Anyone catch Tom Van Riper’s column in Forbes about the worst cities to be a sports fan? He ranks Indianapolis as the #3 worst city (Miami finished first -or last depending on how you look at it). The formula used to determine the rankings included average winning % of the pro teams, cost for a family of four, and median income.

Okay, if that’s your measure of the worst city in which to be a fan, then fine Indy is third worst. However, I would argue Tom is not a Sports fan. Nope, not even close. I capitalized sports for a reason. Tom is a little “s” sports fan. He confined himself to the 4 major sports at the top level. If you are a Sports fan (and I know most of the Citizens are) then you’re into watching all kinds of sports. And, you can appreciate minor league and amateur sports as well. (more…)

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I heard Alanis Morissette playing in my head when I heard the news that Indianapolis was awarded the 2012 Super Bowl. “Isn’t it ironic, don’t you think…”

Why, you might ask?  Well, most NFL experts are deeply concerned that when the current collective bargaining agreement runs out, the two sides are so far apart that there may be a lockout. When does it run out? After the 2010 season. When would the lockout occur? The 2011 season. When does the Super Bowl take place for the 2011 season? You guessed it, 2012.  We just got awarded the Super Bowl to a season that might not happen. Somebody cue the Canadian chick. “A little too ironic…”

Carry on, Citizens!

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Yep, I lost the blog war. Monday night I went to the Indians game (double header vs. Scranton) and didn’t get home until after midnight. For the loss to Elizabeth, the Tribe rewarded me with 2 losses on the same evening. As for yesterday, I just took the day off to nurse my wounds.

So, today I’m back with a vengeance –ready to large damage in the blogosphere.  Tonight, I’ll forgo the usual nonsense and ask you to remember that it’s National Salvation Army Week. Stop by the Wal-Mart in Fishers between 3pm and 6pm tomorrow for Ramp to Camp. 107.9 the Track will be there with 2 Men & a Truck raising money to send kids to camp. I’ll be there with at least one other member of the Red Shield Radio team.  On Friday, (not sure if it will be the morning or afternoon show yet) I’ll be at the Emmis Building on Monument Circle passing out candy bars courtesy of Target and the Salvation Army.

Also, if you’re into racing, sign up for the Red Shield Rally (July 12).  Go-cart racing for adults and RC cars for the kids. Lots of other surprises in the works for that event too.

Oh, yeah that book thing… Kansaska is available for Kindle! If you own the popular ebook reader from Amazon, download a copy of Kansaska.  Trolley Dodgers will be available for Kindle in the next few weeks.

Finally, I’ll be signing books on May 31st in Greenwood. Details to follow.

Carry on, Citizens!

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If you haven’t tuned into Red Shield Radio recently or downloaded the podcast, you’ve missed some great guests.  We had Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard a few weeks ago. Former IU basketball star and current Pacers TV analyst Quinn Buckner is our guest this week. And next week, we will have actor Doug Jones (The Silver Surfer himself!) on the program.  The following week, don’t miss Jason Wetzel from Wal-Mart. The last time he was on, I left the studio with sore ribs from laughing. Who would have thought Wal-Mart execs could be so entertaining?

Carry on, Citizens!

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Echoes:

I’m not a music reviewer, so this is not my normal post material. But, every once in a while, a great cd comes along and you have to share. If you’re in the market for some new tunes, check out the Foo Fighters recent release. Maybe my favorite album of the last 5 years. Sometimes, a band says all the things you’re thinking at particular moment in time… (more…)

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