You don’t know me. We’ve never met, though we have some connections in a Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon kinda way. But if you ever read this, I hope you’ll receive it as both the thoughts of a writer and the support of a fan.
Because I am indeed a big fan of yours, Crystal. I was dragged kicking and screaming into watching “American Idol” by the 92.5 KISS FM Andrew Z Show (they needed a correspondent), and when it’s on I usually wish I was doing something else.
Unless you’re performing. Your sheer talent breaks through any cynicism I have about the show.
When you take the stage, it is yours. All the audience can do is sit there in awe at how easy you make it look. Surrounded by phony Hollywood glitz and glamour, you shine brightest because your ability is genuine. It’s not a mirage of marketing and hype.
You are the real deal.
That’s why it saddened me when a report came from TMZ which stated you had almost quit the show.
According to the story, only the timely intervention of host Ryan Seacrest convinced you to stay.
Naturally, the FOX Network offered no comment, but your post on “Idol’s” Facebook page seemed to indicate that there was indeed doubt in your mind about continuing. How close you came to actually walking out, we’ll probably never know.
If you did think about leaving, I can understand why. Imagine the pressure you must be under. No matter how seasoned a performer is, no one’s ready to be thrown straight from playing small clubs into playing before millions. You’re dealing with sudden fame, dealing with separation from your son and dealing with the expectations of the world on your shoulders.
The temptation to just get away from it all must be there for everyone.
So, if you were to quit, a big part of me would actually sympathize.
But I really hope you don’t.
Part of my desire to see you continue is selfish, I admit. I already find “Idol” pretty insufferable, and if you left, the talent pool would dry up quicker than a river bed in the Sahara Desert.
But I also hope you stay for what it can mean for your future. As Carlos Diaz has said on Andrew Z’s show, you have already won this competition. Even if the fickle (and often clueless) American public votes you out before the end, you’ve proven yourself a great artist and performer. You have an incredibly bright future ahead.
If you leave, though, it may end up following you in ways you can’t anticipate. That same fickle public might view you as a “quitter,” passing judgment on a situation they don’t even bother to understand. And that may end up hurting the options you have in the days after the show is done. It’s unfair and it sucks, but it’s the way the public (and the entertainment business) can be.
Whatever choice you make, however, must be made by you, and for you. All these concerns are secondary to what this means for you as a person. How has this experience made you feel?
Maybe you’re finding that fame isn’t nearly as fun as they say. Maybe the machinery of a pop music factory like “Idol” is stifling a truly creative and unique artist like yourself.
Maybe you’d trade all the standing ovations you’ve received just to hug your son again.
You’ve made it clear in your time on the show that you have the ability to be an amazing artist in the years to come. As an admirer of your performances, I hope you remain there so that you can reap the rewards your talent can bring.
But only if it is what is best for you as a person, too. Make the best choice for your life and your family.
Whatever that choice is, any true fan of yours will still support you.
And no matter what, thank you for sharing your talent with the world. You have made all of us in Ohio proud, every step of the way. Win, lose or draw, you’ll always be our idol.
Sincerely,
Jeff McGinnis

E-mail Jeff at PopGoesJeff@gmail.com.

The House of Adonis Dance Organization and R&B sensation Tracy are worth their weight in gold. These unique acts have expanded their minds beyond the limits of Toledo and are taking the necessary steps to create a nationwide brand.
Beginning in 1995 as a constructive outlet for youth, the House of Adonis is becoming a household name. They are becoming a fixture on television, having been televised on FOX Toledo, WTOL 11 BET’s 106 & Park’s Wild Out Wednesday, and plenty more. Program Coordinator Shawanda Johnson demands excellence, and the integrity of the House is not to be questioned or compromised. But when the potential to make history is on the line, why would it be?
Another familiar face is that of Toledo singer Tracy, who began in a group of five, and since branching out on his own has created a signature look, sound and craftsmanship. From writing and producing his own music, to hearing his songs on the radio, Tracy’s star is only beginning to shine. That is not to say he hasn’t had success; he has been featured on “Toledo Idol,” is in demand as a producer and artist on several musicians’ projects, including rap legend Too Short, and has performed all across Ohio and the Midwest. Tracy cannot walk through any public area without someone recognizing him and, if they’re not intimidated, asking for a picture or a conversation. All of this, and there is not an arrogant bone in Tracy’s body. When asked what is most important to him, a record deal or being rich, he said, “making sure my two daughters are taken care of.”
New York is roughly nine hours from Toledo, yet sadly many have only dreamt about the bright lights and fast-paced city. But the House of Adonis and Tracy not only made the dream of going to New York a reality, they went and made their mark.
House of Adonis has been to the Big Apple several times, first appearing on 106 & Park’s Wild Out Wednesday, and again April 11 to audition for the world famous Apollo in Harlem, where they were selected for competition, and will go back to fight for first place May 26.
After being selected for the second round of competition for comedian and radio personality Steve Harvey’s Radio Star contest, Tracy headed to New York for the Apollo as well, and though he does not have a set date as to when he will be competing, the outlook is as bright as the sun in the middle of August.
Every year, Steve Harvey hosts the Hoodie Awards in Los Angeles, recognizing outstanding urban businesses, and gives an unsigned R&B artist the chance to perform at the venue. The competition is fierce, but Tracy has made it to the second round, singing acapella and impressing the judge, and enough people to vote him to the next level. If he wins, not only will he be performing for an audience of prominent businesspeople, he will receive $10,000 and a record deal with Island Def Jam. That being said, when the next round of competition begins, Toledo must come together to support our talent.
Besides from watching the House of Adonis on the Apollo, they have other performances coming up. Friday, April 23rd, they are special guests at University of Toledo’s Dance Team Concert, and will be heading back to New York May 29th to compete for MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew Worldwide Tour. Tracy has two upcoming shows; Friday in Findlay and Saturday in Sandusky, opening up for platinum artist Lil’ Flip. But the most important thing to Tracy and the House is making sure they never forget from where they come.
The House of Adonis is more than a group of dancers. They distribute books, clothing, offer social services, and anything else they can do to make sure Toledoans have things a little bit easier.

It is often said that there is nothing to do in Toledo, and if that is truly the case, these two powerhouses have found the alternative- making their mark in Lucas County, then expanding fearlessly. From community services to making remarkable talent look effortless, Shawnada, Will, Matthew, Montre and the other members of House of Adonis, and the one-man band Tracy are names no one will, or want, to forget.

Last week we discussed “dishonest dealings” in business, and before the week was out accusations had been made against the world’s preeminent investment bank — Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) — and one of the world’s most influential investors, John Paulson, the president of hedge fund firm Paulson & Co., who made substantial bets against real estate several years ago and raked in billions when the floor finally fell through.
While Paulson has been lucky enough to escape charges (so far), Goldman Sachs has officially been charged by the SEC with securities fraud, a crime that could cripple the firm or bring it down entirely.
Of course, Goldman Sachs has been the center of much criticism for several years as it has risen to prominence, often through means that would be considered less than honorable. It has also been popular among conspiracy theorists, who note that Goldman has been tied in with Treasury officials in every administration in the past several decades.
In fact, two Treasury Secretaries since Bill Clinton have been former heads of Goldman: Robert Rubin (Clinton) and Henry Paulson (George W. Bush). This fact frequently made headlines in 2008 when Henry Paulson (no relation to John) helped to engineer the Wall Street bailout that helped his ol’ banking buddies, including his former employer.
(Henry Paulson and his cohorts were covered in greater detail in “The Biggest Heist in History,” which was written in January.)
Now, with headlines making the world news, it is almost unnecessary for the SEC to prove the charges leveled against Goldman, who has already been convicted in the court of public opinion, as has John Paulson. Meanwhile, the worry has just begun for a good deal of Wall Street firms, who are likely to be the next focus for SEC investigators.
What remains to be seen is just how this is going to affect the general public. It’s important to understand that a good deal of pension funds and public retirement systems are plugged in with Goldman, if not Paulson, in one way or another. Many investors are now learning that when they all took losses in 2008, those losses were due in no small part to fraud on the part of some of the big investment houses.
As a firm, Goldman’s influence webs out across the globe, permeating nearly every aspect of the world economy, and more importantly the financial markets. With a market capitalization of nearly $100 billion, and net tangible assets numbering more than $1 trillion, Goldman’s operations rival a good deal of the world’s governments.
The charges facing the firm and the difficulties Goldman will face in repairing its credibility and rebuilding its business, once the storm passes, are akin to Russia or Argentina defaulting on government debt, or the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990.
The impact of Goldman Sachs’ indictment and John Paulson’s apparent complicity in criminal behavior are just beginning to be felt around the world. Since the news was released late last week, Goldman Sachs stock has fallen nearly 15 percent.
Meanwhile, the hype surrounding Goldman’s illicit activity (read: dishonest dealings) is just what Washington needs to urge its next pet project to followup health care — financial reform. While the stories continue to come out on Goldman, Paulson, et al, don’t look for things to calm down on Wall Street — or Pennsylvania Avenue — anytime soon.

Dock David Treece is a stockbroker licensed with FINRA. He works for Treece Financial Services Corp. and also serves as editor of the financial news site Green Faucet and as a business commentator for Toledo Free Press. The above information is the express opinion of Dock David Treece and should not be construed as investment advice or used without outside verification.

The balmy spring air that wafted in through the open front door at Bozarts Fine Art and Music Gallery on South St. Clair almost matched the affable and contagious optimism that owner Jerry Gray exudes when talking about his goals for the site.
“We hope to be much more than just another place where paintings hang on the wall,” he said.  “Ideally we will be a catalyst for greater awareness of the arts in Northwest Ohio, and our presence has already helped bring the work of dozens of visual and musical artists to a wider audience.”
Gray is an atypical gallery owner, and this is not just reflected in the roughhewn and sparse aesthetics of the building. He lives on site in a small apartment carved out of the space with his 5-year-old German shepherd Jobo, and to help defray expenses he works as a bartender at nearby taverns.

Jerry Gray

“Bozarts is really my life,” he said.  “Everything I earn, I pour right back into the place.”
Passersby might mistake the unassuming building for a more mundane use; among the more recent tenants at 151 S. St. Clair was a towing service. The building that houses the gallery was constructed in 1910, and the place also housed a cement mixing facility in the early 20th century.  Gray said the 10,000 square foot structure required a significant amount of renovations before Bozarts hosted its first show in July 2009.
“This is a crazy old building, and I’d have to describe it as a work in progress itself,” he said, pointing out odd angles in the structure’s beams and joists. “When we moved in there was just screwed-in sheets of plexiglas covering the window openings, and we had to add a bathroom, replace doors, hang drywall, paint everything and tuck-point the brickwork inside the place.”
Bozarts is pronounced with a hard Z sound and spelled like what Gray called “an American bastardization” of the French architectural style beaux arts. In the past year the gallery has hosted a wide variety of shows, some featuring solo artists and others that were group showings. The gallery’s recent “Works” production in February utilized an unusual format.
“For three weeks in January a dozen artists worked on site to create pieces for the show,” he said, adding that the gallery relies largely on word-of-mouth and online social media for exposure.  “In total we exhibited over 150 pieces to a crowd of hundreds of people who trudged out here on a Friday night in February with over five inches of snow.”
Gray, who is a native of the small town of Delta, has been a fixture in the Toledo arts scene since 2000, and he spent several years living and working at the Collingwood Arts Center.  He also operates an art studio and production facility called Quest for Fire in the Downtown Secor Building with local artist and producer Kerry Krow.
Gray sees Bozarts as a “logical extension” of his concurrent work with Krow.
“Though I did not necessarily realize it at the time, everything I have been doing the past decade has been working toward a site like this,” he said.  “Ideally we want to expand Bozarts to include a storefront area so that we can further help artists find audiences and aficionados for their work.”
Among the factors that separate Bozarts from other area galleries, said Gray, is that the site is “an artist’s gallery.”
“By that I mean that artists are invited to take control of and essentially create the space in which their pieces are displayed,” he said. “They have a great deal of control over the lighting, the music, the ambience and even the food at the showing – we had vegan artists bring food that reflected both their philosophical and artistic aims.”
Gray said that while Bozarts does not keep regular hours, the gallery is always available for showings by appointment. In addition, Bozarts hosts showings that run two to three weeks in length.
“A lot is dependent upon the schedules of the individual artists,” he said, adding that many artists work “regular jobs” to underwrite their work.  “We also open up for selected events in the area, like the Arts Commission’s ‘Gallery Loop’ and when there are other occasions when a crowd is likely to be nearby.”
The next major exhibition that is scheduled for Bozarts is titled “The Bald and the Beautiful,” which opens May 7 from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.  The show features the works of local artists Michael Ziegler and Luke Ellison. Gray expressed a great deal of enthusiasm for the upcoming exhibition.
“This is going to be a really fun kind of show, definitely not the sort of stuffy elitist exhibition people sometimes think when they hear the word ‘showing’,” he said. “I think people will be amazed at the excellent work that is being created almost in their own backyards.”
Gray, whose own work revolves around mixed media pieces, said that he works with a “fairly large” circle of musical and visual artists in his quest to bring to light local talent.
“So far I have mostly been working with people I have known for a long time and who I trust,” he said, adding that financial arrangements between gallery and artists have been on a “relatively informal” basis. “People who might be interested in what we do should just stop by a show and get a feel for what Bozarts is about.”

Bozarts Fine Art and Music Gallery is located at 151 South St. Clair in Toledo’s Warehouse District.  For more information about upcoming shows or to arrange a private viewing, contact Jerry Gray at (419) 464-5785.

Stret Cred by Jerry Gray

Every time I have busked or performed publicly without permission it was … shhh … illegal. Not because it wasn’t permitted; I just didn’t know (or care) how to go about it legally or how inexpensive it was to do. I don’t think anyone does or maybe it’s simply just not part of our community so it’s not even considered by the vast majority of talent, who may be able to take advantage of a great tradition.
The following information will lay out how to obtain a Street Performers License and some of  the laws regarding public performance under Toledo Municipal Code 757. To obtain a Toledo Street Performers license, simply go to the 20th floor, suite 2000 of One Government Center with $20 and request a street performer application.
Fill out the form, pay the fee and pose for a quick picture and the city will issue a photo ID license, which will need to be visible during performances. The license will be valid from the date of purchase until Dec. 31 of the year purchased and can be renewed for a $5 charge. Permits are non-transferable and remain the property of the city. Once issued the permit, the performer will also be issued a copy of rules and regulations. There are no age requirements (Hey! Toledo School of the Arts), however minors need written consent signed by the parent, guardian or custodian. Others rules include every member of a performance group must have a permit and perhaps most importantly, performers are able to accept contributions of money or property in any receptacle along with a manageable list of others.
Performers are permitted to work in a number of areas, some of which surprised me a little. Also included are working hours and other interesting information I wasn’t expecting. Performances are permitted in public except those excluded by city council or the director of police operations. Notarized written permission is needed, signed by the property owner or property manager, for performing on private property such as a mall, plaza or courtyard of a building, unless they are present and consenting.
Also, performances are allowed outside of Downtown at public festivals or events with or without the consent of the festival sponsor by being granted permission by the director of natural resources (as far as I can tell).
One of the most compelling points in chapter 757 is 757.21, which states the mayor is authorized and directed to adopt and promulgate (promote) rules as he deems necessary for the regulation of performances defined in the chapter. Which seems to mean he could, perhaps by simple decree, promote and really open this idea up to neighborhoods or districts such as Uptown, Warehouse, Downtown, The Arts District, The Live Work Create District, Old West End, Erie Street Market, Promenade Park, River Walk, The Avenue of the Arts or any number of businesses, neighborhoods and communities who could rekindle a romance with a cultural classic.
I would personally be excited and would love to see street performers, whether they’re poets, painters, musicians or even scary clowns of some sort, out and about in the streets of Downtown Toledo. From my time spent in San Francisco I came to the conclusion that I would no longer give change or money to panhandlers, in part from the sheer volume of them. The only folks I would contribute to are the performers or artists who offer something of themselves to the public. The lack of street performers has unfortunately saved me a lot of money and fond memories here in Toledo over the last several years.
I’ve had the fortunate opportunity to get to know and  befriend perhaps the most prolific street performer Toledo has seen in generations, John Roundcity. We have known each other for a number of years and followed one another’s position and movement throughout our perspective paths. We sat down  and discussed some of his stories, philosophies and matters of the fact regarding busking in Toledo and around the country.
“I first started out of necessity in ’99 in Berkeley Calif., because I had no home, I was traveling and I was flat broke,” Roundcity said.
Shortly following, he busked throughout Oakland, Santa Barbara and San Diego before returning to Toledo later in 1999. He then found his spot outside the Subway at Jefferson and Superior, where he spent a couple of years regularly performing often late night during bar hours. Roundcity moved to Columbus in 2001, where he continued to busk in Columbus and neighboring towns and cities.
“It wasn’t until I made it to New York City in 2004 when I really got the bug,” he said.

John Roundcity

In NYC, Roundcity would find suitable spots in parks and subway platforms as street performing became an everyday routine. From there, Roundcity traveled and performed all across the country, finding cozy seats and receptive crowds in places such as Chicago, Clarksdale, Ark., Cleveland, Detroit, Windsor, Toronto, New Orleans, Nashville, throughout Florida, the Bahamas and up to Talkeetna Alaska, to name a few.
“I just enjoy being on the ground level, with the people on the streets. Those are my favorite places.”  Roundcity said.
I asked him what he thought some of the pros and cons of issuing permits and having a larger busker presence in a city like Toledo could be.
“The pros of licensing are, I guess, the fact that the law recognizes that you are legit and have been approved by a higher authority,” he said. “Having a license cuts out interference from that one cop who is having a bad day and from what I’ve seen, a license in cities like New Orleans and NYC is always helpful. Police will still push ya along but they can’t arrest you. I have never had problems with the police as far as getting arrested, permit or not they just shuffle you along and you go find another spot to play.
“Cons of licensing are pretty much the fact that it should be a choice of the performer. Its a free country, so they say, so having to obtain a license to do what you love in public and to make people happy is very silly to me.”
During our conversation. the topic comes full circle to the larger spectrum (Mr. Mayor and the powers that be).
“I believe more street performers and artists on the streets of Toledo, might bring more people out to local businesses, because there is something else out there to enjoy,” Roundcity said, and I agree 100 percent. Promotion of citywide or district and businesses to allow and encourage through goods or services (a meal perhaps) street performers a location to share their skills, could be very rewarding, given the right setting.
I believe, if the city and the community desire such evident and immediate reversal of perception of what Downtown is and has to offer, simple gestures of goodwill and open invitation could go a long way. Some cities and small towns are known for and receive heavy traffic for their reputation of murals and other public works of art, for example the Toledo Museum of Art. It seems to me that for a city with such an intimate understanding, that there is yet something missing, and it could openly receive the imagination of performers creating something where there is nothing.
All it takes is permission, an invite and maybe a permit. I invite anyone who has the will and energy (perhaps a student) to create and maintain a Facebook page or Web site based on connecting Toledo street performers with local beautiful businesses … I will personally promote the crap out of it … yup, you heard me, squeezing all the promotional crap right out of it. You have my word. Sincere. O

Jerry Gray is an artist, writer, vocalist, bartender, gallery owner and advocate of the Toledo Potential, including the retaining and featuring of artistic talent and culture in our city.

Brides and grooms are pledging their love to one another and they are making a commitment to the Earth by planning and hosting a “green” wedding. Here are a few simple steps that can make a huge impact on the environment.
The Fifth C
Cut, color, clarity, carat and conflict-free. As you are in search for the perfect ring, be sure to check if the diamonds are lab-created and not conflict-free.
Otherwise known as blood diamonds, these precious stones are mined in war zones, where miners are subject to human rights abuses. Make the ring even more meaningful by recycling gold or other metals.
Or go vintage altogether with Grandma’s heirloom or a unique find.
Support local farmers
Dazzle your guests with earth-friendly papers and invitations. Choose non-chlorinated papers with 30 percent post-consumer waste and print with vegetable based ink.
Greg Shapiro, president of Toledo-based printing and graphics company, H.O.T. Printing & Graphics said, “Being green has just as much to do with the papers as its does the inks.” In fueling the demand to be green and support the U.S. farming economy, Shapiro said, “We have converted to 100 percent soy based inks.” H.O.T. Graphics uses a non-toxic soy bean ink made from soy bean oil, which is commonly found foods such as salad dressing.
Recycled retail
For your “something barrowed” and “something old” wear a vintage gown, or ask to wear your sister’s dress. If their style doesn’t suit you, there are many resources to buy gently used designer gowns online and at local resale shops like Dream Designs Bridal Outlet in Sylvania. But if you do go for “something new,” consider earth conscious fabrics such as hemp silk, peace-silk organza, and satin-face cotton from designers like Wai-Ching and Annatarian Eco-Couture.
Shorten the commute
Keep transportation to a minimum by having your wedding ceremony and reception within walking distance or at the same location. Use local caterers, florists, entertainment and rental companies to cut back on delivery time and expenses.
Homegrown goodness
Choose a menu with organic, locally grown produce, which is most flavorful in season, along with cruelty-free meats and poultry. Accompany your meal with some fantastic regional wines. Try selections from Tabor Hill and St. Julian.
Regional beauties
Look to local flower farms like Buckeye Blooms in Elida, Ohio, for chemical-free flowers. These beautiful blooms can be purchased by your florist for your arrangements, or handpicked by your wedding party and carried as lovely little bouquets. Adorn your tables with potted plants and herbs, which can be doubled as favors for guests to take home and enjoy. Dress your tables in earth-friendly fabrics such as cotton tablecloths and napkins. Use re-usable dinnerware by renting china, glasses and flatware.
Recycle and share
Even after the last dance, keepup the good work by recycling bottles from your bar service, and composting leftover food. Donate uneaten delectables to a local shelter.
One of the easiest ways to be green is to cut the guest list. By inviting fewer guests, your costs will go down, along with your wedding’s “carbon footprint.” Like your marriage, may your commitment to a more beautiful earth grow stronger with each day. Here’s to a beautiful tomorrow!

Brittany Craig is the principle event designer and coordinator for Crowning Celebrations. She specializes in wedding and social celebrations. She regularly blogs at www.crowningcelebrations.blogspot.com.

The Toledo Rockets’ Blue and Gold spring football game saw the Blue rally late to defeat the Gold 21-14 on April 16 at the Glass Bowl.
Returning Rocket starters on both sides of the ball reprised their respective roles with solid performances, but the heated competitions at quarterback and running back remained unsettled. Sophomore QB Austin Dantin (Blue) finished 8-of-8 for 56 yards and rushed for 36 more, but senior QB Alex Pettee (Blue) completed 12 of 19 passes for a game-high 94 yards.
Redshirt freshman Terrance Owens (Gold) debuted 9-of-13 for 66 yards. Sophomore David Pasquale started for the Gold and finished 7 of 14 for just 13 yards, but he ran for 30 yards on five carries. All but Dantin were picked off once.
“It’s wide open,” said coach Tim Beckman. “I see Dantin doing some good things. I thought Pettee did some good things and Owens had opportunities as did Pasquale.”
Dantin, who started three games and threw for 962 yards and four TD in 2009, appeared to be the frontrunner. Beckman said the spring game would “be the tell-tale factor on who’s going to be the No. 1 guy” at quarterback heading into the first preseason practice August 5.
The teams combined for 344 net rushing yards and multiple backs stood out, none more than juniors Morgan Williams and Adonis Thomas. Williams collected 51 yards on 13 carries with a one-yard TD and caught four passes for 48 more for the Blue team. Thomas finished with 79 yards on 16 carries while accounting for both of the Gold’s touchdowns on runs of 1 yard and 2 yards.
Redshirt freshman Darius Reeves took advantage of his first exposure as a Rocket with 48 yards and the game’s first score, a 3-yard TD in the opening quarter that gave the Blue an early advantage. Sophomore Jake Walker rushed five times for just eight yards but Beckman indicated all four players will be in the mix when the season starts at home Sept.3 against Arizona.
“They each do their thing,” he said. “Adonis might be a little bit of the slash type running back, Morgan’s got the speed when he gets out in the open and Walker is the hard-nosed back and Reeves is the same. They all have their plusses and they’ll be big-time factors for us next year.”
After a standout all-Mid-American Conference freshman year, receiver Eric Page looked  fine in his first spring appearance.
Defensively, senior all-MAC linebacker Archie Donald (Gold) didn’t disappoint with 10 tackles, but freshman safety Ross Madison (Gold) made an impression with a game-high 11 tackles. Beckman cited Gold ends sophomore T.J. Fatinikun, Perrysburg graduate, and senior Douglas Westbrook as spring game standouts.
Junior safety Isaiah Ballard, a Rogers grad, also looked impressive and 308-pound Danny Farr’s shift to defensive tackle satisfied Beckman. Junior tackles Jonathan Lamb, Malcolm Riley and Johnnie Roberts also had good games.

“There’s been a lot of loose talk over the years as to who holds the title as the best newspaper strip ever published,” says Ed Katschke of Toledo’s Monarch Comics. “For my money, no one did it better than Berke Breathed and his 1980s strip ‘Bloom County’.”
You may think it a bit strange for a comic book retailer to be talking about comic strips but it’s become a cottage industry for comic publishers to reprint classic newspaper comic strips in high-quality hardcover volumes. IDW Publishing is concentrating on a more contemporary strip, “Bloom County” rather than a strip from the medium’s golden age of the 1930s and ’40s.
Katshcke said IDW is doing a “bang-up job” with the April 21 release of “Bloom County: Complete Library, Vol. 2.” It also features an introduction by Ted Koppel and commentary by creator Berke Breathed.
“This volume is a necessity for anyone who grew up in the ’80s,” Katschke said. “Or for anyone who enjoys a solidly drawn and wittily written newspaper strip.”
IDW also brought the wit with last week’s “Star Trek: Leonard McCoy, Frontier Doctor” No. 1, from the capable mind of famous — and controversial — artist/writer John Byrne. Known for revamping Superman in the 1980s, Byrne has found a niche producing comics based on classic “Star Trek” and more recent legends like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” This McCoy series focuses on the irascible doctor’s solo adventures between the end of the 1960s TV series and the beginning of “Star Trek: the Motion Picture.” Good sci-fi storytelling here with a great likeness of actor DeForest Kelley and spot-on characterization.
Katschke also calls out the release of Marvel’s “Ultimate Spider-Man” No. 9. “I’ve never been a huge Spidey fan, but [this book] has consistently remained one of my favorite monthly comics,” he said. “I wasn’t a huge fan of the manga-inspired art, but the style has certainly grown on me over the last eight issues and now I can’t imagine what the series would be like without it.”

The owners of Dave’s Cosmic Subs have expanded their business into Bowling Green.
Cosmic Subs, 132 E. Wooster St., has been under construction for the past month, taking the place of the Bowling Green Music Center.
Aaron Hall, who owns the Bowling Green franchise with his stepmother Brenda Hall, became involved after learning about it from a friend who operates a restaurant in Westlake, Ohio.  Hall said he had an interest in the sandwiches and liked the 1960s theme. He became excited about learning the business end and started by opening a location in Perrysburg.
“It’s a fun place and not your average sandwich restaurant,” he said.
Similar to a Hard Rock Café, Dave’s Cosmic Subs takes on a 1960s theme with the walls decorated with pictures of Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin records.
“Dave’s is an experience, not just a sub,” Brenda said.
Dave’s menu offers 29 different sub sandwiches, all of which are recipes created by originator Dave Lombardy.  Lombardy, a former musician, started the franchise 13 years ago with the vision of combining his love of sub sandwiches and classic rock music.
Scott Fletcher co-owns the rights to the Dave’s Cosmic Subs franchise and oversees the development of each restaurant. He said the restaurants are gaining popularity in the area and the Bowling Green location should add to the hype.
The restaurant has 11 total locations, originating in Chagrin Falls in 1997.
Fletcher said Lombardy is extremely passionate about his sandwiches.
“They’re all just a nice blend of ingredients,” Fletcher said. “If you take a bite of a sub, you don’t really taste specific ingredients like tomatoes, you just taste an awesome sub altogether.”
Brenda co-owns the rights to the franchise with Fletcher. She said bringing a Dave’s to Bowling Green is something her and Aaron have wanted to do for more than one year.
Brenda, who grew up in Bowling Green, said she knows the town and how students will accept a new restaurant like Dave’s. She said a downtown Bowling Green location is a great spot to attract students and residents.
They also plan to take advantage of the bar crowd on weekends.
“Our Perrysburg location is a lunch business crowd, but BG would be all day with more of a night business, especially on the weekends,” she said. “We really want to cater to the university and we like operating the restaurant so we can personally deal with customers.”
Most of the sandwiches on Dave’s menu range from $3.99 to $8.99 with most of them being $5.49. The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday through Sunday.

Many aspiring filmmakers only dream about premièring their work in their hometown, but Mark Cummings Sr. is all about making his dreams come true.
Cummings, who lives in Columbus, will soon be embracing his roots, when his film “Best Supporting Daddy” makes its Toledo debut in the Collingwood Arts Center’s historic Lois M. Nelson Theater at 4 p.m. May 1.
Cummings, who is the CEO of Awalkonwater Entertainment LLC, was born and raised in Toledo, graduating from Macomber-Whitney High School in 1986.
He founded the company in 2007, after beginning work on the screenplay for “Best Supporting Daddy.”
“Even though I’ve lived in Columbus for a number of years now, I really feel like the goals that I have for myself as a person and as a filmmaker were formed in Toledo. One of my main goals is to stay here and remain an Ohio filmmaker, regardless of the film’s success,” Cummings said.
Cummings has good reason to believe in the film’s success, after its sellout screening in Columbus in January. He has truly invested himself in the project in more ways than one.
“The hardest part of working on this project is that I probably took on too many roles — writing, executive producing and starring in the film myself. I worked four different jobs to get it done, putting in more than $12,000 of my own money, along with additional funds from investors. A lot of heart, guts and love went into this film.”
“Best Supporting Daddy” was directed by John Whaley of JDW Filmworks, and co-stars Quiana Wiley, as well as former Ohio State Buckeye football standouts Maurice Hall and Ashton Youboty in supporting roles.
The film has been entered into a number of festivals and is awaiting response. Whaley has produced one previous feature film, as well as several short subjects.
Cummings’ next project is a feature length suspense thriller called “The Buyout.” He said he looks to begin shooting in late 2010.
“I really wanted to shoot part of ‘Best Supporting Daddy’ in Toledo, in fact we were supposed to shoot one scene at UT but weren’t able to make that happen. So I definitely plan on shooting part of my next film here.”
Tickets for “Best Supporting Daddy” are $7 and can be purchased at the group’s Web site, www.collingwoodartcenter.org. For more information, call (419) 244-2787.

Las Vegas nightlife has come to Toledo as Metropolis, a Vegas-style club, taking the nightlife in Toledo to new heights.
Metropolis opened April 17 at The Docks on the Toledo waterfront.
The club is adorned with a massive 20-by-20 foot chandelier, which contains the club’s intelligent dance lighting and with a new lighting system, club management can change the color of the building with just the push of a button.
“The concept for the club was to take the passion, glamor, excitement, and some of the decor ideas of the 1930s and ’40s and mix them with the technology of today. What we came up with is truly incredible for Northwest Ohio,” said Dustin Rybka, director of marketing and entertainment for Metropolis.
The idea for Metropolis came from the idea that Toledo needed a high class nightclub for the “older, more sophisticated crowd and young professionals,” Rybka said. He then traveled to Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Las Vegas to get a feel for the nightlife and see what he could bring back.
“Beyond just setup Metropolis is more of a Las Vegas-style club in the fact that it’s more of an experience than just a regular old nightclub,” Rybka said.
The viral marketing campaign for Metropolis, Rybka said, had a unique but clever strategy.
“We developed a Web site, ToledoDeservesBetter.com and put it up online, then we had 10,000 small flyers made with nothing but the url and the ‘M’ which is now the club’s logo on them. We hit every major event with these over a three-week period. When someone would go to the site it was nothing more than a bigger ‘M’ and a countdown clock counting down to the club’s opening. No one knew what to think,” said Rybka. “They thought it was for a movie, a new political party, a tea party, you name it, but they were all definitely talking.”
Regular hours for the nightclub are 8 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., Saturdays only.