Election Gloom, Despair, & Agony... Ohhh

So #thatguy won last night

I didn't watch the election returns. Instead, I watched comedy reruns on Me and Laff TV. In fact, I didn't know he#thatguy had won until I received a "Why Neo-Nazis love Trump" email on my phone early this morning. Then I knew for sure, as it was talking about him and his racist friends in the present tense. Like it's still a relevant thing.

He's not our president...not yet, so I feel perfectly okay not giving him his winner's respect at this time. Once he takes the oath of office, I will try to hold my tongue. (Although that mode of behavior is not likely to stick.) 

As for now, I believe I'll break out in song. 

Yes, I'm feeling the gloom and despair. I'm feeling the heartache and agony that an atomic-bomb loving bully will be running our country for the next four years. Let's hope it's not longer than that. But, unlike many people have done over the past eight Obama years, 

• I will not call #thatguy nasty names. 
• I will not tell lies about the things he does or does not do. 
• I won't post fake photos on Facebook. 
• I will not say he's selfish or childish or call him a bully... although plenty of us know he is. 

I don't have to do any of these things because his actions prove all of the above. 
Still, I will give #thatguy the respect his office is due. 

Okay, maybe not, because I still believe that we are stronger together. I also believe #thatguy and the way he spreads hate and divisiveness are unAmerican. 

That sort of behavior deserves no respect at all.

Written by Carol, the Nice Lady
2016

Let this fun and crazy video motivate you to vote

I'm all hyped up about this election. 

I cast my vote a few weeks ago because I could and because I was too excited to wait. I really don't understand people--especially my people--who bypass the voting privilege altogether. (You know the whole disenfranchised folks fighting and dying for the right to vote thing.) That's real and it fires me up every time. 

My hype-ness scaled to straight-on overdrive when I viewed this not so traditional get-out-the-vote video. It's funny and fun. The ensemble of quirky TV personalities showcases Rachael Bloom, the "My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" actress who regularly breaks into song for no apparent reason. If a little crazy is what it takes to get you to the polls, push play, please and then share it with a voter you love.  

This video gets to the point with "We Are the World" reminiscent style. That is if "We Are The World" were infused with a dose of fun and a spoonful of profanity. 

Naughty Word Warning! 

If you don't like mixing and mingling your politics, fun, and naughty words--and/or you're one of those people who get angry over humorous digs directed at He-whose-name-cannot-be-said, this video might offend you. So Don't watch it!

I don't use profanity myself, but I understand that sometimes you need a good 4-letter word to get people's attention. Besides, the naughtiness is what transforms this video from a traditional voting rant into a few minutes of political fun. 

P.S 
This video is subtly Pro-Hillary and anti #thatguy but there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Written by The Nice Lady,
who is pro-Hillary and doesn't care who knows it!

Will Cincinnati help deliver the first Madame President?

HIllary Rally Photos courtesy of Gregory Reese VIP Photography

Just in case you didn't hear the news, Hillary was in town yesterday. The crowd cheered and shouted. The enthusiasm was contagious; and yes, I was shouting along with everybody else. 

This is my blog. It's about my Cincinnati, so I won't pretend to be unbiased, fair and balanced, or impartial. I am not a Trump fan. I don't like Trump and I don't care who knows it!

As a child born and raised in the 60s and a woman, wife, and mother who dealt with the sexist norms of the 70s, I can't even handle hearing that man's voice. I'm looking forward to Hillary breaking that high glass ceiling and putting #thatguy. 

I love my city. We are Ohio. What we do is crucial to the overall outcome. I sincerely hope Cincinnati voters are up to the challenge of delivering our first "Madam President" to the White House door.

Feeling the love on the banks of the Ohio

Hillary Clinton's October 31st rally at Smale Park was a multicultural lovefest by "..this grand river..." (I forgive her generic reference to our beautiful Ohio River. I know she's been crisscrossing the USA a lot lately.) That minor faux pas and the non-Kentucky "...over-the-river..." reference didn't stop the rally from being a warm and fuzzy gathering of like-minded, non-angry voters. Soooo different from those Trump/Pence anger fests so often highlighted in the news. 

Alicia Reece, Denise Driehaus, Aftab Pureval, Ted Strickland, and other local Democratic candidates fit perfectly into the evening's multicultural theme. This beats the Angry folks doing  Trump rally duty.

Gabby tugged at the heart

If the signs and music didn't make rally-goers feel the love and excitement, Arizona Congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords surely did. After a 2011 gunshot wound to the head, she made a phenomenal recovery. Residual walking and speaking difficulties are a constant reminder of that tragic event. 

Gabby's unfortunate experience turned her into a dedicated advocate for gun reform. She and her husband, former astronaut Mark Kelly, travel the country in the "Vocal Majority" bus speaking out against gun violence. Gabby explained how she's looking forward to saying, "Madam President" next January.

Loved the signs

Political rally rules required that attendees leave their quirky signs at home. Some folks broke that rule, but it gave the event a humor boost and illustrated the diversity of the crowd. As you would expect, there were a bunch of Stronger Together signs passed out by the staff. Then there were trendy offerings like Nasty Women Vote and "love trumps hate." 

And, yes, I saw a few African Americans for Hillary signs, but I must point out the big difference between these signs and the #blacksfortrump signs photographed at Trump rallies. The A-A signs at the Cincinnati rally were actually hoisted and waved by African Americans. Imagine that!

Photos courtesy of Greg Reese, VIP
Written by Carol, The Nice Lady who reminds you to vote

...unless you plan to vote for #thatguy.

Do the I Love Cincinnati (Selfie) Shout!

When  you meet Greg Cameraman Reese, it only takes a few minutes to figure out who he is and what he wants. He’s the “I Love Cincinnati” guy and he wants to capture you on video. He wanders Downtown Cincinnati streets with his video camera at the ready, and when he asks people to shout “I Love Cincinnati,” they usually do.

It’s AllStar Week in Cincinnati and Greg wants to capture 4,192 people doing the “I Love Cincinnati” shout. He wants to share them on Youtube.com and his facebook page, Do the Cincinnati Shout. It’s a really cool goal, and he’d love your help.

Do a Selfie Vid Shout or a Selfie Photo Shout

If you run into the Cameraman, give him a Cincinnati Shout. If you don’t, you can still shout out your love for the Queen City when and where you please. Just do a Selfie Video, either all by yourself or with your buddies. Shout “I Love Cincinnati” and then share it on the Do The Cincinnati Shout Facebook Page.

And if you don’t do video clips?

#ilovecincinnatishout

• Make it a Selfie Photo Shout
• Snap a Selfie
• Use an editing app to add words to your photo or...
• Make an “I  Love Cincinnati” sign and hold it while you shoot your Selfie Photo Shout
• Post your photo to the Do the I Love Cincinnati Shout Page

WCPO.Com and on Channel 5 News have shared the Cameraman’s simple goal. King Arthur, a New Jersey talk jock, interviewed him on his show as well. In just a few days, The Cameraman has captured Color Run crowds and a Chi-Town group doing the shout. A DeeJay finessed a crowd on Fountain Square into a Cincinnati Shout while jamming their little hearts out.

Greg’s even captured Cincinnati’s head honcho, John Cranley, doing a low key Mayorial shout. (Check him out on the Do the Cincinnati Shout Facebook page) With All Star Game crowds all over Downtown Cincinnati, the Cameraman has a lot of ready-made photo ops. He’s steadily inching toward his goal.

#Ilovecincinnatishout

Think Pink Cincinnati It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Pink Cincinnati
Photo Courtesy of Cameraman Greg Reese

facebook.com/VIVACINCY

It's that time of year when businesses dip their brushes into the pink paintbox, or crayon box, or however they do it. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Cincy really gets into it.

You'll see pink everywhere. University Medical Center is sporting a big pink ribbon. Kroger usually decks out their Downtown headquarters in pink ribbons and banners. They even illuminate the building with pink lights each night. It's pretty cool.

Race for the Cure 2013
Photo courtesy of Greg Cameraman Reese

There are pink races, pink events, and even pink-trimmed food at the grocery store. When you buy certain pink adorned products the grocer and manufacturer chip in a donation. The donations are small, but they add up. 

Look for other pink ways to contribute to Breast Cancer Awareness. You can even make a direct donation at komencincinnati.org.

Kroger lights up their headquarters with pink
Photo Greg Cameraman Reese
Facebook.com/vivacincy

Download Pink Cincinnati

If you like the photo at the top of this post, Cameraman Greg Reese
wants you to have a copy. Feel free to save a copy and use it as your Facebook cover photo, your web page, or wherever you choose.

Just give the Cameraman credit and if you've got a minute, like his page on Facebook.  

facebook.com/VIVACINCY

Pick a Perfect Pumpkin at a Cincinnati Area Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins!

Pumpkins by M Doege: Wikimedia Commons
GMU Free Documentation License

The best way to get a fresh, local pumpkin is to pick it yourself at a nearby farm. Several farms in the greater Cincinnati area make the task even more enjoyable with an offering of festival activities from hayrides to dancing. Here are a few farms that can make your pumpkin picking experience an adventure for the entire family.

Blooms and Berries Farm Market

9669 State Route 48, Loveland, Ohio

513-697-9173

Blooms and Berries Farm Market is located in Loveland, Ohio, a community nestled among Warren, Hamilton and Clermont counties. It's an easy drive from Cincinnati and nearby cities. 

"Fall on the Farm" festival takes place from September 20 through October 31. Your family can take a hayride, play pumpkin paintball, travel through the corn maze, and more before choosing your pumpkin from the pumpkin patch.

Pumpkin Garden Photo by: Frenchtowner
Wikimedia Creative Commons License Share Alike 3.0

You can also enjoy freshly pressed apple cider, food and lots of fun family activities. Admission: Weekdays - 7$, Friday and Saturday- $10, Children under 2 free.

Open Mon - Sat - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Shaw Farms

1737 State Route 131, Milford, Ohio

513-575-2022

Shaw Farms is located just east of Cincinnati in Milford, Ohio. They hold their "Fall Festival" from the third week in September (hours 9 am to 6 pm) through October (hours 9 am to 7 pm.) 

Choose a tractor or horse-drawn hayride through the scenic 160 acre farm. Children will enjoy picking out their very own pumpkin. They'll also have fun playing with farm animals, wandering the corn maze, and participating in interactive activities. Admission to the farm is free. Activity prices vary:

• Corn Maze - $5.
• Hayride: Tractor - $3. Horse - $4.  
• Little Blue Train - $2.

Neltner's Farm & Greenhouses

6922 Four Mile Road, Camp Springs, Kentucky

859.635.3636

Kentucky is just a river and a bridge away from Greater Cincinnati. Once you reach the Bluegrass state, Neltner's Farm & Greenhouses is just 15 miles away on the AA Highway. The farm has been a Kentucky tradition since 1892. 

If you visit during October, you can pick your own pumpkin and participate in their annual fall festivities. Your family can ride in a horse drawn wagon, ride the new Barrel Train, and enjoy live entertainment, a petting zoo, home cooked food, crafters and much more.

Weekends, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. admission, age 3 and up, $5.

Weekdays, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sunrock Farm

103 Gibson Lane, Wilder KY

859-781-5502

Sunrock Farms is an educational farm that offers Pumpkin Patch Tours each October. Your family can travel by hay wagon to the pumpkin patch to pick their very own pumpkin. Afterwards your children can milk a goat, gather eggs, hold bunnies or visit an alpaca or an emu. Tour: 2 hours, $10; 1 hour, $7; Infants under 1 year, free. Hours vary, see sunrockfarms.org for information.

Flashback: The 2012 World Choir Games Brings the World to Cincinnati

The 2012 World Choir Games Brings the World to Cincinnati

Cincinnati, Ohio July 4, 2012:

Cincinnatians welcomed the Fourth of July with fireworks, near 100 degree heat and an international party. After years of preparation, the 2012 World Choir Games made it's Cincinnati debut with a procession of choirs in colorful costumes. The Opening Ceremony was a grand musical celebration featuring a welcome letter from President Barack Obama, music by the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and May Festival Chorus and a song by Grammy Award winning gospel singer, Kirk Franklin.

The 2012 World Choir Games Brought
International Excitement to Cincinnati

This is the seventh biennial event for the World Choir Games and its non profit producer, INTERKULTUR, but it's the first time the choral competition has been held in the United States. The Games are a coup for the city. It's no wonder Jerry Springer, Nick Lachey, Drew Lachey, Grammy Award Winner/Music Hall of Famer Bootsy Collins, the Naked Cowboy and other local celebrities created the cheesy promo, "Cincinnati Singing." 

Choirs from Australia to Zimbabwe began arriving in the city earlier this week. On July 4th, they assembled as a group for the first time at Great American Ball Park. Each choir wore costumes and carried signs and flags showing their country of origin.

A procession with an international flair

At 5:00 the choirs gathered inside the ball park's main entrance to begin a brief procession to the U.S. Bank Arena next door. They endured the heat without complaint. Some sang as they walked. Some marched silently, carrying large and small flags from their countries of origin, and some smiled and waved for the cameras. 

Other choirs, like the singers from Puerto Rico, offered a more entertaining display. Their walk was more of a dance with rhythmic drumming, laughter and a lively song about "Puerto Rico." Russian choirs sang out "Rus-si'-a, Rus-si'-a" and a choir from Iowa chanted, "I-o-wa, I-o-wa." Another American group called out "U-S-A, U-S-A..." Outside the stadium a crowd snapped pictures, waved flags and cheered as the procession passed. 

The Opening Ceremonies

Local news anchors Clyde Gray and Carol Williams hosted the opening ceremony. Choirs, visitors and dignitaries filled the arena with joyful noise, and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra provided background music for a processional of international flags. Young color bearers lined the stage carrying flags representative of the choirs' countries of origin. The Cincinnati Police Color Guard presented the American Flag as the audience sang the National Anthem.

Cincinnati Mayor, Mark Mallory; Ohio U. S. Senator Rob Portman; Gunter Titsch, INTERKULTUR president and Werner Geissler, Vice Chairman of Procter & Gamble Global Operations, gathered on a spotlighted platform to offer greetings to the crowd. Together they rang the 2012 World Choir Games Peace Bell, signaling the official opening of the event. The bell was cast especially for the event by the historic local Verdin Bell Company.

Kirk Franklin sang "I Can"

While dignitaries offered official greetings, the large One In Song choir entered the arena and stood quietly on stage. The group was Kirk Franklin's local, multi-choir back up for his performance of "I Can," the theme song he composed for the 2012 World Choir Games. The event continued into the evening with White Oak Singers' Native American Drumming, a tribute to the late Pops director, Erich Kunzel, music and song and a pyrotechnic display.

The Russian choir took a moment for a photo op
 in Washington Park

The Opening Ceremony was only the beginning. The Choirs will be in Cincinnati until July 14. They will sing in competitions in Downtown area venues and perform a selection of free Friendship Concerts in locations throughout the city. See 2012worldchoirgames.com for a complete schedule of events

Originally published on Yahoo Voices

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