Green Columbus

If It's Yellow Let it Mellow...

2008-09-02T11:50:00.002-04:00

...If it's brown flush it down. Catchy little rhyme and a good way to help out the environment. My family and I have been practicing this for about 3 weeks now and I have to say I've learned some things about how to make this little diddy work for you:

Don't do mellow yellow when it's very hot outside and your upstairs is warmer than the rest of the house.
Carefully explain the concept to anyone using the potty under 8 in the home. My 4 year-old lets everything mellow - Eww.
Be prepared to clean the toilet more often so it's important to have your environmentally friendly cleaning solution on hand. I like Borax and white vinegar.
You may chose not to mellow all day. All night when usage is down - cool. All day, not so much. Try 3 -4 flushes a day, beats the 400 my toddler puts it through.
Doing the mellow is a great way to figure out if you and the rest of your family are getting enough water.
Invest in a toilet lock if you've got a little one who believes in putting all things movable in the toilet. It's one thing to fish it out of relatively clean water, a whole other thing to go fishing in hour old pee.
No mellowing when guest come, I don't care how environmentally friendly they are, they don't wanna share pee with you.

So how bout it folks - should I call you Mellow Yellow or grossed out?

Experience Columbus Going Viral

2008-07-31T18:25:00.006-04:00

Experience Columbus is launching a new ad campaigned designed to get the buzz out on all the great things there is to do in Columbus.

With a new, quirky, less stuffy series of ads, the campaign is designed to highlight what is not in Columbus including Sasquatch, the Eiffel Tower and the Pyramids.

Of course, coming off the Messin' w/Sasquatch popularity for Jack's Beef Jerky ads, the stand out funny ad is the "I didn't catch Sasquatch in Columbus, but I did everything else."

There's nothing better than gathering a bunch of bloggers, giving them the scoop over traditional media and throwing in some YouTube video to get the campaign to go viral.

Some bloggers in attendance were concerned that leading with the negative may turn off some Columbusites. What do you think? Are the ads edgy, funny or corny?

photo credit: terreece clarke, screenshot of new "notincolumbus" website set to launch this weekend.

Green Cleaning...

2008-07-18T12:55:00.002-04:00

We had a garage sale this past weekend which was our opportunity to get rid of our junk while preventing it from landing in the 'fill. We made a little bit of money, but got rid of a whole lotta junk. Which led to a massive cleaning project that is still going on.

It's amazing how much junk a family can collect and it's even more amazing how much dirt hides behind the junk. Mixing up big batches of cleaning solutions got me feeling all Mother Earth. No one likes to clean but my kitchen floor? Honey, you can literally eat off of it. My 14 month old does.

Cleaning Solution Recipes
Vinegar and Salt. Mix together for a good surface cleaner.
Baking Soda. Dissolve 4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart warm water for a general cleaner.
Baking soda on a damp sponge. Baking soda cleans and deodorizes all kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
*courtesy of Clean and Green

Non-Toxic Cleaning Kit

Getting Around By Private Plane - In Columbus...

2008-07-15T10:56:00.002-04:00

Cindy McCain was recently quoted in an interview saying the only way to get around Arizona is by small private plane. See interview here.

That is amazing. Here I thought cars were the main mode of transportation. I can just imagine Columbus' take. Instead of Hummers you'd have gas guzzling private planes buzzing the lowly "car driving" peons.

Parking in the Short North would be a bigger nightmare and I won't even go there on traffic going out to the 'burbs. Instead of a three car garage being the height of suburb chic, it would then be a three plane garage.

Let me stop before I give someone ideas ;0)

Green Grocery Shopping...

2008-07-07T14:54:00.004-04:00

Gotta get groceries and I gotta get greener - "Green Groceries" this week feels like an oxymoron. I stopped on the way back from Liv's karate class to pick up a few groceries. It was easier to stop at Aldi's instead of taking the extra time to go into Walmart, get seduced by EVERYTHING and end up spending two hours instead of 20 minutes.

Aldi's is apparently not into greening the joint up. All of the fruit and veggies were in plastic containers. The peppers, tomatoes, no veggie was left untouched. Then I spent two minutes feeling guilty over eggs. Are these local? No. They're in styrofoam. Should I still buy them? Is there anything I can do with styrofoam? What crafts?

Sigh.

In the end I got what I needed. Spent 69 cents more on organic tortilla chips and used my cloth shopping bags. I have a feeling grocery shopping is going to be accompanied by a hippie in hemp waggin their finger at me on one shoulder and an a-hole in a Hummer with endangered polar bear-covered seats on the other side.

I could have left, I could have dragged both kids to Walmart up the street, but that felt like a waste of gas. Of course I could have gone to Whole Paycheck, I mean, Whole Foods waaaaay on the other side of town and spent $40 in gas getting there. Why are all of the health stores in the burbs?

The Good:

I remembered the cloth bags
Saved gas by going to a store along the way home
Bought one organic product

The Bad:

I bought eggs in styrofoam.
I bought grapes encased in a plastic habitat.
Got a little pissed at the Earth, the Man and my wallet.

The Lesson: Keep trying and petition Aldi's for a better selection of green products.

Milk-labeling rule upsets Organic Trade Assoc.

2008-07-03T12:36:00.003-04:00

Two trade groups have filed lawsuits challenging a new Ohio rule on milk labels. Apparently the Organic Trade Association says the changes violate free speech because the law requires milk labels that advertise the cows were not treated with bovine growth hormone must have a disclaimer saying the government has not found a difference in the milk that contains the hormone.

Read the article here: Milk-labeling rule brings lawsuits

This is a setback for those who are trying to convince consumers to be more concerned about where their food comes from. It boils down to cost really. If the average consumer is weighing the difference between the more expensive organic milk versus store milk on sale and they see the label saying the government says there's no difference I'm afraid price will win out.

I find the wording of the label convenient: there's no difference in the milk. But it doesn't say there is no difference in how the milk may affect the consumer. Nice one lawyers.

What do you guys think? Will the label discourage some consumers or is the "trust your government's oversight" argument losing it's authority?

two headed cow image courtesy of Barcroft Media

Columbus Punishes Residents for Recycling

2008-07-01T10:29:00.004-04:00

For most Columbus residents this is old news, but it still irates me and I'd like to talk about it. Why on Earth did Columbus City Council vote to end subsidizing for the recycling program?

We recycle faithfully, admiring how we'd have to go two - three weeks before we could put out a full trash bin because of most of our trash being recycled. Then I hear that the council has voted and instead of paying $20 for 4 months of recycling pick-up, we would now have to pay $8.25/month!

Yikes.

Supposedly the program wasn't very successful with few taking advantage of the subsidized service so they cut it and replaced it with...Nothing. I honestly didn't see much advertising going into letting residents know the service existed. I wanted to start and went digging for the info on the city's horrid "city Web site." (Would it kill 'em to add a little design?)

Beyond the huge price hike, cutting the program has left people who are concerned, but unwilling or unable to pay for the increase. With gas sky high those of modest means are watching every dollar.

We now pile our recyclables into our car and drop them off at a city drop-off point on the way to our daughter's karate class. But there are plenty who aren't dedicated like us. They'll just quit...

A program Columbus should look to is what crazy Carty Finkbeiner has going on in Toledo, Ohio - residents are charged if they DON'T recycle.

Trash Rates Have Toledo Seeing Green

"When the current fee went into effect, the Finkbeiner administration predicted the rate of recycling would increase from 17 percent to about 40 percent because of the $2.50 monthly savings.

Thirty-eight percent of people are pledged to recycle while only about 28 percent currently do so, said Bill Franklin, the city's director of public service.

City officials said there has been resistance to the change, but think the new fee could alleviate that.

"My neighbor takes my papers over to Kroger's and that's what I've had most to recycle," Ms. Wumer said. "The rise in price to $10 was too much, so I have to do it."

Toledo residents snapping up recycling discount cards

"The recycling pledge cards that will entitle residents to a discount on the new $5.50 monthly trash collection fee have been flying out of stores and libraries where they were put on Friday.

"The kits went out as fast as they came in," Nancy Goldsmith, office coordinator for The Andersons at Talmadge Road and Monroe Street, said yesterday.

City Council last month established a $5.50 monthly refuse fee, with a reduced rate of $3 for people who pledge to participate in curbside recycling."

One of my reasons for refusing to move back to Toledo is that Columbus is far more progressive than my hometown. And now To-dol-leedo is blazing past us in this area. What's up with that Mayor Mike?

What ways are your city encouraging recycling? What successful programs do you think may work with Columbus?

I'm Going Green and So Is the Blog!

2008-06-30T12:53:00.002-04:00

My family has always been environmentally aware, before it became in vogue I banned my mother from using Styrofoam and as we were fiscally challenged (wink,wink.) we always saved things for multiple uses. We saved cooking oil and bar soap pieces. We reused aluminum foil and Ziplock bags and don't even ask me to recall those long days of hanging clothes outside on the clothesline.

But as more information comes out on going green and the ways each family can do their part I find that as I've gotten older I've lost my green edge. Don't get me wrong, I don't feel a day over 28, but as a 31 year-old wife and mother of two I can see where convenience has won out over the planet.

Disposable diapers, paper towels and driving all over the city for various activities has taken over our lives, yet as gas prices rise along with the seas I find myself going back to my environmentalist roots.

I'm chronicling my journey and along with information that is specific to Columbus and Ohio I will, of course, include info on national news developments as well as tips, ideas and anything else "green."

Cougars and Kittens Out in Force for Sex In the City Premire In Columbus

2008-05-28T13:43:00.001-04:00

Way out on the west side of Columbus WNCI, Vitamin Water and Mercedes Benz held a preview showing of the new Sex in the City Movie. I got to be there to review the flick for Kids-In-Mind.Com.

There was a red carpet, a young chick in a really little dress that she had to keep pulling down was taking photos and they were passing out Vitamin Water. I didn't get my photo taken nor did I get a comp water. I'm not sure if I wasn't cool enough, and as a journalist I am supposed to refuse perks, but I'd still like the option - dang!

Anyway the movie was great, you'll have to wait and see it for yourself, no spoilers here! The best thing about the event last night was of course the people watching. With a half-hour plus to kill before the movie started I got a chance to see women pour into the theater.

There were more heels than sneakers running around the theater. It's like everyone got a memo - and yes I had on my pumps too. Not too often I get to bust them out on a Tuesday for a non-business related function. Carrie would have been proud. There were also tons of designer bags as women channeled their inner "sex." The best thing is that there were women of all walks of life in attendance.

Oh there were the fashionistas of course, those whose designer jeans were made for Manolos. Available in both young and middle-aged versions, these ladies either clopped (young) in their heels in groups of 4 or 5 or glided (middle-aged) with their long-time girlfriends as they scoped out the best seats in which to swoon over Mr. Big.

There were also a couple pairs of mom jeans, women who know the joys of extra butter on their popcorn (my kindof women) and oddly enough, mom and daughter crews.

I don't know about you, but sitting next to my mother while Miranda and Steve get it on is not my idea of fun.

As a fan of the show, I do catch it occasionally after the girls are in bed and have gotten used to the sanitized version. I forget how in your face the sex can be. It was a little jarring. But those ladies have got some confidence I tell you what.

Strangely, there were a bunch of scenes in which the boom mic was clearly visible in about 10-15 minutes of the movie. The color was off and the crowd kept giggling during high drama scenes because you kept seeing that darn fuzzy mic. I hope this was just the preview version.

We were treated to a feed from the NY premire and Kojo just reconfirmed how damn annoying he is. Between the fawning and the sweating and the poor interviewing skills. Urgh, Yuck and I'm embarrassed for him...Bleh

Have you seen the movie? Are you going with your girlfriends?

Sex in the City Premier in Columbus Tonight

2008-05-27T11:14:00.001-04:00

So normally I'm not so great at the hip happenings in Columbus. I pretty much ignore anything I don't have a sitter for or appeals to the booty-shaking, video queen crowd. You know, if I see a gigantic butt with a bottle of Absolute super-imposed over it while touting the party of the year, I don't even pause, however tonight I'm in on a pretty cool event.

The Sex in the City movie prescreening is tonight and I've been asked to review it for Kids-In-Mind.Com. One of the cool perks of being a writer I have to admit. The great thing about Kids-In-Mind is we offer unbiased reviews. You get the facts - whether there is swearing, and what words, how many times, any sex or perceived sex, and other issues that regular reviews may not cover.

Anyway, I jumped at the chance to see the movie and then my editor let me know it was an "event." Dang, no jeans and t-shirt then huh? Well, the raggedy, uncool, I'm -going-to-bed-after-this jeans and t-shirt that is clean enough to leave the house , but not a fashion step forward... So now I have to figure out who I'm going to channel - Samantha? Charlotte? Miranda? Or Carrie?

Well as there are no designers beating down my door to give me clothes I'm going to spend a few minutes checking InStyle.Com and coming up with something - I'll post what I figured out.

$3.99 a Gallon Gas, Big Kids Sale and Other Weeked Notes

2008-05-14T12:33:00.001-04:00

Gas is officially at the watermark where experts predict a decline in demand. I've been in "lower demand mode" for months now. Our family drives one car and plan our route according to everyone's needs. We make sure we think ahead, putting snacks and all the day's gear in the car.

I had a plan to never let the tank get below 1/2 and my husband's has blown it. Today we're close to E and after saying six times "We should stop and get gas," I've given up. This is the man who has a Kung-Fu grip on his wallet yet I've gotta remind him to keep it cheap?! Sheese. I believe he really thought it was going to go down again. Now it's $4. So now instead of a $10 fill up at $3.79 we have a full tank fill-up at $4. Grrrr....

Big Kid's Sale at Jewish Community Center!

I look forward to this sale every year and every year something else gets in the way of me going. Not this year buddy! I'm on the hunt for a bike trailer so I will be there, before we run off to church, cash in hand. Well, what's left over from the gas fill up.

Gently used items for kids sized 7 and under including clothing, bedding, toys, books, furniture and other baby gear are going to be available. Columbus mommies take note - especially those soon-to-be new mommies - used kids stuff is the best!

Most new moms want to buy things that are still "fresh & clean" for their precious little ones. Phooey. Girl, I wasted money on baby gear my children wouldn't go near. Neither girl liked the bouncy seat that Daddy had to have. The spinning saucer? Three months tops, then they were off and crawling. Why pay full retail for three months?

The other great thing about used kids stuff is that parents are desperate to get rid of it. So much kid junk accumulates over time, in order to save ourselves from being buried, we look for other hapless victims, I mean parents, to push the stuff off on. So go on out to the sale, maybe I'll see you there!

Jewish Community Center, 1125 College Ave, 9am - 1pm

Papa John's 23 Cent Pizza Mess...

2008-05-09T14:38:00.002-04:00

Visions of 23 cent pepperoni and dough danced in their heads as people stood for HOURS outside of area Papa John's yesterday waiting for their cheap pizza. A rouge Washington area Papa Johns insulted LeBron James the other day with naughty tees displaying the words "Crybaby" along with James' jersey number 23.

I missed the insult and didn't know a thing about the pizzas until I got an email from someone from my moms group. So immediately I hopped on the phone thinking I'd order about 10 and freeze 9. It would give me an excuse to try that new vacuum sealer from Reynolds see - gadgets, I love 'em. No answer. As a matter of fact, the phone would go straight to busy signal. That should have told me...

So in addition to other things I had to do yesterday I decided to swoop by the area eatery and scoop up a couple around 1:30; after lunch and before school and work lets out. Well, you can tell the nature of the economy when children, parents, teens, and adults line up for cheap pizza and wait for hours. There was no end to the "rush."

I had ten minutes max to give to the whole event and with 9 minutes left I decided it was useless to get out of the car, wade into the sea of humanity waiting, especially when I saw people letting others in line in front of them.

Oh no, I've been to Cedar Point and line cutting is a one way ticket to fights. Later I checked the news and it was as bad as I thought or at least the media made sure you got a good dose of the naughty things that happened.

So Papa Johns - are they that clueless? Did they really think in a world where gas has skyrocketed to dang near $4 a gallon that they'd only get a couple hundred people or is this a marketing ploy gone wrong?

Did you get any pizza? What kind of deal would make you stand in line like that?

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Skybus Screws Passengers - Join the Club

2008-04-07T10:00:00.001-04:00

It's interesting that so many people are put out by the Skybus collapse. They are shocked by the nerve of a company to allow people to board a plane, go to a destination and know they have no way home.

But really, isn't this just par for the course when it comes to American companies and their ability to work over the masses?

Enron, the old Savings and Loan fiasco, big oil companies making billions in profit while families make a choice between food and gas...I could go on and on.

As I've watched things unfold over the weekend my heart just broke when I heard about a couple who bought their grandchildren tickets for all of them 12 or 13, I believe to meet in Florida this summer to have a reunion. That of course is now impossible. The poor kids, what a great Christmas gift and the poor grandparents. All grandparents want to do is see their grandkids smile and now they have to tell them the bad news - 12 or 13 times. Nice.

Business experts have said all weekend the company's model was weak, stupid, out of step with other successful models. So if everyone knew this why did so many political and business leaders fall all over themselves to get in on this?

My real question is - what kind of "Golden Parachute" does the executive board have?

If you haven't already - weigh in. What's your thoughts on Skybus' collapse?

Columbus City Schools Out of Snow Days

2008-03-10T15:54:00.001-04:00

Well, while the rest of Columbus school children get to hang out one more day on the sledding hills, my daughter had school today. I didn't see her school on the closed list and called on a lark. Surprise, surprise they answered the phone! Nothing like the promise of 3 uninterrupted work hours to get a momma moving. She was dressed and ready to go in forty seconds flat :0)

You have to understand, I was sick all of last week, then my 10 month old came down with the yuckies and finally my husband. An opportunity to get something done is just too exciting.

Unfortunately for the majority of Columbus school children, they will have to keep on pins and needles and hope mother nature doesn't decide to dump more winter weather between now and next school year - they are all out of snow days. Now, any more snow days will result in make up days, usually at the end of the year. Yikes! A longer school year? Your kid just shuddered and not from the cold!

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Multi-Tasking Extremes and Columbus Happenings...

2008-01-29T11:55:00.001-05:00

I'm a proud member of Mocha Moms of Greater Columbus and we are having our annual Sweetheart Soiree on February 9th. It's always a great time and the mochas have been hard at work getting things ready.

For those of you interested in our event here are the details - email me if you want to buy a ticket, but act fast, deadline for sales is Feb.1st!

The Fourth Annual Mocha Mom Sweetheart Soiree -

This year's theme is:
"A Magical Mocha Masquerade"
Dinner, dancing, casino-themed games and a silent auction is sure to make this a night you won't forget!
Tickets are $35 for singles, $60 for couples.
Formal attire is requested, black tie is optional.
$50 cash prize for the best mask!!

**A portion of the proceeds from this year's Soiree will support Mocha Mom's scholarship program and CHOICES, a local charity that provides shelter and support to victims of domestic violence.

Mocha Moms is a support group for mother's of color. Most of our moms are stay-at-home moms, but others work full-time, part-time, own their own businesses.

Also, those who purchase a table will receive a complimentary champagne toast. Please see me for more details!

The funny thing is I always remember a gang of people I could invite right before the deadline so I've been busy getting out invites and hitting up people's MySpace pages. Is it just me or does everyone and their mom have a MySpace page?

Anyway, the next to do item is making a mask for my husband and myself. I thought about ordering it but alas, my creative bug jumped up and won't let me so I'm hitting the craft stores this week.

So in addition to several work projects, getting tax things together, getting a sitter, planning one of my best friends' wedding in another city and finding some fabulous shoes, I'm attempting to create a Venetian mask. I think I'm allergic to short to-do lists...

Any other multi-tasking mommas out there?

Tags: multi-tasking, masquerade, mocha moms

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Mayor Coleman Wears LSU Jersey...

2008-01-15T13:16:00.000-05:00

Our mayor had to settle up a bet so he broke down and wore an LSU jersey to the council meeting.

I'm seeing these bets are only fun when we win.

I for one refuse to bitter about our loss. I'm disappointed like any competitor. But, I remind myself that once again we got to the national championships. That's nothing to sneeze at. I am am also comforted that most of our homies are coming back for another year. I am disappointed by Vernon Gholston leaving. Not only is he a great player, but he looks damn good in his undershirt.

No, I'm not revealing any secrets, I've never met young Mr. Gholston, I've just seen them warm up. Whoo hoo! Ah well..

My March Primary Info Arrived, The Power of the American Vote.

2008-01-03T10:31:00.000-05:00

The big square envelope arrived the other day in the mail. My information for the March primary. The primary that is the first step in electing a new president.

Wow.

Something so simple, in such a benign package, has the ability to affect the world.

It's not ego driving my thoughts, in fact I wish it wasn't so important sometimes. Especially when you look at the dismal voter turnout rate for primaries. But no matter who we chose, and who is elected president, that person will be our representative to the world. That person will have to grapple with the war, the rippling aftermath of the Bhutto assassination, global warming, Middle East peace talks, etc.

I'm really struggling with who to choose. Who is going to represent the country well? Who is going to speak for all Americans and not just those who donated, or those who think the same as the candidate, or those who will get them re-elected.

There is not one candidate who has all the answers. But there are some with some really great ideas. That's why a president has advisors, wait, let me correct that. That's why a president should have GOOD advisors, the kind that tell the truth. Then everyone can put their heads together and come up with good solutions. At least, that's my impression of how it should work.

Readers, all I ask is that you vote for someone. Think carefully, look at the person behind the curtain, not the one with the smoke and lights, to reference The Wizard of Oz.

The one thing I ask is NO MORE "C" STUDENTS! Seriously, if there's ever a time to have someone who excelled in history, math, science and government class, this would be it.

You wouldn't let someone who barely passed accounting do your taxes, why would you let someone who's proud of being barely average run the country? Think about your dumbest, but functional friend, now think about them with the codes to nukes - Exactly. You should be scared!

Harris to Eliminate Middle-School

2007-12-21T08:40:00.000-05:00

Her new plan will put sixth graders in with elementary and 7th & 8th graders in with high school.

Checking the comments section at dispatch.com makes me realize I'm not alone in thinking this is a bad idea. I am not as far removed from high school and middle school as Harris is and thinking back to those days of middle school mayhem, no way would I have wanted to be housed in the same building as high school kids.

Seventh and eighth graders are not emotionally or even physically ready for high school. Harris states that it will save money. Well letting eighth graders teach first grade would save money - payment in nachos and video games - but it doesn't make much sense either.

I'm just wondering - is it strange that Columbus can come up with money to build new arenas and transform the former Big Bear warehouse, oh and let's not forget the millions it took to fix the archway in Short North, but comes up with a bootleg solution to funding for schools? Let's stop using the album cover to sweep up the dirt, there are better solutions.

Harris says it will also stop kids from dropping out during the transition from junior high to high school and will help parents get involved in their kids' schools because they'll be able to form a relationship.

Kids who are going to drop out in transition need more support than just sticking them in the same school with adults in training. And parents who are going to be involved are involved from day one. They don't decide in the 3rd year of a six year tenure at high school to suddenly show up for a parent-teacher conference. Here's how adults form relationships with those involved with their kids: "Hi, I'm lil' Mary's mom. Anyway I can help in the classroom? How's she doing in Algebra?" There are more serious, in depth solutions to the problems of school drop-outs and uninvolved parents.

Blanket solutions don't work, especially this one.

Missing writer...

2007-12-18T03:09:00.000-05:00

Wait, I've been found. Whoops! Lost myself there. Ever lose yourself in whatever it is you're doing?

You may have seen me, jamming to whatever Jefferson Airplane or other evergreen Top 40 hit playing on the store's intercom. I'm the woman in the next aisle that has forgotten I'm not at home. Sure I'm looking for peanut butter. I'm also shakin' my booty until I almost mow you down with said booty after I get carried away shakin' my groove thing around the corner.

Instantly I'm embarrassed, you're amused and I slink away to another aisle quietly until "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" comes on...

'Fess up - where do you lose yourself?

Let it Snow Columbus!

2007-12-05T10:51:00.000-05:00

It's here! It's here! The white stuff, the winter wonderland, the heavy accumalation that makes people break their backs, kids go nuts and drivers in Columbus absolutely lose their minds.

What is it about bad weather and drivers here? I swear, as soon as it looks like things may get a little hairy, folks run about like the sky's falling running into each other.

As a Columbus transplant I'm still confused. I've been here over 10 years now and I witness it every year. As soon as snow hits the ground folks hit the gas pedal!

And we're not going to even talk about those folks who roll SUV's and pickup trucks that we always see on the side of the road after they float past doing 80. Come on folks, be nice and take care of each other out there.

I'm going out to make snow angels!

Back to the National Championships! Why all the hatin'?

2007-12-03T14:00:00.000-05:00

I love Ohio State I really do. But, I like to believe I'm pretty darn objective about our teams and our chances. I know that if Channel 10 ever interviews me before a tough game, I'm going to be the spoilsport that says "Well, it's going to be a tough one, LSU is a great team, the game is going to be fought and won upfront." Boooo. What they want me to say in a loud, slightly blitzed voice is "Whoo hooo! OSU 50, God 12!!! Go Bucks!"

As we head back to the national championships I have to wonder why there is so much hating on OSU. We only lost one game. We're a great team. The way the bowl game circuit is set up, we deserve to go back. Yet the folks drinking the haterade still wonder aloud why we're there.

Mark May has had a burr in his side for us since forever, not sure if he's pissed we didn't recruit him or what. But May aside, many analysts think we just coasted while they jump up and down to defend 2 loss LSU.

"They lost in overtimes," they cry. But they still lost. Twice. Late in the season. When we were undefeated folks passed over us saying "Oh, their schedule is weak." Michigan lost to Appalachian State. That's weak.

What happened to all the Buckeye love? Do folks tire so quickly? Now if we lose to LSU, they'll say we weren't supposed to be there. If we win, Mark "Punk Butt" May will find a way to steal a little of our thunder. A bit. Because at this point no one but other haters even pay him any attention.

Did anyone watch the Bowl selection last night? What was up with Mark May eating jerky while everyone else was listening to Tressel? Then he dismissed Herbstreet's analysis and pointing out of May's bias as just Buckeye blather... Somebody needs to hit Mark May with a buckeye. Hard. On the kneecap.

That's alright, we buckeyes thrive as the underdog.

By the way, what was up with Lee Corso not remembering anyone's name last night?

Yikes it's cold!

2007-11-28T11:10:00.000-05:00

Button up folks, winter's here! It may not be official but it's a chilly 39 degrees out there right now. Those who didn't put up their Christmas decorations yet may be cursing their delay.

I'm getting ready to wrap myself up and head out there so my 3 year old will quit harassing me. Eventually I'll learn not to show my hand or talk about fun stuff until I'm ready to do it. My daughter will make a good detective or agent someday. She can find any candy hidden in the house, she has razor sharp hearing for things she's too young to hear and she can badger international secrets out of anyone.

She keeps me on task though! Anyone else put up their lights yet?

Brutus on Parade

2007-11-27T09:49:00.000-05:00

If you haven't heard, Ohio State is putting Brutus on Parade. Like Chicago's Cows and Cincinnati's Pigs, Brutus will be up for interpretation and placed throughout Columbus. There will be 250 Brutuses or Bruti(?) and already there is a Wood Hayes Brutus, a Christopher Columbus Brutus and an Elvis Brutus.

I'm submitting my designs this week for two of the statues. I'm not telling what they are but I'll keep you all posted on any news!

Check out photos of the four finished statues here.

In Sickness and in Health...

2007-11-19T10:24:00.000-05:00

The whole house is sick. Call it the Revenge of Preschool. My daughter goes to preschool, comes home teeming with cooties, she probably left a few herself, gets sick and then begins to pass them around to her sister and then finally chopping her father and me down.

This round has been particularly nasty as she has missed 3 days of germ exchange, I mean school. Now her little sister has become a wiggly, but cute, mucus machine. Yeah I know, not so pretty a picture.

I've been battling their symptoms the old fashioned way since you can no longer give kids cold meds. We've been corn syruping it up over here and our 3 year-old is loving it. It really does stop the cough and then she gets the sugar rush that I'm too sick and run down to defend against.

Here's the thing: sometimes being a grown-up sucks. I mean really, it's not the bills or jobs or responsibility. It's when you get sick you hate it the most.

The same cold that leaves the kids with loads of snot, but doesn't affect their energy level or their demeanor can knock grown-ups out like Captain Trips *see your Stephen King reference guide...

The other thing - if both you and your significant other are sick there's no one there to take care of you. Now that REALLY sucks. We discovered this inconvenient fact shortly after we were married.

David and I had one of those horrible, can't move, constant shivering, "I've got to be decomposing as we speak," viruses. As we laid in bed under as many covers and clothing our weak bodies could heap on, I thought about how thirsty I was. Dave couldn't get me water, I couldn't get me water, who was going to take care of us?

My family lives in another city, Dave's mom would have bugged the poo out of us or maybe the virus and our friends were all single and really not too good at taking care of themselves, let alone us. All I remember thinking is: I want my Mommy.

Ah well, I shall do what grown-ups do: complain a little more, though I'm so congested I can't hear myself, force down soup - yuck, and wait for Thanksgiving where I can drive home so somebody can look after all of us.

Connie Schultz, Ohio State versus Michigan...

2007-11-16T22:43:00.000-05:00

OSU vs. michigan
I'm sitting here on the eve of the greatest rivalry game in college football. OK drinking game - every time you hear or read that take a drink. I don't drink so I'll take a shot of good old H2O. Hang on water intoxication...

I'm strangely absent from all the fanfare this week. I've been keeping my eye out, but not reading or hearing too much about it. I know, what cave must I be in? The cave in which I have two sick little ones and a pile of work to complete.

Though I've been out of the build up for much of the week - I have been doing my part. I've been harrassing the Michigan lovin' moms in my moms group. I've been flying my flag high and I plan on going completely scarlet and gray tomorrow despite the twinge in my throat and the threat of a fever...Uh oh...

If we win I shall be estatic as usual and pass out for some rest. If we lose I'll be heartbroken and pass out for some rest - and avoid the phone...And those moms I harassed...And one of my editors...Boy we buckeyes have big mouths!

Connie Schultz
I had the immense pleasure of seeing Connie speak Wednesday night on OSU's campus. Though I was about ten minutes late, I enjoyed all that I heard. I walked away thinking, THAT'S what I wanna be when I grow up. A strong white woman married to Sherrod Brown - just kidding. A strong woman will work. A fantastic journalist/writer will do it too. Maybe it's age or maybe it's the realization that you earn wisdom when facing the wind. I read or saw that somewhere recently...

The main thing I got was about getting involved in the political process. If I want health care for all children, better schools and a bigger emphasis on social issues at home, I've gotta get out there. Make a difference. I remember my revolution days that slowly gave way to work to eat and do a little revolution on the side, to aww let someone else bring it... But I have been re-inspired. The revolution will be televised....

BEAT MICHIGAN WEEK!

2007-11-13T11:25:00.000-05:00

So it's Tuesday of beat michigan week (notice the lowercase m) and what are you planning to do today? If you are of like mind and love the Buckeyes, you'll want to do all you can to encourage our team to take the Big 10 title and the bid to the Rose Bowl.

Today's top five things you can do to show your spirit (for the ravenous buckeye).

Paint your children's faces each day in scarlet and gray.
Wear all of your Buckeye gear ALL WEEK.
Annoy the person in the next cubicle by humming the fight song - ALL WEEK.
Stand outside the stadium with a "Free Hugs for Buckeye Fans" sign.
Give blood at the Beat Michigan Blood Drive.

Top five things you can do if you still have some sanity and regular business to conduct during the day.

Wear one piece of Buckeye gear each day.
Fly your Ohio State flag.
Keep a single buckeye in your pocket or purse for a quick smile or tool of destruction (you know they're poisonous).
Order an Appalachian State T on express shipping for Saturday.
Give blood at the Beat Michigan Blood Drive.

Here's a list of fun things going on at the University today and tomorrow!

Buckeye Bonanza Sale and Raffle
-purchase a variety of OSU crafts handmade by students from Barrington Elementary School
Contact:
Shannon Peterson
speterson@mindspring.com

The Greatest Rivalry in Sports...in Concert!
Join the Columbus Symphony and OUAB for the best pep rally in town! Featuring the OSU Marching Band, Men's Glee Club, varsity cheerleaders playing fight songs and recaping all the times Michigan has fallen.
Contact:
Matt Suguitan
suguitan.1@osu.edu

Format Change!

2007-11-13T11:07:00.000-05:00

OK. I admit it. I'm not on the in's and out's of the Columbus party scene. I don't hit the Short North often enough to know who the cool kids are and I don't rub elbows, often, with the elite of the Columbus political world.

What I do know about is being a parent in Columbus. Being a worker in Columbus. Being a Buckeye Fan and Ohio State Alumni in Columbus. So that's what I'm writing about. I resisted becoming a parent blogger because let's face it - there are a billion parents out there and everyone thinks their kids are hilarious, that they have unique insight and that everybody's interested in their every post about poop and carpooling.

My reality is that I work from home, have two kids and spend alot of time with other parents, buckeyes and alumni so shoot me. I just do not have the time, nor the true inclination to research the latest tapas bar to open. I rather write about the cool things that I come across in Columbus naturally.

I'm going to post as usual Monday, Wednesday and Friday - today's a bonus, count yourself as lucky :0) And let's see if we can't get a community going. I swear we won't go nuts, often, about the Bucks, I will keep the poop posts to a minimum and if I happen to rub an elbow or two - you'll know about it! So how was your Monday?

Did you vote? Elections in Columbus come to a close.

2007-11-07T11:11:00.000-05:00

Another election has come and gone. Mayor Coleman keeps his job along with several other Dems on city council. You do realize Coleman ran against someone right? Well to be fair, Todd did get 31% of the vote... It's not like he thought he'd win anyway.

Though Todd does have a base on which to stand and advocate for his pet issue - schools. Maybe he can live down that AWFUL crime/rape radio commercial. Where the hell did that come from anyway?

Another issue on the ballot that got approved was the Levy for seniors. This levy ensured that programs like Meals on Wheels continue so more good news.

On the bad news I never got picked or contacted regarding the poll worker position. Pity too, I would have ROCKED the vote. Sorry, I'm really into "Private Practice."

Did you vote? If not, why not?

Apple's Slow Leopard Eats Entourage!

2007-11-02T09:15:00.001-04:00

I feel like I'm waking up from my infatuation with Apple. After the Leopard Log In Debacle and the Apple Customer Service Caper I thought it would be pretty smooth sailing on the Apple love train. Sure I had read the issues with the firewall or lack there of and sure enough my firewall was not engaged upon upgrade, but I had decided to love my boyfriend Apple and Steve despite that. It was like an unsightly blemish that would be taken care of with a few patches.

Then as my system slowed to more of a turtle than a Leopard, I thought it was just me. Maybe I had done something wrong. Maybe I just needed to restart. I was leery of restarting when I had so much work to get through, so I suffered through Leopard slowing up every program I had going - Firefox, Entourage and Word. No games, no heavy graphics, just three of the base programs.

Every time I'd move from one program to the next I would get the spinning pinwheel of despair. This went on for two hours when I only had about an hour's worth of work to do. Finally at midnight I used my Entourage to send a project I had just finished. It took forever for the email to send and then I realized I had forgotten the attachment. I resent the email with the attachment and suddenly Entourage shut down!

Then it came back on as if I had just installed it and asked if I wanted to make it my default program - "Sure, maybe it's just a glitch," I thought hopefully. When Entourage asked me if I wanted to import my old contacts I really started to get worried and when it told me I had no old information I FREAKED OUT! Apple's Leopard had eaten my Entourage!

No editor contacts, no long lost friend emails, no saved "this is your registration information" emails, NOTHING. It was over. My boyfriend Apple had given me a line "this is it baby, you need me" just to get me into bed with him and Leopard and now he is acting like an ass and I'm confused and crying in the shower. Yes I dropped a tear or two. You know how it is when you find yourself banging away at search engines and support threads trying things that don't work and you realize you have to find help or drag your ass back to the store. I just never thought it would be the Apple store.

Am I still in love with Apple? Maybe, yeah, yeah I am. It's hard to let go of something that was so good. I just wish we could go back to Tiger when things were pretty sweet and Leopard hadn't come between us. I feel like I'm waking up from the honeymoon and realizing that my boyfriend Apple/Steve is just human, maybe more Clarke Kent than Superman. I'm hoping that Apple is just having some growing pains, rushing things because it feels it needs to live up to a certain bravado. I'm hoping that Apple isn't turning into a big fat jerk like that badboy Microsoft just because it finds itself the most popular kid in school.

So later on today I've got an appointment at the Apple store AGAIN and I hope they can find my lost info. If they can find old emails crooks have sent, surely they can find mine. If not, I think I may have them switch me back to Tiger. I'll consider myself a born-again Leopard virgin and wait until I'm really ready for it. Or should I say until it's really ready for me.

Anybody switchin' out there? Having any trouble?

Apple's Leopard Trick *Update!

2007-11-01T10:27:00.000-04:00

OK. So I am back typing from my MacBook Pro. Whoo hooo! I would love to say that I got the Leopard problem taken care of quickly, but I'd be lying.

I spent the morning on the phone with Apple Support. The helpful phone voice said I'd be on hold for 15 minutes or more. Not a good sign. I put the phone on speaker and bounced off to answer the door. Got to talking with a friend came back to a phone making that annoying, someone has hung up on you sound. Nice...

Called the back. My VoIP decides to drop the call or is it Apple? Conspiracy? Nah....

Finally, after a feeding and diaper change - my baby not me - got on the phone with a live person. I told him the Leopard log in issue, added that I know he's heard about it all weekend and he says, "OK. I'm going to have to research that."

Huh? Really? The problem that's been burning up the phone lines, causing the 15 minute or more wait is something that has to be researched? His research took another 10 minutes, I swear. I watched the minutes click down on my phone.

The Apple rep gets back on the phone and has me going through the fix I found online 3 hours previously. Didn't I just blog that I don't think I should have to type in commands into a system that costs as much as MAC's does?

Well that didn't go as planned. I was typing, he'd go "Wait, there was supposed to be a space after that slash." I'd sigh, do as I was told and it still didn't work. He escalated me to an Apple product specialist or was it a Leopard product specialist, I never found out because after waiting another 20 minutes I gave up.

Luckily my brain and my hubby's ancient PC was working long enough for me to make a reservation at the Apple store. I showed up for my appointment with the Geniuses or Geni at the Genius Bar and after two attempts they got me going by doing an archive and install. By this time my daughter's out of school and the baby's awake looking for a snack.

Heavy one hungry ladybug and one miniature Snow White (it's Halloween) I wait for the system to get ta workin.' And finally, about an hour after we got there, we walked out of the Apple Store. I'm happy, so happy to have my buddy back. I am disappointed with the experience though and discouraged that no one followed up on a tune up for my buddy simply because I haven't paid for the Apple Protection Plan. So the money and productivity I've lost doesn't mean to much to Apple I guess.

Steve, why so cold? I thought we had something. I hope Leopard's a whole lot better than Tiger, enough for the trouble, but right now I can't even play with it, I've got deadlines!

Apple's Leopard a Nasty Halloween Trick for Some...

2007-10-31T10:47:00.000-04:00

Apple just screwed me. No, it's not my Steve Jobs fantasy again - I just upgraded to Leopard, Apple's new operating system, yet I'm typing this from a PC with Windows 98. I feel so dirty....

Apparently Leopard has a nasty side for some of us MAC users. When you upgrade, Leopard decides you shouldn't have access to your old files. As a matter of fact you can't even log into your MAC. I'm talking about a complete lock out here people. Your MAC give you a log in box with the only option of "Other." I said what the heck, I'll just type in my normal username and password - no good. NO GOOD!

I have deadlines swimming around me like sharks, which is why I'm upstairs on my husbands PC which has given me the "blue screen of death" twice. Normally I'd sit all smug when PC users would bemoan the Windows upgrades and the many, many kinks and bugs. Then Apple does this to me.

Last night I searched the net looking for any info somebody might have. As it trickled in I realized I am not the only one. The Apple discussion boards are alive with Leopard upgraders who are looking at an empty log in box. Some solutions are offered, including one from Apple, that has users restarting in single user mode and typing in commands. I'm sorry the last time I typed a command into a computer involved:
10 Run
20 Left
...or something to that affect. That was in second grade when you made the turtle make shapes. For those of you don't remember - too bad :-)

The upgrade isn't exactly cheap and now I'm being asked to reprogram my own system so that when I screw it up I'm even more screwed. Did I mention I've got deadlines? So I move a couple of posts down in which someone says that Apple has a patch available, which is great for those who have UPGRADED YET! WTF Apple!

Come on Steve, ya killin' me. I'm losing my edge and my sanity. Is this a Halloween Prank? Because I'd rather if you'd TP the house. So instead of wrapping up my DEADLINES and taking the girls out for a little candy huntin' I'll be hanging out at the Genius Bar with a few hundred of my fellow MAC users.

In the freelance world it's important to make sure you've got backups. Mine is an old computer with an obsolete operating system while my top of the line MACBook Pro sits on the sidelines with it's own version of the "blue screen of death."

Updates to follow...

Boo at the Zoo, Ohioana and Elections, Oh my!

2007-10-29T14:20:00.000-04:00

This weekend was a busy one! Being the fab parent I am, I hustled my two children and husband off to the Boo at the Zoo. This annual Columbus event is a great one for families and those looking for free candy.

Besides the cool animals and the free candy, there are always "enrichment" programs for the animals. Basically the zoo personnel give the animals pumpkins to smash for entertainment. Both humans and animals - is there a difference - get a kick out of smashing fruit. Remember Gallagher?

The great kids costumes were cool to see and then there's the free candy. I remember last year it was tootsie rolls. Everyone had tootsie rolls, boring! I'm glad to see some vendors stepped it up this year. I mean let's be honest - the kids do the collecting and we parents do the pillaging. Saving the kids from cavities right?

The construction appears to be coming along nicely and I for one can't wait 'til the waterpark reopens. Though one thing I do hate is the loooong walk from inside the zoo to the parking lot. I feel like Clark Griswold going to Wally World.

Ohioana
I got to volunteer at the Ohioana Gala Friday night and rub elbows with well-known Ohio authors and literary types while selling raffle tickets and eating stuffed mushrooms. I'm just putting myself out there and I realized quickly that the literary crowd is one I halfway know already. Old professors and former classmates were all over the place. It was cool to catch up and meet some new friends while serving a good cause. I made over $350 bucks for the organization with my raffle tickets. Not bad for a girl who can't sell Girl Scout Cookies.

Elections are Coming
Last week the Franklin County Board of Elections announced it was short over 100 Democrats and Republicans to work the polls for the upcoming election. Fearing anarchy I answered the call and filled out an application last week to be a judge or presiding judge - whatever, I'm not choosy - get it voting, choosy... I expected a call immediately or at least by the end of the week since they were so desperate.

Today I still had not heard from them so I decided to give them a ring. Turns out they've been working all weekend going through applications. The nice lady on the phone told me to "give them a couple more days." Not a problem, unless of course you realize the elections are next Tuesday. I assume there's some sort of training involved or maybe just a short video of the 2000 election in Florida as an example of what not to do. I'll keep ya posted and in the meantime log on to the Board of Elections Web site to check your polling place, sign up to be a poll worker, etc. Vote people!

What did you do this weekend? Did ya bring me something back?

12 Week Maternity leave proposal...

2007-10-26T11:01:00.000-04:00

You just got the hang of getting those little arms inside the little sleeves of the onsies. You're starting to recongnize the subtle difference between the "I'm starving woman!" cry and the "There is something cold and wet in my pants" cry. Six weeks after giving birth you may even feel less squishy. (Those who've given birth know what I'm talking about.) But just as things are getting to a new normal, it's time for you to go back to work.

Time for you to get over that dull ache in your back from the epidural and carrying around that lovely smelling sack of baby that weighs between 5 - 10 pounds. Time to separate from the new love of your life and hand over that new love to a babysitter. Time to figure out how to relax and pump milk while at work going over deadlines and missing your baby.

Is six weeks really enough time? Definitely not, especially for women who had to start their maternity leave early. Well there may be good news coming, the Ohio Civil Rights Commission voted to have the mandatory maternity leave extended to 12 weeks.

Of course there will be challenges to this new ruling. It has to be seen if the Rights Commission has the right to make such a significant change. Others say it will hurt small businesses. Some business owners say they will have to find and pay temp workers to fill the time missed by recovering moms. How many pregnant women are there in one particular business at any given time? What would be the difference if she was ill with cancer and out for 12 weeks?

Others argue that the vote discriminates against men. Stop laughing. They're serious. Insert obvious counter argument here:______________________________________. Seriously stop laughing, your boss is going to notice you're not working...

On the Dispatch's Web site, a woman chimed in on the comments section that pregnancy should be treated as any other illness because it's a choice. No special treatment. I think she should call her mother and tell her that. Since when is pregnancy an illness?

Let's look at common sense for a minute people. It took 9 months to grow and produce a child. Nine months for a body to change to produce the next set of workers. So what makes anyone think it will take 6 weeks to get back in fighting shape? Businesses should pay pregnant women for producing more potential members of the workforce.

300 Ohio Drivers Affected by Stolen Information

2007-10-24T10:52:00.000-04:00

Ohioans have another reason to be worried. A printer holding 300+ drivers license images was stolen Saturday from a BMV office.

Yikes! If you weren't involved in the whole intern-stolen-data debaucle you might have counted yourself lucky. Then the next thing you know you've renewed your license and opened yourself up to more personal data loss.

I'm sure everyone will be asking the usual questions of why is the info stored that way, how can we prevent this from happening again, etc. My question is what nut would break into the BMV?

How stupid could you be to break into a state agency? Isn't the whole point not to get caught? So the genius who did this bypassed several regular offices, perhaps a gas station or two and went straight for the the place you're guarenteed to have the fuzz intensively looking for you. Nice.

Playboy's in town!

2007-10-22T00:32:00.000-04:00

Men on OSU's campus are swooning at the thought of co-eds lining up to be in Playboy. The men's magazine is in town scouting for their "Girls of the Big Ten" edition. Bust out the thongs! Or better yet, don't and get your butt to class. The last thing Daddy wants to see is your Physics grade and your ass spread out on page 23 with a list of your turn ons. Hmmm...I've got two girls, can you home school a college student?

Skybus Cancellations Not a Fantastic Voyage for Customers

2007-10-17T14:47:00.000-04:00

Skybus customers hoping to get to the West Si-ide of the country in the coming months got a rude awakening via email this week.

As reported in the Columbus Dispatch, Skybus, Columbus' new discounted airline, has cancelled routes going to San Diego, CA and Bellingham, WA. It has also cut one of the daily routes to Burbank, CA, leaving customer holding refunds and little else.

Understandably customers are upset, especially those who got a sweet deal with those $10 fares Skybus offers. It appears that Skybus is taking feeling its way around seeing which routes are the successful, profitable ones a good sign given the state of the airline industry. An airline that is making smart business decisions as opposed to putting all their money together in a pile and burning it? Better call and check the temps in Hades folks!

Too bad customers had to get shafted on that one. What's in Bellingham, Washington anyway?

Welcome!

2007-10-17T14:39:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Blogging Columbus, or B.C. as we will come to call it. I am excited to get to work on blogging the news and happenings in the great city that is Columbus, Ohio! Mainstream, off-the-wall and alternative news and events get talked about right here, right now.

My goal is to create a composite of what it's like to live, work and play in Columbus. In turn I hope that you all will be open with your chatter, information and yes, even criticism. So let's get started!