Long time since last post... and Christmas

Sorry, folks since the last time i posted, some personal stuff going on lately. But I did have a good Christmas day, having dinner with family and friends, and a fun board game, too.

I guess the "greetings war" is over. I thought that both sides blew it out of proportion. My two concerns:
1) The 'secular left' doing what it can to censor anything related to Christmas!
2) 'Religious right' urging boycotts of retailers who don't mention Christmas in early November!

I am a Christian who believes that the reason for the season is not deep discounts or giving the coolest video game system or big screen HDTV. I have no problem with 'Happy Holidays' in general; I have respect for Jewish and Muslim people as well.
You want a 'Holiday Tree'? Why not decorate it with (Holiday) eggs, bunnies, turkeys and fireworks as well. But I thought it was silly to tell companies and stores to say Christmas WEEKS before the actual, uh, holiday, came up.

I hope everyone had a merry Christmas, whether you got an X-BOX 360, video iPod, a sweater, new pet, or just the love and presence of family.

Viacom to sell Paramount Parks

Here we go again... according to Reuters....

DUBAI, Dec 13 (Reuters) - Viacom Inc. (VIA.N: Quote, Profile, Research) (VIAb.N: Quote, Profile, Research) is ready to sell theme parks owned by its Paramount Pictures division, as well as book publisher Simon & Schuster, chairman Sumner Redstone said on Tuesday.

The U.S. media conglomerate splits into two companies on Dec. 31, separating its faster growing cable networks and film business from the relatively sluggish CBS television broadcasting and radio operations.

Simon & Schuster, which will be part of the more mature side of the business has often been cited along with the theme parks as assets Viacom might choose to sell.

Another Milhouse Title Gag

"Allen Arena - It thinks it's Babe: Pig in the City!"

"She thinks she's Babe: Pig in the City!" - Milhouse Van Houten, on his string of not so great sequels, when he sees a new tough girl at Springfield Elementary School.

Title Gag 12/12/05

It's like 'Speed 2,' only with a bus instead of a boat!
- The great Milhouse Van Houten, as the school bus Otto is driving is racing an automobile driven by Marge Simpson, both trying to get to school on time.

The original Speed, for those who don't know '90s action movies, centered around a Los Angeles transit bus rigged with a bomb, in which if the bus dropped below a certain speed, it would explode. An elevator and a Metro subway train were also involved. Speed 2 could have done better if they brought back Keanu Reeves and done on another bus. Or it would have sucked even more.

An Introduction to Front Page Title Gags

On early Thursday Morning when the demolition of Busch Stadium in St. Louis came to a close with the fall of the last section, I changed my page title from "Welcome to Allen Arena!" to "Allen Arena - Remembering Busch Stadium 1966-2005." Having moved on, oddly enough, I decided to change the title back on Saturday.

Or make the front page title a bit fun. On Friday night, "Larry the Cable Guy" was a guest on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Being one of the most famous representatives of redneck (and quite possibly middle American) culture, he brought up a recent trip to The Home Depot, a great wonder for manly men like Larry. Almost a 'city within a city, ' Larry noted a hot dog stand near the front of the store which kept him fed. And then that hot dog eventually needed out. Can't verify if this was true, but he had to settle for one of the toilets in the Plumbing section.

That's why I went with "Allen Arena - The toilets in the Plumbing department of Home Depot are for Display Only!"

It reminds me of an old Best Buy commercial with the theme of trying products out in the store. Easy to do with computers, video game consoles, audio systems, and widescreen HDTVs after hours of hard work. Bad idea when it comes to toilets after some spicy Mexican food.



To keep up your interest, I changed it early this morning to: "Go You Panthers... no, Hear That Bengal Growl... uh, On, Brave Old Army... I'll shut up now."

Yes, I've heard the Elder HS fight song a few times, including on the Bill Cunningham show. One of those great high school football traditions.
The Bengals Growl fight song may have aged, but it's a neat fight song. Sounds better IMO than that who-dey stuff.
And on Saturday, ESPN premiered a new feature film called CodeBreakers, based on the 1950 U.S. Military Academy football team where some cadets are expelled for cheating. In the credits, "On, Brave Old Army Team" becomes the new selection for Karaoke Hour.


I'll be back soon with an update on more title gags. I can't say what they are, but I can say that this is a big week for Simpsons fans like myself. Tonight, Kelsey Grammer is back as Sideshow Bob in a new episode. And Tuesday, Season 7 goes out on DVD!

It's gone.

As of 1:26 am (12:26 am CT), the last section of historic Busch Stadium in St. Louis has collapsed. By watching on the KSDK live cam, flash bulbs followed by fireworks signified that the old stadium was no more recognizable... and that there would only be ONE Busch Stadium in that area.

Now the task is to get this new Busch Stadium all ready for Opening Day.

And to secure a good team for next season. Fill some of those open positions, and keep the good guys. Got that, Walt? Don't let the good days die with the old stadium.

The closet's fully empty now, it's occupied by none,
I'll draw the drapes, now destiny is done.
- "Closet Chronicles," Kansas


I close my eyes, only for a moment, and the moment's gone
All my dreams, pass before my eyes, in curiosity
Dust in the wind, all they are is dust in the wind
Same old song, just a drop of water in an endless sea
All we do, crumbles to the ground, though we refuse to see

Dust in the wind, All we are is dust in the wind

Don't hang on, nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky
It slips away, and all your money won't another minute buy

Dust in the wind, All we are is dust in the wind
Dust in the wind, Everything is dust in the wind
- "Dust in the Wind," Kansas

FINAL Busch Stadium Demolition LIVE!

Right now, KSDK has live streaming video of the final part of the demolition of Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Not as exciting as when I went downtown and saw the implosion of Cincinnati's Riverfront Stadium almost three years ago, but still a memorable yet hard moment...

KSDK live demolition video

The time is now 10:15 pm eastern (9:15 central in St. Louis). Just a few hours later, expect the link (and stadium) to be gone. Tomorrow morning, the only Busch Stadium will be the new stadium next door, set to open in April, when the Cardinals host Milwaukee Brewers.

Goodbye Busch, I love and miss you dearly.

Happy Birthday to me...

I'm 24 today.

But that's the good news about today.

Busch Stadium is almost gone:

I'll be surprised if this last section is standing tomorrow.

State Champions!

Tonight, the St. Xavier Bombers of Cincinnati won the OHSAA Division I State football title in Canton's Fawcett Stadium, defeating the Washington Tigers from nearby Massillon, 24-17, closing a memorable, 15-game undefeated season.

This was St. Xavier's first successful run for the championship. Their last finals appearance came in 2001, when they lost in Canton to St. Ignatius Wildcats from Cleveland. At least Brian Kosmac was happy.

This is also the fourth straight title for a Cincinnati area Division I team, starting with Elder in 2002 and 2003, and Colerain in 2004, and five straight appearances of area teams.

So congratulations to the many students, players, parents, and alumni of St. Xavier High School, especially alums like Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph "TNT' Deters, and good friend and coaster nut Brad Ruwe.


I'd also like to pass along that another tri-state team was also victorious in their state title run. The Newport Central Catholic HS Thoroughbreds won the Kentucky Class A Championship, defeating Mayfield 42-7 at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium in Louisville. This is NewCath's second successful run, the first since 1984, and 6th of their state appearances. The Breds close out the season 13-2.

Chaz Luken's Words of Wisdom

This past Wednesday, November 30, 2005, was the last day on the job for Charles J. Luken, better known as Chaz, as the Mayor of the City of Cincinnati. Chaz spent 12 years as Mayor (1984-1990, 1999-2005) and in the past few years, had a lot of great things to say. Here's some of the best of Chaz, as heard on the Bill Cunningham show:

"Let's not wait for Hell to freeze over here."

"I brought you into this world, I can take you out!"

"Ignorance is no defense."

"Don't tell anybody, but she's not a very good cook!"

"My mother's on crack!"

"I have to give you a few more soundbytes before I get out of office, so that I can live in infamy!"

"It's not my jurisdiction."

"That's true."

"I got you started in this business, I can take you out, Willie!"

"You’re going to get a tongue-whipping!"

"It's time for it to stop!"

"You got that taping thing going on, that I always hear what I say later?"

"I’ve got this plantar wart I have in my foot."

"WHAT?!"

"We’re going to get a bus, and some 40s!"

"You always make it sound like there's some of payoff here!"

"I could not be more excited!"

"Be careful what you wish for!"

"Yes."

"You know that?"

"I would do it every year!"

"That’s right!"

"It’s scary, isn’t it?!"

"In this particular case, you seem to be wavering a bit."

"I think I’m going to leave my keys on the desk!"

"I’m just as horrified about it as everybody else!"

"Wal-Mart can track a pair of socks, and you guys can’t track a train car that’s got a dangerous chemical in it, for a half a year?!"

"I love everybody!"

"I think it's time that we blow something up!"

"I picked up a woman at a bar, took her home and had sex with her, and it may be more detailed than that."

RCA Dome noise: loud Colts fans, or hot air?

In Thursday's Indianapolis Star, "The Dan Patrick Show" on ESPN Radio was questioning how the noise in the RCA Dome got so loud during Monday night's home game against the Steelers. Some were asking if some of this noise was piped in through the sound system, which, if true, is a violation of NFL rules.

First, having been there in person, I seriously doubt that. Yes, there were some times when the place was somewhat quieter, when the Colts had the ball, especially during a large lead. The loudest points happened prior to kickoff, during player introductions, and the playing of the Monday Night Football intro video. And being a fully enclosed domed stadium also added to keeping the noise in and up - almost to the noise level of the Van Halen concert I went to last year.

Second, I must question if such 'piping of noise' was done by the Houston Astros this past season at Minute Maid Park, when they had the roof closed, especially against the Cardinals in the NLCS. Fortunately, two guys shut them up: Albert Pujols and Bud Selig (who had them open the roof in the World Series). The White Sox would get the title this year.

That, or John Murtha is a Steelers fan.

But I can't me much happier for the Colts right now. I may live in an area where they're about to introduce another goddamn Who-Dey Jungle song, but I do live in a country where you can support any team you like. No problem with those yellow Terrible Towels flying around in a sea of blue in the beloved Circle City.

Dave and Oprah: The Aftermath.

Last night, Thursday, Oprah Winfrey made her legendary and historic appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman. One of the biggest surprises is that Oprah claims there never has been a feud, and that the Uma-Oprah thing from when Dave last hosted the Academy Awards was actually funny, as she brought an autographed picture of her and Uma Thurman to Dave, with a purple frame! After last night's "Super Bowl of Love", Letterman walked Winfrey over to her theater across the street in a neat public appearance that drew tons of flashes, as it should have.

"Oprah is our friend."

Get Ready, America!

It's only minutes away! Tune to your local CBS affiliate NOW! (Ch. 12 here in Cincinnati) This is a major event you can't miss, as Oprah Winfrey will be in the Ed Sullivan Theater to meet David Letterman!

There's got to be a morning after...

I promised a photo update from last night's big Colts-Steelers game at RCA Dome, with no singing of a 70's disaster song at karaoke like the one nerd on Family Guy...

For some reason, one of my cats just loves the Arby's Oven Mitt. Tom Arnold, who voiced the Mitt in the TV ads, was on with Live with Regis and Kelly Lee this morning, along with former Creed lead singer Scott Stapp, who has his first solo album out now.


The Steelers' offensive line, led by Ben Roethlisberger


Peyton took all the time he needed...


There's just one team left to try to beat...


I'll let you read the game summary somewhere else yourself, but here's how it ended.


And we'll close with a taer-down. KMOV St. Louis Stadium Cam

Indianapolis Perfection: Colts 26 - Steelers 7

Those still hoping for a perfect Colts season can sleep tonight.

Tonight at the RCA Dome before an in-house audience of 57,000, and millions more on ABC, the undefeated Colts went at it against the 7-3 Steelers. Pre-game, the place was just plain loud.

The guy that does the "Real Men of Genius" commercials for a certain light beer from St. Louis did a special one for the Colts.

Trace Adkins, country star, sang the national anthem, and a bald eagle flew through the building at the end.

And pretty much from the start, the Colts put points on the board with a Peyton Manning to Marvin Harrison throw for a touchdown. Not long after, the Steelers responded with some good defense and offense, and became competitive at one point, 10-7 Colts. However, a barely missed field goal by Steelers kicker Chris Gardocki, and some just plain better offense and defense by the Colts gave Indy the controls into the second half, where the Steelers could never respond. Mike Vanderjagt still rules as a kicker, just about the opposite results from the Giants' Jay Feely in Seattle on Sunday.

With 5 minutes to go in the 4th quarter, many fans, mostly Steelers backers, headed for the exits, resulting in a lot of cheers from the predominantly blue crowd, even "Here we go, Steelers..."

Leaving a little later than most fans, I might have passed a few celebrites in the Convention Center hallways, like Boomer Esiason, former Bengals quarterback and CBS TV/radio analyst, and Kato Kaelin from O.J. Simpson trial fame (he did part of a recent game show special I saw on GSN, hosting the "Dumb Blondes" portions).

Part of the news in town was the unveiling of a special Indiana Colts license plate, that will go towards construction of Indiana Stadium to the south of RCA Dome, now underway. I enjoy visiting the RCA dome because, well, it's a neat place to see a game, it's got great home advantage noise, and is pleasant because, well, it's indoors. I only spent 10 or less seconds outside leaving the Dome to head to my hotel, connected to the Dome and Indiana Convention Center via skywalk. Indiana Stadium, with larger capacity, all individual seats, more restrooms, a retractable roof, and escalators, will blow the Dome away in a few years.

In the morning, after some sleep, I'll put up a few photos. Indianapolis is a great city...

The REAL view from the hotel room in Indy...

Oddly enough, there's a ballpark, the Indians' Victory Field. Before this place was built, they played in Bush Stadium. (spelling correct)


In the distance is White River State Park, home of the NCAA Hall of Champions.

GO COLTS!

Busch Stadium Taer-Down Update

Just as a reminder, this is from a webcam in St. Louis. I am currently in Indianapolis, getting ready for tonight's big Monday Night Football game at RCA Dome with the Colts and Steelers:

Eventually, though, RCA Dome will be torn down by the end of the decade after Indiana Stadium is completed...

Seattle Monorail accident

Either John Candy was hired to drive (a la Planes Trains & Automobiles), or a Seattle landmark had another serious (yet unfortunate) blemish... Saturday night, the two Alweg trains on the historic 1962 Seattle Monorail had a side-scraping collision with each other at the Westlake downtown station.

The Monorail Society story

Taer It Down: Busch Stadium Saturday 11/26

Sorry to dampen your spirits some after talking about WinterFest. Then again, Ebeneezer Scrooge must be having a blast all the way from The Old Country 1800s to St. Louis 2005.

Trip Report: PKI WinterFest 11/25/05

On Friday, November 25, I had the opportunity to check out the return of WinterFest at Kings Island. The park promised this would be an extravagant event, and they sure did deliver!

Upon entry to the park, the most notable attractions are the skating rink on the Royal Fountain, and the use of the Eiffel Tower as a Christmas tree, both returning from the original WinterFest.

A welcome "change" is the new decorations, food options, and live entertainment in the Festhaus - but more like what was offered at the last WinterFest. Full dinners, like turkey, lasagna, and roast beef were available, while LaRosa's pizza was also available. Gone are the large projection screens, replaced with a center stage for live musical and talent entertainment and festive banners in the ceiling. An old stained glass window has been revealed once again, and illuminated. Graeter's ice cream and Busken bakery goods are also available inside.

Another dining option is available at Bubba Gump's Shrimp Shack, which offers part of its dining area enclosed, as well as some "tacky" food offerings.

The Paramount Story is home to the Nickelodeon Tree Lot, where you can have your picture taken with characters like SpongeBob, Dora the Explorer, and Little Bill. Like before, the Coney Carousel is open.

New to WinterFest is the illumination show in Rivertown, which has great light effects synchronized to music. Also, the White Christmas Express is a wonderful train ride that includes some nice postcard displays, but adds a nice element of live entertainment not only in the station, but on board during the train that takes you back to the 1940s.

The last days of Hanna-Barbera land are during WinterFest, including operation of the H-B Carousel and Top Cat's Taxi Jam (the only coaster available), as well as Scooby-Doo and the Haunted Castle (which will remain as is next season). You can meet Santa in the Animation Station building until Christmas.

You might be a little disappointed if you miss out on WinterFest's shows. The main act, Santa's Toy Factory, goes on in the Paramount Theatre. Be sure to pick up reservation tickets for shows to the left of the Front Gate, before the Theatre, to ensure seating to this fantastic and timeless show.

Make time to see the nightly lighting of the Eiffel Tower Tree at 6 p.m. It's surely part of the WinterFest magic, and I think it's better than ever with the Tower's new lighting effects, which I hope to see added to summer operation (minus the Chirstmas lights).

The Home for the Holidays Parade begins at 7:30 in the Nickelodeon/Hanna-Barbera area, and terminates at The Beast. Be sure to look for an old favorite attraction among the roving entertainers and floats!

Before leaving, don't miss Scrooge on International Street, next to Starbucks Coffee. The things he says might get normal park employees fired (it's still clean humor, but not the warm fun found at most holiday shows).

But before I left for the night, I took the the skating rink. I liked the availability of hockey skates for rental (unlike some rinks I have been to). The $3 rental fee was very reasonable, but the $7 rink fee was a little steep, but it's not too often you get to skate in the middle of Kings Island!

Overall, I would give WinterFest an 'A' grade. There are a few things I might want to change, inclding more lighting in the trees. While the decision to not accept season passes made sense, in order to keep the event's experience enjoable, I would offer some deep discounts on select nights, or maybe even a couple of free passholder nights, depending how attendance this season goes. Surprisingly, there was little or no park/coaster/ride merchandise usually found during the regular season - something I would honestly expect some of, whether a Beast shirt, postcards, or some MINI Cooper related items from Italian Job.

In close, if you've loved visiting Kings Island or love holiday events, you must not miss WinterFest!

IF YOU GO:
WinterFest at Kings Island
Admission: Advance purchase of tickets is recommended, because some nights may sell out.
You can purchase specific day tickets onlike at PKI.com for $17.99.
Good any day tickets are also availabe for $19.99 online, at Kroger or Blockbuster.
Tickets are available at the gate for $24.99 (when available).
When: Fridays-Sundays beginning November 25, as well as during the week starting December 19 (closed Dec. 24, 25) through New Year's Eve (December 31.)
Hours: 4-10 p.m (4-9 p.m. Sundays and Dec. 31)
Information: pki.com - also check out pkicentral.com

"It's Oprah!"

The great David Letterman once said: "It ain't Oprah 'til it's Oprah." After so much wishing, so much time, and even an unsuccessful effort to appear on The Oprah Winfrey Show in Chicago, our dreams will come true on Thursday December 1.

The following comes from the Late Show with David Letterman's website on CBS.com:

Queen of Daytime To Make Her First LATE SHOW Appearance on Thursday, December 1

Oprah Winfrey, whose renown as a television host, producer and publisher has made her one of the most recognized and admired public figures worldwide, will make her first appearance on the LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN, Thursday, December 1st. Ms. Winfrey, who appeared twice in the 1980s on NBC's "Late Night with David Letterman," has never been a guest on CBS's LATE SHOW.

Ms. Winfrey will make her LATE SHOW appearance the same night as the red-carpet premiere for the Broadway musical "The Color Purple," which she is producing. The theatrical production is based on the Alice Walker novel, which also yielded the 1985 film of the same title, for which Winfrey was nominated for an Academy Award as Best Supporting Actress.

"What a big night that is going to be - not only for us, not only for Oprah, but for Broadway," said Letterman during a taping of his show this evening. "You have the big 'Color Purple' Broadway opening, and then right across the street here in this theater, you have Oprah appearing here. I mean, that's what Broadway is all about - it's a street of dreams."

Letterman, who in recent years has made no secret of his longstanding desire to have Winfrey as a guest, said, "This just gives you an idea of what a big, big star this really is. She's huge. Put bygones behind us, the water under the bridge, over the dam, wherever water goes - standing in your basement - she's going to be here on this show and it's going to be fantastic."

Jeff Siebert resigns from PKI

The following is from John Keeter "Shaggy," a good friend and ACE Representative on today's shattering news:

It is bittersweet that I report the news that Jeffrey Siebert has resigned his postion of Marketing and Communications Manager at Paramount's Kings Island.

Jeff has been with PKI since 2000, and has been an absolute staple at PKI. Jeff's passion for PKI as well as his attention to overall detail has help guide the park into a much improved, guest focused experience. He will no doubt be missed by his colleagues, coworkers and friends.

Jeff has been one of the most effective supporters of Coaster Enthusiasts and fans of the park. He truly is a great fellow that has left his amazing touch upon those of us lucky enough to share in various festivities, media events and enthusiast events at PKI. I cannot think of someone that is more generous with their time and efforts than he. I'll forever think of his smiling face whenever I enter PKI.

To me, Jeff is PKI. And the friendship that I have with he and his family is probably the greatest reason that PKI continues to mean so much to me.

But don't fret! All is not lost!

The good news is that Jeff will be assuming a position with Schlitterbahn Parks based in Galveston, TX. Jeff will begin work with the the world's most prominent waterpark company on Dec 7th.

Jeff's final day at PKI will be Dec 2nd. His final hoorah, will be this week's Winterfest opening. I cannot think of a better way to send him on his new adventure. It will be a party to end all parties.

On a side note, Jeff has been one of the most dear friends I could ask for. Aside from just being a tremendous buddy, I owe about 90% of my understanding and knowledge about PKI to him. I wish he and his family much luck in Texas.

No worries buddy, I'll be visiting soon ;-)

Shaggy

I second Shaggy's comments. I hope to get to WinterFest before he leaves to see him one last time. Kings Island won't be the same without him, but I definitely wish him the best of luck with Schlitterbahn.

Preview: TR: Cleveland 11/17-18

Here's a preview of what I did on my short trip to Cleveland this week, which was primarily for business (interview) purposes:

- What is weirder than naming something 'Quicken Loans Arena'? 'Allen Arena' going there...

- The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame - I could see it out my hotel window, so after my night's stay, I went on in and spent much more time than I ever imagined (no, really, it 'rocked!') Much better idea than some 'guilt' museum located on some other waterfront.

I definitely have to say that Cleveland is an interesting town that I don't know by heart (as of yet.) In some ways, I think Cleveland is not a part of Ohio with some of its 'huge city' features. In other ways, Cincinnati seems to be the town that's a little "out of state" because part of its metro area (and airport) are actually in another state!

I'll have the trip report over this weekend, and before I bring it...

GO MICHIGAN!
GO COLTS!

MVPujols

It is now official...


Albert Pujols is the NL MVP, our MVP, your MVP, and MY MVP.

Congratulations!

Reports....

http://www.kmov.com/topstories/stories/kmov_sports_051115_pujolsmvp.625f7b87.html

Busch Update before bedtime

The wrecking of Busch Stadium has reached to where the bridge connects to the west parking garage., as well as toward the centerfield scoreboard area.
The left field stands of the new stadium should be progressing pretty soon!

SPORTS!!! - OHSAA getting better...

But there still manages to be a problem.

The OHSAA has decided to relocate the regional Division I final between Cincinnati St. Xavier and Huber Heights Wayne from Middletown’s Barnitz Stadium to Nippert Stadium at the University of Cincinnati.  Game time will be at 1:00 p.m.

That is the same time as a big game taking place at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.  D’OH!!!!

Busch Update

KMOV Stadium Cam, this morning:
If you still want to see the modern architectural marvel that is (or was) Busch Stadium, get yourself over to St. Louis pretty darn soon.

Within the past week, one quater of the beloved stadium has disappeared.

BUT... this isn't all sadness. At least this gives them a better chance to finish the new Busch Stadium - hopefully even before the end of spring 2006!

SPORTS!!! - OHSAA still needs help

If you’ve been around me for the past few years, you probably know how much a sports fan I am, especially about high school football.  This includes some great matchups, titanic struggles, and even a state title game.  Or two.  In a row.  All I have seen.  In person.

This is not necessarily about why the state championships of football remain in the Canton/Massillon area, of how Northeast Ohio isn’t exactly Central Ohio, why some now defunct superstadiums (Cleveland Municipal, Riverfront, Busch) are still better facilities than Fawcett is, and why most fans throughout the state could care less about the history of the professional level.

It’s about how 35,000 show up to see one game in one of the best (IMO) football facilities ever built, Paul brown Stadium (and combined 42,000 fans for two games yesterday) – and yet the next round is held at some 11,000 seat place in Middletown.  Even the officials here in Cincinnati didn’t estimate how many could show up to see St. Xavier play Colerain on a very nice day in a world-class stadium, as the several ticket windows, even if almost all in use, couldn’t keep pace with the ticket demand.  At around 6:00, things got so crazy that police decided to open the floodgates to fans – even those without tickets.

As the game was in session in the first quarter, fans were seen entering sections in the fully-cushioned Club Level.  Generally, unless the Sideline/Plaza level bowl was full, the upper Club and Canopy levels were closed off.  And so, I attempted to make my way up to the Club Level via the west elevators, stadium staff informed us they were coming up to shut down the Club Level.  So I sat elsewhere.

Then, not later on, I saw the Club fill up later on in the first quarter, again, but only because the latecoming Bomber fans were still pouring in.  And so, both the east and west club areas were open  - but not the Club Lounges!  This meant that fans, if they wanted to get to the better, more central club seats, they had to climb around separator railings to access these seats – one safety hazard.  Plus, if people wanted to get to the club lounges to use restrooms or, better yet, evacuate in case of an emergency, the doors were locked – yet another safety hazard.  If stadium officials didn’t want lowly prep football fans in the Club area, they should have directed us to the Canopy level and opened up the escalators.  Guess this proves some people are slower learners than others

That, or some of the people behind Kings Island’s massive ticket giveaway for closing weekend have new jobs at the home of the Bengals.

I can’t go well in-depth now, but I will say that the game itself was memorable.  The two teams, the Colerain Cardinals and St. Xavier Bombers, managed to score only 6 points apiece in regulaton, only through field goals.  And so, Colerain got a field goal in their downs allotted.  But as soon as the Bombers got the ball – they scored.  Lightning fast.  It was so fast, there was some movement in the end zone.  And then the field erupted into a show of blue.

Colerain was an outstanding team, as they were last year.  They just couldn’t get past St. X this year (Colerain lost in the first game of the season as well, to the Bombers, 7-0), otherwise going undefeated.  The 12-0 St. X team now faces Huber Heights Wayne, who got past the Centerville Elks 29-28 in the first game of the doubleheader.  Wayne’s only loss was to Elder in the season opener.

Maybe after finding out how popular high school football in this region, the OHSAA will find a more appropriate venue.  Like they have last year, such as the renovated Yager Stadium at Miami University in Oxford.  It’s as neutral as Middletown Barnitz, but simply bigger and better.  If they move the game to Yager (or better yet, Nippert at UC) I’ll go on Saturday.  As long as it doesn’t interfere with the Michigan-Ohio State game.  GO BLUE!

Busch Stadium Demolition Update

On Monday, wrecking of historic Busch Stadium in St. Louis "officially" began. While the first ball used was kind of weak, crews seem to be making some great progress as of Thursday:


From the KMOV Stadium Cam, a great portion of the southwest corner of Busch Stadium (the one with the white roof and arches) has already been taken down.


This shot comes from KMOV Ch. 4's helicopter. The old stadium was getting in the way of the new one!


The Pavilion Hotel towers (foreground) were a great neighbor to Busch Stadium, which is fading away into the future to make way for a new Busch Stadium and future downtown development.

Chris Carpenter wins 2005 NL Cy Young!

I’m proud to announce today that Chris Carpenter of the St. Louis Cardinals has been awarded the 2005 NL Cy Young Award for best pitcher!



For some odd reason, he wasn’t ESPN’s pick…


The Astros’ Roger Clemens had a lower ERA but fewer wins than Carpenter, and like the article said above, Dontrelle Willis of the Marlins. Although this didn’t turn out to be the storybook year that Cardinals fans had hoped for (Busch Stadium being demolished without a World Series appearance or title in its final season), it’s a wonderful recognition for an otherwise memorable season.

And many experts are picking Carpenter’s great teammate Albert Pujols to win the National League’s MVP award! Again, Congratulations to Chris Carpenter!

Taering Down Busch Stadium...

Was as exciting as watching Ohio State play Indiana in football.  Today was a day that, while I knew it was coming, and prepared for it to happen (hence, why I made two visits there), was a day I didn’t necessarily look forward to.  Entering that stadium, I saw a place from decades ago was modern, but is now seen as outdated and ready for replacement.  Leaving it, I saw it as the home of many years of memories for one of the most storied franchises in the history of sports, a place where one of even my own favorite memories would be created.  The (somewhat) unique stadium with the arches and a great downtown fit would be closed, and then removed forever.

But getting it to go would not be easy.  Honestly, they must have used the same wrecking ball that was used to demolish “Taer it Down: The Ride” (better known as Hercules) at Dorney Park.  The huge but critically bashed wood coaster came down pretty easily to make way for a much more worthwhile replacement in a B&M Floorless steel looper.  The iconic St. Louis stadium, however, was built with thick concrete, especially its signature canopy, which the wrecking ball had some problems breaking into, so shortly after several drops and swings, they switched from the small size, and possibly to a more appropriate sized ball.  Otherwise, they might have to prepare Edward Jones Dome for baseball, and in a few years, renovate the new Busch Stadium before the old one is finally cleared away.  

So today was a symbolic day for baseball fans, even though barely any damage was done, sightseers could barely see anything, and St. Louis residents experienced a little Dr. Phil withdrawal.


On a side note, playing the Patriots in Foxboro… GO COLTS!

Cedar Point announces Skyhawk, lower prices for 2006.

On Monday, after I got back home from being at Cedar Point, they have finally made it public and confirmed what we saw coming: an S&S Screamin' Swing, to be called "Skyhawk." To open in 2005, Skyhawk will be located in Frontiertown, in a somewhat vacant area between Cedar Creek Mine Ride, the former Frontier Lift station (now used as a restroom and storage), Snake River Falls, and the Town Hall Museum, all four which will remain.



The flat ride will have a cycle capacity of 40, an hourly capacity of 800. The structure will stand 103' tall, and the ride arms will reach a height of 125' during the two minute cycle. This is the park's second S&S Power ride, the first being the four-tower Power Tower, which debuted at Cedar Point in 1998 at over 300 tall. That ride, like Skyhawk, uses compressed air to give the ride its power.


Admission to Cedar Point will be a little more affordable next year. For the first time since they introduced a pay-one-price ticket plan in 1970, general one-day admission will be lowered by $5 from $44.95 to $39.95. Junior (under 48") and Senior (Age 62 and up) pricing, which was reduced to $9.95 in August, will stay in place for 2006. Prices for Starlight (evening admission) and Ride & Slide (two day, two park combo) tickets have also been reduced.
The most interesting price reduction, however, is within the park. In 2005, Cotton Candy was $3. The same stick in 2006? 25 cents! Other park foods may, and hopefully will be, reduced in price. Hopefully lower soda prices (preferably less than $2 for regular size/bottle) will follow.

Back from the North

Almost 23 hours after Cedar Point closed for the season, I am back home finally, so I will review what I did.

Friday, Prep football at Paul Brown Stadium: Colerain defeated Oak Hills 58-7, and St. Xavier remained undefeated as they beat Moeller 31-7.

Saturday, I arrived at Geauga Lake at around 1 pm, and they were somewhat surprisingly busy - and the coasters only ran one train, which wasn't terrible until later on in the evening. But always a great time at the Lake.

Then I drove 1.5 hours west to Sandusky and checked into Hotel Breakers at Cedar Point. That park itself was packed, but I got six great Gemini rides, a round on White Water Landing, and two front seat rides on Mean Streak, my first time at night.

Sunday was a very long and memorable day. I got an extra hour of sleep thanks to the return of standard time, 2 rides on Millennium Force for early ride time, several sky ride laps, and attended the recording of a CoasterBuzz Podcast, their second podcast with a live audience (I also attended the first, at Holiday World, Oct. 1). Special guest was Cedar Fair CEO Dick Kinzel, whom I had the chance to meet in person for a photo op after the recording.
I met with some good old friends (unsure if the pun is intended,) Marshall, Kathy and Fred for dinner at the Midway Market buffet, and also rode Disaster Transport with Marshall in front.
Some more Gemini was in order, a very last ride on White Water Landing, and a trek to the front of the park (with the aid of Sky Ride) to get my 'last ride on WWL' photo.

Since I stayed longer than I intended, and became a Chatty Cathy (or Carl, to be gender correct) I was totally worn out, so rather than endure what might have been a hazardous 4 hour drive home, I did a little homework to find a hotel room that was nice but not a lot of money, and stumbled upon the Microtel in nearby Huron for only $40. There weren't too many guests staying, so they were happy to get a few, like myself, even for much less than what they would charge mid-summer. Yet it was nice for a budget-type place, with free continental breakfast, indoor pool, free wireless internet, and lots of cable channels. 20 years ago, the perks were color TV, HBO and ESPN - now it's internet and (gasp!) Fox News. Because I like choice.

At around 9:30 today, I finally left the hotel and went south, first stopping a bit north of Columbus at Polaris Fashion Place. There's 7 department stores, the place is huge, and a lot of neat specialty stores, and very plush for an indoor two-level mall. Not long after, I drove around downtown Columbus and the surrounding area - lots of neat buildings and districts, new and old, from German Village to the Arena District. The huge old Lazarus building, which closed last year after 90 years as a department store, is being gutted and renovated into an office and retail complex.
City Center mall is still, but barely, alive with some of the decent stores and restaurants still there, like Kaufmann's and Max & Erma's, which I had lunch at, people discussing sports, such as that drunk-ass that ran onto the field at Paul Brown Stadium and stole the ball right out of Brett Favre's hands near the end of the Bengals-Packers game yesterday.

Before I finally made it home, it was Cincinnati Rush hour. I think they should just move the Tyler Davidson Fountain to some place like West Chester, Sharonville, or Springdale, since that's where all the action is...


I should later on have more specific trip reports, especially about Sunday at Cedar Point, and the Podcast.

"No, Caller, I don't mean throwing all your CDs into the Portable On Demand Storage container you rented!" - as Mr. Obvious might say

Weekend Report #1: Football Downtown

I am back from a couple of great Week 10 football games Friday Night at Paul Brown Stadium. First was the GMC battle between Colerain and Oak Hills, which easily went to the defending champion Cardinals 58-7, with the Highlanders scoring later in the game. Colerain finishes the regular season 9-1, but with some competition, may have to settle with an away game for the first round. The place seemed quiet with this game, only several thousand at most on hand, but then again, it is a huge NFL stadium.

The crowd strongly grew, maybe even double that of the Colerain-Oak Hills game when Moeller and St. Xavier took the field. In this GCL matchup, originally scheduled for Moe's "home" at Lockland Stadium, it seemed that the Crusaders would hold the Bombers, but at half, it was all X 20-0. The Moeller band played some classic rock at half time, like Kansas' "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Come Sail Away" by Styx. Satisfying at the least. The 3rd quarter was good defense, so no scoring, and I left to get ready for the Cedar Fair Ohio trip. Moeller put some points on the board, but with a final score of 31-7, the Bombers enter the playoffs undefeated and with the #1 spot and #1 state ranking! It is possible though that Moeller may get the #7 or #8 spot in the region for next week...

Yes, the place was cold, but it's always fun to see some games in such a grand facility on the river. Word is that Paul Brown Stadium will host a later round in the playoffs, possibly a regional doubleheader.

My next update won't come until Sunday evening at the latest, since Hotel Breakers (as I know of) doesn't have internet access, but I bet the place might be memorable. So, Saturday morning, in several hours, I leave for Geauga Lake for the usual stuff, then after several hours, drive to Sandusky to get a little CP.
Sunday is the final day of Cedar Point this season, the final day ever for White Water Landing, and possibly Demon Drop, and the live recording of the CoasterBuzz Podcast with Dick Kinzel, so I will have some neat stuff to report when I get back!

SOX SWEEP!

Either I'm happy because they've got their first title in 88 years, or because they swept the damned Astros...
but the Chicago White Sox are the champions of Baseball in 2005!

If the Cardinals got lucky by winning the NLCS and going up against the Sox in the World Series, would there have been a game 5 at Busch? Even that, I admit, would have been doubtful!

And the names we now know as winners: Dye, Konerko, Podsednik, Pyrzynski, Ozzie Guillen, and Jenks!!

So, as Billy Cunningham might say: God bless America, God bless the city of Chicago, God bless Baseball, and God bless the White Sox!

"Recovery Weekend"

After last week's devatstating Cardinals loss to the Astros that closed the great Busch Stadium forever, which also denied me a chance to see the World Series in what could have been that stadium's final game, I have a weekend planned to cheer things up.
The White Sox might help, since they are leading 1-0 in the 8th inning, now in game four of the World Series, which they lead 3-0. Brad Lidge will never forget the "Killer 'P's'!" - Podsednik and Pujols!


First, Friday, there's a double-header of high school football at Paul Brown Stadium, and this time, there are two serious conference match-ups. It's definitely nice to see a publicly funded, and very magnificent, facility get more use since they installed FieldTurf there last year.

From the Greater Miami Conference, it's defending state champion Colerain Cardinals (8-1) against the Oak Hills Highlanders (5-4) at 6:00 pm. Scheduled at approximately 8:30 is the second game, the St. Xavier Bombers (9-0), who are rated #1 in Ohio, and very highly nationally, go up against Greater Catholic League South foe Moeller Crusaders (6-3).


Saturday morning, it's a journey up I-71 toward Geauga Lake. This will be the first time I have visited that park three days in a year. Their 10 coasters are always a joy to ride, and their monorail is a must for me when I'm there. After several hours there, I will take the 1.5 hour drive to sister park Cedar Point in Sandusky - it might be a "beehive" of activity. I will, however, get a little more rest, since I'm staying at Hotel Breakers, my first time ever. No need to get in the car after a busy night - I'm right on the peninsula!

Sunday morning will bring me back into my favorite amusement park, for its final day of operation in 2005. It will also be the very final day for White Water Landing, which will be removed to make way for future expansion, possibly a new 2007 attraction.
If sold after this season, Demon Drop may also be removed.
At noon, there will be a live recording of the CoasterBuzz Podcast in the Red Garter Saloon (near Millennium Force). Special Guest: Cedar Fair CEO, Dick Kinzel!

It's not quite the farewell I had hoped for this week, but hell, it's Cedar Point (and Geauga Lake)!

"Please, Tom, forget St. Louis."

"Please, Tom, forget St. Louis."

This sounds like something I might have heard a lot this past week. It almost sounds like a movie title (Forget Paris) which was pretty funny.

In the past, I never saw this year's events coming. All I could think about were: coasters, parks, planning, politics, news, football, food, classic rock, monorails, etc. It got ridiculous how often I uttered the word "monorail" the first half of the year, as a wrote a senior thesis on a certain elevated transit system in Las Vegas.

During the writing of of this (Uno)rail thesis, I was planning some trips to get away from the one-tracked routine. Cedar Point and Geauga Lake were on the top of the list. Heading back to Pennsylvania for some new coasters, and maybe even New Jersey, also came up. A little bit closer was a park some friends have been to, and was a bit envious about - Six Flags St. Louis... they thought it was OK.

Before deciding, I reminded myself I'm into more than coasters and parks, so what did this mean? Why not combine SFSTL with a visit to Downtown. A trip to and inside to the top of the Gateway Arch was obvious. But something else jumped out at me, slowly at first - this would be the last year for Busch Stadium, home of the Cardinals, a team that had a good reputation but not too much attention from me. So, before I kicked myself, I bought a ticket to a game over Memorial Day weekend, a hotel room, and such.

I took the trip, took lots of pictures, and went to the game at Busch. I was to try to remain neutral, but before going, the mention and reputation of a player named Albert Pujols was on my mind. They say he was good. I just had to laugh because his name was pronounced "POO-holes."
So, I bought a Pujols shirt inside the stadium, originally to be a new running gag for my friends this summer. I wore it on my park trips. Good times, I guess.

Then, in June, the Cardinals were scheduled to come to Cincinnati in that ballpark supposedly named after Bill Cunningham. I got some good pictures and such, and captured video, too. My camera happened to be rolling when Mr. Bathroom Humor himself hit a 2 run home run. And I am not talking about Bob Saget. The Cardinals had such a good night that this became the last game for Dave Miley as Reds manager. While Miley was out looking for work, I stumbled upon the fact that I now have a serious favorite baseball team. And I was back behind the visitors bench again 2 days later. Yes, the Reds got better with Jerry Narron taking over, but I was pleased to see an awesome lineup in place. Edmonds, Eckstein, Rolen, Walker, Sanders, and "Poo-Holes."

Knowing money was getting short and drives back to St. Louis were just about out of the question, and that the Redbirds wouldn't be back to the Queen City until September, I made an effort to watch as many of their games on the Tee Vee, and for a period of time, especially July and August, the Cardinals were on a lot. By the end of August, I had become a serious fan, and felt the need to come "home" one more time before it got razed like they would do around here for the latest Rookwood phase.
So I'd be coming for the final regular season series at Busch Stadium.
Final game in September at that stadium.
Final Friday game in that stadium.

And so, the time came up to visit that weekend. I was nervous, and feeling somewhat uneasy.
But getting there, in the seating area, I began tearing up like Glenn Beck would talking about his family, the good old days, or a traumatic event. Seeing those arches. The field. The Cardinal logos. The organist playing "Meet Me in St. Louis, Louis."
I could be reminded that St. Louis was hosting my old hometown team, and rooting against them could be treason.
But this was the Cardinals' time. Easily clinching NL Central and on route to 100 wins.
Busch Stadium's time. So many memories, but its final year.
Albert Pujols' time. His fifth season, he's had at least 30 home runs in each.
And my time and money.

The Cardinal greats were there. Lou Brock, Bob Gibson, Whitey Herzog, Ozzie Smith, Willie McGee, Mark McGwire, and more. A future legend made another mark there, with a grand slam home run. It would be his 200th career, 40th of season home run. His name?
Albert Effing Pujols.
I was convinced that the 2005 team was on par with those from 1967, 1982, 1985, and especially last year's. I was ready to ride the train to a title for a great team. I was not quite ready to say good bye, even though I did so in an orderly fashion that September night.

My next endevour? Try to get a ticket to the World Series. After a few attempts and weeks, I was successful in getting a close seat to Game 5. This was after the Padres were swept in the NLDS by the Cardinals, and the NLCS was underway against the Astros. I wasn't too overconfident knowing the Astros had Roger Clemens, Craig Biggio, Lance Berkman and a good roster. So, two games at Busch. First game, Cardinals. Second game, Astros. Interesting series so far, let's try harder though.
The Astros may have their home field advantage and a loud bee-hive, and great picting. But The Cardinals? Good pitching too. Plus Eckstein, Edmonds, Puiols, and more. Guys that can hit the ball and score some runns.

Game three in Houston. Astros. I was depressed, but was reminded that Roger Clemens epitomizes excellence. "Let it go." So I did.
Game four in Minute Maid. Somewhat even pitching, but result: Astros. Bad, 'dyoy'-ty calls. La Russa and Edmonds ejected. Meltdown here at Allen Company world headquarters.
Game five, same place, same "djoy." At least for nine incomplete innings. But one man changes things. Again. It's Pujols. I couldn't be much happier. The tables seemed to have turned in the Cardinals' favor. Game: St. Louis!

Am I feeling much better? Not really. All I could think about was the Cardinals. It put a lot of important work aside. I was somewhat happy that the series would come back to Busch for at least once more, but it was making me feel like 'djoy' still.

Wednesday, Game 6 comes, I'm feeling nervous with all the Roy Oswalt talk, and the superstition stuff. Two innings are complete, and so far so good. Then things change. The team fell apart. Like complications from a surgery. The Cardinals were losing, and were eventually down 4 runs. The inevitable was coming. The Cardinals are going to be eliminated from the playoffs and World Series chances. Busch Stadium is going to close FOREVER.
Your friend you just became acquainted with is going to die. There's nothing you can do to save her.
At 10:20:15 p.m, this acquaintance, born as Civic Center Busch Memorial Stadium, was pronounced dead in the city of St. Louis, Missouri.
While I knew she was going to die, I was hoping it would be on a good schedule, and with a celebration. Instead, a bad wreck happned to her on the way, and life was cut about one week too short.
This was to be a storybook season, but near the end of the book, the author (Cardinals) discovered the celebratory booze a bit too early. Time (Astros) did him in.

Knowing that I had the chance to say good-bye, and somehow I took it. Like an actual person's death, all you could do was move on, no chance in bringing Busch back. The Astros won the NL title fair and square. Roy Oswalt played with class. The demolition crews have moved upon Busch, and Wednesday night was the point of know return.

Kicking and sobbing, I try to explain this is no loss of an ordinary cookie-cutter stadium.
To me, though, this one had character. While some of the concrete donuts said "70s stadium," this one shouted "This is St. Louis!"
The new ballparks are popular and seem attractive, but a collective sameness. They try to combine the old turn of the century looks with modern amenities, but seem to melt together. They all have lots of bricks. Lots of old-age green. Exposed steel and iron. Themed areas. Symmetrical asymmetry. Premium seating. Funky looking seats that still aren't comfortable. Canned sound effects. Liberal usage of the Copperplate font.
Busch was a place in time. The Arches, the space-age cornices, the 'old' modern fixtures. Clean lines. Helvetica signage. Structurally sound. Just a bit proportionately incorrect.

But why wasn't I upset with Riverfront, Three Rivers, or Veterans being torn down?
I admit, when 'Cinergy' fell, it was to me, a Hollywood special effect spectacle more than a death. Maybe because the teams closing them down weren't that good.

In short, I am letting go of what needs to be turned loose. I will return my unused ticket next week for a refund.
Some things, however, can't be discarded. The 2005 Cardinals were worth writing about. Chris Carpenter pitched very well. I will always admire Albert Pujols and his balance of power and humility.

So let me say:
To Houston, Congratulations, and good luck in the World Series!
To Busch Stadium, rest in peace.
To the Cardinals, next year can be much better, even with some of your key assets have left for good!
To Roy Oswalt: You delivered a terrific 'Top Ten," and read it after it was revised so that it didn't cross the line, keeping you as a class act.
To George and Barbara Bush: You were some of the few Astros fans I was happy to see in the series!

Now I realize that, despite attachments, the New Busch Stadium will be great. The Cardinals will be back! I still need a job! There are other teams and sports that I like. I get to go to Cedar Point (and Geauga Lake) for the last time this year, and say goodbye to White Water Landing for good. There's more to life than buildings and coasters, and earthly things.

So, while I have not exactly forgotten St. Louis, I don't dwell on it anymore. I still need some kind of job. I love the Wolverines and the Colts, too. Political and planning/city/regional issues keep me up and going. And American Idol starts up again in January, so I can't wait for Simon to rip apart singers both bad and good.


Note: 'djoy' was an euphemism the Late Show with Dave has used for word having to do with excremen. It starts with 's", is located to the left of keys 'd, j, o, y,' and is a 'hit.'

A close to a great stadium, and a great season.

Yes, there was magic in the NLCS when Pujols hit the game-breaking home run in Game 5 in Houston.

But even though they came back home to Busch, the Cardinals were no match for Roy Oswalt and the staff of the Houston Astros, I think had it not been for the Astros, the Redbirds would have their second consecutive World Series experience.

And the BIG SURPRISE: I indeed did purchase a ticket to the final World Series game at Busch Stadium, Game Five.
This game, however, will be played at Minute Maid Park in Houston, and I should recieve a refund in the next few weeks.

Busch Stadium will never be forgotten. Although the name will live on to a more advanced place next door, it is that white concrete facility with the arches at top, that opened in 1966, that people will remember the most. While I am deeply saddened to never see that historic facility ever again, I had two great visits this year - one of those, the final regular season series, against the Reds, is in a gallery on AllenArena.com

I am hoping to make a visit to St. Louis in April next year, and am looking forward to the new Busch Stadium. Vast concourses. Bricks and old-style steel arches. Escalators. A baseball-friendly design. An advanced scoreboard. Full view into downtown and the Arch.
But I also bet a few tears will be shed, as only rubble from the classic Busch will remain then.

Only 20 hours or so until...

...The St. Louis Cardinals' return to Busch Stadium for Game 6 of the National League Championship Series vs. The Astros.
The odds still seem to be against the Redbirds, as if Houston wins this game, they go on to face the White Sox, and Busch Stadium has died.

BUT: The last time the two teams were in similar situations, The Cardinals were successful.

2004 NLCS: Like this year, STL was down 2-3 to HOU. They got the first two at Busch, but dropped the next three at Minute Maid. Game 6 came down to a Jim Edmonds HR in the 12th, and 7 was over by the 7th for the Astros. St. Louis made it to the World Series, but could not keep up with the momentum of the heavily favored Boston Red Sox, who finally won and swept the Cardinals after an 83-year or so championship drought.

2005: Right after the All-Star Game in Detroit (won by the American League,) the Astros came to Busch. The three pitchers? Pettitte. Oswalt. Clemens. Who swept the weekend series: S. T. L.!
And now, who picthed Game 5 of NLCS? Pettitte. Scheduled for Six? Oswalt. And if we win Wednesday? The Rocket himself on Thursday.

The moon: full!

Deja Vu is coming to St. Louis... No, Six Flags St. Louis is not getting a problematic vertical inverted boomerang... I say the Cards will make their second consecutive trip to the World Series!

Yes, I am very nervous! But I know that Wednesday will come. Then Thursday... Then on to Saturday.... Sunday... and maybe, A surprise might just come!

HE SURE SHOWED US!!!

“How do we stay relaxed? We show you tomorrow.” - Albert Pujols on Sunday after their heartbreaking and tense loss to the Astros in Game 4 in Houston.

And when it came down to the ninth inning. Cardinals down two. Two men out. Two men on. And Pujols, age 25, picked up the bat, and not long after, hit the ball into left field at Minute Maid Park on Monday night. It's GONE! Cardinals 5-4.

Carpenter and Pettitte were a bit loose letting some runs go, including a 3run homer by Lance Berkman of the Astros in the 7th. But the defense wasn't too bad, and Jason Isringhausen gets the save!

I know how after 9/11 that our true heroes are our firemen, policemen, and armed forces, but to me, and many others, Albert Pujols is slightly a hero. These times for my family and some friends, as well as the planning job market, haven't been too great.

Within not too long, the Cardinals will be the "Lords of the Rings!"
Sometimes "we all need the help it brings, so let's sing!"*

*James Young, Styx, "Lords of The Ring," Pieces of Eight, 1978.

New 300' coaster for SFGAM...

Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, IL, near Chicago is announcing that it will build one of the world's biggest coasters, at 300' tall and have 11 inversions.

Or not.

Song Dedication on the brink.

The following is a song that I love so much, not only because of it's melody, guitar power, percussion, and that awesome Oberheim synthesizer sound, but also of some uplifting lyrics.

This comes at a time when someone needs a lift the most. Who? The St. Louis Cardinals.
They had a good start at Busch in Game 1, but lost it in the second along with a bad fall by Reggie Sanders.
Then Game Three came to Minute Maid Park, and a matchup that included the ultra-powerful Roger Clemens, and another loss.
Game Four was yesterday, and while Cardinals pitching was great, their offense wasn't. The strike zone was as consistent as the staff racing the trains on Racer at Kings Island. I thought the officiating was downright fixed. I can't blame LaRussa or Edmonds for getting ejected. The Astros won that one too.

The album is The Grand Illusion. Performed by Styx, it's "Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)." This one is for you:

You see the world through your cynical eyes,
You're a troubled young man I can tell.
You've got it all in the palm of your hand,
But your hand's wet with sweat and your head needs a rest.
And you're fooling yourself if you don't believe it.
You're kidding yourself if you don't believe it.
How can you be such an angry young man,
When your future looks quite bright to me?
How can there be such a sinister plan,
That could hide such a lamb, such a caring young man?

And you're fooling yourself if you don't believe it.
You're killing yourself if you don't believe it.
Get up, get back on your feet,
You're the one they can't beat and you know it.
Come on, let's see what you've got,
Just take your best shot and don't blow it.

And you're fooling yourself if you don't believe it.
You're killing yourself if you don't believe it.
Get up, get back on your feet,
You're the one they can't beat and you know it.
Come on, let's see what you've got
Just take your best shot and don't blow it.

Having dedicated this song to the St. Louis Cardinals, I say best of luck! "Show me" you can!

"We show you tomorrow."

“How do we stay relaxed? We show you tomorrow.” - Albert. Pujols

After all, his team is from the "Show Me State!"

Carpenter. Petite. And the Pujols guy. Tonight. Game Five!

SPORTS!!!: WHY???

A good pitcher in Jeff Suppan, a nervous Brandon Backe for the Astros, and good bats of Albert Pujols and Reggie Sanders...

So why did manager Tony LaRussa and center fielder Jim Edmonds get ejected?

I promise you, I was mad as much as I would be with Kings Island announcing it would remove many of its large coasters to become a full fledged family park (the KI scenario only being a hypothetical situation)

Either it was bad luck, or there were umpires looking for their 15 minutes of fame, by intentionally making some ass backwards calls.

BUT... just like I'm optimistic of my home park getting that dreamy B&M hyper or floorless. I am optimistic that the Cardinals will beat Pettitte, leave Houston with a win, and beat the Astros and Clemens in games 6 and 7 at Busch!

Just in... whoever wins the NLCS will play American League Champion Chicago Wite Sox! The Sox just defeated Anaheim in Game 5 at Angel Stadium, 5-3.

LET'S GO CARDINALS!!!

Something BIG is coming later this October!

Yes, something BIG is coming to the Allen Arena 'network' later this month.
Plans are tentative and not truly FINALized as of yet...

But do check allenarena.com and this blog regularly for more updates on this thing of possibly WORLDwide proportions...

Apple releases video-capable 5th gen. iPod

They say that 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Apparently, Apple Computer wasn't listening. After they make a great best-selling product for a little while... they replace it.

They started the iPod, which was seen as a 'niche' product in 2001. Rather than keep it the same, theyve increased the capacity, improve the battery life, reduced the physical size, lowered the price, etc... There's even been the iPod shuffle, that's the size of a pack of gum.

Then in early 2004 they introduced the iPod mini, a smaller version of the original 4GB iPod. Around Christmas that year, they couldn't keep it on the shelves, and therefore became the best-selling digital music player. And just a month or so ago, they replaced it with the iPod nano, an even smaller one, this time with a color screen, flash rather than hard drive capacity, and about as thin as a #2 pencil.

Now, they have overhauled the regular iPods with the fifth-generation model. The biggest
new feature is a long-awaited one: video playback. And iTunes has been upgraded to 6.0 to allow videos, and the iTunes Music Store now sells a handful of music videos, TV shows, and short films that will be priced at $1.99 each, that will play on the 5th generation iPod.

The screen is bigger (2.5") to better please the video buffs, but the unit itself is smaller... the 60GB 5th-gen is even smaller than a 30 GB 4th-gen iPod. Since money is a bit tight for me, it might be a while before I own one (i might keep my 4th-gen 40GB monochrome one for another year, at most, and opt for a nano or shuffle for more rigorous activities) but I'll likely make a trip to the Kenwood Apple Store within the next week to check it out!

More info: Apple and iLounge

Cedar Fair interested in Six Flags?

Toledo Blade article

League Championship Series all set

Monday night, the Angels held off the Yankees in Game 5 (longest LDS this postseason), and will play the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago... Tonight! Tuesday. Game is 7PM.

Both LCS' I think might go at least six games. I've raved about the Cardinals' power for a while, but the Astros have a lot as well in pitching and hitting.

Wednesday, it's Carpenter vs. Pettite, but I'd be a bit surprised if the Astros got this one at Busch.

Baseball Humor

Jim Edmonds: "Tell #5 that I'm Albert Pujols!"

Regional Discrimination?

There's a lot of great sports action available on the tube here in Cincinnati.
ESPN has the 'titanic struggle' between the Braves and Astros in the NLDS.
FOX and CBS had a couple of games on the TV at 1pm - Chicago at Cleveland and New England in Atlanta.
Now there is one game on FOX, the Philadelphia Eagles at the Dallas Cowboys... but where's the huge fan base?
Especially since the Indianapolis Colts are in San Francisco at the same time.
To me, that would be like carrying the Northwestern/Illinois game instead of the Ohio State/Michigan game here.

Here's what I don't get:

The local media heavily covers Ohio State football. Columbus is two hours away (driving time).
The local media heavily covers Kentucky basketball as well. Lexington is two hours away.
BUT, even though Indianapolis is also two hours away, the Colts get almost no coverage here. Neither do the Pacers.
You think that with a 4-0 record (as of this moment) and the QB genius that is Peyton Manning, FiveNineTwelveAndNineteen would root for the blue.

However, does Columbus like the Bengals a lot? Do they even really care for the Reds? Do the Capital City stations even take a moment to mention the University of Cincinnati?

Go down to Lexington: do they show clips of (my good friend) Bradley Glatthaar scoring a touchdown for the football Bearcats? I thought not.


So what is CBS showing now? Paid programming, championship skiing, and the CBS Evening News! WOW! Who needs Kings Island to have excitement?!
Sure..... they could show a Colts game, but its 'bad for business reasons.'

If people haven't been near Paul Brown Stadium (OR RCA Dome) on early Sunday, there's tons of people willing to spend money for football. Are football fans bad for business?!


Similar to some selections on FOX Saturday Baseball... the two choices are the Cubs and the Brewers or the Cardinals and the Braves... Oddly enough, we love the Cubs, even though they haven't won crap for almost 100 years, so we pick them and the suddenly-good-after-years-of anonyminity Derek Lee. We could show the consistently good Cardinals and Albert Pujols... but he's a bathroom word, and they last won it all in the 1980s. Do the damn math, FOX 19.

Yes, the Bengals are great... but there's another NFL team of such high (I argue even higher) caliber just two hours away from Cincinnati... and they're just as newsworthy as the Nuts or Wildcats could ever be.

NL Semifinalists!

Congratulations to the St. Louis Cardinals for sweeping the San Diego Padres in the NL Division Series, with a late night win 7-4 at PETCO Park!

On Wednesday, the Cardinals will host either the Atlanta Braves or the Houston Astros for Game One at Busch Stadium.

This coming week, tickets for the final World Series at Busch should go on sale...

SPORTS!!!! Update early Sunday 10/9

From the past weekend:

High School Football: Joe Harbin's Blog.
Around town, St. Xavier is still the one, defeating LaSalle. For the Lancers to make it into the playoffs, Elder must beat Indianapolis Bishop Chatard... the win may get Moeller in the 'Playoff Eight' as well.
Whether Colerain has a home or away playoff opener depends on how a matchup in TEXAS goes, as well as a matchup in Kentucky...


The NHL is back! While it sucks to have no professional hockey in Cincinnati (the last time was 1989-90,) the big guys took the ice this week after a nasty labor stoppage that erased the 2004-05 season. Tidbits:
- All rinks have "Thank You Fans!" real big on the ice
- New rules, from new line designations, like the 2-line pass
- No ties! After regulation, there will be a 5 minute overtime period. If there is still a tie, there will be a shootout, like the IHL had. This makes the games exciting, especially when the Penguins lost at Carolina Friday in a shootout... that goalie did well against Lemieux and Crosby!
- Wayne Gretzky is head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes, and made a lineup boo-boo his first night...
- At least Columbus and the beautiful Nationwide Arena are only 2 hours away!

Some upsets in College Football:
- After almost 20 years, Minnesota finally has the Little Brown Jug, by beating Michigan 23-20 at The Big House. Some good work by MINN's QB Bryan Cupito (who played at McNicholas HS in Cincinnati) and Center Big Greg Eslinger...
- Penn State on the same level as USC? After defeating Ohio State in Happy Valley 17-10, Joe Paterno is proud to have held off retirement, as the Nittany Lions are 6-0.
- Northwestern defeated Wisconsin at Ryan Field near Chicago, 51-48.

(Double for Pujols.)

And last, but certainly not least, the Cardinals are leading 7-2 in San Diego in the 6th at this moment. An RBI for Pujols, a 2R HR for Eckstein, 2R RBIs for Molina and Sanders.
Looks like it's the Cards against the Houston Astros (or possibly the Atlanta Braves) on Wednesday at Busch Stadium for the NL Championship Series.

Church Sign Generator

While browsing the forums of the Glenn Beck Insider, I saw another one of those funny sign generators... this time, church signs.

If you are a Simpsons fan, like myself, you have noticed the many humorous messages found on the marquee at the First Church of Springfield.

Now there ChurchSignGenerator.comthe webmaster was found some church marquees he either found on the Internet or in person, the signs all funny, whether or not they intended to be. He started this site to let people make their own church signs, as well as see some of those actual signs that give congregations some fame.

Here are some of my 'creations.'

From The Simpsons:

For all who listen to some national radio show on Friday mornings:


And for sports lovers like myself:

Cincinnati Area Coaster Enthusiasts

Tonight I made it out for the latest meeting of the Cincinnati Area Coaster Enthusiasts (or CACE). We met at O'Charley's on Fields Ertel Road, located southwest of Kings Island.

Some of the more regulars, like myself were there, as were organizer Derek Clayton, Mary Heck, Brian Neal, Brian Kosmac, and David Cornell. We generally talk about our coaster trips and what is new around here and around the world.

If you have read, I have visited several different parks this year, most recently Holiday World and Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom. Our most adventurous member, however, was David, who recently got back from the European Coaster Club's big trip to Japan.

Some other stuff may come up, like sports. I am following the baseball playoffs, especially the St. Louis Cardinals, who lead the Padres in the NLDS 2-0. It's a good chance they will make it to the World Series - I hope to be there when they close Busch Stadium for the last time...

Anyway, if you live in the greater Cincinnati area, and you enjoy roller coasters, I strongly encourage you to join our group at Yahoo!, and then for some of our monthly dinner meetings! We also have special occasions, such as a regional dinner outing and park outings at places like Kings Island, Stricker's Grove, and WonderPark.

Again, come join us! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cincycoaster/

Our first poll: What day would you prefer to meet on the first week of November?

Trip Report: Holiday World 10/1/05

From Dale, IN

Holiday World held its first enthusiast event since 2003 on Saturday. Although it was hosted by CoasterBuzz, it was the begin to a return to some normalcy. Although the over 150 attendees paled in comparison to the old Stark Raven mad events, it was a good restart.

First of note was the live recording of a CoasterBuzz.com podcast in the Holiday Theater, which I arrived upon during its recording. To hear it, you can subscribe to it through Apple's iTunes, or go to podcast.coasterbuzz.com. Hosted by Jeff Putz, some of the CoasterBuzz staff participated, with special guest Holiday World President Will Koch.

After the podcast, I met up with some friends, like Dave Bowers and Paul Drabek, and went for some rides on the three coasters, as well as the Liberty Launch.

One of the coolest parts of the event was the construction tour of the park's next wooden coaster, the Voyage. So far, the lift structure has reached 2/3 of its height, and one of the 90 degree banked turns was being completed.

Shortly after the construction walkback, dinner (pizza, chips, fudge) was held in Kringle's Banquet Hall, where an auction of old coaster parts raised over $600 for the Red Cross.

The end highlight was the exclusive ride time on the Raven and The Legend. Throughout the day, I got 11 Raven rides, and 12 on Legend. Later on in the night, double rides were being given. Just like I remember, the two were full of air and laterals, like that of few other coasters.

Thanks to Jeff Putz, as well as Mrs. Pat Koch, Will Koch, and Paula Werne for making this event such a memorable time!

A memorable farewell to Busch Stadium

From Dale, IN, near Holiday World, where the CoasterBuzz Club Fall Affair was held today.

Over 47,000 fans, like myself, went to Busch Stadium to see the Reds and Cardinals play in the final regular season series at Busch Stadium on Friday. We saw greats, from the past, like Herzog, Smith, and McGwire, today, like Pujols, bring the fans to their feet with some great memories.

One of those memories was a grand slam by Albert Pujols.

Pujols makes history in Cards' win
A grand slam, his 40th of the season, and 200th in his career.

Also, Mark McGwire, who broke Maris' home run record at Busch in 1998, and set the record at 70 later that season there, was selected to count down the final season, from 3 to 2.


(Tom Gannam/AP, stlcardinals.com)

The Reds had some offensive effort, but the Redbirds prevailed, 12-6.

Saying goodbye was hard for me, but it was fun and exciting at the same time! The fans and staff I ran into were just as friendly as the folks of Holiday World were today.

Except where noted, photos of/by Tom Allen/The Allen Company, allenarena.com, copyright 2005.

Dr. Phil's Words of Wisdom

I have compiled some quotables from Cincinnati's own Bill Cunningham.

However, there must be some readers who could care less about some 'small town talker.' (Hey, I take offense to that!!)

But by (not so popular demand), I am linking to Dr. Phil's Words of Wisdom.
These clips were aired on The Late Show with David Letterman during the 2002-03 season.


Here are some of the best:

"I've had a vasectomy, and I've had it reversed!"

"I want to be Miss America."

"From this point forward, I want you to start living a a gay woman."

"You say another word, I'm gonna fine you $10,000 a word."

"I want you to make two separate trips to the cemetery."

"Call your wife a bitch."

"Jay Leno is one of my favorites."

"Just wanted to let you all know, I'm insane."


That (and more) is Dr. Phil's Words of Wisdom!

A rough weekend of sorts in sports...

For me, the sports fan, this weekend has been rough, not only because I have the flu,* but also some of my favorite teams lost.

- The St. Louis Cardinals dropped 4 of their last 6 games, to basement and near-basement teams like the Reds and Brewers... but then again, they did clinch the NL Central Championship a week ago. Pujols is still at 39 homers, but that may change before they close Busch for its final regular season.

- The Michigan Wolverines lost a good battle against Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium Satdurday night, 20-23. This was both their Big Ten and road opener of the season - the Wolverines have had a 'djoyyu' record in the past decade when it comes to road openers. But as I usually do, here at the offices of The Allen Company, I am optimistic that the maize and blue will do fine this season, especially against the Columbus Nuts.

- The Elder Panthers, a favorite HS team of mine, are 2-3, having lost their third so far to LaSalle and Tyler Sheehan** 20-40. And my old school, Princeton, is now 1-4. You can count the Vikes out, but I have a feeling that the Panthers will also be looking in from the outside after their meeting with the #1 Bombers of St. X.

BUT... not all was misery.

The Bengals overpowered the Bears today at Soldier Field 24-7. Expect Marvin, Chad, and Carson to have some smooth sailing into the middle of the season, where it could get rough against the more powerful like Pittsburgh and Indianapolis. But things do look good so far! 3-0!

The Colts, whom I will see play Ben and Pittsburgh on a Monday night in November, are also 3 for 3 after a meeting with Cleveland at the Dome, 13-6. The Steelers and Patriots, however, now are both at 2-1, after the Steelers' loss to New England at Heinz Field, 23-20. Adam Viniateri and my distant cousin Tom Brady got it done tonight after the upset by Carolina last week.


Finally, appropriate comments are encouraged. So if you have something normal, honest, decent, and even critical to say, go for it!

* This must be one of the perks to not being employed right now!
** I'm sure Tyler's mother isn't a loudmouth camera whore.

Positivly Kentucy!

This is a screenshot of Champion Windows' latest commercial. The picture was taken either Wednesday or Thursday. As of today, it was still on the air, uncorrectd.

Kings Island announces Nickelodeon Universe for 2006

After 5 years of winning the award for best kids area, Kings Island is going to revamp its children's area to an even bigger, better one...

KINGS ISLAND, Ohio– Paramount’s Kings Island, long ranked as offering the “Best Kid’s Area in the World,” Amusement Today Golden Ticket award winner 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005, is excited to premiere the most elaborate collection of Nickelodeon-inspired rides and attractions in the world opening in the Spring of 2006. Nick Universe includes a total of 18 rides and attractions bringing to life Nickelodeon’s most popular character celebrities and adventures including Avatar™, The Backyardigans™, Blue’s Clues™, Danny Phantom™, Dora the Explorer™, The Fairly OddParents™, Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius™, LazyTown™, Little Bill™, The Rugrats™, SpongeBob SquarePants™, and The Wild Thornberrys™.

The largest Nickelodeon area in the world boasts six all-new attractions including:

Thrill-seeking families take a whirlwind ride with Avatar on this first-of-its kind family roller coaster.

Kids can enjoy a free-fall ride in the hopes to escape the menacing wrath of Plankton, SpongeBob SquarePants’ nemesis.

Families fly with Danny Phantom as they spin through the air like a superhero.

All aboard Azul™ the train! – Passengers join Dora the Explorer and Boots™ on a storybook train ride adventure.

Kids join Blue for a jumping journey around her house.

Guests enter the adventures of Bikini Bottom through a pineapple under the sea to experience SpongeBob SquarePants’ underwater world.


Nick Universe also features two new neighborhoods containing a variety of Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants - inspired rides and attractions. In addition, this area has new dining, shopping and celebrity encounters with kids’ favorite Nickelodeon stars.


“Thanks to our incredible partnership with Nickelodeon, we are creating the next level of family entertainment. We are excited to offer a collection of new attractions that parents and kids can enjoy together, in conjunction with new family-friendly amenities such as spacious shaded walkways and additional shaded seating,” said Craig Ross executive vice president and general manager for Paramount’s Kings Island. “The Nickelodeon Universe area and attraction detail, along with other new 2006 attraction information, will be announced after the conclusion of our long anticipated WinterFest holiday event.”

While this means good-bye to Hanna-Barbera Land and its characters after almost 35 years (except for Scooby-Doo and the Haunted Mansion,) its something for the new generation that has better grown with SpongeBob, the Rugrats, Dora, Jimmy Neutron, Blue's Clues, and the Wild Thornberrys.

Trip Report: Michigan Football - U-M vs. E.M.U. , 9/17

Word of wisdom: Not all Ohioans are Buckeye fans. I am one of such people who love the maize and blue. Therefore, Ohio State fans are strongly discouraged from commenting.

I had followed Michigan football for over a decade, through all the great teams and players, and some of the less noteworthy since the mid-90s. I have seen local high school football, at famed places like the Pit at Elder HS, and even the state finals in Canton. I've gone to NFL games at Paul Brown and RCA. I've seen the college game at Nippert, Yager, and Ohio Stadium. But to me, I haven't reached the top of the football venue list.

Until this past Saturday.

I sat in section 24, row 18. I don't think I've ever gotten Bearcat football ticket seats this good! Of all places, the BIG HOUSE! This is the largest football stadium, with a seating capacity of over 107,000. The announced crowd exceeded 109,000. Nobody... NO NFL team, not Ohio State, not Penn State, not even Tennessee... is bigger! I've always said that bigger isn't always better, but damn, this was great!!

I'm sure everyone is familiar with the Michigan Wolverines. They defeated Northern Illinois at home for the first week, but lost hard to Charlie Weis' Notre Dame team the next week, so their chances to appear in the national championship, the Rose Bowl, are up in the air.

Eastern Michigan, like the University of Michigan, is located in Ypsilanti County, just a 10 minute or so drive from each other. Their first game was Cincinnati, in their debut game as a Big East member. EMU is a member of the MAC (mid-Atlantic) conference, like Miami (Oxford, OH), Bowling Green and Ball State... MAC is a tier-3 type of conference, Big East could be tier-2, and Big Ten (Michigan, Ohio State, MSU, Purdue, etc.) are tier-1, like the ACC or SEC.

The fact that EMU's close loss to UC (26-28) and nowhere near close loss to UM (0-55) say something about the schools.... Math-wise. Michigan > Cincinnati > Eastern Michigan.

The season is young. The Big Ten can be tough, so Michigan won't have an easy season, especially against Ohio State. Eastern Michigan is in MAC, so they might be decent in conference play. Cincinnati: don't be celebrating just yet the entry into the Big East, especially with Louisville and Brian Brohm...

Now back to Ann Arbor. There were several touchdowns. The band played 'The Victors' very often. Halftime was very entertaining, with a "Monty Python/Big 10" theme for UM's halftime show.

My review of some of the facilities:
- The stadium is served by a single concourse, that is, however, outside of the structure and is a large asphalt midway that encircles the stadium.
- The main concourse is located at the 73rd row. My seat was on the 18th. It was pretty impressive for Yost and architects to do in the mid 1920s, but a good hike for folks like me.
- Considering that there are almost 110,000 fans per game, parking is at a premium. Some of the closest lots charge $30 or $40 per vehicle. (Some parking facilities, like the UM Golf Course, may be unavailable due to poor weather conditions at times.) However, think of the money homeowners/renters (especially students), as well as the nearby Pioneer High School, all make!
- I parked in Downtown Ann Arbor, and my parking was less than $6, but it was a long hike. There are also shuttles available from area garages and hotels.
- There are many concession stands, not only underneath the stands, but outside the perimeter in tents.
- The M-Den has 3 trailers that sell fan gear and merchandise. I spent time in there. There was a line to enter, but it was minimal.
- The restrooms are OK, most mens rooms had waterfalls for men to urinate at. Sit-downs were however, located in stalls with doors (nothing unusual here). At peak times, inadequate, especially with women. There are portable toilets outside the stadium perimeter (which I try hard not to use when nearby permanent facilities are present).

There are plans, maybe as early as next year, to renovate Michigan Stadium. These include: premium seating areas, including some enclosed seating at both endzones, a new pressbox, and additional permanent restroom facilities, especially for women.

In short, there are better (and far worse) stadiums out there. The atmosphere sets this one far apart!