Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Have A Very Gossip New Year’s

Columbus, it’s your turn… We’ve given you the info… Get out there, dance, drink, sand make this kick… (well you know)…Our reporters and photographers are covering this town… So smile, you never know which pics I’ll pick… You know you love me…

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

BREAKING: Russell Still Thinking

Ohio State’s Anderson Russell is still considering skipping his senior season, Gossip Cbus has learned. On Sunday, Gossip Cbus reported that Russell is among six underclassmen Coach Jim Tressel expects to return. A source close to the defensive back contradicted this report, saying that Russell will make a decision following the Fiesta Bowl.

In three seasons, Russell has notched 137 tackles. This season, he has tallied 58. One NFL talent evaluator we spoke with said that Russell should return to Ohio State. In the evaluator’s opinion, the safety is a second day pick.

New Year’s Eve 2009: Frog Bear & Wild Boar

Commencement: 7:00

Venue: Frog Bear & Wild Boar (343 N Front Street)

Cover: $25-$40

Party Favors


Champagne Toast (Midnight)

Performances
Introspect
VJ Nohbody

New Year’s Eve 2009: Renaissance Gala

Commencement: 10:00

Venue: Renaissance Hotel (50 North Third Street)

Tickets: Dr. Moejoe (Easton, Polaris, Short North)

$178 VIP Upgrade Package
VIP Access
Latitude 41 Party Access
Top Shelf Drinks
Champagne Toast (Midnight)

$129 General Admission Package
Drinks
Complimentary Hors D’orderves


Performances
Love Sick Radio
George Acosta
Dave Espionage
Jimmy Sexton
Shapeshifter
Chris Gonzalez
DJ Magic
DJ Jondi
DJ Samurai
Quantum
Lemon Lyman
The Bourbon Kings
AUS 10
The Late Crew

Co-Sponsors Include:
Columbus Alive
Columbus Underground
Columbus Renaissance Hotel
Dr. Moejoe
Got Cast
Kaplan Artist Group
Latitude 41
Miller Lite
The Riot Society
Vital Music Records

From Fire Fighter to Mutt Murderer

I know I’ve said send this jerk to jail, but now that’s insufficient!!! He sent text messages bragging about killing his dogs? Michael Vick didn’t even do that…

10 TV: A firefighter accused of shooting his dogs and dumping their bodies in a Dumpster near his fire station allegedly boasted in text messages that he was going to kill his animals instead of paying to have them boarded, according to court records obtained Tuesday by 10TV News.

Information included in a search warrant revealed that a tipster told investigators about the text messages that were allegedly sent by Columbus firefighter David Santuomo. Earlier this month, an anonymous tip brought officers from the Capital Area Humane Society to the Dumpster behind Station 27 where they found two bloody bags containing the dogs' bodies.

Santuomo, a 12-year veteran of the department, told his superiors that he shot the dogs because he thought they had consumed antifreeze. In a letter written to Columbus fire Chief Ned Pettus, Santuomo claimed he thought the dogs drank a "toxic substance" and was afraid they were "suffering." Santuomo added that he shot them to "save them" from their misery. Investigators are still waiting for toxicology reports to show whether or not the dogs consumed a toxic substance.

New Year’s Eve 2009: McFadden’s

Commencement: 9:00

Venue: McFadden’s (South Campus)

Cover: $65

Top Shelf Drinks

Buffet

Party Favors

Champagne Toast (Midnight)

New Year’s Eve 2009: Park Street Patio & Sugar Bar

Commencement: 6:00

Venue: Park Street Patio & Sugar Bar (525 & 533 Park Street)

Cover: $10 (One ticket for both venues)

Sugar Bar
Masquerade Ball (Cash prizes)
DJ Samurai
Champagne Toast (Midnight)


Park Street Patio
Saving Jane
DJ Drew Hanson
Small plate buffet (7-9 p.m.)
Champagne Toast (Midnight)

New Year’s Eve 2009: Lodge Bar

Commencement: 6:00

Venue: Lodge Bar (Arena District)

Cover: $20

Couch Reservations Available $100

Complimentary Hors D’orderves

Champagne Toast (Midnight)


Performances
Bling Crosbys

Drinks (Available All Night)
$3 wells
$2 Drafts

New Year’s Eve 2009: Skye Bar

Commencement: 7:00

Venue: Skye Bar (South Campus)

$75 VIP Package
Express Admission
Private Table
Top Shelf Drinks
Tapas Buffet (7-10 p.m.)
Champagne Toast (Midnight)

$40 General Admission Package
Admission Assured
Drinks
Tapas Buffet (7-10 p.m.)
Party Favors
Champagne Toast (Midnight)

Monday, December 29, 2008

BREAKING: Wells Decision “Purely Financial”

Chris Wells’ decision to skip his senior season and enter the NFL Draft is “purely financial,” Gossip Cbus has learned. This revelation comes despite NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s assurance that rookie salary structure will remain unchanged until 2011.

“He needs to get paid, he needs to get paid now, the boy has family and things outside OSU to think about,” said a source close to Wells’ family. “This is purely financial and anyone who throws up any static should shut up. He was already hurt this year. At least next year, he could be hurt with millions.”

Since our report of the junior’s intentions, Wells has slipped from a consensus top five selection to twelfth (in an average of six NFL Mock Drafts). Experts say his stock will continue to fluctuate based upon NFL free agency, individual workouts, and other underclassman who declare.

In three seasons, Wells has 569 carries, 3,276 yards, and 30 touchdowns. This season, despite injuries (three games missed), he has 191 carries, 1,091 yards, and 8 touchdowns. He closed his junior season with four one hundred yard efforts in five contests (three consecutive).

New Year’s Reality: Police Are Limited

While Columbus Police will deploy additional officers, New Year’s Eve revelers will not face random checkpoints and officers will be concentrated into specific areas. According to Columbus Police Pubic Relations, the objective is “to stop the fight before it happens.”

Drivers who are stopped will not be able to refuse a breathalyzer test. In the event of a refusal, warrants for a blood test will be sought.

BREAKING: Serial Rapist Retired

For all the griping I’ve done lately (and it’s been legit), Columbus police deserve credit for this one… They never gave up… They kept working and now a dangerous piece of trash is off our streets…

A man suspected of raping at least seven women is in police custody… The man, whose name is not being reported by 10TV News, is a registered sex offender and has been in jail since Dec. 13 when officers said he robbed a Westerville tanning salon…

"We have a potential suspect," said Columbus police Sgt. Rich Weiner. "We have evidence in some of these crimes so we're just waiting on forensics to come back."

A stolen cell phone gave police their lead… According to court records, the rapist stole the cell phone of one of the victims and then sent "sexually explicit texts" to the list of contacts. When the victim called her phone, the man who answered it told her that he "could have raped her while she was sleeping."

Then, the man agreed to leave the phone at a bus stop located near downtown's North Market, court records showed. One of the numbers called came back to an address on Delbert Road, located on the northeast side. According to court records, the call came in close proximity to where a previous rape victim's cell phone that was also stolen "pinged off a tower" nearby "soon after the rape."

According to court records, undercover police officers started tracking the suspect's movements from Nov. 26 through the tanning salon robbery. The clerk told 10TV News that the man who robbed her at gunpoint forced her to a back room before fleeing out the back door. Police took him into custody moments later, Kocot reported.

Investigators believe the same man has raped or sexually assaulted seven women since June 4, with most of the attacks occurring on the city's northwest side. Investigators said that they believed ATM surveillance photos of the rapist would be the key to cracking the case. The images were captured after one of the attacks and showed the rapist using a debit card that he stole from a victim.

The suspected rapist was convicted of two rapes in 1984, Kocot reported. Both cases had similarities to the Northwest Serial Rapist. In one case, the woman told police that the man broke into her home, put a gun to against her head and said he would not shoot her as long as she cooperated. He also lied and said that he had a partner in another room who was holding a gun to her daughter's head.

In the other case, the man broke into a woman's house and threatened her with a knife and threatened to harm her daughter if she did not cooperate. The Northwest Serial Rapist also used a gun and knife in his attacks…

Bunnies Anyone?

As promised, Gossip CBUS and Lodge Bar details… While we cannot announce a date (likely late February), we can definitively announce a theme… The event will be known as “The Bunny Party.” (And please read what we have written, don’t send me a thousand e-mails on what is a bunny or why have we named the party that…)

Three Stations, Three Crimes

While only two of the three make our count (numbers 21 and 22), all three were worth mentioning… The first sounds particularly tragic, a man who may lose his ability to walk because our city is deteriorating… The second, two clerks, working on their normal day, find themselves assaulted… And the third, people are taking safes right off the floor…

WSYX 6:
A man may be paralyzed for life after he was shot on the way to a store in Northeast Columbus. It happened on Bancroft Street last night. Police say William Dunbar was walking to the store when he stopped to talk to someone. Police say when Dunbar walked away a bullet hit him in the back. Police are now searching for the gunman.

NBC 4: UA police continued to investigate two robberies that happened within minutes of each other Monday. The first happened on Reed Road, and the second just around the corner on Henderson Road. Both happened between 11:30 a.m. and noon. And police think the same man hit both locations. The first robbery was at the Advance America Bank at 1935 W. Henderson Rd., according to police. The second robbery was at the National Cash Advance at 4740 Reed Rd., police said. Female clerks were violently assaulted during both the robberies. Anyone with information was asked to contact Upper Arlington police at 614-583-5160.

10 TV: At least two safes have been stolen from north side businesses in recent weeks, but police on Monday did not say whether or not the burglaries were connected. About a week ago, a burglar cleaned out cash registers and grabbed a safe from a Short North pizza parlor… Bill McWhorter, who lives in a different part of the city, experienced the same sort of crime. Someone busted into his home while he was away and stole his safe which held thousands of dollars.

INVITE: Orchids & Orange Blossoms

Commencement: January 8, 15, 22, 29 (5:30 p.m.)

Venue: Franklin Park Conservatory (1777 East Broad Street)

Cameron Mitchell Catering hors d’oeuvres

Sunday, December 28, 2008

BREAKING: Tressel Expects Mass Return

With the exception of Chris Wells, Coach Jim Tressel expects all six underclassman to return for their senior seasons, according to a senior athletic department official. On December 16, Jake Ballard, Jim Cordle, Kurt Coleman, Brian Hartline, Anderson Russell, and Donald Washington turned in forms to gage their potential draft status. Wells did not turn in the forms. However, the official labeled Wells departure “a forgone conclusion.”

“Beanie? Beanie is gone,” he said. “No one is expecting any different. In our mind, that’s a forgone conclusion. The others, Coach fully expects them to play here next year. He would, I think, we’d all be shocked if any of them go now.”

None of the decisions would be a surprise. Wells is the only junior projected as a first round pick and the others would have trouble cracking the first day, according to one NFL talent evaluator we spoke with. Potential leadership roles, not draft position however, is what Tressel has used as a selling point.

“The last think we ever want to do is make a kid feel like he isn’t good enough,” the official said. “But, this team next year, wont be this year’s team. Only nine possible senior starters in the two deep, we need the help. The kids know that. That’s why coach expects them back.”

Currently, Ohio State is in Arizona, preparing to oppose Texas in the Fiesta Bowl (January 5). None of the underclassman, including Wells, is expected to make an announcement prior to the game. Underclassman have until January 15 to declare themselves draft eligible.

You Have Questions... I Have Answers

Since Gossip Cbus began, I’ve been swamped with e-mail (thanks for the love)… While I’ve tried to give individual responses to several, I also know that some of the questions are questions others may have and thus, answering them publicly would be better… Therefore, from time to time, I will answer questions where everyone can see them…

Q: I’ve noticed Frog, Bear, & Wild Boar, Lodge Bar, McFadden’s, and Sugar are the only locations mentioned. Why is this?
A: They are the bars which have sent us promotional material. Gossip Cbus will never limit ourselves in any area, particularly in working with venues. If you haven’t seen your favorite place mentioned on here, its not our fault!!


Q: How do I get my bar mentioned on Gossip Cbus?
A: You have two very simple solutions. (1) Tell your favorite bar’s promotions person to send us material (the e-mail address is on the site people!)… If a bar sends us material, we may not run all of it, but I promise we will run something… (2) If you cant get them motivated, send it to us yourself… Dates, times, cover charges, themes… Whatever you feel is relevant, make sure we know about it…

Q: You’ve mentioned events… Tell me more.
A: Since Gossip Cbus is committed to nightlife coverage in Columbus, we want to work with groups and venues on unique promotional events that will pack in people and jointly spread the word about their business and our website. While we are working on several events for February and early spring, we have not yet began our summer calendar, so suggestions are always welcome…

Q: How do I contribute to Gossip Cbus?
A: If you are out and having fun, doesn’t matter when or where, tell us about it. We cover a lot of ground, but tips and submissions (which we’ve received dozens of) are always appreciated. Photos, videos, stories… Anything you feel we might like, send it!!!

Q: Can I work for Gossip Cbus?
A: Yes you can. We’ve only begun to bring together a staff (we’re twenty-eight days old people, give us a break…)… If you like writing or photography or simply having fun, e-mail us and join… It’s always fun adding to the team…

Death is the Objective

Number twenty is tragic… Not that every crime since we started counting hasn’t been… but this idiot (polite word) didn’t even get money… This just restates the obvious…. Murder may not always happen, but it’s always the intent…

Police said that a store clerk was critically injured after he was shot during a robbery late Saturday afternoon. The robbery occurred at about 5:15 p.m. at the Clintonville Market, located at 4400 Indianola Ave. on the north side, police said. Investigators said that an armed man entered the business and demanded money from the clerk's register before shooting the clerk and leaving the store.

According to police, the robber did not receive any money. The 73-year-old clerk, whose name was not released by police, was transported to Riverside Methodist Hospital in critical condition. The robber is described as black and between 20 and 23 years old. He is between 6 feet to 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs between 160 to 160 pounds. His hair was pulled back in a small ponytail, and has pierced ears. He was wearing a blue-hooded pullover sweatshirt, blue jeans and a blue bandanna, pulled over the lower portion of his face.

He was seen entering a gray, black or silver-colored, late 80s model Ford Escort with a broken out driver's side window with plastic covering it. The vehicle also had a loud muffler. Police said another person might have been driving the vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbus Police Robbery Squad at 614-645-4545 or Crime Stoppers at 614-645-8477.

Boredom & Bachelorette Debauchery

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Mountaineers Maul Buckeyes

You knew the winning streak had to end… but like this…and to West Virginia? Disgusting!

Alex Ruoff had 17 points as the West Virginia Mountaineers dominated the 15th-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, 76-48, at Value City Arena. Da'Sean Butler had 16 points and six rebounds while Darryl Bryant added 11 points for the Mountaineers (10-2), who have won four straight.

"It's nice to play well here," said West Virginia coach Bob Huggins. "I have tons of friends and family who were at this game and have spent the majority of my life here. We needed to play hard against a very good basketball team today. I have wonderful kids that play hard and these kids do what they need to do to win games."

William Buford and Jeremie Simmons each had 11 points for the Buckeyes (9-1), who lost their first game of the season and had a 12- game unbeaten streak at home stopped. "We weren't very good, it's just that simple," said Ohio State coach Thad Matta. "West Virginia had a lot to do with it. We couldn't capitalize on the momentum and really let our guard down on defense. After we went up early in the first, they got their big run and that was it for us."

Trailing early in the first half, the Mountaineers scored 11 unanswered points and held a 14-8 lead on Wellington Smith's jumper a bit over six minutes in. The game remained tight over the next several minutes, but West Virginia was able to slowly build on its lead and Butler nailed a jumper right before the buzzer to give West Virginia a 35-28 lead after 20 minutes.

The Buckeyes kept the score tied in the first several minutes of the second half and trailed by only seven points, 45-38, after Simmons put in a layup. However, the Mountaineers took control of the game as Devin Ebanks countered with a jumper to spark a 13-2 run and the team held a 58-40 lead on Bryant's jumper with a bit over 10 minutes to play. After Buford the bleeding with a pair of free throws, but West Virginia scored the next eight points and held a 66-42 advantage after Kevin Jones put in a jumper with under seven minutes to play.

You Know You Missed Me…

Four days out of our city and I know you couldn’t wait for me to come back… (Admit it)… Well, I’m back with major news… Gossip Cbus will be co-sponsoring a Sugar Bar event in the near future (details soon)… Also, check us out hourly as we’ll have the latest on where to spend your New Years and where to watch the Buckeyes crush Texas…

Crime Remains the Same

I take four (relaxing) days off…I come back and the headlines are the same… Number nineteen… I know, I know, several wrote me about incidents that occurred over the break (meaning the number could be about thirty)… but I didn’t read about it… I’m not writing about it…

NBC 4: Shortly after 7 a.m., officers responded to a report of a home invasion and shots fired at an apartment on Lindendale Drive in the Lindendale Apartments… The apartment complex is located near the Wilson Road exit on Interstate 70. According to police, multiple shots were fired during the incident, but no one inside the home was hit or injured. A police sergeant said robbery detectives are still trying to determine exactly what happened and what, if any, charges will be filed. Police said it appears that the suspects know the victims. At least one man was put into handcuffs and put in the back of a Columbus police cruiser.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Have A Very Gossip Christmas

Columbus, its been an amazing 22 days… The drama... the news… the bunnies… I could talk all night… but like you, I’ve got family to visit and presents to wrap and unwrap… So I’m signing off until the weekend… Have the happiest of holidays and until next time, you know you love me…

Monday, December 22, 2008

BREAKING: IBIZA Implausible

Billed as “A Metropolitan Oasis,” Ibiza Condominiums may drown financially, according to a source with knowledge of the project. Originally slated to break ground last month, the project will be delayed until 2010. Ibiza’s launch party was held on April 5.

While an early September statement pronounced the project “on time,” environmental and financial concerns have since arisen. Arms Properties, who have also developed Dakota, Lucas, and the Brown, says the complex is 52% sold. However, our source questioned openly whether people would remain invested with a potential two-year wait…

Scheduled to include 144 condominium units, 20,000-plus square feet of commercial and retail space, a 6,000 square foot fitness center, and an additional 5 level parking structure, Ibiza would be one of Short North’s most imposing projects. No one from either Arms Properties or the Short North Business Administration were available for comment.

Shocking News: Marc Dann Ran An Unprofessional Office…

Former Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann ran an unprofessional office and misused campaign funds and state resources, according to a report released Monday by the state's Inspector General.

According to the report by Inspector General Tom Charles, Dann's 17 months in office were marked by abusive and vulgar language and a failure by Dann and others to maintain professional boundaries.

Much of the Inspector General's report focused on Anthony Gutierrez, Dann's friend, roommate and general services director, who was accused of sexually harassing two Attorney General employees. Charles' report said that there was an active effort in the office by long time friends at the administrative level to overlook Gutierrez's transgressions over a long period of time.

Gutierrez used the relationships to exert his influence and to impress female employees of his connections, the report stated. Gutierrez was fired and Dann's spokesman, Leo Jennings III, was also fired after attempting to obstruct the investigation into the harassment complaints.

Edgar Simpson, who served as Dann's chief of staff, resigned. According to Charles' report, Simpson failed to promptly initiate an investigation or take other action once he received the sexual harassment complaints. Dann resigned on May 14, the same day that Charles launched the investigation of the Attorney General's office…

The report also said that Dann created a corporation that solicited more than $195,000 in unreported donations from business interests. All but about $8,000 was spent. Last week, Charles and Secretary of State filed two complaints with the Ohio Elections Commission against Dann and others, saying that they broke state law in falsifying reports about where the campaign funds were originating. Charles' report said that out of the 493 days Dann spent as Attorney General, he used the money from his campaign buy food.

"On virtually every one of those days, he made a stop at a restaurant, convenience store or delicatessen to make a purchase of some food item for either his personal consumption or that of his friends, co-workers or roommates," the report stated. "Every one of those purchases was made with Dann for Ohio campaign funds."

During a teleconference on Monday afternoon, Dann argued that the report was not based on facts and that his expenses were legitimate. "The Inspector General's report is based on innuendo and exaggerations and not on facts," Dann said.

Dann denied many of the report's findings, including claims that funds from his non-profit transition company were improperly used for such things as the installation of windows in his home by a friend and $31,000 in campaign-funded meals…

Frog Bear’s Excellent Evening (Volume Three – aka Abbi’s Showcase)

The previously mentioned perfect Christmas gift (left in the top picture, pink in the others)…


Frog Bear’s Excellent Evening (Volume Two)




Frog Bear’s Excellent Evening (Volume One)





Columbus Crew Hires, Hypes Unknown Assistant

Robert Warzycha is the new head coach of the MLS champion Columbus Crew. Warzycha was an assistant coach with the Crew for the past six seasons. The 45-year-old takes over for Sigi Schmid, who led Columbus to the championship last month. Schmid was recently named head coach of the expansion Seattle Sounders FC.

Crew general manager Mark McCullers said Monday other head coaching candidates were considered, but none had Warzycha’s soccer expertise, experience or potential. Through the 2002 season, Warzycha was on the field as a player for 16 years and remains the Crew’s all-time career assists leader, with 61. He ranks fourth in points (99).

I understand the value of spin… But, spinning has it’s limits… “Other head coaching candidates were considered, but none with this assistant’s soccer expertise, experience, or potential.” He was an assistant coach for six years… If no one else hired him for these six years, how much expertise or potential could he really have?

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Always, Always Cheat…

Promotional misrepresentation and promotional material plagiarism is increasing in Columbus, an industry source told Gossip Cbus. The source says he witnessed two recent examples, one involving the outright transference of artwork and ideas onto another location’s flyer… the other involving a promotion for multiple bands, when only limited pieces of each band actually played.

Additionally, Gossip Cbus has learned more about the south campus fire we first reported on Saturday… Apparently, a McFadden’s generator, one of two located on the roof, sparked the smoke. Originally, a vendor’s stand fire was thought to be the cause.

Gossip Cbus’ Christmas Guide

Last minute shopping have you stressed? No worries… Below of the recommendations from our Easton Evaluation…

Abercrombie
Collared Shirts ($69.50-$80)

American Eagle
Men

Heritage Fleece ($49.50)
Date shirt ($39.50
Sueded Striped Henley ($29.50)

Women
Heritage Full Zip Fleece ($39.50)
Deep V Print ($17.50)

Apple
Nano-Cromatic I-Pod ($148)

BCBG Max Azria
Snake Embossed Leather Sandal ($225)
Red Satin ($200)
Simple Leather Sandal ($198)

Bebe
Emma Jewel Encrusted Sandal ($159)
Arlene Curvy Ankle Strap Sandal ($139)
Rome Leather Sandal ($139)
Sexy Contrast Trim Knit ($98)

Cache
Strapless Taffeta Dress with the Ruffle Hem ($208)
Strapless Bubble Dress with Ribbon Belt ($188)
Tiered Taffeta Halter ($188)
Double Strap Stretch Satin Halter ($178)

Coach
Signature Stripe Studded Top Handle Pouch ($148)

Diamond Cellar
Dolce Aquamarine and Diamond Ring ($1,348)
Diamond Journey Pendent ($1,100)
Circle of Life Earrings ($240)

Eddie Bauer
Button Down Shirts ($43.99)

Express
Men

Graphic Velvet Jacket ($178)
Lance Field Stripe with Graphic ($54.50)
Pique Polo ($44.50)

Women
Hounds tooth cropped jacket ($84.00)
Ruched Fitted Dress ($68.60)
Shimmer Stripe Scoop Neck Top ($29.50)

Gap
Sweaters ($39.99-$89.99)

Godiva
Signature Eighteen-Piece Truffle Set ($36)
Bbear with Chocolate ($24)

Henri Bendel
Number Seven Shoulder Bag ($395)
Lady with Dog Clutch ($275)

Lacoste
Collared Long Sleeve Shirts ($65.99)

The Buckle
Men

BKE London Sweater ($56.50)
Division E Crown T-shirt ($54.50)

Women
Billabong Stephens Coat ($89.50)
Daytrip Rose Top ($26.50)

The Limited
Ruffle Tube ($98.00)

Sony Style
Cyber Shot Series ($129-$329)

Victoria’s Secret
Velour Sweats ($38.50)
Hoodies ($34.50-$68.50)

Z-Gallierie
Coffee Table Christmas Trees ($19.95)
Wreaths ($10.95-$59.99)

Sugar’s Social Saturday (Volume Four)






Photos: David Gunn

Sugar’s Social Saturday (Volume Three)






Photos: David Gunn

Sugar’s Social Saturday (Volume Two)





Photos: David Gunn

Sugar’s Social Saturday (Volume One)




Photos: David Gunn

Children Face Fire

10 TV: Police said a shooting that injured a 10-year-old and a 17-year-old early Saturday may have been gang related. The shooting occurred at about 12:15 a.m. during a party at an apartment complex on Burstock Court, located on the city's southeast side… Terrance Conley lives nearby and said he heard about 30 gunshots. He looked outside and saw someone shoot a teenager. Conley called 911. Police said the teenage victim was a 17-year-old boy. He was transported to Grant Medical Center with a gunshot wound to the neck. A 10-year-old boy who was inside the apartment was also shot. He was transported to Nationwide Children's Hospital. Both children suffered non-life threatening injuries, police said.

The good news, both victims will recover… The bad news, number eighteen screams that no one, nowhere, at no time is safe…

Excellence, Exquisiteness Equal Excellent Evening

Bunnies and music… Any venue can overcome anything if it has both… Competition, pricing, weather… The impediment is irrelevant… As long as the bunnies are spectacular and the music is stellar, crowds will place those above hesitancy they may have…

On Saturday night, the Frog, Bear, and Wild Boar Bar had both… Bunnies were everywhere and Love Sick Radio put on a uniquely impressive show. The superb combination was enough to make you forget that the roads were turning into a better skating surface than the Blue Jackets play on… At least until you walked to your car (and almost fell on your…)

Despite the awful (and that’s the most charitable word I can think of) weather, the crowd’s energy was evident… What makes Frog, Bear, and Wild Boar difficult to judge is its size… It is one of the largest in this city… This size, the weather, and the fact that everyone was either huddled in front of the stage or seeking out their drinks, made the crowd appear smaller than it was… Believe me when I say that the crowd’s energy (which is what I always judge) topped any location I have attended…

And Love Sick Radio cultivated this energy… With a furious intensity and tempo, the foursome stretched any conceivable limits… There was never a stagnate note, never a second taken off… From every song’s beginning to end, there was a ferocity you wish you saw in some NFL players… The source of this limitless passion was without question, lead singer Justin…

All four of the band members are clearly talented… However, Justin (like any good front man) is the heart which pumps the body… With the look of Billie Joe Armstrong, the scattered spirit of Anthony Kiedis, and the raw, edgy vocal talent of Kurt Cobain, Justin is a dynamic force… He walks the stage like he owns it; he plays the crowd like he owns them… The confluence of his aggression and talent were unlike I’ve ever seen…

I know it sounds like I’m gushing… I’m not and there were two areas of shall we say concern… The first being the spraying of toilet paper into the crowd (what was that about) and the second being Justin’s rendition of Lollipop… While I don’t know everything there is to know about music, I know when a band is trying to be something they are not… The first time, a rap artists lyrics from a Columbus Caucasian were interesting… The next time, I doubt it…

Since I mentioned them earlier, I must compliment on the collection of bunnies that were visible as far as the eye could see… While I have complimented McFadden’s and Sugar on their muffin menagerie, both pale in comparison to the bake sale that was visible at Frog, Bear, and Wild Boar… Bunnies dancing, grinding, playing with their boyfriends, playing with anyone… their outfits were spectacular as well (let’s just say animal print on bunnies is never bad to look at)… I also saw two that were possibly Audrina Patridge’s separated at birth twins…

The beauty was not limited to the patrons… while Sugar attempted the bartenders turned Santa’s Helpers trick, Frog, Bear, and Wild Boar succeeded. Whether they were dressed as elves or in black or red with hats, every curve on every body was flattered… Most impressive was Abbi, who, with her pink, almost lingerie ensemble, looked like the present every male is hoping to receive in four days…

As I near the conclusion, I must reference the two awkward moments of the night… An engaged, apparently soon to be married (and I feel sorry for the girl who will share that bed) moron invited himself onto the stage… As the promoter is trying to make announcements, he is trying to make himself famous… I wish whoever the poor girl is luck… The second, and without question, worst moment of the night, was the intoxicated idiot who puked into a trash can… Not a trash can in the bathroom, one in the middle of the floor… Customers are ordering drinks, conversing between musical sets; he’s depositing his lunch in front of them…

As I said at the outset (and in true Christmas form), the weather outside was frightful, but the frog was so delightful… I will be back there and I hope everyone reading this joins me… Frog, Bear, and Wild Boar is the perfect place for your hookup wishes and to induce your hangover dreams…

Saturday, December 20, 2008

If It Bleeds…

If you haven’t read a newspaper, watched the news, or talked to your neighbor, numbers sixteen and seventeen tell the whole story… Two shootings, multiple deaths, and officers in the crossfire… Mayor Coleman, I say again, this is an excellent time to be cutting cops…

10 TV:
Police said an officer was injured and a man was killed during a shooting Saturday night on the city's north side. Officers were called to the area of Weber Road and Melva Avenue, located between North Broadway and Hudson streets, at about 9:30 p.m. on a report of a person with a gun… When the officers arrived, they confronted three men. An officer was struck in the chin. He was transported to The Ohio State University Medical Center in serious but stable condition. He was expected to make a full recovery, according to Fraternal Order of Police president Jim Gilbert. Investigators said that a man was shot and killed by the officer. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Two people who were with the man that was killed ran into a nearby house. SWAT officers were called and four people were taken from the house at about 11 p.m.

NBC 4: The Columbus Division of Police homicide detectives were called to 1635 Elaine Road early Saturday morning on a report of a homicide. When the officers arrived they found an unidentified victim inside the location with a gunshot wound to the upper body. The victim was transported to Grant Medical Center where he died close to 4 a.m. There currently are no suspects or motive for this homicide. Anyone with information please call the Homicide Squad at 645-4730. This was the city’s 108th homicide for 2008.

Margarita Foursome

Four males with margaritas, cheesy smiles, and bad hair… There are to many good captions! I can't pick just one…

CYP: An Impressive Innovation

Columbus Young Professionals and Gossip Cbus share one common trait… A common trait which is also shared by Google, Microsoft, Walmart, and the United States… Every one was an idea… Regardless of their current dominance, each of these mega corporations began as CYP and GCBUS did… merely an intriguing notion in someone’s mind…

Founded by Derek Grosso in July 2005, the club has grown to include 7,000 members… I attended their Holiday Party at the Franklin Park Conservatory and I will say, without hesitation, I was thoroughly impressed. As Derek and I talked, you really have the sense that he cares not only about his membership, but also about the overall health of networking for young professionals in this city.

The variety of their events (from what I have learned) is also impressive… Columbus Young Professionals will host everything from athletics to networking breakfast to two major events next year… The Date 2 Remember charity date auction and the Barons of Business discussion… Clearly, they are more than the typical and tired stand around, talk, and trade business cards, which makes membership (which is free) well worth anyone’s time…

In terms of networking, I will give Next Gen Dublin (who I previously profiled), a slight edge… Overall, their organization is not as clique driven… This isn’t an assertion that you wont have fun or make friends in Columbus Young Professionals… It is not… CYP is a unique and dynamic organization and I completely recommend that anyone join.

BREAKING: Liquid Bar Facing Financial Uncertainty

Liquid, the self-described “premier women's club of Columbus” may be Columbus’ next economic casualty, Gossip Cbus has learned. According to multiple sources familiar with the situation, every avenue from sale to shutdown is being explored.

“Nothing is off the table at this point,” said one source. “And I will tell you something, we’re not the last one… I would say that our financial constraints our comparable to those around this city… No one is sure about anything.”

Originally located in Mansfield, Liquid opened in Columbus on May 17, 2008. It occupies the location, which was formerly Little Brothers in the short north. No one with Liquid was available for comment.

Skully’s Festivus Photographs

From what spys tell me, the party was amazing... Another reason why Avi (far left) is one of Columbus' greatest promoters...





South Campus Catches Fire

A vendor’s stand caught fire Friday on the South Campus Gateway sidewalk, according to witnesses. While the fire was quickly extinguished, the resulting smoke infiltrated McFadden’s. Fire alarms were sounded. The club was evacuated. No damage was caused. Pictures later…

BREAKING: Family Urges Hartline “Stay In School”

Brian Hartline’s family is strongly urging the wide receiver to return to Ohio State for his senior season, according to a source with knowledge of their conversations. On Tuesday, Hartline and five other juniors turned in forms that will gage their potential draft status.

“He’s not ready. No one thinks he is ready. No one thinks he will make a good professional,” said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Every conversation I know of has involved stay in school or something like it. He is still thinking over what his decision.”

While the wide receiver prospects are weaker than previous season, this does not guarantee Hartline as either a first round or first day selection. And if other underclassman declare, his stock plummets… Top prospects include Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech) and Percy Harvin (Florida).

“Maybe its about pride, people telling him he cant succeed,” said the source. “In this case, he can’t succeed. You may get one, two wide receivers that become stars in the third round, Wes Welker or what have you, but Brian needs another year. Brian needs Coach [Tressel] that one more season.”

In his three seasons, Hartline has 90 catches, 1,429 yards, and 12 touchdowns. This season, he has only grabbed 21 catches for 479 yards. Hartline has managed at least one reception in thirty consecutive games.

Nephews Mantra: Have Fun

The garage band is a staple. In the mid-nineties, California Dreams, an entire series based around a band, ran for four seasons. Walk into any bar in Columbus and you will see their flyers. Spend any time on My Space and you will learn everything about them. They aren’t original… But unoriginality shouldn’t be mistaken for staleness.

The Nephews underscore that point. After listening to only three songs in their opening set (which I arrived an hour late for at CBR… bleep you Map Quest), I was impressed. As I exited during their final set, I was thoroughly impressed. The quintet is bold, unique, and they clearly enjoy what they are doing. Most importantly, they understand what the majority of those people on the flyers and My Space forget…

The trick with a cover band is self-actualization… They are not singing or playing original material… Everyone already knows the drumbeats, the guitar chords, and the words by heart… Their challenge is to not spin sacred material… It’s what ninety percent of the contestants on American Idol do and Simon always applauds them for their interpretation of the song… Screw their interpretation… I don’t care their take on a classic… A classic is a classic… Just relate the classic… Don’t try and reinterpret it…

Despite a diverse set list (one of the most diverse and impressive I have ever heard), the Nephews don’t try to reinterpret… They let the song carry the moment… Greg, the lead singer is masterful at this… From Better Than Ezra to Weezer to Sister Hazel, he doesn’t try to make the song something its not and in the same token, the band doesn’t become something its not… Greg makes you remember the first time you sang those songs with the radio, the first night you heard them, the first experience you had with them…

His energy is also remarkable… That’s the other trick with cover bands is they can sound amazing… But since everyone has heard the product, the salesmen must be more spectacular… Greg is… As I have said before with venues in this city, energy can’t be faked or manufactured… It is either there or its not… The crowd must feed off of something… Tonight, they fed off Greg…

They also fed off his remarkable instrumentalists, led by lead guitarist Dominic… Nicky has impressive range… From the renowned baseline on “Under Pressure” to the more intricate but fiercer rhythm of “Hash Pipe,” Nicky does not relax… From the moment I walked in to the moment I left, he was the same aggressive, entertaining presence… Every bit Greg’s equal in presence and skill…

The most entertaining member of the band (from my vantage point, their most outgoing member) was Tony… The senior member of the band easily fluttered from guitar to keyboard and back… All the while, laughing, joking, playing to the crowd… While Greg and Nicky were the lead musically, Tony may have been the one who most stood for what this band and this experience was about…

I’ve often seen division three scores flash across the bottom of the screen while watching the Buckeyes and thought, “what’s the point?” They wont make millions. They wont be watched by hundreds of thousands… They’re just playing for pride and family… Why do it? Tonight, the Nephews reminded me of why… They reminded me that no matter the stage or standing in life, you must have fun. You should have fun… Otherwise, what’s the freaking point?

Friday, December 19, 2008

INVITE: Social Saturday

Commencement: 9:00

Venue: Sugar Bar (525 Park Street)

Open Bar 10:30 pm – 11:30 pm