Bengals Thread

Just out of curiosity: if this past August, someone had told you that five weeks into the season, the Bengals would be 4-1--and undefeated in the division after playing each of their division opponents once--what would have been your reaction?

I'll be honest: I'd have laughed at you.

There's a good number of people who just can't wait to point out that the Bengals are "four plays away" from being 0-5. Fine. But they're also just one play away from being 5-0. So let's deal with what is, not what could have been. The Bengals defense, for the first time, is looking as formidable as we thought Marvin Lewis might be able to make a defense look. The offense is starting to look nearly as good as it did in 2005.

And could someone please get our tight end some Stickum?

Good Review for Know's Boom!

The Enquirer gives a very good review for Know Theatre's Boom! which opens tonight and runs through November 7th. I'm hitting the Season opening night, this evening, and am really looking forward to this production. Get to some local Theatre! Advance tickets are only $12, which is a great deal for professional theatre.

Wenstrup Might Want to Head Back to Iraq

So, you say you are running for public office in a city and while speaking to the local daily newspaper you make the claim:

"I felt safer in Iraq."

when talking about being back in Cincinnati, then you are a lousy candidate. By making such a clearly outlandish claim, Wenstrup has no respect for the City, otherwise he was lying, delusional, or never actually was in Iraq during any part of the war or occupation. Brad Wenstrup should be ashamed. He obviously knows nothing about this city and has NEVER experienced what it has to offer. I think he may want to consider moving out of the city, since he spouts the rhetoric of someone who hates the city and lives in the burbs.

Always Pay the Band

Yeah, if you want to get elected to office, always, repeat, always pay the band.

Streetcar Facts!

Here's a video providing facts on the Streetcar


As always check out www.cincystreetcar.com for more.

Don't forget: No on 9!

Big Sports Event (That Isn't Football) This Weekend

It's hard to believe that there are sporting events other than football games in Cincinnati in October. But it's true. This weekend, the region is host to the Cincinnati International Cyclocross Festival, a festival featuring bicycle races in three venues--Covington, Middletown, and Fairfield--over the next three days.

The only thing I really know about competitive cycling is that women really seem to dig men in cycling jerseys. But judging from the Enquirer's article on the event, the Cyclocross Festival has become something akin to the tennis Master's tournament that's held in Mason each summer. The event has grown beyond all expectations over the last few years; big names in the sport come out for it; and everyone is surprised that Cincinnati is able to hold such a successful event. Think of it as a sort of two-wheeled Midpoint Music Fest (rumor has it that Cadillac Ranch plans to deny admission to anyone wearing bicycle shorts this weekend).

If you're not up to speed on the ins and outs of cyclocross, check out this Wikipedia article for some more information. This is one of those events that's good to see in the area, as it brings a diversity that major cities need to succeed. Individual races last only from half an hour to an hour, so you can easily stop by one of the venues and check things out without committing to an entire day. Or, you can spend all day at a venue, enjoying the races and perhaps even giving the sport a go during one of the open course sessions.

FTC Says Bloggers Must Disclose Freebies

Cincinnati-area bloggers, beware: The Federal Trade Commission has codified new guidelines that require bloggers to disclose any freebies, payment, swag, or other gratuities they get when they review a product.

In promulgating the guidelines, which apply for the first time to "new media," the FTC offers the following explanation:

The Commission does not believe that all uses of new consumer-generated media to discuss product attributes or consumer experiences should be deemed "endorsements” within the meaning of the Guides. Rather, in analyzing statements made via these new media, the fundamental question is whether, viewed objectively, the relationship between the advertiser and the speaker is such that the speaker’s statement can be considered “sponsored” by the advertiser and therefore an “advertising message.” In other words, in disseminating positive statements about a product or service, is the speaker: (1) acting solely independently, in which case there is no endorsement, or (2) acting on behalf of the advertiser or its agent, such that the speaker’s statement is an “endorsement” that is part of an overall marketing campaign? The facts and circumstances that will determine the answer to this question are extremely varied and cannot be fully enumerated here, but would include: whether the speaker is compensated by the advertiser or its agent; whether the product or service in question was provided for free by the advertiser; the terms of any agreement; the length of the relationship; the previous receipt of products or
services from the same or similar advertisers, or the likelihood of future receipt of such products or services; and the value of the items or services received. An advertiser’s lack of control over the specific statement made via these new forms of consumer-generated media would not automatically disqualify that statement from being deemed an “endorsement” within the meaning of the Guides. Again, the issue is whether the consumer-generated statement can be considered “sponsored.”

Thus, a consumer who purchases a product with his or her own money and praises it on a personal blog or on an electronic message board will not be deemed to be providing an endorsement. In contrast, postings by a blogger who is paid to speak about an advertiser’s product will be covered by the Guides, regardless of whether the blogger is paid directly by the marketer itself or by a third party on behalf of the marketer.

There's a lot of hysteria in the national blogosphere (particularly in the legal blogosphere), most of which is probably unjustified. Check out PCWorld's extremely layperson-friendly guide to the new guidelines. As the article notes, most bloggers who review the free stuff they receive already disclose the potential conflict. Still, though, local bloggers who get swag (hey Griff: where's my swag?) and talk about what they've received should take a few minutes to familiarize themselves with the FTC's new interpretation of federal law.

Disclosure: I have not received money or other consideration from the FTC, PCWorld, or (sadly) Griff to comment on any of those entities' or individual's merits or shortcomings.

Issue Four WIll Fund Important Court Programs

Although the Enquirer's headline and lede on Issue 4 strive to cast the levy in the most negative light possible, the Family Services and Treatment Levy will fund several important programs administered by the Hamilton County courts.

The levy, while technically new, is really just a smaller version of the Drake levy, which is ending this year. Since Drake Hospital no longer needs public money, the Drake levy needs to end. But a significant portion of that levy has historically supported court-ordered treatment programs, so a new levy was created just to fund those.

In particular, the levy funds the municipal court's residential treatment programs and the common pleas Drug Court. The former is an alternative to jail sentences (but still places an offender in a facility guarded by the sheriff's office). The latter is the primary way that low-level, first time drug offenders in Hamilton County can participate in "treatment in lieu of conviction," through which a defendant can avoid a felony record by completing--under court supervision--a drug treatment program.

If passed, the levy will also fund two other noteworthy programs. The first, "Off the Streets," is run by Cincinnati Union Bethel. The program has been around since 2006, but hasn't previously been supported by county dollars. The program has an excellent reputation--and from what I've seen, a record of success. The second program would create a SAMI (substance abuse and mental illness) court in common pleas court. For the last few years, the municipal court has had a "mental health court," to which offenders with mental illness are tracked. They receive intensive supervision and connected with needed services. Presumably, the SAMI court would work the same way. I've represented several clients in the municipal court's program, and can't say enough about its potential to bring about positive change in individuals' lives.

All of these are important programs. If Issue 4 fails, judges will have fewer treatment and rehabilitative options. The levy funds programs that can really give people a fresh start in life.

March For Healthcare on 10/18/2009

Supporters of the President's efforts to gain healthcare reform are organizing a March For Healthcare. Marchers are meeting on Sunday October 18th at 11:30 AM on the corner of Walnut and 5th Streets. Come out and add your voice to the effort to improve our healthcare system, make it affordable, and protect patients.

Cincinnati Zombie Walk

Well, you have a few weeks to prepare for the Zombie Attack, but one is coming to Downtown Cincinnati: Cincinnati Zombie Walk - October 30 2009 - 7:30 PM. The exact location is to be determined. I mean, Zombies aren't known to make their actual attack location public this soon. I'm surprised they gave a time. I'd check back with the website to find more details. I'm wondering what living humans are in collaboration with the Zombie Army. I mean Zombies don't type, so updating a website would be kind of difficult.

Cole Train Grows Wings, Flies Away

OK, does Laketa Cole think she does not have to campaign for public office? Two weeks off during the last month of the campaign is not the way you win elections. Seriously, if she wins, someone needs use her as the basis ofs a political science study of how much incumbency insures victory. This action by Cole should also be a message to the black community: she is taking your vote for granted.

Your Winnings Sir....

Yes, undoubtedly you are shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here! Well, not gambling, actually, this isn't Issue Three, instead the FOP did not endorse those running for council from Majority Five. Despite the biased headline from the article, this is by no means a surprise or a shock or even something there was ever a question about. None of the four up for reelection: Cole, Harris, Qualls, or Thomas were endorsed by the FOP when they ran on 2007, and even if the four voted to give every FOP memeber a million dollar bonus, they still wouldn't have been endorsed.

It might have bee nice to get that fact in the news story.

It also would be nice for Enquirer not to repeat the FOP created "Furlough Five" phrase, especially when only Four of the Five are running for reelection. I know someone was dying for the alliteration exhibition, but accuracy should trump flair.

At What Cost Preservation?

I know that I'm about the get a lot of hate-mail (or at least nasty comments) on this. I can live with that.

The Enquirer offers this report on the Museum Center levy. The article's main point is that no matter what happens, the levy will be smaller next year than in the past.

Also in the story is this nugget: Union Terminal, which is 75 years old (not even considered "old" by European standards, but downtright antiquated to Midwestern Americans), is in disrepair due to its steel-and-concrete infrastructure design. (The problem is one endemic to buildings of that era.) The cost of repair could be as much as $140 million.

The Museum Center is great. I have no problem with taxpayers voting to support its operations. It's a worthwhile expenditure. But is preserving Union Terminal really worth $140,000,000? Certainly the cost to find a new building--or even simply to demolish Union Terminal and start over--would be much less.

Throughout America, historical preservation has become an end unto itself. But should we really be seeking to preserve buildings that weren't built well enough to withstand the test of time? And even if we should, is there any limit to the price we should be willing to pay?

Cold Turkey Closed

Cold Turkey, which I had previously raved about, has closed, seemingly for good.

Two friends and I were on our way there for lunch, and were greeted at the door by a "closed" sign and a rather dejected-looking owner. Apparently, the restaurant isn't closing because of lack of business, but instead because of a dispute with the building's owner. Cold Turkey's owner was obviously disappointed, particularly since business--including their catering business--had been doing quite well.

I'm sorry to see Cold Turkey go. It's exactly the kind of restaurant downtown needs. It was priced affordably, but served good enough food to appeal to professionals on lunch. It was also interesting enough between the late hours, the local art on the walls, and the live acoustic music to attract an eclectic clientele.

I hope that Cold Turkey's owners are able to recover enough of their investment to try again downtown soon. I'll certainly do whatever I can to promote a new venture here.

UC Now the Best College Football Team in Ohio

Well, at least according to the newest AP ranking. (Griff, aren't you glad I resisted the urge to post UC's alma mater after yesterday's game?)

Sorry, Buckeyes.

The Bearcats now have almost two weeks to get ready for what might be their toughest opponent so far this year, a very scrappy USF team that beat Florida State last week.

People Not To Vote For

For anyone who cares about developing the City or the Region, here are people you DO NOT want to vote for. This link is of course the COAST endorsements and it includes Wenstrup for Mayor, which is not a surprise, but on the other hand it only includes two for city council: Monzel and Winburn. That goes to show that signing COAST's pledge is not worth much and likely will cost votes for Ghiz, Murray, Ward and Zamary. All four signed COAST's handcuffing pledge, but get don't get the endorsement because the four are not foolish enough to support COAST's crusade to block any and all Minor or Major passenger rail. I added the minor and major phrase there because that is something new from the COASTers. In the comments along with the Council endorsements they state the following:

Both have taken strong public positions to advance responsible spending, and have pledged not to raise taxes or fees. They also strongly advocate that the people should have a right to vote on any sale of the Water Works, or major passenger rail purchase.

Once again COAST is misleading people as to what issue 9 states and its impact if passed. Let's recap the language once again:

Shall the Charter of the City of Cincinnati be amended to prohibit the city, and its various boards and commissions, from spending any monies for right-of-way acquisition or construction of improvements for passenger rail transportation (e.g. a trolley or streetcar) within the city limits without first submitting the question of approval of such expenditure to a vote of the electorate of the city and receiving a majority affirmative vote for the same, by enacting new Article XIV? YES NO

The important thing to know, is that issue 9 covers "spending any monies" which includes purchases, maintenance, signs, salaries, or anything. This is about spending money, not just new purchases. It also just says "passenger rail transportation" and mentions nothing about "major," so it covers the Zoo Train, no matter what COAST says to try and mislead you.

Popopolis Tonight and Tomorrow

I hate how there's never anything to do on a Friday night in Cincinnati.

In case Midpoint didn't satisfy your musical needs for the rest of the year, Fountain Square is hosting Popopolis tonight and tomorrow. Apparently, Popopolis was originally an annual event at Southgate house in the late 90's and early 00's. (Really? Cincinnati has taken an event from Newport?)

The highlights (at least by my taste): Clabbergirl tonight, and the Seedy Seeds, Wussy, the Pomegranates, and Bad Veins tomorrow.

It's not as cold as you think it is. Go check it out!

The official after-party is at the Righteous Room, but I'd suggest you might want to check out Dirty Mary's (Hamburger Mary's bar), which is having its "soft opening" tonight.

(Hat tip: UrbanCincy.)

City Council: What Could Be vs. What (Probably) Will Be

I've been wondering lately: what will City Council look like in 2010? I've got two lists. The first is what might make for an interesting Council. These aren't endorsements or a suggestion of who anyone should vote for or support; instead, it's merely a list of 9 people who would create an interesting working group. The second list is who I think will be on Council next year (certainly not endorsements, either).

The interesting list:

Chris Bortz
Tony Fischer
Kevin Flynn
Greg Harris
Leslie Ghiz
Amy Murray
LaMarque Ward
Bernadette Watson
Wendell Young

My prediction of who will win:

Jeff Berding
Chris Bortz
Laketa Cole
Greg Harris
Leslie Ghiz
Chris Monzel
Roxanne Qualls
Cecil Thomas
Bernadette Watson; Charlie Winburn; Tony Fischer; or Laure Quinlivan (in order of their likelihood of winning the ninth seat)

Anyone care to make a prediction?

2010 Budget Proposals: Bernadette Watson

Democratic-endorsed Bernadette Watson is the first to reply to my call for budget proposals:

I do not have a specific amount so this may not fit your criteria, but one way the city could save some money (I believe 1-2 million), is to combine Human Resource departments.

The City of Cincinnati currently has an HR division for nearly every city department. Most or all of these HR divisions are providing similar services. The city could combine these into one HR department and save money on materials, manpower and excessive repetition of services.

Calling All Conservatives

I'm hoping, or rather I am expecting that local conservatives will jump on Si Leis's case for allowing this to happen. COAST? Tom Brinkman? Alex Triantafilou? Tea Baggers?