Saturday, January 17, 2009

It’s Basketball Season… And Michigan Still Sucks

Given the fact that this game took place at 8:00 on a Saturday… I’m guessing not a lot of people were watching… Still, it’s a victory over Michigan…

Ohio State's youthful regulars grew up a little Saturday night, just in time to help the Buckeyes upset their Big Ten rivals Sophomore Evan Turner scored 19 points and freshmen William Buford and B.J. Mullens each added 15 to help the Buckeyes beat Michigan (No. 24 ESPN/USA Today, No. 25 AP) 65-58, spoiling the Wolverines' celebration of their 1988-89 national championship team. Each of the trio scored during a 10-0 run in the final five minutes that broke a 47-all tie and gave Ohio State (13-3, 3-2) the lead for good.

It’s What We Call the News

NBC 4: Columbus police were quickly on the scene of a sidewalk in the 700 block of Bryden avenue Saturday afternoon after a call alerted them to a man described as shot in the chest. They found the man lying on the walk with a wound from a small caliber handgun on the left side of his chest. He was whisked to Grant by ambulance in stable condition.

Number twenty-six epitomizes the decline of this city…. Its not even safe to walk down the street…

10 TV: Expect snow showers early Sunday morning… we could see an inch of accumulation by early Sunday. Snow showers will move out by Sunday afternoon. Temperatures peak shy of 30 degrees… it could snow again Sunday night. There is another chance for light snow showers on Monday. Expect partly cloudy skies for most of the work week. Temperatures gradually climb back to highs in the 30s by weeks end. The next chance for snow arrives on Friday.

The bad news, roads will be terrible tomorrow… The good news, it’s championship Sunday, so no one will be on them anyway…

Quick Read

As I scanned an anemic Saturday front page, my eyes were drawn to one piece… “Bird Strikes Common at Airports in Columbus.” This piece was enterprising, well written… It was the perfect sidebar piece… FOR THURSDAY, the day the U.S. Airways crash happened…

The sluggish edition went from bad to worse, with metro featuring a story on the Short North robber, which gave me nothing more than I already knew… Newspapers, if you’re going to insist on covering the same stories we do, you could at least do some reporting… You have more time…

The Dispatch’s lone bright spots were Life and Arts excellent pictorial of the previous two days winter weather and an interesting metro section front-page column on fire hydrant procedures… Never has a potentially boring subject been made so readable…

Finally, I want to take a moment and personally address a commenter to this blog, who (besides ranting about the Columbus Crew), said that dissecting a newspaper and posting about it has to be a new level of lame… Some people love this feature; some people hate this feature (and I have the e-mails to prove both)… The point of this section isn’t to please anyone, its to provide analysis of what we are reading and hopefully make those typing the columns more attune to what we want.

Friday, January 16, 2009

INVITE: St. Practice Day

“Think You’re Ready For St. Patrick’s Day? Let’s Practice”

Commencement: 9:00

Venue: McFadden’s (South Campus)

Drinks (Available All Night)
$3 Green Beers (20 ounces)
$3 Little Green Men Shots

Snow, Snow Go Away

10 TV: The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory until 10 a.m. Saturday for Franklin county… clear and bitterly cold conditions on Friday night. Lows will reach 4 below zero. Saturday will be cloudy with light snow. We should see less than 1 inch accumulation. High temperatures will rise to 23 degrees. Look for more snow on Sunday. It won't be as cold, with highs reaching 27 degrees…

Quick Read

Whereas most newspapers gratify themselves as “local institutions dedicated to local stories,” the Dispatch never has… They underscored their brilliant versatility again this morning, providing excellent news and photo coverage of the “Miracle on the Hudson.”

The front page also featured an outstanding piece on the raise freeze that is affecting both Columbus and Ohio… Unfortunately, this great work was offset by a potentially brilliant, but pathetically brittle piece on Barack and Michelle Obama as “A New Model for African-American families.” I agree with the premise… the Obama’s are an example which minority families should follow…

However, tell me something I don’t know! The single parent parade in the black community is a conversation worth having… but this piece didn’t have the conversation… It was as if the reporter was afraid to offend someone, so he provided bland context… The story deserved to be buried on page C8 (Instead, James Nash’s excellent piece on the sale of hard liquor to individuals and not restaurants was buried there)…

Metro started disappointing with a story about “Hot Spots” that read more like an advertisement for the Franklin Conservatory… Thankfully, Ann Fisher’s piece on post-election volunteerism and an exquisite column on churches and the impact the inauguration will have on them salvaged the section…

Life and Arts featured three thorough reviews of much hyped movies that will open in the city this weekend… Apparently, the Wrestler is worth watching and Notorious and Revolutionary Road are worth skipping… (The section also had a great piece on upcoming movies)…

Tim May led sports with a solid endeavor on Donald Washington’s decision to skip his senior season… However, his skilled work was offset by Jim Massie and Shaun Mitchell’s sleep inducing reads about Ohio State women’s basketball and the Columbus Crew’s draft selections… Guys, the OSU Women and the Crew are two subjects no one cares about… If you want us to care, you need to give us a reason…

Thursday, January 15, 2009

BREAKING: Eddie George’s Set For Relocation

Eddie George’s Grille will take over Skye Bar’s former venue, Gossip CBUS has learned. Late Thursday night, a source familiar with the situation said, “Celebrity Ventures is exploring other management opportunities in the South Campus Gateway.”

Opened in 2006 and billed as a key piece of the South Campus Gateway revitalization, Eddie George’s Grille has proven to be one of the project’s few successes. On Sunday, Gossip CBUS reported that at least half of South Campus Gateway is receiving relaxed treatment. Eddie George’s Grille has not required relaxed treatment, according to our previous column’s sources.

Located on the corner of High & Chittenden, Eddie George’s Grille was developed by George, Bob McCarthy, and Howard Shiller. McCarthy and Shiller’s other ventures include Jerome Bettis' Grille 36 (Pittsburgh).

BREAKING: The Skye Has Fallen

As Gossip CBUS first reported, Skye Bar has closed. While the venue had remained operational under sale and salvage conditions, Owners Tom Selvaggio and David Allsbrooks submitted under, what was previously labeled, “an unsustainable financial pattern.” Skye Bar’s cable, rent, and utilities were months overdue, according to one source familiar with the situation.

On Sunday, Gossip Cbus reported that Skye Bar was one of several South Campus Gateway locations still alive due to a combination of owner’s assets and development assistance. While South Campus Gateway was prepared to maintain this arrangement indefinitely, our source stated that Selvaggio and Allsbrooks decided to cut their losses.

Since January 1, promoters were under orders not to book further events. Speculation among staff had been rampant as to when the exact closing would occur. The 10,055 square foot Skye Bar opened in February 2005.

INVITE: A Celebration of Change Inaugural Ball

Commencement: 6:00

Conclusion: 11:00

Venue: Medallion Club (5000 Club Drive - Westerville)

Cost: $85

Reservations: 890-6497 (Linda Evans)

Opening
Reception
National Anthem
Invocation
Dinner

Feature Presentation
President-Elect Obama’s Victory Speech
America the Beautiful

Closing
Raffle (Gift basket includes both books)
Dance
Conclusion

INVITE: The Saga Continues

Commencement: 9:00

Venue: Skullys (1151 North High Street)

Age Range: 18 and over

Cover: $7 (18 and over); $5 (21 and over)

Fashion Showcase
Hammer & Pistol Clothier
Saga Outerwear

Performances
Roxy Cottontail
Adulture
Dave Espionage
The Steez

Portman Enlists Internet Operative

Odyssey New Media Co-Owner Parker Novak is working on behalf of Rob Portman, Gossip CBUS has learned. Previously, Novak consulted for Phil Heimlich, Kirk Schuring, and Mike Turner’s congressional campaigns.

Robber Scouring Short North

10 TV: Police said on Thursday that a man has committed at least six robberies in the Short North neighborhood since Dec. 28 by holding a knife to his victims' throats… the man has robbed an ice cream parlor, smoothie shop and a neighborhood tavern. Police said that the robber is targeting businesses at all hours. He is described as white with scruffy facial hair. Witnesses said that he wore a black-hooded coat and has the distinctive tattoos…

Quick Read

Featuring Linda Evans (she also planned the Inaugural Ball we are spotlighting), the Dispatch’s “Obama Fans Plan Their Parties” feature is excellent. The front page also features thorough reporting on two major stories, the Batelle expansion and the request (unions would say demand) by Mayor Coleman that unions do not give raises.

The front page should have featured a story about the sex chat room bust of Eric McFadden, Governor Strickland’s former faith based office overseer… Unfortunately, the news was buried on the metro front, just above a story on chimneys that would have well on B5.

Speaking of columns that should have been buried, Tim May’s disguise of an article about Brian Hartline, as an article about the revamping of OSU was infuriating. The story should have been packaged into a notebook for the back of the section; instead it was center of the sports front page with a bold headline and graphics… The only way the story deserved this treatment is if it were an examination of why Hartline, who may be a third round pick at best, made such a stupid decision…

Life and Arts was also featured nothing noteworthy, lacing their front with a story on fashion trends, that featured no fashion trends and a photo lead about what to do with non-digital televisions… The story featured solid information…. Unfortunately, the information wasn’t anything I hadn’t already heard…

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

BREAKING: Hartline Ignore Family, Seeks Fortune

Despite family opposition, Ohio State’s Brian Hartline will skip his senior season and enter the NFL Draft. Hartline formally announced his decision this afternoon. “I am thrilled to declare my eligibility for the National Football League draft,” he said in a statement. “I have had an outstanding experience at OSU and am thankful for the support I continue to receive. I now look forward to testing myself against the top competitors in the National Football League.”

While Hartline had been expected to return, a recent incident may have influenced his decision. According to witnesses, Hartline missed New Year’s curfew. He then engaged in a verbal altercation with an assistant. This episode and it’s subsequent punishment strained relations between Coach Jim Tressel and Hartline, sources familiar with the situation said.

In his three seasons, Hartline had 90 catches, 1,449 yards, and 12 touchdowns. This season, he only grabbed 21 catches for 479 yards. Prior to the Fiesta Bowl, Hartline had managed at least one reception in thirty consecutive games.

INVITE: Campus Girls USA Calendar Release Party

Commencement: 10:00

Venue: Sugar Bar (525 Park Street)

Open Bar 11 pm –Midnight

Free Calendars


Appearances & Autographs
Alexis
Mia
Morgan

Lovely Day For A Picnic…



It Snows No Sign of Stopping…

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning until midnight for Franklin county… Snow will spread across the area Wednesday morning and continue through the day before tapering off in the evening. The snow will last until 9 p.m., and then we'll see scattered flurries. Total accumulation will reach 5 inches, with the overnight low temperature dropping to 5 degrees.

It will be cloudy on Thursday, with occasional snow showers. Very cold conditions will continue, with highs reaching 11 degrees… those bitter cold temperatures will continue on Friday. It will be 5 below zero on Friday morning, with the afternoon high temperature reaching 7 degrees.

Brutality, Hate, & Ignorance

10 TV: An 85-year-old man remained in intensive care Wednesday after he was found beaten nearly to death inside his east side home. Charles Taylor was found badly beaten on Monday afternoon at his home on Willamont Avenue... According to police, Taylor may have known his attacker and let him or her inside his home late Saturday night or Sunday. Taylor was not discovered until Monday when his son, Robert Taylor, stopped by to check on him. Police believe robbery might have been a motive in Taylor's beating. No arrests have been made.

Number twenty-five says more about the east side than it does about the city… For those considering the suburbs as your home, you may want to consider Zanesville…

10 TV:
Two men who were brutally beaten while walking in their west side neighborhood believe they were attacked because they are gay. John and Larry Charlton were hospitalized following the beating on Harris Avenue in September… The men, who have been together more than seven years, said the attack began when a group of men yelled a gay slur at them. Police urged the men to come forward with their story after their SUV was set on fire Tuesday morning. Those with any information about the attack is urged to call Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 645-TIPS.

It wasn’t enough they were attacked? Someone had to torch their car?

10 TV:
A former Ohio State University basketball player faces charges after police said he nearly ran over an officer with his car... Matt Sylvester was arrested Friday night after leaving a basketball game at the Schottenstein Center. According to police, Sylvester, 26, made an illegal u-turn on Woody Hayes Drive and ignored an officer's order to stop… Police said Sylvester also ran a red light and drove recklessly on a sidewalk before stopping. Charges against Sylvester include failure to comply and reckless operation, according to court records. Sylvester, a Cincinnati native, played for the Buckeyes from 2003-2006. During the 2005 season, he drained a game-winning three-pointer that gave Ohio State a victory over No. 1-ranked Illinois.

From campus icon to criminal clown… The fall doesn’t get more humiliating…

Quick Read

James Nash’s meticulous reporting on a scam that scorched 8,000 senior citizens is offset by insipid, non-front page worthy stories, about the Vitamin D crisis (there’s a Vitamin D crisis?) and the method schools use for determining how cold is to cold for school (in case your wondering, the report never actually says… And the point of his piece was what?)…

Worse than the front page foolishness is Bob Hunter’s complete ridiculous column, which includes (I hope you are sitting down), a comparison between the Blue Jackets and the Stanley Cup Champion Oilers of 1986-1990… Yes, the Oilers that had Wayne Gretzky… Bob, are you stoned?

Finally, Life and Arts was the lone positive stand out, featuring a punchy, but pertinent column on football viewers versus series viewers… Equally intriguing was the column on live events in 3D… The premise was outstanding and while the writing left something to be desired, the information was well worth the boredom.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

BREAKING NEWS: Chris Wells Was Unwanted

Coach Jim Tressel did not want Chris Wells to return for his senior season, Gossip CBUS has learned. According to a source familiar with the coach’s mindset, Tressel was concerned that Wells would not mesh with a younger squad.

“Had Beanie come back, Beanie comes back, but it certainly was something he wanted to discourage,” said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “When have you heard Coach out there lobbying a player to go pro? Never. Coach didn’t want a guy who could cop an attitude if we struggle next year and we could. Coach didn’t want that and that’s why he was so public.”

With Wells’ exit, Dan Herron and Brandon Saine should both see action next season. In 2008, Herron had 89 carries, 439 yards, and 6 touchdowns. Saine had 26 carries 65 yards, and one touchdown. According to our source, Herron and Saine signify a new era, which has Tressel excited.

“If Beanie is there, you have a rent-a-player situation,” he said. “He’s a senior and TP [Terrelle Pryor] is young, Cris’ [Former Ohio State and NFL receiver Cris Carter] son is here next year, the offensive line is new. He would have been out of place. Boom and Zoom [Herron and Saine’s respective nicknames], they belong. Beanie didn’t belong anymore.”

Wells concluded his career as Ohio State’s fourth leading rusher. In three seasons, Wells had 585 carries, 3,382 yards, and 30 touchdowns. This season, despite injuries (three games missed), he had 207 carries, 1,197 yards, and 8 touchdowns. He closed his junior season with five one hundred yard efforts in six contests (four consecutive).

INVITE: Columbus Bar Jackets

Commencement: 7:00

Conclusion: 8:00

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

Blue Jackets Guest Bartenders
Jared Boll
Mike Commodore
Mark Methot

INVITE: Barons of Business Networking Reception & Panel Discussion

Commencement: 5:30

Conclusion: 8:00

Venue: Arena Grand Theatre (Arena District)

Cost: $20

Speakers
Tanny Crane (Crane Group)
Cameron Mitchell (Cameron Mitchell Restaurants)
Phil Urban (Grange Insurance)

INVITE: Naughty School Girl Back to School Party

Commencement: 9:00

Venue: McFadden’s (South Campus)

Age Range: 18 and over

Lucky Charms Calendar Search

Shortest Skirt with Highest Grade Point Average wins $200

Drinks (Available All Night)
$4 Mind Erasers

It’s What We Call the News

NBC 4: At the council meeting Tuesday night, a motion was made to vote on Eileen Paley as a new council member… Paley, a lawyer and member of the Columbus Civil Service Commission was voted in on a 3-2 vote. Troy Miller, owner of ATM Central Development, was also voted in by three yes votes.

If you’ve been following the back and fourth on this (NBC 4 has had excellent coverage), you know it’s gotten nasty… I know politics is always a fight… But, seriously… over two council seats?

NBC 4: The Columbus Division of Police are currently investigating the latest robbery that happened this morning inside the Kroger on Solando Blvd. Reports say a black female approached the teller and demanded money. The suspect alleged there was a bomb in the trash can that would be “activated if the teller did not comply”. The teller handed over an undetermined amount of cash. The suspect then approached a second teller demanding more money. The suspect then fled the store. She is described as a black female, 28-30 years old, 5’9”-6’tall, 170-190 lbs with shoulder-length dark hair with streaks of blonde mixed in. Police are asking if you have any information, to call (614) 645-4666.

Another one I technically cant count (no injuries)… But, it was worth a mention…

10 TV:
Expect more snow and continued cold on Wednesday…. The Columbus metro area could receive up to 2 inches of snowfall. High temperatures on Wednesday will reach 22 degrees. Snow flurries will stick around through Thursday. It will be very cold, with daytime highs only reaching 11 degrees.

Please oh please let the road crews do their jobs… Gossip CBUS has events to cover…

Quick Read

If the Dispatch insists on placing George Voinovich on their pages (and they should, it’s major news), they could try reporting the story… Today’s metro section mess amounts to a reprint of already known information and dictation from the retirement press conference…

Equally infuriating was a story on the respect Blue Jackets rookies are receiving from the NHL… The story was excellent… The fact that it was buried below two bland Buckeyes features and a story about high school freshman twins (what is this paper, the West Beverly Blaze?), that was infuriating…

Life and Arts’ finest, about a an Ohio University graduate turned Columbus clothing entrepreneur, also found itself where no one would read it…

Monday, January 12, 2009

Voinovich Announces Retirement

As Gossip Cbus first reported, Senator George Voinovich announced his retirement on Monday. “After prayerful consideration and much thought, my wife Janet and I have decided that I will not seek a third term in the United States Senate,” the 72-year-old said. “These next two years I serve in office will be the most important two years that I have served in my political career. I must devote my full-time, focus and energy to the job. In my life I have never seen the country in such perilous circumstances.”

After resigning as Lieutenant Governor, Voinovich defeated Dennis Kucinich and served as Mayor of Cleveland from 1980-1989. He then defeated Anthony Celebrezze and served as Governor from 1990-1998. Elected Ohio’s 59th Senator, he served as junior senator until 2006. Since 2007, he has served as Ohio’s senior senator.

“Those of us that have been given the honor to serve in these times must step up to the plate and put this country on a course that will see it through these harrowing times and make it strong and viable for the 21st century,” Voinovich said.

Snow Boys and Ski Bunnies

As promised, Gossip Cbus and Lodge Bar details… The Snowed Inn\Ski Bunny Party (working title people) will occur on February 27. Drink specials (listed below) and a signature cocktail will be available. Prizes will be awarded. And Gossip Cbus spys and photographers… You know we’ll be there…

Happy Hour Specials
$3 you call it drinks
$1.50 Domestic Pitchers (32 ounces)
$1 wells

Paint McFadden’s Red!

As promised, Gossip CBUS and McFadden’s details… The red event (and yes, that means the color will somehow play an important role in the evening) will occur on February 28. The Lucky Charms will appear. Prize contests and signature cocktails are certain.

It’s What We Call the News

WSYX6: A shooting leads to a standoff involving Columbus SWAT in West Columbus. Police say a man was visiting friends at a home in the 900 block of Sullivant Avenue when he started firing shots out of a second-floor window. One man was hit in the back was taken to a local hospital. The suspect later barricaded himself inside a home for just over an hour. The surrendered without incident around 11:15pm.

Technically, I cant count this in our series, as no one was actually hurt… Still, this incident paints a scary picture…

10 TV: Police have arrested two men who they said used personal information belonging to Columbus City School employees to rent cars, open credit card accounts and book hotel rooms… According to detectives, Carl Lowe and John Lent were arrested last week on unrelated warrants at a home on East 6th Avenue. During their arrests, the men allegedly told police about the fraud scheme involving district employees. Police said the men had stolen employee information either through the mail or from the Columbus City Schools' district office....

I know we cover a lot of violent crime… While this story isn’t as deadly, the results to the victims are just as lethal…

10 TV: The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory from 4 a.m. Tuesday through 1 a.m. Wednesday… A wind chill advisory is also in effect from 6 p.m. Tuesday through 6 a.m. Wednesday. Low pressure and an arctic cold front moving through late Monday night and Tuesday will cause snow to spread west to east over the area late Monday night. By the time the snow tapers to flurries later Tuesday, most areas should see 2 to 3 inches of new accumulation. Windy conditions will develop Tuesday, causing areas of blowing snow which may reduce visibility to near zero at times as winds gust 35 to 40 mph. Another front will move across the area on Wednesday, with more snow and even colder readings. Highs will rise to 23 degrees.

I cannot say this enough… I HATE THIS WEATHER.

Quick Read

Before I smack them around (because they deserve it), I must applaud the Dispatch’s excellent front-page feature on workplace wellness programs… The piece was informative and shed insight on a seemingly overdone topic… And while I typically blitz past the Life and Arts section, their Golden Globes pictorial was magnificent and the back page “Flip Side” feature about the career challenged losers who finished second American Idol brought back grand memories of gruesome losers…

I will now stop applauding… The John Kasich story featured solid reporting… But, seriously, a lead quote from a Democratic operative and a comeback from Jon Husted? The Dispatch could at least try to find two more moderate voices… Also, their George Voinovich coverage was tired… You expect newspapers to be behind the curve in this age… You don’t expect them to simply rip and reprint our material (yeah I said it)…

The entire Metro section made me want to scream what’s your point? From their feature on a 71-year-old firefighter that read as if it belonged in a high school newspaper to Sherri Williams ode to families voluntarily separated by immigration to Martin Rozenman’s roll call of parking garages… The entire section was a pathetic excuse to kill trees…

I saved the most irritating for last… Bob Hunter’s, non statistic supported rant about Steve Mason’s snub from the NHL All-Star game…Hunter and I agree, Mason should have received an invite… However, Hunter’s pathetic whining makes me glad Mason wont be there…

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Voinovich Done, Portman to Run

As Gossip Cbus first reported, Senator George Voinovich will not seek reelection in 2010. Voinovich has informed donors and staff of his decision. He will formally announce his retirement at a Monday afternoon news conference.

Potential Republican replacements are already maneuvering, according to several sources. While Rob Portman has decided to run, Mike Dewine and Mary Taylor are undecided. Portman aides, including prospective campaign manager PJ Wenzel, were said to be seeking supporters, as a means to an uncontested primary.

Potential Democratic replacements are equally busy. While Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher and Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner appear to be the strongest candidates, Congressman Zack Space may also run. The two term representative, who replaced now imprisoned official Bob Ney, is, according to sources close to him, seeking advice from party leaders.

After resigning as Lieutenant Governor, Voinovich defeated Dennis Kucinich and served as Mayor of Cleveland from 1980-1989. He then defeated Anthony Celebrezze and served as Governor from 1990-1998. Elected Ohio’s 59th Senator, he served as junior senator until 2006. Since 2007, he has served as Ohio’s senior senator.

Portman commenced his political career, serving first as an Associate White House Council and then as White House Office of Legislative Affairs Director under President George H.W. Bush. From 1993-2005, Portman served as Ohio’s 2nd district Congressman. He resigned that office and became United States Trade Reprentative on May 17, 2005. He then finished his second White House stint as Office of Management and Budget Director. He resigned that office on June 19, 2007.

BREAKING: South Campus Rescue Mission

Skye Bar remains operational under sale and salvage conditions, according to two sources familiar with the situation. While the venue is not officially on the market, Owners Tom Selvaggio and David Allsbrooks are said to be reviewing offers. Additionally, South Campus Gateway is affording Skye Bar lenient treatment until arrangements can be made.

On December 14, Gossip Cbus reported Skye Bar’s dire financial condition. According to our sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, that financial condition has not improved. Skye Bar is one of several South Campus Gateway locations that are alive through a combination of owner’s assets and development assistance. Evidently, at least half of South Campus Gateway is receiving relaxed treatment.

It’s What We Call the News

10 TV: A robbery suspect was returned to jail Sunday night after briefly escaping from custody by jumping out a hospital window. Maxwell Stevenson, 31, was naked when he jumped from a window at Grant Medical Center. He landed on the roof of the hospital's second floor. Officers said they needed a Taser to stop him.

He jumped onto a roof naked and his next move was what? If criminals are going to attempt an escape, they should really have a plan…

10 TV: Crime Stoppers announced on Sunday that it is offering a $2,000 reward leading police to the person who shot a store clerk on Dec. 27. The gunman is described as a black man in his early 20s. He is between 6 feet to 6 feet 2 inches tall, with a thin build, weighing between 165 to 170 pounds. He was wearing a black or blue bandanna over his face, a dark jacket or hooded sweatshirt, and carried a black semi-automatic handgun. His hair was pulled back into a small ponytail. Police said he was possibly driving a late 1980s Ford Escort-looking vehicle with the driver's side window missing, and was covered with plastic. It had a loud muffler and the color appeared to be black, gray and silver in a camouflage pattern. The reward is valid for information received by Jan. 21 leading to the arrest or indictment of the person responsible. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 614-645-8477 or e-mail them by using their Web site. Text message tips can be sent to "274637" with key word "CMH."

If anyone out there has information, get involved… This animal needs caught.

10 TV: On Monday, expect mostly cloudy skies, with some snow showers developing during the afternoon and evening hours. Snow remains possible on Tuesday as a clipper system continues to push through the region… 1-2 inches of snow will be possible. Highs on Tuesday will reach 30 degrees. A couple of snow showers will be possible Wednesday. It will be colder, with highs only reaching 20 degrees.

I HATE THIS WEATHER!

BREAKING: Portman Has Campaign Manager

PJ Wenzel will serve as Rob Portman’s campaign manager, Gossip Cbus has learned. Previously, Wenzel served as political director for Ken Blackwell’s gubernatorial campaign and campaign manager for Kirk Schuring’s congressional campaign. We will have more details this evening.

BREAKING: Voinovich Won’t Run

Senator George Voinovich will not seek reelection in 2010, Gossip Cbus has learned. Voinovich will inform donors of his decision tonight. He will hold a press conference tomorrow. Rob Portman, former Congressman and White House official, will seek to replace him. We will have more details this evening.

Acknowledge Me

A certain vibe is set when you enter a bar and Michael Jackson is the first thing you hear. It was my third time at Mcfaddens but the music was already winning me over… Looking around the room as I walked up to the bar, I noticed there weren't too many sweaters, a shame only due to the fact that mine was so enthrallingly ugly. One vodka and tonic, a look around the room and I realized the upstairs might have something to offer…

At first I was a little on the fence about how the night was going to go, when suddenly things began to look up... Like a goddess, she emerged from the balcony... I'm not usually one who stares, but she stuck out. Other beautiful women were arrayed in their own little groups… spread around dancing, drinking, laughing… they were a visual feast really. But, Amanda (that was her name), owned my attention… She looked at my cup questioningly, and then came over. She told me her name and said she wasn't sure how I managed to get a happy hour bracelet. Honestly neither was I but I gave her my best explanation. She walked away leaving me feeling somewhat unaccomplished… It was time to go back downstairs…

My slight discouragement was quickly forgotten when they announced that I should stand up in honor of looking identical to Prince. I've been told I resemble the singer before but never publicly. They made me rise from my seat and wave to the whole crowd... Suddenly, I went from random bar patron to an attraction…

I knew I had put myself out there… But I can't even begin to tell you how many people were willing to just start conversation. From a has been town mayor to a DJ named Steven Sribb from California, the range of personalities were constant…

Halfway though the night I heard the call for the ugly sweater contest. It seemed as if eyes came upon me like I had no choice. I was asked to show just how proud of this horrible sweater I was. The DJ again shouted "Prince!" over the PA and shouts of excitement flooded the room. I couldn’t be certain, but the census seemed to already be on my side. A group of ladies even asked me to take off my shirt, and I couldn’t deny that… Then it was down to two… They asked for everyone besides the stripped sweater contestant and myself to leave the top of the bar. Once again the crowd shouted in my favor for victory.

I walked away with two hundred tax-free dollars and a night I'll never forget. Ugly sweater or not McFadden’s is definitely a place that welcomes you in with open arms, and never forgets who makes a bar.… those who are drinking...

Story: Adam Palmore

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: You cover a lot of nightlife. How do you address concerns that you are only a nightlife site?
A: during our first month, Gossip Cbus covered everything from Chris Wells to Skye Bar to Christmas shopping. We also wrote reviews about Next Gen Dublin and Columbus Young Professionals and we are scheduled to attend several diverse events within the next month. I understand our volume of nightlife coverage could pigeonhole us another twenty-something internet fad, but that is not my intention. Gossip Cbus, despite our name (which some have used to pigeonhole us), is committed to covering the full spectrum of this city.

Q: How can you partner with a bar for an event and still provide objective coverage?
A: This is something that I think about, but not something I lose sleep over. While it is important to maintain good working relationships with everyone we cover, Gossip Cbus has never and will never accept direction on who or what to cover. Certainly, we are friendly with a lot of different entities. However, we respect them as professionals, as we seek to maintain our professionalism.

Q: Would Gossip Cbus ever accept or sell paid advertising?
A: This is still in the concept stages… Thus, the best answer I can give is maybe. We know economic times are tough for everyone. We are committed to doing as much free publicity as possible. However, we would never turn away paid advertising if offered and this is an area we are still clarifying.

Q: Do you consider other Columbus publications or websites your competitors?
A: Let me be very clear about this… No I do not. Between Alive, the Dispatch, Underground… we all do something different… Even down to campus papers such as the U Weekly… There is enough news in this city for everyone and I feel that each of our publications, Gossip Cbus included, can make a contribution.

Quick Read

While Sunday’s edition overall was mixed, the business section (which everyone should be reading given this economy) was outstanding. The centerpieces were mirror columns on the third page, one of which chronicled the crush of people seeking second jobs, the other chronicling the fluctuating job market (people who are either overqualified or under qualified, but still seeking a job)… Both painted a perfect picture of the moment where we find ourselves…

Equally intriguing was the front-page feature on former mediocre Buckeye turned successful car dealer Mike D’Andrea… The column was a beautiful portrait of how D’Andrea and his family have achieved success, despite difficult economic circumstances. The business section’s only flaw was a brilliant, but buried column on consumer overdraft fees and how they are hurting bank customers (given the climate, why would you bury that deep in the paper?)…

Another gorgeous piece of writing was the “Nothing’s Going to Waste” feature, which discussed how even the smallest scraps are being salvaged and utilized… Unfortunately, Metro and State offset that fine front work with a Kevin Boyce profile, which started with a great premise, then lagged and lost me in the middle… I cant say this enough… If the Dispatch is writing a story about someone who has had a hard life, make me think their life was hard…

The travel section showcased an excellent map of Washington D.C., as it discussed the inauguration… But the section fumbled with a seemingly complimentary piece about “experience vacations,” which was a calamity… Sports, was its usual self, writing a marquee story about Adam Foote’s orchestrated trade, then burying the story where no one could find it…
Finally, the front page was a complete disappointment, particularly two stories about the “Home Again” initiative and internet safety checks… Both had potential, unfortunately both lacked the probative value I expect of a front page worth column.