Blog Bites from The River City News
JOKE ABOUT PRESIDENT OBAMA DIVIDES KENTUCKY'S GAY COMMUNITYThe owner of a Louisville gay bar thought it would be funny to share on his Facebook page an image of Ronald Reagan feeding a bottle to a monkey with a caption that read, "Reagan baby-sitting Obama in 1962", has learned that that was deemed racist by many of his own customers:
Keith Elston, a Lexington lawyer who was one of dozens who joined in denouncing the post on “Louisville Courant,” a blog that first reported it, said in an interview that it is short-sighted for people in the gay community to “buy into racist stereotypes and jokes because it could come back so easily to bite them.”A very interesting read at the link.
“When we are talking about homophobia we are talking about the same mechanisms that drive racism and sexism and all the other ‘-isms,’ ” he said.
Courier-Journal
The area included in the plan is Covington's urban core north of 13th Street which special emphasis on the Madison corridor, Mainstrasse, and the riverfront. "Now is the time to strengthen our strengths and attract more business to the areas that are working and work to connect them," Segal said.
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Among PUMA's findings presented Wednesday afternoon include assets such as low rent costs and challenges like the low number of retail establishments. PUMA inventoried Covington's retail in the study area and found 168 total businesses, of which 74 were restaurants while only 17 were related to clothing & accessories. That stat correlates to results from the community survey commissioned by PUMA that garnered 760 responses. When asked what should be the top priority for Downtown, the top response was more shopping opportunities and more restaurants. Only 31% responded that they visit Downtown specifically to shop.
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Those who participated in the survey were also asked to choose three words that best describe Covington. Interestingly, despite the acknowledged lack of retail and shopping options, the top word was 'vibrant'. Other top words were diverse, safe, clean, and friendly. Additionally, while parking was cited as a concern by 33% of respondents, it was nearly last on the list of priorities by those same people.
Those who participated in the survey were also asked to choose three words that best describe Covington. Interestingly, despite the acknowledged lack of retail and shopping options, the top word was 'vibrant'. Other top words were diverse, safe, clean, and friendly. Additionally, while parking was cited as a concern by 33% of respondents, it was nearly last on the list of priorities by those same people.
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PUMA reports that the low rent and Covington's historic ambiance are great strengths as people return to cities and that the city could capitalize on the nearly half million people annually that visit Mainstrasse, the Convention Center, and the Kenton County Public Library. "A lot of this is in alignment with the mayor (and his 10-point plan for revitalization) so maybe there's awindow of time where things can connect," Segal said.
PUMA reports that the low rent and Covington's historic ambiance are great strengths as people return to cities and that the city could capitalize on the nearly half million people annually that visit Mainstrasse, the Convention Center, and the Kenton County Public Library. "A lot of this is in alignment with the mayor (and his 10-point plan for revitalization) so maybe there's awindow of time where things can connect," Segal said.
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PUMA will return to Covington in mid-March for further presentations and open house opportunities for the public.
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MORE ON THE PUMA VISIT IS STILL TO COME, INCLUDING HOW A BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT WOULD WORK HERE, HOW MUCH MONEY IT COULD BRING IN, AND WHO PAYS FOR IT. PLUS, MORE FACTS ABOUT COVINGTON THAT MAY SURPRISE EVEN US!
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INTERIM MEDIA RELEASE
For the past several months there has been a massive and extensive grassroots movement, coined by many as the NEW LGBT CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT, ofhungry, aggressive, and eager activists and advocates demanding FULL FEDERAL EQUALITY, including BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS, for every individual worldwide regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. This movement is spearheaded by the fastest growing LGBT Equality Group of 2011, Let's Reach1 Million People Campaign...It's a start! LGBT Equality, created by Oklahoma author and gay rights advocate Joe Knudson. The group has amassed a membership of over 22,000members both on and off facebook.
After the 2011 mid-year resolution passed by the UN Human Rights Council supporting gay rights and the subsequent UN report discussing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, in addition to the speech by our own Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in Geneva stating that gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights, a committee of several voting members determined the momentum is there and is strong and fierce and as a group, they must continue to enhance this momentum by going forward with education and enlightenment to societies and governments worldwide as to the BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS of all individuals and the right of the LGBT to live within the same laws and guarantees allowed all other segments of society. Election year in America, another reason for perfect timing, as the LGBT must not only educate society to their plight, but must educate their own communities as to the importance of registering to vote and knowing which candidates stand for what issues. THESE WORLDWIDE MARCHES WILL DO ALL OF THE ABOVE AND MORE! This one day,April 21, 2012, the voices of the LGBT and their allies will resonate around the world! There will be other specific demands for each individual location worldwide and the marches are structured to address those as well.
After the 2011 mid-year resolution passed by the UN Human Rights Council supporting gay rights and the subsequent UN report discussing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, in addition to the speech by our own Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in Geneva stating that gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights, a committee of several voting members determined the momentum is there and is strong and fierce and as a group, they must continue to enhance this momentum by going forward with education and enlightenment to societies and governments worldwide as to the BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS of all individuals and the right of the LGBT to live within the same laws and guarantees allowed all other segments of society. Election year in America, another reason for perfect timing, as the LGBT must not only educate society to their plight, but must educate their own communities as to the importance of registering to vote and knowing which candidates stand for what issues. THESE WORLDWIDE MARCHES WILL DO ALL OF THE ABOVE AND MORE! This one day,April 21, 2012, the voices of the LGBT and their allies will resonate around the world! There will be other specific demands for each individual location worldwide and the marches are structured to address those as well.
This is a Call to Arms of all LGBT Equality, Civil Rights, and Human Rightsorganizations worldwide to come together to educate and enlighten societies and governments worldwide as to the discrimination that exists among individuals of varyingsexual orientation and gender identity.
As International Committee chairman Joe Knudson recently stated to a reporter, "FAILURE TO TAKE ACTION NOW AND FAILURE OF THOSE TO PARTICIPATE IS NOTHING SHORT OF FAILING OUR OWN LGBT COMMUNITIES AND DENYING BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS TO ALL WORLDWIDE!"
Currently, there are 20 locations worldwide participating in these marches, with many more in the process of registering. There are also a series of non-march events scheduled in those locations and for those individuals where having or attending a physical march was not a possibility due to a variety of reasons such as fear of death or imprisonment...
Currently, there are 20 locations worldwide participating in these marches, with many more in the process of registering. There are also a series of non-march events scheduled in those locations and for those individuals where having or attending a physical march was not a possibility due to a variety of reasons such as fear of death or imprisonment...
"APRIL LOVE; For the Earth & Each Other!"
EARTH DAY WEEKEND April 20-22, 2012 * WEEKEND OUTLINE:
TGI FRIDAY – April 20th: Kick-Off Events/Happy Hour (TBA)
Networking w/ “National DAY of SILENCE!” GLSEN & NOH8
REPRESENT Not ABSENT! C’mon; all ya need is a roll of duct tape, some markers, a backdrop, camera’s, tunes, drinks and YOU’RE IN!
Saturday – April 21st: Noon – 6 PM LOCAL MARCH Time Frame
Our plans include using regular pedestrian routes and public spaces for which no permit fees are needed, only a Professional Courtesy Alert to local authorities that We'll be there.
Networking w/ “National DAY of SILENCE!” GLSEN & NOH8
REPRESENT Not ABSENT! C’mon; all ya need is a roll of duct tape, some markers, a backdrop, camera’s, tunes, drinks and YOU’RE IN!
Saturday – April 21st: Noon – 6 PM LOCAL MARCH Time Frame
Our plans include using regular pedestrian routes and public spaces for which no permit fees are needed, only a Professional Courtesy Alert to local authorities that We'll be there.
ANCHOR SITES: (Rally Pt, Flash Mobs, Speak-Outs, Voter Registration)
World PEACE Bell - 4th & York Sts. – Newport, KyFountain Square – DownTown Cincinnati, OhU. S. Court House – 5th St & City Hall – DownTown Covington, KyROUTES: Purple People Pedestrian Bridge – 4th St Licking River Bridge – Roebling Suspension Bridge – Central Bridge – Clay Wade Bailey BridgeEVENING: Post March Happy Hours/Bar Events/Dance Parties/Voter Registration suggested. TBA & Posted on the FB Event Page. Give me a Buzz to get listed!
EARTH DAY – Sunday April 22nd: Tie-in to Local Established Events & Activities to Register & “Get OUT the VOTE – TEAM 2012!”:
“A BIG OLE GLBTICQ… and Allies EARTH DAY PICNIC – Happy Hour –Steak Out – TEA Dance!?
To Mobilize & Motivate for NOVEMBER!
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The City of Covington was chosen Thursday morning as one of five Kentucky communities to receive Cultural District Certification as announced by First Lady Jane Beshear. From the release:
The Cultural District Certification program, administered by the Kentucky Arts Council, encourages community engagement and partnerships to build vibrant communities through the arts.An independent panel of reviewers deemed these five communities ready for certification from a pool of 26 applicants. The Kentucky Arts Council will continue working with communities seeking certification, offering technical and planning assistance throughout the year.**************************************************
“We applaud the work of all the communities that have gone through theapplication process. They have made major inroads in leveraging their unique cultural assets,” said Lori Meadows, executive director of the arts council. “We can see from most of the applications that substantial partnerships are being formed among arts and cultural entities, businesses and local governments.”
A cultural district is a well-recognized, labeled, mixed-use area of a community featuring a high concentration of cultural amenities that attract local residents and visitors alike. Cultural districts can be found in any type of community, from small and rural to large and urban. Kentucky’s program is designed to showcase each community’s unique character and assets.
