Dennis the Menace Bonus Magazine Series No. 99 doesn’t loom large among key comic books, it is not worth very much to collectors nor has it even been reprinted. But for one comic fan it stands as something of a turning point. One particular holiday story within the book first taught me, way back in 1971, that there was more to the season than simply Christmas.
Dennis’ comics were a favorite of mine as a kid for the many special “bonus” issues that covered such diverse topics as the Menace’s summer vacations, his wide circle of friends and his Christmases. The holiday stories in particular always caught my attention, and one such tale has stuck with me to this day. In “Happy Holidays,” Dennis meets a Jewish boy and learns all about a strange “feast of lights” called Hanukkah. In those brief five pages, I first learned of the ancient celebration that began Dec. 20.
Growing up Catholic and attending a Catholic grade school, I’m pretty sure I didn’t meet a Jewish person until high school, so the story was a bit of an eye-opener. David, the son of Dennis’ new milkman, invites our towheaded hero over to his house to meet his grandfather, who regales the lad with the tale of Judas Maccabeus and the temple lamps that burned for eight days. For a 6-year-old who only ever knew of Christmas, it was an exotic trip that rivaled the issue in which Dennis and his folks visited Hawaii.
I’ve never forgotten that Hanukkah story and think of it every year when the winter holidays approach; it’s amazing how one little narrative in a comic book can make a difference in someone’s life. In it, Dennis was me, a young boy who learned that there was a wider world outside his own and that it had fascinating tales to tell — and that people with other beliefs felt as strongly about theirs as you do yours. Looking out at the wider world today, I wish everyone could also have read that story when they were just 6. Happy Hanukkah!

If you’re anything like me, Christmas shopping can leave you at a real loss. It’s with that in mind that I decided to put together a list of a few literary stocking stuffers.
Famed Welsh lyric poet Dylan Thomas had sugarplum fairies dancing in his head most of his life, so it’s only appropriate that he should make the very top of my list with his snow-filled tale of boyhood wonder “A Child’s Christmas in Wales.” This prose piece first began its literary life as a radio talk, and then found its way into Harper’s Bazaar and the rest is pop culture history. The piece has been published around the world in a number of editions since the 1950s. It is the perfect gift for the child in your life or simply the young at heart.
The second book on my list is less about the holidays and more about the memories we make, both good and bad. When artist and writer Joe Brainard died in 1994, he left the world with some very big shoes to fill; thankfully, he also left us his wonderful book of memories, “I Remember.” Brainard published a number of editions of this very telling text beginning in the late 1960s, and much like Walt Whitman before him, spent many years expanding his version of a truly unique American life. One of the recent editions was put out by Granary Books. For more information, visit www.granarybooks.com.
Third on my list is not a whole book, but a single piece of writing by the bard himself that is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. I’m talking of course about William Shakespeare’s famed “Heigh-ho the Holly.” This popular piece can be found in a number of anthologies and is even now being reprinted for use in holiday greeting cards. So send a few inspired words to the ones you love.
Fourth up is Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” You probably have a copy of this at home — dig it out of that box in the attic and send it to a friend. This one is so much a part of our popular culture that it doesn’t really require any explanation.
As a single person quietly creeping toward middle age, the holidays can be rough, and when I need a little shot of the holiday spirit this is the one that gets it done for me.
Fifth on my list is “The Poetry of Robert Frost: The Collected Poems Complete and Unabridged.” I have to be honest, I’ve never been a huge fan of Frost’s work. In fact, I probably get a lot more insight out of Dr. Suess, but when I think tradition and winter images in the world of verse, Frost just comes to mind.
Also, his work offers a good jumping-off point for young readers in their literary education.
Sixth is Ted Berrigan’s “The Sonnets.” OK, so this isn’t really a holiday text. It is, however, probably my favorite book of poetry of all time. Why? Because Berrigan’s words are full of passion and they break the rules of form, while leaving something fresh behind for generations to come.
One of the real reasons I’m putting this on my list though is that I first discovered this book while wandering through a Philadelphia bookstore during a very lonely Christmas season many years ago. Berrigan’s words were a gift then, and they remain so even after all this time.
I could go on, but it’s time to go out and actually start doing a little holiday shopping. I hope I’ve been able to offer a little inspiration; remember, words are a gift that never stop giving long after the holidays are through.
Until next time … keep your pencil sharp and happy holidays.

John Dorsey resides in Toledo’s Old West End. His work is widely published and has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize.

Do you punish a filmmaker for a gruesome and, at times, hard-to-watch story that’s faithfully based on its source material?
At times, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is unwatchable. Not because it’s horribly made but because director David Fincher has crafted a movie that depicts violence with bone-chilling clarity.

.

His source material, the first in a series of three Swedish books by Stieg Larsson, follows the intertwining tales of journalist Mikael Blomkvist and a different kind of investigator, the title character.
The journalist, played by Daniel Craig (known for playing James Bond), loses a libel case against billionaire industrialist Hans-Erik Wennerström. He is then hired by the retired CEO of Vanger Corporation, the largest family-owned company in Sweden, to solve a mystery that has haunted the family for decades.

Poster

The girl with the dragon tattoo, named Lisbeth Salander and strongly played by Rooney Mara, is described by her handler as “the best investigator, different in every way.”
Blomkvist and Salander do not cross paths initially, but when they meet there is an odd chemistry at work while the two delve deeper into the mystery.
“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” has an ironically Bond-esque opening, with floating liquid molding and shifting into various symbolic objects, set to rockish music.
The violence is not gratuitous. In fact, it seems somewhat muted. Even so, audiences will find themselves grasping at their armrests and turning their heads. These handful of scenes are not for the faint of heart.
The 158-minute running time is surprisingly unnoticeable as the thrilling plot takes viewers on an adventure. The last parts of the movie shine because the violence is all but over and the audience can enjoy the plot twists unfolding.
Steven Zaillian, Oscar-winning screenwriter for “Schindler’s List,” penned this adaptation. The score is by the Oscar-winning team from “The Social Network,” Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, although the music does not seem to be quite as driving or in the forefront as it was in that film.
Comparing this film to Fincher’s much-heralded “Social Network” last year, one can find a louder and more violent approach taken for “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” Granted, the source material is very different. But what a compelling thriller to watch.

5 stars out of 5

Rated R for brutal violent content including rape and torture, strong sexuality, graphic nudity and language.

Toledo Free Press Lead Designer James A. Molnar blogs about all things Oscar at TheGoldKnight.com.

The Roots, “undun”
Jimmy Fallon hardly made this group, but thanks to him America has the opportunity to experience one of Hip-Hop’s greatest validations on television five nights a week with the “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” house band. The creativity on this disc gives the listener insight into layers of Hip-Hop they may not have yet peeled back. Black Thought is known as a talented lyricist who can trade rapping for singing, but he also doesn’t mind giving others a chance to stand out and shine. This diversifies the CD and prevents it from sounding redundant.  Keep a copy in the car and in the house.

Robin Thicke, “Love After War”
This is what they call “Blue-Eyed Soul,” but I really don’t want to put Thicke in that category. He understands soul music in a way that is totally lost to most of today’s generation, black and white. His latest CD is packed with beautiful instrumentation and creativity. Thicke takes you through his history of soul and manages to infuse it with Hip-Hop, funk and R&B. The sex appeal he is known for oozes through his passionate in-and-out-of falsetto vocals mixed with nostalgic tracks. The ladies love Thicke but this a great gift for any music lover! Get the deluxe edition.
Wale, “Ambition”
“Ambition” was the most anticipated music purchase on my list and I was not disappointed.
I’ll even go out of my way to say this will be one of my year’s best. Maybach Music Group is known for putting out some of the hottest tracks in mainstream radio, but there is something about rapper Wale that has had me interested from Day One. I respect his focus and his swagger, which is that of an educated street hustler/businessman. Even at his toughest, Wale manages to give a little knowledge and wisdom on his tracks. His fantastic flow gives him the ability to rhyme on any type of track. Unlike most, he has the talent to make musical accommodations for his male, female, conscious, battle, and gangsta rap fans.
Mobb Deep, “Black Cocaine EP”
Mobb Deep’s influence on Hip-Hop is evident as Prodigy delivers his view of street life in the title track on this tightly produced EP. It is always good to hear Prodigy and Havoc together, making music only they can deliver in its purest East Coast wiseguy form. Download this five-song EP that consists of Havoc’s legendary production and features a guest appearance from Nas.
Common, “The Dreamer, The Believer”
Common keeps it “sucka free” on his latest release, proving he can maintain Hollywood status while “keeping it real.” Common has always taken his fans on his own personal revolution. He sets the inspirational tone with his G.O.O.D Music labelmate
John Legend on the first of the two title tracks, “The Believer.” The other title track, “The Dreamer,” features Maya Angelou and if that isn’t enough to make you join in the constant head nodding, the Nas feature on the following track will finish the knockout. I listened to the entire album straight through. Respect.
Mary J. Blige, “My Life II”
I know it’s technically a “commercial” release, but this is Mary we’re talking about here! This is also her follow-up to the incredible classic album “My Life,” released 17 years ago. If you are expecting the extremely dark place Blige was in at the time of the first “My Life” release, you will be glad to know that you and Mary have moved on. Featuring guest appearances from Busta Rhymes, Beyoncé, Drake, Rick Ross, Nas and  Blige’s alter ego rapper, Brook Lynn.
As we continue on …

Fans familiar with Riki Lindhome’s work as half of the comedy music duo Garfunkel and Oates won’t be surprised that her debut EP, “Yell At Me From Your Car,” features more than its share of laughs. But what may surprise listeners is that the five-song album’s sweets come tinged with more than a hint of bitter.
Take the opening track, “Beige Curtains.” The basic concept is all about comparing a lost love’s new girlfriend with bland household decor. A funny concept, to be sure. But the song looks deeper, and it really becomes the singer’s lament about how she wishes she was that bland, too — because she’d still have that love. Comedic, but stinging.

All the songs on the album have that same bite about love and life. In an interview with Toledo Free Press Star, Lindhome said that came about as a result of how they were written. “It’s totally autobiographical,” she said.
“Everything was spawned by a real event. Every song in there was written, like, immediately after something had just happened to me. So, once I had five songs, I was like, Oh, let’s record it!”
Anyone concerned about the future of Lindhome’s famous pairing with fellow performer Kate Micucci can relax — the two are still very much a full-time pair as Garfunkel and Oates. Micucci even co-wrote the last song on “Yell At Me.”
“We both do Garfunkel and Oates, and we both have our own separate creative processes. We were writing songs on our own before we met each other,” Lindhome said. “Kate has two EPs. It’s just another creative outlet. Our solo stuff doesn’t always necessarily fit the same style as Garfunkel and Oates.
“My solo work is a little sadder. It’s a little darker, I would think.”
Darker, perhaps, but still with a biting — fierce, even — wit. It’s a comedic voice Lindhome has been honing for years. She began writing in college. Mostly serious stuff, at first, until she added a bit to her coffeehouse act where she adapted the words from a Broadway show into a comedy song.
“I would play in coffee shops, and that funny song was always the song that got a great reaction. And so I started writing my own funny songs from that point,” she said.
Lindhome’s comedic voice, both solo and with Micucci, helps fill a prominent void in the world of comedy music, bringing a much-needed female perspective to what seems superficially to be a boys’ club.
“Sometimes, in comedy music, I think it’s better to be a female, because you can get away with saying more things. We can say negative opinions about men and women. And guys really can’t get away with saying negative things about women, you know what I mean? They can’t really call women on their bullshit like we can.
“Guys could not write ‘Pregnant Women Are Smug.’ They can’t! In some ways, it’s great to be a woman, because then you can tackle certain topics that the guys can’t,” Lindhome said.
Lindhome’s muse has not been confined to music in recent months, though she is in the process of recording new material with Micucci. She has also been recording episodes of her new podcast “Making It,” which is focused on people in the entertainment industry. Found on both Nerdist.com and iTunes, the show has featured interviews with guests such as Jason Ritter, Bo Burnham, Doug Benson and, soon, “Buffy” creator Joss Whedon.
“I’m totally fascinated by the creative process, and half the reason I’m doing it is because I wanna ask these people these questions. It’s like, ‘How do you do this? I love hearing how people work.
“I’ve learned a lot from people doing the podcast. I really have,” Lindhome said. “For the most part, it’s such a specific thing, but I think it’s kinda finding its audience. It’s not for everybody, but it’s really aimed at people who are kinda starting out in show business.”
Lindhome said she hopes fans who listen to “Yell At Me From Your Car” enjoy its songs for what they are — not just entertaining music, but in a way, a glimpse into herself.
“It’s kinda like a picture of my life, at one point, you know what I mean? A lot of the things I don’t even feel anymore — it’s like, when they happened, it was a snapshot. And I hope people can relate to it.”
Email Jeff at PopGoesJeff@gmail.com.

Owner/operator Mike Pierce opened the Northwood recording facility Sixtyten Studio in 2008 and has been steadily building a reputation.
“The building was finished in ’08,” Pierce said. “At first all of the advertisement was via word-of-mouth. My band and other friends have recorded here and they would tell friends who would tell friends.”

Mike Pierce

Pierce said what separates his recording studio from others isn’t so much the gear list, but the intangible elements.
“At the end of the day, a lot of things don’t matter,” Pierce said. “If you have good gear, specs don’t matter; you’ll get a good result. Many people don’t realize there’s a process to getting a good sound. I try to educate people as much as possible.”
Educated clients, purpose-built live and control rooms, and world-class recording gear all work with Pierce’s collaborative attitude.
“Everything today is about collaboration. It goes back to music being a communal network kind of thing, and that’s what I promote here. I think that’s the best part of this place,” he said.
While Toledo isn’t without other quality, professional recording facilities, Pierce said Sixtyten is different because of the relationships he tries to build with his clients.
“All this stuff, all this space and gear relates directly to the music. To me, music is a shared experience,” he said. “Of course, I’m trying to make money out here. I don’t want to break the bank, but for me it’s more about building relationships.”
Pierce attended The Recording Workshop in southern Ohio in 2005 and collected audio gear as time progressed.
“I was working as a substitute teacher and screen printer for a while,” he said. “My family helped build this building and once it was completed I opened the studio.”
The studio boasts gear like ProTools 9, Control 24, live and isolation rooms along with top-notch microphones and microphone preamps.
“I’m here to build relationships with people and be instrumental in getting artists where they want to be,” Pierce said.
For more information about Sixtyten Studio, visit sixtytenstudio.com.

Just weeks after providing a $200,000 gift to the city of Rossford to increase its first-responder service, Hollywood Casino Toledo provided the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank, Inc. with a $5,000 gift on Dec. 19.

“Today we are really starting that relationship between the food bank and Hollywood Casino Toledo,” Hollywood Casino Toledo Vice President of Marketing Jason Birney said. “By presenting this $5,000, especially right now during the holiday season, hopefully this money can help supplement some of the services they supply the community.”

“This is a great partnership and a new beginning for Hollywood Casino and the food bank.” Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank President & CEO James Caldwell said. “We are excited about having the opportunity to joint venture with them in addressing this fundamental need, which is hunger in our community. You can’t do anything if you are hungry. We are looking forward to working with them as we move forward.”

The Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank, which is a part of the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity Feeding America, has been in business since 1984 and has distributed 76 million pounds of food over that time.

The money donated by Hollywood casino Toledo will directly benefit the food bank’s mobile food pantry program. Caldwell said the program partners with agencies already distributing food by bringing in food and supplementing distribution already going on in the community, helping to mitigate the overwhelming responses some communities have seen.

“This is a great way for us to win and the community to win,” Caldwell said.

Toledo Free Press LLC, Publisher Tom Pounds and Editor in Chief Michael S. Miller responded on Dec. 19 to a lawsuit filed Oct. 20 by Block Communications, owner of The Blade. In its suit, Block Communications made numerous claims primarily involving alleged violations of a separation agreement with then-Blade General Manager Pounds, signed in 2004.

That separation agreement had a covenant not to compete for a period of one year.

Block Communications sought damages for claims that Pounds has used Toledo Free Press and Miller as a surrogate to violate non-disparagement terms of the separation agreement.

In the Toledo Free Press Dec. 19 response and counterclaim, to be filed in the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, it is asserted that Miller has never seen the Blade-Pounds separation agreement, which was created before the existence of TFP, and neither he nor TFP is a party to nor is bound by its terms. It is further asserted that Block Communications is attempting to exercise prior restraint on Miller’s First Amendment rights and has acted with malice in an attempt to interfere with Miller’s and TFP’s business.

The TFP counterclaim further asserts that Block Communications “has engaged in contacting various organizations around the City of Toledo seeking to preclude the TFP from being able to be sponsors of events, or limit its ability to do business with those companies and organizations; including but not limited to The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, Partners in Education, United Way of Greater Toledo, The Toledo Mud Hens, Citifest, University of Toledo, Boys and Girls Club of Toledo, Home Builders Association, the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, The City of Toledo Mayor’s Office, The Lucas County Auditor, Imagination Station, The Toledo Walleye, the Huntington Center, etc.”

In Pounds’ countersuit, it is stated, “The separation agreement between Pounds and [Block Communications] has been completed after Pounds’ covenant not to compete ran and [Block Communications] is using said agreement simply as a tool to economically harm the TFP and/or Pounds by attempting to enforce the non-compete after it expired.”

Toledo Free Press LLC is seeking actual damages plus punitive damages of $10 million from Block Communications.

In a statement, Miller said he and Pounds feel it is important to remind Toledoans that legal action was initiated by Block Communications, not TFP, and while The Blade may be able to sustain a long-term nuisance lawsuit, TFP is being forced to fight for its existence.

“It is unfortunate that so many people are going to be made uncomfortable by this legal attack on our business, but we are being forced to pull the curtains back and show how The Blade has interfered with our livelihood, well beyond the bounds of fair and legal competition,” Miller said. “We can express regret and apologize to those who will be called to testify in this case, but it was not our choice to go down this road.”

Kyle Baumgartner

After building a 16-point lead with less than 10 minutes remaining, Toledo lost 60-57 on Dec. 18 at Milwaukee.

Junior center Kyle Baumgartner and senior Courtney Ingersoll shot a combined 7 of 13 from three-point range. Baumgartner led Toledo (6-4) with a season-high 17 points in 25 minutes off the bench, and Ingersoll scored 14 points in 37 minutes.

The Rockets committed 25 personal fouls in the game as Milwaukee (4-6) made 22-of-33 free throws. Center Courtney Lindfors led the Panthers with game highs of 19 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks.

Trailing 28-25, UT opened the second half with a 19-0 run capped with a triple from Ingersoll to take a 44-28 lead with 10:12 remaining.

Milwaukee made its first basket of the second half with 8:42 remaining and went on a 14-0 run to pull within two points. Angela Rodriguez made a pair of free throws to take a 50-48 lead with 3:54 remaining.

Senior guard Haley Linn hit a three-pointer to pull Toledo within two with 1:30 remaining. Ingersoll hit a three with 36 seconds left to pull within one point at 58-57. Milwaukee extended the lead with a pair of free throws, and Linn missed a three pointer at the buzzer.

The Rockets next play Dec. 28 at 7 p.m. on the road against Northwestern (9-1).

Curtis Dennis

After nearly a year of waiting, junior guard Curtis Dennis finally got what he came to Toledo for: playing time. The 6-foot-5, 195-pound Bronx native finished with nine points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals in 27 minutes as UT defeated Youngstown State 86-77 on Dec. 17 in Savage Arena.

“Fun,” Dennis said on getting the opportunity to suit up for the Rockets. “It was a relief to finally get on the court and play with my teammates. I’ve been missing a lot of games with them.”

Dennis’ road to Toledo has been both long and well-traveled. After averaging 18.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per game at Blessed Sacrament-St. Gabriel High School in New York in 2005-06, Dennis went to Gulf Shores Academy in Houston, Texas the ensuing season and averaged 24.5 points per game.

That was followed by a year at highly-touted Findlay College Prep in Las Vegas, where Dennis shot 40.1 percent from beyond the arc and averaged 13 points and 3.7 rebounds per game as the Pilots went 32-1 and made it to the Prep School National Championship Game in 2007-08. Dennis then wound up at New Mexico, where he was redshirted in his first season with the Lobos in 2008-09.

After averaging just eight minutes per game in 2009-10, Dennis’ appeared in 10 contests with the Lobos last year before transferring to Toledo.

Curtis Dennis

“At New Mexico, I really didn’t get a chance to show my talents,” Dennis said. “Now [that I’m] here, I get a chance to have some fun and win some basketball games.”

Dennis stated that while sitting out a season at UT was difficult, having gone through the experience before and getting support from his new teammates in fellow transfers Dominique Buckley, Rian Pearson and Matt Smith made the transition easier.

“This time it was kind of easy because Buck, R.P., Matt—we were all sitting out together,” Dennis said. “So I had help to keep my mindset right.”

“It helps a lot,” Buckley said of now having Dennis eligible for games. A fellow junior, Buckley tied his career-high with a team-best 21 points against the Penguins. “Me personally, I’m excited as ever to have him back on the court. He gives me a break. I was sitting on the bench, and I looked up and I said, ‘I’ve been here for a long time.’ I’ve got a lot more energy when I get out on the floor, so he helps out a lot.”

Dennis came off the bench against Youngstown State and was third on the team with 27 minutes. At the 15:43 mark of the first half, Dennis got a steal following a turnover from the Penguins’ Ashen Ward and found Buckley at the other end for a three-pointer to tie the game at eight apiece. On Toledo’s ensuing possession, Dennis got his first points as a Rocket with a layup to give UT the lead.

With 13:29 to go in the contest, Dennis’ dunk ended an 8-1 Youngstown State run and put Toledo (7-3) up by three after the Penguins (6-4) battled back into the game.

“It’s just nice to have another guy out there,” Toledo head coach Tod Kowalczyk said. “[Dennis had] five assists and one turnover. It’s going to be a work in progress with him. He’s been sitting for a year, but I thought for his first game he did a good job. I’d like to see him be more active defensively and a little bit better team defender, but I would say a good first start for a guy that’s a pretty good player.”

Having the opportunity to watch the Rockets through the first nine games this year has helped Dennis learn his role on the team going forward.

“We have to pick our defense up—and rebounding, especially late in games,” Dennis said. “[And be] another playmaker. That’s what I think I could bring to the table, and that’s what I’m going to try to do every night: rebound, get guys like [Buckley] and Majerle and Juice [Brown] some extra shots.”