moonloop

I heard on NPR news on my drive/swim home tonight that primarily drawings will be shown of the new SCPA at tonight's meeting. I don't know if there are online minutes of the meeting.

Anyone know the dates for a strike. ;-) If they strike near the X-mas, my holiday will be ruined. What a mess it could be. I don't know how this will play out. I will be following the court proceedings closely . I think they should start 2006 on the right foot and strike then. <b>Delta Pilots' Strike Could Cripple Greater Cincinnati Airport Airline Responsible For 90 Percent Of Flights At CVG</b> HEBRON, Ky. -- The impact of Delta's bankruptcy filing will start to have a tangible effect in the Tri-State this week, as the carrier slashes flights out of the Greater Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Airport by 26 percent, News 5's Juliette Vara reported. The cuts start Thursday, and about 177 fewer flights will take off from CVG as a result. Attorneys for the airline were in court Monday to argue that the company shouldn't be held to its contract with the union because doing so would put Delta out of business, Roy reported. The airline wants $325 million in concessions from the union, but pilot union officials argue that their members took a 51 percent pay cut just last year. If the pilots' union goes on strike, CVG could be crippled. Full story at http://www.channelcincinnati.com/news/5416624/detail.html

I'm optimistic that Mallory can get moving on projects. I know (lack of)money is always an issue, but I get a sense he will create an environment that helps move things forward. I just hope he doesn't put his whole family on the payroll. It's nice their close, but I hope it doesn't cause problems down the road.

Here! Here! A mix of old and new is what OTR needs to move forward. Waiting for older buildings to be "save" creates a stagnate neighborhood that only a few could enjoy. When an older building is save and becomes useful, it's a beautiful sight, but that can't be expected for every building in OTR. And for the folks who blew the chance for a CitiRama. Shame on them all. That was a big f*uck up.

If they haven't broken ground on this project as of now, 2006 seems unlikely to see this project completed. I hope this doesn't turn into the NeXT project.

I haven't heard too much lately about Parker Flats. It's definitely is an interesting project. Units have been sold?

USAToday has this interesting article about cover bridges making a bit of a comeback. <b>Plan: Nation's longest wooden covered bridge Ohio engineer bridges past and present</b> By Dennis Cauchon, USA TODAY ASHTABULA, Ohio — When John Smolen was a young engineer, a high-ranking state highway official wanted him investigated for misuse of public funds. Smolen's crime: He planned to spend tax money on a new covered wooden bridge. "The guy was serious: He thought a wood bridge was so absurd that he wanted John Smolen charged with misusing public funds," says David Simmons, an engineering historian at the Ohio Historical Society. Smolen, 59, can laugh about it now. He has helped design or build 14 covered bridges in Ohio and Michigan, the biggest boom in constructing old-style wooden bridges in more than 80 years... http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-11-24-covered-bridges_x.htm

Pick your theme. Pirate? <b>Over the Top! Theme Cl!mbs</b> To provide repeat visitation incentives, the Purple People Bridge Cl!mb will offer unique theme Cl!mbs throughout the year. As part of each theme Cl!mb, participants will receive a special commemorative certificate specifically designed for the theme Cl!mb as well as additional souvenirs available for purchase only to those on the special Cl!mbs. Sample Theme Cl!mbs may include: <b>La Traversee des Ponts des Saveurs with Jean Robert de Cavel</b> La Traversee des Ponts des Saveurs which translated is “The savory crossing of the Bridges”. Chef de Cavel has created a menu for this special climb package which will feature a menu built on famous cities with famous bridges from around the world; i.e., the London Bridge, the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge, Ponts des Saveurs, France, and others. <b>Newport Syndicate – Mafia Mayhem</b> It’s the 1920’s and Newport Native John Thompson invented the Thompson Machine Gun (“Tommy Gun”) that became known nationwide for its use by gangsters. The Cl!mbers are part of the Syndicate, part of the Mafia that ran the illegal bootlegging and gambling activities. Cl!mbers decked out as gangsters will cross the bridge and learn the details of the “sin city” past of the area, once known as “Little Mexico”. <b>Code Name Purple – Spy Theme</b> Your mission, should you choose to accept it… Each Cl!mber receives a spy kit. Smoke spews as Mr. Phelps, (the Cl!mb Leader) dressed in trench coat, arrives. Music plays ominously drowning out the chatter. A tape recorder plays the assignment. When the tape destructs in a cloud of smoke, teams set off to the Cl!mb. Searching for clues along the Cl!mb regarding buildings, area history, the river and more, the Cl!mbers will relay their findings to the Cl!mb Leader. Cl!mbers will complete their mission by reaching the end of the bridge and successfully accomplishing their tasks. <b>When Pigs Fly</b> To celebrate the annual Flying Pig Marathon, Cl!mbers will have the opportunity to view the race from a unique perspective and be a part of the festivities. Suited up in pink “pig” outfits, complete with wings, the Cl!mbers will soar high above the race. <b>Fins to the Left…Sharks over Water</b> The Sharks over Water Cl!mb will provide the guest the unique opportunity to experience the Ohio River from under and over! Cl!mbers will be “suited” either in divers outfits or wearing shark fin hats throughout the Cl!mb. Fish out of the sea so to speak, Cl!mbers will hear stories of the Ohio River and its inhabitants. <b>Pirate Adventure</b> Avast, me hearties! Celebrate International Talk Like a Pirate Day (September 19) in style. A full day of pirate booty awaits. Dressed in pirate attire, Cl!mbers will be “walking the plank” otherwise known as the Purple People Bridge Cl!mb. These and other EXCITING themes are currently being developed. Details to be announced in 2006! http://www.purplepeoplebridgeclimb.com/Theme%20Cimbs.htm

People are making sure their voices are being heard. It seems strange that a small Community Council could make or break this deal. More power to them. <b>West End delays vote on center</b> By Allen Howard Enquirer staff writer Several hundred people packed the West End Community Council's meeting Tuesday night to air opinions on the one-stop community center and mall for the poor that a church group wants to build here. A vote was postponed, and Dale Mallory asked for more study to be done.

Make sure you take Jimmy Skinner with you! ;-)

West End Kid, did you make it on the local news? They interviewed a few people about this. Good to see it being discussed.

Circle Dec. 7 on your calendar. It should be a local holiday.

The more I read about the neater it sounds. Most of us won't be going to Sidney anytime. And for this to be the only place in the Western Hemisphere where you can do this, pretty sweet. I think UrbanOhio should start a collection and force Grasscat to do it. ;-) <b>Bridge climb a thrill ride above the river Locals rave about Sydney Harbour version</b> By Mike Rutledge Enquirer staff writer NEWPORT - When Joe Hale climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge in July, he said it was one of the most exhilarating things he'd ever done. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051114/NEWS0103/511140355

Cincinnati has another local magazine, Cincinnati Gentlemen. This was the one I was thinking UMM was at first. A bit different than UMM for us up-scale males. ;-) I was reading it at the eye doctor this morning, until my eyes got dilated and then I couldn't read anything. http://www.cincygentlemen.com/

If Mercer Commons isn't safe for kids, teachers, parents, bus drivers, and other workers how safe would Mercer Commons be for condos? It sounds like a hard sell to me.

Here's another article. They are serious about this. Big plans. <b>Harness up, climb the Ohio River For $60, you can cross Purple People Bridge the hard way</b> By Mike Rutledge Enquirer staff writer NEWPORT - Amusement park guru Dennis Speigel plans to take the concept of crossing bridges in the Northern Hemisphere to a higher level, starting with the Purple People Bridge between Newport and Cincinnati. Instead of walking on the pedestrian bridge's deck, starting this spring, people can climb high across the top of the bridge's purple superstructure to a platform with a see-through Plexiglass floor, about 140 feet above the Ohio River. E-mail [email protected] http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051110/NEWS0103/511100388

It does sound cool, I don't know if it's $60 cool

Maybe the new Mayor and West End resident will be of value and be more understanding of the situation.

Here's another updated picture. I can't tell if it's just one building or that's the whole developement.

The "T" is enclosed in glass. I guess you could say it's inside the convention center. I'm curious what the lighting plans are. Special occasions only?

I checked out the Crystalline Tower, which I believe is the final piece of art to be added to Friendship Park. They still have some work to do. Very cool overall. Each side is a different texture of metal There is a bridge, maybe there will still be water. This side is mesh. You can see the spiral staircase inside. It's a shame the public won't be able to go inside and up. This is the third and final side. Metal squares with a pattern on them In case your wondering what that thing on top is.

It looks like Twains Point is finished and now they're moving on to Captain Watch.

This is the best I can do while driving and shooting.

Wow this is some in-depth stuff. Another good find. I'm going to start scanning the PDFs. Thanks These TIFs should help eliminate the complaints that City Counsel is only interested in CBD and OTR. Now it's up to these neighborhood groups to work with developers to get these ideas rolling.

When I first saw that pic, I thought, "they can't start painting that bridge soon enough". ;-)