Riverfront

When I watched the blue and yellow tents go up in between the Freedom Center and Great American Ballpark for Cirque du Soleil, it got me thinking: why don't we scrap the whole "Banks" idea and just have a carnival in that space during the summer? This would also buy more time for the politicians and developers to decide what they really want to do with this space. Right now, it seems like it's destined to be a parking lot. And that really is a shame. Personally, I think they’re afraid to put anything there because they're afraid that if they put together something temporary, it will probably become permanent. And they've got a huge hole west of Fountain Square that serves as a testament to that sort of thinking.

Comair

The end looks to be near now. This morning's Enquirer lays it out there pretty well, I think. Since I don't work there any more and don't have to be supportive for morale, I'd like to say that the flight attendants are selfish jerks who have an inflated opinion of themselves and their role in the larger scheme of the company. The fact that they won't accept a pay cut when everyone else in the company has is asinine. They are getting paid higher than the industry standard, the company is bankrupt, and they are complaining that their salary will be affected. I'm sure it's tough being out there on the frontlines everyday, but so is working for a company that is losing money. Generally speaking, if you want to stay with someone who is broke, be prepared to lose a little money. It's pretty much game-over now anyway, but I needed to get that off my chest.

Steve Stewart

I'm sad to see Steve Stewart leave the Reds radio booth. I knew with Marty's ego, he wouldn't have a chance--I saw that one coming three years ago. But I'm still sad. It was nice to hear someone just call the game right. Between Joe's beer belch's and forgetfulness, and Marty's tired phrases--how many times a game do you need to say "somewhat belatedly"?--it's become somewhat annoying to listen to the Reds on radio. I was actually happy when I tuned in and Stewart was calling the game. I felt like I was listening to the Reds, the game. Now it looks like there will be an analyst--formerly known as the color guy, an ex-jock. God knows who that's going to be. If it's Tracy Jones, I might stop listening to the games all-together.

Bengals season's only a few weeks away.

Downtown

Working downtown again for the first time in several years has opened my eyes to a few things: it is expensive, there aren't as many food options as you would think, drugstores smell like bathrooms, and there is a lot of egregious horn-blowing. Beside all that, it's highly addictive. Having been stuck in corporate park world for the last 9 years, I had forgotten how much I enjoyed just walking around. The city smells bad, but in an cute, "I just farted," sort of way. My sinuses are probably paying the price for all of this, but I have to say, it's better than smelling jet fuel and driving 5 miles to lunch every day.

Is it just me or does the plan for Fountain Square look like the old Fountain Square? I don't know why the change was needed. Seems like they're just adding more trees. Woo-hoo.

Is it just me or is Chip Away the best undiscovered game on Mega-touch

Have you played this game? It's like a cross between plinko and tetris. I love it. My friend Dave turned me onto it the other day and I've got to say, it's starting to replace Card Bandits as my favorite game.

I listened to a few cuts from Joey Ramone's solo album the other day. This may be one of the great undiscovered gems of the last five years. Can you beat hearing him do "What a Wonderful World?" At warp speed? Lovin' it.