Saturday, June 20, 2009

Sugar Bar Makes Their Critics

In every law student’s initial class, an imperative and unsophisticated lesson is learned. Do not make the opponent’s case for them…

Theoretically, the Undone Lingerie Fashion Show was this evening’s subject. When I arrived, Sugar Bar’s crowd appeared energized for the exhibition. The couch klatch, dance floor, and upper mezzanine were swarmed… DJ Samurai was sizzling… And the platinum bunnies were copious…

Whether they were wearing a rainbow top with white jeans, scattered blue with dark jeans, or a gold sequin dress, the panorama and another event (which we will discuss momentarily) reminded me of Sugar Bar’s allure… They reminded me of the initial evening I ventured into the venue exactly six months ago

This is the moment, within this column and history; that time travel occurs… From 1977-1980, Steve Rubell operated this nation’s premiere venue… Studio 54 was decadent, outlandish, and unpredictable… Celebrities craved access… Patrons craved entrance… Rubell provided surprise after spectacle for both…

Within this city, Chris Corso is Rubell. Sugar Bar is Studio 54. Yet, neither has ever attempted their potential. As I observed cash floating from the ceiling, I silently questioned why this was not an every evening occurrence. I silently questioned when this would reoccur. I silently questioned what the value was in the abhorrence I had witnessed moments earlier.

Remember I commenced this column theoretically… The Undone Lingerie Fashion Show was cancelled… The Giovanni Body Art Show occurred as scheduled… Seven naked attention whores, clad only in color, grinding and shaking as if they were platinum bunnies… Someone should remind them they are putrid excrement…

I know I said this concerning another subject, but it’s worth rephrasing… If you’re performing “body art,” you should wear a sign which reads stupid… You may as well pain pathetic trash across your chest… Because that is what you are… Pathetic trash… Your actions clearly crave attention, which makes you pathetic… Your actions indicate that you have zero respect for yourself, which makes you trash…

Whenever Corso is criticized, the opposition is viewpoint is universal… Corso’s venues promote trash… They recruit trash… They showcase trash… Tonight, Corso provided his critics with every “I told you so” they ever wanted…

Mozaic is Work in Progress

Since it’s inception, Martini Park has not equaled expectations. The venue’s concept is spectacular. The venue’s interior is splendid. The venue’s pretension and pricing are the problem.

Upon my arrival at Mozaic, the venue was merely buzzing. I am certain a half dozen excuses could be offered and I will not impart any implication… I will simply state the obvious… If a venue cannot challenge capacity on their eighty-first night, this is comprehensible… If a venue cannot challenge capacity on their initial night, this is cause for concern…

While their attendance is a conundrum, Mozaic’s illuminated bar, bottle rack, and plasma waterfall are an artistic triumph. The waterfall showcases rural and vibrant scenes and the bar and bottle rack compliment them perfectly… Akin to several venue aspects, the structure evokes Martini Park…

Potentially the venue’s signature are the four French doors, which when opened provide this city’s premiere sidewalk cafĂ© experience… Instead of traditional tables and chairs, which have been placed toward the north and west of the main room, patrons can enjoy comfortable leather couches and a view that encompasses Park and Vine Streets.

Evoking Martini Park and Sugar Bar, Mozaic costumes their severs in cocktail dresses…. I don’t oppose form flattering black… However, silver sequins and white, which they allow their drink slingers to wear, would have made a unique statement… Fashionable and trendy are admirable objectives, but individualism is much more memorable…

Where Mozaic should score is it’s menu, which includes appropriately priced cocktails and cuisine… In lieu of the nine and twelve dollar martinis competing venues offer, Mozaic’s prices are six and eight… Their menu also includes an extensive bottled beer and wine selection.

Where Mozaic could collapse is their atmosphere, which tonight included several bunny chasers who wore suits their mothers selected… Lamentable shoes… Nauseating ties… Wrinkled pants… These accountants and technologists arrived seeking prestige and a platinum bunny and I’m assuming they exited with neither… Luck may be preparation meeting opportunity, but these office ostracized are ill-prepared and will never receive an opportunity…

They may ruin a venue… Mozaic could be a scrumptious scene and they could be a pariah’s paradise… If last evening’s assembly is an indication, Mozaic will merely resemble a scrapbook collage.

Excessive Conditions, Excruciating Combinations, & Exemplary Canines

On Friday, temperatures exceeded eight-five degrees. Amidst these excessive conditions, factions sought relief via available means. Humans exploited air conditioning and sipped chilled beverages. Animals rested upon cooler surfaces and slurped water.

Predictably, conversation consumed my initial forty-five minutes at Lodge Bar… General Manager Pat West recounted his career as a mixer… Promotions Superstar Jen Bunny flaunted her Hines Ward jersey ear rings… The variety of chatter resembled the variety of pooches I would encounter…

And Lodge Bar Bouncer Scott Burn, the employee with whom I sparred previously, spit another pair of stingers… Asking whether four legged would outnumber two legged mutts… He also proposed the Lodge Bar Leash, a contrivance which would illuminate and ostracize the two legged mutts…

As I strode toward the patio (when my conversations finally concluded), I encountered Ohio Pug Rescue, a non-profit organization which rescues, rehabilitates, and relocates the short muzzled animals… I never imagined specific breed recoveries existed… I also never imagined the cooperation and cost one recovery entails… Ohio Pug Rescue are exemplary individuals…

As I strode onto the patio, I encountered Lindsey Natural, who proffered an intriguing and relevant question… In excessive conditions, are air conditioners or patios preferable? The canine response was obvious… Whether sprawled upon concrete or wood, the pooches relaxed as their owners conversed and sipped happy hour pitchers…

While Dogs on the Deck One’s attendance was superior, this evening’s variety was equally stellar… A dachshund, a pekingese, and black and golden labrador retrievers offset a crush of pugs… Several canines also appeared large enough to serve as transporters should their owners offset the excessive conditions with excessive consumption…

Two paragraphs previous, I mentioned pooches sprawled as weather relief… It is entirely possible they were cringing concerning the performance of DJ Shawn… The moment when this city must realize that music providers are not mixers and sponsored shills are not spinners was struck when this bleach blonde salesman spun “Mountain Music” and “Never Ever” consecutively…

Nevermind the combination is musically abhorrent… The songs are a decade old… “Lose Your Love” is an aged classic… “Sweet Caroline” is an aged classic… Aged classics are acceptable… Randomly spinning a song simply because one owns the selection is ridiculous… Shawn should not only forfeit this week’s salary… He should forfeit his music collection…

As I exited the pain of Shawn’s performance and the panorama of pooches, my mind considered appropriate variety… Ten breeds were enjoyable… Ten random selections were excessive… It may be a miniscule peculiarity… However, minute details dictate memorable evenings…

Friday, June 19, 2009

Strickland Bets On Budget Solution

10 TV: After years of opposition to the expansion of gambling, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland has announced a plan for slots machines at seven horse racing tracks as a way to help balance the budget. Strickland, a Democrat, said Friday that the move would provide $765 million for the two-year budget that starts July 1.

"This has been a difficult choice for me but I believe it is a necessary one," Strickland said. "It is contrary to what I ever thought I would have to do. But still, after looking at all of the options presented to me and the legislature, I have concluded that this is the best option to meet our balanced budget obligation."

Lawmakers have struggled to fill a gap of roughly $3.2 billion in the spending plan. The slots proposal would not go before state voters, who have rejected gambling proposals four times in the past 20 years.

The governor also suggests cuts of $2.43 billion, sparing a plan to continue tuition freezes at state colleges and universities as well as investments in education. An Ohio Poll conducted in April found that six in 10 Ohio voters favor casino-style gambling.

Police Commence Gang Initiative

10 TV: Police are launching a summer initiative aimed at taking down known gang members in neighborhoods throughout the city… Detective Thad Alexander has 25 years experience identifying and targeting gang members in Columbus. His latest target is the A-block boys in the city's Franklinton neighborhood.

Alexander says that gang's members are suspected in a string of arsons, break-ins and neighborhood intimidation. "A lot of these individuals think they can go around and terrorize people," Alexander said. "They get slapped on the wrist."

Walt Green, 13, said that he knows gangs operate in his neighborhood, located in the vicinity of Livingston and Miller avenues on the city's east side. "I wouldn't go around the neighborhood at 10 o' clock at night," Green said.

On the city's north side, in the area of Indianola and Seventh avenues, detectives said they've seen gang members crossing out a rival's graffiti. Investigators worry the display of disrespect could spell trouble for the neighborhood… In order to combat gang activity, police are joining forces with prosecutors. Known gang members arrested this summer will face felony gang charges, police said. In addition, anyone convicted of a felony two gang charge will face anywhere from 1-8 years in prison…

INVITE: Sexy Saturdays

Commencement: 10:00

Venue: Sugar Bar (525 Park Street)

VIP Access: Text (406-3072)

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

A Collage Worth Capturing

Assumedly, she was five years old. She wore a pink sundress. She savored an ice cream cone as she passed… She was the evening’s perfect representation…

On Thursday, I attended the Wexner Summer Warm-up. Both the event and visual were exemplary. Children frolicked and strolled safely sans their parents. Couples canoodled and relaxed upon blankets in the grass. Fashion nuances and nightmares provided incalculable column material.

The triad of flashback music, people, and vendors intermixed into one of the most unique atmospheres in this city. Between the children and blankets on the grass, the ice cream and hot dog vendors on the sidewalk, and the psychedelic soundtrack, the ambiance ran the gambit… Gidget, Jimi Hendrix, and Seth Cohen would have assimilated comfortably.

Also assimilated comfortably was Wexner Center Promotions Superstar Tim Fulton, one of their premiere characters in this city… It’s not as if I don’t encounter a cocktail of personalities each evening, but Fulton is tectonic triple shot… He is analyst and humorist… Enthusiast and influence… Mastermind and pupil…

In two hours, Fulton enters and exits a dozen conversations… He is more comfortable in the present than the previous… Obviously, his profession is public relations, which involves speaking… Thus, he should be proficient in the art form… With that said, Fulton is a conversationalist and not a talker… The difference must be appreciated…

The difference between artistic and random is miniscule and that line was encountered and erased frequently this evening… I know quirkiness is a characteristic which will win you praise within the artistic sphere… However, quirkiness is an engraved invitation into this column and said invitation is inescapable…

Whether they were wearing Arabic writing or Bart man or Ghostbusters t-shirts (if the gimmick is more than three years old, toss the shirt) or hot pink (males just shouldn’t), the choices resembled those a mother would have made for her sixth grade son a decade ago… Any of those individuals should have been nervous to read the twitter

Since I mentioned the twitter, I have been asked why this website tweets so much…. Why are virtually every moment and reaction typed as they occur… Tonight was a perfect example of the simple answer… You never know what you could encounter next…

Present As You Seek Infamy

Every evening, I ask myself one question… Where’s the news tonight?

On this evening, I thought that question could remain unanswered. The streets were vacant. The venues were vacant. Several churches and synagogues this weekend will have superior energy. Why was this? Park Street Festival was last weekendOhio State students have vanishedOpposing activities were occurring… Any reason is sensible… No reason is sufficient…

If you’ve read this website (and I know you have), Drink with a Lodge Bar employee night is an identifiable phrase. When last call echoed this evening, Lodge Bar employees were the only identifiable people… Trevor Day… Joe Information… Mike Material… The contingent was superb… However, Lodge Bar prefers this contingent’s alone presence prior to the venue opening…

While Lodge Bar’s night was regrettable, Matt Delight’s sentences were spectacular… He mocks his colleagues and this nation’s premiere comedy writers should applaud… He offers insight about the opposite sex and those who penned proverbs cringe… I know I typed he has never spent one second not amused with the thoughts in his own head… When those thoughts are spoken aloud, a column material encyclopedia is available…

Whereas Matt Delight was Lodge Bar’s lone highlight, Park Street Patio accrued their third consecutive victory. I know what you’re thinking… I said every venue was vacant and victory is utilized? This was not an evening when one venue survived an incomprehensible competition… Park Street Patio governed an evening when they were merely adequate…

Since our initial encounter, Jamie Precious has accrued four column appearances… You would assume one would run out of adjectives and then you realize the obvious… There are spectacular bunnies who are forgotten in five minutes and there are bunnies who speak for five minutes and are unforgettable… Jamie is the latter…

In a contrasting manner, Mia Charisma is another unforgettable slinger… Mia isn’t the precocious showcase… She isn’t the scandalous provocateur… She is simply an off the rack perfection… If the choice is the glitzy slinger who struts or the subdued slinger whose soul is visible within their eyes, Mia is the selection… Her soul is exquisite…

On Saturday, Lodge Bar Assistant General Manager Trevor Day raised expectations and won… Tonight, Sugar Bar Promotions Superstar Avi Primetime attempted a similar speculation… And speculation reestablished it’s definition… Sugar Bar was only buzzing… No section ever challenged or equaled swarmed…

And Sugar Bar’s evening deteriorated further… A fight ensued which included four security personnel, three randoms, two police officers, and a heifer in a tutu (and no that’s not the conclusion of a joke)… Conflicting reports exist concerning the scrap itself… According to witnesses, two women commenced fighting… Their boyfriends intervened… Security and police intervened… A Sugar Bar security person was inadvertently pepper sprayed in the mele…

Mia Charisma, Matt Delight, and Jamie Precious were excellent conversations… However, the preceding paragraph illustrates why my exit is never early… If I had learned about this incident via someone else, I would have remained regretful… I abhor missing the news…

Always Live

In the South Campus Gateway, the Second and Seven Foundation staged their celebrity eight ball tournament and silent auction. Their impressive auction included several autographed items.

Always Live

On Friday, Mozaic will open. Former Frog Bear and Wild Boar Slinger Adam Proficient will headline the venue’s staff. DJ AAA, DJ Bombay, and Gonzo will attend. Gossip CBUS will have complete coverage.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

INVITE: Giovanni Body Art & Undone Lingerie Fashion Show

Commencement: 10:00

Venue: Sugar Bar (525 Park Street)

Giovanni Body Art Show

Undone Lingerie Fashion Show

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

Clarett Wants A Pardon?

NBC 4: Former Ohio State football star Maurice Clarett is asking for a pardon from Gov. Ted Strickland. Clarett was sentenced in September 2006 to serve at least 3 1/2 years for a holdup outside a Columbus bar and a separate highway chase that ended with police finding loaded guns in his SUV.

Clarett has asked the Ohio Parole Board and Strickland for executive clemency in the form of a pardon, reprieve or commutation of his sentence. Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien says Clarett hasn’t made a strong case that he should be released so early in his prison term. “If I was a defense council in such a case, I would talk to the prosecutor before I filed the written application. The written application was signed and notarized by Mr. Clarett April 10 and so, if I wanted to know the prosecutor’s opinion, I would seek that before I filed,“ O’Brien said.

His attorney says Clarett has an opportunity to play NFL, arena or Canadian professional football if he’s released within the next few months. According to Percy Squire, Clarett’s attorney, the request isn’t a ‘sealed deal.’ Squire said that while Clarett has filled out the paperwork, he hasn’t decided whether to actively pursue a pardon.

Clarett’s attorney said he is going to take a few days before he decided whether to continue with the clemency request. He will be eligible for parole next March.

As a tailback, Clarett led the Buckeyes to an undefeated season and a National Championship win in 2002, but he never played another game for OSU. Clarett was suspended for the 2003 athletic year after he was charged with filing a false police report claiming that more than $10,000 in clothing, CDs, cash and stereo equipment were stolen from a car he borrowed from a local dealership.

Clarett unsuccessfully challenged the NFL’s rule that a player must be out of high school for three years to be eligible for the entry draft. He was drafted in 2005, but the Denver Broncos but released in August.

On Jan. 1, 2006, Clarett was charged with aggravated robbery after police said he flashed a gun at people outside a bar and robbed them of a cell phone. Then, on Aug. 9, 2006, Clarett was arrested in Columbus after he made an illegal u-turn and led police on a chase. After the chase ended, police discovered a loaded AK-47, two handguns and an open bottle of vodka.

Another Armed Repetition?

NBC 4: CPD said investigators think seven recent armed robberies, including two Thursday, were committed by the same suspect. Seven businesses have been robbed at gunpoint in less than a week, and CPD said it thinks a serial robber is behind all of the crimes. In fact, three robberies took place in one day, CPD said.

The first in the series happened last Friday at Starbucks coffee shop at 350 S. Third St. CPD said the same German Village coffee shop also was hit Thursday morning and by the same suspect. A male suspect entered the Starbucks coffee shop at 350 S. Third St. at about 6:10 a.m. Friday, June 13.

CPD said the suspect approached an employee, pointed a sawed-off shotgun at her and demanded cash. He fled the scene with cash from the register, police said. There were three robberies last Saturday: 7-Eleven convenience store at 2481 Petzinger Rd., a drug store at 2940 Groveport Rd. and a Certified station at 1093 Frank Rd.

A Marathon station at 1690 S. High St. was robbed Monday. Two more businesses were robbed Thursday morning: a Tee Jayes Country Place Restaurant at 1335 Parsons Ave. and the Starbucks on South Third Street. The details about the second robbery (on Thursday) at the coffee shop nearly were identical to the first. The only difference was the suspect was wearing a black wig instead of a knit cap.

The suspect was described as a white male who is between the ages of 30 and 35. He is between 5 feet 8 inches and 6 feet 1 inch tall. He weighs about 150 pounds and was described as “very skinny.”

He has light-colored eyes and some facial hair. The firearm was described as a sawed-off shotgun with a pistol grip. Anyone with information was encouraged to call CPD’s robbery squad at 614-645-4674 or contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-645-TIPS.

Police Investigating Alleged Abduction

NBC 4: CPD and the FBI continued to investigate an alleged abduction after a woman said she was kidnapped at gunpoint Wednesday. The woman said she was abducted at gunpoint from the area of Westwood and West 5th avenues. That’s on the city’s Northwest Side.

She said the suspect forced her to drive on Interstate 70. The suspect’s stated destination was Chicago, Ill., but the vehicle overheated in Vigo County, Ind. The suspect walked away from the disabled vehicle, she said, and she went to a residence and called the local police.

There was a massive manhunt with helicopters and bloodhounds Wednesday night, but the suspect was not apprehended, according to FBI’s Harry Trombitas. She said the incident took place between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The victim remained in Indiana as of noontime Thursday. The local FBI said it is working on a suspect sketch that should be available to the media before the weekend.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

INVITE: Wexner Summer Warm-Up

Commencement: 6:30

Venue: Wexner Center for the Arts Plaza (South Campus)

Synopsis
Join us under that stars as we begin another summer of outdoor films at the Wex.

Come early to choose your spot (bring blankets or lawn chairs), mingle with other film fans, sip your favorite beverage (cash bar), and nibble on snacks. This month the film is the Universal horror classic The Wolf Man and you can listen to the vintage R & B, soul, and new wave DJ trueskillz spins to get the evening started. The film itself begins at dusk, which is about 9 PM.

Wexner Center members receive a commemorative Wex Drive-In mug and discounted drinks at each outdoor film. Not yet a member? If you join at any Wex Drive-In screening, you'll receive a film/video T-shirt and two additional film passes (a $34 value).

INVITE: VIP Thursday

Commencement: 10:00

Venue: Sugar Bar (525 Park Street)

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

VIP Access: Text (406-3072)

Drinks (Available All Night)
$3
Martinis
$2 Bombs
$1 Wells

City Chases Federal Example

10 TV: The union representing employees in the Columbus City School District has become the first in central Ohio to offer health insurance coverage for homosexual couples. The Columbus City School Board voted unanimously in favor of the new labor contract on Tuesday evening…

Columbus Education Association President Rhonda Johnson said extending the benefit will not change the cost for current union members, but new members who need coverage for a spouse or partner will pay slightly more. "It has been on the table for quite a long time and we have never been able to get it as part of the agreement until this recent round of negotiations," Johnson said.

Gregory Scott, the attorney representing the school district, said the contract will also not increase costs for schools… Not everyone in the district was happy about the district offering benefits only to same-sex couples. There have been complaints that the district did not extend the same benefits to heterosexual couples who live together… Johnson estimated that about 50 members might take advantage of the same sex benefits…

Arson, Assault Commence Summer Crime

10 TV: A man told police that he was robbed by two men near the Ohio State campus early Wednesday. The man said the robbers approached him near the corner of 12th Avenue and Summit Street shortly after midnight. He told police that the men punched and pushed him. Details about what was stolen were not immediately released. Police described one robber as black, 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 150 pounds. He has long hair and was wearing a baseball cap. The other man was described as black, 6 feet tall, 140 pounds and was wearing dark clothing. Anyone with information is asked to call Columbus police at 614-645-4545 or University Police at 614-292-2121. Anonymous tips can be reported to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-645-8477 or University Crime Stoppers at 614-247-8477.

10 TV: Investigators have arrested a man who they say is connected to an arson on the city's north side, firefighters said. Tony Pace, 44, faces one count of aggravated arson stemming from Monday's fire at a townhome complex on McGuffey Road. The fire destroyed at least one of the townhouses and sent a man to the hospital with burns to his legs…

Shelter Shuns Sex Offenders

10 TV: The only homeless shelter in Columbus to accept Tier III sex offenders planned to change its policy… Faith Mission, located on Long Street, will no longer provide beds for the Tier III offenders beginning July 1…

Last winter, the shelter said they noticed nearly a 30 percent rise in the number of Tier III offenders staying at the shelter, sometimes housing up to 15 per day. "I really realized the trend was those guys were coming directly from incarceration, from the Department of Corrections to the shelter and in may cases we simply don't have the services here they need," said executive director Sue Villilo.

Villilo said they are worried about sex offenders interacting with volunteers at the shelter. Shelter resident Gregory Kelsor said it is a good move for safety, but not everyone knows what it is like to spend a day in an offender's shoes… "I definitely think they need to be put on a chain, for sure, but people deserve a second chance, we all do because we all make mistakes," Kelsor said.

Ken Andrews, a homeless advocate, said he worries that the decision is a mistake. He said he knows many of the offenders and that given the risk, he would rather they sleep in a shelter than on the streets. "If they are a Tier III, the courts tell us to know where they are at," Andrews said. "Why are our social service agencies and city leaders tossing these people to us? It doesn't make sense."

The shelter said they are sticking to their mission and it's not the place where the most violent of homeless should sleep…Tier III sex offenders are required to register with police every 90 days for the rest of their lives. Tier II offenders must register every 180 days for 25 years and Tier I offenders are required to register once a year for 15 years.

Always Live

When it’s Tuesday, superstars have conversations such as this…

DJ AAA (10:10): @ The OC in Gahanna…

Gossip CBUS (10:21): Ok you, [Drew] Hanson, and Gonzo out seven days a week... You should all have real jobs like me (such as writing a website)

DJ AAA (10:39): Partying IS a real job. We are DJs full time! Nothing part time about what.we do.

Gossip CBUS (11:40): You spining at the OC? No, dont think so... Get you aaass into an office for a few hours lol

DJ AAA (11:45): My office is the DJ booth

Gonzo (12:03): I'm in my office right now.

DJ AAA (12:10): And where is Gossip CBUS? Zzzzzz

Gonzo (12:23): Haha

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Number Seventy-Four Leaves Teenager Critical

10 TV: A teenager was in critical condition Tuesday evening after being wounded in a shooting on the city's west side. The shooting occurred at about 9:15 p.m. on South Burgess Avenue. According to police, a 15 or 16-year-old was transported to Nationwide Children's Hospital in critical condition…

INVITE: Beer Shot Game Night

Commencement: 8:00

Venue: 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

Monday, June 15, 2009

Baseline, Capital Improvements Budget Scream Panic

10 TV: There is more grim financial news for Columbus. City leaders projected Monday that next year's budget will come up $115 million short... In addition, the city's capital improvement budget which contains money used to repair and build infrastructure -- looks to also take a major hit.

City Auditor High Dorrian said the city thought it would have enough money to support a $239 million capital improvement budget. On Monday, he predicted that the city will not have enough money to fund 90 percent of next year's projects… Dorrian blamed the shortfall on income tax collections. "The income tax stream has suffered a rather dramatic decline this year, a great decline than any year of its history," Dorrian said.

Finance Director Joel Taylor said shortfall would have a significant impact. "Things like new street resurfacing, roadway improvement, curb improvements, alley work, sidewalks, bike paths; none of that stuff is going to be funded in this capital budget, Taylor said.

In August, voters will decide the fate of a proposal to raise the city's income tax rate from 2 to 2.5 percent. The city said the increase is needed to maintain services, like police, firefighters and trash collection.

East Side, West Side, Violence All Around

10 TV: A man was shot to death Monday evening in what police are calling an ambush on the city's east side. Kenneth Jenkins, 31, was killed outside the Poindexter Village Apartments on Metro Avenue near Beatty Park around 9 p.m... Police said that Jenkins walked up to an apartment, where he was met by three men who chased him into a grassy area nearby. Jenkins was shot multiple times. Jenkins was transported to Grant Medical Center, where he died from his injuries. Children were outside playing when the shooting occurred, police said.

10 TV: Police said three masked men robbed a west side restaurant at gunpoint late Sunday. The men were wearing all black when they entered the Waffle House, located on Wilson Road, at about 11 p.m… Investigators said the robbers took money from the restaurant's safe. They also stole wallets and purses from several customers, police said. No injuries were reported.

Juvenile Fugitive Given Probation

NBC 4: A ‘tween was sentenced Monday for his part in a series of South Side arson fires. A Franklin County Juvenile Domestic/Common Pleas Court judge sentenced 12-year-old Ryan Parsley to intensive probation after he was charged in connection with two January South Side fires: one on Barthman Avenue and another on Innis Avenue. Ryan was to remain on probation until June 15, 2011.

The probation included a curfew set by his probation officer, inability to leave his county of residence without his probation officer’s permission, residential treatment, random drug testing, and electronic monitoring device as needed per his probation officer, no contact with co-defendants or other known gang members.

Franklin County Children Services got temporary custody of Parsley in November 2008 but didn’t get their hands on him until after police picked him up on two arson charges Saturday, Feb. 21. A juvenile judge ordered 12-year-old Ryan Parsley to a juvenile facility on Pierce Drive Monday, March 9.

Ryan escaped from the facility Saturday, March 21, and was on the run for several weeks. He was arrested Tuesday, April 14, after his family persuaded him to turn himself in. Parsley’s father, William Parsley, remained in jail on two counts of aggravated arson. Jeremy Davis, 15, also was charged with criminal damaging in connection with the series of arsons. He turned himself in Saturday, April 11, and remained in custody.

Another Buckeye Disgraced

10 TV: Former Ohio State offensive lineman T.J. Downing pleaded guilty on Monday to a felony charge of drug possession. Downing, an All-Big Ten offensive lineman who played for the Buckeyes from 2003-07, was arrested last Nov. 9 in Grandview Heights.

Police said that they stopped Downing driving along West Fifth Avenue because his vehicle did not have a front license plate and had dark tinted windows. While officers were speaking with Downing, they said that they detected a marijuana odor. According to the Franklin County prosecutor's office, officers searched the vehicle and found a bag that was later determined to be 1.4 grams of cocaine.

Downing, now 25, was signed briefly by the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League after his career at Ohio State. He left the team citing personal reasons. He is scheduled for sentencing on Aug. 6.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Characters, Storylines Provide City’s Soundtrack

Characters and storylines are omnipresent. Characters are the people and personalities which crystallize an evening’s moments. Storylines pattern and progress an evening’s entirety.

Upon my arrival for the Park Street Festival, the panorama was perfection. Parents and children strolling the scenery… Children smiling as their faces were painted… Couples and singles walking their dog… One could not have requested (and if they did, they would have been rejected) a superior visual to start the sun soaked afternoon…

As announced on twitter, I received the perfect start to my afternoon… Joe Boxer invited me onto his program… I will discuss my appearance momentarily, but I must compliment (and potentially gush about) Joe Boxer and WNCI. In three hours, the radio station’s triad and myself broached twenty separate conversations… A myriad of subjects, including this website’s ambition, composition, and origin, were discussed… These exchanges could have severed merely as icebreakers (and they did)… However, they also improved my intelligence…

Once, I labeled Joe Boxer as one of the most authentic, engaging people that one could encounter… If I continued praising his humanity for the next three pages, my assessment would remain spectacularly insufficient… Joe is not a role model you hope your children emulate… He is the role model you know you should emulate…

I promised I would return to my radio appearance, which I assumed would encompass three minutes… My appearance encompassed three hours and three segments… If you weren’t listening (and you should have been), Joe and I discussed the Gossip Awards, his hosting of them, this website, people watching, and platinum bunnies… If you were listening (I applaud you), I know I spoke with exceeding speed… You attempt twittering and have someone, as you’re typing, tell you your appearance is in thirty seconds

Since I mentioned people watching (a phrase I never utilize), Park Street Festival’s afternoon was an amusing mosaic. From the lady who strode with a multi-colored purse and a gorilla wrapped around her arm to the Pittsburgh Steelers fans who offset their jerseys with terrible towels (no I’m not kidding), the calamitous cornucopia reaffirmed the obvious… This city needs a stylist

The Steelers tandem simply epitomized the random and ridiculous montage of sports apparel which was present… The St. Louis Cardinals were copious… And every conference was represented… Big East, Mid American, Citywide Alliance of Kickball Champions… I enjoy sports… However, Park Street Festival isn’t the set of College Game Day… (Replace the gear with a polo)…

Between our initial and second twitter sessions, I encountered Park Street Patio Promotions Superstar Tori Lioness… As we discussed the event, one observance interwove through our conversation… Both of us were on minimal sleep and our work was half-over… When Tori suggested a shot, my conscience opposed alcohol (it’s not a stimulant)… All my mind could articulate is “I will have one with you…”

When Tori and I’s consumption and conversation concluded, Jamie Precious captured my attention… Jamie has amassed three mentions in three columns… We could have discussed the periodic table and she would have maintained my attention… Yet, as we discussed Les Wexner and his impact upon this city, Jamie reminded me of what should be this website’s watchwords… Those are column material are column material…

What is applicable concerning people is applicable concerning venues… And Park Street Patio’s weekend crowds reinforce this… While other venues awaited or exchanged patrons, Park Street Patio acquired and sustained patrons throughout the event… They were never crushed… Yet, Park Street Festival never poached their audience…

After ninety minutes of rest (not relaxation), Gandhi invited me onto her program. I promoted the website. We then shared an off-air conversation about this city; it’s media and nightlife… As I said on twitter, Gandhi has more personality than professionals who have been in the business a decade… For her, randoms are merely unmet friends…

Amidst Ghandi and I’s conversation, Gonzo appeared, munching on a pulled pork sandwich… His apparel (a shirt which read “my mustache brings all the boys to the yard”) and our conversation (whether twittering sounds as a dirty word) assimilated perfectly into the twilight’s random atmosphere… Clearly, the characters would be this evening’s storyline…

One of those characters… Lodge Bar Assistant General Manager Trevor Day, a superstar among management in this city… Superstars do not typically commit colossal mistakes… They comprehend managed expectations… They comprehend exceeded expectations impress, even when the original expectations are miniscule… Imagine my shock when he raised expectations…

Whereas most view cockiness as a defect, Trevor views cockiness as a competitive advantage… His expression and eyes assume victory; they present victory, even when victory is a virtual impossibility… Common sense implored he should minimize expectations… He should embrace the term average night… Instead, Trevor appeared to bet the house on his pair of fours…

As I returned to the Park Street Festival, I encounter Drew Hanson and Jimmy Jam, walking amongst the throng… We locate a somewhat unoccupied space (somewhat at this hour, a relative term) and the pair continue their previous conversation… Now, I have no clue concerning the context or subject matter… Yet, this is irrelevant… Jimmy Jam and the Cheshire Cat’s incidental complaints are as entertaining as any stage production as I have ever witnessed…

Moments after midnight, the Park Street Festival concluded… And the storylines commenced… Park Street Patio was crushed… The entrance line extended into the street and locating one’s friends would have required google earth… Lodge Bar was swarmed… And Callahan’s was merely scattered… Inside the booth, Gonzo was mimicking Mike Gallicchio’s prowl of the previous week… Where was his crowd? Where was his crowd?

One hour subsequent, as anyone walking toward their car, would have been better off walking home, Callahan’s crowd vastly improved… Consistently the perfectionist, Gonzo’s prowl remained ever present… He concocted sets… He connected sets… One glance toward the dance floor and one would assume he would have been elated… Yet, Gonzo’s intensity never relented…

Until one hour remained… It’s not as if there was a sudden influx of patrons… Gonzo’s strut simply reappeared… Gonzo mixed, he spun, he scratched, his hands noted the rhythm of the selection, his head noted the rhythm of the selection, he interacted with the crowd and the selection… For the final sixty minutes, his spectacular personality was palpable…

For the second consecutive evening, Park Street Patio was the unquestioned champion… I could spend several paragraphs praising their performance… However, their inside and outside were virtually impassable… And their bars were stacked five deep… Those scenarios scream for themselves…

When I returned to Lodge Bar, the venue was crushed… I could type never again will I doubt Trevor… However, that presumptive statement would be inaccurate… I will doubt him again… You never assume victory is possible with a pair of fours, until the winner sitting across from you is counting your chips… On this evening, Trevor was counting every single one…

Now, I would be remiss if I exited this column without admonishing DJ Michael. I sincerely respect him… He possesses skills… Unfortunately, there is a miniscule line between genius and madness and he flirted with it… “Barbie Girl,” “Mmmbop…” Did someone invite me to a retirement ceremony for insipid teenage anthems?

Concerning this website, I’ve been asked the question of why? What occurs in the various venues is not relevant… It is not news… Why analyze, report, and twitter every evening? In this city, characters and storylines are omnipresent. Information and stars are nonexistent. All four are coveted and inescapable. I am simply their soundtrack.

Park Street Festival Recognition

On Saturday, Gossip CBUS racked 193 twitter tweets. Thank you, Joe Boxer, Jonathon Ciancetta, and Gandhi (WNCI); Randy Haffey and Tori Lioness (Park Street Patio); Pat West, Trevor Day, and Mike Material (Lodge Bar); Jeff Lauback (Callahan’s); and every venue manager, slinger, and security employee.

Joe Boxer Will Host Gossip Awards

As announced on Saturday, Joe Boxer will host the first annual Gossip Awards. Since 1999, Boxer has hosted WCOL’s Joe Boxer Show. He has also served as a contributor for WCMH and WNCI.

Gossip Awards Announce Bunny

Lodge Bar Promotions Superstar Jen Bunny will present at the first annual Gossip Awards. Since 2007, Jennifer has been affiliated with the venue.

Welcome to the World

10 TV: A record number of graduates received their diplomas at Ohio State's spring graduation on Sunday. While the graduates enjoyed finishing their degrees, they face the toughest job market in a generation…

“Other people who graduated before us, they had their worries, but we're just kind of at a complete loss as to where to even start,” Sierra Clouse said. “This just seemed like the opportune time since the job prospects aren't looking so well.”

The 8,162 graduates were addressed by former astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn in a ceremony inside Ohio Stadium. Glenn told the graduates to make a difference in the world. “I hope your class, this Class of 2009, becomes the greatest 'why not?’ class of all time,” Glenn said.

INVITE: Wexner Summer Warm-Up

Calendar: June 18

Commencement: 6:30

Venue: Wexner Center for the Arts Plaza (South Campus)

Synopsis
Join us under that stars as we begin another summer of outdoor films at the Wex.

Come early to choose your spot (bring blankets or lawn chairs), mingle with other film fans, sip your favorite beverage (cash bar), and nibble on snacks. This month the film is the Universal horror classic The Wolf Man and you can listen to the vintage R & B, soul, and new wave DJ trueskillz spins to get the evening started. The film itself begins at dusk, which is about 9 PM.

Wexner Center members receive a commemorative Wex Drive-In mug and discounted drinks at each outdoor film. Not yet a member? If you join at any Wex Drive-In screening, you'll receive a film/video T-shirt and two additional film passes (a $34 value).

INVITE: Giovanni Body Art & Undone Lingerie Fashion Show

Calendar: June 19

Commencement: 10:00

Venue: Sugar Bar (525 Park Street)

Giovanni Body Art Show

Undone Lingerie Fashion Show

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

INVITE: Sexy Summer Lingerie Fashion Show

Calendar: June 25

Commencement: 10:00

Venue: Sugar Bar (525 Park Street)

Lingerie Fashion Show

Drinks (Available All Night)
$2
Bombs

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: Congratulations on your 1,000th post and 4,000 tweet. Will you ever other numbers?
A: Aside from posts and tweets (which are our foundation), Gossip CBUS will not obsess over our numbers. With that said, All Access has recorded three editions. Always Live has recorded 42 editions. Nightlife Live has recorded 78 editions.

Q: When you reference women, I’ve only noticed the terms bunny, heifer, and platinum bunny. Will you ever publish a women’s rating scale similar to your venue ratings scale?
A: Bunny was our original categorization. Heifer was created second. Platinum bunny is a recent conception. As original terms are coined, a women’s rating scale may result. No plans are immediate.

Q: Last week, Chris Corso and Mike Gallicchio were announced as presenters. When will you announce which presenters are presenting which awards?
A: Obviously, Gossip CBUS must confirm all of our presenters. Once this and the nominations are announced, we will reveal presenter’s order.