HELLO TINSELTOWN

It is official - I have relocated to Los Angeles and with that I no longer get to see first hand the comings and goings in Columbus. Until I figure out my next steps I am going to leave this blog active and then update you.

Thanks for reading Columbus Independent the past year and I hope you consider joining me in my next adventure.

NINTH ANNUAL CITY HOP - 6/14

Saturday June 14th - 10am to 6pm
Columbus Landmarks welcomes everyone to the 9th annual City Hop tour of 17 properties showcasing unique examples of downtown living spaces.

CITY HOP TICKET STOPS
JUNE 14th
Start tour at any of the 3 ticket stops:

1. Ibiza in the Short North Arts District,
830 N. High Street
2. Neighborhood Launch in the heart of downtown
Gay & Fourth Street
3. The Arena Grand Theatre in the Arena District,
175 W. Nationwide Boulevard
.....................
*KICK-OFF PARTY*
Fri, June 6th, 6pm - 9pm
TICKETS »
.....................
AFTER PARTY
June 14th, 4pm - 8pm
Harrison West Community Center
575 W. First Ave.
.....................
CITY HOP SPONSORS
ARMS Properties, Capitol South, Campus Apartments, Inc., Nationwide Realty Investors, Orange Barrel Media, The Edwards Cos., Wagenbrenner Development - Harrison Park
MEDIA SPONSOR Columbus Alive

17 TOUR STOPS:

Arena Crossing Apartments
The Buggyworks
Courthouse Condominiums
8 on the Square
Harrison Park
Hartman Lofts
Ibiza
The Jeffrey
Kramer Place
Lofts at Jeffrey Place
Neighborhood Launch
The Condominiums at
North Bank Park
Ohio Loft
199 S. Fifth
Rich Street Walk
The Seneca Luxury Apartments
Sixty Spring

CNN BUDGET TRAVEL PROFILE- COLUMBUS

Columbus, Ohio's happening sideStory Highlights
The opening of the pro hockey arena helped revive the once-gritty area

Today the Short North district is packed with galleries, restaurants and shops
A lof of the same stores and locations highlighted but the review is positive and once people get here they can discover new locations on their own.


The North Market, an indoor food emporium, has been around since 1876
Next Article in Travel »

By Jason Cohen

(Budget Travel) -- Tens of thousands of people head to Columbus every fall during Ohio State's football season. I'm as much a road-trip loving football fan as the next guy, but I actually never thought the Ohio capital was as charming as say Madison, Wisconsin, or Ann Arbor, Michigan. I obviously wasn't looking very hard. With a revamped downtown and a booming population (it surpassed Cleveland in size in the 1980s), the city has restyled itself from a college town into a fairly happening urban center.

For the full article...
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/getaways/05/30/columbus.ohio/index.html

QUICKIES

The former Coffee Table and 8 at Buttles and High is going to be called Black Olive. Signs in the windows say they are hiring all positions.

Best Apparel and Uniform sandwiched between the former Garden Church and Milk Bar is moving. This was the most random new business I noticed to locate in the SN last year. I hope a shortage of scrubs with kitty kats does not suddenly appear. I jest.

Industry Standard's building is for sale and most of the merchandise has been pulled from its shelves.

O Patio and Pub opened up on E 15th Ave in the former Four Kegs which adds to the number of campus neighborhood bars I will not frequent.

EAST FRANKLINTON REINVISIONED

On Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. OSU City and Regional Planning Master Candidate students will be presenting their vision for East Franklinton. The presentation is designed to spur conversation about how to redevelop Columbus' first neighborhood. The presentation represents a culmination of a ten week long intensive studio class. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this free event but since space is limited you must confirm your attendance.




General details are (click on invitation image for full information):

Columbus Firefighters Union Hall (Local 67)
Former Toledo and Ohio Central Railroad Station

397 West Broad Street
Columbus, OH

Wednesday, May 21, 2008
6:30 p.m.

R.s.v.p. by Tuesday, May 20
EastFranklinton@gmail.com

Complimentary parking available
in the adjacent Spaghetti Warehouse lot

POOCH OF THE WEEK - ABU

Abu
Life of the Party

* Ward: ISO / I-10
* Boxer
* 10-12 mos
* 50 lbs. / Male
* # 80427007

Abu reminds me of an old, fedora-wearing Italian who sits on the same park bench each morning in the park. Check out Abu at Franklin County Dog Shelter.

STAMP OUT HUNGER - MAY 10, 2008

This Saturday, May 10, 2008, the 16th Annual Stamp Out Hunger, the nation's largest one-day food collection event, is taking place. The food drive focuses on restocking community food banks, pantries and shelters across the United States. The drive is meant to coincide to when donations historically begin to drop off- after the holidays. The decline in donations is especially concerning because the hunger problem is its most critical during the summer when school provided breakfasts and lunches are no longer made available. The need is especially great this year as unemployment and gas prices rise and signs point to a recession.

So what do you have to do to participate- barely anything. Just place non-perishable food items in a bag by your mail box this Saturday morning and your letter carrier will collect it and drop it off at a local food bank. Since my mail box is directly on the street I am going to place my bag of goods by my front door and attach a note to my mail box. Just a thought. So clear out your pantry or make a special trip to the grocery store and help families stay healthy and fed this summer.

POOCH OF THE WEEK - SPANKY

Spanky
I'm sweet, loving, and laid back at times! 99% housebroken. Will make a very loyal friend for life! I know sit and will dance for a treat. I've neen recently groomed and had my teeth brushed. I need an owner who will keep up on my general health and grooming. Please see Cassie at the shelter with questions!! Spanky is in foster care, please email Erin to meet him!
Mixed
6-7 yrs.
14 lbs. / Male
# 80406009


Yes- I totally admit to picking Spanky because of his name and the promise of a dance.


Check out Spanky and his 364 friends available for adopation at http://www.franklincountydogs.com/adoption/adoptSrch.asp

GLOBAL GALLERY INTL. DINNER

Reward your taste buds with spectacular foods from around the world. On Thursday, May 8, 6-9 p.m., Global Gallery, 682 N. High Street, will be presenting global and local delicacies, music and fun. Global Gallery's annual International Dinner is a casual social event which brings the community together to celebrate World Fair Trade Day - a day to think about how Fair Trade improves the lives of many people.

Last year over 450 Columbus residents enjoyed the annual International Dinner. Coordinated by Global Gallery's group of community volunteers, this year's new features include a concert stage and educational games for children.

The ticket prices for this event are $10 in advance ($12 at the door) $18.00 per couple. For more information or to reserve tickets by phone, please call 614-444-5945,614-478-8007 or 614-621-1744.

682 North High St
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Thursday - May 8th, 2008
6:00pm-9:00pm

CROSS WALK SIGNS

I was intrigued by Sweden's recent decision to introduce a female alternative to the walking-man crosswalk signs. Each local authority can determine which sign design is used. Do I think they are necessary? No. Do I think they provide an interesting variation to the streetscape? Yes.

I know when I travel I of course remember the signature landmarks that define a city but I also love to find and tell others about the quirky things I stumble upon. Those stories get passed from one person and while I am not saying people will travel to a city for quirky cross walk signs it plants a seed in people's mind about the city. These little features also get picked up by mainstream media far and wide as human interest pieces. News outlets can't tell just report about the sixteen shootings that occurred that day- they have to end the report on a positive, upbeat note so you can go about your day.

Clearly gender balanced crosswalk signs will not solve a city's woes but it certainly is different and in a time where cities are increasingly looking very similar it is a creative way to distinguish itself and of course, say it is now safe to cross the street.

And just for fun, here is another street sign that is making its mark in England.

THE FUTURE OF COOPER STADIUM

Cooper Stadium in Franklinton will become a race track. I am sure the neighbors will just love the sound of gunning engines and screeching brakes. Nothing raises real estate values like junior Nascar right next door.

More details to follow in the a.m. from city officials.

COLUMBUS INK

Good news - you can finally get that crescent moon or Chinese character tattoo that you have always wanted. Fat Tire Tattoo and Piercing is opening up at 1443 N. High Street (W. 8th and N. High). Check out their myspace page - they are offering a tattoo special.

And no, Mr. T is not Fat Tire's work. I trust that their team would not willingly put any A-Team member on anyone's arm. The Facts of Life girls....that might be another story.

BIKE TO WORK WEEK

Compliments of DowntownColumbus.com. While I won't be biking to Gahanna for work, I will be biking to class. Even if you only bike once and it is to do a short errand you are still participating in promoting alternative transportation options.

GET YER REAR IN GEAR

Nothing makes an impression in the workplace quite like Martian green biker pants. It commands attention. It makes a statement.

And that statement is, “I’m celebrating Bike to Work Week, and my fashion sense is questionable.”

Bike to Work Week kicks off May 12, so the time to prepare is now. Putting your rear in spandex biker gear is highly optional, but some things are just required.

1. Know the Law
Casey Karnes of B1 Bicycles (124 E. Long Street) says that respecting the law is critical. Stay in the street and off the sidewalks.

2. Know How to Park
Some businesses have bike racks nearby, some don’t. Make sure there’s a safe place to store your bike once you make it to work.

3. Get Fuel
You’ll need to refuel after the morning ride, so plan on biking to the Statehouse lawn on Monday, May 12. The party will include bagels, coffee, a live band and a few political celebrities until 9 am.

4. Get Cajones
You’ll still need a little chutzpah when it comes to sharing the streets with cars. Karnes also suggests, “Hold your ground… stay two to three feet from the curb.”

5. You Need a Bike
The newly expanded B1 Bicycles definitely has bikes - there’s even special “commuter” bikes with compartments for carrying the regular workday clothes (hint hint).

Fun Links
These two websites can help you plan for Bike to Work Week

http://www.considerbiking.org/site
http://www.b2ww.considerbiking.org

NOT JUST DOG PARKS

I think most people have noticed that this blog has recently thrown pet themed topics into the mix. True, I may have become a little dog crazed since we adopted Rilo but my peeked interest is largely due to the repeatedly expressed need for more pet amenities such as dog parks by Columbus residents.

While fenced dog parks are definitely needed to provide pets a safe place to exercise and socialize with other dogs, I have heard little discussion among pet owners about the need for better designed shelters, the place where most of these individuals have adopted their companions from. Shelters such as the Franklin County Dog Shelter (FCDS) are the intermediary care givers for our soon-to-be best friends so we should insist upon the inclusion of features that offer better treatment and care of animals. Just as we set new standards for the care of humans we should be pushing for innovative facilities that promote healing and maximally enhance the physical and emotional well being of animals as they recover from past traumas and await adoption.

A couple stories in the past few months have gotten me thinking about the condition of animal shelters. In Morgan County, Ohio the dog warden was asked to resign or be fired because all the unclaimed dogs in his care were being killed - some by gunshots- and dumped in the back of the shelter. Most of these dogs went unclaimed because the shelter had no public hours to view them. The Humane Society admits that rural communities think of their pets in a different way than more urban communities and therefore the care of the animals is low on the totem pole.

The Franklin County Dog Shelter (FCDS) is clearly NOT the understaffed barn that housed dogs in Morgan County. The FCDS animals are well tended to by staff and a large volunteer corp but the conditions of the shelter are not ideal. The cramped environment limits the amount of interaction between dogs and potential adopters and the noisy, cold environment stresses out the animals and contributes to them getting sick and developing behavioral problems. Plans are on the books for an $18 million new shelter to be built but a new building does not necessarily mean better conditions or improved accessibility for potential adopters.

My friend Jean told me about the Washington Animal Rescue League's (WARL)new facility which has essentially set a new standard for animal shelters. I was amazed to read about how much thought they placed into the facility and wanted to share with you what Franklin County could have. The WARL shelter opened in the fall of 2006and can now accommodate nearly 400 animals, an increase of 66 percent.

Some of the new features include:

separate ventilation systems for each living unit
skylights and glass apartments to maximize natural lighting
privacy nooks
elevated beds
heated flooring
flowing water and music
hutch doors

Half of you reading this just thought to yourself "I don't have a skylight, why should a dog?". The other half of you said, "Fancy Feast should also be served on pewter platters to the cats".

The reason for these added amenities is that they improve the behavior and health of the animals which means a better behaved companion for potential adopters. In addition to the noise level subsiding to to occasional bark, the ventilation systems have been essentially eliminated respiratory problems and the animals get more rest and are less fearful of people. The improved condition of the dogs and the increased number of visitation rooms is expected to contribute to an increased number of pet adoptions. The quicker turnaround time for animals to be adopted means a reduced operating expense.

The Franklin County Dog Shelter is considering such improvements to the new shelter but which and how many of them that will eventually be included are unknown.

The other improvement I would like to see to the shelter is a more central location. It is likely that the new shelter will be similarly located out in no man's land near the existing location. I found this location during my visits terribly inconvenient, confusing and a little depressing. I know the shelter is considering other locations and I am at a loss of where it could be better placed but I am sure smart people like you all can recommend multiple options.

POOCH OF THE WEEK - ALLIE

Allie
Life of the Party
Allie is an energetic, sweet girl. She would love an active home where she can get in plenty of exercise and playtime!
Ward: 2 / 241
Australian Cattle Dog
1 yr
51 lbs. / Female
# 80327006

Isn't she adorable? Plus if you bring her home all the uncooperative cattle that I am sure are lingering outside your door can finally be coralled.

Check Allie out and the other 363 available dogs at the Franklin County Shelter at http://www.franklincountydogs.com/adoption/adoptSrch.asp

POOCH OF THE WEEK - FOXY

Foxy
Busy Bee
Foxy is a timid, yet loyal and affectionate girl. She is already housebroken and knows sit, down, come, and give paw! Foxy needs a home with no small children. Foxy is in foster care, please email Erin to meet her!

* Mixed
* 2 yrs
* 41 lbs. / Female
* # 71208008

Poor Foxy...she has been at the shelter for months and all though she is in foster care right now she hasn't found a permanent home to call her own. She was completely lovable when we were looking but she was just a little too big for our apartment. As the shelter notes, she tends to be a little shy but I think it is because all the other dogs barking nonstop has her stressed out.

Can you give Foxy a home?

http://www.franklincountyohio.gov/commissioners/ancl/

COLUMBUS IS SEXUALLY SATISFIED

Congratulations Columbus you did it! You set a goal and accomplished it. Yes, Columbus is ranked second as the city with the most sexually satisfied men by Men's Health magazine. A proud distinction you all had a part in.

I decided to post this for two reasons. One, I find most rankings ridiculous because of the determining criteria and two, because people tout them as fact if they are on top of the list but scorn them if they don't get the ranking they agree with.

Of course Men's Health did not speak to anyone to gauge their sexual satisfaction instead they base it on condom sales, birth rates and sex toy sales from Babeland and Pure Romance. Ummm, really? I hardly think a guy getting someone knocked up demands good sex. Sometimes all it takes is three drinks, five minutes and a poor decision.

Check out the rest of the rankings....http://www.menshealth.com/cda/article.do?site=MensHealth&channel=health&category=metrogrades&conitem=f60098dda8e59110VgnVCM10000013281eac____

MARGARITAS ON THE PATIO?

Looks like La Fogata is finally replacing the dirt patch and sometime parking lot in front of the restaurant with a patio. Saw cement being poured this morning on what appeared to be a patio foundation. The most important question at hand is will it be ready for Cinco de Mayo?

Their website (www.lafogatagrill.com) still has them only being located in Pickerington which is uber great and all but that oversight certainly can't be helping them sell tacos in the Short North.

La Fogata
790 N. High Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Not margarita related and thus infinitely less interesting, the Annunciation- Greek Orthodox Cathedral has razed their orginal structure and has begun construction on an expansion project to house education classes, etc.

POOCH of the WEEK

I thought it would be fun to do a photo of the week and while Nuns on Bikes and the men from Thunder Down Under were contenders I thought I should choose something more cause driven.

So while there won't be habits or scantily clad men on here there will be dogs that are available for adoption from the Franklin County Shelter in hopes to draw more foot traffic to their website and physical location. My partner and I recently adopted a dog from the shelter and while she is still learning and may or may not pee when she gets excited we never realized there was something missing from our lives until she came home with us. If your lifestyle and finances allow it, seriously consider adopting a dog or volunteering.

This week's featured dog is Magic- the dog we almost took home


Magic aka Ozzie
Life of the Party
This handsome boy is a real gem! He is smart, affectionate, curious, and LOVES to play. He's a good-natured pup who loves toys and to play with other dogs. He still has puppy energy so will need adequate exercise. Knows sit, down, & come. Crate-trained and housebroken.

I can attest Magic is a beautiful and fun dog and if our apartment allowed it I would take him in a second.

To adopt Magic or see more of the other 372 available dogs available at the Franklin County Dog Shelter, visit http://www.franklincountydogs.com/adoption/adoptSrch.asp

SHORT NORTH BUS ASSN "CLEAN OUT YOUR BASEMENT"

The Italian Village Society was posting fliers on doors this weekend announcing two pretty great events for the neighborhood.

First is the Clean Out Your Basement Recycling Event hosted by AEP. To help keep things out of landfills the Salvation Army will be collecting clothes and furniture, Fireproof will be shredding documents and paper and TechUsed will be taking electronics and household appliances. This is everyone's opportunity to get rid of the Debbie Gibson and long unworn pair of jellies that have been hanging around the house. Collections will be at the Fireproof parking lot at 2nd Avenue and High Street.

Soap box moment- I wish the SNBA would have selected an organization other than the Salvation Army which refuses to offer domestic partner benefits to their employees in adherence to their biblical principles. The Short North was largely redeveloped by and remains home to many GLBT individuals and GLBT-owned businesses and organizations participating in these types of neighborhood events should reflect the values and needs of the SN community. Soap box put away.

Second, the Italian Village Society Amicis will be fielding gardening questions and offering tips at Christopher Columbus Park - the triangular park in the middle of Warren Street between Summit and 4th. The first 200 villagers to visit the booth will receive a free packet of flower seeds. Volunteers can also help the Amicis spruce up the flowerbeds in the park.