Top Ten Stories of the Year!: #4

Draught of 2008

Top Ten Stories of the Year: #7, #6 and #5

#7: The Banks Project

#6: Cincinnati wins National "Clash of the Choirs" Competition

#5: Snowstorm of 2008

Top Ten Stories of 2008: #8 SORTA Gets Federal Cash For Bio-Deisel Buses

Why Is Cincinnati's N.A.A.C.P. Against Streetcars?

Today the NAACP's pres Chris Smitherman announced that the city should rethink sinking so much money into developing a street car system which would service Downtown and the University of Cincinnati area.

I hope that there is more to NAACP's opposition that what is stated in the Enquire article. If not, that would mean the the NAACP is opposing a viable way of doing the following for the struggling downtown/OTR area:

1. Linking neighborhoods with a modern, convenient and attractive
transportation alternative.

2. Provide quality service to attract and
reach new transit ridership. Offer more transit options

3. Reduce short inner-city auto trips, parking demand, traffic congestion and air pollution.

4. Encourage economic development and affordable housing options to the
Downtown/OTR area

In many struggling urban areas, streetcar implementation has proven to reduce congestion and parking problems in addition to creating a low emission transportation alternative with environmentally-friendly features.

What is there to oppose....I want to know more.

Top Ten Stories of the Year!: #9 Ikea Comes To Town

West Chester hoping retailers feel drawn to 'Ikea afterglow' September 21, 2007

"Although Ikea's sixth Midwest location and 34th in the United States is still
several months from opening its doors, local officials are anticipating an "Ikea
afterglow" from new retailers coming to the Union Centre area on the heels of
the home furnishing retailer."

Read more at Cincinnati.com

Top Ten Stories of the Year!: #10 Bank Robing Granny

It is now that time of year when top ten lists of 2008 starting inundating our daily life.

So i thought I would throw my hat into the deal.

For the rest of the year, I will be counting down the biggest story of 2008.

Just a disclaimer...Harris nor Neilsen were consulted...lol!

#10 Bank Robbing Granny

Christmas Savings Plan: Step 4

Area 4: Put Your Money To Work

This last and final step may be a bit too late for this year's savings plan, but if implemented in Jan 2009, it may find you well for the next X-Mas season .

All that hard work to save money will do no good if you just go out and blow it all on a new pair $300 designer Seven jeans or your next trip to Cabo San Lucas.

Why not make that extra cash start working for you?

Explore some investment options that will furnish financial returns such as money markets, certificate of deposits or savings accounts.

By no way are these steps a complete and all encompassed financial strategy.

There are several different variables which must be factored into your individual financial savings' equations. But, by taking these baby steps next year's Christmas spending will be more enjoyable for all!

Bush's Big Bailout Strategy Announced

Yesterday morning as I was walking out the door for work, I glimpsed G.W. announcing that he was bailing out the US auto industry with $17.4 Billion with what the cash, I suppose, was laying around to be spent on a rainy day.

According to most economists, this was the best move in order to stabilize our sinking economy, but I am still skeptical.

The only reassurance that I have is that this loan will be unscrupulously monitored, but even still I have misgivings.

Though this bailout is an OK way to spend the money, I have to ask myself is it the best way to spend a few billion dollars?

Sure this plan gives the auto-bigwigs time to restructure, but I can't see how rewarding the gross neglect of ingenuity and lack of foresight of trends and popular thought can move us towards a more economical way of doing business.

Whatever the case, it is a horrible way to exemplify free markets and capitalism which the country strives to protect.

New Site Launch Announcement

Over the past several years, Cincinnait NMAjA has created a following which has allowed it to grow into what you see today.

The interest has continued to grow which is why, beginning on Jan 2009, Cincinnati NAMjA will have a brand new look and feel.

This site will continue to cater to the downtown Cincinnati city dweller, but will attempt to encompass nationwide news and entertainment in addition to keeping you abreast of the happenings right here in the Queen City.

I look forward to entertaining you in the new year...

Christmas Savings Plan: Step 3

Step Three: Entertain Yourself

Get your mind out of the gutter bois. I am not saying become a hermit and only leave your apartment to go grocery shopping.

What I mean is take a good look at the money which you shell out each time that you have a night out on the town, and see where you can save a little bit of cash.

It may be as simple as passing on one round of drinks or even guzzling down a domestic beer verses the expensive microbrew which you are accustomed.

Santa Comes Early To Pendleton

Last Sunday, in the grandiose Bell Event Center, Pendleton Neighborhood Council (PNC) invited children residing in Pendleton to come in and experience Christmas a bit early this year.

For the past few years, PNC funds a Holiday party geared towards the residents of Pendleton filled with craft making and dancing.


The event is topped off with a special appearance oh jolly St. Nick who towers above everyone else at well over 6 feet tall.


Every children leaves with an age appropriate wrapped gift to place under the tree.


I have placed a few pictures from this past Sunday even, but please feel free to visit Pendleton Neighborhood council's website for additional pics of the event @ http://www.pendletonneighborhood.org/.

Christmas Savings Plan: Step 2

Step Two: The Smaller The Better

It's not always the size that matters. Speaking of Netflix as I did in the last step, if you simply cannot live without your subscription, how about cutting your movie delivery from 3 to 1 at a time?

I am sure that the extra two movies will still be waiting for you on your que when you are ready for them. You can also take a good look at your cell phone bill. If you are paying for 600 minutes per month but only use about 250 minutes on average, maybe it's time to switch to a less expensive plan.

Another area to investigate is that of your gym membership, which I know you must have. Ask your gym if there is a way to save on your monthly costs by only paying for a membership to one of the gyms in town instead of having the all inclusive package.

Mammoth Sized Breakfast

Not too often do I get a chance to grab a weekday breakfast sandwich at a locally owned shop, so today since i woke up a bit early to get my workout in, i decided to make a stop.

Due to my gym being across the river in Northern Ky, yesterday I decided to stop at Mammoth Cafe on my way into work since I have heard such great things about it.

The moment I walked in, the laid back atmosphere, coupled with the smell of java and eggs set me at ease and made me that much happier that I broke out of my old routine.

Mammoth, located in the heart of Newport, KY on the 500 block of Monmouth St. creates a nice reprieve from the usual hustle and bustle of the more commercial breakfast shops.

Mammoth's mix of veggie and meat-eater breakfast fare couple with its variety of joe to choose from make it a great breakfast destination for an early morning meeting or just a singular great way to jump start your workday.

It took me a a few minutes to choose my carnivorous breakfast burrito and was surprised when I was offered my choice of a side item.

This coupled with the little dab of Sriracha which was included in the order has got me wanting to go back for more.

Christmas Savings Plan: Step One

In the mode of holiday savings, I have devised a few simple steps which will ease your pocketbook during these financially trying times.

As promised here is the first installment.

Step One: Check Up On Your Checking Account

One way of saving a couple of duckets is to go through your checking or saving accounts and take a good inventory of all the automatic deductions that you have established.

Do you really need to spend over $150 a month for your Time Warner Cable? How about your Netflix account? I know that $20 per month is not a lot to spend on three movies at any one time, but when was the last time you visited your local branch of the Cincinnati Public Library?
You know they have videos as well, and they are free. Not only that, they have those things that go on bookshelves.

You could even learn a thing or two in the process.

Cutting these extra expendatures out, even for a month may go a long way during your next visit to Kenwood Towne Centre.

Cincinnati NAMjA's Christmas Savings Plan

The last time that our country has seen this much financial distress the American people were getting ready to be thrown into the midst of The Great Depression. During that time, our "traditional" values were a bit more modest leading to the recipe for saving money and surviving the inevitable economic meltdown were more prescribed. Father's working hard and mothers working even harder to make ends meet to feed, clothe and house their abundant amount of children, while stashing the little extra money that they earned wither under their mattress or in their ice boxes were common place.

Today, simply hiding your money away out of sight will do nothing for you in the long run but give cold hard cash when you finally decide to spend it, in some cases even depreciating in value in the process. The money saving methods of the 1920's are just that, depressed, recessed and very much a thing of the past, a relic of a by-gone era. The nation's traditional values have morphed into a plethora open ended opportunities, forging a way to unprecedented economic growth, leading to financial security.

As a gay man living in the Queen City (no pun intended) during the holiday season, I have found that my predisposed love of trend-setting style and sense of entitlement has caused me to forgo trying to save money for the future to make way for the immediacy of now.

It looks as though I am not alone.

A few months ago Harris Interactive conducted a survey that found that about 50 percent of gay adults keep up with the latest styles and trends as opposed to only 38 percent of heterosexual adults.

Over the next week I will reveal four simple ways in which I was able to stretch my paycheck to ensure that everyone of your "fam" (faux and true) is satisfied come the time when St. Nick knocks at your door this year without sacrificing my guilty pleasures.

Pendleton Neighborhood's New Website

I have worked long and hard to get this website up and running. It is still in the works, but here it is....

www.pendletonneighborhood.org

OK....So They Lost Again

The Cincinnati Bengals have managed to maintain their season reputation for being one of the worst teams in the league.

So what?

Cincinnati has seen its ups and down with the Bengals over the last few decades and it has not been since 1988 since they almost won the Super Bowl.

Even in this time of downward mobility and losing games (not to mention one tie game....let's not forget that), let's not forget the good things that the Bengals bring to the city of Cincinnati.

There is the, you know....

And you can't forget about the....ummm....

OK, I can;t think of too many things either, but don't give up on them!

Random Pics of The Queen City

Inside the Courtyard at Verdin Bell Centre



Storefront at Woodward and Main Streets

St. Mary's Baptist Church on E. 13th Street.

School for the Creative and Performing Arts as seen through neighbor's tulips.

Pendleton Neighborhood Children's Garden on E. 13th. Street.

View of Downtown going south on Sycamore Street. (No I was not driving).

Me old fraternity house at the corner of Brookline and Jefferson Avenues in Clifton.

Needs To Be Said Again!

Amy Does Davey

Enquirer Endorses McCain

This is what I thought as well when I clicked on to their website and read the following rhetoric:

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20081024/EDIT03/810260303

The funny thing is that I fear that The Enquirer will cave in to its big money backers and flow down the same road as the guy who wrote this.

Money, Fame and the Financial Bailout

I hosted a dinner party last night with 20 or so friends of mine and, as with most dinner parties, current events came up in the conversation. As we muddled through political woes, national and local, the topic of the economic "crisis came up.

I was surprised to find out that not too many people fully understood the steps that are being taken to keep our nation from moving from the constraints of an economic recession into the throws of an economic depression. More specifically, it was more of a question as to whether or not we here in Cincinnati will benefit from the interest rate cuts announced by the Federal Reserve (The Fed).

Q: So is the bailout another case of the rich people looking out for other rich people?A: Yes and no. With this lower interest rate, banks will begin to lower rates that they offer their customers. These banks will most likely offer lower rates to those who already have good credit.

Q: Will the rate cuts help fix the financial crisis? A: Most likely not anytime soon, but it will eventually. The main reason why the country is in a economic scare is because banks are holding on to their money and not lending to Joe Smo’ around the corner, and the interest rates cuts do not effect that directly.
Q: What exactly is this rate that was cut? A: The Fed cut the federal funds rate, which banks charge each other for loans.

Q: So if these rate cuts aren't going to work, what will work?A: So soon we forget. there was a $700 Billion governmental loan to these banks, purchasing their bad debts and, hopefully, loosening their pocketbooks so that their lending practices become a bit more liquid.

The Northern Kentucky Brotherhood Singers: Just Getting Started

These five gentlemen are one of the most talented singers that I have ever witnessed.

Though I have only seen The Northern Kentucky Brotherhood Singers perform locally, I am sure that if there were placed up against some of my favorite vocalist such as Patti LaBelle, Luther Vandross and the like, they would definitely be able to hold their own.

Being born and raised in Covington, I have seen them perform several times and each time was just as invigorating as the first. Here is a video of them performing my favorite song of theirs in Spain last year.

Not tooting my own horn, they actually performed back up for me a few times. They have have graciously provided their services for several of my family member's "homecoming" celebrations, and for that, I very great full.

The first time was when at my little brother's 8th grade graduation. One of the band member's daughter graduated with my brother and since I had gone to the school as well, I was asked to perform at the ceremony.

The second time was when I performed the National Anthem at Kenton County Library's 1st Annual Fall Folk Festival. We never even practiced before we performed. The told me just to sing and they will improvise the back ground vocals for me.

Click here to watch them the National Anthem at the Great American Ball Park for one of the Red's games.

You can read about this amazing singing group in an article in the Cincinnati Enquirer. You can also experience a live performance Thursday, Oct 9 at The Carnegie in Covington.

Public Libraries and the Digital Divide: Part 1

The ever changing discoveries in science and technology are changing the way that we all live around the world each day. No other aspect better exemplifies this than computer technology.

Over the past 50 years we have seen this technology lead us from a one of the first computing machines which weighed as much as five adult male elephants to the computers of today which now is smaller than one’s fingertip. Not only has the computer come a long way in its development, but its advancement has changed the way that people all over the world communicate with one another.

In the process of this stellar advancement, there have been a segment of the population which has lagged in the access of all of the technology available. Those left behind have traditionally been lower socio-economic levels.

This lag or disparity in access to computers and the Internet has been labeled the digital divide.[i] There have been several rules of thought as to if the continued advancement in computer technologies and The Internet will continue to widen the Digital Divide or make that chasm a bit narrower.

Whether or not you think that the Digital Divide is widening, non-profit organizations and other organizations serves an invaluable role in adding in bridging the gap between the Have’s and the Have Not’s. With these organizations providing much needed assistance to those who would not otherwise be able to gain access to computers and The Internet.

Public Libraries are a perfect example of this. For example, just in the past two decades, the number computers in the average public library has increased insurmountable compared to the increase in literary material and has caused some libraries’ attendance to rival the attendance some small amusement parks.[ii] In a series of blog posts, I will attempt to explain advancement in computer science and shed some light as to what public libraries’ roles are and can be in the narrowing of the Digital Divide.

[i] http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/digital%20divide
[ii] "Information: The Perfect Economic Good" Kareem A. Simpson (2004)

Red Bull Soapbox Races....Nati Style!

Sorry not too many pics of the actual racers. It was sooo crowded in Mt. Adams that if you did not get there several hours before the actual race, you were stuck watching the entire race in the jumbo-tron or you had great views of the backs of people's head.

After about 20 minutes of Trying to watch the race, we relegated ourselves to City View Tavern for Bloody Mary's and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Vep's Primetime Showdown

In last night fort and only vice presidential debate, I felt that both parties put on their best face. Gov. Palin seemed to stave off the detrimental pho-paus that have brought her late night crave on comedy sketches. In addition, Sen. Biden did the same by not living up to his long-winded, sometimes nonsensed rhetorical style of debating. Despite my somewhat biased thought, I feel that both Vep wanna-be's showed their best in last night's debate.

Saying this, I do feel that there was a clear cut winner.

Sen. Biden portrayed a calm and collected voice of reason in the shadow of Palin's tom-boyish, "go get-em" attitude. For example, when Gov. Palin stated that Sen. Obama cast his vote to raise taxes 94 times, which was true, Sen. Biden rebutted and countered her allegation by stating that if Sen. McCain were to be held under the same way in which Sen. Obama, it would be discovered that Sen. McCain would have voted to raise taxes 477 times.

It just seemed to me that Palin spent her two days in Arizona, prepping for this debate, by trying to find statistical information which makes Sen. Obama and Sen. Biden look bad with out checking deeply into her own ticket's history.

The House Says "No!" To Bailout Proposal

There has been several different trains of thought about how to get the Nation of the economic slump which it has been experiencing.

I want to hear your thoughts about who is to blame and what we need to do to get our county's financial situation under control

Tazza Mia: Downtown Coffe Shop Hops

I found a new place to grab a bit e to eat on Sunday mornings. Here is a review I found about the place online.

"An inviting and laid-back combo of coffee shop and cafe, Tazza Mia's free WiFi draws lots of business folk with laptops, as well as casual lunchers and serious coffee drinkers too.

Paninis, artisan breads, coffees ground and roasted fresh for every cup - with free refills - tea lattes, desserts and chocolates tempt the hungry diner as well as those just giving themselves a well-earned treat."

For the most part I thought that this place was a great place. Centrally located in the Carew Tower, Tazza is a great meeting place for breakfast or lunch meetings for the business downtown worker, or even if you are just visiting the Queen City.

The sandwiches are a bit over priced for what you get, but if you are looking to support locally owned businesses, Tazza is your place.

Cincy Ave Making a Name For Itself

If you read this blog, most of you know that I have a few different business on the the side. A small publishing business, 15 West Publishing where I publish books by local authors in addition to providing editorial service.

I also have a pretty successful consulting business, ION Consultants (ionconsults.com) where I provide resume and cover letter writing service, in addition to business plan writing.

Last week I received a new client who wanted me to create a business plan for his website www.cincyave.com.

This young man has down a great job with not alot of resources. His brain child combines a web presence like CityBeat.com and fuses it with the social networking capability of MySpace.com or FaceBook.com.

The great thing about this website is that it all centers around things to do in Cincinnati.

I am going to enjoy this project!

All Is Right At Deli Seven 20

Formerly Poppies’ Deli located on Elm Street, Deli Seven 20 has emerged as one of the best kept lunch time secrets of Cincinnati’s business district.

Now located in what was formerly called Buck Town, at the corner of Pete Rose Way and Eggleston, Deli 720 has succeeded in carving out a niche in The Sawyer Point Building, pre-made with captive clientele comprised of several different companies including C.R.E. Corporation, and Northlich Incorporated.

Deli 720 uses its new home, built in 1905 and once the home to the American Tool Company and then White Consolidated Industries, to serve some of the most saliva inspiring lunch time delights in the city.

Michelle Lightfoot, the brains and beauty behind the popular Poppies’ struck gold again with her recent proprietary achievement. Her signature recipes of freshly chopped garden veggies and thinly sliced sandwich meats, in addition to tasty toppings have all made the transition across town from the widely popular Poppies’ to the insatiable Deli Seven 20.

Open weekdays 8am to 3pm, you can stop by on your way to work or at lunch time and settle your taste buds on their riki tiki turkey sandwich, comprised of roast turkey, Swiss cheese, olive tapenade and honey mustard all layered nicely atop a fucaccia.

Not only that, you can stay on the healthy side by choosing the equally delectable salad seven 20 infused with mixed greens chilled pasta, tomato, blue cheese, English cucumber, toasted pine nuts and chopped bacon.

Note: Your sandwich and salad option also include your choice of ingredient mix and matches, included daily made soups and home-made sweet potato chips.

Taking no more than five minutes from order to delivery, Deli seven 20 is a perfect lunch time place for you if you are looking for something new and fresh without paying an arm and a leg.

Deli Seven 20, 720 East Pete Rose Way, 513.381.3720, deliseven20@fuse.com

Sources:

http://www.pilotbuilds.com/domino/web/pilotweb.nsf/2ac7aa4905f4aef3852567e0002b0ae1/235db3b6544f6ddd852568180051097502ec.html?OpenDocument

http://www.manta.com/coms2/dnbcompany_f0ccj1

http://www.urbanup.net/index.php?buildingID=59

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2005/12/19/story8.html

http://citybeat.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A127311

http://home.fuse.net/deliseven20/

Second Sundays On Main (Aug 10th, 2008)

JG8D69D

Thank You For Being A Friend

There are a few people that thinking about very seldom, but when they leave this earth, their passing hits you pretty hard.

Jim Henson and Sammy Davis Jr. are just two of those I can use as an example.

Another passed away last night.

Estelle Getty, Golden Girls matriarch, she was the youngest ac trees in the entourage.

Though GG was the only thing that I knew her in, she touched many hearts (and most of them gay) in her roles in Tootsy and Mannequin.

She will always be missed, but, like so many that have gone before her, will always be remembered in re-runs

When Satire Fails

Another example...

Synthetica Gallery

This past Friday, a good fried of mine displayed her beaded jewelery at Synthetica at 2157 Central Ave.

She will be leaving town very shortly to go to gemology school in California.

Here are pics of the evening.

Things Have Been Hectic....But Good

The past few months have brought bloodshed and pain
toil and trouble
good times and bad
but I am still here!

The new job is draining me abit, but working at a gym is so much fun, it compensates for the dismal times.

Now that I am a bit more settled, the work time has decreased which equals more low brow, slap-stick blogging for you to enjoy.

Keep checking back for more quips about the city.

One Step For Man....One Giant Leap For ManKind

Yesturday, California legislature over turned it's ban on same sex marriage.

Here are the candidate's reactions:

Big O's Campaign:

"Barack Obama has always believed that same-sex couples should enjoy equal rights under the law, and he will continue to fight for civil unions as President. He respects the decision of the California Supreme Court, and continues to believe that states should make their own decisions when it comes to the issue of marriage."

Missy C's Campain:

"Hillary Clinton believes that gay and lesbian couples in committed relationships should have the same rights and responsibilities as all Americans and believes that civil unions are the best way to achieve this goal. As President, Hillary Clinton will work to ensure that same sex couples have access to these rights and responsibilities at the federal level. She has said and continues to believe that the issue of marriage should be left to the states."

That Other Guy's Campaign:

"John McCain supports the right of the people of California to recognize marriage as a unique institution sanctioning the union between a man and a woman, just as he did in his home state of Arizona. John McCain doesn’t believe judges should be making these decisions."

What Bummer of a Sunday

Unfortunately, I did not make it down the Second Sundays on Main this past Sunday. I was planning on setting up a booth, but my supervisor did not authorize it due to the crappy weather that was forcasted.

No matter, there will be other Sundays.

Second Sundays On Main Is Back!

Cooking demonstrations, giveaways, entertainment, produce market and more. Come check out my booth.

Free prizes from my booth if you mention my blog!

Type of event: Holiday - Mother's Day

Where: Main Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: 513-241-2690
Get directions

Rare Sights of the City

Last evening, a group of residents were treated to a unobtrusive tour of the Old Woodward High school Building, current home of the School for Creative and Performing Arts. Along the tour, we learned a lot about the fascinating history of the building.

The highlight of the tour was the view seldom seen views from the roof of the spectacular building. Good thing I brought my camera.

Way-Back Wednesday

The following is an article I wrote about OTR and the opening of the new remodeled Fountain Square. Not soooo Way-Back but what can I say.


What's Happaning Downtown?

Over the past few years, Cincinnati has been plagued with negative national publicity. The Cincinnati Riots of 2001 coupled with the multiple killings of African American youth have given a black eye to Cincinnati, especially its downtown area. Shortly after the Cincinnati Riots of 2001, many prominent African American celebrities and leaders canceled their engagements in Cincinnati in the name of a boycott. Some among the list of ‘boycotter’ were Bill Cosby (comedian and Cosby Show fame) and comedienne and Academy Award winner Whoppie Goldberg.

Things are starting to change here in Cincinnati so do not let the past negative press deter you from visiting the Queen City. While here not only can you take in either a Major League baseball game in Great American Ball Park, you can also walk a few city blocks and partake in the fervor frenzy of a National Football League football game in Paul Brown Stadium. Currently, Cincinnati’s professional football team, the Cincinnati Bengals are well on their way to recapturing the AFC Championships as they did in 1988, and on their way to another appearance at the Super Bowl.

Sports are not the only thing that Cincinnati has going for it. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is unabashedly positioned in between Cincinnati’s two professional spots team’s stadium. Located on The Banks of the Ohio River, you can meander through this state of the art museum and learn about Cincinnati’s role as being the gateway and primary destination for African Americans as they escaped the horrid institution of slavery in the South.

This museum was one of Cincinnati’s first instances in its pro-active stance to bring culture to this city. Other attractions, thought not permanent, that you could find here at Cincinnati are its annual MidPoint Music Festival, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati or you may be able to catch the high flying antiques of Cirque de Soleil.

This push towards cultural diversity is nothing new to the downtown area of Cincinnati. The ‘Final Friday’ (FF) event that has been taking place in the Pendleton neighborhood has been a staple of downtown living for at least the past two decades. Over the years this display of monthly exhibition of artesian expression has spread to other parts of downtown and Over-the-Rhine (OTR) areas to include the downtown business districts and Main Street. This event occurs (as you may know from the name) on the last Friday of every month, from 8pm to 10pm, where art gallery and shops in the downtown keep their doors open later than normal, seducing patrons with free wine and appetizers. I fell in love with this even my first year of college when the parent’s of a high-school friend opened an art studio in this area and invited my to my first FF event.

The crowning jewel of Cincinnati and one of the most notable landmarks of downtown is Fountain Square where you will find the Tyler Davidson Fountain. A must see if you are visiting within 50 miles of the area or any area in Greater Cincinnati. Currently, The Square, as it is so affectionately called to those who were born and raised in the Queen City, has been under a major face lift. The last time that The Square was remodeled was in the 70’s. Closed for the past several months, The Square is scheduled to re-open October 14, 2006, with a celebration that you should not miss if you are visiting the area. There are many hotels in the downtown area were you can stay to experience the re-opening celebration where the unveiling of the poem, ‘I am Cincinnati’ written for and read by native Cincinnatian and distinguished author Nikki Giovonni.

The weekend of the re-opening celebration of The Square is a perfect time to visit the city of Cincinnati and experience all of the uniqueness that this city has to offer. At the celebration, there will be performances by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Ballet and the Cincinnati Opera, in addition to the unveiling of the new and improved Tyler Davidson Fountain. Other attractions of this weekend will be performances by OK Go, a band that is mixed between indie, stadium and straight up rock. Nationally known Talib Kweli and the band Los Lobos will also e in attendance for performances.

New Prospects for the Bengals

I love watching sports (mostly college basketball and pro-football).

I love watching sports when the home team is involved (UC Bearcats, Xavier Musketeers and Cincinnati Bengals).

Basketball season over, the only thing that I have to (other than the Summer Olympics) is Pro-foot ball, and with this season's picks, I think that the Bengals may have close to a chance of doing pretty well.

Just as long as they keep their players who do not want to play for them off the field.

Here is a rundown of what transpired:

Round / Overall / Player / Pos. / School

1 / 9 / Keith Rivers / LB

2 / 46 / Jerome Simpson / WR / Coastal Carolina

3 / 77 / Pat Sims / DT / Auburn

3/ 97 / Andre Caldwell / WR / Florida

4/ 112 / Anthony Collins / OT-G / Kansas

5/ 145 / Jason Shirley / DT / Fresno State

6/ 177 / Corey Lynch / S / Appalachian State

6 / 207 / Matt Sherry / TE / Villanova

7/ 244 / Angelo Craig / DE-LB / Cincinnati (Yeah for the Queen City!)

7 / 246 / Mario Urrutia / WR / Louisville

My Mom's Birthday at Nada

My family surprised my mom last night for her 50th birthday at Nada.

The birday girl is in the green.

Lachey Invades Cincinnati (Again)

I wonder of this new reality show will be any good. Only time will tell.

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080425/ENT/80425003

Who Decides?

Reading today's online version of the Enquirer, there were 4 announcements of arrests here in Hamilton County and the times which the accused criminals were to be arraigned.

Attached to the articles were mug shots of those scheduled to be arraigned...

Except for one.

Cops: Man broke newborn's leg A 21 year-old man accused of breaking a newborn baby's leg will answer to a judge this morning.

Accused box cutter attackers in court WESTWOOD — A man and a woman will appear in Hamilton County Municipal Court at 9 a.m. today on charges they attacked her two adult children with a box cutter.

Police: Mom left boy on I-71 OAKLEY - A 27-year-old woman will go before a Hamilton County judge at 12:30 p.m.

Motorcycle chase runs onto sidewalk A motorcyclist who led Cincinnati police on a high speed chase late Wednesday — forcing pedestrians on a sidewalk to jump out of his path - will appear before a Hamilton County judge at 9 a.m. today.

-Notice a pattern here?



Who decides which mug shots are published?



Do the accused criminals have a say or is it solely up to the Enquirer?

Pendleton Neighborhood's 6th Annual Spring Fling Celebration: June 7th 12pm to 3pm

Its that time of year again!

I will again be organizing this year's annual Spring Fling / Information Fair for the neighborhood.
The goal of the Spring Fling is to display, promote and generate awareness regarding summer activities within and around our neighborhood for the children who reside in Pendleton. This is a great opportunity for organizations to reach out to the community and inform the residents of Pendleton about what they have to offer them for the summer

At this event, organizations will be able to showcase their programs while providing an activity/game for the children and adults who visit your booth.

Click on here for more information and click on Events / Volunteer.

The following are just some of the organizations who have committed to be present:

St. Mary's Baptist Church
Kidz Club
Mr. Bubbles Detailing
Peaslee Neighborhood Center
Public Library of Cincinnati
Cincinnati Youth Collaborative
Patchwork Kids

and more to come.

If you or your organization are interested in being a part of the day, please feel feel free. We would love to have you!