Delayed…

If you are following along from home, you may know there are thunderstorms in the New Jersey and that has put us on the tarmac until further notice. The captain says those storms are right in our flight path. This is his last flight and there is supposedly a celebration planned. There is also a problem with my headset jack in my seat and you can't get both channels of audio at the same time. Bunko!!! Remember because I have Sprint, my phone will not work on the European GSM network. T-Mobile and Cingular both are compatible. I am going to try to blog at least once or twice. You will get enough details on the trip when I return. Bon Voyage!

BNL Concert Slideshow

It’s been… years since I got to see these guys in concert. Actually I saw them last when the Quicken Loans Arena was called Gund Arena. The best I can figure I’ve seen them at least 6 times over the years. They never disappoint. I didn’t get to listen to their new stuff as much as I’d like to have. I really enjoy being able to sing-a-long with them at their concert.
The three concerts ago, I saw them at the Taste of Cleveland at the Powerhouse parking lot. That was August 30, 1997. That date might ring a bell for you because it was the time when people in the United States found out about the car accident involving Princess Diana. I was at the concert with my friend and co-worker when we got the news on one of those old huge pagers. We were all shocked and you could see the people’s emotions change from party mode to shock. It was one of the strangest sights I’d ever seen. Steven Page even mentioned at this concert that the last time they played on the Powerhouse grounds that Princess Diana had died. Everyone has a story for where they were on historic events (albeit tragic) and that’s mine for the untimely death of Princess Diana. Steven also told the crowd during the show that Cleveland has a special place in the band’s hearts.
It should the Plain Dealer Pavilion was packed but not quite sold out! Before the show, we went to Cyrus and relaxed on their patio. We thought we’d eat but the restaurant’s managers didn’t realize how many people might show up at their place on a nice sunny Sunday when one of the most popular bands in Cleveland was playing a concert next door.
A teenage band called “Eclyptic” made up for that downfall. They are the band at the beginning of the slideshow. I’m a music buff and I’d say if they keep it up they might have a future, even if it’s just in Cleveland. You can check them out yourself by clicking on their website link included in this post. Their music rocks and their showmanship is just as good. They had all of us smiling and even laughing with their seriousness about their show. That’s not a crack either, they did a great job. I wonder if they thought they’d have such a big crowd for their show at Cyrus. Quite a compliment for a local band to get the entire crowd calling for an encore even though most people in the crowd probably didn’t know them.
After they finished up a DJ took the stage and claimed he was throwing a BNL pre-party. He played one song then proceeded to play “Love Train” by “The O’Jays” and then “ABC” by “The Jackson 5”. Good way to get the crowd in the BNL mood.
I have to get ready to head into work so I gotta wrap this up for now. BNL played all of the favorites and a couple of new songs. I didn’t know them but it was great getting to sing it out like I was in the shower or in the car. I also had great people to see & hear the concert with some great people! Thanks to all of you for that!

The Skidsteer

it's been years since i used to run one of these at the golf course all summer long and i still know how to run it. It's like riding a bike.

The Final Countdown

A witty headline for this post. Who sang “The Final Countdown”? Europe! Where am I going? Europe!

I got the suit and I have to admit, I make it look good. 🙂 I only have to get an adapter for my phone, etc. We’re gonna have an unbelievable time there. I’m trying to take it a little easy this weekend. I’m gonna see my father tomorrow. He and my mother are at my sister’s house putting up their pool. It’ll be a trek across Cleveland and that imaginary border that separates the west from the east sides. Tomorrow night is the Barenaked Ladies concert that I’ve been looking forward to seeing for months now. I’ve not seen them in concert for at least 6 years. We’ve got four tickets to the concert. It’s gonna be great. Can I take a camera there?

I’m so tired tonight after a long day but I can’t lose energy now, it’s only beginning!!!!

Thursday Thoughts

For everyone saying it’s going to be an embarrassment if the Cavs get swept in the NBA Finals, yes, it’s going to be sad if that happens. Remember this, we ARE in the NBA Finals. Many people never thought that could happen in the first place. For the first time, Clevelanders can actually say “there’s always next year”, because there is! We’re a growing team lead by LeBron James. We have a great chance of returning next year. San Antonio can have its dynasty but who’s to say Cleveland isn’t next? The Spurs are a formidable team. I do hope we avoid the sweep but if that doesn’t happen, I’m just happy we got to see this excitement. Doesn’t the picture to the right look awesome? By the way, congratulations to LeBron James on the birth of his son.

Also, just days remain before my European trip. I’m going into this thing without any expectations. I can’t actually believe that it’s happening. I hope to blog a little, if I have the time from The Netherlands, Switzerland and France. I have so little done and have so little time to get it accomplished but at least my passport came in time. I will have plenty of material to talk about when I get back from the trip.

Blog Update (1:44pm) – I just finished a new personal record, 7 miles.  I wished I’d known the benefits of running a long time ago.  I feel awesome a run.  Go me!

Say It Isn’t So Mr. Wizard…

You know how you just look up to people even though sometimes you don’t know them? For me, Don Herbert was one of those people.

Many people know him better as Mr. Wizard. He taught science to generations of people.

For baby boomers, they came to know him on his show “Watch Mr. Wizard. I saw him growing up on Nickelodeon on the show “Mr. Wizard’s World” in the 80’s. He taught everyone science didn’t have to be boring and could even be fun.

What kind of an effect did he have on America? When “Late Night with David Letterman” debuted in 1982, Herbert was among the first-night guests.

You would have to credit him with the success of Nickelodeon, his show was among the first on the cable channel.

So rest in peace, Mr. Wizard, we’ll miss your science lessons!

What Will Game Three Be?

Cleveland is ready for Game 3 but are the Cavaliers? They’ll have to bring it tonight or it’s all but over! From a pep rally on the Mall, “Rise Up” jerseys on the Terminal Tower, a giant “Z” poster on a parking lot to a 40-some foot replica of the NBA Championship trophy, Cleveland is decorated up for the national spotlight.

Photo credit: John Kosich
(personal running journal: 6 miles – I haven’t been doing a good job with updating this each time but it’s really for me anyhow so…)