The Supreme Court recently ruled that the national ban on sports gambling, with the exception of Nevada, is unconstitutional.
OK.
I am not a gambler, so it really has little effect on me. I have heard the arguments that casinos and gambling outfits are deleterious to communities, but I am skeptical. As a general rule, when it comes to local activity, I prefer to let people do what they want to do. If they want to gamble, then they can gamble. I do hope that people bet with money they can afford to lose, but I say the same thing about people running up bar tabs, credit card debt, etc.
What I wonder about, though, is what effect that will have on motorsports, particularly the Indy 500. How much would it add to the fan experience if you could go and place bets, not only on the winner but also first to wreck, first to pit, most laps led, top-5 finishers, trifecta, slowest finisher, top speed, etc.
I don't have hard numbers to back it up, but I am given to understand that outside of the 500, IndyCar is having financial problems. I have also heard many rumors that the 500 itself is experiencing generally declining attendance. As I said, this is what I've heard, not what I've researched.
Anyway, perhaps auto racing will have somewhat of a renaissance because of this. What do you think?
Showing posts with label events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label events. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Another Thing Awesome about Speedway
There are so many things, it's hard for me to keep up on what I have mentioned and what I haven't. I recognize that I've spent a lot of time recently bemoaning the (genuinely terrible) things that President Trump and Vice President Pence are doing to the nation. However, I want to focus on what is close to home: Speedway.
This post is specifically directed at Speedway's awesomeness around Halloween. On NextDoor, I have seen no fewer than 3 or 4 public Halloween celebrations (American Legion, Speedway Baptist, Lion's Club, etc.). This is what makes a community thrive, and I tip my cap to all of the dedicated people who put this together and apologize to anyone who I may have omitted.
Thank you. A hundred times over. Thank you.
As a side note, I work with a gentleman (in the truest sense of the word) who coaches H.S. football. His team played recently at Northwest H.S. and he commented to me the stark difference between 34th/Moeller and 25th/Moeller. Thank you, Speedway, for continuing to make our small town a standout among its surroundings and for making it such a wonderful place to raise a family. I hope to see you, my neighbors, out and about.
This post is specifically directed at Speedway's awesomeness around Halloween. On NextDoor, I have seen no fewer than 3 or 4 public Halloween celebrations (American Legion, Speedway Baptist, Lion's Club, etc.). This is what makes a community thrive, and I tip my cap to all of the dedicated people who put this together and apologize to anyone who I may have omitted.
Thank you. A hundred times over. Thank you.
As a side note, I work with a gentleman (in the truest sense of the word) who coaches H.S. football. His team played recently at Northwest H.S. and he commented to me the stark difference between 34th/Moeller and 25th/Moeller. Thank you, Speedway, for continuing to make our small town a standout among its surroundings and for making it such a wonderful place to raise a family. I hope to see you, my neighbors, out and about.
Sunday, October 15, 2017
Meadowood Park Concert
There has been some discussion on NextDoor in the past day or so regarding the concert that occurred in Meadowood Park yesterday (Saturday, 10/14).
As an initial matter, I was not there and would like to extend my apologies to the organizers. I have no good excuse for my lack of attendance, I have erred, and I am sorry.
However, with respect to the discussion on NextDoor, this is ridiculous. People are on there complaining about the language of some local rapper.
Granted, the rappers should know his audience and not drop the f-bombs when he is surrounded by small children. However...
1. Kids These Days
Maybe the next discussion on NextDoor will not turn into an opportunity for people to brag about how they raised their own kids right but nobody else raised their kids wrong. It will be a first. The other thing I particularly love is how people "back door brag" about themselves by invoking their parents and "I was raised a certain way . . .".
Look, if you think that you're the last person to value hard work, you're not. You're just a narcissist. Similarly, if you believe that you are the first person in the world to think that "kids these days" just "don't have any respect" and feel "entitled" to everything, you're looking and a lot like my grumpy old uncle who died in the early 1990s. Care to share any complaints about "kids these days" with their "rock n' roll" and their "sock hops"? "Why, in my day, we listened to the sound of the belt hitting our behinds, and daggumit, we liked it!"
Simply put, take a broader view. The kids are fine. They are doing fewer drugs than "we" were doing, they are having less sex than "we" were, and they are studying more in school than "we" were. If we think their music sucks and fails to pay proper respect to their elders, perhaps that is normal and to be expected? If we didn't feel that way, perhaps something would be amiss.
2. First Amendment Thoughts
I've spoken a lot about the First Amendment on this blog. This is particularly interesting because I do not practice law in any area that is remotely associated with First Amendment (or Constitutional, for that matter) jurisprudence.
However, I want to be clear. The First Amendment does not apply to private actions; it applies to governmental actions. The suggestion that a permit to hold a concert in a public park should be contingent on the content of the speeches/performances in the park is blatantly unconstitutional. To withhold such permits because you don't like rap music is no different than withholding the permits because you don't like what Bernie Sanders or Donald Trump want to say at the political rally they (hypothetically) intend to hold in the park.
Inasmuch as we have obscenity laws, it is certainly within the purview of the SPD to write the rapper tickets or shut him down upon the explication of said profanities. Insofar as we don't, perhaps the Town Council wants to pass some (or not). If enough people in Speedway were passionate enough about the issue, one would presume that our political system would respond. Personally, I don't think that it's worth it, but I'm also not on the Town Council.
3. What DO You Want?
As I noted at the outset, I am very appreciative of the effort to put on this concert. I wish more such efforts would be undertaken in this neighborhood. I could hear the bands from my back yard, and I thought they sounded amazing!
I think that Speedway, the Home of the American Dream, should encourage local kids to play in rock n' roll bands (and by that term, I include rap, hip hop, metal, etc.). Playing music is a positive form of expression and a positive expenditure of youthful energy and exuberance. The kids who are good at basketball get a world of support, but the kid who likes to play drums is mostly looked upon suspiciously and given an "opportunity" to march in the band. (Don't get me wrong, I love the marching band. However, it is my experience that there are a lot of kids who love to play music but aren't wild about the opportunities to do so in school. Imagine if the only sports that Speedway offered were polo and cricket; I think a lot of kids would yearn for football, basketball, and baseball).
These musically inclined kids/young adults are the beating heart of this community, and we should be encouraging them to participate, just as the organizers of yesterday's festival did. Otherwise, what is the park going to be other than a place where people walk along the trail and look at the woods? (I note that a lot of the same people complaining about the music also complain about the kids in the park. I can't even . . .).
Bottom line on this is that Meadowood Park is going to be as awesome as we allow it to be. We can use it for positive purposes, as noted above, or we can fail to do so and allow the worst element to fill that vacuum. One way or another, the park will be put to use. I prefer it be used for positive and fun things, such as concerts, festivals, farmers markets, etc., as opposed to neutral or negative uses.
Just my opinion.
4. Yesterday is Gone
It ain't coming back folks. The days of having the sock hop with the Beach Boys cover band are over. If we are going to have events that are designed to encourage young people to live in Speedway (or even visit here), we have to accommodate modern preferences. Speedway can't, and shouldn't, remain Mayberry forever. The more we allow this Town's discourse to be dominated by a longing for yesteryear, the more this Town's discourse will neglect tomorrow.
I vote for an agenda focused on improving tomorrow, as opposed to a spiteful and futile attempt to recreate yesterday.
In conclusion, I heartily thank the organizers of the festival and all of the people who came out as spectators as well as all of the bands that participated. To the bands, I know you probably didn't get paid, and I thank you for donating your Saturday. To the organizers, I know you likewise probably didn't get paid, and I thank you for putting the needs of your community (regardless of how broadly you define "your community") ahead of your own needs.
To the detractors of this event, I understand your point; I think that inasmuch as you are concerned about this community, please dedicate those concerns to positive efforts that will enhance the value of the community and refrain from the backbiting and second-guessing that is destructive of our community.
As an initial matter, I was not there and would like to extend my apologies to the organizers. I have no good excuse for my lack of attendance, I have erred, and I am sorry.
However, with respect to the discussion on NextDoor, this is ridiculous. People are on there complaining about the language of some local rapper.
Granted, the rappers should know his audience and not drop the f-bombs when he is surrounded by small children. However...
1. Kids These Days
Maybe the next discussion on NextDoor will not turn into an opportunity for people to brag about how they raised their own kids right but nobody else raised their kids wrong. It will be a first. The other thing I particularly love is how people "back door brag" about themselves by invoking their parents and "I was raised a certain way . . .".
Look, if you think that you're the last person to value hard work, you're not. You're just a narcissist. Similarly, if you believe that you are the first person in the world to think that "kids these days" just "don't have any respect" and feel "entitled" to everything, you're looking and a lot like my grumpy old uncle who died in the early 1990s. Care to share any complaints about "kids these days" with their "rock n' roll" and their "sock hops"? "Why, in my day, we listened to the sound of the belt hitting our behinds, and daggumit, we liked it!"
Simply put, take a broader view. The kids are fine. They are doing fewer drugs than "we" were doing, they are having less sex than "we" were, and they are studying more in school than "we" were. If we think their music sucks and fails to pay proper respect to their elders, perhaps that is normal and to be expected? If we didn't feel that way, perhaps something would be amiss.
2. First Amendment Thoughts
I've spoken a lot about the First Amendment on this blog. This is particularly interesting because I do not practice law in any area that is remotely associated with First Amendment (or Constitutional, for that matter) jurisprudence.
However, I want to be clear. The First Amendment does not apply to private actions; it applies to governmental actions. The suggestion that a permit to hold a concert in a public park should be contingent on the content of the speeches/performances in the park is blatantly unconstitutional. To withhold such permits because you don't like rap music is no different than withholding the permits because you don't like what Bernie Sanders or Donald Trump want to say at the political rally they (hypothetically) intend to hold in the park.
Inasmuch as we have obscenity laws, it is certainly within the purview of the SPD to write the rapper tickets or shut him down upon the explication of said profanities. Insofar as we don't, perhaps the Town Council wants to pass some (or not). If enough people in Speedway were passionate enough about the issue, one would presume that our political system would respond. Personally, I don't think that it's worth it, but I'm also not on the Town Council.
3. What DO You Want?
As I noted at the outset, I am very appreciative of the effort to put on this concert. I wish more such efforts would be undertaken in this neighborhood. I could hear the bands from my back yard, and I thought they sounded amazing!
I think that Speedway, the Home of the American Dream, should encourage local kids to play in rock n' roll bands (and by that term, I include rap, hip hop, metal, etc.). Playing music is a positive form of expression and a positive expenditure of youthful energy and exuberance. The kids who are good at basketball get a world of support, but the kid who likes to play drums is mostly looked upon suspiciously and given an "opportunity" to march in the band. (Don't get me wrong, I love the marching band. However, it is my experience that there are a lot of kids who love to play music but aren't wild about the opportunities to do so in school. Imagine if the only sports that Speedway offered were polo and cricket; I think a lot of kids would yearn for football, basketball, and baseball).
These musically inclined kids/young adults are the beating heart of this community, and we should be encouraging them to participate, just as the organizers of yesterday's festival did. Otherwise, what is the park going to be other than a place where people walk along the trail and look at the woods? (I note that a lot of the same people complaining about the music also complain about the kids in the park. I can't even . . .).
Bottom line on this is that Meadowood Park is going to be as awesome as we allow it to be. We can use it for positive purposes, as noted above, or we can fail to do so and allow the worst element to fill that vacuum. One way or another, the park will be put to use. I prefer it be used for positive and fun things, such as concerts, festivals, farmers markets, etc., as opposed to neutral or negative uses.
Just my opinion.
4. Yesterday is Gone
It ain't coming back folks. The days of having the sock hop with the Beach Boys cover band are over. If we are going to have events that are designed to encourage young people to live in Speedway (or even visit here), we have to accommodate modern preferences. Speedway can't, and shouldn't, remain Mayberry forever. The more we allow this Town's discourse to be dominated by a longing for yesteryear, the more this Town's discourse will neglect tomorrow.
I vote for an agenda focused on improving tomorrow, as opposed to a spiteful and futile attempt to recreate yesterday.
In conclusion, I heartily thank the organizers of the festival and all of the people who came out as spectators as well as all of the bands that participated. To the bands, I know you probably didn't get paid, and I thank you for donating your Saturday. To the organizers, I know you likewise probably didn't get paid, and I thank you for putting the needs of your community (regardless of how broadly you define "your community") ahead of your own needs.
To the detractors of this event, I understand your point; I think that inasmuch as you are concerned about this community, please dedicate those concerns to positive efforts that will enhance the value of the community and refrain from the backbiting and second-guessing that is destructive of our community.
Monday, September 11, 2017
9/11 Memories
What to say? The worst day in American History in my lifetime was 16 years ago. I got home from class at IPFW and heard that a plan hit the World Trade Center. As I was watching the news reports, a second plane struck the WTC. Shortly thereafter, the towers came down and the entirety of the attack became apparent.
Horrific.
I still had to wait on tables at Applebee's in Fort Wayne that evening. I note that for no purpose other than to point out that our capitalist machine grinds on, indifferent to human suffering, for better and worse.
Horrific.
I still had to wait on tables at Applebee's in Fort Wayne that evening. I note that for no purpose other than to point out that our capitalist machine grinds on, indifferent to human suffering, for better and worse.
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Solutions for the Brickyard 400's Lackluster Attendance
In 1994, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway held the first official running of the Brickyard 400 in front of a crowd that was allegedly approximately 250,000.
In 2016, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway held the 22nd (if my math is right) running of the "Crown Royal 400 at the Brickyard" in front of a crowd that was perhaps 1/4 the size.
What happened?
I will admit that I am not a racing aficionado, so most of my analysis is "from the hip," as they say. However, the people with whom I've spoken have simply said that the Brickyard is a boring race . . . like watching cars play "follow the leader" until they pit, and then having a pit-stop competition.
Boring.
Those in the know have said that because IMS is such a large track (2.5-mile oval), it does not have nearly as much racing action (i.e. passing, bumping, etc.) as other tracks, such as Bristol and Martinsville (roughly 0.5-mile ovals). Certainly, someone who watches racing, and NASCAR, regularly would be able to offer better commentary on why the NASCAR race in Indianapolis is so boring. Nonetheless, that is the general consensus I have heard.
Well, we can't very well rebuild the oval at IMS. However, there is a solution to this staring us in the face: the road course. So far as I can tell, there are a handful of other road races in the NASCAR season, and adding one more, with the possibility of improving attendance at the Brickyard, certainly couldn't hurt.
Add to that the necessity of lowering ticket prices. After all, I can't imagine dropping $100+ on a ticket for a race that can't sell out more than half the stands. NASCAR could take a page from the MegaBus pricing, and sell the first 10,000 tickets for $1 or some other nominal price. Assuredly, those tickets would sell out almost immediately. Perhaps the next 10,000 tickets go for $10. Suddenly, we've got a rather large crowd of people who've paid a small amount for the race; this would enable people to bring their kids (something they really can't do at $100/head) and possibly create lifelong fans.
This is merely a muse, of course, given that the Brickyard is nearly upon us. I do hope that they have better attendance, but I am not optimistic.
In 2016, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway held the 22nd (if my math is right) running of the "Crown Royal 400 at the Brickyard" in front of a crowd that was perhaps 1/4 the size.
What happened?
I will admit that I am not a racing aficionado, so most of my analysis is "from the hip," as they say. However, the people with whom I've spoken have simply said that the Brickyard is a boring race . . . like watching cars play "follow the leader" until they pit, and then having a pit-stop competition.
Boring.
Those in the know have said that because IMS is such a large track (2.5-mile oval), it does not have nearly as much racing action (i.e. passing, bumping, etc.) as other tracks, such as Bristol and Martinsville (roughly 0.5-mile ovals). Certainly, someone who watches racing, and NASCAR, regularly would be able to offer better commentary on why the NASCAR race in Indianapolis is so boring. Nonetheless, that is the general consensus I have heard.
Well, we can't very well rebuild the oval at IMS. However, there is a solution to this staring us in the face: the road course. So far as I can tell, there are a handful of other road races in the NASCAR season, and adding one more, with the possibility of improving attendance at the Brickyard, certainly couldn't hurt.
Add to that the necessity of lowering ticket prices. After all, I can't imagine dropping $100+ on a ticket for a race that can't sell out more than half the stands. NASCAR could take a page from the MegaBus pricing, and sell the first 10,000 tickets for $1 or some other nominal price. Assuredly, those tickets would sell out almost immediately. Perhaps the next 10,000 tickets go for $10. Suddenly, we've got a rather large crowd of people who've paid a small amount for the race; this would enable people to bring their kids (something they really can't do at $100/head) and possibly create lifelong fans.
This is merely a muse, of course, given that the Brickyard is nearly upon us. I do hope that they have better attendance, but I am not optimistic.
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Where is the townhall meeting?
In case you missed it, the GOP just passed a healthcare "replacement" for the Affordable Care Act. While this law would materially benefit me, I think that it is, on net, bad for America. Certainly people disagree with me, and that is their right. However, should not those who "represent" us in Washington, D.C., and vote on such matters as national healthcare policy, make themselves available for questioning on their positions and votes?
I have put together a handy little chart of Indiana's congressional delegation, and whether they are holding any townhall meetings during the present recess.
Close to home, let's start with Todd Rokita, who represents the area just west of Indianapolis. Here is his district:
No plans to appear publicly in Indiana. If you are so inclined, here is his contact information. Send him an email and let him know what you think.
Moving on, let's talk about Susan Brooks. She is a nice lady who plays a moderate in public. Regrettably, her voting record does not support the reputation of "reasonable moderate conservative" to which she aspires. Here is her district:
Rep. Brooks does not have anything on her web page that shows events. I take that to mean that she is not having any. Here is how you can email her. Please note, unless you live in her district, she doesn't give a damn what you have to say. She won't take your comments. Just saying.
Next, we have good old Luke Messer, Mr. "My wife gets $20k/month from the Town of Fishers, but I think the government spends too much money on poor people" Conservative. I always believed he was a little too slick, and this kind of $hi+ surprises me not in the least. Anyway, here is his district:
Again, no information whatsoever as to whether he will hold any townhalls. I presume this means he will not in any meaningful sense make himself available for questioning by his constituents. Real class act, this one . . . Anyway, here is how you can contact him and share your thoughts. Again, if you don't live in his district, he doesn't want to hear from you. Remember this when he inevitably runs for senate in 2018.
Speaking of worthless (I'm a bipartisan hater), how about Rep. Inherited my Congressional Seat from My Grandma Andre Carson. At least he has an "Events" section on his web page, even if it only lists events that have already happened (kind of defeats the purpose). If you have thoughts on how he has comported himself in Congress, here is his contact info. Again, he only wants to hear from people who live in his district. I doubt he will ever run for any higher office, so if you don't live in Indianapolis south of 38th Street, you're stuck with him. Here's his district:
Last but not least, we have Tennessee Trey Hollingsworth. Here's his district:
I'm sure you'll be shocked to find that he has no intention of holding any public events. Here is his contact info if you feel like carrying on a conversation with a coffee table.
In sum, it seems clear to me that the entirety of the central Indiana congressional delegation is either incompetent (in the case of Andre Carson) or indifferent (the rest). Ain't democracy grand?
I have put together a handy little chart of Indiana's congressional delegation, and whether they are holding any townhall meetings during the present recess.
Close to home, let's start with Todd Rokita, who represents the area just west of Indianapolis. Here is his district:
Moving on, let's talk about Susan Brooks. She is a nice lady who plays a moderate in public. Regrettably, her voting record does not support the reputation of "reasonable moderate conservative" to which she aspires. Here is her district:
Next, we have good old Luke Messer, Mr. "My wife gets $20k/month from the Town of Fishers, but I think the government spends too much money on poor people" Conservative. I always believed he was a little too slick, and this kind of $hi+ surprises me not in the least. Anyway, here is his district:
Speaking of worthless (I'm a bipartisan hater), how about Rep.
In sum, it seems clear to me that the entirety of the central Indiana congressional delegation is either incompetent (in the case of Andre Carson) or indifferent (the rest). Ain't democracy grand?
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Hoosier BBQ
I have nothing but good things to say about Bourbon & Barbecue. I am super impressed by their local beer list, as well as their bourbon list. As far as their BBQ goes, I tell people that it is sufficient. This is Indiana, not Kansas City or Texas. We don't fetishize BBQ here the way they do there. Nonetheless, I think Bourbon & Barbecue holds up well to every other place in the city.
But this post is not about Barbecue & Bourbon. This post is about Speedway. I think that we need a Barbecue competition in Speedway; it would be especially awesome if we could do some sort of a Pro-Am tournament.
I think that this would help create community cohesiveness, and could be a vehicle whereby the community raises money for some good cause or another. I imagine having a dozen or so entrants in Leonard or Meadowood Park, or maybe along Main Street; engage a few rock n' roll bands to play; have a brewery or two serve beer.
I imagine having 3-4 categories of competition: ribs, chicken, pulled pork, brisket. I, for one, would definitely enter some pulled pork, and maybe some chicken. As far as the money goes, perhaps the contestants pay an entry fee and the people who come to the competition either buy a plate or pay a "judge's fee" so that they can have samples of all the different entrants and vote thereupon. Perhaps we could engage IMS or Allison as corporate partners to help underwrite.
As far as the "prize," I think it would be more of a bragging rights prize than anything. I don't imagine we would be able to involve enough money to make it "worth" the money for people who would only do this for the money. As for me, I'd rather have a trophy that gets passed around every year and the bragging rights that go along with it than a hundred bucks or so.
Just a thought on this beautiful Saturday morning.
But this post is not about Barbecue & Bourbon. This post is about Speedway. I think that we need a Barbecue competition in Speedway; it would be especially awesome if we could do some sort of a Pro-Am tournament.
I think that this would help create community cohesiveness, and could be a vehicle whereby the community raises money for some good cause or another. I imagine having a dozen or so entrants in Leonard or Meadowood Park, or maybe along Main Street; engage a few rock n' roll bands to play; have a brewery or two serve beer.
I imagine having 3-4 categories of competition: ribs, chicken, pulled pork, brisket. I, for one, would definitely enter some pulled pork, and maybe some chicken. As far as the money goes, perhaps the contestants pay an entry fee and the people who come to the competition either buy a plate or pay a "judge's fee" so that they can have samples of all the different entrants and vote thereupon. Perhaps we could engage IMS or Allison as corporate partners to help underwrite.
As far as the "prize," I think it would be more of a bragging rights prize than anything. I don't imagine we would be able to involve enough money to make it "worth" the money for people who would only do this for the money. As for me, I'd rather have a trophy that gets passed around every year and the bragging rights that go along with it than a hundred bucks or so.
Just a thought on this beautiful Saturday morning.
Saturday, February 18, 2017
What I Love about Indianapolis (and especially Speedway)
I have lived in many places over the years, and it has recently occurred to me that Indianapolis, and particularly Speedway, is home. Full stop.
I should probably address Indianapolis at large first, beginning with the circle. I work on the circle, for now, and I love having such a beautiful monument at the heart of our city. Of course, it's surrounded by a basic business district with too many office buildings and too few local restaurants, but that's life.
I am kind of mixed on what has happened on Mass Ave in the past decade, but overall I think that it's a plus. More bars. More restaurants. It kind of creates some competition for Broad Ripple for the night life. If you've never been to the Chatterbox, you must.
Fountain Square has had a similar run as Mass Ave, though it has gone more in the direction of art and music and less in the sports bar/fine dining direction. I went to the Hi Fi the other night, and that was a great little dive to see some music.
Of course, I lived in Broad Ripple for a long time as well. What can I say about Broad Ripple that everyone doesn't already know? The strip is nice if you want a whole bunch of sports bars and dance clubs. Off the strip always has nice restaurants that seem to rotate. It's tragic that the String Shop is gone, but the sushi spot that replaced it is a definite upgrade.
Then there's Speedway.
I have a park within a five minute walk of my house. My street is quiet and safe for approximately 363 nights a year, and it gets unbelievably raucous the other 2. I joke with people that I live in Mayberry 50 weeks a year and Mardi Gras the other two. I can ride a bicycle from one end of the town to the other. If I wanted to do a pub crawl of the entire town, I could do it on foot.
One of the iconic sporting events on the planet occurs within a mile of my porch.
A quarter million or so of my closest friends come to visit in May.
Little boys dream of driving race cars, yet it actually happens within walking distance of home.
There is so much more to Speedway than just the race, but for anyone who is not from Indiana, this is Indiana.
Lots of places have NFL teams. Lots of places have basketball. Lots of places have corn fields. Every place has sports bars and dance clubs.
Only Speedway has the Indianapolis 500. Embrace it.
I should probably address Indianapolis at large first, beginning with the circle. I work on the circle, for now, and I love having such a beautiful monument at the heart of our city. Of course, it's surrounded by a basic business district with too many office buildings and too few local restaurants, but that's life.
I am kind of mixed on what has happened on Mass Ave in the past decade, but overall I think that it's a plus. More bars. More restaurants. It kind of creates some competition for Broad Ripple for the night life. If you've never been to the Chatterbox, you must.
Fountain Square has had a similar run as Mass Ave, though it has gone more in the direction of art and music and less in the sports bar/fine dining direction. I went to the Hi Fi the other night, and that was a great little dive to see some music.
Of course, I lived in Broad Ripple for a long time as well. What can I say about Broad Ripple that everyone doesn't already know? The strip is nice if you want a whole bunch of sports bars and dance clubs. Off the strip always has nice restaurants that seem to rotate. It's tragic that the String Shop is gone, but the sushi spot that replaced it is a definite upgrade.
Then there's Speedway.
I have a park within a five minute walk of my house. My street is quiet and safe for approximately 363 nights a year, and it gets unbelievably raucous the other 2. I joke with people that I live in Mayberry 50 weeks a year and Mardi Gras the other two. I can ride a bicycle from one end of the town to the other. If I wanted to do a pub crawl of the entire town, I could do it on foot.
One of the iconic sporting events on the planet occurs within a mile of my porch.
A quarter million or so of my closest friends come to visit in May.
Little boys dream of driving race cars, yet it actually happens within walking distance of home.
There is so much more to Speedway than just the race, but for anyone who is not from Indiana, this is Indiana.
Lots of places have NFL teams. Lots of places have basketball. Lots of places have corn fields. Every place has sports bars and dance clubs.
Only Speedway has the Indianapolis 500. Embrace it.
Sunday, February 5, 2017
Carb Day Concert
I used to be a high school teacher. Almost without fail, Carb Day was on either the last day of school or near it, right in finals week. Of all the days of the school year, these are some of the few that are nearly impossible to get off. As a result, I have never attended a Carb Day event.
With that said, I can hear the concert loud and clear from my front yard now, and I no longer teach. I would love to go, but Journey last year just didn't excite me.
Speedway needs a ROCK band to play Carb Day. ZZ Top? Metallica? AC/DC?
A guy can dream, can't he?
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