The Ohio State Fair starts in 2 days! So I thought I'd highlight some of the neatest attractions that will be there this year that you'd want to catch. The fair will be going from July 30th through August 10th.
You know how fairs go. You've got the food stands, roller-coasters and rides, animals, arcade games where you can win entirely too big stuffed animals or goldfish, music, tractor-drawn hayrides, the Sky Glider and so much more. Well all of these things you can expect again this year. But here are some new entertainment options for 2008.
First, I must say I am super excited that this year one of my favorite musicians is coming to the fair...Musiq Soulchild!!!! He'll be performing August 1st, this Friday, and tickets are just $12 at 7 p.m. I am going to get my tix tomorrow and you'd best believe I'll be in the front row (or close to it anyway).
Also, Melissa Etheridge will be performing at the fair, the very next day, August 2nd at 7 p.m. also, but for $30 a ticket. Plus, the legendary Chaka Khan will be blowing us out of the water with her soulful vocals on Friday, August 8th, also at 7 p.m. Her tickets are $20. Chaka just came out with a CD so she'll probably be singing hits from her new project and then some of her classics. I plan to attend her concert, too.
This year there will be a Fair 5K run/walk on Saturday, August 2nd at 8 in the morning. Anyone of any age can participate. The path will be around the fairgrounds starting and finishing at the Crew Stadium. Click here to register and for more information. There is a fee ($29 before the race, $35 if you wait until the day of the 5k). Buuuutttttttt, you get some great things in return: exercise, family bonding time, stress-relief, an award if you finish top 3, a T-shirt, a "swag bag," free parking and free admission to the fair!
Check out the BMX Biking Pro Stunt Show, make one-of-a-kind wire wrap bracelets, De'Anna the hypno-chick (I'm curious about this one!); be a part of the Cash Explosion Road Show live taping done by the Ohio Lottery.
Ever been to a horse show or seen lumberjacks demonstrate their skills? Well here's your chance! And if you happen to have a need to vent about some aspect of your job, feel free to step into the Career Builder's "Vent Booth" where you can record yourself venting and the tape will be reviewed as part of a Getaway sweepstakes worth $4,000. There will even be live ongoing boxing competitions if you've got to get your sports fix.
Oh, but then there's the food!!!! Let's just talk about that for a moment. Fair food is so sinfully bad, but so necessary. If you're on a diet, don't even bother coming. The fair is only once a year, so you HAVE to live a little. We all know some of the best foods are ones that can only be found at state fairs:
Warm apple dumplings with ice cream
Extra cheesy pizza
Funnel Cakes!
Some of the best barbeque
Grilled corn on a stick
Giant turkey legs
Fried Twinkies
Stromboli
Fried Oreos (highly recommended)
Corny dogs
Cotton candy
Super-long hotdogs
I have to stop, this is really making me hungry.
So this is the Fair schedule. There's so much to check out, you may want to write down what all you have to see before you go. I wandered around aimlessly last year (as it was my first time at Ohio's fair) and definitely didn't get to see as much as I wanted. Besides that, I went on the last day. It was a lot to take in; this year I am going to have a list of must-sees, starting with pig races! See you there!
(Check the website for admission prices, events, competition info and ways to volunteer or work the various booths)
I regret to report that Dr. Gordon Gee's son-in-law, Dr. Allan Moore, passed Thursday, July 24, 2008 at age 31. Moore is the husband of Rebekah Gee, Dr. Gee's only child.
Moore was in a coma, battling pneumonia and he had suffered serious abdominal and head injuries after a Vespa scooter collision, in a hospital at the University of Pennsylvania. Moore and Rebekah were riding the scooter in Pennsylvania, where they reside, and crashed with a Land Rover SUV.
Rebekah suffered broken bones and some head injuries also, but was not in as dire of a condition. She was transferred to OSU Medical Hospital and was recovering there until she and Dr. Gee were notified of Moore's condition worsening. The two flew to Philadelphia to be by his side. Moore passed at 4 p.m.
The family has been innundated with well-wishes, prayers and support, but they still need our attention, now more than ever. Dr. Elwood Gordon Gee, and Rebakah lost her mother, Elizabeth D. Gee, to breast cancer in the 1990s. And Gee often said Moore was the "son he never had."
So please continue with the outpour of love, support and prayers for this family. Gee is such an influential figurehead in Columbus who is very very generous, cares so much for others and for his school, and he uses his influence in great ways.
Here is a statement from the University:
Dr. Allan Moore dies at age 31
Dr. Allan Frederick Moore died at approximately 4 p.m. today (7/24) at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident on July 12 in suburban Philadelphia. He was 31. At his bedside were his wife, Dr. Rebekah Gee, his parents, Dr. Michael A. and Janet Moore, and his father-in-law, Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee.
A native of Danville, Va., Allan was a fellow in endocrinology and practiced internal medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where he and Rebekah met as medical residents. He was also conducting research at Massachusetts General and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in the area of diabetes complications and disease prevention. He was working toward a master's degree in medical science at Harvard Medical School.
A gifted scholar, Allan graduated with high honors from the University of Virginia in 1999. While earning his bachelor's degree in government and foreign affairs, he also conducted, published and presented medical research on the molecular basis of hypertension. He received numerous awards and honors, including his selection as a Jefferson Scholar and Harry S. Truman Congressional Scholar. He also received the Soper Award for Most Outstanding Undergraduate Student.
Allan then went on to Vanderbilt University on a full merit scholarship and received his medical degree in 2003. He was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha, a national medical honor society, and received the Albert Weinstein Prize in Medicine from the Vanderbilt School of Medicine.
It was at Vanderbilt where Allan first met Gordon Gee, who was then chancellor of the university. At Gee's encouragement, Allan contacted Rebekah when they both were assigned residencies at Massachusetts General Hospital. Rebekah, an obstetrician and gynecologist, is now a Robert Wood Johnson clinical scholar at the University of Pennsylvania.
The couple married in October 2006. Together they enjoyed an active life, sharing a love of travel and art as well as a deep appreciation for politics, public policy and philanthropy. The couple had planned to move to Columbus.
Gordon Gee often referred to Allan as the "son he never had," and the two men enjoyed an extremely close relationship.
Allan attended George Washington High School in Danville. He is survived by a brother and his parents. His father, also a physician, is the chief medical officer of the Danville Regional Medical Center.
Rebekah, who was also injured in the accident, is undergoing rehabilitation at The Ohio State University Medical Center.
Here is a link to where you can send your condolences. Also, I've got the address to his office at OSU and his email if you'd like to send flowers, cards, letters, etc.
205 Bricker Hall, 190 North Oval Mall, Columbus, OH 43210
And his email address is gordon.gee@osu.edu
According to the Columbus Dispatch, the funeral services will be private. Here's that article:
OSU President E. Gordon Gee is going through a tough time right now as his son-in-law is in a coma in a hospital in Pennsylvania. His only daughter, aged 32, and her husband, were a riding Vespa scooter and were hit pretty badly by an Land Rover SUV on July 12.
(How cute are they?!?!)
Gee is in Philadelphia now to be at his daughter, Rebekah Gee, and son-in-law, Allan Moore's side. Moore is in a coma and has been since the crash, and has been listed as in serious condition. Though, as of this evening, his condition changed to critical condition, which is a bit of better news for the family.
Moore was left with head and abdominal injuries from the collision and he has been battling pneumonia as well. Rebekah has been recovering at the OSU Medical Center from broken bones and head trauma that were supposed to leave her in the hospital for at least eight weeks. Then she would still have rehab for six months after that. She was transfered here to Columbus back on Monday.
Sadly, Gee's wife passed away from breast cancer a few years back.
Rebekah and her husband were just married in 2006. The two are both specialty physicians who met as student medical residents.
So please, keep Dr. Gee, his daughter and especially his son-in-law Allan in your thoughts and prayers!
With the love of his city, school and community we can help them to get through this tough times and the more prayers they get the more healing can occur.
Click here to send Gordon Gee and his family well-wishes and to express your support.
Here's the address to his office if you'd like to send a card that he can read when he gets back from Pennsylvania:
205 Bricker Hall, 190 North Oval Mall, Columbus, OH 43210
Have you ever stopped to see how many companies are headquartered in Columbus? The entire state of Ohio happens to be a hub for national and international companies to operate, but Columbus, a city of 712,000+ people, according to the City of Columbus website and the 2000 Census, is home to tons of companies that conduct business on a national and/or international scale. Sure, there are lots of companies that are home to Columbus (and surrounding areas), were founded here and have a number of properties in this city, but to qualify for my list (below) you must be a company that does business in other states or countries. You'll be shocked at how many blue chip companies are in your very own back yard. Columbus isn't as small as you may have previously thought, and with this many big-name Cos., it's no wonder we have one of the most sufficient, stable and thriving economies in the nation. Columbus, and the surrounding suburbs that make up Central Ohio, is home to seven, high-ranking Fortune 500 companies!
So, here's the list of major companies in our city. I scoured to find these, but I could have missed a few. If you know of one that's here, and it's not on my list...please let me know!
(Companies in bold are Fortune 1,000)
Abbott Laboratories
Abercrombie & Fitch
Advanced Analytics Laboratories
American Electric Power
American Structure Point
Battelle
Big Lots
Bob Evans
Burgess & Niple
Cardinal Health
CTL Engineering
Dr. Mojoes
DSW
EMH&T
Express
Fahlgren/Fahlgran Mortine
Glory Foods
Grange Insurance
Greif
Hexion Specialty Chemicals (formerly Borden)
Huntington Bancshares
Jack Hanna Into the Wild
Lee Moss Media
Limited Brands
Max & Ermas
McGraw-Hill
Mount Carmel
Mettler-Toledo International
Nationwide
NetJets
NuGrowth Solutions
Ohio Health
Paul Werth
Quality Products Inc.
Resource Interactive
Resource International
Retail Ventures
Safe Auto
Scotts Miracle Gro
Sharp and Associates
Skybus (defunct)
Sterling Commerce
The Memorial Tournament
The Ohio State University
Triple Crown Publications
Tween Brands
Wendy's
White Castle
Worthington Industries
So you probably never really thought about all the companies that are here. On a national scale, our town can't compare to places like New York, NY, Los Angeles, Chicago or Houston...but in terms of housing some of the nation and world's top companies, we can hang with the best of 'em.
So I lied, I was going to review the new club Onyx that's in Upper Arlington off of Henderson yesterday, but I was not able to do so...with good reason. First, I was awakened to news that America's Next Top Model was having a casting call for their Cycle 12 season in Columbus (!!!) at Eastland Mall yesterday. Being a big fan of Tyra, ANTM and modeling (something I've always wanted to try my hand at if given the chance...) I went to the try-outs. I am going to write a separate blog about that after this one. But my fun day didn't stop there; my boyfriend and I went to the midnight premiere showing of Batman The Dark Knight! It was amazing! That warrants another blog as well.
So, finally, I get to tell you about my thoughts on Onyx.
Onyx definitely had more than met the eye. When I first drove up, I was skeptical...it was in a standard shopping center, two doors down from the Krogers, and across the street there were homes, so it was a residential area. I couldn't help but wonder how long the neighbors would be able to take the booming house music before they complain to the city.
The grand opening was free, and when I peered in the glass door, it just appeared to be a banquet hall that was outfitted with some strobe lights and a disco ball. There weren't many people in there, from what I could tell, and those that were already inside were of all ages and backgrounds. The place has yet to distinguish itself as a lounge/bar that attracts a certain group of people, for example the grown-n-sexy crowd or the young, professional set.
But once I actually walked into the place, I realized that there was actually a bigger turn-out than it seemed, and the place was so big that there was lots of room to spread out. One room just led to another and another, it was pretty cool. It was pretty much Onyx, connected to The Arlington Cafe connected to Cazzie's, so you could switch around between all three. There were at least four main bars that each featured plenty of top-shelf brands and different genres of music.
The first room was the darkest and the loudest, and it was mainly a dance floor, a DJ booth and a modern bar, but off to the right-hand side was a VIP section. Again, all ages of types of people were having fun cutting a rug, so to speak. It was actually kind of cute. Because it was it's own separate area, the VIP area was quite private and intimate. There was contemporary decorating in that section, an orangish glow and a fireplace that may or may not have been real (because it is summer, there were lights flashing on metallic paper made to look like real fire in the unit so I am not sure whether, come winter, it will be used as a real one). If you are one of those high-rollers who enjoys anonymity and seclusion, then this would be a great VIP spot for you and your entourage. If you are one to be the center of attention--you enjoy being seen and want all club-goers to envy your VIP status, then this may not be a great place for you and your posse. The walls make it hard for people to see who's privy to that section, and interaction with non-VIPS proves challenging unless you come out onto the main floor with the "regulars."
The doors open onto a patio, from the dance room, and you soon realize you are out in the atrium. There is no ceiling there on the patio, as the area is blocked in by doors to the other parts of the venue. In the center of the atrium is a huge statue, though the feel is much more like that of a neighborhood sports bar. From one room to the next, it's as if you aren't still at the same place. Even the types of people and attire seem to change.
Across the patio, through another set of doors, you enter, what I believe is The Arlington Cafe part. This room is an equal mix of billiards, cocktailing, dancing and sport spectating. One huge thing I have yet to mention is the number of flat screen TVs in this place. In just this room, there were 29! I am guesstimating the other rooms had at least 10 in each. I have never seen so many flat-screened TVs in one lounge/bar. For real, this is THE place I am going to come to next when I want to watch a big sports event. You wouldn't miss a second because you can look at a TV from any angle. They even have TVs in the bathrooms.
The bathrooms were nice too, by the way. Slate-colored travertine tiles covered the floors and went half-way up the walls, and it was very well-kept. The final room appeared to be a restaurant and bar, and this was the part called Cazzie's. There was a live-band schedule posted, so clearly, they have live music on certain nights. Again, modern decor but a laid-back atmosphere. An upscale dive bar/diner, I'd say.
In all there was so much room to hang out, and there really is something for everyone there. I recommend that you head over to Onyx on a night where you have a big mixed group; when you've got some people who like to drink beers and watch the game, while others who are active and like to play pool while they knock 'em back, but you've also got those friends mixed in there who love to dance or sip martinis while deciding which Express-clad guy they want to dance up on next, all together in one group. Here, everyone will be happy!
Draft drinks were about $2.50, domestic bottles $3-3.50, well drinks rang up at about $4 to $6 and that night, they were walking around with $2 jello-and-whipped cream shots. I am not sure how much cover would be on a regular weekend night, or what the daily specials would be, if any.
Don't judge a book by its cover, though, and decide not to go in, just because the outside may look like a low-rate strip club or a hair salon from the curb. Once you head it, you realize it's very easy to have a good time there.
I am psyched about this...I have been waiting all summer for their well-known shopping extravaganza that is the Anniversary sale when they take majority of their newest fall 2008 items, that have just been sent to the store, and they mark them down!
Typically, when stores begin getting their fall inventory in July, they have a giant sale, but the sale is on their spring/summer items so they can make room for the newest
garments. Nordstrom does something extraordinary: they put the newest stuff on sale instead. So typically that hot pair of Hudson jeans you'd want to buy for the fall/winter would cost you upwards of $150, like the pair below, which will cost $176.00. But today you can buy that brand-new model of Hudsons for at least 20% or more off (for a limited time); the one below is now on sale for $117.90!!!
You'd better put this on your calendars! The sale only lasts until August 4th. On that Monday, prices go right back up to where they should be for new merchandise. P.S. the sale is occurring in the stores, nearest would be Easton Town Center of course, but also in their catalog and online.
Details
Who: Nordstrom
What: Anniversary Sale!
Where: in the stores, on the website and catalog
When: Today, July 18 until August 4th
Where: Easton Town Center
Why: don't bother asking...just get there and unleash your wallet! In this economy, saving on things like clothing is essential.
What I'm eyeing from the sale:
This Juicy Couture hoody for $89.90 instead of $138.00
This hot Andrew Marc leather biker jacket for $399.90 instead of $625 usually
These Alice+Olivia herringbone pants (I need some great slacks for work) for $159 instead of $265
A hot Diesel nylon puffer vest at $129.90 rather than $200
Kenneth Jay Lane's leopard bangles at $149.90 each rather than $225 a pop
This work-appropriate but equally fresh Max & Cleo dress for a cool $89.90 instead of $138!
This Zodiac watch for $166.90 instead of $250, come August 4th
A new pair of Nike Shox for $72.90 rather than $105
A L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani satchel for $359.90 (still pretty expensive but a splurge that's worth it) compared to the $565.
Chic royal blue pumps by Stuart Weitzman for $199.90 instead of $299 (almost an entire $100 off!)
So what are you waiting for? I am heading over there right now to see what other yummy finds they've got.
Tomorrow night is the grand opening of a new dance club/lounge and patio in Columbus called Onyx.
I just wanted to put the details up tonight so that if you're interested you can check it out. I will be going to the grand opening tomorrow night and doing a review of the club on Thursday.
The grand opening is tomorrow night starting at 9 p.m. at
Miss Universe 2008 was crowned last night on NBC. The pageant took place in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam and the winner was Miss Venezuela, Dayana Mendoza!
First, I am going to warn you...I am a pageant-lover. I have loved pageants since the days of yore when the Miss America pageant was THE coolest thing for young women and every year millions of viewers tuned in. Well the Miss Universe pageant system, which includes Miss USA and Miss Teen USA, has since taken over as the pageant to participate in and watch. An estimated 1 billion plus viewers tuned last night to see 80 countries represented by some of the world's most beautiful women aged 18-26 compete for the title. P.S. Donald Trump owns the entire pageant system and Jerry Springer and Mel B (Spicegirls) were the hosts.
Below is the picture of the new Miss Universe. Tell me she isn't breathtaking! She's 22, 5'10'' and the cutest thing since Shiloh Jolie-Pitt!
She was my pick for the winner, even weeks before the pageant began. You can view every contestant, their model shot, swimsuit close-up, evening gown and national costume pics online at missuniverse.com. You can also find interviews, video and blogs for all of the contestants as well. I watched hers before the pageant, and I concluded she's pretty much perfect! Great interview, quick witted, funny, engaging, was very confident and spoke, in her interview, as though she was your best friend. Then of course great swimsuit body, looks and evening gown choice. And her English is pretty-darn good.
Let's recap. Here were my predictions for Top 15 and why. (In no particular order). Russia; On looks only and watching her little video interview she was sexy, smart and sincere...three good adjectives for a winner.
USA; We always make it to at least the Top 10, and this year we had a very very strong candidate named Crystle Stewart from Texas. She's virtually perfect, a Barbie - this may be her downfall.
Vietnam; not only is she the rep for the host country, she is just darling! Her interview is pretty good, too, she really tries hard to speak English and she has the best beauty mark since Cindy Crawford.
Dominican Republic; I was rooting for her from the beginning also. Strong competitor for this country this year. Awesome all around, at first look, but she has substance, speaks English well and had a really clever national costume as well.
Isreal; simply breathtaking. one of the most beautiful contestant of the 80.
Costa Rica; also breathtaking and, I really thought, she'd be one to beat.
Angola; Many of the African countries really brought it this year! Check out this brown beauty. Her looks speak volumes.
Puerto Rico; It's been a while since PR has had a great rep, and this year, they might make a come-back. She is stunning, clearly.
South Africa; finally a black woman from SA! And she is just adorable. Great smile, good figure: not too skinny but very fit. Pretty hair and skin tone. Let's see what she can do!
Mexico; Perfection. Simply perfection. I picked her to win (along with Venezuela). I predicted it would be between these two in the end. Amazing girl, inside and out. A 10 in each category, wait and see!
Venezuela; again, an obvious choice.
Tanzania; soooo cute, easy-going and confident in interview. Great smile and teeth. Hot body and very unique. She kept her hair curly! Great for curly girls everywhere, like me!
Singapore; Also a cutie. Nice interview, pretty good English. Uniquely intriguing features.
The Actual Top 15: Mexico Kosovo Venezuela Vietnam South Africa Australia Japan Dominican Republic Italy Colombia Russia Hungary Czech Republic USA Spain
Below are my observations of the 8 ladies that I didn't correctly predict for top 15: I definitely see why she was chosen. Strong candidate in evening gown and swim. Plus, facially, she was STUNNING...big lips, eyelashes, amazing cheekbones and eyes. Looked as though she belonged on a Paris runway. I have no clue why they chose her. Must have been interview. She was BORING with a capital B. She looks hot here, but don't let this pic fool you. Her hair was limp and wispy. She just looked like any other brown-haired, pretty girl out there. UGH, she looks like an anime character. Just because Miss Universe 2007 was Miss Japan, I feel like they chose her. She also has a bobble-head look here. In person, on TV, she looked more natural, but she cut her hair in a very fashion-forward style, which would have been cool, except it was an ugly, asymmetric cut that looked like it was from a techno music-video from the '80s. I see how Australia got picked--she has a great body, but she was boring other than that. Just a usual pretty, dirty-blond. I would have loved to see China or Tanzania instead. Another wild card. Colombia was an unsuspected favorite. Great body. Cute face. But it was a little generic-Latina. Not a show-stopper. Personality was great, though. Hungary was another one out of left field. She was coy and intriguing, though. Cute curly hair! But she wasn't a stand-out. Spain...YUCK! I did not like her. She looked manly and almost angry. Very dark features, so she didn't seem warm. Her teeth were kinda yellow too. Blah, didn't see that coming. Czech was also a cutie and I could see why she made it. But she was ho-hum on stage. This pic makes her look really happy and friendly.
So after the swimsuit competition, I named who I thought would be the Top 10: Dominican Republic Mexico USA Vietnam Russia Venezuela South Africa Colombia Australia
The actual Top 10 turned out to be: Kosovo Australia Spain USA Dominican Republic Mexico Russia Italy Venezuela Colombia
Again some surprises. From here, the ladies went on the evening gown competition. My favorite part! Here are some of my fave dresses from the top 10: Miss Colombia, Miss Mexico and Miss Australia had some of my favorite gown choices.
My Top 5 predictions were exactly correct! After evening gown they narrow it to 5...here's who were picked: Venezuela Colombia Mexico Dominican Republic Russia
Notice anything? Yep, four out of the top five were Latina ladies! This was their year. Though, it's not unusual for Latinas to sweep the board in pageants.
Then it was on-stage Q&A time! Colombia stumbled, while she attempted to speak English instead of using the interpreter, and spent so much time looking for the correct English word that she couldn't properly answer the question and her answer wasn't good. Venezuela's answer was perfect. Equal amounts of spunk, smarts and timeliness. Dominican had a very honest answer that was a little somber, but it was her about her childhood so it was heartfelt and well-said. Russia also had a great answer. Mexico's answer was perfection as well. I was sure she was going to win. And if not her, definitely Venezuela. I didn't really care who got the RUs, just as long as it was between Mexico and Ven. for the title.
The acutal breakdown went like this:
4th Runner Up = Mexico (!?!?!?! utter shock) 3rd RU = Russia (expected) 2nd RU = DR (expected) 1st RU = Colombia (!?!?! bad Q&A she shouldn't have been ranked here) and then Miss Venezuela as Miss Universe 2008
I was very very very very happy with the end result!
The Miss USA Curse
It happened for the second year in a row...Miss USA Crystle StewartFELL smack-dab on her BUTT the moment she stepped out onto the stage during the evening gown competition. The exact same thing happened to Miss USA 2007 Rachel Smith last year at Miss Universe 2007! What are the odds?!?! Could it be foul play by a fellow competitor or just bbbaaaaaaaaaadddddd luck? Did someone smear butter, baby oil or Vaseline on her shoes? Check out the video clip below, it was the most-watched clip on YouTube today. All I could do was laugh (I know that's mean but it was funny!). And she looked pissed-off the rest of the night...
And here is the clip from last year of Rachel Smith falling also courtesy of YouTube.com. She still made it to the Top 5 despite falling, and because of that, the audience booed her when she was named to the 5 and when she was answering her on-stage question! This year, Miss USA did not advance to the Top 5 after falling.
WOW is all you can really say about that...along with watch the clip over and over and over. And the ladies fell in a similar way as well...strange.
If any of you out there in Columbus watched the pageant and have something to say...leave a comment!
This Juicy Couture hoody for $89.90 instead of $138.00
