Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Blame City Council?
Nick Spencer points out another positive step going on in Covington's MainStrasse. Covington officials are considering shutting down traffic in the MainStrasse area on weekends and allowing opening containers in the streets. This is an idea Nick and CT had a while ago for the Main Street area here in Cincinnati. That idea was just dropped like most efforts the city was considering for the Main Street area. This is what I mean when I say that they city can't focus on more than one thing, and the Fountain Square Plan is all they have right now on their minds. They are not taking steps to keep a vital and vibrant area from growing in favor of building up an area that caters to a static population.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Fringe 2005 Ends! Long Live the Fringe!
Jackie Demaline has a nice closing article on this year's Fringe Festival which ended last night. I wish to personally thank those from Cincinnati Advance who represented our growing organization very well. I had fun myself volunteering, even when I wasn't on a shift I pressed myself into service to do a little bit of heavy lifting. Let me tell you, the bases for lighting beams are freaking heavy when you take them up a flight of stairs in the dying heat of Memorial Hall.
The shows were great, the performers where great, and it was best to be able to walk right up after a show and shake their hands and talk about it. That is the part of Fringe most people don't take advantage of, but that was there every night at the Bar Series. I went to all but 2 of the bar series events, and let me tell you, I am damn tired. I can't imagine how tired those who did 1,000 times more work during the Festival than I did feel.
I look forward to next year's event and hope those who came out to volunteer or see a show will be back next year and keep up their involvement with the Community. We would love to have you all take part in any or all of the Cincinnati Advance Activities.
The shows were great, the performers where great, and it was best to be able to walk right up after a show and shake their hands and talk about it. That is the part of Fringe most people don't take advantage of, but that was there every night at the Bar Series. I went to all but 2 of the bar series events, and let me tell you, I am damn tired. I can't imagine how tired those who did 1,000 times more work during the Festival than I did feel.
I look forward to next year's event and hope those who came out to volunteer or see a show will be back next year and keep up their involvement with the Community. We would love to have you all take part in any or all of the Cincinnati Advance Activities.
Death of TV?
With the 800 Pound Gorilla in advertising saying they are cutting back on TV ads, does that signal the beginning of the demise of television as the number one media type? Has the Internet and other direct networking conduits finally taken a chunk out of the boob tube?
Down to the Wire
Today will be a very heavy day for the 2nd Congressional District candidates. They will be out and about all over the district begging for votes.
Who is going to win? Since I am not a registered member of either party, I will not be voting tomorrow. I don't like telling people who to vote for by giving endorsements. I would normally say who I am voting for, but since I am not voting, I am not saying who I would vote for. Instead, I offer predictions and invite others to chime in with theirs.
The Democrats: Paul Hackett will win. Sanders is the only other person with any possible chance, but I think with the Dem organizations backing him, Hackett will pull away with a solid margin.
The Republicans: This one is tough. There are four who could win: DeWine, Brinkman, McEwen, and Schmidt. Even with Schmidt's Enquirer endorsement, I think she will finish fourth. Even with his rabid support on this blog, I think Brinkman will finish third. It is tough to then pick the winner. DeWine should have won easily with his funding and organization, but he has big time enemies. McEwen is as much if not more of an opportunist than DeWine and should not really be a factor, he has no fresh ground team. I believe it will be very close between the two, but that to the surprise of the right wing conservatives, DeWine will win.
Who is going to win? Since I am not a registered member of either party, I will not be voting tomorrow. I don't like telling people who to vote for by giving endorsements. I would normally say who I am voting for, but since I am not voting, I am not saying who I would vote for. Instead, I offer predictions and invite others to chime in with theirs.
The Democrats: Paul Hackett will win. Sanders is the only other person with any possible chance, but I think with the Dem organizations backing him, Hackett will pull away with a solid margin.
The Republicans: This one is tough. There are four who could win: DeWine, Brinkman, McEwen, and Schmidt. Even with Schmidt's Enquirer endorsement, I think she will finish fourth. Even with his rabid support on this blog, I think Brinkman will finish third. It is tough to then pick the winner. DeWine should have won easily with his funding and organization, but he has big time enemies. McEwen is as much if not more of an opportunist than DeWine and should not really be a factor, he has no fresh ground team. I believe it will be very close between the two, but that to the surprise of the right wing conservatives, DeWine will win.
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Yet Another Quiz: What is Your World View?
I am not one for online quizes, but I saw this one on Shwango and it was interesting.
UPDATE: I took it again and am something different. I am just fickle? No, not really, the same top four I had are the same top four again, just in varied order.
 | You scored as Modernist. Modernism represents the thought that science and reason are all we need to carry on. Religion is unnecessary and any sort of spirituality halts progress. You believe everything has a rational explanation. 50% of Americans share your world-view.
What is Your World View? (updated) created with QuizFarm.com |
UPDATE: I took it again and am something different. I am just fickle? No, not really, the same top four I had are the same top four again, just in varied order.
 | You scored as Existentialist. Existentialism emphasizes human capability. There is no greater power interfering with life and thus it is up to us to make things happen. Sometimes considered a negative and depressing world view, your optimism towards human accomplishment is immense. Mankind is condemned to be free and must accept the responsibility.
What is Your World View? (updated) created with QuizFarm.com |
Enquirer Endorsements Are Out
The Enquirer has made endorsements in both 2nd Congressional District's Primaries set for Tuesday.
For the GOP they picked: Jean Schmidt. This is a bit of a surprise to me. I would said they would have gone with McEwen or DeWine, but it appears both men's negatives of being opportunist office seekers turned of the Board.
For the Dems they picked: Paul Hackett. This was not a surprise. Hackett has been the favorite to win the primary for quite a while now. This just helps further that end.
For the GOP they picked: Jean Schmidt. This is a bit of a surprise to me. I would said they would have gone with McEwen or DeWine, but it appears both men's negatives of being opportunist office seekers turned of the Board.
For the Dems they picked: Paul Hackett. This was not a surprise. Hackett has been the favorite to win the primary for quite a while now. This just helps further that end.
Even More on the Banks
The Enquirer is pushing the Banks Project again today.
This time we get inside the developer chosen by the County. Korte's descriptions is of a political player who knows how to grease the wheels, but who has a track record with some past bumps. This effort seems hasty. Will there be follow through? I am very skeptical that we will see the plan executed to the maximum. Something will happen, but how long will it take? If the county pushes this forward, then great. I think the City should stick to Fountain Square until that is done, then just hop on to the Banks if things work out. They already look like they are on the outside of this project, so why no stay on the outside and just reap the benefit of it getting done, if it gets done?
This time we get inside the developer chosen by the County. Korte's descriptions is of a political player who knows how to grease the wheels, but who has a track record with some past bumps. This effort seems hasty. Will there be follow through? I am very skeptical that we will see the plan executed to the maximum. Something will happen, but how long will it take? If the county pushes this forward, then great. I think the City should stick to Fountain Square until that is done, then just hop on to the Banks if things work out. They already look like they are on the outside of this project, so why no stay on the outside and just reap the benefit of it getting done, if it gets done?
Saturday, June 11, 2005
More on the Banks
This article gives a very positive spin on the Banks and the movement to getting it going. How the City/County will work together is still something in flux.
Friday, June 10, 2005
In the Wood Closes
Long time UC mainstay bar/restaurant In the Wood has settled their Eminent Domain case with the City. The owners ended up getting $1.6 Million. It was only a matter of time and of money.
What Is This?
Is this piece by Barry M. Horstman a news article or an opinion column? It might be considered News Analysis, but this superfluous anecdote it leans more towards a column:
And for the superstitious, there's this: At one forum, as a party strategist laid out an exceedingly optimistic scenario for a Democratic victory, a large sign saying "Hamilton County Democratic Party" loudly fell from a wall. Talk about bad omens.That is news worthy? Why not mention that the Miami University Young Republicans had a sign that misspelled "Republican?"
Pick of the Fringe Venue Changes
The shows remain the same, but the locations for two of the performances have changed. Each show will be maxed out with the number of seats that can fit in the venues. The final show especially will have lots of space, so you still can join Fringe at the last minute. There is even a reception before the final show at 7 PM at Memorial Hall Sunday. Make the effort and see great theater!
Does 'The Banks' Have Legs?
With the County and the City not working together are we going to get a half finished development? Will the county's motion get the City in gear? Can the city focus on both Fountain Square and the Riverfront?
Thursday, June 09, 2005
More From Amy Salloway
It is great to hear from a performer with praise for Cincy Fringe. Amy's performance was steller. Please try and check it out on Sunday at the CAC.
When Did the Governor Know?
Questions are now being asked about when Governor Bob Taft's Office knew about the Losses incurred by the Ohio Bureau of Workers? Compensation Fund. This fund's losses included rare coin investments, some of which are considered "missing." Taft's office may have bee informed of the problem six months ago, not just recently. Does this matter? Not politically, but it make me wonder if someone is lying or covering something up.
Even Bronson is pissed about investing in coins. Taft really has no fans at all.
Even Bronson is pissed about investing in coins. Taft really has no fans at all.
Michaels Buys Liberal Show
The man who helped kill AM radio as we know it has purchased "The Ed Schultz Show," a liberal/populist radio show heard locally on 1530AM. Schultz is the biggest liberal radio talk show host out there and his star is rising. I have heard his show and I am not a big fan of that brand of radio. He not only sounds a little bit like Rush Limbaugh, but his tone sometimes strays into Rush's area. Not the content, just in the delivery.
I laugh a little every time I hear his name because in the town where I grew up, Ed Schultz was a big Auto Dealership. My best friend's dad used to work there.
I laugh a little every time I hear his name because in the town where I grew up, Ed Schultz was a big Auto Dealership. My best friend's dad used to work there.
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
2nd District Too Hot to Handle
The GOP primary race for the 2nd Congressional District is building to a fever pitch. Even Bronson’s column today gives off that lesser of two evils vibe to it when he leans on the scale in favor of McEwen over DeWine. Schmidt and Brinkman are still out there and they have a following. Will they both stick it out? At this point there is little reason not to, except that as Greg Korte reminds us in his column today that the GOP still have not endorsed anyone for Mayor, yet. It is Winburn by default, but does Brinkman still want it? Is he in position to take it from Winburn?
More on blogging the race from WaPo.
More on blogging the race from WaPo.
Pick of the Fringe
Even though it had already gone to press, getting the Midnight Announcement at the Cincy Fringe after party at Arnold's was fun:
On Sunday, June 12, these three 2005 Picks of the Fringe will receive one additional performance. These performances not only recognize the artists' hard work, but also ensure the existence of the next season's festival: all proceeds from these three shows go to the 2006 Cincinnati Fringe Festival.Reports are that Amy Salloway will be able to make it back for the performance. If she does, make sure you get your tickets now.
Critics' Pick of the Fringe:
"Does This Monologue Make Me Look Fat?" by Amy Salloway
2pm, Contemporary Arts Center
Producers' Pick of the Fringe :
"Slow Children Playing" by Anna Marie Agniel
5pm, Contemporary Arts Center
Audience Pick of the Fringe :
"A/ThePostModernLoveStory" by Blue Forms Group
8pm, Contemporary Arts Center
(also with one last regular performance June 11, 3pm CAC)
Tickets to these shows will go fast, so reserve them through the Cincinnati Arts Association (513.621.ARTS).
Lily Tomlin
I didn't go to see Lily Tomlin at the Arnoff last night, but I did see the large crowd file in from my art gallery post. From the article I found this interesting:
This is just like a classic story from college days I was told during Freshman Orientation about Red Buttons. On his visit a year or two before my Freshman year (a long long time ago....) he spent the afternoon walking around Uptown Oxford talking to people, visting places, and getting a feel for the town before he went on stage for a Parents Weekend show that night. His show referenced local places and people that ads that special touch to the audience that makes the difference between just having an act and being a performer.
The winner of six Emmys, a Grammy and two Tony Awards also did her homework. Her famous character, Ernestine the telephone operator - famous for her "One ringy dingy, two ringy dingy" line - held a fake conversation with City Councilman Jim Tarbell. Marge Schott, the Bengals, Reds and Bearcats were the butt of other jokes.This is interesting to me because of a quick anecdote I heard while at the art gallery. It appears that like all great comedians, Lily Tomlin does her homework. I hope this does not sound like revealing a magician's tricks, but during the day I am told she spent quite a bit of time chatting with some of the Arnoff staff about Cincinnati, which is where I presume she got some of her references. Jim Tarbell if he was lucky maybe got to have dinner with Lily, but that is just a random guess.
This is just like a classic story from college days I was told during Freshman Orientation about Red Buttons. On his visit a year or two before my Freshman year (a long long time ago....) he spent the afternoon walking around Uptown Oxford talking to people, visting places, and getting a feel for the town before he went on stage for a Parents Weekend show that night. His show referenced local places and people that ads that special touch to the audience that makes the difference between just having an act and being a performer.
2nd District Fashion Endorsements
The Cincinnati Dealer gives us the neckwear and their picks for the primaries.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
More on Amy Salloway
Jacki Demaline announces in her article today that Cincy Fringe show "Does This Monologue Make Me Look Fat?" by Amy Salloway has won the first Enquirer Acclaim Award, which recognizes excellence in Cincinnati Theater.
The big rush is to get Amy a flight back to Cincinnati for Sunday's "Pick of Fringe" which illustrates the three best picks of the festival. If you have some Frequent Flyer Miles to spare, this wonderful playwright and actress could use your help. Call up Jeff Syroney from the Fringe at (513) 542-0195 to help.
The big rush is to get Amy a flight back to Cincinnati for Sunday's "Pick of Fringe" which illustrates the three best picks of the festival. If you have some Frequent Flyer Miles to spare, this wonderful playwright and actress could use your help. Call up Jeff Syroney from the Fringe at (513) 542-0195 to help.
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