"Some City Hall observers believe"

I guess I qualify as one.

No Respect

When people talk about the decline of culture and the poor quality of the media they should look no further than the following letter to the editor of the Enquirer:

THIS ISN'T THE COLUMBUS ENQUIRER

The University of Cincinnati wins the biggest game in the history of the school, yet The Enquirer puts the Ohio State-Michigan game on the front page of the paper. To paraphrase Sam Wyche, you don't live in Columbus, you live in Cincinnati. The Bearcat football team will never get the respect they truly deserve thanks to the local media who'd rather talk about a team in another city then their local team.

Steve Heller
Reading

Mr. Heller is correct in his comments. The Enquirer should be very ashamed of giving preference to Ohio State of the huge victory by UC but part of the problem lies not with the media, but with the readers. People do not value what is around them. This is not just a problem here in Cincinnati, but nearly everywhere. Too many People don't respect effort and accomplishment. All they respect is popularity, rankings, money, aggression (conflict). The Enquirer chose to downplay the local story and play up the National Story of the Ohio State game. Yes, Columbus is close by, and there are lots of Ohio State fans in the area, but so what! The job of the local media is to serve the community by reporting the local news first and foremost. The problem with the media is that they are serving what they view as the demand of the local readers who don't care about their community and only seem to care about the national hot topic. That leaves a void that contributes to the false perception that Cincinnati is a small town where nothing good happens. We are big city, where culture, sports, and action play out every day. It is exciting and is worth paying attention to what happens.

When culture warriors opine about the decline and fall of American Society and Culture, I hope they look at the real decline and fall, that of local media coverage of local stories. When it is seen as a chore for the local newspaper to cover City Council meetings, how much long before they don't cover it at all or worse yet, just print press releases? Valuing community and taking pride in the places where we live is a founding value of our society. When people say buy American, I cringe. Instead, why don’t they say buy Cincinnati or buy local? Buy from the guy who runs the store a few streets over instead of at Wal-Mart. See the local band playing music instead of buying a CD of a manufactured “group.”

Just printing press releases is close to what our local media does a large part of the time. We are dangerously close to becoming what could be considered a closed society, cut off from what is happening just a few miles or blocks away. This sports story is not really important in the big picture of life, but it illustrates the problem very clearly. The media is not causing this problem, but they are enabling it to grow and fester. Get your local news first, then worry about the rest of the county. What is happening in Tampa or San Diego may be happening here too, but don’t assume it is happening everywhere without finding out first. Keep on eye on the rest of country and the world, but don’t take your eye of your own community. In the end, your neighbors will affect you more than someone in a bus wreck 1,000 miles away.

No Charges For Running Over Alleged Thief

Anthony Stone, who ran over and killed an alleged Thief with his truck, will not face charges for his actions, so says Joe Deters, Hamilton County Prosecutor.

With the information presented, Stone would not have been convicted if tried. If witnesses state the alleged thief had a gun and was aiming at Stone and shot at him, then self defense is plausible. I hope evidence was found that the alleged thief did fire his gun.

It still appears like there is more to this case. How did Tyree Henderson happen to pick this person to allegedly rob her? According to the article, police are asking the same question:

Deters said that, although Stone has been cleared, Cincinnati police are continuing to investigate why Henderson targeted Sherry Doud, the woman with Stone.

Someone else likely was involved in this incident, and that person or persons may lead to a common link between the victim and the alleged thief. That puts this crime not into a random theft category, but instead into target crime, something that law enforcement and the public can do little but react when it happens.

In Your Face, Brinkman!!!!!!

Anti-gay bigot, activist, and State Representative Tom Brinkman took one on the chin yesterday when Butler County Common Pleas Court dismissed his lawsuit against Miami University for offering domestic partner medical insurance.

An End to the Sheriff's Patrol of OTR?

The County may be playing the same game as the Mayor's office, but the expectations are that the budget to be submitted ends the program that paid for the the Sheriff's patrol in Over-the-Rhine.

All the impressions I get are that OTR is better off. With violent crime spreading out to other neighborhoods, there is circumstantial evidence that this effort has worked to clean out some of the crime in OTR.

I hope that Pepper and Portune pull a Mallory and rescue this program. Hell, DeWine wants it to continue as well.

Nordstrom Coming to Cincinnati

A press release report states that Nordstrom has signed a deal to open a new store in Kenwood. The report indicates it will be a two floor location in the Kenwood Town Center where the Parisian store is now. It is set to open in 2009.

Count Every Vote

Let no vote go uncounted. The fight for Vic Wulsin to overcome the lead of Schmidt is still a long shot, but it is so very sad to see the news media publishing fool's letters complaining about the election process existing.

I hate to tell Doreen Isett of Loveland, but she really needs to quit her whining. Her Dragon Queen may yet win the Ohio 2nd District, but keep your bitching and moaning in check until all of the votes have been counted.

Morton's Steakhouse Moving to 5th and Vine

Morton's Steakhouse will move its current 4th Street Carew Tower location to a new location in the tower at 5th and Vine across from Fountain Square.

Downtown is just "Dead", ain't it? (cough, cough)

Mallory Alters Budget

Where was the disconnect between what Milton Dohoney issued a couple of weeks ago and then what Mayor Mallory proposed today?

Doesn't the City Manager report to the Mayor? It's like Mallory didn't have any input on what was announced. If that is standard practice, I'll stand corrected, but it just appears odd. Mallory now looks to have done 2 things, caved into certain groups or come to their rescue. He couldn't have done both, but to some people it will look like he caved and to others it will look like he came to the rescue. The game looks transparent, but will it matter?

CEA Winners

Congratulations to all who won and to those who were just happy to be there.

Speaking of being there, if you made it out to the ceremony last night, let me know how it was. A group from Cincinnati Advance headed out, but I bailed and stayed home.

Scarface

This episode from Friday Night sounds like something right out of a movie.

I Guess We Need Fashion Police

I am not one who dresses well, but it appears the local fashion community needs policing, and likely more than one police officer to do it.

Millworks in Oakley Still on Track

Not much as been said about the Millworks project for a while, but word has come out that the project has landed a deal for a new Movie Theater tenant. According to the article the project "could" start next summer and finish in the summer of 2008.

This should be a council issue next year. How about firming up some dates on this? How about firming up the construction of the proposed I-71 exit upgrade?

Budget Forum

Will the Mayor and Council members hear what the people are saying or will they hear what "4th Street" is saying?

Why Not Annex the "First Suburbs"?

Chris Bortz and Pat DeWine are making efforts to mix City and County services. This smells a lot like the first step in the dissolution of the County's municipalities. If places like St. Bernard, Elmwood Place, and Norwood are in trouble, then why don't they ask the City of Cincinnati to annex them and take advantage of the cost savings in that manner?

What I fear here is the anti-government forces out there trying to make Hamilton County into one big Township and a government with no teeth to do anything.

I would consider a metro type government that created a county wide city. That entity would have an even partisan stance, if not a slight edge for Republicans. That might suck on certain levels, but it would be one where the government would still have the structure to allow a city to function.

Greg Harris Running for City Council

CityBeat is reporting that former Congressional Candidate Greg Harris will run in 2007 for Cincinnati City Council. Greg is a great candidate and has a great chance to get on council. I love this early idea has as expressed in the CityBeat article:

I also see a strong need to create a seamless public transit grid to unify and support the emergence of a central entertainment corridor that unifies The Banks, downtown, Over-the-Rhine, UC, Clifton, Northside, etc.

I would throw in Mt. Adams to that entertainment corridor.

City Budget

Well, cuts are fairly wide spread, but how will it look in the end?

Crying Wolf?

I will believe it when I see Nordstrom's open and taking sales in Kenwood.

Two Nerds Enter, One Nerd Leaves

The battle of words at Jean-Ro Bistro ending before someone was taken to the hospital, thankfully egos were not so lucky and both suffered a near fatal blows. Luckily the glasses survived!

2007 City Council Race Is On

We are less than a year from Cincinnati City Council's make-up being on the ballot. We are already getting comments on who will be running for office.

We know Tarbell can't, so at least one new person will join council in 2007. Who else has the public service bug?

Another Strange Occurance

While I hate and despise robbers, I don't believe killing them under these circumstances is a good thing. I can't imagine the man who hit the robber with this truck likely would be convicted of anything but fairly minor offenses, if he is charged.

New Radio in Town

The much hyped format switch for 94.9 FM took place yesterday and produced what is being called a "Hybrid" station targeting 25 to 34 year olds with more taste in rock music than WEBN provides. The station is billed as "The Sound." I've heard a little bit of it so far and I like a large portion. It is going to have a wide mix, so people are going to have to either accept it and broaden their tastes or be like me and just use the pre-sets in the car more often. Yea, some of you will stick to your CDs and I-pods, as I do, but I still like the sense of a live over the air radio station.

New Local Blog

Want a different perspective on culture? Check out The Managed Expectations of Three Cincinnati Women for a take from three locals discussing life, ideas, and what ever else comes to mind.

Smoking Ban Wins

December 7th is the day the ban goes into effect. Will this hurt bars in Cincinnati and Ohio? One bar owner says it hasn't hurt him yet:

Nick Sanders, owner of five restaurants locally, including the Pub at Crestview Hills Town Center in Northern Kentucky, Nicholson's downtown and the Pub at Rookwood Commons in Norwood, said he will be watching closely. He owns a restaurant in Lexington, which enacted a smoking ban in 2003, and said that law didn't change sales much.

In the short run, there may be some problems, but I don't know about the long term. Thoughts? Will an outdoor patio now become the norm for a bar?

Oh Yea, Dems Win Big!

I left early this morning on business, so I haven't blogged on the news but the Dems won the Senate and the House! Locally Pepper Won, and on a state level the Dems won really big.

Wulsin Not Conceding

In the race of the OH-2 the fat lady is not singing. The dragon lady is singing, but she should hold her tongue until all the votes are counted.

2 Precincts Missing

The Enquirer and BOE seem to be making this into no big deal, but two precincts in the City of Cincinnati have not been tallied and are missing. The article indicates that that the BOE states these missing votes won't affect the results of any races. That is true only if these are part of OH-1, not OH-2. 13-H is in North Avondale and Precinct 6-B in Downtown. I am pretty sure 6-B is in OH-1, but not sure about 13-H.

At this early hour no other reports were online concerning the missing precincts. If this was something as simple as the poll workers locking up the poll location without turning in the votes, then that is understandable (someone should be banned from working the polls), but if not, when does the BOE call the police? What cause much concern is that there are two locations not near each other.

If this was an error at the BOE, then I hope they stayed to account for the vote before they went home. The BOE should not sleep if it is possible anyone's vote could have been literally stolen.

Hamilton County Vote Counting Delays

I hope we get more of an explanation than we got here as to why it took so long to have votes counted here in Hamilton County. Ohio held reporting any results until 9PM because polls up in Cleveland remained open, but why did Hamilton County not have any votes counted by then and not until about 10 PM?

The Candidate Doesn't Know How To Vote

Well which is it going to be? Is the Steve chabot an idiot for not knowing what was needed to vote or is this an example of how people will not vote because of the foolish ID requirement? How many people are going to go home and get a phone bill when their Diver's license isn't good enough?

I can tell you that many will not!

When I re-read the SOS website it actually quotes the ID law:

R.C. 3505.18(A)
Voters must bring identification to the polls in order to verify identity. Identification may include a current and valid photo identification, a military identification that shows the voter's name and current address, or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document, other than a reminder or a voter registration notification, that shows the voter's name and current address. Voters who do not provide one of these documents will still be able to vote by providing the last four digits of the voter's social security number and by casting a provisional ballot.

Voters who do not have any of the above forms of identification, including a social security number, will still be able to vote by signing an affirmation swearing to the voter's identity under penalty of election falsification and by casting a provisional ballot.

If you have a valid driver's license, why does your address have to match? That doesn't appear in the law on that website. Who made the interpretation that a matching address on a driver’s license is required?

Finally, this report indicates that a poll worker may have violated the law by denying use of a military ID.

WCPO Staffer Challenged by Pollworkers

The Enquirer Politics Blog is reporting that a WCPO videographer was "challenged" by poll workers at 6:30 AM today after he shot video of Jean Schmidt voted. Poll workers cited a law regarding polling procedures.

It is unclear what the "challenged" meant. I am not sure if they kept him from filming or were claiming he could not use the film he shot. WCPO is reportedly going to air the footage.

Clear Channel owned WKRC was able to film Jean Schmidt and aired it on TV.

[Hat tip to Atrios]


UPDATE: Further down on the Enquirer blog they report that an Enquirer Reporter and Photographer where threatened with arrest in Butler county when trying to interview and photograph John Boehner as he voted.

Report from Cranley Campaign

The Cranley Campaign reports that things going "smoothly at the polls... better than expectations."

They also stated John Cranley has hit College Hill, Mt. Airy, and Wyoming already this morning and that there are reports of "very high turnout" in Avondale and College Hilll.

WCPO Voting Stories

WCPO has reports on experiences voting, including a problem Jean Schmidt had.

Live Blogging the Election

Brandan at Spacetropic.com will be live blogging throughout the day.

I will not be, but as I said will be posting as much as possible. If anyone else locally is live blogging election day, email me and I'll post a link.

Go Vote!!!!!

I'll be chiming in throughout the day with comments and news. The Enquirer has a special section that will have their updated news.

If you have stories or run into problems voting, please comment on them here or email them to be and I'll share the information as appropriate.

Take your ID with your when you vote, and you can still vote without ID, but you must complete an affidavit and complete a provisional ballot. For the ID requirements, please check out the SOS website.

Who's Anti-Religious?

So when Democrats espouse their religious beliefs they are attacked as paying lip service.

This type of blog post shows a clear sense of religious bigotry. It’s extreme, rather hateful, and very unchristian.

A Marketing Niche Story

What if you were doing a local story on Chile Parlors and you didn't mention Camp Washington Chili? That is what was done with this article by ignoring coffeehouses like Kaldi's, Sitwell's, and Baba Budan's. Those are community coffeehouses like no others in this city. Throw in Lookout Joe's and Sidewinder too.

Enquirer Endorses Silver

I missed this from Friday, but the Enquirer backed Steve Silver for the 34th District. Brinkman couldn't even find the time to show up for an interview. More evidence of his arrogance and inability to work with anyone who he disagrees with, which ends up being nearly everyone.

The Enquirer also endorsed Hale over Dale Mallory for the 32 District.

Wulsin's Final Ad

Smith for Ohio Senate

Cincinnati Fed Up with the GOP?

The numbers for both the 1st and 2nd district indicate that Cincinnati is not voting for the GOP in the numbers that the past would indicate.

Good old CW would say that the polls are wrong. Well, one poll maybe, but there are far too many polls showing Cranley up and any poll showing Wulsin has to be a sign that the GOP has lost support. Much of that support may not be gone for any significant length of time, but this election people want change.

The question that remains is how far down the food chain will this trend run? Will it hit the statehouse? Will Brinkman feel the bite? Logic I feel says no. Hardcore Brinkman supporters are likely to vote against Jean Schmidt in a protest vote, but will vote for Brinkman as well, splitting their ticket. Will ticket splitting be the norm or will people vote by party?

Dem Sweep in Ohio?

Kos is pointing to Dispatch poll that indicates huge leads in every statewide race.

I think for Governor and for Senator, most agree the Dems will win, but will the Dems take the rest of the statewide offices?

If the Dems do take everything statewide, what does that do to Ohio for the Presidential race in 2008? Does the GOP write off the state now and focus on Pennsylvania or Wisconsin? Do the Dems focus on Virginia if Webb wins?

My Picks For Tuesday's Election

Office	My Picks/Analysis
Governor/Lt Governor; State of Ohio
Larry Bay/Debra K. Fries, Independent (Write-In)
J. Kenneth Blackwell/Thomas Raga, Republican
Robert Fitrakis/Anita Rios, Independent
William S. Peirce/Mark M. Noble, Independent
Ted Strickland/Lee Fisher, Democratic	Will and Should Win
James Lundeen/Kevin Becker (Write-In)
Attorney General; State of Ohio
Marc Dann, Democratic	Should Win
Betty Montgomery, Republican	Will Win
Auditor of State; State of Ohio
Barbara Sykes, Democratic	Will and Should Win
Mary Taylor, Republican
Secretary of State; State of Ohio
Greg Hartmann, Republican
John A. Eastman, Independent
Jennifer L. Brunner, Democratic	Will and Should Win
Timothy J. Kettler, Independent
Treasurer of State; State of Ohio
Sandra O'Brien, Republican
Richard Cordray, Democratic	Will and Should Win
US Representative; OH District 1	Too Close to Call
John Cranley, Democratic	Should Win
Steve Chabot, Republican
US Representative; OH District 2	Too Close to Call
Nathon Noy (Write-In)
James J. Condit, Jr. (Write-In)
Jean Schmidt, Republican
Victoria Wulsin, Democratic	Should Win
United States Senate - Ohio
Sherrod Brown, Democratic	Will and Should Win
Richard Duncan, Independent (Write-In)
Mike DeWine, Republican
OhioState Representative; District 34
Stephen E. Silver, Democratic	Should Win
Tom Brinkman, Jr., Republican	Will Win
Ohio State Senator; District 7
Rick Smith, Democratic	Should Win
Robert Schuler, Republican	Will Win
Judge; Ohio State Supreme Court; 6 Year Term Starting 1/1/07	No Idea Who'll Win
William Michael O'Neill	Should Win
Terrence O'Donnell
Judge; Ohio State Supreme Court; 6 Year Term Starting 1/2/07	No Idea Who'll Win
Robert R. Cupp
Ben Espy	Should Win
Judge; Ohio State Court of Appeals; District 1; 6 Year Term Starting 2/9/07
Mark Painter	Will and Should Win
Judge; Ohio State Court of Appeals; District 1; 6 Year Term Starting 2/10/07
Patrick Dinkelacker	No Idea Who'll Win
James T. O'Reilly
Judge; Ohio State Court of Appeals; District 1; 6 Year Term Starting 2/11/07
J. Howard Sundermann, Jr.	Will Win, duh!
Judge; Ohio State Court of Appeals; District 1; 6 Year Term Starting 2/12/07
Penelope Cunningham	Will Win, duh!
Judge; Court of Common Pleas, General Division; 6 Year Term Starting 1/1/07 other sites
Steve Martin	Will Win, duh!
Judge; Court of Common Pleas, General Division; 6 Year Term Starting 04/01/07 (2 Elected)
Dennis S. Helmick
William L. Mallory, Jr.	Will and Should Win
Judge; Court of Common Pleas, General Division; Unexpired 6 Year Term Ending 02/08/09
Robert C. Winkler
Judge; Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division
Karla Grady	Will Win, duh!
Member; State Board of Education; District 4	No Idea Who'll Win
G. R. Schloemer
John Hritz
County Commissioner ; County of Hamilton
Phil Heimlich, Republican
David Pepper, Democratic	Will and Should Win
County Auditor ; County of Hamilton
Dusty Rhodes , Democratic	Dino Dusty Will Not Get My Vote

DeWine Desperate

"It's Bad" Those are DeWine's own words. He is right, what he did on Hardball is really bad. When you stoop to this level of crap, you reveal your desperation for power. Mike DeWine was not a bad Senator. This episode goes along way to make he a horrible Senator.


[Via Eschaton]

CCV Voting Guide

If you want a laugh, check out Phil Burress's GOP HandoutVoter Guide for my zipcode.

Virtually none of the Democrats returned the survey. I don't blame them, but how is this any kind of objective guide?

Wulsin Leading Schmidt

Another Poll has Dr. Wulsin leading Jean Schmidt in the race for the Ohio 2nd, 48% to 45% (7 % undecided) This is within the MOE (4%), but if Jean is not getting 50% in the rest of the polls for this race, she is seriously in trouble.

If Wulsin takes this seat, I think most people would agree the Dems will gain 40 Plus seats. This race is one the GOP shouldn't have to worry about at all. It is a clear sign that the Independents have shifted this time around in large numbers. They are fickle, but they appear to be leaning Dem. Wulsin may still lose, but most GOP office holders in the 2nd are going to lose votes this time around.

[Via Kos]

WLW Fires Furman

The Fur Ball, Andy Furman has been fired by 700 WLW-AM.

Daily Show - Elitist Scum! (wink)

If you think like John Stewart and the Daily Show:

"'The Daily Show' correspondents Samantha Bee, Dan Bakkendahl and Jason Jones drew huge laughs claiming to be reporting live from Applebee's restaurants in cities around the state, while actually standing near Stewart in the studio."

I guess that makes you elitist scum.

A Gift That Keeps On Giving

When you raise the population, you cut the crime rate.

Rudy Too Late

Rudy Gulianni is coming to town support Mike DeWine. Plane fare for Rudy appears to be all they can afford to spend on Mike's campaign. I'm getting a ton of 8x11 postcards from the RNC trying to scare me to not vote for Wulsin. Mike has taken a back seat to Mean Jean.

City Growth

The City of Cincinnati is stopping the bleeding. We have an opportunity now to grow. What is it going to take? Attitude is one thing. What else?

Enquirer Endorses Cranley

This to me is somewhat of a shocker. Logic and Conventional Wisdom stated that the Enquirer would have endorsed Chabot, but this year the Enquirer is all over the map on the national offices. They will pick some Democrats in local races, especially in the City, but not for people going to Washington.

In comparison to the 2nd district, Chabot has much more experience and has far less baggage than Mean Jean Schmidt. Jean however got the nod for office, but not Chabot. This contradiction is strong evidence that these picks are made with social, political, and personal overtones, not based on the qualifications or performance on the job of the candidate. Yea, the Enquirer claims they pick each race individually, sure, but they have agenda items in play other than the fitness for office or policies of the candidate.

This endorsement is going to make a difference in the 1st district. The West Siders not happy with Bush, the War, or being left behind in the Bush Economy will use this as another reason to believe Cranley passes the West Side Litmus test for political office.

Combing the Blogs

Take Back Cincinnati has this little gem.

Mean Jean Likes Glow in the Dark Ohio

I guess Mean Jean Schmidt's fashion sense has gone to her head. She somehow thinks that a dayglow look is what Ohio needs. I think Schmidt is insane for even wanting to study the idea of storing the world's Nuclear waste in Southern Ohio. It will be entertaining to hear the Republicans claim this would be good. Well, a few dollars in a few people's pockets now, is not going to cover the environmental loss for the next 10,000 years.

Enquirer Endorses Schmidt and There's Gambling

No one should be shocked that the Enquirer endorsed Schmidt for Congress in the 2nd District. What is amazing is that like with their endorsement of Ken Blackwell they gave more than enough reasons for why Schmidt is a bad choice for Congress. Their endorsement is one made in part because of party and the fact that they endorsed her in the past.

Cranley and Crowley

Regression - Phil's Poor Tax

Screw the Poor! Issue 12 proposes increase the sales tax in Hamilton County. This is in conjunction with lowering the property tax. This a regressive tax plan out to shift the burden of government more to the poor. This is a bed-rock Republican Plan. If you can't destroy government, make someone else pay for it!

Mean Jean: Don't Show Me Being a Puppet!!

Mean Jean Schmidt is writing letters to Dr. Victoria Wulsin claiming that rules covering sitting members of Congress somehow apply to non-members of Congress.

In the letter referenced on Atrios, Schmidt states that "use of footage from official proceedings of the House of Representatives is forbidden in political ads."

She then goes on to say "..it is a dangerous thing when political figures decide for themselves which rules and laws they will honor."

Mean Jean needs to learn the difference between a House Rule and a law. There's a slight (and by that I mean MOTHERF-ing HUGE) difference. I would have thought that a year in office might teach her that. I guess not.

She begs the question however: What about President Bush? Why didn't Mean Jean Schmidt write a letter to President Bush when he decided for himself that the U. S. Constitution does not apply to him? Schmidt is contemptible and is showing her ignorance. The Post is right!

Heartless Bastards Getting More Buzz

Glad to see the Bastard's tour getting some media attention. If you have not bought their first two albums, Do it NOW!

OK, WOW!

SurveyUSA poll has brown up 20 points - 57% to 37% over DeWine. That is an amazing lead in a race I always believe would be close down to the wire. Time is not over, but the money reportedly is not coming in for Mike DeWine.

UPDATE: On Kos we learn that the GOP is just throwing in the towel.

Bigots in Mason, Still

Once again we see hate spill into public in Mason. Mason school board member Jennifer Miller is a theocratic fascist. Yes, boys and girls, Mr. Griffin has said the magic words! Sorry to disappoint anyone, but the first line of the article makes the point as a matter of fact, not one to debate.

To make matters worse, she spewed religious bigotry as a sitting school board member during a school board meeting:

We are a Christian nation, not a Muslim nation," Miller said Wednesday.

"Our Christian values have declined and yet we allow other faiths besides Christianity to have precedence in our schools," Miller said.

This is an elected official who wants to limit the religious freedom of students in the school district she is supposed to be helping run. What is she all pissed about? Well, Mason High school accommodated the religion of some of its Muslim students. During Ramadan they were allowed to meet in a different room during lunch time while they fasted for Ramadan.

When I was a child, one kid in class would be excused from class and went home when ever we held any parties, especially a Halloween party. He was a Jehovah's Witness follower. Where was the anger by the Jennifer Millers, then?

Giving these kids a private room to fast is not only fair to their and everyone else's religion (or lack there of) but it also keeps kids from acting like idiot kids.

If people want full equality, then school will be open on Saturdays and Sundays, on Christmas, and no one is excused on Good Friday.

If you have a practice, that does not involve advertising your religion to others (preaching, putting up religious signs, etc) then you have a right to personally practice that religion.

Students have the right to pray in school on their own time as they see fit, no matter what lies people like Jennifer Miller tries to say.

Guess what this is like, anyone who knows how the ADA accommodations work, they should understand how religious accommodation works. Both of those (or similar laws) apply to schools.

What Christians like Jennifer Miller must understand, you don't have the right to advertise your religion to others. Individual rights to act are what is protected. You generally don't have the right to act as a group and practice your religion. In the case of the Fasting, it ending up working best to allow the kids to do this in one place, away from the lunch room.

Side Note: To Branden at Spacetropic: You totally mischaracterized my views. When the government requires you attendance or participation in something, it must make accommodations. If they made you go to school on Sunday mornings, Christians would have to have their ability to practice their religion. Since we have Sunday's off, you don't need any accommodations in schools.

Issues 4 & 5 - WTF?

I really hate it when people play games with ballot initiatives. Issue 4 likely will supersede Issue 5, even if both pass. Both issues are going to be messy. We need one initiative and one vote. I don't know how voters will react to the confusion both of these issue cause for some.


Updated due to lack of sleep

We Deserve Better Than Mean Jean

The Big Dog In Town

Former President Bill Clinton made his stop in support of John Cranley today. He made a stop a the Columbia-Tusculum Starbucks. I hope he was smart enough to get the female barista's phone number. (I kid, I kid)

Anyone actually seem him out and about or at the Cranley event?

Republican Enquirer

Just to make sure people are paying attention but the The Enquirer is a Republican Newspaper. They may not be a paleocons, but they are conservative and they are all about the GOP. If you doubt the bias on the editorial page, then you are just not paying attention. We can debate how that conservative slant from the editors makes it to the news sections, but it is without doubt that the Enquirer will Endorse mostly Republicans. The exception will be where a strong Democrat incumbent is running. They do like incumbents a lot too. Pepper was were the claim to be independent, but if Pepper lived in Cleveland, or New York State he would be a Republican.

Hartmann Debt Not Covered By Enquirer?

I can read about the $29,000 Debt Greg Hartmann has outstanding in the Post and WCPO, but where is it in the Enquirer?

Issue 3: Gambling - Selectively

Issue 3 will allow slot machines at select locations in Ohio. This issue was bought and paid for by certain special interests. I don't like that fact about it. I am not opposed to gambling, but I don't like this law's selectivity. I likely will vote against it for that reason. If a better amendment was being considered to allow either anyone under a directed and regulated structure the ability to have casino gambling in Ohio.

Plus, only allowing slot machines sounds like abuse of little old ladies.

Will this pass or not?

Eating Habits of the Domestic Lemming

It is like they like they don't grasp the concept of finding someplace new. The Discovery Channel is rumored to be doing a documentary on this. Why don't they just stay home and order freaking pizza! You don't suppose they could take the time they would wait and drive someplace, call for a reservation on the way? (Gee, try going downtown!!!)

Enquirer Board's Insanity

Every election people talk about holding your nose when you vote for a candidate. Well, this year it appears that the Enquirer has removed their conscience and then endorsed Blackwell for governor.

In an editorial filled with the hallow rationalizations, the Enquirer Board sums up, very publicly, what is wrong with politics today. To them leadership is meaningless, all that matter is giving more money to rich or the business community and then abortion. They didn't come out an mention abortion, but with this board's history, it is always a factor.

It disgusts me that they chose a man who has shown he is not worthy to hold public office. It is like they are in a state of denial as to what he did is no big deal. They also show no class. They likely feel like most of us, that Blackwell is not going to win, so they will not feel any guilt for this endorsement, since it won't get him elected. That is not honorable.

It is obvious that Blackwell would do this type of thing over and over again if elected. Blackwell feels that use of bigotry and hate to get people to vote for him is justifiable. Now, when I say use of bigotry, I don't mince words. Blackwell through his campaign pushed the FOX News Transcripts where Bill Cunningham alleged Strickland was Gay. Let's be clear, that is done in hopes that those who are bigoted towards Gays will fear Strickland and either come out to vote or switch votes. Using bigotry as a means to gain votes is immoral.

The Enquirer's acceptance of Blackwell's bigotry is sickening, no matter how much they try to praise and chide Blackwell at the same time.

I can't wait to read their endorsement of Mean Jean Schmidt, and see how they rationalize her attack on Rep. Murtha.

Cincinnati Gets 2008 NAACP Convention

Mayor Mallory has issued a press release:

Mayor Mark Mallory issues the following statement about the NAACP deciding to hold its 2008 convention in Cincinnati:



“The entire Cincinnati Community should be extremely proud,” Mayor Mallory said. “Today’s announcement is the result of a lot of hard work by many people throughout our region. This says a lot about the direction that we are going in our community, and I am excited about what this could mean for the future of our city. I want to especially thank the President of the local chapter of the NAACP, Edith Thrower; her leadership has a lot to do with us getting this convention.”

Great News!

Shot a Man in Reno

Cin Weekly'?s editor, Beryl Love, is leaving town to become editor of the Reno Gazette-Journal. Beryl is a really good guy, he shall be missed.

Who is going to replace him?

Cunningham's Slander, Blackwell's campaign an Accomplice

Deuchebag Willie Cunningham slandered Ted Strickland on FOX News:

At Blue Ash, Blackwell had at his side two conservative talk show hosts - Sean Hannity of Fox News and Bill Cunningham of 700 WLW. In their speeches to the crowd Thursday, neither one mentioned the sex charges Blackwell has leveled against Strickland.

But the two talked about it on national television Wednesday night when Cunningham appeared on Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes" talk show.

Thursday, Blackwell's campaign distributed harsh comments by Cunningham related to Strickland's sexuality and about a former Strickland campaign aide arrested in 1994 for public indecency. The Blackwell campaign reprinted a transcript from Wednesday night's Fox News show and sent it to Ohio reporters.

During the TV broadcast, Cunningham, who hosts an afternoon talk show on WLW, questioned the Democratic congressman's sexuality. At one point during the Fox News interview, Cunningham said, "After the (1998) election, Ted Strickland flies off to the shores of Naples, Italy, in order to enjoy a little fun with this 26-year-old boy toy."

Carlo LoParo, Blackwell's campaign spokesman, said the campaign had no qualms about alerting the media to the Fox program.

They have no class. By the way, in case you haven't figure this out, Blackwell thinks being Gay is evil and hope people think Strickland is thought of as evil. Can we say Baring false witness against your neighbor?

Question for the Conservatives Christians out there, which is a "worse" sin: being gay or breaking one of the TEN COMMANDMENTS?

If the next poll doesn't show Blackwell closing, and when I say closing I mean within the margin of error, then if he doesn't stop this crap he is just a vindictive ass.

First Hand Blackwell Smear

Here's the video of Ken Blackwell lowering himself into (or rising up from?) the gutter.



Blackwell is a scumbag. Yes, it has come down to name calling. He has earned it. This wasn't by proxy, it was from his own mouth. When you lack character to this extreme, you are nothing but a scumbag. Do you catch a sense of disgust in my post? Well, yea, I am disgusted. Any Blackwell supporter who is not disgusted by this act, and I mean any of them, including his family, should look themselves in the mirror and ask themself if the Golden Rule applies. It is that simple. Blackwell claims to be a Christian here, and can't live by the Golden Rule. It is sickening and sad.

Red Cheetah Closes, Local Hussies Weep

I don't like any bar or club closing in the Main Street area, but I will not miss the crowd that Red Cheetah attracted.

That building is is too big and to ripe for a club to sit empty for long.

I wonder about something, why does a club closing get a second story, but a club opening next door to this club only gets a mention in the last paragraph? There's not, say, a bias by the editors? Hmmm?

Blackwell Is Scum

There is no low Ken Blackwell does not know.

Cranley - Direct to Voter Video

Interesting concept. Honest, frank, almost down homesy in a 21st Century way.

Come On

Oxford is a freaking idiot zone filled with lame ideas.

Lets ban standing on one foot while standing in a loading and unloading zone while we are stupid laws.

WCPO Live Blogging Lucas vs. Davis

I think this might be a first for WCPO, but check out their Kentucky 4th Congressional District Debate Live Blog anyway.

Brown Ahead

Quinnipiac's Oct 10-15 poll shows Brown leading 53 to 41 over DeWine with a 5.9 margin of error. That's a big margin of error, but that's a good size lead for Brown.

The race is still close, but this poll show clearly it is not as close, with Brown having an advantage.

Blackwell Shows He's a Son of a Bitch

Nikki Giovanni is being denounced for her poem that called Ken Blackwell a "son of a bitch" and a "political Whore"

Well, Ken Blackwell sure acted like a cheap-shot political whore last night at the debate. You can't get more desperate than to try and tie Democrat Ted Strickland to the Republican Congressional Page Scandal. Blackwell is beyond desperate, he is willing to do or say anything to try and win, no matter what.

Fountain Square Re-Opens

I missed the opening ceremony, but I made it down later to the celebration and I was impressed with the look of the square.

I will be very impressed when it is fully complete and the news businesses around it open.

Who else made it down? What are you thoughts on the Square?

GOP Group Writes Off Blackwell

At least one GOP grouphas written off Ken Blackwell's Chances to win the Governorship.

Everything That is Wrong with College Sports

Thugs - the players, the crowd, and the announcers. Pathetic.

Wulsin's First TV Spot

This spot hits the airwaves today.

Wulsin Leading

In what I think is a first, Wulsin leads Schmidt 48 to 45 (pdf) in a poll taken from Oct 8-10. The most interesting item was Bush's approval rating was only 43% in the 2nd district, with 50% disapproving. Bush got 64% of the vote in the 2nd in 2004.

Wulsin is really contending. She has Murtha coming to town on Saturday, who attracts much needed attention. If she can get the money, she has a real shot. If Schmidt doesn't have the money already, she may have big problems. With a large local dislike for Mean Jean inside the GOP (See the Brinkman crowd), the impending Democratic wave actually may keep hardliners on their hands Nov. 7th. The CW is that a Tom Brinkman-like candidate would then run against Wulsin in 2008 and clean up. As many in the GOP hate Brinkman as they do Schmidt, so the CW is likely not going to pan out in 2008 when the GOP runs a Portman clone instead.

News on Universal Grille?

Can anyone report on the level of damage done to Universal Grille?

I Think I Saw Nate Explode From Mt. Lookout

While sitting in my coffeehouse haunt, I think I saw Nate L. explode after reading this.

Blackwell is Toast

It is not even going to be close, Strickland will win with ease. It will be closer than a 28% spread, but Strickland will not be sweating it out on election night.

Is Bronson a Preacher or a Columnist?

Oh, that wacky, Bronson.

When do we get the same story about Russell Johnson of Fairfield Christian Church, the theocrat supporting Ken Blackwell? I wonder if the happy touchy feelings come out the same way. (Yea, no, it won't)

Long Live the Future of Rock and Roll

BAM! WOXY is back from the dead.

Where was Chabot During the 2001 Riots?

You know you are worried about losing when you trot out a race baiting TV commercial about the 2001 riots.

Korte's article is entitled "What did Cranley do during the 2001 riots?" The real question should be put toward Steve Chabot: Where was Steve Chabot during the riots and what did he do? Answers: He was in Washington and did NOTHING!

It is so very sad that Chabot has to play the race card in hopes of getting the racist voter to jump to attention. It's a double edged sword. It makes Chabot appear to be a racist. To the racist it reminds them that Chabot didn't do anything when the Justice Department came to town to investigate, which perpetuated the Collaborative Agreement.

Steve should be asking why the FOP orchestrated a police slowdown, that continued for 5 years, and many would say continues today. With the Sheriff patrolling OTR, prima facia is staring right at you.

Dan Fielding Moved to Hamilton Ohio

If you...ever wondered, wondered what ever became of Dan. He's living along the banks of the Great Miami, Butler County-Prosecuting Attorney.

No reports on if this actually was and official Night Court, or rather if its just a private session of "Night Court." There is no truth to the rumor that photos of Markie Post were found near the suspect.

Liquor License Solution

It might be just this easy, but Council considering making the Fountain Square area an Entertainment District. That designation is a legal one, which opens up more liquor licenses. The City is maxed out at the number of D5 licenses we are allowed to have.

Xerox Jean

A great new video spot from the Wulsin campaign:

Tall Stacks Day 2

I made it down last night for the Del McCory Band and Rosanne Cash. It got cool, but not bad.

Tonight I hope to see Delbert McClinton, Ricky Skaggs, and if I can stay up that late John Hiatt.

Chris Finney Is a Whiney Baby

I don't know what would get into someone who chairs public advisory committee to make a fool of himself in an attempt to make a candidate running for office against a buddy of his look bad.

Finney was at the Ivory Dale factory. While there he should have washed his mouth out with soap. Hell, I swear like a sailor, but to say that to a reporter?

He acted like a whiney child. He needs a time out.

Sign of Blackwell Fade?

When he money dries up that usually means people think you are going to lose. The other big sign is to see who is coming to campaign for Blackwell. If Bush isn't coming, then Blackwell has been written off.

DeWine will get Bush to Ohio, and not just Laura.

Anyone see the debate last night? How was it?

Get Them Foreigners!!!!!

Everyone who voted in this law need to be rounded up and deported! Jeesh, I will be very surprised if anyone denies that this law is a Republican attempt to oppress voter turnout. I know they'll try to deny it, but I think that will be just be damage control. It is sad, very sad, that they would stoop so low. As I have said before, it is not a shock.

Tall Stacks Day One

Anyone make it down to Tall Stacks last night? Al Green was the headliner.

I missed last night, but I was lucky enough to get a ride on a preview cruise on Tuesday night. Riding along the river on a nice evening was as soothing as it was exhilarating. I felt like a little kid looking out the windows, then climbing up to the top deck for the best view of the riverbanks. I recommend taking a cruise if you can get a ticket. The evening cruises are what I would do again.

Uh.....Uh...Uh...........?

Open it Up and say it. Don't be idiots. Zeus knows where you live.

Enquirer Editorial Board Blogging

I welcome the Enquirer Editorial Board to the blogosphere and I applaud inclusion of comments. How long will that last?