Our initial attempt at All Access… not an unqualified success. Technical difficulties delayed our start. An unpredictable phone, that posted seemingly when it wanted it to, delayed our updates… Updates which were ultimately concluded when the phone died… Hopefully, we will work out the kinks for our next All-Access attempt… (Who knows when that attempt will occur).
I still cannot appreciate or comprehend what a late city Columbus is… I understand in the spring and summer, as classes ease and weather warms, late is a relative term… However, prior to moving to this city, late in my experience was people who arrived at a venue in primetime and went to sleep with Carson Daly. In Columbus, they arrive during Jay Leno and they go to sleep with Joe Scarborough.
Amidst my frustrated arrival (thank you technical difficulties and cross town traffic), I was immediately impressed with Lodge Bar’s transformation… It’s not like Lodge Bar hasn’t thrown a theme party previously and they always craft the appropriate atmosphere… With that said, this experience was truly unique… Gorgeous white snow on the windows… Crushed ice blue and snow on the tables… You were in a crystal paradise… The reinvention was exquisite…
Equally exquisite (and I must admit my personal bias for my own company here), was the combination of cards, circulars, and signs, which touted Gossip CBUS… While I mentioned hanging and twittering were mutually exclusive and they were… I caught myself, when I was finished looking at various sections of the venue where I had placed signs… I don’t care how much prestige one acquires in their lifetime… There remains a certain burst of pride when you observe someone reading the material, about you, which you just distributed… (I don’t know if the evening pays off in traffic focus, but I know the pride felt at these moments made the evening worth every effort)…
As the crowd trickled into Lodge Bar (it still was around 7:30 at this time, hours before the rush would ensue), the morsels of absurdity, which make great stories were present. The intriguing conversations, which make great stories were present… Notably on both these fronts were an occurrence and conversation I had within a sixty-minute timeframe… The conversation, involving a bouncer, focused on why the city is so late arriving… It was a great discussion, which concluded with his opinion of the city likes to pregame at home, with beer, which wont cost them anything (although that logic escapes me, because the beer cost them something at some point, right?)
The occurrence, involving the same bouncer, focused on two random heifers, one of which forgot her identification, one of which may have been underage, both claiming to be with the band that was set to perform within the hour… It turns out; they were with the band, although not in the we make music sense… They were groupies… I don’t know how they managed to score entrance, but several times, during the performance, I noticed them sitting, drinking nothing, not even water, watching the band… And let’s just say the band’s performance was as ugly as they were…
Despite a band best suited for a set of earplugs, instead of the stage at Lodge Bar, the crowd continued to be consistent… They were not imposing… They were not impressive… The crowd ebbed and flowed… At times, they looked on the precipice of providing the energy I expect at Lodge Bar… At other times, they made me wondering why I couldn’t just go home (and then I would remember, we were the co-sponsors of the event)…
As the trivia (which you could have won, if you were following our twitter) commenced, the crowd remained middling… When Mad River started hanging out (more like tossing out) prizes, the crowd didn’t intensify, but their energy increased exponentially… I couldn’t understand it… Miller Lite’s prize was a sick snowboard… There were Mad River passes, Pocono ski passes… These were amazing prizes… As I looked at the dozen people cramming themselves into a half-dozen foot space, I couldn’t fathom how this event, which I had promoted and Lodge had promoted, could feel (maybe not actually be, but just feel) under whelming… Then, another hour passed and I remembered a lesson I should never forget…
I was standing to the left of the stage, on the stairs leading to the upper bar, when the “Cupid Shuffle” began to play… Suddenly, I had an appreciation for reality… In less than sixty minutes, Columbus’ late arriving nature, had transformed the crowd from middling to monstrous… The dance floor was crammed with four dozen people, all stepping in unified rhythm to the overplayed anthem… Speaking of overplayed anthems… “Single Ladies” followed and the obviously single for a reason ladies ate it up…
And while we are on the subject of things the ladies ate up, I must mention the Brian Collins Band (not so much a band as a duet between a drummer and solo guitarist)… I could gush about their diverse and impressive set list… I could gush about their musical skill… But neither, as spectacular as they were, made this band… What made this duo is, in a word, showmanship… The trait that separates every band worth watching a second time, from those other bands, who you wish you hadn’t seen the first time…
The Atlanta tandem (yes, that’s Atlanta, Georgia, a state which knows a lot about Big Ten football) interacted beautifully with the crowd, notably two drunken bunnies, who took turns scoring their fifteen minutes of intoxicated stardom… Collins didn’t allow the show to become a complete farce… He managed the inebriated bunny… He worked her like a marionette… The height of the comedy was an exchange between the two, which was laced with sexual innuendo (and only half of it facetious)…
Overall, Snowed Inn, this company’s first endeavor in the event world, was successful… Was it perfect… Not even close… Did the crowd rival what we will see next weekend… Not even close… Still, it was a success, in the sense that two entities, both of which are competitive, but never combative… Forged an alliance, which, while not exclusive will hopefully last for years to come…
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Five Hundred
Who would have thought in less than three months, we would see Chris Wells bolt, Skye Bar collapse, South Campus struggle, George Voinovich turn politics inside out, and Gossip CBUS hold our first event and rack five hundred posts… You made it possible Columbus! Keep reading and keep e-mailing… You never know what might happen next…
Friday, February 27, 2009
Obama Saves, Will See Through Police Recruits
NBC 4: Police sources told NBC 4 President Barack Obama will attend next week’s CPD police recruit graduation ceremony. The 27 recruits gained nationwide attention while Obama promoted his federal stimulus plan. Obama mentioned the local class specifically several times.
The city announced the recruits’ layoffs last month. The recruits were reinstated Wednesday when Mayor Michael Coleman said $1.25 million in stimulus monies would pay their salaries through the end of 2009. The recruit class was scheduled tentatively to graduate Friday, March 6.
The 27 recruits were officially sworn in Friday morning, according to FOP President Jim Gilbert. They will be able to carry their badges and weapons during the ceremony. Gilbert said the recruits will attend refresher classes at the academy next week since they’ve been away for three weeks.
The city announced the recruits’ layoffs last month. The recruits were reinstated Wednesday when Mayor Michael Coleman said $1.25 million in stimulus monies would pay their salaries through the end of 2009. The recruit class was scheduled tentatively to graduate Friday, March 6.
The 27 recruits were officially sworn in Friday morning, according to FOP President Jim Gilbert. They will be able to carry their badges and weapons during the ceremony. Gilbert said the recruits will attend refresher classes at the academy next week since they’ve been away for three weeks.
INVITE: Music in the Round
Commencement: 5:30Venue: Spice Bar (491 Park Street)
Cost: $30 (individual); $55 (couple)
Performances
Chris Burney
Matt Monta
RJ Cowdry
Proceeds Benefit
Transit Arts
INVITE: Dance with the Dancers Bootleg Bash
Commencement: 7:00Conclusion: 11:00
Venue: DSW Home Office (810 DSW Drive)
Cost: $125
Reservations: 586-8671 (Barbara Markus)
Food & Open Bar
Live & Silent Auctions
Auction Items Include
Cancun Vacation Package
Las Vegas Vacation Package
Vail Vacation Package
Ballerina Birthday Party
Easton Shopping Spree
Golf Ticket Packages
Performances
BalletMet Company Dancers
Mark Dantzer
The Great Gatsby Ballet
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic American novel of extravagance and deception during the height of Prohibition comes to life in the world premiere The Great Gatsby, choreographed by BalletMet dancer and Princess Grace Award winner Jimmy Orrante. The opulent production runs April 24 through May 3 at the Capitol Theatre.
BalletMet Columbus
Since its start in 1978, BalletMet has garnered international recognition through its diverse repertoire, touring and educational programs and commitment to new works and ranks among the nation’s 15 largest dance companies. It has also developed DanceReach, a series of educational and outreach programs that serve 30,000 people annually, as well as a scholarship program that provides tuition for youth based on financial need or talent.
Co-Sponsors
DSW
Ernst & Young
Hamilton Capital Management
INVITE: Wheels For Kelly
Commencement: 5:00
Venue: Medallion Club (5000 Club Drive - Westerville)
Cost: $25 (Dinner Included)
Appearances
Cabot Rea (NBC 4)
Mark Stier (Former Ohio State Co-Captain)
Performance (5 – 6:30 p.m.)
Pay Dirt
Silent Auction Items Include
Put-in-Bay Waterfront House Weekend (8 People – Bikes & Kayaks included)
Blue Jackets Tickets
Ohio State Basketball Tickets
Archie Griffin Print (Autographed & Framed)
James Laurinaitis Print (Autographed & Framed)
Mike Nugent Miniature Helmet (Autographed)
Brian Robiskie Jersey (Autographed)
Jim Tressel Vest (Autographed & Framed)
Chris Wells Miniature Helmet (Autographed)
Ohio State Football (Autographed)
Steve Mason Puck (Autographed)
Rick Nash Puck (Autographed)
Blue Jackets Hockey Stick (Autographed)
Blue Jackets JHM Hat (Autographed)
Medallion Club Package
New Albany Golf Club Package
Funny Bone Comedy Club Tickets
Salon & Spa Packages
Shadowbox Balcony Tickets
Westerville Symphony Tickets
Venue: Medallion Club (5000 Club Drive - Westerville)
Cost: $25 (Dinner Included)
Appearances
Cabot Rea (NBC 4)
Mark Stier (Former Ohio State Co-Captain)
Performance (5 – 6:30 p.m.)
Pay Dirt
Silent Auction Items Include
Put-in-Bay Waterfront House Weekend (8 People – Bikes & Kayaks included)
Blue Jackets Tickets
Ohio State Basketball Tickets
Archie Griffin Print (Autographed & Framed)
James Laurinaitis Print (Autographed & Framed)
Mike Nugent Miniature Helmet (Autographed)
Brian Robiskie Jersey (Autographed)
Jim Tressel Vest (Autographed & Framed)
Chris Wells Miniature Helmet (Autographed)
Ohio State Football (Autographed)
Steve Mason Puck (Autographed)
Rick Nash Puck (Autographed)
Blue Jackets Hockey Stick (Autographed)
Blue Jackets JHM Hat (Autographed)
Medallion Club Package
New Albany Golf Club Package
Funny Bone Comedy Club Tickets
Salon & Spa Packages
Shadowbox Balcony Tickets
Westerville Symphony Tickets
Wheels For Kelly
The fundraiser is the culmination of a community service initiative taken on by the Westerville North Girls' Lacrosse Club. When school started in the fall, Coach Richard Case got together with the returning players and said that he wanted to do some sort of community service. After brainstorming many very valid causes and needs, we decided to help the Hanlin family purchase a new wheelchair-lift-equipped van.
Their current van has well over 100,000 miles on it and has had several major repairs, and is in need of several more. It is important to note that the Hanlin never asked us to help them - we sought them out as being a cause that we could rally behind. As athletes, we have opportunities which, unfortunately, Kelly will never be able to personally experience and we thought this would e a very rewarding endeavor for all of us.
What makes this fundraising effort unique is that it is almost entirely student led. Five senior players (Casey Flynn, Monica Craigmile, Caitlin McKenzie, Sam Bahan, and Sam Powell) have served as co-chairpersons for all the events, and have donated well over a hundred hours each to this effort. It has been their show, so to speak, and they have exceeded all expectations.
Our initial goal was $5,000, and we had no real idea how we would raise that much money. However, after setting up several donation tables at North sporting events and sending out a letter to all Westerville City Schools staff, word spread and we soon had raised $6,500. When we hit the $8,000 mark, we decided that we would try to purchase the whole van for the Hanlins - a goal of $40,000.
Working toward that goal, we have run concessions at the Holiday Expo at North, talked to Westerville Rotary, the WCS School Board, and various other schools groups. We sent letters to all Westerville Chamber of Commerce businesses, and solicited for item donations at Polaris, Easton, Westerville Uptown, and many other places. The girls also put on a bowl-a-thon last month that raised about $10,000.
Currently, we stand at about $25,000, and we hope to reach our goal of $40,000 by the end of the night Saturday.
Their current van has well over 100,000 miles on it and has had several major repairs, and is in need of several more. It is important to note that the Hanlin never asked us to help them - we sought them out as being a cause that we could rally behind. As athletes, we have opportunities which, unfortunately, Kelly will never be able to personally experience and we thought this would e a very rewarding endeavor for all of us.
What makes this fundraising effort unique is that it is almost entirely student led. Five senior players (Casey Flynn, Monica Craigmile, Caitlin McKenzie, Sam Bahan, and Sam Powell) have served as co-chairpersons for all the events, and have donated well over a hundred hours each to this effort. It has been their show, so to speak, and they have exceeded all expectations.
Our initial goal was $5,000, and we had no real idea how we would raise that much money. However, after setting up several donation tables at North sporting events and sending out a letter to all Westerville City Schools staff, word spread and we soon had raised $6,500. When we hit the $8,000 mark, we decided that we would try to purchase the whole van for the Hanlins - a goal of $40,000.
Working toward that goal, we have run concessions at the Holiday Expo at North, talked to Westerville Rotary, the WCS School Board, and various other schools groups. We sent letters to all Westerville Chamber of Commerce businesses, and solicited for item donations at Polaris, Easton, Westerville Uptown, and many other places. The girls also put on a bowl-a-thon last month that raised about $10,000.
Currently, we stand at about $25,000, and we hope to reach our goal of $40,000 by the end of the night Saturday.
Quick Read
I watched Mayor Coleman’s “State of the City” speech last night… As I read Robert Vitale’s recount this morning, I had only one thought… which was more boring?
Joe Hallet (metro) finally breaks some news concerning additional candidates in the 2010 Senate race, but inexplicably the story is buried on B3… Bob Hunter (sports) writes a column on the Clippers move, that barely discussed the Clippers move… And Scott Priestle (sports) exquisitely demonstrated why the Dispatch should only cover Buckeyes football… Referring to Albert Haynesworth as past his prime? Seriously?
Joe Hallet (metro) finally breaks some news concerning additional candidates in the 2010 Senate race, but inexplicably the story is buried on B3… Bob Hunter (sports) writes a column on the Clippers move, that barely discussed the Clippers move… And Scott Priestle (sports) exquisitely demonstrated why the Dispatch should only cover Buckeyes football… Referring to Albert Haynesworth as past his prime? Seriously?
Thursday, February 26, 2009
INVITE: Snowed Inn
Commencement: 5:00Venue: Lodge Bar (Arena District)
Ski Passes & Lift Tickets Contest
Drinks (Available All Night)
$2 Coors Light
Drinks (Available 5 – 9 p.m.)
$3 you call it drinks
$2 martinis
$1.50 Domestic Pitchers (32 ounces)
$1 wells
Co-Sponsors
Gossip CBUS
Mad River Mountain
Coleman Preaches Faith & Partial Solutions
10 TV: Stimulus money flowing into the city will ensure public safety and job training, but the funds will not provide a quick fix for all problems, Mayor Michael Coleman said during his State of the City address on Thursday night.
Coleman gave the speech from newly-renovated East High School. "These stimulus dollars are important, but they will not address our long-term budget difficulties," Coleman said. "To solve that problem we must execute a three-part plan that focuses on jobs, reform and revenue."
Coleman said he will continue to work to create jobs in the city. He said some money will be allocated to help the youth find work during the summer. The city stands to receive $6 million through the Central Ohio Workforce Council, and half of that money will be used to hire 2,500 young people this summer. Coleman believes the investment will help young people as well as the city. "We've got to give our young people a chance to do something constructive during the summer months, rather than standing around on a street corner," Coleman said.
The remaining $3 million will be used to train the unemployed and help them find jobs. Coleman said the city can no longer afford to keep cutting the budget. $100 million has already been trimmed and the city is facing another $50 million deficit by the year 2010.
Despite a sagging economy, Coleman said he still has faith that Columbus will pull through. "Even in these difficult times, the state of our city is strong," Coleman said. "I say this not because I am expected to, but because our strength is reflected in our greatest asset, our people."
Coleman gave the speech from newly-renovated East High School. "These stimulus dollars are important, but they will not address our long-term budget difficulties," Coleman said. "To solve that problem we must execute a three-part plan that focuses on jobs, reform and revenue."
Coleman said he will continue to work to create jobs in the city. He said some money will be allocated to help the youth find work during the summer. The city stands to receive $6 million through the Central Ohio Workforce Council, and half of that money will be used to hire 2,500 young people this summer. Coleman believes the investment will help young people as well as the city. "We've got to give our young people a chance to do something constructive during the summer months, rather than standing around on a street corner," Coleman said.
The remaining $3 million will be used to train the unemployed and help them find jobs. Coleman said the city can no longer afford to keep cutting the budget. $100 million has already been trimmed and the city is facing another $50 million deficit by the year 2010.
Despite a sagging economy, Coleman said he still has faith that Columbus will pull through. "Even in these difficult times, the state of our city is strong," Coleman said. "I say this not because I am expected to, but because our strength is reflected in our greatest asset, our people."
Brody Jenner
A Sugar Bar major event announcement… (This will rerun twice, separately in the coming days… still, you may want to mark you calendar)…
Brody Jenner (March 5): The “Bromance” and “Hills” star will appear. Dr. Moejoe will also showcase their spring collection. 19 and over.
Brody Jenner (March 5): The “Bromance” and “Hills” star will appear. Dr. Moejoe will also showcase their spring collection. 19 and over.
INVITE: OSU Greek Guest Bartending Competition Semi-Finals
Commencement: 10:00Venue: Lodge Bar (Arena District)
Cover: $2
Thursday’s Paring: Pi Beta Phi vs. Sigma Alpha Mu
Drinks (Available All Night)
$2 Budweiser (16 ounces)
$2 Bud Light (16 ounces)
$2 Three Olive Bombs
$1 Washington Apple Shots
Synopsis
The Lodge Bar Guest Bartender Competition pairs 4 sororities and 4 fraternities involved in a single elimination tournament. 2 houses will face off each week in an attendance-based competition to see who can bring the largest crowd. Invite everyone you know to support you! There will be a sheet at the door where guests will sign in, marking who they came to see. Whoever brings the most people will advance to the next round until we have a winner.
CPD, DEA Halt Westside Heroin House
NBC 4: Several law-enforcement agencies, including DEA agents, raided a West Side restaurant as part of a six-month investigation Thursday morning. Teams of federal, state and local law-enforcement agents arrested 18 people charged in a federal indictment with distributing heroin. The investigation was called “Operation Mexican Asphalt.”
The investigation centered around El Cora, a Mexican restaurant, on West Broad Street. El Cora is housed in the Westland Mall and owned by David Gonzalez Rendon. Rendon, of Hilliard, was charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Rendon was arrested for allegedly running the operation, where dealers would allegedly buy their heroin at the restaurant and then sell it on the street. The DEA said it believes the restaurant was responsible for much of the area’s heroin trafficking.
Teams of law enforcement agents executed search warrants at 11 Franklin County locations in connection with the investigation. All 18 defendants were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, which is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment.
Seven of the defendants are charged with possession with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin. This crime is punishable by at least 5 and up to 40 years imprisonment. Those seven included Rendon, Diaz, Velaquez, John Doe No. 1, John Doe No. 2, John Doe No. 3 and Silva. Officials said the operation is believed to have made between $5 million and $7 million per year.
The investigation centered around El Cora, a Mexican restaurant, on West Broad Street. El Cora is housed in the Westland Mall and owned by David Gonzalez Rendon. Rendon, of Hilliard, was charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Rendon was arrested for allegedly running the operation, where dealers would allegedly buy their heroin at the restaurant and then sell it on the street. The DEA said it believes the restaurant was responsible for much of the area’s heroin trafficking.
Teams of law enforcement agents executed search warrants at 11 Franklin County locations in connection with the investigation. All 18 defendants were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, which is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment.
Seven of the defendants are charged with possession with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin. This crime is punishable by at least 5 and up to 40 years imprisonment. Those seven included Rendon, Diaz, Velaquez, John Doe No. 1, John Doe No. 2, John Doe No. 3 and Silva. Officials said the operation is believed to have made between $5 million and $7 million per year.
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