Saturday, January 24, 2009

Kourtney Kardashian

Columbus, it’s your turn…. We’ve given you the info… Get out tonight, dance, drink, and meet Kourtney Kardashian… Gossip CBUS will twitter live from the event… So check those blackberries… You never know when I’m watching…

INVITE: New Year’s Eve Round 2

“Did You Have to Work on New Year’s Eve? Us Too.”

Commencement: 9:00

Venue: McFadden’s (South Campus)

Prize Balloon Drop

Champagne Toast (Midnight)

Drinks (Available All Night)
$4 bombs
$2 Bud Light

Number 31… Can The East Side Survive One Day Without Violence?

NBC 4: Columbus police were called to a home on North 22nd Street late Friday night when a woman was shot at a party. Witnesses said someone started firing shots at the near East Side party and one woman was hit. She was taken to OSU Medical Center East with non-life-threatening injuries.

INVITE: V.I.P. Saturday

Commencement: 10:00

Venue: Sugar Bar (525 Park Street)

Mezzanine Drinks (Available 10:30 – 11:30 p.m.)
$1 Top Shelf Drinks

Quick Read

Robert Vitale typed an excellent story on the proposed wage freezes and their acrimony. Given the economic climate and this city’s violent crime spike, you would assume that story would lead the paper. Unfortunately, the Dispatch once again wasted half of their front page talking about proposed construction… Two notes… (1) When did road construction become the Super Bowl (we need pre-game coverage, really?) and (2) I am issuing an open challenge to the paper… Let me sit in on a front-page meeting… Whoever may be running them…I assure you I can do a better job…

As wretched as their decision making was for the second straight day, Metro more than made up for the front page’s ineptitude. Charlie Bass’ story on dog knee replacements at OSU was the perfect feature piece… Typically, journalists either underwrite them without emotion or overwrite them and make you gag… Bass did neither… He was understated in his language and he still gave you enough of the elements to make you cry…

Kathy Gray’s column on people who cycle to work (yes, even through this cold) was also intriguing… It wasn’t enough to make me not think the person was a wacko, but it was well written… I cannot say the same for James Nash’s story about Mary Jo Kilroy’s (is she really our congresswoman) first district tour… It read like a press release her office would issue… Kevin Mayhead wrote a solid piece on OSU’s utilization of smart cameras, which while informative, deserved it’s B5 placement…

Tom Read’s column on Steve Mason was scattered and had a weak ending, but was still a great sports piece… The problem is it was buried under high school basketball and a story about OSU’s hockey team (and people wonder why I don’t think we are a professional sports city)…

Life and Arts caps the must reads with Kevin Joy’s phenomenal piece (“Elaborate Elixirs”) on bartending and the advance of drinks from simple to splendor… The graphics were amazing and the story gave me an appreciation for an art, that I frankly was unaware of…

Friday, January 23, 2009

BREAKING: Brunner Says “Get Ready”

Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner has told key advisors to prepare for a Senate campaign, Gossip CBUS has learned. Brunner has already chosen a campaign manager, political director, and press secretary, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.

From 1983 to 1987, Brunner served as Secretary of State Deputy Director and Legislative Council. From 2000-2006, she served as a Franklin County Common Pleas Judge. On November 7, 2006, she was elected Ohio’s 49th Secretary of State.

INVITE: Kourtney Kardashian

Calendar: January 24

Commencement: 6:00

Venue: Lodge Bar (Arena District)

Drinks (Available All Night)
$3 Soco & Lime Shots

What Is It With Pharmacies?

NBC 4: Two more local pharmacies were robbed Friday, and authorities apprehended a male and female suspect after issuing an all-points bulletin earlier in the day. Columbus police and the Franklin County sheriff’s office were working together to find the two robbery suspects. CPD SWAT held a stakeout at a previously hit Walgreens at 1162 Harrisburg Pike. The suspects were sitting in a white van in the lot when SWAT arrived… The suspects fled the stakeout scene. Authorities chased them one block and made an apprehension. Authorities said the man-female team robbed a Walgreens at 3445 S. High St. before 9 a.m. Friday. That’s on the city’s South Side. The same two robbed a CVS at 2929 Stelzer Rd. on the city’s Northeast Side before 1 p.m., according to authorities.

10 TV: Surveillance video captured a man robbing a north side drug store on Thursday afternoon. Police said the man entered the Walgreens store, located at 4401 Cleveland Ave. near Morse Road, at about 4:30 p.m... He approached the counter and gave the employee a note demanding money. Investigators said he implied that he had a gun, but never showed one. The clerk complied and gave the robber money from the register. The man is described as white and in his late 30s to early 40s. Police said he is about 6 feet tall with a thin build and has a mustache and small goatee. He was wearing a dark baseball hat with a tan bill, a grey and blue flannel hooded jacket and blue jeans. Anyone with information is asked to call Columbus police at 614-645-4545 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-645-TIPS.

Coleman, Cops Continue Slap and Tickle

10 TV: A union representing professionals and managers across city departments rejected Mayor Michael Coleman's request for a pay freeze on Friday. In a letter posted to its Web site, the Columbus Municipal Association of Government Employees responded to Coleman's request, saying city spending needed to be controlled before concessions could be effective.

The union also urged the city to decrease its use of outside consultants and use existing city employees, and implement a four-day, 40-hour work week in non-critical service facilities. Earlier this month, Coleman asked the seven unions representing city workers to accept a pay freeze to help the city combat a budget deficit.

Under Coleman's plan, the pay freeze would save the city $10 million, leaving $3 million on the current budget deficit. In a letter to the unions, Coleman said that if he did not receive a response by Friday then he would have no choice but to initiate more layoffs and trim more city services.

On Thursday, the Fraternal Order of Police, the union representing Columbus police, filed an unfair labor practice charge with the state's Employment Relations Board in response to Coleman's request. Union president Jim Gilbert said he did not necessarily oppose the request for a pay freeze, but he said Coleman did not follow guidelines put in place for collective bargaining. In a statement released Thursday, Coleman said his request did not amount to an unfair labor practice and was intended to help the city battle a budget deficit of $97 million.

City Cuts 100

10 TV: More than 100 employees learned Friday that they were among the city's first round of layoffs, and city officials said more cuts could come in the future. According to a Columbus Civil Service Commission e-mail, layoff certifications were provided Thursday to all city departments with pending requests. The departments prepared the layoff notices and served them to affected employees on Friday. The first round of layoffs will be effective Feb. 22, the e-mail said.

About 130 full and part-time employees were impacted... Among the hardest-hit departments was the Department of Recreation and Parks, which was slated to terminate 44 employees. The layoffs also included 13 trash collectors, five custodians and three city building inspectors, among others. No sworn personnel, meaning police officers or firefighters, were included in the round of cuts, but the Columbus Division of Police was forced to fire 10 part-time employees…

Quick Read

Mike Pramik’s insightful piece on an expected increase (that’s right, I said increase) in real estate purchases should have been the lead. Unfortunately, the Dispatch featured a full graphic and story about road redistribution… (No one cares about the road except when we can’t drive on it or there is too much traffic)…

Flip Side featured an interesting story on the newly reopened R Bar… However, Business countered with a story on Half Price Books that nearly put me to sleep. And Rob Oller’s column on sports suggestions for President Obama was simply pathetic.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

BREAKING: South Campus Shocker

Two South Campus Gateway venues each owe three months of rent, according to sources familiar with the situation. While unfortunate, this revelation is unsurprising. On January 11, Gossip CBUS reported that at least half of South Campus Gateway is receiving relaxed treatment.

Red Should Be Your Color

As promised, Gossip CBUS and McFadden’s details… The Wear & Win Party will occur on February 28. How will you win? Red is the key to victory…

Tease & Title

As promised, Gossip Cbus and Lodge Bar details… The Snowed Inn\Snow Bunny Party will occur on February 27.

Behold the Ice

Like the new ice logo? We will have a major announcement about it’s connection to our Lodge Bar event this weekend… Until then…

INVITE: Viva Las Vegas Party

Commencement: 10:00

Venue: Sugar Bar (525 Park Street)

Go Go Dancers

Open Bar 10:30 pm – 11:30 pm

F.O.P.: Coleman Was Unfair

With crime and violence escalating… Is this really the best time for a Mayor Coleman vs. Police public scrap?

NBC 4:
A local police union is filing a complaint against the Columbus mayor’s office for leaking a memo to the media that asked for wage concessions. Fraternal Order of Police President Jim Gilbert claims the mayor violated ongoing union contract negotiations and bargaining in good faith…

The FOP has filed an unfair labor practice charge against the City of Columbus to the state employment relations board. Coleman asked all city unions to give up pay raises for 2009, as well as longevity pay for 2009 that is based on years of service with the city.

The mayor gave the unions until Friday to get back to him on his request, which he said would save the city the $13 million it needs to balance the budget, if all unions agreed to the concession.

Last week, Gilbert called the request ‘unacceptable’ given the ongoing negotiations between the police union and the city. Gilbert said Mayor Michael Coleman brought the letter to the media before the FOP, therefore violating the union contract, adding that he failed to negotiate properly.

Coleman’s office said the proposal is separate from the bargaining process and that the mayor has asked all five of the city’s unions to make the sacrifice, not just the FOP. The office said it needs everyone’s help to deal with the budge crisis.

Quick Read

After their impressive week of inauguration coverage, the Dispatch showcased another striking front-page photo… This was offset by a pair of brilliant features… Alan Johnson’s second day follow-up of the Mark Dann lawsuit settlement and Misti Crane’s enlightening feature on the need for general surgeons…

Amy Saunders provided Thursday’s centerpiece, recounting the history of the Varsity Club, which turns 40 tomorrow… Elizabeth Gibson’s column on the Bexley Library Piano was also entertaining…

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Mark Dann Episode Ended

10 TV: The Ohio Attorney General's Office reached a settlement Wednesday with two women whose claims of sexual harassment prompted investigations, firings and the resignation of former Attorney General Marc Dann.

Under terms of the settlement, Cindy Stankoski and Vanessa Stout will each receive a share of $495,000, which includes attorney fees, according to a statement released Wednesday by the Attorney General's Office.

Rex Elliott, the attorney who represented Stankoski and Stout, said that Attorney General Richard Cordray was instrumental in bringing the case to a resolution… "As I've said for the last eight months, they did not want to continue with this," Elliott said. "They didn't want to the litigation to get filed, and it didn't. This enables them to move on with their lives and close this chapter."

Elliott and Cordray released a joint statement Wednesday in which they thanked the women for bringing the scandal to light. "Today we agreed to put to rest a series of events that was unbecoming of the leadership of the Attorney General's office and difficult for the two women who showed courage in turning a spotlight upon it," the statement read.

Last year, Stankoski and Stout came forward with allegations of sexual harassment inside the office of then-Attorney General Marc Dann. During subsequent investigations, several of Dann's top aides resigned or were terminated. Under mounting pressure from both political parties, Dann, who also admitted having an affair with an employee in his office, offered his resignation in May. Stout resigned from her position within the Attorney General's Office late last year, while Stankoski tendered her resignation on Wednesday.

INVITE: Aspen Ski & Board, Lush Events Present the Blizzard Party

Commencement: 10:00

Venue: Sugar Bar (525 Park Street)

Age Range: Male (21 and over); Female (19 and over)

Free Ski Trip Prize Package

Complimentary well drinks 11 pm –Midnight


Drinks (Available All Night)
$2 Bombs
$1 Wells

It’s What We Call the News

WSYX 6: Families are being terrorized by vandals and those vandals have a hateful message. Police say it's happening in an apartment community near Sawmill and Bethel Road. Vandals painted swastikas over several brick apartments.

The day after we celebrate progress in this country… Some piece of trash reminds us we have decades to go…

NBC 4: With a city budget deficit looming between 80 and 120 million dollars this year, the city is looking for any ideas to save money. At a public hearing tonight in Columbus such ideas as a user tax for trash, auctioning off city owned houses and a higher boat dock tax were suggested, but the city finance manager and city auditor say those ideas don’t come anywhere close to even starting to help out.

Let’s invite the public to our meeting, listen to their ideas, and then tell them their ideas are stupid… That will win support…

Quick Read

The Dispatch’s inaugural coverage was eloquent… Grand coverage for a grand moment… Particularly perfect was Simone Sebastian’s conclusion of her series which followed Walnut Ridge High School through the events… She did brilliantly what many at her paper never can… Make you a part of what the subjects experienced…

The same can be said of Alan Johnson’s stirring column “Columbus Celebrates,” which individualized the stories of several residents who watched the event… The column towered over Ann Fisher’s sidebar and Molly Willow’s bland column on television coverage…. Although, Willow’s column rightly rapped MSNBC’s hyper partisan coverage… Life and Arts (correctly moved up to the B section), featured a spectacular pictorial and coverage of the inaugural balls…

The Business section spun a pair of interesting reads… “Name Game” on this city featuring five recognizable brands and a story on Nationwide’s sponsorship of NASCAR’s second series… The Food section featured a great story on my favorite subject… Beer… And Bob Hunter reverted to form, typing a pathetic column, which central point was, it’s hard for teams to win on the road… (You think?)

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Despite Inauguration, Crime Infests City

Concerning the serial rapist, this development is disturbing. If Columbus police have the wrong man, I cannot imagine the level of fear that will grip this city… Concerning numbers twenty-nine and thirty, can’t anyone walk to class or live in their home without fear?

10 TV: Police said that DNA test results were inconclusive and have not linked an accused robber to a series of attacks believed to have been committed by a serial rapist. The man is a registered sex offender and has been in jail since Dec. 13 when officers said he robbed a Westerville tanning salon. No other information was released by police on Tuesday.

10 TV: Police said that a woman reported being assaulted by another woman during a Monday night robbery attempt near the Ohio State campus. The crime occurred at about 8:10 p.m. near the corner of West 10th Avenue and Highland Street, police said. No other details were made available about the attempt, but police called it unsuccessful. The suspect is described as a black woman whose hair was pulled into a pony tail. She was wearing dark baggy pants, a baggy shirt and a dark coat with a cartoon-type figure on the rear. Anyone with information is asked to contact either Columbus Police at 614-645-4545 or University Police at 614-292-2121. Information may be reported anonymously to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-645-8477 or the University Crime Stoppers Tips line at 614-247-8477.

10 TV: A man was being questioned Tuesday in connection with a Far West side shooting that left a woman dead, police said. The shooting occurred shortly before noon at an apartment on Sophia Court, located near Norton and Alkire roads… Initial reports indicated that a woman was shot in the chest by a man wearing a mask. The woman, whose name was not released by police, was transported to a hospital where she later died.

Quick Read

January 20, 2009… I was wondering what would lead the news today?

The Dispatch’s “The Day Has Come” headline was perfect… Equally perfect, their centerpiece story on the history of inaugurals… Meredith Heageny’s story on service was a sparkling compliment… And Simone Sebastian’s continuance of her Walnut ridge series, should have been featured on the front page… (Instead, it was lost on A5)…

Life and Arts also presented two compelling features… Tim Ferran’s striking portrayal of the Arts and Design artist who designed Time Magazine’s Inaugural preview cover… And a lead piece, which despite it’s turbulent beginning, painted an interesting portrait of Ohio horse riders, who will take part in the parade…

Even normally anemic Bob Hunter’s column, which contrasted the progress in racial society with the lack of racial progress in sports, was outstanding…

Monday, January 19, 2009

BREAKING: Space, Taylor Explore Campaigns

Auditor Mary Taylor (Republican) and Congressman Zack Space (Democrat) are actively exploring Senate campaigns, Gossip CBUS has learned. Last week, Senator George Voinovich announced his retirement. To date, Rob Portman is the only announced candidate.

While neither Taylor nor Space has formed an expletory committee, both have sought assessments of their prospects. Space has, according to sources to close to him, discussed prospective campaign managers and personnel. Taylor has yet to speak with potential staff.

In 2006, Space defeated state senator Joy Padgett, to replace now imprisoned Congressman Bob Ney. In the same election, Taylor defeated Barbara Sykes, to become Ohio’s 31st Auditor.

Three Crimes, Three Victims, One Death, One Rape, and One Suspect

Numbers twenty-seven and twenty-eight underscore the continued danger in the city’s east and southeast sides… The third story is the suspect in last night’s Belcher Drive shooting…

10 TV:
A man was found shot to death Monday night in an apartment on the near east side. Police said the man was discovered around 9 p.m. by his roommate at the apartment at 1160 Oak St... The shooting is being investigated as a homicide, and police said the victim may have shot in the course of a robbery.

10 TV: At least five men broke into the apartment on Shore Boulevard, located north of Interstate 270 in southeast Columbus, at about 1:30 a.m… Investigators said the woman inside may have been sexually assaulted. She was transported to the hospital. There was no immediate word on her condition.

10 TV: Police identified a man on Monday whom they suspect shot and killed a woman over the weekend while she was on the phone with emergency dispatchers. The shooting occurred Sunday afternoon at an apartment on Belcher Drive, located on the city's southeast side.... On Monday afternoon, police announced that murder charges had been filed against Tyrone Scales in connection with the ... Court records revealed that Scales, 22, pleaded guilty to gun charges about two years ago. Anyone with information about Scales' whereabouts was asked to contact Columbus police.

Quick Read

Randy Ludlow (front page) and Sherri Williams (metro section) conclude their excellent week of pre-inaugural coverage… Williams piece especially, which centered on the impact that President-Elect Obama’s impending ascension has had on younger minorities)… Life and Arts also features a fascinating sidebar about the rush of titles dedicated to Mr. Obama’s election and presidency. (The section’s story on the Columbus Museum is also worth reading)…

Elizabeth Williams types the metro section’s most compelling column, which discusses the lack of a Bexley Senior Center… Unfortunately, the column falls woefully flat in not discussing how, given the East Side’s terrible reputation, the lack of a center truly impacts senior’s lives… Also falling woefully short was the section’s front-page story on bowling (no, I’m not kidding)…

The Business section (which I know I never mention), features a pair of interesting reads… The first discussing the condo complex at Broad and High… The second discussing Tech Columbus and it’s medical grants… Both could have easily been elevated to front-page stories… Particularly, the Tech Columbus piece, as I am certain most non computer people don’t know what Tech Columbus is…

Sunday, January 18, 2009

BREAKING: Voinovich Was Unwanted

The Republican National Committee did not want Senator George Voinovich to seek re-election, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. As Gossip Cbus first reported, Senator George Voinovich announced his retirement on Monday.

“When you look at our map, he was one we were really concerned about. Bluntly, we didn’t think he could win,” said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “He’s old, he’s ineffective, and quite frankly he’s a voice the party, the direction we want to go in, we need to go in, doesn’t need.”

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.

“He would have faced a brutal re-elect and quite frankly, he wasn’t up to it,” said the source. “You look at the 2006 race (Mike Dewine vs. Sherrod Brown), that would have been the blueprint and he couldn’t survive it. Yes, the guy was a great fundraiser, a good man, but he no way could he have kept the seat.”

Potential Republican replacements are already maneuvering, according to several sources. While Rob Portman has announced his campaign, Mike Dewine and Mary Taylor are undecided. Our source would not comment on Portman or other prospective candidates.

Charity & Child’s Play

For February, a pair of major announcements… (These will rerun twice, separately… still, you may want to mark you calendar)…

Eddie George’s Grille Super Bowl Sunday Silent Auction (February 1): Auction items will include the V.I.P. Owner’s Box, as well as entertainment and sports memorabilia. Owner’s Box winner and seven guests will receive appetizers and drinks. All proceeds benefit the Glimmer of Hope Foundation, America’s only under-40 breast cancer study.

Duck & Dodge National Dodge ball Tournament (February 28): The Easton Sports Barn (3599 Chiller Lane) will host this unique event. Registration is underway ($130 per squad).

Criminal Sunday

Three very different incidents that demonstrate the same point… No activity is completely safe…

10 TV:
A woman was shot to death while she called 911 for help from the porch of her north side apartment Sunday afternoon. Neighbors heard the gunshots, but didn't see the shooter. Police found the victim face down in front of her apartment on Belcher Drive. Police said the victim called 911 a first time to report a disturbance. The woman called again and the dispatcher heard gunshots. The victim was taken to the hospital where she died. Her name has not been released.

10 TV: Police said thieves used a blowtorch to gain entry into an armored car office and got away with packages of rolled coins. The robbery took place late Saturday night or early Sunday morning at the Brinks office at 1362 Essex Ave. on the north side… Authorities believe it took several hours for the thieves to remove the coins. Police and the FBI are investigating the robbery.

10 TV: Police said a fight Saturday night at Easton Town Center started after a group of teenagers were upset that a movie was sold out. Easton mall security and officers on horseback and in cruisers responded to the mall at Easton at about 9:30 p.m… Police regained control of the crowd and directed the teenagers to the other side of Morse Crossing and away from the movie theater. That is where parents were able to pick up their children.

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: Does Gossip Cbus have a Facebook page?
A: Yes, we do and in the next few weeks will be launching some major initiatives with it… We simply haven’t had the opportunity to do a lot with it but I promise that will change soon… If you want to friend us now (prior to any announcements), simply search our e-mail address on facebook (It wouldn’t let us use Gossip Cbus for our name stupid facebook)…

Q: My friend forwarded me a link he received from an e-mail. Is there an update list I can join?
A: Your friend had likely e-mailed us and as a result received one of the very few (I think three total) mass e-mails we sent out… I don’t like mass e-mails and as a result, Gossip Cbus probably wont do one… With that said, we will have a place you can go for breaking news alerts and we will also be announcing that soon…

Q: I’ve noticed you promoted several events that you didn’t cover. Was that a result of this week’s snow?
A: Absolutely. With all due respect to the brave people who ventured out Wednesday, I was not about to… Weather is a constant variable and unfortunately, it sometimes wrecks out schedule (and several cars)…

Q: You said last week that you don’t consider other Columbus publications or websites your competitors? If this is the case, why should I read you and not them?
A: If you want to read the others and us, please do so… But, since you asked why you should read us, read us because we are better. Columbus Alive, U Weekly, the Other Paper, 614 Magazine, Metromix, and Columbus Underground… All of us have a role, but none of these outlets publishes anything on the volume of legitimate news we do… With Gossip Cbus, there’s always the possibility of finding out something you didn’t know…

Quick Read

Simone Sebastian provided another exquisite inaugural feature, continuing the Dispatch’s noteworthy coverage of the impending inauguration. Unfortunately, Sebastian’s masterwork was offset by Randy Ludlow’s banner lead about prisoner’s families, who attempt to sneak drugs into the prisons (you mean degenerate people come from degenerate families? I am shocked)…

Tim May’s column on the OSU wide receiving corps seeking a new voice, given the departure of another pair of potential draft picks, was the highlight in an otherwise dull sports section… The column on Manny Malhotra was well written, but was less a feature, than it was a necessitation of his statistics… And Bob Hunter’s column made me want to run through a glass window… His entire premise was that Jim Tressel isn’t perfect and given recent high profile losses, changes are necessary… YOU THINK?

Metro and State ran an outstanding piece on the opening on another expansion of OSU’s medical center (which should have run front page, considering what the university means to this city)… Sadly, their lead was a Hunter clone, with a headline that screamed “Death Days For Retail” (Again, thank you for telling us what we already know)…

Life and Arts had a trio of great features on art exhibits which are opening, notably the exhibition at the King Center Arts Complex… And Joe Hallet typed a beautiful column on his personal memories of retiring Senator George Voinovich…

A Change Has Come, But Not Completely…

The tables were set. Perfectly folded white napkins… Elegant crystal stemware… Exquisite centerpieces, place settings, and table cloths… These immaculate arrangements would have been identical to those at the Selma, Alabama Country Club in 1962… But this evening, at the Medallion Club in Westerville, Ohio, was different. Seated at the pristine tables, discussing the impending presidential administration, were spectacularly dressed African-Americans… Waiting to serve them, dressed in aprons and servant attire, were three Caucasians.

“A Celebration of Change Inaugural Ball,” conceived and hosted by Linda Evans, was more than a gala tribute to President-Elect Obama… It was a national history lesson for this nation. A lot has been made of the history of Tuesday. So much has been made that the distinction “first black president” has almost become a cliché… But, sitting among these two dozen on Saturday, one quickly understood how much this moment means. One quickly understood history, at its core, is not an overall distinction; it is the personal experience of those living it…

The most intriguing aspect of this evening was the firm grasp of reality the people I spoke with had… Jokes were made throughout the campaign about “hope” and “change.” There has been an almost utopian belief by some that President-Elect Obama will step into the Oval Office on Tuesday and the world will heal… And there has been the insular view of some, who have quickly shrugged off the opportunity that this moment gives America for a national dialogue on the various problems facing the African-American community…

As I sat and spoke with individuals, one could truly see them grappling with, what their chosen and elected candidate had previously called “the fierce urgency of now.” They aren’t wide-eyed or zealous… They are optimistic. They understand that this job wont be done overnight. They understand that failure is a possibility. They concede the fact that this is the moment that the tough conversations, on single parents and violence, should happen… But, they are empowered by a renewed sense of promise… The realization that they our nation’s citizens are not inadequate… They are powerful beyond measure…

Only hours before his assassination, Martin Luther King stood before a church audience in Memphis and said, “I’ve been to the mountaintop and I’ve seen the promise land…I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land!”

After two hours and a dozen conversations, the mindset of the people I had spoken with was evident… They are, at this moment, in the Promised Land… America may not be and they may not see America there again… But one day, because of this moment, America will return as a promised land.