Sports are the greatest relationship. Our chosen squads provide priceless memories, monumental moments, interludes of exuberance and ecstasy… However, as with any relationship, our chosen squads will also break our hearts…
As I walked the concrete under the glimmer of South Campus Gateway, I feared that with finals concluded and Spring Break beckoning, McFadden’s crowd would resemble pre-New Year’s Eve, when approximately twelve people inhabited the venue… Thankfully, my fears remained unrealized… Both bars were stacked with students, who despite the allure of warmer weather, had remained to cheer their Buckeyes into the second round (hopefully)…
Also remaining in the city (thankfully) was McFadden’s promotions superstar Amy, whose eighteen carat smile was the perfect commencement to the evening… We discussed where I’ve been (apparently, it had been awhile)… St. Patrick’s Day weekend, the crowds, and the 2009 Gossip Awards (she has agreed to be a presenter)… I know mentioned Amy previously… However, I have never done her exquisiteness justice… She is a platinum bunny…
After ten minutes of conversation with Amy, I walked the two flights of stairs into the somewhat relaxed atmosphere of the first half… As the Buckeyes and Siena swapped buckets, neither impressing upon me that either could dominate, the respective sets of eyes lining the bar darted from their conversations to the screen and back… Clearly, they were interested, but the Buckeyes 28-23 halftime edge did not enthrall them…The crowd was also unique in contrast to any previous McFadden’s cluster… As best surmised in the assertion of Lucky Charm Allie (another delicious addition to the Lucky Charms), the majority of the crowd didn’t know what happy hour was… Yes, there were bunnies, an impressive collection of which entered carrying their Coach purses, but there were also hoards you expect at other venues… Marlo Stanfield and a princess… A gaggle of heifers… It was a random evening…
Less random was Ohio State’s stellar commencement to the second half… The Buckeyes ripped off a 15-4 shred, which vaulted them into a 41-30 lead with under fourteen minutes remaining… The crowd’s conversations continued undistracted, only now, the conversations concerned a second round match-up with the Louisville Cardinals… Even when Sienna sliced the lead to 41-34, everyone continued discussing the Cardinals…
Presumption will thwart you every moment… Siena cut the advantage to 41-37, 41-39, and 45-43, but the Buckeyes continued dropping triples at a rate that retained our confidence… As a source informed me that Woody had been fired as McFadden’s lead security person (apparently, it has been awhile since I was there), Siena racked a 6-0 run to knot the contest at 49-49. Evan Turner scored again to reinstate Ohio State’s advantage at 55-51… However, Siena was restored… They dropped a triple to cut the lead to 56-55 and ultimately sent the contest into overtime at 56-56.
Siena continued to own the momentum, rushing to a 60-56 advantage at the outset of the extra session… Fortunately, Jon Diebler buried a triple, B.J. Mullins scored, and Turner dropped a pair of free throws to place Ohio State on the cusp… 60-59 with eight seconds remaining… At this moment, a drunken moron committed the unforgivable sin… “Watch, they’ll throw it in at the buzzer” were his exact words… (Guess what happened)…
After Siena and Turner traded three point trips at the second overtime’s commencement, Turner tallied a pair of free throws to move Ohio State ahead 72-71. Siena then netted a triple to assume a 74-72 lead with nine seconds remaining… The drunken moron could have said anything he wanted… The slipper had been fitted, boxed, and sold… Ohio State’s season was over…
As the inevitable screams came from the DJ of “O-H-I-O” and “F$%# Siena” and the music blared… It took me a moment to surmise the mood of McFadden’s… Then, as I watched the crowd listlessly dance without energy or passion, as I head them make nary a sound when the DJ implored them, I realized… Energy, passion, and sound are difficult to manufacture when your heart is broken…
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
INVITE: Ohio State Women’s Basketball Pep Rally
Commencement: 9:30 a.m.Venue: Frog Bear & Wild Boar (343 N Front Street)
Age Range: Anyone
Special Brunch Menu
Appearances
Brutus Buckeye
Cheerleaders
Pep Band
Special Guests
CPD: Help Us Help You
NBC 4: There have been 16 homicides in Columbus so far in 2009. So far, eight have been solved, but there are still eight more under investigation—and police need your help... “People should know it’s not a personnel issue. It’s not an issue other than time sensitivity and have a successful prosecution as well,“ said Columbus police Sgt. Rich Weiner.
Police also need help from the public to help solve crimes throughout the city. With a 50 percent arrest ratio in 2009, detectives still hope for any leads or evidence that will lead to an arrest for any unsolved homicides. On Jan. 19, a man walked into his home on Oak Street to find his roommate, Gary Lash, shot to death. Police do not have a suspect. The next day on Sofia Court, a woman was found murdered inside her west-side home.
Police have not released details on how it happened, nor have they made an arrest. On Feb. 7, a fight near the campus of The Ohio State University claimed the life of 28-year-old Christian Lodge, who was found with head trauma. Police have made no arrests. “If homicide detectives can’t solve the case, it will then go to our cold case unit and they will take a look at those,“ Weiner said.
Police also need help from the public to help solve crimes throughout the city. With a 50 percent arrest ratio in 2009, detectives still hope for any leads or evidence that will lead to an arrest for any unsolved homicides. On Jan. 19, a man walked into his home on Oak Street to find his roommate, Gary Lash, shot to death. Police do not have a suspect. The next day on Sofia Court, a woman was found murdered inside her west-side home.
Police have not released details on how it happened, nor have they made an arrest. On Feb. 7, a fight near the campus of The Ohio State University claimed the life of 28-year-old Christian Lodge, who was found with head trauma. Police have made no arrests. “If homicide detectives can’t solve the case, it will then go to our cold case unit and they will take a look at those,“ Weiner said.
Mask? Who Needs A Mask?
NBC 4: The 15th bank robbery in Columbus this year involved a man who shunned a mask and instead taped a big bandage across the bridge of his nose. FBI special agent Harry Trombitas said this is called a “distraction technique,” to get witnesses to focus on the bandage instead of facial features.
Just before 4 p.m. the man went into the Fifth Third Bank at 1340 Bethel Road and passed a note to a teller, asking to have a large envelope he passed her filled with money. She saw no weapon but complied with the request, putting in money and a dye-pack. The robber took the money and fled into a small, dark-colored car parked in the lot of the bank.
The robber was described as a black male, in his late 20’s to early 30’s, 5’11”, a large build with short hair, a round face and wearing a dark jacket over a light-colored shirt. He also had on red paints. Anyone with any information is requested to contact the Columbus Police Robbery Squad at 614-645-4665 or the FBI at 614-744-2168.
Just before 4 p.m. the man went into the Fifth Third Bank at 1340 Bethel Road and passed a note to a teller, asking to have a large envelope he passed her filled with money. She saw no weapon but complied with the request, putting in money and a dye-pack. The robber took the money and fled into a small, dark-colored car parked in the lot of the bank.
The robber was described as a black male, in his late 20’s to early 30’s, 5’11”, a large build with short hair, a round face and wearing a dark jacket over a light-colored shirt. He also had on red paints. Anyone with any information is requested to contact the Columbus Police Robbery Squad at 614-645-4665 or the FBI at 614-744-2168.
Taste From the Internet?
10 TV: A group of central Ohio social networkers is going into restaurants, sampling the food and spreading the word to others. Dan Harris is behind TasteCasters. He hopes to have groups across the U.S. by this time next year… "(We) go out and meet each other, and eat and drink," Harris said. "We're combining together to communicate what's available in Columbus."
The group is made of some of the biggest players when it comes to social networking in central Ohio... Through sites like Twitter, Facebook, Flikr, and blogs, Harris' group reaches more than 23,000 people. The first tasting took place earlier this week at the Suisse Shop Bakery.
These days, restaurants seem happy to try something new to get customers in the door… "The word of mouth is better than anything I can do," said Diane Warren of Katzinger's Deli, one of the stops on Harris' tour. "I think if they have a good time tonight, and they learn tonight, not only will they Twitter this, but they will tell their friends and they will bring their friends here. So it's very good for business."
The group is made of some of the biggest players when it comes to social networking in central Ohio... Through sites like Twitter, Facebook, Flikr, and blogs, Harris' group reaches more than 23,000 people. The first tasting took place earlier this week at the Suisse Shop Bakery.
These days, restaurants seem happy to try something new to get customers in the door… "The word of mouth is better than anything I can do," said Diane Warren of Katzinger's Deli, one of the stops on Harris' tour. "I think if they have a good time tonight, and they learn tonight, not only will they Twitter this, but they will tell their friends and they will bring their friends here. So it's very good for business."
INVITE: Sexy Saturdays
Commencement: 10:00Venue: Sugar Bar (525 Park Street)
Mezzanine Drinks (Available 10:30 – 11:30 p.m.)
$1 Top Shelf Drinks
INVITE: Huckleberry House Benefit
Commencement: 9:30
Venue: Ruby Tuesday (1978 Summit Street)
Live Music
Venue: Ruby Tuesday (1978 Summit Street)
Live Music
Quick Read
Amidst Friday’s expected leads, Mark Dann and the murder mistrial, Suzanne Hoholik types an interesting story on the medical student’s match program….
Shawn Mitchell’s profile on Crew Stadium (sports) is exquisite (which is ironic, because you’ve ever sat in Crew Stadium, you know the venue itself isn’t)… The Dispatch’s MLS Preview is outstanding… Unfortunately, Rob Oller’s column on the potential early exit of B.J. Mullins is insipid… The assertions were scattered and even Oller himself said an early exit is unlikely… If it’s unlikely, why write the column?
Shawn Mitchell’s profile on Crew Stadium (sports) is exquisite (which is ironic, because you’ve ever sat in Crew Stadium, you know the venue itself isn’t)… The Dispatch’s MLS Preview is outstanding… Unfortunately, Rob Oller’s column on the potential early exit of B.J. Mullins is insipid… The assertions were scattered and even Oller himself said an early exit is unlikely… If it’s unlikely, why write the column?
Thursday, March 19, 2009
March Madness
Ohio State’s first tournament game since 2007… Are you as ready as we are? Gossip CBUS will twitter live from campus, as the Buckeyes scorch Siena in the first round. We may even have some bonus coverage…
Get out tomorrow night, cheer, drink, and read our tweets… Until we advance, you know you love me…
Get out tomorrow night, cheer, drink, and read our tweets… Until we advance, you know you love me…
Elections Commission Disciplines Dann
NBC 4: Former Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann was ready to respond to allegations that he misused campaign contributions and filed false information. Dann was one of several Democrats swept into office in 2006 after a scandal over state investments sullied Republicans. He resigned last May over a sexual-harassment scandal involving a top aide in his office, Anthony Gutierrez.
Dann sat quietly Thursday as the Ohio Elections Commission listened to hours of testimony regarding the misuse of campaign funds during his time in office. After a four-month investigation, Inspector General Tom Charles said in December that Dann misused campaign funds to make lavish payments to friends and family. He also accused Dann of filing incomplete, inaccurate and false information about his expenditures.
Both Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner and the Inspector General’s office filed formal complaints with the commission late last year, saying Dann used campaign money to finance improvements to his home and personal cell phones among other things. Attorneys for the Secretary of State argued Dann spent more than $40,000 of campaign funds to pay for a state-of-the-art security system in his home, calling the use of funds neither ordinary or necessary for a state officeholder.
Attorneys for SOS also testified Dann used a cell phone for personal reasons without reimbursing the campaign committee. Dann denied all allegations and asked for the case be dismissed. Dann’s attorney Don McTigue said there was no wrongdoing. Dann paid for personal cell use, and campaign funds were used for campaign purposes, McTigue said.
Dann’s attorneys also said Dann thought it was better to pay for upgraded security through campaign funds instead of taxpayers’ monies after threats were made on his life. OEC commissioners found Dann to be in violation of state election law for both the security system and cell-phone use Thursday afternoon.
Commissioners decided Dann was to be penalized with a $1,000 fine and a public reprimand for the security system and a public reprimand only for the cell-phone allegations. These penalties were based only on Brunner’s complaint.
The commissioners will continue the hearing at 2:15 p.m. in regards to the Inspector General’s accusations. The commission declined to send either violation to the county prosecutor.
Dann sat quietly Thursday as the Ohio Elections Commission listened to hours of testimony regarding the misuse of campaign funds during his time in office. After a four-month investigation, Inspector General Tom Charles said in December that Dann misused campaign funds to make lavish payments to friends and family. He also accused Dann of filing incomplete, inaccurate and false information about his expenditures.
Both Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner and the Inspector General’s office filed formal complaints with the commission late last year, saying Dann used campaign money to finance improvements to his home and personal cell phones among other things. Attorneys for the Secretary of State argued Dann spent more than $40,000 of campaign funds to pay for a state-of-the-art security system in his home, calling the use of funds neither ordinary or necessary for a state officeholder.
Attorneys for SOS also testified Dann used a cell phone for personal reasons without reimbursing the campaign committee. Dann denied all allegations and asked for the case be dismissed. Dann’s attorney Don McTigue said there was no wrongdoing. Dann paid for personal cell use, and campaign funds were used for campaign purposes, McTigue said.
Dann’s attorneys also said Dann thought it was better to pay for upgraded security through campaign funds instead of taxpayers’ monies after threats were made on his life. OEC commissioners found Dann to be in violation of state election law for both the security system and cell-phone use Thursday afternoon.
Commissioners decided Dann was to be penalized with a $1,000 fine and a public reprimand for the security system and a public reprimand only for the cell-phone allegations. These penalties were based only on Brunner’s complaint.
The commissioners will continue the hearing at 2:15 p.m. in regards to the Inspector General’s accusations. The commission declined to send either violation to the county prosecutor.
INVITE: Third Friday Dance Party
Commencement: 9:00Venue: Skullys (1151 North High Street)
Age Range: 18 and over
Performances
Dave Espionage
DJ Giovanny
Sketchy Pete
Quick Read
Bill Bush leads Thursday with a story, which after a moment of thought makes perfect sense… Franklin County is expanding (Great neighborhoods, great shopping… Why wouldn’t people want to live here?)…
Mark Ferenchick’s article on parks turning to social networking as a means to campaign for their levy and Barbara Carmen’s piece on the first ball park tour would have been perfect front page Metro pieces… Unfortunately, they are buried on pages B3 and B5…
Bob Hunter (finally) types an entertaining piece (sports) on the NHL playoff chase… And the Dispatch’s NCAA Preview special section is outstanding… Particularly, Bob Baptist’s profile of Jon Diebler and his improvement and Tim May’s profile of Chris and Brett McKnight of Akron…
Mark Ferenchick’s article on parks turning to social networking as a means to campaign for their levy and Barbara Carmen’s piece on the first ball park tour would have been perfect front page Metro pieces… Unfortunately, they are buried on pages B3 and B5…
Bob Hunter (finally) types an entertaining piece (sports) on the NHL playoff chase… And the Dispatch’s NCAA Preview special section is outstanding… Particularly, Bob Baptist’s profile of Jon Diebler and his improvement and Tim May’s profile of Chris and Brett McKnight of Akron…
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
INVITE: End of Quarter Bash
Commencement: 10:00Venue: Sugar Bar (525 Park Street)
Age Range: Male (21 and over); Female (19 and over)
VIP Access: Text (406-3072)
Drinks (Available All Night)
$3 Martinis
$2 Bombs
$1 Wells
What Economic Crisis? The Parks Want Money
NBC 4: The Columbus Metro Parks are putting a levy on the May ballot. It’s a renewal and increase that would help fund new metro parks. Central Ohio has 24,000 acres in 15 metro parks. It’s one of the largest park systems in the state and claims six million visitors a year.
Without a levy, it runs out of money this year. Columbus’ mayor said the parks affect the quality of life and education in the area. “Urban kids don’t have to watch Discovery Channel to understand what nature is all about. They can come right here,” said Mayor Michael Coleman.
Metro Parks officials claim that the levy, even with the extra tenth of a mill, will cost only $23 per $100,000 of valuation. Officials said they plan to use the money for maintenance, to expand educational and senior programs, add more greenway trails, added protection for the Big Darby Watershed and to build three new parks at Little Walnut, along the Scioto River in Grove City and in Plain Township.
“Central Ohio is growing. The economy has obviously slowed down right now, but it’s going to pick back up and we’re going to be growing again and we need to be prepared for that growth,” said John O’Meara, metro parks executive director.
Without the levy, the parks said they will have to make cuts, but they haven’t figured out yet what those cuts will be. “I think the economy is the big issue. We recognize that it’s unfortunate timing, but out levy runs out this year, so we really don’t have any choice,” O’Meara said.
The levy is a ten-year initiative. Officials said that if it passes, you won’t see the metro parks on the ballot again for a decade. But if the levy fails, residents will see it on the ballot again in November.
Without a levy, it runs out of money this year. Columbus’ mayor said the parks affect the quality of life and education in the area. “Urban kids don’t have to watch Discovery Channel to understand what nature is all about. They can come right here,” said Mayor Michael Coleman.
Metro Parks officials claim that the levy, even with the extra tenth of a mill, will cost only $23 per $100,000 of valuation. Officials said they plan to use the money for maintenance, to expand educational and senior programs, add more greenway trails, added protection for the Big Darby Watershed and to build three new parks at Little Walnut, along the Scioto River in Grove City and in Plain Township.
“Central Ohio is growing. The economy has obviously slowed down right now, but it’s going to pick back up and we’re going to be growing again and we need to be prepared for that growth,” said John O’Meara, metro parks executive director.
Without the levy, the parks said they will have to make cuts, but they haven’t figured out yet what those cuts will be. “I think the economy is the big issue. We recognize that it’s unfortunate timing, but out levy runs out this year, so we really don’t have any choice,” O’Meara said.
The levy is a ten-year initiative. Officials said that if it passes, you won’t see the metro parks on the ballot again for a decade. But if the levy fails, residents will see it on the ballot again in November.
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