All The President’s Men — And Some Women
"Really, he’s not as bad as you think."—- As if they could possibly pull the wool over a jaded public’s eyes one more time, many of George W. Bush’s advisers and friends have been in full spin mode during the past few weeks trying to convince the American people that his presidency wasn’t nearly as…
Good Eatin’
Bear Market Food Bailouts, cash infusions and unemployment lines. These are scary words for scary times, and scary times call for … comfort food. We’ve just been through a season of belt-tightening and the new year looks like we might need to take it in another notch, but I had an epiphany over a plate…
Artful Resilience
In what was a tough year all around, the visual arts scene in Greater Cincinnati managed to stay its ground in 2008, even making some progress along the way. The primary presences are our museums, and they all had good years art-wise, although the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) was forced to make some staff layoffs…
The Year in Cincy Recordings
The Sundresses – Barkinghaus Shit, has it really been six years since The Sundresses erupted all over the Cincinnati scene? In that time, the trio has amassed some impressive stats, including four consecutive SXSW appearances and a ton of wildly successful opening gigs and tours. Finally, finally, their latest CD Barkinghaus came out in 2008,…
Party People
Floyd “Freshdaily” Johnson is a ubiquitous man in Cincinnati’s party scene. He’s the networker, the guy with the nickname who knows what’s going on every night of the week. Floyd supports any and all events, from art openings to house parties and shows at Northside Tavern to events at downtown nightclubs. He has a change…
Cheers to the High Points of 2008: UC Football and Xavier Basketball
Though the year in sports produced its fair share of memories, no sporting memory will obscure the hard reality of economic gloom coursing through the world in a tense 2008. We’ll remember the Beijing Olympics and the New York Giants knocking the New England Patriots off their perfect pedestal in the Super Bowl, but only…
Stage This
Cincinnati doesn’t have a theater scene that compares to that of New York or Chicago or the Twin Cities. But for a city our size, we have a ton of theater. I see 60-70 local productions annually. Are there enough serious theatergoers in Greater Cincinnati to support more? I’m not sure. But based on what…
Love Us or Hate Us?
Regarding Joe Wessels’ column “Looking for Help That Helps,” well said! I got more than blank stares the last time I encountered the suburban church group literally two inches outside our church door on the sidewalk handing out sandwiches while our worship service was going on, leaving only litter besides nothingness in their wake. —…
Big-Screen’s Best
Need more proof of film culture’s fractured state? Twenty-three different titles grace the 30 slots on the three Top 10 lists that follow, and only two — Man on Wire and The Wrestler — appear on all three. But is that a surprise? With more than 600 films released in 2008 (about half of which…
The Slaves Next Door
Five FBI investigations into human trafficking are underway in Greater Cincinnati alone. Despite that, the Ohio Legislature is getting pressure from lawyers not to pass a law that would define modern-day slavery and make it a crime in Ohio (see “De-Criminalizing Victims,” issue of Nov. 12). More cases are out there, but the resistance of…
NYE on the Cheap
• While looking at the countless New Year’s Eve options Wednesday night and seeing the bloated cover charges, you may be thinking of a night at home with a case of Pabst Blue Ribbon and watching, uh, whoever counts down the ball-drop in Times Square these days (are they still propping Dick Clark up this…
Top 5 New Year’s Food Resolutions
We all have them, even if they’re left unstated. Even if we’ve refused to come up with any this year, they lurk in our subconscious, coming out in mysterious ways like guilt for blowing $50 at your favorite restaurant or for eating a bar of Chocolove for breakfast (welcome to my world). So it’s best…
A Year for the Ages
1776, 1865, 1945, 1968 and now 2008. There are some years that stick out in American history as significant turning points, with events occurring that are so momentous even those living through them know they’re witnessing history. At times both exhilarating and exasperating, the presidential campaign of the past year was one of those moments.…
A Look Back at the Year’s Irritations, Blusters and Coincidences
Wrapping up my first full year of writing a weekly opinion and analysis column, I’ve come to appreciate the absurdity of politics in a way I couldn’t fully fathom as a news reporter. Oh, sure, I’ve always realized that politics — both locally and nationally — really represents the human drama in microcosm, with all…
My Favorite Art Shows of 2008
Here are the 10 art shows that left the most impact on me in 2008, presented in no particular order and with regrets to the other fine exhibitions that just didn’t quite make this admittedly subjective list. Ryan McGinness: Aesthetic Comfort (Cincinnati Art Museum): The street culture-influenced New York artist’s layered, coded fluorescent paintings are…
Trying to Make an Impact
Starting out in this print business 10 years ago, I worked Christmas Day at The Cincinnati Enquirer. Besides the overtime pay, I enjoyed working major holidays because usually there was nothing to do. On this one day, I remember, I decided to pull the newsroom TVs out their cubbyholes to dust behind them. That prompted…
A recap of WWE’s 2008 presidential election coverage
The year 2008 was full of many newsworthy events. But of all the stories deserving of contempt, ridicule and childish mockery increased investigation and thoughtful reflection this year, none was more so than the race to become America’s 44th president. Though our collective attention was often fractured by the local media’s coverage of poor people…
On Accomplishing Goals in 2008
Coming into 2008, my priority as CityBeat editor was implementing our “refreshment” project, with new features, an updated cover look, section fronts that made our opinion columns more prominent and a redesigned Web site. My priority as the organization’s lead editorial voice was to help get a Democrat elected president. How did I do? I’d…
Living It in 2008
For better or for worse, I usually end up writing most of the columns in this Living Out Loud space — and that was no different in 2008. Sometimes I think I’ll run out of things to write about, but something always happens. That something is life. If you’re living with your eyes open —…
Manny Would Be Super Sweet
How much sense would it make? How stupid does it sound, my loyal readers? To give in to Manny Ramirez's not-so-secret desire to get a four-year deal and bring the best hair in baseball (along with a lethal bat) to town would buck conventional thinking and the status quo of a team focused on cultivating…
NYE and NYEE (New Year’s Eve Eve): Whatchadoin’?
For the past 10 years or so, I haven't gone out on New Year's Eve. "Amateur night," I always say. My main concern is other drivers. On Christmas and Christmas Eve this year, I was out on the roads a bit at night and it seemed like at least half of the people out were…
Post: Workplace Safety Suffers Under Bush
It’s not just Cintas that’s getting a break from federal workplace safety regulators, according to The Washington Post.—- Last week’s issue of CityBeat included a Porkopolis column examining a last-minute settlement that Cintas Corp. entered into with the U.S. Labor Department before President Bush left office, and how some congressional members believe it was a…
Wikipedia needs to “wiki” fundraising
All Wikipedia wants for Christmas is cash. In yet another terrifying display of our crashing economy, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales is petitioning for donations. Here's his open letter: Dear Reader, Today I am going to ask you to support Wikipedia with a donation. This might sound unusual: Why does one of the world's five most…
Buried Under the Museum Center’s Green Roof
Today, the Enquirer posted a story about the Cincinnati Museum Center considering the addition of a 11,200-square-foot green roof system, which is an awesome prospect. The roof would be covered with plants, could last longer than a normal roof, and would better deal with storm run-off. Not only that, but it would double the amount…
New Year’s Eve: York Street Cafe
If swing is your thing, Newport should be your destination. York Street Café is swinging in the New Year with Swingtime Big Band in their second floor space. Down in the dining room, they’re hosting a dinner from a special a la carte menu prepared by their talented kitchen staff. Some of the evening’s delicacies…
New Year’s Eve: Vinoklet Winery
If you’re a wine connoisseur, your best bet for a New Year’s Eve toast is Vinoklet Winery, home to seven award-winning wines and the only operating vineyard in Hamilton County. The restaurant has a warm, elegant yet woodsy feel and offers a large buffet dinner with your choice of prime rib or baked salmon, spring…
New Year’s Eve: Carnivolution
And now for something completely different: Carnivolution at The Mockbee, where you can greet the new year while being enthralled by a host of unusual performances and carnival games. The lineup for the night includes Nick “Do I Look Hot Right Now” Cole from Le Bitchz, Big Gay Al, Special K, JAC McFaggin, James Bondage…
New Year’s Eve: Arnold’s Bar and Grill
Can’t make it to New Orleans for the big night? You can get pretty close at Arnold’s Bar & Grill. Established in 1861, they have a lot of experience in welcoming a new year, and the historic venue makes a great atmosphere for appreciating your own place in time. This year, Arnold’s is throwing a…
Sports: Cyclones
The Cyclones have already lost as many games this season as they did all of last year, but they did win the whole league and the Kelly Cup playoffs last year. And when you’re that good of a minor league hockey team, it is inevitable that your better players will move up to your affiliate…
Events: 69th annual Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival
What better way to celebrate the holiday season than with the oldest festival in the world? The 69th annual Boar’s Head & Yule Log Festival, which originated in England in 1340, is back better than ever this year at Christ Church Cathedral. The pageant honors the Christmas story about the philosopher Aristotle who walks through…
New Year’s Eve: Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is watching the old year swing by with a special program of big band and Sinatra hits called “Fly Me to the Moon.” The evening begins at 7:30 with Erich Kunzel conducting a fun symphony performance of upbeat swing tunes, then continues in the Music Hall Ballroom with a seated dinner,…
Comedy: Bert Kreischer
Bert Kreischer is a party animal. In fact, while he was in college, Rolling Stone named him “America’s Number One Party Animal.” After the issue hit the newsstands, Kreischer’s life changed over night. Radio and TV interviews followed, and Oliver Stone optioned his life story, but that project eventually fell through. Well, sort of. “The…
Music: Dallas Moore and The Snatch Wranglers
No matter what your tastes, there is probably at least one show going on New Year’s Eve that fits your musical bill. While many clubs up the cover charge for NYE events (often factoring food and midnight champagne toasts into the price), there are plenty of more affordable options for those of us watching our…
Art: Homework at NVision
Homework includes mixed-media paintings, collage and embroidery by Arynn and Joel Blazer. With prices as low as $25, there’s something for almost any budget. The artwork of the husband-and-wife pair fits right in with NVISION’s eclectic mix of vintage and handmade clothing and furniture. The figures in Joel Blazer’s work are reduced to distorted shapes…
New Year’s Eve: Dance_MF
Hey boys and girls, get ready because Dance_MF is coming early this month! Instead of happening on the first Saturday, DMF decided to get wild and throw a New Year’s Eve bash complete with the requisite dancing, drinking and sweating that comes with a typical DMF event at the Northside Tavern. Don’t know what Dance_MF…
A Roller Skating Jam Called Christmas
Some photos by Scott Beseler and Sean D. If you have more you want to add, let me know and I'll post them. Click here for a full gallery.
Beat the Winter Blahs
Make a kite, learn to play the guitar, beat a drum or learn what it takes to write your memoir. —- The Clifton Cultural Arts Center (CCAC) has an old school full of classes for kids, “tweens,” adults and families and the next five-week series begins Jan. 5. Some classes run the full session ending…
Feathered Friends Condo
Waking up to the sounds of birds singing is one sign spring has arrived. A birdhouse all but guarantees a songstress in residence but few people have the skills or a grandfather willing to build the requisite abode. But the positive impact of birdhouses can be significant, according to Greenbird LLC. —- “Things are changing…
Is Detroit’s Media Gamble the Future of Newspapers?
To enjoy life is to love irony: Detroit symbolizes decline in one historic industry but might be harbinger of hope for another. The Detroit Free Press and Detroit News are embracing a novel, united survival scheme that suggests an alternative to the newspaper industry’s feared death spiral in Cincinnati and hundreds of other cities. Here’s…
Warning for Winter
The solstice has finally arrived to break our spirits with its presence. When the cold comes, its seems as though the whole core of my being shuts down. I can tell that my mind is slowing due to my lengthy Sudoku times. —- The frigid temperatures keep me from wanting to venture outside to get…
One Last Holiday Question
For those of you who don't celebrate Christmas —- do you find yourself fending off militant Christmas celerbators? Or do you just roll with it?
