You probably heard that the Mobil travel guide came out with its new rankings and that we've got the only four-star restaurant in three states right downtown. Here's what the guide has to say about Jean-Robert at Pigall's:

Cincinnati's top culinary draw -- and indeed one of the best French restaurants in the Midwest -- Jean-Robert at Pigall's serves the sort of inventive, high-quality food with a generosity of spirit that has patrons ... feeling as though they've had a bargain.

I was brave enough to sign-up for the world of online dating; now, the question is are you ready to talk about.

If you're not ready - or have no idea what online dating is all about - you've got some time to prep. First, pick up a copy of CiN this week for our online dating cover story, featuring my own experiences hitting the Internet looking for love (or at the very least, a new friend). Once you've had a chance to read the story, come back here and share your thoughts, questions, criticisms, success stories - whatever they may be - about online dating.

Let the commenting begin. Happy blogging!

Sometimes you feel really inspired to talk about something with a lot of passion and energy. And then, after watching a movie like Saw 2, you're happy you can just keep your food down.

And with that said, here's the latest batch of Thoughts for the Thoughtful.

WHO SHOT YA? – If you recognize that song title, then you are probably already familiar with this story. But if you're familiar with the artist in question, you probably have the same question I did when I first heard about this and that is this: What worse? The fact that he will probably write about this incident on his next album in a "I'm so gangsta, they can't kill me" manner or the fact he'll get respect from a lot of his fans for it?

HAVE YOU BEEN NASTY, MS. JACKSON? – If you think the infamous wardrobe malfunction was something, this news about Janet Jackson might just blow you away (except for my friend Sam, who said this less than a week ago in a completely unrelated conversation.)
But aren't we missing the bigger question here, which is this: who in their right mind names their child "Young," let alone "Young DeBarge?" That's gonna suck if the group every re-unites for a tour and you've got a dude pushing 50 named "Young DeBarge!"

"I ALWAYS FEEL LIKE SOMEONE'S WATCHING ME …" – You probably have heard about this from your conspiracy theory buddy before, but guess what? It's true.

EVER GET THE FEELING THEY REALLY DON'T CARE? – I don't want this column to turn into "The O'Reilly Factor," so if you want to talk politics, do it somewhere else. But when you see a photo like this , don't you get the feeling this man really couldn't care less for all the trouble he's in. Then again, if you don't know what trouble he's in, he should be smiling as he'll likely get away with it.

I LOVE THAT LAST QUOTE! – Having met and interviewed Fantasia Barrino before, I can honestly say the former American Idol winner is "good people," as the expression goes. However, as this story Barrino shows, not everyone in her hometown agrees right now thanks to her book. (Which I know is ironic since she recently came out as being a functionally illiterate adult.)

But no matter what you think of the actual story or the town it centers around, you've got to love that last quote!

HIP-HOP ARTIST(S) OF THE WEEK RETURNS!

Yeah, I know I said I was retiring the feature, but this week, I felt compelled to bring it back like the New York Jets did Vinny Testaverde.

• First up is Detroit's own soul trio turned duo, Slum Village who's new self-titled, independent label CD is their best work since their slept-on debut. If you like Kanye West, Common or John Legend, this album is a must have.

• Next up is Left Coast lyricist Ras Kass (who has a Web site I can't remember right now, so do your own Google or Yahoo! search!), who's new independent CD "Institutionalized" is, as Dave Chappelle as Dylan would say, is "hot fire." One of those guys who will never get his due in hip-hop, Ras Kass is an MC's MC, and if you want to find out why, pick up the album!

• Lastly, former 106 & Park battle champ Jin the Emcee is back and like my boy in the movie "Network" mad as hell and not going to take it anymore! While his new album "Properganda" is far from a classic, the honesty found throughout the album makes it worth hearing if not having alone.

REST IN PEACE – Finally, I would be remiss without saying something about Ms. Rosa Parks. While I was not a supporter (although I understood) of her lawsuit against OutKast, I, owe her a great amount of gratitude as does every other African-American. Without her simple refusal to move, I might not have the able to have the opportunities and life I do. (Hopefully, that sentence doesn't need explanation.)

So for everything you did for me without even knowing it, Ms. Parks, I hope you can now finally rest in peace.

AP reports that President Bush praised Rosa Parks on Tuesday as "one of the most inspiring women of the 20th century." Understatement.

If you'd like to read more, we humbly suggest the Detroit Free Press and the Montgomery Advertiser, including their special site "They changed the world: The story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott."

• MA: Nation mourns mother of civil rights movement
  
• DFP: ROSA LOUISE PARKS | 1913-2005: Good-bye, Mrs. Parks
  
• Free Press blog: Remembering Mrs. Parks
  
• Snapshots of history: More about Rosa Parks from the Freep.com archives

If you'd like to leave a memory or comment, Cincinnati.com has a thread all set up.

Dear Readers:

What are your thoughts on cohabitation? Share your thoughts here.

She's over the blond! Well, at least for now. Popsugar reported a few days ago that Miss Lohan went brunette (though apparently it's already turned more red/auburn - check the site for updates). As a brunette (sorta), I welcome her back to the bleach-free world.

So what do we think? Linday's better as a brunette, right? Discuss.
















Source: Popsugar.com

Who is Cincinnati's Sexiest Server? You'll find out soon... Pick up CiN Weekly's Dining guide next week (11/2) to find out.

Working in media, you get a lot of breaking news before the general public.
And sometimes, you just get Thoughts from the Thoughtful ...

JUST IN FROM THE "OH MY!" DEPT. - This story is just absolutely wrong, not because of the way it was told, but because of what happened - might want to be careful clicking on this one.

FROM THE "NOT AGAIN" DEPT. ... "THE CONTENDER" COMES FULL CIRCLE - You know, I wish this was surprising, but given the fact he hasn't been in a movie in ... yeah, that long, it's now. Oh well, much like Drago told him in Rocky IV, if his career dies, it dies - but not without going down swinging.

THE RE-BIRTH OF THE CASSINGLE! - If you're like me (and whether you want to admit it or not, if you're reading this, you already halfway there), you have a bunch of outdated old cassettes lying around containing songs you know you'll never be able to find on CD ever. But have no fear, Plus Deck is here! (FYI: If you know me and I'm on your Christmas list, this would make a great gift!)

FROM THE 'WHAT A SHOCK ... NOT!' DEPT. - I like Ashton Kutcher as an actor. His work on That '70s Show is funny, his film work is OK (except for Just Married and My Boss' Daughter) and Punk'd is entertaining. But come on man, know when to say when. This should be the first clue.

I LOVE THAT GUY! - As I've said several times in previous entries, I love Bill Simmons' work. But one thing I love more than that is seeing (or in this case, reading) athletes make stupid comments in public. After reading this, you will, too.

FINALLY, A WORD FROM THE 'WTF?!' DEPT. - I, probably like yourself, got caught up in Powerball fever this past week (which will soon be replaced with Mega Millions fever). And I'm not mad I didn't win. But seeing that this guy won is almost enough to make you question your religion. Like he needs the money!

THIS WEEK'S LINKS (a.k.a. a list of other sites to check out)

• The Funk Dr. Spock is back - The new Redman CD is due out next month. And as long as he stays on the mike and off the movie/sitcom screen, all is right with the world!

• Shuffle up and deal - If you recognize that quote, Being Bobby Brown isn't the only show you watched on Bravo this summer. With the poker craze in full swing, this game is supposed to have the best A.I. of any of them. But you think I'm going to get bluffed out by a machine, you've got another thing coming.

• The craziest dubbed - and only - movie I've ever seen on the Independent Film Channel. Long story short: I went to sleep early last night, woke up at 5:30 a.m. this morning and ended up catching this on IFC by accident. It's just unbelievable wrong, funny and gory, ESPECIALLY because of the ending!!!

In our continuing quest to bring you advance ticket-buying information, we note that Over The Rhine will be at the Taft on Dec. 17. Tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 21 (which, as I write this, is tomorrow) at 11 a.m. $20.

If you want to see them this weekend, you'll need to be in Decatur, Ga. for the Paste Rock 'n Reel Festival.

We're out of names. Wilma is the last of the 21 names set aside for Atlantic hurricanes this year, the first time we've run out since we started naming storms in 1953. While there are six weeks left in the season, November averages only one every three years.

I'm also hooked on the NOAA's Environmental Visualization Program, where you'll find satellite images of all the storms including Wilma. For some reason, there's a tropical storm prediction center at the University of Wisconsin that has a real-time tracking page.

Sometimes you just happen to overhear people talking. In any case, for anyone who has recently gotten a speeding ticket, we've got something in our archives that might help: Still want to fight that ticket?

Ohio and Kentucky both have remedial driving courses to cut down on the "points" on your license.

On our way home from Cleveland yesterday , Kelly and I were listening to everything on her iPod, including a healthy dose of Nirvana and Pearl Jam. I came up with a theory: Eddie Vedder is the Dave Matthews of grunge. Discuss. I'll add more later, including photos and fun anecdotes from our road trip (we went to a conference at the Plain Dealer).

Here, the inspiring Ohio landscape. And, Kelly tries to ignore the blinding sunset and I take fun camera phone photos!

If you pore over our staff page religiously each week (and who doesn't, right? Am I right?), you might have noticed something new in the issue that hit stands today: Julie Fitzgerald's title has changed from "correspondent" (aka our most prolific freelancer) to "reporter." This means she has her own desk now, fashionably accessorized with organizers from Hold Everything.

Our stylish new staffer promises to shake things up around here:



Julie's new Addams Family look is for a piece in next week's issue, designed to get you geared up for Halloween. (She liked the look so much, we wouldn't be surprised if she started wearing it every day.)

Welcome to the office, Julie!

Another week, the first Bengals football loss. (How refereshing is it to be to say the first loss came in week five and not week one for once?!?) For as much as I love the game and may be seen around town rocking other team's gear - I don't like looking like everyone else in town - I love my Bengals, and especially love the fact they're in first place.

But in order to not jinx them, I think it's best I move along to this week's edition of Thoughts for the Thoughtful.

IS CARSON A HEINEKEN MAN? You know, I was thinking about how a small part of me was glad that if the Bengals had to lose, I'm glad it was to a quality team player like my man Byron Leftwich. And after seeing these pictures, I can say how much more glad I am it wasn't to Kyle Orton. And based on his team's performance this past Sunday, one has to wonder whether or not the rest of his team followed him to happy hour last week!

WHY ISN'T MIKE TICE FIRED YET??? - Seriously. I don't know much about football, but I know when a coach isn't right for the job. And given everything else that's happened in his reign - Randy Moss, the Bengals game, et cetera - this should be the final straw that breaks his coaching back. I still can't believe I drafted Nate Burleson this year in any of my fantasy leagues!

FOR ALL MY FELLOW CARD COLLECTORS - If you grew up collecting baseball cards in the '80s like I did, you know the market went downhill once the '90s hit and everyone realized they could make money collecting cards. But thanks to this Web site, the pure joy of making fun of some of the cards lives on.

IF I EVER DECIDE TO FLY ... - I'm not a prude or anything, but as someone who goes to church on a semi-regular basis, this has to be the biggest threat to me being able to walk in with a clean conscience ever. Seriously, if they get away with this, I don't think America will ever be able to make fun of the British again for this one.

NO ARGUMENT HERE - And speaking of sexy, I'm glad to see the fine folks at Esquire have formally recognized what I've said all along. The sexiest Jessica is not Simpson, it's Jessica Biel. But as anyone who read this story last December already knows, Ms. Biel is also a very talented actress and kind person deserving of every accolade she gets.
Oh yeah, almost forgot - you can go read up on the lovely Ms. Biel some more here at her official Web site.

ENTERTAINMENT ARTISTS OF THE WEEK
Yes, I have changed the "Hip-Hop Artist of the Week" feature to also include other people in entertainment worthy of your attention.

• First up is Ill Poetic, who is he's featured in this week's issue of CiN Weekly. Since he has created one of the best albums of the year, it would be remiss to not provide a link to Ill Poetic's other online home.

• Next up are Louis C.K., the proud director of the Hollywood blockbuster Pootie Tang and Bill Burr, a.k.a. the white guy with the red hair from Chappelle's Show. Their respective "One Night Stand" episodes on HBO this summer were absolutely hilarious (if not just plain wrong at times). Burr is scheduled to visit Go Bananas this winter and based on his HBO work, his shows should be a hilarious treat.

• Lastly, I'd like to give a shout-out to my co-worker Kari Wethington's favorite gossip site, Pop Sugar. If you want to know Ashton, Paris, Tara, Jessica or Ashlee's next move (c'mon you know who they are by their first name by now) before they do, just log-on and read it here.

See you here next week!

We've got a little story about Podcasting this week. We compiled a little list of places to find shows and some locally produced ones.

SHOWS

• www.espn.com podcasts -- Sports, of course.
  
• www.kqed.com -- Public broadcasting for Northern California. Discussions of local, state, national and international issues, as well as in-depth interviews.
  
• www.npr.org/podcasts -- Selections from Morning Edition, All Things Considered and others.
  
• www.dawnanddrew.com -- Husband and wife reveal their dirty secrets from a farmhouse in Wisconsin.
  
• www.slate.com -- The magazine's podcasts cover everything under the sun.
  
• podfinder.podshow.com -- MTV veteran and podcasting pioneer Adam Curry introduces new podcasts from around the world.

DIRECTORIES

• www.podcastalley.com for a podcast portal and monthly voting
  
• www.odeo.com -- a "tagged" directory of shows and a tool to download them.

LOCALLY
We're not saying this is comprehensive, but here are a few of the shows being produced around here that we've found.

• woxy.com - Modern Rock Minute and unisigned@woxy
  
• funnyindian.com - comedian Rajiv Satyal
  
• wvxu.org - weekend news programs
  
• shiftyeyeddog.libsyn.com - Kel and Brian talk football

Feel free to add your favorites, or your latest creation, below.

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Every day I have a new favorite song. Maybe I'm superficial, or maybe there's just too much great music out there. (My vote is on the latter.)

Kanye West's "Gold Digger" is in frequent rotation, along with practically every song on Sleater-Kinney's The Woods (my current fave there is "Let's Call It Love").

But today's fave fave favorite song is "Hey Now Now" by the Cloud Room. (Listen to it here, and then download immediately from iTunes music store.) It's catchy, totally danceable but also has a heartwarming indie-rock vibe.

I saw the NYC band when they played Southgate House in July. (They were the Hott Band of the Week that week, so I had to see if all my hoopla was spot-on.) I was into it, and their live show lived up to the songs I had heard ("Hey Now Now" and "Blackout!"), though I wasn't immediately in love with some of the other, slower songs.

I kind of forgot about the band (I mean, there's a lot of hott bands out there) until last week. I was sifting through the sales racks at the Gap and started humming along with the song playing overhead. I couldn't figure out what it was, but my friend finally realized it was the Cloud Room. Who knew?

First, it's freaky that the Gap brought my love for the song full circle. (But, you can't deny that half the fun of shopping at the Gap is the dance party soundtrack - marketing genius.)

Since the boot-cut cords/Cloud Room experience last week, I keep hearing that song. On MTV, on friends' iTunes - but mostly in my head: "Hey now now, we're goin' downtown / And we ride the bus there, pay the bus fare ..." (Today I'm giving the rest of the album some love, and finding that it's not just the hit single that's so amazing.)

I think this will be in the favorite song rotation for a while. (But that doesn't mean it won't eventually be knocked from the No. 1 spot. Any suggestions?)

I saw Serenity at a preview screening last Tuesday. Three days later, I paid to see it again opening night. That should probably clue you in as to what I thought of it.

To put it another way: By the opening credits, the movie had already messed with my head twice. I like that in a movie. (I liked it even better when it didn't happen again; you can only cancel reality so many times before you lose your audience.)

Certainly you've heard the story: Fox (as it is wont to do) prematurely cancels Firefly, odd little sci-fi/western hybrid created by Joss Whedon (you know, the Buffy guy); devoted fans cry out; DVD sales burn up charts; a movie is made.

The Internet tells me that fans of the series are unable to imagine what people who haven't seen Firefly will think of Serenity. My guess, based on my non-Firefly-having-seen status, is that they're gonna think it's shiny. Serenity does not exist in a vacuum, but the average moviegoer will be able to pick up on the story pretty quickly - Whedon's tight script and the cast's sense of nuance ensure that much.

But just in case you're extra-dense and need a primer:

A Long Time From Now, in a Solar System An Unspecified Distance Away ...

Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds captains the good (space)ship Serenity, which far too many people have been spelling with italics as if a ship's name were a magazine title, but that's a copy-editing thing and not a movie-obsessing thing, so I'll let it slide for now.

Anyway, Serenity and her crew fly about the 'verse (short for "universe," duh) accepting any job - legal or illegal - that'll pay. Along the way, the pick up a doctor (convenient) and his insane psychic government-experiment ninja sister (the psychic ninja stuff is nice, but the insane government experiment bits can prove a mite troublesome).

Buried deep in the psychic ninja girl's brain are secrets about the Alliance, the interplanetary government that reigns supreme on the solar system's central planets but would like a little tighter control on its frontier (the struggle to survive on the border planets is what gave the TV show much of its Western flavor, though this theme is less prevalent in the movie). Therefore, the Alliance would sure like her back, if it isn't too much trouble thankyouverymuch.

There's also the Reavers, which harry pretty much everyone on the border planets. They are men - but men driven beyond madness or even savagery. If you can't outrun them, it's better to simply kill yourself, because your death at their hands will be long and painful.

So Mal and his crew are trying to dodge the Alliance, outrun the Reavers, and find out what the ninja girl knows. All in a day's work, really.

Two things I would have liked to have known about the Firefly 'verse before seeing Serenity:
- The events that occur before the opening credits take place probably a few days or a week before the start of the series; the bulk of it occurs after the series finale. (I've heard six months, but I still haven't seen the entire series, so I can't say that with any authority.)
- This quote about Reavers from the first episode of Firefly: "If they take the ship, they'll rape us to death, eat our flesh and sew our skins into their clothing and if we're very very lucky, they'll do it in that order." (I was able to figure this out pretty quickly, but it never hurts to have a summary.)

The point is: Good movie. Go see it. Demand a sequel.

Been watching the Bengals? Then you've probably seen a Circuit City ad with a guy who looks damn familiar. You know the guy. In the commercial he and his wife (i'm guessing) are looking to buy a new TV. The number of choices are almost paralyzing and our hero says...."If this keeps up we'll end up with N-O TV."
Well, rack your brain no more. We found the guy.
His name is Billy Jayne (aka Billy Jacoby) and he played Mikey on.......wait for it.... PARKER LEWIS CAN'T LOSE.

http://tinyurl.com/9jj6p

http://tinyurl.com/83qct

A cool new exhibition titled "Hey Doll..." is opening at ArtWorks in the Time Warner Cable Gallery on Friday night. The exhibit, which runs from Oct. 7 - Nov. 4, features hand-made dolls made by national and local artists, including
Chris Sickles, one of the country's top 3D illustrators.

In addition to the exhibit, opening night marks the one-year anniversary of Cincinnati's only Art*o*Mat, an art vending machine.

The opening reception goes from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. ArtWorks is located at 811 Race Street.