How can the US’s 14th largest city have the nation’s worst collection of what were once called “legitimate media”? I do not have a comprehensive answer, but I read major clues. Given the broken state of the City government and the physical and social city, and almost all of its major institutions, on one hand, we  cannot be surprised. At the same time, the need for comprehensive, trustworthy news and commentary has never been greater.

I first wrote about Columbus media in July 23 in “Columbus’ identity crisis and its media,” Columbus Underground, July 23, 2021. This was an unexpected learning experience. I advanced the arguments that the city’s lack of identity was in fair measure a result of its media’s large-standing failure to engage in and support habits of responsible constructive criticism, and thus promote that kind of tradition. Instead, unchecked boosterism reign. This is especially true with respect to major institutions including the City itself, Ohio State University, and major powerful private interests. For more than a century and one-half, the Columbus Dispatch led in, and profited greatly from that.

"Chevalier" is the story of composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) The illegitimate son of an African slave and a French plantation owner, Bologne rises to improbable heights in French society as a celebrated violinist-composer and fencer, complete with an ill-fated love affair and a falling out with Marie Antoinette (Lucy Boynton) herself and her court.

As a man of mixed race, Joseph Bologne is, during his time, undeniably shackled by French laws and by social conventions. He comes to defy the aristocracy he once moved within and is changed by a love made impossible by his race. And he rediscovered his heritage, bringing Creole influences to his music and fighting for his people. And yet, is remarkable virtuosity and persona allowed him to enter, however precariously, the circle of elites enjoying wealth, power, and the outrageous excesses of the age.

The Waldos, the 1970s, Lobby Day, Adult Use

Happy 4/20 or 420, as it is known!! The famed cannaholiday is upon us once again! It’s been over 50 years since five Southern California teens coined the term. While it is ubiquitous today – a codeword for friendship and fun – 420 was a product of its times, a tactic to evade parents, police, and prohibition. Read more below.                    

Don’t forget The People’s Cannabis Lobby Day at the Ohio Statehouse on Thursday, 4/20. Find out more here.

FOUNDERS of 420 – the WALDOS!

Monday, April 17, 2023, 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Over the past two years, the No Death Penalty Ohio Coalition built a movement that saw historic legislative progress. Though the legislation that would end Ohio’s death penalty did not pass, we are determined to keep pushing for repeal.

It’s a new session and new bills ending Ohio’s death penalty are poised for introduction. Join us at a statewide grassroots meeting to learn about the campaign, ignite or reignite the spark for abolishing the death penalty, and to learn how you can play a role.  

We need people like you to join the bipartisan movement to end the death penalty. 

Register for the meeting here.