Ohio State football is a tradition. Akin to any tradition, it transcends generations. Grandfathers educate sons and daughters. Sons and daughters educate grandchildren. Archie Griffin’s acts transition into Eddie George’s exploits transition into Chris Wells’ witnesses.
Woven throughout this afternoon’s tapestry of scarlet and gray were grandparents, parents, siblings, and relatives… Fathers and mothers carried their or walked with hands grasped beside their children, who likely had no comprehension of the ritual they were entering… They were more interested in frolicking among the massive concrete structure, as their parents kept watchful eyes upon them…
The generational companionship was hierarchal; it was not simply adult-adolescent… Collegians walked with their grand parents… Couples sat and spoke with their entire families, immersing themselves in a sacrament, which in certain segments is as or more revered than words, which are spoken inside a church… The clothing may have been similar… The feel of the contest may have been similar… The tradition, now matter how often repeated, is never lost on anyone… This is a day for family…
As for the contest itself, judging the prospective athletes and overall season prospects are always difficult… The spring game is essentially a preseason contest… It’s worse than a preseason contest… The Cleveland Browns don’t divide their roster, mix the first and second squads, and then play before 80,000 (they are terrible before only 40,000)… Gleaning an accurate outlook from the spring game is tantamount to attempting to formulate a column from a five-minute interview with Coach Jim Tressel… You can try… You wont succeed…
One evaluation that was simple and spectacular was Terrelle Pryor… He was as advertised… His first touchdown pass was a scramble induced forty-four yard aerial… His second touchdown pass was a perfectly strewn effort into the hands of Roy Small, who cut inside a man at the ten, splitting three defenders en route to seven points… Pryor wasn’t perfect… His decision-making must improve… However, he exhibited Heisman sparks…
While Pryor’s evaluation was uncomplicated… The other skill player’s evaluations are unclear… Small may be the best receiver, but he isn’t headline material (with his skills…. He is with his drama)… Dane Sazenbacher, DeVier Posey, and Taurian Washington are solid, but unspectacular… Running backs are a much more muddled conversation… I wouldn’t swap a nickel, if someone offered me Dan Herron or Brandon Saine…
Football may be the annual convergence’s motivation… However, the sun soaked afternoon is an entrance and an enjoyment… As I exited Ohio Stadium, I observed a father carrying his daughter… The daughter was dressed in a pink Pryor jersey, but was passed out in her father’s arms… The scene epitomized the afternoon… And it made me want to call my parents…
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Rock & Ritual
Ohio State football and Mindy Hall have zero commonality. One is a grand tradition. One is a momentary megastar. On Saturday, we will twitter them both.
This afternoon, Gossip CBUS will be live from Ohio Stadium. This evening, we will be live from the Frog Bear and Wild Boar. Get out to both events, cheer, read our tweets, and savor this scrumptious weather.
This afternoon, Gossip CBUS will be live from Ohio Stadium. This evening, we will be live from the Frog Bear and Wild Boar. Get out to both events, cheer, read our tweets, and savor this scrumptious weather.
Quick Read
Sports features outstanding spring contest coverage, including a complete rosters page… Rob Oller’s (sports) column on Ohio State’s lack of nationally known players is exemplary… Tom Reed’s (sports) story on the Blue Jackets overplaying Steve Mason is solid, but explains why they overplayed him way to late…
Their Summer, Our Storyline
Whereas winter is simply endured, summer is enjoyed with storylines. Summer may appear as bunnies and bunny chasers consuming outdoor drinks… The storyline is the venue competition… Summer may appear as a crush of people relishing one spectacular event after another… The storyline is the power which is gained and lost as the events commence and conclude…
Ostensibly, Martini and a Makeover was this evening’s subject… The event was respectable… Yes, the heifers outweighed (pun intended) the bunnies and the atmosphere was subdued… However, Lodge Bar once again showcased their promotional genius… No venue in this city concocts more unique events and no venue is better at emphasizing the spirit of those events via decor… Tonight’s balloons and pink martini glasses and tablecloths were simply exquisite…
Tonight’s crowd was excrement… It wasn’t simply the sparse bunny population; it was the complete randomness of those occupying conversations and tables… The movie moron, who actually wore a Ray Finkel t-shirt (yes, that would be from the Ace Ventura movie)… The blitzed bunny, who ultimately performed lewd acts with a piece of furniture… And the plus size, no plus is kind, the gargantuan heifer who was wearing a dress that made me ask one question… Who shot the curtains? The crowd was among the worst I have seen in this city (not in numbers, simply in texture)…
Among the very best of anything I have seen in this city was Lodge Bar Promotions Superstar and bartender Jen Bunny, who stole the evening with her scrumptious curled hair and pink and white striped candy cane clothing ensemble… I know I discuss Crown Princess Kadi frequently and I wouldn’t if she didn’t deserve it… But, Jen Bunny is the category of candy who is worth one’s moments… She is more intricately wrapped… Yet, infinitely sweeter…
While Jen was the preeminent evening visual, the preeminent conversation was Lodge Bar General Manager Pat West… Our chat covered upcoming events, reality stars, why venues act as they act, why venue executives act as they… I’ve said this before, but it absolutely cannot be said enough… Pat is one of the most intelligent people I deal with…
As I walked Vine Street at the conclusion of my evening, I observed the clutches of bunnies and bunny chasers scattered across the sidewalks… What drinks did they consume and what venue profited the most? What events did they hear about and mentally mark on their calendar and who will accrue power as a result?
Ostensibly, Martini and a Makeover was this evening’s subject… The event was respectable… Yes, the heifers outweighed (pun intended) the bunnies and the atmosphere was subdued… However, Lodge Bar once again showcased their promotional genius… No venue in this city concocts more unique events and no venue is better at emphasizing the spirit of those events via decor… Tonight’s balloons and pink martini glasses and tablecloths were simply exquisite…
Tonight’s crowd was excrement… It wasn’t simply the sparse bunny population; it was the complete randomness of those occupying conversations and tables… The movie moron, who actually wore a Ray Finkel t-shirt (yes, that would be from the Ace Ventura movie)… The blitzed bunny, who ultimately performed lewd acts with a piece of furniture… And the plus size, no plus is kind, the gargantuan heifer who was wearing a dress that made me ask one question… Who shot the curtains? The crowd was among the worst I have seen in this city (not in numbers, simply in texture)…
Among the very best of anything I have seen in this city was Lodge Bar Promotions Superstar and bartender Jen Bunny, who stole the evening with her scrumptious curled hair and pink and white striped candy cane clothing ensemble… I know I discuss Crown Princess Kadi frequently and I wouldn’t if she didn’t deserve it… But, Jen Bunny is the category of candy who is worth one’s moments… She is more intricately wrapped… Yet, infinitely sweeter…
While Jen was the preeminent evening visual, the preeminent conversation was Lodge Bar General Manager Pat West… Our chat covered upcoming events, reality stars, why venues act as they act, why venue executives act as they… I’ve said this before, but it absolutely cannot be said enough… Pat is one of the most intelligent people I deal with…
As I walked Vine Street at the conclusion of my evening, I observed the clutches of bunnies and bunny chasers scattered across the sidewalks… What drinks did they consume and what venue profited the most? What events did they hear about and mentally mark on their calendar and who will accrue power as a result?
Always Live
Upon my arrival at Park Street Patio, the entrance was crushed. Other venues were scarcely able to acquire an indoor crowd by 10:00. Park Street Patio had three dozen people outside waiting to matriculate indoors… Watching them wait were Co-Owners Chris Corso and Brian Swanson, who stood in the open air marveling at their success…
Standing inside Park Street Patio was Promotions Superstar Randy Haffey, who was also satisfied with the visual. We discussed the crowd for a moment (and only for a moment, as I truly had no comprehension of it’s size) and then our conversation redirected into the Park Street Festival, which will occur June 12-13. Activities will include a Bike Fest, the Kid’s Fair, and A Taste of the North Market. Candlebox, Dot Dot Dot, Downplay, Lovesick Radio, Saving Jane, the 17th Floor, and the Bourban Kings will perform.
When Haffey and I’s conversation concluded, I traversed toward the open air. From the backstairs of Park Street Patio, I witnessed an unimaginable scene. The venue was crushed. Every chair and table were occupied and three dozen conversations were occurring in the walkways (seemingly all in front of me)… It took me twenty minutes to walk from the stairs to the exit, where I encountered Corso again… Our thoughts were synchronized… Officially, it’s bunny season…
Standing inside Park Street Patio was Promotions Superstar Randy Haffey, who was also satisfied with the visual. We discussed the crowd for a moment (and only for a moment, as I truly had no comprehension of it’s size) and then our conversation redirected into the Park Street Festival, which will occur June 12-13. Activities will include a Bike Fest, the Kid’s Fair, and A Taste of the North Market. Candlebox, Dot Dot Dot, Downplay, Lovesick Radio, Saving Jane, the 17th Floor, and the Bourban Kings will perform.
When Haffey and I’s conversation concluded, I traversed toward the open air. From the backstairs of Park Street Patio, I witnessed an unimaginable scene. The venue was crushed. Every chair and table were occupied and three dozen conversations were occurring in the walkways (seemingly all in front of me)… It took me twenty minutes to walk from the stairs to the exit, where I encountered Corso again… Our thoughts were synchronized… Officially, it’s bunny season…
Always Live
I know I have said this previously…. However, DJ Legend has skills… His marquee moment, and one of the most brilliant exhibitions I have ever witnessed, was a without hesitation intermix of “Sugar” and “Blue,” the latter serving as the foundation for the former’s baseline…
Amidst his masterful mixing, DJ Legend and I discussed this city’s mammoth size and minimalist mentality… We also discussed the 2009 Gossip Awards, which might just include a very special performance (can anyone say Scratch Pack)…
Amidst his masterful mixing, DJ Legend and I discussed this city’s mammoth size and minimalist mentality… We also discussed the 2009 Gossip Awards, which might just include a very special performance (can anyone say Scratch Pack)…
Friday, April 24, 2009
INVITE: Mindy Hall
Commencement: 10:00Venue: Frog Bear & Wild Boar (343 N Front Street)
Cost: $10 (regular); $20 (v.i.p.)
Reservations: Frog Bear Bar
Appearance
Mindy Hall (Rock of Love Bus)
Performances
Radio Tokyo
DJ Bombay
INVITE: Toga Party
Commencement: 9:00Venue: McFadden’s (South Campus)
Toga Contest ($50 Tab Prize)
Drinks (Available All Night)
$5 Hairy Buffalo Mugs
$3 Domestic Mugs
Appearances
Cohutta (Real World & The Duel II)
Jenn (Real World & The Duel II)
Sponsor
Blitz Marketing
INVITE: Sexy Saturdays
Commencement: 10:00Venue: Sugar Bar (525 Park Street)
VIP Access: Text (406-3072)
Mezzanine Drinks (Available 10:30 – 11:30 p.m.)
$1 Top Shelf Drinks
Lockdown Produces Pair of Arrests
10 TV: A local high school was placed on a level 2 lockdown Friday afternoon after reports of a firearm at the school. Whetstone High School, 4405 Scenic Dr., Columbus, went on lockdown shortly after noon. The lockdown was lifted at about 2:20 p.m.
CPD confirmed two students were taken into custody and one firearm was removed from the school’s property. The students taken into custody were both males in their junior year. Officials said one of the students brought a firearm to the school.
Apparently, when word got out about a gun in the building, the first student gave the firearm to the second student who later was arrested at a COTA bus stop on High Street, according to officials.
The 18-year-old students both were arrested on felony charges, and school expulsion proceedings were scheduled, officials said. The student body was allowed to leave the building at the end of their school day.
A level 2 lockdown means that students are stay to in the classrooms where they were in when lockdown began. They will not change classes. The students’ identities were not released, and no more information was available immediately.
CPD confirmed two students were taken into custody and one firearm was removed from the school’s property. The students taken into custody were both males in their junior year. Officials said one of the students brought a firearm to the school.
Apparently, when word got out about a gun in the building, the first student gave the firearm to the second student who later was arrested at a COTA bus stop on High Street, according to officials.
The 18-year-old students both were arrested on felony charges, and school expulsion proceedings were scheduled, officials said. The student body was allowed to leave the building at the end of their school day.
A level 2 lockdown means that students are stay to in the classrooms where they were in when lockdown began. They will not change classes. The students’ identities were not released, and no more information was available immediately.
Quick Read
Bob Hunter (front page) and Michael Arace (sports) type similar columns… Their point? Last night may have been a loss, but no shame exists in losing to the defending champions… Aaron Portzline (sports) also contributes a solid column, although his wrap omitted some of the excitement, in favor of focusing on the penalty…
Robert Vitale’s (front page) story on Mayor Michael Coleman’s budget reconciliation plan, which sounds more like a prayer than a plan, is excellent…
Robert Vitale’s (front page) story on Mayor Michael Coleman’s budget reconciliation plan, which sounds more like a prayer than a plan, is excellent…
Red Wings & Broom
In Wall Street, Lou Mannheim addresses Bud Fox, who is on the brink of complete annihilation… “Man looks into the abyss, there’s nothing staring back at him,” says Mannheim. “At that moment, man finds his character. And that is what keeps him out of the abyss.”
Despite a 3-0 series deficit, the Blue Jackets’ support remained visible. From the Frog Bear and Wild Boar to R Bar, the bricks were crushed. The atmosphere was carnival. Alcohol and chants… Face painters and mimes… Hot dogs and scalpers… The menagerie equaled, potentially the only entity to ever equal, an Ohio State football contest…
The first period equaled it’s three predecessors… Despite an opening faceoff victory and an outstanding energy which permeated the telecast, the Red Wings, courtesy of Nicklas Lidstrom, recorded the opening salvo. Kristian Huselius countered ticks subsequent… However, Tomas Holmstrom and Dan Cleary mirrored the manner with which the Red Wings won the opening three contests… After twenty minutes, the score was a familiar 3-1.
Although the Blue Jackets commencement was expected, the first period’s conversations were memorable… A Frog Bear and Wild Boar employee compared the Red Wings to a schoolyard bully, who took advantage of a weaker opponent (third graders and playoff squads… similarity anywhere?)…. DJ Nohbody and I discussed Cock Diesel, which it turns out, was his creation… And a Red Wings fan provided insight and intelligence on how this version compares with previous championship versions (at this point, I was assuming they compared well)…
Upon my arrival at R Bar, I encountered Frog Bear and Wild Boar Promotions Superstar Jeff, who was present in this venue (and not his own) for the purpose of coalition collaboration… We spoke for five minutes about the epic pre-game and this weekend… Then, Jeff returned to his collaboration (which he wouldn’t detail subsequently) and I returned, as the Blue Jackets returned, to the second period…
And said return was superb… One minute and forty-four seconds into the frame, Rick Nash, the captain and cornerstone of this stellar season, finally registered a goal to cut the score to 3-2. R.J. Umberger, the cornerstone of this series, then completed a gorgeous rush and knotted the contest. It was as if the Blue Jackets had, prior to the period, stared into the abyss and realized they still had character…
Unfortunately, the abyss returned fire… Marian Hossa, who finished last season losing to the Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals (you know what they say… if you can’t beat them…), reestablished the champion’s advantage at 4-3. Four and a half minutes later, he registered a second score to place the Red Wings ahead 5-3. It was if the Red Wings had realized that their opponents would have to be bludgeoned into submission…
Just as it appeared that the Red Wings would vanish, Kris Russell drew the home team to within 5-4. The implausible then occurred as Fredrik Modin capped the Blue Jackets third comeback with a backhand, which knotted the contest at 5-5. These were the Blue Jackets this city expected… Feisty and without fear…
The third period, which was split between the Frog Bear and Wild Boar and R Bar, was what one expects when they view a Stanley Cup playoff contest… The intensity was remarkable… Every shot snatched the viewer’s breath… Every save restored respiration… The period spent nineteen minutes and twelve seconds epitomizing why hockey fans rearrange commitments around this stretch of the season…
And then the seemingly inevitable occurred… The Blue Jackets were whistled for two many men on the ice… A correct call within the rules… An inconceivable call within the hearts and minds of a victory starved city… Johan Franzen snuck through, where a fifth player would have been, and within one second, concluded the contest (6-5) and the series (4-0).
The emotions ranged from acceptance to anger to sincerity to shock… R Bar Co-Owner Natalie Darr appeared heart broken… Several Blue Jacket fans cursed the penalty… Other fans congratulated Red Wings fans on an outstanding series… Still others waxed optimistic about next season and the potential to improve…
Ultimately, as fans and patrons and streamed into venues, consumed food and shots, there was an acceptance atmosphere… Acceptance not only of the sweep they had just endured… But, also an acceptance of what they had witnessed over the three prior hours… That hope, is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies…
Despite a 3-0 series deficit, the Blue Jackets’ support remained visible. From the Frog Bear and Wild Boar to R Bar, the bricks were crushed. The atmosphere was carnival. Alcohol and chants… Face painters and mimes… Hot dogs and scalpers… The menagerie equaled, potentially the only entity to ever equal, an Ohio State football contest…
The first period equaled it’s three predecessors… Despite an opening faceoff victory and an outstanding energy which permeated the telecast, the Red Wings, courtesy of Nicklas Lidstrom, recorded the opening salvo. Kristian Huselius countered ticks subsequent… However, Tomas Holmstrom and Dan Cleary mirrored the manner with which the Red Wings won the opening three contests… After twenty minutes, the score was a familiar 3-1.
Although the Blue Jackets commencement was expected, the first period’s conversations were memorable… A Frog Bear and Wild Boar employee compared the Red Wings to a schoolyard bully, who took advantage of a weaker opponent (third graders and playoff squads… similarity anywhere?)…. DJ Nohbody and I discussed Cock Diesel, which it turns out, was his creation… And a Red Wings fan provided insight and intelligence on how this version compares with previous championship versions (at this point, I was assuming they compared well)…
Upon my arrival at R Bar, I encountered Frog Bear and Wild Boar Promotions Superstar Jeff, who was present in this venue (and not his own) for the purpose of coalition collaboration… We spoke for five minutes about the epic pre-game and this weekend… Then, Jeff returned to his collaboration (which he wouldn’t detail subsequently) and I returned, as the Blue Jackets returned, to the second period…
And said return was superb… One minute and forty-four seconds into the frame, Rick Nash, the captain and cornerstone of this stellar season, finally registered a goal to cut the score to 3-2. R.J. Umberger, the cornerstone of this series, then completed a gorgeous rush and knotted the contest. It was as if the Blue Jackets had, prior to the period, stared into the abyss and realized they still had character…
Unfortunately, the abyss returned fire… Marian Hossa, who finished last season losing to the Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals (you know what they say… if you can’t beat them…), reestablished the champion’s advantage at 4-3. Four and a half minutes later, he registered a second score to place the Red Wings ahead 5-3. It was if the Red Wings had realized that their opponents would have to be bludgeoned into submission…
Just as it appeared that the Red Wings would vanish, Kris Russell drew the home team to within 5-4. The implausible then occurred as Fredrik Modin capped the Blue Jackets third comeback with a backhand, which knotted the contest at 5-5. These were the Blue Jackets this city expected… Feisty and without fear…
The third period, which was split between the Frog Bear and Wild Boar and R Bar, was what one expects when they view a Stanley Cup playoff contest… The intensity was remarkable… Every shot snatched the viewer’s breath… Every save restored respiration… The period spent nineteen minutes and twelve seconds epitomizing why hockey fans rearrange commitments around this stretch of the season…
And then the seemingly inevitable occurred… The Blue Jackets were whistled for two many men on the ice… A correct call within the rules… An inconceivable call within the hearts and minds of a victory starved city… Johan Franzen snuck through, where a fifth player would have been, and within one second, concluded the contest (6-5) and the series (4-0).
The emotions ranged from acceptance to anger to sincerity to shock… R Bar Co-Owner Natalie Darr appeared heart broken… Several Blue Jacket fans cursed the penalty… Other fans congratulated Red Wings fans on an outstanding series… Still others waxed optimistic about next season and the potential to improve…
Ultimately, as fans and patrons and streamed into venues, consumed food and shots, there was an acceptance atmosphere… Acceptance not only of the sweep they had just endured… But, also an acceptance of what they had witnessed over the three prior hours… That hope, is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies…
Always Live
If one thought Gonzo’s return to Sugar Bar was triumphant, his return to Lodge Bar could only be labeled titanic… The crowd (which we will return to in a moment) was spectacular and Gonzo’s artistry was stellar… I know several mixers… I admire them… But, I am amazed by Gonzo… His talent is infinite…
And on this evening, the crowd appeared infinite as well… From my perch upon the stage, I viewed a besieged bar area and a drowned dance floor… The reservoir of people was incessant… The reservoir of bunnies was imperfect… However, the most important bunny, Crown Princess Kadi, was present, dancing and grinding, showcasing her eighteen carat smile and her thirty-six carat personality…
I could gush about Kadi for the rest of this column… However, the evening’s real superstar was Assistant General Manager Trevor Day… In four months, he has transformed Lodge Bar’s Thursday evening from sidelight to spectacle… Lodge Bar is now the unquestioned Thursday night champion…
And on this evening, the crowd appeared infinite as well… From my perch upon the stage, I viewed a besieged bar area and a drowned dance floor… The reservoir of people was incessant… The reservoir of bunnies was imperfect… However, the most important bunny, Crown Princess Kadi, was present, dancing and grinding, showcasing her eighteen carat smile and her thirty-six carat personality…
I could gush about Kadi for the rest of this column… However, the evening’s real superstar was Assistant General Manager Trevor Day… In four months, he has transformed Lodge Bar’s Thursday evening from sidelight to spectacle… Lodge Bar is now the unquestioned Thursday night champion…
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