After the commencement, I got some pictures with family, cut-outs, bearcat statues, and an actual universiy president. And I went over to my home college, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning, to share the DAAPWorks exhibition, including my poster on the Las Vegas Monorail, my thesis topic. There was an awards ceremony, and lots of free elegant desserts.
Later that afternoon, I went to Mecklenburg Gardens for the School of Planning reception, where I had some beer with some classmates for possibly the last time, and talked about our memories and politics.
I closed the day out with my first visit to Kings Island in almost three weeks. The Italian Job Gold Pass Speed Lane tickets were available, and I was on and off it before you could say 'Arrivederci'.
Son of Beast gave me an smooth yet still intense ride, and the Beast was also great, with 2 to 3 night rides. Although I must comment that the driver and her microphone was way too damn loud, and the ride ops took a while to load, even though it was very hot and humid out. The Racer crews were also inconsistent in RACING the trains. There was initiave last year, but the higher ups moving on to different rides and things may have to do with the indifference this time.
Saturday: Although this was BeastBuzz 2005 at Kings Island day, including Italian Job ERT and lunch in the International Restaurant, I decided to rest and save the $25. I went with the family to the Glendale Pub for lunch. It is a nice environment, since it opened last fall. But it was an overall lousy visit, because of the concentration of bawling babies on the first floor. I openly complained because of that to the staff, and surprisingly, my aunt thought that was a good move, because she was getting a headache from it. We ended up moving to the upstairs area, usually designated for smoking, but was empty at the time, which saved my visit from disaster.
The bad afternoon event gave way to my trip with a good coaster friend and right-thinking friend Brian ('Fredbird'), as we went to Indianapolis to see Glenn Beck on Ice at the Murat Theatre. We first ate at the Rathskeller in the Athenaeum across the street. It was pricey, but because they made an error in my meal, my $15 meal was free, and our total bill was about $15, including 'Fredbird''s salad and my beer. We made it in time to the Murat to see the Glenn Beck Ice Show (NOTE: THERE WAS NO ICE. GLENN DID NOT WEAR SKATES.)
We were introduced by a local radio host who told some jokes, an 'Awwwwwww Yeaahhhh!' by the audience, and the Breck-man himself was soon on the stage.
The first half focused on recent events, like the use of red ink being criticized by teachers and education experts in favor of purple, girls wearing shirts to school that say things like "I heart my vagina," and scantily clad prom dresses. I definitely appreciated his impression of his wife Tania, and of other male figures using his 'Jim Dingle' voice.
Before the break, Glenn showed a Scholastic Revised Film on 'Parenting in the 21st Century,' as well as an ad by 'Evil Conservative Industries' on Coal.
In the second half, Glenn focused on the past and the way families used to act, as well as on his past, closing with an emotional photo tribute to his family, including his adopted son, Raphe.
On the way out of the theater, we ran into Glenn, and I got my picture taken with him.
NOW it was a memorable weekend! I hope to get to talk to or see Glenn soon.
