WNKU to showcase local music
Where do you have to go to get local music? Public radio stations. Clear Channel can't risk anything, so they wouldn't want to showcase local talent, when they can just plug in a direct from factory band, complete with pre-made image and merchandising contract.

Mayor poses election change
Who actually opposes changing how city council is elected? I don't think the Republican's are to keen on it, with Monzel's apathetic statement:

"It wasn't tainted by the politics of City Hall. Coming from the inside, I don't know if it will have legs," Monzel said. "But we'll see."

Uber-conservative Tom Brinkman is for a change, along with Charterite John Schlagetter. If elements of all three parties favor change, then is the only conflict when to change and what the structure of the revised council would resemble.

Of the three plans out there I like Democrat Donald Driehaus's plan of 7 district seats and 3 at large. Brinkman wants 15 seats, which seems far to many, and Schlagetter stated he likes the idea of proportional representation, which has the taint rewarding the little guy a bit to much. The basic fight will be on where you draw the districts. If the recent episode in Texas is any example, that process could get very ugly. Race will of course be the pink elephant in room for that process. This idea was one of the original boycott demands, and from the boycotters perspective they idea was to get more blacks on council, or at least gerrymander the districts to guarantee a minimum number would make it on council, almost a back door quota.

Luken is wise to get out front of this issue with the proposal to hold public hearings on the issue. The problem with all of the plans so far is that they lack details. Luken's process has the potential of giving the public a chance to learn about the plans, voice opinions on them, and attract support for what hopefully will end up being a broadly supported Charter Amendment. I hope the process to form districts has a mostly objective criteria as its basis, otherwise the process will become a pissing mach for power among power hungry interest groups. Your Price Hill groups, Hyde Park cartel, and boycotters all will scream about this or that, leaving little room for compromise. If those groups have the courage to be objective this might work, but that is a pipe dream. The worry that will be more cause for concern is long term: neighborhood competition for funding. Council members will be expected to bring home the bacon for their constituents. At-large council members can only provide minor balance to what will surely be a rancorous battle with the Downtown councilman and the Price Hill Councilman and the Avondale Councilman all battling for dollars. No Whammies, Big Money….Stop!!!

Other Coverage: Post, ONN, Canton Repository, WCPO, WKRC, and City Beat

Queen City Soapbox: Ethan Hahn on Bronson on Art. Ethan shares my view that Peter Bronson's opinions on art are not worth the canvass they are painted on.

Women's World Cup may come here
This is great news, but the last sentence makes me worry.

"The Bengals are conducting the negotiations with the soccer federation."

With the Browns in charge, failure is only a few press briefings away.

Bronson: Is that art or a joke?
Once again Peter has demonstrated his lack of any desire to see life beyond the steak and potato mindset. Art to Peter is supposed to be comfortable, like shag carpet. Peter should stick to "Dogs Playing Poker," or even a velvet Elvis. He can keep the milquetoast; let the willing souls take on the challenge of something outside the typical, and even a bit over the edge. If you don't live a little bit beyond the norm, then normal is all you care about, and bland is all you will be.

UPDATE: Artist Zhang Huan and a Doberman Pinscher in color from the Post. This is even less offensive than I thought. I actually find it interesting.

Matt Weiler Presents.....

Harold McKinney is reportedly running for Cincinnati City Council. Local TV stations reported tonight that Mr. McKinny will soon officially announce his candidacy. Mr. McKinny, called the Northside Vigilante, was cleared last month on charges stemming from a shooting in bar during an alleged robbery. His actions are an astute political move, but are a morally reprehensible exploitation of vigilante justice.

UPDATE: WKRC and WCPO's Stories.