I’m upset. My silly little Coffeebreak recorder didn’t work this morning. Well, it worked, but it shut off at the return from the first break. I haven’t figured out why yet. Either something I had something else running in the background which stole CPU cycles or bandwidth; or the stupid connection re-buffered for another reason, causing there to be a fault in recording. That stinks.
So, I set up a back-up task to record the replay at 4:00pm. I listened to this morning’s program, but did so on the way back home from dropping Diana off at work, which means that I really didn’t get a chance to sit down and think along with the program.
In keeping with the theme of government (which was disrupted by Thursday’s program–a break was taken in order to have guests speak on the upcoming “Go Red” events in February), Rick spoke on our poor representation and community involvement. One incident which happened this week, which “didn’t anger” him, but made him “wonder” was the announcement of Clark county receiving funds to assist in building an aquatic center. The big question is, how can Clark county receive state monies to aid in the funding of such a project, while Harrison hasn’t seen anything. Another sticking point is that the senator representing our district has not been so neighborly with us–Rick has not seen Sen. R.J. Palmer in the county but once, that he can recall, whereas previous senators were frequently seen or heard from.
Granted, as Harrison County Magistrate Jerry Dawson noted earlier in the week, Harrison County was rather spoiled in the past by having senators with personal interests in Harrison county–the late Wilson Palmer, for example–but the senator of any district should be more active in efforts in all counties within his district, whether or not he resides there. (Senator R.J. Palmer resides in Clark County)
Is Harrison County getting an unfair deal? Possibly.
Did the same thing happen before, in the opposite direction when we had a senator living here? Did citizens in other counties cry foul when something beneficial happened in our county as opposed to theirs? More than likely.
There is a problem here, though. Our senator hasn’t stopped by as often as the former senators. He needs to look at how he’s spending his time, and show his face, or share his voice more often. This, however isn’t the BIG problem. The BIG problem is our citizenry.
We don’t speak as loud as we should. Before I continue, I should say that I am as guilty of this as those I am taking issue with–I don’t speak out as much as I could. I don’t attend civic meetings. I don’t contact my local, state, or federal representatives. I am not as active in the community as I could be. I moan and cry about how terrible things are, and what different bone-headed decisions and directives our local, state, and federal governments make–but I don’t take any action. That, my friends, is the BIG problem. Our community is filled with people who do the same.
“Has anyone ever said to you that the city is dying?” Rick asked this question on the program this morning, and I do not know fully what he was asking–was he asking the question straight-out? was he trying to spark some thought? was it something he has thought? or was it just a question that suddenly came to mind?
“It’s a dying town,” were a few of the words Diana said, late last week, when she asked me why I was so fond of Cynthiana. I really have no choice but to acknowledge her statement, and try to pick up with weak rebuttals as I look around. We have two industrial parks–one half-occupied, the other has seen only one development. I can think of three, maybe four buildings that had been used for manufacturing/industrial applications which now sit vacant. We have two major parks–one in sad repair, and the other has been sitting idle for five years, waiting to be developed. There are numerous storefronts in the shopping centers and in the downtown area which haven’t been occupied in months, even years.
Cynthiana is dying. And it hurts me to watch her die. And I’m not doing anything to help. I’m only standing at the foot of her bed, amongst all of you, watching her gasp for air.
Tag: thoughts and stuff
WCYN's Question of the Week:
Day two of WCYN’s question “If changing to a SINGLE form of local government was on the ballot, how would you vote?”
Of 31 voters, 22 have said they would favor a joint city-county government.
Time-Record Streaming Audio
I found a neat way for me to time record Coffeebreak now, so I’ll never have to miss it again! With minimal tinkering, it works like a charm… Follow the link below to see where I found the instructions to do it:
Record Streaming Radio Using Free Software – MineZone Blog
saying goodbye to 2007…
So, 2007 is winding down to a close–tonight is the last night of the year, and midnight will bring the dawn of the new year. I’m curious what this new year will bring. I am also curious as to what the old year will have left us.
On Wednesday night, The Cynthiana Democrat will have published and distributed the first of 2008’s fifty-two papers, and in the new year edition, they will review the top ten stories of 2007. I’m curious as to what the staff at the Democrat will say was big in ’07. Rick Chasteen will have Becky Barnes and Donald Richie on Thursday’s broadcast of Coffeebreak, and they will be discussing those stories.
One story on 2007 was published last week in the Democrat, where Donald spoke with Harrison County Judge-Executive Alex Barnett about the accomplishments that have been made during the first year of his term. In the article, advancements in joint government ventures were mentioned, as well as many cost reductions balanced with larger number of projects in the county’s road department were mentioned. The only negative report mentioned in the article was the acknowledgment of an issue with the employability of some Harrisonians:
Looking at the numbers, Barnett said while Harrison County’s unemployment rate is low – its citizens’ employability can be a problem.
The issue: drugs.
Barnett said there is a growing problem locally where employers have trouble finding help because job applicants cannot pass pre-employment drug tests.
“We need to work with addicts to treat them for their problem instead of locking them up and putting them back out” he said. “We need to work hard and treat them and help them return to being a viable part of the workforce.”
For that, Barnett has helped establish a task force on drug issues which is in its infancy. Although Barnett admits the drug problem has no easy solution, he hopes the efforts which have been started will continue past his administration and results will be seen down the road.
“I look for big things out of it,” he said. (Richie, 2007)
I expect this issue, and issues related to other criminal activity to be mentioned in the upcoming edition of the Democrat. Crime has seemingly been growing in Cynthiana, and Harrison County throughout this now passing year. Rick Chasteen noted on his radio program last Friday that there have been a growing number of domestic disputes in Cynthiana, and referenced one that took place earlier this year, behind Thrift Food Mart, that ended up in the murder of one person.
Other events that took place this year (that I recall) which may or may not be news-worthy are:
- the newly built Wal-Mart Super Center, and demolition of the original Wal-Mart structure
- the grand re-opening of The Rohs Opera House
- the audit of former Harrison County High School Principal Robert Barr, and findings thereof
- the tragic death of high school sisters, Sarah and Jennifer Riggs
- the accomplishments of the Harrison County Thorobreds Football Team
- the revocation of the Cynthiana Police Department’s home fleet program, and sale of half the fleet
- the progress of the project to replace the viaduct on US 27 North
- the planned removal of Ingles Stadium, which then became halted by the Kentucky Department of Education
- the decrease in officers working for the Cynthiana Police Department
- the opening of the new addition to Harrison Memorial Hospital, and HMH’s 100th Anniversary
- the Harrison County Tomorrow Survey
I’m sure there are many other stories that could be covered, but those are the only topics that come to mind at this time. I’m sure if I did some digging, and looked back through the archive of posts here I would uncover other stories that have some importance to the community, and how 2007 and the future of Cynthiana, Harrison County, and our citizenry have been affected.
REFERENCES
Richie, D. (2007) Judge reflects on first-year accomplishments. Retrieved December 31, 2007 from
Coffeebreak – 12/27/2007
On this morning’s Coffeebreak:Rick’s guest was Roger Slade, of The Rohs Opera House.
Conversation on the theater began with Rick noting that he had went to a showing of National Treasure last night at the Opera House. The Rohs was fortunate enough to be on the initial wave of release for this film, allowing opportunity for our local citizenry to see a new release without making the trek out of town to pay prices that are double elsewhere. Rick commented on the comfort of the seating and atmosphere at the theater, which led into questions of the restoration work, and plans for The Rohs Opera House, and how the project began.
When asked how tough the decision to go into the entertainment business was, Roger responded by saying that it was really a quick and easy decision to make. Roger explained that one summer evening, after dining at a restaurant on the opposite side of the street, Roger looked over at The Rohs, and noticed what had been placed on the marquee. Text on the marquee read, “GOODBYE ROHS – WE’LL MISS YOU – THE ROHSIANS.” Later that night, Roger was talking to James and mentioned the sign, to which James responded by saying, “Well, why don’t we open it?” With that, Roger contacted Gerald Whalen, and asked about the building, and was informed that the theater had just gone into use by a local church. After keeping in contact with the Whalens and the church, he became aware of when the building became available; and Roger, James, and a few others set out to reopen the theater. Within two weeks, the theater held it’s grand re-opening on the day of the Taste of Harrison County. The largest obstacle was refinishing of the floor and replacement of seating.
Rick noted that he found the seating and spacing to be quite comfortable in comparison to how the seating had been previously. Roger explained tat when they placed the new seats (which had been donated to the theater’s previous owners/operators a year prior) they used himself and a friend (for templates of body types – one hefty guy and one tall guy) to arrange the seats for comfort. This little touch has led to many compliments on seating arrangement. On the note of seating, Rick asked Roger what the theater’s capacity is now, and how large the crowd for the Beatles tribute band (the largest crowd that the revamped Rohs has seen thus far) was. Roger stated that the theater has a capacity of 400, and that on the night that Eight Days a Week played, they had an estimate (rough estimate based on ticket sales plus the band’s guests) of 235 people in attendance. Roger has scheduled Eight Days a Week for another appearance in December of 2008, and is in the works of planning other live music performances in the near future. One request that he is in search for, requested by his wife, is a Queen tribute band.
Rick raised a question as to how the theater makes known times of shows and upcoming events. Roger explained that they use a system similar to that which had been used in the past, with the use of the poster boards in the foyer, the small marquee, and an answering machine. Roger did note that he has seen a picture of The Rohs with an actual marquee on the facade, and has found that it had been removed in the 1970’s. He is currently planning to place the marquee back on the building.
After the mid-show break, Rick asked Roger to speak on an interesting scenario which had taken place, and is continuing to happen. People from throughout the area, and even so far as Indiana, are coming to Cynthiana to experience The Rohs. The Ghost Walk had introduced several people in the area to the Opera House and the history and sights in Cynthiana. One group of people who were in the area ad heard of the tour, and attended. From that group an elderly couple has returned to Cynthiana, to see a movie, and stay at the Seldon Renaker Inn, one of the highlights from the tour. On their stay, they had also asked Roger of local restaurants within walking distance. This scenario has brought out-of-town monies to local business. While this might be the farthest distance money has traveled to be spent locally, countless numbers of people from surrounding communities are also coming to Cynthiana in order to view one of the few privately owned single screen theaters left in the state (which, according to rumor, also is the home of the second largest screen in the state–Roger has only heard this from numerous patrons and has yet to verify these claims).
Toward the end of this morning’s show, Roger announced that on the night of January 26, 2008, The Rohs will be showing Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. This will be a one night only showing, where the film is one of the few remaining original copies available from their supplier.
An interesting side-note was brought about when Rick asked Roger what would make James just up and say, “well, let’s open it back up,” and exactly how that friendship turned partnership had developed. Roger stated that the two had been childhood friends since the third grade, and that they have always wanted to go into a venture together. Roger explained that James had left Cynthiana when he joined the Army, lived in Columbia, then moved to Lexington, and finally ended up back in Cynthiana approximately four years ago, after vowing not to return due to the belief that there isn’t much to do in this town. This had been an interesting point for exchange of words between the two friends. Prior to the decision to open the Rohs, Roger’s wife wisely stated that “if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem,” in response to one of these grumblings. About a week later, Roger broke the news, “We’re gonna open the theater,” to which his wife responded, “well, I didn’t mean that.”
Sponsors for this morning’s Coffeebreak were:
Joe Cochran – State Farm Insurance, the Harrison County Board of Education, Jetubs, Cockrell’s Auto Center, Eastside Pharmacy, Whalen & Company, and Chase Jewelers.
WCYN makes available to the public audio copies of Coffeebreak, however recordings are only archived for a period of five business days. Cassette copies are $5 and CD copies are $10. The views and opinions expressed on today’s Coffeebreak have been those of the guest and host and are not necessarily those of WCYN staff, management, or advertisers.
Coffeebreak – 11/29/07
On this morning’s Coffeebreak:
Rick’s guest was Jim Furnish, President of the Harrison County Football Alumni Association.
Mention was made of this Friday’s game being THE FINAL game to be played at Ingles Stadium. The Breds have been continuing to play outside of the “regular” season, due to triumphs that have led them to play toward the 4A semi-finals. Unfortunately, this historic game has been struck with a terrible event, which took place Tuesday evening. Two of the teams starting players were injured in a car accident, removing them from the line-up.
WLEX has reported the story:
High School Players Hurt In Crash
Hard Not To Pull For Harrison Co.
Announcement was also made of a tribute for former football coach Bill McKee. The event will take place in the high school cafeteria on Sunday, December 9th, at 2p.m.
Sponsors for this morning’s Coffeebreak were:
Joe Cochran – State Farm Insurance, the Harrison County Board of Education, Jetubs, Cockrell’s Auto Center, Eastside Pharmacy, Whalen & Company, PC Problems, Country Candle Gift Shop, and the Cynthiana Harrison County Chamber of Commerce.
WCYN makes available to the public audio copies of Coffeebreak, however recordings are only archived for a period of five business days. Cassette copies are $5 and CD copies are $10. The views and opinions expressed on today’s Coffeebreak have been those of the guest and host and are not necessarily those of WCYN staff, management, or advertisers.
Coffeebreak: Christmas Angels
On this morning’s Coffeebreak:
Rick’s guests were DeeGee Fischer and Judy Feeback of the Harrison County Board of Education. Discussion focused on the Christmas Angels Project.
It had been announced in late October/early November that the project would not take place, due to mitigating circumstances; however, due to great public outcry, primarily from those persons/organizations/companies that give donations, the project was picked back up, and announced in The Cynthiana Democrat and on the Community Education Center’s blog.
The Christmas Angels Project aims to aid families with low income (those who are on the “free lunch” program in the school system) with gifts during the holiday season.
According to Judy Feeback, there are currently 687 students on the roster whose parents had applied for the donation program before the deadline, and a good number of students on a waiting list. There is also a large number of angels available for the public to purchase gifts and clothing for. Angels may be picked up at the CEC building, the schools, and at a few area businesses. Monetary donations may also be made at these locations.
For more information, please contact:
The Community Education Center at 859.234.7160
Please make your gift or money donation soon–the deadline for donations is December 14.
Sponsors for this morning’s Coffeebreak were:
First United Methodist Church, the Harrison County Board of Education, Jetubs, Cockrell’s Auto Center, Eastside Pharmacy, Whalen & Company, PC Problems, Aurora Information Systems, Country Candle Gift Shop, and the Cynthiana Harrison County Chamber of Commerce.
Coffeebreak – 11/27/07
On this morning’s Coffeebreak:
Rick’s guest was Pat Grenier, of the Cynthiana Harrison County Chamber of Commerce.
Main topic for this morning’s discussion was the Christmas Parade, which will take place on Saturday, December 1st [happy b-day to me!]. The parade will roam through town at 4:00 p.m., taking the same route as in years past. [Sorry, I missed the exact route when it was announced, and cannot remember it. I would imagine that it will be published in this week’s Democrat.]
When the parade finishes, Santa will stop at the courthouse, and sit to visit with all the children. The fun and excitement at the courthouse will draw to an end at 6:00 p.m., when the community’s Christmas tree is lit.
Spectators in the area will also find that most downtown businesses will have extended their operating hours on Saturday, to allow for browsing and shopping. The Rohs Opera House is also scheduled to have Christmas caroling at the theatre – specific information has not been released yet.
Other topics that were discussed in this morning’s program were the Chamber of Commerce’s role in the community, the progression of efforts and projects at The Rohs, and the outcome of last Monday’s meeting on the Harrison County Tomorrow project.
Sponsors for this morning’s Coffeebreak were:
Country Candle Gift Shop, the Harrison County Board of Education, Jetubs, Cockrell’s Auto Center, Eastside Pharmacy, Whalen & Company, Joe Cochran – State Farm Insurance, and PC Problems.
And, in an update to a post I had made a few weeks ago, the pricing structure of archived recordings of Coffeebreak have changed. Cassettes are now $5, and CDs are $10. Archives are kept for only five days.
Coffeebreak – Let it Snow!
Over the past few weeks, I have been running too many different errands in the mornings and afternoons to catch Coffeebreak–that’s why I haven’t said anything about the show in a while. However, this morning, I actually had time to listen, and I was treated to a funfilled show.
This morning’s scheduled guest was unable to attend, so this morning’s show ended up becoming a weather report. It all started at 7:55am, just prior to the show, when a caller reported that it was sleeting at McDonald’s.
Reports of sleet were also reported in Colville, Ken’s New Market, a motorist in Cynthiana on Pleasant Street, and a motorist in Bourbon County. A caller in Robynwood reported that she was seeing a really fine snow falling.
Other areas reporting snow, or a snow-like phenomena were the Buena Vista area (on Goebel White Lane), South Elmarch Avenue (in Cynthiana), and Oddville. A caller from Kelat reported that the wind was blowing fairly fierce.
Calls were also received from listeners in Connersville, Shadynook, Kelat, Claysville, and Berry. These locations had nothing to report.
I wasn’t sitting at the computer throughout the program as I usually do, so I missed the opportunity of catching who this morning’s sponsors were. I did however catch that the cost of recordings of Coffeebreak have changed, and are now much lower than they had been previously. If I heard right, a cassette is now $5 and a CD $10. I’ll have to see about tuning back in to hear this afternoon’s replay to verify that. If so, I might start buying a few shows.
In a related note, I just received notification of an update to Bailey’s Weather Blog. WKYT has received numerous reports of snow falling across the region. Some of these reports may be from WCYN–Rick said that he was going to give them a call.
Favorite Podcasts/Blogs
Since I got my notebook back out of pawn, I’ve been able to enjoy having podcasts and blog posts delivered through Outlook again. Ah, I’m loving it! The poor old desktop that I had been using was not able to handle all the media and applicable and necessary applications, plugins, extensions, whatever for me to truly enjoy anything. That poor machine had issues with running Semagic, Trillian, Winamp, Outlook, and Firefox at one time…
But, having the notebook back has brought me back to life, and enabled me to get all my news when I want it, again. For example, I’m writing this blog, listening to TWiT via iTunes, and have Trillian, Audacity, MySpace IM, Outlook, Attensa, Firefox, GDS, Money, RealVNC, and Orb running (and numerous other background services and apps, such as AVG and ZoneAlarm and the tons of extensions Firefox is running). Whoops… rambling…
Anyway, the point of this entry was to mention my favorite podcasts and blogs. Why? I dunno… I just thought it might be a neat thing to mention. I got the idea from reading a post from JonesPC.com (David Jones). Jones had listed his Top 5 favorite podcasts.
Well, let’s see… Audio: I like to listen to TWiT, Diggnation, and Cranky Geeks. Video: I like to watch Tekzilla.
Stuff I read? (or at least have delivered to my inbox) Hmmm… I’ve got 18… (well, 17, one of ’em is me – i dunno why, I’m silly)…
MSNBC.com: Countdown With Olbermann
WKYT – Home – Headlines
Jeremiah Palmer
Diana – Livejournal
Diggnation (Mp3)
Shandra – Livejournal
Slashdot
del.icio.us/twit
Harrison County Board of Education News and Information
Community Education Center
This Week in Amateur Radio
Jenny Lynn
Bailey’s Weather Blog
this WEEK in TECH – MP3 Edition
Kentucky – (Harrison/KYZ037) – Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Kentucky Issued by the National Weather Service
Clear Channel News (Weird News)
Clear Channel News (KNN Headlines)
and, the list is growing…
One other thing I do fairly frequently is listen to the local radio station’s hour long talk program, Coffeebreak, via the streaming broadcast. It’d be nice if they offered it up as a podcast…
So, there it is… a post on the stuff I listen to/read… Boy, I need a life…