Craig's OTHER List

One Down, 51 To Go.

2012-01-08T08:51:00.000-08:00

There is something to be said about setting short term goals, that is if you don't go overboard. Its officially been one week into 2012 and I don't have much to worry, complain or fret about. That's a good thing.

Though I do have to say it is hard to ignore that small, yet consistent, voice in the back of mind that reminds me that I'm kind of lonely. Okay, I have been able to make some friends and we are consistent with keeping track of another and going places and make fools out of ourselves. That's great and I am more than thankful for it. I have also taken the initiative to take personal adventures and get involved with a few groups to be more active and about. I'm proud of myself for that.

Its not as if I am being stagnate and keeping to myself. Having fun and being social is key and I understand it is something I need to continually work on.

With that, deep down, I have the small feeling of being alone and maybe a bit lost. I truly don't feel that I am, but I think this goes back to being in a relationship for the better part of four years then suddenly not being in one. I think I miss it or is it that I just miss her? Hmm, I'm not exactly sure. Its annoying that I haven't been able to shake that constant ringing in the back of my mind. I can subdue it now and then, I just can't get it to go away.

I think you will always miss something, or some things, about someone you spend so much time around and work with to maintain a relationship. Even if that relationship goes sour, both parties will always have things that remind them of the good times or something unique about that person. I have those now and they make me smile. Then again, they remind me that its just me right now. I'm not sure I like that as I'm not used to it.

I don't think about this constantly, but it does creep more times than I would like it to. Time, you just need time - I have been told this probably a thousand times in the past eight to nine months. I'm sure this is true, but my personal thought is that it HAS been awhile. Why is it still nagging me?

By no means am I bending over backwards to get into another relationship as I want to be sure I am start a new and not trying to get back what once was. Though I think it would be more than welcomed if the right person crossed my path or I cross hers.

Time, what a quirky thing you are.

2011: It Could Have Been Worse, Right?

2011-12-31T07:48:00.000-08:00

"You don't need a new plan for next year. You need a commitment." ~ Seth Godin

The above quote is something I hope to strive for in 2012 and I hope I across some folks who will do the same. With all it had to offer, 2011 (as a whole) is one I don't want to repeat any time soon. I'm still breathing and the vast majority of loved ones & close friends are still here, so this isn't some sort of doomsday, poor me type thing.

But damn, this past year definitely put me back on my heels. There isn't one person to blame and blame in itself should not be placed on anyone, though I do place a long list of woulda, shoulda, coulda on myself. I may be a little hard on me, but looking back there are so many things that I chose to do that I am disappointed with. Hind sight is 20/20, I know.

That's not to say there wasn't anything good that took place this year because there was a lot of things. Its just that the life I thought I was headed towards and was so looking forward to came to an abrupt end. The relationship, the residence, the neighborhood and group of friends that once was went a totally different direction. I blame myself for the bulk of it, though I think everyone knows that sometimes things just run their course. And when that course has come to its limit, you cannot force it, you have to let it go. That takes guts, which I am embarrassed to admit I sometimes lack.

I think that is the hardest part, letting go. I had a conversation about this not too long ago with a friend of mine and explained that I have a really good memory, which I'm proud of, but at times it can also be a curse. I felt like I have let go a thousands times in the last few months only to have something small and seemingly insignificant conjure up a memory that I have tried so hard to hide or lock away.

I guess the key is to not dwell on those things when they appear or spark a reflection. Its not so easy when they were things that you wanted so bad and were so looking forward to making more real & permanent. For quite awhile I felt lost, confused and sort like I was given up on. I know that wasn't the case, well, completely anyway. It takes two people to make a relationship work and sometimes it doesn't matter how much effort you put into it. It just comes to an end.

Its called life, which is not always a smooth ride. I have come to understand that with the roller coaster ride I have been on for 36 years now. I hope for and wish the best for her and all of them. I'll miss them too, as you cannot just dismiss all the good times.

Here it is, December 31st, 2011. I live in a new neighborhood, have a new group of friends I hang out with, I'm single, have a new job and have completely different surroundings than I had at this time last year. There's only good that can come out of this and looking forward is all you can do because that is what's real. I'm happy about that and maybe a little afraid of the unknown, though that only makes me human.

2012, you have a lot to prove to me and I will go out of my way to make it that much better than the year before. You do your part and I'll do my part, together we'll see what happens.

As for 2011, you did have a lot a good things and I thank you for them. But do me a favor and do not rear your ugly head again anywhere near me. I have a pretty good uppercut and trust me when I say you DO NOT want any part of it.

The Autumn in You

2011-12-09T08:05:00.000-08:00

I have always enjoyed the autumn season, but you have made it my Christmas with the way it makes you more you.

The leaves change color and you get more colorful, brighter and adventurous. Your style, the clothes you wear, your unique nature evolves with the transition of the season.

Your smile gets wider, your love of life and all thing nature get some sort of boost by something in the air. The wind picks up, the temperatures fall and you blossom into the girl who stole my thoughts, my mind and my heart. Even if reality keeps me from being a part of you and your life – the change the fall season has on you keeps me alert, positive and appreciative of the short time I was given to be in your unique world and in your thoughts.

It’s the way your mind works, your outgoing spirit, the bright nature of your personality, the beautiful smile, the hearty laugh – even if you are only laughing at yourself, how your face lights up on a daily basis, how you fight through frustration of a personal nature and go out of your way to make others feel warm…welcome…and like they are more than just someone in the crowd.

The subtle change autumn brings is the fuel that brings you to light. Everything about you becomes that much more magnetic – attracting passersby who only want to bask in the enjoyment the season brings to you. The change in you affects everyone in a way that makes us want to know you and be grateful that you are at least willing to give us the time of day.

You may not believe it, see it or believe it – but we do and thank you for it. Autumn is your season of change and rebirth. It will forever be my favorite season because of you.

New book details the life of “the Henry Ford of the NFL”: Columbus, Ohio’s Joe F. Carr

2010-12-11T11:45:00.000-08:00

New book details the life of “the Henry Ford of the NFL”: Columbus, Ohio’s Joe F. Carr. A Columbus, Ohio-native himself, Chris Willis of NFL Films sheds light on the man who turned the NFL into the world’s most popular spectator sport.

(December 7, 2010) Though he was among the initial seventeen inductees into Canton, Ohio’s Pro Football Hall of Fame; the work of Joe F. Carr has been overlooked and seemingly misplaced in the annals of the National Football League. Chris Willis, Head of the Research Library at NFL Films, has compiled the rich history of Carr’s life and work in the new book titled, The Man Who Built the National Football League: Joe F. Carr published by The Scarecrow Press Inc. (http://www.scarecrowpress.com/)

Described as “the Henry Ford of the NFL” by Willis the book details what has become the hidden history of Joe F. Carr. Willis was given complete access to Carr’s family and associates and brings the life of Carr, born the son of Irish immigrants, back to the forefront. The author recounts Carr as the man who had a vision for a little known sport and rose to become the diligent, straight-shooting president of the National Football League. Much of the structure for today’s NFL was developed by Carr, including standard player's contracts, rules for college recruitment, professional football regulations, players' statistics, creation of two NFL divisions, the NFL draft, and the championship game.

During his 18 years as President of the NFL, Carr saw the league expand from struggling franchises scattered in and around the Ohio to major business and sports conglomerates in nearly every major U.S. city. Willis shows us how it was Carr who recruited the folks who purchased franchises that would become the NFL’s Steelers, Eagles, Giants, Lions, Cardinals and Redskins. Many of these families are not only enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but those same families continue to own these franchises to this day.

Not only did Carr change the name of the then American Professional Football Association to what we know today as the National Football League, he established what would be among the first NFL offices in downtown Columbus, Ohio located on the 11th floor of 16 East Broad Street. Willis informs us that it was Carr’s idea to model the NFL after the largest, most popular sport in the U.S. at the time: Major League Baseball; he even accurately predicted in 1933 that football would eventually overtake baseball as America’s most popular sport. At the same time it was who Carr predicted that the success of the game would create the need to build indoor stadiums.

Willis brings back the life of the man who dedicated his life to the movement that would make professional football what it is today from 1921 till his untimely death in 1939 at the age of 59. Willis gives insight on the man inside and outside of football from members of the Carr family, many whom still reside in Ohio’s Capitol City.

Did you know…Carr also served for a time as President of the American Basketball League and the Columbus Senators baseball team?...Carr was among the first seventeen members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame which included such names as Sammy Baugh, Red Grange, Jim Thorpe, Curly Lambeau, George Halas, Ernie Nevers, and Bronko Nagurski…the first NFL Most Valuable Player award was named for Carr before the award before the award was ceased and when it was brought back Carr’s name disappeared.

In all, Chris Willis reconnects you with the hidden details behind the creation of the NFL and the impact a Columbus, Ohio man had on a sport we know and love with, The Man Who Built the National Football League: Joe F. Carr.

About The Author:
Chris Willis
Head of the Research Library
NFL Films
Email: chris.willis@nfl.com

Willis has held his position with NFL Films since 1996. This is his third book. His other works include Old Leather: An Oral History of Early Pro Football in Ohio, 1920-1935 (Scarecrow, 2005) and The Columbus Panhandles: A Complete History of Pro Football's Toughest Team, 1900-1922 (Scarecrow, 2007).

###

So, Oprah Called Me On Saturday...

2010-11-08T08:10:00.000-08:00

Well...not Oprah Winfrey herself, but a representative from her show did.

This past weekend was the first Saturday in a long, long time where I had nothing to do and spent the day vegging out on the sofa and watching college football. After a couple of games, I took the time to check my email via cell phone to see if I had any replies from the plethora of resumes I have been sending out.

I had the usually list of spam and forwards, but one caught my attention. It was from someone with an email from harpo.com. Curious to see what fun things this organization was going to try and get me to buy, I read through it. A woman stated that she works "...at the Oprah Show.. " and was "...trying to get a hold.." of me. As a result, she left her phone number and complete contact information with the Oprah program.

I laughed and rolled my eyes with the thought that, "I better get my ass in gear, Oprah...the Queen of all media...needs my services!" Despite my urge to hop in the nearest phone booth, throw on my cape and fly to Chicago, I put my phone away and continued my deep, trance-like gazing of the wonderful world of NCAA Football.

About 20 minutes later, after it crossed my mind about a hundred times, I opened up that email and read again.

Sure, it definitely sounded like a scam, or spam, with Oprah needing my assistance one way or another (because that happens ALL the time). Though, at the bottom of the message was this long legal disclaimer that made it sound legit.

It was wordy and included this paragraph, "Unsolicited ideas and/or creative materials sent to Harpo will not be kept confidential and may be shared with and used by the staff of Harpo and any of its affiliated companies or entities, as well as with any third parties as Harpo may elect. Harpo is neither obligated to use your ideas and/or materials nor to pay you for them."

The banner on the email with "Oprah. The Farewell Season" slapped on it perked my curiosity even more.

Since I was home alone and wasn't doing anything constructive, I called the number and received a voicemail greeting that indicated I did reach the name of the woman who had sent me the email and that she was working for the Oprah Winfrey program.

I left a message, but I am now in further amazement that I believe I did just call one of Oprah's employees. Not expecting a return call, I go back to football on the boob tube.

Ten minutes later, my phone rings from the very same number I had called. Ready to poke holes into this scam, I smile broadly and answer.

"Hi, Craig? This is Colleen from the Oprah Winfrey show," as the sound of people congregating, phones ringing and such roll in the background.

"Um.....yeeesssss?", I reply with skepticism abound.

Colleen goes on to say, "I'm sorry to bother you, but we are in search of someone and we aren't sure if that person is you or not?"

"No shit" is what what I really wanted to say, but realizing I was actually talking with an Oprah Winfrey show employee I kept myself entertained. "Okay, I'll do my best to help. Who is it that you need?"

"We are looking for the Craig Simpson who took some photographs of Barbra Streisand? Wouldn't happen to be you, would it?", she says.

Silent for second, then holding back laughter I tell Colleen that as much I want to say "Yes, I AM!", I was going to have to tell her that she did not reach the correct Craig Simpson. Through my answer she could hear the smile on my face and vice versa.

We both had a good chuckle and I thanked her for making my Saturday football frenzy that much more interesting. She agreed that she, too, would find it odd to receive a call from the Oprah program out of the blue.

While I had her on the phone I took advantage of the situation.

"Colleen?", I asked with a curious laughter,"your program wouldn't be in need of an unemployed communications professional, would it?" I have barely ever watched the show and would not call myself a fan, but if they want to hire me, I'll be damned if I say no.

Colleen said with a big smile and enthusiasm that as far as she knows, they do not need anyone with my background. After thanking her for the fun phone call, she thank me for my time and moved on.

Just to be sure and to follow up for the hell of it, I sent her an email reply as well thanking for her time and hoping they find the Craig Simpson they are looking for as well as the indication that I am in search of employment at this time. That is in case they happen to come across a vacant spot or two in the near future.

I figured I wouldn't get the chance a second time, so I took advantage. Nothing may come of it, but it makes for an awesome story.

As for the other Craig Simpsons out there..if you took some photos of Barbra Streisand sometime in the recent, or not so recent, past, Oprah needs you to contact her show.

FYI, just to prove I'm not making things up...I kept the email I received. I'm not sure that is stone cold proof, but it is something.

Clintonville Area Commission: Infighting, Turn Lanes & Headaches

2010-11-04T10:53:00.000-07:00

As a Clintonville resident, I really have to get this off my chest. This fiasco that has become the much debated turn lane/widening of East North Broadway and High Street has gone totally backwards.

To let you in, several residents along East North Broadway claim Columbus is being unfair in the proposal to take very small sections of land to widen the intersection to insert a left turn lane from North Broadway onto High Street. These folks, some who were on the Clintonville Area Commission, say that this will destroy the fabric of their neighborhood and will put area children in danger. You may have noticed the ribbons along North Broadway that are apparently a display of unity among these people. My favorite is the sign with a message, apparently from the tree it is connected to, that says “Save me, I’m over 100 years old”.

These folks proposed a roundabout at the intersection instead of the turn lane which is an effort to ease the amount of traffic that inundates the area during AM and PM rush hour. I can see the problems with traffic there as the absence of a turn lane has some motorists jetting through side streets and alleys to circumvent the major roadway. This is where it creates havoc, along the residential streets that really do not need the extra flow of cars and trucks.

Funny, this is where it gets backwards. The vast majority of the complaints about the proposals to alleviate the traffic is coming those along East North Broadway who do not want any part of their yards, or trees, or sidewalks tweaked, but do want a change at the intersection. They make is sound as if officials want to completely overhaul the intersection along with the entire stretch of the roadway, which is nowhere near the truth.

The fact is that a change at the intersection is needed, but officials will have to renegotiate portions of the surrounding land to create that change. The thing is that the renegotiation is small and insignificant to all but a handful of Clintonville residents.

I am not saying the folks along East North Broadway have no say, but their reaction to everything outside of their own proposal is as if Columbus wants to wipe their neighborhood off the block.

Last year the Clintonville Area Commission, after much debate, voted in favor of the turn lane. Then the CAC elections took place and committees were formed. Funny how the Planning and Development committee, which is the one that typically conducts the major work and research on items like road construction is now made up of a majority of folks who live on the same block where the turn lane is to be added…East North Broadway.

You can read below for more on this debate...

http://www.columbuslocalnews.com/articles/2010/10/16/the_booster/news/bo%20cac%20p%20a_20101011_0608pm_2.txt%20Angry%20exchanges%20lead%20to%20call%20for%20'civility'

And then there are articles on the CAC members, and those who just live in the area, who continue their infighting and calling one another out…(I suggest you read the comments on the stories the links take you to in order to get the real fun)….

http://www.topix.net/forum/source/this-week-news/TG7LLTO9HA0O0DL5S

The the new commission announced special "informational" session for the city to present their plans, but instead decided to re-discuss the already recommended left turn lane addition at the intersection. Apparently the new voting members decided you keep changing your mind until you get what you want…

http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/clintonville/stories/2010/10/13/special-session-set-on-complete-street-plan-turn-lane.html?sid=104

The issue with the East North Broadway folks’ roundabout proposal is that the officials have already stated a roundabout at North High and Broadway would be too expensive and that the left turn lane is already set for construction. The same turn lane proposal the commission voted to recommend in 2009.

Then, last week, the new commission decided they needed to re-vote on the recommended proposal at this information session, to the surprise of those who believed this to be just what it was slated to be, an information session. This time, along with the new members, the majority of the commission voted to take back their recommendation and officially eject the city’s left turn lane proposal.

http://www.columbuslocalnews.com/articles/2010/11/03/the_booster/news/bospecialc_20101101_0415pm_6.txt
Again, I live in Clintonville and agree an upgrade has to be done at this intersection. It is a major piece to our section of the Columbus Metro area. I do see where some folks along East North Broadway could and would have an issues with some things, but they seem to sometimes miss the fact that you can’t have your cake and eat it too when it comes to issues with roadway reorganization.

The infighting with the CAC cracks me up, that includes the folks along East North Broadway as well as those who do not live on that one particular block or two. The commission is about Clintonville as a whole and not about the one issue that relates to your particular yard. You were voted in to assist in making Clintonville better for all of us, not just you.

I’m hoping the real news organizations in this city wake up and cover both sides of what is really giving Clintonville a black eye.

In case you are interested there is a CAC meeting tonight at 7pm at the Whetstone Branch the Columbus Metropolitan Library. Here is the agenda:
http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/13383426/1592717629/name/2010-11+CAC+Agenda[1].pdf

If you can't read the agenda, you might be able to find it here:

www.clintonvilleareacommission.org

Okay, I’m off my soap box. Let me have it.

Cincinnati Reds Discover The Err(or) Of Their Ways

2010-10-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

Defense wins championships, it may be old hat, but it still rings a ton of truth. Cincinnati has improved in most, if not all, categories this year which has allowed the Reds to put themselves in better position to win games.

You can tout a better offense, game strategy, veteran leadership and more focused pitching. Although, for my money, I would have to say the Reds can point to their defense as the biggest reason as to why they will find themselves in Philadelphia Wednesday night gladly shaking off their numb limbs in the chilly October air eager to play some postseason baseball.

Major League Baseball Postseason Schedule

The Reds may not have overpowered every team this season, but they did keep the possibility of a victory close to their chest by simply doing what they are supposed to do. Cincinnati committed just 72 errors this season in 162 games. That's the third fewest in the National League and their fielding percentage of .988 was second best in the NL.

The stat that might surprise you the most is the fact that Cincinnati had 106 error-less games in 2010. That mark is a new team record. The previous mark of 99 error free contests was set in 1992.

The past two Dusty Baker led Reds squads had a penchant for booting the ball. Cincinnati had 89 flubs in 2009 and a depressing 114 in 2008 and their record showed their lack of a defensive prowess. If you are counting, that's 42 fewer errors than just two years ago....42!!

What would the Reds say is the reason for the change? Left fielder Jonny Gomes explained to Yahoo! Sports, "I think this team has really responded to Dusty's style of baseball, Dusty's style of managing. I think this is actually the first year where this it's his group of guys. He was able to catch them for the first day of spring and establish the style of ball he wanted to play."

I've heard all the comments from the Dusty Baker haters out there and I'm not about to disagree with them or defend Dusty in anyway. I can see their point, but I would also have to say that Baker took the Giants, the Cubs, and the Reds to the playoffs in a relatively short time with each of those teams.

That has to count for something, even if the following years with the Giants and the Cubs were not the greatest. Those teams did get the chance to experience success and taste the playoffs under Baker's direction.

The Reds are doing just that this year. Cincinnati got rid of the some cancers that attributed to their bad play and poor baseball in the past and returned to basics with a group of guys who truly believed in playing winning baseball.

The result is 91 wins, a division title and date with the almighty Phillies at 5:07 p.m. Eastern Standard Time in the city of brotherly love on Wednesday in the National League Division Series.

Reds fans, where ever it is you take in the game on Wednesday, take the time to raise a glass and toast the fact that October baseball has finally returned to Cincinnati. If needed, toast a second time to hoping that we can experience a repeat performance in 2011.

Cincinnati Reds: Game. Set. Match.

2010-09-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

Laughed at, ridiculed and told to cut back on the drinking (or smoking) because it was messing with my head. I was just fed up and could not take watching awful baseball anymore, that was what was on my mind when I wrote Its Getting Hot in Here, So Take Off All Your Clothes back in May.

Before my head gets to big and explodes, I have just a few things to back up my proud smile today.

First of all, Yes, I know it takes more than just attitude to win. Their missing ingredient, they said, was talent. The Cincinnati Reds apparently lacked the talent to win or challenge for the National League Central Division.

The following tidbits, provided by the Cincinnati Reds Team Page on Yahoo! Sports, prove otherwise:

CF Drew Stubbs robbed Houston's Carlos Lee of a two-run homer with a leaping catch at the wall. "When it was hit, I honestly didn't think I had a chance," Stubbs said. "But it hung up long enough for me to get to the wall." Stubbs batted leadoff and went 1-for-3 with a walk.

RHP Edinson Volquez went six innings and allowed two runs on the seven hits in a no-decision against the Astros. He struck out eight and walked one. Volquez, who has been effective since rediscovering his mechanics during a brief demotion to the minors, will get strong consideration for a playoff start.

LF Jonny Gomes went 0-for-4 to snap his career-best 11-game hitting streak. He went 15-for-43 (.349) during the streak.

LHP Aroldis Chapman earned the win with a perfect inning of relief, with his fastball hitting 101 mph, according to the scoreboard readout. However, one of his two strikeouts came on an 84 mph curveball.

RHP Nick Masset hasn't allowed a run in any of his last six appearances covering five innings. His ERA his last 47 games is 1.34.

REDS 3, ASTROS 2: Jay Bruce's ninth-inning homer gave the Reds their eighth walk-off win of the season. It was the 21st time they've won by scoring in their last at-bat, and it was their 45th comeback victory. Aroldis Chapman pitched a scoreless ninth and was credited with the win.

Apparently the Reds have no talent will falter do to their lack of attitude and veteran leadership, something the St. Louis Cardinals (who were heavily favored all season) have in their possession.

But how did things evolve they way the did? It must have been a mirage.

Cincinnati took care of business folks, even on the road where the finished 42-39. It's the first winning record they've had on the road since 2000. They finished 42-39 that year, too.

Sure the Reds had their breaks and will need to step it up a thousand notches in the playoffs to be successful, but I don't care. They gave me something I've been missing for my entire adult life, a full summer of baseball worth watching (or listening to).

Funny, Reds Broadcaster and former pitcher Jeff Brantley was quoted as saying, "That's the kind of thing that makes the hair on your arms stand up," after Aroldis Chapman hit 105 mph once and 104 mph three times with his pitches on September 25th.

As a die hard Reds fan, I mirror that statement today.

Cincinnati Reds: Summer is Over, The Season Isn't

2010-09-23T12:29:00.000-07:00

Summer is over folks, as of today we are in the midst of autumn. The leaves are in the process of changing and floating to the ground, the nights are a bit cooler and the Cincinnati Red will get to stave off hibernation a bit longer first time in about 15 years.

The Reds in the playoffs, damn it feels good to day that.

Yeah, the Reds haven't exactly played great ball over the last month and seem to be in cruise control to ride out the regular season. I'm not really worried for the basic fact that the St. Louis Cardinals have done Cincy the huge favor of collapsing in on themselves and allowing the Reds to play "okay" baseball and not have to worry about anyone nipping at their heels.

Eleven days of the 2010 regular season remain and the Reds are nineteen games over .500, have an eight game lead on the Cards and their magic number is three for the division title. Funny how this is Fall (again, as of today), the third season of the year, and Cincinnati's magic number is three. Is there a higher power working here? I'm kidding, but it is a bit hinky.

It almost seems as though everything is "falling" into place, ha! Sorry, I have been dying to use that phrase for the past week. It's the title of a song by a pretty good band called Mike Viola and the Candy Butchers and it fits the situation.

Nevertheless, naysayers will point out that the Reds are now beginning to slide into that yearly poor play phase of which they are known for and are lucky that it didn't rear it's head until the last month of season. This, they say, will evolve into an eventual National League Division Series loss.

I say that's crap.

I say they Reds, although not playing as well as they should, started preparing for the second season within the last two weeks by playing well enough to keep their position and ride out the regular season. Dusty Baker lit a fire under the Reds in April that helped them take off and play winning baseball every month of this season. He will continue to do so.

On the Yahoo! Sports Cincinnati Reds Team Report, Baker indicated just as much, "We're not done yet. We're a long way from done. … There's no comfortable lead, where I come from." Though you can get much comfortable then right now.

The Reds are just 9-12 this month, but you will get that when you are comfortable enough to sit your regulars, play some up-and-coming prospects and sit guys aside to allow injuries to heal a bit faster. When was the last time the Reds were able to do that? (That would be 1995 if you aren't sure or were not alive at the time)

Yes, Cincinnati needs to be prepared and playing at the top of their game when playoff time starts. I have no fear of that "new to the playoffs" thing many experts like to talk about. These guys are professionals, not kids who haven't traveled to the big city before.

My only concern is how the Reds' pitchers will perform in the playoffs. They say you have to score to win games, but most of their playoff brethren have staffs that can (and will) keep you from getting anything easy in the postseason. Those bats have to be alive and the baseball mindset needs to be in high gear. I'm confident in the fact these things will happen.

Reds fans the summer may be over, but the season isn't. Rejoice!

Twelve Games Of Christmas For Cincinnati Reds Fans

2010-09-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

Twelve, yes, twelve is the magic number the Reds have at the moment to garner the National League Central Division title and their first playoff berth in -guh- fifteen years! And having a seven game lead on the St. Louis Cardinals is a good place to be.

It amazes me that Cincinnati has not seen the post season since beating sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series and getting swept by Atlanta Braves in the NLCS back in 1995. Though I have to say the '95 team and this year's squad are similar in the fact that they are not overpowering, but rather more efficient (unusually) than others.

In '95, despite being a short season of 144 games, the Reds had Ron Gant and Reggie Sanders with 29 and 28 home runs, but no one else had more than fifteen.

In 2010, Joey Votto has 34 dingers thus far and Jay Bruce has 20, but four others could easily hit the twenty mark before the season ends.

Back then good ol' Pete Schourek led the way with 18 wins and John Smiley added twelve, but no one else had more than seven. Of course it helps to have low numbers when thirteen different pitchers started games for the Reds that season.

This year Bronson Arroyo has 15 wins at this point, Johnny Cueto has 12 (but should have almost 20) and Mike Leake is the next with eight. And just eight pitchers have started for the Reds this year.

Speaking of wins, the most recent Yahoo! Sports Cincinnati Reds Team Report indicates that Cueto's "missed win" total this year is at six right now. Those are potential wins that Cueto has missed due to blown saves by reliever Francisco Cordero.

The most recent came this weekend when Cordero squandered a 1-0, ninth-inning in a 3-1 loss to Pittsburgh. Cueto is second in the majors in that category behind Florida Pitcher Josh Johnson, who has seen seven possible wins turned into no-decisions.

And in 1995, ironically, Jeff Brantley -the current co-radio guy for the Reds- led the bullpen with just 28 saves. No one else had more than five. This year the go to guy is Cordero who has 34, but does his best to see the most batters he possibly can before closing (or coughing up) a game.

It is interesting, though, at how Cordero pitches to certain teams.

In that 3 to 1 loss to Pittsburgh this past Sunday, the hero for the Pirates was Outfielder Andrew McCutchen. This is what had to say about facing Cordero, "I knew what he threw. I've faced him a few times. All the pitches were sliders. After you've seen it a few times, you recognize it out of his hand. He left it up and I got the good part of the bat on it."

Well if that doesn't make you want to slug Cordero, nothing will.

The pitching staff's ERA fifteen years ago was 4.03 and it is at 4.08 this year. The major difference being that four starters had ERAs under four fifteen years ago and the bullpen was the culprit in pushing it higher as a team. It's almost vice versa in 2010.

Cincinnati beat out Houston for the divison in 1995, winning by a full nine games. The Reds lead the Cardinals by seven games right now with seventeen to play.

You can compare anything and make assumptions, but my point is that Reds are almost a carbon copy of what many Cincinnati teams in the past have done to make the postseason and be competitive.

It just amazes me at how many times in the recent past this organization has put out teams that could not at least somewhat follow the steps to winning baseball. They instead would rely on short term winning streaks and hope that other teams would eventually falter. They reason they did not falter is because the stuck to the guidelines of winning baseball.

Luckily, the Reds found and followed those measures this year. I'm just hoping it isn't lightning in a bottle. I'm having way too much fun to wait another fifteen years.

Cincinnati Reds: Nobody Said It Would Be Pretty

2010-09-08T12:23:00.000-07:00

The Reds are in prime position for a division title and a playoff berth, but are sure making it hard to believe and while going about daily chores in the ugliest of fashions. It has worked thus far and I firmly believe its there for the taking and that it will happen. Just try not to look at them or pay too much attention.

The Reds are doing their best to make fans want to wring some necks. Believe me; I am well aware of the how the ugliness can make you teeter on that mountain of faith.

For example, on Tuesday I headed out to my car at 5:00 a.m. to go to work. Unfortunately, as I turned the key...nothing happened...dead silence. No lights, no noise, no flicker of life...just the early morning crickets. I think the worst of the worst (an alternator bit the dust, but hoping the best (battery needs replaced), I had no other way to work. I thought about jumping the battery, but thought better of it. That ended up being a blessing in disguise.

I called off work and when "real" person time rolled around, I gave my 2004 Honda a jump. It started right up. I hit the road to the nearest auto parts place to get a battery, I get a quarter mile from my house and the Honda slowly loses all power and comes to a dead stop. Sitting in the middle of a Columbus residential street, my lights don't work, locks don't work and windows will not go up.

At this point I'm happy I didn't jump the battery earlier and try to make it work because otherwise I would have been stranded in the middle of Interstate 71 in the dark of early morning hoping not to be turned into the latest hood ornament on the front end of one of the barreling tractor trailers passing by.

Luckily, a Good Samaritan (John) in a truck stops and asks to help push the Honda on a side street. We do that, but not before a second Good Samaritan stops and assists in that push. Those two take off and I'm examining the engine. A third gentleman (Greg) is working outside his home on the street I'm stranded on and inquires about my ordeal.

After explaining to him my fears about the alternator, and the previous hiccups that make me lean towards it, he says that if you buy a new battery that will give a bad alternator enough juice to get where you are going in order to get it fixed. I grab my backpack and walk home to get my bike and pedal to the nearest auto parts place. Once there I'm told it will cost an arm and a leg (not quite, but it was not cheap at all), I had no where near that amount until pay day.

And writing a check at this place is apparently similar to using a debit card, no wait to cash it, its withdrawn immediately. So essentially I'd be writing them bad check.

I had to enlist the help of my girlfriend who was working in downtown Columbus, but she could not leave her office. So I had to bike the twelve to fifteen miles south, through the Ohio State University campus, to meet her and retrieve the borrowed cash. Not that this is a great distance, but I'm a less than avid bicyclist, so I was not prepared at all. I make it back to my car in the 90 degree heat, dripping with sweat as the return trip is all at a moderate incline.

I pop the hood on my car and Greg jaunts out from his house with a batter tester and suggests we see if the batter was really dead or my alternator was in the process of kicking me in the proverbial financial crotch. A minimum reading for a "good" battery is a 12.0, my Honda had a reading of 5.6. In a nutshell, I could have hooked the battery up to radio controlled car and it still would not have moved it.

I thanked Greg and prepared to lug the dead battery, by bike no less, to the auto parts place. Greg, who was either really board or way to eager for any human willing to lend assistance, voluteered to drive his truck to the store. I sheepishly declined (trying to not too look helpless), but he insisted and I didn't say no a second time.

Mind you I just moved to this neighborhood two months ago and know only a couple of immediate neighbors and no one beyond two blocks of us. Greg was way cool and drove the two of us to the parts place where I bought the ridiculously overpriced battery and returned the paper weight that had been used as my car's power source.

On our way back Greg reminded me to return to the parts place in order for them to conduct a free alternator test to see if I would be shelling out even more money. Thankfully the new battery allowed my car to start up like it was brand new. I thanked Greg who formally owned an Internet Service Provider before selling it a few years ago and now was just, as he put it laughingly, "...trying to be a leader among men."

More or less, I don't think he had anything better do to at 8:00 a.m. on a Tuesday. Back at the auto parts store their tester showed my Honda's alternator was up to par and I was on my merry way.

All of that just to replace a dead battery in my car. It was hectic, annoying, stressful, trying and downright ugly...but I (and my girlfriend, and Greg, and John, the other Good Samaritan and my bike) got it done.

That's how it's going to be with the Reds. They lost two of the three to the Cards and have been outplayed by the Rockies and will continue to make what should be a full speed ahead end of the season into one that will make you stress yourself out.

It's not going to be pretty folks, but they will get it done. To get through it, you may want to start drinking heavily.

Oh, and in case you missed it, according to the Cincinnati Reds Yahoo! Sports Team Report, Edinson Volquez could start in the place of Aaron Harang on Saturday. Volquez was recalled from low Class A Dayton, where he made two starts to work his mechanics. In a combined 13 innings with Dayton, he allowed four runs (two earned), striking out 19 and walking four. "I feel good," he said. "I think I can throw more strikes."

And Jay Bruce hit off the batting tee Tuesday. It was the first time Bruce swung a bat since straining a side muscle a week ago. The plan is for him to take batting practice Wednesday. "If that goes well, he possibly could be in for this weekend," manager Dusty Baker said.

Cincinnati Reds: Making September Count

2010-08-31T12:44:00.000-07:00

Yup, September is upon us already. I do not remember the last time a baseball season went by so fast. Well, probably ten years ago when the Reds were playing well for an entire season. It's been a blast and there is one month to go with Cincinnati riding a six game Central Division lead.

Outside of tonight's (Tuesday's) game, the Reds have posted an 18-9 mark in August, which is typically the time most Reds teams have starting to run out of gas and shutdown. To add to that there is the buzz about Aroldis Chapman's big league debut (possibly tonight against the Brewers), Jay Bruce is batting lead off and swinging the bat like his hair is on fire, the Reds are 21 games over .500 and a playoff berth in Cincinnati is as close as Roger Clemens is to prison time.

Sure, you can tell me to chill out and not put the Marge before the Schottzie, I would totally understand. Though this has been a decade in waiting, I had a full head of hair the last time the Reds had a whiff of the postseason! I am by no means putting the Reds in as division champs and playoff bound now, but you can not help but see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Unfortunately, there is still work to do.

Cincinnati must keep the gas pedal to the floor. Prior to Monday night's game Manager Dusty Baker was asked about the lead the Reds have on the Cardinals. His reply was, "Let's try to make it six and get as many as we can. We're playing the way we can. Let's try to get greedy."

Hell, yes.

St. Louis may be in a slump right now, but that veteran lineup can, and will, take your legs out in an instance. The Reds may have a half-dozen game lead, but there are 31 contests to go. That's a month's worth of chances. The key is to not focus on what the Cardinals, or anyone else, is doing. After Monday's game Jay Bruce said it like a pro, "You know those guys aren’t worried about six games. It’s going to be a battle until the end. That’s what we expect.”

Cincinnati must focus on themselves and play the brand of baseball that has allowed them to finish each month thus far with a winning record. Imagine what could happen with Jonny Gomes decided to get off that roller coaster ride & hit the damn ball and Aaron Harang (as he is off the DL now) can master his command and keep opposing offenses off kilter.

There is this hoopla football kicking off this month and I am excited about it. Though, nothing football wise compares to what I have experienced this year and I am expecting that to fully continue through October 3rd at the very least.

I honestly would love to see the Cards find their momentum and make the playoffs, just as long as the Reds are there along with them. Can you imagine the battle if those two squared off in a playoff series, absolutely amazing it would be.

In the mean time, Summer has about three weeks left and Fall is banging on the door with all of its might. For you baseball haters, enjoy your halftime...we're preparing for a second season.

Cincinnati Reds Bullpen: Bringing Flames to an Oil Spill

2010-08-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

The last couple of nights you really can't put the full blame of 30 runs given up to the Giants on the relievers, but the bullpen is a piece that does need some serious help. Unfortunately, Cincinnati has only themselves to blame.

At the trading deadline they failed to make a move to get some relief help and instead chose to sign a pair of long time veterans (who had been out of baseball for some time). The hope was that Jason Isringhausen and Russ Springer would shake off the rust in the minors and be up to par once the regular season stretch drive hit high gear.

I don't know how many of you have noticed, but both of them...BOTH....are done for the year before ever putting on a Reds uniform. The following are segments of the Reds Team Report from Yahoo! Sports on Tuesday:"RHP Jason Isringhausen shut it down at Class AAA Louisville. He is done for the year after having a setback in his recovery from Tommy John surgery."

..and not to be outdone..

"RHP Russ Springer had surgery Monday for a herniated disk. He is done for the season."

This was disappointing more in the fact that the Reds have not been able to make waves to assist the relieving core. Their current in-house moves have not worked out well at all. An example of that would be former starter Mike Leake who gave up six runs on six hits in one inning Tuesday in San Francisco. He has allowed eight runs in 3 1/3 innings since being moved to the bullpen.

As a result the Cincinnati is discussing whether to shut him down to avoid putting some major hurt on the rookie. The 22-year-old was 8-4 with a 3.78 ERA as a starter, but his ERA has risen to 4.21 in just two relief outings.

Reliever Jordan Smith has been sent down to Class AAA Louisville after giving up home runs in three of his last four outings, though he is expected back when roster expansions take place in September. That's not encouraging.

Former starter Micah Owings, whom Cincinnati could find no room for, will be free to sign with anyone he pleases after August 26th. The Reds have been unable to make a deal in an effort to get something in return for his departure, but have not been successful. An absolute shame I say. He may not have liked it, but moving him to the bullpen for the rest of the season could have helped with the revolving middle reliever door. Instead it looks like he's just going to move on.

Cincinnati has even recalled Sam Lecure from Louisville to see if he can be the band aid the bullpen is in need of and on Tuesday he gave up three runs in three innings against the Giants. Compared to how the rest of the staff performed during that game, he might have as well have been Cy Young. As a starter for the Reds earlier this year he was 1-4 with a 4.86 ERA.

It is really, really hard to complain about what the Reds have not done, or should have done this year because everything (up till now) has clicked and worked itself out. It is quite possible this relief disaster spell will as well, but if Cincinnati plans to continue their stay atop the National League Central, something has to be done.

Yes, Aroldis Chapman will be making his way to Cincinnati and will be in a Reds uniform on September 1st. Cincinnati plays the final of a three game set with the Brewers on this day, but two days later is the final regular season series with the hard charging St. Louis Cardinals. The problem is that we are not sure how Chapman will work. He could be awesome, he could be adequate or he could be gasoline on a grass fire bonfire.

The Reds need a plan B in case Chapman isn't up to speed. That plan does not have to be have to be drastic and could be an in-house move, but I'm not sure there are too many in-house options they can fall back on.

September is less than a week away and the time on making this a real season is ticking. I believe the Reds have the "IT" factor to make that happen. They just have to make the decisions and moves to make that a reality.

Cincinnati Reds Say Aroldis Chapman Will Get the Call September 1st

2010-08-19T12:57:00.000-07:00

This from the Cincinnati Reds Team Report from Thursday, August 19th:

LHP Aroldis Chapman will be added to the big league roster Sept. 1. "That will give him a chance to stabilize in the bullpen and get more experience," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. "We're trying to find the right time." Chapman will be eligible for the playoffs. "We have two extra spots because we have two players on the 60-day disabled list," Jocketty said.

Now, we'll see if the hype is worth our while. Starting him in the bullpen is absolutely the best way to do it. If he's up to par, it will be yet another boost in the race for a division crown...at least.

Cincinnati Reds Using Wood To Assist A Leake

2010-08-18T12:24:00.000-07:00

The Cincinnati Reds are seventeen games over the .500 mark for the first time since 1999 and to their credit they are making moves that makes sense rather than making snap judgements that may blow up in their face.

Last week when the Reds traded for Jim Edmonds many of us, including myself, were miffed at why Cincy would send Travis Wood down to make room. Wood was on fire and making waves at becoming the second Reds Rookie Pitcher to make a splash this season. Though we now see what the Reds had in store, or at least, figured out what they can do.

Cincinnati has officially put Mike Leake into the bullpen in order to cut back on his innings and ease the work load on his outstanding, but young, arm. As a result, Travis Wood will be called up on Thursday and will enter the rotation as the fifth starter. A great move to keep both pitchers in the mix as they have made a world of difference for the Reds this year.

Leake was quoted in the Reds Team Report on Wednesday saying, "Obviously, I'd rather go every fifth day, but it will be fun to throw out of the 'pen—as long as I can do something to help the team." The baseball maturity of Leake grows every minute. The 22-year-old righthander has already thrown 135 innings this season and has posted an 8-4 record with a 3.78 ERA in 22 starts.

Wood is 3-1 with a 2.65 ERA in eight starts. He has issued just 13 walks in 51 innings and has a WHIP under 1.00.

And Another thing. I'm glad to see Micah Owings go somewhere other than taking up space on the Reds roster. He was decent as a a starter, but never really had the stuff to be full time in the rotation. Though he is a great a pinch hitter, maybe he can remake himself as a DH or an outfielder (I'm joking).

For those of you who say the Reds lost in the trade of Adam Dunn to Arizona for Owings and two others in 1998, give me a break. I am an Adam Dunn fan, but he only hit homeruns when the bases were empty. He was the king of the meaningless dinger and seemed to continually go in reverse in his efforts to just get a base hit. You can hit 40 homers, but when you struggled to get 100 RBI, something is obviously not right.

Don't get me wrong. Deep down I hated to see him go, but the Reds benefited from getting rid of him to find players that were much more versatile in fielding and hitting. They may not have received that from the initial trade, but they created the room to make the team better.

And they have done just that, gotten better.

Hello, We're The Cincinnati Reds. We're Still Here.

2010-08-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

Hmm...two months to go and the Reds haven't faded and have not given any signs of faltering or disappearing. Yes, two months is still a relatively long time and the naysayers will tell you Cincinnati will show their true colors when it gets to crunch time.

I say keep doubting, keep brushing them aside and do your best to pretend that they don't know what they are doing.

The Reds are fourteen games over the .500 mark for the first time since 1999, that's eleven years ago for you non-math majors. How long ago was eleven years, well, I'm not going to make everyone feel old, but just subtract that number from your age right now and remember what you were doing at the time. Its scary. (I was 23, a year out of undergrad from Morehead State University and working in Public Radio in Evansville, Indiana)

Cincinnati has posted winning marks in every month which includes 12-11 in April, 18-11 in May, 14-13 in June and 14-12 in July. At the moment they are 4-1 in August. The dog days of summer tend to weed out the pretenders and the Reds have not succumbed. They are ten games over at home, four games over on the road and are playing their best baseball right now.

The pitching has far exceeded expectations, the hitting (despite a power outage that seems to show up once every two weeks) has been consistent and clutch, and the bullpen has been better than average (not great, but definitely okay).

What has impressed me the most has been the defense with Scott Rolen leading the charge. I was able to listen to Friday's game in Chicago and you could hear the impression Rolen and company had on Marty and his cohorts on the broadcast.

Furthermore, my brother is in the Windy City for the weekend and sat ten rows from field level on Friday. He was just as impressed, if not more, by the defense he witnessed with his own eyes. So it just wasn't Marty over hyping or going over board.

On the phone, you could hear some of the jeers of frustration from Cubs fans sitting around my brother during the game. I hate to say it, but I know their feelings all too well. Fortunately, that's not this year.

The Yahoo!Sports Cincinnati Reds Team Page had some comments from starter Bronson Arroyo on Rolen's efforts on Friday. "That's why (Rolen's) so good down there," pitcher Arroyo said. "You look at box score and you don't see it show up. That kind of stuff right there, especially Castro from his knees, that changes the whole inning. I'm going through the meat of the order. That's why our record is so (darn) good with him in the lineup."

Rolen's efforts includes a diving stab and throw from his knees that nailed Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro at first and then charging a ball by Derrek Lee, backhanding it and throwing him out as well. That doesn't include several fine plays by Janish, Phillips, Cordero and others.

At 62-48, the Reds have 52 contests left to play and have a half game lead on the Cards. Also, the Wild-Card race is just as tight with San Fransisco, Philadelphia and St. Louis within a game and half of one another. Colorado and Los Angeles are still in thick of things depending on how well they play over the next few weeks.

Barring major injuries, Cincinnati will be in the midst of the crowded playoff picture till the end.
What will the Reds need to do to help their chances? Bring in Aroldis Chapman and allow him to test the waters and get some big league experience? Allow Sam LeCure or another of the young impressive arms in the minors to spell Mike Leake now and then to avoid over working Leake's tremendous upside? Find a talented bat to aid the offensive onslaught? Move Harang to the bullpen? Find some way to get something out of, or for, the ever dwindling presence of Homer Bailey?

We will have to see.

Hello, baseball? Remember the Reds? Yeah, they're still here.

Cincinnati Reds Plauged by "Sundae" Baseball

2010-07-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

Despite being ten games over the .500 mark, playing their best baseball in ten years, and being in the playoff race this late in the season for the first time since the Clinton Administration, the Cincinnati Reds still find time to hit the snooze bar at the wrong time.

What is it about Sunday that has this team spooked or jinxed?

It’s like their personal Bermuda Triangle.

The Reds have posted a 6-8 mark on Sundays this year and have been shutout six times on this perplexing day of the week (they have been shutout a total of twelve times this season), including the last three.

Not having your best stuff on a certain day happens to most teams, but not on the same day for the vast majority of the year.

These are just a few of the momentum killers that continue to pile up.

I hate to be a doom and gloom guy, but with the Redlegs in prime position to possibly win the division and/or receive a playoff berth, you have to find a way to win some of the time on Sunday.

St. Louis is hitting their stride and is preparing to put some space between them and the rest of the division, which means Cincinnati must will their way to victory on most of the Sunday games for the rest of the season.

The more Sunday games that slip through the Reds fingers, the more work they will have to do to keep pace with the Cards, let alone the wild-card race.

And the wild-card race has no less than eight teams with a legit shot depending on how they play the over the next two months.

With just six games head-to-head left with St. Louis, Cincinnati needs to prove themselves to the rest of the National League that they deserve to belong.

Deciding to eat a sundae rather then play on Sunday is not going to cut it.

I trust the Reds will get out of this weekend slump and will continue to pursue what has been missing for a decade, but Cincinnati's front office needs to do their part as well.

I don't want to lose the great young talent the Reds have, but if improving the playoff chances this year means losing a couple of them, I'm all for it.

Alas, that is if the front office gets in gear because that trade deadline is too close for comfort and nothing has taken place.

The Reds need some assistance, and it better be more than just a smile and a swift pat on the back. Sundays are for winning pennant races, not watching your good fortune go by the wayside.

That goes for both the Reds and their so-called "baseball people."

Soft Schedule: Don't Blame The Cincinnati Reds

2010-07-21T12:49:00.000-07:00

Most of us who are lifetime members of "Reds Nation" cannot explain how much this season has meant to us. Similarly, many of the media folks and critics have been observant enough to point out what Cincinnati has done thus far is more than just a fluke.

I do want some to understand that the soft schedule they are playing should not be held against them, but they are playing great baseball, nonetheless.

By no means is this a rant about how Cincy is being overlooked and brushed aside because most of their wins have come from the bottom feeders. That notion does come up in conversation (which it should, to tell you the truth), but for the most part, the Reds are getting the attention for all the right reasons. Teams don't get four All-Star selections if they aren't any good.

Though for those who do point out the so-called "easy schedule," you need to take a few things into consideration.

First of all, the Cincinnati Reds are playing the schedule that was given to them. The Reds don't make their schedule before each season. This isn't college football or basketball where good teams make themselves look great by racking up meaningless wins against far lesser opponents.

Secondly, the Reds are not playing in the National League Central only for the fact that four of the six teams are struggling mightily. Every team plays the majority of their games within their division. Cincinnati just happens to play in a division that is not very good from top to bottom. Not to mention, the NL Central has six teams, which is more than any other division in Major League Baseball. The Reds did not make that decision either.

Number three, if you are given a schedule that you have no control over, you can only do what you can by playing your best against what has been determined for you. The Reds have been good stewards of their future by winning games against the teams they should beat. The Cubs, Brewers, Astros and Pirates are not the greatest teams and the Reds have beaten them, establishing a record of 20-8.

The other team in that division, the St. Louis Cardinals, are on fire and have won seven straight. The Cards (the NL Central favorite, which is a well deserved) and Reds have played twelve times this year with St. Louis winning seven of those games. If you are keeping score, only one win separates a draw between the two. Not much of difference there.

Finally, of the ten remaining teams in the senior circuit, seven of them have winning records and the Reds are absolutely even with 20 wins and losses a piece. If they were not as good as advertised, that (generally) would not be the case.

Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci's recent article touches on the Reds schedule a bit, but does take heart in what the Redlegs have on their roster. And they have what most winning teams have.Cincinnati has a potent offense that is more than just occasional power, but it's also a great manufacturer of runs when everyone is hitting on all cylinders.

The pitching is light years ahead of the performances of the past ten years. Trust me, this has been a sore spot for a long, long time.

They have veteran leadership with playoff and World Series experience; they have young stars that have been able to keep their composure, despite the extreme atmosphere they find themselves in.

As a whole, the Reds have great camaraderie and chemistry. They have been able to avoid major, or multiple, injuries for the vast majority of the year. And their roster, from top to bottom, has everyone playing to the best of their abilities with everyone contributing in one way or another every game.

All of these are the key ingredients that produce wins and this is exactly what is taking place right now.

Sure, there are games they should have won against teams that couldn't fight their way out of a wet paper bag, but you can say that about every team in baseball.

The remaining schedule is relatively soft if you look solely at the records of those teams. Everyone knows most teams that have no playoff shot play better at the end of the year in order to spoil the chances of those teams in contention. That's not an excuse for what may happen, that's a given.

The Reds could hit the wall and take a nose dive, it has happened many times before to Cincinnati's beloved baseball team. It wouldn't surprise any of us, though it would be a disappointment.

If the Reds don't win, shame on them. If they do and produce post season baseball for the Queen City for the first time in ten years, then they have done the job baseball has asked of them. Plain and simple.

Free Passes, Free Runs & Defense.

2010-07-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

Walks are annoying. Sometimes they are a necessary evil, but for the most part they make me want to jab a sharp object into my eyeball.

The Reds tend to have this penchant for giving free passes when there are member of the opposing team already occupying the base paths (I'm talking to you Coco!). The Reds are playing well, extremely well, but are on pace to exceed the amount of walks (301 thus far) issued last year when the pitching staff used home plate as a well oiled turnstile. That's not good.
Though I have to say Cincinnati is making up for offering the leisurely strolls to bag number one.
We all know Great American Ballpark should issue binoculars to fans so they have a chance to watch the many balls that float into the Queen City atmosphere on a yearly basis. Although this year visiting teams are finding it a bit tougher to litter fans with ticker-tape style souvenirs.

You may not have noticed (I sure didn't) that the Reds have played more games (86) than the number of homers allowed (82) at this point in the season. Sure the moist air of July, August and September are still ahead, but this is something Reds' pitchers haven't done for a long, long time. How long? The last time they finished the season with more games than homers allowed was the 144 game slate of 1995 when Riverfront Stadium was home (It will always be Riverfront to me). The last time they were anywhere close was 2002 when Reds' hurlers gave up 173.

Walks are annoying because batters don't have to do much outside of having a good eye to get on base, then have free reign to do as they please for the next three bases as long as they don't do anything stupid. And if the next batter or two hits one deep into the Kentucky Bluegrass (or where ever it is they are playing at the time) that team gets to tack on a free run.

That's not really how you define it, but that's how it is in my mind.

With that said (yes, I'm tying all this together) I have to give credit to the eight other guys who get to melt on the field every summer for our enjoyment. The Reds defense is tied for first with a .990 fielding percentage, have committed just 34 total errors and are in the top ten in all defensive categories. That means those guys who get free passes end up being stranded along the bases most of time. Those walks haven't come back to hurt the Reds more often than not.

And with fewer dingers served up, the fewer opportunities opposing teams have to tack on free runs. That equals wins my friends. They Reds are not necessarily doing everything better this year, but they are doing the RIGHT things better in order to give themselves more opportunities to win.

I know this may be a lot of hot air, but numbers don't lie (well, not all the time). Keep pushing the pedal through the floor fellas. The Reds are on a roll

**Oh, and on a side note. You should read the article on Yahoo! Sports about how Mike Leake and Stephen Strasburg played on the same Little League team. Good stuff.**

Cincinnati Reds: Keeping The Foot On The Gas

2010-06-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

Who dey think gonna beat dem....Reds?! In the past, no matter how much it pained me to say it, I would have to say most teams. Luckily, this year, Cincinnati is running their way towards a winning season, playoff berth contention and possible division title.

And when I say "running", I mean it literally.

A quick once over on some old stats was an eye opener for me, but it made a ton of sense. When Cincy is swiping bases, they win games. When they don't focus on it, they don't. For example, in the last four winning seasons for the Reds they averaged 154 stole bases. In the last four miserable seasons the Reds averaged a meager 76.

If you scroll back the last ten years, the only times Cincinnati was consider a running team was 2001 and 2002. The stolen base average in those seasons was 116, but they had to run in those years. The pitching was horrible. There was no way they were going to win with the likes of Chris Reitsma, Elmer Dessens, Lance Davis, Osvaldo Fernandez, Jim Brower, Joey Hamilton and Jose Acevedo as part of their starting five.

The last your winning seasons, or non-losing seasons, were 1995, 1996, 1999 and 2000. Cincinnati won 85, 81, 85 and 96 games in those correlating years.

As for this year, after 79 games, the Reds have stolen 53 bags. They are on pace for taking over 100 bases. Which is one of the reasons why Cincinnati has such a productive offense. You get on base and force opposing pitchers to not only focus on the batter, but focus on the guy who is slowly, but surely, inching his way towards second or third base.

It also helps the Reds have batters who understand they don't have to get an actual hit each time, but do have to see if they can move guys along base paths at the very least. And with a long, hot summer you have to take advantage of the chances and the weather are given to you. "Good hitting weather. You've just got to put the elements out of your mind. This is when the strong survive—the strong-minded, the strong-willed.", Manager Dusty Baker said after last Saturday's contest which started with the temperature at 85 degrees and the heat index at 95.

Speaking of keeping things on a roll, did you know the Reds and St. Louis Cardinals set a major league record this week? The teams have been trading places atop the National League Central for the past two months or so, but for the last 30 days neither team has had a lead of more than two games. That's the longest period of time in MLB history two teams atop a division have been separated by no more then two games, interesting.

Finally, I heard some discussion on ESPN Radio the this week about the Reds possibly making some moves to improve their chances down the road. Keith Law thought the Reds, with their youth talent movement, may need to go get someone, but shouldn't go overboard with what they offer. With this being the first time in a long time the Reds have seen the results of playing well and focusing on baseball, if they keep the majority of the talent in house, they could see a run like this for the next four to five years.

Sure they may need to go get someone, but giving up one prospect (two at the most) and paying cash for that extra help is what they should do, according to Law. I think I have to agree with him. You don't to lose all the pieces you've put together in one fell swoop and then not have much left to try make a run the next year. Makes sense to me.

And speaking of youth, Travis Wood is being brought up this week as Daniel Ray Herrera was sent back to Louisville. Wood will make his debut against the Cubs on Thursday (July 1st).

If you don't remember, Mike Leake nudged Wood out for the fifth starter's spot after spring training. We'll see what happens.

Cincinnati Reds: Paced by Pitching Prowess

2010-06-24T07:21:00.000-07:00

Don't look now but the Reds have 40 wins already, more than half of 2009's win total. A month ago many of us were crossing our fingers hoping that yearly mid season collapse would keep from showing its face (or for at least another month or two, if it is planning to return this year). And as July approaches: Surprise! Cincinnati has survived June, sort of.

With a week of June left the Reds are a game under .500 for the month (10-11). If you had planned on having a not-so great month of baseball, going about .500 should be the worst you can do if you have playoff aspirations. Yeah I know the playoffs are a distance away but I'm talking in the sense the playoffs are something everybody strives for, even if you haven't been there in awhile.

Despite lackluster performances within the last week or two, you have to hand it to the pitching staff for keeping the Reds in games (Holy Crap! Did I just say that!?). The offense disappeared in the three game sweep by the Mariners, but Cincinnati was in each game from first pitch to last thanks to the starters. Though the offense did return during the Oakland trip and the Reds did themselves a favor by reversing the sweep against the A's.

Many times in past years the Reds biggest downfall was the inability of the starters to last more than four or five innings which meant even more work for a bullpen not equipped to put in nearly five innings a night. Up to this point of the month (June 24th) the Reds are 2-4 when the starters put in less than six innings, but are 6-0 when they get in at least seven innings. Those numbers bring nothing new to the table, that's what should happen. But as a Reds fan you don't get to see numbers like that on a yearly basis. Its refreshing.

Starters acting like starters and relievers getting the work relievers should, that has been one of the keys to the Reds keeping their heads above water. When someone has a bad outing, the thing is to not overreact. Cincinnati has done just that.

For example:

RHP Nick Masset was brought in during the eighth inning Wednesday with no outs and runners at first and second. He was able to curb the rally. Secondly, he has retired the last 12 batters he's faced."I've felt pretty good all year," Masset said. "I've had my ups and downs, but I'm feeling a lot more confident out there. I'm letting my pitches work for themselves. I feel like I've got my sinker back as it's warmed up."

Closer Francisco Cordero earned his 18th save Tuesday night after blowing the save Monday. Cordero allowed two hits Tuesday and had runners at first and third with one out in a 4-2 game. He got Oakland RF Ryan Sweeney to hit into a 6-4-3 double play to end it."When you give it up," Cordero said, "the best thing is to get out there the next night and get it done."

RHP Bronson Arroyo walked none over eight innings after walking a career-high six in the last start prior to the Oakland series. He gave up two runs on five hits to earn the win versus the A's. "I didn't make any adjustments," Arroyo said. "Some days you can make free throws, some days you can't."

"It's a tough series to swallow," starting pitcher Aaron Harang said after the Seattle debacle. "But we've got to look forward to going to down to Oakland and turning things around." The Reds did just that.

Also, the Reds could use some another arm or two to help bolster the staff as the heat and pressure of July cranks up. As a result, according to the Reds' team report, LHP Aroldis Chapman is getting a look as a reliever with Class AAA Louisville. Chapman pitched two innings out the bullpen Wednesday, allowing one run on two hits."With (Edinson) Volquez coming on and (Homer) Bailey not that far away, his best opportunity with us might be in the bullpen. There's still a possibility will use him as starter," GM Walt Jocketty said.

This would be a great way to introduce Chapman in a way that would not be asking too much of him.

Cincinnati is 73 games in with a National League Central Division Championship and playoff berth well in their sights, that is if they can continue to play within themselves. Yes, things happen and things change but I'm having fun this year. I haven't been able to say that in a long, long time.

I hope the Reds are having fun too.

Cincinnati Reds: Tiptoeing Through the Tulips

2010-06-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

Sounds lame, but that's exactly what the Cincinnati Reds are doing right now until they can find some consistency. They aren't playing awful, but the aren't exactly playing the best baseball either.

They finish this month with a six game west coast swing before heading home for another six. Those "tulips" I'm referring to are the four teams the Reds will battle in those twelve games: Seattle, Oakland, Cleveland and Philadelphia. Seattle and Cleveland aren't very good, Oakland is barely above . 500 and Philadelphia (which has had an awful time finding winning ways) is struggling to find the success of the past few years. Hence, they are ripe for the picking.

But that consistency bug has also bitten the Redlegs in the past week.

Looking ahead it seems like a great chance to pick of some much needed victories, but the west coast has been a pain in the rear for Cincinnati the past few years. Last year they were 2-7 on the W-C and are only 13-32 there during the last four seasons. The Reds need to focus and not play down to their competition. Otherwise it will be a big time struggle as the recent Kansas City series displayed.

I hate to think back to what might have been, which I tend to do, and it pains me to see all those losses that were pulled from the grips of victory. Though, I think Dusty Baker put it best after the recent 30 games in 31 days for the Reds, "I don't think about whether I'm happy or not. I'm grateful, yeah. You think about the games you could've had—the ones that got snatched away from you. You never think about the ones you snatched away."

Here, here manager man!

I'm hoping the Reds can tiptoe through this rough patch, known in the past as their mid-summer meltdown, and get back to playing like they had been. I'm not exactly sure what they needs to be done to get their "A" game back, but I can say it will have to start with the veterans lighting a fire under their own rears (Arroyo did that in today's win: pitching, hitting, defense).

Cincinnati is only 7-and-8 so far in June and that absolutely will not cut it when vying for the National League Central crown. Sure the Cards are right there, but don't look now. The Cubs are just 7 1/2 back and Milwaukee is 8 1/2 back. They may be under. 500, but that means nothing. It's only June and anything can happen.

I will be happy to see the Reds leave Great American Ballpark for a few days. This hot muggy weather allows anything with some air under it to glide into Ohio River which has visiting teams salivating for a Queen City vacation. Cincinnati's pitching staff could use the GABP break.

Well, here's to pushing for a plus .500 June. That is if those tulips don't turn out to be poisonous.

Oh, and as for the title to this rant..sorry. I can't stand the song, but it does fit what Cincinnati is in the midst of.

Cincinnati Reds: A Lesson In Resiliency

2010-06-11T12:29:00.000-07:00

Like Jason Vorhees from the Friday the 13th films the Cincinnati Reds are a hard bunch to kill. I think that's what I enjoy most about this season's version of the Redlegs (among many other items I thoroughly enjoy).

I'm not the only one to point out how much fun it has been to follow these guys either. Today's (June 11th) version of Big League Stew on Yahoo! Sports written by Kris Liakos gave Cincy a shout out for their tendency to makes things happen late.

Though he did indicate that it is quite possible, due to the Reds' recent history, that it would be hard to win the Central Division in this fashion. Still, Liakos was on the Cincinnati bandwagon after questioning whether the Reds can keep this up, "But hey, I'm rooting for them and I'm just playing devil's advocate. To hell with Cardinals fans."

That's what I like to hear!

I had to laugh at the fact that Dusty Baker, who has some questionable game strategies, has finally come out publicly and indicated that the entire organization finally has confidence in the Reds playing winning baseball. "I don’t know if you expect it, but I know everybody believes, from the players to the administrative assistants to the grounds crew,” manager Dusty Baker said. “Don’t turn off the TV if we’ve still got bats in our hands.", he said after Thursday's 7-6 win over San Fransisco.

All it takes is for the players to believe in themselves, and they have the talent to back up that confidence.

Second baseman Brandon Phillips proved last weekend that the team is focused on each game and the task at hand. "I just go out there and play the game of baseball the way I know how. I just play with a lot of excitement. I didn't see nothing wrong with what I did. If people think I did something wrong, I apologize to whoever thinks so, but it's baseball.", he said after after running over Washington Catcher Wil Nieves and knocking the ball loose to score a run.

Yes, it is a long season and it is not even halfway through. But I have not had as much fun during a baseball season for the last ten years.

Lets keep the ball rolling Cincinnati. Your fans have your back.

Cincinnati Reds: East, West And Then Some

2010-06-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

If ever there was a time to measure the Cincinnati Reds, it would be this month. Outside of the first two days playing musical chairs with the Cardinals, the Reds will spend the rest of June outside of the National League Central.

It is hard to complain about a Reds team with 30 wins and tied for the division lead, but with the Central not exactly being the best of divisions, their record is definitely scrutinized. Most would consider Cincy an average team due to the fact that 34 for their 52 games have been against their division partners where four of the teams are among the five worst (record wise) in the National League.

At least the Reds they have done the job at home winning 19 of the 30 contests at Great American Ballpark.

Stepping outside the NL Central, the Reds are .500 at 9-9. Personally, I don't think that's too bad since the majority of those teams have decent records. Then again, I hope to be thinking the same way (at the very least) once June comes to a close.

This month finds the Reds visiting Washington, Seattle and Oakland. Then entertaining San Fransisco, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Oakland, Philadelphia and Cleveland. The next time they return to division action would be the first of July in Chicago against the Cubs.

What makes this month equally exciting is the fact that every National League team has a legitimate playoff aspirations, though it is hard to include Houston and Arizona. Although, Houston was absolutely horrible in May of last year as well before turning on the gas and scaring the crap out of the Central Division.

I have heard a number of critics indicate that it has been the Reds' lack of talent in recent years which has caused them to falter in June and July. That could be so, but if it is a lack of talent, then why aren't they losing in April and May? Did they suddenly realize that they really didn't have talent so they began losing in June, July and August? Of course not.

Sure talent plays a definite part, but focus, experience and determination are another thing. If you don't have at least a portion of those four aspects, you are not going to win many games. Up to this point, the Cincinnati has been able to maintain that drive.

Even St. Louis Cardinals Skipper Tony La Russa has taken notice. He wasn't celebrating after Monday's win over the Reds,"Well, let me see, we've got Johnny Cueto tomorrow (June 1st) and he’s really good, so I’d be a fool to say that we’re really hot because good pitching shuts you down," manager Tony La Russa said. "I'll tell you, Cincinnati is a legitimate club." (I wonder how that contest would have turned out if there had not been an hour long rain delay)

I know all managers say things like that, but will that still be his mindset on Cincinnati when June reaches its final week? As long as the pitching stays on pace, he should.

Its about taking care of business, finding additional pieces to fill some holes and rounding out those rough edges. How that will happen is anybodies guess.

Will Cincinnati be at, or near, the same position four weeks from now?

As much of a Reds fan I am...I really cannot answer that definitively.

Its Getting Hot In Cincinnati, So Take Off All Your Clothes

2010-05-25T07:27:00.001-07:00

Not literally, but the Reds need to do it figuratively.

Memorial Day weekend is just a few days away marking the unofficial start to Summer and for baseball this weekend also marks the "real" start to the season: the pretenders begin to show their true colors and the contenders grab the bull by the horns as the temperatures rise.

For the last decade Cincinnati Reds fans have been used to watching their teams melt in the humidity of competition, unable to handle the increasing heat and pressure of what it takes to be more than just a Spring fling. If you examine it, the Reds (with all of their hot, or decent, starts in the past) resemble an addict who just cannot seem to "stay on the wagon".

Cincinnati is currently"on the wagon" and on the road to recovery (or in this case, on the road to success), but that road gets seriously rough from this point on. It will get hot and muggy, making it more difficult to perform at the same level everyday. At the same time, as they struggle to compete, those teams who have been there before are primed and pulling out everything they have to win.

In the past the Reds, not used to having to play even better than they are, struggles to stay at that level and begins to disbelieve in themselves and slowly returns to the form of a punching bag, believing this is who they really are. Thus, falling off the wagon and returning to that nasty drug called mediocrity.

Cincinnati Manager Dusty Baker is well aware of how addicting mediocrity can be. "Around here, people are a little skeptical because there are times we started out good and come August you couldn't find us.", he said as he commented to the media after the Reds passed the St. Louis Cardinals to move into first place.

Seriously, the past does not lie my friends:

2004: Cincinnati finishes the first half six games over .500. The Reds scare themselves back to what they think is normal. Final record: 76-86.

2005: The Reds fall off the wagon early and in early July find themselves 19 games under, but crawl to within six games of .500. The effort comes to a quick end. Final record: 73-89.

2006: On June 25th, Cincinnati is rolling at 11 games over at 36-25. A mid-Summer fade brings the Reds back to a losing binge. Final record: 80-82.

2007: The Reds just are not very good, but start May within a game of .500. The wheels then fall off...really fall off. Final record: 72-90.

2008: Similar to the year before Cincinnati must distrust their lack of true talent and play with heart. June 1st has them one game under .500, but they never sustain a winning mindset. Final record 74-88.

2009: Cincinnati isn't great, but not bad as April and May prove they are worth watching. June and July crank up the heat and the Reds fall into a stretch that has them go 34-53. Final record: 78-84.

We could go further back, but the enormity of the mediocrity is astounding. These are images we as fans, and more importantly, the Reds as a team, need to work on changing. Baker, continuing the discussion on Cincy's Summer collapses, went on to say, "I don't think this is that kind of team."

I totally agree.

That's the point of the title of this article. Cincinnati is used to these "clothes", this mindset, this belief that they just are not good enough. They must change that expectation of losing or falling just short. Its going to get hot and it will suck having to put out 100% percent effort and focus game in and game out just to be among the contenders, but that is what it will take. Refuse to believe that 'the winning was good, while it lasted."

Losing is a type of drug, a drug that will rear its head every chance it gets. Its an addiction that plays with your mind and your psyche and will take over if you believe the critics or doubt yourself at the very least.

There is a small market team bias that acts as a pusher hoping to real in his next helpless abuser or maintain that junky who can't help themselves, but so far that has not stopped those teams from believing in themselves and cling to that wagon.

A USA Today article by Mike Lopresti last week detailed how a number of baseball's so-called lower class teams are proving money, power and prestige do not always equate to wins. He focused mainly on the Tampa Bay Rays, but Cincinnati was prominently detailed as well.

As familiar Reds fans are with a month or two of success (sobriety) and then four months of what could have been, Lopresti, also, was not lost on the subject. His article finished with these, hopefully not damning, words, "They're having fun in Cincinnati, Texas and San Diego, too; places where the bottom line hasn't gotten in the way. At least, not yet."

Cincinnati is playing well and should not be afraid of success, they must resist the temptation to believe they are not worthy of winning or beating the best. This must be the season where there will not be a June swoon, July lullaby, an Au-GUH-st or September slumber attached to the Reds. If they need a sponsor to assist in their path to maintaining a mediocrity-free lifestyle, just take a look around the stands at Great American Ballpark...you will find thousands of us who have your back.

Summers in Ohio do get hot, muggy and sometimes unbearable, but that's the way I like it. I don't run from it. The Reds must show the National League Central that type of attitude, focus and determination. There's a reason St. Louis is always looking down, they don't have to look up. They believe.

Cincinnati put on those fire suits, its gonna be sweltering and you will have to sweat it out.

Mediocrity, no more.

Dusty Goes Bull Durham, Reds Respond

2010-05-18T12:24:00.000-07:00

Remember that scene in the movie Bull Durham when Crash Davis (aka: Kevin Costner) tells the manager what he should do to get his team to respond? Funny, you see those kind of tricks work in the movies. But believe it or not the Cincinnati Reds Manager may have hit a home run of his own with such a tantrum back in April.

If you don't remember from the movie, Crash Davis tells the manager to remember that the guys are just a bunch of kids, you have to scare them to get them to listen. The manager then goes ballistic, throws baseball bats all over the clubhouse and rips the team for lollygagging, not being committed and playing like horse pooh. Magically, the team responds and they live happily ever after.

ANYWAY, back to reality. On April 24th, after the Reds were shutout by San Diego 5-nil, Dusty Baker let them have it. And they deserved it. Cincinnati produced all of four hits (to go along with being shutout), had three base running errors (caught stealing twice), Drew Stubbs lost track of how many outs there were and starter Johnny Cueto added a wild pitch and hit a batter. After this fiasco the Reds had all of seven wins to go along with eleven losses.

According to an article on http://www.cincinnati.com/ from April 25th Baker was asked about the so-called closed door meeting with his bunch of lollygaggers. His response was that, "Anybody that's a parent knows that sometimes you’ve got to chastise your child,” Baker said. "Even though you spank 'em, you still love 'em. It’s over now."

Dusty had seen this poor play all to often, "It wasn't just yesterday (April 24th), it was a number of things," Baker said. "You just gotta keep teaching and preaching." He went on to say that, "It’s not through lack of effort, it’s proper effort." And it was obvious to everyone.

Funny, Baker hasn't been there long enough to understand that this is the type of play Reds fans have seen for the last ten years. And, surprisingly enough, the Reds actually took to Dusty's get-your-butt-in-gear-or-get-out firestorm. Cincinnati has gone 16-and-5 since that time, had an 11-game errorless streak and are playing the type of ball Reds fans enjoyed prior to 2000.

They have even produced some wins that still make me question whether or not I actually saw it, including Tuesday's (May 18th) come from behind 5-4 victory over Milwaukee where they scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth (four runs total in the final two innings)!

Not only are the Reds playing like winners, they are also playing the part. On ESPN Radio's Baseball Tonight Monday night (May 17th), rookie pitcher Mike Leake spoke with ESPN's Chuck Wilson. The interview sounded like Wilson was conversing with a ten year veteran: no frills, no over-the-top statements...just baseball. Leake credited his success to watching and learning from the veterans (Arroyo, Harang and others) and pretending like you have been there before. Wow, it was refreshing to hear.

For those of you who still don't believe, or are just waiting for the Reds to hit the brick wall (don't worry, we've seen it all to often), I think you need to reconsider. Or maybe rent Bull Durham and scare yourself at how eerily similar that flick from 1988 resembles the Cincinnati Reds of 2010.

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100425/SPT04/304250034/Dusty-tells-media-he-s-sorry-for-snub

Cincinnati Reds: The Little Things Payoff

2010-05-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

As we speak the Cincinnati Reds are riding their second five game win streak this season. I do not want to be over enthusiastic since it is only May, but it is hard to curb the excitement.

Seriously, when was the last time you saw a Red team play halfway decent defense, get outstanding pitching performances and be more than just average at the plate...ALL AT THE SAME TIME?! Sadly that would be the last time they had a snippet of a playoff birth (a one game playoff to break a tie to see who would actually get into the playoffs back in 1999, the Mets cruised to victory).

I agree they need some serious help in raising that batting average, but you cannot say that they haven't been opportunistic when runs have been needed and base runners are in need of being moved around. That my friends is just one of the little things that keep teams winning and within arms reach of snatching victory out of the arms of defeat.

Those other "little things" show up in statistics. The Reds pitching staff (outside of Mike Leake and Aaron Harang's resurgence) needs a lot of improvement, although the last month has been quite the rebirth for the hurlers (Homer Bailey did WHAT on Wednesday..WOW). Getting back to the point, the Reds relievers rank in the National League top five in saves (4th) and holds (3rd). Meaning they are either keeping the Reds in games and giving them a chance to win or they are keeping opposing teams from getting runs across the plate. This is a good thing.

The bullpen did get a ridiculous amount of work in the first month, but lately have only had to worry about their primary job. That tends to make things a little easier, for everyone outside of Cordero anyway.

The defense has been lacking in recent years, but has improved (albeit slightly) enough to give the Reds that added boost of confidence that all games can be winnable. Cincinnati's fielding percentage is fourth in the NL despite a head scratching fifteen errors already. Pitchers tend to rest a bit easier knowing they don't have to do everything to win games.

The offense (which has greatly improved in the last couple of weeks) could use a shot in the arm that will last the next four months. Though it is hard to complain with how the Reds are moving runners around and capitalizing on opportunities. For instance, Cincinnati is near the bottom in average, slugging percentage, on base percentage and hits, but is among the top ten in runs, triples, homers and stolen bases. Swiping bases and taking extra bases are a big help for batters who get the fact that if you can go opposite field, or get some air under it, you can improve the chances of pushing those runners across the plate or get them into scoring position.

I can not tell you how frustrating Cincinnati's lack of ability to sacrifice has been in recent times. There is a reason I am losing my hair. Not that this disease has been fully eradicated, but it puts my mind at ease to see it happen with frequency these days.

Continuing to improve in all facets and touch upon those little things is something Cincinnati needs to focus on long term. We know full well the Cardinals have been doing such things on a regular basis which is why they have been the class of the Central Division for so long.

The Reds now know the secret, but keeping it up will more of a challenge for a team that hasn't been able maintain winning baseball for the past ten years.

Only time will tell.

Cincinnati Reds: Quality Starts Produce Quality Wins

2010-05-06T14:09:00.000-07:00

The Reds need some help smoothing out those rough edges that have been a thorn in their side thus far. Those rough edges creep up in all facets of their game, but luckily they have not been an every day, every game occurrence. You have to give the starting pitching a ton of credit for their performance over the last two weeks though.

In the last nine games from April 26 through today (May 6), the pitching staff has pitched nine consecutive quality starts. This means the starters have tossed at least six innings and given up three or fewer earned runs. And going back one more game, the one on April 25, it was a win in which Homer Bailey gave up just four earned runs. That's one run more than the definition of a "quality start" but it was just as good.

In that time Cincinnati has gone 7-3, and that includes a stretch of five straight wins. Additionally, those wins have been against some very good competition.

Does this mean they have turned a corner? Well, let’s just say we have a better chance of large Marge being resurrected before we can officially say that.

Although, this is a very good chance for the starters to be aware of what they are doing and how they are doing it. Great or decent pitching will give life to any anemic offense. This will result in wins or having the chance to win each and every ball game.

If you look at the current numbers, Harang, Arroyo, Bailey, and Cueto all have ERAs that resemble zip codes. But those numbers are a heck of a lot better than they were just 14 days ago.

Just ask Harang, who in his last two starts suddenly found his form of three years ago and isn't lighting matches at the oil refinery anymore. (I'm crossing my fingers and hoping I haven't jinxed his continued improvement!)

Maybe it is the influence of Mike Leake doing extremely well. Maybe it is the collaborative effort of assisting one another in working out kinks and sharing ideas. Maybe it is the realization that there is no "I" in "team." Or maybe, just maybe, they have begun to listen, watch, observe, and use that knowledge to pitch.

Like those TV PSAs say: "The more you know..."

I'm not bagging on the offense, as they have come up big in nearly every situation when runs were needed and the late-game heroics are making Reds fans actually listen to (or watch) the entire game. This team in Cincinnati has made Reds baseball exciting again, but however long this lasts remains to be seen.

I'm sure the offense will pick it up a bit more soon, but I really cannot complain about how they are swinging the bats now. Though they must remember that pitching will keep you in games, you have to score to win.

The month of May is a nice trip through the Central Division and the Reds need to keep themselves in the majority of those games. Knowing you are within reach of a win (and capitalizing) will add much needed confidence as the temperature rises, both outside and with the competition.

Luck? Harang Should Focus More On What He's Doing Wrong

2010-04-28T13:54:00.000-07:00

I'll take this as a tongue-in-cheek joke, because it is funny, but I really hope Aaron Harang doesn't really believe this:

“We're close enough to Kentucky. I should be able to find a horseshoe,” Harang said, insisting that bad luck has as much to do with his record as anything else.

This was after Harang tossed the Reds' first quality start in nine games and became just the second starter to pick up a victory this season, which is only a measly 20 games mind you.

"Luck", my friends, hasn't given up 22 earned runs and six home runs in 27 innings this season. The culprit has been bad pitching, a lack of focus and the hope that the Harang of the past suddenly reappears out of thin air.

I know Harang isn't insisting that luck, or even bad luck, has had everything to do with his being dropped down several pegs from where he was just three years ago. I have seen you pitch, Aaron, and you have not been tagged by bad luck all that often. The problem, for the most part, is in your head.

Maybe a renewed focus and some time to really get down to business on pitches, placement, and better batter study can get you back to where you were (or at least allow you to pitch like you did on Tuesday more frequently).

What is most frustrating is that we know Harang is a much better pitcher, but this continued "gasoline on the fire" thing isn't getting him (or the Reds) anywhere. Maybe he has lost what made him what he once was, but he can at least get to a point where he is consistently "just okay" and not consistently bad.

I am hoping, as are the Reds, Harang has found a smidgen of what made him good. According to the Reds team report on Wednesday, Harang thinks he has done just that. He told them he "went out there a little more carefree and really let the ball go," and that, "it kind of felt how it was a couple of years ago."

In a nutshell, Harang was aggressive and kept his demons at bay. The result: six innings, two earned runs, six strikeouts, one walk, and a Cincinnati win. He gave the Reds a chance and that is all we, as fans, are looking for, Mr. Harang.

As for that horseshoe you are looking for, I think it has morphed itself into a tape of Tuesday's pitching effort. You should review that baby as many times as you can during the next five days and retain that focus because the Cards and Mets are currently licking their chops.

Now if only the Reds can just learn how to run the base paths and keep from getting picked off.

Another 50 Games - Volquez = a Good Thing

2010-04-21T12:54:00.001-07:00

If ever there was a sign that all is not right in Cincinnati (despite a myriad of disappointments), today Major League Baseball announced that often injured starting pitcher Edinson Volquez (currently on the 60 day DL) was been suspended for 50 games for testing positive for a performance enhancing substance.

Now he did have that one good year after coming over from Texas for another often injured (and sketchy background) semi-star in Josh Hamilton. It is very odd to me that each of these guys had short-lived breakouts for the Reds and Rangers after the trade, but both have since been in a downward spiral. Another glaring similarity is the fact that both have either admitted to, or tested positive for, substances that are frowned upon.

Josh Hamilton has had his share of demons. A top prospect that fell into drugs and alcohol then turned his life around to be a major leaguer. His past digressions have, unfortunately, turned his body into glass and he has, little by little, fallen apart physically. He did admit to slipping back into alcohol, but he has (as far as we know) done a better job of being a man of his word. This I can sympathize with.

On the other hand, Volquez was not good (AT ALL!!) when he was a Ranger and came to the Reds in what seemed to be a real stretch of a trade. Although I have to say he proved himself to the naysayers in 2008 by going 17-6 with a 3.21 ERA, 200 Ks, and an All-Star appearance. He was 4-2 before hitting the disabled list last year, but the numbers show that was the only good part about his abbreviated 200.

I would like to give him the benefit of the doubt on the positive test, but the current details show he just may not have liked being injured and thought he could find an easy way back. Or was it the performance enhancers that allowed for his outstanding 2008? Did the banned substances breakdown his body so much that it has resulted in his full-time residency on the DL the last two years?

Edison, my friend, what did you do? Were you so impatient that after one full big league season you had to find a way to turn things around instead of using physical therapy, exercise, and common sense? I have no sympathy for you whatsoever. It is possible you were just a one year wonder, but I would rather be a one year wonder than be known as a performance enhancing substance taker.

Reds fans knew ahead of time that you were not going to be of much help to your team this year, now you are not going to be of any assistance at all. And I am glad for it. To be that impatient and unintelligent just kills me.

I may be going overboard a little bit, but you had a spot waiting for you once you came off the DL (whether it was warranted or not). Now you have sent yourself even further in reverse and you will not find that forward button again until some of those sandlot kids decide they want to give you chance. They would still be hard pressed to cave in.

If the Reds thought about releasing you before due to the injuries, you still had a great chance of another team picking you up. You all but destroyed that now. Not that we thought you could be of significant help to the Reds again, but its the premise my man. You have (or had) the talent and as bad as the pitching has been the Reds could have used you (suddenly, I hear Chapman's name a bit louder now).

Smart people do smart things. Players like you, Baseball has no need for.

For your sake, I sure hope it was just that you took too much cold medicine on some random evening not long ago and that is what has gotten you into this mess.

A Slow Leake is Fine; a Chapman Flood Can Wait

2010-04-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

Like most Reds diehards, I'm treading lightly on praise right now, but it is soooooo hard to hide the enthusiasm. Oh, and this from the Enquirer today on twitter: @Cincienquirer Aroldis Chapman will make his debut in Louisville Friday. Tickets are, predictably, going fast: http://bit.ly/csEHc0

To tell you the truth, I do not think Cincinnati needs to have Chapman test the big leagues, along with Mike Leake (if it comes to that), anytime soon. Sure Chapman is unproven and such matters have not been discussed (that will be based on his performance in Louisville in the coming weeks), but I believe Chapman needs more than his share of seasoning down on the farm before anything else.

Leake, love ya buddy, but you need to continue upward development. And that does not mean we don't think you can do it.

Chapman could turn out to be star...great, WE WANT TO SEE THAT! But until things really start to unfold for the worse for the starters or bullpen, Aroldis should get to know and enjoy Louisville.

If A.C. goes nuts and the Reds have no other choice but to give him chance, I'm all for it, but Cincinnati (right now anyway) cannot go overboard on Chapman. You have chemistry right now; let’s allow them to mix the wrong concoction before we add the Chapman ingredient.

No rush my friends, I will take a slow Leake over a landslide of mistakes any day.

Celebrate Columbus' Food Culture

2010-03-31T09:46:00.001-07:00

An open letter to Columbus' food and beverage professionals....

I apologize for lumping all of you together, but since it kind of connects everyone I figured this would be the best way. Columbus, and the Columbus area, has become a food/beverage/restaurant hotbed and, yes, that is something you are not unfamiliar with. And with the growth of superb food and drink establishments you have unknowingly engineered a drive for foodies in Columbus to become more active in attempting to create your success in their own homes for friends, relatives and those alike.

You can literally see the interest by browsing local discussion boards (http://www.columbusunderground.com/) and the number of local connoisseurs who have started their own food and beverage blogs (http://www.restaurantwidow.com/ , http://columbusbeerguys.wordpress.com/ , http://www.columbusfoodie.com/ , etc.) which have become rather popular.

With that said, I believe you could develop some sort of competition in which the locals (the foodies, neighborhood kitchen gurus and basement brew doctors) would submit dishes and beverages of their own doing. Those chosen, or selected, would be highlighted at your establishments (on special, limited time menus or offerings) for the rest of Columbus to enjoy. The winners would get their names and city/suburb/village/place of residence splattered next to their concoctions on the menus. This would celebrate and recognize that Columbus' food & beverage scene is more than just the work of the professionals these days. The professionals have created an underground need for good food, good drink and a culture of satisfying the palate.

To continue the Columbus connection I was thinking that whatever is charged as an entry fee, or however money is raised, the funds would then benefit a Columbus area charity, the Mid-Ohio Foodbank or the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks or Nationwide Children's Hospital or something of that nature. A portion of the purchase price at said establishments would also benefit the charity or charities.

For the sake of giving it an identity it could be called something like, “Food Me! Columbus” or “Drink Me! Columbus” (or something MUCH LESS LAME). Now if there is something like this going on...please tell me to leave you alone and to go away, but to my current knowledge there is not a program of this sort going on in Columbus.

Now would this, in turn, be turned into a festival or event held in the Columbus area, I don't know. Though, I do believe it would be quite the draw if it were to come to that. Of course, that would also evolve into developing partnerships and sponsorships and what have you. A lot of work, but I believe this would be a major benefit for Columbus.

I am just an area resident who has a passion for food & beverage, cooking and the restaurant industry. If you have any thoughts on the matter, please feel free to discuss. I encourage you to do so. Otherwise have a great day and keep up the excellent work.

Oh...Really? O'Reilly's!?

2009-12-11T07:44:00.000-08:00

You can love it, hate it or just be indifferent towards it, but you can’t take away the fact that O'Reilly's Pub in Clintonville has all makings of that place where everybody knows your name (and not because your face is plastered on a wanted poster).

I have heard some of the issues a few people have with it - it is small, too loud at times, it can get crowded now and then, etc. - but come on...really...it is a local pub. It isn't a chain restaurant and it doesn't promote itself as a family place (which it isn't). O'Reilly's, at 2822 North High Street, is a place you go to grab a beer, a quick (outstanding) dinner, watch a game and converse about your past week's misadventures with close friends. Sure it still resembles a service station gone bad from the outside, but inside you will find a close knit staff who considers all patrons like acquaintances from the past.

The Irish themed joint has menu of what may be considered typical pub food, but folks it is better than that. They have munchies (what they call their appetizers) that include, sweet potato fries, wings, nachos and fried mac & cheese. What they really hang their hat on, or should do more promotion on in my opinion, are the burgers. The Bacon BBQ Burger is the one I typically go after (a 1/2 pound of heaven on a bun), but other favorites include the Jerk Burger and the Pepper Burger. Those in our group of Thursday O'Reilly's barflies tend to prefer the Jerk Burger, or the "The Tom Burger" as it is sometimes referred to (I'll let you try and figure out the reasoning behind it as it is an experience to behold).

Though we can't really prove it, we believe we can tell when Johnny is working his magic in the kitchen. That's not to say that the rest of the kitchen doesn't know what they are doing, but on some nights those burgers literally melt in your mouth. And more often than not that's when you get a glimpse of Johnny kicking butt and taking names with his pub kitchen prowess.

Even if you aren't a burger person you can pick and choose from a variety of chicken, fish, turkey, roast beef, ham and grilled bologna sandwiches. Or, if subs are your delicacy, you can dig into things such the Italian, Club, White Pizza, Veggie or Johnny's sub. The latter is formerly known as the "Gonzo" and for good reason. It consists of salami, ham, pepperoni, turkey, bacon, onion, green peppers, banana peppers, tomato, lettuce, cheddar and provolone cheese with your choice of Italian dressing or pizza sauce. It will set you back about $9.00, but it is huge and will make you work to finish it.

You will find that there are daily specials that include homemade favorites like meat loaf and mashed potatoes, corned beef and cabbage and others. It is a filler of a meal at a decent price. Better yet, the specials change weekly. When St. Patrick's Day rolls around you get a specials menu loaded with Irish favorites. These, too, are worth your time.

Our group of oddballs and misfits (Christine, Allison, Doug, James, Evan, Joy, Julie, Jay, Craig) make it a weekly ritual to meet there on Thursday nights. This is highlighted by the fact that Ann Marie, bar tender extraordinaire, is the vixen dishing out the beer and spirits. If you are a returning customer, she usually knows exactly what you want...unless you just want a change of pace. She makes it as if you are a regular, even if you are a first timer. If you really want some fun, make sure you play "Ball and Biscuit" by The White Stripes when you swing by the jukebox. Ann Marie will appreciate it.

Thursday's are typically jam-packed, but to tell you the truth I don't think I would want to hangout at a place that was always dead and empty. And being a relatively small place, you'll have a crowd now than then. You can still enjoy those warm days of summer by sipping your favorite brew on the patio. For those inside people the eclectic atmosphere is something that will keep you mesmerized. Just when you think the place doesn't fit you or you feel out of place, you find something (or someone) that will remind you that deep down we are all the same.

It not may be much to look at, but if you think about a neighborhood joint that thrives on being there for you whenever you feel the need...it serves its purpose. I don't think anyone would complain, or at least, have a legitimate gripe. The same can be said for other Clintonville pubs like Patrick J's, the India-Oak Grill or Crest Tavern.

You can find out for yourself what O'Reilly's is all about by swinging by there any day of the week. Better yet, crash the Christmas party Monday, December 21st at 6 p.m. or just be there on December 17th and sample the awesomeness that is beer bread!

This is my pub, my watering hole, my home away from home. It isn't perfect and is not the ideal place for everyone, but I wouldn't want it to be. It is an odd place full of characters that will make you laugh and stare in wonderment.

It is O'Reilly's and I wouldn't want it any other way.

"Limited" Opportunities

2009-11-18T11:01:00.000-08:00

As I find myself working seven days a week at a pair of part-time jobs, I am reminded of that three month transition between the time I was fired from my first radio job at WNIN Public Radio in Evansville, Indiana and when I started grad school. (Note: The NIN does not stand for Nine Inch Nails which is what my brother jokingly tried to tell some people.)

As I was sent packing from that public radio conundrum in southwest Indiana in October of 1999, I was fortunate enough to be chosen for the opening of a graduate assistant position at Morehead State University at their public radio station deep in the heart of Eastern Kentucky. In kind of helped that I received my undergrad from Morehead in May of 1998 and volunteered, work studied and interned at WMKY for four years. This would begin in January of 2000.

To fill the forthcoming three month void I moved in with my brother in Columbus, Ohio and lived off his sofa in the suburb of Grandview. It was almost like we were kids again sharing a room as his apartment was pretty small. It generally was not suited for two people, but being my brother he offered to keep me from living out of a cardboard box until grad school kicked off.

In order to make ends meet and make money to pay for school I was directed to a staffing firm which hired me for a warehousing shift. I would work 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., third shift, at the Limited Brands Distribution Center in nearby Reynoldsburg. The job was easy, but it could take a toll on you if you were not prepared. It consisted of loading and unloading inbound and outbound semi tractor-trailers with boxes, upon boxes of merchandise being sent around North America. Some of those boxes were so light you would have thought they were going to float way if you didn't keep both hands on them. Others felt as if coworkers were hiding in them in an attempt to mail themselves to relatives for the holidays. (It would have been cheaper than driving, I guess.)

Another segment was piling the boxes of various sizes and shapes onto pallets as uniformly as you could and then wrapping them in plastic so they wouldn't tip or come crashing to the floor as forklifts carried them to trucks waiting for them. The boxes came to you on a constantly moving conveyor belt and forced you to have to make a quick decision as to where the best place on the stack the boxes should go. It was virtual game of Tetris. You kept your mind off the monotony of the situation by testing your skills at building a stable stack of boxes as quick as you could without putting coworkers in danger. If you fell behind the conveyor belt full of boxes would come to a stop and a short alarm would sound. It was meant to let you know that you were going to slow and needed to keep up. For me if felt like the neighbor kids standing around laughing and pointing at you, then alerting everyone around to look and observe how bad you were at your job.

Loading the tractor-trailers consisted of grabbing boxes off the conveyors and then placing them uniformly in stacks. You stood in place and turned at 180 degrees from left to right, or right to left, moving the merchandise from conveyor to tractor trailer. This was fun at times if you were working with a second person. You could make a game out of it to see who could stack the quickest and create the most uniform stack of boxes. We had to do something to keep us entertained.

Our supervisor kept us abreast of the number of trucks loaded every night which correlated to how well we were doing in keeping up with the demand. The demand was quite high since it was the holiday season. A good night saw us load 50 or so trucks and a slow night would be around 40. It was exhausting work, but I had to keep in mind I was only there part-time and would soon be off to grad school. I had a helluva lot of respect for those who made their living working there full time. Many of those guys were around my age and invited me to play some five-on-five basketball at a nearby gym after work some mornings. We may have been tired from work, but you could easily find your second wind and a competitive edge in order to win bragging rights for a day or two.

It was tough staying awake driving home at 7:30 a.m. from work and it didn't help you were navigating through the vast majority of the Columbus area population who were headed to work during the morning rush hour. Keeping alert was a chore and it bit me in rear one time.

Cruising home along Broad Street in my 1997 Ford Taurus Sedan (not exactly the bachelor mobile) one morning I found myself stuck behind a super slow individual who apparently didn't care that the rest of us were on a tight schedule. Getting around him wasn't easy as the cars in the lanes next to me were free flowing and flying. The last time I glanced over my left should to see if I had room to get over I apparently also moved the wheel in the same direction a bit further than I should. Suddenly I heard what sounded like a rock banging of the driver side door. Turning around I noticed my side view mirror dangling helplessly and holding on for dear life by the wires that powered it from the inside.

A passing van had clipped the mirror and continued on its merry way. I had that car for all of three months and just like that it had more character than I would have liked. I eventually removed the mirror completely due to the fact it would bang on the side of the car every time a good stiff wind kicked up. I believe it made me a better driver as it forced me to have to look, and look hard, for other cars when changing lanes. That light blue sedan with one side view mirror was traded-in back in 2004 in Heath, Ohio for my current mode of transportation. I had the Taurus for five years and it had many more bumps and bruises along the way. Including a dent just above the driver side front wheel well from an orange barrel in a construction zone just north of Pikeville, Kentucky after a visit to Pikeville College for a radio story assignment. I was the only one to witness this though I believe those construction barrels know who I am.

At the distribution center the boxes we moved around were loaded with merchandise from the long list of Limited Brands such as Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, White Barn Candle Co. and others. I am sure you have grabbed a whiff of the flowery odors that waft from Bath & Body Works locations, but my friends you do not understand the destruction those fragrances can unleash. It may be a joy for some to get a scent of the fruity, flowery scents, but when you move them in bulk they overpower you. They don't even need to be open. In the distribution center they collaborate and work as a team to generate enough power to push their flowery agendas beyond their plastic dwellings and attach their venom to everything & everyone who comes in contact with them.

Those odors embedded themselves in my clothes and were transferred to the inside of my car and even onto your skin. Only a long hot shower and scrubbing with a scouring pad were you able to fend off the virus that was candidly...yet sinisterly... referred to as Strawberry Champagne, Sun-Ripened Raspberry, Cucumber Melon, Warm Vanilla Sugar and others. And don't get me started on their ringleader Country Apple! After awhile you couldn't move a box containing these..these THINGS..without feeling like you were being tortured for some ungodly reason. And you could determine right away what it was by its given B&BW name from up to 20 feet away. Worst of all, when I finally made it to grad school, I was still haunted by their attractive scents. I couldn't pass any female on campus without recognizing the fragrance she was wearing..and know it by name! And NOT because I wanted too!

Those smells followed me home from the distribution center which prompted a smart-ass comment from my brother every morning. Do you know how hard it is to ignore gas station attendants, store cashiers and passersby who give you that a weird stare down when they realize YOU are the one who smells like an orchard puked on a flower bed?!

I still have to thank my brother for his patience for those three months. He was dating at the time and I was playing the part of the third wheel. Many times I had to pretend to be sleeping or adjust when I left for work and when I arrived home in order to give him a bit more privacy. We butted heads a few times, but you will have that in most roommate situations. I'm not sure if I was the cause of the argument, but I did get to see The Nutcracker at the Palace theatre in Columbus as a result of a disagreement between the two of them during that Christmas season. She refused to go so I took her place and enjoyed it with my brother, sister and future brother-in-law. Don't let anyone ever tell you being a third wheel doesn't have its advantages.

There are some good times that make me laugh and other memories that stand out. Including New Year's Eve 1999. There was an outdoor concert at Easton Town Center, which was still in it's infancy then (it had officially opened in June) and was not the sprawling shopping mecca it is today. A couple of local bands led up to the headliner which was Veruca Salt. It was ridiculously cold, but there were a few thousand people and enough alcohol to keep the chilly weather off of your mind. I think most people would be stunned if that took place there today. Unfortunately, it has become too much of an uppity place for something that cool to takes place again.

If you would have asked me I would have told you that there would have been a much different scenario when the millennium and the year 2000 rolled around then working at a job offered to me by a staffing firm and living off my brother's couch after being fired from my first radio job, but I wouldn't go back and change it. It was an experience that resulted in some pretty cool & odd stories to tell.

That's life my friends. It changes on a dime and never goes the way you expect...and I have the experience to prove it, MANY TIMES OVER.

English From Around the World

2009-10-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

Wonderful English from Around the World:
(Courtesy of Colin Morris at http://www.colinmorris.net/ )

In a Bangkok temple: IT IS FORBIDDEN TO ENTER A WOMAN, EVEN A FOREIGNER, IF DRESSED AS A MAN.

Cocktail lounge, Norway: LADIES ARE REQUESTED NOT TO HAVE CHILDREN IN THE BAR.

Doctor’s office, Rome: SPECIALIST IN WOMEN AND OTHER DISEASES.

Dry cleaners, Bangkok: DROP YOUR TROUSERS HERE FOR THE BEST RESULTS.

In a Nairobi restaurant: CUSTOMERS WHO FIND OUR WAITRESSES RUDE OUGHT TO SEE THE MANAGER.

On the main road to Mombasa, leaving Nairobi: TAKE NOTICE: WHEN THIS SIGN IS UNDER WATER, THIS ROAD IS IMPASSABLE.

On a poster at Kencom: ARE YOU AN ADULT THAT CANNOT READ? IF SO WE CAN HELP.

In a City restaurant: OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AND WEEKENDS.

In a cemetery: PERSONS ARE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING FLOWERS FROM ANY BUT THEIR OWN GRAVES.

Tokyo hotel’s rules and regulations: GUESTS ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SMOKE OR DO OTHER DISGUSTING BEHAVIOURS IN BED.

On the menu of a Swiss restaurant: OUR WINES LEAVE YOU NOTHING TO HOPE FOR.

In a Tokyo bar: SPECIAL COCKTAILS FOR THE LADIES WITH NUTS.

Hotel, Yugoslavia: THE FLATTENING OF UNDERWEAR WITH PLEASURE IS THE JOB OF THE CHAMBERMAID.

Hotel, Japan: YOU ARE INVITED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE CHAMBERMAID.

In the lobby of a Moscow hotel across from a Russian Orthodox monastery: YOU ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE CEMETERY WHERE FAMOUS RUSSIAN AND SOVIET COMPOSERS, ARTISTS AND WRITERS ARE BURIED DAILY EXCEPT THURSDAY

A sign posted in Germany’s Black Forest: IT IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN ON OUR BLACK FOREST CAMPING SITE THAT PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT SEX, FOR INSTANCE, MEN AND WOMEN, LIVE TOGETHER IN ONE TENT UNLESS THEY ARE MARRIED WITH EACH OTHER FOR THIS PURPOSE.

Hotel, Zurich: BECAUSE OF THE IMPROPRIETY OF ENTERTAINING GUESTS OF THE OPPOSITE SEX IN THE BEDROOM, IT IS SUGGESTED THAT THE LOBBY BE USED FOR THIS PURPOSE.

Advertisement for donkey rides, Thailand: WOULD YOU LIKE TO RIDE ON YOUR OWN ASS?

Airline ticket office, Copenhagen: WE TAKE YOUR BAGS AND SEND THEM IN ALL DIRECTIONS.

A laundry in Rome: LADIES, LEAVE YOUR CLOTHES HERE AND SPEND THE AFTERNOON HAVING A GOOD TIME.

Cincinnati: "E" Is For Error

2009-09-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

It is clear the National League is behind the American League when it comes to overall power and hitting numbers, but they equal the playing field because they have better pitching and defense, both of which are major concerns for Cincinnati.

The Reds have proven at times this year that your pitching does not have to be spectacular to win games (although it helps), but you can't win games when you give opposing teams additional opportunities.

Remember back in the '80s during the "always a bridesmaid, never a bride" phase of finishing second in the division year after year? Cincinnati always had a top-five, if not top-two, defense. You have to give Barry Larkin and the crew some credit here, as the defensive prowess continued in the '90s.

Interesting how their pitching was better then as well—Coincidence?You hear talk about how nobody focuses on defense anymore and they are all too interested in power and speed to get them to where they want to go. That makes me want to bang my head against the wall. It has been proven, in all sports, that consistent defense is one of the keys to winning.Sure, the Reds are not having a good year and it could be worse, but just think where they could be right now if their defense was just little better.

Right now, Cincy is 16th in Major League Baseball in fielding percentage. That's not great, but not horrible. Now you have to look at who they are behind on that list. Nine of the 15 teams they trail reside in the National League. Furthermore, they are tied for 19th in all of baseball in total errors with 86.Errors do not tell the entire season story, but when you are 14 games under .500, you have to entertain the notion that defense could have turned at least a few losses into wins.

I am not going to tell you this is why Cincinnati's pitching is suspect, but you have to believe it does weigh on a pitcher's mind when games are close. A calmer hurler on the mound equals better decisions and, more often than not, more opportunities to win games.Players will be tagged with errors during the season; that is a given, but it's the frequency of those errors that paints the real picture.

For example, Brandon Phillips has been charged with nine errors in 133 games while playing at second base. With as many opportunities he gets per game, that is a more-than-decent fielding percentage. Joey Votto has 10 errors in 112 games, and when you examine the number of times he is asked to field, throw and take a relay, that, again, is okay defense.

Now we have to look at the problems.In the last few years, you could have mistaken the official scorer's E-5 ruling during Reds games as a unique reference to Edwin Encarnacion. For as much as I thought he could evolve into a better player, his defense leaked like a sieve a third base. Though he was injured for part of this year before being sent to Toronto for Scott Rolen, in his 43 games as a Red he was tagged for four errors.

No, I wouldn't call that bad, but he was saved by being injured and not getting the opportunity to commit errors (in the previous three years he averaged 21 per year). He has already committed four in 26 games with the Blue Jays.Before he was traded to the Yankees this year, Jerry Hairston Jr. committed seven errors at third and Adam Rosales committed six in 53 games at that position. Alex Gonzalez, who has since been traded to Boston, committed six errors in 68 games at shortstop. That's better, but still not good.

Sure, you can say errors don't have that much of an effect on some pitchers, but Scott Rolen (Eddie Error's replacement) has yet to commit an error in 25 games at third. If you have an infield that can keep ahead of the game by not letting their lackadaisical approach or focus on defense get in their way, you'll have a more sound pitching staff and more opportunities win.

That has been a big problem for the Reds over the last few years. It is nice to know some of the biggest culprits are now playing elsewhere. Every player is going to make mistakes now and then, but I think most of us would rather have those mistakes minimized.

Winning baseball games is about fundamentals; and in the National League, that is more of a priority now than ever before. Cincinnati needs to step it up. You can have a less-than-powerful offense, or you can have a not-so-great pitching staff if you are sound in all other areas.

Unfortunately, you cannot survive and win when your defense is not up to par. For the Reds, that has been the case for a long time.I hate losing, but I would rather it be because opposing teams made good on baseball fundamentals. Not because Cincinnati gave it to them.

Dusty Baker, we are trusting you to force-feed defense and fundamentals in 2010.

Cincinnati: Prospecting For Prospects

2009-09-10T09:42:00.000-07:00

Cincinnati tends to get that string of bad luck right around mid season where injuries pile up and lineup mainstays are replaced by rookies & journeymen from their farm system. Then there's the phase when executives realize the season is obviously lost and begin trading the leftovers from the Reds' opening day starting nine to teams in contention for unproven prospects. This has taken place each of the past, it seems like, ten years.

This means Cincinnati plays out the rest of the season with a makeshift lineup of guys whose names you vaguely recognize or have never heard of. Those guys who made an appearance in last night's game (September 9th) who fall into this category include: Kevin Barker, Drew Stubbs, Wladimir Balentien, Corky Miller, Darnell McDonald and Paul Janish. Yes, I have heard of most of these guys. No, I'm not saying they didn't deserve to be called up or have not proven they deserve a chance to play baseball at the top level. What is amazing to me is the number of Reds prospects who get this chance each year and yet Cincinnati is unable to produce enough homegrown talent to field a better team or, at least, trade potential stars for current stars to remain competitive as the season progresses.

With all that experience shouldn't Cincinnati's farm system be a gold mine for baseball talent?

For fun I took a look a couple of box scores from past Septembers to see who I could find. On September 25th of 2008 those who made the box score include Adam Rosales, Danny Richar and Jon Adkins. On September 19, 2007 such names as Buck Coats and Tom Shearn appear. In September of 2006 Chris Denorfia, Dewayne Wise, Sun-Woo Kim, Brendan Harris and Ray Olmedo swung by and September 2005 saw Jacob Cruz, Jason Standridge, Brian Shackleford, Josh Hancock, Aaron Holbert, Miguel Perez and Chris Booker donning a Reds uniform.

Now it is understandable that not every prospect who gets the call will pan out and sometimes minor leaguers are called up only to fill in for someone who is injured or unable to play that day for some reason (this becomes their "cup of coffee" in the major leagues) . Although...I dare you to review the names I just mentioned and pick out the two or three who proved to be useful for more than just a handful of games over the past few years. Good luck, you will need it.

Of course the fellas who took part in last night's game could turn out to be diamonds in the rough and I really hope they do, I'm a Reds fan and I want to see them succeed. Unfortunately, we have gotten used to games where only half of the starting nine are familiar to the average fan. You should try and review Cincinnati's list of draft picks for the past five or six years. You will find some familiar names, but most of those guys didn't evolve and now play for some other team. And for good reason.

Does this mean the Reds don't draft well? The draft is a crap shoot and sometimes you get lucky with some guys (Jay Bruce, Joey Votto, Adam Dunn), but they are few and far between for Cincinnati.

A few times the Reds have lucked out by trading for unproven players who have had a snippet of major league experience. Those guys include Brandon Phillips, Edinson Volquez and Aaron Harang.

Is it that the Reds have scouts who just are not very good at scouting? Reviewing Cincinnati's past ownership (A St. Bernard named Schottzie...and its furry pet "Marge") it comes as no surprise that there wasn't much money spent on this much needed segment of the baseball business.

Does Cincinnati have a poor farm system? The AAA Louisville Bats won the International League's Midwest Division by a landslide, AA Chattanooga finished 65-74 on the year, high single-A Sarasota was 54-83, Low single-A Dayton was 59-80, rookie league Billings was 23-51, rookie league Gulf Coast League Reds were 28-27 and the rookie league DSL Reds were 29-41. At least Louisville did well, that's something...right?

According to Baseball America here are the Reds top prospects for each of the past ten years: Rob Bell, Gookie Dawkins, Austin Kearns (2001, 2002), Chris Gruler, Ryan Wagner, Homer Bailey(2005, 2006, 2007) and Jay Bruce. Bell is a White Sox, Dawkins is a Royal, Kearns and Wagner are digging their graves as Nationals, Gruler is out of baseball, Bailey is at least improving his professional stature and Bruce is working through an injury. Though it could change with time, the list is not impressive.

Cincinnati's last ten top draft picks include: Ty Howington, David Espinosa, Jeremy Sowers, Chris Gruler, Ryan Wagner, Homer Bailey, Jay Bruce, Drew Stubbs, Devin Mesoraco and Yonder Alonso. Howington joins Gruler as no longer being in baseball and Sowers refused to sign went, back to school and was drafted by the Indians (and Tribe fans are not happy with him). Wagner (as I said before) is a National, Bruce is working on being a player who doesn't strike out 90% of the time, Bailey is improving and Stubbs is getting some quality time with Reds right now.

Espinosa was sent to Detroit in the deal for Brian Moehler in 2002 (and is still lingering in the minors) and the jury is still out on Mesoraco (.228, 8 hr, 37 RBI for Sarasota this year) and Alonso (.292, 9 hr, 52 RBI at three different levels this year). The Reds selected Arizona State righthander Mike Leake with their first pick this year and agreed to terms with him last month on a reported $2.27 million bonus. Again, nothing to hang your hat on but there is still time for these three guys.

As we watch the Reds struggle through the remaining weeks we can at least take solace in the fact that we could be getting a glimpse of what may be a decent team in the next few years. Or we will be watching prospects continue to fizzle and fade away.

One of these days folks the Reds will find a way to get their minor league system to work for them and not against them. Keep the faith Reds fans.

Deja Vu: The Repeating Reds

2009-09-03T10:02:00.000-07:00

I laugh at myself and call it the hamster wheel of mediocrity. Cincinnati has always been, and always will be, my team. But it is frustrating to continually see that Groundhog Day-type season come year after year (anyone see Bill Murray lurking around Great American Ballpark lately?) .

Each year the Reds put together a lineup that, if healthy, could at least keep themselves in the playoff hunt (or the plus .500 hunt) through late August and September. And just like clockwork the injuries pile up, some mainstays are traded to contending teams for relatively unknown prospects (or veterans) who are on the verge of hanging it up. We get teased as the team plays halfway decent ball though mid-June then suddenly hit the wall and the team can't hit, score runs, keep opposing batters off the base paths or play fundamental baseball. Remember when they were in the hunt for a divisional title in what seemed like every year back in the 80's and early 90's? I long for the days in which Cincinnati Reds Baseball was something to behold.

I am sure many Reds fans have struggled with this and it is nothing new, but another "likeness" to that hamster wheel of mediocrity (I hear the squeak of the ungreased axle in my dreams after each ridiculous loss) has come to light this summer. Remember when the A's, Adam Dunn and Austin Kearns, made themselves known and it looked as though they could be the foundation of a Reds revival? And then how suddenly that notion was washed away with injuries, a lack patience and discipline? I hope it doesn't come to this, but the image of those two is starting to poke through Joey Votto and Jay Bruce. Though, only a little.

Kearns, a high school All-American out of Lexington, Kentucky, was a minor league star who made himself known to Reds fans in 2002 hitting .315 with 13 homers and 56 RBI in just 82 games. He was on his way to improving on those numbers in 2003 before that fateful game on May 21st when then-Braves reliever Ray King (the gargantuan of a man he was) literally sat on Kearns on a play at the plate. Prior to that Kearns was hitting .309 with 13 homers and 44 RBIs. Following that incident was a 3-for-34 slump, a trip on the DL with an inflamed rotator cuff, then season-ending shoulder surgery. Look closely and you will see that Kearns was never the same. Sure he had some okay numbers in 2006 (combine the numbers with Cincy and Washington) and 2007, but he has played only one full season and only twice has he played more then 100 games in a season. Injuries took their toll, including his current trip to the DL.

Dunn, a Texan and former University of Texas Quarterback, made his debut in 2001 hitting .262 with 19 homers and 43 RBI in 66 games. Very promising numbers, even for a guy who averaged a bit more than a strikeout a game. With a little patience and discipline Dunn could have kept the staggering offensive numbers and cut down on the his all or nothing attitude at the plate. In 2002 Dunn hit .249, with 26 hrs and 71 RBI in 158 games. Although he whiffed 170 times it was nice to see the big man steal 19 bases in 28 attempts (seriously!) .

As a Reds fan it was always a joy to see Dunn hammer the ball, but it was so disappointing to experience all those opportunities to just get a hit, move runners around the bases or hit a sacrifice fly to help the team go by the wayside. Thus, the frustrating losses piled up. All those chances...gone with the wind created by Dunn's attempt to reach Louisville with each swing of his slugger. Dunn's average did increase one or twice over the next few years, though only slightly. His 40 plus homer season streak should continue this year, but he's doing it with the Nationals who have no one else so he gets all the pitches he can handle. No discipline and satisfied with his way of not being a real team player. He's hitting nearly .280 this year, but I'll make a bet with anyone on whether he can do that again next year.

Today it seems as though the J's , Joey Votto and Jay Bruce, might be following the same path. Votto showed some talent in his 24 game debut in 2007 then exploded on the scene hitting for average and power with discipline at the plate in 2008. His. .297, with 24 homers and 84 RBIs in 151 games at least gave us some hope that Cincinnati finally had a homegrown product they could build around. His numbers this year are even better, but took a serious hit in when he landed on the disabled list with some stress-related issues (apparently attributed to the death of his father). He was hitting .357 with eight home runs and 33 RBIs through 38 games before struggling with an inner ear infection. That infection continued to bother Votto off and on for the next two months. Ironically, that's about the time the Cincinnati went from a National League Central player to the bottom of the pack. Votto has since recovered and is hitting .305, with 20 hr and 65 RBI, but imagine the numbers he could have put up. His setbacks don't seem to be long term and I hope they aren't, but that remains to be seen.

Bruce has all the makings of Dunn revisited with an all or nothing attitude at the plate. His debut in 2008 (after being named the Minor League Baseball Player of The Year) saw him hit .254, with 21 homers and 54 RBI in 108 contests. Again, good numbers for a rookie with power trying to make a name for himself (just like Dunn) . And, also like Dunn, he averaged over a whiff a game with 110 strikeouts. Nothing to fret over as a little work on discipline and patience can help improve those numbers. This year nothing really changed. Before his injury Bruce was hitting .207 with 18 hrs and 4 RBI through 83 games. Though he seemed to cut down on the K's (63 total), he still couldn't find the ability to just put bat on ball or not worry about swinging for the fences each time. It is still early in his career, but Cincy's staff needs to get rolling on assisting Bruce with becoming more of a complete player.

I sure hope Joey and Jay don't become the latest version of Austin and Adam. Maybe they can learn something from a veterans like Scott Rolen and Brandon Phillips. Imagine those four in the lineup at their best? Opposing pitchers would have to pitch to somebody and it wouldn't be pretty.

Maybe that hamster wheel will get too rusty to turn or, possibly, someone could just feed that damn hamster to their neighbor's cat. I would love to see the Reds play an entire season like I know they can and make August and September more than just football months for me. That my friends would be nice. Meanwhile, I will still be reliving the magic of 1990 in my head.

Good night Reds fans.

Nothin' Says Summer Like Cole Slaw

2009-08-18T10:03:00.001-07:00

You pick the type of picnic or BBQ and you will probably have cole slaw available as a side dish. This is one of those simple concoctions that can either be excellent or go horribly awry quickly. It has a very small margin for error.

A recent experiment with the head of cabbage received from our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) delivery led to a recipe to make cole slaw cool, summery and tasty all at the same time. At first glance it seems as like there are a ton of ingredients (that may be), but all you do is dump and mix...quick and simple.

Here's what it involved:

1 1/2 pounds of grated cabbage
1 small head of red cabbage
3 tablespoons of rice vinegar (tarragon vinegar works well too)
2/3 cups mayonnaise
1 small red onion
2 medium carrots (grated)
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon each of:
cumin
cardamon
celery Salt
garlic powder
hot paprika
cracked black pepper

You will notice this has some bite, but that does not mean it is hot and spicy. Rather you get only a minor kick from the aftertaste and each spoonful (or forkful) comes off savory.

The process goes like this..

Toss the grated cabbage with the salt and rice vinegar. Then add the grated carrots, red onion and mayo, mix well. Finally, add the remaining ingredients and continue mixing (If you so desire, add a bit more mayo). You can eat this right away, but a short stint in the fridge will allow all the flavors to merge together. Trust me, your palate will benefit greatly. If you need to, add a bit more salt to suit your taste.

This was a hit at one of my girlfriend's family gatherings a few weeks ago and we had plenty leftover for the next few days. It hit the spot coming home from work on a super hot day and munching on something crunching, savory and cool. It is an awesome sidekick to a nice cold beer.

The end of summer is in sight, unfortunately, but I suggest you to try this during the sweltering late August heat to remind yourself that we shouldn't just relax and watch autumn role in. Take advantage my friends.

A True Mexican Cantina in Columbus, Excellente!

2009-07-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

The new Mexican dining experience in Columbus is expanding. Some of you may have sampled what Baja Sol Cantina has to offer at the Lennox location, but the eatery that hangs it's hat on being THE margarita destination and providing fresh, made-to-order food will open an even larger facility this Friday (July 17th) at the corner of Route 161 and Sawmill.

You can find Baja Sol Cantina online at: http://www.baja-sol.com/

This new venture in Mexican cuisine offers a bright, colorful and upbeat dining experience with 70 tables, two levels (a full service bar in each) and a patio to boot. There are a few typical Mexican cuisine dishes on the menu, but their make-up is anything but typical. They also provide new, unique offerings and twists on traditional favorites. The menu my friend is extensive with a full line of appetizers, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, salads, desserts and specials (which is their term for the signature dinner items). Those "specials" cover items such as Chicken Durango, Marinated Carne Asada, Inside Out Pork Chile Tamale (there is also a Chicken Tinga version), Tequila Honey Lime Shrimp Skewers and the Baja Burger. Yes.... a burger, but this is not an average slab of beef on a bun. I will only tell you that you will find only a few burgers in the Columbus area that are as tasty.

Baja Sol is on twitter @BajaSol

Baja Sol prides itself on having their guests be the boss, according to Regional Manager Kenny Robinson. This is displayed by giving you the option of grilled chicken, steak, seasoned beef, Pork Green Chile, Carnitas, Shrimp, grilled veggies and chicken tinga (chicken marinated in a variety of Latin flavors) as the main ingredient in most of their dishes. If you are not a big fan of certain items of a dish, you can change it to your heart's desire. Only TWO items on the ever-expanding menu cannot be changed. To go along with that the portions are enormous, but the size does not translate to how it will affect your wallet. All dishes are priced to a level in which you, the guest, are the benefactor.

You do get tortilla chips and salsa to calm your cravings as you are seated, but with a twist. The gluten free chips are made in-house and you can choose from eight house salsas (made fresh daily) and one seasonal. Right now it just so happens to be Grilled Pineapple as we are deep into the summer season. The salsas range from the super mild, to the super hot with others providing tart, sweet and smoky flavors.

The cantina is a good mix of a traditional family style sit down restaurant, but the two bar areas (one upstairs and one downstairs) are separated enough that you can easily make it your new place to wet your whistle without skipping a beat. The bar staff is equipped with a wide range of knowledge in drinks and concoctions as they have 18 varieties of margaritas, but still have room for you to create your own personal version with your choice of 31 brands of tequilas. All fruit purees (blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, mango and peach) for the drinks, and the tequila mix for that matter, area made fresh everyday, as is the Sangria mix (Burgundy Wine, 7-Up, orange juice and Captain Morgan's).

On tap you will find Miller Light, Budweiser, Dos Equis Amber and Land Shark with seventeen additional (eight domestic and nine premium) by the bottle. There is also a list too long to detail of the wine, cordials, brandy, gin, rum and whiskey. And if you find you need to add some food to your liquor intake you can order anything on the menu from the bar. You probably assumed this already, but the same goes for the patio area. For those who search in vain for a decent happy hour, Baja Sol provides that everyday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. You benefit with $1.00 off draft beer, $1.00 off appetizers and a $4.00 house margarita. The drafts come in 16 and 22-ounce sizes with the domestic regularly priced at $3.00 and $3.75 and the premium at $3.75 and $4.50. The house margarita, the Baja, is regularly priced at $6.00 and is a mix of triple sec, the house made margarita mix (lime juice, key lime juice, lemon juice and simple syrup) and La Prima Silver tequila.

Baja Sol is also kid friendly with a full menu for the little tykes and a dessert menu that is short and sweet, but super powerful in stature. Even if you are not a drinking man, or woman, you must try one of the flavored lemonades. These are mixed with the fruit puree of your choice and are crazy good. As a warning I must tell you that you will suck these down like no tomorrow.

Finally, the entire staff is well trained and is extremely knowledgeable about the food. That means if you have any questions at all, your inquiry will be answered. The servers (all Columbus-area products) have spent the last few weeks going through extensive training. You, the guest, are encouraged to use them as your tour guide as you peruse the menu. You may know most of the items, but there are a few that you made need some clarification on.

Are you not dining in house? No problem. Baja Sol has a complete call ahead pick-up service. At the same time they are itching to be your new party food provider. Baja Sol even includes a catering service for parties, gatherings and home buffets. Columbus' newest Mexican dining experience opens their Route 161 and Sawmill location officially on Friday (July 17th) and it will be open seven days a week (11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday). You can contact Baja Sol at the Route 161 and Sawmill location by calling (614) 389-3007.

The Power of Parsley

2009-07-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

Parsley doesn't get the recognition it deserves. It has a mild flavor and scent, but is overshadowed by more flavorful and aromatic herbs. For the most part it is viewed as the garnish that tops off a main dish or as the arm candy (garnish) for the real meal on your plate, especially in most restaurant scenes.

This is in no way indicating parsley doesn't deserve a significant place in the order of herbs. It has good flavor, but it prides itself on providing just enough of that 'mmph' to complete just the right mode you are looking for in whatever you may be preparing. That includes chicken, veggies, beans, mussels, pasta, rice, seafood and so on. Though its real power is providing flavor to stocks. Our friends at http://www.recipezaar.com/ have the low down on parsley's background, uses and place in history.

Experimenting with ways to focus on parsley and its properties resulted in the best chick pea patties (aka: falafel) that have ever come out of my kitchen. Better yet, it was very simple. Here's what it entailed:

1 15oz can chick peas
1 cup bread crumbs
1 egg yolk
1 zucchini
1 red onion
salt
pepper
dash of cayenne
1 tablespoon of peanut butter
1 tablespoon of curry
3 tablespoons of parsley
dash of lime or lemon juice
Olive oil

...for the dipping sauce.

2/3 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon of cumin
1 teaspoon of mint
1 teaspoon paprika
dash of cayenne (optional)

Place the raw chick peas in the food processor and reduce to a paste (doesn't have to be absolutely smooth, some chunks are good). Heat the chick peas until hot in a sauce pan and flavor with salt and pepper. When done place in refrigerator to cool (luke warm is fine). Shred the zucchini and red onion in a food processor then sauté in a sauce pan until hot. Combine the cooled chick pea paste, zucchini/red onion mixture and remaining ingredients. Mix well and add salt & pepper to taste.

Shape the mixture into patties the size of your palm. Place these in the refrigerator for 20 minutes or so to cool & harden a bit. Heat olive oil (enough for about a 1/4 inch deep pool) on medium-high in a skillet till until hot. Place patties in the olive oil for three to four minutes on each side (adjust heat if needed to avoid burning). These should be brown on the outside, hot and moist on the inside. When finished place on a paper to rest.

On a whim I created dipping sauce that hit the right spot. The warm and toasty patties mixed well with this cool and tart sauce. Just mix the yogurt well with the mint, paprika, cumin and cayenne (add salt/pepper if necessary).

These can be eaten as a stand alone with the dipping sauce as a side or placed on a crisp lettuce leaf (and/or tomato slice) in between two slices of toasted wheat bread smeared with the dipping sauce. What resulted was the perfect combination of hot and cool. The parsley took the lead doing double duty in this dish. Its mild flavor gave the chick peas a more rounded flavor and also created a beautiful green tint to the patties. There are quite a few ingredients and it will take a little bit of time. Though if you have the time this dish is definitely worth your blood, sweat and tears. It makes for a great appetizer for gatherings.

Parsley may not be the king of herbs, but it has an all-around game that proves it has an integral part in every kitchen.

Your Flowers Taste Great!

2009-06-18T14:05:00.000-07:00

I’m sure you have heard the phrase “too pretty to eat” more that just a few times, but that is the dilemma when it comes to those colorful flowers that also provide a robust flavor to some ordinary dishes.

Sure some of the plants that fall in this category are those that we would not associate as being “flowers”, including broccoli, cauliflower, and artichokes. Some flower “products” would also fall into this category, including the spice saffron which is the stamen from the crocus flower. Also, capers are unopened flower buds to a bush native in the Mediterranean and Asian nations. These may not be as easy on the eyes like the flowers we plant for landscaping, but there are those that do fall into this duel purpose category.

We have a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) shipment come in every Saturday that provides us with Ohio-based fresh, organically grown veggies. Last week we were honored with a bunch of flowers in the pink radish and black mustard (yellow & white in color) varieties. The peppery flavor provided a nice touch as we placed these in salads as well as a finishing touch on omelets and veggie medleys. The result was a tasty dish that was that much more colorful and that much more appetizing.

A bit curious I contacted the owner/operator of Elizabeth Telling Farm http://www.elizabethtellingfarm.com/ near Barnesville, Ohio (our CSA), Sandy Sterrett. She says she usually eats, “…them raw on a salad, but I also like to add at the last minute to a vegetable that needs a little pick me up.” No, you don’t have to look high and low for such flowers. Odds are that if you plant them it is a good bet they will continue to be there as the seasons roll by. That is exactly what happened on Sterrett’s farm. She says the black mustard that grows on her land, “…is now wild but was originally planted.” Seems like a good long term investment on what could be just a one time purchase.

Of the mustard flowers the web site http://whatscookingamerica.net/ says the, “Young leaves can be steamed, used as an herb, eaten raw, or cooked like spinach.” As a precaution they also note that, “…some people are highly allergic to mustard” and caution you to start with a small amount just in case.

As for the radish flowers the web site says that, “Depending on the variety, flowers may be pink, white or yellow, and will have a distinctive, spicy bite (has a radish flavor).” They say these are best used in salads.

It just goes to show that being unique in the kitchen does not mean you have to have a prestigious culinary education. All you need is a willingness to try something new.

Information on what types of flowers are edible and the flavor they offer can be found at:
http://whatscookingamerica.net/EdibleFlowers/EdibleFlowersMain.htm

Her Name Was Special, So Was The Food.

2009-05-26T06:57:00.000-07:00

The best part about exploring and throwing caution into the wind is the fact that you will find the best places merely by taking a chance or by what would be described as total accident. That was the result of the drive Christine & I took on Saturday and Gloria's Soul Food, along East Main Street, was our accident.

After working up a sweat losing to Christine (again) on the tennis court, we hit the ground running scavenging the Memorial Day weekend barrage of yard sales and various bicycle shops in hopes of finding a decent set of leisure wheels for summer cruising. Around mid afternoon we found ourselves on Columbus' Near East Side. This area has some great history and architecture, but unfortunately portions of the neighborhoods have fallen into unsatisfactory condition. Working up an appetite from playing tennis and searching yard sales, we set out to find some grub.

Riding along East Main Street we decided to assist in what looked to be a new venture, Gloria's Soul Food, as their "Grand Opening" banner swayed in the wind just below the main sign along the top of their building. Now many people would be turned off if a place wasn't easy on the eyes or didn't give you that feeling of "come on it, we'll take care of you", but looks can be deceiving as we all know. I mean no disrespect, but Gloria's had just recently opened and was still working on getting their eatery up to par. The place at the corner of East Main and Berkeley Road needs more than just a little TLC. They know it, but looking pretty will only get you so far. That's the phrase they pride on.

Step inside and you can see the remnants of previous establishments that once inhabited the place (a little character never hurt anyone) . You arrive at the counter and find a wide range of meat dishes, soul food staples and house specialties. Once you select your cuisine you take a seat and wait for your meal to arrive. Waiting for our food and talking with the wife of the cook/owner we discover that Gloria was the late mother of the chef. The chef had always wanted to open a place of his own in her honor. Now Special, the wife of the cook and, yes, that was her name (though it could have been a nickname), tells us that they had been open for about four weeks and had seen a steady flow of customers. Though with it being Memorial Day weekend many people were grilling or just enjoying the unofficial start to summer which meant Gloria's crowd was a little thinner than usual.

She apologized for it being a bit humid inside the dining area as she detailed that they didn't find out until after renting the place that the copper pipes connecting the air conditioner had been removed. It was slightly humid, but not enough to deter anyone from enjoying themselves. Besides Gloria's was about the food, not the atmosphere. For example, your choice of beverage came in a can chosen from the refrigerator sitting behind the counter. It was the type of sliding glass door fridge normally seen at the beverage aisle at your local convenient store. Your choice of condiments came in the same container you would find in a grocery store for such things as ketchup, mustard, relish and others. You had to request them. They were not at your table and there were only so many of them to go around. This, Special says, are how they keep their prices affordable and their costs down. The food is the key, not the amenities. The interior needs work, but you are greeted with pictures of Gloria and family photos of Special, her husband (the cook) and their daughter.

For our meal I order the smoked turkey leg with a pair of sides: mac & cheese and fried okra. Christine went a bit more adventurous by selecting the "House Special" chicken (two pieces) and a pair of sides: collard greens and potato salad. We had to wait a little while for the food, but it wasn't a ridiculous amount of time. We enjoyed ourselves by taking in the unique scenery. When our orders arrived Special made it a point saying she was sorry for the wait, but wanted her clientele to understand that they are not a fast food operation. In her words, "We fry when you buy." In a nutshell, whatever you order is made when you order it...and isn't sitting waiting to be revived in a microwave or wilting under a heat lamp. The food is fixed when you request it. That's a good thing folks.

The food is not for the full-on health conscious. This was soul food cooked the way it was meant to be. The kind that would make your arteries wave the white flag and surrender. My turkey leg was a nice size, savory, fall off the bone, slightly crunchy on the outside and full of that great smoky flavor. The fried okra had a wonderful crunching coating, but still had that okra tang on the inside. It wasn't over done. The mac & cheese was buttery with enough cheese to satisfy most fans of this childhood staple.

The "House Special" Christine ordered was rather unique. This was chicken that was fried, then barbecued and smothered with gravy. Just reading the description would make your heart skip a beat. Special assured us that it may not sound appetizing, but it was something we wouldn't regret trying. And, of course, she was right. All the flavors intermingled well and it came across robust & juicy. Both of us were taken back at how different, yet well conceived, Gloria's "House Special" was. This is something you have to try in order to understand it. Aside from that, Christine's collard greens were tender and bathed in a broth with a great ham flavor. The mustard-based potato salad was chunky and tasty, no complaints here.

Remember Special's details on what they do in order to keep prices to a minimum? Well that was obvious as our bill arrived. In all we had two entrees (one being the House Special), a pair of sides for each of us and two drinks (along with complimentary water). The grand total came to: $13.50. That was it! No more, no less and I nearly fell out of my chair. And the food was absolutely great!

Sure, Gloria's may not be easy on the eyes (inside or out) and they could use some sprucing up here and there. But if you are looking for good food at a price almost anyone can afford, you need to look no further. You can even order take out (which a few of our fellow patrons did), if you have the patience to wait for it. For those of you who want to eat healthy, this may not be the place for you. I know I definitely could not eat there on a regular basis, but it is a wonderful place when it comes to time to let your guard down and splurge.

You may drive by and thumb your nose up at what you see or have reservations about the neighborhood, but you would be missing out on a great chance to meet some "real" people who know how to cook and treat their customers with respect. If you would like to create your own Gloria's adventure you can find them at 1615 East Main at the Berkeley Road intersection (two blocks east of Kelton Avenue). You can also contact them at: (614) 252-3580.

Respect never tasted so good.

Food Justice: Take A Bite Out Of Culinary Crime!

2009-05-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

You will not find any super heroes here or at least find anyone wearing a cape and possessing extraordinary powers. Though, you will find people spreading the word that what you are eating may be contributing to the destruction of your well-being. Their weapon of choice: educating the public that you don't have to be vegan or vegetarian to get the benefits out of your food. Rather, you just need to understand what you should be eating...and why.

That, my friend, is what they call “food justice”. This is the premise that places how and what a community eats squarely in the context of community building and social change. One of the groups heading this movement is Columbus' own Greener Grocer. On their web site the grocer explains that it, "...is built as a Social Enterprise model". "Um...what?” you might say. Well they go on to explain that they, "...are a business that was formed to generate social value, not just to generate profits. Social value is created when dollars and programs are combined in a creative way to generate improvements in the lives of individuals and the community as a whole. Make money by doing good." Hence: be profitable by offering local food, produced by local people.

The Greener Grocer: http://www.thegreenergrocer.com/

That is the for-profit portion. The main cog is the non-profit sector of The Greener Grocer. This falls into the hands of Local Matters. They play a vital role in ensuring that the entire community of central Ohio has easy access to local, healthy food. No, you don't have to eat like a rabbit and be a so-called "tree hugger" to understand the organization's drive. Trust me; I'm not hugging any trees (the bark tends to chafe a bit too much for my taste). Nor do I eat like a rabbit. Unless those cute, furry little guys have suddenly become ravenous carnivores (I smell a screen play on the horizon!). Although they do believe that locally grown and healthy food has the power to transform, sustain and build community in Central Ohio.

Local Matters: http://www.local-matters.org/

Yes, you CAN eat meat. No is saying "you can't" or "you shouldn't". There aren't any food Nazis here. They just want you to be wary of how much meat and processed food stuffs you scarf down. Local Matters believes, "...they can harness the power of healthy food as an important key to community change." They go on to say that, "Just as healthy food nourishes the individual’s body and soul to create health and well being, so it is capable of nourishing and transforming the neighborhoods we inhabit into healthy communities by affecting systemic social, economic and environmental change our region."

For instance, many underserved neighborhoods either don't have the access to the sorts of locally grown foods they need or are unaware of the importance such foods are to their well-being and the lives of their children. If parents understood the benefits and how easy it is to create a healthy lifestyle, imagine the change that could take place in our children. You know those whom we will be determining our future. (I know....details, details, details)

One of the programs Local Matters has that is geared toward aiding this process is the Veggie Van. This "Mobile Farm Market", which began last fall, distributes locally grown, fresh and nutritious foods in underserved communities. The van makes two hour, predetermined stops in various neighborhoods. Last year the van and its band of food justice defenders hit a handful of neighborhoods each week. This year its popularity is bursting at the seams with 36 locations wanting the Veggie Van to spread its good food will all over the Columbus and Central Ohio. They plan to conduct demonstrations and educate the public on how they, too, can be good stewards of our future by growing their own food or buying locally grown food.

The Veggie Van: http://www.thegreenergrocer.com/content/veggie-van

There is a cost that comes with the food the Veggie Van peddles, but you can expect it to be a bit more reasonable than what you may find at your typical grocer. Also, the Van is equipped to accept EBT cards (Food Stamps) in addition to credit cards and cash payments and follows through on Local Matters mission of addressing food justice in our community. Again, no super heroes needed. Just a group of people with the drive to educate the public on the power of fruits and vegetables.

Local Matters, and The Greener Grocer, assist the local community and economy by offering products that come from Columbus-area farms. Even the dollars you spend at The Greener Grocer on their goods and services allow them to subsidize the Veggie Van, donate healthy items to local food pantries and support local farmers by paying them a fair price for their goods.

Folks, farming is still a major part of our economy. They, like you and I, are working hard to be successful in Central Ohio. It isn't easy by any means, but they love (and trust) in what they do. If you haven't taken a look at your local farms, you should. You will get a better idea of where your food comes from and how important it is to sustain yourself as well as local farmers. You can do this by taking that extra step and contacting one of our area agriculture experts. If you don't know how to find a local farmer, I'll give you a little help. The Wayward Seed Farm (in Marysville) is an operation run by Adam Welly & Jaime Moore, good friends of mine. You don't necessarily have to purchase anything from them, but use them as a source for answers on local farming, local food and how they arrived to where they are today. Though, be careful....it is hard for Adam to slow down once you get him started!

The Wayward Seed Farm: http://www.waywardseed.com/

Having grown up in agriculture rich Southern Ohio, and coming from a farming family, I think I may have had this knowledge fed to me from the start without really knowing what it meant. And I am better for it. I'm smart enough to understand that.

No one is saying you shouldn't eat out, you shouldn't eat meat or you should drastically change your approach to food. You can even indulge every now and then. But what they are trying to do is to get you to think more about what you eat and what you put in front of your children. Go ahead, you can be finicky. Just be finicky about where your food comes from, what it is made of and how much of it you eat. You can even expand your horizons. For example: what fruits and veggies haven't you tried? There are thousands of ways to fix various veggies that ACTUALLY taste great. You just need to do some research and experiment. Your body, and children, will thank you for it in the long run.

Food Justice - taking a bite out of culinary crime one plate at a time!

What's Your Mow-tivation?

2009-04-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

When you are a man about town you need to find ways to keep to your agenda even with nature's constant reminder that things don't always go your way. That is my grandfather.

Compared to his sons Donald & Terry (my dad), his grandchildren and great grandchildren, Orland Simpson is a tiny figure. At possibly five feet in height (that's stretching it) and maybe 100 pounds (on a good day), grandpa's mind and heart overshadow anything his current physical being can ever scrape together. That's saying something as the 87 year old continues to steal from the ever dwindling allotment of time mother nature has secured for him. Quick with a joke (always a joke, that's where I get it), never really serious and knows everything that's going on around him and you.

He is known in Southern Ohio, in Ross County and Chillicothe to be exact, as "O.J.". Actually, he was O.J before O.J. was O.J. ...if you know what I mean. For as long as I can remember he has always been on the move. Whether it was traveling the Appalachian foothills in his blue pick-up, plowing neighborhood gardens with his tractor to assist residents in planting homegrown veggies when spring rolled around, driving a school bus, driving the high school boys basketball team to away games for years or cruising in and around Richmond Dale (our hometown) with is bright orange moped with the super annoying moped horn.

In recent years that mobility has been taken from him by father time. Although mowing the lawn, walking down the street to my dad's house, the store and the coffee shop are still his daily routine. That is up until about a year ago. Grandpa was at home getting dressed and leaned on a chair to balance himself. That rather unstable chair slid forward causing O.J. to come crashing to the floor. Unable to catch himself, Grandpa suffered a broken hip. Now you don't have to be a genius to understand the consequences. When a person in their 80's breaks a hip that is usually the straw that breaks the camel's back, per say. They will not be able to get around as much, are bed ridden, don't get to communicate with the outside world as much, become depressed and that brings the inevitable that much closer.

For O.J. we kept our hopes up, but feared the worse for somebody whose enjoyment came from being out and about. After a successful surgery all we could do was wait and see how he (and his body) reacted.

It is funny how things evolve. He recovered without a problem, was actually itching to move about almost immediately after he left the operating table. With the aide of a cane and my dad keeping an eye on him, grandpa acted as if nothing had happened. His mind is still as sharp as it ever was, but his body is still working it's way back. Hence, his doctor indicated he needs to take it easy for some time as possible infections and illnesses come and go. For a person as stubborn as he is, my dad has had his hands full making sure grandpa is sticking to the doctor's word.

And..of course...he has a mind of his own. The last few months my dad has given O.J a "talking too" to get him to understand the limitations his body has that his mind apparently doesn't see (0r ignores). For example grandpa was told not to drive his car, but he did it anyway. Lucky for us nothing detrimental happened, but we are also looking out for others who may be on the road. Like a child, dad sat grandpa down and tried to express the need for him to take it easy.

To no one's surprise after getting word more than once through the Richmond Dale grapevine about a little old man matching O.J.'s description continuing to travel back roads and State Route 35, dad finally had to put the hammer down. He secretly removed the battery from O.J.'s car and hid it. Grandpa in his most cheerful, yet finger pointing tone, told my dad he didn't appreciate whoever it was that made off with his car battery. All the while Grandpa stared dad down like a buzzard after its prey. He knew better, he's not dumb.

Up until this past week, grandpa had been behaving. Although the sly old fox found a way to disregard doctor's orders and our pleas. My dad came home one evening and decided to hop in the car and check in on O.J., but found grandpa's home empty. There was no sign of him. His car (minus the battery) was even still there. Thinking maybe grandpa went for a walk or had a friend stop by and take him out somewhere, dad headed back home. As he pulled away from grandpa's driveway he noticed a tiny little figure waving him down from up the road coming in the opposite direction. "Dad?", he thought.

Sure enough grandpa was on the berm of the road headed home when he spotted dad and flagged him down...from behind the wheel of a lawn tractor, his riding lawn mower. Mystified dad pulls up to O.J. and grandpa says, "I just stopped by your house and Shelly (dad's wife) told me you were coming up this way." Dad wasn't too surprised, but was definitely taken back when grandpa admitted that for the past couple of weeks he had been driving his lawn mower to the store....the coffee shop...to visit friends and just about anywhere a mower could take you within reason. That is: anywhere, but an actual lawn.

That man was so itching to get out he had to find the best alternative to go about his business without putting himself, and others, in harms way. Now the roads where he lives are not heavily traveled and he can go about as fast as a 12 year old going uphill on a bicycle in August. Where is the danger? My brother is an executive for an assisted living community company in Texas he, too, was surprised but impressed with grandpa's ingenuity. Maybe grandpa started a phenomena. I can see the headlines now, "The Elderly Finding New life Traveling Via Lawn Equipment In Small Towns Across America." It duels as a scooter and a useful home lawn manicuring device!

All of us got a big kick out it. Grandpa amused himself as well, but was more proud of 'sticking it to the man' than anything. I guess you don't have to be just a teenager or young adult to disregard authority and thumb your nose up to society.

We're happy Orland, grandpa, is still with us and hope we can keep him around as long as we can. The man is a walking, talking history book as well as an amateur comedian. We want to pick his brain and know the details of our families' past that may soon otherwise be lost forever. I can't imagine not having that jokester around, so for the time being we're going to enjoy having him try to embarrass us in public and could care less how many people stare in horror.

He's grandpa, Orland....the REAL O.J.

Breakfast From The Liquor Cabinet

2009-03-24T12:30:00.000-07:00

There isn't much new that could surprise me when it comes to breakfast and I would probably eat 99.9% of what is placed in front of me. You see breakfast in my eyes is just that good and a trip to Columbus' Brewery District Banana Bean Cafe at 340 Greenlawn Avenue last weekend proved it.

Banana Bean Cafe: http://www.bananabeancafe.com/

Christine and I met up with a good friend for brunch and we were lucky to find the place not quite as busy as you might think for the time of the year (a spring with decent weather tends to bring the Central Ohio masses out of hibernation) . Wanting to test the waters with something other than the usual coffee, Christine and I order a Bloody Mary. Our waitress lit up like a street light at dusk as she told us we were in for a treat: their signature Bacon Bloody Mary. Wha...!? A BACON Bloody Mary!

As surprised as we were to hear the good news, no...make that GREAT news, we continued to review the menu and didn't really think any more of it. When it arrived moments later....we had misjudged Banana Bean Cafe's uniqueness. We had more than a potent mid-morning/afternoon refresher, we had three meals and a cocktail in one! This baby came exactly how the menu described it, but better: A Sassy "Mary’nade" with a Garnish of lemon, lime, pepperoncini, cherry peppers, kosher pickle, & a crisp rasher of corn cob smoked bacon; with Grey Goose Vodka.

It was like someone had fertilized a Bloody Mary and it paid you back with various garden veggies, fruit and fried pork! Digging into the spicy concoction soothed my need to satisfy my hunger, basic human nutrition and a good swift kick in the ass! Each draw from the small tree of goodness allowed the mix of sweet, tart, hot and satisfaction to slide down the back of my throat; leaving behind a wonderful texture to be savored until the next round.

Ladies and Gentleman....we had a small meal before we even dared to order an actual dish of some kind. I finished off the small garden and was sucking the remaining drops at the bottom of my glass and clinging to the ice cubes by the time brunch arrived. It made my meal that much better!

I can't say I was in the mood for Banana Bean's unique fusion of Florida Keys, Cuban, Jamaican, and Caribbean Cuisines, but I'm willing to try anything.

Lucky enough the food was equally as satisfying. I had the Keys Poacher which includes: Smoked Salmon, Poached Eggs atop Fresh Baked Biscuits, served with creamy goat cheese grits. Christine dug into the Huey, Louis, Andouille. The eatery explains is as an: Omlette with Roasted Vegetables, Andouille Sausage, and Manchego. Our partner in crime on this day, Joy, order the Bananas Foster French Toast which is Garnished with Fresh Berries of the Season and Captain Morgan Rum Sauce. All three items turned out well and made our Saturday better than we could have asked for. The atmosphere was just as good as we sat next to the fireplace that chilly morning.

I think we would have had a more than decent meal last weekend even if we had not ordered that wonderful veggie, fruit, pork, spicy, liquor mixture...though I'm glad I did. I have new appreciation for bacon because of it!

You can get your Bacon Blood Mary fix and other unique Banana Bean Cafe items at the Greenlawn location or in German Village a 410 East Whittier Street.

It Just Isn't About The Food Anymore

2009-02-23T07:44:00.000-08:00

I have been to Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails more than just a few times over the past year or so and I don't believe I have ever been disappointed. That doesn't mean no one has, but since Tip Top seems to be packed most evenings I guess you could say plenty of people would agree with me (and I'm sure there are a few dissenters as you can not satisfy everyone all the time, unfortunately).

On the web: http://www.tiptopcolumbus.com/

It is one thing to create an inviting atmosphere and offer a tempting menu, but it is another thing to hang your hat on the intriguing and unique cocktails that come along with the other two. Tip Top, at 73 East Gay Street in downtown Columbus, Ohio, is a place that attracts those looking for more than just bar food and more than just your simple mixed drink. Since opening in February of 2007 Tip Top has been a Columbus attraction and a go-to spot for those traveling through Ohio's capital city.

Tip Top's success comes as no surprise as it is the third very popular venture by area Restauranteur Elizabeth Lessner and partners, including Betty’s and Surly Girl Saloon. Tip Top welcomes you in old style as the historic structure's unique pressed tin ceiling and decor consisting of Ohio & Columbus artifacts, pictures and posters reminds you that the Buckeye State was once known for more than just dwindling jobs and winters that last WAY to long.

The food portion begins with appetizers that include Sweet Potato Fries & Spicy Mayo, Eggplant Fries & Bloody Mary Dipping Sauce and Smoke Salmon Fritters. French Fry lovers may be turned off a bit by Tip Top's change of pace, but each one gives you a great combination of sweet, spice, heat and flavor.

Tip Top is anything, but typical which is obvious with salad offerings like the Green bean and Goodness (mixed greens, blanched green beans, tomatoes, bacon, black olives, garbanzo beans, green onions, shredded mozzarella, sliced egg, croutons and housemade buttermilk ranch) or the Hell Salad (mixed greens with spice giardinara, shredded mozzarella, with the housemade buttermilk ranch).

The eatery pride's itself on what it calls Ohio Comfort Entrees with some of the most popular being the Blue Ribbon Pot Roast and Meat Loaf Dinner. One of those that doesn't seem to get the attention it deserves, but is a favorite among those who are willing to forgo meat, is the Veggie Roast. This is a savory mix of roasted potatoes onions, celery, carrots, parsnips, turnips diced tomatoes and fresh herbs in a tasty sauce. It comes at a decent price as well at around $9.00.

You are also offered a rather large sandwich menu. You can hardly go wrong with items such as the Ohio Style Monte Cristo, Veggie Muffuletta (portabella strips, grilled zucchini, shaved red onion provolone cheese and alfalfa sprouts with red pepper-olive spread on dark wheat with a side of basil aioli), Chipotle Turkey (piled high!) and the Sensational Salmon Hoagie.

The list of Tip Top Cocktails is as coveted as the tasty menu. The whiskey concoctions come with titles that include the C-bus-town Julep, Old Pike Old-fashioned, Route 40 Shorty, The Le Veque Tower, The Old Penn Perfect Poison and even the Alex P. Keaton (Old Overholt Rye Whiskey with a splash of ginger ale, garnished with lime. "...served short like Alex P. Keaton", according to the description).

The Gay Street business give those who are not whiskey drinkers their share of mixed spirits to choose from. The Columbus oriented drinks come in the form of the Jungle Jack Hanna (Described as: Orange vodka, pineapple juice, cranberry juice and a splash of 7up, served tall and garnished with a live tiger* (*when in stock)), Jesse Owens, Stinkin' Olentangy, The Cowbell and Thurber's Cat Nap.

Don't despair beer and wine drinkers. Tip Top welcomes all drink enthusiasts by tempting your palate with a wide variety of draught beers, bottled beers and wines from around the globe.

What makes this place different from others is that it fits into all categories. It can be the place to get a bite to eat, the starting point for your evening, the ideal spot to celebrate the entire night or the final stop before your roundabout journey home comes to an end. Tip Top's doors are open from from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. everyday.

As I said earlier, Tip Top is one of several successful ventures (Betty's & Surly Girl included) Restauranteur Elizabeth Lessner and partners have collaborated on. And lucky for us another one is on the way. I am sure details are out there and available, but I'll let Mrs. Lessner and her folks pass those on if they haven't already. Though she says she has been extremely busy and expects things to slow down at the end March.

Just a hint for those of you who are still in the dark.

History Doesn't Pull Any Punches

2009-02-19T10:41:00.000-08:00

Hidden along side a downtown Columbus alley you can dig up bits and pieces of history. And maybe a bit to eat as well.

At one time in the tiny building's 112 years of existence the Ringside Cafe was The Rathskeller (est. 1897). You will notice that its former moniker is still etched on the wall above the entrance as sits nestled in the middle of the block bounded by East Gay, East Broad, North 3rd and North High (near the Rhodes State Officer Tower).

Though Ringside (since 1993) may now be a gathering place for small groups of downtown business people and government employees getting a quick bit to eat, it was once THE hot spot for area politics. You will notice on the side of the 19 N. Pearl Street structure's unique exterior that there are a pair of stained glass windows. One has the image of a donkey, the other an elephant. With city, county and state government inhabiting the downtown area it isn't hard to figure out that those images refer to our two major party system: Democrats and Republicans. Legend has it that before Columbus exploded into the concrete reservoir it is today the restaurant would light a candle, or lantern, and place it behind one of those windows to indicate which group (the Republicans or Democrats) had taken up residence for the evening to eat, drink and squabble over legislation. Apparently bipartisanship was as big of a problem as it is now...go figure.

Inside you will find it politics-free as the motif is that of the boxing nature which the name Ringside Cafe seems indicate. Memorabilia is scattered throughout, including the giant painting of what I believe is Rocky Marciano hammering one of his many opponents above the door just inside. It is as small inside as you would probably imagine when you stroll by, but it has lots of character and exudes history.

The few times I have been there the restaurant/bar had the barkeep also perform the duties of the cook. Being within arms reach of the kitchen, it kind of makes sense during those off business hours. Ringside is known for its burgers that come complete with the names of the boxing's greatest figures. My favor is the "Smokin' Joe" BBQ Bacon Burger. It comes steaming hot and juicy. The one that tops them all is the "Ali" and it will go 12 rounds with anyone thinking they are superior. It is a 3/4 pound Angus beef patty with House Coleslaw, cheddar cheese and a fried onion ring. Each so-called "Heavyweight" comes with House Kettle Chips, a Kosher Pickle Spear and on a Raised Kaiser Bun.

Check out the full menu for yourself: http://ringsidecolumbus.com/RingsideMenu.pdf

The liquid refreshment is more than decent with a few twists, including Bare Knuckle Stout, Shock Top and Goose Island Honkers Ale on tap. Happy Hour takes place Monday through Friday from 4 p.m to 7 p.m.

Check out the drinkage here: http://ringsidecolumbus.com/Beer.pdf

They have even created space downstairs for those who are not keen on rubbing shoulders with their fellow man or woman. The area below can also be used for private parties. For those who are looking to catch a game Ringside offers 28” televisions and a 48” LCD Flat screen to keep you entertained. During a good game the close quarters gives you the feeling of at least being in the crowd at that contest, but without the fight to find your car afterward.

Ringside has offers for those who dare trek through downtown during the busy lunch hour and these can usually be found here: http://ringsidecolumbus.com/2off.pdf. In my opinion the $2.00 off lunch is pretty good deal. It seems to urge those who work in the area to leave their car parked where it is and experience Columbus on foot. For those stuck with the working lunch, to go orders are also available: 614-228-7464 (RING).

This is still a gathering place for a few groups of those who work downtown or are employed by the city, but that does not mean "outsiders" are unwelcome. Ringside caters to everyone who wants a little history and mystic with their outing. Well...to those who can find it anyway.

You can get an idea of what Ringside Cafe has to offer by checking it out online at: http://ringsidecolumbus.com/

A Chinese Restaurant By Any Other Name....

2009-02-17T08:40:00.001-08:00

Having lived in four states and gone away to college I say it is probably a good bet that if you have been to one Chinese restaurant, you have been to them all, yes? I know that isn't the case, but it does some truth to it. Although I found a Columbus-area venture that breaks the mold.

Ying's Teahouse & Yum-Yum (seriously, that's the name) at 4312 North High Street (just south of the W. Henderson & E. Cooke intersection) in Clintonville is more than just a pleasant surprise. The eatery is in a small strip-like mall that isn't very flattering, but the mall itself has some decent stores and businesses. Despite the look from the outside Ying's is a slice of elegance in a not-so uppity fashion. Just enough decor to know where you are and allows you to enjoy it. Some places try to hard, Ying's does not.

They offer a variety of dishes in a number of categories: Non-Sweet, Sushi, House Specialties, Chicken, Shrimp, Pork, Beef, Soup, Veggie and Salads. Some are the dishes you would find at most, if not all, Chinese restaurants. Others are their originals or their twist on a typical favorite.

A couple of weekends ago Christine and I stopped by to check it out. Ying's was not very busy on this cold Saturday afternoon, though they were definitely being noticed by the locals. A few people were eating inside and more than a handful were ordering carryout.

After a short time perusing the menu Christine selected a Chinese restaurant staple with the General Tso's Chicken ($7.99. Oh, and FYI, they help you out by indicating which dishes are spicy and which are not on the menu). I, being a hug fan of eggplant, chose the Eggplant with Garlic Sauce ($8.95). The woman waiting on us looked almost stunned when I indicated I didn't want anything else on the dish. She asked me twice just to make sure she heard me right. We laughed thinking the woman had not come across to many guys who order a veggie only dish. I AM a meat eater, but eggplant is awesome.

To start us off I ordered a bowl of Egg Drop Soup ($1.50) and Christine the Hot and Sour Soup ($1.50). Both were tasty enough that we were scraping the bottom of our bowls by the time dinner arrived. We also took advantage of the tea service which comes steaming in a pot for one ($2.75) or a pot for two or three ($4.50). There is an excellent list to chose from. We took a selection from the Herbal Tea Blends, the Invigorating Tea. This is a combination of Jasmine, Lemon Grass, Linden Leaves and Sweet Chrysanthemum. The tea was not overpowering and gave just a hint of each of the blends' ingredients. The best part was the fact the tea stayed hot in our own personal pot throughout dinner.

As for dinner, the General Tso's Chicken was better than expected. I have had similar dishes in the past in which the breading on the chicken came a bit too soggy for my taste. This one came with a good crispiness still involved. The eggplant was exactly what I was looking for with big strands of Chinese eggplant doused in a tangy garlic sauce and lots of it. Christine and I had enough for dinner the next day. There were just as good as they were the first time around.

I don't mind fortune cookies, but I don't exactly crave them. Ying's avoided the stereotypical Chinese restaurant by not having these and leaving you with a tasty, flaky cookie (an actual cookie) that went well with the rest of the tea. We declined on dessert as we were stuffed to the gills, but if I would have had any room left at all...I would have been the first one there.

We didn't see it till afterwards, but a Columbus Alive article from not too long ago stated that Ying's homemade dumplings were something to be had. I'm sorry we didn't order them, but I suspect that would be something to attack the next time around. They also have lunch specials available during the work week from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. that range in price from $5.00 to $6.50 depending on your use of cash or credit card. There are four of these that come in the sushi, yum-yum special and rice plant varieties.

Ying's business hours are 11:00 a.m to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 10:00 p.m. on Sunday. They can be reach by phone (614-262-7587), fax (614-262-7928) or by email: styliu1963@gmail.com and take all major credit cards. They do not deliver, but have a very popular carryout service.

I think what makes Ying's unique is the fact that they are a Chinese restaurant that doesn't act like what most of us are used to in a Chinese restaurant. It is relaxing and casual with an atmosphere to boot.

Pomp(ilios) and Circumstance

2009-01-23T10:20:00.001-08:00

Many Italian restaurants have some sort of declaration that goes something like, “We’re a piece of Italy in the middle of (insert random location here).” Some of us long to visit Italy, but aren’t silly enough to believe we will get that experience by sitting in the corner booth at Vito’s Pasta Warehouse downtown.

The best Italian restaurants are those that give you visions of what Italy may be like just be sampling the food. They don’t pretend to have been created by Silvio Berlusconi, to have served dinner every night to the late Pavarotti or to have been a hangout for a group of “Good Fellas”. They let their heritage, and kitchen craft, speak for itself. This is where Pompilio’s, a greater Cincinnati, Ohio establishment, comes in.

Located in Newport, Kentucky, just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, Pompilio’s was established in 1933 by Colonel John Michael Pompilio. The eatery and bar hangs its hat on, “…a lasting reputation for fine, authentic Italian food.” The Colonel may not be the most famous Italian, but he and his wife, Johanna Agnes Colletta (Pompilio), were definitely natives who brought their heritage and traditions. Colonel Pompilio was born in the City of Castelgandolpho in the Province of Foggia in 1888. Mrs. Pompilio was born in the City of Matrice in the Province of Campbasso in 1894. They had four sons, who were all born in Cincinnati, and ran their restaurant that continues today in a portion of old Newport.

Though, Pompilio’s has since changed hands. Colonel Pompilio died in 1968, Mrs. Pompilio passed away in 1974 and the last of the four sons, Daniel Joseph Pompilio, passed away in 1998. But in 1982 the Mazzei and Argento families took ownership of the establishment and strived to stick to the standards developed by the Pompilio family. This includes making their ravioli, lasagna, soups and sauces in-house by hand. The vast majority of the menu items are a product of the Pompilio’s kitchen (no outside help) with assistance from Mrs. Pompilio’s recipes.

It is one thing to have one person sing the praises, but it is another to have some well-known names that agree. Remember the Oscar-winning movie “Rainman” starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise from 1988? The cast and crew made Pompilio’s a site for filming and had the restaurant serve as their unofficial cafeteria during the segments of the movie that were shot in Greater Cincinnati. The walls are filled with photos of Hoffman and Cruise interacting with the staff as well as autographs & mementos.

The inviting atmosphere would get most people to at least grab a seat and take in the wonderful aromas that creep from the kitchen and inhabit old building. During our visit, we began with the Fresh Calamari Gardenaire. It came across just like the menu description: Tender calamari hand-bread, fried, and tossed with a chunky marinara sauce, olives and pepper rings. Not only did it hit the spot. It more than adequately prepared us for a filling and satisfying meal.

My dinner entree was the Rigatoni a la Teresa. A mountain of layers consisting of sausage, hard-boiled eggs and meatballs topped with melted slices of provolone and tomato sauce. I have a large appetite and love food, but I couldn’t force all of it down. My eyes and stomach fought a tremendous battle of which my stomach won out. All the better, the leftovers made for an even better lunch the next day.

For dessert it was a slice of traditional Tiramisu. It, too, came across flawless: creamy with hint of coffee and cocoa.

The restaurant offers traditional Italian cuisine, subs, paninis, beef, fish, chicken, soups, salads and some American fare. Also, Pompilio's has a down home atmosphere that welcomes anyone from local families, to passersby, to those who want a break after strolling by the historic buildings and architecture of old Newport.

If you are in the mood to just relax with a quick drink, you are in for another surprise. The bar comes complete with a tile floor, beveled-glass windows and a classic hand-carved bar. The eatery claims the "Back Bar" was handcrafted and built of cherry wood by the George Wiedemann Brewing Company in 1886. The barroom has stayed the same except for the sad fact that the pressed metal ceiling has been removed, and a second bar made of mahogany was installed after Prohibition. And Pompilio’s boasts of the first Kentucky liquor license to be issued once Prohibition ended. A little known fact that makes for good conversation.

I have to give Pompilio’s props for the huge portions all around and at a decent price to boot. The eatery can be found at 600 Washington Avenue in Newport, Kentucky and have a website that details everything you have read here and more: http://www.pompilios.com/. They can also be reached by phone: (859) 581-3065.

Pompilio’s was a great find and my party found it by accident, literally. We were in downtown Cincinnati one afternoon and wanted to find a place that wasn’t typical or extremely crowded. The Pompilio’s suggestion came from the driver of the cab we were able to flag down. He had been a resident of the Queen City area his entire life. He understood what we were looking for and directed us to one of Greater Cincinnati’s hidden gems.

That is a tip for anyone who travels and wants to avoid the hustle & bustle of restaurant chains and fly-by-night eateries. Be sincere and ask a local. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.

Just do me a favor. When someone visits your town…return the jesture!

Ohio Bourbon Now Available

2009-01-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

THIS ARTICLE COMES FROM COLUMBUS UNDERGROUND AT http://www.columbusunderground.com/

Ohio Bourbon now available at Details
By Bear January 22, 2009 10:16am Filed under Dining, Nightlife Comments

A few of us just returned from Details, where they have just taken delivery of two bottles of Woodstone Creek bourbon — a craft bourbon distilled in Ohio. Only two barrels of this bourbon have been produced, so it’s relatively rare stuff.

My impression, for what it’s worth, is that it’s easily the most unusual bourbon that I’ve ever tasted. For bourbon aficionados, it’s definitely worth a try. It’s not very sweet at all; it’s actually almost phenolic, with a strong herbal overtone. As bourbons go it’s really, really unusual. People looking for a nice, smooth sipping bourbon will not find it; those looking for something really unique, on the other hand, will be very much in luck.

The bourbon, like Woodstone Creek’s vodka (also available at Details), is made by the husband and wife team of Linda and Don Outterson. When I wrote to Linda to ask about the bourbon’s unusual flavor profile, she responded that Don “was shooting for a profile of the pre-industrial bourbons of the 1800s. The only bourbon most people have ever had was made by a machine” — and that for many people this will be their first experience with a truly handmade, single barrel bourbon.

In either case, it’s worth the trip to check out an Ohio craft bourbon — not an opportunity that comes around every day.

Reviews of the bourbon can be found here. More info on Details online at DetailsLounge.com.

The Original "Schlitz" Recipe Is In Columbus, Ohio

2009-01-20T06:12:00.000-08:00

From the Columbus Dispatch:

:The Columbus Dispatch;
:Jan 20, 2009;
:Business;
:C10
ORIGINAL FORMULA
Demand pours in for retro Schlitz
By Tracy Turner THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Schlitz is back. The owners of the brand have recreated the recipe and are marketing Schlitz’s Classic 1960s formula beer at several Columbus-area stores and bars.

The original formula, described as a maltier, fuller-bodied lager than typical American beers, was changed in the late 1960s and 1970s, according to Pabst Brewing Co., which bought the Schlitz brand in 1999. The formula was changed as American brewers gradually made beers lighter in body, flavor and taste to cut costs and appeal to a broad market, company spokesman Brad Hittle said in a statement. But like the New Coke, the new Schlitz wasn’t warmly embraced. So last year, the old Schlitz began its comeback. It has been reintroduced in several cities, including this month in Columbus, based on consumer demand.

“Our goal was to bring back the taste of the ’60s, when beer wasn’t watered down,” Hittle said. “The response has been overwhelming, and we’re proud to bring back the beer that generations of Schlitz lovers enjoyed for years.” “We believe that Schlitz is, if not the, one of the most iconic brands of the 20th century,” Pabst President Kevin Kotecki told the Associated Press last year. “And there’s still a lot of people who have very positive residual memories about their experience.

For many of them, it was the first beer they drank, and we wanted to give it back to those consumers.” Beer retailers across Columbus said sales have been growing as customers realize that the old formula is available. “One guy came, saw it, said he couldn’t believe we had it and bought three six-packs,” said James Delewese, who works at Kenny Road Market, 4658 Kenny Rd. on the Northwest Side. The specialty shop, which sells 500 varieties of beer, said it’s ready to order a second shipment based on the demand. “It’s sold faster than people may have expected it to,” Delewese said.

“Throwing back to this original formula is pretty significant and a draw for the younger generation that thinks retro is kitsch, and the older drinkers, who remember the old formula. “It’s rare for us to see this kind of excitement on a domestic beer.” Whole Foods erected a retro display of the beer at its 3670 W. Dublin-Granville Rd. location on the Northwest Side. “It seems to be pretty popular so far,” said Mandy Farnsworth, a manager at the store. King Avenue 5 Restaurant and Sports Lounge plans to have a tasting party for the old formula at 6 p.m. Wednesday at its 945 King Ave. location, owner Nick Pavich said.

He said many of his regular customers have embraced the beer since he’s been offering it. “They see the old brown bottles, see the label, scratch their head and say, ‘Really, is that what I think it is?’” Pavich said. “We’ve had quite a good response. “It won’t outsell Bud Light or Miller Lite, but I think it’s going to do well in this market.”

Don't Quit

2008-12-18T09:27:00.000-08:00

It is tough, trust me..I'm there right now.

DON'T QUIT

When things go wrong as they sometimes will, And the road you're trudging seems all up hill; When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile but you have to sigh; When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don't you quit. For life is strange with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns; But many a coward turns about When he might have won had he stuck it out. But he learns too late when the night comes down How close he was to the golden crown. Victory is defeat turned inside out, The silver tint of the clouds in doubt, You will never know how near you are – It may seem close when it seems afar. So stick to the fight when you are hardest hit; It is when things seem worst that you must not quit.

"All you need is ignorance and confidence, and success is sure."
Mark Twain, "Letter to Mrs. Foote"

Transistioning To Transistion

2008-12-16T09:31:00.000-08:00

I knew it to begin with and I can only hear you say, "I told you so", so many times before I have thoughts of jamming a sharp object in my ear in hopes of drowning you out. I seriously wouldn't do that, but the thought of it does give me this weird cumbersome feeling. Is that odd? Well, yes, and that's life in the radio.

I admit that after high school back in 1994 my decision to study broadcasting (radio, specifically. A weird fascination of mine.) instead of attending a culinary academy (aka: cooking school), I probably wasn't thinking about the consequences. Of course, not being able to develop that keen sense of soothsaying also played a major factor in where I am now. Where is that? Well, at the Whetstone Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library searching for a full time job and submitting applications for less-than-desired employment in order to pay bills, buy food and gas for my car and what little bit of a Christmas I can offer to loved ones. Something is better than nothing.

http://www.columbuslibrary.org/

I have no one to blame, but myself. My professors told me, my college advisor (David R. Collins: tough, but sincere) warned me and the folks who allowed me to volunteer, intern and work-study at Morehead State University's WMKY Public Radio gave me the heads up. Nevertheless, I figured working at a job that you love, have fun with and are good at would outweigh the fact that a lucrative career in radio would probably never happen. Come on, I'm not getting into this for the money. Any veteran radio or television person will tell you that, most likely, will not happen.

Fourteen years later, I'm not necessarily regretting past decisions. I just wish I would have seen the light a little sooner, however dim it may be. And it really doesn't have anything to do with money.

Radio just hasn't been that good to me. I'm sure I deserved what I have received. You reap what you sow. At this point radio has taken me to four states, from public to commercial broadcasting and from small market to medium-ish market. I still enjoy radio, but not as much I should. I even thought that going back to school to get a graduate degree (achieved 2001) would change my attitude and/or horizons. Nope, my views haven't changed. And it isn't because of the downsizing and dwindling status of radio over the last several years nationwide. It's me. To add to that, I was recently let go from my most recent radio job.

What If I could use what radio has taught me elsewhere?

Well, I love to write, produce and edit and think that my communications background is extensive enough that I could get my foot in the door pretty much anywhere. Then again, the rough economic times have forced businesses and corporations to hire only those who have the exact qualities (i.e. experience) they need. Taking a chance on someone who has talked a good game, but doesn't have much of a case to present is on the outside looking in.

The more I examine my attempt at at career change I realize I want to be in communications. I'm good at it, I know I am. I'm not cocky, I'm just confident in my abilities. I was never one to expect to become wealthy in broadcasting. Radio allowed me to keep my head above water, that's okay, I'm a good swimmer. Unfortunately, I have been treading water too long and have grown tired.

I sometimes wonder what would have happened had I taken all that time I spent bugging my mom (Greatest cook I know!) in the kitchen, picking up her techniques through osmosis, and put it to work for me professionally. Would have I succeeded? Would have I been happy? Or would I still be where I am today, but wondering "What if?" about radio? What is done is done.

Cooking school could still be a possibility, but the price tag is a bit beyond my realm. And there aren't many restaurants who want to hire a 33 year old wannabe chef with no experience. Impressing friends and family in my small apartment kitchen is my current status chef status. Though I have been exploring a communications job in the food industry and have done a few restaurant reviews on my own for the place I used to work (http://www.akronnewsnow.com/). They did get plenty of views from Akron/Canton area residents, but whether they were taken seriously, I don't know.

http://www.akronnewsnow.com/entertainment/itemdetail.asp?ID=21999&section=entertainment&subsection=localentertainment

http://www.akronnewsnow.com/entertainment/itemdetail.asp?ID=22764&section=entertainment&subsection=localentertainment

In the meantime, as I search for full time work and work that will at least pay the bills, I have suddenly noticed that small flicker of opportunity. It is extremely hard to see. My hopes rest now on networking (I'm on http://www.linkedin.com/), setting up possible freelance opportunities (http://www.guru.com/), moving to Columbus and ignoring the sickening feeling that I took the wrong path somewhere way back when.

http://www.linkedin.com/profile?viewProfile=&key=25248256&trk=tab_pro

http://profile.guru.com/1077145

I'm not looking for sympathy and I'm not looking for charity, but damn, it does make me think.

For those of you who are also job searching, good luck and keep the faith. And if you need to bounce ideas off of someone who understands, don't be afraid to send me a note. We're in this together.

Unemployment is an island, but its a crowded one.

Ghosts Of Christmas Past In The Present

2008-11-10T13:43:00.000-08:00

Stan Hywet Hall, an old Christmas by any other name just wouldn't be the same. Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens has officially been decked out for the holidays and if you are one who enjoys the sights, scenes, colors and sounds of the season this is the one place to experience it. And I'm not just talking about Christmas, I'm talking about OLD Christmas. The 65 room Tudor Revival Mansion is the former home of F.A. Seiberling, the founder of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, and his family.

Original Story: http://www.akronnewsnow.com/news/itemdetail.asp?ID=26758&section=news&subsection=localnews

I, for one, am nostalgic and nothing is more special than reliving the holiday seasons of the past. Was it more simple then? Maybe, but getting to enjoy what a holiday season would have been like 100 years ago in a mansion from the American Country Estate boom is a history buff's dream come true. Sure, the Seiberlings were wealthy and they lived better than the vast majority of people during that time. But trying to understand what life would have been like in the early portion of 1900's is something we don't get to do very often. Lucky for us we have, in Akron, a home where time stands still. The antiques, the photos, the feel and the smells allow us to revisit this era.

As we speak Stan Hywet Hall has been transformed into a Christmas (and history) lover's fantasy.The historic structure allows your imagination to run rampant. The ghosts of holiday seasons past guide you through The Great Hall where it seems as though the trimmed Christmas tree is just as tall as the ceiling, three stories high. Lighted messages over doorways, such as "Good Will Toward Men", are surrounded by bright red bows. Greenery is strung through out the home as if it were one long strand that has some how slithered its way into each and every perfect location. A statue of a horse pulling a yule log on a small, old time sleigh into the room from outside stands before you. Sounds weird, right? But that's how it took place. A black & white photo of that very same scene, in that very spot, is right nearby.

The entire home, upstairs and down, is dressed in a festive fashion. Not too much, but yet, not too little. On Friday evening we had additional help in imagining Christmas' of long ago. On video (transferred from old reel-to-reel film) is the 1923 Christmas Day Wedding of Irene Seiberling to Milton Harrison. It shows the home decorated for the holidays (in black & white and silent, of course) as well as the wedding's procession through the home to the vehicle that would take them away on their brand new journey together as snow lightly falls. (FYI, they left from this point to a honeymoon in Jamaica)Also, on video was the 1932 Christmas reel labeled "So Many Grandchildren".

The Seiberlings had seven children and it seems as if there are a thousand grandchildren. The kids take part in Christmas activities and horse around like, well, children...go figure. The videos give you another perspective of the family photos seen on the walls, the people all look the same and come to life before your very eyes. As if the videos weren't enough the family had a tradition of performing before one another and recording it. We were treated to a recording of Santa Claus arriving and entertaining the Children. This includes the scratchy sound of the original record recording in the background. Listening to the recording and strolling through the decked out home you can almost see the Seiberling family & friends enjoying a holiday season.

The large dining hall table is set with the best holiday china. You can only dream of the Christmas feasts that must have been devoured by the many guests who once visited the home. Some of them famous (several presidents, Thomas Edison, Helen Keller, etc.), so of them not so famous.It is not just the fact the Seiberling family lived there that makes one wish they could have experienced life at Stan Hywet Hall. They just happened to live there. Rather, it is the history and life from 80 to 100 years ago that we will no longer be able to experience and can only read about. In Stan Hywet Hall that is preserved for all those who have an imagination, a love of history and that part of them that just doesn't want the past to be IN the past.

If you get the chance to visit the hall at night, you should do it. It just adds to the mystic of a what a Christmas Eve might have been like. Yeah, I'm a softy to when it comes to history and old Chistmas. I grew up with it. My family has a long history in southern Ohio (near Chillicothe) from the pre-civil war era (former U.S President and General Ulysses Simpson Grant is a distant relative) and on. Thus, my childhood was spent in homes that were literally walking history books.Stan Hywet Hall is no different.Adding to the holiday fun the hall is presenting the exhibit, Art Of The Nativity, featuring over 40 creches (French for "manger") from around the world.

The nativity scenes on display come from may different countries and cultures. The art work is provided by the Marian Library at the University of Dayton which houses a collection of more than 1,300 nativity scenes, or creches. The scenes are set up through each room of the house and adds that perfect touch to a holiday tour.Okay, I'm in the mood now. So don't hate me if you don't want to hear it, but....Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays. From our house to yours, we wish you the very best.

Now, where's the eggnog and fruitcake?!

On the web: http://www.stanhywet.org/

Stick That In Your Campaign And Smoke It!

2008-11-05T18:13:00.000-08:00

They are all gone! No more: "We can't trust Joe Shmoo", "She's corrupt and eats babies", "He took money from taxpayers to fund his bikini waxing fetish!" Ahhh, I can't tell you how good it feels to know I can flip on the television in the morning and see an actual commercial. Acne cream, coffee filters, chocolate covered dandelions in cream sauce, I don't care, let me see them in succession for the next week!

Those absolutely ignorant campaign ads (television or radio) have come to an end. I can imagine how annoying they can get to the average voter. That also goes for the mountains of campaign mailers that are shoved in our mailboxes like stocking stuffers (Does Santa hate me?!). As a member of the media we have to endure the same ads as you do, but with a sinister twist. We have to interview these people who apparently think we enjoy hearing about their opponent's dirty little secrets.

Election preview stories make my skin crawl. It wouldn't be so bad if I contacted Sherry I'm-Really-An-Illegal-Alien and she just told me about herself and what she wants to do if elected. Instead, more often than not, we are also forced to hear what they really think about their opponent. Listen Sherry....that's all great. I'd love to hear about Tim I-Have-Four-Wives' attempt to grow marijuana in his basement with a hair dryer and flood lights, but the fact is I DON'T CARE! It is about the issues! Who wants to do what and how? What are the priorities for whatever office or district you will be representing? Does your agenda fit in with mine? These my friends are the nuts and bolts that SHOULD encompass a campaign.

Yes, I know, I have never run for office and I don't know what it is "really" like. But we are not completely stupid, SO STOP ACTING AS IF WE ARE!! Unfortunately this is what campaigning has become: a smear fest to see who can find the best dirt, put together the most original parody of their opponent and avoid the real issues at all costs. It is a wonder why so many countries hate us and for all the wrong reasons

Yes, November 4th is now history and we can go back to watching real commercials on products we wouldn't dream of purchasing...how wonderful! And just in time for Christmas! (I can't wait for those killer "Give-uh, give-uh, give-uh Garman" satellite navigation device commercials, they get me everytime!)

Although those campaign commercials are only gone for a few months as the primary election will roll around in late Spring. We can at least rest easier knowing the dreary, dark winter months can be experienced without the suicide inducing crap fed to us from all media avenues.

Akronites going to hell? http://www.akronnewsnow.com/news/itemdetail.asp?ID=26612&section=news&subsection=politicsnews
(The good part is on the audio link at the bottom. It's the one titled: Hear Plusquellic address supporters after Issue 8's defeat. His 'hell' comment is at the end, but the build-up to it is interesting)

As for myself, I get to spend the next few months playing back the soundbite of Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic telling the opposition to this Issue 8 Akron Scholarship Plan that they will have "...a special place in hell..." for leading the campaign that ultimately led to the issue's large defeat on Tuesday.

The mayor made his comments at the Issue 8 election night watch party at The Lockview, a pub in downtown Akron. It's a place I'd highly recommend for a beer and a bite to eat.

It's across the street from Lock 3 Park: http://www.thelockview.com/

If you find yourself there, say hello to Matt the manager for me. A very good guy who went out of his way to accommodate my setting up some live remote equipment for Tuesday's broadcast.

Take care Akron...the next election is closer than you think.

Wrong Number Gone Awry

2008-10-08T17:21:00.000-07:00

Shortly after moving to Canton in 2004, when the summer months finally rolled around, I took the time outside of work to try and meet some people. Not knowing anyone and being a little unfamiliar with the territory I looked at all avenues. This didn't have much success for the basic fact that I worked 3pm to about midnight and everyone I could meet and hang out with were either at home or sleeping (like most normal people).

I was by no means desperate, but I was hoping for a change in my social life soon and it did. Just not in the way I had envisioned.

One afternoon as I was preparing to head off to work, my phone rings and an unfamiliar number appears. As I answered the female voiced on the other end says, "Charlie?! Where are you? And how do I get to the gym?" At a loss as to who Charlie may be, I told her she must have had a wrong number. She apologized and we hung up. No more than a minute later my phone rings again and its from the same number. On a cell phone in her car the girl says, "I'm sorry I know I just called you, but would it be possible for you to give me some directions?"

This seems a little weird, but I'm game. I have only lived in Stark County for a few months, but I have a Stark County map on my apartment wall in order to help myself out with the new surroundings. Eager to help I consulted my map and gave her the directions she was looking for. Once she received her requested information and located her destination, we continued to chatting. Lauren tells me she's 21, a personal trainer and has just moved here from Hawaii. As our friendly conversation continues I find out she's the step daughter of Stark County Sheriff Tim Swanson, someone I talk to on a regular basis through work.

Soon enough I have to leave for work, she takes my phone number and we agree to keep in touch. It was a friendly conversation that began in the most odd way and I figured I had at least found someone to hang out with.

I get to work and tell my co-workers, Sam and Marlene, about the phone call. I tell Marlene due to the fact the phone was so random. I tell Sam because I wanted to gloat. A 21 year old female personal trainer calls you out of nowhere and you hit it off, that my friends is what heterosexual dreams are made of!!

Marlene, using her damn common sense, begins questioning everything Lauren told me. It all seemed to check out....that is until Marlene remembered that Sheriff Swanson was married to his high school sweetheart. Better yet, he had no children. As much as I hoped she was wrong, I shrugged it off and thought maybe I misheard what Lauren had said. Marlene said she would ask Sheriff Swanson about it the next time she talked to him. Sam, on the other hand, was freaking out in a jealous reaction. I rubbed it in as best I could.

Over the next week or so Lauren and I spoke several times. Just shooting the bull and eventually agreed we should meet sometime. Seems logical. As I'm thinking about what we should do, she continues to call...and call....and text..and call some more. The next few days were nuts, this girl is calling and sending me text messages at all hours of the day. Even when I mention that I'm busy or at work, she continues to give me a ring.

At work Marlene jokes that Lauren is some sort of mental patient who has found her next victim. Sam, too, suggests the girl is mental but as any good man would, he says I should at least meet the girl to see if the "package is worth more than headache". In other words, if she turns out be smokin' hot how long am I willing to subject myself to the wacko in order to show off my trophy girlfriend.

Now I'm no longer thinking about meeting the girl. I'm wondering if this girl has a life outside of annoying me and how much of a burden it would be to change my phone number.

Back at work, Marlene finally gets a hold of Sheriff Swanson. She made sure to call him with me sitting at the desk next to her. Apparently she could tell the future. Swanson confirms the has been married one time and has no children, let alone step children. Also, he says a girl fitting Lauren's background (real or fake) was reportedly trying to buy a car in the Akron area a few weeks before and gave Sheriff Swanson's name as a potential a co-signer for a loan. He had no other information and, thus, couldn't follow up on it.

Lucky for him, I was his new found informant.

I gave the sheriff the name she had given me and her phone number. And pondered a way I could get her to stop calling me. Sam continued to say I should meet the girl, Marlene is telling me to ask the sheriff about the witness protection program.

As the next few days went by I answered only a handful of the what seemed like a thousand phone calls and text messages. I used the excuse of being busy at work, she bought it. Finally, when I was ACTUALLY at work, my phone rang. I checked to see who it was and, SURPRISE, it was Lauren the leech.

Marlene, who up to this point has found the situation funny, can see the consternation on my face. It was funny...for awhile, but it now has become a serious burden. Marlene takes it upon herself to end the annoying calls. I avoid answering the phone and toss it aside, but Marlene grabs it and answers the call. She calmly says 'hello' then asks, "Who is this?" When Lauren asks the same question Marlene answers, "This Craig's WIFE! I see you have called several times and I'd appreciate it if you'd stop calling. Thank you very much!" She then hangs up. I'm stunned with a huge smile on my face. As goes with Sam and our company custodian Mary, who bursts into laughter.

Looking like she couldn't be more proud of herself, Marlene says the girl was quiet and didn't say much. And seemed to have hung up before she did. Marlene says she just thought of it and wanted to see if it would get Lauren to stop calling. And it did! For three days I heard not a word from her.

On the four day after being told I was married, Lauren did call. It was after I had come home from work and went to bed. The phone rang, seeing that it was her, I answered to see what she had to say. I was curious. After my quick 'hello' she says, "I cannot believe you are married?!" Not wanting to drag it on, I said 'yup' and hung up. Though I was relieved, I was still curious to know if she was a whack job or I if had just made a huge mistake. Sam's words continued to haunt me.

I didn't hear from her again.

Shortly thereafter Sheriff Swanson called to let me know that by using the phone number I gave him he tracked Lauren down. He confirmed here name was Lauren, but that was about the only truth that I knew about her. She wasn't 21, but 19. She wasn't from Hawaii, but from right there in Canton. She wasn't his step daughter, just some deranged girl with a vivid imagination who lived with her parents (who are still married by the way). She could have been a personal trainer, but you wouldn't find many of them who serve Whoppers part-time. Though Sheriff Swanson tells me that she was cute...for a teenager.

He also said he gave her, and her parents, a stern warning about what may come from any additional phone fantasies or attempts to use his name in any unlawful way.

"Dude! You missed your chance!," Sam says through a hearty laugh. I think he was just relieved that Lauren didn't turn out to be who she said she was. That would have really ticked him off.

Marlene holds back the laughter, but the phrase "I told you so" was written all over her face. I'm a little disappointed, but happy to know I wasn't taken for more than just my trust.

I never heard anything more from Lauren. Though, still to this day, I'm very good friends with Sheriff Swanson. I may live and work in Akron now, but still call him through work. In those calls I refer to him as dad and he refers to me as his son. Nice to know he has a sense of humor about it.

But a few things still remain unsolved. In that original wrong number call, who was Charlie? Why didn't she know the directions to a location that was just three miles from her in her own hometown? Who was she trying to call to begin with?

We will never know.

Autumn In Southern Ohio

2008-09-17T17:45:00.001-07:00

Pics from Chimney Rock down there in Ross County...pretty place, especially in the fall (These are from last fall '07).

A Columbus, OH Street Has An Alternative Lifestyle?

2008-09-17T17:45:00.000-07:00

This just makes me laugh. I'm easily amused.

Schlitz Lovers Rejoice!!

2008-09-10T19:51:00.000-07:00

Click on the title above to link to the original story!!!

A COMEBACK IS BREWING
Beermaker is betting on nostalgia in restoring a Milwaukee icon
By Emily Fredrix ASSOCIATED PRESS

MILWAUKEE — It’s The Beer That Made Milwaukee Famous. Now Schlitz is making the city nostalgic. That beer with the old-time mystique is back on shelves in bottles of its original formula in the city where it was first brewed more than a century and a half ago. Schlitz was the top-selling beer for much of the first half of the 20th century. But recipe changes and a series of snafus made the beer — in many a drinker’s opinion — undrinkable, turning what was once the world’s most popular brew into little more than a joke. But after decades of dormancy, the beer is back. Schlitz’s owner, Pabst Brewing Co., is recreating the old formula, using notes and interviews with old brew masters to concoct the Pilsner again. The maker of another nostalgic favorite, Pabst Blue Ribbon, it hopes baby boomers will reach for the drink of their youth. They also want to create a following among young- er drinkers who want to know what grandma and grandpa drank. “We believe that Schlitz is, if not the, one of the most iconic brands of the 20th century,” said Kevin Kotecki, president of Pabst Brewing Co., which bought the brand that dates to 1849 from Stroh’s in 1999. “And there’s still a lot of people who have very positive, residual memories about their experience. For many of them, it was the first beer they drank, and we wanted to give it back to those consumers.” In Milwaukee, the comeback is creating a buzz. Stores are depleted of their stock within days, they’re taking names for waiting lists and limiting customers to only a few six- or 12-packs each. People like Leonard Jurgensen say the beer reminds them of better days. The 67-year-old, who grew up on the edge of the brewery downtown, said decades ago it seemed that everyone in the city either worked for the brewery or knew someone who did. If there was a special occasion, you drank Schlitz. Jurgensen had it on his wedding day 45 years ago. “For many years, the product was associated with happy times, especially to people my age,” said Jurgensen, who’s writing a book on Milwaukee’s breweries. Hearing from Schlitz-thirsty consumers prompted Pabst to revive the brand, Kotecki said. It was the world’s bestselling beer from 1903 until Prohibition in 1920, and regained the crown in 1934 until the mid-1950s. That’s when a strike by Milwaukee brewery workers interrupted production and made way for others, like St. Louis’ Anheuser-Busch, to eat into Schlitz’s market share. Before it vanished, the beer changed — for the worse. According to Jurgensen, new owners eager to expand wanted to shorten the fermenting process. There also were quality-control issues for barley, so the beer went flat quickly. To fix the flat problem, the brewers added a seaweed extract to give the beer some foam and fizz. But after sitting on the shelf for three or four months, the extract turned into a solid, meaning drinkers got chunky mouthfuls. And then, the biggest of errors. “They decided not to pull their product off the shelf,” Jurgensen said. “They decided to weather the storm and sell that product. That’s the worst possible mistake they could have made.” And by 1981 the Schlitz brewery closed. The owners sold the brand to the Stroh Brewery Co. in Detroit in 1982, which eventually sold some of its lines to Pabst. Kotecki wouldn’t disclose sales figures for Schlitz but said they are considerably smaller than for the company’s top-seller, Pabst Blue Ribbon. In Milwaukee, it’s at about 75 locations, including bars and liquor stores, though that’ll grow when more is made. John Thielmann, 55, of Milwaukee, says his first sip of the new Schlitz sent him back decades. He remembered being a teenager — drinking underage, he noted — spending summers with family on Druid Lake, about an hour from Milwaukee. But when the formula changed, he started getting headaches after two or three sips, so he stopped drinking Schlitz. Thielmann, who works at a liquor store in suburban Elm Grove, said he was confident the new formula wouldn’t fail him. He figured Pabst had put in enough effort that they’d get the old formula back. They did.
“That first sip was like ‘I remember this. This is right,’” he said.
Some stores in Milwaukee limit the amount of Schlitz beer customers can buy because of the demand.

Schlitz timeline • 1849: German immigrant August Krug opens a small restaurant and tavern in Milwaukee, begins to brew beer and turns it into a brewery. • 1850: Joseph A. Schlitz, 20, emigrates from Germany and works for Krug as a bookkeeper. • 1856: Krug dies, leaving no offspring, and Schlitz takes over management of the brewery. • 1858: Schlitz marries Krug’s widow, Ann Marie. • 1861: The brewery is renamed the Joseph Schlitz Brewery. Schlitz runs it with Krug’s four nephews, the Uihlein brothers. • 1871: The Great Chicago Fire destroys many of that city’s breweries, giving Schlitz an opening to expand his business. • 1875: Schlitz travels to Germany and is presumed dead when his ship sinks in a storm. Because he had no children with Krug’s widow, the Uihlein brothers take over the brewery. • 1893: The company introduces the slogan The Beer That Made Milwaukee Famous. • 1902: Schlitz surpasses Pabst as the world’s best-selling beer after selling 1 million barrels that year. • 1920: Prohibition begins. The brewery makes soda, malt syrup and candy. It survives because the Uihlein brothers have extensive real-estate holdings. • 1934: Prohibition ends, Schlitz resumes production and retakes the No. 1 sales spot. • 1953: Strike by Milwaukee brewery workers hurts brewers like Pabst, Blatz and Schlitz, which lose market share to rivals such as Anheuser-Busch of St. Louis. • 1954: Schlitz briefly rebounds to again be the world’s best-selling beer. • 1955: Anheuser-Busch takes over the top spot, which it still holds. • 1975: Immediate family management of Schlitz ends and distant relatives and outsiders take over the operation. • Mid- to late-1970s: Schlitz still sells well, so the new owners try to make more by shortening the fermenting process. But the beer has no foam and is flat, so managers add a seaweed extract. But that turns solid after sitting in bottles for a few months. Schlitz sales fall and the old formula is gone. • 1981: Production of Schlitz ends in Milwaukee when workers strike. • 1982: Detroit’s Stroh Brewery Co. acquires Schlitz and sells off many of Schlitz’s plants to pay for the acquisition. It focuses on promoting Schlitz’s secondary brand, Old Milwaukee. • 1999: Pabst Brewing Co. buys Schlitz from Stroh. • 2008: Schlitz’s classic formula is reintroduced. Sources: Leonard Jurgensen, Milwaukee brewery historian, and Pabst Brewing Co.

The Great Gorilla Caper!!!

2008-09-09T18:22:00.000-07:00

ORIGNALLY POSTED ON AKRONNEWSNOW.COM
Click on the title to link to the original story!!

With help from its Ohio creator, a mechanical gorilla stolen from its longtime location outside a flea market-style store has been located - two states away.

The abduction of the 8-foot-tall gorilla happened over Labor Day weekend, when the primate was swiped in broad daylight from Sandy's Sales in this city in eastern Maine. Lowell Miller and his wife Sandy marveled at how the big ape with a heavy base was taken without attracting attention.

Akron's Gorilla Robot Factory: http://gorillarobotfactory.com/

With police investigating and a $500 reward posted, the kidnapper dumped the gorilla in a cornfield in Swanton, Vt., after posting a video confession on YouTube.com.

The video shows a hooded abductor with a sock puppet demanding a $1 million ransom, then apologizing for causing a flap. He said, "I didn't know it'd be such a big deal."

The kidnapper's video raised the ire of Sandy Miller, who intends to press charges.

YouTube video plea http://www.youtube.com/watch?vDMljYsfjUg0

"What really upset me was the YouTube video. He was so nonchalant," she said Tuesday. "You don't steal other people's property and take it out of state."

The gorilla theft made news around the country and beyond.

YouTube response http://www.youtube.com/watch?vCp5uKaXjDE8&watch-response

The gorilla's maker, Ken Booth from the Gorilla Robot Factory in Akron, Ohio, got into the act by posting the YouTube video seeking the gorilla's return.

The gorilla's name is "Seemore," as in "See More at Sandy's Sales." He was named during a contest and has been around for 20 years, Sandy Miller said. During sunny weather, the Millers haul him outside the store, where his arms move and his body swivels back and forth.

Although there's a happy ending, there's still the problem of getting the gorilla back home.

Sandy Miller said her husband's old truck was in no shape to make the 750-mile roundtrip to St. Albans, Vt., where the gorilla was being held by state police. But she said offers were pouring in from people willing to assist.

© 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy.

It IS A Small World After All!!

2008-08-07T19:33:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement down in Canton. Since I was a Canton resident up until last December, I had the duties of covering the entire Hall of Fame Festival for Rubber City Radio Group.

I've covered this each of the last four years in one way or another (for different organizations) and it has never been a disappointment. Though the festival remains the same, some out of the ordinary tends to take place each year. On Saturday I sat at the media table on the 50 yard line of Fawcett Stadium as the enshrinement was televised live on ESPN. I, with my laptop, recorded speeches and wrote stories for our website akronnewsnow.com. It was cool hanging out with my media brethren from D.C area. There were a pair of former Redskins being inducted, hence the vast majority of the media onslaught came from Maryland and Virginia.

Aside from meeting other media personnelit was neat to see former NFL stars just roaming around. I'm not one to slobber over the former players or current national media individuals, but I did get to meet ESPN's Chris Mortenson. A quick handshake and "hi" made my day.

The following day, Sunday, my co-worker Lindsay and I covered the Hall of Game between the Colts and Redskins. We watched the first quarter before heading off to get interviews and fan reaction. The starters tend to play one quarter in preseason before the scrubs come in and the game gets boring. Lindsay went to get interviews on a tongue-in-check story on Colts fans versus Redskins fans. I want to get interviews on reactions from fans on the entire festival itself...did they like it? Would they come back? What was their favorite part? Did Canton treat them well? That sort of thing.

I stumbled upon a group of four Redskins fans standing away from the crowd smoking. I figured they would be the best interviewees since they weren't concentrating on watching the game. After asking my questions and getting the audio I needed, we chat for a short time. They were pretty cool and fun to talk to. And I discovered one them was a graduate of Ohio University in Athens. OU is about an hour east of my hometown of Chillicothe along U.S Route 50. When I brought that up he tells me, "No way! I've been there!"

Are you kidding me?! I'm at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton covering the first NFL game (preseason) of the year between teams from Indiana and Washington. And the group of people I decide to talk to, on a whim, are all from Washington, D.C. and I happen to pick one who has been to my hometown & went to college for four years in the backyard of the place where I grew up. Crazy.

Its things like that make moving around fun. Not that I like moving, I've done it way too many times. Although, if there is a time where you move due to new employment or for a signifcant other this is what makes the experience worthwhile. I've lived in Kentucky, Indiana, Texas and Ohio and each time I have come across someone who is at least halfway familiar with where I used to live or someone I know.

I'm sure this will not be the last experience with such things, I mean...come on, I'm only 33. We'll see how the next 33 years evolve.

I just hope the next person I run into doesn't turn out to be a stalker. Note to self: If he or she knows your social security number or exact birth date...it is no longer fun and interesting.

Not That There's Anything Wrong With That...

2008-07-30T18:19:00.000-07:00

How you conduct your life is your business. I firmly believe that. Your likes, dislikes, preferences and lifestyle is something I do not judge. Though I have to admit I was taken back a bit by an acquaintance a few years ago.

In the winter of 2004, not long after moving from Newark to Canton, I found a local watering hole to spend some time at after leaving work every now and then. My shift was 3pm to 11:30pm, and not having cable, led me to finding a place to make some friends and have a beer or two. This ended up being Harmon's Pub at West Tuscarawas and Arlington in Canton.

Harmon's is a very cool place. Not big, but not really that small, great food and inexpensive beer ($2 Miller Lite, ALWAYS). This is a great place to sit and watch sportscenter or an Ohio State game whenever possible. It is friendly and the patrons are equally as appealing. It was maybe the third or fourth time I had stopped by and I a was amazed that one of the bartenders who had seen me in line to buy a beer had a Miller Lite opened and waiting for me. I was able to skip the line, slap down my two bucks, take a seat and relax. Cool! It was like I was a regular on an episode of Cheers. They knew me without really knowing me. It made me feel good and, of course, I'm sure that's how successful businesses are run.

One night after work when summer rolled around I was nursing a beer and watching baseball when a group near me started a conversation. Shortly there after I joined them. When the night was coming to a close I exchanged phone numbers. I had found some friends, guys and girls who I could run around with in my new hometown.

One of them, Rocko I'm not sure if this was a nickname or not, was usually the one to drop me a line when they were going out. Throughout that summer I tagged along and we had some good times. I never thought anything more of it.

Maybe I should have.

One night we are all hanging out at Harmon's (a good Irish bar) and as the night was winding down our crew dwindled. Soon it was just Rocko and I, shooting the bull with the bartenders and wasting time. When I finally decided to call it a night Rocko asks me to hold one for a minute or two. As those near us seem to be out of earshot he tells me, with a sheepish look, that he's bisexual. "Uhh..well..okay. I have no problem with that," I say. I'm thinking its cool he's confided in me, but I'm not sure WHY he's telling me. He goes on to say the rest of our crew doesn't know and he'd like to keep it that way. I reply, "I can do that."

Before I say farewell for the night Rocko drops another bomb. He's told me this piece of information about him because...get this...he finds me attractive?! He's curious to know if I would be interested in making more of this "friendship". I'm not freaked out, though I'm definitely stunned. He could see from my blank stare that I did NOT see this coming.

He apologizes. I gather enough thoughts to utter a sentence or two and tell him he doesn't need to apologize. He was curious and needed to know, so naturally he had to ask(I think). I kindly tell him I'm flattered (sort of), but I'm heterosexual and don't waver from that. He wonders if he's just ruined a friendship and I tell him I don't hate him, I just don't GO that way. He's satisfied that I'm okay with his lifestyle, though I'm still trying to make sense of what happened. At this time I had not had a real date in sometime and had been turned down for such activity by a few woman couple of weeks prior. I'm even thinking, "Do I look gay?" or "Am I giving off homosexual signals?"

We part ways and nothing comes of it as our group continues to hang out.

About a month later lightning struck a second time. Nearly the same scenario, Rocko again asks if I'd like to make more of our friendship. I'm thinking, "Dude, there's no magic potion that's going to make me change my mind!" I tell him, again, I don't roll that way. If that's his choice, cool, its his choice. But it is not mine, I'm sorry. This kind of ticked me off. Not because he "liked me", but because he had me thinking I was doing something (unbeknown to me) that was attracting men.

That was the last time we hung out. He and the rest of the group never called me again & vice versa. I was frustrated...I was having a hard time getting a date and meeting women, but I apparently had no problem attracting men! I kept looking for the a sign that was hidden somewhere telling people I was gay. It must have been a helluva hiding place. I couldn't find it.

A female friend of mine, after hearing this story, relayed to me that it is widely considered that if homosexual men find you attractive that is a very good indication that women, too, find you attractive. I don't know if she was feeding load of crap, but if this were true I wanted to know who these women were and why I couldn't find them. Or, at least, why they were avoiding me.

I continued to swing by Harmon's every once in awhile, though I never did see Rocko and the others again. Now that I think about it, there may have been a reason why I was invited to hangout with them to begin with. And it had nothing to do with the fact they found me to be good company. It was just a ruse to get introduced to someone who was "interested". Whatever.

I did end up getting a date few weeks later and Heather, I think was her name, and I dated for a couple of months. It was nice. When that ended it wasn't long before I met another woman. And my initial thoughts were affirmed, I AM heterosexual and I do enjoy the company of women. Guys are cool...but only for sports, beer, road trips and running from police (on occasion).

This is a funny story now, but four years ago I was definitely frustrated. Not with Rocko or his sexual preference, but with my lack of a social life. There are phases we go through and we have to deal with them. How we handle those phases is up to us. Just don't do anything drastic that you will regret down the road. I didn't and I'm better for it.

Rocko, I hope you and your friends are doing well with whatever you chose to do and thanks for making my move to Canton eventful.

I'll never look at drinking a beer & watching Sportscenter at an Irish pub in the birthplace of professional football with a gay man the same ever again.

BBQ Is Life

2008-07-25T18:21:00.000-07:00

If you aren't a Canton native it looks like an old building waiting for someone to give it new life, but if you are a Hall of Fame city resident, it is a hidden treasure.

I'm talking about Kennedy's BBQ at 1420 7th Street NW. You will find it just to the east of the William McKinley Monument, right across the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad tracks. Upon your initial glance the thought to keep moving on and find a better establishment may arise, but trust me when I say this...BIG MISTAKE.

Kennedy's, a family run Canton staple since 1922, kept me in the dark for the better part of three years. I passed it a thousand times and it never looked open. Then suddenly, a little over a year ago, I was wasting time in Monument and Stadium Park when I noticed several cars in the lot next to it. Its not flashy, doesn't grab your attention and (in all honesty) is not easy on the eyes.

Curious to see what the deal was I parked my dented Honda Accord and decided it was time to shed some light on this mystery. Ladies and gentleman I walked into heaven! You step in to a couple of booths on the right, two or three tables in the middle and an old-fashioned lunch counter on the left. That's it, nothing more. It could give someone with claustrophobia a run for their money. Rubbing elbows with others is literally what you do.

Kennedy's serves smoked ham, pork, beef & turkey that is prepared in their own smokehouse -- which is attached to the small restaurant! The sandwiches go for about $3.75, but they are stuffed to the gills with whatever meat you choose. One would be more than enough for a normal person, which means I tend to force down two before my stomach starts begging for mercy.

You can have these plain or with BBQ sauce, or this spicey-tangy-sinus clearing relish. You are asked if you would like relish on it at the time you order. If you are so inclined, they will slather it on your mountain of smoked goodness. It is hard to tell exactly what the relish consists of but if you are a no-holds barred foodie...you'll love it. If you are not an all out foodie, you should just ask for it on the side. You can also buy this in bulk and makes a great weapon in the arsenal of those who enjoy entertaining at home on a regular basis. (Shhh..your secret is safe with me!)

Aside from the sandwiches, Kennedy's offers their Delicacies in bulk. The meat comes chipped or sliced and ranges from $6.50 a pound to $7.00. I can't tell you how cool it is to find a small, neighborhood eatery that smokes and prepares their own BBQ just feet away from where you actually order it. Family owned and run business are the best I tell you.

Along with the sandwiches, the BBQ is also used as the main ingredient in a couple of soups that can melt any nasty NE Ohio fall and/or winters day away. The bean soup has a smokey flavor provided by the big slivers of the ham that swim along side flavorful beans in a savory broth. Very simple ingrediants, but with superior taste. Adding a sandwich to this at lunch will make you forget the doldrums of working for living.

The chili is just as tastefully prepared as the bean soup. Thick, chunky and just spicey enough to wake you from that mid-afternoon slumber. Feel like taking it home to for the family? You got it! The soups come in the 1/2 pint, pint and quart varieties at $2.50, $5.00 and $10.00.

If you just want to cool off with a malt or shake an old-time malt mixer will make sure you are not disappointed. Also, the Amish made pies sit within eyesight and mock you as you attempt to finish lunch. Don't stare or you will be hooked!

Looking for that holiday party surprise? Kennedy's has you covered. You have to order in advance since they smoke it for you (on the premises...awesome!!). The traditional holiday hams are cooked in their "pit". You have the option of selecting a semi-boneless ham (14-20 lbs), boneless tavern whole ham (14-20 lbs), 1/2 boneless tavern ham (7-10 lbs), whole spiral sliced ham (14-20 lbs) and 1/2 spiral ham (7-10 lbs).

I ordered a 14 lb semi boneless for a party last Christmas and I was more than impressed. Even more impressed were the guests my girlfriend and I were hosting. The best part? Plenty of left overs for whatever your heart desires. Christine made a ridiculously good spicey bean soup with our remnants. The ham was even better the second time around.

You may notice I keep referring to "lunch" at Kennedy's. Well, that's about all you are going to get when you arrive and you have to be there at just the right time. Why? Because they are open Monday through Friday...for just 3 1/2 hours at a time! From 10:30am to 2:00pm.

In the 17 1/2 hours a week they are open they, apparently, make enough profit to stay in business (and have done so for the past 86 years) and they have a laundry list of regulars. A friendly staff who seems to recognize you, no matter how many times you have been there, helps with it's mystique. I could kick myself for not getting to know Kennedy's when I first moved to Canton from central Ohio in 2004. At least I made my way there before moving to Akron last December, but that's just one more reason to travel to Canton every so often.

The establishment's walls are littered with newspaper articles from over the years featuring the eatery. The articles, my friend, don't do it justice. It is a piece of americana hidden deep in the heart of Canton.

Meat and BBQ lovers...no need to thank me. Thank the wonderful world of simplicity.

I'd Like A Life-bek With My Order Please

2008-07-18T17:28:00.000-07:00

I stopped by the neighborhood Robeks, the fruit smoothie and healthy eats joint, on Friday on my way to work to get something tasty and cool since it was 7,000 degrees with ultimate humidity in Ohio at the time. I ordered my usual Raspberry Romance (raspberries, raspberry juice, strawberries, bananas, non-fat yogurt and ice) and, as usual, I was asked what kind of free nutritional boost I'd like with it. Funny, I honestly think these nutritional boosts are load crap but I tend to entertain them and choice one. I selected the Intelli-bek and I didn't feel much smarter or felt that I was able to concentrate more after sucking the fruity goodness down in about 15 minutes. At least it was fun to order, right?!

Robek's: http://www.robeks.com/

Though, it got me thinking. Robeks has other boosts like Immuni-bek & Cardio-bek, but what if they could offer something the actually worked and dealt with more immediate or specific problems?

For example, what if on a certain day in the future I ordered my Raspberry Romance and asked or the GetOutOfDebt-bek? I could be getting my daily nutritional balance of fruit and vitamins, and at the same time, be easing the burden of owing on college loans or my car payment or next month's cable bill!! Tell me that wouldn't be a money maker and saving money would be a cinch...all just buy doing what we do best...eat!!

How about the Relationship-bek? You could settle arguments with your significant other just by spending $4.50 on a tall glass of Pomegranate Passion! No more having to conjure up a way to apologize or make-up! You would be able to keep your dignity and manhood without bruising your pride. And she, or he, would instantly receive a feeling of gratification and closure and would be able to move on to better things. She, or he, would owe you! Awesome!

Oh...imagine IgnorantCo-worker-bek! Those dolts who make your work life miserable would be no match for your superior smoothie downing abilities with a loaded Strawberry Swirl! Those who never listen, ignore the obvious and ask you asinine questions would melt away and become ideal members of your office. Imagine how much stress would be relieved and hair it could save?! Ahh...dreamland!

I think I'm on to something here, but it may be a few years before such things come to fruition. Though the sooner we get working on it, the sooner we can all live much happier lives. I'm getting excited just thinking about.

Anyway, the Intellig-bek that was included in my Raspberry goodness didn't seem to change anything about my progress at work on Friday. Hmm...but I did get quite a bit accomplished? Maybe there is something to it?

Wow, imagine what would have happened if I had added the ChangeMyJob-bek! I'd be in Cincinnati right now helping the Reds hammer the Mets...or at the nearest kinkos asking if you want those copies in high resolution.

Oh well, it was a nice thought. ;)

Why I Hate Politics

2008-07-11T15:40:00.000-07:00

Okay, I understand those are strong words. I have to cover politics on a weekly basis and do it to the best of my abilities, but that does not mean I have to like it. Anyway, what gets on my nerves is the childish bickering and you-scratch-my-back-I'll-scratch-yours attitude taken by too many of our legislators

How about just doing what's right for your constituents and forget the fact your fellow politicians may not like it. Bipartisan politics is fictitious...no matter what most legislators will tell you. Most of them always have another agenda in mind when conducting business.

Don't get me wrong, politics is a necessary evil. Its just that most politicians are only working for themselves. Its annoying.

The worst is the campaign season....don't tell me how bad your opponent is....tell me about you. I don't want to know what the challenger did to get detention in high school, about their not-so pretty driving record or the fact he (or she) was arrested for public nudity during spring break in Cancun in 1989. We ALL have some ugly marks in our past, get over it!

Also, can you please campaign like adults. What exactly do I mean? Be patient and read the following...

Originally posted on www.akronnewsnow.com

Area Congressional Candidates Mixing It Up
7/10/2008 7:45:02 PM | Craig Simpson

The race for Ohio's 16th Congressional District is heating up and the candidates are none too happy with one another.

On Thursday Senator Kirk Schuring (R - Canton) accused Senator John Boccieri (D - Youngstown) of having his campaigners storm into Schuring campaign headquarters. Schuring Campaign Manager P.J. Wenzel says, "Their purpose was to challenge us to a debate on energy issues and to do it in a very intimidating fashion." He says they came in without warning and started taking photos.

Apparently each side claims their opponent's ideas on energy and Ohio's gas tax are hurting residents.

Senator Boccieri says Schuring is just attempting to make some noise, "They want to know about storming? I'll let them fly a mission with me into Baghdad. Quite frankly, what we did was deliver a letter requesting that we have a debate on energy policies." He says his staffers walked in cordially, handed over a letter and took one photo.

"These tactics are kinds that usually come from folks who run campaigns in Youngstown," says Wenzel of the Boccieri campaign's actions.

"Sending out a press release about a campaign staffer handing a letter asking for a debate is somewhat laughable. He is just intending to focus on these issues rather than the issues important to the people of these districts," claims Boccieri.

Boccieri says he wants a debate to tell the real truth about his energy ideas and policies, but did not do it in a forceful fashion. Schuring's camp says a debate is already in the works and Boccieri's actions in his office Thursday were unwarranted.

Ohio's 16th Congressional District covers Stark, Medina, Wayne and Ashland County. Schuring and Boccieri are vying for the seat vacated by the retiring Ralph Regula.

On the web:

http://www.johnforcongress.com/

http://www.schuringforcongress.com/

*************************************************************************************
I rest my case, ;)

Veggies: The New Steak!

2008-07-03T18:33:00.000-07:00

I will never be mistaken for a vegan but I have to say Chrissie Hynde has a way with food that doesn't come from a blood pumping organism.

You may remember last fall's grand opening of the Akron rocker's eatery in the Rubber City, The VegiTerranean. Having covered this event and interviewing Chrissie (lead singer for The Pretenders) was quite humorous as her chip-on-shoulder attitude and straightforward demeanor shined. I'm not complaining, that's just Chrissie.

Anyway, for something different my girlfriend and I stopped by The VegiTerranean last Saturday. Its located at 21 Furnace Street, inside the Northside Lofts just north of downtown. I really did not know what to expect and didn't have some preconceived notion about what the food would be like. Christine (how ironic is that?!) and I were generally curious.

The decor was modern and the atmosphere comfortable. You even get a view of the North Hill area, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Depot and the All-American Bridge in the distance as you dine. Look hard enough and you can almost see Cuyahoga Falls and Mayor Don Robart waving back at you. If you are calling for reservations, be sure to request the table near the back window for the best view.

A typical restaurant goer may feel a bit overwhelmed with what's offered on the menu, but if you know what you like it isn't hard to navigate. On this night I had the: Mediterranean Stuffed Tomatoes with Grilled Veggies: Roasted Garlic Orzo over a Fresh Pan Tomato Sauce & Braised Arugula. That's a mouthful, but believe me when I say WOW!

I didn't expect it to taste like feet or have the texture of packaging peanuts, but I was definitely impressed. The pan sauce was the best. Flavorful with a savory roasted taste. The orzo wasn't overpowering, it had just enough of a garlic hint. The arugula wasn't over done and still had the distinct leafy green texture & tang. Once the bulk of my entree had disappeared I continued to scrape the plate and spoon away at the pan sauce. Yes, it was that good.

As for Christine, she had the Italian Fritto Chicken: Herbed battered & fried Gardien Chicken served with a side of Chrissie fries. This was also more than up to par. And you'd have to think the fries were at least half way decent since they're named after her, right? She even claims on the menu that they will be, "The best you've ever had." Well being a connoisseur of fries Christine gave them the thumbs up. This was followed by her signature eyebrow raise which means they are worth ordering a second time. I, too, was more than happy with them. Are they best I've ever had? I honestly would have to say no, but they aren't far off. They come with a tofu ricotta and balsamic ketchup.

Our meal began with an appetizer of Fried Green Tomatoes. First of all, in my book, anything fried is worth ordering and they did not disappoint: crispy, hot, juicy and robust. I would have liked to have had more than the three or four that were offered, but again it was an appetizer. More than what he had would have been too many for the purpose they served. These may have been a special on this particular night, but if they are a regular menu item...have at it.
We had selections from the Great Lakes Brewing Company to quench our thirst, but if you are a wine person...prepare to meet your match. The wine list will make your head spin. You name the winery and the country, they have it.

It was an overall excellent experience for both the eyes and the pallet. It is an eatery worth a second and third trip.

You know I will never be a vegan. I enjoy steak, chicken & milk too much to cut them out of my life. But Chrissie Hynde definitely knows a thing or two about animal byproduct-free food that's worth your while. What I had showed no signs of tasting like it was a vegan meal.

And Chrissie has be doing something right. A second Vegiterranean is expected to open in Columbus' Short North neighborhood soon.

For those of you who are still unnerved and skeptical about it, so be it. No one is judging you. Though if you are dragged to The VegiTerranean and still have a hankering for meat, don't worry. Luigi's Pizza and Pasta is just across the street. It has been there for about 60 years and is the best pizza & pasta this side of Italy. The photos and autographs of celebrities who have stopped there dot the walls and stand as a testament to the level of goodness they serve.

Chryssie Hynde may rub some people the wrong way and say things that would make you want chuck her cd's into the nearest river, but I have to hand it to her. She has proved that Vegan is not culinary suicide...or at least...it doesn't have to be.
On the web: http://www.thevegiterranean.com/

Previous coverage: Hynde Is A Vegetarian And That's YOUR Problem

Go (Mid)West Young Man!

2008-06-27T17:59:00.000-07:00

Remember those stereotypical movies and tv shows where one of the characters decides to put off college, or real life, for a year or two so they can travel and "see the world"? Let let me say if you do plan to travel try not to do it all in one day.

When I was a Texan (for all of nine months) I was looking to get back to the Buckeye State as I had started a relationship with a girl I had met at a wedding in Ohio. That relationship blossomed into something more than just a fling and had no sign of fizzling out. So I decided it was time to move closer to see where this relationship would go. It kinda helped that all of my immediate family was in Ohio. Yet, another incentive to move back. Texas was not a purposeful move to begin with and I had no real "anchor" keeping me in the Lone Star State although I thoroughly enjoyed what it had to offer.

Once it was decided I found a job in Ohio (Newark, just east of Columbus) and planned the big move. My brother, Chad, who had never been one to turn down adventure was more than willing to assist in dragging all of my crap back to our home state. It was settled that he would fly down to Dallas then the next day while I drove the monstrosity they call a Uhaul he would would drive my super sleek chick mobile: a 1997 Ford Taurus family sedan missing a driver's side sideview mirror.

Since I had all but owned stock in Uhaul due to my long list of moves over the years I had the route mapped out already. Interstate highways would take us the entire distance across five states: Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio. We had never discussed stopping at a hotel, motel, backwoods cubby hole or tree house along the way so it was assumed we'd see how far we could get before deciding to rest.

Getting up early on a sunny September morning in 2002 we were ripe to see if we could outdo what common sense said was not only asinine, but also dangerous. We were going to drive the entire distance straight through stopping only for gas, food, bathroom breaks and maybe the occasional goof off.

Just beyond the eastside of Dallas the highway was relatively empty for that time of the morning. I had made it a point to have my camera by my side to document what we had hoped was not going to be our demise. My brother, in my light blue sedan (that was now more arrow dynamic without the mirror), traveled ahead of the Uhaul and I. We collaborated on navigation as we each had a map and communicated via cellphone.

As we approached the large road signs that detailed the distances to the next major city I took pictures of them. The photos are not too bad, especially for being taken by someone who is driving a loaded down Uhaul on an interstate highway at 70 mph. You can document the trip through the photos that give distances to Little Rock, Memphis, Nashville, Louisville, Cincinnati & Columbus.

Somewhere just outside of Memphis, on the Arkansas side, we stopped to for a quick bathroom break before a scheduled dinner stop in Memphis. It was a simple exit with no visible sign of life, except for a gas station. It was the type of joint you'd see on an episode of the Twilight Zone with tumbleweed blowing past & being occupied by suspect characters. Curious to know exactly where we were my brother approached the friendly, bespectacled attendant. She had most of her teeth which to us meant she had to be halfway trustworthy and having grew up in a small, out-of-the-way town ourselves it would be interesting to document where we had been.

Once asked the girl uttered what came across like the sound you'd make when attempting to catch your breath after overexerting yourself. That was followed clearly by "Arkansas". We stared at each other then looked back at her in obvious confusion. The girl laughed when we didn't quite catch the name. Apparently our reaction was not uncommon. She repeated the name a little slower, but his time it had a more throaty rumble like the sound of hocking up a big loogie. She even assisted us by spelling it out: H-E-G-H. We were told the town, or village, was called Hegh, Arkansas. We then understood by it wasn't on the map. Arkansas was too embarrassed to acknowledge it.

Back on the road to Memphis we had planned to stop and eat at a place that would have the Ohio State versus Washington State football game on television. It was airing on ESPN. Once there we found a Jillian's, but parking was at a premium especially for a Uhaul. After about five minutes of searching we talked a security guard into letting us park the gigantic truck in a spot in the parking garage reserved for emergency vehicles. That's because the truck wouldn't fit anywhere else in the garage. Actually I don't think you could have fit it in the Superdome much less a garage. We ate and watched the Buckeyes beat Washington State in a battle of highly ranked teams.

Somewhere between Memphis and Nashville we stopped for gas. After getting back on the road Chad apparently missed a sign dropping the speed limit from 65 to 55. Just as I think, "Dude, you need to slow down", a Tennessee State Trooper flies by me and flags him down. Chad exits and pulls into the parking lot of a gas station. This was compounded by the fact that the tags on my Taurus were expired... and had been for two years!! Totally my fault, but why the hell was he driving so fast!

Waiting for the the other shoe to drop we lucked out. The trooper was from Evansville, Indiana....I town I had lived in and the place where my expired tags were from. So, being friendly, we began chatting about the town and gave him the story about what we were doing & don't you know...he let us off the hook!! It helped that I gave an award winning performance of kneeling down to examine the tags and giving this horrified look of disbelief that they had expired...for two years! The trooper's advice...just make sure the Uhaul was behind the Taurus to hide the fact it had expired tags. To this day I don't have a discouraging word to say about The Volunteer State.

Deep in the heart of Kentucky we came to a dead stop on the highway behind a long line of cars. Something had taken place miles ahead. Once we started moving again we expected to see the remnants of some sort of accident or reason why the highway was shutdown, but there was nothing. It was very odd. We didn't even see emergency vehicles pass on the opposite side of the road. Only god knows why a miles long string of vehicles came to a dead stop that evening. Maybe some bootleggers were trying to cross the road in the middle of the night and met the front end of a semi.

Along the way, traveling behind my brother in the Taurus, I noticed my car weaving a little. Chad was weary and struggling to stay awake. I felt his pain, I was in the same boat. I made several attempts to wake myself up, but none of them worked. Finally, on a whim, I rolled down the windows took a deep breath and screamed the f-word at the top of my lungs. I did this three more times, each one with more force. You would have thought I was a drunken sailor who was just told it last call and had to drag my ass back to the ship. Within seconds my blood was pumping, my eyes were no longer heavy and I was a new man!

At our next stop for gas and food I was eager to tell my brother about my unique system for warding off the body's need for sleep. Surprisingly, Chad had done the same thing!! Great minds think alike I tell ya. Though some would beg to differ.

Just as we get to the Ohio River we come to a dead stop again. This time the reason was in plain sight. We were about the fifth car back as a tractor trailer rig had jackknifed. The driver was okay and he had missed the other cars, but the truck was blocking several lanes. Being in the early morning hours of what is now Sunday we sat outside our cars along with other motorist waiting to pass. There were a pair of loud and obnoxious fellas in the car next to us. They seemed as if they had been patronizing several bars for way too long and were on there way to dodging the cops.

We, and the other motorists, did our best to ignore them. A few moments passed and one of them gets in the driver's seat of their car. The other was attempting to talk to the girl in the car in front of them. She struggled to pretend he wasn't there and only briefly acknowledged his existence. His friend, who was now in their car, was fiddling with the radio and such. Like a little kid was was bored and didn't know any better. Suddenly I see him reach for the gear shift, and being on a downward incline to begin with, their car goes forward and runs into the back of the car belonging to the annoyed girl! He just missed hitting her and his friend!

She, now scared for her life at this point, inspects the damage. There was nothing to be too worried about as it was short distance, but these two yahoos still had to drive home in their drunken condition! When traffic starting moving my brother called 1-800-Grab-DUI, Ohio's drunk driver reporting hotline. The following should make you feel safe. The dispatcher told my brother, "Oh you know, there's a lot of traffic over there and I'm sure our patrolman won't be able to fight through the line of backed up cars to find in them before they are out of reach."

What!? We give you details on a pair drunkards traveling an interstate around a major metropolis and you blow us off? We told the dispatcher about their previous actions and she still gave us the "oh well" attitude. I'm sure our troopers and patrolmen are busy & do their jobs flawlessly, but common on! Don't treat us like we're bothering you! You would have thought we were on an episode of Reno 911!

In disbelief we head into Cincinnati and beyond without another sighting of the drunk brothers. Hopefully, the other motorists did as well.

On the outskirts of Columbus we breathe a sigh of relief and dance in our seats as we have finally reach our destination. Coming to a stop at my brother's apartment in Grandview we high five on the fact we just drove from Dallas, Texas to Columbus, Ohio in 26 1/2 hours with the only stops being for the needed food, gas and OSU football game.

Once inside we immediately hit the sack. I slept for 13 hours. My brother would have slept longer, but had to go to work that Monday. On that day I drove the Uhaul with all my crap another 40 minutes east to Newark, my new hometown.

Here it is six years later and we still reference that trip like it occurred yesterday. People think we're nuts and, well, yes...we were...and are. We probably wouldn't ever do something like that again, but those who tell us how dumb it was? You know they would have done the same thing if it had been them.

We were young, able, willing and looking to capitalize on not having the chance to do something so idiotic ever again. And you can't let those chances get away, you have to live in the now.

We're a little older now. I live in Akron, Ohio and my brother he lives in....get this...Austin, Texas! No lie! He and his better half, Stephanie, love it. I'm happy for them. But if they ever have the urge to make a triumphant return to the Buckeye State I'll suggest they sell their crap and buy a plane ticket.

Just make sure its tags haven't expired and the pilots are sober, ;)

Reflections On The Passing Of Tim Russert

2008-06-16T19:18:00.000-07:00

Now that I've had the weekend to let the death of Tim Russert set in, this is my tribute. An area dentist who went to college with Russert in Northeast Ohio passed his recollections. This was originally published on Akronnewsnow.com on Friday.

Local Friend Of Russert Reflects On His Passing
6/13/2008 7:19:09 PM Craig Simpson

Area Dentist John Hudec, a college classmate and friend of Tim Russert, is reflecting on the passing of the televison newsman. Hudec, who lives in Brecksville, says Russert was much more into politics than his television persona.

He says Russert was definitely a politico from the start, "You could see him getting involving in politics but does anyone ever think somebody is going to achieve greatness like that? Not back in college because greatness was a long ways a way, but he certainly achieved it."

He says Russert was also a good friend of one his roommates who is now one of the team physicians for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He shares this story of the recent playoffs, "He ran into Russert and Russert could not have been more delighted. Tim was interviewing everybody and showing them 'this is my friend from college. Look at him, he's the team doctor for the Cleveland Cavaliers!' The sense of camaraderie never left."

In another recollection Hudec says the two were together at the school's library the day former presidential candidate George Wallace was shot in 1972. Hudec recently sent Russert a note asking him if he remembered that day, "He wrote back, 'Dear John...don't let anybody ever know I was in the library. Everybody here is stunned. They saw your note and couldn't believe I ever spent any time in the library.' We occassionally exchanged notes like that, but this...this is a sad day."

According to Hudec Russert was also involved in attracting top name musical talent to play at little John Carroll University, including the likes of Chicago and The Beach Boys. "You would have thought he would be more in to that area after college, but when he left Cleveland Marshall Law School he got involved into politics with (New York) Governor (Mario) Cuomo and Senator (Daniel) Moynahan," he says.

John Carroll University: http://www.jcu.edu/

The two were classmates at John Carroll and continued to be good friends until his untimely death.Hudec says this has taken the wind out of the sails with this being Father's Day weekend, "...especially knowing how important his son was to him."

Meet the Press: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3403008/

Tim Russert, the host of NBC's influential political program "Meet the Press," died of an apparent heart attack Friday while recording segments for this Sunday's show.

He was 58.

Link to the original story: http://www.akronnewsnow.com/news/itemdetail.asp?ID=21211&section=news&subsection=localnews

It Ain't Easy Being Green

2008-06-13T18:27:00.000-07:00

With all the hubbub surrounding St. Patrick's Day the luck of the Irish was most definitely NOT on my side in 2007.

I've never been one to go "all out" for St. Patty's, but when the chance to celebrate has come my way I have at least done my part to have a good time. Last year my friends in the Youngstown area (Niles) recruited me to tag along on their tour of local establishments. I was excited to be able to do so. With it being on a weekend, for once, I didn't have work to interfere.

On this weekend the leprechauns were apparently aware of my lack of an immune system. If it's floating in the air chances are it will be coming after me first. And yes, I had a severe head cold when the mid-March holiday rolled around. These illnesses are best cared for by getting lots of rest. On that Friday I left work early (I work the 3pm to midnight shift) in order to get enough sleep to be alert enough for that Saturday's activities. I was to be in Niles by 7am and it was an hour or so drive from my Canton home.

Niles, Ohio: http://www.thecityofniles.com/

I did myself a favor and went to bed early. It didn't last. My girlfriend, who had been out with friends that Friday, didn't get home till late and wanted to chat. She calls me at 1:30am to say hi. I oblige and answer. We chat.....for the next two hours! Christine...I love the girl...but damn did that spell doom for me.

I get up two hours later with my head feeling like the size of a blimp and unable to breathe out of either nostril. I think I drank a gallon of water to rid myself of the cotton mouth I woke up with as it was the only way I could get oxygen into my body overnight. A good hot shower opened up the airwaves, if only for a short time.

The drive to Niles wasn't so bad and my Irish Catholic-ish friends, the Ellwoods and Means family, welcomed me with open arms. Our first stop on the St.Patty's Day tour: Quaker Steak & Lube for none other than green eggs and ham, literally. The eggs, made green with the appropriate food coloring, and ham slices in the shape of shamrocks with the use of a cookie cutter. The food was actually a good thing....I was starving and I'm sure the virus that had invaded by head needed some fuel.

Quaker Steak & Lube: http://www.quakersteakandlube.com/

To go along with breakfast I was in the process of ordering a typical breakfast beverage, but before I could utter orange juice or coffee my ego was challenged as Ken (the party scene leader) ordered a beer. And not just any beer....a 32 ounce mug of leprechaun lager. Once he orders the waitress turns to me and my brain is screaming, "Orange juice you damn fool! Say orange juice! coffee, tea, milk, motor oil...anything but beer!" But as I look at Ken my immune system wasn't the only thing to break down. My common sense was pummeled into submission by my sense of pride and the phrase, "I'll have what he's having", raddled off my tongue.

Somewhere St. Patrick smiled and waited for the inevitable.

Not only did I down the 32 ounces of evil at 7am, I tried to keep pace with Ken who is twice my size. My pride continued to have common sense in a choke hold and ordered a second 32 ounce brewski. I downed that that one too. I at least avoided ordering a third. That's what Ken did and he sucked it down before I finished my second. By 8:30 I had ingested green eggs, shamrock-shaped ham and 64 ounces of beer. All the while I could have been quarantined with the type of head cold that was partying inside that melon between my shoulders.

As we headed out for the second destination I reminded myself that I needed to slow down. I had all the best of intentions, but on this day those intentions were about as good as snow in August in the Buckeye State. I didn't come across any other 32 ounce mini-kegs though they might as well have been.

The rest of the five to six stops include outside gatherings, inside parties with Irish music, buffet tables, a never ending flow of beer and the occasional nip of liquor. Near the end my body flipped the self-destruct button. This, I recall, was just about the time Ohio State's Ron Lewis hit the game-tying three that sent the NCAA Tournament Second Round game with Xavier into overtime.

I was rundown, forcing water into my system and pretending to be coherent to my much smarter companions. The game was up. It was obvious I working my way toward dumbassville. And they did what any good friends would do...laughed at my expense. I deserved it.

Once the St. Patty's Day tour came to an end I headed back with the Means' to their home. Watching basketball, through the one eye I could keep open, Heather and Marc get hungry & want to order food from their normal hangout Gasoline Alley. A great local place to grab a beer, bar food or dinner. I wasn't in the mood for any of it.

Gasoline Alley: http://directory.vindy.com/dining/index.php?biz=535

They returned with plenty of food. Wings, loaded fries, stuffed mushrooms...wow did it smell good. But I knew my stomach, who was on a tilt-a-whirl doing 80mph, would have none it. I instead nibbled on a sleeve of saltines and sipped down a can or two of Sprite. Marc and Heather watched basketball....I held onto the sofa like it was a seat on an out of control Boeing 747 on its way to crashing into ground and I could do nothing to stop it.

That night I think I went to sleep. It was either that or just a really long nightmare.

St. Patrick let me off the hook as daylight hit. He had too. It was March 18th and his time was up. I awoke with the sofa still in the same place, my stomach had been let off its wild ride and the evil liquor in my system was out of gas. Though my headcold was alive and well. It continued for the next week. And I'm sure it stayed as long as it did because of the fuel I threw on the fire that Saturday afternoon.

This year I had to work on that holiday as it landed on a Monday. It was disappointing not to join my friends for another round of Irish fun as I would have been much better prepared, but then again it was probably a good thing. I was relgated to attending Akron City Council that night. I think St. Patrick was doing me a favor...he knew better than to let Mr. Amatuer try it again.

Remember those commericials of the egg frying in the skillet with the voice saying, "Your brain on drugs." Well...I have never dabbled in the illegal, or even legal, narcotics of any kind. But I now know exactly what they meant. People and drug abuse don't mix.

For me, pride and common sense don't mix....and the lack of sleep....and head colds...and alcohol... and an empty stomach.

My new slogan for St. Patrick's Day: The weak need not apply ;)

Hall Monitors For Hire

2008-06-06T16:57:00.001-07:00

Between radio jobs (those of which decided I was no longer a desired commodity) I've looked into some interesting sources of income. In Dallas when delivering pizza six days a week, 14 hours a day became a little old I searched for other opportunities.

Dallas Morning News: http://www.dallasnews.com/

The one that sticks in my mind is the ad I answered in the Dallas Morning News for "Security Guards Wanted". Decent pay was offered with hours which would allow me to have a second job without a problem. I had to at least check into it. Following a quick phone call I was scheduled to join a group of others interested in the job to hear more details. Upon first look most of those who attended this meeting along with me I wouldn't have allowed to guard my mailbox let alone my business. You could tell the majority just needed a quick income because they had nothing else or refused to do anything else. Others had families to support and needed a second job.

Our instructor...hmm..imagine Aunt Jemima being REALLY ticked off. No wholesome attitude here. She had a menacing look and a stare that would make you confess every sin you've ever committed or even thought about committing. She didn't take any crap either.

Aunt Jemima: http://www.auntjemima.com/

A couple of those in attendance thought they could break her, get her to laugh or joke around. Sort of like the substitute teacher who wants to play hardass in order to gain your respect. But wouldn't have it; the jokes and smart comments wouldn't penetrate her steel-like facade.

After getting the lowdown of what they were expecting we were told those who seemed worthy of their time would get a call back. I barely said a word and all I had done was fill out a small questionnaire. They could apparently tell the good from the bad & ugly by your address. Hey, if it works...maybe they should sell the idea to our legislators!

I was lucky enough to be contacted for a week's worth of classroom review of duties and regulations - its amazing to know all it takes to be a security guard is to complete five, one hour review sessions. This consisted of leafing through the recently photocopied manual with commentary from a ticked off & unhappy Aunt Jemima look-a-like with badge.

We were also relegated to watching their training videos. Yeah..you've seen these. Current employees forced (at gunpoint I think) to read a script of things they would never say on the job in a monotone, robotic voice in front of another co-worker with a camcorder. I know some the information passed on to us was necessary, but telling us our only weapon to scare off would be intruders or juvenile delinquents who were up to no good was a notepad and pencil isn't what I wanted to hear.

Leave It To Beaver: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leave_It_to_Beaver

As displayed by our training videos the world still revolved like it did in episodes of Leave It To Beaver. These people were supposed to stop what they were doing and drop their weapons of choice by my mear presence. Better yet they were dismayed that I was writing down their names, God Forbid! How could they go on! What I was supposed to do with this list of names was unclear. Was I supposed to submit them to management to get the culprits barred from the mall? "NO...I have to have my Orange Julius!", is the phrase I imagined would come from those being "punished".

During that week our instructor did loosen up a bit, but just enough to show she was human and not the cyborg we thought she was. Though I was taking part in the You Can Be A Security Guard Too! classes I was also looking for possible work elsewhere because I just wasn't exactly sold on the idea of being a rent-a-cop armed with a pen & pencil set.

Cyborg: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyborg

On the last day of classes we were given uniforms. Funny, we did this by going into the changing room closet that contained various sizes of security guard-like dress shirts, slacks and shoes. When I say security guard-like I mean they were all black in color. With my uniform ready to go I was given my assignment. On Monday I was to arrive at this office building with my notepad & writing utensil and guard the structure through the evening and early morning hours. I wasn't too enthused about it, but it was work.

Fortunately one of my other job searches had turned up another restaurant gig which paid a bit more (And was a bit less frightening). So on that weekend I informed the security company of my premature departure from law enforcement via voicemail on their business answering machine. I never heard anything back from them so I'm guessing my assignment was covered. I'm sure they were plenty others waiting to fill my shoes.

I've never had another urge, or situation to push me in, to dig into the security or law enforcement. I figured I'd leave that to those who weren't built like a sapling. Being six-foot-three, 180 pounds with stick figure arms & legs is scaring only to those who think you have an eating disorder.

So radio has been an adventure and I'm sure when I leave the business I'll miss a lot of it. Then again, I'm sure there is plenty I'll be happy to put behind me...for a long, long time.