CityBeat Fires Back

Kevin Osborne fires back in the ongoing disagreement over whether Chris Smitherman is allowed to run and hold office while President of the local NAACP.

If he is allowed to or not by the National NAACP is in the end a red herring. The fact that Smitherman wants both jobs is a clear sign he is not a good candidate for either position. Pick your battles and pick your focus.

WOXY Going HD with WVXU

Great news for Indie music radio fans with the announcement that WOXY.com will be broadcast on HD Radio via WVXU's HD signal. Yes, like Kiesewetter stated in the post, I went right on-line to price out HD radios. They are not cheap and there are not many I found that are not built for your car.

More from Mike Breen at CityBeat.

P-Ridge Council Kinda Fishy

Things up on the Pleasant Ridge Community Council look a little bit strange with the ‘Endorsement’ of Fischer in council's newsletter. Non-Profits are not allow to do that. I don't know how you punish this group or if you really want too. It is almost the type of slap on the wrist thing that hits no one personally. The issue to consider is what Fischer himself new about this article. He should be asked about it and fess up if he knew it was being published.

The Cincinnati Post Makes It Official

To no one's surprise the Cincinnati Post announced they will end publication December 31st. The paper has been slowly bleeding off staff for the last three years, but this town will lose out on good media competition. The Enquirer has become nothing but fluff filled and will continue to not care about reporting news, and instead care more about giving shallow people something to talk about at the gym.

Eating Their Own Kind

It is very fun to watch Republicans attack other Republicans. What is say is that one of the Republicans has finally woken up about the War in Iraq. The other Republicans are so insanely blinded by blood lust they cling to myths of why we got into Iraq and the simple fact that the Iraq War has created 1,000 times more terrorism than it has prevented.

It should be a shock that this comes from Peter Bronson. I honestly think the man takes some kind of mind treatments ever night before he has his warm milk. Maybe its just the warm milk that makes him so delusional? Either way it is clear that John McCain does sound insane, based on Bronson's rumor spreading. Glad he is not going to be President.

Schmidt In Trouble?

All Phil Heimlich really needs to beat Jean Schmidt in the primary is enough money. At this point he has more than Schmidt and so do both Democrats.

Getting Nasty

Inside the Jail-tax pro-ballot issue camp, things are getting very heated.

Counting

It appears someone has a problem with math.

Midpoint: First Wave of Bands Listed

The 2007 Midpoint Music Festival has posted the initial listing of bands for this September's festival. The final listing is expected this month.

Additionally, the festival schedule is out and two pre-party events have artists: Friday Night - Forget Cassettes, Saturday - Oh My God. The artist showcase schedule is not posted yet.

Keep an eye on www.TheConveyor.com for fresh perspectives on this year's Midpoint.

George Zamary's Website Is Up

Council Candidate George Zamary has his campaign webiste up and running.

Council Predictions - As of Now

Nate Livingston analyzes the race for city council and categorizes the candidates into the likelihood of getting elected.

I disagree with Nate on two big fronts. First I don't see Winburn and Fischer are as big a locks as he thinks. Charlie Winburn has a good chance, but I put him in the pack at best even with Monzel and Ghiz. I still see Fischer as another Barb Trauth, with all the money and no message.

Secondly and more importantly, this race is far more open than he infers. In 2005 vote difference between the #3 spot and the #9 spot was less than 3,000 votes. The top two(Cranley and Tarbell) won far and away. That leaves the rest in a very narrow pack. None of the rest are stellar returning candidates and they all have negatives. I think they all have an advantage over the non-incumbents, of course, but I don't see any of them with a leg up at this point over the really strong group of endorsed challengers.

I'm also not sure why Nate but Mitch Painter into the higher tier candidates. Both Thomas and Malone have a far better chance than the rookie. His name will help in a small way, but when people see a young guy standing up to speak at forums, I don't know if they are going to take him seriously.

I myself at this point think we will have at least 3 new faces on council, maybe more. Which 2 or more incumbents will lose is the 100,000 dollar question.

Why Move the Ohio Primary?

I find no good reason to move the Ohio Primary to January. Sen. Eric H. Kearney's rational for why we should move it hollow and weak:

"I believe it is critical that Ohioans have a voice in who the presidential nominees are before it is a foregone conclusion,'' Kearney said.

A voice? When about 10 or more states have either moved or are planning on moving their primary to January, Ohio's voice would be part of a choir and we would have to scream. Leave the primary where it is.

If Kearney which to increase Ohio's voice, I suggest he work to make it easier to register to vote and help get people to the polls on election day.

Were Any Signatures Forged?

The number jumped pretty high in a day from what was reported. I guess someone was holding some back from the media to try and make a bigger splash or does someone have writer's cramp really bad this morning?

It would be very interesting to see what group got more signatures, the Greenies/NAACP side or the COAST side of this marriage made in Hell.

Dunk Berding

Today 12:30 PM at 5915 Ridge Road during the Pleasant Ridge Parade and Festival Councilman Jeff Berding will be sitting in their dunking booth. Get in line now!

Hashers On the Loose!

Do We Need a New Jail?

In the jail-tax debate we have lost track of this question. Is there any debate on this? I honestly do not know if we need a new jail or if Si Leis just wants another toy to play with.

If we need a new jail, we need funding for it. If we don't need a new jail, we don't need the funding for it. That to me makes the tax issue moot. If we need the jail, we need the tax increase. If we don't need the jail, we don't need the tax increase. We can debate the details of the tax increase and who it impacts for 100 years, that still doesn't get to the fundamental issue.

I honestly do not know if we need one or not? Anyone want to speak to this?

Local Costume Maker Destroyed By Fire

Horrible news for the Cincinnati Costume Co. which had a total loss at their University Heights warehouse.

As Rick Pender notes, The Cincinnati Costume Co. provided costumes to many local theaters. A benefit at Jersey Productions take places. More details are here.

UrbanCincy: The NEW Downtown Cincinnati

UncleRando at UrbanCincy has a great post summarizing the massive wave of development happening in Downtown Cincinnati. People are starting to wake up. About a week and a half ago I was down on Fountain Square after a Reds game on a Saturday Night. It was filled with people watching a movie at 10 PM. filled with lots of families! On the way home I walked by the massive line at the Cadillac Ranch. Things are changing and there is more come.

The Money

The first money reports have been filed and the usual suspects have the bucks.

I don't remember last time around, but David Crowley has raised a ton of money, but he has little on hand. I would surmise that has to do with debt from the last campaign?

If you are not on this list at all, it will be extremely difficult to even come close to getting on council.

What's New? Nada!

It didn't take long to replace Bella's location and the group behind Boca in Oakley filling it with Nada, an upscale Mexican Restaurant. It will be interesting what they do, or able to do, with the corner patio space. It is a little bit funny in the article to hear Jeff Ruby complaining about competition.

Streetcar Blog: Connect Our Dots

A nice looking niche blog called Connect Our Dots, which has a group of advocates for Streetcars in Cincinnati.

Check it out and I hope to link to their efforts often.

Anyone Know This Guy?

It appears a Cincinnati man named David Zakaryan was charged with possessing a knife while being outside the hotel Sen. Barack Obama was staying at in Iowa.

This story also hit the the Sun Times, but his name was listed as Davit Zakaryn.

Westender: Smitherman's Challenge

Clark Street Blog's Westender summerizes the problem with Chris Smitherman. It is good and can speak for itself.

Kaup Gets 500

Joan Kaup is reportedly the first candidate to have their ballot signatures approved.

Korte's Analysis of Smitherman's Chances

Greg Korte analyzes Chris Smitherman's chances to get elected.

Open Up the YP World

Joe Wessels latest Post column from Saturday delved deeper into the YP world and the problems with those involved. Joe liked my post from last weekend and referenced it in his column and the City Talk radio show from last weekend.

When I listened to the radio show I was floored when one of the guests, YPKC chair Candace Klein, had no idea about the disconnect between native Cincinnatians and the rest of "us". Unless you live in a vacuum, it is most clear that a large portion of those who grew up in Cincinnati don't do much to meet or interact with people who are new to town. Now, this is NOT EVERYONE! I know many native Cincinnatians who are my friends and who do go out of their way to meet new people. It is the type of problem that is very obvious and something I am surprised the YPKC leader either never noticed or is papering over.

One of the goals of YP groups, and especially the YPKC, is to attract more YP "types" to the City. If over half of the people who are in your age bracket just don't care enough to meet anyone outside of their high school or college friends, then how are we going to ultimately improve the YP climate?

Hip HB's Rule 14th Street | The Conveyor

Here's my take on the Heartless Bastard's show in Over-the-Rhine this past Friday.

More Census Disputes

Mayor Mark Mallory is challenging Cincinnati's population estimate from US Census. He believes there are more than 378,000 people in the city, which stems from the Social Contract study.

Are we that large? That is 40,000+ more than the revised census estimate.

His Ego Dwarfs His Brain

Well, it appears Chris Smitherman needs to read the NAACP rules before it tries to hold both an elected public office and a leadership role in the NAACP. Now, this concept is moot, since Smitherman will lose, but it goes to illustrate that he will do what ever it takes to further his personal interests over that of the organization he claims to represent.

Refering to his run for council, Marian Spencer said it best:

Marian Spencer, another longtime chapter member who supported Smitherman in his candidacy to take over the group, said the move would be “inappropriate.”

It is plain as day that Smitherman is in the race to further his own career.

New Blog The 'Nati Life

I've added another blog to blogroll, check out The 'Nati Life.

Smitherman Running For Council

Well, I guess Chris Smitherman has money to waste because he's running for city council again. I will be the first to say that he will not win. Smitherman is out for Smitherman. He just recently fought a harsh and nasty fight for President of the local NAACP, which I guess he feels so strong about that he would quit it in less than a year, if elected. What an ego.

George Zamary Running For Council

Local theatre supporter George Zamary is running for council. George is a lawyer and President of the Know Theatre Board. Starting out in June for a first time candidate is a tough position to be in.

The YP Place to Be in Ohio?

Cincinnati made the top half of 40 of the Forbes Magazine's Best Cities for Young Professionals. I've not read the Forbes article to judge how this ranking was conducted or how we compared in the past on similar type rankings, but the fact we are tops in Ohio and pretty high in the Midwest is good news.

Waiting for the Bus

Council voted to turn down the bus fare increase.

It lost 5-4, but it wasn't a usual suspects split. Anyone know the vote breakdown?

UrbanCincy has more.

Population Debate

The numbers are in and the City of Cincinnati is growing slowly. Slow growth is better than any loss, so we'll take this as a positive. Hamilton County lost 22,677 people last year, so what gives? What is driving people out of places like Reading, Silverton, and Cheviot? Are those communities starting to be too small and have aged facilities unable to keep up with their residents? Is it time for some of them to be annexed by the city? That is an option, but I don't know if it would be a good one for the City or not.

Any info on what is going on with Norwood?

Saving Newspapers?

Gannet and Enquirer seem to believe that the answer to saving newspapers is by getting readers to contribute the content. Well, sure, if you don't have to pay to gather content, you can surely make money. The problem is that you cease being a news outlet and become more of a vanity publication, where readers go to read their own work.

The problem I see with all local mainstream news outlets is that they are no longer in the business of gathering news. They thrive on channeling press releases, but don't put enough resources into shoe leather. If you are going to be a news outlet, you must get original and independent news.

What I hear the Enquirer saying is that they are out to create a flashy message board. I don't mind message boards. This blog is a form of a message board. Message Boards are not credible news outlets.

Tavern Wench Concert Review

JenJen at Tavern Wench reviews the Ben Folds/John Mayer concert.

Hmmmmmmm

I am sorry I missed this ENJOY THE ARTS event at the CAC. What is funny is that if you read the article you would think the YP Kitchen Cabinet had something to do with the event. I wonder how many volunteers that organization provided. I know ENJOY THE ARTS had a full team there working very hard.

Bad City Beat, Bad

I am guessing the editor-in-chief of CityBeat was on vacation last week. I say that because I would think he might have wanted this puff piece written by someone else, or maybe not even written at all. The News Editor at the weekly, Greg Flannery, was the author and the article was a straight-laced form of Journalistic fellatio that Peter Bronson would be proud of. Sure, Greg pointed out the facts about the subject of the article (over 98% of primary voters voted against him for mayor, for example), but he didn't hide his school girl affection and sounded like he was maneuvering to get his 98 Degrees lunchbox autographed.

When you thought it couldn't be worse, Greg writes on his blog about his admiration for Justin Jeffre, the subject of last week's cover story, specially about what Jeffre did during a protest Greg personally took part in. It was bad enough when Greg got into the business of creating news with his protests, instead of covering it, but here he his doing favors for his friends, throwing journalistic integrity out with the trash.

The State of YP Groups

After thinking about recent articles and talk about YP organizations and the general movement to attract more YP's to Cincinnati, I'm going to issue my take on the state of the Cincinnati YP World. In general, the state is good. We are making progress to attract new people by establishing the life and culture that will attract new people to Cincinnati. That positive has little to do with the efforts of YP organizations, however. I find the YP world has many problems. Here is a list:

1. There are just too many YP organizations. You can't walk 5 feet downtown without stumbling on someone trying to start a YP outreach group for their organization.
2. YP outreach groups, those tied to a parent organization, are not really about attracting new YPs to the city, they are about selling tickets, memberships, or gaining donations to the parent organization. There is nothing wrong with this, but these groups shouldn't be confused with efforts to promote the city.
3. The umbrella type YP groups tend to try do too much, they try to be everything to everyone, instead of focusing on achievable goals.
4. When you look at who runs the YP groups and who goes to the events they sponsor, you see the same people and same names. The groups tend to get cliquish when the same people all know each other and fail to be open to new people, especially those new to town.
5. Much of the YP effort centers around talking. Sounding Sessions sound like they have a purpose, but they are about appearance, not about actions. The Mayor's YP Kitchen Cabinet and the Chamber's Bold Fusion I believe have been about talking, not about taking action. If you are all talk, then you are going to end up talking about acting, not acting.
   
6. For a significant number of participants, the YP group is self serving. It is a resume filler, a means to help gain a promotion at work, a way to impress others, or just a way to meet people and get laid.
   
7. There is a clear disconnect between Native Cincinnatians and the rest of us. The YP movement has failed to address the large number of YPs who grew up here and live in the suburbs. They complain about it sucking here because they don't know what their city has too offer and only live in the stale burbs. This is an underlying problem that if addressed would improve not only the city, but the lives of those YPs living in the burbs. They might wake up and understand that that the burbs are about being boring. If you don't want a boring life, then you have to move to the urban core.
8. Finally, the YP efforts have been focusing on and programming to the affluent. Much like the efforts to bring residents Downtown, all of the push has been to get the 30 year old lawyer making six figures. We don't have a ton of people like that. We instead have many middle class people who are college educated and are starving for culture. When you can't afford to live in the city, then you are pricing out the masses you need to make the city more vibrant. Similarly, if you really think an average Jane or Joe can shell-out $35 every week for a YP event, then you really have no concept of wealth.
   

I'm harsh on the efforts of YP mostly because I have been vastly disappointed with what has been going on and what has failed to occur. The YP effort has not lived up to the great potential is possesses. With development coming together in Downtown and OTR, the opportunities are there but are being missed. The only solution I see is for groups to focus on small goals and for those with the ear of the media to stop hogging the spotlight for themselves without really doing anything worthwhile. Breakdown the Native Cincinnatian social walls and help them understand they live in a cool city, but don't know it.

YP Political Power

Joe Wessels has an interesting column this weekend about a new Political Action Committee seeking to represent the "Young Professionals" of Cincinnati in the political process.

The part of the whole YP movement that has troubled me is the definition of Young Professional. There is the Young part, which I think can easily be be overlooked. I think "young at heart" every time. The term professional has always been the problem. "Creative Class" was a much better term, but it too ran into problems. In the article, the head of Cincy PAC Sean Parker is taking a great step by trying to broaden the the reach of YP:

Parker is a Democrat, but said he votes independently and wants Cincy PAC to be non-partisan - and more broadly define who is a young professional. Often YPs are seen as the white-collar sect. Parker wants the PAC to be more inclusive, expanding the definition to blue collar workers and artists who may have felt left out.

I think this step is the key to really making both the political effort as well as the social movement affective.

The problem is that Sean Parker is starting off on the wrong track by holding the kickoff fund raiser at Bang, a local nighclub that caters to the more affluent, to the trend obsessed crowd, and to those who seek exclusivity. If you want to branch out, I hope the next fund raiser takes place in a venue where you don't have to worry about how you are dressed, just to get in the door.

Local Skater Goes Into Business

We need more independent businesses finding OTR/Downtown are great places to locate. OTR is really the place to be for this type of small business. You can get great deals on business locations on Main and other streets, for now. If you are thinking about doing it in 3 to 5 years, I will wish you luck, but you won't find the deals you can find now.

'Radiant Baby' Opens to Rave Reviews

New Stage Collective's production of 'Radiant Baby' open last and the Enquirer was impressed. Check it out over at the Conveyor.

Heartless Bastards Playing OTR

It can't get much better, a Final Friday, a block party, and a Free Show from the Heartless Bastards.

The show will take place on 14th Street in front of the Lightborne video production building, which is just off Main Street.

POWR PAC Endorses 9

The Partnership of West Side Residents PAC published their picks for City Council. They are:

Charter:
Chris Bortz
Melanie Bates

Democrats:
Jeff Berding,
John Cranley,
Laketa Cole
Cecil Thomas

Republicans:
John Eby
Leslie Ghiz
Chris Monzel.

Seven of the current incumbents were endorsed, only David Crowley was left out. No Sam Malone. Only one new Republican. What does this say about POWR PAC? Are they getting more moderate (with Mary Kuhl and Melva Gwynn in it, the racist vote has a "clear" voice), I think not. Instead I think this supports the contention that the 2005 election put one of the most conservative councils into office in a long time. Do the Democrats on this list face a revolt from the left? Obviously Berding has pissed away any support the "D" after his name gets him from the base, so he has to run to the Westside and Hyde Park for votes. Cranley actually looks better to the left after recent budget battles. Thomas is just too quiet for anyone's taste and Cole's Westwood Concern pandering still leaves a really bad stink on her.

Homicide: Real Life on the Streets

TV comes to the Cincinnati Police department in the form of the TV show "The First 48". I've seen the program before, and I've liked it. It really shows the investigation fairly straightforward. It will be interesting to see how our police stack up to other departments.

Portman Running for Gov?

Rob Portman is leaving his job at the White House and he reportedly may run for Ohio Governor in 2010. He would be a good candidate for the GOP to run, but Stickland will be tough to beat if he can keep things going on an even keel.

Phoenix Closes, Good!

I noticed this a week or so ago, but now it is permanent that the Phoenix Cafe is closed. This is great news for the backstage area. A dive bar like the Phoenix was a big negative to the backstage area. This should fit in nicely with the backstage loop of bar/restaurants opening up around 7th and 6th street.

Happy Father's Day

To all the fathers and especially to my Dad, Happy Father's Day!

Banks Agreement

I don't know if there was white smoke or not, but we have a Banks Agreement. Here's the highlight:

The non-binding agreement calls for 300 apartments in the first phase, followed by 100 condominiums and 70,000 square feet of retail. It will also include an unspecified amount of office space.

Non-binding is the problem, but that will hopefully not be the case in a couple of months.

Antioch College to Close in 2008

You don't hear of this often, but the Yellow Spring, Ohio college will close in 2008 in hopes of reopening in 2012. I will be surprised if it reopens in Yellow Springs.

Can't Totally Fault Bronson Today

I can't really go off on Peter Bronson's latest column, but I'll point out a few problems. He writes about classic rock and Wizards Records in Oakley. He is missing out on the big selection of music at Wizards from the 70's, 80's, and 90's, not just from Bronson's long haired days. The college kids who come to buy there are likely to want new wave, punk, and grunge more than classic 60's rock.

Finally, I don't know about Bronson, but I grew up storing my vinyl in milk crates, not cardboard boxes. I would guess Peter went through many boxes over the years. I still have my milk crates.

Moving Forward

Kudos to the entire metro area for moving up to 38th place in the "Cities Ranked and Rated" book. We are 38th out of 378 cities, and we moved up from 92nd place which was held in 2004 in the 1st edition of the book.

It's a New Skyline Time

Western & Southern has announced plans to build the tallest building in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Skyline is a very pretty site, so I hopte this improves it, as well as adding new development to the CBD. Are there any mocked up drawings of what it would look like with this new building?

UPDATE: This morning's paper included a artists rendering of the building.

Dave Menninger: What is Inclusionary Zoning?

Learn something new from Dave Menninger.

Pick of the Fringe

The Pick of the Fringe was made last night. The Conveyor also gave their Top of Fringe choices.

Green Party Looking Foolish

I am often bewildered by the Green Party. I guess they will gladly give power back to the Republicans by attacking Democrats if they can't instantaneously create a Utopian fantasy world where there are no poor or stupid people living in it. To make a claim that the jail tax vote by the democratically elected Hamilton County Commission was "Undemocratic" makes the Greens appear to be ignorant and hypocritical fools. How many gas tax increases are put up to a referendums? How many times has the Green Party called for increased gas taxes to help cut fossil fuel use? Did they call for a statewide referendum in order to enact it? If they did, I'd like to see a reference to that.

Council Candidates - the List

A candidate himself, Michael Earl Patton, has compiled a list of those who have picked up petitions to get on the ballot for Cincinnati City Council. The list, sorted by party endorsement, is as follows:

Democrats:
Brian Garry
Cecil Thomas
David Crowley
Greg Harris
Jeff Berding
John Cranley
Laketa Cole
Minnette Cooper
Wendell Young

Republicans:
Andre Harper
Charlie Winburn
Chris Monzel
John Eby
Leslie Ghiz
Patrick F. Fischer
Sam Malone

Charter Committee:
Chris Bortz
Joan Kaup
Malanie Bates

The Rest:
Christopher Davis
Curtis Wells
Dadrin Washington
Eric Wolterman
Kellley Cowdrey
Malik Showes
Michael Earl Patton
Mitch Painter
Paul Makin
Robert J. Wilking
Ron Stallworth
Sean Holbrook
Sean Lackey
Steven Pavelish
Yvette Barbara Baldwin

How many will actually make it to the ballot? Are there others missing from the list? I know of a few of the Independents, but not many.

Please note that I grouped the candidates by party endorsement, not affiliation.

Downtown Relaxing

I'm off of my day job this week, so I've been spending lots of time in Downtown and OTR. Today I am trying out the wifi at Fountain Square. It works pretty well. The only thing to consider is that you need to find shade under a tree if you plan on using your laptop during the middle of the day, when the buildings don't any shade. It really is calming just sitting here. I got to watch the Daily Show on the big screen as well.

Protecting City Views

The battle over maintain city views boils down to property rights. Where does the concept of "right of way" come into play when thinking of the space above your land. How tall can you build something in relation to the structures around you? The zoning regulations are designed to cover this, but when the view of the river or of the city affects land value so heavily, I can see why people would make hay about new buildings.

Calculus: The Musical! - Extended Run

For those who missed out on this great CincyFringe performance, you have another chance. Call at 10AM today (Wednesday June 6th) and you can score some tickets. Do it now or miss out on the hottest Fringe ticket this year. The Details:

Calculus: The Musical!. Encore Performance
9:45 PM, Saturday, June 9.
Art Academy of Cincinnati,
1212 Jackson Street.
Tickets go on sale June 6, 2007 at 10 a.m.
Call 513.621.ARTS (2787)

Trying Anything

There is at least one Hamilton County Assistant Prosecutor that will say nearly anything in open court to push her case forward. In this case a claim was made that a defendant had a connection to al-Qaida. Yea, the prosecutor was claiming that a defendant is a terrorist, or at least connected to them. The defendant is up on charges of violation of his probation in a domestic violence case. He is likely a bad dude, but a terrorist?

iLove Sells Out On a Monday

Monday sell outs just don't happen at CincyFringe, but iLove Sold Out tonight at Fringe.

Inside the CAC Blog

CAC Public Relations Director Stacey Czar has begun an inside the CAC blog, giving a little bit of a behind the scenes peek at the happenings with the staff and the inside view of the Contemporary Arts Center.

Fringe Review: Girlfight | The Conveyor

For the record I did not write the play "girlfight" but I did review it: Fringe Review: Girlfight | The Conveyor

Fringe is Still On!

There are six more days of shows for the Cincinnati Fringe Festival. If you want to go, check out www.cincyfringe.com. Tickets for some shows are going fast! The Enquirer reports that so far this year's Fringe looks like a hit.

TheConveyor.com is continuing our daily coverage of Fringe. Our latest review of Public Espionage! can be read here.

Fringe Review: Tommy Nugent’s The Show

Here is the review one of the more intense shows at Fringe this year: Tommy Nugent’s The Show from the | theconveyor.com.

Fringe Review: The Kid in the Dark

Here is my Fringe review for a great musical The Kid in the Dark over at theconveyor.com.

Cincy Blues Challenge

If you want a little break from the Fringe, check out the Cincy Blues Challenge, 1PM Sunday June 3 at Germania Park, 3529 West Kemper Road. It's $15 for the whole day, which includes the best in Cincinnati Blues. For more information, check out the Cincyblues.org website.

Southgate House Gets Praise

Newport's Southgate House has been name amounts"America's 40 Best Music Venues" by Paste magazine.

Crappy Review Headline in the Enquirer

The Enquirer should really be ashamed for the headline Not crazy about 'Mad', a review of a play about dealing with a mentally ill family member. Not only is it a trite and unoriginal headline, it is insulting.

Fringe Review: Calculus: The Musical! | The Conveyor

Here's my second review on Calculus: The Musical! over at theconveyor.com.

That is two shows seen and two good reviews. I am not softy, I just like good work.

CityBeat's Fringe Blog Is Up

For daily reviews of Fringe shows, check out CityBeat's Fringe Blog.

Their day 1 reviews includes a Grade A for The Kid in the Dark and a Grade D for Extreme Puppet Theatre.

Sales Tax Increase Approved

The two Democratic Hamilton County Commissioners approved a half cent sales tax hike to fund a new jail and other public safety initiatives. The lone Republican is against it. It will be interesting to hear any conservatives whine about increasing taxes without a referendum. I'd would have liked a referendum before we went to war in Iraq, but I am just an insignificant voter, so who am I to complain. Let the beatings begin.

Kids Gets a Glow from the Enquirer

Pamela Fisher gives a big approval to “The Kid in the Dark”. She says you better buy tickets now.

First Fringe Ouch

This review of "Extreme Puppet Theatre" hurts a bunch.

The Myth is False

There is a god and his name is Zeus. He has provided us proof that Luke and Adam are not the same person.

Mad | The Conveyor

My first review of a play is up for Jen Dalton's Mad. It is a light review, being my first of the fest, that shouldn't be a surprise.

I really liked it. It is intense.

Day One Off to a Start

Got my press pass, got my first beer, working on the second as I sit here in Courtyard Cafe using Lily Pad (Yea Lilly Pad). Well this is my first post after my first show. I'm out of my first show and I am excited! It was a great show and I'm working on writing up a review on, so look for that post soon.

I'm working on how this blogging fringe thing is going to work out. I am glad I have place where I can blog and eat. Eating is very important at Fringe. I'll be eating often here.

First Glance - My Shows To See At Fringe

Below is my tentative list of shows to see at this year's Fringe. It is a long list. I don't know if my ass can take sitting in uncomfortable chair that many times, so I seriously doubt I will make all of them. After the reviews start to come in, I'll be switching things in and out. Not everything is going to be good, so with time an issue, I have to trim the fat at some point.

I have no great science to what shows have caught my eye. My picks are based on word of mouth, past history of the performers/companies, and the descriptions. At this point I don't know if there will be any run away hits like Catholic Girl's Guide was last year. This year's schedule has several shows that are placed well to fill the seats if the momentum can work in their favor.

Well here are my picks, in alphabetical order:

1. Alone Together


2. Calculus: The Musical!


3. Christmas in Bakersfield


4. Extreme Puppet Theatre


5. Girlfight


6. How to Fake Clinical Depression


7. I Do… I Think


8. I Take it Back


9. iLove


10. Mad


11. Public Espionage!


12. The Kid in the Dark


13. Tommy Nugent's The Show


14. True + False


15. Wet Dream

Originally Posted at www.theConveyor.com

City Beat's New Website is Up

Have a look at the vastly redesigned City Beat website.

Crime is Down

Good News, most certainly, but can we do better and will the police continue to keep targeting the problem neighborhoods? The City can't let up.

Thinking politically, how will some of the candidates react to this? I am thinking of Melanie Bates mostly, who is running on an anti-crime platform more than anyone else.

Rick Pender on Streetcars

Rick has gone to Portland, seen how well streetcars worked there and looks to the future as to how they would work right here in Cincinnati. Rick has the idea down perfectly, a streetcar through the Main Street/Gateway area and we get a boost to the theatre traffic.

Fringe Venue Change

Via the Cincy Fringe website we learn that Mr. Pitiful's is no longer a venue for the Festival and the performances of the two shows scheduled there, Contains Adult Themes & Think Fast, Go Slow, have been moved to the 1201 Jackson Street Theatre. What is that space? I think I know the building, but not sure about the space. Check out the location on Google Maps.

Originally posted at www.theConveyor.com.

Movie Set in Cincinnati

The forth coming Kit Kittredge: An American Girl Mystery is set in Depression-era Cincinnati. Anyone know if there is the possibility that any of the movie will be filmed in Cincinnati?

Happy Fringe Eve!

Here's an interview with the Co-founder of Cindy Fringe:

Magazine Reviews?

Peter Bronson is only able to muster enough energy to write a review of Rolling Stone's 40th Anniversary issue. I guess he'll be spouting on the SI swimsuit issue later in the year. I can't wait for his diatribe against Penthouse for refusing to publish his series of 'letters' he sent back in his "rebellious" youth.

Havana Martini: Still Hot

Based on this article in the Enquirer, you wouldn't guess there have been any problems for the Havana Martini Club since they started to comply with the smoking ban.

Mood After the Shooting

What is the literal 'word on the street' about the gun fight with police on Sunday afternoon? Since it happened over a holiday, I've not seen much from the opinion makers (bloggers) online, just the straight up articles from the pro-journalists.

CincyFringe Needs Volunteers

The Cincinnati Fringe Festival still has many open shifts and can really use your help. The more you volunteer, the more free tickets you can earn. It starts this Wednesday and runs through June 9th. For full details and a link to the sign up page, hit the CincyFringe Get Involved page.

Blogging Fringe

The Cincinnati Fringe Festival starts Wednesday May 30th. This blog, along with a new website, called The Conveyor, will devote bytes upon bytes of attention to the 4th annual festival. I've spent the last 3 years as a volunteer, but this year I'm looking for a different perspective. I want to see what the audience sees. Who goes to shows? What do they like about the shows? How are the shows? Fringe fests of the past have had good stuff and some really bad stuff. My goal is to provide a take on the festival, the after-parties, and a little bit of the behind the scenes of what it takes to put on the festival. Keep in mind, I'm not pretending to be a theatre critic. I'll be giving my take on the shows, but from my personal perspective, not one from someone who is schooled in Theatre.

If its deemed to be appropriate, I might even let out some of the the stories from prior years, now that time has past. I promise to change the names to protect the innocent. Well, most of the names.

So, chime in with your own takes on the Fringe Festival as it progresses. Be sure to hit theConveyor.com with your experiences, good and bad.

Enquirer Coverage of Fringe

The Enquirer binged on Fringe today with a big preview story. Enquirer Theatre critic Jackie Demaline also listed her three "not to miss" shows at this year's Fringe. She picked "iLove", "The Kid in the Dark", and "True + False."

The Enquirer has also updated their calendar to list out every show's time and location throughout the Festival. Please note that for any updates to the schedule, please check out the Cincinnati Fringe home page at www.cincyfringe.com.

Originally Posted at www.theconveyor.com.

Miami Sports Finds New Home

With a new home for Miami University Sports, I hope 96.5FM does not give the school second, third, or even fourth fiddle coverage. At Clear Channel, Miami was the ugly step child that had many games and 1 sport (Hockey) forced off Cincinnati air waves. Late this summer, I plan on tuning in to the station for the games. I'll will do that with the hope that Reds/UC/Bengals games do not preempt Miami football.

Marvin Lewis

When ever I hear Chris Henry's name mentioned in the news or I see articles about the Bengals outside of the season, I tend to tune out. This is why I've not commented on the Marvin Lewis profiling comment, before now. I finally got around to reading Kevin Osborne's take on the Lewis comment and the recent idiotic statement from Kenton County Attorney Garry Edmondson, who I believe should be sued for slander by Henry for the outright lie he publicized.

In the Marvin Lewis incident, as I'll now call it, I am most curious about who got to him. Did CPD Chief Tom Streicher make a call to Mike Brown to complain, and did that get the apology issued? Where does Jeff Berding fit into all of this? Did anyone call to complain to him, like Streicher, and did that flow up to Brown? How would it affect Berding's Election chances if were true he help arrange or even pushed for the Lewis apology? Speculation is fun!

Bronson's Choice: Jump Off a Cliff or Get Pushed Off

When ignorant people like Peter Bronson write about public eduction I get a very large twinge in my right temple from the wasted time I spent reading his columns. Yes, I get that every time I read one of his columns, but lets skip the red herring for today.

Bronson goes on and on about CPS. He does seem to understand how they can't turn a profit. Well, lets state the obvious first, the government is not in the profit business. I won't go worry about the anti-government insanity right now, and instead talk about the false choice Bronson is putting forth.

As many Conservatives do, Bronson likes to look at market competition and claim that it works. Well, it works when everyone has more than a choice of execution. The problem with Bronson's desire to create a market based education system is that he forgets about the law. He forgets that it is the law that every student age 5 to 16 is guaranteed the ability to go to school. In Bronson's world of privately run schools or charter schools he hides a small fact, those schools can turn kids away. How many privately run schools, religious schools, and charter schools are taking in special education children? Where do the behavioral problem students end up?

In Bronson's world the schools he champions can avoid all of the special needs students and stick with the rich or cheap kids and look like they are brilliant, when really they are just manipulators.

Education is a right. Public education is the way to make that right a reality and funding public schools is how this is done. Gimmicks don't work. Walling in the poor within the inner city schools doesn't do anything but make the poor-phobic feel "safer" in the suburban white schools. Cherry picking the smart inner city kids might make Bronson sleep better at night, but it doesn't provide speech therapy or wheel chair ramps to the inner city kid who doesn't get good grades.

Public Education has worked dating back before the Revolutionary War. Why not work on public education policies, instead of working to dismantle it?

Monzel Under Attack

Who is spending their time forging letters in an attempt to discredit Chris Monzel's campaign for Council? I can understand why someone would want to disparage Monzel's voting record, but who would be stupid enough to think that the addressees wouldn't find out that 3 well known local Republicans didn't send the letters in question? If you are going to try an amateur dirty trick, you might want to try something that isn't possible fraud and isn't that transparent.

Fiscal Five Fizzled

For all the belly aching they did, the Fiscal Five's efforts were less than stellar in the end when they couldn't defeat the Tarbell arts funding plan. Cole wasn't even there for the vote. When grandstanding take the place of real political effort and consideration, nothing comes out of their efforts. We are all better off because the Fiscal Five monolith is hollow.

Angry At Commerical Radio

With the firing of Richard Skinner and the dismantling of quality local sports talk radio, we have yet another sign in a litany of signs that local commercial radio is a nearly dead entity. Radio appears to be headed in a bizarre direction. I think locally, the public radio stations are doing well, at least on the outside looking in. So much of radio is soulless drivel. In the long run, I don't know how it will survive as a local media.

UPDATE: I changed the post for a serious case of sports-talk dyslexia.

Bridge Climb Falls

The Purple People Bridge Climb has ceased operations. It was an interesting idea. I think it had too many legal hold-ups that resulted in this downfall.

Walnut Hills High School 34th Best in the Nation

The Jewel of CPS has been ranked 34th best public school in the USA. That was up 31 spots from the prior year.