Saturday, January 31, 2009
Super Bowl XLIII
Once again Columbus, we’ve given you the info. Get out tomorrow, cheer, drink, and scream for the Steelers, the Cardinals, or the Commercials… Until the last touchdown is scored… You know you love me…
Super Bowl XLIII: Eddie George’s Grille
Commencement: 11:00 a.m.Venue: Eddie George’s Grille (South Campus)
Perfect Score Prediction receives $1,000
Super Bowl Bingo
Grand Prize: Jerome Bettis Autographed HD\LCD Monitor
Domestic Beer Special (5 bottles for $10)
Drinks (Available All Day)
$2.25 Bud Light Drafts (20 ounces)
Super Bowl XLIII: Lodge Bar
Commencement: 5:00Venue: Lodge Bar (Arena District)
Party Packages & Table Reservations Available
Drinks (Available All Night)
$3 Gatorade Shots
$2 wells
$1 drafts
Super Bowl XLIII: McFadden’s
Commencement: 12:00Venue: McFadden’s (South Campus)
$20 Coors Light Bucket & Wings Special (All Day)
Drinks (Available All Night)
$3 Coors Light (20 ounces)
Eddie George’s Grille Owner’s Box Auction
The Eddie George’s Grille V.I.P. Owner’s Box Auction has started. Owner’s Box winner and seven guests will receive appetizers and drinks. All proceeds benefit the Glimmer of Hope Foundation.
Eddie George’s Grille Super Sunday Auction
On February 1, 2009, a lucky bidder could be watching the Super Bowl in a, private room room at Eddie George’s Grille 27 in Columbus, Ohio. Starting January 19 and running for ten days, fans can bid on a package on Ebay that includes the use of the ”Owner’s Box” at the restaurant for the winner and five guests, including appetizers and snacks. The restaurant will also have sports memorabilia featuring items from OSU, Jack Nicklaus, LeBron James and many others to bid on and the proceeds of this special event will be donated to A Glimmer of Hope Foundation, whose goal is to fund research to find a cure for breast cancer.
According to Diana Napper, founder, “A Glimmer of Hope is funding the largest pre-menopausal study on breast cancer in the United States.” Unfortunately the incidence of breast cancer in this age group is increasing. Dr. Paniti Sukumvanich, assistant professor of the department of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive science in the division of gynecologic oncology at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC states, “ A Glimmer of Hope Foundation has been very generous and devoted to this cause and we are very grateful to collaborate with them on this project.’
Start bidding ASAP! This is a great way to support this important cause and also have the opportunity to watch the Super Bowl at a great restaurant in a private room with free snacks and appetizers ! For more information about the Foundation go to http://www.glimmerofhopepin.org/ . Contact Lauren Vogel at 412-224-6BUS or laurenvogel@hotmail.com to learn more about this great event. The restaurant phone number is 614-421-2727.
According to Diana Napper, founder, “A Glimmer of Hope is funding the largest pre-menopausal study on breast cancer in the United States.” Unfortunately the incidence of breast cancer in this age group is increasing. Dr. Paniti Sukumvanich, assistant professor of the department of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive science in the division of gynecologic oncology at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC states, “ A Glimmer of Hope Foundation has been very generous and devoted to this cause and we are very grateful to collaborate with them on this project.’
Start bidding ASAP! This is a great way to support this important cause and also have the opportunity to watch the Super Bowl at a great restaurant in a private room with free snacks and appetizers ! For more information about the Foundation go to http://www.glimmerofhopepin.org/ . Contact Lauren Vogel at 412-224-6BUS or laurenvogel@hotmail.com to learn more about this great event. The restaurant phone number is 614-421-2727.
Quick Read
Steve Watenberg led off Saturday with an excellent snapshot of the foreclosure situation and how it could worsen this year (yes, I did say worsen). And the front page featured another notable State of the State chaser… But, the dominant section of this edition was Metro…
I said dominant, because it had the most interesting concepts… Not because the reporting was stellar… Their piece concerning campaign financial disclosure was enterprising…. Everyone knows the players in the state wide races by now, fresh reporting is the key and this piece, unlike so many other Dispatch stories, didn’t read like they cribbed from us…
Rita Price’s story on a former Afghanistan veteran now living on food stamps, was an great concept… Unfortunately, the story began groaning in the middle from the excess weight of statistics… I got bored quickly… The only statistic that stuck with me is that in 2001, 14% of city children needed food stamps… Today, its 28%… We are a poor city…
The feature on Gordon Gee endowing another OSU scholarship fund was well written, except the centerpiece of the story, the fact that OSU hasn’t seen a rise in financial aid requests, was buried three paragraphs from the bottom…
Michael Aracace’s column concerning Blue Jackets excitement was not exciting and actually read like a press release concerning recent attendance figures… Business had a solid story on DSW Owner Retail Ventures and how they are struggling…
I said dominant, because it had the most interesting concepts… Not because the reporting was stellar… Their piece concerning campaign financial disclosure was enterprising…. Everyone knows the players in the state wide races by now, fresh reporting is the key and this piece, unlike so many other Dispatch stories, didn’t read like they cribbed from us…
Rita Price’s story on a former Afghanistan veteran now living on food stamps, was an great concept… Unfortunately, the story began groaning in the middle from the excess weight of statistics… I got bored quickly… The only statistic that stuck with me is that in 2001, 14% of city children needed food stamps… Today, its 28%… We are a poor city…
The feature on Gordon Gee endowing another OSU scholarship fund was well written, except the centerpiece of the story, the fact that OSU hasn’t seen a rise in financial aid requests, was buried three paragraphs from the bottom…
Michael Aracace’s column concerning Blue Jackets excitement was not exciting and actually read like a press release concerning recent attendance figures… Business had a solid story on DSW Owner Retail Ventures and how they are struggling…
Friday, January 30, 2009
Got Money? Columbus Doesn’t…
10 TV: City Auditor Hugh Dorrian blames excessive spending by City Council for Columbus' dwindling rainy-day fund. A report exclusively obtained by 10TV News reveals that the fund's balance has plunged to $15 million, far less than the projected $80 million shortfall the city is facing…
The auditor said the current national economic crisis would have been easier for the city to manage had spending been kept under control during the past decade. Dorrian believes the city's finances are so bad, City Council will have no choice but to institute fees and ask voters to raise taxes.
Dorrian said without more revenue, the city will have to continue cutting police, firefighters and other services. Next week, Dorrian will tell City Council it will have $13 million less to spend than previously thought.
The auditor said the reduction is the result of drops in income tax revenue, interest on investments, and funds from the county and state. Dorrian's report on the rainy-day fund will be officially released next week.
The auditor said the current national economic crisis would have been easier for the city to manage had spending been kept under control during the past decade. Dorrian believes the city's finances are so bad, City Council will have no choice but to institute fees and ask voters to raise taxes.
Dorrian said without more revenue, the city will have to continue cutting police, firefighters and other services. Next week, Dorrian will tell City Council it will have $13 million less to spend than previously thought.
The auditor said the reduction is the result of drops in income tax revenue, interest on investments, and funds from the county and state. Dorrian's report on the rainy-day fund will be officially released next week.
Super Bowl XLIII Pre-Game
Commencement: 7:00Venue: Lodge Bar (Arena District)
Super Bowl Party Package Contest
Drinks (Available All Night)
$3 Gatorade Shots
$2 Miller Lite Drafts
Menu (Available 7 – 9 p.m.)
$3 Appetizers
½ Price Pizzas
INVITE: Sexy Saturdays
Commencement: 10:00Venue: Sugar Bar (525 Park Street)
Mezzanine Drinks (Available 10:30 – 11:30 p.m.)
$1 Top Shelf Drinks
Quick Read
Friday’s edition featured a diverse front page, which included a State of the State second cycle story, the Illinois Governor’s impeachment, and President Obama’s first law signing… Both the State of the State stories (front page and metro) were excellent. The front page’s only mistake was the omission of Kevin Mayhood’s USA vs. China study story, which editors buried on B3.
Tim May’s pair of columns, one on Ohio State’s recruiting class and one on Bobby Rahal’s IRL team lacking a sponsor were outstanding. The decision to place the Rahal story on the front page was also excellent (We haven’t seen an economic climate this nasty, but OSU recruiting happens every year)…
Meredith Heagney’s profile of Reverend Mike Peterson’s quasi-marriage counseling was a fascinating read… Not as fascinating, but equally important, was a should have been metro front page story on NBC 4’s layoffs… Sadly, the news was buried inside Life and Arts on D7…
Tim May’s pair of columns, one on Ohio State’s recruiting class and one on Bobby Rahal’s IRL team lacking a sponsor were outstanding. The decision to place the Rahal story on the front page was also excellent (We haven’t seen an economic climate this nasty, but OSU recruiting happens every year)…
Meredith Heagney’s profile of Reverend Mike Peterson’s quasi-marriage counseling was a fascinating read… Not as fascinating, but equally important, was a should have been metro front page story on NBC 4’s layoffs… Sadly, the news was buried inside Life and Arts on D7…
Thursday, January 29, 2009
INVITE: Melt the Ice Party & Ice Body Art Show
Commencement: 10:00Venue: Sugar Bar (525 Park Street)
$1 Drinks (Available 10:30 – 11:30 p.m.)
Performances
Poitier Pockets
Do You Know Him?
NBC 4: A baby boy was abandoned, and children services asked for your help. Franklin County Children Services asked for your help in identifying a baby boy who was abandoned. FCCS said the baby is approximately 3 months old. If you know who the baby’s parents are or have any information, you were encouraged to call children services’ hotline at 614-229-7000.
Quick Read
After three days of selling their soul, the Dispatch’s front page featured excellent coverage of Governor Strickland’s State of the State Address… Unfortunately, Batelle still showed up, this time ruining an intriguing piece on those who worked from home and avoided the snow (Incidentally, that piece was flanked by a useless mess about people who attended movies in the snow)…
Thursday’s most delightful piece, about college students who received a rare weather induced day off, was buried on B4…Stories that should have been buried, instead disgraced Life and Art’s front page… A story about dog walking (is that news?)… And a could have been wonderful story about an artist who interprets his life through dance (the story told us nothing about his life)…
Sports led with exquisite coverage on Ohio States drubbing of Michigan… Unfortunately, the bottom of the page featured two terrible stories… A story whose premise was Rick Nash is great and a story which discussed the Crew’s schedule… Nash, an all-star, plays well… Professional sports teams have schedules? Who knew?
Thursday’s most delightful piece, about college students who received a rare weather induced day off, was buried on B4…Stories that should have been buried, instead disgraced Life and Art’s front page… A story about dog walking (is that news?)… And a could have been wonderful story about an artist who interprets his life through dance (the story told us nothing about his life)…
Sports led with exquisite coverage on Ohio States drubbing of Michigan… Unfortunately, the bottom of the page featured two terrible stories… A story whose premise was Rick Nash is great and a story which discussed the Crew’s schedule… Nash, an all-star, plays well… Professional sports teams have schedules? Who knew?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Strickland Pledges School Funding
10 TV: Gov. Ted Strickland said Wednesday he won't raise taxes but warned of sacrifice as government programs are reduced and a variety of fees are increased to balance a $50 billion state budget amid an economic recession and declining tax revenues.
In his State of the State address, Strickland said he'll balance the new two-year budget, which faces a $7 billion deficit, with the help of federal aid and by reducing state spending. He also called for a dramatic overhaul of Ohio's school funding system, boosting the state's share of the cost and lowering what taxpayers are expected to contribute to their local schools.
The plan will take the state's share of education funding to 55 percent, an amount that will grow to 59 percent once the plan is completely implemented, he said. Strickland said the plan will dramatically reduce the number of school districts that need to return to voters annually to ask for more money.
Republicans pegged the cost at $750 million annually. State budget director Pari Sabety confirmed the approximate figure but declined to discuss how the state would pay for it. Sabety said the key to the plan is "revenues that grow at the same rate that property valuations grow."
Under the current system, some districts appear richer on paper than they really are based on the value of property, meaning they don't receive enough money to pay for operating expenses. The problem is dubbed "phantom revenue."
Strickland releases his budget and full details of his spending plan Monday. The Ohio Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that Ohio's system of relying on property taxes to pay for schools is unconstitutional because it creates disparities between rich and poor districts.
Strickland also announced several other major changes to Ohio education, including: An expansion of the school year by 20 days to an average of 200 days. Requiring universal all-day kindergarten. The elimination of the Ohio graduation test in favor of requiring all students take the ACT college entrance test. Requiring districts to be audited by the Department of Education to determine how well they're meeting state academic standards. Taking control of districts that don't comply with new state academic and operating standards and replacing district leaders.
Lawmakers responded to the elimination of the graduation test with a standing ovation. "It is absolutely clear to me that simply tinkering with centuries-old education practices will not prepare Ohio's children for success in college, in the workplace, or in life," Strickland said. "When we do these things, I believe we will have finally and unquestionably met our constitutional obligation to our children.”
Strickland, who received strong support from teachers' unions during his 2006 campaign, also addressed the issue of teacher quality. He proposed a four-year residency training program similar to what doctors undergo, at the end of which a teacher would receive a professional license. He's also proposing to make it easier for school administrators to fire bad teachers. "Right now, it's harder to dismiss a teacher than any other public employee," Strickland said. "Under my plan, we will give administrators the power to dismiss teachers for good cause, the same standard applied to other public employees."
The Ohio Education Association, the state's largest teachers' union, said the proposal on teacher training was long overdue. "Is this something that's going to cause controversy initially? Probably so," said Rich Harris, a consultant for the union tapped to address the speech. "In the long run I see it as a great step toward professionalism in the teaching profession."
Among other education proposals, Strickland is calling for a continued tuition freeze for the state's community colleges and regional campuses of four-year institutions for the next two years. He's also proposing a tuition freeze in 2010 for Ohio's four-year public colleges, with the 2011 increase not to exceed 3.5 percent.
The budget to be released Monday will providing funding to universities to cover the cost of the freeze, said Ohio State University president Gordon Gee, citing a briefing he received on the budget. "This is a very significant level of support for higher education," Gee said. "It is about making education accessible and affordable and maintaining its quality."
Strickland said his upcoming two-year budget will increase a variety of fees, fines and penalties paid by Ohioans and businesses in the state. He also proposed expanding health care coverage to offer insurance to every child in Ohio. Strickland also proposed restoring passenger rail service between Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland for the first time in 40 years.
In his State of the State address, Strickland said he'll balance the new two-year budget, which faces a $7 billion deficit, with the help of federal aid and by reducing state spending. He also called for a dramatic overhaul of Ohio's school funding system, boosting the state's share of the cost and lowering what taxpayers are expected to contribute to their local schools.
The plan will take the state's share of education funding to 55 percent, an amount that will grow to 59 percent once the plan is completely implemented, he said. Strickland said the plan will dramatically reduce the number of school districts that need to return to voters annually to ask for more money.
Republicans pegged the cost at $750 million annually. State budget director Pari Sabety confirmed the approximate figure but declined to discuss how the state would pay for it. Sabety said the key to the plan is "revenues that grow at the same rate that property valuations grow."
Under the current system, some districts appear richer on paper than they really are based on the value of property, meaning they don't receive enough money to pay for operating expenses. The problem is dubbed "phantom revenue."
Strickland releases his budget and full details of his spending plan Monday. The Ohio Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that Ohio's system of relying on property taxes to pay for schools is unconstitutional because it creates disparities between rich and poor districts.
Strickland also announced several other major changes to Ohio education, including: An expansion of the school year by 20 days to an average of 200 days. Requiring universal all-day kindergarten. The elimination of the Ohio graduation test in favor of requiring all students take the ACT college entrance test. Requiring districts to be audited by the Department of Education to determine how well they're meeting state academic standards. Taking control of districts that don't comply with new state academic and operating standards and replacing district leaders.
Lawmakers responded to the elimination of the graduation test with a standing ovation. "It is absolutely clear to me that simply tinkering with centuries-old education practices will not prepare Ohio's children for success in college, in the workplace, or in life," Strickland said. "When we do these things, I believe we will have finally and unquestionably met our constitutional obligation to our children.”
Strickland, who received strong support from teachers' unions during his 2006 campaign, also addressed the issue of teacher quality. He proposed a four-year residency training program similar to what doctors undergo, at the end of which a teacher would receive a professional license. He's also proposing to make it easier for school administrators to fire bad teachers. "Right now, it's harder to dismiss a teacher than any other public employee," Strickland said. "Under my plan, we will give administrators the power to dismiss teachers for good cause, the same standard applied to other public employees."
The Ohio Education Association, the state's largest teachers' union, said the proposal on teacher training was long overdue. "Is this something that's going to cause controversy initially? Probably so," said Rich Harris, a consultant for the union tapped to address the speech. "In the long run I see it as a great step toward professionalism in the teaching profession."
Among other education proposals, Strickland is calling for a continued tuition freeze for the state's community colleges and regional campuses of four-year institutions for the next two years. He's also proposing a tuition freeze in 2010 for Ohio's four-year public colleges, with the 2011 increase not to exceed 3.5 percent.
The budget to be released Monday will providing funding to universities to cover the cost of the freeze, said Ohio State University president Gordon Gee, citing a briefing he received on the budget. "This is a very significant level of support for higher education," Gee said. "It is about making education accessible and affordable and maintaining its quality."
Strickland said his upcoming two-year budget will increase a variety of fees, fines and penalties paid by Ohioans and businesses in the state. He also proposed expanding health care coverage to offer insurance to every child in Ohio. Strickland also proposed restoring passenger rail service between Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland for the first time in 40 years.
INVITE: G & CO Fashion Show
Commencement: 10:00Venue: Sugar Bar (525 Park Street)
Age Range: Male (21 and over); Female (19 and over)
Jager Tasting Party
Drinks (Available All Night)
$2 Bombs
$1 Wells
INVITE: OSU Greek Guest Bartending Competition
Commencement: 10:00Venue: Lodge Bar (Arena District)
Thursday’s Paring: Kappa Alpha Theta vs. Sigma Alpha Mu
Synopsis
The Lodge Bar Guest Bartender Competition is going to begin this upcoming Thursday (1/15), and for the next 4 weeks. There are 4 sororities and 4 fraternities involved in a single elimination tournament. 2 houses will face off each week in an attendance-based competition to see who can bring the largest crowd. Invite everyone you know to support you! There will be a sheet at the door where guests will sign in, marking who they came to see. Whoever brings the most people will advance to the next round until we have a winner.
INVITE: Golf Pro’s & Tennis Hoe’s
Commencement: 9:00Venue: McFadden’s (South Campus)
Ski Trip Contest (9 – 11 p.m.)
Mad River Mountain Winterfest Tickets
Mt. Snow, Vermont Trip
Jim Beam Putt-Putt Challenge
Compare Jim & Jack
Take A Miniature Golf Shot
Drinks (Available All Night)
$4 Carolina Watermelons
$3 Kentucky Apple Shots
Drinks (9 – 11 p.m.)
$2 Bud Light
Sponsor:
The Rock (99.7)
Blizzard & Budgeting
10 TV: All city employees that do not wear a uniform to work will face a five-day mandatory layoff, Mayor Michael Coleman announced Wednesday. Coleman, who unveiled the plan during a news conference, said the move will save the city about $1.6 million... In addition to ordering temporary layoffs, Coleman also announced that 12 union employees will be laid off. The mayor did not elaborate about who would be laid off, but he said top level management would be impacted. Leaders said the layoffs would save the city an additional $500,000. The mayor said that additional cuts could be made in coming weeks.
This city (like a lot of others in this country) is facing a budget disaster… Coleman’s response feels like nitpicking…
10 TV: Some areas north of Columbus reported snowfall amounts totaling 8-10 inches on Wednesday… the Columbus-metro area received about 4 inches of snow during Wednesday's storm. Wednesday night should be relatively quiet, with clear skies and overnight temperatures dropping to 16 degrees… clouds will increase again on Thursday, and we could see some snow showers during the evening hours. Daytime highs will reach 25 degrees. Snow showers will come to an end on Friday, with 1-2 inches of accumulation possible by the day's end.
Hope you stayed inside today with some coco and Gossip CBUS…
This city (like a lot of others in this country) is facing a budget disaster… Coleman’s response feels like nitpicking…
10 TV: Some areas north of Columbus reported snowfall amounts totaling 8-10 inches on Wednesday… the Columbus-metro area received about 4 inches of snow during Wednesday's storm. Wednesday night should be relatively quiet, with clear skies and overnight temperatures dropping to 16 degrees… clouds will increase again on Thursday, and we could see some snow showers during the evening hours. Daytime highs will reach 25 degrees. Snow showers will come to an end on Friday, with 1-2 inches of accumulation possible by the day's end.
Hope you stayed inside today with some coco and Gossip CBUS…
Quick Read
Bob Baptist’s feature on Michigan-Ohio State haircut cohabitation (read the article) was both amusing and intriguing… The rivalry and how the two schools, their fans, and their alumni hate each other has been done to death… This was an interesting window into the brotherhood of the rivalry, which is never discussed… Tim May’s column on Ohio State’s quarterback hunting, should also never be discussed… (Why do we need someone else besides Terrelle Pryor?)
Robin Chenowith’s story on the Norman Rockwell exhibit had all the charm of a puppy and all the usefulness of the puppy growing up… The concept was excellent… The story was sleep inducing (kids don’t know what a record player is… Tell me something I don’t know)… The Business section featured solid reporting on a variety of subjects…
What about the front page? Until the Dispatch concludes their gushing over Batelle, I’m not commenting on the front page…
Robin Chenowith’s story on the Norman Rockwell exhibit had all the charm of a puppy and all the usefulness of the puppy growing up… The concept was excellent… The story was sleep inducing (kids don’t know what a record player is… Tell me something I don’t know)… The Business section featured solid reporting on a variety of subjects…
What about the front page? Until the Dispatch concludes their gushing over Batelle, I’m not commenting on the front page…
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Wages, Weather Ruin City…
NBC 4: Columbus police announced the layoffs Tuesday of the police recruit class scheduled to graduate this week. According to the Department of Public Safety, 27 recruits were notified of the layoffs as part of ongoing budget cuts. The recruits were scheduled to graduate Friday. The mayor’s office is faced with making $13 million in cuts before passing a balanced budget, and city officials said they expect to save $1.2 million with the recruiting cuts.
Sources had indicated this would occur… Still, given the violent crime increase, the impact is no less severe…
10 TV: A winter storm warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. for Franklin county… Snow will mix with sleet and freezing rain overnight. The wintry precipitation will change back to all snow early on Wednesday morning. Then, the snow will taper off on Wednesday afternoon… freezing rain overnight has been eating into the total snow accumulation, especially south of Columbus, but the precipitation will switch back to heavy snow around 8 a.m. Wednesday. Up to an inch of ice may accumulate before the snow returns. Temperatures will remain steady in the mid 20s throughout the storm, which will continue through late Wednesday afternoon. Skies should clear Wednesday night, but snow showers may reappear late Thursday, bringing perhaps as much as an inch of accumulation. A high of 24 degrees is expected on Thursday.
Everyone be careful out there… We are remaining indoors…
Sources had indicated this would occur… Still, given the violent crime increase, the impact is no less severe…
10 TV: A winter storm warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. for Franklin county… Snow will mix with sleet and freezing rain overnight. The wintry precipitation will change back to all snow early on Wednesday morning. Then, the snow will taper off on Wednesday afternoon… freezing rain overnight has been eating into the total snow accumulation, especially south of Columbus, but the precipitation will switch back to heavy snow around 8 a.m. Wednesday. Up to an inch of ice may accumulate before the snow returns. Temperatures will remain steady in the mid 20s throughout the storm, which will continue through late Wednesday afternoon. Skies should clear Wednesday night, but snow showers may reappear late Thursday, bringing perhaps as much as an inch of accumulation. A high of 24 degrees is expected on Thursday.
Everyone be careful out there… We are remaining indoors…
Quick Read
While the front page’s graphic, noting yesterday’s 44,000 jobs lost was outstanding, the Batelle (once again) bought and paid fro front page made me gag…
The Life and Arts section made me proud… Particularly, Kevin Joy’s piece on the emergence of twitter (which, of course, Gossip CBUS uses) in the city’s business community… Yes, Joy took the shots that you expect old media to take at new media, but the human anecdotes were amusing and the piece was excellent. Flip Side’s profile of city clothing designer Michael DiSabato was also outstanding…
The Life and Arts section made me proud… Particularly, Kevin Joy’s piece on the emergence of twitter (which, of course, Gossip CBUS uses) in the city’s business community… Yes, Joy took the shots that you expect old media to take at new media, but the human anecdotes were amusing and the piece was excellent. Flip Side’s profile of city clothing designer Michael DiSabato was also outstanding…
Monday, January 26, 2009
Treat From the Rockies
As promised, a Snowed Inn\Snow Bunny Party major prize announcement… A snowboard will be given away, courtesy of Coors Light.
CYP “Date 2 Remember” Preview
We had a tremendous amount of support at our Preview Social for ‘A Date 2 Remember’ last week at Eleven at Hyde Park – more than 200 CYP Club members and friends joined us. Special thanks to all attendees, date participants, and host committee members who helped put together a great event. We sold more than 50 tickets that night to ‘A Date 2 Remember’ and raised even more awareness for this upcoming event held on Saturday, February 7. We also raffled off $250 in dining gift cards (donated by Hyde Park) and several gift certificate packages to SplatterPark! (donated by Central Ohio Paintball) to those who purchased tickets at the Preview Party. Look for event photos to be posted this week at www.cypclub.com! And if you haven’t yet purchased your tickets for ‘D2R,’ what are you waiting for?
I HATE THIS WEATHER
10 TV: The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning from 10 p.m. Monday through noon Wednesday for Frranklin county… Periods of light snow will develop across the area on Monday night and continue into Tuesday morning. The light snow will mix with some light freezing drizzle through Tuesday afternoon.
A more significant round of snow will overspread the area Tuesday evening and continue into Wednesday. The snow will then taper off to scattered snow showers through Wednesday afternoon.
1 to 2 inches of total snowfall accumulation on Monday night. Overnight low temperatures will fall to 15 degrees. Expect more snow on Tuesday, beginning in the afternoon. Highs will reach 26 degrees. Heavy snow is possible Tuesday night and into Wednesday, with freezing rain and sleet south of the city. Four or more inches of additional snowfall are possible. Highs will rise to 26 degrees.
A more significant round of snow will overspread the area Tuesday evening and continue into Wednesday. The snow will then taper off to scattered snow showers through Wednesday afternoon.
1 to 2 inches of total snowfall accumulation on Monday night. Overnight low temperatures will fall to 15 degrees. Expect more snow on Tuesday, beginning in the afternoon. Highs will reach 26 degrees. Heavy snow is possible Tuesday night and into Wednesday, with freezing rain and sleet south of the city. Four or more inches of additional snowfall are possible. Highs will rise to 26 degrees.
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: Will Gossip CBUS ever have a mobile updates option?
A: While we don’t have a specific mobile option, we do have a Facebook group, which if you join, can send updates to your phone. This will not send every post to your phone, but you will receive all breaking news updates, assuming you have facebook mobile (which is very easy to start)…
Q: How do you choose which events to twitter from?
A: If we run multiple items for an event or the event is extremely unique (such as Kourtney Kardashian at Lodge Bar), we will update live from that. Also, if Gossip CBUS has sponsored the event, in the case of the Back 2 School Party, we will update live from that. Honestly, it depends on the event and whether we think there is enough material for interesting live updates, which would not take away from a column for the website.
Q: I have a blog also. If I sent you one my articles, would you publish it?
A: Obviously, that would depend on the content… However, Gossip CBUS is always seeking to expand our content base… If you have written something that you think we’ll love, send it…
Q: Will Gossip CBUS ever have a mobile updates option?
A: While we don’t have a specific mobile option, we do have a Facebook group, which if you join, can send updates to your phone. This will not send every post to your phone, but you will receive all breaking news updates, assuming you have facebook mobile (which is very easy to start)…
Q: How do you choose which events to twitter from?
A: If we run multiple items for an event or the event is extremely unique (such as Kourtney Kardashian at Lodge Bar), we will update live from that. Also, if Gossip CBUS has sponsored the event, in the case of the Back 2 School Party, we will update live from that. Honestly, it depends on the event and whether we think there is enough material for interesting live updates, which would not take away from a column for the website.
Q: I have a blog also. If I sent you one my articles, would you publish it?
A: Obviously, that would depend on the content… However, Gossip CBUS is always seeking to expand our content base… If you have written something that you think we’ll love, send it…
Quick Read
While I must once again ask the obvious, I must change the question… Did Batelle purchase the Dispatch? Did they take over what was previously a journalistic enterprise and turn it into a daily public relations outlet? Did I miss a press conference?
Batelle’s second front page story in as many days, was among several lowlights in a lackluster lead section… Jeb Phillips National Guard story read as though the organization released it… Dean Narciso’s story on garbage and police cooperation, while an intriguing premise, was flat by the fourth paragraph, and Mark Ferenchink’s story on blighted south side houses was a metro section story…
Mike Pramik’s story on the city competing to keep a mortgage lender, that was a front-page story… Unfortunately, they buried it on C8… Bob Hunter’s column on Ohio State’s decline due to injuries was, for once, well written… However, it amounted to someone whining about their team, who isn’t as good as they appeared…
Batelle’s second front page story in as many days, was among several lowlights in a lackluster lead section… Jeb Phillips National Guard story read as though the organization released it… Dean Narciso’s story on garbage and police cooperation, while an intriguing premise, was flat by the fourth paragraph, and Mark Ferenchink’s story on blighted south side houses was a metro section story…
Mike Pramik’s story on the city competing to keep a mortgage lender, that was a front-page story… Unfortunately, they buried it on C8… Bob Hunter’s column on Ohio State’s decline due to injuries was, for once, well written… However, it amounted to someone whining about their team, who isn’t as good as they appeared…
Sunday, January 25, 2009
BREAKING: Portman Rebukes Criticism
Recently, Rob Portman addressed his critic’s chief compliant. According to a source with knowledge of the conversation, Portman distanced himself from Bush Administration trade policy; specifically citing NAFTA related issues. Portman served as United States Trade Representative from 2005-2007.
According to our source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Portman also admitted his lack of statewide name identity. And he said that John Kasich’s presumed gubernatorial candidacy was no factor in his decision to run for senate.
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 to become Trade Representative. He then finished his second White House stint as Office of Management and Budget Director. He resigned that office on June 19, 2007.
According to our source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Portman also admitted his lack of statewide name identity. And he said that John Kasich’s presumed gubernatorial candidacy was no factor in his decision to run for senate.
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 to become Trade Representative. He then finished his second White House stint as Office of Management and Budget Director. He resigned that office on June 19, 2007.
Are We Friends?
As promised, Gossip CBUS announces our Facebook initiative. Beginning Monday, GCBUS Facebook will be the destination for breaking news, event information, employment and internship opportunities, and website updates. Simply search GCBUS or gossipcbus@gmail.com and friend us… We’re waiting…
Nowhere to Hide
Numbers thirty two and thirty-three illustrate our city’s condition… From campus to hotels… No place is safe…
NBC 4: One man is dead, and another man is on the run. On Saturday night, just before 10 p.m., Columbus police responded to the report of a shooting at the Knights Inn on State Route 161 at Interstate 71. The shooting victim, an unidentified Hispanic male, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the suspects, a man and a woman, entered the room, robbed the three men and shot one of the men.
10 TV: The Ohio State University issued a crime alert on Saturday after three students reported being robbed at gunpoint near campus on Friday. The students said they were walking near Frambes Avenue and Tuller Street when two men approached them. The robbers stole their cash and cell phones, according to police. Anyone with information about this crime should contact either Columbus police at 614-645-4545 or University Police at 614-292-2121.
NBC 4: One man is dead, and another man is on the run. On Saturday night, just before 10 p.m., Columbus police responded to the report of a shooting at the Knights Inn on State Route 161 at Interstate 71. The shooting victim, an unidentified Hispanic male, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the suspects, a man and a woman, entered the room, robbed the three men and shot one of the men.
10 TV: The Ohio State University issued a crime alert on Saturday after three students reported being robbed at gunpoint near campus on Friday. The students said they were walking near Frambes Avenue and Tuller Street when two men approached them. The robbers stole their cash and cell phones, according to police. Anyone with information about this crime should contact either Columbus police at 614-645-4545 or University Police at 614-292-2121.
Spartans Sweep Ohio State
Remember when the Buckeyes were 9-0 and everyone had dreams of a deep tournament run? Making the tournament now would be a dream come true…
Durrell Summers had 26 points to almost double his career high, Kalin Lucas came off the bench for 20 and the Spartans dominated the boards on Sunday to beat Ohio State 78-67. "As you can imagine, it's a big win against a quality opponent on the road, especially after coming off that devastating loss last Wednesday," coach Tom Izzo said of a stunning 70-64 defeat to Northwestern that ended an 11-game winning streak and a string of 28 straight home wins.
Summers, who was averaging 8.0 points a game and had never made more than two 3-pointers in a game, was an unlikely hero. He got the start only because Izzo held Lucas and Chris Allen out of the starting lineup because they hadn't met some academic goals. The sophomore played like he belonged, hitting 8-of-13 shots from the field including 6-of-9 3-pointers and all four of his free throws.
The Spartans (16-3, 6-1) also took 15 more shots from the field, thanks to a 35-19 rebounding advantage. They scored 19 points off the offensive boards, where they had almost as many rebounds (16) as the Buckeyes did at both ends. "I always preach attacking the glass and sometimes it pays bigger dividends than others," Izzo said. "Today was one of those games where it definitely helped us, especially down the stretch."
Durrell Summers had 26 points to almost double his career high, Kalin Lucas came off the bench for 20 and the Spartans dominated the boards on Sunday to beat Ohio State 78-67. "As you can imagine, it's a big win against a quality opponent on the road, especially after coming off that devastating loss last Wednesday," coach Tom Izzo said of a stunning 70-64 defeat to Northwestern that ended an 11-game winning streak and a string of 28 straight home wins.
Summers, who was averaging 8.0 points a game and had never made more than two 3-pointers in a game, was an unlikely hero. He got the start only because Izzo held Lucas and Chris Allen out of the starting lineup because they hadn't met some academic goals. The sophomore played like he belonged, hitting 8-of-13 shots from the field including 6-of-9 3-pointers and all four of his free throws.
The Spartans (16-3, 6-1) also took 15 more shots from the field, thanks to a 35-19 rebounding advantage. They scored 19 points off the offensive boards, where they had almost as many rebounds (16) as the Buckeyes did at both ends. "I always preach attacking the glass and sometimes it pays bigger dividends than others," Izzo said. "Today was one of those games where it definitely helped us, especially down the stretch."
300-500 Club
Who would have thought in less than two months, we would see Chris Wells bolt, Skye Bar collapse, South Campus struggle, and George Voinovich turn politics inside out, and Gossip CBUS rack three hundred posts and five hundred twitter tweets… You made it possible Columbus! Keep reading and keep e-mailing… You never know what might happen next…
Quick Read
Allow me to ask the obvious… Did Batelle pay for this edition? Honestly? Did they pay for the printing and distribution of this edition in exchange for Kevin Mayhood? Both his pieces were solidly written… The front-page story provided an interesting prospective and the Home and Garden piece, while the graphics were overwhelming, was still informative… But, two stories were necessary?
Mark Niquette’s story concerning the State of the State address and Governor Strickland’s impending re-election was excellent (although I could have done without the Strickland as fisherman illustration)… Bill Bush’s story on mortgage complicated divorces, had no business on the front page and was also void of any personal aspect…
Aaron Portzline’s sports front page (yes finally front page with graphics) story concerning the Blue Jackets at midseason was excellent… It was if Columbus finally noticed and cared that they had a professional sports team… Tragically unprofessional remained Bob Hunter, who typed a column on television ratings… Bob, just quit already…
Sherri Williams metro section story on Forest Park painted the picture of an area over run by crime, but she never described the crime… She did an excellent job of relating proposed solutions and actions taken, but never mentioned one crime that has occurred (You don’t have to rely on blood to sell crime stories, but it’s still needed)… Alan Johnson’s article on human trafficking, while an important issue, was equally terrible… It seemed rushed and after a very poignant opening, was without the human element so important for those kinds of stories…
Considering all the comparisons of Barack Obama and Abraham Lincoln, the Life and Arts story “Lots of Lincoln” was outstanding… The Home and Garden story on pollutants (yes, pollutants), was the edition’s most informative… Sadly, the Business Section’s story “PNC Priority” was beyond boring… I know news involves facts… But throw in a splotch of blue to all that gray…
Mark Niquette’s story concerning the State of the State address and Governor Strickland’s impending re-election was excellent (although I could have done without the Strickland as fisherman illustration)… Bill Bush’s story on mortgage complicated divorces, had no business on the front page and was also void of any personal aspect…
Aaron Portzline’s sports front page (yes finally front page with graphics) story concerning the Blue Jackets at midseason was excellent… It was if Columbus finally noticed and cared that they had a professional sports team… Tragically unprofessional remained Bob Hunter, who typed a column on television ratings… Bob, just quit already…
Sherri Williams metro section story on Forest Park painted the picture of an area over run by crime, but she never described the crime… She did an excellent job of relating proposed solutions and actions taken, but never mentioned one crime that has occurred (You don’t have to rely on blood to sell crime stories, but it’s still needed)… Alan Johnson’s article on human trafficking, while an important issue, was equally terrible… It seemed rushed and after a very poignant opening, was without the human element so important for those kinds of stories…
Considering all the comparisons of Barack Obama and Abraham Lincoln, the Life and Arts story “Lots of Lincoln” was outstanding… The Home and Garden story on pollutants (yes, pollutants), was the edition’s most informative… Sadly, the Business Section’s story “PNC Priority” was beyond boring… I know news involves facts… But throw in a splotch of blue to all that gray…
Lodge Bar’s Brilliant Blend
Ohio Stadium has a recipe. The recipe makes every moment memorable…Every visit special and unique. Celebrity. Personality. Tradition. It’s sitting on the first level, staring at former Buckeyes, who are spending their NFL off weeks, in the stadium which launched them into the professional ranks… It’s watching the fans who paint themselves, decorate their signs, and dress like Woody Hayes… And it’s sitting in a stadium first opened in 1922, cheering a team which first played in 1890…
Lodge Bar’s recipe is the same… McFadden’s has personality. Sugar has celebrity. The Varsity Club has tradition… But, Lodge Bar subtly blends the trio and in so doing, makes you forget that you’re in a bar, just as Ohio Stadium makes you forget you’re in a simple sports arena…
Upon my arrival, the crowd (which I assume included several who were anticipating Kourtney Kardashian’s appearance) was already impressive. Their energy was palpable… They weren’t the eight p.m. crowd that you typically encounter in this city, scattered, solemn, working their first beer… These clusters (minimum of four with several groups exceeding seven or eight) were buzzing… They were the crowd every bar craves at any hour…
I’m assuming (only assuming) that Lodge’s unique variety of alcohol had something to do with the buzzing… Now, I have previously visited Lodge Bar (The NBC Charity Toy Drive)… But, apparently, I missed a detail on that night… Several details actually… The methods through which people were consuming their alcohol were via (and again, I’m only assuming) a combination of creativity and insanity…
The Bucky’s Bowl… A fish bowl container, filled to the brim with (what again I am only assuming) mixed drinks… The Coors Light Pitchers… I believe one could rapidly consume enough alcohol from them for a series of sweet dreams… The Molson Towers… Similar to what Quaker Steak and Lube offers, but this tube ascends from a hockey helmet… And I thought Columbus didn’t appreciate the Blue Jackets…
Consuming this treasure trove of alcohol from the various treasure chests were a collection of bunnies, which will be hard to replicate… Yes, there was a binge of potential prizewinning heifers which I discussed on twitter… However, they were overmatched by the bunnies who shook their asses, swallowed their shots, and through several unique fashion choices, made whiplash a welcome affliction…
While the consumer bunnies were superb, the staff bunnies were simply scrumptious… Three waitresses whose petite size and understated beauty reminded anyone that simple remains elegant… And a beer tub girl who could melt ice with her gorgeous… She appeared bored, which was completely acceptable, as this induced her to dance, as a means to keep herself entertained… That dancing was every male’s highlight this evening…
As impressive as the quartet I have just mentioned were, I cannot compare them to the crown jewel… Kadi… I know what you’re thinking… I’ve applauded Abby (Frog Bear and Wild Boar); I’ve touted Taryn (McFadden’s)… Kadi is simply their equivalent at Lodge Bar… Comparing Abby and Taryn to Kadi (although both are beautiful) is like comparing a Twix candy bar to German Chocolate Cake… Kadi is exquisite…. Blonde hair, perfect face, and a smile that (in the event of another wind storm) could light this city… Yes, in other bars, I will rave about other bartenders… But, Kadi is the unquestioned standard.
Speaking of standards, My Zero Hero may want to apply some the next time they choose a set list… Do not misunderstand, the band is outstanding and I was impressed with several of their selections (both song choice and execution)… Unfortunately, the search for diversity ruined what could have been a stellar performance… Two notable songs, both of which I discussed on twitter, stained their entire pair of sets… “I Love Rock and Roll” and “So What”… Both are personal favorites. However, Joan Jett, Britney Spears, and Pink are all women… My Zero Hero is all male…
Their interpretations of the two songs were acceptable… But, I couldn’t get past the fact that both were sung by, I believe also written by, women. As I said, My Zero Hero is an exemplary quartet and I would absolutely listen to them again… But, they require change… Anything with a female singer on the original title, needs to be dropped…
What doesn’t need to be dropped is their rendition of the timeless “Sweet Caroline,” which provided the evening’s signature moment… I expected the crowd refrain during the chorus, that tradition runs the length of our nation… What I didn’t expect was the visual… Hundreds singing the song, girls covering the stage, and Bucky, a stuffed something wearing a Chris Wells jersey (I assume he is the Lodge Bar mascot) dancing on the speakers… Add the act that their follow-up song was “Sloopy” and you can only imagine the perfect memory that occurred…
Obviously, I cannot run this entire wrap without mentioning the attraction, which we promoted three times this week… Kourtney Kardashian… Her ensemble was stunning… Shimmering silver vest and black leather boots… Her facial expression ran the spectrum, occasionally smiling and interacting with fans… Occasionally, appearing bored and staring into her blackberry… While she may not have been continuously happy, those who scored pictures and autographs certainly were… Lodge Bar deserves great credit for placing a unique celebrity in a unique environment… They succeeded…
Now I have already received a half dozen e-mails with the same question… Why did my twitter updates cut off abruptly after speaking with Kourtney? Without details (and this involves a friend, so please don’t ask), I received a text message that a friend had encountered trouble at another venue in the Arena District… I immediately bolted Lodge Bar for that venue and my friend, as of this moment, is out of trouble… That’s honestly all I can say on the subject and I apologize for the twitter turmoil…
As I near a thousand words, I will conclude where I commenced… Any bar can have celebrity, personality, or tradition… Some bars have two of the three… But, Lodge, unique, even in a section of two where bars outnumber parking meters, stands alone… A monument to the perfect recipe and what can be accomplished with it…
Lodge Bar’s recipe is the same… McFadden’s has personality. Sugar has celebrity. The Varsity Club has tradition… But, Lodge Bar subtly blends the trio and in so doing, makes you forget that you’re in a bar, just as Ohio Stadium makes you forget you’re in a simple sports arena…
Upon my arrival, the crowd (which I assume included several who were anticipating Kourtney Kardashian’s appearance) was already impressive. Their energy was palpable… They weren’t the eight p.m. crowd that you typically encounter in this city, scattered, solemn, working their first beer… These clusters (minimum of four with several groups exceeding seven or eight) were buzzing… They were the crowd every bar craves at any hour…
I’m assuming (only assuming) that Lodge’s unique variety of alcohol had something to do with the buzzing… Now, I have previously visited Lodge Bar (The NBC Charity Toy Drive)… But, apparently, I missed a detail on that night… Several details actually… The methods through which people were consuming their alcohol were via (and again, I’m only assuming) a combination of creativity and insanity…
The Bucky’s Bowl… A fish bowl container, filled to the brim with (what again I am only assuming) mixed drinks… The Coors Light Pitchers… I believe one could rapidly consume enough alcohol from them for a series of sweet dreams… The Molson Towers… Similar to what Quaker Steak and Lube offers, but this tube ascends from a hockey helmet… And I thought Columbus didn’t appreciate the Blue Jackets…
Consuming this treasure trove of alcohol from the various treasure chests were a collection of bunnies, which will be hard to replicate… Yes, there was a binge of potential prizewinning heifers which I discussed on twitter… However, they were overmatched by the bunnies who shook their asses, swallowed their shots, and through several unique fashion choices, made whiplash a welcome affliction…
While the consumer bunnies were superb, the staff bunnies were simply scrumptious… Three waitresses whose petite size and understated beauty reminded anyone that simple remains elegant… And a beer tub girl who could melt ice with her gorgeous… She appeared bored, which was completely acceptable, as this induced her to dance, as a means to keep herself entertained… That dancing was every male’s highlight this evening…
As impressive as the quartet I have just mentioned were, I cannot compare them to the crown jewel… Kadi… I know what you’re thinking… I’ve applauded Abby (Frog Bear and Wild Boar); I’ve touted Taryn (McFadden’s)… Kadi is simply their equivalent at Lodge Bar… Comparing Abby and Taryn to Kadi (although both are beautiful) is like comparing a Twix candy bar to German Chocolate Cake… Kadi is exquisite…. Blonde hair, perfect face, and a smile that (in the event of another wind storm) could light this city… Yes, in other bars, I will rave about other bartenders… But, Kadi is the unquestioned standard.
Speaking of standards, My Zero Hero may want to apply some the next time they choose a set list… Do not misunderstand, the band is outstanding and I was impressed with several of their selections (both song choice and execution)… Unfortunately, the search for diversity ruined what could have been a stellar performance… Two notable songs, both of which I discussed on twitter, stained their entire pair of sets… “I Love Rock and Roll” and “So What”… Both are personal favorites. However, Joan Jett, Britney Spears, and Pink are all women… My Zero Hero is all male…
Their interpretations of the two songs were acceptable… But, I couldn’t get past the fact that both were sung by, I believe also written by, women. As I said, My Zero Hero is an exemplary quartet and I would absolutely listen to them again… But, they require change… Anything with a female singer on the original title, needs to be dropped…
What doesn’t need to be dropped is their rendition of the timeless “Sweet Caroline,” which provided the evening’s signature moment… I expected the crowd refrain during the chorus, that tradition runs the length of our nation… What I didn’t expect was the visual… Hundreds singing the song, girls covering the stage, and Bucky, a stuffed something wearing a Chris Wells jersey (I assume he is the Lodge Bar mascot) dancing on the speakers… Add the act that their follow-up song was “Sloopy” and you can only imagine the perfect memory that occurred…
Obviously, I cannot run this entire wrap without mentioning the attraction, which we promoted three times this week… Kourtney Kardashian… Her ensemble was stunning… Shimmering silver vest and black leather boots… Her facial expression ran the spectrum, occasionally smiling and interacting with fans… Occasionally, appearing bored and staring into her blackberry… While she may not have been continuously happy, those who scored pictures and autographs certainly were… Lodge Bar deserves great credit for placing a unique celebrity in a unique environment… They succeeded…
Now I have already received a half dozen e-mails with the same question… Why did my twitter updates cut off abruptly after speaking with Kourtney? Without details (and this involves a friend, so please don’t ask), I received a text message that a friend had encountered trouble at another venue in the Arena District… I immediately bolted Lodge Bar for that venue and my friend, as of this moment, is out of trouble… That’s honestly all I can say on the subject and I apologize for the twitter turmoil…
As I near a thousand words, I will conclude where I commenced… Any bar can have celebrity, personality, or tradition… Some bars have two of the three… But, Lodge, unique, even in a section of two where bars outnumber parking meters, stands alone… A monument to the perfect recipe and what can be accomplished with it…
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