The Scene: A hot, mostly sunny summer afternoon in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio.

I decided to take the sign to the ball game today because there was fundraiser for a local politico, Greg Hartmann, doing a fundraiser ($75) at some office, 537 E. Pete Rose Way, from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., followed by a "special" reception ($500)at 7:00 at the Reds vs. Mets game in the KMK and Frost Brown Todd box. with the basic fundraiser at and the special reception at $500.

I arrived just before 5:00 p.m., and one of the first people to come by was Melanie Bates. She and her son were attending the game as part of a "Donate Life" event. (She might even have been working one of the concessions.

The sign got many positive responses, including beeps, waves, hand shakes, and heartfelt thanks.

There were also negatives, including "my son is there and I don't appreciate your sign." (I said I hoped he makes it home OK.) Another fellow asked if I was a veteran. I didn't respond and he said "I thought so." (Too bad I'm slow witted.). Another fellow tried to spit on me but ended up spitting on cheney's picture, for which I thanked him. There were a few other negative comments, but nothing worth mentioning.

I took a picture myself at one point.

The police set up as usual and more or less ineffectively tried to keep traffic moving. One of the officers gave me a long, cold stare, but that was the extent of their interaction with me.

A fellow named Bobby, who had been at the Millenium Hotel for a Ted Strickland event, took another photo.

I left the ballpark at 7:45, and about halfway back to the car a thunderstorm came up and I had to work my way from building to building, using the sign as a shield against the wind and the driving rain. I got back to the car still dry and happy, and with the sign well cleaned by a natural wash.

Notice:
Today's sign event page, too, is dedicated to patriotic baseball fans everywhere.

More fun later,

Ray

Written July, 20, 2006