Some photos from Sunday

Back from Chicago... and feeling BLUE in more ways than one.

I'm back at home on my wonderful new non-PC. Saturday I spent the entire day at Marriott's Linconshire Resort for a fun-filled but LONG No Coaster Con. More on NCC in a later post.
Today, I headed downtown and rode the CTA blue line train from a park & ride near O'Hare and went to Sears Tower for the 103rd Skydeck, then rode the Brown Line around the loop, then back to the car on the Blue Line. While not a coaster, it was a neat experience on rails! Right near our station was a restaurant where I had lunch and saw the Colts-Steelers playoff game, where the theme soon turned to "Oh Crap!"
The moral of the story, I practically lost my heart and mind in Chicago today. Yes, the football fans there aren't too happy, either - but most everyone was picking the Colts to win the Super Bowl. Peyton and Marvin (Harrison, and Ben and Jerome played great today. Mike Vanderjagt? See Jay Feely.
If the NFC team - either the Seahawks or Panthers, don't win the Super Bowl, you might want to find the way to your nearest church.
Or just wait until April for baseball season. Redbirds vs. Redlegs at New Busch sounds great now!

Seriously though, visit Chicago sometime soon! There's more to it than Oprah and other fat people.

Navy Pier to add waterpark, coaster, and monorail!

Too bad only the plans were announced this weekend
Chicago Tribune article
I'm sure this will be discussed in the morning at No Coaster Con. Does The Monorail Society know about this?

Reporting from near Chicago, Day 1

I am now in Lincolnshire, NW of downtown Chicago. We came in through some rain and snow, but once we reached the city, it was a beautiful sight seeing Sears Tower and the skyline of the Second City.

I'm here for No Coaster Con 2006, located next door at Marriott's Lincolnshire Resort - for some fun and info, and meeting familiar faces, among enthusiasts and park representatives, including those from nearby Six Flags Great America, my hometown Kings Island, and more... All day! Saturday! Lincolnshire! Marriott! No Coasters!

Sunday before I go back home, I'll head back to Sears Tower for some sight seeing, and will ride the famed CTA subway and elevated trains.

New exciting changes coming...

Please pardon me for a lack of updates lately... I have some new equipment here at The Allen Company World Headquarters here in the northern suburbs on Cincinnati. Do, however, expect some new exciting changes - more photos, features, and more at Allen Arena.

PS... I'm also watching the big football games - the Giants and Tiki "Big Sexy" Barber vs. Jake "Ass Cheek" Delhomme - and the one right nearby - Bengals vs. Steelers. The pickers and pundits are mixed - Many pick the Steelers, notably Rush Limbaugh and Frank Caliendo because they have the postseason experience - But others say the Bengals will win at Paul Brown Stadium today because of Carson, a Willie, and some Johnsons (I'll stop, I want to remain family friendly).

Picks: Giants and Bengals

Also congrats to my successful picks from yesterday - Tom Brady and the Patriots, and Chick McGee's Redskins led by the legendary Joe Gibbs!

The 2006 Prediction List

my apologies if this sounds too optimistic...

Sports
Super Bowl XL - Colts over Seahawks
(The Bengals will make it to the AFC finals, but be defeated by the Colts)
World Series - Cardinals over Yankees
NCAA Basketball - Michigan State
The University of Cincinnati will extend interim basketball coach Andy Kennedy's contract another year.
The OHSAA Football Division I title will be won, for the fifth time in a row, by a Cincinnati area team, either a repeat by St. Xavier, or it will be reclaimed by 2004 winner Colerain. Kerry Cooooommbs!!

Coasters and Parks
Kings Island will finally announced they are adding its long wished for (by fans like me) B&M megacoaster for 2007.
Cedar Point will announce their third Beemer to go in the site of White Water Landing in '07.
Six Flags will either sell or close down at least one of its smaller parks.

Politics
Republicans will keep control of the House and Senate in November, and will see their candidates elected governor in Ohio and Pennsylvania, despite trends moving towards Democrats.
A Bush cabinet member might resign - and quite possibly DNC chairman for Howard Dean after he has his last scream.

Technology
Apple will once again revamp its iPod lineup. A widescreen iPod? I think so. They might also finally bring the G5 processor to its top notebooks, and gain market share - even as Microsoft will release Windows Vista - which seems very similar to Mac OS X Tiger.
The flying car will still be an abstract concept - as well as common courtesy on our roads and highways.

Happy New Year, and the events since then...

If you're writing 2005 on your checks, papers, and such, you might need a little help, it is now the year 2006. So here's what's happened so far...

- Dick Clark returned to ABC Rockin' New Years Eve after suffering a bad stroke in late 2004. He obviously wasn't 100% but I was glad to see him. His voice wavered some - at some points his speech seemed close to normal, but it would deteriorate after a lot of speaking. I won't be surprised if he's back for 2007.

- The four BCS games are over, and congratulations to Ohio State, West Virginia, Penn State, and Texas. Last night's Rose Bowl was simply a classic - and the highlights are available at iTunes. Will Ferrell (USC alum) and Texas sensation Vince Young will be on tonight's Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

- Bill O'Reilly was on The Late Show with David Letterman. I thought this interview proved Letterman's political views - those that side with several of his repeat guests, including Al Franken and Michael Moore. Dave was being ignorant on 'the greeting war,' and revealing his sympathy toward Cindy Sheehan, mother of killed soldier turned anti-war activist, who has made many statements deemed anti-troop and anti-American by many people, including O'Reilly. To be short, Letterman has a right to his liberal views, but I think he could be stunting his ratings against Jay Leno, who has a better record of bringing guests with conservative views - Schwarzenegger and Coulter mainly... I might expand upon the O'Reilly-Letterman interview later, but here's a link to a QuickTime video of it...

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!