Bandwagon UC Fans

Ok, I am getting sick of the bandwagon UC fans who all of the sudden get upset about UC football. Hell, as a Miami fan, I bet I've been to as many UC football games over the years then a large portion of UC alumni.

If they were not ranked, few would have cared what was on Fountain Square (I think only a few care now). When UC is no longer ranked, they will go away. I really can't stand fans who jump on the bandwagon only when "their" team is winning. It is yet another thing wrong with sports today.

UDPATE: Paul Daugherty Chimes in.

CAC: Odili Donald Odita

Harris and Eby Cooperation

Something fairly new for Cincinnati, a Democrat and a Republican have come together to promote a plan for the city: Common Sense Cincinnati.

Cincy YP PAC Endorsements

The endorsements are out and the list is very underwhelming. I agree with logic behind Harris, Qualls, and Bortz. Cranley's prior mocking of YP groups does nothing to demonstrate he cares about the efforts of YPs to help the City. Cranley is a YP himself, which makes it more troubling. Berding, Cole, and Fisher all I feel are not championing the 5 issues Cincy YP PAC lists as the most important.

Joan Kaup clearly is one I would say is on the side of YPs, I would be interested in knowing why she did not make the list. I might trough George Zamary into that camp as well, with him being a much better choice to reach out to the Republicans than Pat Fisher.

Bottom line, I was very disappointed in the picks. Politically, if you are trying to spread your eggs into many different baskets, that has some logic to it, but in the long run helping the candidates who are not squarely in your corner will comeback to bite you in butt.

Louisville Dises Ohio

Via the Urban Louisvillian:
If any part of Kentucky really wants to compare cultures with Ohio, I think they are in way over their heads. And yes, we have plenty of women in Ohio with tattoos on their butts. The key difference is that they are not our sisters.

Ghiz' Westside Digs

A Hyde Park Republican, Leslie Ghiz, is having open house at her HQ located in Westwood, the heart of the Westside. Did the Eastsider locate her HQ way over there because she desperately needs to get every Westwood vote she can get, or was the short term office rent cheaper?

Charity for Charity's sake

Joe Wessels has an excellent post on the misguided "do gooders" are trying to do something, instead of doing what is best.

FOP Endorses Man Who Beat His Kid

It is remarkable that the Police Union in Cincinnati is so blind they overlooked Sam Malone's arrest on domestic violence charges (he was acquitted). Malone's son testified in court that his father repeatedly whipped him with a belt.

The Cincinnati FOP has ignored the actions of Malone and endorsed him for City Council.

Never mind that they endorsed nearly all of the Republicans running, which is a given with an organization that has recently be a shill for the Republicans. How can the union representing the law enforcement agency for the City support a man who has never denied he hit his son with a belt. It is disgusting that the representatives of the local police force would let a man who uses violence as tool to control his son represent the City in any capacity, let alone at its highest level.

The sad part, this isn't a surprise.

Roebling Point?

Will a new marketing plan help put the "other" Covington entertainment district on the map?

If He Were a Democrat....

Si Leis would be run out of town on a rail for this kind of crap if he was a Democrat. Talk radio would want his head. Peter Bronson would be calling for him to be put into jail. The Enquirer would be pushing for a recall vote.

What is sad, is that this has been Si Leis's style for years. It surely is not the first time he has done this. The problem now is that the far right wing in Hamilton County are against Leis on the Tax issue. That makes him a target and they have had this kind of dirt on him for years?Wwhy wait until now to bring it out? What people will do to put their political views forward on a tax issue is really remarkable.

Change at CinWeekly

CinWeekly's Kari Wethington is moving over to the Enquirer to cover news in Northern Kentucky. This I believe is a plus for Kari and I hope helps her career. What she should be doing, at least part time, is writing about local music in Cincinnati on a regularly. The way the Enquirer has been assigning reporters, I find it more likely she will only have a geographical beat, not a topical one. This is an Enquirer trend that is not a wise way to build up the skills of reporters. It is instead a way to use them as machines to churn out copy.

Furthermore, I hope CinWeekly does not drop coverage of the local music scene. We didn't have a local blog coverage this year from Cin on Midpoint. I would surmise that Kari's move caused a gap that left open the coverage. Cin needs to step up to the plate and continue the level of music coverage Kari was providing. They could still do more! The Enquirer has no care about local music or much of any local news. Cin has many issues, but one of their highlights has been Kari's music coverage over the last few years. I for one will miss her weekly column. I do wish her well on her new job.

Over Kill?

I think the issue here is that some kids are acting like jerks and not getting out the way of the car. I mean, where did "Car! Game On" come from? As a kid we played whiffle ball and football in the street all the time. We did it on side streets and we got out the way when cars came down.

All you need to do is get a few of the kids parents to drive by and give them crap for not getting out of the way. This is a parenting issue, not one the city should be worry about.

The exception is on busy streets. It should be a rule already that you just can't be out on medium to high volume streets. That is simply a safety issue. Practically, no one is foolish enough anyway to be out playing touch football in the middle of Reading Road.

How?

Winburn has started his campaign of fear. I've not seen the ad, but the article claims he wants to bring down violent crime. Again in the article is states violent crime is down 12.6% from last year. What magic bullet does Charlie Winburn have to get crime down? Is he going to perform a mass exorcism to rid the City of violent demons or something?

Blog Debate

The Enquirer's Editorial Page Blog is holding what can best be described as a blog debate among candidates for Cincinnati City Council. I'm confused how this is going to work efficiently, but it should be interesting.

Forget Cassettes at MidPoint

Here are a few shots from the Forget Cassettes pre-party.

Ding Ding

The 'Nati Life reviews last nights Streetcar meeting.

MidPoint Debate

I don't have the time or the energy to debate the structure, style, motive, themes of MidPoint. It is not time to be MidPoint. I will be discussing the issues discussed in CityBeat and in the two blog posts from Each Note Secure Here and Here.

There is much, much, much to say about this, but not now! Look for comments after 2 AM later Saturday night. Well, not really until later on Sunday, if that soon, but anyway.....

Doing the MidPoint Thang

I'll be blogging Midpoint over at The Conveyor all weekend, as wifi alows me it will be live. Otherwise, look for my recaps in the morning.

"Pro-Life" Bronson Loves Him Some Death Penalty

An example of the duality of the answer man. His answers change depending on the situation. Something conservatives label as a weakness.

Coco's Closed

Well, this throws out the contention that having smoking in Covington would increase business from Ohio.

Midpoint Begins!

Tonight head down to Fountain Square for the official kickoff and CD Release for the 2007 Midpoint Music Festival.

The showcases start tomorrow. My top picks are Here on the Conveyor. I also have my top picks for local bands.

For everything offical about Midpoint, including schedule updates, head over to www.mpmf.com for details.

Bortz Ads on MySpace

Councilman Chris Bortz is the first local politician I've seen who is hitting Myspace with banner ads.

It is always a little creepy when they can read your zipcode on Myspace, or town I guess. I am not sure how affect it will be to advertise on Myspace, as opposed to using it as a tool to get your message out more directly.

Midpoint Tech Tools

Midpoint has has an entire suite of tech tools to enhance your festival experience. The most interesting to a data smasher like myself is the Excel scheduler.

I will be putting the Wifi to its max used while out at Midpoint. I'll be lugging around laptop at least one night for some live blogging.

It will be all over on theconveyor.com in our special Midpoint page.

Fear and Loathing in Cincinnati

Is Charlie Winburn out to get 'white' votes by scaring people? If the reports of his commercials are correct, he will fuel the misplaced fear people have about the City. Winburn appears to be trying to get elected by denigrating the city and driving people out. How is that leadership? That sounds like opportunism, that comes at the expense of the City's economy.

The classic thing form the post had Jane Prendergast asking Sam Malone for thoughts on Winburn's ad. Where's Sam's Ad? Here's what I think his commercial should include. I'm thinking Sam should just be pictured looking in the camera. The shot widens to show him standing in his living room. He takes the belt off his pants and says "Vote for me, and I'll beat this city into shape!"

Smoking Ban in NKY?

The Enquirer reports on this study that included this gem:

Ohio voters adopted a statewide ban on smoking in bars, restaurants and other public places last year.

No one’s calling for such a measure in Kentucky yet, but Stricker said he’d like to see such legislation in Northern Kentucky, at least.

Consumers who don’t smoke don’t like smoky environments in Northern Kentucky restaurants and bars, and it’s costing the area business, he said.

“My guess is they’re going to Cincinnati, ‘cause they hate the smoke. I know we’re losing business because of it,” he said.

Yea, there's not much I can say, so I won't spoil it.

6 Votes?

Six to Ten votes is what I count the tally to be so far. I don't see this as newsworthy, but, yes, look at source.

MidPoint Week!

This is Midpoint Week. The Enquirer started it off yesterday with a story on the background of music festival on the sixth annual event.

This are a little smaller this year. Main Street is in total transition right now. Three venues are opening up this week and hopefully they will stay open. Jardine is way behind their prior announced opening. The rumor is that Q and Speakeasy are going to be open past Midpoint. For a couple of them they will need some work to be functional. Pizza Bar is also opening, but I've heard only vague rumors about it staying open beyond this weekend.

Stay tuned to the blog and to The Conveyor for Midpoint coverage this week. I'll be listing my picks of bands by Wednesday, so make sure you get you three day wristband. For more information and to buy said wristband, hit www.mpmf.com.

5th and Race Theatres?

The plan to move Playhouse and the Children's Theatre of Cincinnati to a new Theatre complex at 5th and Race Street still is in the works. This move would put a mammoth cultural in the heart of downtown. A shot to the heart of downtown such as this would solidify the growth we are seeing now.

Drink More Beer

Get out the waders and loosen the belt a little, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is here.

Things to look for: Which politicians are out in force. The sticker test is always a fun way to watch the political message flow through the crowd.

OK Corral

In an interesting twist the Enquirer has two articles today where they chose a description of Gun Fights in different ways. What I find interesting is how they defined things. Compare Running gunbattle covers four blocks with the headline Shootout passenger gets prison. What makes a gun fight a shootout and what makes a gun fight a gun battle?

Screw the Poor and Screw the Environment

The logic of the City of Mason appears to be as clear as I-71 during rush hour. They refuse to subsidize bus service that brings workers to Mason and the surrounding area. Who do think can afford to work at Kings Island or work at the fast food restaurants along Mason-Montgomery Road and own a reliable car? Few can. A big reason people move to the exurbs is to avoid the poor, but honestly, do they think they are going to get conservative housewives to flip burgers? When you drive out the Latinos with a horrid witch hunt, then you vote to keep bus riding workers out of your community, what kind of economic development, or for that matter just keeping businesses running, can occur when wages go sky high to attract workers over qualified for lower jobs?

Furthermore has anyone on Mason City Council noticed the clogged roads during rush hour? Do they care a lick about reducing the amount of traffic, and fuel used? I guess they drive their SUVs around the Deerfield Town Center, AC on and windows down.

Northside Candidate's Forum

Nate Livingston gives his take on how the candidates did at the Northside Community Council's candidate forum. Anyone else go with a different take? How are the candidates doing on the trail?

Is Bates Toast?

As a challenger, Melanie Bates was fighting an up hill battle, but does losing a key conservative endorsement dry up a key demographic Bates was counting on?

Bates' campaign was based on crime and her personal experience with it, after the murder of her husband. That was alone a hallow campaign, but what makes it more difficult is that the Democrat turned Charterite had to appeal to the conservative West side. POWR PAC is a key influence on Westside opinions. With the loss of their endorsement, the opinion of Bates on the Westside has just dropped to a point that likely will eliminate any change she had of getting elected.

Antioch Appears to Have a Future

Antioch College in Yellow Springs has a potential new future. Administrators had announced the college would closed at the end of the current school year because of financial issues, but Alumni have come together to raise 12 million dollars to keep the school going.

Chicago Notes Good Things Are Happening in Cincinnati

Carol Coletta President of CEOs for Cities and Bold Fusion keynote speaker comments on her day in Cincinnati and starts it out by being surprised. Her blog post provides a prime example of the main problem that hurts Cincinnati: perception. She was surprised at what she found was happening here. I think most people would be surprised what is happening here, if they could see their their misconceptions and explore Cincinnati for themselves.

This goes not just for people who don't live here, but more importantly those who already live here.

Midpoint Needs Volunteers

Midpoint needs people to make it work. If you want to work a shift and get free stuff (like entry to the festival), click on this link and sign up.

More specifically, Midpoint also needs MCs for the showcase stages. Here's their blurb:

MidPoint Music Festival is looking for emcees to host each venue.
You will introduce bands, keep the crowd pumped, and have a great time. Free admission for the night you mc, free t-shirt, and free compilation CD. If interested, please contact Dale at dale@mpmf.com or 513.403.8258.

If you have a voice and a little cool charm, give it a go!

Textbook Red Herring

It hasn't been more clear in a while how much the Right Wing does not care about Iraq Policy. Instead of discussing the lack of long term policy of the Bush Administration, the Republicans are worrying about a newspaper ad that very few people read.

The attack plan is to divert attention from the self made statement from Bush that he is punting the fate of Iraq to the next President and divert attention from the fact that Bush has no new policy and is just staying the course. Finally, the plan is to divert attention from the fact that Iraq has no effective army or police force and a government that has no control. Those facts are something the Peter Bronson just don't care about. They worry about Hollywood.

I guess Peter Bronson is not voting for Mr. Hollywood himself, Fred Thompson.

What Peter Bronson should know is that the term "Jump the Shark" did indeed "Jump the Shark" about 3 years ago.

Green City

How effective will Mayor Mallory's energy saving efforts go? What is most interesting is that I would think anyone who cares about saving money (hint hint to the Republicans), that they would be behind this effort 100%. Are any of the Council Candidates putting their efforts behind this program?

YPKC Shakeup

It has a been a year since the Mayor's YP Kitchen Cabinet was announced and the news is that new leadership for the organization and a call for new members. Coby Williams and Clara Rice move up a couple of positions to President and Vice-President respectively. No reason was given why Candace Klein is no longer the President. If you are interested in being in the cabinet, you can get an application here (pdf).

The Mayor's Press release is here (pdf).

Kelly Is a Pussy

The UC Football coach is hiding behind the skirt of his superiors because he fears playing Miami in Oxford. If your football is as great as you claim, you should have no problem winning on Saturday. It is also pathetic that a coach would not care a damn about history and tradition with even his hint at scrapping the series. His statement to the contrary was as hallow as it could be. He hated losing to Miami when he coached at Central Michigan, so fears are founded in his past.

Grow a pair, Kelly!

Council Predictions

I still see the field wide open. Natelists his updated predictions. Nate is placing heavy emphasis on prior indicators of who will contend (money, name recognition). I still think things have lots of room for new face on council, with few incumbents safe and few locks for challengers. I would agree that there will be 4 to 5 easy predictions for council, but who that will be won't be set until October. At the same time we'll know who of those with a chance now, will have lost their chance based on how their campaign stand closer to the election.

Tarbell Can't Run as a Write-In Candidate

I never knew it was Ohio law that individuals who try to get on the ballot, but fail, can't run as write-in candidates. I don't know why this would be needed? What is this law trying to prevent? If you failed to get on the ballot because of fraud, then sure, I see why you should be a write-in candidate. If you just turned in signatures and didn't get enough, why should you not be allowed to file as a write-in candidate?

Drunken Fools

I myself took in most of the game while at Fountain Square last night and I walked right behind the WKRC van parked on Vine near the Square. I walked by on my way home early in the 4th Quarter. It had it's remote satellite hook up hoisted up in the air and was running.

It really sounds funny that some drunk guy tried to steal the van, I say he was drunk because real thieves would know better than trying to steal a TV van. In the end some normal guy with a job will likely face jail time.

Bold Fusion and Agenda 360

Yesterday many gathered for Bold Fusion. I've not be a fan of the event in the past, but this year the inclusion of Agenda 360 is something with actionable ideas, not just more talk about talking with same people who always to the talking.

Did anyone go? What's your take on the event and on Agenda 360?

On Time???

Someone thinks the Banks Project is on time?

Journalist Creep

In this article in the Enquirer: NAACP says sentencing in dog case was racist, there is not a quote from anyone in the NAACP saying the ruling was "racist." One could infer that from part of the article, but did anyone from the NAACP or even at the rally say that for the record? If they didn't use the term "racist," then why did the Editor at the Enquirer add that to the story? Do headlines with the NAACP calling someone or something racist catch more eyes?

If the NAACP did in fact make that claim, why didn't the article include a quote? Calling someone or something a "racist" is a pretty harsh claim, even for hyperbole rich Chris Smitherman (the King of Grandstanding in Cincinnati). It sounds like the editor was looking for the situation to creep up into a full borne racism debate, one that makes for better eye catcher.

Unoriginal Schmidt

Rep. Jean Schmidt allegedly copied word for word a document prepared by an Ohio State Highway Patrol Officer, without giving the officer credit. A Blog first identified this, Kudos to the Daily Bellwether.

Tarbell Running as Write-in Candidate

Former Vice-Mayor Jim Tarbell has registered as a write-in candidate for Cincinnati School Board. That seems like a bite of a long shot. Jim is running as a team with Anne Power and Sally Warner in what I imagine is a way to save expenses. Without money, they stand little chance. They need to buy TONS of advertisements or create multiple mass mailings letting people know they are write-in candidates and then educate people how to correctly write-in someone using the new voting system. They have a long way to go to actually win. I don't know the last time for anyone to ever win an election as a write-in candidate in Hamilton County. I wouldn't be surprised if it hasn't happened before.

20/20 Schedule Announced

Get your arts in massive doses this year at the 20 Days 20 Nights Arts Festival, which has announced their schedule for 2007. The event kicks off on September 28th. For more information check out Enjoy the Arts.

Cincy Dems Straw Poll

The HC Democratic Party will sponsor a Presidential Primary Straw Poll next Tuesday, the 11th, at 6:15PM at the 20th Century Theater in Oakley. The event is open to "anyone who supports the election of Democratic candidates."

Mr. Racebaiter

Chris Smitherman wasted no time in using the death of a child as fodder in latest crusade. Can't Smitherman might a point about in justice without making it about race? This was just just not necessary to try and compare.

"Here today, we have a white woman down in Clermont County who killed her daughter, clearly endangerment of a child and we have the prosecutors saying not one charge will be levied against this woman," said Smitherman.

"And, at the same time, we have a an African-American woman in Avondale who's locked up right now for leaving her children in the closet," said Smitherman. "We have a prosecutor saying he's going to lock her up for 100 years."

This does NOTHING to improve race relations and it instead divides people more.

Mom Beats the Wrap

In what is driving people across the tristate nuts, the mother who left her young daughter in her car in 100 heat will not face charges.

I just don't understand why no charges were brought. If this woman was poor and black and living in the West End, would she be locked up right now? I'll just wait now to see who uses this to push their own agenda.

P-Ridge-Gate?

Brian Garry has been off the deep end for years, but lhis atest claim of being the victim of a Watergate style break-in at HC Democratic headquarters sends him into tinfoil hat territory.

There is a little smoke to the story, however, so let's start with the general facts: someone broke into Hamilton County Democratic Headquarters (also his campaign's headquarters) and stole two computers. The computers were his campaign's and according to Garry no other campaign's, nor the party's, computers were taken. Other candidates use the offices as their campaign HQ.

What are the possible theories:

1. Someone broke into the building with the intent to steal Brian Garry's computers because they wanted to damage his campaign.
2. Someone broke into the building with the intent to disrupt the Democratic Party and happened to pick Garry's computers to steal, not knowing who they specifically belonged to.
   
3. A thief broke into a building and stole the computers, having no clue they belonged to Brian Garry or that they were in the HC Democratic Party HQ.

There is another theory I didn't want to include in the list, because it points the finger someplace else : someone from the inside of the Garry campaign did this on purpose to gain much needed attention for Garry. There is no evidence to support this, but there is no evidence to support the claim that someone was trying to hurt Garry's campaign specifically.

There are two points that would lead me to favor one view over another. First is that in the article it was reported that an air-conditioner was "kicked in" to gain access to the building. That indicates to me that it was someone not worried about being caught as much as stealing something they need. The second point is unknown by me: were Garry's computers the closest to the air-conditioner or did the thief walk past other computers to get to Garry's?

The only other thing worth investigating, if a suspect is caught, is to determine if they have any connection with anyone who is involved in Republican or conservative politics. That might provide a lead for the theory that this was an attempt to disrupt the Democrats.

More from the Enquirer.

The Future of the Enquirer?

This appeared to be a test run on Youtube (instead of the full daily update on cincinnati.com, but I think I liked the effort. I don't know if this will build viewers and ultimately readers, but I give the Enquirer credit for expanding their use of technology.

On a side note: This version is much funnier:

Follow the Money

Will Justin Jeffre do the right thing and record the political ads running on the Beacon as an in kind contribution to his campaign? If they didn't include the graphic it might not fall into the advocacy category, but hey, I don't recall the Beacon crowd being sticklers for details on what they do, only on what others do.

More Banks Protests

First we had Chris Smitherman, now we have the 4th Street Crowd complaining about certain proposals for the Banks project.

MIAMI 14, Ball St. 13

Love and honor to Miami,
Our college old and grand,
Proudly we shall ever hail thee,
Over all the land.

Alma mater now we praise thee,
Sing joyfully this lay,
Love and honor to Miami,
Forever and a day.


The Enquirer - Close game goes Miami's way

I didn't get to do this must last season, since the team was very bad. This year I have hope, at least after the first win!

Brinkman Defeated in His Anti-Gay Lawsuit

Ohio Representative Tom Brinkman had his case thrown out. Brinkman has sued to end Miami University's domestic partner medical insurance program. Brinkman's efforts were among the more cruel and hate filled efforts to hurt gays and lesbian in Ohio. Here's hoping Brinkman stops his anti-gay crusade. Not likely, I know.

Harris Anti-Poverty Plan

The Enquirer Politics blog has word on Greg Harris's plan to curb poverty in Cincinnati.

Hard Times, Hard Times Come No More

Here we have the downside of getting valid population count, we find out that over a quarter of the City live in poverty. These statistics show the real battle that is being waged in large cities across the country, one of class.

The Effects of Sprawl

It appears the Exurb of West Chester is feeling the pain of sprawl. They need government, but I would bet they'll get such a big fight to become a city and create an income tax that they would just save time by moving out now, before things eventually become so run down. Unplanned growth breeds problems that pied-eyed land developers don't mention when they get the permits to build on the farm land they buy up.

Harris on Police Reform

CityBeat has the story on Greg Harris's call for the reform of the police department. Speculation is that this will somehow hurt Greg. With whom? Do any senior police supervisors actually live in the city? The conservatives on the police force and their boosters who will be pissed about this weren't going to vote for Greg anyway. This opens up Greg to voters who are looking for two things: honest policy on the CPD and for someone willing to break with the conventional moderate Democratic wisdom about how to act with the police, unlike Cecil Thomas.

Porkopolis: Confirm This Rumor

I shall echo Greg Flannery's desire for rumor confirmation. The rumor appears to be that the Enquirer is in negotiations to buy the on-line version of the Post, and will keep it going in some form. The question is: will they keep it going as on ongoing news gathering outlet? If they just buy the website address and link it over to the Enquirer page, no big deal. If they keep an on-line news outlet with real reports writing original articles, then that is really something of note.

New Stage - New Season

New Stage Collective have announced their new season, read the details over at the Conveyor.

Blackwell Retireing from CPS

CPS superintendent Rosa Blackwell is retiring after the current school year. Her tenure has been one filled with budget woes. What type of candidate should the school board be looking for? What do the candidates for school board think?

City Council Candidates

Here's the list (pdf) of the candidates of for Cincinnati City Council that have filed:

Melanie Bates
Jeff Berding
Chris Bortz
Laketa Cole
Minette Cooper
David Crowley
John Cranley
John Eby
Pat Fischer
Andre Harper
Greg Harris
Brian Garry
Leslie Ghiz
Justin Jeffre
Joan Kaup
Sean Robert Lackey
Sam Malone
Chris Monzel
Mitch Painter
Michael Earl Patton
Steve Pavelish
Roxanne Qualls
Cecil Thomas
Charlie Winburn
Wendell Young
George Zamary

So Malone filed as did Jeffre. There are 6 independents. I'll be collecting websites for each candidate as I locate them.

[Via the Enquirer Politics blog]

Smitherman, Not Councilman

NAACP President Chris Smitherman did not file for City Council today:

Chris Smitherman, the head of the Cincinnati NAACP chapter and a former city councilman, did not file to run for city council.

The Enquirer had that as a sidebar to the additional announcement that Jim Tarbell did file his petitions to run for Cincinnati School Board. That had been rumored previously and seems a little bit strange. I guess I dont' see Jim having the drive from schools that he did for the City. I'll be interested in his platform.

Also, in yesterday's Enquirer Politics blog post about who had or was going to file to run for council there was one name they did not mention: Child Beater and Republican endorsed candidate Sam Malone. Did he file his petitions?

Dream a Different Dream

Club Dream is closed. Great news for Main Street. The promoters and club owners did not do a good job of programming and attracted the murders.

What I would like to know most, is there evidence that the murders of the two men outside of the club actually were inside. I would say all evidence points to a clear answer of yes. If the owner doesn't see why he was running a bad club, then he deserves to have it shut down.

The negative on this is for Midpoint. This is slated to be a venue for the late September music festival. As of now it is still listed as a venue. Will it be able to open up under new ownership for the festival?

Local Programming Survey

In case you've missed the obvious, Cincinnati has little local programming on our broadcast outlets. What's left? On local TV and Radio, why specific programs are actually local? If you have a list or a few programs you regularly listen to that are locally based AND the topics are locally based, post your list. Note: Sports shows count, if they cover local teams. Local talk radio counts, if they talk about local issues. I'm interested in putting together a list to see how bad it has gotten. I fear we are facing the same problem in all areas of business, where the nation corporation takes over local markets. Here the problem is that we lose out on our local culture when we have no local programming.

Vice Mayor Crowley

Mayor Mallory has accounced Councilman David Crowley will become Vice-Mayor as Jim Tarbell leaves office. The press announcement:

Cincinnati – At 1pm today, Mayor Mark Mallory announced that he will appoint Council Member David Crowley as Cincinnati's next Vice Mayor. In Crowley, Mayor Mallory chose a principled leader who shared his vision for Cincinnati and would be a strong advocate to carry out that agenda on City Council. Crowley, who has served on Council for almost six years, will replace Jim Tarbell whose resignation is effective September 3rd.

“David is the perfect choice for Cincinnati,” Mayor Mallory said. “He is a man of principal who is unafraid to stand up for what he believes. Crowley will be a strong partner in advancing my vision for Cincinnati.”

Crowley is running for re-election for his fourth and final term and is eager to begin working in his new role. "I have big shoes to fill, Jim Tarbell has done a fantastic job as a Council Member and as Vice Mayor. I am however, truly excited about the opportunity to continue to serve our great city in this expanded capacity,” said Crowley.

“I want to thank Mayor Mallory for his confidence in me and this opportunity to further serve the citizens of Cincinnati. I intend to work closely with him—as a team—on an agenda that continues the resurgence we are seeing in Cincinnati. I have a lot of experience with this town, I know the great potential we have because I’ve seen it first hand,” he added.

Crowley looks forward to continuing the close working relationship he has had with Mayor Mallory over the last two years. Highlights include working together on a budget that preserved funding for swimming pools, health centers, human services programming, and the Human Relations Commission. Additionally they combined to create the Office of Environmental Quality, which recently hired a new director and began work on strategies to reduce the City’s energy usage.

Council member Crowley intends to be a Vice Mayor who projects the positive. He acknowledges there are problems but will recognize the efforts of the many good people throughout the City who volunteer their time and work on a daily basis to make Cincinnati better. “I want to let them know that their efforts are appreciated. It is not always those who get the attention who are making a difference—I want to work closely with those who are making a contribution and making a difference.” He said.

Mayor Mallory and soon to be Vice Mayor Crowley will focus on issues that strengthen and grow Cincinnati, including improving public safety, investing in our neighborhoods, expanding economic opportunities for all, and ensuring a healthier environment.

I'm not clear if Crowley will retain the title after the November election.

Cincy Brew Ha-Ha: August 24 & 25

Yet Even More Bar News

In what will shock virtually no one, alchemize/decibel lounge is closing its doors. Hipsters are a mighty fickle bunch.

In Other Drinking News

Crowley's celebrates 70 years of drinking. This has been my favorite bar in Mt. Adams since I first starting going up the hill in the mid 1990s. I look forward to 70 more years of drinking and singing along with with Frank songs on the Jukebox.

Fifth & Vine Has Its Own Brew

Check out the Conveyor for my take on the new beer from Christian Moerlein.

Polling Council Races

Polling for Cincinnati City Council is often like reading tea leaves. This week's CityBeat digs into one such poll which shows a weak spot for at least a couple of incumbents.

I think this poll is going to lull some candidates into a false sense of security. Cole and Winburn top that list. They both appear to be trying to appeal to both the Black community and the Westside. You can win if you get votes from both camps, but those camps make for conflicting positions on issues.

I wonder who paid for this poll. The article indicates it was paid for by certain candidates. That would logically indicate that the results would be skewed to prior election results and demographics as well as to the voter base of the candidates paying for it. Since Ghiz appears to have confirmed her campaign was one of those paying for it, I would surmise this is a GOP poll. This is why I think Winburn did so well.

The article points out that this poll was conducted prior to the Qualls appointment, so the details of the poll are moot, but the trend of vulnerable incumbents is still likely valid.

As of now I only see two locks and one near lock on council seats: Cranley and Qualls are locks, with Crowley nearly a lock. The other six seats are not locked in the least. There are many candidates who could slide into one of those six spots. It is possible that Cole and Winburn fall short. They more than likely will win, but they will both need to campaign for it, not just go through the motions. Winburn will have the money to, will Cole?

Ghiz, Monzel, Berding, Bortz and Thomas all could easily lose. I would say at least two of the three will. Who else gets on council? Here is where the candidates who run the most vocal and solid campaigns get the edge. Harris, Bates, and Kaup have the potential. Smitherman likely will fade from his attention in this poll. Cooper could ride her name into office if the turnout goes her way. It will be a big fight and I see it getting nasty.

If there are campaign staffers out there reading this, please make sure you provide sources when you "lead" dirt on your opponents. What ever blog or journalist you give them will most likely not post anything about it without some support for its validity.

The Banks Going Bust?

Kevin Osborne from CityBeat has the latest on the Banks project and to no one's surprise, the developers want more money and more time to finish the project.

OK, I am ready to give up on it. I want the park to be built, but I don't see that there will be any benefit to building a new neighborhood from scratch. It will not be done for decades. Let's take that money and build up Downtown, Over-the-Rhine and the rest of the urban core that can be restored quickly. Buildings and entire blocks of OTR can be restored for far less money in a matter of a couple of years. Give the Money to 3CDC to bring more residents to existing neighborhood blocks. More residents bring more retail which brings more jobs. The people pushing for the Banks at this point are exurbanites who want a place to go spend a few hours before and after the Bengals/Reds games. It is not worth millions of public dollars to give non-county residents a twice a year place to drink beer.

Battle of the Network Weeklies

I didn't know this before I arrived to check out Game Show Night (every Wednesday on Fountain Square), but I was to witnessr a grudge match of epic proportions as CityBeat faced off against arch rival Cin Weekly.

In a hard fought battle of Fountain Square Family Feud, the CityBeat Team soundly defeated the Cin Weekly Team. It wasn't really close.



Lots of thinking went into each question. Some of the answers were clever. On naming local beers one person answered "Pabst." On the other team one player came up with the classic answer to naming a dish soap: "cheese." Yes, that contestant had made several trips to the beer booth.

As a neutral observer, I can attest that both teams had fun. I didn't hear about any trash talk, but I was certainly hoping for some. Let's hope we can see a rematch soon. I would like to see the editors square off in a battle of trivia.

Club Nightmare

Another person was murdered near Club Dream in OTR early this morning. This isn't the first time this has happened. Exactly three weeks ago in nearly the same place at nearly the same time, an employee of Club Dream was murdered.

What is the problem here? Who is running this club on Wednesday nights? What type of atmosphere is being created to attract this type of violence? Why isn't the club hiring security, and when I say security I mean off duty police officers, not a big guy who can fight. What Club Dream must do is stop catering to criminals. Keep out the drug dealers (or the wanna be dealers).

UPDATE: The Enquirer has more on the story, including the identity of the victim: 22 year old Bryan Couch, of Western Hills.

Top Cats Closed

Bars come and go and Top Cats on Short Vine is reportedly closed.

New Blog in Town

We have yet another new Cincinnati based blog. It is billed as a "Blurg," which I guess is defined in the About Page. Does the About page really need to include a swipe at me? (Cough, Cough)

Joe Wessels: Justin Jeffre Running

Joe Wessels is reporting that Justin Jeffre is running for city council. I have no idea why he is doing this. This would be the third time he has run for a Cincinnati area public office. His name recognition hasn't been enough for him to make any significant dent in actually getting votes. There are no reports that he will be able to raise any money, so I see this as a replay of his run for Mayor. He still is not on the ballot, so, there is no guarantee he will make the deadline for signatures a week from Friday.

Joe's Post article today will have more on the rest of the field.

UPDATE: Westender brings up a great question on comments: Is Jeffre getting the Green Party Endorsement?

Midpoint Schedule Is Out

The Midpoint Music Festival has announced the showcase schedule for all bands during the festival.

Mike Breen has more on the conference and pre-parties.

Long Tall Cincy

UncleRando asks a good question Is a New Signature Tower Needed here in Cincinnati? I would would parse this question into two distinct parts. First, does the Cincinnati Skyline Needs a new high point? Second, does Cincinnati's office space market needs another skyscraper?

Wendell Young In It To Win It

Joe Wessels is doing great first hand reporting and the news that Wendell Young is not stepping aside for Roxanne Qualls. Read all about it on Joe's blog.

Questions: Will Cooper or Garry be asked to step down? Garry has a team out campaigning and has been visible. I've not seen much from Cooper yet.

More Qualls Fallout

Joe Wessels is reporting that the Dems may endorse Roxanne Qualls for Council. That would mean one candidate would not retain that endorsement. Joe reports the rumor that Wendell Young will be stepping down as a candidate. Young was a long shot candidate, who has not be garnishing much attention.

Will a double endorsement help, hurt, or do nothing for Qualls?

Art Academy Growing

The Art Academy of Cincinnati is expanding its campus with the recent purchase of the building adjacent to their Jackson St. location. This new building at the corner of 12th and Walnut was most recently owned by Fifth Third Bank.

The article doesn't indicate when this new building will open, but with it the 12th street Arts corridor increases its footprint.

Turn Them In

Nothing should be stopping people from turning in the mindless thugs who killed a 19 year old kid and defiled the efforts of hundreds of people to have a day of peace and community building. Solving the violence problem in Cincinnati starts with those who know about this crime (and other like it), turning in the criminals. You don't have a functional community if you don't adhere to the most serious law on the books, murder. Avondale and Evanston are two good communities infested with fear and ignorance that keeps murderers on the streets. I truly hope they are caught quickly.

It's Roxanne

Roxanne Qualls is the pick to to replace Jim Tarbell on City Council on September 3rd.

Qualls is believed to be a lock now for a council win. This hurts ever incumbent but Cranley, to a degree. Some think Bates, Harris, and Kaup will actually benefit from Qualls' coattails. I don't know if Council Race have significant coattails, but if Charter groups the candidates together, there might be a growing voting block that could help. This will not help Bate or Kaup with money.

Local Business Group Fronted by GOP

You are not going to get much more of a hardline Conservative than Steve Chabot's chief of staff. Chabot's office hasn't been doing anything the last 8 years to promote the City of Cincinnati or Downtown, so I don't see Gary Lindgren doing much to improve Downtown or anywhere in the City.

The CBC should be a group pushing for Street cars and light rail. Will this guy do anything to help that along? I don't know, but expect him not to push for anything that would improve the way of life that doesn't fit a conservative agenda. If I am wrong about that, it will be a welcomed surprise.

Forty Under 40

This year's Business Courier of Cincinnati Forty Under 40 winners have been announced.

Tarbell to Resign

Jim Tarbell is reportedly resigning from Council.

The Enquirer has the story. Speculation will now fly as to whom will be appoint to council. The assumption is that it will be either Joan Kaup or Melanie Bates. I will not be betting on Joan Kaup. Word on the street is that she's not the pick. Logically she is heir apparent to Tarbell on the issues. She is the top advocate for Downtown, OTR, and arts currently running. The PTB may see Bates as more of an establishment candidate and better able to capitalize on being an incumbent. Would she have to resign from the School Board? If it is not one of these two, then Charter is corrupt.

Also, Who is going to be the next Vice Mayor? Cranley?

Sheriff's In Town

Has Over-the-Rhine changed over the last year? One place I don't see a real change is in front of the Jordan market at 12th and Main Street.

Who Wrote the Headlie?

Bias in the media comes in many ways. One way is in the language that is used. In today's Enquirer we get this headline Unborn baby dies in wreck. The article lead reads as follows:

"A woman was seriously injured and her fetus died in a two-car accident on U.S. Route 50 in Clermont County on Saturday, according to the Ohio Highway Patrol."

I would like to know if the Editor who wrote this headline would come forward and explain why "unborn" was used instead of "fetus" and why the injury of the women doesn't rate part of the headline? This plays into the propaganda war that has surrounded the abortion debate. In Cincinnati it is my opinion that the local media, particularly the Enquirer, either have editors putting their bias into headlines or story choice, or if not their own opinion, they are playing into the significant extreme anti-abortion readership in the Cincinnati area.

UPDATE: The updated Store on Monday had an updated headline: Crash kills unborn child.

Pete, Please Excuse This

Via comments here's a video slide show opposing all current and former elected officials running for Cincinnati City Council. It is is a totally improbable and unwise to have 9 members of council with no experience in public office trying to run the city. That might be the Mayor's Dream, but it would be disaster. The video is fun, though.

Cincy Blues Fest Tonight and Saturday

Don't forget to check out the Cincinnati Blues Festival tonight. This year one of the highlights is the King Records Tribute Stage, which occurs tonight. For info, check out Cincyblues.org.

AFL-CIO Council Endorsements

CityBeat has reported the Union's endorsement list for Cincinnati City Council. I hope those not happy with the fiscal five understand that the AFL-CIO endorsed two of that lot: Berding and Cole. Why was Wendell Young not endorsed? I know they have to love Smitherman for his anti-business stance on the Banks project, but does that warrant dumping Young?

Anti-Jail Tax Has the Signatures

Surprisingly the motley crew of stumbled their issue onto the ballot.

Why isn't anyone questioning the deadline to turn in signatures they appeared to determine on their own?

Top TwoThree Best Blogs Announced

I thought this was supposed to be after today's conference, but a big congratulations go out to Drew Steinbrecher and Michelle Lentz for their respective blogs www.drew-o-rama.com/designcincinnati and www.wine-girl.net, who "tied" for best blog.

I guess they are giving away three iPones since the article lists Kevin Dugan of prblog.typepad.com, as the Chamber member winner.

Vote for CityBeat's Theatre CEAs

The 11th Annual event takes place on Monday August 27th. I can't find the voting deadline anywhere, but it surely is very soon so hit the CEA website and get your vote in.

Made The Enquirer

The Top Ten Cincinnati blogs hit the Enquirer today. There are some really good blogs out there. Most of the other nine I've read before, but not all. Hit the link and have a read. I'll likely add most of these to my blogroll. If you are the 10 best, you deserve to be on the blogroll.