Shop Local, Part I

I'm not really participating in the holidays this year, I decided to give myself a break from all the stress. I had no intention of shopping on Black Friday, but I found myself wanting to go out.  So I made a very wise decision, and shopped local.  I think we should all make more of an effort to support the small business owners in our community, not just during the holidays, but all year long.  In fact, I've been making more of an effort to support artisans and local business owners in decorating my apartment.  Believe me, once you start shopping local, you lose your taste for mass produced items. They look too common, and cost too much.

I had the pleasure of discovering The Bomb Shelter on Black Friday.  This place is totally fun, and you can find something completely unexpected for your place, at a reasonable price.

I can't believe this is in East Akron!  It's a cool neighborhood after all.  The place is huge!  15,000 square feet.  I was so fascinated, I did my best to see everything.

When I walked in the door, I was greeted by a large neon letter, a bitching car and an alien wearing a Christmas ribbon.  Far out.

There are interesting objects everywhere.  The place is big, and there's a lot of stuff, but it's well organized.

My brother and his family need this light for their mantel.  It might appear under their Christmas tree, but shhh...don't tell them.

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Fabulous one-of-a-kind propeller table and lamp created by Damon Drummond, one of the proprietors of the shop. If you're into found objects, there are many industrial remnants that would work perfectly as sculpture.

I kept wishing I had a loft to decorate.  This flood lamp would be perfect in an industrial loft, and is reasonably priced.  I have to go back and get some photos of coffee tables.  If you are in the market for a new coffee table - this is the place for you!  There are many interesting and unique coffee tables and at reasonable prices.

For some reason I fell in love with these cement planters.  I'd love to have one for my balcony.  Kinda heavy, though, not sure how I'd get it upstairs.

There are tons of vintage marquee letters!

And vintage stereos!

The vintage TV section is amazing!  My nephews would love this place, I hope to take them here on their break from school.  I can't wait to go back!  I did buy a little something, stay tuned to see what it is.

Local Hip Hop Radio and the Reign of Nicki Minage

107.9 is a local hip hop radio station.  I'd like to say that they are cutting edge, but they're  disappointing.  Rickey Smiley is not funny, and it's irritating that the cast members laugh at everything he says.  If I'm in the car in the morning, I have to turn it off.  I get really angry at Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon for inventing that formula.  Boy Ed really had the game beat didn't he?  I mean talk about money for nothing...sorry I digress.  DJs sometimes forget the reason we listen to the radio - music!   DJ K Nice is the freshest part of day time radio.  I tune in if I'm in the car at noon.  He spins old school.  Impossible not to move to.

The radio station ought to change its name to Minaj radio.  The rest of the day is dominated by Nicki Minaj, in a way I've never heard.  Man is Minaj enjoying her 15.  I was in the car for two hours the other day -  and I am not kidding - almost every song featured Minaj.  I gotta give props to her producer.  What a genius.  Not sure who it is, but they are on a level with Dre, P Diddy and Jay Z.  They've made sure she is dominating radio by a multitude of duets.  She's done duets with Drake, Usher, Ludacris, Eminem, Rihanna, Kanye West, just to name a few.  And then, of course, there's her own singles and new CD.  I mean the girl owns the air waves.  I imagine the public will get saturated with her.  But right now is the queen.

I first noticed this Trinidadian phenomenon on her verse to Monster.  I was like, "Damn who is that?"  I mean the girl rhymed monster - gangsta - Sri Lanka - Willy Wonka - conquer.  Don't believe me?  Have a listen.  Poetry. But most importantly - in my humble opinion - the girl rocks a pink wig.

Dig those boots.  Nicki you are the shit.  You go girl!