From Court To Ice?

One of the coolest things to see at the Denver Nuggets Scout Sleepover was the transformation of the basketball court into the ice rink for the following day's Colorado Avalanche game.

I neglected to take enough pictures of the middle of the transformation, but I got the beginning, absolute middle, and end from a similar vantage point.

Most people likely have no awareness of the changes in the seating that go along with this transformation.  Along each end of the court, there were dozens of rows of folding chairs that had to be picked up and taken off to store somewhere in the arena.  Then there were metal risers that were broken down into sections and also carted off to storage.  There are yet more sections of folding chairs in the main seating areas, which (when removed) convert into the opening and hallway connecting the ice and the locker rooms.  Although I didn't capture the changes in photos, it was fun to observe in person.


Song Of The Day:
Speaking of a "Cool Change" here is that titled song by the Little River Band.  I've heard several other versions through the years, but really like this one.  I know it really has nothing to do with transformation of a court to an ice rink, but at least the title fits this post!  :)

...

A Boy Scout Sleepover ?

Several weeks ago I received an email from the Denver Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America.  I get emails periodically from them, mostly with updates regarding Council news and upcoming camps.  But this one was different.  This one contained information regarding a "Boy Scout sleepover" at the Pepsi Center, home of the Denver Nuggets.

For a reduced ticket price of admission, any attendees would get to participate in the sleepover, including a few other events: shooting baskets on the floor after the game, watching a movie on the giant big screen above the court, sleeping on the club level overnight, and enjoying some late night snacks and then donuts and juice in the morning.

Of course I purchased tickets for my two Boy Scout sons, and I was able to get two additional tickets for my friend Aaron and his son Nicholas.  Together the 5 of us enjoyed a great evening of professional basketball (so what if the #1 team in the NBA beat the Nuggets like they were high school players), some card games, and fun conversations.  We also learned some valuable lessons for the next time including where to try and "camp" as a group (there are four "open" boxes that face the court/ice, as well as a restaurant area where they turn the lights off at night - the rest of the club level was lit up as bright as could be ALL NIGHT LONG which made sleeping a tough endeavor).

We all also got a special patch for the boys' sashes.  I think it's pretty cool, and certainly one that none of the other boys in their troop will have.


Song Of The Day:
The pictures above tell plenty of other stories, but I saved one to include here because it goes specifically with today's song.  "Good Morning" from the movie Singin' In The Rain is probably more about the amazing dancing, but the phrase it's great to stay up late, good morning, good morning to you was running through my mind as I walked around the arena in the early morning hours ...
and subsequently snapped this photo of the sunrise.

...

What Do You Do During A Traffic Jam?

First Denver Nuggets game experience - Post #5

Right off the bat you should be asking yourself "What does a traffic jam have to do with a Denver Nuggets game?" and then you'll find yourself realizing how silly that question sounds.  Of course there will be traffic congestion around a professional sporting event.

Then you'll probably wonder "You just sit in a traffic jam right?!  It's not like you can do much ... especially if you're driving, right?!" ... and now my mom (and probably my wife) will be worried that I wasn't just focused on driving during the traffic jam.

Here's the deal.  On the way back from the game, I hit an absolute standstill of traffic on southbound I-25.  The cars were literally not even moving for minutes on end.  At one point, I know there was no movement for at least 20 minutes, which could be terribly frustrating.  My personal solution (besides sending a few text messages to my wife and my buddy Aaron) was to work on a crossword puzzle from the USA Today app on my iPad (see photo below).

Although traffic can make anyone tense, I found that working on the crossword puzzle helped me to relax and forget about the fact that I was not going to be home until the week hours of the morning (it ended up being around 1:30am when I got home).

I obviously do not recommend texting or playing a game on any electronic device while driving, but in a pinch when the traffic literally isn't moving for minutes at a time, this puzzle was a sanity-saver.


Song Of The Day:
When I think of expanded vocabularies (an benefit of completing crossword puzzles) I think of the TV show Frasier, but I also think of Weird Al Yankovic.  His song "Traffic Jam" is both hilarious and demonstrates his vocabulary and wit.  Of course my favorite part is the nearly excessive repetition of the phrase "bumper to bumper" ... because when you think about it, that is NOT an exaggeration.

...

Who's Thinking About Insurance Right Now?

First Denver Nuggets game experience - Post #4

I continue to love working at Progressive ... and I have plenty of confidence in our advertising geniuses ... but I sometimes wonder how certain promotions or advertisements can be effective.

Take for instance, the following signage at the Nuggets game.

I am certain the placement is more focused on the exposure to a TV audience than people at the arena, because who is thinking about insurance needs while at an NBA game?  I would guess that number is close to zero if not already there.  If not, I have to wonder who goes to an NBA game and finds themselves so lost in thought that they consider their insurance needs?


Song Of the Day:
I'm a pretty big fan of Jason Mraz's lyrical creativity, but some of his songs are more about the tune than just the words.  I'm featuring "Absolutely Zero" here, as my answer to the blog post title question, but it's a great song besides the fact that it fits nicely here.  Just because music is melancholy doesn't mean it has no place in my otherwise peppy and upbeat musical catalog.  Sometimes a brooding tune is just what you need to hear.

...

Are You Socially Inept or Just Drunk?

First Denver Nuggets game experience - Post #3

The saddest part of my first NBA game experience was the idiots (and I am not exaggerating) seated behind Aaron and I.

Beyond the vulgarity (pick your favorite reference for bad language ... it was even worse than that!), name-calling (see: bad sportmanship), and general boorish (loud, obnoxious, abusive, insensitive, constant, etc.) behavior, the one fool just loved to whistle ... loudly ... about everything ... so loudly I literally lost hearing for a brief period of time.  This was temporarily stopped after Aaron was recognized on the court, but it didn't last very long.

How can you believe that spending money on a ticket into the arena to watch the game justifies you behaving in such an inappropriate manner?
No amount of personal wealth or value should excuse bad behavior in any circumstance.  Period.

The view from our seats was amazing!
This picture isn't zoomed in at all.

Aaron and I spoke about how incredibly blessed we felt to have the experience we did (sitting where we did, enjoying the game, feeling the excitement of his "celebrity" moment, free parking, etc.).
We contemplated the possibility of this kind of cool experience in heaven.  How great it would be for everyone to get a chance to experience that?  How blessed and special can you feel?

But this yahoo behind us seemed incapable of recognizing what a great experience this was.  He seemed angry, mad, discontent, like he deserved more.  Hence the title of this blog post.  I surely hope that is not his outlook on life in general or it must be a sad foreseeable future for him indeed.


Song Of the Day:
I prefer to put a silver lining on dark clouds or find the positive in negative or bad situations.  With that in mind, here is "The Fishin' Hole" composed by Earle Hagen and Herbert W Spencer.  While you'll immediately recognize the tune with it's iconic whistling, you likely don't know that Fred Lowery is the whistler behind the tune.  Rather than being aggravating and damaging to one's ears, whistling can be quite beautiful and calming.  I prefer to think about that instead.

...

What's With All The Swag ?

First Denver Nuggets game experience - Post #2

Short belated post here, with more focus on the swag Aaron and I received at our visit to the Nuggets game in late February.

On the right is a picture of the items we received, free of charge, as part of his redeemed package as the Hometown Hero for that night's game.  Each ticket included a $25 credit to merchandise or food in the arena (I "saved" the credit on my ticket so Aaron could use it to buy stuff for his kids ... after all, it wasn't really "mine" to begin with).

I did not have the forethought to take a photo of the Hometown Hero chair covers that were on our seats, and sadly I cannot find an online photo either.  Sorry.


Song Of The Day:
Often played more on the radio around Christmastime, the song "The Gift" by Jim Brickman isn't really specific to any holiday (although it does reference winter snow falling down).  I think these "gifts" (or swag to use more current terminology) are a great tie in for a good song.

...

Are You Nervous ?

Tonight I was privileged to attend my first ever NBA game with a great friend of mine, Aaron Summers.  This is the first of several posts inspired by events prior to, during, and after the game.

Aaron redeemed some points that he had earned (ask him if you want more details 'cause I barely understood how it all worked out) to score two great seats to the Nuggets vs Trail Blazers game tonight.  It wasn't until after we were at the game and the section attendant had asked Aaron the title question of today's blog that we both realized what was in store.  It also wasn't until after that question that Aaron shared with me lots of little details which clued me in that I was sitting next to a celebrity (for at least that night).

So linked here below is the video of Aaron standing respectfully on the Nuggets home court while tens of thousands of fans cheered and revered him for his military service.  It was awesome to see and be a part of!  (Apologies that the video starts so abruptly.  There was little warning that this was starting so I began recording as fast as I could.)

Special Video Presentation:  Aaron at Center Court

Aaron and I had some fun conversation after the experience, talking about how awkward it can be to be the center of attention.  And not just that, but specifically how awkward it can feel to be recognized for military service, when you know people are cheering just as much for what you represent as they are for you individually.  It is an odd mixture of pride and unworthiness.  I was proud that Aaron handled the whole spectacle so well, but I cannot imagine what that would be like.


Song Of The Day:
In honor of Aaron I have chosen "God Bless The USA" for today's post.  Lee Greenwood first sang the song decades ago (and I still remember singing it in grade school in the 80's).  The lyrics "and I'd gladly stand up, next to you, and defend her still today" came to my mind as I enjoyed the amazing spirit of appreciation and connection while Aaron was on the court.

...

Have You Seen Those Nuggets Lately ?!

I know, I know ... two basketball-related posts in a row.  I am running the risk of losing any non-sports followers from my blog.  I am sorry, but have you seriously seen the Denver Nuggets play basketball since the start of the year?!

I haven't always been a Nuggets fan.  Much like my now-beloved Broncos, I once actually despised the team.  The reasons back then could easily be attributed to lack of education or appreciation for the game.  Or it could be that the team sucked.  Regardless, I have been a proud Nuggets supporter for well over two decades now, which includes some pretty weak seasons.

But I have never been as big a fan of the team as I am this year (which built from my love for them last year, especially after the soon-to-be-recognized-as-the-best-trade-in-franchise-history departure of he-who-shall-not-be-named to the Knicks).

Why do I love this team so much?

Here are just a few reasons:

 - They all have strong talent and skills, but are not superstars.  This means they have confidence in themselves, but not over-confidence.

 - They play hard.  This means they hustle and dive and never give up.  I admire this from anyone who makes millions of dollars for what they do.

 - They are flashy and fun to watch, but not sloppy.  This means they play as a team and look for the crowd-pleasing dunks without forcing things.

 - They are young.  This means they have some room left to grow and improve, which should only enhance their trust in one another.  And trust wins games!

So keep on winning Nuggets.  It might be very unrealistic to hope for a Finals victory or appearance or conference finals appearance this year ... but the future is yours to dominate if you stay humble, work hard, and keep having fun while you play!

Song Of The Day:
In honor of the awesome players we (the Nuggets) got in that awesome trade last year, here is one of my favorite SpinDoctors' songs titled "How Could You Want Him (When You Know You Could Have Me?)"  It is perfect for this blog as it is in the form of a question, and it is truthful about the "replacements" we got in that deal.  Nice move(s) Denver front office staff!  Thank you!

...