Posted by Rebecca on Nov 17, 2009 in
Architecture,
Photography After typing ”Las Vegas foreclosures” into the google search engine box today, the query produced six million results. The first three pages of such results were filled with companies involved in the sale of home foreclosures. I was actually looking for statistics on foreclosure rates, but decided I didn’t really need them. All I had to do was look around me, and only in my neighborhood’s vicinity.
You see, I live in a hipster atomic-aged neighborhood filled with fabulous mod architecture and fabulous mod people. However, due to the downturn of the economy, some of the hipsters lost their hipster cocktail, bartending, promotion and marketing jobs. They couldn’t afford to continue to make payments on their hipster (Prius-like) vehicles, let alone their hipster pads. Each day I drive around the neighborhood, I cringe at the sight of another hipster loss; a foreclosure sign.
This foreclosed home was sold by Jack Levine at veryvintagevegas.com, just to be flipped and sold through Century 21
Now, I’ve gotten to know my neighbors quite well the past year, and they told me the uber-hipsters were the first to go. It wasn’t because they were younger, didn’t save or got into something they really couldn’t afford. In fact, the hipster-est were the first to spend their money wisely; they poured their money into their houses in way of renovations and restorations. Everyone from bank lenders to financial advisors suggested they do so, for it could only build equity and they’d get that money back and then some.
But then, something happened. Their mortgages coupled with home improvement loans began to cut off their air supply as the value of their homes plummeted. They began drowning in debt without any equity. And then the hipsters had to make a choice: Drown or Swim the seven-year bankruptcy/poor credit relay. Most of them decided to live, but left remnants of their near-death experiences all over my neighborhood. Consider my recent photoblog a memorial to those brave enough to attempt the seven-year swim.
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Tags: atomic, las vegas, Mid-Century, Photography, real estate
Posted by Rebecca on Nov 4, 2009 in
Mid-Century,
Reviews,
Social Networking When writing about Web design, I’ve often given props to portfolio designers and Wordpress theme creators. Some designers have inspired me to put my personality out there and others have made me appreciate their own unique online presence. This time, I feel I should showcase and give thanks to another designer for simply creating a wonderful and easy-to-navigate site which I use practically every day. Craig Newmark, thank you for sharing (free of charge) with communities a phenomenon called Craigslist.org. Because the site offers up so many services to barter, a savvy college-aged Craigslister can live comfortably even if they don’t have the means to do so. Moreover Mr. Newmark, I just want to extend thanks for some specifics regarding your site, which I understand hasn’t changed much since the 1990s.
Photo of Craig Newmark borrowed from businessweek.com
By not subscribing to some modes of Webification, you have stuck to your guns. I never have to download another version of Flash Player, or wait extra precious seconds to upload pages. You have made it simple enough for people my grandparents’ age to upload photographs of their vintage wares for sale. Please continue to stick to the basics of text, photographs and hyperlinks.
You have built communities. People with common interests and zip codes have an easy way to participate in online forums and plan events. People who meet up to buy or sell items occasionally build relationships (I’ve built many friendships based on Las Vegas nostalgia).
You have made your site extremely user-friendly. Using breadcrumb navigation which everyone is familiar with, there isn’t any process-learning. Web minimalist and author Steve Krug would probably thank you, Mr. Newmark, for not making him think! Craigslist.org takes a common sense approach to Web usability in that it follows conventions while shifting any marketing extras to the side. To cater to conventions, minimalism and simplicity, Craigslist.org must suffer a little bit. Some would say your site is ugly and not aesthetically pleasing. Personally, I’m one of those people who believe it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Yeah, you might say I’m crushing on you right now.
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Tags: craigslist, Mid-Century, minimalism, online communities, web design
Posted by Rebecca on Oct 27, 2009 in
Food,
Mid-Century,
Reviews As you may know, I’m a big fan of anything mid-century. This goes for architecture, furniture, film, books and even foodstuffs. Because I live in a neighborhood which prides itself on such representation, it is no surprise that 50’s Diner Omelet House has found success while planted in its center. Even though situated in the corner of a strip mall, from the outside the breakfast joint still screams legitimacy, for its posted hours are 7:30 am – 3:00 pm and its parking lot is packed. In addition, the restaurant’s wall of windows are covered by blinds. Only one thing comes to mind: ”Must find the treasures inside!”
Upon entering, I noted the elements of the usual diner spread; menus, sugar canisters, and single-serving jellies on tables, seating for 50 people not including the bonus room, a sign directing me to seat myself, a blackboard listing of-the-day specials and a black and white checkered floor. However, it was super clean, the walls were painted pink, valuable vintage records lined shelves, oldies music filled the air, and eclectic period memorabilia adorned the walls. The most interesting part of the collection was perhaps a 60-year-old candy machine brimming with weekly magazines.
Even though I entered the diner right before closing time at around 2:30 pm, I was still greeted kindly by the host, server and cook. I sat in a booth made for six and started analyzing the menu. It offered up the usual diner fare, like sandwiches, burgers, chili and breakfast items. But there was an entire page dedicated to 39 specialty three-egg and six-egg omelets, served with house-recipe-spuds and choice of bread. Because ‘omelet’ is included in the diner’s name, I decided to go for it, and picked a meat lover’s omelet ($6.50) listed as one of the blackboard specials, along with the risky cream of cilantro ($2.00) listed as the soup d’jour. I also ordered a ‘Doo-Wop’ soft drink ($1.70), which consisted of picking a flavored syrup to compliment a soda. I decided on a vanilla Coke.
The soda arrived in less than a minute accompanied by a small cup of extra syrup which wasn’t needed but appreciated. The cream of cilantro soup arrived a minute later and I was surprised at how layered the flavors were. It was light and broth-y, yet there was a hint of onion and cream. The fresh pieces of cilantro melted in my mouth. I finished my last spoonful just as my meat-lover’s omelet arrived with fresh spuds and homemade pumpkin nut bread. The omelet was massive, for it was made with six eggs and filled with applewood smoked bacon, crumbled sausage and cheddar cheese. The spuds looked like and had the consistency of kettle-cooked potato chips, which complimented the soft and cheesy omelet. I enjoyed the pumpkin nut bread the most, and the kind server even shoved an extra slice into my take-home box which I didn’t discover until the next day.
If you’re a fan of diners, omelets or both, 50’s diner Omelet House is a must-visit. I’m hoping to become a regular, for it is centrally located in my neighborhood. Moreover, I want to make the owner an offer on some of that vintage vinyl.
50’s Diner Omelet House is located at 3050 E Desert Inn Rd. #140 Las Vegas NV 89121. It is open seven days a week 7:30 am - 3:00 pm. Directions
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Tags: Food, las vegas, Mid-Century, restaurants, Reviews
