Priase to 'Dear Leader' Continues

I guess we will get a story every day worshiping the 'Lord'. We don't want to make a big deal out of this event now do we? It is not like anything is going to change. It's not like we have a new leader or something. The future of freedom is as bright as a Black Hole.

Ouch, Off Point

I agree with Brendan's lunch scene and can picture the gaggle of gals he illustrates. I think he is way off point with who he links to.

Interesting Anchor

Here is a very interesting profile of Sandra Ali, Channel 5 news Anchor. She has Network written all over her. I don't envision she will be long in town. Maybe a few years, but not much beyond that. As everyone can see though, she is very photogenic.

Springer Radio

I have the Springer on the Radio on and am listening. So far, they are starting out like any other people fairly new to radio, a bit slow. Jerry is being a bit too nice. The jabs at Dusty Rhodes were hilarious though.

Anyone else listening?

UPDATE: I like his blog. It is modeled after JerryforOhio.com, which now points to the same blog, as does makeohioblue.com. I like it most because they carried all of their links to the radio show blog, which of course includes one for my blog.

UPDATE #2: The Post has a story today and the press on the show nationally is huge.

Remember MLK

The Enquirer lists events around the area, then goes into how gay-rights is not something all followers of King care about.

A reader sent me another way to remember MLK that should be read and remembered more than one time a year:

"I had a dream speech"

Read and listen. It has a value and meaning to all Americans, and all people of the world.

Enquirer's Coronation Coverage

News coverage is fickle and the Enquirer is no different than most other news outlets. What caught my eye today though was their coverage of the upcoming Inauguration of the President. As a means of comparison, let’s first look at the past:

1997 Clinton II coverage:
On the 20th we had one article and a photo. That is it. Well to be fair, that was all that is online. There was likely much more from the wire services in the actual print edition. This time period was early still for the Enquirer's web edition, so what we see here is limited. The day after there was more coverage with another photo, two Local Wilkinson articles here and here, a Gannett story, and a Borgman Cartoon.

2001 GW Bush I coverage:
On the 20th we only got a front page link to the AP Wire reports, and a Kentucky Edition local story.

On the next day we got a bit more with a photo on the front page, a happy family of Bush supporters, anti-abortion people frothing at the mouth, and another Wilkinson article, the only constant from 1997, outside of a Borgman cartoon.

2004 GW Bush II coverage:
This year things are just a bit different. It is Sunday, January 16th as I write this. Today the Enquirer has unleashed a blizzard of coverage of the Bush Inauguration as if it is a Coronation. First we get an overview Party Story. Next we get a full Inauguration Section unique to the Enquirer. In that we get a story on what to wear to the event, which local fat cats are going, where brain washed kids are doing, plus eight (8), yes eight, additional local stories, mostly profiles on people going to the event. Those stories plus AP links galore. The only mention of anything negative, at least that I was able to find, was in the main "party" story linked again here, which had a sidebar listing some websites about protests. We are told from the special section of what is planned for the rest of the week's coverage:

Thursday: Your guide to the inauguration with schedule, maps and more.

Friday: Complete coverage of Thursday's events.

The only thing missing are an actual crown and the Beefeaters, and then we would have a coronation.

What has caused this change in coverage? Not even the 2001 Bush event got this much attention. Here are my ideas/theories:

1. Real Life, Real News, Real Crap?: Retail Journalism has taken on a political meaning as well one for human interest stories. Give the people what they want to hear and what the local lemmings want is a way to show how much more they support dear leader than their neighbors do, or they just want to hear a confirmation of their faith in dear leader. That certainly got plenty of that today.
   
2. Expansion of web coverage: Yes it is possible that the print version of the prior year's issues covered much more information, and the AP wire sections may have even had plenty of profiles of people going to Clinton's 2nd Inauguration in 1997, but I doubt we saw many or any local profiles.
3. Dear Leader Worship: I still feel there is a type of deification of Bush by many and the newspaper either wants to appease that element of the community or they too suffer from the desire to have a glorious leader to worship in what they told are dark and evil times with evil doers out there doing evil in places with lots of oil or sand or Muslims.
4. Partisan Coverage: The simple answer is that the Enquirer was a Bush supporter and are giving their boy good coverage. This is not supported by the level of 2001 coverage since they pushed Bush back then too. One different factor was the general level of tension after the 2000 elections which made the whole 2001 Inauguration low key. This year they boy won with little, and in their minds, no controversy, therefore they can party it up with a bit of guilt.
   

What is it most likely? I think it is marketing. Bush people locally are fanatics and they demand to hear what they want to hear, and the Enquirer is giving it to them.

Theocracy In Action #23

A second hand statement from a judge, who I trust is not lying yielded this bit about US Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas:

The 1,200-seat theater was packed with relatives and friends of new justices Tom Parker, Mike Bolin and Patricia M. Smith, and civil appeals judge Tommy Bryan.

Many stood and applauded former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore as he walked to the stage to administer the oath to Parker. Moore's action was ceremonial, since Parker took his formal oath of office Thursday before U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas in Washington. Parker said Thomas told him a judge should be evaluated by whether he faithfully upholds his oath to God, not to the people, to the state or to the Constitution.

Glad to know that religion takes precedence over the Constitution in the mind of a Supreme Court Judge.

[Via Sam Heldman and Atrios]

UPDATE: Atrios has more which reportedly gives a more direct comment from the Alabama Judge, making the article comment a bit more subjective, yet still valid.

DDN Weight-loss blog

The Dayton Daily News has enlisted the help of Maggie Short in starting A little will can go a long way, a blog. Maggie is an online content coordinator for DaytonDailyNews.com. This is a great idea for niche blog. Unlike some of the short lived blogs at the Enquirer regarding the Olympics, this one looks better and is run by an IT person, who is more apt to keep current. Blogging an event requires a lot of attention and more specifically needs the right technology to keep up.

I don't know how tall Maggie Short is, but her weight is not at a level though where I would say there is a significant health issue, but of a fitness issue.

Chandra Yungbluth Named Dem Director

The Hamilton County Democratic Party has named Chandra Yungbluth as the new executive director, replacing Adam Rosenberg. Yungbluth work on the Greg Harris campaign and is native to Hamilton County. The most interesting thing, is that Googling her comes up with little. I don't know her or anything about her. The views of those who know something about her (and who I know) say she was the right choice for the job.

I am wondering if she has called anyone form the Ghiz camp. I don't see Leslie jumping ship, other than to Charter, but you don't know until you try.

Cincinnati Magazine

I am included in Cincinnati Magazine Article in the February edition. It was just published, but I have not seen it yet. Nick Spencer, who was also included in the article has reviewed it and feels it was a good article. When I get a copy I will post more. At this point it is not online and will not be. Cincinnati Magazine doesn't generally publish articles online, only in hardcopy. I hope they put this one as a special considered, considering the topic. I mean, if I can't link to story that mentions me personally, would is this blog good for anyway?

Delusional or a Liar?

When you read stuff like this from Bush do you think he comes across more as a liar or is he just living in a delusional state?

President Bush said the public's decision to reelect him was a ratification of his approach toward Iraq and that there was no reason to hold any administration officials accountable for mistakes or misjudgments in prewar planning or managing the violent aftermath.

"We had an accountability moment, and that's called the 2004 elections," Bush said in an interview with The Washington Post. "The American people listened to different assessments made about what was taking place in Iraq, and they looked at the two candidates, and chose me."

When he says stuff like this I think than man's mind is just off on a different planet or filled with a really thick haze.

Tsunami Relief Effort of Cincinnati

If you care to help out, a local effort called Tsunami Relief Effort of Cincinnati is having a benefit dinner next Wed January 19th at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, Hall of Mirrors. The full details:

WHAT: Tsunami Relief Effort of Cincinnati Benefit for the American Red Cross International Response Fund. Dinner by the bite, local djs, a balloon pop raffle and much more.

WHEN: Wednesday, January 19, 2005, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

WHERE: Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, Hall of Mirrors 35 W. 5th St., Cincinnati.

WHO: Tsunami Relief Effort of Cincinnati, area restaurants and businesses: Pho Paris, Cumin, Beluga, Teak, Celestial, Mt. Adams Fish House, Boca, Maisonette, Carlo & Johnny, Orchids, The Quarter Bistro, Embers, Sturkey's, Encore Cafe, Aioli, Sake Bomb, Shanghai Mama's, Vineyard Cafe, Bella, Riverside Korean, Lemongrass, Jag's, Cutting Edge Selections, Cincinnati Wine Garage, Heidelberg Distributing, Dennert Distributing, Ohio Valley Wines, Sprouts, Deux Design and more.

TICKETS: $65 per person -- suggested donation.
Available by calling 513-533-9111. Tickets are also available at Cumin, Beluga, Aioli, Jean-Robert at Pigall?s, Boca, Carlo & Johnny, and Mt.Adams Fish House, or any participating restaurant.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Tsunami Relief Effort of Cincinnati
3514 Erie Avenue, 45208
phone: 513-533-9111
fax: 513-871-3287
email: yajan2000@aol.com

WEBSITE: http://www.tsunamireliefcincinnati.blogspot.com

Right now you could also check out NBC's Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope on all NBC Universial television broadcast and cable channels.

Why TV News Sucks

In this WCPO story about a rape at Cincinnati State we read in the second sentence:

As 9News was first to report, school officials said a woman was raped Thursday night while working in the 3rd floor computer lab of the school's new Advanced Technology and Learning Center.

First? FIRST? Who gives a damn if WCPO, WWE, or my back fat was first to report the story about the rape of a 21 year old person? No more whoring for ratings using rape victims, please. Hell, it is not even sweeps yet.

Yes, that is a common phrase used by WCPO and other outlets, but here it just sounds despicable.

UPDATE: To clearify one thing, this web story is just a transcript from a broadcasted story.

1530 WCKY Website Up

The "Revolution of Talk Radio" 1530 WCKY's website is up and nearly ready to go with content from Air America.

The switch will reportedly begin at 9 AM on Monday with Springer's Show. What Jerry will cover is up in the air. On a radio insiders message board discussion hovered around whether Springer will cover local issues or stick to national issues. Well, the current bio page on the WCKY site gives one answer:

He's baacck! At home and on the air in Cincinnati! No, not Jerry Springer Trash TV host, rather Jerry the lawyer turned politician turned anchorman, father, talk show host, country music singer - New York Savvy with Midwestern warmth. Along with sidekick-Jene Galvin expect the unexpected! Social activists that will cover Local, Regional and National issues that are both entertaining and topical!

What will be interesting next is to hear the outcry and rantings from the conservative media. That is, all but Clear Channel radio stations. I can't wait to hear Bill Cunnigham's story of leaving Jerry a basket of porn on his desk as a welcome gift.

Jake Speed Interview & Folk Life Benefit

Cincy Music's Venomous Valdez has an interview with Jake Speed. It is light, yet interesting.

If you have not already, make sure you pick up Jake Speed and Freddies latest album 'Huzzah!'. If you go to one of their shows you usually can get it cheaper.

Jake Speed is also scheduled to appear tomorrow (Sunday Jan 16th)at the Cincinnati Folk Life Benefit:

What: Musicians' Benefit for Cincinnati Folk Life and the Celtic World Festival

When: Sunday, January 16, 2005 3:00-11:00pm (Doors open at 2:30pm)

Where: 20th Century Theater 3021 Madison Rd (on Oakley Square)Cincinnati, OH

Suggested donation: $10 per person (at the door)

Schedule of Performers:
3:00 Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Glee Club
3:30 The Hooley Band
4:00 Riley School of Irish Music Ceili Band
4:30 Silver Arm and Celtic Rhythm Dancers
5:30 Jake Speed and the Freddies
6:30 Acappellics Anonymous
7:30 The Cincinnati Dancing Pigs
8:30 Roger Drawdy and the Firestarters
9:30 Dave Gilligan and The Flock

Cincinnati Advance

The Cincinnati Tomorrow Civic League has changed its name to Cincinnati Advance. Complete with a new website, the group is changing its name to maintain its independence as stated in the latest "Wire:"

Why the name change? We originally created the Cincinnati Tomorrow Civic League as a separate group from Cincinnati Tomorrow so that the original group CT would obtain 501(c)(3) tax status. That was intended to allow CT to do fundraising to perform more civic-minded efforts in our community. o­ne hurdle has been the name similarity of the CT prime and CT Civic League. 501(c)(3) organizations cannot endorse any commercial entities. That led to us cutting out great things like the calendar and links, not to mention limiting the type of stories we could publish o­n our main page. With the rebranding and separation of Cincinnati Advance, we eliminate this confusion: Cincinnati Tomorrow is the home of civic advocacy and non-profit projects; Cincinnati Advance has much greater latitude in doing projects like the After5 Walks, Culture Nights, and so o­n. This restructuring will allow both organizations to better focus o­n their projects and encourage their success.

To you the fine folks who attend the After-Five Walks, Culture Nights, and other events, you will not see anything different. I also will be taking a more formal position with the group as well, so look for more on what the group plans in the future.

"Words, words between the lines of age"

Is Bush starting to feel a bit guilty?

Washington- President Bush expressed misgivings Thursday for two of his most famous expressions: "Bring 'em on," in reference to Iraqis attacking U.S. troops, and his vow to get Osama bin Laden "dead or alive."

Is it possible for him to eat his words, or is this just another case of targeted audience speak, where Bush takes a page from Clinton and plays to his audience's desires, while Bush's blood lusting supporters would not be listening to this crowd anyway?

Flooding, Etc.

I drove this morning along Route 32 to Newtown and the Little Miami River has flooded all the way up to the edge of the road. The Clear Creek Park is more like a lake.

Today was renewing my car registration day. I had to get the eCheck and the nearest location is in Newtown. I was surprised on something. My car was not completely tested. I don't know why. I did not ask. It is a new enough car with a new exhaust system, so I am sure it met the standards, but I wonder why the car did not get the test where they "drive" in the car in place and measure the exhaust.

I then had to go get the renewed registration at the BMV. I got the typical wait in line. I waited for a while until I was the next in line. Then this old couple comes in and walks right up to the main counter and proceeded to ask a question in the form of telling a story about getting a ticket. Once the BMV clerk said they don't handle tickets, twice, and said they should go downtown, twice, I got my little 06 sticker and was on my way.

Post Mortem on Monzel v. Ghiz

It's official. Councilman Sam Malone, the anti-gay bigot, has appointed Chris Monzel to City Council. The man who has been appointed to council more often than he has been elected.

This should now be an opportunity for the Dems. The East Side moderates are a source that have been ignored as fickle and too willing to vote for the GOP. This episode should be exploited for all it is worth. The County GOP has for some unknown reason gone to the right to try and keep someone on council in the city. The idiots in Sharonville (Phil B. and his thugs) have cracked the party. Now is the time for the Dems to open up that crack and bring the social liberals on board.

The article indicates Ghiz may not run this year and even got a job offer from Joe Deters. She reportedly turned it down.

This is a gut check for the Hamilton County Democratic Party. If if they don't find a couple more David Peppers (not money wise, just position wise) to run for council, then they will be lucky to keep the 5 seats they have and will likely drive the East Siders into a devil's bargain with the bible thumpers in the rest of the county.

I Have No Words

Discuss, but be nice.