Ohio State football is a tradition. Akin to any tradition, it transcends generations. Grandfathers educate sons and daughters. Sons and daughters educate grandchildren. Archie Griffin’s acts transition into Eddie George’s exploits transition into Chris Wells’ witnesses.
Woven throughout this afternoon’s tapestry of scarlet and gray were grandparents, parents, siblings, and relatives… Fathers and mothers carried their or walked with hands grasped beside their children, who likely had no comprehension of the ritual they were entering… They were more interested in frolicking among the massive concrete structure, as their parents kept watchful eyes upon them…
The generational companionship was hierarchal; it was not simply adult-adolescent… Collegians walked with their grand parents… Couples sat and spoke with their entire families, immersing themselves in a sacrament, which in certain segments is as or more revered than words, which are spoken inside a church… The clothing may have been similar… The feel of the contest may have been similar… The tradition, now matter how often repeated, is never lost on anyone… This is a day for family…
As for the contest itself, judging the prospective athletes and overall season prospects are always difficult… The spring game is essentially a preseason contest… It’s worse than a preseason contest… The Cleveland Browns don’t divide their roster, mix the first and second squads, and then play before 80,000 (they are terrible before only 40,000)… Gleaning an accurate outlook from the spring game is tantamount to attempting to formulate a column from a five-minute interview with Coach Jim Tressel… You can try… You wont succeed…
One evaluation that was simple and spectacular was Terrelle Pryor… He was as advertised… His first touchdown pass was a scramble induced forty-four yard aerial… His second touchdown pass was a perfectly strewn effort into the hands of Roy Small, who cut inside a man at the ten, splitting three defenders en route to seven points… Pryor wasn’t perfect… His decision-making must improve… However, he exhibited Heisman sparks…
While Pryor’s evaluation was uncomplicated… The other skill player’s evaluations are unclear… Small may be the best receiver, but he isn’t headline material (with his skills…. He is with his drama)… Dane Sazenbacher, DeVier Posey, and Taurian Washington are solid, but unspectacular… Running backs are a much more muddled conversation… I wouldn’t swap a nickel, if someone offered me Dan Herron or Brandon Saine…
Football may be the annual convergence’s motivation… However, the sun soaked afternoon is an entrance and an enjoyment… As I exited Ohio Stadium, I observed a father carrying his daughter… The daughter was dressed in a pink Pryor jersey, but was passed out in her father’s arms… The scene epitomized the afternoon… And it made me want to call my parents…
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Rock & Ritual
Ohio State football and Mindy Hall have zero commonality. One is a grand tradition. One is a momentary megastar. On Saturday, we will twitter them both.
This afternoon, Gossip CBUS will be live from Ohio Stadium. This evening, we will be live from the Frog Bear and Wild Boar. Get out to both events, cheer, read our tweets, and savor this scrumptious weather.
This afternoon, Gossip CBUS will be live from Ohio Stadium. This evening, we will be live from the Frog Bear and Wild Boar. Get out to both events, cheer, read our tweets, and savor this scrumptious weather.
Quick Read
Sports features outstanding spring contest coverage, including a complete rosters page… Rob Oller’s (sports) column on Ohio State’s lack of nationally known players is exemplary… Tom Reed’s (sports) story on the Blue Jackets overplaying Steve Mason is solid, but explains why they overplayed him way to late…
Their Summer, Our Storyline
Whereas winter is simply endured, summer is enjoyed with storylines. Summer may appear as bunnies and bunny chasers consuming outdoor drinks… The storyline is the venue competition… Summer may appear as a crush of people relishing one spectacular event after another… The storyline is the power which is gained and lost as the events commence and conclude…
Ostensibly, Martini and a Makeover was this evening’s subject… The event was respectable… Yes, the heifers outweighed (pun intended) the bunnies and the atmosphere was subdued… However, Lodge Bar once again showcased their promotional genius… No venue in this city concocts more unique events and no venue is better at emphasizing the spirit of those events via decor… Tonight’s balloons and pink martini glasses and tablecloths were simply exquisite…
Tonight’s crowd was excrement… It wasn’t simply the sparse bunny population; it was the complete randomness of those occupying conversations and tables… The movie moron, who actually wore a Ray Finkel t-shirt (yes, that would be from the Ace Ventura movie)… The blitzed bunny, who ultimately performed lewd acts with a piece of furniture… And the plus size, no plus is kind, the gargantuan heifer who was wearing a dress that made me ask one question… Who shot the curtains? The crowd was among the worst I have seen in this city (not in numbers, simply in texture)…
Among the very best of anything I have seen in this city was Lodge Bar Promotions Superstar and bartender Jen Bunny, who stole the evening with her scrumptious curled hair and pink and white striped candy cane clothing ensemble… I know I discuss Crown Princess Kadi frequently and I wouldn’t if she didn’t deserve it… But, Jen Bunny is the category of candy who is worth one’s moments… She is more intricately wrapped… Yet, infinitely sweeter…
While Jen was the preeminent evening visual, the preeminent conversation was Lodge Bar General Manager Pat West… Our chat covered upcoming events, reality stars, why venues act as they act, why venue executives act as they… I’ve said this before, but it absolutely cannot be said enough… Pat is one of the most intelligent people I deal with…
As I walked Vine Street at the conclusion of my evening, I observed the clutches of bunnies and bunny chasers scattered across the sidewalks… What drinks did they consume and what venue profited the most? What events did they hear about and mentally mark on their calendar and who will accrue power as a result?
Ostensibly, Martini and a Makeover was this evening’s subject… The event was respectable… Yes, the heifers outweighed (pun intended) the bunnies and the atmosphere was subdued… However, Lodge Bar once again showcased their promotional genius… No venue in this city concocts more unique events and no venue is better at emphasizing the spirit of those events via decor… Tonight’s balloons and pink martini glasses and tablecloths were simply exquisite…
Tonight’s crowd was excrement… It wasn’t simply the sparse bunny population; it was the complete randomness of those occupying conversations and tables… The movie moron, who actually wore a Ray Finkel t-shirt (yes, that would be from the Ace Ventura movie)… The blitzed bunny, who ultimately performed lewd acts with a piece of furniture… And the plus size, no plus is kind, the gargantuan heifer who was wearing a dress that made me ask one question… Who shot the curtains? The crowd was among the worst I have seen in this city (not in numbers, simply in texture)…
Among the very best of anything I have seen in this city was Lodge Bar Promotions Superstar and bartender Jen Bunny, who stole the evening with her scrumptious curled hair and pink and white striped candy cane clothing ensemble… I know I discuss Crown Princess Kadi frequently and I wouldn’t if she didn’t deserve it… But, Jen Bunny is the category of candy who is worth one’s moments… She is more intricately wrapped… Yet, infinitely sweeter…
While Jen was the preeminent evening visual, the preeminent conversation was Lodge Bar General Manager Pat West… Our chat covered upcoming events, reality stars, why venues act as they act, why venue executives act as they… I’ve said this before, but it absolutely cannot be said enough… Pat is one of the most intelligent people I deal with…
As I walked Vine Street at the conclusion of my evening, I observed the clutches of bunnies and bunny chasers scattered across the sidewalks… What drinks did they consume and what venue profited the most? What events did they hear about and mentally mark on their calendar and who will accrue power as a result?
Always Live
Upon my arrival at Park Street Patio, the entrance was crushed. Other venues were scarcely able to acquire an indoor crowd by 10:00. Park Street Patio had three dozen people outside waiting to matriculate indoors… Watching them wait were Co-Owners Chris Corso and Brian Swanson, who stood in the open air marveling at their success…
Standing inside Park Street Patio was Promotions Superstar Randy Haffey, who was also satisfied with the visual. We discussed the crowd for a moment (and only for a moment, as I truly had no comprehension of it’s size) and then our conversation redirected into the Park Street Festival, which will occur June 12-13. Activities will include a Bike Fest, the Kid’s Fair, and A Taste of the North Market. Candlebox, Dot Dot Dot, Downplay, Lovesick Radio, Saving Jane, the 17th Floor, and the Bourban Kings will perform.
When Haffey and I’s conversation concluded, I traversed toward the open air. From the backstairs of Park Street Patio, I witnessed an unimaginable scene. The venue was crushed. Every chair and table were occupied and three dozen conversations were occurring in the walkways (seemingly all in front of me)… It took me twenty minutes to walk from the stairs to the exit, where I encountered Corso again… Our thoughts were synchronized… Officially, it’s bunny season…
Standing inside Park Street Patio was Promotions Superstar Randy Haffey, who was also satisfied with the visual. We discussed the crowd for a moment (and only for a moment, as I truly had no comprehension of it’s size) and then our conversation redirected into the Park Street Festival, which will occur June 12-13. Activities will include a Bike Fest, the Kid’s Fair, and A Taste of the North Market. Candlebox, Dot Dot Dot, Downplay, Lovesick Radio, Saving Jane, the 17th Floor, and the Bourban Kings will perform.
When Haffey and I’s conversation concluded, I traversed toward the open air. From the backstairs of Park Street Patio, I witnessed an unimaginable scene. The venue was crushed. Every chair and table were occupied and three dozen conversations were occurring in the walkways (seemingly all in front of me)… It took me twenty minutes to walk from the stairs to the exit, where I encountered Corso again… Our thoughts were synchronized… Officially, it’s bunny season…
Always Live
I know I have said this previously…. However, DJ Legend has skills… His marquee moment, and one of the most brilliant exhibitions I have ever witnessed, was a without hesitation intermix of “Sugar” and “Blue,” the latter serving as the foundation for the former’s baseline…
Amidst his masterful mixing, DJ Legend and I discussed this city’s mammoth size and minimalist mentality… We also discussed the 2009 Gossip Awards, which might just include a very special performance (can anyone say Scratch Pack)…
Amidst his masterful mixing, DJ Legend and I discussed this city’s mammoth size and minimalist mentality… We also discussed the 2009 Gossip Awards, which might just include a very special performance (can anyone say Scratch Pack)…
Friday, April 24, 2009
INVITE: Mindy Hall
Commencement: 10:00Venue: Frog Bear & Wild Boar (343 N Front Street)
Cost: $10 (regular); $20 (v.i.p.)
Reservations: Frog Bear Bar
Appearance
Mindy Hall (Rock of Love Bus)
Performances
Radio Tokyo
DJ Bombay
INVITE: Toga Party
Commencement: 9:00Venue: McFadden’s (South Campus)
Toga Contest ($50 Tab Prize)
Drinks (Available All Night)
$5 Hairy Buffalo Mugs
$3 Domestic Mugs
Appearances
Cohutta (Real World & The Duel II)
Jenn (Real World & The Duel II)
Sponsor
Blitz Marketing
INVITE: Sexy Saturdays
Commencement: 10:00Venue: Sugar Bar (525 Park Street)
VIP Access: Text (406-3072)
Mezzanine Drinks (Available 10:30 – 11:30 p.m.)
$1 Top Shelf Drinks
Lockdown Produces Pair of Arrests
10 TV: A local high school was placed on a level 2 lockdown Friday afternoon after reports of a firearm at the school. Whetstone High School, 4405 Scenic Dr., Columbus, went on lockdown shortly after noon. The lockdown was lifted at about 2:20 p.m.
CPD confirmed two students were taken into custody and one firearm was removed from the school’s property. The students taken into custody were both males in their junior year. Officials said one of the students brought a firearm to the school.
Apparently, when word got out about a gun in the building, the first student gave the firearm to the second student who later was arrested at a COTA bus stop on High Street, according to officials.
The 18-year-old students both were arrested on felony charges, and school expulsion proceedings were scheduled, officials said. The student body was allowed to leave the building at the end of their school day.
A level 2 lockdown means that students are stay to in the classrooms where they were in when lockdown began. They will not change classes. The students’ identities were not released, and no more information was available immediately.
CPD confirmed two students were taken into custody and one firearm was removed from the school’s property. The students taken into custody were both males in their junior year. Officials said one of the students brought a firearm to the school.
Apparently, when word got out about a gun in the building, the first student gave the firearm to the second student who later was arrested at a COTA bus stop on High Street, according to officials.
The 18-year-old students both were arrested on felony charges, and school expulsion proceedings were scheduled, officials said. The student body was allowed to leave the building at the end of their school day.
A level 2 lockdown means that students are stay to in the classrooms where they were in when lockdown began. They will not change classes. The students’ identities were not released, and no more information was available immediately.
Quick Read
Bob Hunter (front page) and Michael Arace (sports) type similar columns… Their point? Last night may have been a loss, but no shame exists in losing to the defending champions… Aaron Portzline (sports) also contributes a solid column, although his wrap omitted some of the excitement, in favor of focusing on the penalty…
Robert Vitale’s (front page) story on Mayor Michael Coleman’s budget reconciliation plan, which sounds more like a prayer than a plan, is excellent…
Robert Vitale’s (front page) story on Mayor Michael Coleman’s budget reconciliation plan, which sounds more like a prayer than a plan, is excellent…
Red Wings & Broom
In Wall Street, Lou Mannheim addresses Bud Fox, who is on the brink of complete annihilation… “Man looks into the abyss, there’s nothing staring back at him,” says Mannheim. “At that moment, man finds his character. And that is what keeps him out of the abyss.”
Despite a 3-0 series deficit, the Blue Jackets’ support remained visible. From the Frog Bear and Wild Boar to R Bar, the bricks were crushed. The atmosphere was carnival. Alcohol and chants… Face painters and mimes… Hot dogs and scalpers… The menagerie equaled, potentially the only entity to ever equal, an Ohio State football contest…
The first period equaled it’s three predecessors… Despite an opening faceoff victory and an outstanding energy which permeated the telecast, the Red Wings, courtesy of Nicklas Lidstrom, recorded the opening salvo. Kristian Huselius countered ticks subsequent… However, Tomas Holmstrom and Dan Cleary mirrored the manner with which the Red Wings won the opening three contests… After twenty minutes, the score was a familiar 3-1.
Although the Blue Jackets commencement was expected, the first period’s conversations were memorable… A Frog Bear and Wild Boar employee compared the Red Wings to a schoolyard bully, who took advantage of a weaker opponent (third graders and playoff squads… similarity anywhere?)…. DJ Nohbody and I discussed Cock Diesel, which it turns out, was his creation… And a Red Wings fan provided insight and intelligence on how this version compares with previous championship versions (at this point, I was assuming they compared well)…
Upon my arrival at R Bar, I encountered Frog Bear and Wild Boar Promotions Superstar Jeff, who was present in this venue (and not his own) for the purpose of coalition collaboration… We spoke for five minutes about the epic pre-game and this weekend… Then, Jeff returned to his collaboration (which he wouldn’t detail subsequently) and I returned, as the Blue Jackets returned, to the second period…
And said return was superb… One minute and forty-four seconds into the frame, Rick Nash, the captain and cornerstone of this stellar season, finally registered a goal to cut the score to 3-2. R.J. Umberger, the cornerstone of this series, then completed a gorgeous rush and knotted the contest. It was as if the Blue Jackets had, prior to the period, stared into the abyss and realized they still had character…
Unfortunately, the abyss returned fire… Marian Hossa, who finished last season losing to the Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals (you know what they say… if you can’t beat them…), reestablished the champion’s advantage at 4-3. Four and a half minutes later, he registered a second score to place the Red Wings ahead 5-3. It was if the Red Wings had realized that their opponents would have to be bludgeoned into submission…
Just as it appeared that the Red Wings would vanish, Kris Russell drew the home team to within 5-4. The implausible then occurred as Fredrik Modin capped the Blue Jackets third comeback with a backhand, which knotted the contest at 5-5. These were the Blue Jackets this city expected… Feisty and without fear…
The third period, which was split between the Frog Bear and Wild Boar and R Bar, was what one expects when they view a Stanley Cup playoff contest… The intensity was remarkable… Every shot snatched the viewer’s breath… Every save restored respiration… The period spent nineteen minutes and twelve seconds epitomizing why hockey fans rearrange commitments around this stretch of the season…
And then the seemingly inevitable occurred… The Blue Jackets were whistled for two many men on the ice… A correct call within the rules… An inconceivable call within the hearts and minds of a victory starved city… Johan Franzen snuck through, where a fifth player would have been, and within one second, concluded the contest (6-5) and the series (4-0).
The emotions ranged from acceptance to anger to sincerity to shock… R Bar Co-Owner Natalie Darr appeared heart broken… Several Blue Jacket fans cursed the penalty… Other fans congratulated Red Wings fans on an outstanding series… Still others waxed optimistic about next season and the potential to improve…
Ultimately, as fans and patrons and streamed into venues, consumed food and shots, there was an acceptance atmosphere… Acceptance not only of the sweep they had just endured… But, also an acceptance of what they had witnessed over the three prior hours… That hope, is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies…
Despite a 3-0 series deficit, the Blue Jackets’ support remained visible. From the Frog Bear and Wild Boar to R Bar, the bricks were crushed. The atmosphere was carnival. Alcohol and chants… Face painters and mimes… Hot dogs and scalpers… The menagerie equaled, potentially the only entity to ever equal, an Ohio State football contest…
The first period equaled it’s three predecessors… Despite an opening faceoff victory and an outstanding energy which permeated the telecast, the Red Wings, courtesy of Nicklas Lidstrom, recorded the opening salvo. Kristian Huselius countered ticks subsequent… However, Tomas Holmstrom and Dan Cleary mirrored the manner with which the Red Wings won the opening three contests… After twenty minutes, the score was a familiar 3-1.
Although the Blue Jackets commencement was expected, the first period’s conversations were memorable… A Frog Bear and Wild Boar employee compared the Red Wings to a schoolyard bully, who took advantage of a weaker opponent (third graders and playoff squads… similarity anywhere?)…. DJ Nohbody and I discussed Cock Diesel, which it turns out, was his creation… And a Red Wings fan provided insight and intelligence on how this version compares with previous championship versions (at this point, I was assuming they compared well)…
Upon my arrival at R Bar, I encountered Frog Bear and Wild Boar Promotions Superstar Jeff, who was present in this venue (and not his own) for the purpose of coalition collaboration… We spoke for five minutes about the epic pre-game and this weekend… Then, Jeff returned to his collaboration (which he wouldn’t detail subsequently) and I returned, as the Blue Jackets returned, to the second period…
And said return was superb… One minute and forty-four seconds into the frame, Rick Nash, the captain and cornerstone of this stellar season, finally registered a goal to cut the score to 3-2. R.J. Umberger, the cornerstone of this series, then completed a gorgeous rush and knotted the contest. It was as if the Blue Jackets had, prior to the period, stared into the abyss and realized they still had character…
Unfortunately, the abyss returned fire… Marian Hossa, who finished last season losing to the Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals (you know what they say… if you can’t beat them…), reestablished the champion’s advantage at 4-3. Four and a half minutes later, he registered a second score to place the Red Wings ahead 5-3. It was if the Red Wings had realized that their opponents would have to be bludgeoned into submission…
Just as it appeared that the Red Wings would vanish, Kris Russell drew the home team to within 5-4. The implausible then occurred as Fredrik Modin capped the Blue Jackets third comeback with a backhand, which knotted the contest at 5-5. These were the Blue Jackets this city expected… Feisty and without fear…
The third period, which was split between the Frog Bear and Wild Boar and R Bar, was what one expects when they view a Stanley Cup playoff contest… The intensity was remarkable… Every shot snatched the viewer’s breath… Every save restored respiration… The period spent nineteen minutes and twelve seconds epitomizing why hockey fans rearrange commitments around this stretch of the season…
And then the seemingly inevitable occurred… The Blue Jackets were whistled for two many men on the ice… A correct call within the rules… An inconceivable call within the hearts and minds of a victory starved city… Johan Franzen snuck through, where a fifth player would have been, and within one second, concluded the contest (6-5) and the series (4-0).
The emotions ranged from acceptance to anger to sincerity to shock… R Bar Co-Owner Natalie Darr appeared heart broken… Several Blue Jacket fans cursed the penalty… Other fans congratulated Red Wings fans on an outstanding series… Still others waxed optimistic about next season and the potential to improve…
Ultimately, as fans and patrons and streamed into venues, consumed food and shots, there was an acceptance atmosphere… Acceptance not only of the sweep they had just endured… But, also an acceptance of what they had witnessed over the three prior hours… That hope, is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies…
Always Live
If one thought Gonzo’s return to Sugar Bar was triumphant, his return to Lodge Bar could only be labeled titanic… The crowd (which we will return to in a moment) was spectacular and Gonzo’s artistry was stellar… I know several mixers… I admire them… But, I am amazed by Gonzo… His talent is infinite…
And on this evening, the crowd appeared infinite as well… From my perch upon the stage, I viewed a besieged bar area and a drowned dance floor… The reservoir of people was incessant… The reservoir of bunnies was imperfect… However, the most important bunny, Crown Princess Kadi, was present, dancing and grinding, showcasing her eighteen carat smile and her thirty-six carat personality…
I could gush about Kadi for the rest of this column… However, the evening’s real superstar was Assistant General Manager Trevor Day… In four months, he has transformed Lodge Bar’s Thursday evening from sidelight to spectacle… Lodge Bar is now the unquestioned Thursday night champion…
And on this evening, the crowd appeared infinite as well… From my perch upon the stage, I viewed a besieged bar area and a drowned dance floor… The reservoir of people was incessant… The reservoir of bunnies was imperfect… However, the most important bunny, Crown Princess Kadi, was present, dancing and grinding, showcasing her eighteen carat smile and her thirty-six carat personality…
I could gush about Kadi for the rest of this column… However, the evening’s real superstar was Assistant General Manager Trevor Day… In four months, he has transformed Lodge Bar’s Thursday evening from sidelight to spectacle… Lodge Bar is now the unquestioned Thursday night champion…
Always Live
With Lodge Bar’s dance floor and walkways crushed, I sought a stable reporting refuge… I acquired the perfect position, across from Gonzo, on the stage, and next to Joe (whom I’ve mentioned previously)… Joe is the second smartest and potentially the most informative person at Lodge Bar… We observe the crowd (and the bunnies), swap opinions, and he imparts the employee experience (which is valuable, as I tell their stories)…
While bunnies were omnipresent this evening, Alexa once again reduced most… The intoxicating tart, who was walking the floor with a tray of jello shots and a can of whipped cream, appeared more personable and scrumptious than our previous encounters (which I didn’t think was possible)… Without question, the most memorable moment of the evening was when Assistant General Manager Trevor Day, Alexa, and I discussed her potentially spraying the crowd with whipped cream… The idea was a joke, but one I supported…
While bunnies were omnipresent this evening, Alexa once again reduced most… The intoxicating tart, who was walking the floor with a tray of jello shots and a can of whipped cream, appeared more personable and scrumptious than our previous encounters (which I didn’t think was possible)… Without question, the most memorable moment of the evening was when Assistant General Manager Trevor Day, Alexa, and I discussed her potentially spraying the crowd with whipped cream… The idea was a joke, but one I supported…
Always Live
On Sugar Bar’s iconic nights, the bar area, dance floor, upper and lower mezzanine are impassible. On Thursday, one could easily navigate through each. The crowd was impressive. However, the collection of women (and that’s the nice word) who owned the pre-fashion show stage were regrettable.
Speaking of the Hustler fashion show, the attire and models were exemplary. I didn’t know what to expect. I hoped it wouldn’t resemble an adult film, but I assumed any possibility… Thankfully, the collection was worth my moments… Hustler’s clothes and models and Sugar Bar merit praise.
Speaking of the Hustler fashion show, the attire and models were exemplary. I didn’t know what to expect. I hoped it wouldn’t resemble an adult film, but I assumed any possibility… Thankfully, the collection was worth my moments… Hustler’s clothes and models and Sugar Bar merit praise.
Always Live
Five minutes after my arrival at Sugar Bar, I encounter Owner Chris Corso, encircled within a quartet of bunnies (two of which were platinum blonde)… As one speaks with Corso, one easily surmises that his interests are not momentary… Our conversation covers the city, the post bricks revitalization, and both of our futures…
Speaking of ranging conversations, I encounter Randy Haffey at Park Street Patio… He and I discuss a pair of major upcoming events… The appearances of Frankie Delgado (April 30) and Pete Wentz (May 13).
Speaking of ranging conversations, I encounter Randy Haffey at Park Street Patio… He and I discuss a pair of major upcoming events… The appearances of Frankie Delgado (April 30) and Pete Wentz (May 13).
Always Live
The Frog Bear and Wild Boar’s mischievous bunnies were intriguing… However, Marchioness Stephanie once again owned the conversation… She danced all over Owner Tom Selvaggio… She posed for multiple pictures… She tried on a customer’s shades… She preened… She strutted… Forget coffee, her energy could exhaust an entire city…
Stephanie’s charm is even more evident when one speaks with her… Her smile… Her self-confidence… I will not judge her the best bartender in this city (even though she herself did)… I will simply say that no bartender will ever capture or concentrate your attention as she will…
Stephanie’s charm is even more evident when one speaks with her… Her smile… Her self-confidence… I will not judge her the best bartender in this city (even though she herself did)… I will simply say that no bartender will ever capture or concentrate your attention as she will…
Always Live
In the aftermath of the Blue Jackets playoff elimination, Frog Bear and Wild Boar chaos ensued. From Cassi’s alluring dance to a server indulging her birthday to multiple jaw dropping photographs… The display of bunny decadence was incredible.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
INVITE: Martini & A Makeover
Commencement: 5:00Venue: Lodge Bar (Arena District)
Central Ohio Gift Basket Prize ($300 Value)
Drinks (Available 5 – 9 p.m.)
$2 Martinis
Performance
Matt Winters
INVITE: Topo Ranch Fashion Show
Commencement: 10:00Venue: Sugar Bar (525 Park Street)
Topo Ranch Fashion Show
Mezzanine Drinks (Available 11 p.m. – Midnight)
$1 Top Shelf Drinks
Three Scoundrels Sentenced
10 TV: A father and his son will both serve time in prison after pleading guilty to child pornography charges. Christopher Gould, 51, of Westerville, pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of sexual exploitation of children by producing child pornography, according to a news release issued by the U.S. Attorney's Office. His son, Adam Gould, 25, pleaded guilty earlier this month to one count of transportation of child pornography. Both men were arrested last year when officers conducted a search of their home and seized a computer and briefcase containing photographs of a 10-year-old girl in sexually explicit poses. Also seized during the search were two laptops belonging to Adam Gould, which investigators said contained more than 2,500 pictures and 78 movies of child pornography. Both men reached plea agreements with prosecutors. The U.S. Attorney's Office said that Christopher Gould will serve 180 months in prison while his son, Adam Gould, will serve a prison sentence of 80 months.
NBC 4: A Central Ohio man will spend the next 100 days in jail for shoplifting and using a child as an unwilling accomplice. Derrick Buell, 27, was accused of stealing from an East Broad Street Meijer store Wednesday, April 1. It wasn’t the first time Buell used the tactic, either, according to prosecutors. He was sentenced to 100 days in jail for the crime.
NBC 4: A Central Ohio man will spend the next 100 days in jail for shoplifting and using a child as an unwilling accomplice. Derrick Buell, 27, was accused of stealing from an East Broad Street Meijer store Wednesday, April 1. It wasn’t the first time Buell used the tactic, either, according to prosecutors. He was sentenced to 100 days in jail for the crime.
Street Racing Verdict Shocker
NBC 4: A 20-year-old man was found not guilty in the street-racing-related death of George Staton Jr. in 2008. Staton, 30, was killed while street-racing against 18-year-old Brandon Smith on Interstate 70 near Hilliard January 2008, CPD said.
Staton lost control of his car, crossed the median and hit OSU student Monica Durban in her vehicle, nearly killing her, according to authorities. Durban was left with a fractured skull and other severe injuries, in a coma for six weeks and in the hospital for six months.
Smith, who walked away from the crash, faced several charges, including involuntary manslaughter, aggravated vehicular homicide and aggravated vehicular assault. Smith’s car did not touch Staton’s car, Smith’s attorney contended, and therefore Smith was not responsible for Staton’s death.
Staton lost control of his car, crossed the median and hit OSU student Monica Durban in her vehicle, nearly killing her, according to authorities. Durban was left with a fractured skull and other severe injuries, in a coma for six weeks and in the hospital for six months.
Smith, who walked away from the crash, faced several charges, including involuntary manslaughter, aggravated vehicular homicide and aggravated vehicular assault. Smith’s car did not touch Staton’s car, Smith’s attorney contended, and therefore Smith was not responsible for Staton’s death.
Coleman Cuts Pensions, Promises Jobs, Revenue
NBC 4: Flanked by city department heads and council members, Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman announced a 10-year plan to reform and improve city government to save between $100 to $150 million over the next 10 years. The plan included new approaches to employee benefits, public safety reforms and strategic partnerships.
The reform proposals unveiled are part of a three-part plan that includes creating jobs and raising new revenue to shore up the city’s long-term economic future. They are the result of the recommendations of the economic advisory committee, an independent panel appointed last year by Coleman, city council and City Auditor Hugh Dorrian to study the city’s long-term finances.
“These proposals demonstrate we committed to renewing our city government and making it work more efficiently,” Mayor Coleman said. “Many of these reforms will take time, but we will accomplish them.”
Most of the cost saving in the plan is years away from happening. The city has to negotiate with employee unions and city workers are unlikely to just give those benefits away without getting something in return. While Columbus city workers contribute 9 percent of their healthcare costs, state workers pay 15 percent.
Many private sector employees pay 20 to 30 percent and now, Coleman said, the city needs to be less generous with workers. The mayor said he would like to move forward on phasing out the employee-pension benefit that cost the city $30 million in 2008. The city currently picks up the tab for employees’ share of retirement costs.
“There’s going to have to be a make-up in the compensation package somewhere else, whether its in terms of wages or in terms of earned time off,“ said Firefighters Union President Jack Reall.
Reall said the city hasn’t even suggested cutting pension payments in recent negotiation sessions—a perk that amount to 7 percent of members’ salaries. The mayor also called for city employees to contribute more for health-care costs, revisit overtime policies and expand online auctions for city asset sales. Dorrian said the city is facing “an unprecedented financial dilemma.“ “It’s crisis time,“ he said.
“Having already taken measures to significantly reduce expenditures, we are forced to re-examine how city government is run as revenues continue to decline,” City Council President Michael Mentel said. “We are committed to a realistic plan that will be phased in over time, and the city will be in a better long-term financial position due to the decisions we are making today.”
Coleman said the public can hold the city accountable each year when Columbus produces a report of its progress on these efforts. Coleman also vowed to raise new revenue but would not discuss the details Thursday.
The reform proposals unveiled are part of a three-part plan that includes creating jobs and raising new revenue to shore up the city’s long-term economic future. They are the result of the recommendations of the economic advisory committee, an independent panel appointed last year by Coleman, city council and City Auditor Hugh Dorrian to study the city’s long-term finances.
“These proposals demonstrate we committed to renewing our city government and making it work more efficiently,” Mayor Coleman said. “Many of these reforms will take time, but we will accomplish them.”
Most of the cost saving in the plan is years away from happening. The city has to negotiate with employee unions and city workers are unlikely to just give those benefits away without getting something in return. While Columbus city workers contribute 9 percent of their healthcare costs, state workers pay 15 percent.
Many private sector employees pay 20 to 30 percent and now, Coleman said, the city needs to be less generous with workers. The mayor said he would like to move forward on phasing out the employee-pension benefit that cost the city $30 million in 2008. The city currently picks up the tab for employees’ share of retirement costs.
“There’s going to have to be a make-up in the compensation package somewhere else, whether its in terms of wages or in terms of earned time off,“ said Firefighters Union President Jack Reall.
Reall said the city hasn’t even suggested cutting pension payments in recent negotiation sessions—a perk that amount to 7 percent of members’ salaries. The mayor also called for city employees to contribute more for health-care costs, revisit overtime policies and expand online auctions for city asset sales. Dorrian said the city is facing “an unprecedented financial dilemma.“ “It’s crisis time,“ he said.
“Having already taken measures to significantly reduce expenditures, we are forced to re-examine how city government is run as revenues continue to decline,” City Council President Michael Mentel said. “We are committed to a realistic plan that will be phased in over time, and the city will be in a better long-term financial position due to the decisions we are making today.”
Coleman said the public can hold the city accountable each year when Columbus produces a report of its progress on these efforts. Coleman also vowed to raise new revenue but would not discuss the details Thursday.
Always Live
South Campus spies inform me that McFadden’s crowd was impressive. Evidently, DJ Legend made a special appearance.
Quick Read
Robert Vitale leads the Blue Jackets potential elimination day with a different Columbus entity who should be eliminated (also known as voted from office)… Mayor Michael Coleman… The piece on more proposed budget cuts includes Coleman promising to aggressively work for job creation, which will increase revenue… Why wasn’t he doing that already?
Aaron Portzline and Michael Arace (sports) type solid columns on the Blue Jackets remaining optimistic, despite their impending exodus… And Ken Gordon splits a pair of columns, the first on Ohio State’s annual spring game draft (which may have been on the front page in past years) and the second on roommates and former teammates James Laurinitis and Marcus Freeman… The second piece was exquisite…
Mark Niquette (metro) types an interesting piece on Jennifer Brunner’s proposed election reforms and Jeffrey Sheban (Life and Arts) details the Columbus Symphony’s summer series return, after a year away…
Aaron Portzline and Michael Arace (sports) type solid columns on the Blue Jackets remaining optimistic, despite their impending exodus… And Ken Gordon splits a pair of columns, the first on Ohio State’s annual spring game draft (which may have been on the front page in past years) and the second on roommates and former teammates James Laurinitis and Marcus Freeman… The second piece was exquisite…
Mark Niquette (metro) types an interesting piece on Jennifer Brunner’s proposed election reforms and Jeffrey Sheban (Life and Arts) details the Columbus Symphony’s summer series return, after a year away…
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Hope Freezes Over
Game four may be our final contest. With that said, what a season. The Blue Jackets recorded 92 points. They registered 41 victories. They made the playoffs.
This city and franchise merit one more celebration. Gossip CBUS will cover every moment, as we twitter live from the Frog Bear and Wild Boar and R Bar on Thursday. Get out tonight, cheer, drink, read our tweets, and savor this evening.
This city and franchise merit one more celebration. Gossip CBUS will cover every moment, as we twitter live from the Frog Bear and Wild Boar and R Bar on Thursday. Get out tonight, cheer, drink, read our tweets, and savor this evening.
INVITE: Mindy Hall
Calendar: April 25Commencement: 10:00
Venue: Frog Bear & Wild Boar (343 N Front Street)
Cost: $10 (regular); $20 (v.i.p.)
Reservations: Frog Bear Bar
Appearance
Mindy Hall (Rock of Love Bus)
Performances
Radio Tokyo
DJ Bombay
INVITE: Highlighter Party
Commencement: 9:00Venue: McFadden’s (South Campus)
Bring Your Highlighter & Wear A White T-Shirt
Drinks (Available All Night)
$3 you call it drinks
$2 Long Island Ice Teas
INVITE: Hustler Fashion Show & Patron Tasting Party
Commencement: 10:00Venue: Sugar Bar (525 Park Street)
Age Range: Male (21 and over); Female (19 and over)
VIP Access: Text (406-3072)
Hustler Fashion Show
Patron Tasting Party (10:30 – 11:30 p.m.)
Drinks (Available All Night)
$3 Martinis
$2 Bombs
$1 Wells
Appearance
Markesha (American Curves & Playboy Model)
INVITE: Ladies’ Night
Commencement: 9:00Venue: Onyx (1975 Henderson Road)
Women’s Specials (Available All Night)
$2.50 Pizzas
$1 Martinis
$1 Shots
Clerk Thwarts Theft
10 TV: Two men were hospitalized on Wednesday after they were shot during a hold up at a drive-thru on the city's northeast side… The shooting occurred at about 3:30 p.m. at Dani's Drive-Thru, located near the corner of Westerville and Agler roads. Investigators said a man walked inside and tried to rob the clerk, but the clerk produced a gun and opened fire, wounding the man in the legs… The man was apprehended about a block away near a home on Cleveland Avenue. The other person wounded in the shooting may have been an innocent bystander, police said.
Number Sixty Four Appears Planned
10 TV: A man was killed in a shooting outside an apartment building on the near east side Tuesday night. Police said the man was shot in front of 1021 Bryden Rd. around 11 p.m… The man was transported to Grant Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Witnesses told police a Chevrolet Impala with three men inside stopped in front of the building where the man was standing. One man got out of the vehicle and opened fire, shooting the victim multiple times, police said. Police said the shooter got back into the car, which drove off, according to witnesses.
Quick Read
Bob Hunter opens the paper with an excellent piece on the Stanley Cup playoffs finally arriving in Columbus…
Michael Arace (sports) buoys that effort with one of his own, typing an exquisite piece on what could be called elimination day… Aaron Portline’s (sports) contest recap is solid… And Bill Rabinowitz and Tom Reed split satisfactory features on Chris Osgood (the Red Wings goalie) and R.J. Umberger (who score the Blue Jackets only goal)…
Michael Arace (sports) buoys that effort with one of his own, typing an exquisite piece on what could be called elimination day… Aaron Portline’s (sports) contest recap is solid… And Bill Rabinowitz and Tom Reed split satisfactory features on Chris Osgood (the Red Wings goalie) and R.J. Umberger (who score the Blue Jackets only goal)…
Red Wings Obliterate Overconfident Blue Jackets
On January 3, 2003, Miami Hurricanes Quarterback Ken Dorsey endured a blind side hit… “He ain’t never been hit like that,” a Buckeyes’ fan said… As if they play flag football in Florida… On March 7, 2009, Rick Nash scored the Blue Jackets fifth of eight goals against the Red Wings… “Detroit’s never faced someone like Nash,” a Blue Jackets’ fan said… As if hockey were invented in Columbus…
Despite the arrogance of the previous statement (whose relevance will become apparent, I assure you), the anticipation and novelty of the Blue Jackets initial playoff contest was obvious… A Detroit pre-game playoff party would have drawn hundreds… The Blue Jackets brick bash drew thousands… From R Bar’s chaotic patio to the Frog Bear and Wild Boar’s plaza-palooza, the carnival atmosphere was epic. Game two had commenced with a nervous energy… Game three commenced with a frenetic certainty…
And then the Red Wings scored… No sooner had I commenced my initial conversation at Lodge Bar… No sooner had the vast majority of the fans completed “Let’s Go Jackets,” for the first time, Tomas Holmstrom found the puck at his feet and registered a gift goal… Despite multiple chances, the Blue Jackets never recorded an equalizer… The Red Wings, courtesy of Dan Cleary, recorded a second goal and concluded the period with a silencing advantage…
Amidst the Blue Jackets’ misery, I enjoyed that conversation I previously referenced with Lodge Bar Manager Mike… Now, I cannot state this with certainty, as I have not met every venue manager in this city, but from my experience, Lodge Bar’s management is the most intelligent… Mike and I’s conversation, which ranged from how deep a hot goalie can advance your franchise into the playoffs to the troubles of San Jose, was the random conversation one covets during a sporting event… It was the random conversation one craves to absolve the misery of your franchise collapsing before your very eyes…
Said collapse continued through the second period… Despite a still supportive Nationwide Arena crowd and a still energetic and hopeful Frog Bear and Wild Boar crowd, the Blue Jackets could not recover. They were outplayed, physically overmatched, and when Henrik Zetterberg walked alone toward the front of the net, the Blue Jackets were down 3-0. Anticipation… Hope… And a 3-0 second period deficit? It seemed unreasonable…
The Blue Jackets continued abysmal play afforded an opportunity to speak with Frog Bear and Wild Boar Promotions Superstar Jeff… We discussed the Gossip Awards, Mindy Hall’s appearance (which will be spectacular), and the superb performance of Fat Dog during the pre-game festivities… R Bar may have enjoyed the greatest crowd throughout this initial playoff incarnation… But, this city has never witnessed an event on the scale of Frog Bear and Wild Boar’s plaza-palooza (sorry I love the term)…
Speaking of R Bar, I ventured into the puck playground for the third period… The crowd was stellar… Throughout a period of near misses and despite an implausible scenario, the crowd continued hanging on every moment… They were finally rewarded when R.J. Umberger recovered from the huge hit he had sustained and scored the Blue Jackets first goal in more than 140 minutes… Alas, the Red Wings countered with an empty net salvo to win 4-1 and assume a 3-0 series stranglehold… Unfortunately, this is where my evening concludes…
Several of you have written, asking why my twitter updates stopped abruptly only minutes into postgame… The reason concludes this column where it commenced… As I stood alone, observing the Blue Jackets fans who were now entering the venue, I was accosted, harassed, and threatened by an individual… His statements were repugnant, untrue, and vile… But, he would not shut up…
In his warped and wretched mind, it didn’t matter his assertions were inaccurate, he was correct simply because he was speaking… He was the perfect epitome of this city and it’s franchise… Full of themselves, with very little reason to be…
Despite the arrogance of the previous statement (whose relevance will become apparent, I assure you), the anticipation and novelty of the Blue Jackets initial playoff contest was obvious… A Detroit pre-game playoff party would have drawn hundreds… The Blue Jackets brick bash drew thousands… From R Bar’s chaotic patio to the Frog Bear and Wild Boar’s plaza-palooza, the carnival atmosphere was epic. Game two had commenced with a nervous energy… Game three commenced with a frenetic certainty…
And then the Red Wings scored… No sooner had I commenced my initial conversation at Lodge Bar… No sooner had the vast majority of the fans completed “Let’s Go Jackets,” for the first time, Tomas Holmstrom found the puck at his feet and registered a gift goal… Despite multiple chances, the Blue Jackets never recorded an equalizer… The Red Wings, courtesy of Dan Cleary, recorded a second goal and concluded the period with a silencing advantage…
Amidst the Blue Jackets’ misery, I enjoyed that conversation I previously referenced with Lodge Bar Manager Mike… Now, I cannot state this with certainty, as I have not met every venue manager in this city, but from my experience, Lodge Bar’s management is the most intelligent… Mike and I’s conversation, which ranged from how deep a hot goalie can advance your franchise into the playoffs to the troubles of San Jose, was the random conversation one covets during a sporting event… It was the random conversation one craves to absolve the misery of your franchise collapsing before your very eyes…
Said collapse continued through the second period… Despite a still supportive Nationwide Arena crowd and a still energetic and hopeful Frog Bear and Wild Boar crowd, the Blue Jackets could not recover. They were outplayed, physically overmatched, and when Henrik Zetterberg walked alone toward the front of the net, the Blue Jackets were down 3-0. Anticipation… Hope… And a 3-0 second period deficit? It seemed unreasonable…
The Blue Jackets continued abysmal play afforded an opportunity to speak with Frog Bear and Wild Boar Promotions Superstar Jeff… We discussed the Gossip Awards, Mindy Hall’s appearance (which will be spectacular), and the superb performance of Fat Dog during the pre-game festivities… R Bar may have enjoyed the greatest crowd throughout this initial playoff incarnation… But, this city has never witnessed an event on the scale of Frog Bear and Wild Boar’s plaza-palooza (sorry I love the term)…
Speaking of R Bar, I ventured into the puck playground for the third period… The crowd was stellar… Throughout a period of near misses and despite an implausible scenario, the crowd continued hanging on every moment… They were finally rewarded when R.J. Umberger recovered from the huge hit he had sustained and scored the Blue Jackets first goal in more than 140 minutes… Alas, the Red Wings countered with an empty net salvo to win 4-1 and assume a 3-0 series stranglehold… Unfortunately, this is where my evening concludes…
Several of you have written, asking why my twitter updates stopped abruptly only minutes into postgame… The reason concludes this column where it commenced… As I stood alone, observing the Blue Jackets fans who were now entering the venue, I was accosted, harassed, and threatened by an individual… His statements were repugnant, untrue, and vile… But, he would not shut up…
In his warped and wretched mind, it didn’t matter his assertions were inaccurate, he was correct simply because he was speaking… He was the perfect epitome of this city and it’s franchise… Full of themselves, with very little reason to be…
Gossip Awards Announces Date
On July 26, the first annual Gossip Awards will occur. Charity and presenter information soon…
Always Live
Beer towers, which have become an Arena District staple, are under scrutiny, according to multiple sources. Evidently, the beer tower’s size complicates routine sanitation.
Number Sixty-Three is Another Murder
10 TV: A man was killed in a shooting outside an apartment building on the near east side. Police said the man was shot in front of 1021 Bryden Rd. around 11 p.m. Tuesday… The man was transported to Grant Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Witnesses told police a Chevrolet Impala with three men inside stopped in front of the building where the man was standing. One man got out of the vehicle and opened fire, shooting the victim multiple times, police said. Police said the shooter got back into the car, which drove off, according to witnesses.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Murders Produce Pair of Arrests
10 TV: One man was arrested and police were searching for another man after a robbery and shooting Monday night on the city's south side. Police said two men broke through the side door of a home on Calahan Road at about 11:30 p.m…. A man was inside the home with his children when the robbers entered. Investigators said the robbers shot the man in front of his children and stole a safe from the home. When officers arrived, they arrested one of the suspected robbers. Police continued to search for the other robber. The victim, whose name was not immediately released, was expected to be OK.
10 TV: Police announced an arrest Tuesday in connection with a shooting that left the driver of a pickup critically wounded. According to police, Michael A. Wright faces charges of attempted murder and felonious assault stemming from Monday's shooting near the corner of Steele and North Harris Avenues. Police were called to the corner after Michael Dray crashed his Ford Ranger into a fence. Residents who reached the vehicle discovered that Dray had been shot in the head… Dray remained in critical condition at Mount Carmel West Hospital.
10 TV: Police announced an arrest Tuesday in connection with a shooting that left the driver of a pickup critically wounded. According to police, Michael A. Wright faces charges of attempted murder and felonious assault stemming from Monday's shooting near the corner of Steele and North Harris Avenues. Police were called to the corner after Michael Dray crashed his Ford Ranger into a fence. Residents who reached the vehicle discovered that Dray had been shot in the head… Dray remained in critical condition at Mount Carmel West Hospital.
INVITE: Beer Shot Game Night
Commencement: 8:00Venue: Spice Gastro Lounge (491 Park Street)
Competitions
Beer Pong (Tournament)
Cornhole
Fooseball (Tournament)
Flip Cup
Wii Bowling
Drinks (Available All Night)
$3 Bottles (16 ounces)
$3 Jack & Coke
$3 Mango Bombs
$3 Soco & Lime Shots
Co-Sponsors
Beta Pong
Ohio Beer Pong League
Quick Read
Bill Rabinowitz commences this edition with an excellent piece on playoff anticipation, which quotes one of this website’s favorites, R Bar Owner Natalie Darr…
Aaron Portzline (sports) sadly fumbles the puck, pounding on Chris Osgood’s regular season numbers throughout his piece… Aaron, he has three rings and this isn’t the regular season… Bob Hunter (sports) recovers the section slightly with a solid piece on the playoff difference… Alas, Scott Priestle ensures the turnover, missing an intriguing opportunity with his piece about the difficulty in translating spread offense collegians to the NFL…
Robert Vitale’s (metro) story on the blunder that is Columbus Commons is excellent… Mark Ferenchik’s (metro) news about another low-income housing development is solid… And Steve Wartenberg’s (Business) feature on small business loans is an intriguing premise… Unfortunately, the piece never discusses the personal impact on the loan recipients…
Aaron Portzline (sports) sadly fumbles the puck, pounding on Chris Osgood’s regular season numbers throughout his piece… Aaron, he has three rings and this isn’t the regular season… Bob Hunter (sports) recovers the section slightly with a solid piece on the playoff difference… Alas, Scott Priestle ensures the turnover, missing an intriguing opportunity with his piece about the difficulty in translating spread offense collegians to the NFL…
Robert Vitale’s (metro) story on the blunder that is Columbus Commons is excellent… Mark Ferenchik’s (metro) news about another low-income housing development is solid… And Steve Wartenberg’s (Business) feature on small business loans is an intriguing premise… Unfortunately, the piece never discusses the personal impact on the loan recipients…
Monday, April 20, 2009
Three Venues, Zero Alternative
In Detroit, the Red Wings won both contests. Now, the momentum and series shift. Gossip CBUS will cover every moment, as we twitter live from the Frog Bear and Wild Boar, Lodge Bar, and R Bar on Tuesday.
In the Stanley Cup playoffs, franchises are alive until a home contest is lost. Our Blue Jackets are not expired.
In the Stanley Cup playoffs, franchises are alive until a home contest is lost. Our Blue Jackets are not expired.
Robbery Triple Play
10 TV: Police are trying to track down two men who robbed banks at about the same time on Monday. The robberies were not believed to be related. The first robbery occurred shortly before 2 p.m. at the Key Bank, located at 88 E. Broad St. Investigators said the man walked inside the bank and handed a note to a teller that demanded cash. No weapon was observed, but the teller handed the robber money with a dye pack. Witnesses told police that they saw the dye pack explode once the robber exited the building. The robber was described as a black man who appeared to be in his late 30s or 40s. He was about 5 feet 5 inches tall with a medium build. He was wearing a yellow jacket over a dark shirt, dark pants and dark shoes at the time of the robbery. Earlier in the day, employees at other Columbus banks reported seeing the same man casing out their businesses. Employees at the First Community Bank, located on North High Street, said they paid the man extra attention after noticing his suspicious behavior. The extra attention prompted the man to leave without incident. At about the same time as the Key Bank robbery, the Cooper State Bank, located at 1669 West Fifth Ave., was robbed by a man carrying a pistol. The man entered the bank, jumped on a counter, and a pointed the weapon in the faces of employees while demanding money. After getting cash and ordering the employees to a back office, the robber fled the building. He was described as a black man in his 20s, between 5 feet 9 and 6 feet tall, with a slender build. He was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, a mask that covered his mouth and nose, sunglasses and gloves. Anyone with any information about the Key Bank or Cooper State Bank robberies should contact the Columbus Police Robbery Squad at 614-645-4665, or the FBI at 614-744-2168.
NBC 4: CPD said a male entered the UDF at 1041 W. Broad St. and asked about some items at about 2:15 a.m. Monday. He went to the register and asked for a cigar. When the clerk handed him the cigar, the suspect, with his hand in his pocket, indicated that he had a weapon, CPD said in a report. He allegedly ordered the clerk to give him everything in the cash drawer and not to touch anything or try to call the police. The clerk handed him everything in the cash register, CPD said. The male left the store on foot and was last seen walking westbound on West Broad Street. The suspect was described as a black male who is in his mid-30s. He’s about 6 feet 2 inches tall with a dark complexion. He weighs about 175 pounds. He was wearing blue jeans, black shoes and a black hoodie sweatshirt. Anyone with information should contact CPD’s robbery squad at 614-645-4545 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers hotline at 614-645-TIPS.
NBC 4: CPD said a male entered the UDF at 1041 W. Broad St. and asked about some items at about 2:15 a.m. Monday. He went to the register and asked for a cigar. When the clerk handed him the cigar, the suspect, with his hand in his pocket, indicated that he had a weapon, CPD said in a report. He allegedly ordered the clerk to give him everything in the cash drawer and not to touch anything or try to call the police. The clerk handed him everything in the cash register, CPD said. The male left the store on foot and was last seen walking westbound on West Broad Street. The suspect was described as a black male who is in his mid-30s. He’s about 6 feet 2 inches tall with a dark complexion. He weighs about 175 pounds. He was wearing blue jeans, black shoes and a black hoodie sweatshirt. Anyone with information should contact CPD’s robbery squad at 614-645-4545 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers hotline at 614-645-TIPS.
Showcase Saturday Boosts Businesses
10 TV: The downtown economy likely received a shot in the arm this weekend. Despite an ongoing recession, businesses in the city's Arena District have made out recently, thanks to the Blue Jackets' playoff run and the unveiling of Huntington Park. The Clippers sold out their home opener on Saturday as fans waited in line all morning to snag about 1,500 standing room-only tickets that were available.
Even though the Blue Jackets played in Detroit this weekend, fans packed downtown bars and restaurants to watch the game on television. Managers at The Rise and Dine Cafe said they have seen business double recently. "Between the opening of the ballpark and the Blue Jackets we made sure we had a lot of eggs," said cafe manager Mike Stasko.
The wait for a table at Boston's tripled Saturday night when Fleetwood Mac performed at Nationwide Arena. "A normal wait for a Saturday evening is about an hour," said Boston's supervisor April Norris. "(Saturday) we were on a solid wait for three-and-half to four hours."
Frog Bear & Wild Boar also reported a steady stream of sports fan. "You add in overlapping crowds with the Fleetwood Mac concert, the home opener; you have a Blue Jackets game on TV and we had the UFC fight on," said manager Adam Stinich. "You look at business up ten-fold."
Even though the Blue Jackets played in Detroit this weekend, fans packed downtown bars and restaurants to watch the game on television. Managers at The Rise and Dine Cafe said they have seen business double recently. "Between the opening of the ballpark and the Blue Jackets we made sure we had a lot of eggs," said cafe manager Mike Stasko.
The wait for a table at Boston's tripled Saturday night when Fleetwood Mac performed at Nationwide Arena. "A normal wait for a Saturday evening is about an hour," said Boston's supervisor April Norris. "(Saturday) we were on a solid wait for three-and-half to four hours."
Frog Bear & Wild Boar also reported a steady stream of sports fan. "You add in overlapping crowds with the Fleetwood Mac concert, the home opener; you have a Blue Jackets game on TV and we had the UFC fight on," said manager Adam Stinich. "You look at business up ten-fold."
Residents Rally For Restaurant
10 TV: Customers of Nancy's Home Cooking are organizing to keep the longtime Clintonville eatery in business… Owner Cindy King announced that she was closing the North High Street restaurant June 1 because of mounting debts and ill health.
Now restaurant regulars are asking people to come out for a meal on Sunday April 26 and overpay their bills as a way of raising money for King and showing their appreciation for her restaurant. "I'll be here, and I'm sure there'll be a thousand people wrapped around the street," said Julie Applegate. "That's the nice thing about a neighborhood restaurant, that people do care and will go the extra mile to save it."
Now restaurant regulars are asking people to come out for a meal on Sunday April 26 and overpay their bills as a way of raising money for King and showing their appreciation for her restaurant. "I'll be here, and I'm sure there'll be a thousand people wrapped around the street," said Julie Applegate. "That's the nice thing about a neighborhood restaurant, that people do care and will go the extra mile to save it."
Crash, Robbery Restart Crime
NBC 4: A man was shot and crashed his pickup truck into a West Side yard late Monday morning. A woman called CPD after 11 a.m. Monday and reported a black Ford pickup truck or SUV was driven into her yard in the 100 block of Harris Avenue. She said her husband found the driver slumped in the seat and with a gunshot wound. Columbus police later identified the victim as 28-year-old Michael Dray. CPD said Dray was driving a family member’s vehicle and was stopped on Steele Avenue east of Hague Avenue. An unknown male was observed talking to Dray from outside the vehicle, CPD said. When the male allegedly shot Dray, he inadvertently accelerated the vehicle, striking a fence at 181 N. Harris Ave. then coming to rest after traveling through another fence at 178 N. Harris Ave. Dray was transported to Mount Carmel West Medical Center in critical condition with a gunshot wound to his head. He remained in the ICU Monday afternoon. Anyone with any information regarding this shooting is asked to call the homicide squad at 614-645-4730.
10 TV: Investigators said three men broke into a southwest side home early Monday and tied up a man who was inside. The men entered into the home on Westgrove Drive at about 3:30 a.m…. Police said they tied up the man who was inside the home and covered his eyes with duct tape. The robbers took several items from the home and also stole the victim's car… Police were searching for a 2000 red Mercury Cougar with Ohio license plate No. CQL-7433.
10 TV: Investigators said three men broke into a southwest side home early Monday and tied up a man who was inside. The men entered into the home on Westgrove Drive at about 3:30 a.m…. Police said they tied up the man who was inside the home and covered his eyes with duct tape. The robbers took several items from the home and also stole the victim's car… Police were searching for a 2000 red Mercury Cougar with Ohio license plate No. CQL-7433.
Quick Read
Rob Oller (sports) types the edition’s best read, on Red Wings fans and their mission to toss an octopus onto Tuesday’s ice (as he dubs it, the game within a game)… Tom Reed (sports) types the edition’s most intriguing piece, on the players essentially playing for pride in the playoffs (they aren’t paid past the end of the regular season… I think their millions make up for that…)
Michael Grossberg’s (Life and Arts) feature on Ohio’s Wildlife Center is outstanding and poignant…
Michael Grossberg’s (Life and Arts) feature on Ohio’s Wildlife Center is outstanding and poignant…
Sunday, April 19, 2009
INVITE: Mindy Hall
Calendar: April 25Commencement: 10:00
Venue: Frog Bear & Wild Boar (343 N Front Street)
Cost: $10 (regular); $20 (v.i.p.)
Reservations: Frog Bear Bar
Appearance
Mindy Hall (Rock of Love Bus)
Performances
Radio Tokyo
DJ Bombay
INVITE: Martini & A Makeover
Calendar: April 24Commencement: 5:00
Venue: Lodge Bar (Arena District)
Central Ohio Gift Basket Prize ($300 Value)
Drinks (Available 5 – 9 p.m.)
$2 Martinis
Performance
Matt Winters
INVITE: Toga Party
Calendar: April 25Commencement: 9:00
Venue: McFadden’s (South Campus)
Toga Contest ($50 Tab Prize)
Drinks (Available All Night)
$5 Hairy Buffalo Mugs
$3 Domestic Mugs
Appearances
Cohutta (Real World & The Duel II)
Jenn (Real World & The Duel II)
Sponsor
Blitz Marketing
Always Live
Couldn’t allow Always Live’s commencement to conclude without some buzz… Arena District spies inform me that a potential confrontation is emerging between two venues. Apparently, the rift involves a previous relationship…
Always Live
After ten minutes, I reach an obvious conclusion… DJ Legend sizzles… Callahan’s upstairs was crushed… From the entrance to the dance floor, the bunnies were copious… And when Legend spun “Don’t Stop Believing,” they exploded…
Upon my exit, I encounter Callahan’s Owner Jeff Lauback, an exemplary individual… We discuss the concert (which he also attended) and the previously mentioned rooftop patio, which he assures me will open in early June.
Upon my exit, I encounter Callahan’s Owner Jeff Lauback, an exemplary individual… We discuss the concert (which he also attended) and the previously mentioned rooftop patio, which he assures me will open in early June.
Always Live
Park Street Patio and Sugar Bar Co-Owner Brian Swanson’s birthday is perplexing. He clearly enjoys the event. However, he spends significant minutes on the street. Obviously, Swanson is popular (John Mayer is less popular)… Still, shouldn’t he spend his own party in the party?
Always Live
Following the Blue Jackets second consecutive calamity, I encounter Park Street Patio and Sugar Bar Co-Owners Chris Corso and Mike Gallichio. Corso and I speak, on the bricks, before and after Fleetwood Mac. Gallichio, his wife, and I speak, as I walk toward Callahan’s.
Corso’s conversation is intriguing. We discuss the concert (Stevie Nicks was impressive) and Co-owner Brian Swanson’s birthday party. Gallichio’s conversation is much more animated. As per usual, he urges coverage for his venues, equal to the coverage I provide other venues… Hey Mike, what were those five words?
Corso’s conversation is intriguing. We discuss the concert (Stevie Nicks was impressive) and Co-owner Brian Swanson’s birthday party. Gallichio’s conversation is much more animated. As per usual, he urges coverage for his venues, equal to the coverage I provide other venues… Hey Mike, what were those five words?
Always Live
As I walked Vine Street, I encounter Lodge Bar General Manager Pat West. Our conversation is short. However, the exchange epitomizes this afternoon. Everyone, who is anyone, is public today.
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: Can’t wait for Stealth & Style 2… When will it be posted?
A: Stealth & Style 2 shopping will occur between April 23-25. The reactions will begin appearing on April 27.
Q: You covered the Clippers opening day… So did everyone else… What is your rest of the season plan?
A: As I have stated previously, our coverage will include specific notable contests and the social aspect. With the new park and venues competing for the post contest crowd, I assume that our coverage will be extensive. However, every event is subject to scheduling.
Q: I haven’t seen anything on here about the spring game… Will you have any coverage?
A: The Ohio State spring game, the contest itself and it’s social aspect, is one of the most treasured and unique events in this city. While we are undetermined concerning the coverage angle, there will be coverage… I promise…
Q: Can’t wait for Stealth & Style 2… When will it be posted?
A: Stealth & Style 2 shopping will occur between April 23-25. The reactions will begin appearing on April 27.
Q: You covered the Clippers opening day… So did everyone else… What is your rest of the season plan?
A: As I have stated previously, our coverage will include specific notable contests and the social aspect. With the new park and venues competing for the post contest crowd, I assume that our coverage will be extensive. However, every event is subject to scheduling.
Q: I haven’t seen anything on here about the spring game… Will you have any coverage?
A: The Ohio State spring game, the contest itself and it’s social aspect, is one of the most treasured and unique events in this city. While we are undetermined concerning the coverage angle, there will be coverage… I promise…
Always Live
When I considered potential initiations, only one person seemed appropriate… Crown Princess Kadi (who else would I have said?)… Our conversation (you can’t avoid a thirty minute conversation with her, she is that adorable), covers opening day, parking problems, other venue’s tactics, this website, the upcoming Lodge Bar Derby. Kadi also references one of my favorite evenings… The night she danced on Lodge Bar’s speakers…
Quick Read
Tom Reed’s excellent front-page story about the lack of playoff and offseason NHL drug testing perfectly offset pedestrian pieces on the ten-year anniversary of the Columbine Massacre and the Huntington Bank Park premiere.
Michael Arace (sports) makes an excellent piece in his column, that Chris Osgood has only appeared invincible… Bob Hunter (sports) types a solid column on the Clippers’ stadium debut and Shawn Mitchell’s feature (sports) on Alejando Moreno, the Columbus Crew player from Venezuela is exquisite…
Kevin Joy (Home and Garden) types the edition’s most fascinating read, “Plain to Pizzazz,” on this year’s showcase home…
Michael Arace (sports) makes an excellent piece in his column, that Chris Osgood has only appeared invincible… Bob Hunter (sports) types a solid column on the Clippers’ stadium debut and Shawn Mitchell’s feature (sports) on Alejando Moreno, the Columbus Crew player from Venezuela is exquisite…
Kevin Joy (Home and Garden) types the edition’s most fascinating read, “Plain to Pizzazz,” on this year’s showcase home…
Game Two Gives Fratricidal Fan Reason to Quit
Approximately 9:30 p.m., I stood parallel to the intersection of Armstrong and Vine Streets, across from the Garage Bar… As I awaited my chance to cross, I observed a white article of clothing flying over the white fence which surrounds the venue’s patio… After I moment, I observed the number sixty-one on the jersey, which landed on the sidewalk, steps short of traffic…
Three hours prior to this symbolic desertion, I arrived at R Bar, which once again provided an immaculate scene… The venue was crushed and the nervous energy was palpable… The Blue Jackets may be playoff inexperienced, but their fans were sports experienced enough to underline (twice, in red) the importance of this contest… Clearly, they understood 2-0 and 1-1 are two entirely different scenarios…
And for half of the first period, the Blue Jackets seemed to understand that also. For almost fourteen minutes, Rick Nash and crew attacked and Steve Mason matched Chris Osgood save for save… The Blue Jackets skated with the determination and resolve that made an even series, with a momentum contest three days away, seem absolutely certain…
Then, the Red Wings responded… With less than seven minutes remaining until intermission, Brian Rafalski scored and placed them ahead 1-0. The nervous energy quadrupled… As the Blue Jackets and Red Wings completed the first frame, one could envision a scenario where game two resembled game one… Theoretically, R Bar’s crowd was already envisioning this scenario…
I am certain the anxiety of the moment must have ceased other conversations throughout the venue… Thankfully, the conversation I was immersed within, involving R Bar Co-owners Mike and Natalie Darr (and yes, let me save you thinking, they are married) continued… You expect concept venue owners (and R Bar’s hockey theme lands within this realm) to know something about their concept… You don’t expect that they will be as smart as people who have been watching the sport for forty years… The conversation, which involved the Blue Jackets, the relocation of the Hartford Whalers, and the possibility of a contest advancing into overtime and the bar closing early, was one of the most engaging sport’s conversations I have ever had…
The Blue Jackets commenced the second period as unengaged as they had concluded the first… The Red Wings governed the pace for nine of the first ten minutes and twelve of the first fifteen… They racked their second goal seven minutes into the frame and their third fifteen and one half minutes into the frame… The nervous energy was gone… The realization that the Blue Jackets would come home trailing 2-0 was essentially guaranteed…
As the second period concluded and with the thought that the agony had to be excised in some manner, Mike and Natalie ordered five stinger shots for themselves, myself, and two others we were watching the contest with… This wasn’t my first stinger shot, but that doesn’t make it not worth recounting (I actually meant to discuss the drink on Thursday and forgot)… The concoction of Curacao, Smirnoff, and Rick Nash (kidding, they wouldn’t tell me what else is in the recipe) is exquisite… With one sip, one can imagine why the drink won best city shot…
Three minutes and a second stinger shot into the third period, the Red Wings completed the calamity… Jiri Hudler became the fourth different Detroit player to record a goal, as he placed the Red Wings ahead, by the eventual final score 4-0… What had seemed impossible only hours earlier, a second consecutive abysmal performance, was now more than reality… It was hockey history… The simple reality was that Tuesday now has only one acceptable outcome…
Maybe this was what led whomever to toss their jersey into the street… Maybe they were heckled or harassed and rather than take the embarrassment, they shed the jersey…. Or maybe they were intoxicated and the toss seemed a reasonable maneuver at the moment… Whatever the rationalization, that fan, whomever they were, gave up on the Blue Jackets… This, whether in Columbus or any city, is unforgivable…
Three hours prior to this symbolic desertion, I arrived at R Bar, which once again provided an immaculate scene… The venue was crushed and the nervous energy was palpable… The Blue Jackets may be playoff inexperienced, but their fans were sports experienced enough to underline (twice, in red) the importance of this contest… Clearly, they understood 2-0 and 1-1 are two entirely different scenarios…
And for half of the first period, the Blue Jackets seemed to understand that also. For almost fourteen minutes, Rick Nash and crew attacked and Steve Mason matched Chris Osgood save for save… The Blue Jackets skated with the determination and resolve that made an even series, with a momentum contest three days away, seem absolutely certain…
Then, the Red Wings responded… With less than seven minutes remaining until intermission, Brian Rafalski scored and placed them ahead 1-0. The nervous energy quadrupled… As the Blue Jackets and Red Wings completed the first frame, one could envision a scenario where game two resembled game one… Theoretically, R Bar’s crowd was already envisioning this scenario…
I am certain the anxiety of the moment must have ceased other conversations throughout the venue… Thankfully, the conversation I was immersed within, involving R Bar Co-owners Mike and Natalie Darr (and yes, let me save you thinking, they are married) continued… You expect concept venue owners (and R Bar’s hockey theme lands within this realm) to know something about their concept… You don’t expect that they will be as smart as people who have been watching the sport for forty years… The conversation, which involved the Blue Jackets, the relocation of the Hartford Whalers, and the possibility of a contest advancing into overtime and the bar closing early, was one of the most engaging sport’s conversations I have ever had…
The Blue Jackets commenced the second period as unengaged as they had concluded the first… The Red Wings governed the pace for nine of the first ten minutes and twelve of the first fifteen… They racked their second goal seven minutes into the frame and their third fifteen and one half minutes into the frame… The nervous energy was gone… The realization that the Blue Jackets would come home trailing 2-0 was essentially guaranteed…
As the second period concluded and with the thought that the agony had to be excised in some manner, Mike and Natalie ordered five stinger shots for themselves, myself, and two others we were watching the contest with… This wasn’t my first stinger shot, but that doesn’t make it not worth recounting (I actually meant to discuss the drink on Thursday and forgot)… The concoction of Curacao, Smirnoff, and Rick Nash (kidding, they wouldn’t tell me what else is in the recipe) is exquisite… With one sip, one can imagine why the drink won best city shot…
Three minutes and a second stinger shot into the third period, the Red Wings completed the calamity… Jiri Hudler became the fourth different Detroit player to record a goal, as he placed the Red Wings ahead, by the eventual final score 4-0… What had seemed impossible only hours earlier, a second consecutive abysmal performance, was now more than reality… It was hockey history… The simple reality was that Tuesday now has only one acceptable outcome…
Maybe this was what led whomever to toss their jersey into the street… Maybe they were heckled or harassed and rather than take the embarrassment, they shed the jersey…. Or maybe they were intoxicated and the toss seemed a reasonable maneuver at the moment… Whatever the rationalization, that fan, whomever they were, gave up on the Blue Jackets… This, whether in Columbus or any city, is unforgivable…
Two Grand Venues & Two Graceful Answers
The two questions I receive most often are why do I write about, instead of, enjoy this city’s nightlife and am I interested in seeking a relationship with any of the venue bunnies that I have previously complimented (or more than complimented)… My pair of answers are as simple as the questions themselves…
Anyone who walked or viewed Park and Vine streets pre and post the Fleetwood Mac concert should a comprehend why five nights out a week (writing or not) is a coveted existence… From the bricks to the sidewalks to the venues, the bunnies were omnipresent… There were black dress bunnies, eighteen carat bunnies, fashion savvy bunnies, off the rack bunnies, and score bunnies… There was, literally within five blocks, a hookup for every hangover…
Regrettably, some of the bunnies (or not so bunnies) had finished hooking up for life… When did April 18 become official bachelorette party day in this city? The plastic crowns, the sashes, the pink balloon penises… Seriously, whatever happened to a bride’s beauty sleep before she wears off-white? Save your e-mails… I’m not demeaning weddings… They are a wonderful institution… With that said, the level of tackiness within the five blocks was enough to induce vomit…
Enough to induce applause was the spectacular evening enjoyed by both the Frog Bear and Wild Boar and Lodge Bar… I know I’ve discussed both venues previously, but what I haven’t discussed (and will in moments) is how similar the pair are… If one skims the obvious, the comparison is easy to botch… One is located on the bricks, the other on Vine Street… One has a club interior; the other has a wood interior… One is locally owned, the other is a franchise…
As I said, the comparison is easy to botch… What one must observe is the similarities in management and staff, in performance and personality… On this evening, the comparison of those attributes was simple and spectacular, as the pair waged an epic, easily stranding the other venues, who performed well, but were not on their level…
While Lodge Bar can occasionally appear gargantuan, given the sheer volume of size that the front door to the bar patio encompasses, the venue appeared as small as ever post-Fleetwood Mac… When I arrived, every bar was occupied and swarmed, the tables were swarmed, and the dance floor… The dance was floor was over crushed… Between the bunnies, the chasers, the post concert revelers and those to drunk from the Blue Jackets loss to depart, the venue was impassible…
Thankfully, Lodge Bar’s patio (according to them, the largest in the city) was finally open… And it was crammed with people… From the Blue Jackets fans, drinking on the second level and lamenting their loss to the patrons playing corn hole (yes, you can play corn hole on the patio), the all night, country bull session vibe was evident… The patio provided the perfect escape for those who had found their bunny and now wanted a conversation or those who were looking to ditch a heifer…
Since I mentioned patios, I’ll switch the conversation to Frog Bear and Wild Boar, which (as always) set the standard for patios in this city (due respect to Lodge Bar’s size, skill is involved as well)… I could take three hours and discuss the crowd, which was also over crushed… The bunnies on the patio alone were enough to make one not enter the venue… But, the entire scene… DJ Bombay’s spectacular spinning in open air, the makeshift dance floor (which was incredible), the bunnies dancing behind the bar as they retrieved your orders… If the Blue Jackets played with this much energy for one period, they might have scored a victory…
What Frog Bear and Wild Boar’s greatest attribute was, on this evening, is what it always is; they are a place for all palettes… If you want a club, enjoy the patio… If you want sports, they were offering the UFC Fight… If you wanted live music, Fat Dog’s performance was outstanding (we will hear more from them in the very near future)… They were, seamlessly, three venues in one venue…
Potentially, the grandest and most similar attribute Frog Bear and Wild Boar and Lodge Bar share is stellar management…I could spend another three paragraphs discussing Frog Bear and Wild Boar Owner Tom Selvaggio, but what I said on twitter is sufficient… I simply get smarter every occasion we speak… He knows the band and their strengths and weaknesses… He knows how the DJ will perform… He knows the players in the nightlife game and how the game is played… He is, quite simply, an encyclopedia…
Not to be overshadowed was, and I know I’ve said this before, Lodge Bar Assistant General Manager Trevor Day, a superstar among management in this city… I’ve yet to meet in this industry, someone more willing to discuss any subject, someone who understands more the value of information… He is supportive of any venture, whether he directly benefits or not… There are other managers in this city I respect as much as him… There are few I appreciate more than him…
The final similarity is the amazing staffs that both venues possess… It’s not only the superstar drink slingers, it’s the servers and sellers and promotions… For Frog Bear and Wild Boar, it’s the royal trio (and if you don’t know who they are, you haven’t been reading), Matt, Sarah, Grace, and the half dozen other people I spoke with last night whose names escape me (I apologize)… For Lodge Bar, its Jen Bunny, Rick, Joe, Nick, Jessica, Barbara, and Alexa (who was for some reason, rocking the librarian look last night)… Each execute their role and allow their counterpart to execute theirs, insuring an enjoyable evening, no matter the chaos…
Of course, I can’t talk Lodge Bar staff and let a column slip past without mentioning the thirty-six carat perfection, also known as Crown Princess Kadi… You think ultimately, I would run out of adjectives for her, but every moment that I speak with her, her personality amazes me… From our first conversation in the afternoon, where we discussed everything that we hadn’t in three weeks and she was captivating to our last conversation of the night, when I had a terrible experience and she was the concerned friend… Kadi again showed why no one, and I mean no other person, is on her level…
Which walks this column into the answer for the second question… Crown Princess, the Lucky Charms, the royal trio, and others are only subject matter… I don’t write out of attraction to them… I simply write these lines of their pretty face…
Anyone who walked or viewed Park and Vine streets pre and post the Fleetwood Mac concert should a comprehend why five nights out a week (writing or not) is a coveted existence… From the bricks to the sidewalks to the venues, the bunnies were omnipresent… There were black dress bunnies, eighteen carat bunnies, fashion savvy bunnies, off the rack bunnies, and score bunnies… There was, literally within five blocks, a hookup for every hangover…
Regrettably, some of the bunnies (or not so bunnies) had finished hooking up for life… When did April 18 become official bachelorette party day in this city? The plastic crowns, the sashes, the pink balloon penises… Seriously, whatever happened to a bride’s beauty sleep before she wears off-white? Save your e-mails… I’m not demeaning weddings… They are a wonderful institution… With that said, the level of tackiness within the five blocks was enough to induce vomit…
Enough to induce applause was the spectacular evening enjoyed by both the Frog Bear and Wild Boar and Lodge Bar… I know I’ve discussed both venues previously, but what I haven’t discussed (and will in moments) is how similar the pair are… If one skims the obvious, the comparison is easy to botch… One is located on the bricks, the other on Vine Street… One has a club interior; the other has a wood interior… One is locally owned, the other is a franchise…
As I said, the comparison is easy to botch… What one must observe is the similarities in management and staff, in performance and personality… On this evening, the comparison of those attributes was simple and spectacular, as the pair waged an epic, easily stranding the other venues, who performed well, but were not on their level…
While Lodge Bar can occasionally appear gargantuan, given the sheer volume of size that the front door to the bar patio encompasses, the venue appeared as small as ever post-Fleetwood Mac… When I arrived, every bar was occupied and swarmed, the tables were swarmed, and the dance floor… The dance was floor was over crushed… Between the bunnies, the chasers, the post concert revelers and those to drunk from the Blue Jackets loss to depart, the venue was impassible…
Thankfully, Lodge Bar’s patio (according to them, the largest in the city) was finally open… And it was crammed with people… From the Blue Jackets fans, drinking on the second level and lamenting their loss to the patrons playing corn hole (yes, you can play corn hole on the patio), the all night, country bull session vibe was evident… The patio provided the perfect escape for those who had found their bunny and now wanted a conversation or those who were looking to ditch a heifer…
Since I mentioned patios, I’ll switch the conversation to Frog Bear and Wild Boar, which (as always) set the standard for patios in this city (due respect to Lodge Bar’s size, skill is involved as well)… I could take three hours and discuss the crowd, which was also over crushed… The bunnies on the patio alone were enough to make one not enter the venue… But, the entire scene… DJ Bombay’s spectacular spinning in open air, the makeshift dance floor (which was incredible), the bunnies dancing behind the bar as they retrieved your orders… If the Blue Jackets played with this much energy for one period, they might have scored a victory…
What Frog Bear and Wild Boar’s greatest attribute was, on this evening, is what it always is; they are a place for all palettes… If you want a club, enjoy the patio… If you want sports, they were offering the UFC Fight… If you wanted live music, Fat Dog’s performance was outstanding (we will hear more from them in the very near future)… They were, seamlessly, three venues in one venue…
Potentially, the grandest and most similar attribute Frog Bear and Wild Boar and Lodge Bar share is stellar management…I could spend another three paragraphs discussing Frog Bear and Wild Boar Owner Tom Selvaggio, but what I said on twitter is sufficient… I simply get smarter every occasion we speak… He knows the band and their strengths and weaknesses… He knows how the DJ will perform… He knows the players in the nightlife game and how the game is played… He is, quite simply, an encyclopedia…
Not to be overshadowed was, and I know I’ve said this before, Lodge Bar Assistant General Manager Trevor Day, a superstar among management in this city… I’ve yet to meet in this industry, someone more willing to discuss any subject, someone who understands more the value of information… He is supportive of any venture, whether he directly benefits or not… There are other managers in this city I respect as much as him… There are few I appreciate more than him…
The final similarity is the amazing staffs that both venues possess… It’s not only the superstar drink slingers, it’s the servers and sellers and promotions… For Frog Bear and Wild Boar, it’s the royal trio (and if you don’t know who they are, you haven’t been reading), Matt, Sarah, Grace, and the half dozen other people I spoke with last night whose names escape me (I apologize)… For Lodge Bar, its Jen Bunny, Rick, Joe, Nick, Jessica, Barbara, and Alexa (who was for some reason, rocking the librarian look last night)… Each execute their role and allow their counterpart to execute theirs, insuring an enjoyable evening, no matter the chaos…
Of course, I can’t talk Lodge Bar staff and let a column slip past without mentioning the thirty-six carat perfection, also known as Crown Princess Kadi… You think ultimately, I would run out of adjectives for her, but every moment that I speak with her, her personality amazes me… From our first conversation in the afternoon, where we discussed everything that we hadn’t in three weeks and she was captivating to our last conversation of the night, when I had a terrible experience and she was the concerned friend… Kadi again showed why no one, and I mean no other person, is on her level…
Which walks this column into the answer for the second question… Crown Princess, the Lucky Charms, the royal trio, and others are only subject matter… I don’t write out of attraction to them… I simply write these lines of their pretty face…
They Built It… Where Was the Crowd?
Perfect sports afternoons are not easily achievable. They require multiple contests involving one’s favorite teams, the ability to watch every contest, the motivation to pair the athletic visual with another activity, friends with which to share said activity, and scrumptious weather (seriously can a phrase really have the word perfect in it and snow in the forecast?)…
Upon my arrival for the Huntington Bank Park Premiere, every aforementioned requirement was present… From Front Street to Park Street to Vine Street, clutches of colleagues and companions were everywhere. The weather surpassed scrumptious. Every venue was open (thus the sports related activity, in this case drinking, was secured)… And the sporting events included the NBA Playoffs (Cavaliers vs. Pistons and Bulls vs. Celtics), the Indians vs. Yankees, and the Clippers vs. the Toledo Mud Hens…
For all of the pomp and promise of the home owner (which this season featured a new stadium, did we mention that), the pre-game crowd was scattered… Lodge Bar’s red room bar was encircled…. A stream of arrivals improved the crowd every few minutes… Still, the most intriguing aspect was what the crowd was guzzling their alcohol from…
Is there a sports themed item in this city which has not been converted into a beer tower and if so, why not? On this afternoon, the spackle of pre-game patrons sat slugging their alcohol from large Clippers colored baseballs… (That’s right, you can now add baseballs to the Buckeye and Blue Jacket helmets)… I applaud creativity, but seriously? A baseball beer tube?
Speaking of creativity, I arrived at the Frog Bear and Wild Boar and observed a fabulous fashion showcase… The inside and outside bartenders, bar assistants, and servers clad in unique ensembles… Chick Diesel batting practice shirts for the bar bunnies… Cock Diesel baseball jerseys for their counterparts… Whoever chose this attire merits recognition… The menagerie was adorable…
The Frog Bear and Wild Boar also merits recognition for their pre-contest crowd… The crowd did not equal the Blue Jackets crowd from Thursday and it would be completely negligible by evening’s end… However, the sun splashed patio scenery, with virtually every table occupied made the walk across the bricks (the first of about a thousand I would make on this day) well worth the walk itself…
For three weeks, everyone discussed Huntington Bank Park… Upon the park’s premiere, the venue turnout resembled an afternoon opening round contest between Illinois and Charleston Southern… I cannot comprehend why the venues were not crushed… I can simply hope that as the park’s reputation spreads, the pre-contest crowds will arrive…
Upon my arrival for the Huntington Bank Park Premiere, every aforementioned requirement was present… From Front Street to Park Street to Vine Street, clutches of colleagues and companions were everywhere. The weather surpassed scrumptious. Every venue was open (thus the sports related activity, in this case drinking, was secured)… And the sporting events included the NBA Playoffs (Cavaliers vs. Pistons and Bulls vs. Celtics), the Indians vs. Yankees, and the Clippers vs. the Toledo Mud Hens…
For all of the pomp and promise of the home owner (which this season featured a new stadium, did we mention that), the pre-game crowd was scattered… Lodge Bar’s red room bar was encircled…. A stream of arrivals improved the crowd every few minutes… Still, the most intriguing aspect was what the crowd was guzzling their alcohol from…
Is there a sports themed item in this city which has not been converted into a beer tower and if so, why not? On this afternoon, the spackle of pre-game patrons sat slugging their alcohol from large Clippers colored baseballs… (That’s right, you can now add baseballs to the Buckeye and Blue Jacket helmets)… I applaud creativity, but seriously? A baseball beer tube?
Speaking of creativity, I arrived at the Frog Bear and Wild Boar and observed a fabulous fashion showcase… The inside and outside bartenders, bar assistants, and servers clad in unique ensembles… Chick Diesel batting practice shirts for the bar bunnies… Cock Diesel baseball jerseys for their counterparts… Whoever chose this attire merits recognition… The menagerie was adorable…
The Frog Bear and Wild Boar also merits recognition for their pre-contest crowd… The crowd did not equal the Blue Jackets crowd from Thursday and it would be completely negligible by evening’s end… However, the sun splashed patio scenery, with virtually every table occupied made the walk across the bricks (the first of about a thousand I would make on this day) well worth the walk itself…
For three weeks, everyone discussed Huntington Bank Park… Upon the park’s premiere, the venue turnout resembled an afternoon opening round contest between Illinois and Charleston Southern… I cannot comprehend why the venues were not crushed… I can simply hope that as the park’s reputation spreads, the pre-contest crowds will arrive…
Always Live Postponed
Always Live should have started tonight. Unfortunately, this gossip needs their sleep. Always Live will commence tomorrow with Park Street Patio and Sugar Bar Co-Owners Chris Corso and Brian Swanson, Lodge Bar General Manager Pat West, Crown Princess Kadi, DJ Legend, and Arena District drama…
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