Top 10 Best Burgers in Columbus, OH

Craving a great burger in the Columbus area? Try one of these:

1.	Thurman Cafe
2.	Wolfgang Puck's
3.	Dublin Village Tavern
4.	Gahanna Grill
5.	Jack's find more great burgers here

Top 10 Reasons Ohio State is ranked #1

The top 10 reasons Ohio State is now ranked unanimous #1 college football team in the nation!

1.	Southern Cal loses
2.	LSU loses
3.	West Virginia loses
4.	Texas loses
5.	Michigan loses
6.	Florida loses
7.	Wisconsin loses
8.	Oklahoma loses
9.	Virginia Tech loses
10.	Louisville loses

Where Can You Watch the OSU Football Games in Columbus?

By now, everyone knows that the Ohio State football games will not be on regular cable TV for many games this year (if not, how can you call yourself a fan?! but to summarize there is an issue with the new TV channel "Big Ten Network" and Time Warner, Comcast, etc., so DirectTV is the only one carrying it) - BUT DON'T WORRY, these local bars & restaurants in Columbus will be showing the game:

	The Library Bar - AN OSU CAMPUS TRADITION, SINCE 1972 IS SHOWING IT, IN HDTV. WE OPEN @ 10:00 AM. WE ARE LOCATED @ 2169 N. HIGH ST. PHONE # 614-299-3245. NO COVER CHARGE AND LOWER PRICES THAN ANY WHERE IN THE AREA!
	Damon's Grill (OSU) - 3025 OLENTANGY RIVER ROAD, 614-262-6208 HOURS:11AM-12AM WILL BE SHOWING THE GAME-GO BUCKS!
	Bier Stube North - located off 161 W Dublin Granvile Rd right next to the valvoline oil change. Over a dozen t.v's one of which is a giant Projector that is over 120 inches big. There is also a full kithcen serving great Pizza, wings and subs. The Bar will open at elven in the morning on saturday. So be here early if you want a good seat cause there is going to be tons of die hard buckeye fans here, rooting on the Buckeyes. If you have any questions please feel free to call 032-0214
	The Dub Pub - 5736 Frantz Road, Dublin.614.761.2728, dub-pub.com, myspace.com/thedubpub. Open at 11 A.M. Domestic bottles are only a buck-and-a-quarter. Voted best Sports Bar and Best Bar Staff in Central Ohio. Fills up early, so early arrival is recommended to get a seat. Two complete surround sound systems and good tv viewing angles all around.
	Studio 35 - located at 3055 Indianola Avenue. Pizza, wings and 15 beers on tap, free admission. Come watch the Buckeyes at the best place in town next to OSU Stadium.
	8 Ball Sports Bar & Billiards - WILL BE SHOWING ALL OHIO STATE GAMES. COME AND WATCH, PLAY POOL & CORNHOLE ALL AT THE SAME TIME. LOCATED IN THE MORSE CENTRE SHOPPING CENTER BESIDE GOODWILL AT 2100 MORSE RD. 614 436-2948 OPEN AT 11:00 WEAR OHIO STATE AND GET $5.00 DOMESTIC PITCHERS, 2 HOTDOGS & FRIES FO $1.99. A FULL SERVICE BAR AND RESTURANT FOR YOUR PLEASE. 2 OUTDOOR PATIOS, LOTS OF TV'S OPEN AT 11:00 THIS SATURDAY. COME AND SEE JESSE ONE OF THE FINEST BARTENDERS. GO BUCKS
	The Colony (in Texas) - I know that this place is not in Ohio. But, it is like being on High Street during game day. It is north of The Colony, which is located in Texas. The place is of course called "The Varsity Club". Of course named after the Varsity Club on High Street. The owner is an Ohio State Alum, and has decked the place out in the two best colors in the world, Scarlet and Gray. If you ever make to Texas, you need to check out this place. A little piece of campus and home, for all of us Buckeye fans not located in Central Ohio. I will be there come Saturday. GO BUCKS....
	Sportsmen's Billiard Club - 3965 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio (614) 279-5888. We will be showing ALL Ohio State games. We also have NFL Sunday Ticket from Directv. We have several TV's including 4 new 42" flat screens. We will also have a big screen TV located on our enclosed smoking patio for you smoking and viewing pleasure. GO BUCKS!!!
	Grandview Cafe - 1455 W 3rd Ave (Corner of W 3rd and Grandview Ave.) Open Saturday from 11AM - Midnight 14 HD TVs on 2 floors, special "Tailgate Menu" with 35 cent wings, deep-fried lasagna, foot-long coneys, etc. 486-CAFE. www.grandviewcafe.com
	VIP Lounge - 3650 Main Street in Hilliard! We will have all the Ohio State games and the NFL Sunday ticket! Big screen TV and 9 other TV's to watch your favorite games. Beer drink specials. Dont be the only one to miss it!!
	Kickstand Pub - has all the Buckeye and NFL games! We have six flat screen tv's and a very LARGE projection screen! We are south of Polaris Parkway on the southwest corner of Sancus and Lazelle Road in Worthington/Westerville. We open at 11:00 am on Saturdays and Sundays. More questions? Contact us at 614/436-4984. Otherwise, GO BUCKS!
	Polo's - on Bethel will be showing all Ohio State and NFL Games this fall. We have numerous Big-Screen Tv's and an excellent venue for watching all of your favorite sports. We are located at the corner of Bethel & GoDown Road in NW Columbus. 1375 Bethel Road Columbus, Ohio 43220 614-459-9987
	Beef 'O' Brady's - at 6340 Scioto Darby Creek Rd. and Cosgray Rd. in Hilliard is the place for Buckeye football. 16 High Def T.V.s!! There is not a bad seat in the house. Beer Specials every Saturday and Sunday. And a great happy hour Mon- Fri. Large Patio for the nice weather. Call for Carryout or Info at 614-529-WING Open Mon-Sat 11a-11p and Sun 11a-10p.
	Otie's Tavern and Grill - in Hilliard if you want to experience the original Buckeye Bar. We have been following the buckeyes for 43 years. Come watch the game on 11 televisions with surround sound, and enjoy some great pub food, including the World Famous Otie Baloney sandwich. GO BUCKS! Otie's Tavern & Grill 5344 Center Street Hilliard, OH (614) 876-6044
	Planks On Broadway - in Grove City. Just had DIRECTV installed last week and ready for everyone!!! Beer bucket specials during the games as well as half price pizza!!! If your lucky, you might even get one of Mary Jane's famous "Scarlet and Gray" shots!!! Corner of Park St. and Broadway in the heart of the town center. (614)875-7800 for more info!!! GO BUCKS!
	Debbie & Nebbie's Eldorados - 4968 NORTH HIGH STREET COL, OH 43214 614-785-0190 WE WILL BE SHOWING THE BUCKEYE'S HERE THIS SATURDAY. WE OPEN AT 9:00 A.M WE HAVE PLENTY OF TV'S TO WATCH THE GAME, BUCKET BEER SPECIALS AND DON'T FORGET TO TRY ONE OF SHERRY'S BLOODY MARY'S. ELDORADO'S HAS ALWAYS BEEN A GAME DAY HANG OUT !!! GO BUCKEYES !!!!! WE DO HAVE THE BIG TEN CONFERENCE AND THE NFL TICKET.
	Da Vinci's Market Pizzeria and Italian Cafe - 7897 Refugee Road, Pickerington. 614-834-3444, www.davincismarket.com. Open at 11:30AM with all-you-can-eat buffet. Bring the family and see OSU play in a family environment.
	Crowne Plaza Dublin - (I270/Rt33 Ex17A) Come watch the game in our newly renovated Lounge with 48" PLAMAS and a 72" BIG SCREEN TV. We open at 11:00am with great drink and food specials. GO BUCKS!! (614)764-2200 for directions
	Gameworks - IN COLUMBUS WILL AIR OHIO STATE VS. YOUNGSTOWN STATE GAME ON SEPTEMBER 1ST GameWorks in Columbus, Ohio (Easton Town Center) will be broadcasting the Ohio State vs. Youngstown State football game on Saturday. Great food- great drink specials and the best place in town for OSU fans to unite! GameWorks will open at 11 AM for fans! GameWorks, (www.gameworks.com) is the high-tech entertainment, restaurant and bar experience was named the Official Watch Party Location for The Ohio State Buckeyes for the third year in a row.
	Hot Spot Tavern - 5171 Sinclair Rd.(second traffic light north from Morse Rd. or south from 161)Open every day at 7:00AM! Drink specials and free food on game day. Enjoy watching the Buckeyes on widescreen TV with fabulous fans! 614-888-2727
	Honda Marysville - www.hondamarysville.com Tailgate party and OSU Game Saturday! Join us for food and fun from 9 to 6! CALL 866-645-4080 FOR DETAILS!!! We're CLOSER than you think!
	Towne Pub - 164 N Wilson Rd., Columbus, OH 614-274-7872. Opening 11:00 a.m. Come join us for $1.50 all domestic (during the game). Fun, Food and good people.
	Bob's Bar - The Cultural Hub of the Midwest. 4961 N. High St. Columbus. (614)888-9073. We will be opening at 11:00 AM Saturday and carrying the OSU game on the Big Ten Network. We will also be offering free food and drink specials!
	Rooster's - 376 South Hamilton Road in Whitehall, 614-759-7778, will be showing all of The Ohio State Games. Opens on Saturday at 11:00 AM
	The Filling Station Bar & Grill - 8765 Smoky Row Rd; 614-761-9766; Open 11:30AM-2:30AM; OSU football tickets given away every week during Buckeye games; Big Ten Network, College Football Gameplan; Voted Best Wings in Columbus! $10.50 Domestic Buckets!
	Signatures - at 94 Mill Street in Gahanna. We will be showing all of the OSU Football games this year, including the games that can only be seen on The Big Ten Network. Please feel free to give us a call at 614-475-2220 for info and directions. We have great drink and beer prices with the most extensive food menu that you will find anywhere, including Pizza, burgers, wings, salads, and awesome grilled sandwiches.
	Gressos - 961 S. High Street Columbus, OH 43206 (614) 444-0131 Saturday Hours: 11a.m. - 1a.m. We have 10 flat screen TVs on two floors. Head south on high, pass Whittier and we are on the right hand side before Greenlawn... Hope to see you there!
	Rackums Sportsbar - 2118 Stringtown Rd, Grove City,871-5164, doors open at 11:00am. "Opening Day special" with $1.25 domestic bottle beer and 35 cent wings (during game). Great hamburgers, subs, pizza and much more. Large room with 4 HDTV's and 6 other TV's.
	Digger & Finch Fine Scottish Grill & Pub - 6720 Riverside Dr Dublin, OH 43017 (614) 889-8585 17 TV's for your viewing pleasure Great Patio, Great Food & Cold beverages
	Buffalo Wings & Rings - 1574 Stringtown Road Grove City, Ohi 43213 614-801-0900 11:00 am -1:00 am Great wings, cold beer & lots of various sizes of TV's including (4) huge projections screens.
	Larry B's Sports Lounge - 5926 Westerville Rd. 891-5279 Open 10:30 AM
	Bernie's Distillery - 1896 N High St Across from the Wexner, just south of Lane
	Grandview Cafe - 1455 W 3rd Ave (Corner of W 3rd and Grandview Ave.) Open Saturday from 11AM - Midnight 14 HD TVs on 2 floors, special "Tailgate Menu" with 35 cent wings, deep-fried lasagna, foot-long coneys, etc. 223-CAFE

Michigan vs. Ohio State: Q&A with Stephen A.

Stephen A. Smith is a renowned sports writer and media personality from the borough of Queens in New York City. An area of the nation known for producing candid individuals - tennis great John McEnroe, NBA star Ron Artest, mafia don John Gotti, entrepreneur Donald Trump, etc. - Smith quickly became known for his an outspoken public image. This no limit attitude thrust him into prominence in the world of sports. Over the years, his demeanor and stance on issues has merited the nickname, “Screamin’ A. Smith.”

At 39 years old, Smith swiftly made a name for himself. He attended college at Winston-Salem State. Immediately following graduation, Smith interned at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. His career began covering high school sports for the New York Daily News. In 1994, he joined the Philadelphia Inquirer, his current home, where he covers Temple University, the NBA’s 76ers and other sports in his columns. He also hosts his own television show Quite Frankly and frequents other ESPN shows and radio programs.

While visiting Columbus, Smith shares his thoughts with me on Ohio State, Columbus, football, campus, and predicts the score for the showdown on Saturday.

What do you think of Ohio State?

This is my first time here. I had a beautiful experience here. The people are very hospitable, the campus is huge!

The football stadium is one of the greatest things I’ve ever seen in sports. I love it. You hear a lot about “The Shoe” and the tradition that it entails. To see it up close and personal – it’s little things like that remind you why you got into sports writing. The fact is that I have been a journalist for 13 years and it reminds you of why you get into this industry because you realize that there are moments that you are going to experience that other people aren’t going to get the opportunity to do.

How does OSU compare to Winston-Salem State?

Oh! There is no comparison. Aesthetically speaking, there is no comparison. Winston-Salem State University is not half the size of Ohio State obviously. It’s a university – Ohio State is like a town.

If you are talking about the college experience, I think all college experiences are comparable. You might not have No. 1 going against No. 2 in the nation – that’s a different experience altogether – but for everybody that can say, ‘Well you went to Winston Salem State, how would you know?’ I’d say, ‘Well what about Temple? What about North Carolina? What about Duke?’ They aren’t experiencing this either. So it’s really not about the university, its more about the programs. And Ohio State and Michigan – in terms of college football – is as elite as it gets. But in terms of the college experience – nothing beats college. They say college is the greatest four years of your life and I’m here to tell you that certainly applied to me, even at a small, historically black institution like Winston-Salem State.

Do you think Ohio State v. Michigan is the biggest rivalry in sports?

I think so. When I think about rivalries I think about two things. I think about Ohio State-Michigan football and I think about Duke-North Carolina basketball. Those are the two greatest rivalries in all of sports on any level.

Do you think there is a chance that after Saturday they could meet again in the National Championship?

I think there is a chance and I think there should be. Surprisingly, the Ohio State football players I’ve spoken to along with the people at Michigan say:

‘No, its one and done. You play, that’s the National Championship. You shouldn’t be allowed a second chance in the same season. That’s not how it works because those outcomes shouldn’t be resolved in Arizona or California or any place like that. You’re on one or the other’s home turf – that’s how it should be. If you are going to meet, it should be that one meeting and nothing else.’

I disagree with that. I believe, when you have all these one-loss teams behind them - the USC’s, the California’s - teams like that. When you have a two-loss team like Texas, when you have teams like Florida or Auburn, forget all of that stuff. If this comes down to a nail biter and its decided in the last two minutes – No. 1 versus No. 2 in the country – then they should meet again in the National Championship.

Now if one of them gets blown out, then they should dip in the rankings. But if it’s a nail biter and it comes down to the wire, and its 1 against 2 in the nation, I don’t think anybody else should be in that National Championship.

Who do you think is the Heisman favorite right now?

It has got to be Troy Smith!

I mean obviously Brady Quinn definitely deserves consideration. But when you consider the way Michigan went up and spanked them on their home turf and the way Notre Dame was struggling on too many occasions this season – I don’t know if you can make the decision that Brady Quinn is the guy. I would say that Troy Smith with the year that Ohio State has had, the kind of season that he has had – passing for over 2,000 yards, doing all the things he has been doing, especially if they end up beating Michigan Saturday – I would definitely think that [Troy] deserves the Heisman.

So you think it’s his to lose?

I think it’s his to lose because I think if he performs in a big game – and a game of this magnitude against Michigan – how can you not give it to him?

Now if he doesn’t perform, and he looks like garbage, that is an entirely different ballgame. Now all of sudden you are going to start talking about Brady Quinn all over again.

Will you be at the game Saturday?

I’m not going to be here. I have to work Saturday. But don’t rule it out because I might sneak here anyways. But as of right now it doesn’t look like I will be at this game.

Will you be watching it?

I will not miss it. I am scheduled to work till 3 p.m., but if I can get around it, I will be here.

To put you on the spot, who do you pick on Saturday?

I picked Ohio State 31-21. I like Michigan – I like them a lot. Their front seven is as viscous as it gets. They are going to come at Troy, and they have to do everything they can to stop Troy, but Troy is a bad boy. By that I mean he doesn’t just throw the football, he can run the football. He has had his way with Michigan the last couple of years.

Too many weapons – Teddy Ginn, Anthony Gonzalez, Antonio Pittman in the backfield – when you look at the offensive weapons that Troy Smith has at his disposal, as awesome as Michigan’s front seven is I can’t imagine how they will stop Ohio State.

Not to mention the fact that they are coming into Columbus. If this were at Michigan Stadium it could be a ‘pick’em.’ Or you cold even conceive of Michigan winning. But its pretty hard for to believe that Michigan is going to walk into Columbus, Ohio – in front of 105,000 people, with this noise, with this rabid atmosphere, against the No. 1-ranked team in the nation, with the National Championship on the line, against their most-hated rival – I cannot imagine Michigan winning this game. If Michigan wins this game, they deserve the National Championship.

Browns or Bengals? A City Divided

Saturdays Versus Sundays: A City Divided

The benches rattled under the earthquake of stomping feet. Arms danced in the air, choreographed to the sounds of 64,000 screaming fans. “O.H…I.O…” Only the November wind pushed peoples’ hands back into their pockets. The aroma of hot dogs and beer lingered through the breeze. Numbers clashed on the frozen grass below.

Sean Durkin yelled to his peers around him more than the giants below that had been reduced to miniatures from the spectator’s great heights. He was wearing orange along with everyone else. And though they dressed alike and sung together, they were divided amongst themselves. Browns or Bengals? It was rare that a mutual force drew them together. A state divided by the fanaticism of professional football joined together to root for one collegiate team – The Ohio State (OSU) Buckeyes.

“Go Buckeyes! #1. F*** Michigan,” Sean Durkin read the banners that filled Cincinnati’s Paul Brown Stadium on Nov. 17, 2002. On this day, the final score would be 27-20, the Browns over the Bengals. However, the only numbers many fans seemed to care about were 12 and 0, Ohio State’s record. There was also a mutual opponent that Sunday, the Michigan Wolverines, who would be coming into Columbus in six days to attempt to ruin the perfect season. Durkin, a student at OSU, made the drive from Columbus to his hometown of Cincinnati for this game with a few rival Browns fans he had become friends with at school – friends that typically became enemies on Autumn Sundays.

Cincinnati and Cleveland are separated by 243 miles and four hours of intrastate driving. Near the middle, Columbus can be found; a capital city rest stop located 100 miles from Cincinnati and 140 miles from Cleveland. This is the home of that unifying force. While on Saturday this power is compelling, come Sunday it’s rare to find such a story. Usually men, women and children in Columbus battle each other even when their teams are not.

The debate has snowballed over the years. Promising futures combined with the reputable histories make this intrastate rivalry as compelling as any other. A rivalry is nothing without its fans, however. And even the weight of a National Championship season for the Buckeyes cannot overshadow the differences and similarities between Browns’ and Bengals’ fans in Columbus. It is a city united on Saturdays but divided on Sundays.

A “fan” is defined in Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “an enthusiastic devotee usually as a spectator.” This is different from the definition of “fanatic” which is “marked by excessive enthusiasm and often intense uncritical devotion.” This is an important recognition, as many people only occasionally follow and root for a team. Fanatics live and die with their team. They have emotional ties that often affect the fanatics own disposition. For football fanatics, Sundays often affect Mondays and in some cases the entire rest of the week.

“I’ve always been a Bengals’ fan and will till I die,” Chris Dexter said. This seems to be the consensus from both sides. Fandom begins at a young age and escalates through adulthood. It often manifests itself through the teachings of parents or is erected on the proximity of one to that city’s team.

“I am a Browns fan because I grew up close to Cleveland in a family of Browns’ fans,” Jesse Moore said.

Proximity to a team’s hometown is one of the chief driving forces behind becoming a fan. It takes opposing beliefs to push fans to fanaticism. The constant need to back one’s team and root for them raises interest, opinions and support. “Living in Columbus has increased my devotion towards the Bengals because on game day I am in proximity to more Browns fans than I was used to,” Dexter said. “This is new for me being from Cincinnati.”

As with all fanatics, both groups believe that their team either is, was, or will be the best team in the National Football League (NFL). The Browns have the more glamorous history. “Jim Brown alone gives us that,” Moore said.

The Cleveland Browns were born in 1944 when Arthur B. McBride acquired the team. His first order of business was to hire the great Paul Brown as head coach (whom Cincinnati’s stadium is now named after). The Browns’ first season was in 1946, in which they went 12-2. In 1950, they merged into the NFL and went 10-2. They’ve won four national championships and have an all-time record of 467-356-13.

“For the first 10 years of the team’s existence from 1946-1955, the Browns were oftentimes called ‘the New York Yankees of football’ winning more often than just about any team in the league,” said Jeff Walcoff, staff writer at ClevelandBrowns.com. “The team won league championships during its first five years of existence. In fact, from 1946-73 – a span of 28 years – the Browns had just one losing season.”

The Cincinnati Bengals first season was in 1968. And so the rivalry was born. There all-time record is 240-308-0. They have never won an NFL championship. Bengals’ fans can and should be optimistic though. Over the past three years there has been dramatic improvement in the team’s record – from two wins in 2002, to eight wins in 2003 and 2004. The Bengals already have eight wins this season heading into Week 13.

Like most fanatics, there is an almost arrogant confidence in their team. “The Bengals will definitely have a better season [than the Browns] this year and next,” said Durkin.

Even some die-hard browns fanatics can shamefully admit this. “Although it pains me to say it, the Kentucky Bungles will have a better season this year,” Zach Abrams said. “They have the better team and more talent. However, the Browns are making strides in the right direction and will be better in years to come.”

The Browns currently hold the edge in the all-time record against one another, 34-30 in the regular season, not once meeting in the post season. If the two teams ever do collide, Columbus may find itself even more divided between the two teams and on the brink of rioting and vandalism like that following the OSU/Michigan football game in November of 2002. Verbal and occasional physical disputes often can be seen around the campus streets over the football teams in the fall. Moore and friends already find themselves plotting to steal his neighbors’ Bengals flag.

There are some major discrepancies between the two groups of fans besides hometowns and records. Loyalty is an argument that seems to always resurface. It is an issue that is of great debate between the two groups. “Unlike the Kentucky Bungles’ fans, I have always liked the Browns,” Abrams said.

The issue of loyalty is often disputed by comparing their faithfulness to that of the rival team’s fans. “I feel like Bengals’ fans are [more loyal than Browns fans] since the last 15 years we have sucked, yet the stadium has always been packed on game days,” Dexter said. The Browns’ fans I know are pretty stubborn to the point of ignorance when it comes to a dispute between the teams.”

The Browns’ fans in Columbus have remarkably similar views, just flipped to accommodate their own interests. They believe that their fans are more loyal because they show up every Sunday and always show their support despite records. When the Browns were relocated to Baltimore in 1996, fans were devastated. Two years later the Browns were back in Cleveland under new ownership and fans rejoiced.

“Browns fans are by far more loyal,” Moore said. “Bengals’ fans were almost nonexistent when I got to Ohio State, and since they became decent they are all over the place. Meanwhile, Browns fans are Browns fans through good and bad.”

Neither group will listen to reason nor is there factual evidence to prove which teams’ fans are more loyal today. Fans have their own attitudes towards their team and the rivals. It’s not only the other team that fans loathe; in many instances it’s their fans as well. They have stereotypes and prejudices towards each other.

“Last year when the Browns beat the Bungles and I was driving back to Columbus I could only get Bungles call-in radio. All the Bungles fans called in and said how mean the Browns fans were, and how they would never take their kids to a game in Cleveland. I found myself proud to be a Browns fan after listening to this.”

As long as the two teams remain in Ohio, there will be a rivalry not just on the field between the players, but also for their fans. “Football is engrained in people’s lives,” Walcoff said. “Ohio is simply a football-centric universe, stemming from decades of rich history and tradition as deeply rooted in the area’s culture as hockey is in Canada.”

Central Ohio has become a frontline in the battle between Browns’ and Bengals’ fans. This October, Abrams found himself in Columbus amongst thousands of partying Halloweeners. As he was walked down the sidewalk in his Browns jersey with black eye paint under his eyes – despite it being 9 p.m. – chants came from two campus homes to his right. “Here we go Brownies, here we go.” Intermittent “who-dey’s” could be heard competing with the Browns chants. Abrams excitedly turned towards the loud, crowded porches. He joined in the argument on the Browns’ porch. The verbal war persisted from lighted deck to lighted deck across the dark side yard. An outspoken and opinionated person in general, Abrams made the porch his stage. He began his monologue that sounded as if it had been rehearsed, or at least well researched and from the heart. He wore a proud grin.

“Browns’ fans don't cheer for Kentucky sports. Browns’ fans show up regardless of record. Browns fans did not steal their cheer from another team - "Who-dey" was a Saints cheer. Browns fans have a rich tradition dating back to the inception of the Browns from Jim Brown to Bernie Kosar and the return of the Browns back to Cleveland - the Kentucky Bungles fans have no tradition and the Ickey Shuffle. We have the Dawg Pound, the Bungles have the Jungle - enough said. Browns fans tailgate at seven in the morning, Bungles fans get to the game at kick off.”

Abrams left the stage with showmanship, his point made, as Bungles fans started their rebuttal. “Hey, who won the last two times they met? Who’s got a better record?”

Cheap Meals on OSU's Campus

Cheap meals do exist beyond the fast food “dollar menu” and campus dining, especially on or around Ohio State (OSU) campus. There are so many restaurants that special deals exist for each day of the week and in every genre of food.

Some of these restaurants are chains and some are family-owned businesses. But sometimes these Davids around campus are dwarfed by the Goliath fast food chains. National advertising for the major fast food chains are a constant reminder of “dollar menus” and special offers that can be found anywhere. There are other options to get a meal for a minimal price.

Many people would rather go to a local restaurant. Fast food chains can sometimes become redundant.

“Since they're chains, I feel I already know the menus,” said Cat McGrew, a grad student and teaching assistant at OSU.
Different deals come up every day of the week. Some of the specials that are currently running around campus are particularly well-priced for the portions of food. Some are just extraordinarily cheap meals.

“My friends and I always order Gumby’s extra-large pizza on Wednesdays and watch Lost together,” said Tarah Clark, a student at Columbus State Community College student.

These specials are offered only on specific days during the week. All are located easily within walking distance from anywhere on campus.

Monday - Adriatico’s New York Style Pizza (locations can all be found below) offers a Monday Night Madness pizza deals starting at $6.25 after 5 p.m.

Tuesday - BW3’s popular 35¢ wings deal is usually accompanied with a large entertaining crowd
- Adriatico’s offers the same Tuesday Night Madness pizza deal.

Wednesday - Gumby’s Pizza offers a Wicked Wednesday extra-large 1-item pizza for $7.49

Thursday - Subway’s Italian B.M.T. 6 inch sub is a mere $2.49. Subway offers an array of sandwiches on different days (Monday through Sunday) all for $2.49.

Friday - Mama’s Pasta and Brew cooks up a lasagna dish that comes with bread and a salad for $5.50

A cheap meal is often more desired than a decent meal. This rings especially true for students with all the financial problems that they face. However, cheap meals at local restaurants can be decent too.

“I go to restaurants outside the major food chains to get food that at least feels like it might be home cooked, which you don’t get a lot of living away from home,” said Melissa Larke, a junior at OSU.

Some restaurants offer cheap, simple, daily menus that one could drop in for between classes.

“The most common time I eat out, around campus, is during the day, because I am usually too busy too cook anything myself,” said Andrew Krieger, a senior at OSU said. “Besides the obvious nutritional reasons, I tend to like higher quality food than most fast food restaurants can offer.”

“Healthy” is a term that has become hard to define these days. However, there is an “unhealthy” stereotype attached to many fast-food chains. Many of the restaurants around campus bake their fresh bread daily or cook their meals “home-style.” Bagel shops like Hillel Bagel Café and Bernie’s Bagels are a great place to get a fresh, “healthy” meal.

Local restaurants offer a variety of deals, in a variety of different genres of food that could be of interest for a variety of different reasons every day of the week.

“Nick's Diner, a little cafe over on Neil Avenue is an independent place that has great food,” McGrew said.

§ Nick’s Diner (locations can all be found below) has daily breakfast and lunch specials. Breakfast starts at $1.25 and lunch prices range from $3.95-$7.95.

§ Aladdin’s Eatery (which has won numerous awards for its Middle Eastern menu including “Best Cheap Eats” by Northern Ohio Live Magazine and Columbus City Search website) offers lunches such as rolled pitas and sandwiches priced around $5.50.

§ The Blackwell’s Bistro 2110 has an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet for $8.95 and a lunch buffet for $9.95.

§ Moe’s Southwest Grill specializes in Mexican food. Burritos start at $4.69 and quesadillas at $2.99.

§ Potbelly Sandwich Works’ sandwiches all cost $3.79.

§ The Cellar, a common stopping place for students and faculty on campus, sells prepackaged sandwiches ranging from 90¢ to $3.75.

§ LaBamba’s Mexican menu consists of combo meals that are $6.64 with tax.

§ JR Miggs offers an array of American food that cost $5.99 on average with a drink.

§ Moy’s Restaurant (another restaurant on Columbus City Search’s “Best Cheap Eats 2005” list) has meals starting at $5.50 such as Moogoo Gai Pan, Chicken Broccoli and Chicken Black Bean.

§ Tommy’s Diner is a classic, 50’s style diner that has a lunch special (half-sub, side and drink) for $4.50.

§ Jersey Dogs is a cart that can usually be found rolling around High St. that sells hot dogs with the works for $2.00.

§ Brenen’s Café sells soup (starting at $2.95), bagels with cream cheese ($1.55) and fresh sandwiches (from $5.25).

§ Bento Go-Go’s specials vary. California sushi rolls currently cost $5.25.

§ W.G. Grinders’ sandwiches and grinders can be a refreshing break from chains. Soup combo’s (soup, side salad and drink) cost $3.20.

§ Wall Street Deli’s classic sandwich costs $3.75 (only $1.50 more for a combo).

§ Apollo’s Greek Kitchen is running a fall special of two regular gyros and a soda for $6.00.

§ PJ’s filling, special sandwiches with just about everything on them cost $4.75.

§ Sicilia makes an assortment of 9 inch subs for $3.99.

§ Pita Pit’s pitas (11 of which contain less than 5 grams of fat) range from $3.50-$5.50.

§ Catfish Biff’s sells two single slices of pizza and a pop for $3.70.

At the end of a hard day people are often looking for a place to crash before heading home. After work or after class is a prime time for finding happy hour specials at restaurants.

§ Ugly Tuna Saloona’s (locations can be found below) happy hour special is from 3-8 p.m. Wings and Peel-n-Eat shrimp are 29¢ and oysters are 59¢.

§ Paninis happy hour consists of half price appetizers between 3-9 p.m.

Plentiful specials exist both around campus and within delivery distance. After trying these, check the Paper Gold or Saver mailed to dormitories and homes around campus for other cheap meals or get online at http://columbus.citysearch.com/ or https://buckid.osu.edu/where/index.asp for more information about other local restaurants.

DVD Round-Up 2006

COLUMBUS, Ohio —This December, hundreds of new release DVDs will hit stores. Instead of letting Ebert and Roeper decide which films make the holiday wish list, allow some Ohio State film studies students make their recommendations.

The industry revs up every year and puts out blockbuster films and academy award hopefuls in theatres and on retailers shelves.

“The thing about the holidays that is best for DVD sales is really just the fact that it’s cold outside, and people don't want to go out as much,” Brandon Boring said.

Like mistletoe and stockings, movies have come to be a major part of the holiday season. So much so, often times people forego their usual weekend’s festivities and replace a night on the town with a movie rental.

“I like sitting by the fire in my living room, drinking hot chocolate and watching movies with my family,” Catherine Hendel said.

The problem arises in deciding which of the hundreds are worth buying or renting. While many films are worth renting and viewing, here are some of the new releases on DVD that should make the wish list.

Polar Express

Based on Chris Van Allsburg's popular children's book, the story follows a young boy who finds himself doubting the existence of Santa Claus. The boy lies in bed Christmas Eve in hope of hearing the reindeers and sleigh bells in the night, only to be surprised by the sounds of a steam train and its whistle. He then embarks on a wonderful journey to the North Pole.

Hendel puts it with her top five Christmas movies of all-time, along with It’s a Wonderful Life, The Santa Claus, A Christmas Story and Elf.

The movie is extremely touching and true-to-heart. It is not your everyday Christmas flick. It speaks volumes about the holiday spirit and is capable of bringing people to tears. Released on DVD almost a year after it was in theaters, Polar Express is a must have for holidays.

Cinderella Man

This is the true story about a surprising sports legend names James J. Braddock, who was nicknamed Cinderella Man. The movie depicts his life in the early 1930’s, during the Great Depression. It follows his life and boxing career from being a ex-prizefighter to catching his second wind and facing the heavyweight champion, Max Baer.

“Cinderella Man was a fantastic movie that really didn't get enough credit because it wasn't a box office hit,” Taryn Troyer said. “Russell Crowe is always stupendous and it's a really well made film.”

It has already been mentioned by critics as possibly being an academy award best picture of the year nominee.

Brandon Boring said that the DVD is “definitely worth buying” and Hendel describes it simply as “amazing.”

Star Wars: Episode III

Star Wars: Episode III: The Revenge of the Sith is the final installment of the saga. It takes place before the original A New Hope and after Attack of the Clones. Its sole responsibility in the story line is to tie up all the loose ends and answer the questions people have pondered for nearly 30 years. It follows Anakin Skywalker in his final days before turning to the Dark Side and becoming Darth Vader.

Of all the movies on DVD, Boring said Star Wars: Episode III is top five on his all-time must-see list. It grossed $847,262,555 at the worldwide box office, finishing at 11 all-time, three spots ahead of the original Star Wars from 1977.

The Producers

Based on the Tony-Award winning musical and the original movie from 1968, The Producers is being remade again for the big screen and is due out December 21. Before catching the remake starring Matthew Broderick, Will Ferrell and Uma Thurman, buy the original on DVD with Gene Wilder and Mel Brooks. It follows the failing theatrical producer Max in a scheme to make money with his accountant Leo to purposely produce a flop, “Springtime for Hitler.”

“The Producers is one of the funniest movies of all time,” Taryn Troyer said. “Definitely see the original before the remake comes out.”

The Simpson’s: Complete Seventh Season

The Simpsons is the longest running animated series and primetime sitcom in television history. It follows a lampoon family in the hilarious city of Springfield. Amongst the family members are Homer, the working class, overweight father and Bart, his misfit son. The seventh season began with a bang, literally, when the character who shot Mr. Burns is finally revealed. Other episodes include Radioactive Man and Treehouse of Horror VI.

The Simpsons has won numerous awards, including Emmys.

“I already recommend the seventh season of The Simpsons,” Justin Luna said.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith

Amid all the newsstand controversy surrounding the real life triangle of love between Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie a movie was produced that may or may not have started it all. Mr. and Mrs. Smith is the box-office hit ($427,930,528) that somehow survived (or possibly thrived) on all the scandalous headlines that surrounded it.

It follows the secret lives of two special agent assassins who are married to one another. The domestic lives they lead for each other are just a cover that neither has any clue about until their worlds collide and their agencies hire them to kill the same man.

Hendel recommends seeing this film after her experience with it in theatres, describing it as “very good.”