with a welcome ;-) Hope you enjoyed!

Weedrose, it's not too far from what Htsguy said. Purely my opinion - I like Baltimore a LOT more than DC; there's less of the crowd that moves to a city thinking they're defined by their zip code. People don't live in a place like Baltimore to be social climbers on Capitol Hill - does that make sense? I also like that Baltimore has fantastic connections and amenities along its waterfront. And coming from Cleveland, I feel more comfortable in a city with a built-up and definable core/CBD, and dense inner neighborhoods. Still, I think Baltimore has a palpable stressful pace that is present in other cities on the East Coast that's not really existent in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Cincy, etc. Most of the people I encountered lacked the Great Lakes "approachability" - they weren't outwardly unpleasant, but definitely not as friendly as I'm used to.

Nope, didn't make it to Patterson Park - made it a few other areas, though. I've added another batch, with one more on the way :-)

Just got back from a great trip to a great city - I was in Baltimore for a photo gig; didn't have too much time to explore the city but I did the best I could. A treat was getting to accompany some folks to the Jefferson Street Habitat for Humanity project. Instead of building/refurbing one house, they were working on about six homes on one block (which should tell you how rough the area is). I always like to have music to accompany my threads; this time, it's one of my favorite songs - happen to be sung by a Baltimore native. RIP Cass. YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. Bonus points - they have a light-rail line that goes into downtown from the airport. Minus the bonus points - the station is outdoors, and it was one heck of a schlep from baggage claim. Ah well, still cheaper than a cab and I can use the cardio: Passing through a neighborhood that looks a little rough: Downtown Baltimore in the distance: Oriole Park at Camden Yards: View from our room at the Hilton: View of the Federal Hill area from our room: Baltimore has some gorgeous buildings - this isn't one of them: *This* (the Bank of America building) is one of them: The combo of tight streets, alleys, historic buildings and newer towers make for some interesting streetscapes: Although downtown Baltimore is pretty lively, I did see a few spots with quite a bit of blight - not enough to say "wow, it's bombed out!" but I guess I thought there'd be less of it. Okay, sure it's touristy but there was quite a bit of activity along the Inner Harbor area. I first thought - ick, what the heck is that?!? Turns out that they're pretty common in the Inner Harbor - and yes they're the stinging type (my partner went to the aquarium and learned all about them): Another shot of Federal Hill: The iconic Domino Sugar sign: The World Trade Center building - when I was in Baltimore in 1995, there were spotlights projected from the base and reflected out from the crown of the building using these mirrors. I'm guessing budget issues caused those to be turned off - we didn't see them at all during our visit. One thing that hasn't changed, they have an observation deck: Not the most envelope-pushing design but I've always liked the "bridge truss" top of this tower: Federal Hill and the Maryland Science Center in the lower right: I don't think this cluster of towers was here when I visited in 1996 - makes me think of the potential for Cleveland's Flats East Bank project: This tower was here, but I noticed that the low-rise buildings are pretty much walled off from the waterfront and while they're off the touristy beaten path - I don't think I see a single person out and about: The Fells Point area and in the upper right, the iconic (there are a lot of iconic Baltimore landmarks) Mr. Boh sign http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Bohemian The greenspace is Patterson Park - I was more interested in the three large churches of various design: The Shot Tower: National Aquarium in the foreground: Baltimore skyline: One thing I liked about Baltimore - there were a lot of times where I got photos of things that disprove the "only in Cleveland" thing - such as having the PJs so close to more desirable neighborhoods: Again, some gorgeous buildings in Baltimore - not this one (seriously - more parking floors than office floors? Who does that?!?) *Love* this building - turns out it's a former sewage pumping station - now the Baltimore Public Works Museum. Yep, only in Cleveland - highways brushing up against the CBD that wiped out historic neighborhoods: But back down to earth, let's shine some light on the subject: The Bromo-Seltzer Tower - apparently it's studio space for artists - sure we have Tower Press and a few other places but are they THIS cool? Quirky but it works: Obligatory skyline shot from the harbor: When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie that's Bal-timore' (okay, that was realllly bad): My favorite Baltimore towers all lit up: The next day, I only had time for a quick walk around the CBD: I don't like skywalks, but when they have views like this I can deal: Base of the Bank of America building: The quirky William Donald Schaefer building (google it): Enough towers, how about some towering footwear! :-o This ornate building is home to a Walgreens: The Shot Tower in the center - glimpse of Baltimore City Hall on the left: The Battle Monument (honors those lost in the War of 1812): Another case of "not only in Cleveland" - a lovely historic building with quite possibly the most atrocious addition I've ever seen: Baltimore City Hall - as large and ornate as it is, the interior is much less roomier than you'd think: But it does have this gorgeous dome: We thought we were heading back to the Inner Harbor when we unknowingly stumbled upon the infamous "Baltimore Block". Did I mention this is all catty-corner to the downtown HQ of the Baltimore police? I was more interested in the signage than any of the "wares" being offered (though I did overhear someone trying to um, offer the services of a "one legged b!tch" - couldn't make this up if I tried!!!): Alright, enough sleaze - this building was huge (too huge to get a decent photo of from this spot) but I love the eagles on the cornice: Again - yes folks, other cities have wide streets that aren't the most pedestrian-friendly (and good god, I thought Cleveland drivers were the worst at obeying the pedestrian right of way? Pffft! Charm City my arse!!!) After a day of work, we headed over to the Fells Point area - this section seemed like Crocker Park on steroids - *major* steroids: Not sure what this was: Not long before it looked more like a historic neighborhood: Okay, I got a problem with this joint - mind you, we decided on this neighborhood precisely because this place advertises 100+ beers on tap. Also it's about 5pm on a weekday - they have some kid (who bore a slight resemblance to Kurt Cobain) at the door enforcing the strict dress code; something about no "wife beaters". Apparently - a $20 orange ribbed cotton tank top constitutes "wife beater" to these ballers; even though it was in the low 90s, this place is too fancy to make an exception. So I did what any proper guppie would do - I threw a little money at the problem to make it go away. I always like to get a local bar souvenir shirt when I travel anyway so no big whoop but the guy seemed genuinely shocked when I said "alright, you got a t-shirt I can buy?". When we got in, the tragedies committed in the name of fashion *inside* the place were far worse than me exposing my shoulders - I mean, pleated khaki shorts?!? :roll: That said - there *were* a lot of beers on tap but it had a really heavy lean toward high ABVs and Imperials and you tell me - is this the kind of place that seems like it needs a "strictly enforced" dress code at 5pm on a weekday? Yeah, one pint for each of us was enough. The surrounding area was really charming, though: This was a shocker - whatever was next to the church was demolished - note the door on the 2nd floor - yikes! Closer to the harbor: This place was cute - wood saddle bar stools, pale ale as the house draft - though it was a hoot to get hit on by chicks with spiral perms. Now *this* place gets my stamp of approval - neat building; friendly staff, and... Quality - not quantity, folks: After dinner in Inner Harbor, we called it a night: The next day, I accompanied some folks to a Habitat for Humanity project. Photos en route: Here we are - Jefferson Street (this shot is a view down a side street), east of Johns Hopkins Hospital - reminded me of the Fairfax/Hough neighborhood in Cleveland (major medical centers just blocks from awful blight): One of the larger homes on the block being rehabbed: Okay, I'm sure some of you see these rowhouses and think "wow, what potential!". For example, this one is on a corner site, has some interesting details on the cornice brackets, etc. right? The volunteer manager said "this one has some great photo potential on the inside!" and opened the boarding for me. I'm thinking a rundown interior but with some well-preserved details - maybe crown moulding, etc. Well, the interior is definitely a blank slate! Yeah, the first floor is GONE. Completely GONE. I don't think they were sure what was in those buckets and as you can see from the reflection in the water - this place has that "open and airy" feeling like nowhere else!!! :-o I had to head out but it was a great experience seeing what Habitat for Humanity is trying to do. Apparently they have about a dozen homes on that block slated for rehab. On the way back, here's a shot of Johns Hopkins hospital: Downtown Baltimore from the east: Part of a memorial near City Hall: The dome of City Hall: Like I said - I was a little surprised at the amount of blight in the CBD - it wasn't overwhelming or anything but still... Such an opulent location for a KFC: Skyline view from the hotel: View of the ballpark from our room - no games were scheduled during our stay: One last chance to trek about: Baltimore's tallest - same height as our Erieview Tower (529 feet) and not much prettier: Hotel Monaco - this is run by the hotel group signed for Cleveland's Schofield Building: For some reason, I remember this building (and its twin) from my visit in the 90s: I wish Cleveland had a few like this: Approaching the Mt. Vernon area with the Washington Monument in the background: There was a book festival going on that day: Gorgeous church adjacent to the monument: The following shots are the Peabody Library, part of the Johns Hopkins University - my photos simply don't do this place justice: A Presbyterian church in the background: Between here and there, a gorgeous doorway: At the base of the church; a special shoutout to the folks who were conducting their book sale. They offered to let us inside to take some photos but the main doors were locked. When we mentioned we were from Cleveland, one said "oh, we're gonna whoop you tomorrow" (meaning the Browns/Ravens game) so I said "for that, you're gonna have to cough up a good suggestion for lunch that has good draft beer available!". They recommended City Cafe - see below* *City Cafe - housed in a former car dealership - great food, reasonable prices and yes - good beer on tap! :-D But it was time to head out - this building is a landmark of the area: The book festival got busier: Mies en place - yep, Baltimore has a Mies Van Der Rohe: And this gorgeous beauty again: Now *this* was interesting - this ginormous building is available as retail space (?). I mean, it's just huge - I don't envy the agent! But like I said, Baltimore has some dud buildings - yeah, that's a lotta parking floors: Slab-o-riffic! Enough of the ugly things standing tall, let's find something more appealing! And I leave off with the Bromo Seltzer Tower http://www.bromoseltzertower.com/ Hope you enjoyed!

ClevelandOhio, you're welcome to ask but it might help if you say "What are the other ones? I'm asking because ________". MTS, your efforts are appreciated when a post is grossly off-topic but this isn't one of those cases.

This is a possibility for me - no earlier than 6, though. In the past, I think the first person(s) to arrive grab a table in the bar area for four to six, but mention to the host that there 1. might be more arriving, and 2. we'll need separate checks. And if people just want to drink, fine. If people want to eat, fine - it's very informal and no need to wait for anyone to start the festivities :-)

I don't care about movies or whatever the truly original incarnation was when the comic was first drawn - it just doesn't get better than THIS, imho: Absolutely rockin' bod; FABulous accessories (helLO, superpowered accessories!!!), great hair... c'mon.

Exactly and even though it probably wouldn't cost an arm and a leg to clean/fix up, it would still be a pretty penny - one the County isn't in a position to spend for the time being.

Thanks for humoring me - I absolutely love love LOVE this shot - a great view of the skyline AND those "lake effect" clouds. It doesn't get much better, imho:

Don't get me wrong, I agree to a point but I believe the saying is "don't sit too close at the ballet, it ruins the magic."

It's that time of year again? Happy birthday!

First Federal of Lakewood buys Century Bank of Parma Tuesday, September 07, 2010, 11:18 AM Teresa Dixon Murray, The Plain Dealer LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- First Federal of Lakewood said Tuesday that it is acquiring Century Bank of Parma. The deal resulted from the financial challenges Century Bank is facing, but also could be a harbinger of consolidation among smaller banks as they prepare to cope with new government rules. No layoffs are expected among the banks' combined 275 employees. First Federal has 13 branches and five lending offices. Century has five branches. More at http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2010/09/first_federal_of_lakewood_buys.html

"On the mainland, buying tickets for the ferry. Only the small bag on the ground is mine." Great photos - gotta say, I like your wife's style - my S.O. gives me flack for bringing a lot of luggage on trips but sure enough, my Boy Scout "always be prepared" M.O. comes in handy. :-)

Love the views from the deck and the Lake! :-)

So *that's* the view from Fenn Tower - just as I thought, it's a great view! If you ever get the chance to get a shot on a sunny morning from the following vantage point, please post it!

Hypothetically if I had millions upon millions, I wouldn't spend it all on one place. I'd rather have several modestly upscale condos (none larger than 2K sq. feet) in my favorite cities and a healthy membership in a fractional aircraft ownership program. That's just me :-)

People who think their posts are 1. original, 2. new, or 3. profound.

"There used to be an excellent used bookstore near Shaker Square, from what I recall from a previous trip." Still there, and depending on the time of your last visit, they've expanded. Loganberry Books - an *incredible* bookstore about a 5 minute walk north of the Shaker Square Rapid station http://loganberrybooks.com/

Apparently it's jackass day today. Another locked thread, folks.

Time to chill out, folks.

If we're talking about the Queen City Cayenne from Jeni's, then with all due respect urbanforever, pffffft!!!! That stuff is fan-f#cking-tastic!

About time - welcome back to the dark side :evil:

My first recommendation is if you want to do the downtown to Ohio City walk, do it on Saturday in the morning and grab lunch in the West Side Market vicinity (if not in the Market itself). "I do a lot of walking for fun and for fitness, usually 3 to 4 miles a day. I'd like to keep this up while in Cleveland. I was wondering how walkable it is across to Ohio City and Tremont. I know I can take the Rapid to the station by West Side Market but am wondering how walkable it is to and through the Tremont area? Looking at the map it seems Abbey Avenue connects the station with Termont...actually right to that Sokolowski place. Is that do-able as a walk?" From the southeastern edge of Ohio City (West 25th and Lorain, location of the West Side Market and West 25th rapid station) to the northwestern edge of Tremont (West 11th at Abbey, by Sokolowskis) is very walkable via Abbey Avenue. I tend to "hoof it", but I've done it in about 5ish-10ish minutes. I think it's fine, but some might find it rough around the edges - there's a lot of traffic (vehicular and otherwise) so it's safe during most hours. The view of downtown from Abbey Avenue bridge is pretty cool. "By the map I think I can walk across that Detroit/Superior bridge to Ohio City" Yes, you can. I might also recommend a walk south on Ontario to the Lorain/Carnegie bridge (aka Hope Memorial Bridge); Detroit/Superior is a great walk as well but once you are on the west side of the bridge, there aren't a lot of amenities. You have to walk south on West 25th and the northern portion of that street needs some work - again, a busy street so it's safe but it's not "scenic". Plus, I prefer the views from Lorain/Carnegie, not to mention you end up just down the street from the West Side Market. "if there are any things to do there...specifically a restaurant, coffee shop, etc. I know West Side Market is there but what else? Usually when i do these walks I stop off at a coffee shop for a latte or capuccion and then head back...or for lunch or dinner at a restaurant....so looking for something like this." In the immediate area, you have plenty of options - the West Side Market Cafe is great and affordable, there are a variety of vendors who sell food ready to eat - if you go that route, I ***HIGHLY*** recommend getting your food and make your way to the bench in the balcony level (ask the folks at City Roast - they're right by the doorway leading to it). If not, you have great Middle Eastern at Nate's on West 25th. If you want to try Great Lakes Brewing and check out the bullethole in the bar from the days when someone took a shot at Elliot Ness when he was downing a pint, that's right across the street. If you like pale ales or beers with a little bit of a bite, I recommend the Burning River Pale Ale (my personal favorite). "Also, any good local/indy coffee shops downtown?" Erie Island on East 4th Street, and Phoenix on West 9th in the Warehouse District. I'll update this post with maps, links, etc. but wanted to give you some ideas.

It was a black and gold (Guinness and Dortmunder Gold) and yes, it was mine :-) I wasn't quite sure if the "bride/groom" was an actual bride and groom or some artsy photoshoot going on but figured it made for a good shot so why not. "Damn, MayDay you make Cleveland look good." I think Cleveland looks good on its own if you know how and where to look ;-)