Janah
Janah Atlanta's expansive, World Rock group Janah will be pulling though town this week in support of their genre-melding new CD, World That Surrounds You (Rattlesby Records). The band's mix is unique, though you may recognize some of the ingredients. Singer/guitarist Keith Johnston shares a soaring croon with U2's Bono, and the band uses…
Cover Story: I’m Every Woman
I don't think Pastor Kate Gussey would be caught dead in a Supermom T-shirt, although the title does fit her nicely. Actually, the Methodist minister in Erin McGraw's first novel, The Baby Tree, is childless. While at times this weighs heavily on her mind, currently it's the least of her worries. The return of…
Film: Dissecting the Sacred Cow
Sister Helen Prejean confers with Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins during the making of the 1995 film Dead Man Walking. Does the theme — or for that matter, the cultural significance — of a work of art place it above criticism? Legendary New Yorker film critic Pauline Kael endured criticism for knocking the hailed,…
Whirlygig: 42
Catch and Release Summer is officially over since Labor Day is behind us and classes on most campuses have resumed, but Cincinnati weather is superb this time of year. It's my favorite season, in fact, with the crisp morning air and blue skies. I always look forward to the return of sweaters and fireplaces. Still,…
Should the U.S. Declare a One-Day Cease-Fire in Afghanistan?
Can world peace really be achieved for an entire day? Jeremy Gilley, founder of Peace One Day, hopes so. The 33-year-old London filmmaker and the organization he started have convinced the United Nations to declare a day of global cease-fire and nonviolence. The U.N. has recognized a yearly International Day of Peace since 1981, but…
Cover Story: The Fine Print
This edition of Fine Print is dedicated to the memory of Michael McCabe and the hundreds of other former neighbors and fellow commuters who lost their lives at WTC. Even after months of research, it's impossible to track exactly how many books have been, or will soon be, published about Sept. 11, 2001. Checking…
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…
Diner: Saucy Secrets
I'd forgotten how unnerving standardized tests are. Feeling somewhat discombobulated after answering "D: Answer cannot be determined by the information given" to an extensive number of math questions on the GRE, I pick up my boyfriend and head to Chateau Pomije to recover. My first experience there might be aptly summed up in one word:…
Cover Story: 2002 Literary Issue: Ordinary Heroes
Steven Verriest Sipping coffee and running late for work (as usual), my morning routine came to a standstill when it happened. A plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. I didn't cry right away. I didn't scream. I didn't get nauseous. None of that happened until the second plane hit, the one that…
Cover Story: A Little Knowledge
Editor's Note: A little knowledge can go a long way. Tom Cottingham can attest to that. Cottingham took first place in this year's Mercantile Library Fiction Competition, which just happens to be co-sponsored by us arts-loving freaks at CityBeat. His illustrious perks include admittance to the Santa Barbara Writers Conference, a cash prize of $300…
Can You Hear Me Now?
Have you heard about the new security system at City Hall? Does it remind you of visiting hours at the Hamilton County Justice Center? Have they buzzed you in yet? Shouldn't we get similar security systems where we work to keep City Council members from crashing our gates? Where's the Vice Mayor been? Doesn't City…
Cover Story: Mercury Rising
Brad Watson drew inspiration from his grandmother in writing The Heaven of Mercury. Author Brad Watson has a sickeningly sweet Southern accent that flows across his staccato phrases. It makes me easily forgive the fact that he "delayed" our interview or keeps answering his cell phone during our phone conversation. Behind the subtle drawl…
1847 Denham St., North Fairmount
Jymi Bolden 1847 Denham St., North Fairmount Address: 1847 Denham St., North Fairmount Owner: Bethel #2 Apostolic Pentecostal Church in Cincinnati Year Built: 1927 Total Rooms: Six Comments: This empty property comes complete with a boat for family outings. The Rev. Anthony Hill, pastor of Bethel #2 Apostolic Pentecostal Church, says the two-story building…
Cover Story: Imitation of Life
Sometimes realizing there's a full moon outside can explain the whole day. Imagine a year of that feeling. Madelyn Arnold's novel A Year of Full Moons tackles these instances, the cyclic waxing of knowledge and maturity, the waning dependence and submission. It's rebirth, in more ways than one. In the little-known rustic town of…
The Good Arts Soldier
Arie Vandenberg is a 35-year-old who hasn't received a sizable paycheck in more than two years. He could have worked for any number of corporations. Instead, he decided to stay in his hometown and promote Cincinnati's arts scene. Recently, Vandenberg has been involved in a number of arts-oriented projects. In 1998, he began CincyRing.com, an…
Cover Story: Reflections
Lucie M. Rice U.S. Air Force veteran Samuel Miller is dressed in a baby blue suit that looks light against his dark skin. He's leaning in toward the video camera held by a Columbia University student and he's saying, "All the heroes from Vietnam are dead." The movements of his hands, both formed in…
News: Stonewall Decides
Jymi Bolden Mike McCleese and Heidi Bruins are among the new leaders working to expand Stonewall'smission. Stonewall Cincinnati votes Tuesday on whether to oust three of its most active leaders. The decision on whether to dump two co-chairs and one board member could rest on two questions: Is Stonewall a gay rights organization —…
