Synthroid: Not FDA Approved
I'll bet you thought the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was there to protect you, didn't you? Your physicians would never prescribe a drug for you that hadn't been tested properly, would they? Surprisingly, there are many untested and unapproved medications. Synthroid for hypothyroidism and Ritalin for attention-deficit disorder in children are two examples. This…
News: Two More Years
By any measure, Cincinnati is in trouble, torn by racial conflict and rapidly losing population. Now the city is facing an estimated $25 million deficit. With the mess Cincinnati is in, why should any incumbents be returned to city council? That's one of six questions CityBeat asked the seven council members seeking reelection. We…
The Dating
When I lived with my mother, one of her pet peeves was when my dates wouldn't come to the door. Indeed, it was a rule of sorts that my dates had to pick me up. That meant not just driving to my house, but no honking. Each date had to get out of his car,…
News: Paying for Democracy
Almost everyone in Cincinnati wants campaign finance reform. We just can't agree on how much the city needs. Issue 6,proposed city charter amendment, calls for major changes that supporters believe will allow idea-rich but dollar-poor candidates to better compete for a seat on Cincinnati City Council. The proposal includes public financing of campaigns, spending…
Spooked in America
'Twas Halloween evening and all through the house, The martinis were stirring (you see, I'm a souse). The candy'd been purchased, the Kit Kats and Snickers, I dumped them in bowls for the treaters and trickers. Though I have to admit I was pissed when I saw The bars were no bigger than a toy…
Bruce Campbell: If Chins Could Kill
The low-budget, B movie conjures up images of dingy movie sets, questionable production methods, and inexperienced actors working for sub-par pay. It's the type of environment that would make any star turn of their cell phone and run for the hills. Still, some actors relish this world. To them it's a world of indescribable…
Handsome Devil: Love and Kisses from the Underground
Just what is so handsome about Handsome Devil? Well, nothing especially. They're the type of garage band that you wouldn't mind taking home with you. Heck, you might even want to call 'em up periodically for an occasional get-together in the future, but it's doubtful that they're the source for a long-term relationship. So…
A local musician reflects on the current resurgence of Bluegrass
I was pleasantly surprised to see that the Cincinnati Entertainment Awards has added a separate Bluegrass category to this year's nominations. Bluegrass is booming, what with everybody from Dolly Parton to the soundtrack of the Coen Brothers' movie, O, Brother Where Art Thou?, cashing in. Brian Kneuven, the barkeep at Kaldi's downstairs, my contemporary music…
News: Police Act Good
Jymi Bolden David Mitchell denounces police violence. Protesters gathered Oct. 22 on Fountain Square. That's not news; it's happened a lot this year. But this is news: The Cincinnati Police Division didn't try to break up the nonviolent demonstration. About 100 protesters — watched by 19 police officers — gathered for speeches denouncing police…
Thanks for the Mammaries
Exactly 15 years ago, I caught my late Aunt Dorothy's silicone prosthesis. "Kathy, you ever seen a prosthesis before?" she asked as the thing was whizzing through the air like a pregnant, waterlogged Frisbee. I didn't have a choice. I was about to see and feel one. It was high and outside, but I saw…
Diner: Family Secrets
The white exterior with dark shutters hearkens to another time: innocent, hard-working, a slower, refined pace on the outskirts of Cincinnati. The Heritage Restaurant looks like a country lodge from an earlier century. And some of those appearances are accurate. Built in 1827, the home became Cincinnati's first roadhouse. It was a noted restaurant when…
