Sturm girls act out the birth of christ.

There is always a performance at the sturm house. I am especially proud of girls who know what they believe and share it.

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On the Sideline with the Bengals

Wow what a treat.  I got the opportunity to visit the Cincinnati Bengals 2010 training camp and participate from the sideline.  I grabbed a bunch of video of T O, Ocho and more for everyone to see.

I encourage you to drive an hour south to Georgetown KY and support their community and the Bengals.  It is an easy drive and a neat experience.



Sturm

4th of July is great for Family

The 4th of July reminds us how lucky we are to be Americans and I would like to encourage you to seek some quality family time.  Remember what made our country great and do your part to keep the dream of America alive.

The Sturm's have a full family weekend with a 5k run, parade, some golf, fireworks, cookout, birthdays and more.  The action never stops.



Chris Sturm

Cincy / NKY Burger Quest

Cincinnati Magazine just put out a great list of the 40 best burgers in the area.  As you know, the Sturm family likes to get out and explore the attractions that make our region unique and a hamburger quest sounds like a fun time.  In our early blog entries you've seen us visit places like Terry's Turf Club (awesome!) which is on the list.  We have also visited Skinny legs in Bellevue (great combo burger with barbecue, ranch and slaw on your cheeseburger).  Below, we ventured out to Gordo's in Norwood and Zips in Mt. Lookout.

Gordo's is easy to get to on Montgomery avenue, just off I-71.  This is a joint for the locals.  It looks like a Xavier hangout and is very inviting.  You are met with a long bar equipped with lots of unique beer and wine selections.  There is no air conditioning so it might be stuffy but the burgers were unreal. 

I can't remember every unique burger name but let me describe.  Mine was Hawaiian style with diced pineapple, some peppers for a kick and a think juicy burger.  Payton ran hers through the garden with tons of veggies and Jill's was called a J Robert and it included a grape like jam spread that was incredible.  Gordo's was a long shot we took before we read the magazine that is well worth it.

Gordo's - 4238 Montgomery Rd. Norwood OH (513)351-1999

For over 80 years the famous Zip burger has been served up in Mt. Lookout.  From NKY, we simply took 50 East along the river and turned left onto Delta Ave.  It is about 2 miles up on the right.

Everyone went with the classic zip burger with cheese.  The burger was only $5 and they will add any condiments you want on your zip burger.  Jill  and the girls went classic American cheese while I spiced it up with pepperjack.  Zips is old school.  The building is small but friendly.  Walk in and sit where ever you want to.  The food is super fresh and simple.

Get an order of onion rings, they are great.  A toy train circles around the ceiling while you eat which keeps the youngsters entertained.  Parking is on the street but it is no big deal.  We parked about 2 blocks away and enjoyed a nice walk.  The area is always hopping.

ZIP's Cafe - 1036 Delta Ave, Mt. Lookout (513) 871-9876

Get out and experience your home town - Chris Sturm

Payton turns 12

A post for the remote family so they can see the festivities.



It was great to have everyone over for the party.

Chris Sturm

Kids know fun

Kids know the instant summer fun is possible. The temp turns a few degrees warmer and the slip and slide hits the ground.

Chris Sturm
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Big Party for Andrea Rapp's 40th

ANDREA IS 40!

My friend Jerry Rapp went big time for his wife's 40th Birthday.  The Limo picked us up and we were cruisin in style. First stop was Abuelos where some of the ladies had taken Andrea so we could pull up in the Limo and surprise her.   The beer flowed like wine (name that movie).

Back in the Limo and it was time to drive.  Everyone sat politely in the Limo and discussed current events. Not!  There's mix master Glenn serving up the juice.

Sturm and Blue were in charge of navigation since the driver's garmin was from 1992 and the maps had not been updated.  Blue brilliantly led the driver to the Covington 5th st exit and then realized it is Mayfest weekend.

Women always need group shots. Carmeras and bathrooms both require a group of women.

Some of the guys meandored over for a photo opp.  Then it was piano time.  In Newport there is a new piano bar in with the Syndicate.

The guys were playing and the ladies began to gather round the table waiting for their chance to pounce on a microphone. 

The Piano Players grabbed Andrea and put her on stage.  Since we are in Newport, no Piano bar would be complete without a stripper pole in the middle of the stage or so I have heard that is what those oddly located poles are calle :).  Andrea's a singer not a dancer so she sang along with the crowd.

I knew this place was quality because they were cranking out Dark Side from Eddie and the Cruisers.  Who knows the movie?

Next was Andrea's turn to lead the room in Joy to the World.  Name that band? Anyone? Anyone?



Feeling the need to proper wind down this night and send our friends off to Texas on the right note, Jill and I ran next store and returned with...

THE CRAVE CASE FROM WHITE CASTLE

Jerry "my body is a temple" Rapp did eat his first and last white castle slider.

The evening was a blast and we returned home to our attentive baby sitter.

Just kidding Jess.  You can sleep on our couch anytime.

Folks, what a great night.  Be sure to send Jerry and Andrea Rapp a thank you card before they leave for Texas.

Chris Sturm

Marathon Sturm Bubenzer Glass Women Run 26.2

Rain could not stop the Sturm girls from supporting their mom, aunt and friends in the Cicinnati Flying Pig Marathon.  The girls were in perfect position at the 26 mile mark to watch their runners finish strong.

Jill Sturm, mom, ran by fast qualifying for the 4th time for the Boston Marathon.

More fans gathered in the rain for support including Joy Bubenzer Collins and Jessica Bubenzer.

Sturm friend Amy Coomes ran hard.  Her husband Adam also ran the race.

Jennifer Bubenzer Glass, Jill's sister, ran the marathon one year to the day after giving birth to twins.  Way to go Jen.

These women are awesome role models for their kids.

Chris Sturm

Sturm recommends Original State for Water Damage

Friends,


With 4 to 6 inches of rain expected this weekend odds are someone you know will be effected by flood or water damage to their home or business. Most people do not know who to call for emergency water extraction, drying and restoration. Please consider Original State (http://www.originalstate.com/).

Original State has a 24/7 emergency number (859) 212-0955, is fully certified and works directly with your insurance company.

Original State is locally owned by friends of yours like Andy Ellison of Ft. Thomas and they would appreciate your support.

Original State Restoration – Restoring Comfort to Your Life

Iphone Solves Attack of Reward Cards

Take back your keychain and stop the attack of the reward cards. NKU and Yesworx just released Memberscan for your Iphone and Ipod Touch. Watch the video. It is easy to use and works with the majority of scanners used in stores.

This is a fun and useful app and half of the proceeds go to NKU's development and advancement efforts.

Here is a link to Memberscan in the Itunes app store.

Bellevue is fun for family

Bellevue has got some fun shops you need to visit.  As many of you know by now, the Sturm family tries to get to a new and unique place each weekend to promote local businesses in our community.  Bellevue has a number of shops we will be visiting.

Pasquale's restuarant on Fairfield Ave is affordable and always hopping.  Pizza, hoagies and more are on the menu.  Place your order, grab a seat and watch the hustle and bustle out the windows. MAP

It had been 20 years since I had last visited and my awsome meatball hogie took me back to high school memories.  The family then went down the street to The Party Source to find thousands of unqiue food and drink items for every occasion. MAP

The night ended with a visit to Schneider's sweet shop.  Over 75 years of history hit you as you walk into this famous ice cream and candy shop. MAP

That is homemade mint chocolate chip that Nina is enjoying.  Make sure you order a 2lb chocolate egg with the famous opera cream filling for Easter.

Payton went with the Chocolate.  She likes the classics and it was rich.

Raisins, penauts, oreos and nutter butters all covered in chocolate.  You can't go wrong on this menu.

Get out and visit Bellevue on the river.  It is fun and affordable.

Chris Sturm

Go East for Great Burgers

Looking for a great and unusual burger in the Cincy / NKY region, then go to Eastern Ave along the Ohio river to Terry's Turf Club.  The burgers are as unique as the all the old time neon signs that welcome you to Terry's.

Once again the whole family had to experience this landmark.  This small restaurant is always packed but the line moves quick.  We went at 4:30 on a Saturday and it was already busy.

Ciara, Jill and Payton got their soda in a can and a wide selection of beer, wine and liquor all housed in old time refrigarators around the room.  Don't waste your time with a dishwasher because Terry serves on paper plates for fast cleanup.

Sloane and Nina loved all the old time neon signs and the menu is crazy.  Sure you can order a cheeseburger but what you put on it is very interesting.  Jill got a cheesburger with a burgundy wine and mushroom sauce and I went nuts.  A burger with Swiss carmelized onions, all the fixins and a mango/curry sauce.  As Gomer Pyle would say, "Surprise, surprise" because it was awesome.  Jill said it seemed like she was eating a fancy steak sandwich.  I have friends that have gotten the goat cheese or 3 brie cheese on their burgers.  Don't be afraid because it is "Nothing but Good."

Terry's is affordable and friendly for the whole family so get out, explore the area and support your local businesses.

Chris Sturm

Head back to School for Dinner

The Sturm family headed to Camp Dennison, just outside Cincinnati by Loveland for dinner at the historic, "The Schoolhouse Restaurant."  This is the first 2 story school house in the mid west built in 1863.  It sits on what was a Civil War camp for the Union army.  The history and food is awesome.

Step inside and you are in a time warp of American History.  For over 40 years, the Miller family has operated this "home cookin" restaurant for the community.  Chris Miller will tell you stories as he tends the register.  Look up at the art donated by the class of 1910.

Does anybody recognize this machine? Yes it is an old time cigarette machine.  40 cents a pack!

In the main classroom, you will find the menu on the chalkboard and the lazy susan distributes unlimited salads, bread, vegatables and super awesome corn fritters.  You have to order the fritters with butter and honey.  Fried Chicken and more awaits you with friendly prices.

Get out and support your local businesses.  Abraham Lincoln visited the schoolhouse and so should you.

Chris Sturm

Schoolhouse Restaurant (513) 831-5753
8031 Glendale-Milford Rd
Camp Dennison, OH 45111

Is this Alaska

I have customers in Alaska and they did not have this much snow. N KY got 10 inches. Since I had to shovel all of it, I say it was closer to 19 inches. (Guy measuring always adds a few inches). My girls actually dug a tunnel in the snow. Do you realize how much snow you have to get to carve a tunnel?

There is a point to my rant. People in Alaska have learned that snow is a part of life. Life does not stop. I encourage N KY to take a deep breath, realize your kids don't need 3 gallons of milk for one day at home and roll with it. 24 hour news does not mean 24 hour panic.

Here's my advice, stimulate the economy and hire a kid to shovel the driveway.

Chris Sturm

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Is the mall dying?

A cold saturday night and needing to kill some olive garden wait time means a visit to the mall. The big fountain now has no water and the central coffee shop is gone. Is the mall dying?

Being, "Mr small business" I hate to see the now empty shops. Is it the economy? Is it an outdated model?

Folks it is time to be creative in business. The shopper has been cookie cutter stored to death. We need to rediscover the American idividual that makes us great.

I call this article, "thoughts from the mall playland."

Chris Sturm
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Excuse for a party

When men get together there does not need to be a reason but women are different. Cooking, candles, food all without men. Tonight I know of two of the most unique parties happening. A friend's wife is going to a pure romance party. That is the only women's party I am bummed about not being invited. The other party is a first.

My daughter is celebrating her half birthday with a sleepover of 6 girls. Let's remember I already have 4 girls at home. Before you accuse her of double dipping, her birthday is in july but she did not have a party.

I am giving my wife full credit for the creation of the half birthday party and encouraging her hosting of a pure romance party.

Stay thirsty my friends :).

Chris Sturm
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Time with friends important

Kids, jobs, deadlines and running from one activity to the next can make you feel crazy. It would be easy to turn down a friend's birthday party invitation but don't do it.

Time with friends is a battery recharger. Eating things you shouldn't, your favorite drink and reliving silly memories keep us alive. Remember that you are also there to share with others that might need your support.

Have fun and get out.

Chris Sturm
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

NKU needs support sat 1/23 for ESPN

ESPN will nationally televise the NORSE mens basketball game on Sat 1/23 at 2pm and we need to "Break the Bank". 2nd deck tickets are ONLY $1. Get off your backsides and support your local school. These successes are crucial in our community growth.


Enjoy a fun time in an amazing facility while you support your community and its national image.

Here is a link to lean more.

http://nkunorse.com/splash.aspx?id=splash_7


Chris Sturm
NKU Alumni President

Happy New Year 2010

Party at the hayden's house. Jill is hot, my daughters are cool, God bless.

Sturm
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