URGENT: Help get Glenn back on the air in Cincinnati!

Now that Tony Snow has left his radio show, carried by 550 WKRC AM, to become the White House Press Secretary, the station is now asking listeners who they'd like to replace Tony.

At first there were three choices: Neal Boortz, Laura Ingraham, and Dave Ramsey.

Glenn Beck, who used to have the 9-noon time slot, wasn't a choice. Until now, thanks to listeners like myself, who contacted the station, 55KRC, Glenn is now one of four choices.

Now, you have the opportunity to bring exciting talk radio that goes beyond politics, back onto the Cincinnati airwaves! Vote FOR GLENN BECK now on 55KRC.com!

Update: Tony Snow / Glenn Beck

While the official announcement has yet to be made, sources say that Tony Snow, Fox News radio host and Princeton HS grad, has accepted the position of White House Press Secretary. An Announcement should be made tomorrow, Wednesday morning.

This also means that since Tony will be giving up his radio show, aired locally on 550 WKRC AM, 9 am-noon. In January, Tony Snow Show bumped off Glenn Beck, whom 55KRC had been airing since late 2001. However, with Snow's departure, this brings a new opportunity to bring back Glenn Beck (whew!), especially since he has a new TV gig on CNN Headline News, starting May 8, weeknights at 7 pm.

Glenn Beck is one of the most hilarious yet heartwarming people I have ever heard, seen, and met. Please help bring back Beck on Cincinnati airwaves by:

Calling 55KRC at: 513-686-8300
Or emailing: http://www.55krc.com/pages/comments.html

It's official: Cyclones are Back!

I received an e-mail from U.S. Bank Arena a few minutes ago...

Press Release

I don't know if I'll be residing in Cincinnati this fall, but seeing pro hockey back again is certainly good news. In a way, it's surreal!

Tony Snow to White House?

This week, we learned that President Bush's Press Secretary, Scott McClellan has resigned, and that Fox News commenator Tony Snow has been offered the chance to replace McClellan. Snow, a Cincinnati native, and 1973 graduate of Princeton High School (I'm a 2000 PHS grad), is expected to make a decision by tomorrow, Friday. It will obviously be a high-key, public, and extremely challenging position, but I think he'll do well and accept it.

Since Snow hosts a radio program, carried by 550 WKRC-AM, I'm wondering that if Snow leaves for the White House, will Glenn Beck be back in the 9am-noon time slot at 55KRC? Beck, by the way, will start a TV program on May 8th on CNN Headline News.

Cyclones to return to U.S. Bank Arena?

According to 12 WKRC Sports Director Brad Johansen, Cincinnati's pro hockey drought will end this fall - but not at the Cincinnati Gardens, as many had hoped.

Instead, the Cyclones, who played in the ECHL and IHL, will return to U.S. Bank Arena, where they played 1997 until 2004, when they suspended operations.

Johansen said, not quite confirmed, expect more on this Friday morning! Again, I hope the drought is over!

Wow, wow, and WOW! Back from St. Louis...

- 2 games at new Busch: 2 totally different experiences?
- 'Givl' Barry Bonds, how 'bout that young clean sensation that is Albert Pujols?
- Is there a new nickname for 'spilling your drink?'
- Is Chris Welsh a perv?
- Jim Edmonds + Scott Rolen = is Jim Scott a closet Cardinals fan?
- Didn't get to ride any Haughton escalators this weekend
- Ernie Hays should play Glenn Beck's martini music
- The Reds have gotten off to a good start so far, but then again, there is Albert Pujols...

More this week!

St. Louis: Back from Hockey and more

Today's activities began at Six Flags St. Louis theme park, in the suburb of Eureka, MO. The crowds werfe light, and I had a wonderful time. Unfortunately, I left early because of impending storms, but it gave me time to do more things. On the way back, I listened to the Cardinals game on 550 KTRS, and the Redbirds had a considerable lead over the "Tireds." I drove past the stadium, where a Cardinal home run was scored, and I could see fireworks shot out of the scoreboard area. I saw the end in my hotel room, final score 9-3 STL.

I got back out, and walked over to Famous-Barr department store, checked out stuff, and rode the various escalators, including wooden Otis escalators (the steps were steel, though). The store is expected to remain open after F-B and other May Co. nameplates are phased out for Macy's as part of Federated's acquisition of May.

I walked to the nearest Metrolink station from there, and rode the train over to Union Station. What an amazing complex! The former rail yard was converted into parking, restaurants, a small lake, Hyatt hotel, and shopping mall. The grand main building and grand hall were restored in the great Gothic style. While at Union Station, I ran into a broadcaster who was in town calling the game against the Cardinals. Hint: George W. Bush got his last name wrong!

After a meal and the odd encounter, I went to the SAVVIS Center arena nearby, for the Blues vs. Redwings NHL game. I think it's truly a major-league first class arena, good scoreboard system, and emphasis on escalators for moving fans up and down rather than stairs, ramps, and escalators (see "new Busch Stadium" on how not to do it).

Starting off, I got the chance to hear one of the greatest renditions of the national anthem I've EVER heard live in person, backed up with the organ. Again, the Blues, like a select few other sports teams, has respect for a great traditon known as the organ.

The game was fun, right until the end when the Detroit Red Wings scored, winning 3-2, but it was nice to see some of the best players in the game, just like I came to see the Cardinals in the new Busch Stadium, especially Albert Pujols.

Tomorrow, I'll go to the Arch, and a nearby Mass for Easter, and of course, Cardinals vs. Reds at new Busch Stadium, before a long, hard drive back home. They say St. Louis was the center of the world in 1904. I wouldn't be surprised if that were true today, at least in the sports world. Add 'what if.." an NBA team calling SAVVIS Center home might confirm that claim... Yes, some great structures have vanished, like the St. Louis Arena, Kiel Auditorium, Sportsman's Park, and Busch Memorial Stadium - but the spirit of the Cardinals, Blues, and.. to some extent.. the Rams (who played 4 games in Busch II in '95) will remain.

And not a bad Six Flags park either. The Boss was still great fun, and Bugs Bunny National Park is beautiful!

Tomorrow, I may make a quick post before I head off to Busch for the Sunday game, and after that, its Queen City or Bust! (not before passing through Johh-Effing-Kerry-Ham and In-di-an-ap-ol-is.)

The first Morning After - Cardinals 0 - Reds 1

My first visit to the new Busch Stadium is now history, and I'll say that it was a mixed bag.
- Yes, the Cardinals lost, but I like the Reds too.
- Many of the restrooms were small, but there were many of them!
- The escalators for the "regular people" were not yet ready. Honestly, there should be more.
- Sound system still needs work
- BUT, who can complain about the location, with the proximity to downtown, which is changing to become more of an after-5 pm destination - and the Arch in the background?

Overall, it's a great place, but I don't think it's the best park in baseball, as of now.

I'm about to leave within the next half hour to go to Six Flags St. Louis - it should be great!
And if I don't burn out bad, I'll go to the Blues-Red Wings game at Savvis Center. It can be 80 outside, they'll still play hockey in St. Louis.

In St. Louis, Checking in #1

I'm in my room at the Radisson downtown St. Louis. In just an hour or so, my first game at new Busch Stadium begins! So, this means, gotta go!

I had an interesting day at PKI, got to ride the new Avatar... it's great!

Go Cardinals! 2005 NL Cy Young Chris Carpenter pitches tonight!

Albert Pujols forever, Ken Griffey Jr... he's OK too.

St. Louis, New Busch just hours away!

In less than 11 hours, I will be leaving town for St. Louis, MO, to see the new Busch Stadium and two games there between the Reds and Cardinals. The new stadium is located on the south of the former (second) Busch Stadium, which served the Cardinals, baseball fans, and the city from May 1966 until October last year, prior to its painful but quick demolition.

Is the new Busch Stadium the best park in baseball? I promise a full, in-depth review, full of videos, and photos and such. I'll look at: the scoreboard, playing field, the seats, stadium/grandstand design, architecture, vertical circulation (elevators, escalators, stairs, ramps), food, prices, souvenirs, concourses, lighting, music, sound system, fans, staff, and of course, the teams!

As if the Wildman might say say, "St. Louis Cardinals forever, Cincinnati Reds... they're OK too." The Cardinals suffered their first loss at the new stadium today, 3-4, in 11 innings, to the Brewers. The Reds leave Chicago after taking two of three from the Cubs, and are tied in first with Milwaukee, 6-3. The Cardinals are 5th, 5-4 record in the second week of the young season. This series at Busch will be exciting. I'll be there for the Friday night and Sunday afternoon games, both behind home plate, though at different levels...

Of course, there's more than baseball in St. Louis. I plan on going to Savvis Center to see the Blues play the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday night, my second NHL game since Pittsburgh in February.

Before that, I'll be at Six Flags St. Louis in the monring and afternoon, riding the great thrill rides and coasters I love doing.

As Willie, who's trying to recover after the shooting of activist Kabaka Oba across from Cincinnati City Hall, I'll give you a FULL REPORT! And I'll check in Friday, after the game for a brief review.

Trip Report: Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom, 4/1/06

A combination of going almost five months without coaster riding, great weather, and buzz created by new management, especially Six Flags' new CEO, Mark Shapiro, I chose to make the drive down to Louisville to check out Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom (SFKK) on April Fool's Day (Sat. 4/1/06).

I bought my season pass online, and printed the vouchers at home, the night prior towards leaving. I took my friend Brian, who also followed the same procedure, and we left northern Cincinnati at around 9:30 am, arriving at the Kentucky Fair & Expo Center approximately at 11:30. There were a large amount of cars parked in front of the expo halls, as there was a Flea Market going on in the West Hall, but we ended up finding a space with a short walk to the park.

Walking in, security seemed more strict than they were last year, doing a more thorough search, making me empty out all my pockets of electronic items, camera, phone, and iPod nano included. Beyond that, the area was very festive and inviting, with balloons and even the new Six Flags "theme song" playing, and people and signs saying "Have a great 45th Anniversary!" The chain is celebrating its 45th anniversary, since Six Flags over Texas opened in 1961. This, however makes guests think Kentucky Kingdom itself opened in 1961, and not really in 1987 (before closing for 2 seaons after a bad first year). BUT there have been FAR more misleading claims made...

Brian and I soon made our way to the Season Pass processing center, which had a short line outside the door. Upon making our way, more were already in, while there were a LOT of employees working the cameras, so getting our passes was with little effort. Noting a short line, we went to Hellevator, which only had a one to two cycle wait, and only one of the 5 sections were out of order. Since I'm looking out on the vast Expo Center and the city beyond, I hardly notice wer're going to be dropped.

Since I haven't been on a coaster since November, I wanted to start off on a good one, so I chose to go to Greezed Lightnin'. We got in the second to last row, when we noticed that our friends Adam and Darlene were waiting in the back! Not only did we notice that there is a "new" loop, but also a "new" train: they were parts of the former Tidal Wave/Greased Lightning that ran at Marriott's/Paramount's Great America in California. You may recall that after being dismantled, it was bought by Six Flags Marine World as parts, but never rebuilt whole again. I noticed the train looked different, not only by its colors, but also its headrests, and the yellow markings on the lapbars (something frequently seen on lapbars/restraints at Kings Island). The ride, however, was of the same quality as before, with some good airtime sitting in the back.

The four of us went to ride Road Runner Express next, with a decent line. While it is a mouse with a lot of quick stops and lateral G's, it had some negative vertical G's as well. The frequently alternating view between Chang and Freedom Hall was fun, too. Right after our ride, we headed across the "Damn Bridge" to the larger section of the park towards Chang.

Earlier on, we learned that Chang was receiving a badly needed paint job, which would be of yellow track and blue supports. Some school children entered and won the contest to pick the colors. I'm glad they're going back to the original yellow color, the greenish yellow and purple scheme began fading before too long. The past week, we learned that a painter was injured after falling 25 feet from a ladder while repainting Chang. We ended up waiting about half an hour, into the large queue area, as only one train was operating - it's possible one was out of order, or not being used while the paint job is underway. We ended up in the very back row, which, while intense, was still a great ride. After getting off, we noticed 4-5 Army soldiers in full dress uniform, always nice to see. The temperature neared 70, but I guess still comfortable, whether in shorts or in full sleves and pants.

Our next activity, T2, brught us one of the biggest surprises of the day: both trains in operation! While it is often a slow moving, low capacity ride, that really changes when another train is added, and we had little to no wait. This, however, should be expected, since new CEO Mark Shapiro had questioned the practice of ride vehicles being out of use, especially when there are long lines. This is possibly the second time I've ever seen T2 running... "T2."

Next to T2, we notice that Chaos was removed. The ride had suffered a lot of downtime, and was replaced with benches and trees, as it is now a designated smoking area. New this year, Six Flags parks have gone "smoke free," with the use of designated areas. While it is hard for a park in Kentucky to kick the habit, they may be doing a better job, with signage, more visible areas, and public address announcements - eventually, more and more guests will get a hold of the policy.

Walking towards the back of the park, to ride Twisted Twins, we noticed that the Penguin's Blizzard River was up and running, to our surprise. In addition, the pathway that goes by the Top Eliminator dragsters has been closed off, and according to the map, removed as an attraction. In the past few years, Top Eliminator was rarely open, as least to me. This then, took us underneath Thunder Run, which we'll come back to later. The other water ride, Mile High Falls, was also in operation. With the moderate temperatures, we chose not to get wet, as both water rides can get you drenched.

Only one side of Twisted Twins was open, Stella - as Lola was said to be undergoing some work. The one side, however, delivered a great, smooth ride. While it is one of the lowest rated CCI coasters, I think it's honestly underrated. Since Darlene and Adam had ridden Thunder Run earlier on, and they needed to process their passes, Brian and I did Thunder Run, which had a line down to the stairs. While Thunder Run is a great fast, and airtime filled woodie, its operation needs to be redone. They need to build a transfer track for a second train, which I think can be done. Its capacity isn't too "swift."

Roller Skater is a neatly designed Vekoma junior coaster, and we did that, mainly because I wanted to add it to my annual count. After that ride, I went in search for a good lunch-snack, which runs me to one of the biggest complaints of the day: food pricing has gone up. Yes, Papa John's (which started in Louisville over 20 years ago), is now the official pizza at Six Flags parks, but $6 is very pricey for a "large slice." Medium drinks cost close to $4. Even though I had a coupon with my Season Pass, it cost $7.50 for fried Oreos (which were good) and a medium drink. This seems to be going against what other parks have done for food and drink - Cedar Fair parks are charging 25¢ for cotton candy - and Holiday World, only 1-1/2 hours away, offers free unlimited soft drinks (and Voyage!). My problem is not with the gate pricing and season passes, but the overpriced parking (SFKK is exempt), food and drinks is a pain.

Some welcome changes, however, were the placement of restroom attendants, ensuring clean facilities. This was one of the bigger complaints about Six Flags parks, and they have thus responded. Also new this year is expanded live entertainemnent. Many of the Looney Tunes characters were present, new shows have been added, and parades are planned for this season, as well. One thing I find emphasized a little too much was the "45th Anniversary" thing. It's nice to celebrate the anniversary of their first park, Six Flags over Texas, but still a little overdone for a park that is less than 20 years old. We also noticed that Thrill Park Theater is now showing "The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera," which the Paramount Parks, include Kings Island, is also showing. Unfortunately, the simulator ride was closed, which means I'll have to wait a couple weeks to see it.

After eating, we an into Adam and Darlene again, as we headed to ride the Giant Wheel for a panoramic view of the park. Then, back over the "Damn Bridge" to the front for another ride on Hellevator, and some flat rides. Himalaya was fun, because they play a good mix of rock and country (plus the Vengaboys song that Six Flags recently made famous with Mr. Six). We also rode Enterprise and the Rainbow, before deciding to go to the back of the park again for another ride on T2 and then Twisted Twin Stella. Darlene and Adam parted ways, and Brian and I got a second ride on Chang. Since I love B&M coasters, a ride on Chang at SFKK is mandatory for me.

Before leaving for the day, Brian and I got two rides in on Greezed Lightnin', including one in the front car (I had the front row). I simply love this Schwarzkopf shuttle looper. This capped off a beautiful and exciting day at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom, which is beginning to turn a new corner for the better - new experiences, and better guest service, even as we were leaving the park gate. I might head back to SFKK in May when I go to Holiday World, possibly for HoliWood Nights on Memorial Day weekend.

NEWS: Cedar Point "mystery song" identified!

Last year, before the park opened, I had a hankering for music from Cedar Point, I was just months into having my first iPod, and the iTunes Music Store just a few clicks away.
There was this one instrumental jazz song with steel drums that played on the midways, no lyrics, and therefore was very obscure.

Before the season started, I e-mailed Cedar Point to see if they knew what it was called. Unfortunately, I did not get a reply... (or so I thought.)
Eventually, May 2005 had arrived, and so did the new ride, maXair. I heard the song once again as maXair roared above me, but still no idea who did the song. I did a video recording, which I took audio from, and posted on my website as well as on the forums on PointBuzz... still no answer.

Then came March 30, 2006: today. My webmail was acting slower and slower than ever, and word was that I was getting my emails bounced, as a coaster buddy from Pennsylvania called me on my cell phone tonight. This was a sign that I should move me e-mail to another application.
I decided to give the application "Mail" on my iMac a try. Within minutes, I was away, deleting old emails that were either spam or no longer needed.
Then I came across one of the e-mails that I thought I had never received, from Cedar Point.


And, so, here's the text of the e-mail:

Dear Mr. Allen,

Your question regarding the "smooth/lite jazz-like tune that has a guitar leading the main tune, which seems to switch between the guitar and something else" was forwarded to me for a response.

Frankly, I didn't think there was any way we could answer your question, but our Ace Jazzman Technical Manager, John Lyle, came up with what he's pretty sure is the answer:

BRAVE NEW WORLD from the BRAVE NEW WORLD album by Russ Freeman and/or the Rippingtons

If that's not it, three other songs by Lee Ritenour might be the one you're looking for:

GOIN' TO DETROIT on the WES BOUND album
A LITTLE BUMPIN' on the WES BOUND album
RED BARON on the HAPPY ANNIVERSARY,CHARLIE BROWN album

All four of the songs are great, so I don't think you'll be sorry if you go buy any or all of them.

Enjoy,
Marje Rody, Vice President
Cedar Point Live Entertainment

I immediately began searching the iTunes Music Store. John directed me to the right album and artist, but not exactly the right song. However, I clicked on some of the songs, and the fourth one was suddenly a direct hit.

Song: Hideaway
Album: Brave New World
Artist: Russ Freeman and/or the Rippingtons

Here is the link.

I feel so complete, as of right now. I'm going to celebrate by going to Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom on Saturday... Not exactly Cedar Point, but okay.

Visionland is now Alabama Adventure... What if?

Visionland theme park, located in Bessemer, Alabama, has been renamed "Alabama Adventure."
I assume that the name change is based on two things:
- To better market the park to the region, so people have a general idea where it is
- What the hell did the "Vision" part of 'Visionland' mean?

So, here's my latest "What If?" entry:
What if they kept the Vision name, and became a large chain that acquired other parks?
Here's their potential names:

• Visionland
• Vision Gardens
• Vision Adventures
• Vision Kingdom
• Visioncot
• Vision Studios
• Vision Island
• Vision Dominion
• Visionwinds
• Vision America
• Vision Wonderland
• Vision Point
• Vision Lake
• Vision Park
• Visionfair!
• Vision Fun
• Vision Berry Farm
• Vision World
• Vision Beach
• Vision Mountain
• Vision Adventure
• Visionwood
• Vision Grove
• Visionpark
• Vision over Texas
• Vision over Georgia
• Vision St. Louis
• Vision New England

A Universe in the Making

Check out "A Universe in the Making," Ronny Salerno's video documenting the construction tour at Kings Island held back on February 25, as well as the dinner and meeting at International Restaurant.

You'll get to see lots of dirt, lots of people, the picnic grove, ride units in storage, my fat ass, and much more.


You'll have to see the video to guess which fat ass is me. I'm not seen in this shot.

The Revolving Door in the College Basketball Arena moved rapidly today...

The Revolving Door in the College Basketball Arena moved rapidly today as three coaches associated with the University of Cincinnati Bearcats found new positions within the same day.

First, "The Big Guy," Bob Huggins, accepted an offer to become the head coach at Kansas State. The press conference began at around 5 pm ET in Manhattan, KS, just one hour before the Bearcats took the court to play South Carolina in the Elite Eight round of the NIT.

Not long after Huggins' conference, I learned that two Bearcat seniors were ineligible: Jihad Muhammad and James White - which helped conrtibute to their loss, 65-62 in the NIT.

Just after that game, interim coach and former UC assistant under Huggins Andy Kennedy accepted the job at Ole Miss.

And after that, former UC assistant under Huggins, Louisville assistant to Rick Pitino, and head coach at Murray State, Mick Cronin, was given the head job in Cincinnati. Cronin is a Cincinnati native, a graduate of La Salle High School.

And beyond Cincinnati, there was NCAA action in the 'Sweet 16' round. #1 Duke and J.J. Redick lost to Glenn "Big Baby" Davis and #4 LSU, 62-54. My YTMND site. The madness simply moved south to Altanta.
And my bracket is officially, fudged, as I picked Duke to win it all.

In Oakland, Memphis beat Bradley 80-64. WKRC-TV channel 12's Brad Johansen's alma mater had a great run, but Memphis was seeded #1 for a reason, so SOMETHING was normal tonight.

Back at the Georgia Dome, West Virginia played Texas, another close one. Just after WVU's Kevin Pittsnogle tied it up with a 3-point 71 apiece with seconds to go in the game, Texas decided to end the suspense by answering with their own 3-pointer at the buzzer. The game went to the Longhorns 74-71; at least I picked Texas in this one.

It would only heat up back in Oakland. UCLA, whom Dick Vitale picked to win the Oakland bracket, defeated Gonzaga 73-71. Another Final Four team on my bracket is out, and we see a sad Adam Morrison laying on the floor at the game's end.

In High School, despite the suspension of star O.J. Mayo, North College Hill won their state semifinal against Archibold in Columbus today, 49-34. Lockland lost to South Webster though, 61-58.

I think I'm done, and tomorrow, I might have enough energy to talk Busch Stadium.

Then again, there are more games tomorrow...

Bob Huggins is new Kansas State head coach

Our good friend and local sports icon, Bob Huggins, has passed the "Point of Know Return" and has just been named the new men's basketball head coach at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. He is speaking now, answering some of his critics and talking about a return to "normal" family life.
I wish Bob the absolute best of luck at K-State.

On a side note, his former assistant, Andy Kennedy, might be coaching his last game, at least at Fifth Third Arena, tonight in the fourth round of the NIT against South Carolina. UC plays tonight at 6PM. Go Bearcats! The winner plays next in the final four of NIT at Madison Square Garden.

The Weekend In Review

Who Says You Can't Go Home?
Saturday night at the historic Coliseum at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Lancaster HS basketball told Cincinnat's own Elder Panthers just that, as they beat Elder 52-49 in front of several thousand, more than half supporting the Lancaster team, who goes onto the Division I basketball semifinal at Schottenstein Center on Friday. They will face Trotwood Madison, who knocked off another local team, Lakota West, also this past Saturday Night at Cintas Center.
I made the trip up to Columbus for that game, hoping for a magical run for the Panthers. While the game was exciting, the finish was a downer (no, Rachel Dratch was not in attendance).

Again, NO, I did not attend Elder High School, but have met some friends who did, especially Eric Wood, who is center of University of Louisville Cardinals' football team, who had a great first season in the Big East conference last fall. When Jim Scott said "The guys swing Big Wood in the morning," he was referring to my boy Eric... whatever the hell that means.


Proof that I can be an ass(hat):
I've said often that individual businesses, corporations, and consumers should regulate smoking policies at restaurants and bars, and not government. I watched an Channel 9 I-Team segment about the pollution levels caused by second-hand smoke in area bars and restaurants - some ranged from 'Moderate 'to 'Dangerous.' Even with the bad levels, despite state-of-the-art ventillation systems at some places, as well as good Smokeeters... some of these establishments will sink if they go smoke-free - either by choice or through regulations. The libertarian in me wants to keep things status quo around here, but the health and moral side says, for the best interest in the public, children, and employees, says to support a general ban.

However, at some places, while they have large non-smoking areas, the TVs showing NCAA tournament games are located in the bar areas - almost all bar areas with TVs are smoking-designated. Because I have skin issues right now, going a few places close to home, trying to find one that havs TVs in NON-Smoking areas, was a real pain in the ass today. I settled upon Willie's in West Chester today, where while they have a bar and some seating that's designated for smoking, there are Smokeeters that make it comfortable for non-smokers like me. Honestly though, I've been to Willie's a lot, and would like to try something else once in a while.

If anyone knows of another place on the northern suburbs of Cincinnati that:
- Has lots of TVs
- Has good food
- Is smoke-free or has many TVs in the non-smoking area physically separated from smoking
Let me know!


Mixed Bracket
Bad: I picked many of the higher-ranked teams to advance, into the Sweet 16. Unfortunately, Syracuse, Kansas, Marquette, Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio State, and Oklahoma (Kevin Bookout's size wasn't enough... or too much for the Soonners), left earlier than I picked.

Good: My Final Four remains intact. Gonzaga, NOT Memphis, will be the winner of the Oakland Region. Villanova will beat Connecticut to reach the championship game at RCA Dome, but Duke will be the sole champion of 2006.

Tuesday night at 9pm is UC versus Minnesota in the second round of the NIT. I may be picking the Bearcats over the Golden Gophers, but I wish I lived closer to the historic Williams Arena "the Barn" rather than the stale Fifth Third Arena.


Another Great 'Point' to visit this website:
Cedar Point just updated their website. Not only do I think it's the best amusement park around, they quite possibly have the best official website for a park. You can see (and download!) good quality videos of their roller coasters, as well as check out their Blog, OnPoint! It's been updated with an actual photo of Tony and Tyler. And on the front page is the top banner - you can see many of the park's rides come to life! The latest addition, Skyhawk, is shown in the top banner, but has not "run" yet.
For more info, especially to see what others are saying, also check out PointBuzz, the top non-official Cedar Point site.


Why I envy some people
This past Saturday, a winter construction tour was held at Holiday World to see the progress on the behemoth coaster, The Voyage. Paul Drabek's great site, Negative-G, chronicles this tour, and is quite possibly the most comprehensive set of photos I've seen of Voyage so far. (If you don't know, Paul lives in Santa Claus, Indiana, just minutes from the park)
While it looks like Voyage will be up and running for the park's opening day in May, some attractions in the new Thanksgiving section won't quite be ready yet, such as the restaurant, and the Gobbler Getaway interactive dark ride. But you can't go wrong with Voyage!

Today, Beech Bend Park, located near Bowling Green, Kentucky was also scheduled to have a construction tour of their new GCI wooden twister, Kentucky Rumbler. Beech Bend is located about two hours or so from Santa Claus, IN, so it was convenient for enthusiasts to travel and do both in the same trip. Inexplicably, however, it was more than a simple construction tour. NOPE! Paul submitted a photo from today's tour - showing him SEATED in a MOVING train on the new wood coaster. It's not even May - let alone APRIL, and Drabek has 10 rides so far on a brand new coaster in KENTUCKY!

The Jim Scott Soundboard!

Today, I must announce that I have finally completed my first Flash project, the Jim Scott Soundboard! It is dedicated to the welcoming and often raunchy host of 700 WLW's morning show here in Cincinnati.
I will apologize in advance for the slow load and unevenness of volume between the sounds, but I think you will enjoy it so much you'll ask for more soundboards. I am considering making a Bill Cunningham soundboard, surely to contain many more sounds than Jim's - and quite possibly a "Seg Man" Dennison board, too!

The Start of the "Big Dance!"

After I wake up, the first games of the 2006 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament will have begun.
In this super-region, Xavier, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio State are in, and the Musketeers, whom I saw win the A-10 tournament on Saturday, play Thursday in Salt Lake City. Of the four teams mentioned, I think Thad Matta's Ohio State guys will go farthest, making it to the "Sweet 16" round. They open up on Friday, at the convenient site of UD Arena.
UC not getting into the big tournament has to be one of the biggest errors I've seen as of late... then again, Kings Island can outdo that if they pass on a great mega steel coaster for 2007.

This week is has been a little more miserable, and not just because no UC in Tournament, nor my lack of employment. It's because of the air plane crash death of game show host Peter Tomarken on Monday. You may remember him best for hosting the 80s show Press Your Luck, which still airs regularly on Game Show Network. They announced that they will run a PYL marathon on Sunday in memory of Peter.

One of my latest ideas has been a result of seeing the documentary on Music Hall on PBS station WCET, as well as the race to complete the new Busch Stadium in St. Louis. The new Busch will be nice, but even after I visit, for some odd reason, I'll feel like there's something missing.

This big idea is a new arena for Cincinnati near downtown. I've been a sports, building, arena, stadium, and architecture buff for many years, and would love to see the "fusion" of the past, the future, and so on.

When compared to other similer cities, I beleive Cincinnati lacks a major, large (18,000 seat+), and fully state of the art indoor arena. Comparing what exists:

- Cincinnati Gardens (1949) is a nice, historic facility, and just about perfect for a minor-league hockey team, which the building's owners are desperately campaigning for. However, it hasn't had any major renovations since then, and its remaining life is getting shorter. If they don't get the team, all bets are off on the Gardens' future.

- U.S. Bank Arena (1975) is the city's largest indoor arena (over 16,000), and is the most comfortable as well. A complete renovation (1997) of the former Riverfront Coliseum replaced the seating, added a center scoreboard, and improved the main concourse - but it is just not the kind of place for major sporting events, if the city should pursue an NBA or NHL team. NBA will be very tough to get, and an NHL franchise competing with Columbus and Nationwide Arena just isn't going to happen. Next year, it will be as old as the former Riverfront Stadium was when it was torn down. The Arena won't suffer the same fate quite yet.

- Fifth Third Arena (1989) has quite possibly become the most uncomfortable and outdated large arena I've seen in modern days. Going up lots of stairs just to get to the lower level seats, the bleachers, and just about everything else gives it this "temporary" look. It just doesn't fit in with the revamped UC campus full of amazing and cutting-edge buildings. Shoemaker Center is the one arena of the four I'd love to dynamite.

- Cintas Center (2000) on Xavier University's campus is a serious improvement upon "The Shoe" - all individual seats, a simpler concourse, and slightly more restroom fixtures. Cintas has the concrete and plastic look like the UC counterpart, but it's still a nice on-campus arena, that, if kept up right, will be a good facility for decades to come.

This is why I propose a new arena to be located near or in the Downtown and/or the Over-The-Rhine district. It will carry the look of the old WPA-style auditoriums built in the 1930s and 1940s - architecture similar to Carew Tower and Union Terminal, both long-standing Cincinnati art deco landmarks. With attention to detail throughout, it could almost be the "Music Hall" of arenas (though not in the Victorian Gothic style), quite possibly being the best in the nation.
This new arena, or "Auditorium," will seat 18,000 to 20,000 patrons, similar to other modern arenas in Cleveland, Columbus, and Indianapolis. All seats will be vintage auditorium-style chairs, upholstered. The seating bowl will be somwhat asymmetrical - while part of the ring will be surrounded by suites and club seating, the rest will be exclusively standard seating.
Like in modern large arenas, there will be multiple wide concourses, with plenty of concession stands and restrooms. The primary method of moving up and down will be by way of escalators - yes, descending escalators at all times. Elevator banks will be located on the corners of the building, and transport VIPs, disabled guests, and suite patrons to differnt floors. Standard stairs will be available, but de-emphasized.
Again, attention to detail will prevail: artwork and carving will dominate the exterior as well as the interior. Signage and materials throughout will make one feel they have been taken into the 1930s, but the facility will function with the latest of technologies. A state of the art video scoreboard system will be placed a the heart of the auditorium, while physical signage will attempt to symbolize the past. Widescreen monitors and speakers will be placed throughout concourses.
The new Auditorium will be at the center of a revitalized center city area. As new structures will be placed around the facility, existing buildings will be rehabilitated for use as restaurants, entertainment, shopping, offices, and residences, as well as some smaller hotels. New parking structures will be erected in this neighborhood, tying into existing facilities; while this plan will accomodate a future rail transit line.
So far, that's my idea for the future Cincinnati Auditorim.

Results: The True Geek Test

The Poser Geek You answered 58% of the questions as a geek truly would.

As a poser geek, you're trying too damned hard. There's a strong possibility that you think you're a geek because you own your own computer, however you're truly missing the bigger picture. You aspirations of being a geek mainly come from your friends, who are probably slightly cooler. Get rid of those thick black-rimmed glasses. Being a geek isn't about style, it's about substance! So what's this all mean? It means you're probably a pretty cool person. You've probably got social graces and are well liked by many people. While not a complete conformist, you do prefer to follow along with popular culture. True geeks probably laugh at you behind your back. In a nutshell, you answered most question how you thought a geek WOULD answer, but your misconceptions deceived you. Truth is, 60% of people are geekier than you.

My test tracked 1 variable How you compared to other people your age and gender: You scored higher than 10% on geekness

Link: The True Geek Test written by ambientred on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test