The Plan for Fountain Square

The Enquirer has a heavy coverage of the Plan for Fountain Square. It will be formally issue to City Council later on today.

I like the idea, but I am torn on this being the real way to bring back downtown. I think this signals that Main Street and the Riverfront are not going to be the focus of the City for now. The Riverfront has not taken off and will likely stay what it is, an occasional used area, mostly for special summer/fall events. Main Street loses big here, and without support from the city, it will lose out. Fountain Square will cater to the Suburbanite who now may stay downtown after the baseball game. That is fine, but will it do anything to increase people moving to the city? It just makes a few Suburbanites feel like they are adventurous because they went to Fountain Square, oh the danger that brings.

Taste of Politics

On Sunday to my visit to the Taste of Cincinnati the politicos were out in force. I saw council candidate's David Crowley and Jeff Berding. I saw a group of Alicia Reece supporters. I saw this big sign from Paul Hackett. I did not see to many Republican candidates, other than a stray DeWine sticker sticking in the nasty tar on Central Parkway.

Oktoberfest is when the political fever pitch hits its high note, but this weekend was the kickoff of the political season. Opening day back in April was like spring training, but now the real games begin. The race for mayor should make this a hot summer.

WOXY X97.7 is No More

A formatting change has taken place and yet another corporate radio station has gone to the dogs. The former home to 97X will now become a "variety hits" station, which will likely make Q102 look appealing.

The worst part is that Station Program director Matt Sledge is out of a job. If anyone in radio land is looking for a good radio man, Matt is your fella.

UPDATE: Just make one thing clear, 97X (woxy.com), the only on the web station, is still going strong. The over the air station that replaced the Oxford signal is changing from Alternative music to variety hits.

McEwen Over Brinkman

The extreme right wingers are lining up to support Bob McEwen for Ohio Congress. Dobson, Burress, and Tony Perkins are a theocratic fascist Axis if there ever was one. With guys like these three supporting him, that actually makes Brinkman look pretty good. Tom got the Gun Owners Association, but that is all I found referenced on his website. I think Tom is a Catholic. Could that have anything to do with why the über anti-abortion Ohio Legislator did not get Evangelical Protestant leaders' support? Yes, I am throwing gas on a fire.

Violent Femmes Play Cincinnati June 17

The blisters in the sun may flame up with the Violent Femmes playing outside in downtown Cincinnati in the alley behind McFadden's. (You are so welcome for my cheap attempt a pun). Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.

Somehow I think I have a culture night idea for Cincinnati Advance that could plan itself.

I heard a commercial for this as I drove back from Dayton. I had heard nothing about this previously and was cheering in my car.

I saw the Femmes back during college when they opened up for the Grateful Dead up at Buckeye Lake near Columbus. It was an odd mix of bands, but the crowd dug the Femmes very enthusiastically.

For the record: I am there! Who is with me?

Looting the Food King

"For God's sake, they're looting the Food King!"

I had to take a trip to the store on Saturday whilst I was attending my niece's graduation party up in Tipp City. I actually went twice, so I took a picture. It is a very old store, badly in need of new check out lanes. They have old carts that are tall and shallow. The name is what just got me. When I was asked to go to Food Town, I was waiting for someone to break into song and sing me a peppy jingle instructing me on a balanced diet.

Evolution Gains Yet Again

A 370 Million year old Arthrodire was found in Clark County Kentucky. Shhhhh! Don't tell Ken Ham and the other nutty Young Earthers that science is proving him wrong yet again.