🌱 UC Research On Conversation Physiology + Zoo Seeks More Funding

Hey, everybody! It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Cincinnati Patch newsletter. Let's get this day started off right, with a quick review of everything you need to know about what's going on in town these days.

But first, today's weather:

Breezy in the afternoon. High: 61 Low: 53.

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Here are the top three stories in Cincinnati today:

1. Engineers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a technology that can identify the type of conversation two people are having based on their physiological responses. The technology was trained using data from wearable technology measuring respiration, heart rate, and perspiration. The study showed that the computer was able to differentiate four different conversation scenarios — a positive conversation in which both parties have a similar opinion, a negative conversation in which they disagree, and two "agreeable" conversation scenarios in which each speaker"dominates" the discussion —with up to 75 percent accuracy. (University of Cincinnati)
2. The Cincinnati Zoo is seeking additional funds from Hamilton County taxpayers. Yesterday, Cincinnati Zoo Director Thane Maynard was scheduled to present the zoo's operating budget and the portion that needs to be covered by taxpayers to the Hamilton County Tax Levy Committee. In the past, voters have supported the zoo tax levies and approved a renewal five-year levy in May 2018 without an increase in taxes. (WCPO 9 Cincinnati)
3. The Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (EMHSA) of Hamilton County is asking residents and businesses of Hamilton County to fill out an online survey to gauge the county's preparedness for major emergencies and evacuation plans. The survey also seeks information on what kind of disasters residents think pose the greatest risk to the area. EMHSA plans to hold a series of public meetings later this year to discuss the Hazard Mitigation Plan, including the hazards that concerned survey respondents the most. (Cincinnati CityBeat)

Today in Cincinnati:

• Yottaquest MTG Commander Celebration At MadTree Taproom (6:00 PM)
• Rhinegeist Is For Lovers At Rhinegeist Brewery (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Kevin James is headed to Cincinnati! The comedian will stop by the Taft Theatre for "The Irregardless Tour" on Saturday, Jun. 17. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster. (WDTN.com)
• Looking for a new career opportunity? Several companies are hiring for full-time and part-time openings in the Cincinnati area. (Cincinnati Patch)
• Cincy Shirts will be closing its Over-the-Rhine location, with the team saying they have "outgrown" the space. The store will be "expanding to new locations" while keeping the Hyde Park and Fort Mitchell shops open, according to a recent Facebook post. (FOX19)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.