Thursday, December 24, 2009

Weekly: 12/24/09

Happy Yule, everyone!  Whether Christian, Jew, or Pagan, we can all rejoice in the birth of good will, peace, Light, and hope.  A sweet time.  May you “catch the Christmas spirit” and may it fill your heart with warmth.  Ellen

I returned Friday from my tour of Egypt and Petra.  Of course it was amazing.  I’ll be writing “journal” pieces about the adventure and publishing them on my website at www.lloydhouse.com and in a few weeks will have a slide show and talk.  You’ll be invited!
Ellen

Finally, thanks to all who kept the salon groovin’ in my absence, an unprecidented three Wednesdays.  Special thanks to Lauren, Jan and Mira for hosting, and to Byron who was here to see things happened.  


The
Lloyd House Wednesday Night Salon WEEKLY
12/24/09




A Newsletter published every Thursday from the Lloyd House in Cincinnati
Email subscriptions: 623

Our Salon blog is an interactive site:   http://lloydhouse.blogspot.com
If you would like to respond, amend, or correct anything in this Newsletter, please consider using that.  I will receive a copy of anything posted there.

FIVE SECTIONS, including:
  • Table Notes of the discussion at this Wednesday night’s Salon, as recorded by Ellen
  • Events and Opportunities
  • Articles of Interest
  • Book, Film, Theater, TV, Music Reviews
  • Tri-State Treasures, compiled by Jim Kesner

Submissions:  
you must have the email copy to me by Wednesday night midnight.  Copy the format you see in this Weekly please.  (Times New Roman font, text 14 pt, headlines 20 pt.  Maroon for Opportunities and Events, Navy for articles.)

The Wednesday Night Salon has been meeting each week of the year (no break for holidays, weather) since July 2001 in pursuit of good talk.  Bring a dish at 5:45 pm and join us.  We are usually about 10 people of varied erudition and age.  We like to talk politics, environmentalism, social issues, literature, the arts, ad any blamed thing we want.  Sometimes we have a special presenter.  We emphasize good fellowship and civility always.  Way fun!  Everyone welcome.  3901 Clifton Avenue 45220.

SECTION ONE: TABLE NOTES


 
These rough notes have not been approved or edited by the speakers and contain inevitable misunderstandings and misquotes.  Also, opinions expressed are NOT necessarily Ellen's.  
At the Table on Wednesday 12/23/09:

Viddle, Carolyn Clark, Mira Rodwan, Byron Moody, Ellen Bierhorst,  Judy Cirillo,  Pete Altekruse, Julia Yarden, Vlasta Molak, (Welcome Viddle!)


Preamble; song; announcements; topics.

Carolyn's chai tea:  honey, good for what ails you. Anise (good for digestion),  Cardemom, clove (anti ceptice, anti paracitic) cinamon (fights fungus), Fennel , ginger,  (good for arthritis)... many other virtues.  

Ellen:  read Egypt journal...

Viddle:  I walked in the Sainai,,, wore a djelaba, white hooded garment.  Met guy on  a stelle, meditating on a pillar on a cushion, shaking.  Snorkled in the Red Sea.  


Carolyn:  paying homage to the sun, Mithras.  In the Roman empire, Mithras was very popular.  God of peace and of the sun.  They held Sunday sacred; they practiced baptism.  Communion of bread and wine.  Many similarities to Christianity.  Celebrated Mithramas on Dec 25.  200 years older than Christianity.  (ellen: see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraic_Mysteries
which does not agree with this info.)  

...
Vlasta:  we didn't have Santa in communist countries.  Had a Grandpa Frost; put tree up for New Years.  

Julia:  Santa Claus is entirely different from St. Nicholas.  Santa Claus comes from the Laplanders shamanism...reindeers.  Yurts in a circle, covered with snow... only way in or out is thru the chimneys.  Jose Allegre:  The Mushroom and the Cross.  .......Reindeer shamaness.  
Sacred Mushrooms and History by James Arthur.  
Lots of our Christmas iconography comes from reindeer shamanism; the red and white candy cane, shepherd's crook.  

Carolyn  I have a story about drugs.  Was in graphic design school in Switzerland.  Dr Hoffman who invented LSD-25.  We had access to LSD.  I saw God... emerald city.  Mendelbrot, geometric patterns.  I understood eventhing: gravity, light, einstein.  
I did it 9 times.  the first time I was out of my body.  We do have Mendlebrot patterns.  

Vlasta  I heard on radio, guy from Saudi Arabia been accused of witchcraft.  The penalty for this is death.  ... women cannot drive there.  Terrible customs...

Julia  I have a movie "Beauty Academy of Kabul".  
2006 movie, documentary.  Women come into Kabul to teach salon stylists...  Shows what is going on in Afghanistan under the Taliban.  

Vlasta  I am still living off the grid and I find it invigorating.  

Viddle:  There was Judaism in China; in some places they still light candles on Friday nights.  

Carolyn:  I saw Prof. Steve Sunderland on TV; he was talking about hunger.  

Medical Tourism
Vlasta I went to India and had my teeth fixed for a fraction of the cost.  
My friend, retired airforce commander, lives in Delhi, suggested I come there for my dental work and I did.  the dentist was trained Ohio State.  They were really good.  
Contact Vlasta:  DrMolak@gmail.com
She is going to be the agent for them.  

Byron  What do any of  you know about the Tea Party?
Ellen:  see 

Byron  this Tea Party thing disturbs me.  
Mira  I was a the First Unitarian Church this summer when they came to protest Steve Driehaus' town meeting on health care.  

Ellen:  the health bill?  Is it another NAFTA.
Vlasta:  it is better re the prior conditions provision.  It is better to pass this bill now and eventually get Medicare for all.  

Judy:  I am  listening; it is interesting.  
Pete:  I think the Health Care thing is an issue and I can't figure out enough to know if it should be passed or not.  
Viddle:  there are some good things in the Senate plan.  ... the insurance cos are still protected, but this business of stopping insurance when you get sick, that's over. The no insur if you have pre-existing condition is over.  Those are two great improvements.  However, the insur cos are still int he game taking part of our health dollars.  ... Now, by including everybody, the insurance cos will make even more money.  

Pete  There still are plenty of issues that have to be worked out, but the outlines are pretty clear.  






Weekly 12/24/09 Activities and Opportunities, Section Two

SECTION TWO: ACTIVITIES, OPPORTUNITIES



EarthSave Cincinnati Annual
Holiday Vegan Potluck Party

2:30pm, Sunday, December 27, 2009
Clifton United Methodist Church
3416 Clifton Avenue
 
Enjoy Good Company and Good Food!
Live music with Lagniappe Cajun Band

Please bring a vegan dish to share and your own plates, cups, utensils
Remember to take home everything you brought that is not compostable.
 
EarthSave educates people about the powerful effects our food
choices have on the environment, our health and all life on Earth,
and encourages a shift toward a healthy plant-based diet.
 
513-929-2500   http://cincinnati.earthsave.org   cincinnati@earthsave.org

Everyone Welcome!




December Drumming Circle this Tuesday

Please join us on Tuesday, December 29, 2009, from 6:45 to 8:45 at the Lloyd House, 3901 Clifton Ave.  Bring a drum or just come.  
 
 
It's time for another rockin’ drumming night raising the collective vibrations!!!
 
Best to park on Lafayette Ave.  Bring snacks if you’d like.
 
CAll with any questions.
 
Jackie Millay
H 541-4900
C 405-1514
 

Borrow Equipment!  Terrific Idea

Share Some Sugar: Why buy when you can borrow from a neighbor? Share Some Sugar is an ongoing online local neighborhood sharing service started by local Hyde Parker, Keara Schwartz. The website is an service that finds someone in your neighborhood who is willing to lend you something that you need. Need a karaoke set for a party, a power tool that you'll only use once, or an extra folding table for your holiday party? Rather than buy them, why not borrow these items from neighbors on Share Some Sugar? It's a new website that finds someone in your neighborhood who is willing to lend you something you need. And it's free to use. Save money by borrowing instead of buying, lower your environmental footprint by consuming less & meet new neighbors. Go to http://www.sharesomesugar.com

Yours,
Shirley Reischman




R
OOM AVAILABLE AT LLOYD HOUSE!
Fabulous opportunity.  
at
the Historic Lloyd House
SINGLE room on third floor,  private bathroom.    M
any perqs:  fabulous common rooms include dining room, music/living room, zendo meditation room, spacious veranda, off street parking, laundry in basement, sauna.  Share kitchen on 3rd floor with 3 other adults.
Multi-cultural house, live music parties,  monthly drum circle, yoga practice weekly, Tai Chi weekly, pot luck salon every Wed. night.  Must be at least 25; no smoking; no pets; solid financial credentials.  $360/month house dues.  Call Ellen: 513 221 1289






Sing
ers Wanted... Concert singers, bathtub singers... All!
MLK
Chorale Back in Session !

(for near
ly 20 years Cathy Roma, now with the help of Todd O’Neal has been leading the big gospel chorus for MLK Day.  It’s a blast!  Mixed race group, very grand leadership, wonderful spirit and music.  All singers at any level, any age ... No audition. Come.  Ellen.)

We have con
solidated our practices, almost like when we first started 18 years ago. I believe we are entering our 19th season together.

We will gather on Tuesdays at
7:00 at the House of Joy. (church in College Hill on Hanilton Ave, used to be a movie theater. Parking lot behind the building, access off Cedar.)  
DATES:
Tuesdays Dec 1; Dec 15; Jan 5; Jan 12;  7 – 9 pm
And Saturday Jan 16 10-12

I know y
ou know--the social and cultural climate in which we live needs our vibrant voices raised in song for peace and for justice. We acknowledge the continuing influence Dr. Martin Luther King's words and deeds has on our lives. Bishop Todd O'Neal and I look forward to gathering once again as we keep hope alive with our attitude of yes we can.

Peace, love, and gratitude
Dr. Catherine Roma and Bishop Todd O'Neal



Local Website for Anyone Needing
Help
Th
anks to Shirley Reischman

http://cinc
ybenefitsinfo.com/  
This site offers many lists of resources available for people who could use
some help.  Or if you find something on here to which you'd like to
contribute, I'm sure they'd love that as well!


Wildly Popular “NAKED CLOWNS CALENDAR” is
back for 2010
Designed and masterminded by Salonista Cha
d Benjamin Potter.


Hello Friends!  

The Naked Clowns just released a new video <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60AIBs-hLYI>  about the calendar on YouTube.

Chec
k it out and be sure to visit www.nakedclowncalendar.com <http://www.nakedclowncalendar.com>  to order this year's calendar!

In L
aughter,

The Naked Clowns,
www.nakedclowncalendar.com <http://www.nak
edclowncalendar.com>

An
d if you have trouble ordering, read this:
On Sun
, Nov 1, 2009 at 2:34 PM, Ellen Bierhorst <ellenbierhorst@lloydhouse.com> wrote:
Fabulo
us!!!  Even better.  I want to order mine, but... The “order today” button does not work.  Please advise.  Want to announce this in the Weekly.
Hope you are wonderful as ever.
Love
E.

Fro
m Chad:
Here a
re some instructions on how to order:

1. Click on the PayPal and Google Checkout icon box above the "Breaking News" sign.  
2. A page will pop-out giving you the option of google or paypal.  
3. Under PayPal or Google, decide from the drop-down menu which calendar you would like to purchase
(2010 - $14.99,2010&2009 - $19.99, 2009 - $5.00)
4.  Once you've made your decision, click paypal's "Buy Now" or google's "Add to Cart" button.
5.  Follow the PayPal or Google instructions from there.

If you have having an issue getting the page to pop-out, make sure your browser is up-to-date.  

Thanks for the mention in the weekly.  If you have any more questions, please let me know.

I'm doing well.  Working on a commercial for the calendar.  I'll send you a link when it's finished!

cbp



Chec
k out local traffic conditions, live v
ia webcam:  so cool!
http://www.artimis.org/traffic.php

Thank
s
to Kati Krome




Weekly 12/24/09 ARTICLES AND LETTERS

SECTION THREE: ARTICLES AND LETTERS



Forwarded by Shirley Reischman
Subject: Kitchen oil fire.

I never realized that
a wet dishcloth can be a one size fits all lid
to cover a fire in a pan
! This is a dramatic video (30-second, very
short) about how to deal with a common kitchen fire... Oil in a frying
pan. Read the following Introduction, then watch the show... It's a
real eye-opener!  At the Fire Fighting Training school they would
demonstrate this with a deep fat fryer set on the fire field. An
instructor would don a fire suit and using an 8 oz cup at the end of a
10 foot pole toss water onto the grease fire. The results got the
attention of the students. The water, being heavier than oil, sinks to
the bottom where it instantly becomes superheated. The explosive force
of the steam blows the burning oil up and out. On the open field, it
became a thirty foot high fireball that resembled a nuclear blast.
Inside the confines of a kitchen, the fire ball hits the ceiling and
fills the entire room.  Also,
do not throw sugar or flour on a grease
fire.
One cup of either creates the explosive force of two sticks of
dynamite. This is a powerful message. ...


Nuclear Is Not the Right Alternative Energy Source
New plants are risky, costly and unnecessary

by Arjun Makhijani
Luminant Energy, formerly TXU, is proposing to build two Mitsubishi nuclear power reactors at its Comanche Peak site, where two reactors are already in place.

This is part of a national wave of new commercial reactor proposals after a three-decade lapse in new orders - eight in Texas alone. Having failed miserably to deliver on the 1950s promise that nuclear electricity would be „too cheap to meter,‰ the industry now says it will save us from climate change. If you don‚t like coal, you have to take nuclear, goes the nuclear establishment‚s hopeful mantra.

That‚s a false choice. Replacing coal with nuclear is risky, costly and unnecessary.

Renewable energy sources are quite sufficient to provide ample, reliable electricity. For instance, Texas has greater wind energy potential than its present electricity generation from all sources; it is greater also than the output from all U.S. nuclear power plants combined. And it has barely captured a whisper of its potential.

Wind energy is competitive with or more economical than nuclear energy - about 8 cents per kilowatt-hour in good areas. A recent independent assessment by the Keystone Center, which included industry representatives, estimated nuclear costs at 8 to 11 cents.

MORE
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/02/26/730
8/

Caeli M. Good





This has been looked up on Snoops and it says it's true but rare!
Microwaving Water!

A 26-year old man decided to have a cup of coffee. He took a cup of water and put it in the microwave to heat it up (something that he had done numerous times before). I am not sure how long he set the timer for, but he wanted to bring the water to a boil. When the timer shut the oven off, he removed the cup from the oven. As he looked into the cup, he noted that the! water was not boiling, but suddenly the water in the cup 'blew up' into his face. The cup remained intact until he threw it out of his hand, but all the water had flown out into his face due to the buildup of energy. His whole face is blistered and he has 1st and 2nd degree burns to his face which may leave scarring.

He also may have lost partial sight in his left eye. While at the hospital, the doctor who was attending to him stated that this is a fairly common occurrence and water (alone) should never be heated in a microwave oven. If water is heated in this manner, something should be placed in the cup to diffuse the energy such as a wooden stir stick, tea bag, etc.., (nothing metal).

General Electric's Response:

Thanks for contacting us, I will be happy to assist you. The e-mail that you received is correct. Microwaved water and other liquids do not always bubble when they reach the boiling point. They can actually get superheated and not bubble at all. The superheated liquid will bubble up out of the cup when it is moved or when something like a spoon or tea bag is put into it.

To prevent this from happening and causing injury, do not heat any liquid for more than two minutes per cup. After heating, let the cup stand in the microwave for thirty seconds! before moving it or adding anything into it.

Here is what our local science teacher had to say on the matter: 'Thanks for the microwave warning. I have seen this happen before. It is caused by a phenomenon known as super heating. It can occur anytime water is heated and will particularly occur if the vessel that the water is heated in is new, or when heating a small amount of water (less than half a cup).

What happens is that the water heats faster than the vapor bubbles can form. If the cup is very new then it is unlikely to have small surface scratches inside it that provide a place for the bubbles to form. As the bubbles cannot form and release some of the heat has built up, the liquid does not boil, and the liquid continues to heat up well past its boiling point.

What then usually happens is that the liquid is bumped or jarred, which is just enough of a shock to cause the bubbles to rapidly form and expel the hot liquid. The rapid formation of bubbles is also why a carbonated beverage spews when opened after having been shaken.'

If you pass this on you could very well save someone from a lot of pain and suffering.


Reviews

SECTION FIVE:  BOOKS, MOVIES, RESTAURANTS


It’s great to share tips.  I keep a running list of books friends have touted.  Hope you will send me names of your books and movies... Restaurants you’ve been to.  

Returning from Egypt on Friday I watched the movie "Up" on iPod.  I loved it!  The characterization of dogs was terrific.  Nice story of redemption and transformation and healing of loss.  
ellen



Reviews

SECTION FIVE:  BOOKS, MOVIES, RESTAURANTS

It’s great to share tips.  I keep a running list of books friends have touted.  Hope you will send me names of your books and movies... Restaurants you’ve been to.  

Returning from Egypt on Friday I watched the movie "Up" on iPod.  I loved it!  The characterization of dogs was terrific.  Nice story of redemption and transformation and healing of loss.  
ellen



Tri-State Treasures

 
Happy Holidays To You & Your Families
 
 
Tri-State Treasures
 
Tri-State Treasures is a chronological compilation of unique local people, places, and events that may enrich your lives.  These treasures have been submitted by you and others who value supporting quality community offerings.  Please consider supporting these treasures, and distributing the information for others to enjoy.  And please continue forwarding your Tri-State Treasures ideas to jkesner@nuvox.net.

Information about Tri-State Treasures and how to submit them is at the bottom of this email.  Please help me by providing all basic information, and formatting your submissions as described below.  Thank you.

Sincerely,  Jim

~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
The U.S. Census Bureau – Is Hiring: The U.S. Census Bureau is now hiring for positions in the metro Cincinnati area to begin operations for conducting the 2010 Census. This is an exciting opportunity to enhance your job skills, further your career & improve your community. The local U.S. Census Bureau office is at 801 Linn Street, 4th Floor, downtown Cincinnati, OH 45203. More info including how to apply @ toll‐free 866.861.2010 & www.census.gov/detroit.
 
Share Some Sugar: Why buy when you can borrow from a neighbor? Share Some Sugar is an ongoing online local neighborhood sharing service started by local Hyde Parker, Keara Schwartz. The website is an service that finds someone in your neighborhood who is willing to lend you something that you need. Need a karaoke set for a party, a power tool that you'll only use once, or an extra folding table for your holiday party? Rather than buy them, why not borrow these items from neighbors on Share Some Sugar? It's a new website that finds someone in your neighborhood who is willing to lend you something you need. And it's free to use. Save money by borrowing instead of buying, lower your environmental footprint by consuming less & meet new neighbors. Go to @ www.sharesomesugar.com.
 
Classical Still Life Painting in Oil with Richard Luschek [Thursdays 14 January - 18 March @ 6:30-9:30 PM]: A beginning painting course where students will not only begin with the very basics of painting but will begin to learn how to see & study nature. The student's own work is the forum for inculcating this knowledge thru verbal instruction, demonstrations & hands-on critiques. There will be plenty of suggested reading. Please contact Richard for a full supply list. Tuition for the class is $250; $50 deposit will hold your spot; limited to 11 students. At the Women Art Club & Cultural Art Center, The Resthaven Barn, 6980 Cambridge Avenue, Mariemont, OH 45227. More info @ 513.479.3322, richard_luschek@yahoo.com & www.richardluschek.com.
 
Freestore Foodbank: Their mission is to provide food & services, create stability & self-reliance for people in crisis; to be a community leader to end hunger & address its causes. The Freestore Foodbank is one of the region's largest food banks, distributing 10 million pounds of food annually in 20 OH, KY & IN counties thru a network of over 400 local member agencies such as soup kitchens, shelters, food pantries, churches, daycare & senior centers, & many others. Unlike other food banks, they operate a Client Services Center in Over-the-Rhine to meet the needs of our community's most vulnerable citizens: homeless, unemployed, working poor & families in crisis. They work to determine root causes of poverty & food insecurity; to provide services aimed at creating self-reliance: a safe place to live, access to affordable healthcare, clothing & job skills & placement. Professionally, ethically & effectively managed by a good board & Executive Director. Consider making a donation to this nonprofit 501(c)(3) org. More info & donations @ 513.482.7539,jebelhar@freestoreFoodbank.org & www.freestorefoodbank.org.
 
Drop Inn Center: As a community of residents, staff & volunteers, their mission is simple: to work together to provide basic human services for the men & women of the Greater Cincinnati area who are experiencing homelessness. Their primary commitment is to shelter, offering a place to stay for those in need now, & helping find & keep a permanent place of residence for the future. For those who are hungry, alone, frightened & homeless, the Drop Inn Center is a place they can turn to for hope & help. They have 300 beds that are full almost every night with homeless folks who are fed a meal & provided with a clean bed to sleep in. Additional funds are needed to enable their case managers to provide additional services. Professionally, ethically & effectively managed by a good board & Executive Director. Consider making a donation to this valuable org. More info & donations @ 513.721.0643 & www.dropinn.org.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Reveillon Pot Luck [Thursday 24 December @ 6-9 PM]: This event has been designed specifically for those who can NOT "make it home for the Holidays," but everyone is welcome. Alliance Francaise de Cincinnati & their President, Aude Roumegoux, invite you to celebrate a warm informal French family tradition of sharing good food & laughs on December 24th. They will share their favorite dishes in a pot luck formula & exchange gifts in a game of "Stealing Santa." If you wish to attend, please RSVP by December 23rd & get all the details. To play "Stealing Santa," each participant should bring a $15-20 wrapped gift. The Roumegoux family is looking forward to welcoming you to their home. If you can not make it, please accept their warmest holiday wishes on behalf of the Alliance Francaise de Cincinnati. At 8172 Bonanza Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45255. More info & RSVP @ 513.389.9100 & af@france-cincinnati.com.
 
Sideways Stories from Wayside School [thru Sunday 27 December]: This production has been received very well by large audiences. Know Theatre has added performances. There was a slight error in the construction of Wayside School. Instead of 30 classrooms side by side, it was built one classroom on top of another, 30 stories high, except the 19th floor, which may have been forgotten. Join the school's students for a series of strange encounters & skewed adventures. Meet the meanest teacher in the school's history, a magic blackboard, talking pigtails, among other oddities. John Olive's adaptation of the series of children's books by Louis Sachar. Cash bar before & after show. Tickets are $12 in advance; $15 on performance day. At Know Theatre, 1120 Jackson Street, Cincinnati, OH, 45202. More info, schedule & tix @ 513.300.5669 & www.knowtheatre.com.
 
Cincinnati Young Peoples' Theatre Reunion Benefit Concert [Sunday 27 December; times below]: Alumni of CYPT, the venerable summer teen theatre program, will gather for the 1st CYPT Reunion Benefit Concert. Since 1982, CYPT has mounted over 50 productions; more than 1,000 actors, dancers, stage managers, technical staff & musicians proudly call themselves alumni. Many have gone on to careers in the profession. This benefit concert will invite back talent from all eras of the program to perform showstoppers & CYPT favorites. All proceeds benefit CYPT to keep this program going & growing. The CYPT Reunion Benefit Concert @ 7:30 PM will feature great songs from several of the classic CYPT productions, multiple hosts, intriguing nuggets from CYPT history & the 1st CYPT Alumni Awards; tickets are $15. The Official Pre-Show Happy Hour @ 6-7 PM allows you to mix & mingle with CYPT friends, old & new; tickets are $10 & include 2 drinks. The After Hours Cast Party @ 9:30 PM allows you to socialize after the concert; help raise money for the program by bidding on prizes, raffles & contributing a song. At the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts, 4990 Glenway Avenue, West Price Hill, Cincinnati, OH 45238. More info @ 513.241.6550 &www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com.
 
2009 New Year's Eve Blast on Fountain Square [Thursday 31 December beginning @ 8 PM]: Welcome 2010 in downtown Cincinnati with free skating on the U.S. Bank Rink, tunes from an on-site DJ, an elaborate Ice Bar & fireworks at midnight. About 7.5 tons of ice are used to create the elaborate ice bar. Faucets are frozen inside the bar so beer can be tapped from inside the ice. The bar is about 20 feet long, 12 feet deep & 10 feet high. In addition to beer, martini drinks will be sold. The event is free and open to the public. Skating is free; skate rental is $2.50. Adult beverage, soda & snacks will be available for purchase. Sponsors: Kroger, Toyota, P&G & Strauss & Troy, LLC. Produced by Fountain Square Management Group, a subsidiary of 3CDC. At Fountain Square, 5th & Vine Streets, downtown Cincinnati, OH 45202. Parking all evening in the Fountain Square Garage for $5. More info @ www.myfountainsquare.com.
 
International Drawing Annual 5 (INDA5) [entry deadline is Thursday 31 December]: The Annual is a competitive publication of works of contemporary drawing & writing about drawing to recognize, document & publish excellent, current & relevant works of drawing from around the world. Cash awards total $1000. Hardcover & perfect bound books available fall 2010. At Manifest Creative Research Gallery & Drawing Center, 2727 Woodburn Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45206. More info @ 513.861.3638 &www.manifestgallery.org.
 
Idyll - New Photography, Sculpture & Installation [thru Thursday 31 December]: An exhibit of new art works by Celene Hawkins (see image at right). At Prairie, 4035 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45223. More info @ www.prairiecincinnati.com.
 
Buy Glass Sculpture to Fight World Hunger [thru the holidays]: The Marta Hewett Gallery, a member of Heifer International's Ambassador's Council, partners with this acclaimed org to continue the fight against hunger & to provide hope to families around the world. Choose from 100's of beautiful original works in the gallery & Heifer International will receive 10% of each sale. Heifer International was selected by Forbes Magazine as one of 10 "Gold Star" charities & is the recipient of the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize. Heifer International has provided aid in 53 countries & 27 states, with gifts of training & livestock, from water buffalo to bees, to help needy families achieve self-reliance. Select instantly from new pieces in the gallery by Kathleen Elliot, Afro Celotto, Brian Russell & others. Or view works by exciting, emerging artists including Martin Janecky, Matthew Cummings & Sung Soo Kim to help change the world today when you choose a distinctive work in glass. At Marta Hewett Gallery, 656 E. McMillan Street, Cincinnati, OH 45206. More info @ 513.281.2780, marta@martahewett.comwww.martahewett.com & www.heifer.org.
 
Annual Holiday Food Drive [thru Saturday 2 January]: All donations accepted. Bring in 2 full bags & receive a free chiropractic or nutritional examination. Food is donated to the Freestore Foodbank of Cincinnati. Help us feed those in need. Gateways to Healing, Network Chiropractic & Advanced Clinical Nutrition. 3239 Jefferson Avenue, Clifton, Cincinnati, OH 45220. More info @ 513.321.3317 & www.GatewaysToHealing.com.
 
The Colors of Nature - New Oil Paintings by José Luis Nunez [thru Tuesday 5 January]: Art On The Levee Gallery presents the new & vibrant landscapes & still lifes of José Luis Nunez. At Newport On the Levee, 1 Levee Way, KY 41071 (across from the movie ticket booth). More info & art @ 859.261.5770, artonthelevee@gmail.com & www.joseluisnunez.com.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ongoing Tri-State Treasures
 
More Great Cincinnati Families at Home [thru Sunday 24 January]: More Great Cincinnati Families at Home has moved from the Betts House to Park + Vine. Take in a little architectural history while you shop for holidays. The exhibit showcases the private residences of the Emery, Longworth-Anderson, Maxwell-Schmidlapp-Graydon & Werk-Oskamp families, & shares stories about these well-known Cincinnatians. At Park + Vine, 1109 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. More info @ 513.721.7275,dan@parkandvine.com & www.parkandvine.com.
 
Etchings & Screenprints by Chelsey Hughes [thru Sunday 31 January]: Cincinnati artist Chelsey Hughes exhibits 2 bodies of work which explore medical anomalies, human oddities & a fascination with the strange. At NVISION, 4577 Hamilton Avenue, Northside, Cincinnati, OH 45223. More info & images @ 513.542.4577 & http://nvisionshop.com.
 
Tai Chi Classes with Ralph Dehner [Thursdays @ 10 AM - Noon]: His students write that Ralph Dehner, Tai Chi for Health Master/Trainer, is Cincinnati's premier Tai Chi teacher & an outstanding human being who'll lead you thru the journey of Tai Chi, a slow Chinese martial art now celebrated worldwide as a way to balance energies within. Ralph introduces 2 Tai Chi classes at his Fairfield studio. Standardized Yang 24 Forms @ 10-11 AM: the most popular Tai Chi forms; great for beginners thru advanced students; easy to learn, but with great depth the 24 Forms are the fundamentals to a life time practice or a route toward advanced/competition forms; $96 for 8-weeks. Yang 32 Sword Forms @ 11 AM - Noon: the sword counterpart to 24 Forms; 32 Sword adds a new dimension to your Tai Chi practice, requires some background in 24 Forms or other Tai Chi open-hand forms; $96 for 8-weeks. Two-class special: join both 24 & 32 sword classes & get the sword class for half price ($48). Tai Chi classes offered at other locations on Mondays & Thursdays at 6 PM in Clifton. At 5927 Embassy Drive, Fairfield, OH 45014. More info & registration @ 513.519.0559 & ralph.dehner@juno.com.
 
Argentine Tango year around: Tango del Barrio, Cincinnati's Argentine Tango social club, inhabits a lively corner of eclectic Northside, the city's most vibrant & diverse neighborhood. More than a dance studio, Tango del Barrio is a gathering place, a welcoming community of dancers & friends devoted to sharing the spirit & intrigues of Argentine Tango. Check out their schedule of classes, practices, milongas (social dances) & special events. Tango del Barrio is at 4046 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45223. More info @ 513.591.0019, 513.591.1948, lopezonr@fuse.netmwizer@earthlink.net & www.tangodelbarrio.com.
 
Blessingways: Mindy Mossman is pleased to announce her partnership with the Cincinnati Family Enrichment Center to offer Blessingway Ceremonies for pregnant & adoptive mothers. The Blessingway is a mother-centered ceremony including friends & family that honors a woman as she transitions thru pregnancy & birth into motherhood. Each ceremony is custom designed to provide a deeply meaningful, delightful & transformational experience for the mother-to-be while honoring her personal belief system. $200 includes consult, invites & facilitation. More info from Mindy @ 513.319.6612, mindyblessing@me.com &www.theplaceforfamilies.com/programs/for-parents.
 

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Tri-State Treasures is compiled by Jim Kesner
  • Submit Tri-State Treasures or request addresses to be added or removed from the list by emailingjkesner@nuvox.net; specify "Tri-State Treasures."
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  • Please submit your Tri-State Treasures in the following format. This will greatly help me & enhance the probability your item will be included:
    Brief Title of the Treasure [date @ time]: Brief description of the treasure; what is it; why is it wonderful & unique. Cost. Sponsor. Location including address & zip code. More info @ telephone, email, & website.
    A Fictitious Example:
    Fabulous Film Festival [Friday 3 May @ 8-10 PM]: The first & best film festival in Cincinnati will present live-action, documentary, & short films... Presented by Flicks Ð¯ Us. Tickets are $8. At The Movie Theatre, 111 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH 45200. More info @ 513.111.2222, info@filmfestival.com & www.filmfestival.com.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Table Notes, 12/16/09

TABLE NOTES FROM SALON WED. 12/16
Hosted in Ellen's absence by Mira Rodwan. Many thanks! Stay tuned for Egypt Trip report. ellen

(ATTN: Dear Ellen---Happy Hanukkah!---Mira)--- the song: Oh How Lovely Is the Evening When the Bells of Peace Are Ringing ll: Peace on Earth :ll
--the guests: Mira Rodwan, Byron Moody, Vlasta Molak, Mr G, Badger Johnson, Jonathan Rosenberg, Raven Lunatic, Carolyn Clark

--the topics:
~~(MBR) Today, on the Diane Rehm Show (NPR), a reporter from the New Yorker magazine spoke about the lack of responsible reporting in the U.S. due to the media monopolies --- (gone are the muckrakers: IE Edward R. Murrow, Cronkite, Woodward and Bernstein)---
~~the Copenhagen Summit/global warming issues were discussed:
(Julia) American companies are establishing green-energy plants in China---& not here.
~~the large, rich, energy-guzzling nations voted not to give the small, poor countries "a pass"-- the island nations and poor countries with beaches and seaports --- who have not contributed CO-2 emissions --- will be the first ones swallowed up by the ocean, but will not see reparations so they could prepare for their survival as the arctic glaciers melt---
China considers itself a "developing" nation so they should not be expected to pay their share toward climate change measures--- and the large, developed nations HAVE emitted 50% of the greenhouse gases until now.
Americans have become auto-addicts.
~~(CC) In Germany, the workers ride bikes to the offices and factories and park them in large basement garages filled with only bikes and NO cars.

---RE; speaking out to local government:
~~(DrM) addressing the Hamilton County Commissioners: --casinos will replace banks as our money handlers--
--the EPA rejected the MSD (sewer district) proposal since it would not solve the problem of sewage draining into the river during a rain. There is a difference between wanting to be green and knowing how to do it. Our GAIA Foundation can teach you how.
Or the county may lose when taxpayers realize this proposal will result in a major cost increase in their bills.
---Jonathan: speaking at City Council re: the many large budget cuts affecting public health, safety, parks, recreation, sanitation, and our environmental programs: "Think before you cut the arts and these public programs --- What will this city become for our next generation and the next?"

~~RE: China is doing our manufacturing for us while they are not hiring our workers.
(CC--responding) The Chinese are hiring our scientists---quoting:
John Hennessy, President of Stanford (interviewed by Charlie Rose /PBS--3/2/09): We must conquer the battery problem --- the U.S. has not funded energy research --- not sought to solve the auto CO-2 emissions problems. IOur engineering professors are being hired by Saudi Arabia to design a better battery. (Charlie Rose--3/10/09) Energy Secretary Chu: "Perhaps in 2 to 3 years we will have a deep-charging battery with 3-times the power."
In early April (on C-span) Henrik Fisker, CEO--Fisker Automotive spoke: "one company in China (Build Your Dream) employes 5,000 auto engineers and 5,000 battery engineers that work on the development of a super-battery for cars, trucks and buses and they are hiring American engineers".

~~RE: the politics of health care:
--(CC) Senator Mary Landrieu (D--LA) has made a deal in exchange for her vote supporting the "public-option" and the President's bill Louisiana will receive $1.5 million.
(Mr.G) --on the state of American politics --- "our social policy and how our system can do very little to improve things for the better"-- according to Ezra Klein, columnist with the Washington Post -- interviewed by Charlie Rose (12/15) --- "the problem is Congress --- the filibuster has changed how Congress works -- the minority can make the majority fail -- Congress can over-ride the Presidents ideas and vetos".

~~RE: suggested future guest/speakers for the Salon:
--(CC) Shawn Hesse of Green Cincinnati + Immersion Design who was a recent guest of David Surber, host of MAKE PEACE WITH NATURE (on ch 12 & Public Access-TV) --- spoke on a study by the Brookings Institute listing the nation's top 100 cities (per-capita) with the most greenhouse emissions and the least programs to use sustainable energy...showing Cincinnati at #73 (23rd from the bottom) --- he spoke about the Office of Environmental Quality (OEQ) and the 2007 plan-of-action by Larry Falkin (Director) "88 Recommendations"-- (contact surber@surber.com)
--(DrM) suggested engineer Mike Fremont (husband of Marilyn Wall--with The Sierra Club)
--(Jonathan): invite Peter Huttinger-- he is campaigning to preserve the Civic Garden Center, which is looking at deep budget cuts; they are helping the Urban Gardens, which encourage inner-city families to plant and eat fresh vegetables--- especially needed since most have no transportation to go to a super market.
--(CC) suggesting Tyrone Yates -- Ohio Representative--District 33 -- who was interviewed by Brian Garry via Public Access TV -- speaking out against the proposed Cincinnati trolley; the Farm bill, and the casinos -- listing common sense reasoning -- concerned that the voters were misleaded and basically uninformed. to contact: webmaster@lis.state.oh.US & district33@ohr.state.oh.us (Rep.Yates is writing a book on JFK)
notes by Carolyn Clark

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

From PETRA, JORDAN !

I have been out of contact since arriving in Egypt on Dec 3. Today, finally, I am able to get "on", though not via my iPod Touch, so email is not going out.
I am sitting in a scruffy Internet Cafe opposite the entry to the ancient caravan stop Petra, not far from the Gulf of Aqaba in Jordan. So much to tell. It's been grand, despite various problems like being a little bit sick the whole time with cold, sore throat, now digestive woe. My plan is to gather up the zillions of photos Edie Moore and I have taken with her very clever digital camera and give a "slide show" of the trip... hope within a month of arriving home on 12/18.
Really hope the salon is going forth in grand style, as always.
This trip is about my turning 70 next summer, and needing a great new vision for the next phase of my life. That's the fascinating part. ... we came to Egypt with an Egyptologist tour guide, a logistics tour guide, and an American shaman Hank Wesselman. Get this... we spent an hour and a half in the mysterious granite box "the king's chamber" in the middle of the great pyramid of Cheops/Kufu... drumming, toning, ... got to lie inthe sarcophagus (only that's surely not what it ever was) and tone... You are going to want to hear about this. The group of 40 of us, toning in this amazingly resonant granite chamber.
So I won't be in real email contact until I get back and recover.
Hugs to all,
Ellen