Eastsider Magazine April 2010

Page 1

april 2010

Breaking Bridezilla How to Plan a Zen Wedding

+ eastside eats:

low country brought high at hugo

getting to know the green side of hemp

staff picks:

make your own toxic-free cleaners notes from the front row:

freekbass, ride, and the fourth kind


We must remember, because if the world forgets evil,

evil is reborn.

-W.E.B. DuBois


>>>

contents

4 eastside eats low country brought high at hugo

readers Do you know of a person, business, group, or event that other readers should know about? We’re always looking for great story ideas and interesting people. Let us know about them by sending your ideas to eastsider@eastsidermagazine.com.

6 staff picks green clean: making your own non-toxic cleaners

Head to www.eastsidermagazine.com to get web-exclusive articles, pics, and sign up for our free e-newsletter. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

advertisers To learn more about reaching thousands of readaers in Hyde Park, Mt. Lookout, and Oakley, contact Account Representative

8 east green getting to know the green side of hemp

Jami Field at (513) 206-9832 ext. 106 or jami@eastsidermagazine.com.

contributors layout | phillip ryan photography | steven thomas columnist | laura arnold columnist | renee garner columnist | geoff simmons

12 breaking bridezilla how to plan a zen wedding

feature writer | brian dobbins feature writer | tina lane

eastsider magazine phone | (513) 206-9832 email | eastsider@eastsidermagazine.com web | www.eastsidermagazine.com digital | issuu.com/eastsidermagazine twitter | @eastsidermag

© 2010 Eastsider Magazine. All Rights Reserved.

20 notes from the front row freekbass, ride, and the fourth kind


>>>

eastside eats

low country brought high at hugo: 3235 madison rd., oakley article and photos by Laura Arnold

On nearly every menu in Charleston, South Carolina, there are grits. Cheese grits, bacon grits, shrimp grits; this Southern side staple is a versatile favorite. In the northern states, savory grits are not as common. Sean Daly, the head chef and owner of Hugo, has been showing Northerners what we’ve been missing. Located in Oakley, Hugo has been bringing low country Southern cooking to the fine dining circuit for almost three years now. The approach and results of this venture have not gone unnoticed. Hugo has won several awards, most notably the award of excellence in 2008 from the American Culinary Institute and another from Cincinnati Magazine for their braised short rib and cheese grits. Before it was even open a year, they became a top ten restaurant, despite the stiff competition from nearby Boca, located only a block away. Hugo is a family owned and operated business, and diners are certainly greeted with smiling and friendly faces. With a 98% retention rate on their staff since opening, those faces are also likely to be familiar to regulars. In addition to the more casual bar and lounge, the dining room is softly lit and open. Dress and diners at Hugo range from younger and more casual, to older and upscale. For a more private dining experience, there is a private room that can be booked free of charge if it is available, and seats 14, as well as more romantic table for two located in the wine

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cellar. “We’re starting to call it the Engagement Room,” Sean jokes. “We’ve had three or four engagements over dinner.” The authentic, well-traveled table in the room made a long journey from a winery tasting room in France to Cincinnati. The meats and produce used are obtained locally, if possible. It’s likely you may see Chef Daly at Findlay or the Hyde Park farmer’s market, scoping out produce for upcoming dinners. The meats are provided from a number of local farms and businesses, including Northside Meats and Crossing Creek farms. Sean avoids processed foods or additives. “You have to use real butter. We try and make everything ourselves, including the pastry,” he confides. The most popular dish, by far, is the shrimp and grits. Hugo strives to not only be delicious, but warm, and comforting, and these creamy, hot grits hit the mark. The grits are also offered as a small plate, with cheese and chorizo. The menu includes unique selections, such as rabbit and sweet breads, and more familiar dishes, such as chicken or steak. The beverage selection is an interesting one. An extensive wine list dominates, but the general manager and maître d’, Anthony Bailey, creates a beer list that is not to be ignored. This is in part due to his previous position — as a bartender at the Dilly Deli Cafe in Mariemont. Anthony continues to exercise his love of craft beer by organizing beer dinners once a month. These dinners are a five course and


the texture of the cous cous — it was seasoned well and very tender — the biscuits and pulled pork were a disappointment, dry and unpleasantly salty. The sweetbreads were excellently prepared, and the butternut squash in the salad was delicious. As Hugo nears its third anniversary in May of 2010, There have been a few rumors of Hugo expanding to second location in Hyde Park. With Hugo’s success in Oakley, the Square will certainly have something to talk about if that comes to fruition. The next time you get the urge for some Southern comfort, stop by the lounge at Hugo for some grits and a cocktail or Belgian beer. corresponding beer affair, with representatives and brewers from breweries such as Left Hand, Stone, Two Brothers and Bells presenting and explaining the beers served. Seating is open and communal to encourage conversation. Reservations are recommended, and the cost of the dinners range from $60 to $75. Althought modest in comparison to its peers, Hugo can get a little expensive for those that are used to more casual dining. However, a good compromise is Thursday night in the lounge, where baby back ribs from Indiana are slow cooked for 4 hours, and offered with one side at 19.95 — for all you can eat. During our visit, we chose several small plates, including the short rib and cous cous, Southern grits, mini biscuits, and cheese plate, as well as a side salad with butternut squash, fried green tomatoes and the sweetbreads. Our dining companion, who is a vegetarian, requested the cheese grits without any meat. It was then that we learned that Hugo is extremely flexible and inventive with its dishes and requests from diners. She got her cheese grits, with a medley of tasty, roasted vegetables and was very pleased. Though I thoroughly enjoyed the short ribs and especially

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> You can read Laura Arnolds blog, Cincinnati Nomerati, at Cincinnatinomerati.blogspot.com.

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>>>

staff picks

green clean: making your own non-toxic cleaners article by Renee Garner

(“Castile soap”), palm, and coconut, rather than petroleum or animal fat. Like other soaps, this plant-based soaps efficiently loosens grime and dirt from surfaces but its gentler so it won’t dull them. Cooking Oils Vegetable- and plant-based oils, such as olive and sunflower, dislodge dirt, diminish scratches and imperfections, and hydrate and polish wood. Make your own furniture polish by mixing 2 cups olive or vegetable oil with the juice of 1 lemon; work it in with a soft cloth. To smooth out scratches in light-colored wood, rub them with a solution of equal parts olive or vegetable oil and lemon juice or vinegar. After a long and almost never-ending winter, it’s springcleaning time. Unfortunately, most of the conventional cleaning products we all grew up with are petroleum-based, loaded with strong, artificial colors/fragrances and harsh cleansing agents like bleach, ammonia and acids. They get the job done - but not without also doing a number on your eyes, airways, and, with enough exposure, your nervous system. These chemicals produce toxic fumes that can cause the air inside your home to be up to five times more polluted than the air outside. But you don’t have to sacrifice health for a clean home. Instead of paying a lot for cleaning products that annihilate everything in their path, there are plenty of natural products and methods that keep a house clean and smelling fresh without the toxic side effects. DIY cleaners deliver considerable power at minimal cost and all you need to get started are a few simple ingredients. Lemons The acid in lemon juice removes dirt and stains, deodorizes, cuts grease, and acts as a mild bleach when exposed to sunlight. It’s especially effective when mixed with salt, which makes an excellent scouring paste. Essential Oils Extracted from plants, some essential oils can kill bacteria and mold. They are very strong, and can irritate the eyes and skin on contact, so handle carefully. Pregnant women should consult a doctor before using. Plant Based Liquid Soap These gentle soaps are made with oils such as olive

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Borax When added to a laundry wash, borax makes detergents even more effective. It also kills mold and fungus and softens water. You can pour it directly into your toilet bowl and let it sit overnight. The next day clean with a toilet brush and flush. Vinegar This acidic wonder breaks up dirt, grease, mineral deposits, soap scum, and more. Distilled white vinegar creates an environment that inhibits the growth of mold, mildew, and some bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella. To treat mold/mildew, spray distilled white vinegar on the infected area. The smell will dissipate in a few hours (open a window to speed up the process). For areas with persistent mold problems, combine 2 drops of tea tree oil with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle; spray on problem areas, do not rinse. A natural antiseptic and fungicide, tea tree oil will kill most types of mold and help prevent new growth. Baking and Washing Soda Baking soda (a.k.a. sodium bicarbonate) and its close cousin, washing soda (sodium carbonate), both absorb odors. Washing soda is stronger than baking soda, and can’t be ingested; wear rubber gloves when handling it. Table Salt Salt’s granular texture makes it perfectly suited for scouring. Table salt, sea salt, and kosher salt can all be used, but table salt is the cheapest choice. All-Purpose Scrub

1/2 cup baking soda + Plant-based liquid soap + 1/2 of a lemon


Pour baking soda into a bowl. Add just enough liquid soap to make a creamy paste. Spread mixture on the flat side of lemon and scrub. The lemon acts as a sponge and leaves a natural citrus scent. Use a damp rag or sponge to wipe away any residue. You’ll find the paste will stay moist for a few hours. Don’t use the lemon scrub on delicate stone, like marble, or stainless steel (it may discolor). You can omit the lemon and apply the scrub with a sponge; its perfect for cleaning the bathtub because it rinses easily and doesn’t leave grit. All-Purpose Cleaner 1/2 tsp washing soda + A dab of plant-based liquid soap + 2 cups hot water

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake until the washing soda has dissolved. Apply and wipe off with a sponge or rag. Tip: If you’re out of washing soda, use 2 1/2 tsp of borax, instead. Window Cleaner 1/2 teaspoon Castile or plant-based liquid soap + 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar + 2 cups water

Pour all ingredients into a spray bottle and shake. Spray onto window and wipe clean with newspaper or a 100 percent cotton cloth. The liquid soap helps remove any wax left on the window from commercial cleaners used in the past. You can eliminate the soap after a few washings. Floor Cleaner 1/8 cup plant-based liquid soap + 1/8 cup distilled white vinegar + 1 gallon water + 10 drops essential oil (scent of your choice) Mix all ingredients in a bucket and mop as usual. For ceramic and stone floors, eliminate soap (which leaves a film) and use 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1 gallon of water. Don’t use water on unsealed wood floors. Instead, combine 2 cups of vinegar with 1 tablespoon of olive or jojoba oil in a bucket. Spread a thin coat over the floor with a mop or soft cloth. Let it soak in for 20 minutes; dry mop to absorb excess liquid. Open windows to air out the vinegar smell. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> You can find Renee Garner scouring the web and the Eastside for the latest and greatest tips, tricks, items, and info.

www.eastsidermagazine.com

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east green:

getting to know the green side of hemp article by Brian Dobbins, photos by Steven Thomas

8 | april 2010 | www.eastsidermagazine.com


W

hat could be better than having a day

set aside to worship the Earth? You remember the Earth - that rocky, watery, spinning orb that supports all life as we know it? And to celebrate it by planting a tree, the ultimate symbol of life to multiple cultures throughout history… well, that’s just icing on the cake. What could be better than having a day like that?

It was just those concepts that led me to Hemptations, the little shop in O’Bryonville that dedicates itself to everything hemp. After all, hemp has the longstanding reputation of being a reusable, environmentally sound source of material for a multitude of products. Of course, it also has that “other” reputation that we all know so well. I decided to use our greenest of green holidays as an excuse to delve into the subject and separate fact from fiction in the mystique that surrounds this ancient plant that is all at once revered and maligned. I found the owner of Hemptations to be a solid source of information on the subject. Going simply by the name Beach – which I thought was just cool as all get out – he has dedicated years of his life not just to earning his livelihood from hemp,

How about having two days like that? I know, right?

but also to educating himself and others as to its various purposes and potentials… which I soon realized were far more

Earth Day and Arbor Day. No Hallmark holidays these. Since

numerous than I thought possible.

Julius Sterling Morton hatched the idea of Arbor Day on April 10, 1872 in Nebraska, nature lovers across the country have

And I don’t mean that facetiously. For instance, I literally

been quietly, almost reverently celebrating the annual birth of

would not have thought it possible to make concrete from

the spring season by the simple act of planting a tree. Every

hemp. Yet here I was, standing at the glass counter in Beach’s

one of our 50 states recognizes Arbor Day, and President Nixon

store holding a cylindrical block of building material that had

officially proclaimed it to fall on the last Friday in April way

a look, feel and weight remarkably similar to that of concrete.

back in 1970, forty years ago this month.

The hemp pressboard sitting next to it was an even more convincing imposter of the real thing, and, Beach informs me,

Earth Day is like Arbor Day’s younger sister. The United

fire-resistant to boot.

States version was the brainchild of Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, also in 1970, and is observed every year on the

I had thought that the answer to the first question I planned

twenty-second day of April, while the United Nations recognizes

to ask Beach would have been pointlessly obvious, but after

its own international Earth Day on the Spring Equinox.

seeing and feeling these two surprising products I wasn’t so sure. That question was, of course, “What is hemp?”

Both

holidays

are

opportunities

for

naturalists,

environmentalists, and several other “ists” to embrace nature

“Hemp is cannabis setiva L,” he began. “Some people call it

and educate the teeming masses on the concepts of renewable

marijuana, which is a term that was brought up to help make

life and conservation issues.

cannabis illegal in 1937, even though industrial hemp contains

www.eastsidermagazine.com | april 2010 | 9


too little THC to get people high. It can be grown tall for long

“I believe that cannabis setiva is the most genetically modified

fiber, or short and bushy for short, cotton-like fiber and seeds for

plant species of all time. It’s been proven that humans have

oil. It is the strongest plant fiber on the planet. The Navy to this

utilized it for at least 10,000 years. Cannabis fiber has been

day uses hemp for any cordage on its vessels.”

found woven around Chinese pottery dated that long ago.”

Even though the growing of industrial cannabis was outlawed

So, for the purposes of integrating it with Earth Day, just how

in 1937 (largely due to the efforts of industrialists like William

“green” is hemp?

Randolph Hearst), the government had a program for American farmers during World War II called Grow Hemp For The War.

“As green as it gets”, Beach assures me. “First of all, you can

Because of its durability, hemp was deemed vital to the war

get as much paper from one acre of hemp as you can from four

effort. When the war ended, so did the legal growing of it.

acres of trees, and it grows faster so it’s amazingly renewable, every six months instead of every three years. Every bit of it can

“Commercial hemp wasn’t determined to be illegal because of

be used. No herbicides or pesticides are needed. I mean, it’s as

its ability to get people high, because it can’t,” Beach maintains.

earth-friendly as something can be.”

“That was just the excuse they used. The real reason was because manufacturers couldn’t compete with its durability and

Beach is imminently conscious of hemp’s connection to the

versatility.”

environment, and to illustrate that point he runs a “4/20 to Earth Day” storewide sale, offering extreme values on all things hemp.

Although most of us think of hemp as fiber for rope or yarn,

He also has The Hemptations Quiz Show on Youtube for the

the sheer number of its many other purposes is nothing short

edification of all the computer literate nature lovers out there.

of staggering. Hemp oils can be used for everything from cooking to engines. While the United States continues to

At the end of the day, I left Hemptations feeling as ecologically

ignore its commercial potential, international companies like

connected as I have in a long time. I find that I’m actually

Adidas and Nike make hemp gym shoes. Armani has offered

tempted to plant a tree this Earth Day, although as an apartment

a suit made entirely from hemp for the last thirty years. Along

dweller, my options along those lines are severely limited, as

with handling the hemp concrete and pressboard, I also held a

evidenced by the pathetically small rooftop tomato and herb

remarkable piece of plastic that wasn’t plastic at all. It was made

garden that I cultivate each Spring.

from naturally grown, insecticide-free, tightly woven strands of hemp. Insecticide free, incidentally, because the plants grow so

Maybe I’ll just purchase a really cool hemp backpack instead,

quickly that the fiber is not preyed on by the myriad of insects

and head out to the woods for a hike.

that attack other commercial crops. As I look around the store, I see a dizzying array of products, including shirts, pants, vests,

Hemptations

bags, hats, soaps, oils, and stationary, just to name a few. The

(513) 871-4367

possibilities for hemp merchandise would appear to be endless,

www.hemptations.com

not to mention the medicinal uses it affords. And, according to

hemptations@gmail.com

Beach, it’s been around a long time.

2034 Madison Rd., 45208, O’Bryonville

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www.eastsidermagazine.com | april 2010 | 11


>>>

notes from the front row

freekbass, the fourth kind, and going blank again by Geoff Simmons

My friendship with Freekbass goes back to our high school days at the School for Creative & Performing Arts - and I worked as his lighting director from 2000-2007. Let’s go inside the head of the bass man with the fur jackets and funky sunglasses: Freekbass plays a kind of modern funk music that is like a cake with many layers; in the mix goes old-school funk, rhythm and blues, bits of psychedelic rock, soul, pop and hip-hop. So what makes a Freekbass record? Freekbass: “I think we try and put funk through a modern filter. Just like when George Clinton and Bootsy (Collins) were influenced by their contemporaries like Bowie, Zappa, MC5, etc., I am moved by groups like Radiohead, Daft Punk, Muse, etc. As far as charts go, I think funk is always on the charts; it just might go under a different name. Bands such as OutKast, Lenny Kravitz, and even Lady GaGa can get pretty funky.” One of the defining features of funk is the emphasis on the first beat in every four-beat bar. There are many ways to highlight “the One” in funk but you’ll hear it happening in Funkadelic or Sly Stone or the Gap Band or Chocolate Milk or Bootsy’s Rubber Band. I asked Freekbass to explain “the One”: FB: “Most rock/pop/funk music has 4 beats per measure. James Brown came up with the term ‘playing on the One’. Everyone has their own spin on it, but for me it is always hitting that beat a little harder than the other 3 to keep the groove tight and honest. In my head I am always thinking 1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4. No matter what happens with 2,3,and 4...if that ‘1’ is happening and where it should be, you should be in good shape.” If you listen to any of Freekbass’s four CDs, you’ll hear it. I have been able to see what he does in sound checks and by himself, testing sounds and equipment to augment his signature

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bass sound. I wanted him to elaborate on this: Geoff Simmons: “In Freekbass the bass is not only up front but also a lead instrument, unlike in rock where it tends to just set the foundation. Explain that method you use of having the bass up front, sometimes even melodic, at the same time it keeps the beat down. With octave effects and mutron and chorus etc., how do the effects bring the bass up even further?” FB: “I think that is one of the main reasons I was drawn to Funk and R&B in the first place, because of the bass being the dominant instrument. With it being such a focal point of what I do, the effects help to create different textures photo by Scott Preston and landscapes with the sound. Although, I still think 99% of the sound is created with your hands, no matter how many effects you use.” One of the most pivotal events in Freekbass’s life was meeting funk legend Bootsy Collins. In the early 90s Freekbass’s playing in the band SHAG caught the attention of P-Funk alum Gary Cooper, who in turn introduced him to Bootsy. Over time the friendship between Freekbass and Bootsy grew as the Freekbass group formed. GS: “Your relationship with Bootsy is unique. Talk about the friendship and how it enriches you not only as a musician but as a person.” FB: “I thought when I first met Bootsy, I would just learn all of these cool bass techniques and secrets. But the main thing he helped me with is how to record and work in a studio. Also, and probably the most important, is how to survive in the schizophrenic world of the music business. On top of all of that, he is one of my closest friends, and I can tell him just about anything and feel comfortable with it.” Protégé relationships can be limiting as well as enriching,


but Freekbass has taken care not to simply copy Bootsy’s style. There is also a refreshing unselfishness alive in funk music that encourages the passing on of techniques and styles in order to “keep the funk alive.” Because unlike pop music, funk is a closer-knit society of live music lovers, less reliant on the charts and teen angst than on a mutual love of the music, the groove and the connection between the band and the crowd. There is another larger-than-life musical figure that Freekbass carries with him onstage: GS: “Just for fun, I want to ask you about Elvis Presley and how he still affects you or inspires you as a performer, even though his music is different (than the kind you play). Why does he still resonate with people after being gone for so long?” FB: “I think the reason why he is now bigger than ever is because of the raw amount of singing talent this one man had. It is off the charts and stands the test of time. And through his career, he never stopped peaking and growing as a singer. I know a lot of people like to make fun of his later years, but if you listen to him sing the last couple of years of his life, the quality of his singing was still unreal. Not to sound corny, but I still get tears in my eyes listening to him sing ‘How Great Thou Art’ from his last tour in 1977.” Playing in front of a crowd is still a top priority for Freekbass. I asked him about playing live: GS: “There is no shortcut to building an audience, you still have to go on the road and win them over room by room, town by town. Do you agree with that and is there still a good buzz in playing live and traveling?” FB: “In this world of virtual-reality, playing live is where it’s at. No tricks...and I think that is why the live music scene is bigger than ever. It is really cool to play a festival where one act is bluegrass, one maybe world beat, one act that is electronica, and then we come out and do the funk-thing, and the audience connects with all of it.” Freekbass will be playing here in town on Saturday, April 24 at Play-By-Play Café as part of a three-act bill called Headtronics, also featuring DJ Logic and keyboardist Steve Molitz. Freekbass does not play in Cincinnati very often, so the upcoming show is a good chance to catch the funky vibe guaranteed to blow your mind. It’s all part of keeping the funk alive, baby!

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“The Fourth Kind” Released in November 2009 by Gold Circle Pictures, this sci-fi horror film is made in a documentary style similar to The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity. It is said to be based on a true story of Nome, Alaska psychologist Dr. Abigail Tyler, who investigates a series of disappearances in the Nome area as several of her patients come to her reporting identical patterns of sleep disturbances and nightmares. The events plaguing the residents of Nome took place in the fall of 2000. The film juxtaposes scenes with the actors with real footage from interviews with the real Abigail Tyler. Milla Jovovich plays Tyler effectively as she tries to convince the Nome police chief (played by the wonderful character actor Will Patton) that she is not insane and that what her patients are telling her is real. Assisting Dr. Tyler in her search for the truth is skeptical psychologist Dr. Campos (played by Elias Koteas) who believes the alien theory is nonsense and that Tyler is just overwrought and should take a break from her work to deal with the pain of her husband’s mysterious death. She ignores any suggestions of stopping her work, and is then terrified to discover a recording of her own screams and a disembodied voice at the end of one of her daily taped transcriptions. Since the film’s release, argument has been raging about the “real footage” and the claims of alien abduction (the film’s title refers to the fourth kind of alien close encounter, in which

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humans are abducted). The lead actors appear at the beginning and the end of the film and ask “you to decide” whether to believe or not, and this is a clever move. Strictly as a scary movie lover, I don’t care much whether or not the events actually happened. What has developed since Blair Witch is a new prototype of horror film: the “true story” documentary (because if the story is true then it’s much more frightening). The FBI did investigate a series of missing person cases in Nome from 2000 to 2006 without arriving at any explanations. There have been over 11 million worldwide claims of abduction (all of which share identical particulars) and places like the military base at Roswell are so secretive that trespassers can be shot without warning, so there are valid questions. Whatever you believe, this film will scare you. From the Archives: Ride - Going Blank Again (1992) In the late 1980s, a wave of English modern rock bands began to dominate college radio charts. Characterized by clean production, walls of layered guitar tracks and whispery vocals buried in the mix, the name “shoegazer” was christened. The term referred to a tendency among these bands hide their faces behind curtains of long hair, making it seem like they were keeping their eyes glued to their shoes, and another British pop craze was born. Bands like My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, Swervedriver, the Boo Radleys and Chapterhouse released albums that followed the shoegaze formula. RIDE, from Oxford, jumped to the head of the pack with alternative hits like “Chelsea Girl,” “Drive Blind,” and “Vapour Trail.” With their second CD Going Blank Again, Ride lapped their competition and were featured on the covers of British music papers like NME and Melody Maker, and headlined music festivals in England and Europe. Recorded in an English studio housed in a church and produced by Alan Moulder, this CD blasts off with “Leave Them All Behind” a 10-minute sonic boom, the title is a wink at their new status as kings of the English music scene. From this first track on, the guitars are the stars; multiple tracks adding to the blissful roar, underpinned by a solid rhythm


section. But unlike so many American rock bands that turn on the distortion pedals and leave them on to muddy up every song they record, Ride guitarists Andy Bell and Mark Gardener play loud but clean and keep the notes and chords distinctive. “Twisterella” is a gorgeous piece of four-minute pop, with Steve Querralt’s bass jumping up front to play the opening melody line, while “Mousetrap” breaks the pop song mold entirely as a sixminute guitar storm bookends a short and harmonized vocal break in the middle of the song. “Cool Your Boots” is the alpha track, once again

offsetting soft vocals with massive guitars, ending in a beautiful elongated fadeout, punctuated by doubletime drum bursts at regular intervals. This CD changed my life. I had never heard rock production and guitar sounds like this before. Like a missionary, I took this CD to every party I went to for months and played it and sang its praises. The guitars and melodies are Beatle-flavored without being derivative, the production is crystalline and the sound is timeless. The entire Ride catalog is worth your attention, but this was their finest hour.


Breaking Bridezilla How to Plan a Zen Wedding

article by Tina Lane, photos by Steven Thomas

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Despite the mad, unwieldy, screaming brides you have seen on television lately, not all weddings are destined for chaos and not all brides are meant to become bridezillas. The notion of an easy as pie, flawlessly executed wedding, however, is about as elusive as a Big Foot sighting. While I have heard the colorful rumors, I have yet to see one for myself. Let’s face it, behind all of the exquisitely arranged

flowers, color coordinated stationary and meticulously chosen seating arrangements, there is one very tired bride, and most likely, an equally exhausted groom.

Wedding planning is not easy, and more than that, it can be incredibly stressful. There are few other events in our personal lives that we spend over an

entire year planning with the intention of inviting

myself barking at everyone around me to answer the

bleepin’ phone, see who is at the bleepin’ door and call the bleepin’ groom’s party. (I’ll leave you to

insert your own expletives.) My behavior was a tad

mortifying, even to myself.

By the time I was ushered to the ceremony doors I

couldn’t have been more grateful for the purposeful, calm countenance of my wedding coordinator. She coaxed me into place, fluffed my train just so, and gave me a final once over. She was my personal Zen

Master. If it were not for her gentle hand guiding me

in the direction of the isle, my racing thoughts would

not have paused long enough to recognize the sound

of my own wedding march. Everything was exactly as she promised, and when things did go wrong, which

they inevitably do, she ran off to resolve the problem while I luxuriated, peacefully, in my special day. Had it not been for her, I might have hurt someone.

hundreds of our closest friends and family. It is an

So how can we manage it all without becoming that

that is intended to fulfill the life long expectations of

that groom who showed up with a massive hangover?

event built from not only our own dreams, but one our families as well. Talk about pressure.

Having recently tied the knot myself, I can finally

testify to the sheer terror of planning an actual wedding. In the moments just before the ceremony I was an anxious wreck. Me, the self proclaimed Zen

Bride, could not have been more panic stricken. The anticipation was dizzying and everyone around me, including my beloved team of helpers, appeared to

be just as stunned and confused as I was. Despite my

intense dislike for the bridezilla stereotype, I found

bride who chewed out her entire wedding party or How can we organize a blissfully peaceful Zen

wedding without the drama, frenzy and stress that

we see so enthusiastically documented on reality TV shows? The answer is deceptively simple. Surround yourself with competent people who are willing to

help you and be prepared and willing to trust them. While your day may not be perfect, it can certainly be wonderful.

Who will be your wedding day Zen Masters? Cincinnati has a few for the offering.

www.eastsidermagazine.com | april 2010 | 17


i-do boutique

“When I talk to mothers and brides especially, I

cheerful green awning of the i-do boutique, Brigid

brides and grooms are planning, some of the stress is

helps couples and families plan their wedding day.

talk about the idea of mutual respect and not shooting

has since grown to include 5 area locations throughout

listen to it. Listen and love each idea for 5 minutes

Within the fuchsia colored walls and behind the

talk about loving every idea for five minutes. When

Horne-Nestor does what she loves most; she

caused by the other person not liking the idea. We

Incorporated in 1999, i-do Weddings & Events, Inc.

down anyone else’s idea until you’ve had a chance to

Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Brigid affirms,

and then explain your side of things.”

the people who love them, plan memorable weddings

One of the most valuable services that Brigid

budget and their values.

her extraordinary day. “I really believe there is a

Wedding Zen Mantra #1: Know what is important.

“whether it is the bride, whether it is the mother, or if

Beyond the details, Brigid helps her clients take a

for the bride and her mom and I think that is a huge

number one thing I bring to the table is a sense of

everything away. You get to be the bride. Your mom

marries the groom that day. The fact that someone is

the best part of my job.”

to focus on.”

Steven Thomas, Photographer

Sorting through the emotions and wishes of everyone

Thomas has been photographing weddings in

a very delicate process. Brigid helps her brides and

ranges from portraits to fighter jets, wedding

“My primary role is to help brides and grooms, and and events in a style that suits their personality, their

offers is the chance for the Bride to relax and enjoy

wedding coordinator for every wedding,” says Brigid, it is a professional. What we do is eliminate that job

step back and focus on what is most imperative. “The

stress reliever. On the night of the rehearsal we take

common sense. All that truly matters is that the bride

gets to be the mom. And we’ll handle the rest. It is

marrying her soul mate, that is what we really have

Bringing 25 years of experience to the table, Steven

involved in a wedding can make wedding planning

Cincinnati for the last five years. While his portfolio

grooms navigate these waters more successfully.

photography is his greatest passion. “Of everything I

shoot,”

says

Thomas,

“wedding

photography is closest to my heart.”

Wedding Zen Mantra #2: Seek special attention.

Consulting with the bride and groom prior to the wedding day and creating a workable

18 | april 2010 | www.eastsidermagazine.com


“Of everything I shoot,” says Steven Thomas, “wedding photography is closest to my heart.”

www.eastsidermagazine.com | april 2010 | 19


work offering Cincinnatians full service

luxury transportation for every occasion, including stretch limousines, super stretch SUV limos, and limo party buses.

Wedding Zen Mantra #3: Look for peace of mind. timeline is crucial to avoiding problems, according to

It is common for wedding parties to exceed

Thomas. It is extremely easy for a wedding to fall

their time allowances on their limo service as well as

blur,” advises Thomas. “You lose all track of time.”

These last minute oversights can get expensive, not to

thirty minutes onto your group photography sessions

clients avoid these headaches. “Helping the couple

behind schedule. “The day of your wedding can be a

require extra limo trips to cart unexpected passengers.

Mr. Thomas recommends scheduling ahead an extra

mention frustrating, and Phil Hale is prepared to help

to allow for unexpected delays.

with scheduling and selecting the right type of vehicle

Perhaps his most significant contribution to wedding

acknowledges Hale, “and constant communication is

is key to reducing their stress on their wedding day,”

day stress management is his willingness to go above

critical.”

one wedding per day and making his passion for your

Mr. Hale understands that friendly service that goes

you might as well double them, because that is the

experience. He places priority on proper insurance,

I am not planning anything else. I am going to exceed

translate into more peace of mind for his passengers.

and beyond. Mr. Thomas commits to planning only day his priority. “Whatever your expectations are,

the extra mile is extremely important to the wedding

expectation I have for myself. The day of a wedding

maintenance, cleanliness and safety, which can

what my contract states and your expectations.”

An Elegant Affair Limousine Service

When the economy took a turn for the worse in October 2009, Phil Hale developed his

self described “bail myself out stimulus plan.” With a loan from his family he

purchased a 25 year old limousine service know as An Elegant Affair, and took to

20 | april 2010 | www.eastsidermagazine.com

Offering balanced advice, Hale encourages couples


to look at several limo services before selecting one. “Shop around and check prices,” says Hale. “Ask for

any extra fees associated with fuel, mileage, going over on the rental times, refund policies, and damage policies.”

Sprouts Floral Design Studio

Wedding Zen Mantra #4: Ask for personalized service.

Mrs. Sherman offers practical advice for her brides

and grooms looking for a low-stress experience. “Floral designers, like artists, tend to have a certain

Sprouts Floral Design Studio has been in business

since 2000 and in that time owner Joni Cline Sherman has collected quite an impressive roster of clients.

Swanky establishments such as Nicola’s, Red, Pigall’s and Jeff Ruby’s Tropicana have all turned to

Sprouts for their floral creations. With an emphasis

on creative, original designs and exceptional quality, it is not hard to see how this business has built its reputation.

www.eastsidermagazine.com | april 2010 | 21


minute to decide on the styles for their bands. “We highly suggest

that you purchase your

bands as far ahead of time as possible,

especially if you are going to design them yourselves.”

The same holds true for

“style” or look. Make sure the florist you choose

groomsmen and bridesmaid gifts. Be thoughtful about

event.”

both you and those you are sharing this special day

is in keeping with the overall look and feel of your

According to Sherman, chemistry is imperative. “You will spend quite a bit of time with your florist creating the design for your wedding day...for both

your personal flowers and the event decor itself. Your floral designer should make you feel relaxed about this process...it’s supposed to be fun!”

J Peck Jewelers

Serving Cincinnati for over 4 years, J Peck Jewelers

focuses on providing quality, timeless jewelry at a fair price. Family owned and operated, J Peck Jewelers

offers nervous brides and grooms an alternative to big, impersonal chains.

Wedding Zen Mantra #5: Be ahead of schedule. J. and Mandy Peck believe it should be a priority to

have your jewelry finished long before the big day as to avoid any wedding planning chaos. Mr. Peck

cautions bride and grooms from waiting until the last 22 | april 2010 | www.eastsidermagazine.com

making a personalized gift that means something to with. And be sure to give yourself some time to plan it out with your jeweler or engraver so everything gets done on time and keeps that stress level low for every aspect of your Zen Wedding.

i-do boutique 2009 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45208 513-871-6400, www.i-do-boutique.com Steven Thomas, Photographer 859-363-0563, p-mllc.com An Elegant Affair Limousine Service 513-451-5050 www.anelegantaffairlimousineservice.com Sprouts Floral Design Studio by appointment only 513-321-7550, www.sproutsfloraldesign.com J Peck Jewelers 1981 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45208 513-321-GEMS, www.jpeckjewelers.com


The best steaks in the city − any city. Join us tonight for the Jeff Ruby Experience. JeffRuby.com

www.eastsidermagazine.com | april 2010 | 23 513.321.5454



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