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Shirts Just Want to Have Fun

Submitted 08-26-2010 under LOCAL LIFE

When Brian Edwards, designer Chris Koens and Matt Fulk dreamed up ShirtPrize last year, it was a whim. A lark. It was intended to be a gentle parody of Grand Rapids' ArtPrize competition. "It was very tongue in cheek," said Edwards. Then, an...

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Undercover in Heartside - Part III: Observations and conclusions

Submitted 08-25-2010 under LOCAL LIFE

In this series, I posed as a homeless man living on the streets in Heartside neighborhood from Aug. 15-17. I use the term "patrons" to refer to the homeless men and women in Heartside, derived from their patronage of social services. My friend,...

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[Eat & Drink ArtPrize 2010] Bar Divani

Submitted 08-23-2010 under LOCAL LIFE

Draped windows, brocaded seats and barricades of wine. At first glance, the cool and moodily lit Bar Divani seems like the type of place to be seen, a spot for haute cuisine and hauter cocktails. Come at the right hour and you can enjoy it all...

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[Eat & Drink ArtPrize 2010] Pub 43

Submitted 08-23-2010 under LOCAL LIFE

A landmark establishment in Heartside’s Avenue for the Arts, Pub 43 (43 S. Division) has been the drinking establishment of choice for many of the art district’s longstanding organizers, residents and other insiders. Many a gallery exhibition,...

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[Eat & Drink ArtPrize 2010] O'Toole's Public House

Submitted 08-23-2010 under LOCAL LIFE

At the stroke of 12 noon on Sunday head straight for O'Toole's and the $3 make-your- own Bloody Mary bar and $4 burger specials. The Bloody bar starts with Absolut, you add your choice of mixers, vegetables, salts, spices and one or some of a dozen...

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[Eat & Drink ArtPrize 2010] Stella's Lounge

Submitted 08-23-2010 under LOCAL LIFE

In an alleyway between Commerce and Ionia avenues lies Stella's Lounge, where vintage arcade games, over 200 whiskies and substantial vegan (and non-vegan) fare are married into a single experience. Stella's opened on May 1, 2010, the day Michigan...

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short, sweet and satisfying

Submitted 08-13-2010 under LOCAL LIFE

Git up Already!This weekend there are a few cannot miss events! So here is a quick and dirty throw down list for those who want to get out and about GR style. The list is short, sweet and satisfying.Here is Word on the Street August 13,...

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[MIDTOWN] Couple's documentation shows shopping local does not need to be costly

Submitted 08-11-2010 under LOCAL LIFE

Rice, canned beans, eggs, sweet potatoes, carrots, cheese, bread and El Matador tortilla chips. These are common items in Amanda Narvaes and Josh Dunigan's pantry, and if they are staples on your shopping list, the couple will tell you it does not...

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Clear as a Bell: Fountain Street Church Bells Chime Through Downtown

Submitted 08-10-2010 under LOCAL LIFE

It is one of the most instantly recognizable points on the Grand Rapid skyline. Not as tall as the mighty McKay Tower or iconic as the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, but it is an entirely unique architectural wonder. The bell-tower at Fountain Street...

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Fulton Street Cemetery - Part II: Citizens and their contributions to Grand Rapids

Submitted 08-10-2010 under LOCAL LIFE

The Fulton Street Cemetery is home to men and women who made this city what it is today. Many of the things we enjoy in this city were created by the settlers of a tiny frontier town called Grand Rapids. “The people in this cemetery are...

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