The Virtual Salon is a publication of Ellen Bierhorst at the Lloyd House, usually out on Thursday afternoons, weekly. For how to submit material, & to unsubscribe see the very end of this email
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~ Virtual Salon ~
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Photo Note: no time to change photo... but this IS a new edition. ellen
From Ellen
12/6/12 ~
Hi Anna,
In Boston last week visited the Artisans' Asylum with son Judah Sher. Probably unique in the world, this cooperative "maker" venue has the special feature of fostering fertile spontaneous interactions among the members by having all the separations between individual spaces be only counter high. So not only do artisans/makers/inventers/artists share cooperative machinery of all sorts (like 3-D printers, and big milling machines) but they are in constant eyesight of one another, and pass each other in the passages and at the water cooler and in the open lounge area, and the excitement in there is thrilling, ... infectious. Many "Maker Spaces" there are, but none like this one. Everyone is excited by each others' projects, and there to be helpful. I was there at the "open studio" on Saturday... there were tons of people; all the members were there showing what they do.
.
Hugs,
ACTIVITIES AND
OPPORTUNITIES
PART I: Arts, Events, etc.
PART II: Democracy.
PART III: The Environment==========================================================================================================
PART I: ARTS, EVENTS, ETC.
TWO HOUSEMATE VACANCIES AT THE LLOYD HOUSE
Large room with big bathroom adjoining (private), gas fireplace, huge windows; second floor. This BIG (15 room/ 5 1/2 bath) Victorian stone castle is shared by friendly host Ellen and 3 other adults. All utilities AND hi speed internet provided. Room is furnished but you may use your own furn. instead. You share a kitchen on the third floor with the other 3 housemates ( there are 2 refrigerators... 2 persons per frig.) Laundry in the basement. Shared spaces include: veranda w/ Hatteras hammock and chiminea, formal dining room that seats 14, music/living rm w/ grand piano, hi-fi, guitar, hand drums etc., yoga room in turret. Off street parking. Especially congenial, multicultural ambience. Hardwood floors. Inclinator (like an elevator) goes to second floor. Monthly dues $535, all utilities and WiFi included. As of 12/8 we will have road runner "extreme" speed... 30 mb.30 min walk to bus; 45 min walk to U.C. 25 min walk to Cinti State.
Available December 15
Phone Ellen: 513 221 1289.
See Craigs List ad HERE~~ ~~
THIRD FLOOR SUITE
Two Large rooms with big bathroom adjoining (private), on third floor. This BIG (15 room/ 5 1/2 bath) Victorian stone castle is shared by friendly host Ellen and 3 other adults besides you. All utilities AND hi speed internet provided. Rooms are furnished but you may use your own furn. instead. You share a kitchen on the third floor with the other 3 housemates ( there are 2 refrigerators... 2 persons per frig.) Laundry in the basement. Shared spaces include: veranda w/ Hatteras hammock and chiminea, formal dining room that seats 14, music/living rm w/ grand piano, hi-fi, guitar, hand drums etc., yoga room in turret. Off street parking. Especially congenial, multicultural ambience. Hardwood floors. Inclinator (like an elevator) goes to second floor. Monthly dues $595, all utilities and WiFi included. As of 12/8 we will have road runner "extreme" speed... 30 mb.
30 min walk to bus; 45 min walk to U.C. 25 min walk to Cinti State.
Available December 17
Phone Ellen: 513 221 1289.WINTER FARMERS' MARKET IN HYDE PARK; Sunday mornings at Clark Montessori School on Erie (East of Paxton a little bit.)
Check this out!From: Debbie Westheimer <debbie@westheimers.net>
Subject: Winter Market
Date: Sun 2 Dec 7:52:45 AM EST
Today (Dec. 2) is the first day of the Hyde Park Winter Market. Clark Montessori, just down the street on Erie has graciously opened their doors to vendors and patrons. The time: 10-1. Please support these local farmers as this is a trial and it's success through April is dependent on traffic.
Any questions can be directed to Sarah Mancino: farmbeachbethel@adelphia.net
3030 Erie Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45208
or me: 732-6355
....
P.S.If you want to receive weekly email updates on the Hyde Park Winter Market, email Hannah so she can add you to her list.
see you on Sunday mornings/ 10-1. (see first email for details)
ANDThe Northside Farmers Market has asked for our help in circulating a survey link.
To help with planning for next year's Outdoor Market, they're gathering feedback from shoppers. Given Clifton's proximity to Northside, they reached out to us.
Here is a message from the Market:
If you shopped at the Northside Farmers Market at any point between May through October—no matter how often, we'd love to know what you thought.
We also want to learn more about our shoppers.
Here is the survey link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NFMOutdoor2012
One lucky respondent will win a $25 gift certificate to the Market.
The survey will remain open through Monday, December 3.
Thank you, in advance, for your participation!
We look forward to hearing from many of you!
WORLD CHOIR GAMES AWARD WINNING PERFORMANCES BY THE MLK CHORALE
available, amateur videos of amazing performances online HERE
If y ou missed all the excitement last summer, check these out.
YOU CAN BUILD A COOL WEBSITE. (4)If you like my website at www.lloydhouse.com , you might like to host yours at hostmonster...it's cheap and good, uses WordPress which is learnable. If you click here and do wind up having a page with them, I'll get a lovely $65 credit. Also, I'd be glad to sit with you to get started, or talk you thru stuff over the phone. ellen
NOTE: they are having a big sale! you can get your website hosted for about $3.95/month if you sign up soon... maybe this week. Oh and you don't have to build your own to be hosted on Hostmonster. Any kind of software, any designer/builder. ellenNEW COFFEE SHOP IN P-RIDGE; EXCELLENT, LIVELY!
See LINK
Just NE of Ridge, on Montgomery, about a long block from the corner, on the SE side of the street, "BEANS AND GRAPES", don't miss the grand opening thing on Dec 8 Saturday.
Green Acres: Artists Farming Fields, Greenhouses and Abandoned Lots
CAC (CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER Downtown)
HAS show on green agriculture. We can get a special tour and price of $4.50 @. Email me. ellen
see details HEREWORLD PEACE YOGA STUDIO IN CLIFTON CELEBRATING BIRTHDAY PARTY
Our Place World Peace Yoga Anniversary Party!
Monday, December 10 ~ 7-9:30 pm
SEE THEIR NEWSLETTER WITH LOTS IN IT: HERE
FASCINATING ONLINE VIDEO: HISTORY OF THE EARTH AND HUMAN KIND IN 2 MINUTES:
HERE
MUST-SEE EXHIBIT at MUSEUM CENTER: DEAD SEA SCROLLS. NOW OPEN, ... Through April 15
The renowned scholar Rabbi Ben Zion Wacholder , right here at Hebrew Union College on Clifton Avenue, was instrumental in opening up the Dead Sea Scrolls:
From BiblicalArcheology : (this is a link)"Ben-Zion Wacholder, professor emeritus of Talmud and Rabbinics at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati who played a critical role in making the Dead Sea Scrolls accessible to everyone, passed away in March (2011) at age 86.
In 1989, Wacholder, along with his then-student Martin Abegg (now professor of religious studies at Trinity Western University in British Columbia), obtained a secret concordance of the unpublished Dead Sea Scrolls. The concordance consisted of photocopies of index cards on which every word in the unpublished scrolls was listed, including its location and the few words surrounding it. Using a computer (dubbed by the press "Rabbi Computer"), the two were able to use the concordance to reconstruct the unpublished texts of more than 500 scrolls. The result was Abegg and Wacholder's A Preliminary Edition of the Unpublished Dead Sea Scrolls in four fascicle volumes, the first of which was published by the Biblical Archaeology Society on September 4, 1991.*..."
Wacholder and Abegg's publication of the previously secret Dead Sea Scrolls rocked the world. Some of the revelations challenged cherished beliefs of Christians and Jews. I hope that the Museum Center exhibit makes these clear. The reason the contents of the Scrolls had been kept secret was because of the religious challenges they present. Rabbi Wacholder was a gentle and charming Polish Jew; he was completely blind, which made his scholarly accomplishment that much more breath-taking. It is my understanding that it was only because of his perfect knowledge by heart of the entire bible that he was able to decode the secret concordance. ellen
PARK & VINE: GREEN GRN'L STORE IN OTR
see LINKSEE online newsletter including special holiday events and super green gift guide HERE
Greetings!
...Have a great weekend, folks!
Danny Korman, Owner
.........new interviews about the Alexander Technique available online: CBS Dallas/Fort Worth recently featured Phyllis Richmond in a piece about the Alexander Technique: Alexander Technique 'Unteaches' Bad Habits to Ease Pain. AmSAT member Lisa Levinson was featured in: Many Turning To 'Alexander Technique' For Pain, Stress Relief produced by CBS Pittsburgh. Great interviews by Phyllis and Lisa!
ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE:
-- GREAT GIFT IDEA:
-- AT THE LLOYD HOUSE
See http://www.lloydhouse
great deal: come any Sunday for free practice open to anyone, 3:45 - 4:30.
And I offer a free introductory lesson, 30 min. Call me: 221 1289 ellen
WHERE ELSE CAN YOU GET A $312 GIFT FOR ONLY $30?? For your gift list entries who are brand new Alexander students I offer a nice certificate assuring them 4 half hour lessons... you pay only $30! phone me: 513 221 1289 or ellenbierhorst@lloydhouse.com ...The new Alexander Introduction animation is finally out. Created by Cincinnati based Epipheo Studio... I'd just like to add that ATI certified Alexander Technique teachers are good, too. Here's thelink:
~~~~~~
-- FROM COLLEAGUE JENNIFER ROIG-FRANCOLI:
Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Students,I've recently created a new opportunity for new and returning Alexander Technique students to take small group classes at my studio in Madeira, which I've started out this semester with much success. My first set of 5 students and I are loving this new arrangement, and we're all having a great time learning together this way!
Registration is NOW for new classes beginning in January, 2013. only 2 spaces remaining as of 12/6/12 !
THE BASICS:
- Classes for beginners and for students with previous AT experience
- $250 for 10 weeks, January-March 2013
- 3-6 students per group (duo lessons also available), plenty of individualized hands-on attention
- Saturday afternoons
- 15 minutes from CCM/Clifton; a few blocks from the Kenwood Towne Center Mall off of I-71
- Special private lesson rate during the class period of $40 (regularly $85)
Please consider forwarding (THIS INFO) to your friends, family, and acquaintances who might be interested in a small group class. (People with back pain? shoulder/neck pain? confidence/posture issues? performance anxiety? CCM students who couldn't register for my private lessons?) I'd very much appreciate it!
Thank you for your support, and for any help you can give to spread the word about the wonders of Alexander Technique! More info. about my work can be found HERE.
All best wishes,
Jennifer
--
Jennifer Roig-Francolí, M.AmSAT
- Adjunct Instructor of Alexander Technique: University of Cincinnati (CCM), Xavier University
- Violinist for Adastra, a Period Instrument Duo and Fioritura
http://www.BalanceandHarmonyAT.com
Blog: http://balanceandharmonyat.blogspot.com/
513-791-1407 or 513-923-0921 (cell)
OUR WONDERFUL PUBLIC LIBRARY
WANTS your feedback; take survey...Dear Valued Customer:
The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is seeking input from its customers about its services and programs. We invite you to take a short online survey regarding the Library and how we can best serve you and our community. Using the link below, please take a moment today to take the survey. It should take about 6 to 8 minutes to complete.
We greatly value your comments and thank you for your time. The information that you provide is confidential, and your responses will only be used to improve library services.
Click here to take the survey.
Thank you,
Kimber Fender, Eva Jane Romaine Coombe Director
The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County
800 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45202
OBAMA INAUGURATION BUS TRIP... special deal
LINCOLN HEIGHTS PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATIC CLUB PRESENTS:
2013 PRESIDENTIAL INUAGURATION
Saturday, January 19 - Monday, January 21, 2013
PRICE INCLUDES:
§ ROUNDTRIP TRANSPORTATION VIA MOTORCOACH
§ 3 DAYS & 2 NIGHTS AT HYATT REGENCY HOTEL
§ TRANSPORTATION TO "THE NATIONAL MALL" TO VIEW THE INAUGURATION
§ INAUGURATION CAN BE VIEWED ON JUMBO-TRONS AT THE MALL
§ SNACKS & ENTERTAINMENT ON MOTORCOACH
§ VISIT TO THE MARTIN LUTHER KING'S MEMORIAL
§ VISIT TO THE GREAT BLACKS IN WAX MUSEUM (OPTIONAL – PRICE NOT INCLUDED)
§ ALSO LOTS OF SIGHTSEEING, FUN AND SURPRISES
ALL THIS FOR ONLY:
§ $312 PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
§ $150 DEPOSIT DUE ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2012
§ Final Payment due saturday, december 8, 2012
FIRST COME FIRST SERVED - HURRY BUS FILLING UP FAST
PLEASE CONTACT:
KAREN ROSEMAN-HARRIS
513-266-3354
Monthly Drumming Circle at the Lloyd House:
Seriously, just allow yourself to imagine this future fun!!!
Tuesday, Dec. 25 6:45 to 8:45 Please come drum!!
Rocking rattlers with really rhythmic rounds
lively, lovely, light-hearted, and lyrically radiant!!!
Looking forward to seeing everyone.... outside on the sweet veranda!!!
Let the good vibrations move you into joy ~~ dancing, happiness, clapping, whatever your spirit feels...Please join us on Tuesday, August 28, from 6:45 to 8:45 at 3901 Clifton Ave., The Lloyd House.
Bring snacks if you care to. Best to park on Lafayette(after you drop off any equipment). And, it's fine if you don't have any drums, etc....we do.
no prior experience needed; all ages welcomed.
call with questions at 513-541-4900.
Jackie Millay
SPECIAL WEEKEND TO HONOR ABRAHAM JOSHUA HESCHEL AND MARTIN LUTHER KING: JAN 4-5
This looks wonderful... see HERE Festival to renew prophetic action.Hello my friends-
If you are new to this event- please take a moment to visit the website of onebillionrising headed by Eve Ensler- a global action against violence Feb 14 VDAY, 2013
I would appreciate your forwarding this call to every woman you know- and especially women of the dance community. To date, there is nothing scheduled in Cincinnati- but together- we could make this happen. The site provides an organizing toolkit and uses a "flashmob" style gathering. Can you help?
Please cc me on anyone you forward this to- I'll keep a list.
Peace, dance, pass it on.
Kate Gallion
PART II: DEMOCRACY, COMMUNITY
BE A VOLUNTEER TUTOR IN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Neighbors, please see below,Be the Change, a joint initiative of the Strive Partnership, United Way of Greater Cincinnati, and Cincinnati Public Schools, is seeking 1,000 volunteer tutors for the district's highest-need elementary schools. Volunteers work one-on-one with a student for the course of the school year in either reading or math. Outcomes have proven that at risk students who receive focused, one-on-one tutoring can make dramatic improvements in their grades, improve their confidence and self-esteem, and decrease the odds of dropping out. Children of all ages need your help as a tutor throughout the school year.
Please visit Www.strivetogether.org/be-the-change <http://Www.strivetogether.org/be-the-change> to see how you can help make a difference in a student's life.
To get involved, email Andrea Newman at bethechange@strivetogether.org or call 513-929-1343 for more information or to sign up as a tutor.
Anna Louise Inn, target of W & S giant (in background)
SUPPORT THE ANNA LOUISE INN: VIGILS AT WESTERN & SOUTHERN ON-GOING (5)
Hello all,
ALI Back in Court! Will this ever end? Not in sight, so the best people have to stay vigilant and here is an actual VIGIL in progress... Jim Luken, Dorsey Stubbins... Please pass this info and be with us.
Dear Ali Supporter,
For the past six weeks, several of us old activists have been vigiling with signs at or near the Western and Southern Headquarters at 4th and Broadway. We feel this is a very effective means of keeping the heat on that consummate Corporate Person, John Barrett & Co. The times we stand are (approximately 7:30—8:45 am and 4:00—5:30 pm. (Lunch time would also be good)
We're tired. We need help. If you have a chunk of time to spare on a particular day (or days) please contact Jim at luken@myself.com . This kind of powerful protest should be shared. We feel our ongoing presence (with signs) is having an effect on W & S employees, as well as on some of the foot and auto traffic. If you can't come down regularly, simply show up weekdays as often as you can at these times. Bring some kind of sign.
We know you care. Please join the push. Show them we are not giving up.
Kate Gallion
ROXANNE QUALLS LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO BE MAYOR OF CINCINNATI
See her detailed report on the state of the city and her program for continuing improvements here: http://e2.ma/message/pfudd/18oe9c
cincinnati's MONDRAGON UNION COOPERATIVE EVENT, Newsletter: here
some kind of event Dec 8, Sunday. Check this out. This is the cutting edge of experiments to revitalize industry, change corporate culture, empower workers... out of Mondragon, Spain.
FISCAL CLIFF; SIGN PETITION...
We're losing about $1-TRILLION (over the next few years) by allowing those making MORE than $250,000/year continue to enjoy abnormally LOW tax rates. Restore their rates that were ALREADY in place at the beginning of George W. Bush's 1st term. It's only "FAIR".That's why I signed a petition to The United States House of Representatives, The United States Senate, and President Barack Obama, which says:
"Please ALLOW the "BUSH" Tax Cuts For Those Making MORE Than $250,000/Year - To EXPIRE on 12/31/12! $1-TRILLION Could Be Added To Our Revenue Stream By This VERY SIMPLE ACT! Joint Me & Contact Your Congress Representative And DEMAND This Be Allowed To Happen! Thank You."
Will you sign this petition? Click the "Link" below here:
http://signon.org/sign/let-the-bush-tax-cuts-7?source=c.em.mt&r_by=4605906
(forwarded from Atia Huff)... THOSE WONDERFUL NUNS ON THE BUS !
(View their webpage HERE.)
On November 6, you may have elected a new representative in new district for the new Congress that begins in January 2013. Your "old" representative still technically represents you during the lame duck session that is going on now. We urge you to continue to contact that representative during this time.
Tax Cuts for the Wealthiest should Not be extended - even for a short time
The hype about the "fiscal cliff" has lawmakers and others wringing their hands. However, the cliff (if approached) would be more like a slope, with damage to the economy beginning to happen over the following weeks and months, unless alternative are developed.
Congress is now considering a 2-stage alternative. House members are still determined to extend the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts for those who have the greatest wealth and income, in a short-term deal. They would then, later, decide how to pay for them. This is not acceptable.
A temporary solution needs to include:
- Allowing the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts for the wealthiest to expire on December 31
- Further cuts to Pentagon spending
Please call and email your Senators. You can call between now and November 28, using this toll-free number: 1-888-743-1097.
Tell them to eliminate the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts to the wealthiest 2% in our nation, and fund social safety-net programs that allow people who need them to live in dignity.
You can send an e-mail message to your Senators and Representatives at http://capwiz.com/networklobby/issues/alert/?alertid=62139661
FROM PG SITTENFELD ON CITY BUDGET (2)
CHECK OUT "GRACE PLACE" ... (My understanding is that it is a residence for needy women, run by those amazing progressive Catholics. ellen)GRACE PLACE CATHOLIC WORKER COMMUNITY
6037 Cary Avenue • Cincinnati, OH 45224-2461
Phone 513/681-2365 • Fax 513/542-5778
E-Mail: graceplacecw@fuse.net
http://home.fuse.net/graceplacecw/welcome.htmBREAST CANCER ACTION BCAction.org
Brings case to Supreme Court: can human genes be patented? (!)
Ellen, I have important news.
Moments ago I learned that the U.S. Supreme Court WILL hear our legal challenge to Myriad Genetics' patents on the "breast cancer genes," BRCA 1 and 2! The Court will decide the essential question: Are human genes patentable?
We say "NO, they are not."
Because Myriad owns the patent on the BRCA 1 and 2 genes, women are faced with a high cost for the BRCA genetic test (over $3,000) and have no options for second opinion testing. In addition, the corporate ownership of these human genes limits invaluable research needed to better understand breast cancer.
Our legal challenge to Myriad is important for women affected by breast cancer. And this is a groundbreaking case that has enormous national and international implications beyond breast cancer. As always, we will continue to work for the big, sweeping, system-wide changes that will benefit the health of all women. Thanks for being in it for the long haul with us.
Since 2009, Breast Cancer Action has been at the forefront of this legal challenge brought by the ACLU. We are the only national breast cancer organization represented as a plaintiff in this legal challenge against Myriad's ownership of human genes. We're able to take on work like challenging human gene patents because we don't take a dime from corporations that profit from or contribute to breast cancer (including Myriad). Thank you for your generous support that makes our work possible.
We expect the case will be heard this spring and we will keep you posted on details as they become available.
Sincerely,
Karuna Jaggar
Executive DirectorP.S. We're able to be fearless advocates for women's health because of financial support from members like you. Can you chip in $10 or $20 today to fund our work challenging Myriad's monopoly on the breast cancer genes?
Dear Friends & Fellow Citizens:
I write to share ideas, concerns and opportunities as we address the coming budget process. The constant themes of what I wish to convey are: 1) The City must address both short-termand long-term steps toward fiscal stability. 2) With serious budget constraints, we cannot afford or justify any wasteful spending. 3) The City and its relationship with every stakeholder will be strengthened by a much greater level of transparency. These are my thoughts; I look forward to hearing yours.
Sincerely,
P.G. Sittenfeld
Councilman, City of Cincinnati
IDEAS, CONCERNS, & OPPORTUNITIES FOR A RESPONSIBLE BUDGET
1) Serious Concerns about the City Manger's Parking Proposal:
The City Manager recently announced a proposal to outsource the City's parking system under a long-term lease. The Manager specifically requires that any offer must include $40 million as an upfront payment, with future revenue-sharing negotiable. Here are my concerns:
a) Under the City Manager's proposal, the City will give up control of its garages and all its parking meters for 30 years to a private, likely out-of-state company without adequate assurances of accountability. This for-profit company will have the right to set rates at meters and city garages for the next three decades. It will also have the ability to set the hours of parking enforcement, which could mean eliminating free parking on Sundays or after 5 p.m. during the week. This company will be able to write parking tickets and put a 'boot' on cars until payment is received. If you want to contest a ticket, the company will determine whether your complaint is valid. All of this raises major concerns about adequate public oversight and accountability.
b) In the case of other cities agreeing to long-term leases of its parking assets, the result has led to the doubling or quadrupling of parking rates. What looks good to a city right now can be harmful in the long-term. Chicago's situation offers a compelling case in point.
c) Raised rates and/or extended enforcement hours could hinder the positive momentum of Downtown, Over-the-Rhine, and The Banks. The City Manager's plan specifically calls for adding meters to 200 spaces on the Banks. It is my understanding that local businesses have not been consulted regarding this proposed outsourcing and its potential impact.
d) The City Manager's Request for Proposal has already offered a Living Wage exemption, which means that the current employees will likely lose their jobs, and the replacement employees will be paid below the Living Wage standard. Additionally, the companies that the City currently has operating its garages will lose their contracts while a new, out-of-state company reaps the profit.
e) There has been speculation that Morgan Stanley is the preferred bidder. Morgan Stanley often represents non-domestic investors, which can be foreign nations seeking to invest in U.S. infrastructure. For instance, the Arab Emirate of Dubai owns a 28% interest in the Chicago parking meter lease. This means the increased revenue from increased rates would not be circulating locally or even nationally.
f) To date, the lack of transparency surrounding this plan suggests it is being done hastily to balance this year's budget deficit: What about next year, and the year after that? The City Manager's timetable calls for closing this deal before the end of 2012, just weeks after receiving bids. For comparison, the Inspector General of Chicago suggests that City Councils should consider such a lease for at least 60 days before even putting a proposal out to bid. Failure to do so, he says, could result in loss of up to 50 percent of revenue over the course of the deal. My concern is that a hasty decision could hurt residents, business owners, and our own city coffers in the long-term and that this decision will be made without the level of public input that it merits.
g) Big picture and long-term, the City can only pull so many rabbits out of the proverbial hat. The limitation of balancing a structurally imbalanced budget with one-time sources is that it doesn't actually solve the problem. In exchange for a $40 million upfront lump-sum payment and an unknown but likely unfavorable share of future revenue, the City would be relinquishing an asset that would generate $220 million in revenue over the next 30 years, and quite likely much more than that. If we move forward with this proposal, we'll still be in same situation again next year, only more vulnerable because we will have deprived ourselves of a steady, long-term revenue stream.
2) Save Millions through the Implementation of Self-Directed Work Teams:
The City's ratio of managers to employees is top-heavy and out-of-whack: one supervisor to every 5 employees, and, in some departments, as low as one supervisor for every 2.5 employees. Through attrition, we need to streamline our bloated middle management, keeping the focus on front-line workers to maintain quality service delivery. This can be achieved through implementation of Self-Directed Work Teams. After reviewing the City Departments' organizational charts in great detail, I have identified 91 supervisor positions that can be eliminated through attrition, and that would generate nearly $8 million dollars in savings. Self-Directed Work Teams, properly planned and monitored, can also increase employee productivity and employee morale. I am encouraged that the policy motion I drafted initiating the process for implementing Self-Directed Work Teams received the signature of all of Council, and the Administration returned with a report affirming the value of Self-Directed Work Teams. I expect to see plans for implementation, and the cost-savings that will come as a result, incorporated in the coming budget.
3) Save Millions through Reforming Our Pharmacy Benefits Management System:
One of the major budget liabilities for the City, as with all aspects of our economy, is rising health care costs. Just last year, the City's health cost rose 14 percent per employee. A controllable expense within that is the City's pharmaceutical costs. Outside experts with whom I have talked about reforming our Pharmacy Benefits Management system suggest that greater transparency and efficiency could save the City as much as $2 million per year. I have repeatedly suggested that the Administration pursue this reform, with no explanation of why this isn't being aggressively studied. We have been offered a free audit of our Pharmacy Benefits Management system to determine what savings might be possible, but the City Administration has declined to do even that.
4) Striking a Balanced Approach with Casino Funds:
The City expects to receive in the range of $14 million in new revenue from the casino. While it is reasonable that some portion of this to go toward economic development initiatives enabling the City to take strategic steps toward growing our tax base, it is also essential that some of this must be used to address our budget deficit and provide basic services. To date, the administration has indicated that none of the casino money will go toward providing basic services by plugging the anticipated operating deficit. A budget that uses all new casino revenue for pet projects is inconsistent with citizens' expectations and the most basic needs of the City.
5) Public Safety Resources Cannot And Must Not Be Lowered:
It is a fact that the largest portion of the City's operating budget goes toward providing public safety. And there's a reason for that. The City's foremost obligation is to keep people safe. If we don't maintain a safe environment, the rest of what we do - economic development efforts, parks and recreation, cultural initiatives, etc - are all in vain. The truth is, both the Fire and Police Departments have seen significant reductions in recent years, with the Police Department having gone five years without a new recruit class and the Fire Department enduring regular fire engine brownouts. Due to the City receiving federal resources to add needed safety forces, we are, by the terms of the federal grant, unable to make personnel cuts in these areas. Our respective Police and Fire Chiefs, however, will continue to create greater efficiencies within their departments, as they have already done.
6) The State Has Raided Our Local Government Funding:
The Governor has reduced Cincinnati from $25.5 million in Local Government Funding in 2011, to $17.5 million for this year, and a projected $13.5 million for 2013. Those reductions create a $12 million hole in the City operating budget of funds that can be used for priorities such as hiring police, fixing our streets, and maintaining our parks. Meanwhile, the State of Ohio has a $552 million surplus for this biennial cycle. Those cuts come on the backs of our local communities, raiding our local government funding and doing so at the cost of basic services. I would strongly encourage everyone to contact the governor and urge him to restore our local government funding.
7) Achieve Savings and Enhance Efficiencies through Shared Services:
While there are some areas of collaboration and partnership between the City and Hamilton County, we have not begun to maximize the potential for shared services and the efficiencies and cost-savings that shared services can yield. At my request, the City Manager gave an update to Council on the state of shared services. The list of future opportunities for shared services presented by the City Manager is pretty thin; we can do more and citizens want us to do so. As was discussed with the Manager in that committee meeting, I am now awaiting a list and assessment of functions/departments/services which the City Manager and his team believe the City does better, as well as which ones the County does better. When both the County and the City are facing severe deficits, moving forward with this is clearly a chance for greater efficiency at lower cost. We need look no further than Indianapolis or Columbus to see the rich benefits to be realized.
8) Achieve Savings through Car-Sharing and Fleet Reduction:
In these lean times, City Departments must enhance cooperation amongst themselves: a good example is car-sharing that will allow the City to save money by reducing the size of its fleet. Departments and employees should not have their own cars simply because they want them; our fleet must more precisely match the need, and we should ensure that we are optimizing car-sharing and minimizing fleet that sits idle. I do not yet know the range of potential savings that can be achieved through this strategy, but I look to see it incorporated in the coming budget. Belt tightening must come from every direction.
9) The Ongoing Need for Greater Financial Transparency:
Earlier this year, I initiated legislation calling for greater financial transparency to help eliminate wasteful spending and keep citizens more informed of how their tax dollars are being spent. The motion I introduced would make all expenditures publicly searchable online. This would include but not be limited to documenting reimbursements to City employees; accounting for all travel expenses; and providing information for purchases with City credit cards. This is often referred to as "Google for Government." It has been implemented in many other cities, and it enables citizens to be watchdogs for wasteful spending. Last year, simply as one example, the City spent $700,000 on out-of-town travel. That number must be reduced dramatically in the coming budget, and I hope my colleagues will support moving forward with a full financial transparency database.
10) Reforming the Timetable for Dealing with the Budget:
The City Administration has known for more than four months now that we are facing an operating budget deficit in 2013 projected to be $34 million. However, since alerting Council, the Administration has not shown any proposal, with any detail, to deal with that deficit. Overseeing the budget is Council's biggest and most important responsibility each year. It makes no sense - when a crisis looms ahead - to wait and wait and wait, and then rush through the process in a week or two before our year-end mandated deadline. We must be held accountable, and the Administration must be held accountable as well.
11) The Benefits of Creating an Inspector General Position:
Numerous cities in America have the position of Inspector General - often called a Comptroller - to serve as an autonomous unit of government with a mandate to find and eliminate waste and fraud. There are various ways to configure the position of Inspector General/Comptroller, and many have produced dramatic results and savings far exceeding their costs. The City's current approach is to use an Internal Audit, but Internal Audit exists within the normal City chain of command, diminishing the independence necessary for genuine oversight. The cost-savings and increased transparency - two areas of immediate need for the City - make this a worthy goal.
12) Producing A Budget That Separates "Needs" From "Wants":
Lastly, the 2012 budget was less challenging than the one for the 2013 year ahead. Many of us were surprised that a $5 million wedding atrium for City Hall was part of that budget, and that it initially had majority support from Councilmembers. Given the much more severe situation we are in this year, I sincerely hope this year's budget is one that addresses "needs," rather than indulges "wants." At the same time, we must be especially mindful that what seems like an unnecessary service to one person is often a critically important service to another person. Key examples are the stabilizing impact of school nurses, which keep students healthy and learning, or the enriching impact of our city's incredible parks system, which causes people to want to continue to live here and attracts visits who, in turn, spend dollars in the City. The debate that looms ahead should be over substantive policy issues and not be reduced to petty bickering. I look forward to collaboratively reaching an outcome that is best for citizens.
YES MAGAZINE NEW ISSUE HERE http://www.yesmagazine.org/newsletters/2012/nov12/non/nov12_web.html?icl=email_nov12&ica=H_html
PUBLIC CITIZEN (The Ralph Nader-founded Democracy Org. ) on AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION RE 'CITIZENS UNITED' CASE (2)
More people than ever wrote back after our election preview last Saturday.
But that record stood for a mere four days until it was obliterated by replies to our election recap on Wednesday.
Not everyone agreed with our take, but whatever their response, it came from a place of shared values and priorities.
Once again I am inspired by how keyed into our work you are and how ready you are to respond to the fallout from Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission and the challenges facing our country now that Election Day is behind us.
While the election is over, the work we do together never stops.
So I'm counting on you to respond in another way. I'm asking you to help make sure Public Citizen has the resources to advance an agenda for America, starting with a solution to the corrupting influence of Big Money in politics.
Donate $5, $50, $500 — whatever you can — right now. Every dollar matters.
The price tag for the 2012 House, Senate and presidential races is currently estimated at $6 billion, by far the most expensive election our nation has ever seen.
You may be hearing from some pundits who say that because Democrats did better than expected this week, fears of undue plutocratic influence over elections are unfounded.
Wrong.
Just consider:
- Where will our elected officials find the time to do the work of governing amid all the kowtowing to the mega-rich required to build their campaign war chests so they can run again? Why should we accept the same potentially catastrophic mindset of escalation in election spending that dominated the Cold War arms race?
- How can any politician afford even to sidestep, much less actively challenge, corporate interests when it could mean being targeted by those with infinitely deep pockets? What happens to "of the people, by the people, for the people" when the people's elected representatives operate in a constant state of fear?
- Are Big Business and right-wing billionaires just going to give up, or are they going to double- or triple-down next time? Remember, while $6 billion may seem unfathomable to you and me — and maybe even to a multi-millionaire like Mitt Romney — it's only a few months profits for some corporate behemoths.
These are the real costs of "democracy" as it teeters on the brink in a post-Citizens United, dark money-poisoned America.
And nobody is doing more than Public Citizen — that's you, me and 300,000 fellow citizens from coast to coast — to salvage from the dysfunctional politics of today a truly noble democracy for tomorrow.
Together, we can and will make our democracy whole again.
Are you with me? Contribute today.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Robert Weissman
President, Public Citizen
P.S. From policy experts to paper clips, it takes about $15 million to run Public Citizen for a year.Please chip in.
MORE ON CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT, FROM KATE GALLION
Move to Amend is joining Common Cause, Public Citizen and dozens more grassroots efforts to demand a constitutional amendment to outlaw corporate money in our elections.
Yesterday I sent an email about the 3rd anniversary of Citizens United- and a call for an action from Public Citizen. Today I received another invitation from a group called peaceteam- about citizens crafting legislation- which calls out a Citizen's United effort underway.
More than any other issue- this one feels like the groundswell that could superstorm DC. Read Amy Goodman of truthdig:
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/now_the_work_of_movements_begins_20121107/
Are we in? Think January. Public Citizens event is Jan 19, MLK day Jan 21.-
PART III: The Environment and Health
CARE ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT? JOIN GREEN UMBRELLA!
local sustainability consortium. HERE
FROM BREAST CANCER ACTION (This is a way good org, much better than Susan B Komen! ellen)
magine my shock when I learned Nomac Drilling, the second largest natural gas producer in the U.S., unveiled a drilling rig wrapped in a bold pink ribbon package in support of breast cancer awareness! Are you kidding me?
Nomac Drilling is claiming to care about women living with and at risk of breast cancer by promoting their pink rig, while they continue to pump cancer-linked chemicals into our environment. By now, you know what this is:PINKWASHING!
Hydraulic fracturing, aka "fracking" is an industrial process used to extract natural gas or oil trapped deep within the earth. In order to reach and extract the gas or oil, drilling rigs bore horizontally through the bedrock, blast it with explosives, and force into the earth millions of gallons of water laced with a mix of poisonous chemicals. Many of these chemicals raise health concerns, and some are linked to an increased risk of cancers, including breast cancer.
We are extremely concerned about fracking's impact on public health, and so is a growing movement of individuals and organizations across the country. We need a precautionary, prevention-oriented approach to reducing environmental cancer risk. Natural gas and oil extraction is a toxic industry that, if left unchallenged, stands in the way of a meaningful approach to cancer prevention.
If Nomac Drilling and Chesapeake Energy (who recently made a $10,000 donation to a Susan G. Komen affiliate) truly care about breast cancer, they should first stop exposing women to chemicals that may increase the risk the disease.
As our friend and fellow activist Sandra Steingraber says, "The burden of proof belongs on the shoulders of the gas industry to demonstrate safety, not on the backs of women, who will have to suffer and die in order to prove without a doubt that fracking causes breast cancer."
Thank you for taking action with us for women's health.
Annie Sartor
BCAction Policy and Campaigns Coordinator
See Website
Where Do We Grow From Here?
OKI wants to know what you think! The OKI Regional Council of Governments is updating a strategic policy plan in southwest Ohio, northern Kentucky, and southeast Indiana, and they want to hear from you about your opinions. OKI's original policy plan aimed to improve quality of life and service to the public in the region. Much has changed since the plan was adopted in 2005. With this update, OKI is revisiting some strategic issues and considering others for the first time and is inviting public feedback through a brief online questionnaire that takes about 5 minutes to complete. To fill out the questionnaire, click here! It will be available until the end of the year.
CINCINNATI OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (2)
NEWSLETTER HERE
...includes ZipCar coming to Cinti: (I think that's where you borrow a car...)Zipcar is launching their service in Cincinnati on Thursday, November 15th. To commemorate the event, Zipcar will be handing out free coffee to anyone who wants to chat with their team starting at 8AM in Fountain Square and free lunch to the first 150 people to stop by after 11:45AM (courtesy of Taco Azul). Check out how Zipcar works at zipcar.com or see how it could benefit your business here.
Share This
Food & Water Watch is a consumer advocacy nonprofit that challenges the corporate control of our food and water. We empower people to take action and transform the public consciousness about what we eat and drink.
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 at nuvox.net.
Information about Tri-State Treasures and how to submit them, and an explanation of my convention for expressing email addresses and websites 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
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Treasure Collectors Treasure:
Call for Collectors: The Cincinnati Enquirer is launching a weekly series on people who collect "treasures" of any kind. If you have a collection you would like to show off, we'd like to hear from you. Please email Rachel Richardson at rrichardson at masonbuzz.com & include your name, daytime phone, residence, a brief description of your collection & photos, if possible.
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Literary Treasure:
The Boy Who Would Be Famous: The Comic Endeavors & Curious Pursuits of an Adventurous Lad Growing Up in America's Heartland: When young Rick Sowash discovers that none of his family is mentioned in the World Book Encyclopedia, not even his grandfather for inventing the ubiquitous oven door window, he decides to do something about it. Inspired by the stories his wise & loving grandfather tells, Rick embarks on a series of adventures as explorer, inventor & orator, developing the creativity that will shape the rest of his life. A comical, whimsical & entirely true account of the Ohio composer/author's life from age 6 to 10, The Boy Who Would Be Famous evokes Middle America in the 1950s with heartwarming humor & gentle pathos. More info & orders at Rick Sowash Publishing Co, 338 Milton Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202, 513.721.1241 & sowash.com.
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Artist Treasure:
A Time Forgotten - art [thru Sunday 30 December]: Self-taught & award-winning fine artist & muralist Ronald D. Keith presents a collection of his paintings. Ron lives on a small farm in Clinton County, OH. His fascination for the hand-painted "Chew Mail Pouch Tobacco" barns that sprinkled the landscapes of rural KY & OH led to a career painting large-scale billboards for an outdoor advertising agency. Ron most enjoys painting old barns, an old truck in the field, old farm machinery, the covered bridge in Stonelick Township; "things forgotten that hold a place in our lives & in our history." At The Gallery, River Hills Christian Church, 6300 Price Road, Loveland, OH ("a unique place where you'll feel at home the minute you walk in the door"). More info at 513.708.1511, maryanne.flow at yahoo.com & riverhillscc.com.
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Calendar of Treasures:
The Mark Lomax Quartet with Edwin Bayard & William Menefield [Friday 7 December @ 8pm]: Mark Lomax is a master jazz drummer, searching composer, and sought after lecturer who creates music that uplifts & 'edutains.' He is joined by Edwin Bayard, an exciting reedman in the lineage of the great tenorsax players, William Menefield, Cincinnati native who has become one of the country's leading young pianists, and Dean Hulett, the very gifted bassist. Tickets are $10. At the Thompson House, 24 East 3rd Street, Newport, KY 41071. More info at 859.261.7469 & jazzincincy.com.
Music at the Palm Court – Orchids [Friday 7-9 December]: Enjoy great music in a gorgeous art deco setting with top-drawer dining. On Friday @ 9pm-1am, enjoy the James Hart Quartet featuring Marc Fields on trombone, Bret Wamsley on drums, Jim Anderson on bass & James Hart on piano. On Saturday @ 9pm-1am, the James Hart Trio featuring Steve Hoskins on sax, flute & clarinet, Bret Wamsley on drums & James Hart on piano & left hand bass. Enjoy High Tea Guitarist Robert Brown on Saturday @ 2-5pm, cocktail pianist Jim Poynter on Friday & Saturday @ 5-9pm, & Wayne Yeager with the Dickens Carolers #2 during Sunday Brunch @ 10:30am-2pm. Admission always free. At Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, 35 West 5th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. More info at 513.861.0666 & 513.252.3366.
Winter in the Woodlands [Friday 7 December @ 6-8pm]: Families & adults follow a beautiful, luminaria-lit trail on a leisurely self-guided walk thru the forest. Decorate holiday cookies, make crafts & enjoy acoustic Celtic music provided by Coel Mhor. Pre-paid $5 reservations by December 1. California Woods Nature Preserve, 5400 Kellogg Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45228. More info & RSVP at 513.231.8678 & cincinnatiparks.com.
Delicious: The Art of Food [Friday-Saturday 7-8 December @ 6-10pm]: 4"x5" cards of original art on one side, a recipe on the other, will be available to buy in the Art Circle's open house at the upcoming December Art Walk at the Essex Studios. The original, framed food artwork plus work of other subjects will adorn the walls & be for sale. Refreshments will be available, including some of the appetizer-type recipes from the project. At Art Circle, 1st Floor, Room 122, Essex Studios, 2511 Essex Place, Cincinnati, OH 45206. More info at 513.476.2170.
Manifest Gallery - 2 Exhibits [thru Friday 7 December]: At Manifest Gallery, 2727 Woodburn Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45206. More info at 861.3638 & manifestgallery.org.
● Lost Horizon - Art About History: features works by 14 artists from 11 states & from Canada, England & Israel. A small slice of the leading edge of the wave of time is documented, encapsulated, & frozen in human history. Is history written by the winners, or by those who survive. History is generally divided into 2 philosophies: speculative & critical. How do artists reflect upon & participate in history? Manifest offers this exhibit as a survey of how today's artists make art about history.
● Rework - Sculpture by Aristotle Georgiades: work that ranges from issues of male identity, labor economics, & the changing American landscape in a post-industrial economy. Mr Georgiades works in wood, metal, & recycled architectural materials.
Discovery of the Higgs Boson? [Saturday 8 December @ 10am]: Alan Schwartz, PhD in Physics at UC, will discuss the recent announcement from Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire (CERN) of the possible discovery of the Higgs boson. This fundamental particle represents the quantum field responsible for giving mass to all other particles. Dr. Schwartz grew up in Cincinnati, received his BS from Cornell & PhD from Harvard. He taught at Princeton before returning to UC. Presented by Association for Rational Thought. At Molly Malone's Restaurant, 6111 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45213. More info at rrdavis at fuse.net & cincinnatiskeptics.org.
Glendale Holiday Home Tour [Saturday 8 December @ 11am-4pm]: The 2012 Glendale Holiday Home Tour will feature 8 locations thru this National Historic Landmark community. The Tour includes 8 private homes built in the 19th & 20th centuries, plus the Glendale Lyceum & Harry Whiting Brown Chapel – all decorated for the holidays. Ticket includes reception at the Harry Whiting Brown Community Center & gift bag. At 2-7pm, holiday-themed activities & popular food trucks will add to the festivities along Congress Avenue. Tickets: $20 (advance); $25 (door). Proceeds to the Harry Whiting Brown Community Center. More info at 513.771.0333 & hwbcommunitycenter.org.
Northside Second Saturday [Saturday 8 December @ 6-10pm]: This monthly event, held the 2nd Saturday of every month, is hosted by participating Northside businesses, & features art exhibits, live music, later retail hours, later restaurant hours, longer happy hours, interactive events & additional food, drink & promotional specials that vary monthly. See the 3 Northside exhibits described below. More info at northside.net & Northside Second Saturdays Facebook page.
Cincinnati Holiday Art Show in Northside [Saturday 8 December @ 10am-4pm]: Yet another way to support local artists for your holiday gifts. At the Presbyterian Church, 4222 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati OH 45223. More info at the Cincinnati Holiday Art Show facebook.
Faces & Forms - exhibit of mixed media/textile art by Nancy Gamon - reception [Saturday 8 December @ 6-10pm]: This special exhibition features intricately pieced-together & sewn textiles & mixed media resulting in portraits & thought-provoking imagery. These pieces will be available to buy for your gifts. Nancy Gamon incorporates a variety of sewing, painting & collage techniques in her work. Her art, fashion accessories & home décor items have been featured in magazines, newspapers, books & online resources, including Cloth Paper Scissors magazine, Altered Couture magazine, The Old Farmer's Almanac & 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse. She serves on the board of Contemporary Quilt & Fiber Artists (CQAFA, a local creative association) & is a member of Surface Design Association (SDA) & Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA). Exhibit runs thru Sunday 3 February. At NVISION, 4577 Hamilton Avenue, Northside, Cincinnati, OH 45223. More info at 513.542.4577, nvisionshop.com & nancygamon.com.
Salvaged Spirits - art opening [Saturday 8 December @ 6-10pm]: Found-object/steampunk sculptures & paintings by Ursula Roma. Exhibit runs thru Tuesday 8 January. At Fabricate: Art Galleries, 4037 Hamilton Avenue, Northside, Cincinnati, OH 45223. More info at fabnorthside.com.
Siegfried's Sonata - exhibit opening [thru Saturday 8 December]: Cedric Michael Cox presents new paintings, Siegfried's Sonata, a body of work in which the artist has expanded his interpretation of place with paintings that are inspired by the atmospheric & luminous qualities of nature. At PAC Gallery, 540 Woodburn Avenue, Cincinnati OH 45206. More info at cedriccox.wordpress.com.
Beyond Civility [Sunday 9 December @ 10:00-10:45am]: Rhetoric, lies, misinformation & faulty opinions characterized the political discourse of our recent elections & greatly polarized America. What will future elections bring? Can we get beyond the "junk" & engage in civil conversation? Jerry Newfarmer will lead a discussion of these issues to try to move "Beyond Civility." Free. At St. John's Unitarian Universalist Church, 320 Resor Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220. More info at adultre at stjohnsuu.org.
Brunch With Santa [Sundays 9 & 16 December @ 10am & 12:30pm]: Santa loves milk, cookies & a hearty meal. Families can share that meal with him at Mill Race Banquet Center in Winton Woods. Enjoy favorite breakfast & lunch fixings, made-to-order omelets, bottomless refills & much more. Kids can tell Santa their wish list & pose for a free picture on his lap. $14.95/adult, $7.95/kids ages 2-12; free for kids under 2. RSVP required. Hamilton County Park District Vehicle Permit required to enter. At Mill Race Banquet Center, Mill Golf Course, Winton Woods, 1515 West Sharon Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231. More info & RSVP at 513.825.6467 & GreatParks.org.
Second Sunday Family Showtime: Bear Boy [Sunday 9 December @ 2-3:30pm]: Bear Boy is a puppet show about a boy who has an unusually beastly side, & his comically eventful search to find a way to be himself without being a terror. A free reception follows the show. Presented by Jesse Mooney-Bullock Puppetworks. Free for kids, $5 for adults. At Clifton Cultural Arts Center, 3711 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220. More info at 513.497.2860, info at cliftonculturalarts.org & cliftonculturalarts.org/second-sunday.htm.
The Colors of Christmas – Cincinnati Metropolitan Orchestra & Singers [Sunday 9 December @ 3pm]: Cincinnati Metropolitan Orchestra, Metropolitan Singers, & Children's Choir will perform your Christmas favorites along with a few new variations. Selections include Carol of the Bells, Star of Wonder Medley, Concert Suite from Polar Express, Colors of Christmas, Do You Hear What I Hear, Irving Berlin's Christmas, Jingle All the Way, O Holy Night, & many more. Free, donations welcome. At Seton Performance Hall, Seton High School, 3901 Glenway Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45205. More info at 513.941.8956 & GOCMO.org.
Luminaria Night Lights at the Cincinnati Observatory [Sunday 9 December @ 6:30-8:30pm]: Enjoy the 37th year of this Mount Lookout tradition. As the neighborhood lights up the streets, the Cincinnati Observatory will open its buildings & telescopes. Cruise from Mount Lookout Square to the Observatory for carolers, stargazing, a gift shop & hot drinks. View Jupiter & the Seven Sisters (weather permitting). Perfect for all ages. Free. No RSVP required. At the Cincinnati Observatory Center, 3489 Observatory Place, Cincinnati, OH 45208. More info at 513.321.5186 & cincinnatiobservatory.org.
Alice Skirtz on Econocide: Elimination of the Urban Poor [Tuesday 11 December @ 7pm]: Free forum featuring social worker & scholar Alice Skirtz speaking on her bookEconocide, with Tom Dutton, Director of the Miami Center for Community Engagement in Over-the-Rhine, as respondent. A story of how Cincinnati's pursuit of economic development & housing policies has hurt the urban poor, the book "documents in impressive detail the tensions in Cincinnati between development & business interests on the one hand & the desperate needs of the poorest & most vulnerable in our community on the other hand." ~ David Mann. Presented by the Woman's City Club. At St John's Unitarian Universalist Church, 320 Resor Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220. More info at 513.772.1088 & sullebargar at fuse.net.
Endtimes Tea Tasting & Open House [Wednesday 12 December @ 6-7:30pm]: Experience 12/12/12 by sipping free premium tea with interesting people. Tell Essencha (Facebook, Twitter, email) what you want in your cup during the End of Days & they will select 12 teas to feature at this special open house & tasting. RSVP requested (513.533.4832), but not required. At Essencha Tea House, 3212 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45209. More info at essencha at gmail.com & essencha.com.
Vanishing Cincinnati: booksigning [Friday 14 December @ 6-9pm]: This booksigning by authors, Barbara & David Day, celebrates the publication of their long awaited volume of historic Cincinnati architectural treasures, explored in beautiful intricate drawings compiled over a lifetime. The event is also a holiday party where you can join the 5th St.Gallery artists for fun, food, drink & art. At Fifth Street Gallery, 55 West 5th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. More at 513.579.9333 & 5thstreetgallery.com.
Classical Guitar Concert [Friday 14 December @ 7:30pm]: St. John's Music Series features award-winning classical guitarist Jeremy Collins. Mr. Collins got his start on NPR's "From the Top" in Cincinnati at age 16. He has won 1st prizes at many solo guitar competitions including the 2011 ASTA/Aaron Green Guitar Competition in Los Angeles. Tickets are $15 per adult & child; $10 for student with ID; $5 for kids under 13. At St. John's Unitarian Universalist Church, 320 Resor Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220. More info at 513.961.1938 & office at stjohnsuu.org.
Laurel & Hardy Film Evening [Saturday 15 December @ 6:45-10pm]: Enjoy a gaggle of short films in tribute to Laurel & Hardy's greatest foil, Jimmy Finlayson. Films will include "Do Detectives Think?" (silent with live keyboard accompaniment), "Another Fine Mess," "Chickens Come Home," plus surprise movies & the 'fabulous' raffle. Presented by "The Chimp Tent," the Tri-State's official chapter of The Sons Of The Desert (The Laurel & Hardy Appreciation Society). Tickets: $5 for adults; free for kids under 13. At ET Carson Masonic Lodge, 218 Ludlow Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220. More info at 513.559.0112, chimptent at live.com & thechimptent.com.
Adult Myth Night @ the Cincinnati Observatory [Saturday 15 December @ 7pm]: Learn about your favorite heavenly myths from local expert Dean Regas. He will share the best, grossest, sexiest stellar legends from Greek mythology. Learn about Orion & his loves, the dramatic rescue of Andromeda, the decapitation of Medusa, where Venus really came from, & Zeus' patented ways of picking up mortals. Uncensored for adults only. $10/adult. View Zeus (i.e, Jupiter) thru the historic 1843 telescope (weather permitting). Limited space, RSVP required by calling 513.321.5186. At the Cincinnati Observatory Center, 3489 Observatory Place, Cincinnati, OH 45208. More info atcincinnatiobservatory.org.
Little Angels, Little Shepherds [Saturday 15 December @ 7:30pm]: A musical celebration of all your holiday favorites; a terrific Holiday Show. Tickets are $15; kids under 17 are $5. Presented by the World Choir Games Silver Medalist Southern Gateway Chorus. Proceeds benefit Freestore/Foodbank. At McAuley Performing Arts Center, 6000 Oakwood Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45224. More info & tix at 877.474.2463 & SouthernGateway.org.
Small Paintings; Daily Paintings [thru Wednesday 19 December]: Donna Talerico will be painting The Girls again this year, showing & selling them at dailypaintworks.com. You'll find 6" x 6", 6" x 9", etc. Go to dailypaintworks.com, click "artists" on the left, scroll to Donna Talerico. "My Gallery" will appear with all the art she has posted thus far. Expect at least one new painting every other day. Click on the art you choose from the availables. Click on "Buy through E-mail." Enter your info & Donna will contact you directly. No registration required. More info at 513.961.4205.
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Ongoing Treasures:
Cold Hands / Warm Heart [thru Saturday 22 December]: This year's Kennedy Heights Arts Center juried winter show will warm your hands & heart, with unique works from about 50 local artists. The exhibit will feature works by members of the Kennedy Guild plus other local artists, including paintings, fiber art, photography, sculpture & ceramics. Also, 1-of-a-kind handmade treasures - jewelry, ceramics, glass, wood, fiber, & mixed-media works - created by local artists will be sold thru a gift boutique: perfect for gifts. Free. At Kennedy Heights Arts Center, 6546 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45213. More info at 513.631.4278, curator at kennedyarts.org & kennedyarts.org.
A Blessing to One Other: Pope John Paul II & The Jewish People [thru Monday 31 December]: This is an interactive experience that allows visitors to follow in John Paul II's footsteps from his childhood to his role as head of the world's largest church. The exhibit is divided into 4 major sections, reflecting the periods in the pope's life. Become part of the documentary, walking thru a multi-sensory experience: backdrops of enlarged photos & period postcards supporting artifacts tragic & triumphant, all set against evocative soundscapes. At the Skirball Museum, Hebrew Union Campus-Jewish Institute of Religion, 3101 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220. More info at 513.745.3922,ablessing at xavier.edu & blessingexhibit.org.
OKI Wants to know what you think [thru Monday 31 December]: The OKI (Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana) Regional Council of Governments is updating a strategic policy plan in southwest Ohio, northern Kentucky, & southeast Indiana, & want to hear from you about your opinions. OKI's original policy plan aimed to improve quality of life & service to the public in the region. Much has changed since the plan was adopted in 2005. With this update, OKI is re-visiting some strategic issues & considering others for the 1st time, & is inviting public feedback thru a brief survey that takes about 5 minutes to complete. Go to howdowegrow.org.
Landscapes of the Mind, Metaphor, Archetype & Symbol, 1971-2012 [thru Thursday 10 January]: This FotoFocus exhibit offers a historical look into how metaphor, archetype & symbol weave together to transcend ordinary reality in 3 stylistically different photographic art projects created at 20-year intervals by Nancy Rexroth, Judi Parks & Jane Alden Stevens. Free. Sponsored by FotoFocus & ArtsWave. At YWCA Women's Art Gallery, 898 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. More info at 513.241.7090 &fotofocuscincinnati.org/node/77.
Authenticity in Motion [Mondays @ 6:30pm; Wednesdays @ 9:30am]: Movement that calls forth the spiritual inside the material, allowing us to evolve into who we really are. $20/class or $48 for 4-class series. First class free. Taught by Fanchon Shur. At Growth in Motion Studio, 4019 Red Bud Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229. More info at 513.221.3222, info at growthinmotion.org & growthinmotion.org.
Love in the '40s When Mail Came Twice a Day: Cincinnati author Vivian Kline presents her latest & most personal book about a 19-year-old Vassar girl & an older man who is getting a PhD at Columbia 80 miles away. Since a phone call back then cost 80 times a 3 cent stamp, they write & write. (No Facebook, twitter or texting!) Thru their letters, you'll get to know a real & intimate love story set in a time when America was at war. What makes their magic? You'll learn their history. He's young; she's younger. You'll solve their mystery. A fine gift for you or someone on your list. Available at Kindle & Amazon.
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Tri-State Treasures is compiled by Jim Kesner
● Tri-State Treasures are typically transmitted on Wednesdays; send submissions as soon as possible for best probability of being included.
● Event descriptions are typically published for 2 weeks leading up to the event.
● Submit Tri-State Treasures or request addresses to be added or removed from the list by emailing jkesner@nuvox.net; specify "Tri-State Treasures."
● Email addresses are posted in BlindCopy to protect your identity. Email addresses are not shared, given or sold without explicit permission.
● 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 at telephone, email, & website.
An Example:
Fabulous Film Festival [Friday 3 May @ 8-10pm]: The first & best film festival in Cincinnati will present live-action, documentary,
& short films... Presented by Flicks Я Us. Tickets are $8. At The Movie Theatre, 111 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH 45200. More info
at 513.111.2222, info at filmfestival.com & filmfestival.com.
● I use the following notations to reduce the chance of being deemed a spammer by servers; sorry for the inconvenience:
<> Email addresses herein are written with " at " in place of "@"; when you want to use an address, reverse the " at " back to "@".
<> Websites are written without their "www" or "http://" prefix; when you want to use a website, copy & paste it into your browser.
FROM: Lela Ransohoff: on those camera speeding tickets in Elmwood Place
ellen,
there is a whole mess of stuff about those camera tickets. i got one a month or so ago when elmwood made about 20,000 on tickets in a week. it is interesting to read about and sucks to get the ticket.
it does not go on your insurance or driving record, tho it is a fine that the camera co gets about half of. sorry you got one too. i pretty much avoid elmwood b/c of it and keep my eyes out for cameras.
glad you get to go to boston.
lela
FROM DIANE FISHBEIN, salonista
... (this ) (about the Walmart strike on Black Friday)... is important. Thanks. Diane
From AUDREY DUPUY (also on the Black Friday strike of Walmart): Thanks, Ellen. I posted the article on FB
FROM MORRIS WILLIAMS, salonistaEllen:
Thanks for this piece of education and advocacy. (The Walmart strike)
Morris
FROM GREGORY THORP on the Walmart strike: Walmart Heiress Closes Museum in sympathy with strikers on Black Friday!Ellen -
www.crystalbridgesfoundation.org/
for a press release from alice Walton
get ?
startling !
FROM BARBARA VENN, on the Walmart strike:At the Thanksgiving gathering I attended, I brought up the
potential Walmart strike and a woman said "oh I don't want their
prices to go up" The ME generation! What economists are saying
and what wasn't mentioned in the article is - the cost effect per
item if the workers requests were to be met is a plus ten cents!
FROM JUDY LUBOW:.... Speaking of thanks, you are one of the people I give thanks for knowing, for who you are, and also for what you give of yourself to our messed up world, Hope you had/are having a good holiday!
hugs, judy
FROM VIVIAN KLEIN: salonistaI haven't even been reading your emails for ages..been busy elsewhere ;;but did today and was amazed and pleased to have me and my book included! Lots of interesting stuff there also. You are quite remarkable! Vivian
FROM SHARI ABLE, salonistaHI Ellen, glad to see you're still at the helm. You might want to check out my most recent endeveaors on you tube posted under Shari Able.
LUV YA Shari
FROM SALONISTA BROOKE AUDREYAL:.... It appears to be an interesting source for quotes.....
Another is Gary Null PhD., PhD-- at (free) Progressive Radio Network (Internet).
I've had great respect for his depth and breadth of knowledge over the years in public health and preventative and nutritional healthcare. He's always seemed politically astute and progressive. Then a while ago I heard his live program on PRN and it was a beautifully articulate summation of our entire political/cultural situation--something of a pleasure to listen to even tho the situations weren't a bed of roses as you well know!
FROM PAUL VALERIUS, salonista
.... Everything is moving along here (in Isla Muheres, Yucatan, Mexico) . I go for a blood test tomorrow. Saw a chiropractor here today who is helping me with my tailbone.He is an interesting guy - my age, bilingual, long pony tail...etc.
I am now on my 10th chelation of 30. Weather is perfect here. Jeanne is fine and says hello.
Hope all is well up there,
Happy Holidays,
Paul
.
REVIEWS: BOOKS, MOVIES,
SHOWS, RESTAURANTS, CONCERTS.....................................................From Salonista Vivian Klein:
My book"Love in the '40s When Mail Came Twice a Day"
is now available on Kindle and from Amazon.
It is the story of a 19 year old Vassar College girl and an older man getting his PhD at Columbia University who are 80 miles apart.
Since a phone call then cost 25 times a 3 cent stamp, they write and write.
(No face book, twitter or texting for them!)
Thru their letters you will get to know a real and intimate love story set in the time when America was at war.
A good read and/or great holiday gift. (look me up on my web sitewww.viviankline.com)
Went to the Festival of Lights at the Zoo this week. Very Neat! I hadn't been in at least 20 years. The Zoo is going "green" in a big way... solar collectors as parking lot overhead rain covers, a number of LEED certified buildings. Because it was rainy, there weren't many people, which was a delight. We communed with the elephants and giraffes... the manatee... loved the little train ride and the choreographed music/lights around the lake. Every single employee was helpful, up-beat, mannerly, intelligent and enthusiastic. What a great zoo! ellen
Liette McManaman from Clifton (from "Neighbors Next Door")
Movie review
Hi All. My husband and I went to see Life Of Pi at the Esquire last night and it was a wonderful movie. Visually stunning and a wonderful story well acted and the characters are likable. A great movie.
(from Ellen: William Hansen said it was an extraordinary visual feast! It's on my list.)The Gift of Caring
by Steve Sunderland, Salonista
Sometimes a book is so powerful that nothing else mbbatters except sitting and reading it to the finish. Such a book is Lois Lowry's "The Giver." The book was written in 1993 for young readers and many people have read it as part of a early childhood experience. I urge all adults to read this book. The book introduces a shocking world that is called, "peaceful." What would it be like to live in a world where there new born children are called, "products?" What would it be like to live in a world where passion, excitement, danger, risk, and challenge were all removed from the human experience as a critical factor in "peaceful" relations? This world also has no people who are hungry, no people who have physical or mental difficulties, and no conflict that is overt. Even the hills have been leveled.
The world described is set at a distant point in the future. Somehow, decisions were made by the society's leaders that this kind of "peace" would prevail and that other examples of society would be forgotten or at least kept by the key storyteller of the society, the person we come to know as "The Giver." He has aged to the point where he is to be replaced and a very young boy has been chosen to replace him. Becoming a storyteller involves a form of private education, an apprenticeship in learning of the earlier times of the world's existence, a learning that includes war, hunger, violence, and postive experiences as well. The education of the young storyteller is the turning point in the story. As he learns the stories, he experiences the pain and the joy of those prior times in history. He finds the stories of war, orphans, homelessness, and hunger too much for his heart. And, he finds a story of Christmas so delightful, so amazing, and so warm that he want to experience more of these rare feelings.
What this boy decides to do with his "knowledge" is a critical question. Will he assume his position as storyteller for his community, and thereby keep stories of horror, violence, and atrocity as well as joy, out of the community's discussions, or, will he use his knowledge in a way that shocks and threatens his standing in the community and the community's rules as well? The decision of the young boy is exciting and needs to be read. But the questions raised by his experience of the reality of the past are contemporary questions that are important for any citizen, irrespective of age.
As a teacher, parent, spouse, and citizen I am also concerned about the education for "war" that is such a major force in our culture. The threat of doing poorly in school leads to the threat of poor job opportunities, reduced life expectancy, and dependancy, and drives our culture to frighten children and families at every stage of human development. The values embedded in these pressures for survival appear to drive away attitudes of caring that are reflected in sharing, listening, serving, and loving people. Fair procedures are scrapped in favor of short cuts that favor a few. The belief in caring as a way of life and as a way of making just decisions is repeatedly under attack. The child who learns best in projects that are cooperative is seen as a danger to the individualized testing culture in the schools. Workplaces are increasing lonely and beleagured settings for ongoing battles for status, "pseudo-merit," and self destructive choices. The family become another setting for conflict that seems ongoing as family rules may be violated by laws, rules, and behaviors that reinforce humiliation. The peaceful family, irrespective of religious orientation, or sexual preference, or political persuasion, or economic status is less and less an option. And, what are we to say to our citizens, our children, and our leaders about the reasons for continuing to risk life for a war that has been ill planned, poorly discussed, and with dire casualities?
Lowry's gift is to give us one choice for "peace" that forces a discussion of the values we want to live by and to have endure in our future. Her book introduces, in an exciting way, these basic questions and raises them in a way that makes it hard to ignore as a citizen of a democracy. She is worried that we are prepared to sacrifice the kind of education that will inspire our children to think with wonder, delight, and care seriously about their own lives, the way a community can exist, and the importance of choosing what is a "best" way. I strongly urge you to pick up this amazing book and then to pass it on to someone you really care about. I would be very interested in your comments on the book as well.
(This article will appear in METRO, a Cincinnati newspaper.)
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Thursday, December 06, 2012
Virtual Salon 12/6/12
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