The CSO announced today that Paavo Jarvi will conclude his tenure as condutor at the end of the 2010-11 season, when his contract expires. The CSO sent an email to its subscribers informing them of the maestro's decision.
That comes on the heels of the death of Erich Kunzel, long-time conductor of the Pops. It also follows--by just a few weeks--Louise Nippert's extraordinary $85 million gift to the CSO.
I moved to Cincinnati in the fall of 2000. The first nine months of that time, I was too busy trying not to flunk out of my first year of law school to do anything outside Clifton. So for me, Paavo--who came here in September 2001--has always been been the face of CSO.
The search for a new conductor will no doubt be made easier by Ms. Nippert's gift, which ensures the long-time financial stability of the CSO. Most orchestras in similarly-sized cities don't have the financial breathing room now enjoyed by the CSO. This all means that CSO will likely have its pick of conductors from around the world.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
So, Who's BossSexy?
Regular Cincinnati Blog commentor BossSexy has taken the next step and started his/her own blog.
The tag line is "A collection of thoughts and commentary on Cincinnati life that is too short to be taken seriously and too long to end up on Twitter."
Have a read and send your nutty comments to him/her!
The tag line is "A collection of thoughts and commentary on Cincinnati life that is too short to be taken seriously and too long to end up on Twitter."
Have a read and send your nutty comments to him/her!
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Really, Milford?
Before a single flake of snow has fallen, and with only a few inches of snow predicted (snow that isn't scheduled to start falling for at least twelve more hours), Milford has declared a snow emergency.
Runners-up in the Race to Over-React to the Coming of the White Death: Little Miami and Mason schools, which have already decided on a two-hour delay for schools tomorrow. (If the forecasts are right--and they never seem to be--getting to school will be trickier, not easier, two hours later than usual.)
Stay tuned to the Cincinnati Blog, your best source for the ridiculing of people who can't deal with southwest Ohio's relatively tame winters.
Runners-up in the Race to Over-React to the Coming of the White Death: Little Miami and Mason schools, which have already decided on a two-hour delay for schools tomorrow. (If the forecasts are right--and they never seem to be--getting to school will be trickier, not easier, two hours later than usual.)
Stay tuned to the Cincinnati Blog, your best source for the ridiculing of people who can't deal with southwest Ohio's relatively tame winters.
Monday, January 04, 2010
Do Any City Republicans Want to Be on Council?
So all three Republican Council Members are running for Hamilton County Commission. All three would be running against each other in the GOP Primary.
So, I'm sure all three will have time to find ways to improve the city's budget problems. They've been so full of ideas recently that they have solved all of the problems facing us in the City.
So, I'm sure all three will have time to find ways to improve the city's budget problems. They've been so full of ideas recently that they have solved all of the problems facing us in the City.
Leslie Ghiz Announces Run for Commission
Showing her dedication to the City, Council Member Leslie Ghiz today announced her run for Hamilton County Commissioner. This has long been rumored and gives support to her right wing tilt during last year's council race.
According to the Enquirer she will not step down from council during the campaign, but claims she will reduce her law practice to compensate for the time.
How much time has she actually been putting into her duties as a council member before now?
No word on who will be challenging her.
According to the Enquirer she will not step down from council during the campaign, but claims she will reduce her law practice to compensate for the time.
How much time has she actually been putting into her duties as a council member before now?
No word on who will be challenging her.
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Plummer Fired From Police Department, Again
Cincinnati Police Officer Anthony Plummer has been fired from the force, again. Plummer was the officer who shocked the daughter of Councilman Cecil Thomas with a taser last summer. All reports of the incident reported that Plummer used excessive force in dealing with Celeste Thomas, who was on her knees when hit with the taser. There is no one out defending this officer's bad actions, but there will be at least one group who defend him.
Plummer is appealing his termination, as he did back in 2006 when he was fired the first time. This is the point where the Police Union must act. It is obvious Plummer does not belong on the police force. The FOP should convince Plummer not to return to the force. If the FOP lift a finger to help Plummer get back on the force, then they are complicit in his actions. The language from the internal police investigation was beyond damaging, it was a condemnation. The FOP must act to not only keep the citizens safer by getting this cop of the streets, they do themselves harm by defending him. How can any professional defend the improper actions of this terrible police officer? I know the argument they will make, they have to follow the rules of the union and defend him to the end, but when is enough, enough? All they are doing now is fighting for him to get money. He doesn't deserve a dime from anyone and it is theft if the city is forced to pay him anything and it is an injustice to the public if he gets his job back.
Plummer must go. If arbitration goes the wrong way, the only likely option would be some kind of buyout, which still sucks, but to keep a gun out of this guy's hands it may be worth the price.
Plummer is appealing his termination, as he did back in 2006 when he was fired the first time. This is the point where the Police Union must act. It is obvious Plummer does not belong on the police force. The FOP should convince Plummer not to return to the force. If the FOP lift a finger to help Plummer get back on the force, then they are complicit in his actions. The language from the internal police investigation was beyond damaging, it was a condemnation. The FOP must act to not only keep the citizens safer by getting this cop of the streets, they do themselves harm by defending him. How can any professional defend the improper actions of this terrible police officer? I know the argument they will make, they have to follow the rules of the union and defend him to the end, but when is enough, enough? All they are doing now is fighting for him to get money. He doesn't deserve a dime from anyone and it is theft if the city is forced to pay him anything and it is an injustice to the public if he gets his job back.
Plummer must go. If arbitration goes the wrong way, the only likely option would be some kind of buyout, which still sucks, but to keep a gun out of this guy's hands it may be worth the price.
Friday, January 01, 2010
A New Year, and a New Disclaimer
Since joining Brian here at the Cincinnati Blog a little more than two years ago, I've been a solo practitioner. That's meant that I've never had to worry about anyone attributing my words to anyone else.
As of today, though, I'm a proud partner in Caster, Dutta & Seibel, LLC. My point is not to advertise (though you should certainly contact us with any of your criminal defense, civil rights, employment, or appellate needs!). Instead, I just want to make it clear--as it should be to anyone who isn't an utter moron--that when I write, I do so only for myself. My musings here are my own thoughts, and should not be attributed to any entity in which I am a member or any of the other members of those entities.
And as you all know, Brian and I don't always agree, so I don't write for him, either.
Happy New Year!
As of today, though, I'm a proud partner in Caster, Dutta & Seibel, LLC. My point is not to advertise (though you should certainly contact us with any of your criminal defense, civil rights, employment, or appellate needs!). Instead, I just want to make it clear--as it should be to anyone who isn't an utter moron--that when I write, I do so only for myself. My musings here are my own thoughts, and should not be attributed to any entity in which I am a member or any of the other members of those entities.
And as you all know, Brian and I don't always agree, so I don't write for him, either.
Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
The Top Local News Stories of 2009
I'm sure people will quibble with my list of the top local news stories of 2009, but that's why we are here. My list gives deference to stories that are more important. I know that's not what the masses want, but since when is this blog about pleasing the masses? Anyway, here's the top ten:
- City Budget Battles - The lack of civility on council is a disgrace.
- County Budget Battles - The lack of planning from the Stadium Tax architects is causing a critical reduction of services. We actually need a functioning court and corner's office.
- City Council Election - Loss of Harris, wins for Winburn and Quinlivan: The Obama voters stayed home and the GOP scared enough Republicans to vote for Winburn.
- City Lay offs: Workers did lose jobs, but the FOP doesn't seem to care about that, just their own raises.
- Issue 9 goes down in defeat. The citizenry actually listened on this issue and defeated anti-city forces. We must be vigilant and defend progress, the likes of COAST and Smitherman will not end their quest to destroy the city.
- CinWeekly dies. Yes, it was "replaced" with Metromix, but there is less content, which goes went along with laying off the entire staff.
- Decline of the Enquirer and CityBeat: The economic downturn has hurt print media across the board and these publications took hits this year. We have less news gathering. Fewer reporters are out looking for stories. The existing ones don't have time to work on stories that may not actually pan out. Local News is dying. I don't know how to prevent that.
- Bengals and Bearcats are successful: Pride actually does a city well and people are more positive about where they live when their sports teams does well. Yes, that says a lot about our Culture, when sports drive so much of our Psyche, but if the Bengals win the SuperBowl, even Westwood Concern would support the Streetcar.
- People are coming downtown: We just had an election last month and it touched on crime, but overall, people think downtown is safe. No one demagogued the CDB. Many still fear OTR irrationally, but that too is changing.
- Ups and Downs in the Arts: Many local arts organizations had layoffs over the last year or closed outright (I will miss New Stage), but actions like Mrs. Nippert's gift to the CSO, the Opera, and the Ballet gives hope that once traditional donors get their investments back to a more comfortable level, they will continue giving and maybe give more.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Top Cincinnati Area News Stories of 2009?
So, I'm taking nominations for the top news stories of 2009. This is for the Cincinnati area, so keep your Health Care and Obama stories to yourself for this purpose. I think I'm looking for two types of stories, those that actually mattered and those that got a ton of attention. The latter being included, I'll likely have a sports story. I won't have that many, and no I don't think any high school sport story would ever make it, even if your school won the state championship. I'll have my top picks later this week.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Crappy Budget and Five Are to Blame
Only one of the five who voted for this bad budget deal are to blame. The four: Cole, Qualls, Quinlivan, and Thomas had no choice. Charlie Winburn pulled a Joe Liberman on them and was 'for' furloughs and then flipped in such a manner that The Flying Wallendas would be proud.
The FOP Election was going on yesterday and it appeared to me that Winburn and his staff may have been doing a little acting in the effort to make Kathy Harrell look like she won a victory. How real were those shouts in the hallway that Jane Prendergast reported? Kathy Ended up winning easily, 555-90, but just below half (49.4%) of the rank and file voted for her. What does it say that voter turnout for the FOP election was only 57%? Does the rest of the membership feel like their vote doesn't count? Or that there was no real choice?
The rest of the blame goes to those who put forth no ideas and no plan of their own, namely Berding, Bortz, Ghiz, and Monzel. Leslie Ghiz can call this plan 'garbage, but what did she offer up in its place? Bortz attacked it and I think he is most concerned about raiding the City's Working Capital Reserve Fund for 8.2 Million. He is right to call that irresponsible from a development and infrastructure perspective, but unless you get furloughs or layoff cops and fire fighters, there is no other way, or at least no other way on the table. If the silent four are going to govern, they have to play the game with Winburn too. No, you can't trust Charlie Winburn. He will double deal everyone, unless you pay him off. He agreed to the rules and he got himself a new committee to play with. Yesterday, he got to dance with the FOP and help Harrell raid the city's reserve to keep the seasoned cops sitting on their butts getting pay raises, while still having the younger pups out doing the work. The FOP now owes him, and he will collect.
If you are going to sit on your hands and not put forth ideas, you really have nothing to complain about. Hell, no one of the Gang of Five put any pressure on the unions to provide concessions. The only thing close in the budget is a cut of Overtime, which reportedly will come mostly from the CPD, and none of the silent four voted for that!
We have a crappy budget. We have to live with it, for now. It is time that every member of council starts participating in the process. The first step would be to stand up to the Police Unions. Next, some reform of the police and fire departments might be in order. If you are not willing to do that, then no one is really serious about fiscal responsibility.
The FOP Election was going on yesterday and it appeared to me that Winburn and his staff may have been doing a little acting in the effort to make Kathy Harrell look like she won a victory. How real were those shouts in the hallway that Jane Prendergast reported? Kathy Ended up winning easily, 555-90, but just below half (49.4%) of the rank and file voted for her. What does it say that voter turnout for the FOP election was only 57%? Does the rest of the membership feel like their vote doesn't count? Or that there was no real choice?
The rest of the blame goes to those who put forth no ideas and no plan of their own, namely Berding, Bortz, Ghiz, and Monzel. Leslie Ghiz can call this plan 'garbage, but what did she offer up in its place? Bortz attacked it and I think he is most concerned about raiding the City's Working Capital Reserve Fund for 8.2 Million. He is right to call that irresponsible from a development and infrastructure perspective, but unless you get furloughs or layoff cops and fire fighters, there is no other way, or at least no other way on the table. If the silent four are going to govern, they have to play the game with Winburn too. No, you can't trust Charlie Winburn. He will double deal everyone, unless you pay him off. He agreed to the rules and he got himself a new committee to play with. Yesterday, he got to dance with the FOP and help Harrell raid the city's reserve to keep the seasoned cops sitting on their butts getting pay raises, while still having the younger pups out doing the work. The FOP now owes him, and he will collect.
If you are going to sit on your hands and not put forth ideas, you really have nothing to complain about. Hell, no one of the Gang of Five put any pressure on the unions to provide concessions. The only thing close in the budget is a cut of Overtime, which reportedly will come mostly from the CPD, and none of the silent four voted for that!
We have a crappy budget. We have to live with it, for now. It is time that every member of council starts participating in the process. The first step would be to stand up to the Police Unions. Next, some reform of the police and fire departments might be in order. If you are not willing to do that, then no one is really serious about fiscal responsibility.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Buyer's Remorse for the FOP?
FOP President (at least for now) Kathy Harrell may be a little bit pissed at herself for supporting Charlie Winburn for Council. Charlie appears to be playing word games in his reported support of the latest budget deal. Winburn pledged to not support any budget that included fire or police layoffs. The the current deal on the table doesn't directly call for police or fire layoffs, but instead calls for 10 day furloughs with layoffs coming if unions don't agree, so I guess in the world of a slimy politician, that's keeping your word.
Harrell may not have agreed with Greg Harris, but he was a council member who was honest. There are no exchange policyies in council races. She claimed to have help defeat Harris and win it for Winburn. Well, caveat emptor, Kathy.
Harrell may not have agreed with Greg Harris, but he was a council member who was honest. There are no exchange policyies in council races. She claimed to have help defeat Harris and win it for Winburn. Well, caveat emptor, Kathy.
Latest Budget Deal on the Ropes?
A new budget deal for the city was announced today, but late word from Jane Prendergast is that this deal may have stalled, with Charlie Winburn, the presumed 5th vote, calling for a recess.
The deal puts the plan for layoffs in the hands of the unions, either furloughs or layoffs. The police and fire departments would need to accept 10 days otherwise 34 from the Fire Department and 47 from the Police Department would be laid off. Additional cuts for AFSCME and CODE would be put to those unions as well.
For the FOP this couldn't come at a worse time, as they are holding union elections today.
The deal puts the plan for layoffs in the hands of the unions, either furloughs or layoffs. The police and fire departments would need to accept 10 days otherwise 34 from the Fire Department and 47 from the Police Department would be laid off. Additional cuts for AFSCME and CODE would be put to those unions as well.
For the FOP this couldn't come at a worse time, as they are holding union elections today.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Did COAST Help Cause an Increase in Crime?
The point of this article from Enquirer's Jessica Brown is that the lack of jail beds is turning criminals back on the streets.
The article goes on to say there are two causes for the lack of jail beds, the closing of Queensgate Jail in 2008 and the defeat of the Jail Tax plan in 2007.
So, 20,000 arrestees were turned away because we don't have enough jail space. COAST and its other allies were the main campaigners fighting to defeat the Jail Tax effort. They reveled in that defeat.
During the election, many (mostly the conservatives) said the crime rates were increasing this year in the city. If that is true, part of it can be laid at the feet of the recession. More people are poor, crime goes up. That's a general fact of life that no one can prevent or deny.
If any increase in crime can be traced to 20,000 people not being on bail before their trial and being free, then COAST should get a big fat share of the blame and be ridiculed for its efforts to defeat the jail tax. The problem with that notion is validating those released from jail are committing more crimes. The article uses as a source Sheriff Simon Leis, who is not shy of point out problems with solutions that would get more funding for his department.
The bias of the Sheriff aside, there is a lesson to learn. The anti-government stances put forth by COAST, like the 2007 anti-jail tax campaign, are examples of how bad ideas that are born out of shortsighted extremism come back to bite everyone in the ass. People are far to ignorant and groups like COAST prey upon that ignorance. Their strategy is to make complicated issues into yes/no questions. That is how charlatans work. They try to convince people the issues are simple, but they know that's a lie, but when your goal is destruction, lying is no vice.
The article goes on to say there are two causes for the lack of jail beds, the closing of Queensgate Jail in 2008 and the defeat of the Jail Tax plan in 2007.
So, 20,000 arrestees were turned away because we don't have enough jail space. COAST and its other allies were the main campaigners fighting to defeat the Jail Tax effort. They reveled in that defeat.
During the election, many (mostly the conservatives) said the crime rates were increasing this year in the city. If that is true, part of it can be laid at the feet of the recession. More people are poor, crime goes up. That's a general fact of life that no one can prevent or deny.
If any increase in crime can be traced to 20,000 people not being on bail before their trial and being free, then COAST should get a big fat share of the blame and be ridiculed for its efforts to defeat the jail tax. The problem with that notion is validating those released from jail are committing more crimes. The article uses as a source Sheriff Simon Leis, who is not shy of point out problems with solutions that would get more funding for his department.
The bias of the Sheriff aside, there is a lesson to learn. The anti-government stances put forth by COAST, like the 2007 anti-jail tax campaign, are examples of how bad ideas that are born out of shortsighted extremism come back to bite everyone in the ass. People are far to ignorant and groups like COAST prey upon that ignorance. Their strategy is to make complicated issues into yes/no questions. That is how charlatans work. They try to convince people the issues are simple, but they know that's a lie, but when your goal is destruction, lying is no vice.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Ghiz Blocks the Cincinnati Blog on Twitter
You have been blocked from following this account at the request of the user.
I've never held back my criticism of Council Member Leslie Ghiz, but I've never been offensive. Is that reason enough to block me on Twitter (@Leslie_Ghiz)? I had been a follower of her account for a while and replied to many of her tweets, with fair, but critical questions. I just realized she was tweeting or so I thought. I don't know when she blocked me, but I would guess its been a while, likely before the election. I guess she prefers to isolate herself from critics. Sounds like she's preparing to grow up to be a Republican.
Two questions arise from this: 1)Was I the only one blocked? Did anyone at the Enquirer or any other blog get blocked as well? 2)If she is twittering from a city owned computer does that fall under the public record statues?
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Know Theatre Adds Shows!
The Know Theatre has added two additional performances of Sideways Stories From Wayside School on Sunday December 20th and 27th at 3PM. The family friendly show is fun for all ages (I'd say kids maybe 8 or older will have more fun, but matures younger ones might like it too).
For tickets, go to www.knowtheatre.com. Tickets are only $12 in advance, and get them now, they are really starting to sell out, which is why they added more shows!
If you go on either day, be sure to come early and visit the neighborhood and shop! Check out www.otrgateway.com for all of the shopping, eating, and drinking options.
For tickets, go to www.knowtheatre.com. Tickets are only $12 in advance, and get them now, they are really starting to sell out, which is why they added more shows!
If you go on either day, be sure to come early and visit the neighborhood and shop! Check out www.otrgateway.com for all of the shopping, eating, and drinking options.
The Phony Coney's Christmas Wish For COAST
There is only so much coal in the world, but The Phony Coney has a big pile of it ready for the members of COAST at their Christmas party. I'm sure the event will be filled with the anti-City, anti-urban, anti-government negative spirit we come to know and expect from COAST.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Again, Less News is Bad News
The average television news viewer will not notice this type of change at WCPO and WXIX. That has to do with the average television news viewer being as interested in real news as they are interested in which type of Novocaine their dentist uses.
In a perfect world, I would wish this would allow Channel 9 and Channel 19 to devote more time an resources to actual news gathering, but no, it will not. News gathering (aka News Reporting, aka Journalism) is a dying profession. It is nearly dead in television, and is on life support in print.
More and more I am scared of that ability of the public will actually get reasonably unbiased and relevant information will be gone. Trust is the most important skill in journalism, and as talk radio and advocacy media are becoming the only way people hear about things, we as a society lose. I really wish people were not apathetic sheep, running toward the cheap mindless media traps being set all around.
In a perfect world, I would wish this would allow Channel 9 and Channel 19 to devote more time an resources to actual news gathering, but no, it will not. News gathering (aka News Reporting, aka Journalism) is a dying profession. It is nearly dead in television, and is on life support in print.
More and more I am scared of that ability of the public will actually get reasonably unbiased and relevant information will be gone. Trust is the most important skill in journalism, and as talk radio and advocacy media are becoming the only way people hear about things, we as a society lose. I really wish people were not apathetic sheep, running toward the cheap mindless media traps being set all around.
New Commenting System
I'm in the processing of changing commenting systems, so comments may be sporadic. Please bear with me over the next few days. I will be playing with the method of commenting once I am fully up and running, so they functionality may very. Let me know if there are opinions on things that work or don't work and I will take it under advisement.
For those wondering, Haloscan, the system I was using, is ceasing operations and being absorbed by a system called Echo, which I the system I am converting to.
For those wondering, Haloscan, the system I was using, is ceasing operations and being absorbed by a system called Echo, which I the system I am converting to.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Monzel is Void of Honor
Once upon a time there lived a City Council Member who I in no way agree with politically, but who I respected and felt had a high level of integrity. That Council Member's name was Chris Monzel. At this point, Monzel has transformed himself into a political hack approaching Steve Chabot territory. Monzel lacks honor. I am saying he lacks honor because he's not crazy. He also is not stupid. He lacks honor because he is not being honest. In his press released issued today responding to a call for ideas on what to cut in the budget Monzel continued the campaign dogma.
I look at the other Four of the Gang of Five and I really hope they do not play Monzel's game. I'm pointing at Ghiz mostly, since she's been the worst, even though Berding has given her a run for the City's most prolific Grandstander. Since they seem to be playing a game of chicken with the Mayor, I expect the fireworks to erupt soon. It makes for good blog fodder, but as is obvious is makes for horrible governance.
Therefore any budget that I will consider voting for will not, under any circumstances, include the laying off or dismissal of police officers or fire fighters (and related essential personnel) as well as severe cuts to the resources that these fine men & women need on a day to day basis to keep us safe.Monzel needs to stop pandering. The election is over. He is not going to win any more votes. He needs to start actually BEING a Council Member. That involves facing the facts that there is a 51 million dollar project budget shortfall. We can't cut all 51 million from non-public safety departments. We can not and more importantly, we SHOULD NOT! The CPD is bloated. The Enqurier article on CPD overtime is on big area that if address would provide meaningful cuts. But, not in Chris Monzel's eyes. The FOP is his Holy Grail and he will do what ever they want, no matter how low they stoop. No matter how many times they create false panic. No matter how many police slow downs they organize to punish citizens for daring to question their divinity.
I look at the other Four of the Gang of Five and I really hope they do not play Monzel's game. I'm pointing at Ghiz mostly, since she's been the worst, even though Berding has given her a run for the City's most prolific Grandstander. Since they seem to be playing a game of chicken with the Mayor, I expect the fireworks to erupt soon. It makes for good blog fodder, but as is obvious is makes for horrible governance.
Milton's Robber Dead
The man 'allegedly' responsible for robbing Milton's Tavern last summer died after a police chase in Anderson Township.
Yeah, the 'allegedly' is in my opinion not allegedly in the slightest, but the guy never stood trial for the crime, and who knows what his family might do, I don't need the grief. Anyway, he did get punished. Now I hope the staff and patrons of Milton's can have more peace and enjoy the holidays with a beer. If you are good, maybe an elf will make gumbo.
Yeah, the 'allegedly' is in my opinion not allegedly in the slightest, but the guy never stood trial for the crime, and who knows what his family might do, I don't need the grief. Anyway, he did get punished. Now I hope the staff and patrons of Milton's can have more peace and enjoy the holidays with a beer. If you are good, maybe an elf will make gumbo.
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