Thursday, July 08, 1999
Bell's arrival brings the sound of partying
BY JIM KNIPPENBERG
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Hmmm. There was a pillow fight on the plane. There was a traveler wearing a spiked dog collar. There was the mayor of New Orleans “astounded that no one fell off this boat. These people do party don't they?”
Yeah, they do. The partiers were the Bell contingent of about 200 Tristaters in New Orleans for four days of parties and receptions surrounding the unveiling of the World Peace Bell. And to hear its first gong in this country.
Sounding a G natural with a C natural overtone, the bell spent the weekend on a barge nestled next to the Belle of Cincinnati, the 1,000-passenger gambling boat that BB Riverboats president Alan Bernstein has re-fitted for Ohio River cruises. It's also the boat on which New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial was surprised to see guests still afloat at Friday's welcoming party.
Hosted by a raft of Bernsteins — Alan, Shirley, Jimmy, Barbara — it was a party during which trays of that signature New Orleans drink, the hurricane, kept appearing. Good thing, too, because there was no water on board. Banjo player Bob Poe had to wash his hands with club soda.
Among the things overheard as Eye made the rounds ...
• “Don't you think I could do better? Like make up a really good story?” That was Barbara Bernstein, in a wheelchair and wishing she didn't have to tell people it was a gardening injury (sprained ankle). “In my yard. I twisted it it so badly I have to wear this brace I don't know how much longer. At least I should make up a ski injury or something.”
• “How much of it did I keep? Not very much. I made the mistake of mentioning it.” That was Joe Bride, one of the trip organizers, talking about a visit he and Millennium Monument Co. CEO Wayne Carlisle made to a betting parlor. Bride won $560. Wife Catsy promptly went shopping.
• “You can call me Spike. The whip comes later.” That was bell supporter Mary Remke, who earned her spiked dog collar in a Bourbon Street club (a semi-naked dancer gave it to her).
• “No stories leave this room. Got it? Especially this story.” That was Newport Mayor Tom Guidugli and Kentucky state Rep. Jim Callahan reminiscing about the same group's trip to France in December. “Remember that night in Paris? The one where ... ” That's when they saw Eye's notebook and clammed up.
• “Hey, it's a long flight. I think a pillow fight is perfect to pass a couple hours.” That was developer Dick Duval, preparing a sneak attack on Verdin Bell president, Jim Verdin.
• “What we have here is the world's shortest speech for the world's biggest bell.” That was Alan Bernstein, greeting guests and adding that, yes, Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton was going to speak. “But it won't be long, either.”
Bernstein now is somewhere on the Mississippi, floating the Belle and bell to Newport. Look for it about July 31. And more parties ... if everyone has recovered by then.
Knip's Eye View appears Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Have an item to report? Call Jim Knippenberg at 768-8513; fax: 768-8330.
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