On Saturday, Decemb3er 19 I journeyed to the New Cowboys Stadium to take in the first basketball game at the new venue, UNC vs #2 ranked Texas. The experience was enjoyable yet far from the coziness that the Frank Erwin Center in Austin provides.
The mezzanine or upper deck was closed and black curtains were hung at each end of the stadium to block out any sunlight. The announced crowd of 35,000 cheered loudly (75% were Texas fans) but the sound was muted a bit by the cavernous interior. The pre-game music was blaring but the baritone of PA announcer Mark Followill was a welcoming relief from the screaming NBA announcers you get these days.
The overall experience had a distant sterile feel to it. Fans would cheer but there was no deafening roar that you normally get at a home game. Courtside seats went back about 15 rows on the press side and 25-30 rows on the other side. There was no elevation and they were sitting on the floor. I was perched in the club section, section C211 about the length of a wedge shot to the court. I think I got a better view as I frequently saw the folks on the floor standing up. Same for the huge end zone bleachers. Some appeared to be sitting so far back their view must have been worse than mine.
From my point of view the players' faces were too far to be seen directly but one could see the emotion and body language when UT's Pittman issued a dunk. I watched most of the action live, meaning NOT watching the huge HD screen hanging over the court. I did however watch it for replays.
If Jerry tries to squeeze in 100,000 plus for the upcoming NBA All Star game I don't think those in the upper deck or party decks will have anything close to a good view.
I think basketball is best left in basketball arenas. I did enjoy seeing my Longhorns and would go again as I am a diehard fan and alumnus.
G.I. Joe supports the Grand Prairie Airhogs
Monday, December 21, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
What would Tom Landry say?
The other day while attending the Big 12 Championship game at the new Cowboys Stadium (i.e. the Death Star) I paused and reflected by the statue of the great Tom Landry. Was that a tear I saw streaming down his face? Was it a chuckle?
I believe that the great Tom Landry would do both if he were here gracing us with his presence. I think he would be sad at the change in the NFL from his time to today. Players being paid exorbidant salaries who spend more time practicing their antics and celebrations than plays. A system that rewards the rich teams who can overpay players and coaches. But first and foremost, he would be sad to see his Cowboys wallowing in a puddle of failure.
Over 10 years since the Cowboys have won a playoff game. They are perrenial losers who hope to just make the playoffs and are happy if they are a Wild Card team. Where is the domination of the Doomsday Defense? Where are the playmakers like Staubach, Dorsett, Cliff Harris, Randy White, Harvey Martin, etc?
Tom would be sad to see a team that seems to have no heart, that is soft like its head coach. A team that cannot seem to rise to the occasion but is content to say "we will do better." The Cowboys are not explosive or dominant in even one facet of their game? Who fits that description? How about the Colts or Saints. Explosive energy that keeps a fan on the edge of their seats.
Tom would see a Cowboys team with that has few playmakers, a team that makes too many penalties, and players who miss assignments and half heartedly run routes.
Tom would cut players without hesitation. He would command respect. Players would admire, respect, and yes, even fear him. T.O. would have been dismissed early on just like Thomas Henderson.
Tom would say to Wade Phillips "you are who you are" when referencing a team that cannot seem to win in the month of December. Tom would replace aging players for young talent via free agency or the draft. Tom would wonder why nobody in the Cowboys organization seems to be mad at the status quo.
Finally, Tom would chuckle say that it is not some fancy new stadium that makes the Cowboys America's Team--it's the players and the coaches. It's the results on the field. It is the willingness to play hard each and every game.
Tom, I wish you and Tex Shramm were here. I think many fans do as well.
I believe that the great Tom Landry would do both if he were here gracing us with his presence. I think he would be sad at the change in the NFL from his time to today. Players being paid exorbidant salaries who spend more time practicing their antics and celebrations than plays. A system that rewards the rich teams who can overpay players and coaches. But first and foremost, he would be sad to see his Cowboys wallowing in a puddle of failure.
Over 10 years since the Cowboys have won a playoff game. They are perrenial losers who hope to just make the playoffs and are happy if they are a Wild Card team. Where is the domination of the Doomsday Defense? Where are the playmakers like Staubach, Dorsett, Cliff Harris, Randy White, Harvey Martin, etc?
Tom would be sad to see a team that seems to have no heart, that is soft like its head coach. A team that cannot seem to rise to the occasion but is content to say "we will do better." The Cowboys are not explosive or dominant in even one facet of their game? Who fits that description? How about the Colts or Saints. Explosive energy that keeps a fan on the edge of their seats.
Tom would see a Cowboys team with that has few playmakers, a team that makes too many penalties, and players who miss assignments and half heartedly run routes.
Tom would cut players without hesitation. He would command respect. Players would admire, respect, and yes, even fear him. T.O. would have been dismissed early on just like Thomas Henderson.
Tom would say to Wade Phillips "you are who you are" when referencing a team that cannot seem to win in the month of December. Tom would replace aging players for young talent via free agency or the draft. Tom would wonder why nobody in the Cowboys organization seems to be mad at the status quo.
Finally, Tom would chuckle say that it is not some fancy new stadium that makes the Cowboys America's Team--it's the players and the coaches. It's the results on the field. It is the willingness to play hard each and every game.
Tom, I wish you and Tex Shramm were here. I think many fans do as well.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Observations from the gym
Life at your neighborhood gym is full of characters. Some of these people could star in their own TV show. They are equally annoying and humorous.
The purpose of working out is to build a healthier body. Not sure if everyone is on the same page. The other day I finish my workout and stop by McDonalds for a salad. Lo and behold as I enter the establishment I see several females from the gym chowing down on burgers and fries. That's like having open heart surgery and then eating a can of Crisco afterwards.
Or what about the people I see slavishly chugging on the eliptical, bike, or treadmill with a cup of sugar-infested Starbucks coffee next to them?
Next is Dancing Man. Equipped with his spandex pants, goggles, and an MP3 player with headphones he begins to do a cable cross over designed to work the chest. He starts to sway and gyrate, weaving a mesmirzing image that looks like a combination of mating peclicans and a rabid dog. Somewhere in my head I hear the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive". John Travolta would be proud of him. Everytime he did his "show" I noticed several people just stopping and watching in awe and amazement. I almost wanted to go over and tip him for entertaining me.
How about UFC Man. UFC Man looked like a 30-something male, 6 foot tall, weighing about 235 lbs. He is working his triceps on the cable machine, pushing down the bar. But in between sets he starts his shadow UFC or taebo routine. It is a combination of shadow boxing and kicks in the air, all the while weaving and bobbing his head as if someone is fighting him back. I think he believes he is training to fight Brock Lesnar in the next UFC pay-per-view. Good luck fella.
I always chuckle when I see Hyperactive Speedy Workout person. An HSW demonically goes through their set and reps so fast they seemed possessed from the devil. The ignore form in order to quickly pump out their sets. I half expect their head to spin around like Linda Blair in The Exorcist.
Last of all is The Screamer. This is usually a gym lifer, one that is there all the time and has a pretty good body. They like to scream when they work out. Bloodcurdling screams bounce off the walls and carry across the vast gym. Most of the time it is doing squats and they shriek (is it in agony or joy?) as they do their set. It's funny to see the uninitiated stop in their workouts to watch The Screamer.
So next time you are at the gym look for your favorite characters.
The purpose of working out is to build a healthier body. Not sure if everyone is on the same page. The other day I finish my workout and stop by McDonalds for a salad. Lo and behold as I enter the establishment I see several females from the gym chowing down on burgers and fries. That's like having open heart surgery and then eating a can of Crisco afterwards.
Or what about the people I see slavishly chugging on the eliptical, bike, or treadmill with a cup of sugar-infested Starbucks coffee next to them?
Next is Dancing Man. Equipped with his spandex pants, goggles, and an MP3 player with headphones he begins to do a cable cross over designed to work the chest. He starts to sway and gyrate, weaving a mesmirzing image that looks like a combination of mating peclicans and a rabid dog. Somewhere in my head I hear the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive". John Travolta would be proud of him. Everytime he did his "show" I noticed several people just stopping and watching in awe and amazement. I almost wanted to go over and tip him for entertaining me.
How about UFC Man. UFC Man looked like a 30-something male, 6 foot tall, weighing about 235 lbs. He is working his triceps on the cable machine, pushing down the bar. But in between sets he starts his shadow UFC or taebo routine. It is a combination of shadow boxing and kicks in the air, all the while weaving and bobbing his head as if someone is fighting him back. I think he believes he is training to fight Brock Lesnar in the next UFC pay-per-view. Good luck fella.
I always chuckle when I see Hyperactive Speedy Workout person. An HSW demonically goes through their set and reps so fast they seemed possessed from the devil. The ignore form in order to quickly pump out their sets. I half expect their head to spin around like Linda Blair in The Exorcist.
Last of all is The Screamer. This is usually a gym lifer, one that is there all the time and has a pretty good body. They like to scream when they work out. Bloodcurdling screams bounce off the walls and carry across the vast gym. Most of the time it is doing squats and they shriek (is it in agony or joy?) as they do their set. It's funny to see the uninitiated stop in their workouts to watch The Screamer.
So next time you are at the gym look for your favorite characters.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Lonely Man's Paradise
Just what is a Lonely Man's Paradise, or LMP? It is a place for the single man to go eat, without fear of being ridiculed or pointed at.
There are lots of places that are NOT LMP. Most dine-in restaurants or chains. When the Lonely Man walks in they get the look of disdain from the host or hostess. One can almost read their thoughts, "Single diner...loser...low check...low tip." The Lonely Man trys to act polite and pleasant, with failed smile covering up for his sadness. The host or hostess begrudgingly seats this Lonely Man in the darkest corner of the restaurant, so he may not be near the couple diners or high-paying literati. Soon the server comes over and has the same perfunctory greeting but without the forced smile of the hostess. You give your order and they tell you "It will be right out." Translation: I'll get your food out quickly so I can free your table up for a big tipper."
Other diners, usually couples, eye the Lonely Man with pity. Like looking at a leper they equally pity and despise the Lonely Man. The Lonely Man tunes them out, immersed in his world.
The LMP is a place of solitude and reflection, much like Superman's Fortress of Solitude or Batman's Batcave. Examples include I-Hop or Whataburger. They foster an environment that welcomes all. They won't bother you or try to rush you out. They have a wisp of pity in their eye as you come through their door alone. Their servers come and check on you with a sincereness. They don't try to rush you out and usually tell you a hearty "thank you" as you leave their establishment.
One enters LMPs equipped with a stack of newspapers. The purpose is twofold--to eat and to read the paper. In my case I usually go to LMPs on the weekend with a huge stack of saved up newspapers. I might easily spend an hour immersed in my paper.
At times the Lonely Man looks up from his food and papers and spys a fellow lonely man eating. There is a quick exchange of the knowing nod as if both are saying, "It is safe here. It is okay." Occasionally two Lonely Men may engage in banter and reparte but it is usually short and friendly. At times the Lonely Man feels like the Indian in the 1970s commercial who, after witnessing littering in his land, allowed a single tear to fall down his cheek. Before that happens the Lonely Man usually gets up, throws away his newspaper and gets a drink refill before heading to his car.
To all you people out there, please do not pity the Lonely Man.
To all you eating establishments who frown upon us, embrace the Lonely Man and you too can become a Lonely Man's Paradise.
There are lots of places that are NOT LMP. Most dine-in restaurants or chains. When the Lonely Man walks in they get the look of disdain from the host or hostess. One can almost read their thoughts, "Single diner...loser...low check...low tip." The Lonely Man trys to act polite and pleasant, with failed smile covering up for his sadness. The host or hostess begrudgingly seats this Lonely Man in the darkest corner of the restaurant, so he may not be near the couple diners or high-paying literati. Soon the server comes over and has the same perfunctory greeting but without the forced smile of the hostess. You give your order and they tell you "It will be right out." Translation: I'll get your food out quickly so I can free your table up for a big tipper."
Other diners, usually couples, eye the Lonely Man with pity. Like looking at a leper they equally pity and despise the Lonely Man. The Lonely Man tunes them out, immersed in his world.
The LMP is a place of solitude and reflection, much like Superman's Fortress of Solitude or Batman's Batcave. Examples include I-Hop or Whataburger. They foster an environment that welcomes all. They won't bother you or try to rush you out. They have a wisp of pity in their eye as you come through their door alone. Their servers come and check on you with a sincereness. They don't try to rush you out and usually tell you a hearty "thank you" as you leave their establishment.
One enters LMPs equipped with a stack of newspapers. The purpose is twofold--to eat and to read the paper. In my case I usually go to LMPs on the weekend with a huge stack of saved up newspapers. I might easily spend an hour immersed in my paper.
At times the Lonely Man looks up from his food and papers and spys a fellow lonely man eating. There is a quick exchange of the knowing nod as if both are saying, "It is safe here. It is okay." Occasionally two Lonely Men may engage in banter and reparte but it is usually short and friendly. At times the Lonely Man feels like the Indian in the 1970s commercial who, after witnessing littering in his land, allowed a single tear to fall down his cheek. Before that happens the Lonely Man usually gets up, throws away his newspaper and gets a drink refill before heading to his car.
To all you people out there, please do not pity the Lonely Man.
To all you eating establishments who frown upon us, embrace the Lonely Man and you too can become a Lonely Man's Paradise.
Friday, August 21, 2009
New Cowboys Stadium and Party Pass Review
Was it worth the $29 plus taxes? I'd say a resounding yes.
Let's cover the stadium and the experience. Overall I would characterize it as the Astrodome on steroids. Simply a colossuss. I could only imagine what the Romans saw back in the days of the gladiators fighting in the Colossium in Rome.
Anyone who has driven by the stadium during its construction could only marvel at its mammoth size and design. One has to walk up to the stadium to get the full perspective. Entering the end zone gate and standing below the massive twin arches makes one feel like a speck of sand on a beach. The indoor plaza the party pass grants one access to is massive, equipped with concessions and mini-proshops. There were three levels one could stand at and view the game--ground level being the first with second and third (highest). I chose to begin my viewing experience on the ground level.
I dropped anchor at the entrance to sections 217 and 218. The standing room is not really a railing by a counter than runs in a horshoe shape from goal line to goal line. At least one could lean on it. Surprisingly my legs held up well. My spot was at the end zone corner. One could not make out faces but could see jersey numbers. Names were hard to make out. One could only see the massive HD video board if they were standing in the end zone. Being on the edge of the horseshoe I had to squat down to see it.
The staff was everywhere and all were very polite. They were strictly enforcing showing tickets for those going to seats. No chance in sitting in an empty spot. At the peak of the game it was 3-4 people deep behind me. At the end zone I could see 6-7 deep. They even had people stacked on the stairwells.
The vido board hanging over the field is truly amazing. The level of detail stunning. I don't have HD at home but have seen it and this screen makes HD at home look like watching a 12 inch Zenith black and white TV from the 70s. For people in the seats its like watching a car crash--you cannot take your eyes off it.
FYI..about 3-5 punts hit it, something Jerry Jones said was impossible.
Being that I could not see it I focused on the game and was happy with the view and took in the whole football experience. When the teams were on the other end of the field I could still see the action. The crowd was loud and into it.
Disappointing: I could not hear the PA from my spot on the horseshoe. I could later when I moved to the back of the end zone.
Nauseating: Not 3 feet behind me was a vendor selling nachos with chili and cheese. Chili was burnt and the fumes flowed back to me the whole game.
In the 3rd quarter I headed up to the second and third or top decks at the back of the end zone to view the game. These views were looking straight down the field. Less people here and easier to walk up to a counter and lean. Almost liked this vantage point better. The video board facing this area was smaller but still impressive.
The field itself is artificial and appears to be a substantial upgrade from the Texas Stadium turf. Missing was a logo or star at the center. Is this one last way Jerry can rid himself of T.O.? That memory of him in a 49er uniform standing on the star?
Food selection was varied, from customary cotton candy ($5.50), hot dogs (same), Cowboy cheesesteak ($10), beer ($8), and soda ($5). Prices high but what do you expect.
Surprising: field level suites in which I saw people standing and not sitting. Don't know how they could see the game as there were players and media on the sideline blocking their view.
Don't know how much cash parking was--I parked at a shopping center down the road at the corner of Collins and I-30. Just buy $40 from any vendor and post your receipts in your car. Good deal. By paying the money at the stadium lots you get nothing of value in return. Pretty big line of taxis was waiting a the West exit and from what I could see people were taking advantage of it.
Shocking: businesses on the way to the stadium were ponying up their real estate for parking but at a steep cost, most averaging $60. Did see one business charging $80.
Bathrooms were huge and clean, at least at first. More square footage in a bathroom than a single family house.
Would I do this again? Yes, but probably not every game. Maybe a division game with the Eagles or Redskins.
So Jerry, I think you did something to make you money and save money for the common man such as myself. Take my money and give it to Demarcus Ware I hope. Or, put a down payment on the sign that should be over the stadium, "Tom Landry Field"
Let's cover the stadium and the experience. Overall I would characterize it as the Astrodome on steroids. Simply a colossuss. I could only imagine what the Romans saw back in the days of the gladiators fighting in the Colossium in Rome.
Anyone who has driven by the stadium during its construction could only marvel at its mammoth size and design. One has to walk up to the stadium to get the full perspective. Entering the end zone gate and standing below the massive twin arches makes one feel like a speck of sand on a beach. The indoor plaza the party pass grants one access to is massive, equipped with concessions and mini-proshops. There were three levels one could stand at and view the game--ground level being the first with second and third (highest). I chose to begin my viewing experience on the ground level.
I dropped anchor at the entrance to sections 217 and 218. The standing room is not really a railing by a counter than runs in a horshoe shape from goal line to goal line. At least one could lean on it. Surprisingly my legs held up well. My spot was at the end zone corner. One could not make out faces but could see jersey numbers. Names were hard to make out. One could only see the massive HD video board if they were standing in the end zone. Being on the edge of the horseshoe I had to squat down to see it.
The staff was everywhere and all were very polite. They were strictly enforcing showing tickets for those going to seats. No chance in sitting in an empty spot. At the peak of the game it was 3-4 people deep behind me. At the end zone I could see 6-7 deep. They even had people stacked on the stairwells.
The vido board hanging over the field is truly amazing. The level of detail stunning. I don't have HD at home but have seen it and this screen makes HD at home look like watching a 12 inch Zenith black and white TV from the 70s. For people in the seats its like watching a car crash--you cannot take your eyes off it.
FYI..about 3-5 punts hit it, something Jerry Jones said was impossible.
Being that I could not see it I focused on the game and was happy with the view and took in the whole football experience. When the teams were on the other end of the field I could still see the action. The crowd was loud and into it.
Disappointing: I could not hear the PA from my spot on the horseshoe. I could later when I moved to the back of the end zone.
Nauseating: Not 3 feet behind me was a vendor selling nachos with chili and cheese. Chili was burnt and the fumes flowed back to me the whole game.
In the 3rd quarter I headed up to the second and third or top decks at the back of the end zone to view the game. These views were looking straight down the field. Less people here and easier to walk up to a counter and lean. Almost liked this vantage point better. The video board facing this area was smaller but still impressive.
The field itself is artificial and appears to be a substantial upgrade from the Texas Stadium turf. Missing was a logo or star at the center. Is this one last way Jerry can rid himself of T.O.? That memory of him in a 49er uniform standing on the star?
Food selection was varied, from customary cotton candy ($5.50), hot dogs (same), Cowboy cheesesteak ($10), beer ($8), and soda ($5). Prices high but what do you expect.
Surprising: field level suites in which I saw people standing and not sitting. Don't know how they could see the game as there were players and media on the sideline blocking their view.
Don't know how much cash parking was--I parked at a shopping center down the road at the corner of Collins and I-30. Just buy $40 from any vendor and post your receipts in your car. Good deal. By paying the money at the stadium lots you get nothing of value in return. Pretty big line of taxis was waiting a the West exit and from what I could see people were taking advantage of it.
Shocking: businesses on the way to the stadium were ponying up their real estate for parking but at a steep cost, most averaging $60. Did see one business charging $80.
Bathrooms were huge and clean, at least at first. More square footage in a bathroom than a single family house.
Would I do this again? Yes, but probably not every game. Maybe a division game with the Eagles or Redskins.
So Jerry, I think you did something to make you money and save money for the common man such as myself. Take my money and give it to Demarcus Ware I hope. Or, put a down payment on the sign that should be over the stadium, "Tom Landry Field"
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