Miami (OH) vs. Kentucky

About an hour from now, Miami will take on Kentucky at Paul Brown Stadium. There's a good chance that those who attend the game will see the highest quality football to be played at PBS over the next three months. While I'm not going, as a UC fan, I've been trying to figure out who I'd prefer to win.

My inclination is to cheer for Miami. We should support our fellow Ohio schools when possible, right? And perhaps if Miami's season starts strong, UC's BCS standings will be boosted when they trounce the Redhawks on October 3rd. But, still, it's Miami! J. Crew U. Can I really root for that?

On the other hand, certainly I'm not the only downtown resident to be offended by the putrid shade of blue that's invaded our streets over the last couple of days. And Kentucky is an SEC team; no self-respecting Ohioan should cheer on a team from that conference.

I think I'm going to review the rules of the game: is there any way that both teams can lose?

WOW! That Sums It Up

A Christian Moerlein Microbrewery and beer garden at The Banks is a brilliant idea and provides two great elements: something unique and vibrant as well as something the suburbanites will flock to before and after Reds games. I wonder how many of them will know the history of the name and understand it is local? This is a place I will enjoy and I am really congratulate the City and Moerlein CEO Greg Hardman for coming up with a great idea.

Today We Settle All Family Business

Today there will be three council meetings and a deal is close with City Unions. Assuming we get the legal ruling on the Layoffs as well, everything could come together by the end of the day, except for the unions getting formal approval of any concessions.

This is the day to stay out of the way. I would not want to be Ghiz, Berding, or Monzel today. I think the GodfatherMayor may have a few questions for them before he sends them off to Las Vegas with Clemenza.

It is fun when life imitates art.

Local Blogger Exposed By John Matarese!

Well, not really. But I'm pretty sure I saw Kate the Great on the news last night. Matarese did a piece on how the United Way uses donations. (It's a very favorable piece, without even a hint of a scandal; Matarese must be losing his touch.) Katy was United Way's spokesperson for the story.

The WCPO story is online here. And if you've got a few extra bucks, make a donation. (Maybe they'll give Katy a raise!)

City Reportedly Close to Deal With Unions

The Enquirer is reporting that the City, read that as the City Manager, is close to a deal with Unions to avoid all layoffs. The bulk of the shortfall would come from consessions from the unions. In the story I got the impression this was news to the FOP President. I hope she is just playing ignorant and this ends up being all for not.

UPDATE: 700 WLW reported that the deal would include furloughs.

Will Someone Blink?

Layoffs at the city are looming and the details of the impacts are starting to be made more clear. Are we going to see the FOP or anyone on council come up concessions or with a new plan to avoid layoffs? Will one of the parties in play make choices they don't want to make? Will someone blink? Will this remain a big issue two months from now when voters go tot he polls?

In Memoriam: Erich Kunzel

The Enquirer's Janelle Garland has an excellent obituary for Erich Kunzel, a mainstay of the Cincinnati music scene for decades. I'll not add anything, except to say that I'm extremely grateful that I was able to attend a couple of performances of the Pops under his baton.

I'll leave the comment thread for folks to share their thoughts on this sad day.