Now That Was Cool

Cool and pretty damn cold, but still a helluva time. So where do I start ... hmmm, how about the start?

Thanks to a bulletin board post, someone pointed me to the NTFA-Metro bus service for a cheap ride (har har). It was a half hour, 45 minute bus ride, but it cost all of seven bucks so it definitely comes in cheaper than renting a car or shelling out for a hack. Granted, there was only one bus so I couldn't get there early to scope things out all that well.

From what I saw, there was a ton of tailgating and the league set up a little fairgrounds area with giant blow-up players and jerseys flanking a little stage with local acts.

There were also several merchandise stands around the outside of the stadium that were utterly mobbed. Me being me, I of course hit two of them and bought a bunch of hugely overpriced things: pucks, programs, shirts and a sweatshirt ... and I wanted several more but couldn't justify it, lol.

So after signing away a paycheck, I ventured inside Ralph Wilson Stadium. It was the first time I have ever been in a football stadium (despite eight years of covering both college and pro ball) so I have to say that the amenities are sparse. But I guess its understandable since they are only used once a week for a small part of the year. Metal bench seating, trough urinals, narrow concourses ... it wasn't comfy.

And everything of course was all wet because of the snow, but that I am not complaining about. The snow was awesome, it made for such an amazing scene that made the freezing temperatures and wet clothes entirely worthwhile.

The rink looked cool, but with the rush job of putting it up, there was little time spent for aesthetics on the rest of the field, with looked pretty nasty with churned, dirty snow and big plywood planks. The ice quality looked ok, but the puck was slowed by all of the accumulation and a big crack apparently opened which delayed the game twice. For those that watched on tv, if you have any idea what took so long to repair it, please tell me. Its freezing out, there is a crack, they have snow and water to fill it. The same with the issues on the Pen's goalpost. What took so damn long?

I went for a walk during the first intermission so I missed the entertainment but the second intermission I stayed put and listened to a band called the Sam Roberts Band ... quite likely the worse band I have ever seen live - and I have seen hundreds upon hundreds of groups over the years. The Winter Classic is the biggest game for the league this year, if not ever and that was all that they could come up with?

I stress that it was the biggest game for the NHL for several reasons:
1 - Over 70,000 people there, the most to attend a game.
2 - It was on New Year's Day with a national television audience and the league spent a ton to advertise that it was happening.
3 - Aside from a Rangers v. Canadiens or Rangers v. Blackhawks Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, there is no way the league could possibly have a situation that will draw more viewers.
4 - And that begets this: my guess is that the future of the NHL on television will be based on the ratings of this game. NBC and ESPN's interest will hinge on those numbers.

Well, back to the stadium. The people there were really cool, even though I was wearing a my Rangers hat and a Penguins jersey (mentioned in an earlier post). Funny moment - a Sabres fan asks me as I walk by why I don't have Crosby on the back so I reply "because he is a p***y!" and nearly a hundred people around start laughing. Guess I'm a comedian, don't forget to tip your waiter. ... And I was just bein' honest, lol.

Joke as I may, Cindy's skill is undeniable. She tried to split the Sabres defense once and the entire crowd when "Ohhhh!" And when she scored the game-winner in the shootout, not a single person was in their seat. It was pretty damn impressive.

The one disappointment, and it is very minor, but the Professional Hockey Writers Association named the three stars and decided to play it straight and narrow and named the two netminders and Cindy as one, two and three. Since they are a boring, stodgy old groups of fellas used to pandering to a niche sport and a niche sport's fans, I will offer up my three stars:

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-The Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres - for agreeing to be part of the game.
2-Dan Craig and his staff - they built a rink in the middle of a football field in Buffalo, 'nuff said.
1-The fans - simple. 71,217 people showed up to watch a hockey game in a football stadium while it was freezing cold and occasionally snowing.

So all in all, I give the league a big thumbs up for the event; I had a great time and I think that feeling was mutual for all of those stuck in the traffic jam on the way out of the Ralph parking lot. As one of the MCs said, "let's do this all again sometime soon, how about next week??"

 Now That Was Cool: Exploring the Fascinating World of Unique Experiences

In a world filled with routine and predictability, there's something undeniably enticing about the extraordinary, the awe-inspiring, and the unique. Whether it's witnessing a solar eclipse, diving to the depths of the ocean, or walking on the moon, unique experiences have the power to leave an indelible mark on our lives. In this article, we'll embark on a journey to explore some of the coolest and most exceptional experiences that humanity has had the privilege to encounter. From natural wonders to technological marvels, we'll delve into what makes these moments so captivating and address frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the world of unique experiences.

Section 1: The Magic of Natural Wonders

1.1 Solar Eclipses

Few natural phenomena captivate the human imagination like a total solar eclipse. When the moon passes in front of the sun, plunging the world into temporary darkness, it's a celestial spectacle that brings people together from all corners of the globe.

1.2 Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis

The dancing lights of the northern and southern lights, known as the auroras, paint the night sky in breathtaking colors. These natural light shows, caused by interactions between solar wind and the Earth's atmosphere, have inspired wonder and myth for centuries.

1.3 Natural Wonders of the World

From the Grand Canyon's breathtaking expanse to the ethereal glowworm caves of New Zealand, the world is dotted with natural wonders that showcase the raw beauty of our planet. Exploring these unique landscapes is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience.

Section 2: Technological Marvels

2.1 Space Exploration

Humanity's journey to the stars has resulted in some of the coolest experiences ever. Landing on the moon, sending rovers to Mars, and exploring distant planets and galaxies push the boundaries of what's possible.

2.2 Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

The advent of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies has opened up new realms of possibility. Experiences like climbing Mount Everest in VR or playing interactive AR games in real-world settings redefine the concept of cool.

2.3 Extreme Sports and Adventure Travel

For adrenaline junkies, extreme sports and adventure travel offer opportunities to push the limits of human capability. From BASE jumping off cliffs to swimming with great white sharks, these experiences are not for the faint of heart.

Section 3: Artistic and Cultural Wonders

3.1 Burning Man Festival

An annual gathering in the Nevada desert, the Burning Man festival is a celebration of art, self-expression, and radical self-reliance. It's a place where participants create incredible sculptures, installations, and performances in a temporary, self-sustained city.

3.2 The Louvre Museum

Home to thousands of priceless works of art, including Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," the Louvre Museum in Paris offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of art and culture.

3.3 The Sistine Chapel

Michelangelo's breathtaking ceiling frescoes in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City are a testament to human creativity and artistic genius. Visiting this masterpiece is a deeply moving experience.

Section 4: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

4.1 How can I experience these cool moments for myself?

Many of these experiences are accessible to the public, while others may require special arrangements or travel. Research, planning, and sometimes a bit of luck can help you access these unique moments.

4.2 Are there any cool experiences that are budget-friendly?

Yes, many cool experiences are affordable or even free. Visiting natural wonders, exploring local cultural festivals, and trying out new technologies can all be done on a budget.

4.3 What's the most unique experience in the world?

The answer to this question is subjective and varies from person to person. What one person finds unique and cool, another may not. It ultimately depends on your interests and passions.

4.4 Are there any cool experiences that are environmentally friendly?

Yes, many eco-friendly and sustainable cool experiences exist. Exploring natural wonders with minimal impact, participating in conservation efforts, and supporting eco-friendly technologies are all ways to enjoy cool experiences while being environmentally conscious.

Section 5: Conclusion

The world is filled with cool and unique experiences that inspire wonder, push the boundaries of human exploration, and connect us to the beauty of our planet and the creativity of our species. From natural wonders that humble us to technological marvels that inspire us, these experiences remind us that there is still magic and awe to be found in the world.

Whether you dream of watching a solar eclipse, diving to the depths of the ocean, or simply experiencing the wonder of a local cultural festival, the world is your playground, waiting to be explored. Embrace the cool, the unique, and the extraordinary, for these moments have the power to enrich your life in ways you never thought possible.