Nash: "A little bit of hodge podge."

From the controversy at 8th and Culbertson, to the future of the North Annex and Community Park's threatened green space, and back to State Street improvements, sans bike lanes ... Matt covers much ground in today's column, and ties it together in the end.

NASH: A little bit of hodge podge

One of the problems I have is that I may have an opinion on any number of topics every week, I just don’t always have enough to say about it that could fill an entire column. This is one of those weeks. Sometimes I hope by the end of the article that I can tie everything together but we’ll just see how it goes.

"None of these qualities that make me who I am, can be tested."

Indiana's state schools superintendent wants to start giving school districts letter grades on an A-to-F scale to hold them accountable for how their schools perform.
-- Courier-Journal, 8/5/11

ON THE AVENUES: For no reason at all?

ON THE AVENUES: For no reason at all?

By ROGER BAYLOR
Local Columnist

On August 4, 1914, Germany invaded Belgium.

Great Britain immediately declared war on Germany, and the unprecedented bloodletting began in earnest. In truth, it didn’t stop until the Balkan wars of the 1990’s, and as Greece prepares to take a step backward into lowered fiscal status as a Third World vassal state, we may yet see that it has not ceased, even today.

A century later, it all seems preordained, but we forget that amid an unholy flurry of secret treaties coming to deadly fruition in the aftermath of Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s messy demise in Sarajevo, Europe’s prevailing warmongers retained a nagging fear: The continent’s socialists might actually make good on their “brotherhood of mankind” rhetoric, oppose mobilization, reject conflict, and require heightened internal warfare against the indigenous working class so as to conduct external warfare against neighboring countries.

But when the flags began waving, it was revealed that proponents of warfare’s healing, strengthening qualities needn’t have worried. All across Europe, instinctive tribal patriotism handily usurped the idealism of the Internationale. Factories, farms and offices were emptied of young men to serve as cannon fodder in a steadily escalating war of attrition, playing out over four long years as a collective cultural death wish.

When it was over, a generation had utterly disappeared, and in a chilling reminder of death’s leveling capacities, the ranks of the departed contained young men from the cream of society, as well as ones from its underbelly. Officers from wealthy and aristocratic families were killed as regularly as expendable proletarian foot soldiers. The opportunistic influenza pandemic following in the war’s wake claimed millions more non-combatants, who’d already been terrorized in a numbing precursor to the sins of Hitlerism and Stalinism to come.

---

I’ve written many times to express my personal revulsion with the impossibly brutal conflagration called the Great War by its participants, and World War I by those who survived its second, more extensive iteration. Author Adam Hochschild, whose earlier book, “King Leopold’s Ghost,” remains essential reading, misses no opportunities to express his own moral outrage in “To End All Wars: A Story of Loyalty and Rebellion, 1914-1918,” but Hochschild accepts a narrative task far more difficult than pointing to what we already know was rampant stupidity and abject horror.

Rather, the author charts the course of the relative few, primarily in Great Britain, who objected to the war at the same time it was being fought. In a super-charged atmosphere of violence, vengeance, and survival of the fittest gone amok, there were people who tried earnestly to talk sense.

That these principled objectors were hounded, infiltrated, persecuted, harassed, imprisoned and sometimes murdered should come as no surprise to us. Perhaps the biggest shock is how few they really were, and the depth of futility they experienced while being denounced and vilified by virtually all elements of both polite and scatological society.

However, the protestors drew representation from the full range of social strata. Some were committed labor activists from the shop floor, and others (most prominently, Bertrand Russell) patrician academics. Many were female, one of whom was a general’s sister. The women protestors were subject not only to the standard rejection of patriots, but prey also to the abuse of the millions of mothers who’d lost their sons in the trenches.

Of course, the veracity of the objection depends on how accurately the nature of the threat can be established. Once the war had begun, and especially when it became clear how destructive it was going to be, propaganda relentlessly fed mass hysteria: It’s our side, the defenders of civilization, against the sub-human animals on the other side, and whatever it takes – poison gas, tanks, planes, aerial bombardment, and the loss of thousands dead every day as calculated attrition – that’s what we all must do.

Moreover, anyone second-guessing the war’s conduct was worse than a coward and a traitor, because he or she actively dishonoring the nobility of the dead and cheapened their ultimate sacrifice in defense of the royal family, God, country and robber baron capitalism. As the cycle of barbarism escalated, it became ever more axiomatic that the only truly valid way to honor the dead, and to redeem their sacrifice, was to triumph in the end even if it meant fighting to the last man – literally.

---

Hochschild does not neglect the war’s proponents, among them Rudyard Kipling, arguably the most persistent and persuasive advocate of British imperialism, militarism and triumphalism. His son was lost in France, and as was common, the body was never found, and although Kipling’s stridency was muted to an extent, it was never subjected to rigorous self-examination.

“To End All Wars” is by turns infuriating and deeply depressing, and yet it is necessary. We simply mustn’t forget, lest these idiocies be repeated, and as I stand periodically before the vapidity of the soulless exurb and watch as the masses file like lemmings into the air-conditioned comfort of Wal-Mart, there is comfort to be derived from such knowledge, however limited it may currently be.

It remains true in the case of the Great War, although as a musical Briton of a later generation observed, “No one was saved” – not Liberia, which declared war on Germany on August 4, 1916, and not the defeated and shattered Habsburg empire, whose last remaining crown prince, Otto von Habsburg, died just weeks ago at the age of 98.

No one was saved, neither the flagrant apologist Kipling, nor the first war’s sparse objectors, several of whom later aligned themselves with Bolshevism and fell victim to the purges in the Soviet Union.

Did we learn anything?

Do we ever?

Midtown walkability assessment to be discussed on August 16.

The walkability assessment presentation is coming to a special meeting of the Midtown neighborhood association on August 16 at the Cardinal Ritter house, and you can click here for the link to a more detailed explanation. The assessment itself can be viewed and downloaded from a link on the Midtown website.

Moss: "Downtown New Albany on the path to renewal."

Last week, it was Dale Moss on Paul Kiger. This week, the C-J's columnist remains focused on New Albany.

Downtown New Albany on the path to renewal

Dave Thrasher, who has an art studio on Market Street, said the downtown momentum reflects growing appreciation for a simpler, throwback kind of life. “It's energizing, but it's fragile,” he said. “We're still a work in progress.”

It's a good piece, but I must observe that a completely empty Farmers Market pavilion is an odd choice for a photo with an article that specifically mentions the large crowds to be found there on market days.

Then again, the C-J is a shell of its former self. At least there wasn't a pop-up ad.

"Bombers to host two Fan Appreciation Nights."

We're approaching the end of the Prospect League season, and I believe the experiment with NABC beer at League Stadium for Dubois County Bombers home games has been successful. Let's hope we're able to do it again next season. Until then, if you haven't made the trip to Huntingburg, the next two nights are a fine opportunity to experience good baseball at low prices.

Bombers to host two Fan Appreciation Nights

Huntingburg, IN
August 3, 2011

The Dubois County Bombers return home tonight for a double-header against the Hannibal Cavemen beginning at 6:15 pm EDT. Tonight's affair is the first of two consecutive Fan Appreciation Nights at League Stadium. Ticket prices for tonight and Thursday's game will be reduced by $4 across the board with red seats on sale for $3.00, orange seats for $2.00, and general admission tickets will be just $1.00!

Thursday's game will be against the Nashville Outlaws and is set for a 7:15 pm EDT start.

There will be lots of fun and prizes these last two nights with season ending merchandise on sale. The beer is ice cold and the hot dogs are simply delicious! Don't miss out on all the fun and excitement at League Stadium these next two nights.

It's likely we're shooting fish in a barrel.

(Thanks to Wampla for the comment)

Earlier today, we considered the advent of Think Local Southern Indiana: I get no kick from champagne ...

At Facebook, in a major victory for non-deleted dialogue, I politely asked two questions and actually received two answers. Italics are mine.

Roger: Hi. Can you tell us whether this is a grassroots movement, and if not, reveal who or what is sponsoring this organization? Thanks!

Think Local Southern Indiana: Roger, this group is made up of representatives from several networking organizations in the Southern IN area, as well as local business owners.

Roger: Thank you. Is this the same concept being discussed by One Southern Indiana a while back? Can you provide the list of participating organizations? Thank you.

Think Local Southern Indiana: Yes, I believe it is likely the concept discussed by One Southern Indiana and they do have representatives on the committee. I have been participating for a few months b/c I lead the group Connect Clarksville. Other organizations involved... are Grow Jeffersonville, Develop NA, UPS Store, NuYale Cleaners, Insight Media etc. I know I am leaving some out....we will be posting a website soon which should also have info & businesses involved. ***IF you are involved and see this post, I didn't intentionally leave you out! Please feel free to add your name!!

Regular reader Wampla subsequently provided us with the fruits of cursory Internet research, which show just how "likely" the connection to One Southern Indiana really is.

About Us: THINKLOCALSOUTHERNINDIANA.COM

Registrant:
one southern indiana
4100 Charlestown
New albany, IN 47150
US

Domain Name: THINKLOCALSOUTHERNINDIANA.COM

Administrative Contact , Technical Contact :
one southern indiana
dawnb@1si.org
4100 Charlestown
New albany, IN 47150
US
Phone: 812-945-0266

Record expires on 20-Apr-2013
Record created on 20-Apr-2011
Database last updated on 20-Apr-2011

Wow. That's very likely, isn't it?

I get no kick from champagne ...

... but I'm always thrilled at exciting new concept launches that lead to blank web sites.

The blank page above comes to you from Think Local Southern Indiana, which is also on Facebook. Although we already know the answers, I've commenced asking the questions:

Hi. Can you tell us whether this is a grassroots movement, and if not, reveal who or what is sponsoring this organization? Thanks!

I'll take this opportunity to remind readers that to my knowledge, precisely one grassroots organization currently exists to bring together independent, small, local businesses in the city of New Albany, and unlike 1Si, New Albany First does not advocate oligarch enrichment policies (bridge tolls, exurban sprawl, et al) and pursue various other vapid appeasements that actually damage the very concept of thinking local.

New Albany First is on Facebook. I believe in it, and so should you.

In 1967, it was a "hot summer" in the GDR.

For more on cinema in the GDR: DEFA Film Library at the University of Massachusetts Amherst - Cinema of East Germany

Return of the one-way caption contest!

What is Tiberius Severus Octavian Elagabalus Septimius Augustus Claudius Hadrian, the Protector of Pearl, Deliverer of all Downtown Datedness, Master of the Mercantile, and Guardian of the Gates, saying in this photo?

Autonomous visions experience unexpected Horseshoe board dissonance.

Non-transparent back room tactics succeeded in influencing the UEA's vote, albeit narrowly, but it would appear that that Horseshoe Foundation's board members didn't get the memo.

ON THE AVENUES: Brother, Can You Spare $12,500?

Clearly, the foundation board's balkiness is a rebuke to the executive director, who has taken the lead in negotiating this and other foundation commitments. All of it prompts a simple question, which I believe might already have been asked, although I cannot recall hearing the answer:

Why are we as a city constantly outsourcing ad hoc plans for historic preservation, downtown beautification and the use of the Riverfront Amphitheater to one vision (among many) to be funded by the Horseshoe Foundation?

Drive to save historic New Albany house slowed; Horseshoe board waiting on more detailed plan, by Daniel Suddeath (OSIN)

Jerry Finn, executive director of the Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County, said an updated proposal will be brought to the board when it convenes Aug. 10 ...

... (Kevin) Zurschmiede said the Horseshoe board has not been involved in a restoration project such as what is being proposed before, and that it could lead to a situation where several organizations ask for money to rehabilitate dilapidated structures.

Now showing in the Red Room.

Community Park, North Annex, development and the fog of political obfuscation.

OSIN's Chris Morris braves the eternal glower of the county council's prez-for-life to report this story:

No decision yet on North Annex future; NA-FC Parks Department wants Community Park to remain intact

... Ted Heavrin, president of the county council, said no decision has been made about the property’s future. He said the layout of the area will limit development.

“You can’t build under power lines ... they should know that,” Heavrin said of the parks board.

Heavrin said before anything is decided, all parties involved will have a meeting.

Sound familiar? That's because we were discussing it on July 15: Is Floyd County seeking to develop up to 18 acres of Community Park? The discussion rather prematurely ended with this comment from Jeff Gillenwater.

I appreciate your time, Don (Lopp), but that really doesn't answer my question. You mentioned that the original thought was to make 4-6 acres available but that preservationists requested an expansion to 18 acres.

Why? What is someone going to do with 18 acres that they couldn't do with 4-6? Is there an entity proposing something specific that requires more land? What thinking led to the expanded offering?

Given their abysmal communication record lately, it would be helpful for the public to know what's happening on the preservation front *before* any governmental commitments are made.

So, what's really happening? Give that wheel a spin, will ya?

In the Open Air Museum: Never faster than 20 mph.

Ah, the joys of old-fashioned, leisurely travel in the Open Air Museum ... traveling 8th Street last Wednesday, all the way from Elm Street to the city garage on Grant Line Road, and never faster than a motorized wheelchair. The city truck's driver was having quite the animated conversation with his passenger. I could see him gesticulating in the driver's side rear view mirror, but because he never looked back, he didn't even see me shaking my fist at him.

REWIND: Caesar stars in "conflict of interest" night as council approves, but slashes, bucks to 1Si.

(Originally published on October 5, 2010)

As only New Albany's city council seems capable of doing to such an extreme degree of sad sack proficiency, the third reading of the "Money for Nothing" ordinance to provide taxpayer largesse to 1Si finally passed, although reduced, but only after an eternity of theatrical Duck Duck Goose that left onlookers exhausted and thirsty.

Admirably, Jeff Gahan and Pat McLaughlin had principled changes of heart, but Jack Messer and Dan Coffey also flipped -- in opposite directions, even though Coffey viciously pilloried 1Si before meekly voting to accept the compromise reduction in the amount of protection money paid them, but mind you, only for "past" services, which have not been itemized in any way, shape of form. It didn't matter to 1Si, which brought its heaviest, sub-Mendoza Line hitters into the fray to mechanically deny obvious political taints while flashing calculators to total the forthcoming amount of TG Missouri's Japan-bound air conditioning subsidy.

Over three readings, Kevin Zurschmiede and Diane Benedetti remained consistently in favor of ignoring 1Si's recent Frankenstein monster transformation into a political action committee; after all, KZ's a Republican already and DB might as well be, not least when she's wearing her nifty Savanarola outfit for Halloween and council conclaves.

And then there's Bob Caesar, 1Si member, 1Si advocate, 1Si fan, and sometimes even playing at being a councilman in real life. After exercising the most blatant conflict of interest vote since Benedetti's decision not to absent herself from her brother's real estate zoning appearances, Caesar took advantage of a five minute recess (for the purpose of council members receiving their stipends?) to bound across the room, beaming, and land in Michael Dalby's lap. The last time anyone saw giddiness like that, it was probably the high school prom. Unlike the aftermath of the prom, someone in this instance "got some."

One sits, and watches, and shrugs, and asks: If Bob Caesar, a downtown small businessman, cannot grasp the existence of other economic development models -- especially those pertaining to the place where he, himself, does business -- what hope is there of altering the failed corporate subsidy paradigm?

Caesar and many others like him just want to be accepted as members of the big boy's club, and the sad thing is that they never see the big boys openly snickering at them once their backs are turned. Imagine investing the money not as a corporate subsidy for billion dollar companies like TGI Missouri, but in helping to build the skill sets of our own people through education and training. Imagine the money actually reaching small businesses like Caesar's and the many others in New Albany.

1Si succeeds at its shell game because small-timers want to be part of the insider club. They'd be better off refraining from subsidizing the subsidizers, and instead of cradling the bottled water at networking functions, emulating Hemingway and using the bottle as a means of sovereign action by throwing it.

Other media coverage:
New Albany council cuts funding for chamber of commerce group (C-J)
New Albany City Council reduces, approves 1si money (Tribune)
COUNCIL MEETING 10/3/10 YES, IT WAS A LONG ONE (VOP)

Knable bests Caesar on two-way streets.

She thinks two-way streets will make downtown better, so after the first inning, it's Jessica Knable 1, Bob Caesar 0.

How will the candidates for the 2nd council district compare on other issues? A good place to start would be bridge tolls, a topic that Caesar miserably failed owing to his slavish devotion to One Southern Indiana pro-tolling, exurb enrichment program.

Meanwhile, while we're bound to disagree as the game progresses, the first-time candidate Knable at least seems willing to discuss issues and answer questions. Let's hope the Clere Channel Network doesn't teach her how to use the delete button.

Jessica Knable for City Council at Facebook

The New Albany location of Preston Arts Center is closing soon.

We had several tips, but I decided to wait and see. There's nothing at the web site yet, but probably will be.

The Frenchman's new colors.

The snazzy paint job? It's because the Frenchman is coming ... to the Bergman Building retail space on Market. Here's what the storefront looked like before.

Two-way traffic: "Most merchants ... want to see traffic stop and shop."

Earlier in the week, I posted my unofficial Merchant Mixer notes.

Merchant Mixer notes (1): New businesses, landscaping, parking, signage and dog poop.
Merchant Mixer notes (2): Empty storefronts, Harvest Homecoming and Bob Caesar's all-way street confusion.


Following are the official minutes, as submitted by Pam Peters. Your attention is drawn to one passage:

It was mentioned that one way streets are the best way to move traffic through. However, most merchants don’t want that. They want to see traffic stop and shop.

Mama, there goes that word: "Most." Let's now return to Bob Caesar's utterance during the same meeting:

"Change every street to two way (but) not Pearl Street. Pearl Street will NOT be two way."

So, don't just take my word for it: These official and generally dispassionate meeting notes deftly reiterate that Bob Caesar is completely out of touch with what the new generation of downtown merchants really wants when it comes to revitalization that's good for business.

How does Caesar's self-centered position constitute leadership?

Don't waste your time looking for excuses, because it does not. Nothing new there, either -- and that's the recurring, eternal problem. If CM CeeSaw can't or won't lead, here's a timely suggestion: Get the hell out of the way.

---

Merchant Mixer Minutes
July 26, 2011
An overflow crowd was present at the 8:30 a.m. mixer. Thank you to Don and Kathy for continually allowing the group to meet at Prestons, which is celebrating the 70th anniversary this year! Congratulations. The coffee pot was on and several brought breakfast items, including donuts from Sweet Stuff. Thanks!

Downtown business items discussed were the following:

1. HARVEST HOMECOMING: C. Peters reminded everyone that now is the time to apply for Harvest Homecoming booth space—especially if you want one in the front of your store. Contact the Harvest Homecoming office at 944-8572 or email to harvesthomecoming2@sbcglobal.net if you did not receive a packet of material.

The cost of a 10’ x 10’ booth has gone up to $350.00 since it is after the June 30 deadline. (People to contact: Beth and David White and Patty Fischer

2. I-64 SIGNAGE: Ed Clere is working with INDOT toward options on getting “Historic Downtown New Albany” signage on I-64 westbound. Signage is problematic since the exit to downtown New Albany is right after the I-64 bridge. A bi-state contract will be needed. He is also exploring the possibility of signage on I-64 eastbound but that is equally problematic because of the cut-off to 265 there. Ultimately, signage would, hopefully, include attractions. Restaurants would have to pay but official historic landmarks qualify without payment.

3. NEW RETAIL: Mike Kopp announced that interest in new retail and restaurant venues in the downtown area continues. “Dress and Dwell” on Spring and Louie’s French Restaurant on Market will open in September. The Reitz Building on Main is being sold to become a senior citizen living facility. A coffee shop will be opening in the Fair store on Market. The condo project at the river is moving forward. 209 E. Market will house a mineral/jewelry store and 6 loft apartments are going into 213 Pearl.

4. LANDSCAPING: The mayor reminded the merchants to water the flowers which were funded by Horseshoe at the tune of $6,000. Peters asked for a list of those areas not being watered by the fire dept. or others. Michelle Christiansen said that MainSource Bank had approved replacement of all dead trees along their lot on State and Market and new landscaping done.

5. PARKING: Mayor England announced that the 2 hr. parking signs will be removed and “Parking for Customers and Clients Only” signs put up. He also passed around a map to be distributed to merchants showing the free parking areas. England reiterated that downtown residents must buy a $100/yr. parking sticker.

6. WAYFINDING SIGNAGE:: Places for the 29 wayfinding signs are site-ready. Cost of each sign is $1,100 and they will be put in as soon as the Louisville company is finished producing them. The signs can be modified and kept current.

7. DOGGIE BAGS: These are ready to be placed on the litter containers as soon as the street dept. has time.

8. EMPTY STORE FRONTS: Building and property maintenance codes are out of date. The city will contact the Urban Enterprise zone about paying for vacant window treatment. Dave Thrasher offered to work on a plan for putting public art in those windows; this would reflect dialogue with people on the street.

9. TWO-WAY STREETS: Spring and Market Streets are slated for going from one-way to two-way streets. A federal grant of $2 million is available but needs a 20% match. The question about also making Bank and Pearl two-way was discussed. It was suggested that there be a public hearing scheduled to discuss the pros and cons of this controversial issue. There is a question of money. It was mentioned that one way streets are the best way to move traffic through. However, most merchants don’t want that. They want to see traffic stop and shop. No preliminary study has been made by the City of NewAlbany. However, studies on this issue have been done for different communities and results are available.

10. The City of New Albany web page is being upgraded and redeveloped.

11. The downtown farmers’ market is thriving with 45 vendors. Timperman has been commissioned to design a new market for the bicentennial. Susan Kaempfer was thanked for the job she is doing with the market.

12. The lot at the corner of Spring and Pearl has been purchased for the purpose of creating a bicentennial park

13. First Tuesday in August will be at Marvin’s Auto on 8th street compliments of Dane Smith.

The next Merchant Mixer meeting will be on Tuesday, August 23, at Prestons’ at 8:30 AM?

- Pam Peters

Enquiring council minds want more information.

Neglected homework the hallmark of council underachievement?

Matt's right, and yet for those accepting the psychologically taxing burden of attending council meetings, it is painfully clear that obtaining the perpetually absent information is one thing, and knowing what it means once (if) found is something else. Mediocrity begets mediocrity. Just ask Bob Caesar.

NASH: New Albany City Council needs to do its job

It is important that the council members do their job and get the information they need before the start of a city council meeting.

Dale Moss on Paul Kiger.

A nice C-J shout-out for Paul: New Albany Realtor Paul Kiger breaks mold, makes sales; 31-year-old could be region's youngest agent of the year.

DNA tells you what is happening in NA this weekend (and beyond).

The following comes to us from Develop New Albany, and yes, I'm guessing there'll be no good beer to accompany the Buffett homage ... but wait, now that I think of it, this is an excellent opportunity to gauge the vendor's creativity: Will there at least be Landshark Lager, as manufactured by AB INBEV, with all profits zooming right past the rusty quanset huts in Margaritaville, in route to international corporate headquarters overseas? Only time will tell ... and tell, and tell ...

---

Hi Roger A. Baylor,

Have a big weekend planned? Make your weekend even better with these special events occurring in Historic Downtown New Albany. Join us for free live music at the New Albany Riverfront on Friday and Saturday evenings. Get your miles in for the week at the Christmas in July 5 miler on Saturday morning and grab some fresh veggies at the Farmer's Market.

If you've not been downtown recently we hope you come on down and see what's new!

Free Live Music at the New Albany Riverfront Amphitheater this weekend!

"The Unlimited Band" performs Friday Night July 29th - 7pm

The Unlimited Band brings Smooth Jazz and Funky Funk to the Banks of the Ohio. The Unlimited Band is comprised of a collection of some of the best musicians and singers in the region. You will hear some of the smoothest of smooth jazz or the funkiest funk ever played!

Come on say it with me... "She's a Brick Hooouuse" Come on out and wear your dancing shoes!

"Lunar Beach House" is onstage Saturday Night July 30th - 7pm

Lunar Beach House is the premiere Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band! Join us Saturday night for all of your Buffet favorites including Cheeseburger in Paradise, Five-O-Clock Somewhere, Jose Cuervo and Margaritaville.

The weather will be perfect for a "cheeseburger in paradise" so grab your flip flops and come on down to the New Albany Waterfront!

Carnegie Center Community Discussion - July 28th - 5:30pm

The Carnegie Center wants your ideas about exhibits and programming! Join the Carnegie Center on Thursday July 28th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm for this community discussion.

Christmas in July Fun Run - July 30th - 7am Registration / 8am Race

Have you registered for the Christmas in July Fun Run? Don't get put on Santa's naughty list! The Christmas in July run is the final race of the "Summer Sizzling Series" brought to us by the following sponsors: Floyd Memorial Hospital, Pacers and Racers Running Store, Strandz Salon & Threadz Boutique, Main Source Bank and Develop New Albany. The race will be held on July 30th with registration beginning at 7am and the race beginning at 8am.

New Albany Farmer's Markets (Downtown & Floyd Memorial Hospital)

The Downtown New Albany Farmers Market is open Wednesdays 4-7pm & Saturdays 8am - 1pm. The Downtown Farmer's Market is located on the corner of Bank Street and Market Street in Historic Downtown New Albany.

ALSO!!!

There's a Farmer's Market at the Floyd Memorial Hospital on Tuesdays from 11am - 2pm. The Market meets in the hospital parking lot.

1st Tuesday Event - Marvin's Auto Service - August 2nd - 5pm-7pm

Marvin's Auto Service will be the site of the August "1st Tuesday" Event in Downtown New Albany. The event is free and open to the public. The "1st Tuesday" event is from 5pm - 7pm. Marvin's Auto Service is located at 1400 East 8th Street in Downtown New Albany. Ph#812-944-0362

The Carnegie Center Presents Heartbeats: Art Quilts by Penny Sisto

Heartbeats: Art Quilts by Penny Sisto continues through October 15th. Internationally recognized fiber artist Penny Sisto brings Native American history and culture to her quilt art.

Penny Sisto was born in the Orkney Islands off the northern tip of Scotland. As a health worker for the British Ministry of Overseas Development, she utilized her skills as a midwife and aided in health clinics for the Maasai, LuBukusu and Kikuyu tribes of East Africa.

During this time, Penny combined the embroidery, applique and quilting techniques she learned from her grandmother with the beading and collage methods of her African friends.

www.pennysisto.com

By the River's Edge Exhibit - Last Chance to view - July 31st

Continues Through July 31 at The Resch Gallery. The Resch Gallery is located at 138 E Spring Street in Downtown New Albany. The Resch Gallery is open on Fridays & Saturdays 11 AM - 4 PM Sundays 1 – 4 PM The exhibit contains Art & Artifacts from New Albany’s Steamboat History

ON THE AVENUES: Welcome to wherever we're going.

ON THE AVENUES: Welcome to wherever we are.

By ROGER BAYLOR
Local Columnist

I’ve never been very adept at working for someone else. Even before there was a viable option of self-employment, it was evident that my propensity for refusing the bridle would not mesh very well with the typical disciplinary constraints of corporate America.

These days, no matter how good, bad, ugly or just plain weird things sometimes get at work, it remains better than most of the alternatives. I’m the first to admit that after almost 20 years of self-employment, I’m otherwise unemployable, and so be it.

In a purely existential sense, it is my view that life’s all about fighting to the last gasp against the eternal void, and there’s no better way to pursue this mission than transforming work into a personal crusade on behalf of a better way – and against the laggardly forces of hidebound doltishness.

I am what I do, and this is okay by me, even if it unnerves random dullards.

---

A couple of years back, NABC’s three operating business partners agreed to stake their respective domestic ranches on craft beer’s glowing future. Consider today’s column a status report of sorts.

In early 2009, we opened Bank Street Brewhouse (a “gastrobrewpub”) in downtown New Albany, absorbing the myriad duties attendant to all newborns, human or business.

By summer of the same year, we were brewing on site, the distribution effort beginning with draft beer, augmented with 22-oz “bomber” bottles as of April, 2011. For the short term, our task is to use the bottles to expand our reach throughout Indiana and Kentucky, and to increase production to the point where a further brewing expansion is an option. Then, we’ll see what happens.

The front of the house at Bank Street started slowly. We were ambitious, perhaps overly so, but we kept at it, making small and coordinated changes in offerings, hours and procedures. Over time, traffic got steadily better, and I believe we’ve found the sweet spot where customer expectations and our ability to meet them are matching.

Any independent small business is only as good as the people working there, and NABC has been fortunate to have so many of them, but turnover is inevitable. As owners, there are times when we handle it well, although other times, not so much. At Bank Street Brewhouse, six of seven “key” people on duty in March, 2009, now have departed.

Indeed, trying to find that elusive “perfect chemistry” can be maddening. I try to keep it in perspective, and remember that somehow, the Yankees have survived and thrived as a baseball team even after Babe Ruth, Joe Dimaggio, Mickey Mantle and Reggie Jackson no longer played.

In 2011, Chef Josh Lehman moved on, as did other important employees, including Jared Williamson, brewer at the NABC Grant Line branch (R & D Brewery). A general manager change recently has been made at Bank Street Brewhouse. For the most part, we continue to try first to promote from within, and without exception, newly assigned employees have stepped up to the challenge.

All the while, we’ve tried to stay nimble and continue adapting as we go. I’m the very first to admit that Bank Street Brewhouse has survived so many egregious management errors (most of them mine) that I cringe when recalling them, but when asked recently what advice I’d give others about to dive into a brewing start-up, all I could say was this:

“Try to have a good attitude about the sheer (expletive) number of mistakes you’ll make, and don’t stew over them as long as you try to learn something from each one.”

And so, here we are, still standing. The anticipated daily trench warfare continues, with steady, incremental progress amid the personnel changes, vicious economic vicissitudes, and the natural ebbs and flows of downtown revitalization – the latter not peculiar to New Albany alone, but experienced anywhere in the country.

When I think about the many optimistic, forward-looking people in the food and drink business who have invested in downtown New Albany – the majority of whom are surviving, if not printing fresh greenbacks on a daily basis – it makes me proud of what my town has achieved, and not a little stubborn, too.

While NABC’s downtown experiment may have been occasionally inelegant in execution and stumbled, it was the right move for us to make, and at the right time.

In like fashion, the downtown New Albany food and drink contingent is here to stay, joining the assortment of retail and service businesses that previously outlasted the seismic changes of long decades separating New Albany’s post-war commercial acme and the present revival. Together, we’ll continue to fight, until the next wave of specialized retail and expanded housing takes shape.

But will some of the older dogs downtown be able to learn new tricks, and become part of the solution as we move the perimeter forward? I hope so. If not, I suppose they’ll be swept away by the cruel logic of the ever-mutating market.

---

Regrettably, NABC’s prolonged expansion grind has deprived me of the necessary time to write regularly about beer, apart from fulfilling my carnival barker’s duties to call attention to our own output. That’s too bad, because we’re living in a golden era, with the dizzying growth of craft brewing providing voluminous material for consideration.

In terms of beer writing, the biweekly LEO “Mug Shots” gig sufficed for a few years, until the unfortunate and unnecessary “don’t insult well-heeled mega-swill advertisers” imbroglio in June of 2010. Away went my soapbox, although sometimes standing up for a sacred principle does that.

On this front, there now is a comeback strategy: The embryonic LouisvilleBeer.com web site, founded by my friend John Campbell, which will provide me with a biweekly column format at a brand new cyber locale. Look for it at http://louisvillebeer.com, and expect an August 1 site launch.

Thumbs down and demanding a refund, sans erection.

Thanks to J for this video buzzkill.

http://www.riverridgecc.com/index.php?/about_overview/video2

Perhaps I'd feel differently if I were seated on the 1Si secret policy Politburo, but if that happened, I'd have to shoot myself.

The Undertow Art Show "Against the Current," in support of Planned Parenthood, is this Saturday.

Two NABC employees have taken the lead in organizing this art show on Saturday, July 30, and given the stated aim of helping support a worthy, besieged cause, I could not be more proud of them. Will Parson Clere attend and give the benediction? Doubtful, but a dissident can dream. For complete details, visit the show's Facebook site.

Undertow also is a LEO staff pick, as follows:

Saturday, July 30

The Undertow Art Show

The Art Store
205 E. Market St., New Albany, IN
812-948-2088

Free; 2-11 p.m.

The intent of this, the latest in a thankfully never-ending stream of art/bands/beer events, is to support Planned Parenthood of Indiana. If this doesn’t speak to your interests, move on, it’s a free country. The organizers state, “The goal of this group exhibit is to showcase artists with a message.” Such artists have been invited to participate by expressing their take on pressing issues of the day (just like the hippies did!), such as the economy, the wars and other “natural” disasters. “From the creation of art, we can open conversation and reach new depths of communication,” they pledge. And did I mention the beer? New Albanian Brewing Company will be selling their drinkable art, and bands like Shawn Sleeps Naked and Bunny Day and the Mercy Buckets will provide the aural art. — Peter Berkowitz

Are we winning yet?

Clancy Sigal's essay is less concerned with the amazing 102-year World Series title drought of the Chicago Cubs than what is implied in a larger sense by "losing" and "losers."

What's so great about winning, anyway?, by Clancy Sigal (guardian.co.uk)

If, like me, you're a baseball addict and die-hard Chicago Cubs fan, you learn to live with being 'a loser'. It's a human condition.

Merchant Mixer notes (2): Empty storefronts, Harvest Homecoming and Bob Caesar's all-way street confusion.

Here's the second part of my notes on this morning's Merchant Mixer meeting.

Previously: Merchant Mixer notes (1): New businesses, landscaping, parking, signage and dog poop.

Empty storefronts: The second-most interesting topic of the day was concern with doing something to improve the appearance of empty storefronts, the theory being that with so much happening down town, the appearance of unused properties should be enhanced.

Carl Malysz immediately expressed frustration that the city’s property maintenance codes allow windows to be boarded, suggesting that it precludes action. After a brief discussion, Carl ventured the viewpoint that the Urban Enterprise Association (UEA) might be delighted to spearhead a program of window treatments for vacant properties, because the UEA, “In fact does have some cash.”

Of course, the question left unasked is this: If we are to suggest using UEA money to treat windows on vacant building that we possess no legal means of squeezing, what about the many downtown buildings currently IN USE that have boarded windows?

Curt Peters actually asked this question, albeit without mentioning the names of furniture stores downtown. No answers were given, and none were attempted.

Harvest Homecoming: It was asked whether all merchants located in the area of the booths had arranged for their access points.

Two-way streets: John Rosenbarger explained that the city has procured a Federal street conversion grant subject to various Federal restrictions, which must have a 20% match from the city: $1.6 million from the Feds, and $400,000 from the city. Mayor England volunteered that while it’s “no slam against the council,” it would be the council’s job to find the money, which might come from EDIT.

Councilman, jewelry dealer and part-time Roman centurion Bob Caesar responded by defending the council, and added (italics mine): “One-way is the way to move traffic through a city; it is proven by numerous studies all across the country.”

The discussion continued, with the owners of Preston Art Supply joining Caesar in defending the inviolable sanctity of Pearl Street’s one-way flow, and this led to Caesar stating bluntly, unprompted and aloud:

“Pearl Street will NOT be two-way.”

I asked him how he could say this; he looked away and did not respond, but after the meeting, he walked past me and we had one of the most useless discussions in recent memory. If I were to have stated that 2 + 2 = 4, I'm certain he would disagree.

In short, after I asked him why he invariably opposes change and new ways of thinking about downtown areas, Caesar denied it, and explicitly permitted me to divulge this exact quote:

"I am for change. Change every street to two way (but) not Pearl Street. Pearl Street will NOT be two way. It's more convenient for people to park without having to drive around the block."
Don Preston added that all police departments support one-way street grids. Previously, Kathy Brennan had warned that if streets are two way, big trucks will park in traffic lanes to unload ... and what then? Throughout, listening to it, you'd think that cities are scary places, indeed, and meant for dashing into and away from as quickly as possible, in a car ... always in a car.

I realized (yet again) how so many of the older generation of merchants sincerely believes that whatever works out yonder in the soulless exurb should be implemented downtown, whereas the way I see it is that whatever can be done to create the polar opposite atmosphere downtown – including people-friendly, slower-moving traffic to accommodate humanity, and alternative modes of transportation apart from the automobile – should be the desired goal.

NAC has extensively and exhaustively made the case for two-way streets: Two-way traffic: A city permitted to function as designed is good for business.

All Bob Caesar and a handful of downtown reactionaries can offer in response are “numerous” studies, which he has so far failed to produce, and the admittedly honest (and I believe amazingly self-serving) stance that because he personally regards a one-way street as critical to his business (as though people cruising past a jewelry store are slamming on the brakes when they decide, spur-of-the-moment, to park next to the Endris front door and buy some bracelets), he will damn the torpedoes and impede potential two-way solutions in the same manner as he denounced the aborted proposal to divert the Harvest Homecoming Parade down Pearl Street.

Sometimes, as in the case of the usefulness of two-way streets, the future indeed is the past. A few questions occur to me:

Exactly when was Bob Caesar awarded veto power over the 21st century?

Is it true that Caesar, the most nominal of Democrats, is supporting Jameson Bledsoe, a Republican, in the 3rd district council race?

Am I the only one who cannot wait to see how Develop New Albany manages to avoid takng a position on two-way streets?

And: Why is rationality such a precious commodity 'round here?

Merchant Mixer notes (1): New businesses, landscaping, parking, signage and dog poop.

This morning’s Merchant Mixer at Preston’s yielded much information, and so a hearty thanks to Curt Peters for emceeing and Preston Art Supply for hosting the gathering. Roughly 30 people were in attendance.

New businesses: Mike Kopp noted two new businesses moving into the spaces adjoining and above Colokial on Spring Street. One is called Dress & Dwell, and the other will be a wedding/bridal boutique (as yet unnamed).

Mike said a development company from Mishawaka had placed an offer for the old Reisz building on Main, with an eye toward rehabbing it into a senior citizens’ assisted living facility. The two frame buildings to the east would be demolished. Also, he noted that the Bobo building at 213 Pearl finally had received historic preservation tax credits, and would begin renovations into six housing units.

Finally, Mike provided these nuggets: The Impellizeri’s deal is off … the “Frenchman” is coming to the nicely repainted former Fish House space in the Bergman Building … Quill’s Coffee (also on Market St.) should be open in a few weeks … and establishments described as “Asian” and “steak” are interested in opening.

Flowers and landscaping: Mayor England told us that the fire department had gone out to water the $16,000 of flowers provided by Horseshoe Foundation (through Clean & Green?) because not all merchants were doing their share of watering. Michelle from Main Source observed that the bank would be ding landscaping around its building, and Dave Thrasher suggested folding this into a public art project.

Parking: A public parking map of downtown was handed out. It shows full-time parking lots and other places where there is free parking after 5:00 p.m.

Directional and way-finding signage: Scott Wood displayed the nice new directional signs that have been in the works for years; 29 of them will be erected “as rapidly” as possible in the next few weeks, as the street department can get to them. There’ll be a second phase next year, all of it funded by a grant from the Tourism Bureau.

State Representative Ed Clere then outlined the myriad difficulties in getting interstate highway signage for downtown New Albany, and said he’s working on it.

Doggie litter bags: They are to be hung from trash receptacles so that dog owners can clean up after their dogs. No mention was made of education to convince dog owners to do so.

(Part Two coming as soon as I get the notes typed)

Ideas for Strassenfest? It's coming to the Riverfront Amphitheater on Saturday, Sept. 17.

This much is clear: New Albany’s second annual Strassenfest will be held on Saturday, September 17 at the Riverfront Amphitheater. Once again, admission is free.

New Albanian Brewing Company (NABC) is coordinating beverage catering for this date, and we’re going to be doing something we haven’t done before: Using genuine Bavarian yeast from Kloster Andechs to make Helles and Marzen (Oktoberfest) lagers. As with last year’s Strassenfest, there’ll be a tie-in with Louisville Craft Beer Week. There’ll also be wine, and perhaps an inaugural tasting of German schnapps. Other components of the day, including music and food, are still in the planning stages.

It is instructive to note that while many Americans instinctively associate the concept of Oktoberfest with the Bavarian style of its celebration, other locales in Germany are less bound to the template. An autumnal harvest fete can take numerous forms, and with Bavarian-style beers providing the consistent thread, there’s plenty of room for us to improvise in New Albany, especially seeing we have no German heritage organization in Southern Indiana the equivalent of the Celts on the River group.

What can be done to expand New Albany’s embryonic Strassenfest beyond the stereotypical Oktoberfest party, while retaining sufficient German themes to make the day worthy of the name? Even I’m not sure, but the possibilities intrigue me, and ideas are welcomed.

If we could just get Kraftwerk to headline … at any rate, as you brainstorm, here’s a September/October calendar check:

September 11
Sandkerwa NA begins at NABC’s Pizzeria & Public House. It is our annual draft-only homage to German beer styles, including American craft brewery interpretations.

September 16 – 24
Louisville Craft Beer Week, with events throughout Metro Louisville

September 17
Strassenfest at New Albany’s Riverfront Amphitheater

October 1
Harvest Homecoming Parade in New Albany

October 6 – 9
Harvest Homecoming Booth Days (and NABC’s 4th Annual Fringe Fest at Bank Street Brewhouse)

October 28
Reverse Recycling & Decommissioning Party at NABC Bank Street Brewhouse. Leticia Bajuyo will be dismantling her temporary Bicentennial Art Project sculpture, “All Bottled Up,” and recycling components

NA-FC School Corp makes the Times...thanks to the dimwitted decision making of Daniels, Clere, Gardenour, et al.

Back before State Representative Ed Clere had proven his unshakable bona fides as a conniving Chamber of Commerce fille de joie, I used to bother asking him really complicated, esoteric questions like, "How will [insert latest GOP wealthy appeasement plan] help improve the quality of life for your constituents?"

He never had an answer. He and the rest of the accomplices still don't. Unrepentant ideologues simply aren't concerned with such practical matters, instead choosing to govern by fiat both on paper and, in columnist Ed's case, in the paper.

The Indiana Exception? Yes, but..., by Michael Powell and Monica Davey, The New York Times.

In southern Indiana, the New Albany-Floyd school system has closed schools, consolidated classes, pared administrators and imposed a pay freeze on teachers. That is still not enough. Next year will bring layoffs.

Many state officials, and even some local board members, are unsympathetic. Rebecca Gardenour, who serves as vice president of the school board, voted for the property caps, without regrets. She regrets only that she voted to build two big new schools a few years back.

Farmers Market in Blacksburg, Virginia: July 23, 2011.

Blacksburg (Virginia) Farmers Market

Two-way traffic: A city permitted to function as designed is good for business.

It’s good to see that parking ticket non-enforcement, i.e., the curious Open Air practice of specifying which infractions will not be fined and where they won’t be, even as other violations in other places are ticketed with a expectation of payment, is on the agenda for Tuesday’s Merchant Mixer meeting.

Next Merchant Mixer gathering is Tuesday morning, July 26.

Permit me to suggest that the dormant status of two-way street conversions is another potential topic for Tuesday’s breakfast meeting at Preston’s. Curious as to how long we've been talking about two-way traffic, I did a brief search of NAC postings, which revealed that we’ve been considering it at least since 2005.

The classic thread surely was this one from 2009: Open thread: Entitled to one's own opinions on two-way streets, but not one's own facts?

Around the same time, I devoted a whole Tribune column to the pressing need for two-way retrofitting: BAYLOR: Two-way, better way.

Ah, but it wasn't just the malcontents and toxic wastrals at NAC who spoke of the need to go both ways. During his successful 2007 campaign for mayor, Doug England said on more than one occasion that two-way street conversions were his number one priority. Four years later ... well, it's four years later.

As I’ve written previously, if our downtown streets ran both ways, I could give these simple directions (from Louisville) to the Bank Street Brewhouse:

"Take the I-64 (west) exit ramp onto Elm Street, and turn right on Bank Street."

As it stands, I must say:

"Take the I-64 (west) ramp onto Elm Street, turn right on 3rd Street, turn right on Spring Street, then turn right on Bank Street."

Plainly, our confusing one-way streets are bad for a revitalized downtown's businesses, so if every downtown merchant signed a petition of support for two-way streets, what would the argument against it be?

That no one wants it?

In which case, who wants a rational street grid, and who does not? Perhaps the polling can begin at Tuesday's meeting.

Yo, Councilman CeeSaw ... just a moment of your time, sir ...

Next Merchant Mixer gathering is Tuesday morning, July 26.

Curt Peters sent this notice; if you're doing business downtown, plan to attend.

Our next Merchant Mixer is Tuesday morning at 8:30 at Prestons' Art Center on Pearl Street between Market and Spring. The mayor plans to be present. Topics will include information on new businesses, how taking care of the flowers is working out, how not giving parking tickets is working out, what to do about improving the appearance of vacant buildings, signage, and dog refuse. Bring your additional topics. I will invite Ed Clere and Scott Wood for the signage topic and Matt Denison on the dog refuse issue. PLEASE INVITE OTHER MERCHANTS AROUND YOUR PLACE TO COME. If you want to bring a brunch snack item to share, that would be fine. We will be finished by 9:30.

We got the heat, we got The Fervor.

A lot of you have probably seen this already. We're late in posting it.

But:

Golden aura
on a wave of paranoia
I can feel it
laying tracks down in
my head

conjoined with a video of New Albany?

Damn.

Before, Now, and Later: Digital Archives and Historypin.

Along with the Historical Image Archive at the New Albany-Floyd County Library, the University of Louisville's Digital Collections are a treasure, educational if not always pleasing.

109 West Market Street, New Albany, July 1965


109 West Market Street, New Albany, December 1965


Check out UofL's Photographic Archives on Historypin as well. Launched globally on July 11, Historypin allows users to view and post photos of various eras from around the world, comparing images of the same space over time, including the present via Google's Street View technology.

A video introduction:

Up with people, upriver.

While Louisville metro dullards contemplate suicide by concrete, Cincinnati is choosing life on its riverfront. Debt free.



Envy Cincinnati's already under construction riverfront park more here. Thanks to J for the link.

ON THE AVENUES: Brother, Can You Spare $12,500?

ON THE AVENUES: Brother, Can You Spare $12,500?

By ROGER BAYLOR
Local Columnist

(As we pull back the moth-eaten curtains on a makeshift television studio squeezed into the back corner of the City-County Building’s hardscrabble 3rd floor, our bloodshot eyes are assaulted with cheesy psychedelic strobes and out-of-focus camera angles. A tall man emerges from the shadows, and the studio audience begins whistling and cheering. The intensity is at frantic, near-Board of Zoning Appeals levels as the Rumors hit the final note of “Margaritaville” and all those Bics begin flicking)

Karl Maalox:
Welcome to another edition of Ask the UEA, the quiz show that answers the question: “Hey pal, do you have any spare change?” I’m your host, Karl Maalox, joined by Mike Ladd, the Urban Enterprise Association’s eternally nominal director.

Ladd:
Nominal? But I …

Maalox:
Hey, I’m just kidding, Mike – like when the mayor and I have a few gratis drinks over at the country club and talk about how we’re going to put you on a slow boat to China. We’re not laughing with you, buddy!

(audience chortles)

Ladd:
Well as long as …

Maalox:
But enough of this jocularity! It’s time to get down to the agenda items at hand, so let’s get down to grants and donations. Here to introduce our first contestant of the day is our new favorite co-producer of a studio announcer, Parson Clere!

(polite applause)

Parson Clere:
Thank you, Carl. You know, the Fourth of July has passed, but the fireworks aren’t over. Fireworks can be entertaining, but they can also be harmful, and such is the case with some of the political fireworks that keep going off, and because my esteemed political idol, Mitch Daniels, inspired me to seek this job, I’d like you to welcome our first guest on Ask the UEA: Mr. Historical Preservation himself, Bob Vilakula!

(more polite applause)

Maalox:
(Nudging and winking) Welcome to the show, Bob! And as a reminder to the studio audience, Bob was chosen yet again, entirely at random!

Vilakula:
Thanks Karl, and thank you so much, Parson Clere. It’s some coincidence to be back on the 3rd floor. You know what we say over at Landmarks: The UEA’s the show with the only remaining dough!

(crowd oohs and aahs)

Ladd:
What was … ?

Maalox:
(Beaming and nodding in the direction of a gigantic off-stage hook) Aw, don’t mind him, Bob. He’s not really here – at least he won’t be for long. Okay, we know you always come prepared with a great question, so go ahead and Ask the UEA – and don’t forget to ask nicely!

(wild applause)

Vilakula:
All right, Carl, my question for the UEA is, “We have a preservation project, so give us some of your money, or else.”

(hand-picked crowd of selfless volunteers laughs and cheers)

Ladd:
But that’s not a question at all!

Maalox:
(Waving off Ladd) All right, folks – it seems the UEA has chosen to appeal. Goody goody! As you all know, in case of an appeal, we must ask the official judge for a ruling. Oh, judge, where are you … look, there he comes … here comes the judge -- over there!

(Maalox gestures off-camera, then quickly dons his Mayor Shetland mask when the audience looks away)

Maalox/Shetland:
Look, here I am. I’m the judge, and I’m ready to rock.

Ladd:
Karl, you’re wearing a Groucho mask. You’re not the mayor.

Maalox/Shetland:
No, it’s me, definitely me, Mayor Shetland here, and since I can’t actually be here tonight, I’ll have to get back with you about whatever it is you want.

(Maalox drops the mask and kicks it away while pirouetting)

Maalox:
Meanwhile, I, er, Mayor Shetland would like for me to convey to you that the UEA’s answer was incorrect, and must be rephrased correctly, or else the city will cease doing any official business with UEA board members who dare to vote against it. Mike, in order for Bob to win the $12,500 jackpot as planned, you must respond, “Yes sir, Mr. Vilakula, how much money do you need from the UEA?”

Ladd:
But our organizational charter …

Bystander:
Screw the charter! Give ‘em the cash! Way to go, Guido! It’s about time.

(a pompom squad materializes out of nowhere)

"Sit in the car
Press on the gas
Move aside
Let DNA pass"

Ladd:
What are you guys doing here? This is my show, damn it.

DNA:
We’re Develop New Albany, and we approve this message. Besides, we get to ask the next question. How else do you think we’d be able to afford a paid staff person?

Ladd:
This is an outrage!

Maalox:
Duh! Of course it is, Mike, but after all, this also is New Albany, and we only have five months left before our world comes to a premature end. Now if you would, please make the UEA’s check out to “Business As Usual”, and run along like a good outsider.

(chaos now descends as the Bobbing for UEA Dollars segment gets underway)

Maalox:
I’m afraid we’re out of time. Parson Clere, can you pass me that set of thumbscrews? I don’t suppose any of you have an ice-cold Big Flats, do you … come here, Mike – you can run, but you can’t hide …

Dan Coffey:
Wait just one minute … Maalox stole my information! Thief!

"The NFL star and the brain injuries that destroyed him."

As substantial portion of the populace has no clue what to do with themselves on fall and winter Sundays without the lure of dawn to dusk football. Currently the professional players and owners seem about to resolve their latest labor dispute, and the sighs of relief from the hinterlands are palpable, and yet in all of the current anguished verbiage, only Jim Brown's comments in the past Sunday's New York Times have remained with me.

"I don’t want the game to be a killer of our players.”

Yesterday morning, The Guardian's Ed Pilkington picked up the story. It is not a pleasant read, reminding us of the physical toll exacted by the modern game.

The NFL star and the brain injuries that destroyed him

Before the former American football player Dave Duerson killed himself, he asked that his brain be left to researchers studying head injuries among athletes. What it revealed shocked the scientists.

NA Open Air Museum: Straight ahead.

Gregg Seidl's "Drinking With the Dead" Haunted History Tours are coming.

Gregg Seidl is gearing up his fun, informative and libational "Drinking With the Dead" Haunted History Tours.

The first date is this weekend (Saturday, July 23) from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with additional dates of August 6 & 20, and September 3 & 17. Check out the additional details below, and visit the FB page.

Spirits, fun, and ghastly tales with local author and historian Gregg Seidl.

Location: Tours start at Hugh E. Birs, corner of East 4th and Market streets in downtown New Albany. 21 and over only.

Tours start at 7:00 p.m. at Hugh E. Bir’s on the corner of East 4th and Market streets in New Albany.

Tour stops include The River City Winery, Habana Blues, The Irish Exit, and The New Albanian Brewing Company.

Tickets: $10

Tour Dates: July 23th Aug. 6th Aug. 20th Sept. 3rd Sept. 17th

Tour ticket does not include the price of food or drinks.

For tour information and tickets: Call (812) 948-1195 or contact gsei691@aol.com or Gregg Seidl on Facebook

Tour Size is limited. Call now!

UEA's market study the subject of three-part OSIN series.

Daniel Suddeath's three-part OSIN newspaper series examining the Urban Enterprise Association's 2010 retail site assessment survey, and its context within the city's overall economic prospects, concludes today. Links are provided below. The UEA's market study by the Buxton firm was first suggested during my tenure on the organization's board, and unlike certain other viewpoints, it falls squarely within the UEA's stated mandate.

MISSION: The mission of the NAUEA is to improve the physical, business, residential and socioeconomic environment of the New Albany Urban Enterprise Zone through collaborative, public-private initiatives that stimulate private investment in real and personal property.

This creates a continuum of jobs, including “living wage” jobs; and provides a supportive atmosphere for employers, employees and zone residents alike.

In all its endeavors, the NAUEA shall strive for the common good and reciprocity among its many stakeholders.

As most readers should know, I no longer serve on the UEA's board, but then, as now, my primary personal interest in this topic has to do with expanding opportunities for independent, local and small businesses, which have proven their resilience, especially the ones located New Albany's revitalizing downtown during the past few recessionary years.

When the market study idea first surfaced, my questions were appropriately narrow. Would such a study be used as chain bait alone? Would we be looking for the Qdobas and Bed & Bath & Whatevers that form the basis for the endless, soulless exurb (see: Veteran’s Parkway?

In the end, I was satisfied with the answers proffered, to the effect that the results would take the form of a factual compendium with a broad range of potential uses.

Oddly, my reading of the second installment of Suddeath’s series seems to reveal that a strange, latent affection for a larger-box retail presence downtown among some of the district’s boosters has never really gone away. The chosen euphemism for these trial balloons would seem to be the words “large” or "larger." Speaking for myself, it would be informative to hear more about what is meant by “large” when the word is used in this way, and whether the speakers truly understand why a small businessman like myself fight - and whom.

To repeat something written here numerous times in the past: Downtown is a case for a strategy approximating that of branded destination marketing.

Downtown business will succeed to the extent that its businesses and its overall feeling represent the polar antithesis of the exurb. Small, independent, local and niche are the keys. Not only is such a strategy possible; it is practical, and it is proven in cities across the country. NA 1st, the city's first-ever grassroots small and independent business alliance, exists for precisely this mission, and not only in downtown.

1. Despite low economic segments, some say New Albany’s consumer base still strong

2. Bringing business to New Albany: Study shows city capturing more than its share of the market

3. Next wave for New Albany: Officials: Education, housing and marketing must be focal points for city’s economic future

All You Fascists Bound To Lose.

Private party closes Bank Street Brewhouse this Thursday, July 21.

This Thursday (July 21), Bank Street Brewhouse will be closed to the public all day for a large private party. We hope this does not inconvenience any of you, and remind you that the original Pizzeria & Public House will be open as usual to serve your craft beer and pizza needs.

Dodgy dog daze of year-round.

As the temperatures (and humidity) this week are set to demonstrate, these are the dog days of summer.

The Romans referred to the dog days as diēs caniculārēs and associated the hot weather with the star Sirius. They considered Sirius to be the "Dog Star" because it is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major (Large Dog). Sirius is also the brightest star in the night sky. The term "Dog Days" was used earlier by the Greeks (see, e.g., Aristotle's Physics, 199a2).

The Dog Days originally were the days when Sirius rose just before or at the same time as sunrise (heliacal rising), which is no longer true, owing to precession of the equinoxes. The Romans sacrificed a brown dog at the beginning of the Dog Days to appease the rage of Sirius, believing that the star was the cause of the hot, sultry weather.

Dog Days were popularly believed to be an evil time "when the seas boiled, wine turned sour, Quinto raged in anger, dogs grew mad, and all creatures became languid, causing to man burning fevers, hysterics, and phrensies" according to Brady’s Clavis Calendarium, 1813. [1]

I have nothing witty to add to this, other than to contemplate how, in the context of the concluding paragraph, an outsider observing the parade of local color in the Open Air Museum might justly conclude that in New Albany, the dog days never really end.