Clever Mischief Closes Mason Schools

The Enquirer reports that Mason schools were forced to close today because last night, someone snuck into the bus garage and unplugged the school buses. The diesel-fueled engines use engine block heaters overnight to keep the engines warm enough to start in the morning.

When the culprits are caught, there's no doubt we'll be treated to a chorus of hand-wringing by school officials (and, perhaps, the Warren County Prosecutor) over what a terrible offense was committed. I can't help thinking, though, about how clever it is.

The Enquirer refers to the act as one of "vandalism." While that may be true in a colloquial sense, I'm not sure that what happened could be prosecuted as vandalism. That crime requires a showing of physical harm to property. Assuming the engines weren't damaged (and I think they weren't--they should be fine once they warm up again), there's no physical harm.

Of course, the miscreants committed a trespass (a fourth degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to thirty days in jail). Perhaps unauthorized use of property (also a fourth degree misdemeanor) or criminal mischief (a third degree misdemeanor, which carries up to sixty days) would fit the circumstances. But there don't seem to be any other, more serious charges available.

When I heard what happened, I immediately thought of the scene in Bull Durham when Kevin Costner's character turns on the sprinklers at a ballpark overnight to force a rainout. While we can't condone the conduct of the kids that pulled the plugs, we can admire their ingenuity.

UPDATE: The Enquirer now reports "Mason school officials here [sic] say they suspect students were behind" the unplugging of the engine block heaters. My response: Wow....that's a stunningly brilliant piece of detective work. Kids: Lawyer up, quick!!!

It's Cold, Bundle Up!

In case you are living in a cave, please take notice it is very cold out today and will be very cold again tomorrow. If you are indeed living in a cave, you must be really freaking cold right now.

Happy Birthday, Brian!!!!

I thought we needed a thread so that people could wish Griff a happy 37th birthday.

Happy birthday, Brian!

Harris Appointed to City Council

Greg Harris has been appointed to fill out the term of John Cranley, who stepped down from Cincinnati City Council last week. This is an excellent pick for the City. Greg will bring a fresh perspective that is honest, fair, and progressive.

More from UrbanCincy.

The Blue Ball - Jan 20th 8PM Northside Tavern

Join Cincy Rocks Obama for a special Presidential Inauguration celebration on January 20th at 8PM at the Northside Tavern. Here are the details from the press release:

Cincy Rocks Obama Presents The Blue Ball
Dance Party Celebrates the Presidential Inauguration

CINCINNATI—Celebrate the country’s most exciting and historic election at an inaugural ball at the Northside Tavern.

The folks who brought you Cincy Rocks Obama and 2008’s legendary election-night party invite you to celebrate the 2009 Presidential Inauguration at The Blue Ball, January 20, 2009, 8 pm at Northside Tavern, 4163 Hamilton Avenue.

The Blue Ball is an inauguration celebration featuring a dance party with DJ Apryl Reign, food catered by Melt and The Hideaway, games, prizes, special guests and drinks. Guests are encouraged – but not required – to wear formal attire. The Blue Ball has no cover charge, but we will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items and cash to benefit the Freestore Food Bank.

The Blue Ball is a nonpartisan event celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime historical milestone. Whether your politics are red, blue, green or somewhere in between, you are all invited to celebrate this historic moment with great music, among good friends.

“We hope that everyone feels welcome at this party, regardless of political affiliation,” says Eric Appleby, co-host of The Blue Ball. “Ultimately, the inauguration isn’t about winning or losing. When you consider the recent coups and ongoing chaos in other countries, you realize that the peaceful transfer of power is a pretty remarkable part of our democracy.”

“In the end, that's what this election is about. Do we participate in a politics of cynicism or a politics of hope?” – Barack Obama

Event Details
What: The Blue Ball
Who: Cincy Rocks Obama and you!
Where: Northside Tavern, 4163 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio.
When: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 8 pm.
Why: To celebrate the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States and the historical mandate for change
More info: www.cincyrocksobama.com

Cincy Rocks Obama unites local musicians, fans & friends to REGISTER, EDUCATE, & MOTIVATE voters for Obama.
CONTACT: Cincy Rocks Obama Press Contact, press@cincyrocksobama.com

Done Got Old!

Half-Staff Flag Bleg

Hamilton County flags are at half-staff today. Does anyone know why?

(Someone, please tell me it's not because of the damned cow.)

UPDATE (1/10/09): I believe the flags were lowered in honor of Captain Warren A. Frank, who was killed in Iraq on November 25 and buried at Arlington National Cemetary yesterday. Thanks to the commenters who pointed this out.