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Archive for January, 2020

Where Are the Best Places for Millennials to Live and Work?

Younger workers are likelier to seek new cities for career advancement. Here are the Top 10 metro areas based on job-relevant factors.

Article originally published in The New York Times By Michael Kolomatsky | January 23, 2020

Millennials, still in the earlier stages of their careers and less likely to be encumbered by the needs of children or spouses, may strongly consider relocation as they climb the professional ladder. But where are the best cities to work?

A new study by Commercialcafe ranked metro areas for millennials based on seven factors related to employment. For the purposes of the study, “millennials” were defined as people born between 1986 and 1995, and only metro areas with populations of at least 1 million were considered.

Each area was ranked in seven categories to determine a total score: Millennial population growth between 2014 and 2018, millennial population share, regional price parity (a cost-of-living comparison in which a score of 100 represents the national average), millennial unemployment rate, the share of millennials with employer-based health insurance, the share of working millennials with a bachelor’s degree, and average commuting time.

Metro areas in the South and Midwest scored well, aided by their lower living costs. The Raleigh, N.C., area, for example, came in below the national average on the 100-point price parity scale: 95.2. Columbus, Ohio, did even better, at 92.3.

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After all the data was crunched, Denver topped the list, with its low unemployment and high millennial population growth rate offsetting its higher cost of living (106.3 on the price parity scale) and relatively high average commuting time (28 minutes).

Below, the Top 10 places for millennial workers, based on the study, and two of the categories in which those places scored the highest.

 

1. Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Colo.

13% millennial population growth, 2014-18 • 3% millennial unemployment rate

2. Austin-Round Rock, Texas

17% millennial population share • 40% working millennials with a bachelor’s degree

3. Raleigh, N.C.

41% working millennials with a bachelor’s degree • 2% millennial unemployment rate

4. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, Wash.

14% millennial population growth, 2014-18

70% millennials with employer-based health insurance

5. Salt Lake City

23 minutes commuting time • 16% millennial population share

6. Columbus, Ohio

24 min. commuting time • 16% millennial population share

7. Grand Rapids-Wyoming, Mich.

22 min. commuting time • 69% millennials with employer-based health insurance

8. Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, Tenn.

11% millennial population, growth 2014-18 • 4% millennial unemployment rate

9. Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, Ore./Wash.

27 min. commuting time • 102 regional price parity score

10. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, Calif.

131 regional price parity score • 40% working millennials with a bachelor’s degree

Source: Commercialcafe


Columbus Arena District Digest | Week of January 27, 2020

Have some free time this upcoming week? Wondering what to do, where to go or what to eat in downtown Columbus? Here is your Columbus Arena District Digest for the week of January 27, 2020:

 

Events

R Bar Arena Queen of Hearts Raffle

Thursday, January 30 | R Bar Columbus | 6 PM

R Bar Arena is giving out a sizable pot of dough during their Queen of Hearts raffle! Held every Thursday, the drawing gives you numerous chances to win cash payouts—including a grand prize of $906 (as of this writing). Tickets can also be purchased at Half Pint Columbus. Stop in to grab some food, get a ticket or two (or ten) and cross your fingers for a lucky day!

 

Disney On Ice Presents Dream Big

January 29 – February 2 | Nationwide Arena

This week, the rink at Nationwide Arena is transforming into happiest place on earth! Come see Disney On Ice for a magical performance of Dream Big, brought to you by some of your favorite Disney characters! Join Anna, Elsa, Moana, Maui and Miguel as they skate their way through musical adventures. Check out tickets to see one of these spectacular performances, with showtimes available from Wednesday through Sunday! Make a wish, dream big, and see it all on center ice!

Sports

CBJ Watch Party at R Bar Arena

Saturday, February 1 | R Bar Arena | 1 PM

Watch Columbus Blue Jackets play an away game against the Buffalo Sabres, all within the thrilling environment of the Arena District! R Bar Arena will be hosting a watch party, complete with ticket giveaways, drink specials and more. Join the excitement and cheer on the Jackets to victory.

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Stay tuned for our next edition of Arena District Digest!


5 Apartment Interior Design Trends That We Love for 2020

As the new year settles in, we often think about how much our personal lives are in need of refreshing. One of our biggest influences is the environment we choose to live in, as our home deserves the same level of attention that we give ourselves.

 

From creating new spaces to giving rooms a makeover, there are several ways to bring your downtown Columbus apartment back to life. Using the latest interior design trends for 2020, here are a few styles to inspire your home décor this year.

5 Apartment Interior Design Trends That We Love for 2020

1 .The Japandi Style

Japandi is the fusion between Japanese and Scandinavian style. Aesthetically pleasing with cultural influences, this style is minimalist, simple and functional. It includes natural textures, neutral tones and bright, open spaces paired with the rustic elements of Japanese style.

 

To achieve this 2020 trend in your Columbus apartment, less is more. Keep furniture simple and add colors that evoke calmness and comfort. Hand-crafted items with clean lines and wooden textures allow for a deeper sense of connection to your environment.

5 Apartment Interior Design Trends That We Love for 2020

2. Geometric Patterns

Geometric patterns and shapes are trending up in apartment interior design. While you can find geometric anything, anywhere, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overdoing it. In 2020, pick any area of your home that you would like to make a bold statement—a place that will grasp attention and everyone’s favorite place to meet. In the kitchen, for example, a geometric pattern on the island in your kitchen or backsplash will be the perfect place to start!

5 Apartment Interior Design Trends That We Love for 2020

3. Bold Black & White

The most stunning, dramatic, and sophisticated apartment interior design trend for 2020 is the clash between black and white. With several ways to incorporate this into your home, contemporary interior designers often combine these colors with a pop of color or sleek metals. To appropriately balance black and white rooms, use black as the accent color and white as the main shade.

5 Apartment Interior Design Trends That We Love for 2020

4. Shades of Pink

Thinking about brightening up your apartment? The variations of pink are a major trend in 2020. The pink color wheel includes blush, millennial pink, pastel pink, rose pink, bronze, taupe, and other light pink shades that will stand out in a neutral room. A touch of feminine tones around the apartment—whether used as accents or features—will provide a subtle, natural appeal no matter your gender.

5 Apartment Interior Design Trends That We Love for 2020

5. Personalized Bathroom Design

Our final 2020 apartment trend takes a trip to the bathroom—the place where we spend a good portion of time grooming, styling and getting ready for the day ahead. When it comes to interior design, bathrooms are a great place to experiment and have fun.

 

With options to have daring wall décor, paintings and choosing elements that symbolize your personality, designing your bathroom allows for a level of personalization that you might not be able to pull off in other rooms.

 

What is your favorite apartment interior design trend for 2020? Share it in the comments below!

 


Columbus Arena District Digest | Week of January 20, 2020

Have some free time this upcoming week? Wondering what to do, where to go or what to eat in downtown Columbus? Here is your Columbus Arena District Digest for the week of January 13, 2020:

 

Food

(614) Restaurant Week 2020

January 20-25 | Various Restaurants | Varying Hours

It’s Columbus (614)’s Restaurant Week 2020! Several downtown Columbus restaurants are participating in this joyous annual celebration of local food, including:

 

Half-Pint Columbus

For $20, The Half-Pint Columbus is offering a custom-designed three-course meal that includes several favorites—from stuffed jalapenos and Cajun catfish BLTs to chef-made mini cakes and roasted veggie sandwiches. Click here to view The Half-Pint’s full Restaurant Week menu.

 

Nada

For $25, Nada—located in the Arena District—offers a three-course meal featuring tasty creations ranging from baby kale Caesar salads and churros to Baja fish and caramelized cauliflower. Click here to view Nada’s full Restaurant Week menu.

 

Rodizio Grill

For $30, Arena District’s Brazilian steakhouse, Rodizio Grill, is giving Restaurant Week participants a three-course meal that includes unlimited Brazilian appetizers, an award-winning gourmet salad bar and The Full Rodizio—unlimited rotisserie grilled meats. Click here to view Rodizio Grill’s full Restaurant Week menu.

 

Hofbräuhaus Columbus

Over in Grandview Yard, Hofbräuhaus Columbus is bringing the German-flavored fare to Restaurant Week 2020, with a three-course meal that lets you choose from a variety of dishes—from bratwurst chili and a sampler of würsts to Bavarian cream puffs and Oktoberfest-style roasted chicken. Click here to view Hofbräuhaus Columbus’ full Restaurant Week menu.

 

Events

5th Line 5K

Saturday, January 25 | Nationwide Arena | 10 AM

The 5th Line 5K Race, presented by OhioHealth and hosted by the Columbus Blue Jackets and M3S Sports, is a surefire way to kick the winter blues! Grab your running shoes and join this 3.1-mile foot race to the finish line at Nationwide Arena center ice. Afterwards, attend the post-race party to receive tons of cool swag! Register now to claim your spot in the race.

 

Dinosaur Adventure Columbus

January 25-26 | Greater Columbus Convention Center | 9 AM

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to experience living with dinosaurs? Coming this weekend to the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Dinosaur Adventure is a one-of-a-king exhibit featuring realistic, life-sized dinosaurs that come alive with life-like movement and roars. Dino fans of all ages can enjoy a variety of activities including fossil crafting, obstacle courses, dinosaur rides, live entertainment and more! Click here for tickets.

 

Sports

Columbus Blue Jackets vs Winnipeg Jets

Wednesday, January 22 | Nationwide Arena | 7 PM

Join us this Wednesday at Nationwide Arena for a match-up between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Winnipeg Jets. Last November, we saw a formidable opposition from both teams, resulting in a narrow loss for the Blue Jackets. Find your tickets and cheer on the Jackets during this exciting rematch!

 

Music

Umphrey’s McGee

Saturday, January 25 | EXPRESS LIVE! | 6:00 PM

Coming to the stage this Saturday at EXPRESS LIVE!, Umphrey’s McGee will be bringing a night of unforgettable music to the Arena District! These experienced performers bring together a talented mix of jazz, rock, metal and funk that is sure to please any ear. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. followed by a spectacular performance by opening band, The New Deal. Grab your tickets and witness this exceptional night of performance!

 

What We’re Looking Forward To

Disney On Ice Presents Dream Big

January 29 – February 2 | Nationwide Arena

The rink at Nationwide Arena transforms into happiest place on earth in just one week! Come see Disney On Ice for a magical performance of Dream Big, brought to you by some of your favorite Disney characters! Join Anna, Elsa, Moana, Maui and Miguel as they skate their way through musical adventures. Check out tickets to see one of these spectacular performances, with showtimes available from Jan. 29- Feb. 2! Make a wish, dream big, and see it all on center ice!

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Stay tuned for our next edition of Arena District Digest!

 


Columbus Arena District Digest | Week of January 13, 2020

Have some free time this upcoming week? Wondering what to do, where to go or what to eat in downtown Columbus? Here is the Columbus Arena District Digest for the week of January 13, 2020:

 

Sports

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Carolina Hurricanes

Tuesday, January 14 | Nationwide Arena | 7 PM

It’s hockey time again and to kick off a new wave of exciting hockey action the Columbus Blue Jackets invite you to Nationwide Arena for their match against the Boston Bruins. Don’t miss out on the fun—grab tickets for this great game!

 

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Carolina Hurricanes

Thursday, January 16 | Nationwide Arena | 7 PM

Back on center ice at Nationwide Arena the Columbus Blue Jackets face off against the Carolina Hurricanes for the third time this season. The Blue Jackets have managed to secure a win in the past two matchups, finishing off the Hurricanes in overtime back in October.

What’s more for our vets, this game is Military Appreciation Night. Special military recognitions will be held throughout the game, and the first 10,000 fans will receive Blue Jackets camo hats. Additionally, USO volunteers will be on-site collecting approved items for USO Support Lounges across the country. Fans who donate any of the items listed here will receive a voucher for one free ticket to an upcoming home game.

 

Get your tickets for this great game of hockey and cheer on the Blue Jackets for the hat trick!

 

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. New Jersey Devils

Saturday, January 18 | Nationwide Arena | 7 PM

It’s been a back and forth game of domination between the Blue Jackets and the New Jersey Devils, as both teams have taken wins from the other by large margins this season. Coming to Nationwide Arena this Saturday, witness the next part of this exciting saga. Find your tickets, grab your seats and become part of the action!

 

Music

Zachariah’s Red Eye Reunion Featuring McGuffey Lane

Saturday, January 18 | EXPRESS LIVE! | 7 PM

Country rock band McGuffey Lane returns home for Zachariah’s Red Eye Reunion at EXPRESS LIVE! The band found its roots at the now-defunct Zacharia’s Red Eye Saloon in Columbus in 1977 and began hosting annual reunion concerts beginning in 2001. Now, nearly two decades later, the band is once again bringing country rock to the good people of Columbus! Get your tickets for a night of tunes and come see the show!

 

What We’re Looking Forward To

Umphrey’s McGee

Saturday, January 25 | EXPRESS LIVE! | 6:00 PM

Coming to the stage at EXPRESS LIVE!, Umphrey’s McGee brings a night of unforgettable music to the Arena District! These experienced performers bring together a talented mix of jazz, rock, metal and funk that is sure to please any and all musical tastes. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. followed by a spectacular performance by opening band, The New Deal. Grab your tickets and don’t miss this exceptional night!

 

5th Line 5K

Saturday, January 25 | Nationwide Arena | 10 AM

The 5th Line 5K Race presented by OhioHealth and hosted by the Columbus Blue Jackets and M3S Sports is about to get underway! Grab your running shoes and join this 3.1-mile foot race to the finish line at center ice. Afterwards, join in the fun at the concourse level for a post-race party! Register to claim your spot in the race or contact [email protected] for more information.

Stay tuned for our next edition of Arena District Digest!


Columbus Arena District Digest | Week of January 6, 2020

Have some free time this upcoming week? Wondering what to do, where to go or what to eat in downtown Columbus? Here is the Columbus Arena District Digest for the week of January 6, 2020:

 

Fitness

fitCAMP

Monday, January 6 | Arena District Athletic Club |

Join the Arena District Athletic Club for the first class in a series of 16 high-intensity training sessions—all part of fitCAMP, a four-week group training fitness program. This bootcamp-style training program promises quick results with lasting benefits. Check out pricing for fitCAMP and view a list of additional classes and programs available to the Columbus Arena District.

 

Ice Haus Noon Skate

Mon-Fri | OhioHealth Ice Haus | 12 PM

Looking for a fun way to stay fit after the holiday season? Whether you hug the rail or swirl on center ice, you’ll get a healthy dose of exercise during Noon Skate at the OhioHealth Ice Haus! Take a lunch break and gather family and friends for an afternoon of indoor ice-skating amusement and fun—Monday through Friday.

 

Beauty

MySalonSuite Grandview Yard

1090 Yard Street

If you’re in need of a makeover to start 2020, then head over to MySalonSuite in Grandview Heights for a variety of services done by Columbus’ top beauty professionals! Downtown Columbus Resident VIP offers special discounts/promotions, listed individually by service provider—simply visit their website, scroll to Beauty Professionals at this Location and click details to view the offers.

 

Food

With the start of 2020 comes resolutions to live and eat healthier. Luckily, several restaurants in the Arena District offer a selection of healthy menu options to help you conquer your cravings without burning through your calorie count! Here are a few:

 

Veranico Kitchen

401 N Front St. | Menu

Enjoy delicious soups, sandwiches, bowls, salads, house-made juices and more at Veranico Kitchen, located south of the North Market. Check out hours and plan your next meal on their website!

 

Nada

220 W Nationwide Blvd | Menu

Nada mixes healthy with Mexican cuisine, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a variety of margaritas and craft cocktails! Check out Nada’s website for hours and information.

 

Zoup Eatery

155 W. Nationwide Blvd | Menu

Find your next sandwich, salad, bowl or soup at Zoup! Dine-in or order-out a wide variety of daily soups and low-fat food products. Whether you are gluten free, dairy free or vegetarian, there is a dish to be enjoyed for everyone.

 

What We’re Looking Forward To

Zachariah’s Red Eye Reunion Featuring McGuffey Lane

Saturday, January 18 | EXPRESS LIVE! | 7 PM

Country rock band McGuffey Lane returns home for Zachariah’s Red Eye Reunion, brought to  you by EXPRESS LIVE! The band found its roots at Zacharia’s Red Eye Saloon in 1977 and began hosting annual reunion concerts beginning in 2001. Now, at the turn of the decade, the band brings country rock once again to the good people of Columbus! Get your tickets for a night of tunes and come see the show!

 

5th Line 5K

Saturday, January 25 | Nationwide Arena | 10 AM

The 5th Line 5K Race presented by OhioHealth and hosted by the Columbus Blue Jackets and M3S Sports is about to get underway! Grab your running shoes and join this 3.1-mile foot race to the finish line at Nationwide Arena center ice. Afterwards, join in the fun at the concourse level for a post-race party! Participants will receive a 2020 medal, event shirt, Blue Jackets tickets, tumblr and more. Register to claim your spot in the race or contact [email protected] for more information.

 

Stay tuned for our next edition of Arena District Digest!


CBF Morning Run: What you need to know today and a beautiful night with my wife, Elvis and Zach

Originally published in Columbus Business First by Mark Somerson

Happy Monday morning, Columbus.

The Blue Jackets are on a roll, baby. Against all odds and conventional wisdom, the team is playing like a contender. Heck, they beat Boston in Boston last week.

But this column doesn’t start in Boston. It starts in Columbus a few days before we celebrated a new year …

My youngest daughter bought me a hat for Hanukkah.

It’s a warm and comfy Columbus Blue Jackets hat in red, white and blue. It’s topped with a pom pom.

Caroline purchased it for me as a replacement for the Blue Jackets hat that I gladly tossed to the ice on Nov. 29 when forward Gustav Nyquist scored a hat trick in the team’s 5-2 win over the Penguins at Nationwide Arena.

That was a glorious night spent celebrated with my other daughter, Mara, who is my partner at Blue Jackets games.

I have a few other Blue Jackets hats at home, but that was among my favorites. It was a third jersey hat that I quite liked. A nice topper, if you will.

Here it is:

Anyhoo, I wore the new hat on New Year’s Eve.

My wife, Jackie, and I started out the evening in the Brewery District, where we dug into a platter of “bread and fat” at Rockmill Tavern, drank some fine brews and shared a wonderful dinner. You might remember I wrote about said bread and fat in a past column. It is an amazing plate full of sin and flavor.

Go try it. Now. You’ll thank me. (By the way, if you are on a diet that restricts bread and fats, you might order the veggie platter.)

After a delightful meal, Jackie and I headed to the Arena District to watch the Blue Jackets play the Florida Panthers, who brought Sergei Bobrovsky back to Columbus for his first game at Nationwide Arena since leaving over the summer.

Jackie doesn’t attend that many games. But when she does, she expects the team to 1) score every time they bring the puck down the ice, 2) stop every shot on defense, 3) win, and 4) win by a lot.

That’s a lot of pressure on a team that has lost a good chunk of its starters to a ridiculous number of injuries, including one suffered by its starting goalie in the previous game.

In all, 10 players who should have been on the ice were nursing various body parts that were broken, ripped and bruised.

One that really deflated confidence was Joonas Korpisalo’s injury. He tore the meniscus in a knee Sunday afternoon, and that meant that Elvis Merzlikins would start in goal on Tuesday.

Elvis had yet to notch an NHL win. He was 0-4 heading into New Year’s Eve.

Jackie was not impressed with the odds. Oh, and she is not a fan of goalies who leave the crease to chase down pucks. She yells at them to get back. Loudly. Every time.

Thankfully, Elvis had one of those magical nights that rookie goalies dream about. The young man played the game of his life, stopping 36 of 37 shots.

While incredible, Jackie still yelled at Elvis to get back in the crease every time he skated behind the goal to play a puck.

What does this have to do with new hats? Well, Elvis wasn’t the only star of the game.

Defenseman Zach Werenski just happened to score three goals that night. A rare and lovely hat trick.

And when that third goal went in the net at 8:04 in the third period, I pulled my new hat from my head, cocked my arm and prepared to toss my lid to the ice.

That’s when Jackie caught my eye. “Really? Caroline just bought you that hat.” That’s true.

Besides, I’ve tossed four or five hats onto the ice over the years to celebrate these feats of hockey greatness. And it was chilly outside. Brr.

In the end, the Jackets won 4-1, Elvis and my wife got to celebrate a big win, and I kept my balding dome warm on the long walk to the car.