News: Web Feature: Mayor Apparent
Jymi Bolden Mayor Charlie Luken says new and renovated urban housing is key to the city's near-future. Cincinnati's mayor recently began promoting his vision for the city, but it's more a caretaker's checklist of things to fix than a revolutionary master plan. Charlie Luken stands to be Cincinnati's first "strong mayor" since the Charter…
Porkopolis
While the Getting's GoodIs that a 10-gallon hat in Cincinnati City Manager John Shirey's lap, or is he just excited about the chance to change jobs? Shirey has applied for the city manager's position in Fort Worth, Texas, and confirms he's one of eight finalists. Maybe he sees the writing on the wall as his…
Reality Bites
Just when things seem to be going well, something comes and let's a greased pig loose. In May, the contract between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the major movie and television studios is set to expire. If no agreement is reached, there will be no production. If there is an agreement, we still…
That’s a Family
At times, telling a new friend or colleague that I am adopted feels strangely similar to "coming out" as a gay man. Sadly, revealing either bit of information can catch the recipient off guard and leave him or her feeling I'm not the person they had always thought I was. After years of practice in…
A Mandate for Change
For Bill Seitz, a local artist and gallery director for The Carnegie in Covington, his role as an arts activist began with a modest Nov. 15 press release. Its mission was spelled out across the front page: "Petition drive to request an Arts section in The Cincinnati Enquirer." Seitz was upset with the modest arts…
Local DJ Boom Bip has earned a reputation as one of the best turntablists in the nation
Boom Bip "Boom!" "Bip!" You may remember these optical interjections popping-up during the fist fights on the '60s Batman television series. With this in mind, know that turntablist Boom Bip (born Bryan Hollon) couldn't have chosen a better stage name. Boom Bip is a musician who creates the beats and loops essential to Hip…
Diner: Dieter’s Beware
J Alexander's, the national chain known for its hearty American fare, opened Cincinnati's one and only location at Norwood's Rookwood Commons last fall. Be warned: No puny appetites are allowed here. The huge portions — at both lunch and dinner — will defeat any attempt at eating modestly. Folks seem to be pretty happy with…
Soul Shakedown Party
Heavy Weather This weekend brings the first "Soul Shakedown Party," presented by the folks at Camp Buzz and Admrial Walker and featuring four regional Soul/Reggae/Rock groups at the Mad Frog. On Friday night, it's local favorites Heavy Weather (pictured) headlining. Between consistent touring, the local purveyors of "FunkyRockSoulMusic" are currently working on their fourth…
Evil in Tent
I love road trips. Always have. But before setting out on America's blue highways, before I make my first wrong turn or erupt in my first episode of road rage, I have to decide: Camping or hotels? The choice, of course, is critical. It will determine my budget, what clothes to pack, the sightseeing hours…
Cover Story: 2000 Person of the Year: Victoria Straughn
Jymi Bolden Victoria Straughn addressed mortality rates among African Americans during last year's Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of Aids. Person of the Year sounds like a pretty fancy title. Seems formal, an award one applies for and goes through a rigorous judging process to win. Sounds like the kind of…
