Are Cities Getting Screwed?

It's an honest question. One of the things I've noticed living next to Eden Park is how many people from the 'burbs to enjoy it for free. I don't have a problem with that but I do when those same people who consume the greatness of our city insult it for being dangerous and despicable.

This article in the Boston Globe, written by a PhD from Harvard, notes that urban areas are participating on an uneven playing field than suburbs, forced to deal directly with poverty and environmental issues created by suburban sprawl. For instance, Dr Glaesar asserts,

"Urban poverty does not reflect urban failure, but rather the enduring appeal of cities to the less fortunate. Poor people come to cities because urban areas offer economic opportunity, better social services, and the chance to get by without an automobile. Yet the sheer numbers of urban poor make it more costly to provide basic city services, like education and safety, and those costs are borne by the city's more prosperous residents."

There's a lot I could add here but I'll refrain and open it up to see if you guys have any thoughts. HT: CityKin

The House of Politics

Not that anyone cares, a few notes about yesterday's election:

1. How about Ohio once again screwing up an election? The Secretary of State predicts the biggest primary turn-out ever and we don't have enough ballots? I'm sorta glad this happened in a Democratic administration because of all the grief they gave Ohio S.O.S. Ken Blackwell a few years ago when he oversaw a cluster. I think it shows that both parties have the potential to screw up royally.
2. With all the technology in the world, we're back to using Scantron ballots. But they give you a ballpoint pen to color in a large square. I think I'll bring a Sharpie into the booth this November.
3. Not surprised Clinton won in Ohio, but I thought Obama would win Texas. There's now no doubt that this thing is going to the convention and it'll get brutal. Sidenote: I stayed up to watch all the speeches last night and I definitely thought Hillary bested Barack last night. If she gets better at her speeches, can Obama use the "just words" accusation on her?
4. So McCain cozied up to Bush today for an endorsement. This guy is either totally crazy or absolutely brilliant [it reminded me of a scene from the movie Clear and Present Danger. Anyone?]. Again, if the Dems can't win the White House under these circumstances, I say, "Bring back the Whigs!"
5. I can't believe Brett Favre dropped out of the race. Maybe he'll come back again and run third party.
6. Finally, I have to point out the biggest surprise from yesterday. Before we voted I told Kelly, "there's no way the school levy passes." But by the slimmest of margins, it actually was approved! I think SWIND correctly analyzed this event by crediting the high Democratic turnout to the success, but it makes you wonder if there's anyway they'll ever be able to pass another one.

Even though it seems insane, I'm going to hold to my prediction that the contentious Democratic selection process will give McCain the presidency by default. And if he can do it with George W. actively campaigning for him, then he is a genius.

Faith and Doubt

We had our Theology Pub tonight, and our men began a study of a new book by Tim Keller out of NYC called The Reason For God. It appears to be a stellar read and I might even start a Blogger blog to detail some different aspects of our study.The thrust of the book is that there are indeed some definitive reasons for doubting the existence of God that Christians should struggle with; yet, conversely, there are very many reasons that support the existence of God that skeptics need to acknowledge.

Our conversation tonight was enlightening, perhaps a little liberating. It always makes you feel good to be able to admit in a safe place that you have doubts.

Even as a pastor, I have moments of doubt about my faith. [if you're a Christian and you don't, then I would suggest you either stop lying or see a mental health specialist]. But at the end of the day, I inevitably return to the side of faith.

It's a little deeper read, but I'd suggest picking up a copy.

A Little Reds Talk

As UC basketball's postseason hopes are all but non-existent now, I'm more focused on Spring Training and the Reds right now. So bear with me as I give a few thoughts on the ball-club about a month before Opening Day:

1. I'm already liking Dusty Baker. Not sure he was the best fit with the Cubs anyway, but looks like he'll work out great here. Unlike the past line of Reds managers [maybe dating back to Davey Johnson?] he has an amazing baseball pedigree. The young players are virtually forced to respect him. I was telling Kelly that, by the end of this season, of the six players with 600 or more home-runs, Dusty will have managed three [Bonds, Sosa, Griffey], and played with a fourth [Hank].
2. Although I like Dusty, I'm a bit disappointed that he's holding back Jay Bruce. The stud 'o' the future will most likely start the season in Louisville. Maybe I'm ticked because he's a keeper on my fantasy league, but I'd like to see him playing big league ball already.
3. That said, I'm feeling pretty good about the Corey Patterson signing. I would be shocked if Norris Hopper and Ryan Freel are both on the 25-man roster at the beginning of the season.
4. And that leads to pitching. The starting rotation is still not fantastic. They have some stellar arms, but some are a tad young. I'd like one more decent starter. Hopper, Freel, maybe even Scott Hatteberg could be some nice trade bait to teams with holes to fill.
5. I'm still holding that the Reds have a great chance to win the Central. The Cubs are overrated, the Brewers are spastic, and the Cards aren't what they used to be. If the rotation gets solid and they avoid major injuries, Cincinnati could make the postseason.
6. But even if they don't, I'm OK with that. I'm loving that Bob Castellini is investing in the ball-club. It started small [bringing in professional announcers], built itself up [adding a quality manager as well as a solid closer], and is now focused toward the future. Note this article that explains how the Reds shelled out to get the rights to a 16 year-old Dominican phenom. The effects of this move might not benefit the club for five years or so, but it speaks volumes about how they view the future.

In short, I'm excited about baseball already.

Primary Colors

Obama or Hillary? Apparently that's the only question being asked of us. I guess since we live in a predominantly Democratic district, McCain and Huckabee aren't interested in our votes. I guess it could be that the Republican nomination is already decided but, still, the Dems are working overtime on us.*

We had two different groups knock on the door in the last three days to shill for their presidential candidate [a group of canvassers were from Lexington, Kentucky].** We have numerous mailers and door hangers that went straight to the trash. A few month ago, both Kelly and I received phone calls from candidates as well.

I'm ready for this to be over with.

Oh, but this is only the primary. Even more fun for the general election this fall.

I've been thinking lately how passionate people are for their candidate. They'll spend money and personal time to work . Sure I respect them for getting involved in our country's political process, but I wonder what our world would be like if people were as involved in the social causes they want their candidates to solve.

Sorry, just a smidge of skepticism here on election eve.

*If you do vote the Democratic ballot tomorrow, you should know that it won't just be Hillary and Obama listed. You still have your choice of all the Dems who were at one point major candidates. So if you want to stick it to the party, you can always vote New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson.

**I love how these people knocking on my door want to know who I'm voting for. Like I'm going to tell them. I use my clergy status as an excuse, but I still wouldn't tell them. Thanks for asking, though.

Vaya Con Dios

As someone who started a church, I feel a certain camaraderie with guys who try it too. Tomorrow I know of two different church's having their first Sunday services, and I'd like to share a little about them. The first church is in Lexington, Kentucky. I know about Catalyst Christian Church because my in-laws [Dave&Bev, as well as Scott&Jess] are helping to get it started. I emailed Catalyst's lead pastor Dave Kibler this week to encourage him and let him know that people are praying for them.

The second church is in Kansas City. I played fantasy football this year with Troy McMahon, who is leading the new Restore Community Church. Troy picked up his family and moved straight to KC without knowing many people to start Restore. I'm sure things will go well there also.

Good things happening all around the country. Very exciting stuff . . .

Shout-Out

This one goes out to the Dale, who is responsible for sending my blog readership numbers in China through the roof. Dale's on another one of his extended business trips there. I believe that he's in the city of Guangzhou, the third largest city in the country. They speak Cantonese there, which always makes me think of Wayne's World [there's a scene where Wayne is learning Cantonese by tape and says the phrase, "Eatz, Ah, Bean, Du-ah!" Wonder if that was really Cantonese . . .]. As a result of the Dale's readership abroad, you will notice that I have refrained from any complaints about the forthcoming Beijing Olympics, as I would like for the Dale to return to Cincinnati and not be imprisoned there.

Hang in there, man.

In The News Again

Sorta. Not really. But kinda. The local free mag, Cin Weekly, tried to break down Cincinnati's Westside verses Eastside conflict. Really it was one of the least impressive attempts I've read about this topic.

Anyway, they did an online poll asking for opinions and I filled it out and they used one of my responses. When asked the question what makes the Eastside better, among other things I responded:

"Columbia Parkway. This might sound ridiculous, but it's one of the best drives in the city."

It's true. Drive down Columbia Parkway some afternoon and see for yourself. River Road can't compare.

Still, after 24 years living on the westside and now eight on the eastside, I'm not convinced either is truly better. Just different.

This city, however, is amazing.

I Like Wendy's

It's not my favorite restaurant but Wendy's is an Ohio company with a rather diverse fast food menu, so you gotta support it. That said, I'm not really feeling their new ad campaign, featuring the cartoon Wendy telling us about their food. I found one particular commercial a bit comical. The ad begins with Wendy telling us something like this:

"The saying goes, 'if you don't know what it is, don't eat it . . . '"

Seriously? That's a saying? I thought it was more like a rule for life like, "don't french kiss a pit-bull."

Regardless, I'm not sure that starting a commercial with that statement makes me feel like buying your food. It just makes me begin to think about what's actually in your burgers.

Two, Four, Six, Eight

Doing taxes sure is great. For ten years now, I've been doing my own taxes [before then I actually had an accountant do it]. Minister's taxes are particularly difficult, which is why few do their own. But I took the challenge and have yet to be audited. I'm not that great with numbers, unless there's a "$" attached to it. Then, I give my undivided attention.

It always takes me a few weeks before I feel motivated to do them, but I've always gotten them finished before April. And we're getting some money back which makes it all even nicer.

I own the 1040.

When I Count My Blessings . . .

. . . near the top of the list, I include fantastic in-laws. For more than ten years now I've known Dave and Bev and they have always treated me wonderfully. I can't think of one disagreement we've had that whole time. They've been constantly supportive, always respectful, and consistently encouraging no matter where I've taken their daughter [and now granddaughter]. Not sure why I got so lucky, but I did.

I received the cherished invite to go see UK play at Rupp tonight* [former UC coach Andy Kennedy brought his Ole Miss team in] and had a great time at the game with Dave and enjoyed Bev going to dinner with us. The experience was well worth the three-hour round trip.

Not sure how many men would enjoy the thought of spending extended time with his in-laws,  but maybe if they had mine they would.

*I was rooting for Kentucky, as I am in the habit of doing, in case you were wondering. But it was hillarious to see them blow a huge lead and almost lose on a last second shot. Hearing 22,000 people say, "OH NO!!!" in unison is pretty awesome. I love my UK fanatic family but I'll be pretty angry if they make the NCAA tourney this year. They don't deserve it.

She Spells Too

Every night before she goes to bed, Kaelyn prays. Probably for many of you. She says, in her two-year old, broken English, "Thanks . . . God . . . for . . . " and lists names of people: family, friends, people she knows. And she rounds it off with an enthusiastic "Amen!" Sure, she might not understand prayer yet [admittedly, there are still times I don't] but she knows the people in her life, and she loves saying their names before she goes to sleep. This prayer time was born out of song time. For months now, we've been singing songs before she goes to bed as well. It started out with "Jesus Loves Me," and as she picked up the words, we continued to add a song. The latest one is an old Sunday School kids favorite called, "The B-I-B-L-E." The pay-off for kids is that they get to yell "Bible!" at the end. But twice in the song, you spell out the word "Bible."

Like the other songs, Kaelyn picked up some words here and there and started to sing it on her own. Just a few days ago, she started to sing and spell out, "B . . . I . . .B . . . L . . . E."

And at that, our daughter spelled her first word.

Of course, as a minister, I demanded that it be a spiritual one. I'm already teaching her to spell, "Semipelagianism."

Fun times . . .

To the Needy, Not the Greedy

News hit this last weekend that the Kroger in Walnut Hills could be closing by the end of the year. This could be devastating to much of the community as it is the only major grocery store between Clifton and Hyde Park. There are many in our community who do not have cars and would have to hop on a bus in order to get groceries. After chewing on this for a few days, I have some observations to share. Observation 1: I've only been shopping at that Kroger a few times, and never for more that a couple items [we do our regular grocery shopping at the Biggs in Hyde Park]. We have chosen not to shop at our local Kroger. In my opinion, the Walnut Hills location is their worst store in the tri-state area. The food is never as fresh and the prices are higher than other stores. While all around the city [including Price Hill and Over-the-Rhine] they've attempted to fix up their stores, this location remains virtually untouched for twenty years. It is my understanding is that the Kroger Co. had no desire for a Walnut Hills location but was "guilted" into it in the early 1980's.

Observation 2: Kroger complains that the Walnut Hills location struggles to turn a profit. One of the reasons they cite is current sales. I find this interesting in light of the influx of people moving into the area. I'm convinced that there are more people living in the community than there were even five years ago, and people with higher incomes. You have to wonder, with more people moving in, why Kroger would now decide to close that store. It seems they could be poised to make even more profits. Which brings me to . . .

Observation 3: Another reason for shutting down the store is that Kroger does not own the Walnut Hills building. The Enquirer article linked above quotes one Kroger executive saying, "Because we lease the building and also pay rent on the land, our monthly rent in Walnut Hills is significantly higher than in similar-size stores in comparable locations." This is the aspect that is stressed the most in the article, with Kroger saying a lease renegotiation is critical to them staying in the neighborhood.

All this leads me to my conclusions:

Conclusion 1: Kroger understands how important this store is to the community. In a few weeks the community council will meet again and I'm sure this issue will be at the top of the agenda. I've already heard that some local churches might get involved to advocate Kroger staying. Voices will be raised, public officials will be contacted, and the company will answer back: talk to our landlord about lowering rent and we'll consider it.

Conclusion 2: That landlord, the suburban Cincinnati-based Shawnee Investments [about whom I could find nothing online] has no huge stake in the neighborhood and doesn't need Kroger as a tenant. If they left, there would probably be someone else who would want that space/land. I would think someone would be interested in buying a good chunk of Peebles' Corner to develop it. Basically, the land is probably worth more than the rent they get from Kroger anyway. So even if it closed, Shawnee Investments would be fine. So I finally arrive at . . .

Ultimate Conclusion: Kroger is actually making a power play for the city to step up and give them funds for them to maintain the Walnut Hills location. Whether it means a remodeling or just a dirt cheap lease, they're going to work the system for all it's worth. They'll watch local community leaders work their butts off to try to get Kroger a better deal and they'll reap the rewards. And they'll do their best to avoid negative PR by saying they couldn't afford it.*

Now I'm not saying this is anti-American. Kroger is a business and they have an obligation to shareholders to be profitable. But I am saying that it's rather sleazy trying to use a community in this way. The Greater Cincinnati area helped make Kroger what it is. Barney Kroger recognized this and invested his earned wealth back into this city. But now the corporation is no longer a family/local company and will do whatever it takes to get whatever they want [five years ago they threatened to leave the city if they didn't finance their downtown parking garage]. And if they get what they want here, it will be tax-payers who pay for it.

And using a bunch of people who really can't afford to shop anywhere else as bargaining chips is B.S.

So we'll monitor the situation and see what we can do to get involved. We'll even contemplate if it would be appropriate for Echo to get involved. I say "contemplate" because it's not a given; it's an ethical minefield, really. Do you promote/encourage corporate greed to help your community? Even though this is a serious situation, Walnut Hills will survive. But it would severely alter the community's make-up, perhaps driving even more lower-class folk away.

And that, by the way, is yet another reason I shop at Biggs.

*Kroger stock today is going for about $26 a share. That's almost double of what it was five years ago, the results of steady improvement. So the company is still definitely making money.

Border War

In my rankings of which states are the most ridiculous, I always placed Tennessee higher than Georgia. I might have to readjust those rankings and apologize to the Volunteer State.

The city of Atlanta [located in Georgia, in case you were wondering], an industry leader at how to allow uncontrolled sprawl, is running out of water. They've been looking at options for how to prevent this from happening in the future and came to a decision:

Invade Tennessee.

Apparently an erroneous survey completed in 1818 placed the Georgia/Tennessee border one mile south of where it should have been. And since recovering that land would give them access to the water of the Tennessee River, the state legislature of Georgia voted for an official survey study so they can eventually take the land back. And just so you understand their seriousness, both houses passed the resolution unanimously.

Never mind the fact that the original surveyor of the land, one James Camak, a professor at the University of Georgia, was conducting the survey with poor equipment. He'd asked the state's governor for some more sophisticated equipment so he could be as accurate as possible but he was refused. So because Georgia was cheap 200 years ago, Camak's border was off and it has remained until today. Not quite sure I feel too sympathetic for Georgia here.

And it should be noted that moving the border north would bring parts of the city of Chattanooga into Georgia, and parts of the city of Memphis into Mississippi. So it's not like reclaiming this land would only affect a few people. It would, likely, cost hundreds of millions of dollars to sort everything out. 

So instead of admitting years of mismanagement in permitting massive sprawl, or coming up with practical solutions of how to deal with water crisis, Georgia's solution is to reclaim land they never wanted in the first place?

Nice job, Georgia politicians. Way to increase our faith in politics.

And I'm not quite sure I'd want to invade Tennessee anytime soon, either. They take the second amendment pretty seriously down there.

Will Work

The washer fluid motor on my Explorer doesn't work. I'd replace it, but I only need it occasionally, mostly during the winter [always make sure to use the free squeegee at the gas station]. Since it's not high on the to-do list, I carry a squirt bottle of washer fluid with me and apply when needed. This afternoon I stopped at a UDF and decided it would be a good time to rinse the windows down. I grabbed some napkins and my trusty bottle and went to work.

As I was cleaning a couple guys in a van pulled up next to me and got out. I didn't think anything of it at first until I realized how the scene must have appeared; I looked like one of those guys who wait until you pull up to the intersection and clean your windows for cash. As the guys in the van walked by, one of them couldn't resist and finally asked, "How much to do ours?"

We all had a good laugh about it but I later realized I missed out on an opportunity to make a little extra money.

Jesus > NFL

At least that's the way I see it. NFL allows churches to show Super Bowl on big screens.

Sun, Earth, Moon

Normally, I'm using this blog to evangelize to readers the benefits of urban dwelling. I'm here. You should be too. But I'm a realist. It's not all perfect living in the big city. And tonight, I admit one of those negatives:

Taking good pictures of the moon is nearly impossible here.

There's too much light around to get any good pics of the nighttime sky. Still, I had to try my hand at getting some shots of the lunar eclipse. I only had a couple even turn out. I posted them below.

It must be noted that a lunar eclipse is, most likely, the most unimpressive natural phenomenon. It doesn't look much different than regular moon cycles. Glad I stood out in freezing temperatures to witness it.

Beit Carr Word of The Day

I'm always working on expanding my vocabulary. I'll usually hang onto a word, use it consistently for a few days and see if it sticks. Sometimes it's months, even years, before it comes back and makes an appearance. The past few weeks I've brought back one of those words. Not quite sure when I learned it, but I've been using it in conversations recently.

That word: milquetoast.

Basically, it means "meek," and "timid." I used milquetoast to describe a singer tonight while watching a DVR'd American Idol. But after I made the statement, I told Kelly that I thought the word originated with a meal made popular in the Great Depression.

You can find an in-depth definition here. There was a comic strip character with the last name "Milquetoast" in the 1930's [at least I nailed the Great Depression]. The character was a timid guy. Like the word "wimpy," which was not a word but went mainstream because of the character in the Popeye cartoon, milquetoast entered the English language and stayed. Apparently, though, it is in no way connected to bread soaked in milk.

Anyway, good word. Feel free to incorporate it into your daily discussion during the remainder of the week.

We Shall Battle Then

Tye and Andrea VonAllmen are some of my favorite people. They are extremely talented musically and it's always a pleasure to see their gifts in action. They front a band called "Artists and Authors" and I eagerly await their new CD that will be released in the next couple of months. They've made it to the semifinals of a battle of the bands up at The Underground off I-275 at Forest Park. Most of the bands remaining in the competition are younger kids with larger, rowdier followings so Tye and Andrea could use your support.

I ask you, nay, I implore you, if you are wondering what to do this Saturday night at 8pm, go to The Underground and throw your vocal chords out in approval of their musical offerings.

It . . . will . . . be . . . epic.

I'm Not Good At Everthing

Pause to recover from the shock. Now we can proceed. My friend was in a bind today. He needed his car moved to a location a couple of miles away so I said I'd do it. And then I discovered it was a manual transmission.

I've never owned a stick-shift and haven't driven one since college. My dad had an old Ford Ranger for his business that I drove occasionally. I hated that truck because the clutch was like the brakes to the Flinstone's car [you had to practically shove your foot through the floor to work it]. Despite a 12 year hiatus, I figured it would no big deal.

I stalled it out twice before I got going. I must've looked awesome. Once I was on the road, however, I did fine. Well, except riding that clutch like it was a pony at the state fair.

I remembered why I love my automatic transmission: laziness. I'm sure driving a stick becomes second nature to those who own one, but I don't want to think any more than I have to. Two pedals and the letter "D" are just fine for me.