Monday, January 12, 2009
Paint McFadden’s Red!
As promised, Gossip CBUS and McFadden’s details… The red event (and yes, that means the color will somehow play an important role in the evening) will occur on February 28. The Lucky Charms will appear. Prize contests and signature cocktails are certain.
It’s What We Call the News
WSYX6: A shooting leads to a standoff involving Columbus SWAT in West Columbus. Police say a man was visiting friends at a home in the 900 block of Sullivant Avenue when he started firing shots out of a second-floor window. One man was hit in the back was taken to a local hospital. The suspect later barricaded himself inside a home for just over an hour. The surrendered without incident around 11:15pm.
Technically, I cant count this in our series, as no one was actually hurt… Still, this incident paints a scary picture…
10 TV: Police have arrested two men who they said used personal information belonging to Columbus City School employees to rent cars, open credit card accounts and book hotel rooms… According to detectives, Carl Lowe and John Lent were arrested last week on unrelated warrants at a home on East 6th Avenue. During their arrests, the men allegedly told police about the fraud scheme involving district employees. Police said the men had stolen employee information either through the mail or from the Columbus City Schools' district office....
I know we cover a lot of violent crime… While this story isn’t as deadly, the results to the victims are just as lethal…
10 TV: The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory from 4 a.m. Tuesday through 1 a.m. Wednesday… A wind chill advisory is also in effect from 6 p.m. Tuesday through 6 a.m. Wednesday. Low pressure and an arctic cold front moving through late Monday night and Tuesday will cause snow to spread west to east over the area late Monday night. By the time the snow tapers to flurries later Tuesday, most areas should see 2 to 3 inches of new accumulation. Windy conditions will develop Tuesday, causing areas of blowing snow which may reduce visibility to near zero at times as winds gust 35 to 40 mph. Another front will move across the area on Wednesday, with more snow and even colder readings. Highs will rise to 23 degrees.
I cannot say this enough… I HATE THIS WEATHER.
Technically, I cant count this in our series, as no one was actually hurt… Still, this incident paints a scary picture…
10 TV: Police have arrested two men who they said used personal information belonging to Columbus City School employees to rent cars, open credit card accounts and book hotel rooms… According to detectives, Carl Lowe and John Lent were arrested last week on unrelated warrants at a home on East 6th Avenue. During their arrests, the men allegedly told police about the fraud scheme involving district employees. Police said the men had stolen employee information either through the mail or from the Columbus City Schools' district office....
I know we cover a lot of violent crime… While this story isn’t as deadly, the results to the victims are just as lethal…
10 TV: The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory from 4 a.m. Tuesday through 1 a.m. Wednesday… A wind chill advisory is also in effect from 6 p.m. Tuesday through 6 a.m. Wednesday. Low pressure and an arctic cold front moving through late Monday night and Tuesday will cause snow to spread west to east over the area late Monday night. By the time the snow tapers to flurries later Tuesday, most areas should see 2 to 3 inches of new accumulation. Windy conditions will develop Tuesday, causing areas of blowing snow which may reduce visibility to near zero at times as winds gust 35 to 40 mph. Another front will move across the area on Wednesday, with more snow and even colder readings. Highs will rise to 23 degrees.
I cannot say this enough… I HATE THIS WEATHER.
Quick Read
Before I smack them around (because they deserve it), I must applaud the Dispatch’s excellent front-page feature on workplace wellness programs… The piece was informative and shed insight on a seemingly overdone topic… And while I typically blitz past the Life and Arts section, their Golden Globes pictorial was magnificent and the back page “Flip Side” feature about the career challenged losers who finished second American Idol brought back grand memories of gruesome losers…
I will now stop applauding… The John Kasich story featured solid reporting… But, seriously, a lead quote from a Democratic operative and a comeback from Jon Husted? The Dispatch could at least try to find two more moderate voices… Also, their George Voinovich coverage was tired… You expect newspapers to be behind the curve in this age… You don’t expect them to simply rip and reprint our material (yeah I said it)…
The entire Metro section made me want to scream what’s your point? From their feature on a 71-year-old firefighter that read as if it belonged in a high school newspaper to Sherri Williams ode to families voluntarily separated by immigration to Martin Rozenman’s roll call of parking garages… The entire section was a pathetic excuse to kill trees…
I saved the most irritating for last… Bob Hunter’s, non statistic supported rant about Steve Mason’s snub from the NHL All-Star game…Hunter and I agree, Mason should have received an invite… However, Hunter’s pathetic whining makes me glad Mason wont be there…
I will now stop applauding… The John Kasich story featured solid reporting… But, seriously, a lead quote from a Democratic operative and a comeback from Jon Husted? The Dispatch could at least try to find two more moderate voices… Also, their George Voinovich coverage was tired… You expect newspapers to be behind the curve in this age… You don’t expect them to simply rip and reprint our material (yeah I said it)…
The entire Metro section made me want to scream what’s your point? From their feature on a 71-year-old firefighter that read as if it belonged in a high school newspaper to Sherri Williams ode to families voluntarily separated by immigration to Martin Rozenman’s roll call of parking garages… The entire section was a pathetic excuse to kill trees…
I saved the most irritating for last… Bob Hunter’s, non statistic supported rant about Steve Mason’s snub from the NHL All-Star game…Hunter and I agree, Mason should have received an invite… However, Hunter’s pathetic whining makes me glad Mason wont be there…
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Voinovich Done, Portman to Run
As Gossip Cbus first reported, Senator George Voinovich will not seek reelection in 2010. Voinovich has informed donors and staff of his decision. He will formally announce his retirement at a Monday afternoon news conference.
Potential Republican replacements are already maneuvering, according to several sources. While Rob Portman has decided to run, Mike Dewine and Mary Taylor are undecided. Portman aides, including prospective campaign manager PJ Wenzel, were said to be seeking supporters, as a means to an uncontested primary.
Potential Democratic replacements are equally busy. While Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher and Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner appear to be the strongest candidates, Congressman Zack Space may also run. The two term representative, who replaced now imprisoned official Bob Ney, is, according to sources close to him, seeking advice from party leaders.
After resigning as Lieutenant Governor, Voinovich defeated Dennis Kucinich and served as Mayor of Cleveland from 1980-1989. He then defeated Anthony Celebrezze and served as Governor from 1990-1998. Elected Ohio’s 59th Senator, he served as junior senator until 2006. Since 2007, he has served as Ohio’s senior senator.
Portman commenced his political career, serving first as an Associate White House Council and then as White House Office of Legislative Affairs Director under President George H.W. Bush. From 1993-2005, Portman served as Ohio’s 2nd district Congressman. He resigned that office and became United States Trade Reprentative on May 17, 2005. He then finished his second White House stint as Office of Management and Budget Director. He resigned that office on June 19, 2007.
Potential Republican replacements are already maneuvering, according to several sources. While Rob Portman has decided to run, Mike Dewine and Mary Taylor are undecided. Portman aides, including prospective campaign manager PJ Wenzel, were said to be seeking supporters, as a means to an uncontested primary.
Potential Democratic replacements are equally busy. While Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher and Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner appear to be the strongest candidates, Congressman Zack Space may also run. The two term representative, who replaced now imprisoned official Bob Ney, is, according to sources close to him, seeking advice from party leaders.
After resigning as Lieutenant Governor, Voinovich defeated Dennis Kucinich and served as Mayor of Cleveland from 1980-1989. He then defeated Anthony Celebrezze and served as Governor from 1990-1998. Elected Ohio’s 59th Senator, he served as junior senator until 2006. Since 2007, he has served as Ohio’s senior senator.
Portman commenced his political career, serving first as an Associate White House Council and then as White House Office of Legislative Affairs Director under President George H.W. Bush. From 1993-2005, Portman served as Ohio’s 2nd district Congressman. He resigned that office and became United States Trade Reprentative on May 17, 2005. He then finished his second White House stint as Office of Management and Budget Director. He resigned that office on June 19, 2007.
BREAKING: South Campus Rescue Mission
Skye Bar remains operational under sale and salvage conditions, according to two sources familiar with the situation. While the venue is not officially on the market, Owners Tom Selvaggio and David Allsbrooks are said to be reviewing offers. Additionally, South Campus Gateway is affording Skye Bar lenient treatment until arrangements can be made.
On December 14, Gossip Cbus reported Skye Bar’s dire financial condition. According to our sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, that financial condition has not improved. Skye Bar is one of several South Campus Gateway locations that are alive through a combination of owner’s assets and development assistance. Evidently, at least half of South Campus Gateway is receiving relaxed treatment.
On December 14, Gossip Cbus reported Skye Bar’s dire financial condition. According to our sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, that financial condition has not improved. Skye Bar is one of several South Campus Gateway locations that are alive through a combination of owner’s assets and development assistance. Evidently, at least half of South Campus Gateway is receiving relaxed treatment.
It’s What We Call the News
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!
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!
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
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