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!
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Monday, November 14, 2005
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!!!!
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!!!!
Sunday, November 13, 2005
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!
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!
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!
Thursday, November 10, 2005
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.
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!
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!
Monday, November 07, 2005
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!
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!
Thursday, November 03, 2005
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.
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.
Monday, October 31, 2005
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
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
Friday, October 28, 2005
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!
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!
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
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)!
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)!
Saturday, October 22, 2005
"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.'
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.'
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
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!
Monday, October 17, 2005
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.
Or not.
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