Will Zack Space Maintain The Republican Status Quo?

I have to shake my head in amazement.

In the mail, the past two days, I've received campaign literature from the RNC which attacks Democratic candidate Zack Space. One sentence, in particular, I found astounding, "Democrat Zack Space could continue with the status quo for Ohio families."

So, what established the status quo and how in the hell did we get there?

Well, let's see. Republican Bob "Freedom Fries" Ney has been our congressional representative since 1995. Are the Republicans saying that Zack Space would continue Ney's legacy of confessed corruption?

The brochure continues, "Zack Space...he'll do nothing to create jobs". Well, if he maintains Ney's status quo of taking trips to Scotland and peddling his vote for Indian casinos in far away states, I guess they have something about which to howl. We've watched jobs leave by the droves under Ney's reign. Are the Republicans, who've established the status quo, maintaining that they've done a better job?

Of course, I'd be neglect to mention how Joy Padgett stood by "Freedom Fries", which tells me one of two things about Joy Padgett. Either she's an extreme poor judge of character, who'll get bamboozled by the DC shark pool, or she stood by Ney to...maintain the status quo!

Now, you must understand; I'm an independent voter. I vote for who I think is the best candidate; but this kind of crapola just doesn't wash.

How can the RNC expect anybody to take Joy Padgett seriously when they churn out this type of election year bilge?

If anyone from Zack Space's campaign would like to talk, post a comment.

Pictures Are WorthA Thousand Words

Twenty Ways To Save Energy

Beyond the ecology and money savings associated with saving energy, there's the whole nagging reliance on other government thing.

One quick look around and you see our country embroiled in multiple conflicts, both physically and rhetorically, with oil producers who use our oil weakness to their advantage. Our oil reliance pumps petro profits into nations which often use said dollars to arm themselves with a multitude of weaponry (good for weapon producers, bad for soldiers and civilians).

I guess it's up to us, the citizenry, to cut our nation's oil reliance since the politicians don't have the guts to piss off the corporation's who pay for the politician's election campaigns. Think about this for one minute.

If oil consumption dropped by one third, do you think prices would come down?

Coshocton, you can start today. Here's a Consumer Reports list of twenty ways to conserve energy.

Earn Good Test Score; Go Shopping

Good grades used to earn students a hearty "atta boy/girl" or a sneering "that's what's expected of you" from many parents.

In Coshocton grade schools, pass the state standardized tests and you can receive $100.

When my son told me about the program, he could barely contain his enthusiasm. Visions of new video games were dancing in his head. His class won in the lottery drawing and he attends an after school test preparation (which keeps him in school an extra hour). The jaw dropper: he likes it!

The school district and donor Bob Simpson deserve a thumbs up for trying to improve the system.

Regardless of the test results, which I'm certain will be positive, kids are learning.

What are your thoughts on the program?

Why Joy Padgett Loses My Vote

Bob Ney's hand picked successor, Joy Padgett of Coshocton, secured her spot for the Republican side of the Congressional ticket by winning a special election. I guess the election was special because not many Republicans showed up to vote.

Ms. Padgett faces an uphill battle although she's in a Republican heavy district. In an era of mudslinging politics, questions about her ties to Ney and a recent family bankruptcy will keep the Democratic spin machine busy.

I've talked with people, mainly Republican types, from around the community. Padgett's popular. Everyone says she's a nice person. Heck, I've seen her around town, grocery shopping at Buehler's, and she seems like an everyday Joe. But is that enough?

Not for me.

It's her staunch loyalty to "Freedom Fries" Ney that will cost her my vote. She stood by Ney, chin held high, and didn't waver in her support.

Yes, loyalty carries weight in my book.

But when blind loyalty to a political party and a confessed criminal outweighs the interests of her district residents, then I have to, regardless of her qualifications, withhold my vote.

It started becoming obvious months prior to Ney's confession that something was amiss. Her skewed loyalty should have been used to seek the truth regarding Ney. Yet, Joy Padgett put her party interests first and that loyalty earned "Freedom Fries" nod. Her loyalty to Ney will not earn a nod from me.

September Things To Do

The weekend of Sept. 16 will be a busy one in Coshocton.

The Village at Roscoe hosts the Fall Garden Fair which will feature garden related vendors, visits to private gardens and various speakers. You can find out more by visiting Roscoe's website.

Also, on the 16th, you can venture out to the airport to take in the Coshocton Air Show. There'll be vintage aircraft, stunt piloting, music, food, and kid activities.

If you like to get out of town, Bowling Green, OH will host the annual Black Swamp Arts Festival.
All events are free. The festival features a heavyweight music lineup which includes the Reverend Horton Heat, the English Beat, the Fixx, and Richie Havens.

Also, don't forget, the annual Coshocton County Fair begins September 29. Hooeee, I can already smell the deep fryers.

Canal Days In Roscoe Village

Two of the vendors at Roscoe Village Canal Days festival included a blacksmith and a homemade soda pop stand. Festival goers had the chance to see multiple crafts created the old fashioned way.

I spoke with Roscoe merchants who said weekend business was brisk.

Canal Days Festival a Rousing Success

Sounds of Appalachian folk music and bluegrass filled the air this weekend during the community wide Canal Days festival.

On Saturday, Dan Duren turned out his famous pulled pork sandwiches, Coshoctonites lined up for the annual Canal Days parade, and an Elvis impersonator crooned to the gathered crowd.

More photos later today.

Coshocton Port Authority Director Arrested

Posting information about local current newsworthy items seems to be an exercise in futility.

Case in point, the arrest of Coshocton Port Authority executive director Ed Flynn. The Coshocton Tribune has been on the story and now the Columbus Dispatch.

I became aware of the story early this morning at Coffee Co. with all it's grisly details and juicy gossip. Which leads to my opening statement. When you live in a smaller community, there's not much which escapes the citizenry. Often, you can get a full detailed story via word of mouth long before anything hits print. Of course, in addition, you get wild speculation and rumors, but the core story remains intact.

For more about the Flynn arrest and what the community is saying, you can read the Tribune's managing editor's, Len LaCara's, blog.

Sixth Street Tattoo: Coshocton's Own Body Art Gallery

Recently, a survey found that a quarter of Americans between 18-50 have a tattoo.

What was once considered a sign of rebellion has become a mainstream fashion statement. Gone are the crude tat's of yesteryear which have been replaced with vibrant colors and top flight artwork. Literally, with the right artist, you can become a piece of living art.

Fortunately, for Coshocton, you can have top flight artwork done, under the strictest sanitary conditions, by visiting Sixth Street Tattoo & Body Piercing.

A visit to Sixth Street Tattoo feels more like a visit to an art gallery. Owner Dallas Brewer has created a tattoo experience worthy of cable television's Miami Ink. His detailed artwork and technique has drawn a legion of fans from around the area. Recently, my wife has become a big fan of Dallas' craftsmanship after having her foot tattooed. She loves to show off the vibrant colors and highly recommends Dallas to her friends.

Sixth Street Tattoo's hours are Tuesday-Thursday 12-6 and Friday-Saturday 12-7. You can schedule an appointment by calling 740-622-8282 or visit 114 S. Sixth Street.

Serenity Tea House: Coshocton's Solution to Restaurant Doldrums

Have you ever grown tired of the same old restaurant food fare in Coshcocton? Have you ever craved a freshly made panini, a slice of quiche, eggs benedict, or a real salad?

At a time where most Coshocton dining choices involve fast food, the Serenity Tea House gives you a wide selection of breakfast and lunch choices and it's all freshly made. I've been visiting Serenity since it first opened in 2003 and

Owner Jeanne Keenan's attention-to-detail shines throughout the restaurant, both in decor and food preparation. A good example would be the scone of-the-day. Not only do you receive a fresh made scone, but you get lemon curd and Devonshire cream.

Serenity Tea House offers an outstanding selection of Harney & Son's loose leaf teas are sure to please the most discerning tea drinker. Harney & Son's teas are famous for quality and blend. Also, Jeanne has made sure you have an eclectic selection of take home tea's and accesories. A personal favorite: the Russian Country Blend. If you're not a tea drinker, don't fret. Serenity features espresso, cappucinno, and a wide range of coffee related product.

Serenity Tea House has grown into a popular place for lunch. The weekly specials, cranberry salad, grilled panini sandwiches, and Serenity Signature Soup have built a strong, local following. Most days find Serenity bustling with a full house lunch crowd. You'll be hard pressed to find many of the unique menu items here in Coshocton.

I asked Jeanne her guiding force in maintaining Serenity Tea House and she said, "We want our customers to feel pampered. Even our name "Serenity" was chosen because that is what we want our customer to experience in our tea room." Undoubtedly, one method Serenity uses in delivering a pampered feeling had been their top flight service. The servers always seem eager-to-please and do a fantastic job in making customers feel welcome.

Serenity Tea House is located at 611 Main Street in downtown Coshocton. They're open 6 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday through Saturday. See you there.

Last Car Photo

More Car Photos

More car photo's from the show.

1930 Ford At the Car Show

Coshocton resident Carl Roeger hows his ride
at the Coshocton car show.

Annual Coshocton Car Show Underway

The annual Coshocton car show's going on in downtown Coshocton at this moment. There's a large gathering of beautiful vehicles. It's a gorgeous day, so go out and have fun.

More On The Sport Zone

Moments ago, I spoke with Nick Joseph, owner of Sport Zone. In a classic "you can't keep a good man down" moment, Nick indicated he'd be cooking Friday in their portable unit. Also, Nick told me that the Sport Zone main floor survived the fire and cleaning would soon begin.

I guess that means my Friday night dinner plans are set.

For those of you who haven't yet heard, the Coshocton Tribune reported that the Sport Zone was robbed and set on fire.

Another Sport Zone Photo

Sport Zone Fire Photo

Here's a photo from this morning's Sport Zone
fire.

Damage continues to be assessed. The basement has been gutted and upstairs damage, while less, seems to be bad.