10 TV: A robbery suspect was returned to jail Sunday night after briefly escaping from custody by jumping out a hospital window. Maxwell Stevenson, 31, was naked when he jumped from a window at Grant Medical Center. He landed on the roof of the hospital's second floor. Officers said they needed a Taser to stop him.
He jumped onto a roof naked and his next move was what? If criminals are going to attempt an escape, they should really have a plan…
10 TV: Crime Stoppers announced on Sunday that it is offering a $2,000 reward leading police to the person who shot a store clerk on Dec. 27. The gunman is described as a black man in his early 20s. He is between 6 feet to 6 feet 2 inches tall, with a thin build, weighing between 165 to 170 pounds. He was wearing a black or blue bandanna over his face, a dark jacket or hooded sweatshirt, and carried a black semi-automatic handgun. His hair was pulled back into a small ponytail. Police said he was possibly driving a late 1980s Ford Escort-looking vehicle with the driver's side window missing, and was covered with plastic. It had a loud muffler and the color appeared to be black, gray and silver in a camouflage pattern. The reward is valid for information received by Jan. 21 leading to the arrest or indictment of the person responsible. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 614-645-8477 or e-mail them by using their Web site. Text message tips can be sent to "274637" with key word "CMH."
If anyone out there has information, get involved… This animal needs caught.
10 TV: On Monday, expect mostly cloudy skies, with some snow showers developing during the afternoon and evening hours. Snow remains possible on Tuesday as a clipper system continues to push through the region… 1-2 inches of snow will be possible. Highs on Tuesday will reach 30 degrees. A couple of snow showers will be possible Wednesday. It will be colder, with highs only reaching 20 degrees.
I HATE THIS WEATHER!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
BREAKING: Portman Has Campaign Manager
PJ Wenzel will serve as Rob Portman’s campaign manager, Gossip Cbus has learned. Previously, Wenzel served as political director for Ken Blackwell’s gubernatorial campaign and campaign manager for Kirk Schuring’s congressional campaign. We will have more details this evening.
BREAKING: Voinovich Won’t Run
Senator George Voinovich will not seek reelection in 2010, Gossip Cbus has learned. Voinovich will inform donors of his decision tonight. He will hold a press conference tomorrow. Rob Portman, former Congressman and White House official, will seek to replace him. We will have more details this evening.
Acknowledge Me
A certain vibe is set when you enter a bar and Michael Jackson is the first thing you hear. It was my third time at Mcfaddens but the music was already winning me over… Looking around the room as I walked up to the bar, I noticed there weren't too many sweaters, a shame only due to the fact that mine was so enthrallingly ugly. One vodka and tonic, a look around the room and I realized the upstairs might have something to offer…
At first I was a little on the fence about how the night was going to go, when suddenly things began to look up... Like a goddess, she emerged from the balcony... I'm not usually one who stares, but she stuck out. Other beautiful women were arrayed in their own little groups… spread around dancing, drinking, laughing… they were a visual feast really. But, Amanda (that was her name), owned my attention… She looked at my cup questioningly, and then came over. She told me her name and said she wasn't sure how I managed to get a happy hour bracelet. Honestly neither was I but I gave her my best explanation. She walked away leaving me feeling somewhat unaccomplished… It was time to go back downstairs…
My slight discouragement was quickly forgotten when they announced that I should stand up in honor of looking identical to Prince. I've been told I resemble the singer before but never publicly. They made me rise from my seat and wave to the whole crowd... Suddenly, I went from random bar patron to an attraction…
I knew I had put myself out there… But I can't even begin to tell you how many people were willing to just start conversation. From a has been town mayor to a DJ named Steven Sribb from California, the range of personalities were constant…
Halfway though the night I heard the call for the ugly sweater contest. It seemed as if eyes came upon me like I had no choice. I was asked to show just how proud of this horrible sweater I was. The DJ again shouted "Prince!" over the PA and shouts of excitement flooded the room. I couldn’t be certain, but the census seemed to already be on my side. A group of ladies even asked me to take off my shirt, and I couldn’t deny that… Then it was down to two… They asked for everyone besides the stripped sweater contestant and myself to leave the top of the bar. Once again the crowd shouted in my favor for victory.
I walked away with two hundred tax-free dollars and a night I'll never forget. Ugly sweater or not McFadden’s is definitely a place that welcomes you in with open arms, and never forgets who makes a bar.… those who are drinking...
Story: Adam Palmore
At first I was a little on the fence about how the night was going to go, when suddenly things began to look up... Like a goddess, she emerged from the balcony... I'm not usually one who stares, but she stuck out. Other beautiful women were arrayed in their own little groups… spread around dancing, drinking, laughing… they were a visual feast really. But, Amanda (that was her name), owned my attention… She looked at my cup questioningly, and then came over. She told me her name and said she wasn't sure how I managed to get a happy hour bracelet. Honestly neither was I but I gave her my best explanation. She walked away leaving me feeling somewhat unaccomplished… It was time to go back downstairs…
My slight discouragement was quickly forgotten when they announced that I should stand up in honor of looking identical to Prince. I've been told I resemble the singer before but never publicly. They made me rise from my seat and wave to the whole crowd... Suddenly, I went from random bar patron to an attraction…
I knew I had put myself out there… But I can't even begin to tell you how many people were willing to just start conversation. From a has been town mayor to a DJ named Steven Sribb from California, the range of personalities were constant…
Halfway though the night I heard the call for the ugly sweater contest. It seemed as if eyes came upon me like I had no choice. I was asked to show just how proud of this horrible sweater I was. The DJ again shouted "Prince!" over the PA and shouts of excitement flooded the room. I couldn’t be certain, but the census seemed to already be on my side. A group of ladies even asked me to take off my shirt, and I couldn’t deny that… Then it was down to two… They asked for everyone besides the stripped sweater contestant and myself to leave the top of the bar. Once again the crowd shouted in my favor for victory.
I walked away with two hundred tax-free dollars and a night I'll never forget. Ugly sweater or not McFadden’s is definitely a place that welcomes you in with open arms, and never forgets who makes a bar.… those who are drinking...
Story: Adam Palmore
You Have Questions... I Have Answers
Since Gossip Cbus began, I’ve been swamped with e-mail (thanks for the love)… While I’ve tried to give individual responses to several, I also know that some of the questions are questions others may have and thus, answering them publicly would be better… Therefore, from time to time, I will answer questions where everyone can see them…
Q: You cover a lot of nightlife. How do you address concerns that you are only a nightlife site?
A: during our first month, Gossip Cbus covered everything from Chris Wells to Skye Bar to Christmas shopping. We also wrote reviews about Next Gen Dublin and Columbus Young Professionals and we are scheduled to attend several diverse events within the next month. I understand our volume of nightlife coverage could pigeonhole us another twenty-something internet fad, but that is not my intention. Gossip Cbus, despite our name (which some have used to pigeonhole us), is committed to covering the full spectrum of this city.
Q: How can you partner with a bar for an event and still provide objective coverage?
A: This is something that I think about, but not something I lose sleep over. While it is important to maintain good working relationships with everyone we cover, Gossip Cbus has never and will never accept direction on who or what to cover. Certainly, we are friendly with a lot of different entities. However, we respect them as professionals, as we seek to maintain our professionalism.
Q: Would Gossip Cbus ever accept or sell paid advertising?
A: This is still in the concept stages… Thus, the best answer I can give is maybe. We know economic times are tough for everyone. We are committed to doing as much free publicity as possible. However, we would never turn away paid advertising if offered and this is an area we are still clarifying.
Q: Do you consider other Columbus publications or websites your competitors?
A: Let me be very clear about this… No I do not. Between Alive, the Dispatch, Underground… we all do something different… Even down to campus papers such as the U Weekly… There is enough news in this city for everyone and I feel that each of our publications, Gossip Cbus included, can make a contribution.
Q: You cover a lot of nightlife. How do you address concerns that you are only a nightlife site?
A: during our first month, Gossip Cbus covered everything from Chris Wells to Skye Bar to Christmas shopping. We also wrote reviews about Next Gen Dublin and Columbus Young Professionals and we are scheduled to attend several diverse events within the next month. I understand our volume of nightlife coverage could pigeonhole us another twenty-something internet fad, but that is not my intention. Gossip Cbus, despite our name (which some have used to pigeonhole us), is committed to covering the full spectrum of this city.
Q: How can you partner with a bar for an event and still provide objective coverage?
A: This is something that I think about, but not something I lose sleep over. While it is important to maintain good working relationships with everyone we cover, Gossip Cbus has never and will never accept direction on who or what to cover. Certainly, we are friendly with a lot of different entities. However, we respect them as professionals, as we seek to maintain our professionalism.
Q: Would Gossip Cbus ever accept or sell paid advertising?
A: This is still in the concept stages… Thus, the best answer I can give is maybe. We know economic times are tough for everyone. We are committed to doing as much free publicity as possible. However, we would never turn away paid advertising if offered and this is an area we are still clarifying.
Q: Do you consider other Columbus publications or websites your competitors?
A: Let me be very clear about this… No I do not. Between Alive, the Dispatch, Underground… we all do something different… Even down to campus papers such as the U Weekly… There is enough news in this city for everyone and I feel that each of our publications, Gossip Cbus included, can make a contribution.
Quick Read
While Sunday’s edition overall was mixed, the business section (which everyone should be reading given this economy) was outstanding. The centerpieces were mirror columns on the third page, one of which chronicled the crush of people seeking second jobs, the other chronicling the fluctuating job market (people who are either overqualified or under qualified, but still seeking a job)… Both painted a perfect picture of the moment where we find ourselves…
Equally intriguing was the front-page feature on former mediocre Buckeye turned successful car dealer Mike D’Andrea… The column was a beautiful portrait of how D’Andrea and his family have achieved success, despite difficult economic circumstances. The business section’s only flaw was a brilliant, but buried column on consumer overdraft fees and how they are hurting bank customers (given the climate, why would you bury that deep in the paper?)…
Another gorgeous piece of writing was the “Nothing’s Going to Waste” feature, which discussed how even the smallest scraps are being salvaged and utilized… Unfortunately, Metro and State offset that fine front work with a Kevin Boyce profile, which started with a great premise, then lagged and lost me in the middle… I cant say this enough… If the Dispatch is writing a story about someone who has had a hard life, make me think their life was hard…
The travel section showcased an excellent map of Washington D.C., as it discussed the inauguration… But the section fumbled with a seemingly complimentary piece about “experience vacations,” which was a calamity… Sports, was its usual self, writing a marquee story about Adam Foote’s orchestrated trade, then burying the story where no one could find it…
Finally, the front page was a complete disappointment, particularly two stories about the “Home Again” initiative and internet safety checks… Both had potential, unfortunately both lacked the probative value I expect of a front page worth column.
Equally intriguing was the front-page feature on former mediocre Buckeye turned successful car dealer Mike D’Andrea… The column was a beautiful portrait of how D’Andrea and his family have achieved success, despite difficult economic circumstances. The business section’s only flaw was a brilliant, but buried column on consumer overdraft fees and how they are hurting bank customers (given the climate, why would you bury that deep in the paper?)…
Another gorgeous piece of writing was the “Nothing’s Going to Waste” feature, which discussed how even the smallest scraps are being salvaged and utilized… Unfortunately, Metro and State offset that fine front work with a Kevin Boyce profile, which started with a great premise, then lagged and lost me in the middle… I cant say this enough… If the Dispatch is writing a story about someone who has had a hard life, make me think their life was hard…
The travel section showcased an excellent map of Washington D.C., as it discussed the inauguration… But the section fumbled with a seemingly complimentary piece about “experience vacations,” which was a calamity… Sports, was its usual self, writing a marquee story about Adam Foote’s orchestrated trade, then burying the story where no one could find it…
Finally, the front page was a complete disappointment, particularly two stories about the “Home Again” initiative and internet safety checks… Both had potential, unfortunately both lacked the probative value I expect of a front page worth column.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Check Cashing Culprit Collared
10 TV: A man suspected in a series of violent check cashing robberies was arrested Saturday morning without incident at a motel in Grove City, according to the FBI. Charles R. Harris was taken into custody at the Knights Inn, located at 3131 Broadway. Columbus police SWAT officers and the FBI were involved in the arrest. Late last month, Harris, 20, was identified as the suspect in five robberies at check cashing businesses located throughout central Ohio… Harris was expected to face charges of aggravated robbery, kidnapping and rape… Also arrested on Saturday was Geralanda S. Brown, 19, whom the FBI said helped hide Harris, and Freddie Boyd Darling, 27, who was the alleged getaway driver during each of the robberies. All three were expected to appear in court on Monday.
Quick Read
Initially, I must credit the front-page editors for leading with Friday’s economic news. You would think 7.2% unemployment and 524,000 jobs lost is a no brainer in terms of a big story, but CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC didn’t even feature the numbers in their afternoon first blocks… The Dispatch deserves applause…
Two other A1 stories deserve equal praise… James Nash’s above the fold story on a Casino gambling proposal was excellent… It was detailed, specific, and it painted the picture that maybe Ohio will finally not half-ass a proposal for gambling… Tim Feren’s story concerning digital tv coming to Columbus was also intriguing… The Dispatch’s only mistake was their ridiculous feature “Prize For Perilous Day – Lunar Magic,” which detailed an eclipse… That could have been swapped with their George Voinovich, which was buried on A3. In that story, Voinovich confirmed the paper’s previous report, that he may not seek re-election…
Finally, the metro front story, which was a follow up on light rail, started out solidly but disappeared in the middle when the paper seemed to contradict their own premise. The piece, however, did do a great job of explaining why Governor Strickland is refusing a gas tax increase.
Two other A1 stories deserve equal praise… James Nash’s above the fold story on a Casino gambling proposal was excellent… It was detailed, specific, and it painted the picture that maybe Ohio will finally not half-ass a proposal for gambling… Tim Feren’s story concerning digital tv coming to Columbus was also intriguing… The Dispatch’s only mistake was their ridiculous feature “Prize For Perilous Day – Lunar Magic,” which detailed an eclipse… That could have been swapped with their George Voinovich, which was buried on A3. In that story, Voinovich confirmed the paper’s previous report, that he may not seek re-election…
Finally, the metro front story, which was a follow up on light rail, started out solidly but disappeared in the middle when the paper seemed to contradict their own premise. The piece, however, did do a great job of explaining why Governor Strickland is refusing a gas tax increase.
Friday, January 9, 2009
INVITE: Ugly Sweater Get Together
“Best & Last Christmas Party of the Year”Commencement: 9:00
Venue: McFadden’s (South Campus)
Ugliest Sweater receives $200
Drinks (Available All Night)
$3 Soco Lime Shots
$2 Bud Light
INVITE: Social Saturday
Commencement: 10:00Venue: Sugar Bar (525 Park Street)
Open Bar 10:30 pm – 11:30 pm
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