The Fog Lifts

Mike shows off University Square on a foggy Wednesday morning, admiring the ambiance and the electric mix of shops and restaurants that have sprung up in this relatively recent development adjacent to The Ohio State University.

Good morning, Facebook. This is Mike George coming at you live from Columbus, Ohio, on this beautiful hump day morning, Wednesday, 21 May 2025. It is a chilly, foggy morning just off the campus of The Ohio State University, but the fog is starting to lift and turn into an ordinary overcast day. I am presently in the University Square, across High Street from OSU’s Wexner Center.

I have to say, they did a really nice job with this development; it is a pleasant public space. They have big speakers mounted on black columns throughout the venue that play neat ambient music. It sets a good vibe. This square has become a congregation point for students and locals alike — people like me who use the university library services that our taxdollars pay for. There is an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants here, ranging from fast food like McDonald's and Waffle House to more exotic shops that aren't the typical copy-and-paste chains seen elsewhere.

Looking westward toward High Street, you can see the Wexner Center for the Arts. Beyond that is The Oval, a large green space at the center of campus, and the 11-story Thompson Library. Facing eastward, there is a large green construction fence cordoning off a site for new buildings designed with red brickwork to fit the university’s aesthetic. My only gripe is that they close this public park around 23:00a or midnight, which means a security guard eventually has to come by and tell me to leave.

App Development

It is currently 8:00. For the last couple of weeks, I have been on a quest to reacquire my items that were stolen back in March, including my laptop and other high-dollar electronics. It has been frustrating, but my time spent on the streets of Columbus and New Orleans has made me resilient.

I am currently using an old Amazon Fire tablet from about six years ago. The camera is on the side rather than the top, so if my eye contact looks odd, that is why. It is still a bit chilly out—about 25 degrees (80F) — and we have had some short bursts of thunderstorms recently, though we avoided the severe tornado activity seen elsewhere. I want to give a shoutout to those who have graciously housed me as I climb out of the hole left by my 39th birthday back in March.

I am currently putting the finishing touches on my Street-SMART app. I have been working on mobile app projects for a few years now, which has been a nice throwback to my programming days using C++ and Java. I currently have four apps available. One is a Smoke Tracker app that allows users to log every cigarette or "doobie" smoked to identify trends and stay accountable. I did not design it specifically to help people quit, but it acts as a "resistor" by making you do the work of logging the habit. Personally, it has helped me; I haven't had a cigarette in a couple of weeks, though I do vape, and my weed usage is down to once a day.

Unfortunately, my website is down because I owe the hosting company money. I’m asking for donations, not as a handout, but as payment for the labor spent developing these apps. I am proud of my work, and as my mother taught me, I never give a compliment that isn't true. I like to deliver compliments, but I also deliver shame when it is deserved.

Walk to Thompson Library

I’m going to head over to the Thompson Library to get my day started. I didn't attend Ohio State — I went to Wright State in Dayton — but my first boyfriend was a student here back in 2005, so I remember when the Union and the library were under renovation.

I recently picked up a giant new wallet and a "mini trapper keeper" at a garage sale in German Village. I also found a sharp metal communist star there. I originally wanted to mount it on my hard hat, but it was too sharp and dangerous, so I mounted it flat on my bag instead to stay "OSHA compliant".

As I walk toward campus, I’ve noticed fewer recycling bins in Columbus lately, which is frustrating. It is now the start of summer break, so the campus is quiet and free of "noxious undergrads". Passing the Wexner Center, I see a food delivery robot; it reminds me of my senior project at Wright State, which was a robotic lawn mower.

Entering the Library

I am still upset about losing WANDA. I hold the staff at the Columbus Convention Center responsible. Because of this, I have been "claiming" new belongings from them — power tools and electronics — via "five-finger discounts." I have no shame about it; I consider it retribution for my stolen property. I’ve made about two trips and acquired at least $200 worth of items.

Now, I am entering the Thompson Library. There is some renovation work happening on the 2nd floor. I’m going up to my favorite computer kiosk, but the stairs are blocked, so I’ll have to use the elevator. The central part of the library is called "The Stacks," which comprises the 11-story tower ascending from the atrium in its base.

The Great Reading Room is presently closed for the installation of new tables and lamps. From the 3rd floor, you can look down into the atrium and up through the skylight toward the top of The Stacks. It is a gorgeous space, and I’m thankful the university makes it available to the public.

Happy hump day, everyone. This is Mike George. Take care of yourselves, and take care of somebody else.