Continuing Films
THE ADVENTURES OF PLUTO NASH — (Grade: D) Director Ron Underwood's outer space comedy sucks all the spunk out of the once raunchy Eddie Murphy's comic persona. I don't mind Murphy playing warm and fuzzy, as long as he delivers some laughs. It's the year 2087 and Pluto Nash (Murphy) owns a nightclub on the…
Brave
Brave Virginia-based rockers Brave began in 1997 under the more effusive name Arise From Thorns, building a reputation for itself on the East Coast with their melodic, atmospheric sound. As the band began to develop a more rocking, progressive sound, the name change seemed in order. Singer Michelle Loose and her spacious, towering vocals…
Whirlygig: 43
Balls the Size of a Camel This time of year always seems like a good time to reconnect with girlfriends. It's hard to keep up with my girl pals during the summer with vacations and all, but after Labor Day the excuses are fewer, plus the kids are back in school. Also, the anniversary of…
Cover Story: Mr. Yates Goes to Columbus
Jymi Bolden Tyrone Yates says he wasn't aware of race as a child in Mt. Orab. Tyrone Yates wasn't born in a suit. But he was fond of them at an early age. In fourth grade, when most kids will tear suits off their bodies, Yates would sometimes slip on his black, double-breasted Easter…
Diner: Local Big Easy
There's something to be said for getting out of town for a taste of something different. If you could drive 20 minutes and magically wind up in New Orleans, you'd do it, wouldn't you? How about if someone promised you real Cajun food? Cajun cooking is famously spicy, but any Louisiana native will tell you…
Kunta’s Compensation
Cut to Kunta Kinte, Alex Haley's distant relative and icon for a generation. Kunta is making his way down Wall Street. The street and sidewalk are jammed with dark-suited, money-gittin' men and women, all yapping into cellular appendages. Kunta's loincloth is replaced by a pinstriped, charcoal, custom-tailored Ralph Lauren suit. A raw silk necktie hangs…
News: Party Poopers
Jymi Bolden David Schaff is making his first run for public office. Some voters might not like what State Rep. Tom Brinkman Jr. stands for, but at least they can count on him to be consistent. David Schaff, who wants Brinkman's job, is young, attractive and works for one of the few liberal Democrats…
News: Animal Rites
Jymi Bolden Ryan Courtade, 16, and already an experienced advocate for animal welfare, is the founder of CompassionFest. A funny thing happened on the way to interview Ryan Courtade, advocate of animal welfare. Courtade, who founded his own animal-rights group, is 16 years old — a fact that gives him media appeal but apparently…
Taft’s Ads Give Misleading Picture of His Record
Although campaign advertisements promote him as an active leader, Gov. Bob Taft more accurately wears the label Governor Inertia: He tends to act only when forced to do so. The abysmal condition of Ohio's public schools cried out for immediate and forceful action when Taft took office in January 1999. During the 1998-99 school year,…
Music: Go West, Young Band
Homunculus' Kevin Shima and Christopher Ellison (bottom-top) lead the group during a gig in San Francisco Make me feel good, rock 'n' roll band I'm your biggest fan California, I'm comin' home Joni Mitchell's melodies floated through my head about three weeks before my trip to San Francisco. I hadn't played Blue in months;…
217 E. Clifton Ave.
Doug Trapp 217 E. Clifton Ave., Over-the-Rhine Address: 217 E. Clifton Ave.,Over-the-Rhine Owner: The Bank of New York Value: $23,800 Year Built: 1830 Comments: This small building next to Rothenberg Elementary School needs cleaning in more than one way. Shingles hang from the roof like a bad comb-over, weeds are gaining ground and beer…
What’s the Big Deal About the Ohio Secretary of State?
Why should we care who's elected Ohio Secretary of State? There are two key reasons: The secretary of state is in charge of ensuring the voting system works well and businesses can easily keep their incorporation paperwork up to date. Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, a Republican, seeks a second four-year term. His opponent, State…
Diner: Tasty and Plentiful
For most of us who dine out regularly, a small, casual restaurant with simple yet interesting, well-prepared food at reasonable prices is at the top of our list for spur-of-the-moment decisions. Simone's fits on this list nicely. The Scene A banner at the corner of Woodburn and Madison pointing the way is helpful in finding…
24 Hour Party People, Barbershop, Stealing Harvard and Swimfan
24 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE— A not-so-simple tale of sex, drugs and one of the defining moments in music history. Tony Wilson (Steve Coogan), inspired at a Sex Pistols gig, decides to start a new record label. Factory Records first signs Joy Division (later to become New Order) and then James and the Happy Mondays. 24…
Help Heal the World
The events of Sept. 11 left some very deep wounds in our collective spirit, including the feelings of helplessness, anger, revenge and depression. Most of us have been taught there's no winning with revenge and anger. Yet how do we move forward? What can I do to help heal the world? It can all feel…
