Downtown - OTR Status

So, in what direction are we headed? Jon Fox of CityBeat explores where we're going. Some say bad, some say good. Is the City doing anything outside of grandstanding on the Selection of City Manager?

Dale Mallory - Under Fire

The Mayor's Brother Dale Mallory is is being scrutinized for his actions.

His efforts regarding City Link are drumming up his foes again as well.

Poor Tax Defeated?

The Enquirer is reporting that the effort to raise the sales tax and lower property taxes, something we shall call the poor tax, could be on its way to defeat. Uncle Carl seems to need more money, so unless he plans on buying everyone in the county a new car, I don't see how this plan does anything but stick it to the poor and to a lesser degree the middle class, mainly the renting middle class. Where's the debate on funding plans? Heimlich appears to be feeling the pinch from Pepper, forcing him to try and win over the nutty anti-tax extremists.

City Manager Vote Delayed

Mayor Mark Mallory will not ask council to approve his candidate for City Manager today, instead opting to wait at least a week.

Does Milton Dohoney have the votes for approval? Is council only pissed off about the process or do they want someone else? What will it take to get Chris Monzel to side with the four council members on record with not liking the selection process? Maybe just a phone call? If they really felt Dohoney was a good candidate, would they be this open about the problems with the selection process?

In Case You Missed the Bus

Inktank has announced: "Encore Performance of Stories From Behind The Wheel Scheduled For Monday, June 19, 2006 at Mr. Pitiful's (1323 Main Street)

InkTank's submission to the 2006 Cincinnati Fringe Festival was a wild success as each of the performances of Stories From Behind The Wheel sold out. (Actually it's not that hard to sell out when you perform your show on a 25 seat bus, but we're proud anyway, so stop raining on our parade, okay?). Due to an overwhelming number of requests to add another performance, the cast has graciously agreed to hold another performance at Mr. Pitiful's (1323 Main Street) at 8:00pm on Monday, June 19th, 2006. Unfortunately, we won't be on a bus for this performance, but the good news is that we'll have plenty of seats for everyone. Please join us for a special night of storytelling with three fantastic actors, Jennifer Dalton, Embrya DeShango, and Scott Fitzgerald. Directed by Michael Burnham, the production takes stories collected by InkTank writers from bus passengers and bus drivers and strings them together to show Cincinnati through the windows of its mass transit system. Donations to InkTank gladly accepted at the door. For more information, please call Jeff Syroney at 513-542-0195."

Synergy

It's a cliché, but the Multimedia PR Kits can provide a synergy of files/documents that can fit any media outlet or PR need.

As the Internet grows as a tool for all types of media, TV, Radio, Print, each medium wants all possible types of content that will fit their varied Internet sites.

Around Cincinnati - WVXU

One of the great local radio programs on Cincinnati Radio is Around Cincinnati. The full archive with Podcasts are available.

B-Roll

The average Jane/Joe on the street has no idea how much thought local news puts on the production of stories. The visual image is what drives television. The importance of having video or quality digital pictures is a must for an arts organization to get any Television news coverage.

Best quote: "How did the monkey start riding the dog?"

New Local Arts Blog

We didn't have time to add this to the NAMP workshop, but CincinnatiArts.com has a new local blog going at cincinantiarts.com/blog.

NAMP: Blogging

Much like walking and chewing gum at the same time, I can't blog and speak in front of an audience much, so I am looking back and thinking, yes, I have voice for Blogging.

UPDATE: A point to add on commenting for blogs. Every blog editor/owner should consider a clear policy on how to handle comments from readers. On my blog I don't regulate comments and I get some nut cases. An arts organization will likely need to moderate comments.

Speaking of Long Lines

The Fringe Festival is on my mind (it just ended) and seeing people wait in line for a show reminded of this photo we got from Saturday at the Know Theatre where people were waiting in line for Catholic Girl's Guide.

Virtual Backstage Tour

The types of things I think a "backstage" tour could provide are limitless. During the Fringe Festival just last week I walked by a theatre and heard the company going through what I would guess was a warm-up ritual. What I might want to know is, what are they doing? Why are they doing it? How can/does the ritual make the performance better? I would love to see that ritual.

Ok, I must be honest. I am not a fan of Cirque du Soleil. They do have a great video, however.

The Agenda & Welcome

Living blogging an event is not a new concept, so I won't pretend to be the "Blog of Record" for the workshop, but I hope to add a different perspective.

The Agenda:

• Virtual Backstage Pass
• Previews and Trailers
• Blogging and Podcasting
• B-Rol
• Multimedia PR Kits

The four of us presenting the event are:

• James Czar
• Adam Rabinowitz
• Luke Brockmeier
• Brian Griffin (me)

Yes, our video trailer was a bit goofy, but only James is really that geeky in real life.

NAMP Pre Game

We had a little bit of maneuvering to get the Internet hook up set, but we are up and running. James, Adam, Luke and I are prepping the workshop.

National Arts Marketing Project Workshop

I'll be live blogging the National Arts Marketing Project workshop today from UC's campus. I am part of the presentation. If there are questions on blogging or anything else from a participant in the workshop, please feel free to post it or email me.

Papers, Please

I wonder how much longer before every person who "looks" like they could be illegal are rounded up in Butler County?

Fountain Square North Upgrade

Fifth Third is set to announce plans for the building running along the North side of Fountain Square. Plans are reportedly including a remodeled Rock Bottom Brewery and 42 million dollars worth of renovations.

Bigotry Blooms in Butler County

The xenophobia of Michael Fox is reaching new levels with his effort to ignore efforts to fight the crimes in his county that will affect people, instead of playing politics and feeding bigotry by going after illegal immigrants who were hired by local Business owners. I wonder what party 75% (or higher) of Butler County business owners belong too??? If you didn't just think Republican, then I don't think you have been to Butler County before. How does Fox think he can run away the money of business and expect to have enough money to get elected again?

Effort to Force Air American off 1530 AM?

It would not surprise me in the least that conservatives are pressuring local businesses into dropping ads on 1530 AM. It also would not surprise me if local Clear Channel AM boss Darryl Parks had orchestrated a faux campaign to try and get Ed Schultz off the air, thus rallying listeners in Ed's defense. How many times have they claimed Willie Cunningham was "suspended" for a week for something "controversial", only instead for it being his vacation?

Pimpin' the Purple People Bridge

I don't know if the event will live up to hype, but the national media is eating up the new climbing attracting over the river on the Purple People Bridge. With three mayors meeting at the top, the spectacle is something no TV news producer can miss.

Gunman Robs Arby's

If this took place at the Arby's at the corner of 6th & Vine I wonder what our anti-city commenters would be saying about it? Instead this took place in Fairfield. When will the panic hit about going to Cincinnati Mills?

I mean, you can't really believe that you could be safe at that mall if a crime is committed anywhere in the vicinity of it, even a matter of 5 miles. Are you willing to gamble with your children's lives on 5 miles? The robber had a gun and could have just as easily robbed the food court or movie theater at the Mall. What is this world coming to when you can't go to a suburban fast food restaurant without the fear of being robbed at gunpoint?

[If you can't read my snarky/sarcastic tone, then you really aren't paying attention]

Pick of Fringe

Today is your last chance for Fringe. Two great shows are scheduled:
Critics & Audience Pick: The Catholic Girl's Guide to Losing Your Virginity at 4PM
Producers' Pick: (Un)Natural Disaster at 2 PM.

Proceeds from today's shows go towards the 2007 Cincinnati Fringe Festival.

I saw Catholic Girl's Guide last night, and it was great. The full run of sell outs surely will mean a huge audience today, so get there early!

We got to see it from the Tech booth, which is one of the best seats in the house. Get out there now and see these shows!

Hyde Park Murder Solved

Joe Deters has announced an arrest in the Mulligan's murder case.

City Council Ticked Off

Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory is not winning over friends on Council. Four members of council are not happy over how the Mayor handled his appointment of a new City Manager. A fifth member, Laketa Cole, is said by the Four to be in agreement with their opinion.

None of the members are opposed to Milton Dohoney, per see, but the state the City Charter states they should be more involved in the selection process, other than providing an up or down vote.

This sounds like Bush and Supreme Court nominations.

Katie Reider HAS an Ego

It would appear that being on the radio, just isn't' good enough for local musician Katie Reider. I guess free radio air time is growing on trees.

Nick Spencer: Death of Main Street

Nick is seeing doom for Main Street. I don't know the inside of the business operations to know what is happening, but it appears Jekyll and Hyde's has now closed.

Cincy Fringe Blog 2006 is UP!

Hit the CincyFringe06 Blog, comment or email in your comments!

Why?

Why is the President pushing an anti-gay amendment?

Three possible reasons:

1. He hates gays.

2. He is reading the polls and sees the GOP hurting. How do you get an animal to pounce? Throw them some red meat. Nothing gets people on the far right going like some good old fashioned gay hatin'!

3. Both.

This time I think that Bush is badly misjudging the right wing. They love hating gays, but the are not liking Bush or much of the GOP leadership at this point. This faux passion for hating gays is not going to fool many, and Bush's standing in the polls will not be swayed by this hateful action.

Get on the Bus

The Enquirer - Transcendent night on a bus

Fringe Day One Done

The Cincinnati Fringe Festival is off and running. For a behind the scenes take on Cincinnati Advance's volunteer organization, check out our Volunteer Fringe Blog.

Selective Policing - Veiled Racism?

New Allegations are hitting Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones in his office's treatment of Latinos, and Jones seems to have failed to understand that Mexico didn't bomb the World Trade Center:

"What if we stop bin Laden?" the sheriff wants to know. "What are we supposed to do? Say, 'Oh, you can go right on, sir, have a nice day. And stop by ICE's office and maybe turn yourself in.' It's gotten that ridiculous."

Last I checked, OBL wasn’t being sheltered by the Mexican government. I guess anyone not white is a possible terrorist to Sheriff Jones.

This is the guy who says he is trying to uphold all of the laws but seems to have an obsession with certain ones:

"'I took an oath to uphold all the laws of this state and of this country,' he said."

Damn, Sheriff Jones sure must have solved all of the crimes in Butler County.

I want to know if the Sheriff has all of this free time, why does he have a Cold Case Unit? If he can't solve all of the state crimes he has, why use man power to enforce a federal law that has no impact on his county?

The actions by Butler County officials are more and more taking the pattern of institutional racism, making me think of sheriffs in Alabama and Mississippi from the 1960's. This is not what should be happening in Ohio. Jones is pushing the limits of the law, and needs to be taught that he can't oppress an innocent group in hopes of finding someone breaking an insignificant law.

Theocracy In Action #814

What other reason would moronic legislators like Republican state Rep Keith Faber have for the religious state and federal mottoes being posted in Ohio schools?:

'The goal is to make sure that students have a basis to talk about the historical aspects of how this country was founded,' said state Rep. Keith Faber, who sponsored the bill.

'I don't think the mottoes are necessarily religiously based,' the western Ohio Republican said."

When you talk about God or god, you are talking about RELIGION! Simple facts seem to just fly by the theocrats. When you believe that "god" or "God" is an absolute "truth", then thinking it's not a religious concept is the kind of foolishly ignorant view one tends to have, like Rep. Raber.

Well, those mottoes are religious. ALL references to a god or God, and most certainly the Christian God, are religious references. They are what is called monotheism.

The only reason this type of thing is done is to appease the right wing Republican bent on establishing a theocracy in Ohio and the USA, and try create a fake issue to try and save Ken Blackwell from defeat.

Hanging signs in schools does nothing but divide students based on religion and create MORE conflict. Religion is not a unifying force in America! I wish people like Faber would start understanding that. Any attempt to use government to force religion on me is not a good thing! If you want to gain converts, fine, do it on your private dime using private institutions. This is not a difficult concept, but one the right wingers don't seem to grasp. I am once again sounding like a broken record, but I will not stop repeating myself as long as more attempts are made to establish a theocracy in Ohio or anywhere in the USA.

Russia Hates Gays

The right wing anti-gay bigots in the USA have new allies in their crusade against gays and lesbians. Russians appear to not hide their hate behind legislation, they show their hate with violence. I hope the Phil Burress type nut cases NEVER get to this level of insanity. I hope and I hope, but we should keep a watchful eye to their actions. Keep the hate pushers in check, and do not let their brand or level of bigotry go without retort.

Taste of Cincinnati Tales?

Anyone at or been to Taste of Cincinnati today? I am heading down tomorrow for the CiN Stage trifecta of 500 Miles to Memphis, Wussy, and THE HEARTLESS BASTARDS. Great line-up. It is going to be hot as well, so wear your sun screen!

You Don't Say

All is well, please move along!

(Yes Junior, its open)

Pick Your Battles Better

I believe it is a waste of time for anyone to try and have the Banks oversight committee's makeup altered. Instead, they should lean on the Mayor, Council, and County commission to push the issues they feel should be addressed in the plans for The Banks. Worrying about the color of skin or sex of the committee members doesn't get anything done.

People talk about "inclusion," but don't make the case for what that is supposed to be. If you are talking about quotas, well you are not going to make much headway. I have not heard any details from anyone about what is wanted other than

"The big question is, who will be in the room when decisions are made that will affect where hundreds of millions of dollars are spent and decisions are made that will affect African-American, Hispanic, Asian and other communities?" Love said. "We cannot, a decade from now, look up and see that we are lacking fair and reasonable inclusion after the Banks has been completed.

In Ten years how can we judge anything if we don't state what we want to happen? Don't give symbolic goals if you want tangible results, instead give tangible goals with realistic and possible results.

Riverfront Park Plan Updated

Will this park be a product of the Banks or will the Banks just disrupt its completion?

It sounds like by itself this project is going to take forever to complete:

Carden said the park will be built in five phases with the first phase taking two years to complete.

I really hope stages 2 through 5 are minor compared with stage 1.

The Last Temptation of Da Vinci

It is a movie. It is a fictional story, not a religious edict. The more attention it is given, the more people will see it. Some critics don't think its a very good movie anyway.

UPDATE: We have local idiots protesting! Seeing a couple fools carrying picket signs always makes for good TV. Watch for the satellite trucks!

Butler County Has No Other Crime

It would appear that Butler County has solved all outstanding felony cases and have plenty of time to waste on Federal Laws.

Volunteer For Fringe

How to Fringe IT

We know you are dying to help out on the Fringe Festival. Well, here is your chance! Below is a set of directions as to how you can volunteer for the festival. Included are links to our website listing out the wide variety of shifts available. If you have any questions, please email us at fringe@cincinnatiadvance.com or just logon to www.cincinnatiadvance.com/fringe. For more information about the Fringe Festival, check out the mains site at www.cincyfringe.com.

How to Sign - Up

1. LOGIN / REGISTER - You will need to Login or Register on the Cincinnati Advance website in order to sign up for shifts via this website. If you see a box to the left that say's "User login," then you need to log in. If you don't see that box, then you are logged in, skip to step two! If you have never logged in before, you need to hit the "Create new account" link. Otherwise enter your "Username" and "Password." If you forgot your password, hit the link "Request new password," and follow the directions to have a new one emailed to you.


2. CHOOSE SHIFTS - Once you are logged in you are ready to review what shifts you would like to choose to work. Below are links for the shifts categorized two ways, by day and by venue. Select a date or venue and view the shift lsting.


3. CLICK ON DATE / VENUE LINK - When you click one of the links below, a listing for that type will show with the date, time and volunteer position for each option.


4. GET MORE INFO ABOUT SHIFT - n the bottom right hand corner of each shift box, there is a "more info" link that will open up more details of the shift, including the address.


5. ***VOLUNTEER*** - Click on the green button located on the bottom right hand corner of the box of the shift. If the button is red, that means the shift has been filled and you can go back to select another shift. IF there is a red button , then that shift is full, pick a different one.

By Day

• 
  Wednesday May 31, 2006


• 
  Thursday June 1, 2006


• 
  Friday June 2, 2006


• 
  Saturday June 3, 2006


• 
  Sunday June 4, 2006


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  Monday June 5, 2006


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  Tuesday June 6, 2006


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  Wednesday June 7, 2006


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  Thursday June 8, 2006


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  Friday June 9, 2006


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  Saturday June 10, 2006


• 
  Sunday June 11, 2006

By Venue

• CAC


• ETC


• Know Theatre


• Harry's Upstairs


• Kaldi's


• Mr. Pitiful's


• Art Gallery


• Bar Series


• Headquarters


• Promotions


• Kick Off Party

CiN Weekly Revamps Website

It is very different, much simpler, I think I like it at first glance. Once I start navigating, we'll see.

Crappy Law Enforcement and Racism

What happened to law enforcement doing something to prevent theft or catching those who steal property? Why are local political hacks playing politics by worrying about minor law enforcement issues, instead of going after the law breakers who do damage to people's lives by stealing their property?

Racism is driving this:

"It's bigger than our economy tomorrow, it's our heritage," he told Fox. "It's our way of life. ... This sounds prejudiced maybe, but this is our country. This is not Mexico. ... Are we willing to have the whole face of America change?"

That didn't sound prejudiced, that sounded racist, Mr Fox. These are the word of an elected official. When does Mr. Fox get his white sheet fitted?

Miss Me?

I didn't think so!

Open Thread!

Congratulations to Wes Flinn

Give a big shout for Wes Flinn! Wes and the lovely Jawa Girl are getting married TODAY here in dazzling SW Ohio. It is nice having Wes and Jawa Girl back in town and it will be great being there when they tie the knot. Here's to their long future together!

Supply and Demand's a Bitch

The Continetal Lounge is opening up its restaurant to non-members of the club. I would surmise that membership is not generating enough business, so they need some of the little people to provide patronage to help keep the endeavor going. I am not a fan of the concept and structure of this club, so this is sign to me that the economics of the situation are becoming more clear to the operators that this type of entity will not survive as it was structured for very long. That is a good thing.

City Beat Blog

Greg Flannery and the City Beat News Team have started a blog. Bout Time Greg, Sheesh.

Diner Location to Become Vinyl

Main Street is getting a boost from a new restaurant called "Vinyl." Great news. Get out and support it when it opens in July.

A Casino at Broadway Commons

I really don't think a casino at Broadway Commons is going to work. Gambling Grandmas are not the type to attract to Main Street. On the river is where it otta be, down past the Brent Spense. I favor casinos, I just don't favor them being the focus of tourism efforts for the city.

But How?

Peter Bronson does his best to booster his nutty buddy Charlie Winburn in his latest column, but neither tells us how we can reduce crime. Peter notes Winburn's quick fix solution

Winburn says he can cut homicides in half in six months by going after "500 African-American families who commit 80 percent of the crimes, homicides, drugs and use of guns in Cincinnati."

Ok, fine maybe that's true. Maybe if you somehow pick certain people to go after things might get better, for a while. Killing cancer cells does not rid you of what caused the cancer in the first place.

What about jail space? When is the county or state governments, controlled by the GOP, going to pony up the money and build a new jail up in Sharonville? I say Sharonville because no one wants a jail near by, but why not up in Sharonville? The Sheriff Deputies would have a shorter commute.

All we get is talk-talk. We get conservative Bronsons out there saying stuff like "So what does it take to finally do something about it?" My question is: so what does it take for people in the suburbs to stop being a bunch of chickenshits? How do you fight crime? Outside of the police getting aggressive, which they should, it takes individuals building a community (an entire METRO community) that prides itself on cooperation, communication, and interaction. Don't let irrational fear drive you to the burbs. I've said this before, and I am going to get the pussies scared of their own shadows saying they are staying behind their cul de sac moats because they can't risk their little kids lives on some poor inner city black kid they'd rather stay away anyway.

As long as you create and maintain an "us and them" attitude, live in seclusion, and experience nothing outside your villiage, society will feel like a monster out to change you. Society can only change you if you let it or want to change. Change is not bad, but if you want to claim to be tuff and strong, then face the fears of difference and of violence with a real simple thing, don't let it scare you. Go places you are told to fear. If you then still fear it, ask why. If you no longer fear it, ask others why they still cling to fear like a security blanket that would make Linus blush.

OHIO's FIRST - Cranley v Chabot

New blog in town called Ohio's First. It will be on the blog roll soon. Give it a read.