I'm pretty sure the first line of this article is the most racist thing I've ever read from a news reporter..."Since those who need to probably won't read this." Lovely. And if this isn't the most racist thing I've read, it's at least the most condescending. Biatch, I hope you can't hear your NPR.
New law known as 'driver relief'
Loud stereo will drain the wallet
BY EILEEN KELLEY | EKELLEY@ENQUIRER.COM
Oct 28, 2007
Since those who need to probably won't read this...
Here's a verbal approach the rest of you can use next time you're in the situation where the THUMP THUMP THUMP of a fellow driver's stereo washes out your child's nursery rhymes or the zingers from the "Car Talk" guys on PBS.
You know the ones - those with the car stereos that make your windows shake and cause loose change to fall off the dashboard. The ones who, no matter how long and how mean the stare you give them at the stoplight, just don't seem to get the message that their stereo drives you batty.
Well, take heed. Tougher penalties and the possibility of having that loud car towed are now in place in Cincinnati and they could be just the thing to save your sanity.
And your eardrums.
And the Car Talk guys' zingers.
City council last week voted to toughen the current code.
While it may take time for word to make its way to those who really do need to read this, should you care to give it a go with a verbal approach, may we suggest this:
Ahem. (Clear throat.) Excuse me.
Hello, excuse me. (Hmm, clearly not working. Let's try waving hands frantically and then turn wrist clockwise in a manner that simulates the rolling down of a window.
(It worked.)
Hello. Yes you. Can you - CAN YOU PLEASE TURN DOWN YOUR MUSIC for just a minute.
Please.
Yes you. (A bit sheepish now.) You, the person with the cranked-up bass. Lovely song, by the way.
(Smile)
Thank you. Just wanted to pass on a tip from the city's friendly men in blue and members of Cincinnati City Council: Keep blaring that music while you tool around town and you could see your ride on the rear of a tow truck.
That's right.
Oh, you've been nabbed before?
But how much did it cost?
You see, Cincinnati police already go after noise violators to the tune of about 550 a year.
How many are repeat offenders isn't known, but some on city council are hoping that stiffer fines and the possibility of having the alleged offender's car towed will reduce the number of people who insist that everyone within a block of their ride wants to hear their song.
That is, if you can call THUMP THUMP THUMP a song.
The towing and added fines measure earned support of all city council members but David Crowley. All nine members on the council are up for re-election.
The measure was proposed by council members Leslie Ghiz and Cecil Thomas and penalties will include:
A $150 increase in the fine - to $250 for first-time offenders.
For those nabbed again within a year of their first conviction, the fine would be $350. A third time within a year of the first conviction? A $500 fine and the possibility of having the car towed. More fees for impounding and storage of the vehicle would apply and the fine must be paid to get back the car.
"It's garbage music," said Thomas. "The bottom line is we have people all over the city that are sick and tired of hearing that (booming) sound and that kind of language."
Laws regulating loud cars have been on the books since the late 1970s. In 1979, the fine was not less than $12 and not more than $25.
Prior to the change Wednesday, the maximum fine was $100. Now it's a mandatory $250 fine for a first offense. That might get people to think twice and not turn the volume knob so far to the right that a bup bup bup turns to a THUMP THUMP THUMP.
"I would think it would," said Thomas
Ghiz admitted the matter might seem trivial for a big city with more pressing problems, but said she hears loud stereo complaints frequently. Less than 24 hours after the adjustment to the ordinance was passed, Ghiz and Thomas said community feedback has been positive.
"I had a grandmother call me and say, 'Thank you thank you thank you,' Thomas said.
So there you have it. Remember, should you decide to spread the word to those who really do need to read this be sure and smile again as you pass the word along.
So thank you for your time and um, lovely song by the way.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
White Castle Day is Next Monday
At least the mayor has a sense of humor? This is mildly embarrassing for the city, but their coffee is the bomb, so you should go get some
White Castle Day Is Next Monday
Local12.comOct 10, 2007
It's a local favorite for those of us who sometimes have a greasy craving... or just want a quick cup of strong coffee.
Now White Castle has it's very own day.
Mayor Mark Mallory has declared Monday, October 15th "White Castle" Day in Cincinnati.
This year marks a big milestone for the slider.
White Castle has been a Cincinnati-area landmark for 80 years.
The first restaurant started serving up little square burgers on Walnut Street in 1927.
There are now 45 locations around the tri-state.
To celebrate their big day on Monday, White Castle will offer sliders for ten cents... but the limit is eight.
And coffee will only cost you five-cents that day.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Updated: New obstacle for Banks
TAKE THE FUCKING BUS! This article seriously infuriates me. I've been cursing about it all day. Share a ride! Carpool! Get a bike! Take the bus! Ask for better public transit instead of more shitty parking garages. You know what's cheaper than parking "a few blocks away"? Riding the bus. Splitting a tank of gas. Seriously. I hate you people
Updated: New obstacle for Banks
New development will mean less parking for downtown workers
BY JESSICA BROWN | JLBROWN@ENQUIRER.COM
October 9, 2007
Representatives from eight downtown business interests have sent another letter to Cincinnati City Council and Hamilton County Commissioners, this time complaining that the proposed Banks riverfront development will erase parking spaces now used by downtown workers.
Although the businesses say they support the development in general, they fear the project won't include enough parking for the people who work downtown.
County Commissioner Todd Portune urged his fellow elected leaders to "stay the course" and approve the Banks plans as proposed when it comes time to do so. Officials of the Banks Working Group did not return calls.
"It's certainly worth looking at and we need to review it," said Cincinnati Councilman Chris Bortz, "but I don't think that in and of itself is a reason to disapprove or approve this first phase of the development."
Many of people who work downtown choose to park in lots a few blocks away on the riverfront because it is cheaper than the downtown garages, according to the letter dated Friday.
However, those parking lots will become the construction site for the Banks and, although the project will include new parking garages, critics fear those spaces will be allocated to people using the Banks buildings and not enough will be saved for downtown business employees.
"Office buildings were developed in our (central business district) with significant reliance on the parking available at the riverfront," states the letter, noting that many garages for downtown businesses don't even have enough parking spots for the people who work there. Five buildings alone - Atrium I, Atrium II, 312 Walnut, PNC Center/Chemed Center and 309 Vine/Fourth & Vine Tower Complex - require an additional 7,000 parking spaces above what their garages offer, according to the letter
The letter notes that the high cost of downtown parking is a "major reason" some office tenants have chosen to relocate to the suburbs.
This is the third such letter that downtown businesses have sent to City Council about the project. Other letters have taken issue with proposed increases in the height and density of the development, and the possibility that the Banks will obstruct views of the river and the Cincinnati skyline.
The Banks is a proposed 18-acre mixed-use neighborhood district between Paul Brown Stadium and Great American Ball Park. Details of the project are being worked out and a development agreement with Atlanta companies Carter Real Estate and the Harold A. Dawson Co. is not yet final.
However, developers still estimate an end-of-the-year ground-breaking. The city's Economic Development Committee is expecting to vote Oct. 23 on the increases in the height and density. A hearing date for a joint city/county vote on the development agreement is expected to be announced this week.
Businesses that signed the letter are: American Financial Group Inc., Scripps Center, Western and Southern Life Insurance Co., Al Neyer Inc., Hines Interests Ltd. Partnership, Fourth & Vine Tower, the Capital Investment Group, and Swan Consulting and Design.
Updated: New obstacle for Banks
New development will mean less parking for downtown workers
BY JESSICA BROWN | JLBROWN@ENQUIRER.COM
October 9, 2007
Representatives from eight downtown business interests have sent another letter to Cincinnati City Council and Hamilton County Commissioners, this time complaining that the proposed Banks riverfront development will erase parking spaces now used by downtown workers.
Although the businesses say they support the development in general, they fear the project won't include enough parking for the people who work downtown.
County Commissioner Todd Portune urged his fellow elected leaders to "stay the course" and approve the Banks plans as proposed when it comes time to do so. Officials of the Banks Working Group did not return calls.
"It's certainly worth looking at and we need to review it," said Cincinnati Councilman Chris Bortz, "but I don't think that in and of itself is a reason to disapprove or approve this first phase of the development."
Many of people who work downtown choose to park in lots a few blocks away on the riverfront because it is cheaper than the downtown garages, according to the letter dated Friday.
However, those parking lots will become the construction site for the Banks and, although the project will include new parking garages, critics fear those spaces will be allocated to people using the Banks buildings and not enough will be saved for downtown business employees.
"Office buildings were developed in our (central business district) with significant reliance on the parking available at the riverfront," states the letter, noting that many garages for downtown businesses don't even have enough parking spots for the people who work there. Five buildings alone - Atrium I, Atrium II, 312 Walnut, PNC Center/Chemed Center and 309 Vine/Fourth & Vine Tower Complex - require an additional 7,000 parking spaces above what their garages offer, according to the letter
The letter notes that the high cost of downtown parking is a "major reason" some office tenants have chosen to relocate to the suburbs.
This is the third such letter that downtown businesses have sent to City Council about the project. Other letters have taken issue with proposed increases in the height and density of the development, and the possibility that the Banks will obstruct views of the river and the Cincinnati skyline.
The Banks is a proposed 18-acre mixed-use neighborhood district between Paul Brown Stadium and Great American Ball Park. Details of the project are being worked out and a development agreement with Atlanta companies Carter Real Estate and the Harold A. Dawson Co. is not yet final.
However, developers still estimate an end-of-the-year ground-breaking. The city's Economic Development Committee is expecting to vote Oct. 23 on the increases in the height and density. A hearing date for a joint city/county vote on the development agreement is expected to be announced this week.
Businesses that signed the letter are: American Financial Group Inc., Scripps Center, Western and Southern Life Insurance Co., Al Neyer Inc., Hines Interests Ltd. Partnership, Fourth & Vine Tower, the Capital Investment Group, and Swan Consulting and Design.
Professor's office raided
Oh no! Not a naked woman! ANYTHING but a naked woman!
Professor's office raided
BY CLIFF PEALE | CPEALE@ENQUIRER.COM
October 9, 2007
Hamilton County Park District Rangers raided a professor’s office at the University of Cincinnati’s Raymond Walters College Monday as part of an investigation into a class project that filmed a nude model in Sharon Woods park.
The rangers took computers and other media items from the office, home and car of Michael Sanders, director of electronic media at Raymond Walters in Blue Ash, according to Capt. Rick Spreckelmeier.
In a statement, Spreckelmeier said:
“As part of a school film project, a class from University of Cincinnati’s Raymond Walters Branch had been given permission to film in Sharon Woods on August 22, 2007. When the duty Ranger checked on the group, it was discovered that the class, led by Michael Sanders, was filming at least one nude subject. The group then quickly left the park.
“In an attempt to ascertain if any criminal activity took place in conjunction with the filming, a copy of the tape was requested from Mr. Sanders. To this point, Mr. Sanders has been uncooperative.”
Rangers consulted with the Hamilton County prosecutor’s office and obtained a search warrant for Sanders’ home, his vehicles and the offices of the Electronic Media Communications Department at Raymond Walters.
In a park district incident report, the ranger says that he walked to Gorge Trail to check on the group at about 11 p.m. to see how much longer they would be in the park.
“As I looked down in the creek, I could see an unknown female who was not wearing any clothing,’’ the ranger states. “She was facing away from me wearing only a pair of black wings.’’
After the ranger questioned Sanders and fellow UC professor Lou Olenick, Sanders “stated that he told them it was a mythological tale,” according to the report.
Later the model had put on clothes and the class left Sharon Woods about 11:45 p.m., the report said.
UC spokesman Greg Hand said the park rangers contacted the university several weeks ago seeking help in investigating the incident. The university contacted Sanders, who declined to cooperate, Hand said.
The investigation is continuing. No charges have been filed.
Sanders did not respond to calls at his home or office this morning. Olenick referred calls to a college spokeswoman.
Professor's office raided
BY CLIFF PEALE | CPEALE@ENQUIRER.COM
October 9, 2007
Hamilton County Park District Rangers raided a professor’s office at the University of Cincinnati’s Raymond Walters College Monday as part of an investigation into a class project that filmed a nude model in Sharon Woods park.
The rangers took computers and other media items from the office, home and car of Michael Sanders, director of electronic media at Raymond Walters in Blue Ash, according to Capt. Rick Spreckelmeier.
In a statement, Spreckelmeier said:
“As part of a school film project, a class from University of Cincinnati’s Raymond Walters Branch had been given permission to film in Sharon Woods on August 22, 2007. When the duty Ranger checked on the group, it was discovered that the class, led by Michael Sanders, was filming at least one nude subject. The group then quickly left the park.
“In an attempt to ascertain if any criminal activity took place in conjunction with the filming, a copy of the tape was requested from Mr. Sanders. To this point, Mr. Sanders has been uncooperative.”
Rangers consulted with the Hamilton County prosecutor’s office and obtained a search warrant for Sanders’ home, his vehicles and the offices of the Electronic Media Communications Department at Raymond Walters.
In a park district incident report, the ranger says that he walked to Gorge Trail to check on the group at about 11 p.m. to see how much longer they would be in the park.
“As I looked down in the creek, I could see an unknown female who was not wearing any clothing,’’ the ranger states. “She was facing away from me wearing only a pair of black wings.’’
After the ranger questioned Sanders and fellow UC professor Lou Olenick, Sanders “stated that he told them it was a mythological tale,” according to the report.
Later the model had put on clothes and the class left Sharon Woods about 11:45 p.m., the report said.
UC spokesman Greg Hand said the park rangers contacted the university several weeks ago seeking help in investigating the incident. The university contacted Sanders, who declined to cooperate, Hand said.
The investigation is continuing. No charges have been filed.
Sanders did not respond to calls at his home or office this morning. Olenick referred calls to a college spokeswoman.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Water balloon bombers arrested
Water balloon bombers arrested
BY KIMBALL PERRY | KPERRY@ENQUIRER.COM
The Enquirer, October 5, 2007
Necoli Carr-Ballard knew the forecast Thursday afternoon didn’t call for rain so she wondered where the sprinkles hitting her head were coming from when she stepped out onto Downtown’s Sixth Street.
“I almost got hit by a water balloon,” said Carr-Ballard, an employee at the Moler-Hollywood Beauty Academy at 130 E. Sixth St.
So did others, police said in arresting three men for throwing water balloons off the top of the eight-story building at 130 E. Sixth St. – and capturing the results on video.
Police believe the balloons were aimed at people on the sidewalk who stopped to pick up a $1 bill the men glued to the sidewalk.
“The video shows the whole incident,” police said.
Carr-Ballard left the beauty academy’s building just before 4 p.m. Thursday to move her car.
That’s when she felt the spray caused when the water balloon tossed from eight stories up smacked into the sidewalk.
“I looked up and said, ‘What’s going on?’ I stumbled into someone (walking past).”
When she saw it was water balloons, she knew it wasn’t somebody at the school – and suspected it had something to do with the men she saw climbing the building’s fire escape earlier.
Students reported seeing a young black man wearing a back pack on the fire escape, accompanied by a young white man.
Soon, she was back in the beauty academy offices when Cincinnati police showed up, looking for the balloon launchers.
Eventually, seven Cincinnati police officers – and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office helicopter – were called to arrest three men, two of whom were hiding on the roof, Ballard said.
Arrested were Rodney Smith, 22, of Norwood; Dan Schmidt, 23, of West Price Hill, and; Brandon Meyer, 22, of Reading.
“Everybody was wondering what was going on,” Ballard said. “It was crazy.”
No injuries were reported, but Ballard said the stupid stunt was one more reason the beauty academy is leaving Downtown, moving to Pleasant Ridge next week.
“We’re too old for this,” Ballard, 37, said.
In court Friday, Smith pleaded no contest to inducing panic and disorderly conduct and was found guilty.
Smith was ordered held on $8,000 bond for those charges – and a driving under suspension warrant that was out on him – by Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge Julie Stautberg.
Smith can be jailed for 180 days, but the judge delayed his sentencing until Oct. 25 because she wants to find out how much time and expense police went to to arrest the trio, presumably because part of their sentence will include repaying that money.
Sheriff’s spokesman Steve Barnett said it costs taxpayers $195 per hour to operate the helicopter used in arresting the trio.
Both Schmidt, a self-employed music producer accused of recording the incident with a video camera, and Meyer, a college graduate who works at Johnny’s Toys, were ordered held today on $5,000 bond.
Their attorneys wouldn’t talk about what they trio was going to do with the video.
While some may think it a silly prank, Ballard was worried about how badly it could have gone.
“Somebody could have been hurt,” she said.
“You know, really, a small prank can become something worse.”
BY KIMBALL PERRY | KPERRY@ENQUIRER.COM
The Enquirer, October 5, 2007
Necoli Carr-Ballard knew the forecast Thursday afternoon didn’t call for rain so she wondered where the sprinkles hitting her head were coming from when she stepped out onto Downtown’s Sixth Street.
“I almost got hit by a water balloon,” said Carr-Ballard, an employee at the Moler-Hollywood Beauty Academy at 130 E. Sixth St.
So did others, police said in arresting three men for throwing water balloons off the top of the eight-story building at 130 E. Sixth St. – and capturing the results on video.
Police believe the balloons were aimed at people on the sidewalk who stopped to pick up a $1 bill the men glued to the sidewalk.
“The video shows the whole incident,” police said.
Carr-Ballard left the beauty academy’s building just before 4 p.m. Thursday to move her car.
That’s when she felt the spray caused when the water balloon tossed from eight stories up smacked into the sidewalk.
“I looked up and said, ‘What’s going on?’ I stumbled into someone (walking past).”
When she saw it was water balloons, she knew it wasn’t somebody at the school – and suspected it had something to do with the men she saw climbing the building’s fire escape earlier.
Students reported seeing a young black man wearing a back pack on the fire escape, accompanied by a young white man.
Soon, she was back in the beauty academy offices when Cincinnati police showed up, looking for the balloon launchers.
Eventually, seven Cincinnati police officers – and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office helicopter – were called to arrest three men, two of whom were hiding on the roof, Ballard said.
Arrested were Rodney Smith, 22, of Norwood; Dan Schmidt, 23, of West Price Hill, and; Brandon Meyer, 22, of Reading.
“Everybody was wondering what was going on,” Ballard said. “It was crazy.”
No injuries were reported, but Ballard said the stupid stunt was one more reason the beauty academy is leaving Downtown, moving to Pleasant Ridge next week.
“We’re too old for this,” Ballard, 37, said.
In court Friday, Smith pleaded no contest to inducing panic and disorderly conduct and was found guilty.
Smith was ordered held on $8,000 bond for those charges – and a driving under suspension warrant that was out on him – by Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge Julie Stautberg.
Smith can be jailed for 180 days, but the judge delayed his sentencing until Oct. 25 because she wants to find out how much time and expense police went to to arrest the trio, presumably because part of their sentence will include repaying that money.
Sheriff’s spokesman Steve Barnett said it costs taxpayers $195 per hour to operate the helicopter used in arresting the trio.
Both Schmidt, a self-employed music producer accused of recording the incident with a video camera, and Meyer, a college graduate who works at Johnny’s Toys, were ordered held today on $5,000 bond.
Their attorneys wouldn’t talk about what they trio was going to do with the video.
While some may think it a silly prank, Ballard was worried about how badly it could have gone.
“Somebody could have been hurt,” she said.
“You know, really, a small prank can become something worse.”
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