The Gift - OneShot!

Written/Photography by
Andrew Livelsberger

Location:  Cleveland Museum of Art - Large Room Just Past The Armor Court

The Gifts.

This was a gift to me, as I was fortunate enough to have walked into the room and saw this scene before me. I had the my camera hanging off my right hip. I immediately pulled the camera to my eye and there it was, almost perfectly framed. I fired off one shot.  I took another, then the scene changed and subsequent shots just didn't have the same feel.  The first image was the one, as is often the case.

The real gift is the fact that 3 generations were together, enjoying the day out of the heat. This was at the Cleveland Museum of Art, in the large room just past the Armor Court.

Always take the shot now, as you are never guaranteed the same scene upon return.
Never take anything for granted.
Always give love, but never expect it in return. The reward for loving one another is not an earthly one, but an eternal one.

Have a great week and I hope this image helps put you in a positive mindset!

Natural Muscle Competitions

Written/Photography by

Andrew Livelsberger

Background:
Natural Muscle Association is an organization for competitive body building where certain substances are banned from use by their competitors.

Impression:
If you love body building competitions, then this is one for you!  The athletes and routines are just like the bigger named IFBB competitions, with the only real difference being the standards to which the athletes are held in regards to substances they can use during training to gain their physiques.

You'll find a high level of drive and desire, dedication and determination here.   The bodybuilders here worked very hard and compete even harder to try and bring home their prize.

Natural Muscle Association has several competitions in Ohio every year, the bigger ones being in Cleveland and Akron.  Check out their website for more information on the next competition, rules, banned substances.

Noodlecat - Ramen House

VisualOhio was recently in the Cleveland downtown area and we happened upon this great little restaurant called Noodlecat.

It was a cool 40 degrees F walking down Euclid Avenue at 7:00pm.  My wife and I were getting cold and we had a few hours to kill.   We were getting hungry and we spied through the front window.  I recognized the familiar site of Ramen bowls!  Hot soupy broth and noodles!  Yes, please!!

Before we even get to the food, here are some great things to know about this place.

• They play great music - especially if you like rock and classic rock.
• The staff there is great.  Quick to get you to your table and eager to serve....but they never try and rush you out the door.
• The decor is fun and inviting.  
• They have great hours - open 11am - 11pm
• Daily and happy hour specials($1 beers - YES!)
• Delivery

OK...what more do you need me to say?  With what I've listed above, you've got plenty of reason to try out Noodlecat.

The big question is.....how's the food?

It's fantastic.  You can get full or half portions of the ramen dishes and they even have Japanese steam bun sandwiches(small slider sized items).  We each got a half order of ramen and a steam bun sandwich, which filled us up plenty.  The bigger bowls would be perfect for those times when you need a bit more food to fill the tank.

The next time you are looking for something a little different, but a good comfort food, check out Noodlecat.

Takahachi Ramen
Ramen noodles in a pork broth, pork, dashi, sesame seeds, nori, garlic, scallions and a 6 minute egg.

Tempura Perch
steamed bun, hoisin, lettuce, pickled radish

Great Lakes Freighter - the William G. Mather

William G Mather as it sits in dock

The William G. Mather was a Great Lakes freighter ship that was commissioned as the flagship of the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company.  It was completed in 1925 and remained the flagship until 1952, when it was replaced by the Edward B. Greene.  Mather still remained active in the fleet until 1980.

The William G. Mather's main cargo was iron ore used in an, at the time, bustling Cleveland steel industry.  There were also guest cabins for transporting those who wished to travel across Lake Erie.
The William G. Mather is now a museum located in the same vicinity as the Rock and Roll hall of Fame and the Cleveland Browns Stadium.

Captain's Dining Room

For a modest fee, you can go on a self guided tour of this ship.   It was very interesting and the volunteers that work the decks are helpful in answering any questions you might have.   Generally, when people think of steel, they always think of Allentown or Bethlehem Steel in PA.  Ohio has also had a long and proud steel history and this ship was part of that.  The iron ore brought into Cleveland was used during World War II for the war effort.

This Wikipedia link will give you a good summary of the ship and it's activity throughout the years.

"A Christmas Story" House

1983 and 1989 are years that I will never forget.  1989 is significant because that is the year that "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" was released.  Before that, though, was the release of "A Christmas Story" in 1983.

For me, Christmas cannot be without a viewing of both of these classic movies.  What makes "A Christmas Story" that much more significant to me now is that the house that some of the movie was filmed at is located in Cleveland Ohio!!  The official website has the whole back story, and you can check it out for yourself if you wish.

Along with the actual house, there were two other houses purchased in close proximity.  One is a gift shop and the other is a museum.  They too are worth checking out.

The staff was great and a tour is provided for a fee.  It is not very expensive and well worth it.   When I was there, the actor that played Randy was also there!  Double bonus!

This house is a great piece of nostalgia as well as Hollywood history.  If you are in the area, make time to check it out.

The infamous bathroom!!  Where Ralphie had to endure LifeBouy and decoding
'Lil Orphan Annie's message with the decoder!

Ralphie's Bedroom

Each pin represents locations where visitors came from to see the house.
Note on the right, those are international flags!!