Count Chocula (On My Porch)

Count Chocula: On My Porch

It seems like every day something else is showing up on my front doorstep. The latest...4 boxes of Count Chocula cereal.

Count Chocula Cereal Box

Valley Winter Song by Fountains of Wayne

Valley Winter Song by Fountains of Wayne
Hear it here!

Valotte by Julian Lennon

Valotte by Julian Lennon
Hear it here!

Google Plus +

The following are some articles on Google's upcoming Google+ social sharing and networking site, which they hope will win back some ad placements that have gone to Facebook. Right now the site is in demo stages by invite only.

Any guess on reviews using the "plus" or "+" as a creative pun. "Google Plus, More Like A Minus." "Google + Social Networking = Failure"

Google Faces Up to Facebook with 'Plus' Social Sharing Site
[TIME]

Google+: Hands On and First Impressions
[PC World]

Google targets Facebook with new social service
[Yahoo! News]

Making A Photo Uniquely Yours: An Initiative

While everyone else was taking photos of the White House, I took this textured photo
of the brick from the park across the street. This is a singular experience. -wdsiemer

Making A Photo Uniquely Yours: An Initiative
William D. SIEMER II

Everybody takes photos of statues, monuments, historic buildings and landmarks. There are probably millions of people with similar photos of Times Square or the Washington Monument. On my recent trip, I took some photos like these for keepsakes, but I find myself doing it far less often. I want to experience a trip through my own eyes, not a camera viewfinder. Therefore, when I take a photograph I feel the scene was important enough for me to want to share its beauty, ugliness or message.

So, next time you go to take a photo of something famous, think of turning the camera around and taking a photo of the unimportance of its surroundings, of a piece of chewed gum sticking to the wall, or of the simplicity of the ground you are standing on. It will make the photo unique to you. It will make you unique...

To say--"I visited the Eiffel Tower, but instead I give you a photo of a strange bug at its iron feet." Everybody has seen photos of the Eiffel Tower, and can easily access them online, but not everyone has seen a photograph of that exact bug.

You capture a singular moment; a mystery that is otherwise easy to solve. Only you know the answers, reasons, feelings or location behind your image. Give it a try!

KIA Brand

KIA Hamster Logo Spoof

The KIA Brand

I have been saying it for a while; KIA has really turned their brand image around. The vehicles are visually appealing, the reliability and safety is improved, the warranty is outstanding, the price is right and the marketing has taken off.

The commercials are targeting an edgy and youthful audience, even if I'm not a big fan of the Soul's oversized hamsters.

[READ ARTICLE]

The freshly designed KIA Sportage. From KIA.com

Heart Rate Design

EKG Design: Wow! Look! There's an iconic heart, waves and boat in there -wdsiemer

Designs We've Seen (a lot) Series
It seems every hospital or health care company has used this design on their billboards or print material. Take a heart rate monitor and modify the electrical activity lines to form a heart or some other image.

Pixar's Brave

Disney Pixar's Brave

First Look! Take a Peek at Pixar's New Trailer for Brave!
by Gregory Imler

Watch it at E! Online

Cheerios Buzz

Buzz collecting honey for his next batch of Honey Nut Cheerios

Cheerios turns 70; iconic cereal endures, sells
By Carolyn Thompson, Associated Press

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Here's a little quiz for the breakfast table:

What is the most popular cereal brand in American grocery stores?

Hint: It's been General Mills' top name since 1951.

Another hint: If you're a parent, you've vacuumed it from the minivan and under the high-chair cushion by the cupful.

[READ USA Today Article]

The King is Alive

Michael Jackson's Off The Wall Record Album -wdsiemer

I was mesmerized by Michael Jackson as a kid. He was soft spoken, yet electrifying. His voice had incredible range, and his dance moves amazing. He was a self-marketing genius--his music videos, style of clothing, the glove, hat and lifestyle had people talking and imitating. His charitable work and donations were second to none. Neverland was most kids' dream amusement park. Millions of albums sold, adoring fans, and records held.

I wish we could have seen what he had in store. One last "I love you Michael" with him saying, "I love you too." Gone, but never forgotten. The music and memory lives.

Playing my Off The Wall Album in memory of Michael Jackson -wdsiemer

Michael Jackson
Gone Too Soon
This song has kind of become the summary of his shortened life.

NY Legislature legalizes gay marriage

NY Legislature legalizes gay marriage
By MICHAEL GORMLEY, Associated Press – 7 mins ago
[READ ARTICLE]

A step towards the deserved equality for all regardless of nationality, religion, race, class, gender or sexual preference.

NYC Pride, Greenwich Village Flag. -wdsiemer

Little Lion Man by Mumford and Sons

Song of the Day 6/24/11
Little Lion Man by Mumford and Sons
Hear it here!

Vote for OTR (Over-The-Rhine) for a Preservation Grant

Vote for OTR (Over-The-Rhine) for a Preservation Grant

Interstate 71/75 sign warns of zombies

 

Zombies Ahead Sign. Provided to Cincinnati.com 11:53 AM, Jun. 23, 2011

The sign on the right side of the interstate just before the Ky. 18 exit read: "Nightly lane closures, zombies ahead."

Written by
Brenna R. Kelly

[Read Full Article]

Jim Papakirk has big plans for Empress Chili

Adding an Empress Chili location in Cincinnati Marketplace, between Werk Road and Glenway Avenue in Green Township, is a step in the right direction.

Steve Newman, a longtime Re/Max real estate agent, will be the owner of the new location. Getting back into the chili business is something he’s been trying to do for a long time. His family had an Empress franchise back in the 1960s and ’70s.

The plan is to open the Empress restaurant between Pirate’s Den bar, which is owned by Newman’s sister and brother-in-law, and Champions.

Follow-up Note:
There are several other Empress Chili's//Here is an article written about one.


Business Courier - by Tom Demeropolis, Courier Staff Reporter

Owner wants city's oldest chain to claim bigger share of Cincinnati obsession
“We put Cincinnati-style chili on the map,” said Empress Chili owner Jim Papakirk.

[Read Article from Business Courier]

Empress Chili Closing (Delhi/Rapid Run)

Empress Chili since 1922

Empress Chili Closing (Delhi/Rapid Run)
William D. SIEMER II
June 23, 2011

Note: Rapid Run Empress Chili will be open until end of July, and then moving to Dixie Highway in Kentucky. Another Empress Chili will be opening in Western Hills by Pirate's Den/Champions/Toys R Us. The signage is already in place.

The Rapid Run/Delhi Empress Chili has announced by way of a sign they will be closing their doors after 35 years in Delhi. Although I haven't heard verbal confirmation, this is set to be a sad conclusion to a restaurant that runs deep in my heart as a customer, former employee and friend to the owners.

In 1922, the downtown Cincinnati Empress Chili was founded by Greek immigrants Tom and John Kiradjeff. They opened a hotdog stand next to the Empress Theatre, thus giving Empress it's name. Eventually, this business became the chili parlor we know today. Interestingly, a former Empress Chili chef, Nicholas Lambrinides, is credited for the foundation of another chili restaurant, Skyline Chili.

My family and I dined at Empress many times when I was growing up. I'd usually order a 2-way (Chili & Spaghetti) and Pepsi while reading the newspaper's sports section to see how my favorite baseball player, Ken Griffey Jr., was performing. Although franchised, it's been a family-operated, homely restaurant serving chili and sandwiches. It had undergone several changes in ownership and subtle revamps throughout the years.

It wasn't until Trish and Troy took over the restaurant when Delhi Empress began developing its own character. The interior was freshened with framed pictures from sporting event milestones and Cincinnati photos. They added a touchscreen arcade game, ice cream, Slushies, a claw machine and daily special pricing. They worked hard on promoting the business at festivals, appeared on the Food Network, offered 99 cent cheese coneys, and bought ad placements in local newspapers/magazines.

When I was facing a difficult time in my life, I took on a second job at Empress Chili to keep my mind off the negative. Troy was happy to bring me in, and we quickly became friends. At work it was all business, but once the door closed we would enjoy a good game of hoops, air hockey or cards. Every Christmas, he would have people over to his house for a gift exchange. I met a lot of great people while working there. They really helped me turn things around.

It's sad to see motivated local business owners leaving something they put so much effort and care into. Their hard work ethic will follow them to wherever they go. I stopped in yesterday to say my goodbyes and enjoy one last 3-way at a place that has meant so much to me. A great establishment is leaving me, but I will always have the fond memories Empress Chili has given me.

Empress Chili Bar/Kitchen

Empress Chili Sport's Memorabilia

Follow-up Notes:
There are several other Empress Chili's//Here is an article written about one.
Owner wants city's oldest chain to claim bigger share of Cincinnati obsession
Business Courier - by Tom Demeropolis, Courier Staff Reporter  

“We put Cincinnati-style chili on the map,” said Empress Chili owner Jim Papakirk.

[Read Article from Business Courier]

Adding an Empress Chili location in Cincinnati Marketplace, between Werk Road and Glenway Avenue in Green Township, is a step in the right direction.

Steve Newman, a longtime Re/Max real estate agent, will be the owner of the new location. Getting back into the chili business is something he’s been trying to do for a long time. His family had an Empress franchise back in the 1960s and ’70s.

The plan is to open the Empress restaurant between Pirate’s Den bar, which is owned by Newman’s sister and brother-in-law, and Champions.

First on the agenda should be an official Empress Chili website.

Portrait Painting

Eh, a quick sketchy portrait painting just because.

Acrylic Portrait Painting

Google introduces Voice Search

Google Voice Search

Google introduces Voice Search
It’s easy to search out loud. All you need is Google Chrome and a built-in or attached microphone.

Searches that are just more fun to search out loud
Now you can ask your computer anything.

There goes the subtlety of searching for internet porn...


"naked girls"
Necktie Swirls
"No, Naked Girls..."
Make it Pearls
"NAKED GIRLS!"
Nectar Whirls
"NAKED! NAKED GIRLS, DAMNIT!"

Coming to Terms by Carolina Liar

Song of the Day 6/22/11
Coming to Terms by Carolina Liar
Hear it here!

Summer Solstice (Takashi Murakami)

Google Doodle June 21. Takashi Murakami, summer solstice.

Takashi Murakami has become a global superstar since founding the Hiropon Factory collective of young artists in Japan.

[View Gallery] 

 

Cleveland Clinic's Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health

Such a smart architectural design dealing with the subject matter at hand...

Frank Gehry designed an Alzheimer’s center in Las Vegas

Say It Right by Nelly Furtado

Song of the Day 6/21/11
Say It Right by Nelly Furtado
Hear it here!

Church Signs

Catholic Church Signs
Signs We've Seen (a lot)

I cringe every time I see one of these "clever" quotes direct from the mouth of God. Enough already!

Fear is the greatest cause to action.

Fake Empire by The National

Song of the Day 6/20/11
Fake Empire by The National
Hear it here!

Yotel Hotel Review (New York)

Outside Yotel. wdsiemer ii

Yotel Hotel Review

Times Square, New York

I recently stayed at the new Yotel Hotel at Times Square in New York City. Actually, the Yotel (10th and 42nd Street) is a few blocks from Times Square (7th and 42nd), but is less than a 10 minute walk. Its rooms are larger than those in capsule hotels but are very small relative to traditional hotel rooms.* It's marketed as high-tech at an affordable price.

Summer Package Designs

Summer designs aim to boost soda, beer and tissue sales 
By Bruce Horovitz, USA TODAY

These Kleenex boxes are designed to look like waffle ice-cream cones. Kleenex.

Folks who sip a Coke, munch a Chips Ahoy or sneeze into a Kleenex this summer can't avoid noticing summer-theme package designs.

It's about sales. Marketers know shoppers can be swayed to buy a product not just because of what's inside the box or bottle, but what's on the outside. That's why package design has become a $1 trillion industry. Even a fraction of a percentage of increased sales can separate a successful selling season from a lousy one. So consumer product giants are adding a splash of summer to packaging.

"People look at brands and see a sea of sameness," says JoAnn Hines, a package design consultant. "But a unique shape, design or color that says summer can take them out of the me-too category."

Read the Article

Dream by OMD

Song of the Day 6/17/11
Dream by OMD
Hear it here!

We Will Become Silhouettes by The Postal Service

Song of the Day 6/16/11
We Will Become Silhouettes by The Postal Service
Hear it here!

10 tips for naming your company, product, or service

The Name Inspector
10 tips for naming your company, product, or service
[See 10 tips]

Sunday Morning by Maroon 5

Song of the Day 6/15/11
Sunday Morning by Maroon 5
Hear it here!

Camera Obscura

Rooms With a View

[Read National Geographic Article]

Photographer Abelardo Morell’s camera obscura turns darkened rooms into magical landscapes.

The camera obscura (Latin; "camera" is a "vaulted chamber/room" + "obscura" means "dark"= "darkened chamber/room") is an optical device that projects an image of its surroundings on a screen.

Tears for Affairs by Camera Obscura

Song of the Day 6/14/11
Tears for Affairs by Camera Obscura
Hear it here!

Shawnee Lookout / Fernbank Park (Day 7)

<<BACK (Mitchell / Miami Whitewater)      Nine Parks in Seven Days
 
Nine Parks in Seven Days

Consecutively Visiting Nine Hamilton County Parks Equates to a Week Vacation

William D. SIEMER II

Shawnee Lookout. -wdsiemer ii

Fernbank Park. -wdsiemer ii

JOURNAL:

Day 7: Shawnee Lookout / Fernbank Park

Saturday 5/21/11

Distance Jogged: Approx. 3 miles

Trails: Miami Fort Trail, Little Turtle Trail, Blue Jacket Trail

Pros: Informational descriptions on the history of Shawnee, including replica homes, Wooded trails (more suitable for walking), Panoramic views of the river

Images (Left to Right): Fun in the trees, Overlooking the Ohio River, The last tribe to see this view--the Shawnees

Mitchell Memorial Forest / Miami Whitewater (Day 6)

<<BACK (Woodland Mound)      Nine Parks in Seven Days      NEXT (Shawnee / Fernbank)>>

Nine Parks in Seven Days
Consecutively Visiting Nine Hamilton County Parks Equates to a Week Vacation
William D. SIEMER II

Miami Whitewater Bike Trail

Mitchell Memorial Forest. -wdsiemer ii

Miami Whitewater Forest. -wdsiemer ii

JOURNAL:

Mitchell Memorial

Distance Jogged: 4.9 miles

Trails: 3.9 mile mountain bike trail (no pets/hiking permitted), Wood Duck Nature Trail Approx. 1 mile

The beginning of the 3.9 mile bike trail--just my legs today. -wdsiemer ii

Woodland Mound (Day 5)

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Nine Parks in Seven Days
Consecutively Visiting Nine Hamilton County Parks Equates to a Week Vacation
William D. SIEMER II

Leonardo da Vinci wrote that "in nature's inventions nothing is lacking and nothing is superflous."

Woodland Mound. -wdsiemer ii

JOURNAL:

Day 5: Woodland Mound

Thursday 5/19/11

Distance Jogged: Approx. 5 miles

Trails: 1.2-mile paved multi-use trail, Parcours Trail, Hedgeapple Nature Trail, Seasongood Nature Trail

Pros:

Beautiful gathering areas with views of the Ohio River, Two Nature Trails, Nicely Landscaped, 18-Hole Frisbee Golf Course, a Nature Center, wet playground, wooded ParCours Fitness Trail

Woodland Mound Overlooking the Ohio River.
Looks like a nice place to picnic, kick soccerball,
or toss frisbee. -wdsiemer ii

Winton Woods (Day 4)

<<BACK (Glenwood Gardens)      Nine Parks in Seven Days      NEXT (Woodland Mound)>>

Nine Parks in Seven Days
Consecutively Visiting Nine Hamilton County Parks Equates to a Week Vacation
William D. SIEMER II

Winton Woods. -wdsiemer ii

JOURNAL:

Day 4: Winton Woods

Wednesday 5/18/11

Distance Jogged: 7.1

Trails: Kingfisher Nature Trail, Great Oaks paved multi-use trail

Pros: Expansive (Lots to do: Camping, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Golfing, Boating, Hiking, (Wet)Playground, etc), Paved Bike/Walking Trail going around/across Winton Lake, Kingfisher Nature Trail is a Highlight for hikers

The Park Services do a great job with upkeep and maintaining trails. -wdsiemer ii

Glenwood Gardens (Day 3)

<<BACK (Sharon Woods)      Nine Parks in Seven Days      NEXT (Winton Woods)>>

Nine Parks in Seven Days
Consecutively Visiting Nine Hamilton County Parks Equates to a Week Vacation
William D. SIEMER II

Beautiful Glenwood Gardens. -wdsiemer ii

JOURNAL:

Day 3: Glenwood Gardens

Tuesday 5/17/11

Distance Jogged: 6.6 miles

Trails: 2.5 mile and 1.5 mile trails

Pros: Structural Stonework blended nicely with Gardens, Range of Bird/Plant Diversity (without even looking for them saw at least 9 different types of birds not often seen around my house) + I saw about 10 rabbits, Trail extends through woods, prairie fields, wetlands and along Mill Creek

Sharon Woods (Day 2)

<<BACK (Embshoff Woods)      Nine Parks in Seven Days      NEXT (Glenwood Gardens)>>

Nine Parks in Seven Days

Consecutively Visiting Nine Hamilton County Parks Equates to a Week Vacation

William D. SIEMER II

Sharon Woods (All photos except last are on day of journal) -wdsiemer ii

JOURNAL:

Day 2: Sharon Woods

Monday 5/16/11

Distance Jogged: 8.1 miles

Nature Trails: Gorge trail .7 mile, 2.6 miles paved multi-use trail, 1 mile parcours trail

Pros: Expansive, beautiful place with a paved course stretching around lake through woods, So much to do here (Trails/Fishing/Playground/Golf/Paddle Boats,etc), Gorge trail with waterfalls and cliffs, Wooded ParCours Fitness Trail

wii U (E3)

At the E3 Expo, Nintendo has announced its new controller/console/peripheral–the Wii U. Sony showcased their new handheld device--the Playstation Vita.

wii U from Gametrailers.com

Cincinnati Pops Orchestra

Quick promotion for client's event:

MDAA, Deerfield Township and ArtsWave present...

Cincinnati Pops Orchestra "Celebrate America" Concert

When: July 30, 2011 at 7:00pm (was rescheduled due to weather)
Where: Cottell Park, 5847 Irwin-Simpson Rd., Deerfield Township

Visit their site for more details.

Embshoff Woods (Day 1)

Nine Parks in Seven Days      NEXT (Sharon Woods)>>


Nine Parks in Seven Days

Consecutively Visiting Nine Hamilton County Parks Equates to a Week Vacation

William D. SIEMER II 

Embshoff Woods. (Only 1st photo was taken on day of journal) -wdsiemer ii

JOURNAL:

Day 1: Embshoff Woods

Sunday 5/15/11

Distance Walked: 3 miles

Trails: Parcours Trail approx. 1mi

Pros: Compact 9-hole Frisbee Golf Course, Wooded Parcours Fitness Trail, Several Shelters equals lots of great smelling grilling on warm days, Safe Kid's Play Area

Different Day, Same Results. Tired from another walk at Embshoff. -wdsiemer ii

Nine Parks in Seven Days

Nine Parks in Seven Days

Consecutively Visiting Nine Hamilton County Parks Equates to a Week Vacation

William D. SIEMER II

Portrait. -wdsiemer.

For a total of ten dollars for admission and some gas money I was able to take an active, yet peaceful week long Cincinnati vacation while working a full-time job during the day. What began as a motivational workout routine and excuse to visit seven Hamilton County Parks in seven days became an initiative to get people to visit and support our beautiful park system. I became so obsessed in seeing what each park had to offer that I ended up visiting nine parks in seven days, and was never disappointed.

I had been working two jobs for around 70 hours Monday-Friday. This meant great money, but no life. So, the first week I was free from my evening job, I decided celebrating my freedom from the indoors by spending as much time as I could with nature. There was only one place, or in this case places, that I could think of--The Hamilton County Park District. After all, their slogan is "It's Great Outdoors!"

E3 Starts Tomorrow

E3 Expo: June 7-9, 2011

Electronic Entertainment Expo. The annual video game conference and show at the Los Angeles Convention center.

|Check For Updates|

Amish Country

Wal-Mart is an integral component of Amish life. wdsiemerii

Over the weekend I went to Amish Country in central Ohio.

It's kind of surreal seeing all the Mennonites dressed in their traditional, conservative garb and squared-off beards, especially in 90+ degree weather. You go to the local Wal-Mart and about 33% percent of the shoppers are... Amish? Cars pass horses and buggies, vast farms, handcrafted Amish knick-knack stores (for those who love kitsch items), cheese and wine cellars, Amish hotels and restaurants.

It seems a lot are wealthy and live sort of a contradictory life. You'll pass huge Amish mansions, farms, places of business, and see Amish passengers packed into white transporter vans (just not driving). Apparently they get some tax breaks too. I don't know the politics.

Previously we went to a drive-thru feeding zoo where animals come up to the window of car (or tractor) for you to feed them. They have an assortment of wildlife--ostrich, zebra, alpaca, moose, hippos, gators, giraffes, etc. It's a pretty fascinating place that will leave your car in need of a serious cleaning.

This trip, we went to the Farmstead restaurant (another popular one is Dutch Valley), basically an Amish version of a typical buffet. Food was really good and filling--corn, mashed potatoes, noodles, fried chicken, fresh salads, desserts, and the such.

The Amish life really isn't for me, but the occasional trip into their world isn't so bad.

|Visit Amish Country|

Milkshake by Yuck

Song of the Day 6/6/11
Milkshake by Yuck
Hear it here!

Google Honors Richard Scarry

Richard McClure Scarry (June 5, 1919 – April 30, 1994) was a popular American children's author and illustrator who published over 300 books with total sales of over 100 million units worldwide. [New York Times Obituary]

Google's dedication to the late Richard Scarry's 92nd Birthday.

Calvin Pissing On Stuff

Designs We've Seen (a lot) Series
Calvin Pissing On Stuff 6/3/11
William D. SIEMER II

Calvin probably holds the record for pissing on the most objects in a lifetime. There's no sign he's slowing down, and stickers on cars will never let us forget. Have a great weekend!

Calvin found something to pee on...    wdsiemerii

Looking for vector images of Calvin pissing on things? Go Here (Brands of the World)