I'd like to apologize for not updating the ole' blog a little more frequently, but I'm not going to.  It's election season, and I'm already busy enough.  So there.

However, there are a few things that have been on my radar I wanted to highlight.  For instance, Friday, October 26, the next commander of the International Space Station will be in the Tri-State.

The Japan America Society of Greater Cincinnati is sponsoring the visit by Dr. Koichi Wakata, at Cooper Creek in Blue Ash.  He'll be speaking from 5 to 9:30pm. 

According to the Society, Dr. Wakata "began his aeronautical career in 1992 at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX.  He was a mission specialist on Endeavor in 1996; part of the 2000 Discovery team that prepared the international space station for its first resident crew;
3 ISS expeditions one of which lasted 137 days.  He is the recipient of the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, and NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal as well as several other international recognitions." 

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Also Friday, three members of the Cincinnati Police Department will be honored by the State Attorney General.

Lieutenant Colonel Cindy Combs will be recognized for her accomplishments with the Mark Losey Distinguished Law Enforcement Service Award.

Officer Steven Bower will receive the Distinguished Law Enforcement Group Meritorious Service Award for actions in August, 2011.  He came under fire from several people, while working an off-duty detail, and was able to wound the original suspect, who was taken into custody.

Officer Diondre Winstead also receives the Distinguished Law Enforcement Group Meritorious Service Award.  In College Hill, in November of 2011, Winstead came under fire.  He declined to shoot back, because he was worried an innocent bystander would get hurt.  But, Winstead still took the perp into custody.

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Friday night, October 26, the first "Dance with my Daddy" dance takes place in Springfield Township.  The organization supports families with special needs children, specifically, trying to assist the relationship between the children and their fathers. 

The event is at the Centennial Barn, from 7 to 10:30pm.

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We are once again sponsoring the Matthew 25 Ministries 5K in Blue Ash.  And once again, we'll have a small herd running.  I say running, but I mean, something else.   

Yid has already said he's slow.  I haven't run a 5K since the Redlegs Run in June.  And Brant?  Well, Brant has a previous engagement the evening before that involves something about Socratic discussion and thoughtful interaction.  (I suspect it's a whiskey tasting.)  And I think after Sloanie licked the pace car, someone took a Walther PPK to his knee.

For more information, visit the M25M5K website. 

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If running a 5K seems a bit daunting to you, down the road, in Madeira, that very same morning, there's a 2 mile run/walk to benefit the Moebius Foundation.

Curious about what Moebius Syndrome is?  Check out Madeira High School's website, as they're sponsoring that event.