Pendleton Council Seeks Reimbursement, Respect

There is a bit of a turf war going on between CPS/SCPA, 3CDC, and the Pendleton Neighborhood Council. CityBeat’s Stephanie Dunlap wrote a good piece about it last September.

Basically, CPS was looking into selling some properties. Some of the property was green space, which the PNC didn’t want to give up. They figured if CPS sold it to commercial interests, the green space would be developed. Moreover, the city ignored their development plans and made sort of a backroom deal with 3CDC. So the PNC filed a lawsuit to stop the sale.

Now, according to recent City Council minutes, they want the city to reimburse their legal costs from funds from something called the Neighborhood Support Program. According to the NSP website, it is intended:

…to provide funds to community councils in support of neighborhood projects and activities. Many councils use these funds to assist with membership drives, publish newsletters, engage in beautification and clean-up activities, provide summer employment or cultural activities to neighborhood youth, and underwrite the cost of sending community leaders to workshops and other training and networking opportunities, among other things.

It’s clear that the PNC’s lawsuit is community-related, but individual residents had to put up money for the lawsuit (it’s not like Pendleton has a law department). Should it be allowed to recoup some of its legal costs?

And what about the issue of community autonomy? Is it not reasonable that Pendleton’s residents should have more say about their own community than a group of corporate executives who never set foot there?

Pro-Life But Tired Of Bush?

Now you don't have to vote for such pro-life superstars as Jean Schmidt! This is a huge issue for District 2 in Ohio

The Ohio Democratic Catholic Caucus supports in the 95-10 Plan for Ohio.

The 95-10 Plan will reduce abortions 95% over the next 10 years once implemented. We must move beyond the failed rhetoric of the past and look to the future where women are empowered with real choices regarding their pregnancies. Instead of failed legislation that makes abortion more difficult to have, the 95-10 plan makes abortions less necessary to have. Instead of taking away a woman’s right to choose, the 95-10 plan empowers women with the right choices, allowing her to choose life. The 95-10 plan will do more to reduce the number of abortions than all the speeches, all the campaign ads so called pro – lifers have used over the last thirty years.

All too often in this country concern is not given to the baby who has been born. Babies and their mothers are forgotten and pushed into a social neverland where they suffer in poverty, neglect, and often abuse.

The basic health, safety and well being of mothers are in jeopardy. Important programs meant to enable women to function as good mothers and lead productive lives such as the ability to continue her education, equal pay for equal work, maternity leave from her job, quality health care, adequate housing, reliable and safe child care, and a realistic minimum wage do not reach many who need them the most. These programs are often the most criticized and least popular with our federal and state lawmakers. .

The correlation between this lack of economic and social means and the abortion rate cannot be underestimated or ignored. In fact, two thirds of women who have had abortions claim their primary reason for having one is that they cannot afford a child.

Poverty is both a crisis and a tragedy in our modern society in the United States. Six out of ten women who seek abortions have an income level below $28,000 per year for a family of three.

During the 1990s, the abortion level in the United States reached a 24 year low. It has long been known there are fewer abortions in countries where women and their babies have access to good health care. Conversely, according to the World Health Organization, the highest ratio of unsafe abortions in the world occurs in countries where abortions are illegal and where few social services are available.

The Ohio Democratic Catholic Caucus supports in the 95-10 Plan for Ohio. This does not mean that the specific proposals in this initiative do not need further refinement, debate, and modification. We are confident that this will happen. We must move beyond the rhetoric of division and focus on real issues that will address the real problems facing women specifically with respect to abortion. The debate must start somewhere and this plan will accomplish that.

Our concern and respect for life does not end at birth, but includes an unfailing commitment to the spiritual, economic and social well-being of all children, both born and unborn, pregnant women, and mothers.

This release was sent by pro-life Democratic Candidate for Congressional District 2 Jeff Sinnard--a cousin of Republican endorsed Cincinnati City Council Candidate John Eby--on behalf of the

Chabot: “Gitmo is Essential”

From a press release sent out last week:

Congressman Steve Chabot… today criticized a U.N. report calling for the United States to shut down the terrorist prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

"Guantanamo Bay holds very dangerous terrorists who will stop at nothing to kill innocent Americans," said Chabot. "Unlike the so-called experts from the U.N., I have seen first hand the important role this facility plays in our war on terror.

Chabot is correct that Gitmo holds very dangerous terrorists, but he ignores evidence that only a small fraction of the detainees are actually terrorists. For the most part, the U.S. seems to have spent the last few years detaining and torturing innocent farmers.

CinAd's Music Scene This Week Right After Your Weekly Dose

This is a weird one. Every week, Cincinnati Advance (CinAd) releases this 10 minuted in Cincy bit. It is always just a litle tidbit, frankly a brillian idea for a column. This week is no different, but it a bit uncomfortable...

10 min. in Cincy - 12:44- 12:54am. Mad Frog's

The subject of this evening's episode: Doug disproves his own theory of maximum sensory default.

Freakbass is a band that had come across my realm of awareness. But this is the first time I had heard them play. I know Josh-on-bass from high school. Every band he's been in has been funktastic.

Tad, being their stage manager, got us in on the VIP list. He's good at working events. Being the best man at my ceremony, Tad's had a way of turning chaos to order (and when bored, order to chaos).

When the music hit it's peak, Tad shouted an introduction between me and some guy. I shook hands with Bootsy's stage manager. And it was right about then that I hap-hazardly tested my theory of maximum sensory default. Because it was while talking with Bootsy's man that I released a puff of rude wind. I didn't mean to- it just happened."Oh well," I thought to myself. "There's so much noise in here, no one will notice."

And that's when the theory was disproven. I had thought that if a person's hearing was maxed out, then their olfactory senses would be in default. If a person was so distracted by sound, then their sense of smell would be put off, right?

Nope. It was pretty evident that something evil had invaded the air.

There was no way out of this one except to narrow my eyes and squint at Tad. In this way, I leveled the accusation against him.

I know... Not very nice. This guy had been my best man and had gotten me in here without paying. And now I was blaming silent evil on him. Bootsy's man sauntered off. Had he been driven away? I hoped this would not be a stain on Tad's reputation. But oh well.

It would seem that the only sense that was max-defaulted, was my sense of class. Ah, fergheddit. At least the band's good.

Wire Contributors: Brian Griffin, Doug Meyers, & Eric Platt. Email: wire@cincinnatiadvance.com

MainStrasse Mardi Gras - Begin your Mari Gras Celebration in the huge MainStrasse Village Entertainment Tent in the Fifth Street Parking Lot or your favorite MainStrasse Tavern. Start your celebration in the big tent with Leroy Ellington and the E Funk Band at 9PM. Entertainment Tent and Cajun Food Booths open at 7 p.m. There will also be a parade on Main Street at 7:45 p.m. MUST BE 21 TO PURCHASE A TICKET.
Saturday Night Music:
alchemize:
girls & boys with performances by The Sights and High and Low
Northside Tavern:
Pike 27, Ritt Dietz
Comet:
West Elliot, The Ralph Jones Band
Copper's on Main:
The Squares
Southgate House:
Sohio, Late Nite Drivers, Flyaway Minion, Soundscape
Mad Frog:
Mike Perkins
Poison Room:
FRANTIC ROMANTIC REUNION SHOW w/ FAT KID DODGEBALL

The News is There is No News

The News, the restaurant that replaced the Lava Lounge on 9th and Main, after a two week stint is closed.

Confirmation came from Guidos Pizza in Mt. Adams, the owners of which also owned The News.

Rumors are that it has already been purchased by an unidentified buyer but those rumors are yet unconfirmed.

It is strange that the restaurant the boasted wall to wall flatscreens and really seemed to put a lot of thought, effort, and passion into the place was gone so quickly. It was like they were really selling how much they wanted to make a difference and make it work and in the same breath, lost interest.

Commission Broken, Pepper Says

Candidate Lays Out Objectives in First Interview Since Announcement
by Michael D. Altman
QueenCityForum.com Magazine editor in chief

David Pepper said Sunday in an interview with QCF Magazine that his aims for the County are to broaden the focus of County Commission, end the tag-team partnership that current Commissioners Pat DeWine (R) and Phil Heimlich (R) have practiced, and fix the mismanagement of the County through a more open government.

“The overarching issue is in the last couple of years, county government has shown itself to be broken,” Pepper said about the major issues involving his candidacy. “Ever since Heimlich took over The Banks project, it has been unmitigated disaster. Nothing has happened. It has actually been a move backwards—broken govt.”

Mr. Pepper is also concerned about the “broken policies,” as he sees them, manifesting themselves in gross wastes of money. He cited the severance package and dismissal of former County Administrator David Krings.

“We need to have county leaders talk to all parts of the county. They (the current commissioners have been obsessed with a few issues and they aren’t even handling those right… I think the County Commission only takes place downtown, I would like to see us getting out into the full county.”

Pepper also stressed that he has a very good relationship with the current members of Cincinnati City Council and how important that relationship is for the future of both city and county. “We’ll be able to have a good working relationship with the city (because we) know the issues and people in council well.”

“My goal is to work with Republicans and Democrats. It is clear that the county is pretty even when it comes to Republicans and Democrats.” Pepper said about the two to one advantage that the Hamilton County Republican party currently holds in the Commission “I would not have what it is now which is I have one partner and that’s the end of it,” referring to what many feel is an exclusive hold that Heimlich and DeWine currently have over County policy.

Pepper finally also voiced concern about a non-open government, saying “open government and transparency” is a focus of his.

Pepper has championed open government and public safety publicly for several years, both of which he indicated will be seen in his vision for Hamilton County. The two issues were also highly spoken about by Pepper in his recent narrow defeat in his run for Mayor in November of 2005.

“The Republican majority on Commission has created an ineffective approach to regional concerns. Job loss, crime, safety, prosperity and especially the loss of young Professionals are all heading in the wrong direction,” said Hamilton County Democratic Party executive director Chandra Yungbluth. “David Pepper has plans for positive changes in Hamilton County and has the track record as a proven bi-partisan leader who can get things done.”

Ohio No.1 in Mortgage Foreclosures

Ohio is mired in bad statistics these days. One of those is that Ohioans lead the nation in losing their homes. Today the Urbana Citizen has an AP article that says:

An increasing number of Ohioans who live in small towns and rural areas are losing their homes because of risky, high-interest mortgage loans, records show.

Sub-prime loans, which generally carry interest rates above 8 percent, are designed for people who can't qualify for traditional mortgages because of poor credit, low income or the lack of a down payment.

According to a special series in the Columbus Dispatch on mortgage foreclosures in Ohio,

Ohio leads the nation in home foreclosure, a problem fueled by a weak economy, aggressive mortgage brokers, financial overreaching and tepid state oversight.

The statewide increase in foreclosures over the period 1999-2004 was 89%, with several counties seeing foreclosure rates go up by over 150%.

Here is the chart worth a thousand words.

What are the potential implications? According to the article "A Bane Amid the Housing Boom" in the Washington Post,

Should the nation's housing bubbles deflate, as many economists and federal officials expect, the foreclosures could prefigure a national crisis. Americans now shoulder record levels of housing debt -- more than 8 percent of homeowners spend at least half their income on their mortgage.

"We are clearly seeing a spike in foreclosures in a number of our major urban areas," said Julie L. Williams, acting U.S. comptroller of the currency, whose agency regulates the nation's banks. "It can lead to a downward spiral for neighborhoods. If we are not careful, the American dream can quickly turn into the American nightmare."

A recent study in Chicago found that rising foreclosures, and attendant social dislocation, fuel increases in crime rates.

‘Capitol Steps’ to Bring Singing Satire to Cincinnati

Kids Voting of Southwest Ohio has achieved a goal it set five years ago by luring the Capitol Steps political satire group to headline its annual fund-raising cocktail party on Friday.

"This is our 10th year, and when we got to our fifth anniversary, we set the goal of bringing in Capitol Steps."

Cost for the event, set for 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Hyatt Regency hotel downtown, is $100 per person, which includes two drink tickets, a silent auction and "dinner by the bite" - an assortment of appetizers instead of a formal sit-down dinner.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.kids-voting.org or by calling (513) 961-8683.

[The Post...]

Cincinnatian Named Leading Woman in Ministry

Cori Thibodeau was named one of 2006’s Leading Women in Cincinnati by the Catholic Social Action Office (CSA). This honor is given to those who still cling to antiquated notions of Christ as a champion of peace, social justice, poverty succor, and other subversive causes. Her hatred of America is almost palpable:

"My life as a Christian is not complete unless I am contributing to the creation of a more just society where my brothers and sisters around the world and in my backyard have full access to a life of dignity.

(snip)

Thibodeau said she understands the call to do justice because of Jesus’ story. "The fact that we are followers of Jesus puts responsibilities and demands on us – Jesus invites us in the most profound ways to enter the complexities of this world with a prophetic heart. It is impossible to be a follower of Jesus and a simple observer of injustice in the world."

(snip)

Thibodeau doubts, for example, that Jesus would be pleased if the primary focus was worship of Him without continuing the work that he once did. "We come together on Sunday to relive again His life and death so that we can be fueled to be in the world the rest of the week, worshipping Him through our action."

(snip)

I am discouraged when I look around the world and it seems to be moving backward in terms of our commitment to the common good. The first draft of federal budget is an example," where military spending "is taking priority over meeting the basic needs of people. One would hope, as we move forward, we are getting better at being humans beings, but that doesn’t always seem to be the case.

(snip)

"Not all of us are called to work on the increase in minimum wage or to go on mission trips to Guatemala. But we all have some role to play. The ultimate task is not how much you do, but, paraphrasing JustFaith founder Jack Jezreel, "how many sizes your heart grows with each of these actions."

[The Catholic Telegraph…]

Film About Campaign to Repeal Article XII Tonight

There is a free screening of the Film about the campaign to repeal article XII tonight at 6pm at the Freedom Center.

Local Bowler Scores a 900!

Lonnie Billiter of Colerain Township went bowling Monday night at Fairfield Lanes, where he is on the honor roll, and bowled 36 strikes in a row.

The 24-year-old Colerain Township resident rolled three consecutive 300 games to become just the eighth person to bowl a perfect, United States Bowling Congress-sanctioned 900 series.

[The Post…]

Military Recruiting in Warren County

It’s a controversial issue for a lot of parents, but military recruiting happens at public schools and colleges. The Western Star talked to some recruiters in Warren County about their job and experiences.

It's gotta be tough to recruit young men and women to go to Iraq, but not as hard as it's gonna be to recruit them to run as Democrats.

Talk about friendly fire...

Hackett's Words to Supporters

I don't want to say that the Ohio Democratic Party, a party that got some affirmation because of this guy just messed up big time... well, yes, that is exactly what I want to say.

Paul, as I will refer to him now since I followed and wrote about his campaign last summer (actually, QCF had the first ever story about him anywhere), is the most standup candidate you will meet. He was in it to represent, and that is exactly what he would have done.

We may never see a candidate on either side as genuine as he who is a winner.

"Today I am announcing that I am withdrawing from the race for United States Senate. I made this decision reluctantly, only after repeated requests by party leaders, as well as behind the scenes machinations, that were intended to hurt my campaign.
But there was no quid pro quo. I will not be running in the Second Congressional District nor for any other elective office. This decision is final, and not subject to reconsideration.
I told the voters from the beginning that I am not a career politician and never aspired to be--that I was about leadership, service and commitment.
Similarly, I told party officials that I had given my word to other good Democrats, who will take the fight to the Second District, that I would not run. In reliance on my word they entered the race. I said it. I meant it. I stand by it. At the end of the day, my word is my bond and I will take it to my grave.
Thus ends my 11 month political career. Although it is an overused political cliché, I really will be spending more time with my family, something I wasn't able to do because my service to country in the political realm continued after my return from Iraq. Perhaps my wonderful wife Suzi said it best after we made this decision when she said "Honey, welcome home." I really did marry up.
To my friends and supporters, I pledge that I will continue to fight and to speak out on the issues I believe in. As long as I have the microphone, I will serve as your voice.
It is with my deepest respect and humility that I thank each and every one of you for the support you extended to our campaign to take back America, and personally to me and my family. Together we made a difference. We changed the debate on the Iraq War, we inspired countless veterans to continue their service by running for office as Democrats and we made people believe again. We must continue to believe.
Remember, we must retool our party. We must do more than simply aspire to deliver greatness; we must have the commitment and will to fight for what is great about our party and our country; Peace, prosperity and the freedoms that define our democracy.
Rock on. "

Paul Hackett

Ron Hood: Legislative Background

Ron Hood is the chief sponsor of the (in)famous anti-gay adoption bill in the Ohio House. What else has Ron Hood worked on to make Ohio great? To get an idea, below is the list of bills for which Ron Hood was chief sponsor this session (interestingly, Tom Brinkman was a co-sponsor on all of these):

HB 222: Repeals the Prevailing Wage Law. This law specified a minimum wage for public construction projects.

HB 243: Requires the state to analyze every single bill and determine its impact on families (prepare a “Family Impact Statement”). Specifically, it must look for a bill’s potential effect on:

· The stability of the family or marital commitment.

· The authority of parents in the education, nurture, and supervision of their children.

· The performance of family functions or whether the effect of the bill substitutes for a family function.

· The increase or decrease in family earnings and whether the bill's proposed benefits justify its impact on the family budget.

· The ability of a lower level of government or the family itself to carry out the bill's purposes.

Aside from the fact that proper application of this bill would probably expose and ruin his own party, this bill also provides for its own futility, perhaps anticipating the opposition to the enormous time and money it would require: “The failure to prepare a family impact statement before a bill is taken up for consideration by a House or Senate committee, or by either or both houses for final consideration, does not affect the validity of the bill if it is passed by either or both houses of the General Assembly.”

HB 446: Extends tax rollback for logging companies.

HB 460: Authorizes public and nonpublic schools to offer a course in firearm safety and marksmanship.

HB 501: To designate Feb. 6 as “Ronald Reagan Day.”

HB 508: Prohibits the confiscation of lawfully owned and carried firearms during a state of emergency.

HB 515: Prohibits an adoptive or foster child from being placed in the private residence of a homosexual, bisexual, or transgender person. (Danny Bubp also a co-sponsor).


Reps who frequently co-sponsored bills with Ron Hood:

Tom Brinkman (hide your guns) (hide your gays) (hide your babies)

Mike Gilb (no to VoteSmart) (home schools) (stem cells/cloning)

Stephen Buehrer (pro-corporate interests) ($2200 from Tom Noe) (need more hunters)

Linda Reidelbach (about) (evolution shmevolution) (Rod Parsley fan)

John Willamowski
Randy Law
Diana Fessler
James Hoops
Tim Schaffer
Jim McGregor

Pepper to Challenge for Democratic Nomination for Heimlich's Seat

David Pepper showed up to the Democratic Committee meeting Saturday morning.

He showed to tell the Hamilton County Democratic Party Nominating Committee that he is committed to run for County Commissioner for the seat held by Phil Heimlich.

The committee then voted unanimously to make a recommendation to the HCDP Executive Committee to endorse Pepper for County Commissioner.

Hamilton County's Republican stronghold has significantly dissipated since the 2000 election. The numbers in Bush's second victory were cut in half in 2004, and the "strongholds" have moved to what are known as the necklace counties such as Butler and Warren.

Two Democratic County Commissioners

The executive board will vote on Pepper's nomination at their next meeting which has yet to be announced.

If Pepper receives the endorsement, it will only mean that he is endorsed and will still have to run in a primary if challengers receive the proper amount of signatures.

QCF Exec Editor, Date Auctionee at Hearts Desire

Sarah Eichenberger, QueenCityForum.com Magazine's newest addition will be making her public debut shortly before her first article runs.

After only a week of administrating QCF Mag as executive editor, the Hearts Desire committee asked the lovely Eichenberger to help raise money by being an auctionee as a future date for some lucky bidder on Thursday Night, February 9th at the 6th Annual Hearts Desire Event at Red Cheetah.

Ms. Eichenberger returns to the e-pages the next day with her review of the Continental Lounge showing that she is more than just a pretty face.

The other auctionees are Cincinnati Ben-gal (and Chad Johnson's proposee) Daphne, Deb Silverman and Shannon Kettler from Channel 9, Jen from WB64 and Julietta Vierra from Channel 5.

Shoring up the male options are Jay Warren and David Rose from Channel 9, Rob McCracken and Kelby Driebach from 97.3, Justin Jeffre of recent mayoral candidacy fame, Storm Bennett and Jordan from KISS FM.

Bengals Seek to Improve Defense Next Season

At least that's what it looks like based on the report from Scott Wright of NFLCountdown.com, who reported on which teams were talking to which college players [via MostValuableNetwork]:

Tuesday
Cincinnati was also making the rounds and was seen with Brian Iwuh (LB), Jon Alston (LB), Davin Joseph (G), Darryl Tapp (DE) and Nick Mangold (C)

Wednesday
Cincinnati went linebacker heavy and mingled with Freddie Roach (LB), Travis Williams (LB) and Gerris Wilkinson (LB)

Thursday
Marvin Lewis and a couple of Bengals scouts paid a lot of attention to the defensive backs...

The Bengals defense seemed better than it really was because it had so many moments of brilliance. But we need a more consistently tough defense, especially against the pass. So it's good to hear this.

Cincy Log Cabins Take on Bush 6th SOTU

The Log Cabins sent out their take on the State of the Union adress just the other day, and it has some interesting perspective, one of which is addressing the almost forgotten about Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy in the US military.

It is hard to imagine the CLCR's to ever be on par with anything involving the president short of the postulated "anti-liberal spending agenda." Few myths could be any bigger. Have a read, it is quick adn very interesting.

You can sign up to recieve this news letter here.

CINCINNATI LOG CABIN CONGRATULATES THE PRESIDENT BUT SHARES CONCERNS

(CINCINNATI, OH) – The Greater Cincinnati Log Cabin Republicans congratulate President Bush on his sixth State of the Union address. This message to congress was an encouraging progress report about our foreign and domestic goals and a well-balanced plan for future progress. It is our hope that the White House and the American congress will remember the legacy of Coretta Scott King and search their hearts to be fair and inclusive to all Americans while making choices about our future.

We stand by the president and the Republican Party’s efforts to address a proactive national and global security policy, liberty and democracy throughout the world, a growing domestic economy, and education with standards, available and responsible healthcare and helping people safely plan for the future. Additionally we support the president’s efforts to reduce the deficit by 50% by 2009 while freeing Americans from a liberal agenda of over-taxation.

Tonight the president said “the United States is a partner for a better life¿” We agree, and urge congress to take the bold steps the president laid out tonight to partner with the American people to provide that better life. The Greater Cincinnati Log Cabin Republicans also call on Rep. Jean Schmidt, Rep. Steve Chabot, Sen. Mike DeWine and Sen. George Voinovich to work with the president and the people of south-western Ohio to keep our union strong.

We are encouraged that the president is making the Ryan White Act a 2006 priority. The terrible disease of HIV/AIDS has plagued the LGBT community for decades and we applaud the president’s recognition of the fatal grip it now has on the African American community. Re-authorizing the Ryan White Act with additional funding will help the many Americans waiting for HIV/AIDS medications begin to live fuller lives again.

We also commend the president’s persistence in asking congress to put aside partisan politics to reform Social Security. By not acting, congress has made this problem worse. This is especially important for gays and lesbians. Private accounts would allow gay and lesbian Americans to leave their retirement savings to a life partner, not allowed by the current anti-gay policy of the U.S government.

However, the Greater Cincinnati Log Cabin Republicans still seek for fairness and inclusion in our region and nation. Tonight the president expressed his concern over “who we are and how we treat one another.” We are deeply concerned and ask the president and all elected officials that when they vote to consider how that vote treats the many LGBT Americans they represent.

“As LGBT Republicans we believe in the individual liberty that founded our nation and seek fulfillment of the American dream without the barriers of discrimination. Only a government that celebrates the lives of its citizens can succeed. By seeking the inclusion of LGBT Americans, the Log Cabin Republicans is protecting the future of our democracy,” said Ted Jackson, GCLCR president.

Congress and the White House must remove the discriminatory Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy and allow LGBT Americans serve their country openly and honestly with honor. LGBT Americans have answered our country’s call for centuries and now it is time for our nation to answer theirs. This is a matter of national and global security, many of the LGBT service men and women who have been removed from military service for being gay in the Middle East possess the interpreting and communication skills needed for the war on terror.

Many LGBT Americans are still unprotected from discrimination at work, home and in public accommodations. LGBT students in American schools are bullied because of their sexual orientation 25 times more a day than non-gay students. Many gay and lesbian couples who offer loving and safe homes to children may not adopt in most states. And hardworking LGBT Americans cannot enjoy the rights, responsibilities and protections that come with a marriage license in 49 United States. Non-gay Americans are assured over 1100 rights by being able to marry that LGBT americans cannot acces-is that fair?

In tonight’s State of the Union address President Bush said “Liberty is the right and hope of all humanity.” The Greater Cincinnati Log Cabin Republicans asks the president and congress to give LGBT Americans hope by including our human rights in their upcoming policy and legislation.

The Log Cabin Republicans is the nation’s largest organization working for the inclusion of gay and lesbian Americans in the Republican Party. The first Log Cabin enlisted the support of Ronald Reagan to oppose an anti-gay ballot measure: California’s proposition 6 in 1978. Mr. Reagan publicly opposed proposition 6 saying “innocent lives could be ruined.” The measure was then defeated. Since then the Log Cabin Republicans has grown with chapters across the country to become a leading voice for fairness and inclusion in the GOP. The Cincinnati chapter was founded in 2005.

2nd and Long for Chris Henry

It's a damn shame. What else can one say?

This is Chris Henry's 2nd arrest in 2 months. Here's what happened in December [WCPO]:

In the early morning of December 15, 2005, Covington Police stopped Henry for speeding and smelled marijuana in his car.

Henry agreed to a body and vehicle search and that's when police found two baggies of marijuana in his left shoe.

Through his lawyer, Henry pleaded guilty Thursday to speeding and improper registration. Charges that he had no driver's license and insurance were dropped.

The drug charges against him are still pending.

In Florida, Henry was charged with: Possesion of a concealed firearm, improper exhibition of a firearm, and aggravated assault with a firearm.

Not surprisingly, Chris Henry is no stranger to the "hairy eyeball," as WBOY of Clarksburg, West Virginia (where Henry played college football) reports: It was only a matter of time before Chris Henry got himself into some trouble... He typically drew attention to himself as a Mountaineer by showboating and getting the evil eye from Coach Rod and the referees.

But Henry had bright prospects. In their 2004 season preview, CollegeFootballNews.com named Henry the Mountaineers' best offensive player. And NFL.com noted his potential in its review of NFL prospects:

Henry is a big-play receiver in the mold of former Mountaineer Jerry Porter. Like Porter, Henry uses a perfect blend of size, speed and strength to provide game-changing plays on the field. In only two seasons with the team, he established himself as a playmaker.

But they also made this prescient comment:

His maturity level is sorely lacking … Has had problems with the coaching staff ever since he arrived at WVU, struggles with his academics and has had more than a fair share of on-field antics...

Will Chris Henry surround himself with better people who can help him pull himself up? I hope so, but I won't hold my breath. I'll put my energies into what the Bengals can do with a TE.

But if Chris Henry is looking for something that may make him stop and really take a look at his life, maybe it is this [WKRC]:

The officer who arrested Henry tells Local 12 he believes Henry's intent was to shoot a person he was arguing with. He added if there wasn't so many people on the street, he would have had to shoot Henry in order protect others.

"Based on what I saw, he was directing the gun at somebody, I believe it was his intention to use the weapon. Had there not been a 100 or so people directly behind him that had just also left the club, I probably would have shot him." said Orlando Police Sergeant Dean Deschryver Monday night.

The News: TV's. Pizza. A Jolt?

Pat Garland, one of the three owners of The News is grinning as he welcomes people to his new bar. He has a plan and he's going to be there to watch it and work it... everyday.

Most recently known as Lava Lounge, Mr. Garland and two of the owners of Guidos (Mt. Adams) took the 835 Main St. space on, changed everything--except the bathrooms, where they added TV's -- and opened up a place where lunch, happy hour, dinner and drinks are covered. And it's not too far off the beaten path.

"We want to bring a good value to the people... starting with downtown." Garland says.

Garland, a upstate-New York transplant, went to a small school in Boston for communications, and has since lived in Chicago, California and in between doing IT work after he graduated. He loves big cities. He loves what Cincinnati has as a city. The News wants to add to that.

"We love the cosmopolitan aspects of Michigan Ave. and Times Square. We want to get the people from downtown and then from the surrounding neighborhoods," he says. Garland believes that the people who live 5 minutes away, in the suburbs don't have a place downtown to utilize, and their perception of it is dangerous. The News, located on Main and 9th, right next to the Union Station (formerly Carol's) is far more on the beaten path than other attempts at late serving "Joints" in the city such as the Diner, most recently.

"We are committed to staying open. If you're looking for something to eat, drink... we're going to be open," Garland says alluding to the somewhat shaky business around the center city that is not dependable on hours.

The menu, which stays around $7-5 has a full list of appetizers--from chicken tenders to spinach artichoke dip; salads--Caesar, house, chef, or BBQ chicken; and the gammet of subs; and for pizza fans, they have brought Guidos' pizza down the hill.

It is the lunch crowd that is to be most impressed, with an efficient buffet that will feature selections changing daily of hot subs (Mr. Garland is very pleased with the buns they have found to make the subs excellent), quesadilla (he is equally impressed that he had just learned how to spell quesadilla) , and meatloaf, chicken alfredo pasta and other more meal-like specials revolving.

The atmosphere is cozy and the commitment to screen and sound--to the tune of three 60" projector TV's, six 42" plasmas, and a 1102" projector--is unmatched for a place of its size.

It is like Madonna's but cleaner and with more TV's. How the drinks will be poured will determine if it sinks or swims.

"We may paint the outside of the bar this spring. It'll probably wake up the neighborhood," says the ambitious and confident Garland. With his vision and continued hands on interaction, The News' location should serve them well. Look for it to be swinging by late May.