- The Scarlet Letter
- Posts
- Columbus has 10 sisters?
Columbus has 10 sisters?
Identification, Cabins, and Sisterhood!
The Scarlet Letter
February 10, 2025
Are you interested in sponsoring the best local newsletter on the planet? Reply to this email to help your organization reach hundreds of thousands of engaged Columbusites.
Top of Mind
Real ID or Real Pain?
The Real ID Act is the government’s way of ensuring you really, truly are you. Because, apparently, your current Ohio driver’s license wasn’t quite cutting it. Starting May 6, if you want to fly domestically, enter a federal building, or break into a nuclear power plant, you’re going to need one.
And if you’re thinking, “Wait, wasn’t this supposed to happen years ago?” Yes. It was. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005, which means it only took the federal government 19 years to figure out how to enforce it.
So What Do You Need to Get a Real ID?
If you enjoy collecting documents like you're preparing for a legal battle, this process is for you. To get your Real ID, you’ll need to bring the following to the Ohio BMV:
✔️ Proof of full legal name (because apparently, the name on your current driver’s license isn’t convincing enough).
✔️ Proof of date of birth (birth certificate, passport, or the existential dread of another birthday).
✔️ Proof of Social Security number (if assigned—shoutout to the conspiracy theorists still off the grid).
✔️ Proof of legal presence (U.S. passport, permanent resident card, or a very convincing speech about your love for Ohio).
✔️ Proof of Ohio residency (utility bill, bank statement, or undying loyalty to Buckeye football).
If that wasn’t enough, the BMV will then mail your Real ID in a plain, white envelope, because nothing says official government document like something that looks like junk mail.
What Happens If You Don’t Get a Real ID?
If you don’t want to go through all this, you still have options. Other IDs that will get you through airport security include:
A U.S. passport – which, if you don’t already have one, good luck getting it in time without selling your soul to the expedited processing gods.
A military ID – so if you’ve been considering enlisting, here’s a new perk.
DHS Trusted Traveler Cards – because nothing says "trusted" like paying the government extra to treat you slightly less like a security threat.
Meanwhile, children under 18 don’t need a Real ID to fly, because obviously if anyone looks suspicious at the airport, it’s a toddler with a Paw Patrol suitcase
Why Does This Matter Now?
This rollout has been delayed so many times that we’re half-expecting them to push it back again. But as of now, the TSA swears May 6 is the real deal.
Which means you have two options:
Make a trip to the BMV now and get your Real ID like a responsible citizen.
Show up at the airport in May, act shocked, and pray your expired passport works.
Either way, we’d recommend blocking off extra time, because if there’s one thing we know about Ohio BMVs and airport security, it’s that nothing about this process will be fast.
Scarlet Letter Trivia
Question: How many pounds of cheese did Americans consume during the Super Bowl yesterday?
A) 10 Million Pounds
B) 2,000 Pounds
C) 29 Million
D) 0
Three Beautiful Cabins and What Makes Them Bad @$$
Craving a peaceful retreat with stunning views, top-tier amenities, and just the right amount of seclusion? Stay at Hocking Hills offers three incredible, design-forward cabins—each built with love, sustainability, and a serious eye for detail. Whether you’re looking for a luxury escape, a family adventure, or a quiet getaway, there’s a cabin waiting for you.
🏡 Three Cabins, Three Unique Experiences:
🔥 The Carpenter’s Cabin – Think modern treehouse meets cozy lodge. This architectural stunner features a floating staircase, secret fourth-story perch, conversation pit, and three decks surrounded by towering pines. Sleeps up to 12 perfect for families & groups.
✨ Twelve34 House – A penthouse in the forest with spa-inspired bathrooms, a private hot tub, massage lounger, outdoor kitchen, and floor-to-ceiling views. Sleeps 4, is a dream retreat for couples.
🌿 GloCabin – The ultimate hideaway for two. With five sets of French doors, a secluded hot tub, and swings on the back deck, this cabin is designed for serious relaxation. Sleeps 2, perfect for solo travelers & couples.
✔️ Built for comfort – Organic linens, all-natural bath products, and plush, thoughtfully designed interiors.
✔️ Close to nature, close to everything – Private hiking trails, 5–25 minutes from Hocking Hills’ best spots.
✔️ A foodie’s dream – Chef services, charcuterie trays, & pizza ovens for gourmet nights in.
✔️ Relax & unwind – Private hot tubs, fire pits, & even in-cabin massages available.
🏕 As seen on The Cabin Chronicles, with millions of views on YouTube!
📅 Cabins book fast, secure your stay now!
👉 StayTheHockingHills.com
Columbus’ International Friend Group
Columbus, Ohio: the city that’s home to Buckeye football, aggressive roundabouts, and surprisingly strong international connections. That’s right, while you’re dodging potholes on High Street, Columbus is busy maintaining diplomatic ties with ten sister cities across the globe. Who knew we had a foreign policy?
The sister city program is meant to promote diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange, but let’s be honest: it mostly ensures a few local officials get a free international trip every couple of years. So what’s the deal? Are we forging global alliances, or are we just an overly eager pen pal? Let’s find out.
Mr. World Wide!
Columbus’ Global Besties
Here’s a look at our ten international sibling cities, proving Columbus has a surprisingly diverse social life:
Dresden, Germany – A city famous for beer, Christmas markets, and architecture that Columbus could only dream of. The partnership focuses on business and cultural exchanges, which is a fancy way of saying “sending Midwesterners to drink in beer halls under the banner of economic development.”
Genoa, Italy – The birthplace of Christopher Columbus himself! Or, as history tells it, the city that has spent centuries pretending they had nothing to do with him. Columbus’ relationship with Genoa mostly consists of historical nods and a shared appreciation for carbs.
Taipei, Taiwan – Columbus calls itself the “Silicon Heartland”, and Taipei is actually a global tech powerhouse, so this makes sense. The partnership focuses on trade, education, and, let’s be real, fueling our city’s boba addiction.
Seville, Spain – Famous for flamenco, oranges, and having way better architecture than us, Seville has a rich cultural history that Columbus can only admire from afar. The partnership focuses on tourism and education, which mostly means Columbus gets to host random Spanish heritage festivals every year.
Ahmedabad, India – This is a newer pairing, focused on business, sustainability, and education. Also, let’s be real: Columbus’ food scene deserves an official link to India.
And rounding out our international crew:
Accra, Ghana – A long-standing partner focusing on education and economic development.
Odense, Denmark – Home of Hans Christian Andersen, proving Columbus is now technically linked to fairytales (which seems fitting for city development promises).
Hefei, China – A growing hub for tech and trade, which makes Columbus feel important.
Tainan, Taiwan – Another tech and culture partner, reinforcing Columbus’ desperate attempts to be seen as an innovation hub.
Herzliya, Israel – A startup and innovation center, which means Columbus can now say it’s one handshake away from actual cutting-edge technology.
But Does This Actually Do Anything?
In theory, yes. These partnerships bring study abroad programs, business exchanges, and cultural festivals to Columbus. But let’s be real, no one in Seville is waking up thinking about Columbus, Ohio. (And if they are, they should probably see someone about that.)
So, is Columbus really an international city, or are we just hitching a ride on these global connections to make ourselves feel fancy? Either way, next time someone calls Columbus a flyover city, remind them: we’ve got ten international sister cities. That’s more than most people have actual friends.
And let’s just assume our sister cities feel the same way.
Break out the sequins and platform shoes, Downtown Disco is back, and it’s bigger than ever! Since its debut in 2022, this iconic Columbus event has sold out for three consecutive years, drawing 950 groovy guests each time. The 2025 Downtown Disco at The Bluestone promises another unforgettable night of glitter, dancing, and all around good vibes.
Event founder Chuck Mulé captures the magic:
"It’s a multi-generational bash where everyone—from college students to baby boomers dresses to impress and recreates the disco era. The energy is unmatched, and the dance floor is pure joy."
Disco is more than a genre, it’s a vibe. It’s inclusivity, self-expression, and unapologetic fun. And for one night only, Downtown Disco brings it all to Columbus, uniting a diverse crowd to party like it’s 1975.
Trivia Answer:
C) 29 million pounds: Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin released data this week showing Americans are expected to “devour” 29 million pounds of cheese during the Super Bowl.
Arrivederci
