Real Sports for Real Kids

The day started out innocently enough --- it was my first day back in the office after the new year. I rode up the escalator in Penn Station with some cowboys and beefy security guards. I should have know something was up but I was in a need-my-coffee haze.

Two things I noticed. How big the security guards were, and how compact the cowboys were. And then I walked out onto the corner of 33rd and 8th - to find bulls, cowboys, an arena and dirt. Oh, and t-shirts being tossed. Ones that said "Real Men Last 8 Seconds".

That's right. The bulls invaded New York City. Later that day I made at least 7 of my colleagues take the walk back to the corner to see the bull riding happen on one of the busiest corners in New York. And it was on the coldest day of the year as well - one in which scarves, mittens, gloves and coats didn't help at all. But we did it - braved the cold to watch a little bull riding and take a break from the office - really do something different for lunch.

Caught up in the excitement I bought two tickets to the finals - having found out from one of the PBR tour staffers that the best place to sit is close to the chutes. The boy and I took the train in and got ready for the day. What 6-year old doesn't like noise, danger, dirt, $8 cotton candy and $20 t-shirts? Mine was first in line.

Vince Northrup broke 3 ribs (right 2,3,4), partially collapsed his right lung, broke a tooth, and lacerated his chin when he was stepped on after being thrown off by his Championship Round bull, Party Time. He was transported to Albany Medical Center where he was evaluated, treated, and released. He is out for 4-8 weeks.Bull: Party Time -- example of injury report, showing there is real danger in this sport

His favorite bull? Cheeseburger with an Attitude (really known as Smiley) and Super Duty - the Ford Tough bull (the PBR might be the most masterfully branded event ever). Stop grimacing. He doesn't get the irony of the bull named Cheeseburger - he thinks the reason the crowd laughed is because cheeseburgers don't have attitudes.

This little outing has led to him becoming a fan of Versus - the cable network formerly known as something like the Outdoor Living Network. Now - it's all person vs. nature. So while he may cry at the sport fishing, and was upset at the salmon gasping, he is cheering madly for his favorite bulls. Not that we let him stay up till they broadcast at 9:30 - but isn't that what that dvr thing is for?

He's enjoying himself and can't wait till next year - when he replays the opening of the event - complete with fake echo. Welcome to the P (ppppp, flash bang fireworks,) B (bbbbb, flash bang fireworks), R (rrrrr flash bang fireworks). Built Ford Tough. I should mention that the letters are spelled out on the dirt in the arena floor, and as the announcer says P - the P flashes and lights up in flames until...finally, blessedly, ending the lights portion of the show when the last letter burns out.

He is sleeping in the t-shirt I caught during the event - one that has a picture of Super Duty on it. And an http://invasionofthebulls.com/ address. It's bookmarked in his favorites, right along with pbskidsgo.org and panwapa.com.

In which we learn it's still January

Greetings. All is finally getting back to normal here in Orangeland. Many things have happened since November, so I'll just hit the highlights.

A local pharmacy dispensed the incorrect medications needed for surgery, and as a result, the patient ended up in the emergency room, passed out and drooling, from a mega dose of an anti-psychotic drug. That's right. It's been a while, but antibiotics, last I checked with the doctor, were actually the proper medications needed.

That caused a one-week delay in surgery. That does seem far in the past now that the patient's return to work is approaching. Still, I wonder how he will do on the commute to the office. It is one thing to be up at home and stir crazy. It's another to be upright early in the am with many crazy people stirring about. Keep your fingers crossed.

I've just returned from at trip to Columbus, Ohio because conferences are cheap there in the winter. I saw a total of 10 people on the street in downtown Columbus, and found out there is NOT ONE chinese restaurant that delivers in the downtown area. (And I have experience with limited delivery - early in our Baltimore years we lived in a neighborhood so sketchy the pizza place would only stop the car if they could see us waiting in the vestibule. They wouldn't get out of the car unless we were already there...)

Sometimes hotel food is just not what you want after a day of being ill on a business trip, in a strange bed, away from family and familiar...all I wanted was the $1.75 pint of wonton soup (and just the broth, mind you - no wontons). It was not to be. The "At your service" person suggested taking a $20 cab ride, round trip. Not for a pint of soup. No thank you.

On the upside, before my untimely illness, I did have time to walk to Grant Street, where the very lovely Columbus Metropolitan Library exists. The stone benches in the front say it all "Our Treasures Are Within". What a beautiful building - and so user friendly it's almost scary. I'm still out on my favorite part - self-serve checkout with a receipt like you get at costco, or the fabulous exhibit on the creation of the library - complete with a western union note from andrew carnegie authorizing the building of the library. Oh, and the tile work when you walk is is pretty spiffy as well. Every hotel in downtown would do well to acquaint themselves with this attraction instead of (or in addition to)sending people to the regular places like Short North and the german district.

Back on the home front everyone seemed to survive. The kid remembered to write his VIP note to the designated child, and they managed to eat more than frozen pizza. I don't ask for more detail when I return because unless there is a note from a teacher, the police or church, everyone has survived another day.