Baby It's Cold Outside
by Dave on Dec 22, 2008 12:43 AM PST
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PrintOne of the things I'm thinking about and anticipating more and more each day is Blazersedge Night at the Garden this Saturday. The chance to get together with 75-odd readers plus 90-ish kids we're sending collectively is just an amazing thing. It's clearly one of the greatest things we've planned for together and I can't wait.
However even as I consider that there's another reality staring me and you in the face. As I type the sixth snowstorm of the day is whistling past my window here in central Idaho. The roads to towns 13 miles from me have been treacherous all week. Portland is over 360 miles away through mountains first and then straight down the Columbia Gorge. Who is to say what will happen weather-wise, but obviously this is an issue for me. Once upon a time I would have said, "To hell with it" and driven it anyway. I can tell you some hair-raising stories about driving through Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa in blizzard conditions. I'm crazy stupid like that when the goal is right. But now I've got a 1-year-old in tow, which changes things. And even if I left him at home and went solo, he still has a dad who's important to him, which makes risking driving into ditches or off embankments a bad idea.
I am keeping my fingers crossed, but I am also preparing for the possibility that the same weather that keeps you from being able to drive across town safely may keep me from driving across the state safely. I wanted to give you fair warning.
If it does happen that I can't come I will be extremely disappointed. (OK, closer to crushed, really.) But a couple of things would lighten that disappointment.
First, I'd love it if a couple of you wonderful people would stop by the section with the kids in it--you know, around halftime or something--and tell them hello and thanks for coming. It would be sad for Blazersedge to send them and then they never get to see anyone from Blazersedge. Maybe a couple of you who might be wearing site t-shirts would do the honors?
Second, it occurred to me that we really should have some way to identify ourselves...to make a splash and show that we're there. Again the t-shirts would be great for those who have them, but not everybody does and not everybody reads apparel. But you know it's a tradition in Portland to bring signs to the game when you're really enthusiastic. My sister and I have done it a few times for special occasions. I know most of you are highly creative and I was thinking it would be a wonderful symbol if the entire Blazersedge section were filled with signs. It doesn't matter what they say, it would just be cool to see that kind of enthusiasm and spirit. 70-plus signs in a single section might also garner a notice from the camera at some point during the game. If I was stuck at home watching, at least I'd be able to point to that and say, "There we are!" That would be uber-cool in its own way.
I'll let you know more about the weather-worthiness as the weekend approaches. Friday will be the key. I just thought you should be prepared, in case.
--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)
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Real men risk death for Blazer games
I remember driving a 1960s Cadillac sideways down snow-covered I-5 on the way from Portland to Eugene after a game or a concert, don’t remember which one. (Wonder what happens if you turn the wrong way into a skid? You go down the road sideways.) We didn’t hit anything and eventually came to a stop.
Observation: If you have the biggest car on the road, or if nobody else is crazy enough to be on the road, and if the road is very, very straight, you might be all right.
Don't risk it
The roads are terrible. Driving across the street here is dangerous. Remember whats really important.
THE BLAZERS
There’s, like, 80 billion kids in the world.
Only one Blazers.
Dave needs to get his priorities straight.
Mortimer
I hope you can make it
As for the sign idea, it’s a good one, but that guy who took off his shirt at the last game sure got a lot of attention. Maybe everyone in the Blazers Edge section should go topless.
"There is a difference between having two guys banging down low and having two guys who can bang down low." - Blazin'
Oh that was funny... what a good idea!
Damn Dave, I was hoping to see and meet you but you’ll be with us, cuz none of this would be happening if not for you.
Enjoy your family by the fire watching the game and look for us… it’ll be kinda like seeing another one of your kids. baby bench maybe?
If Dave can´t go I hope someone make a mask of this one and use it at the Garden this Saturday:
DAVE:
Dave, I got rid of my Japanese motorbike (I was a fool driver) because of my children. Keep Baby Point Guard in your mind before you make a move.
BAY POINT GUARD:
Sergio + Rudy = 16
Sergio + Bayless = 16
Batum 8+8=16
by amlmart1 on Dec 22, 2008 5:09 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
That child needs a diaper change
Paco is the bomb. Thanks amphigamousmart1.
"There is a difference between having two guys banging down low and having two guys who can bang down low." - Blazin'
I no know Paco
I like thinking Amlmart1 does these himself, because it is fun to do.
I just sit here imagining it, all day. Hmm. Ooh! Nice. Yeah, with the lashes. Mmm.
Paco sounds like a fake name anyways, too stereotypical. It’s like an American being named “David”, or “Mortimer”.
Morty
What section?
I’ll be at the game, snow or not. What section is everyone going to be in? I don’t have a blazersedge shirt, but would like to meet folks for a pre-funk or something. I anyone has something going, or wants to get something going, let me know!
Dave ...
We tried to drive up from Colorado. Made it all the way to Boise and had to turn back. The problem is not only the blizzard conditions from Idaho on, but freezing rain and ice and 50mph winds once you hit the gorge. I-84 is closed from Hood River on, and there’s no telling when it will open. I decided to turn back for the exact same reasons: my wife, 2 dogs, and baby-on-the-way in the car. I have been dreaming of going to 2 Blazer games in the garden on this trip (see my post in the fanposts), but there came a point where it just wasn’t wise to keep going. You have a few days yet, so I hope it clears up for you and everyone else, but mostly I just hope you make a wise decision and stay safe.
"These are dreams that we have." --Rudolfo Fernandez
You wouldn’t be able to get to Portland now anyway. All of I84 East of Troutdale is shut down.
Founder of the "Crash Batumcoot" Movement.
Dave, as usual,
Your heads in the right place. I am sure your decision will be the right one. I will be happy to put the likeness of you and baby point guard on a sign if I can figure out how or talk my wife into doing it. I face the same dilemma but I am only coming from Tillamook. Stay safe. All my best for you and your family.
I could be wrong now. But I don't think so!
The craziest route I ever took in winter was to traverse this pass in the high Alps in bad weather with some friends to save a few bucks (at this time Austrian Schilling) for the tunnel
It’s almost 6000 feet high. I wouldn’t do that anymore in bad weather, especially not since, well, did I mention there is a tunnel? We had a rear-wheel drive van with appropriate tires and chains, but still we only came through thanks to some fairly dramatic maneuvers and acrobatics. Everyone over the axis, everyone to the left, …
You Americans don´t know what pachyderms are for. Next time drive an elephant.
Sergio + Rudy = 16
Sergio + Bayless = 16
Batum 8+8=16
Hannibal was a smart cookie. Since he didn’t want to go skiing, he used a pass with a lower altitude. And probably another season.
I'm not sure
that tire chains work well on elephants.
If you can't convince them, confuse them -- Harry Truman, U.S. President
Im going through withdrawls..
The Kings have the best bench I’ve seen. There are easily 14 guys on this team good enough for every bench in the league. Now if we could only get some starters, I’d totally jizz in my pants.
Kings fan
by dyshooter182 on Dec 22, 2008 12:38 PM PST up reply actions
Nice
I giggled.
"There is a difference between having two guys banging down low and having two guys who can bang down low." - Blazin'
by tominhawaii on Dec 22, 2008 11:05 AM PST up reply actions
at this point
I don’t know if most people in Portland will be able to get to the game. Not that I would have been able to go this year anyway, but there are seven inches on the ground and Woodburn and its still snowing. And I hear we have it light compared to most.
I know that you're thinking about making a Woodburn joke. Know that I will pummel you if you do.
I miss you, ATQ.
Shoeshoes my Brother...Snowshoes!
This is the occasion I wish I had bought Cross Country Ski’s though…
So, at my house it’s still snowing and we got at least 10 inches, maybe more, I have yet to venture outside today, my work was canceled and I have not played and outdoor basketball yet. Last night though, I won the last of 4 games outside in the snow. 3 point bank shot in the snow to win it by 10.
Mt. Saint Helens from Mt. Adams
by BlazermaniacAndy on Dec 22, 2008 9:58 AM PST up reply actions
Yeah, there is, by actual measurement about 20 inches piled on my picnic table right
now, that the total accumulation for the last week or so, and it’s still coming down.
MAX > planes
MAX doesn’t run to Idaho?? i mean i get off in gresham but i always assumed it ran forever…
Life is about growth. People are not perfect when they're 21 years old. - Bill Walton
by NEP on Dec 22, 2008 9:09 AM PST reply actions 3 recs
Was just listening to this song last night
Know there prob aren’t too many Louie Armstrong fans on the blog, but this is a cool song…Think it was a Dean Martin + some beautiful woman duet that I was listening to…we had a 45 degree temp drop in like 4 hours with 30 mph winds….no snow tho…
hang in there and be safe …TiH can’t you send some tropical breezes their way?
I've been telling him stay sharp/be ready .. I think he's gonna get some time...
That was B4 Ike played non garbage minutes…I know his contract becomes guaranteed at some point so there will be a push meets shove moment….
I’m staying hopeful for some burn up in Philly so he can torch the old team…
No
I mean it, I’d really like to see him play. It is mostly a spoof on the Terry Porter thing, but I do want to see his stuff.
Activate Shavlik Randolph
Let it snow (not Armstrong, but Sinatra)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8BH4M9V1N8
His last recording. Do you recognize for what it was commissioned: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy97lOwvECs
Ha, I can't help it
75 degrees today, but it feels like 76 degrees.
"There is a difference between having two guys banging down low and having two guys who can bang down low." - Blazin'
by tominhawaii on Dec 22, 2008 11:09 AM PST up reply actions
Well I was listening to a song last night - And it talked about dedication...
It might give you a little motivation. Cause I too, would walk 500 miles, to see the game.
In regards to Blazers Edge Night: I will personally make an appearance to the kids and bestow them all a high five and rousing good cheer. I will also make a sign for Dave for old times sake of all the signs I used to make but for some reason have not this year, my question is if it says Blazersedge.com will I get in an legal hoopla? I could perhaps go covert and just write something like “Fists in the Air if your living on the BEdge”.
If you don’t go, Can I have your tickets? That goes for everybody who can’t go, cause I’m going to go for sure. Hopefully the max is running and I can just snowshoe up to the Max stop. If not, I suppose I can snow shoe to the Rose Garden from here in Beaverton by Washington Square. Once downtown I bet I could find more then a few pretty people who would want to watch Toronto loose, eh?
Mt. Saint Helens from Mt. Adams
by BlazermaniacAndy on Dec 22, 2008 9:52 AM PST reply actions
Same goes for me
If anyone has tickets and can’t go; or has friends that won’t be able to go to one of these games, I live quite close to the Rose Garden and would gladly take them off your hands for ya, or buy them.
Activate Shavlik Randolph
understand your position
I live in a remote area approx. 60 miles from Portland…it is the the coast range and we have 29" of snow (packed underneath) The most we have had for several seasons …The access road leading to my place has not been plowed…so in order to get out I will have to plow my way out with my tractor…..Have had to postpone Christmas with my family, as it has not been above freezing for 11 days now…(no end in sight)
quite beautiful though…so clean and pristine….wish I was smart enough to get some pictures attached…but I guess everyone has seen enough snow for awhile anyway…
It's all about defense......
67' now that's some commitment, how long of a distance do you have to plow?
And Wow, 29" you say! Even on the side street’s here in Beaverton the snow is deep enough that I don’t know if I will be able to get out for work on Tuesday. They canceled work today…
The crazy thing is… Aren’t we just entering the official winter season? This is something isn’t it…
Well everyone Be safe, Drink lot’s of hot beverage.
Mt. Saint Helens from Mt. Adams
by BlazermaniacAndy on Dec 22, 2008 2:39 PM PST up reply actions
Well it's about 1/2 mile
from the forest road to the county road and about 7 miles to the highway (47)..They say they are heading my way first thing in the AM
It's all about defense......
by 67 on Dec 22, 2008 6:19 PM PST up reply actions
Be safe Dave
Don’t worry about the BlazersEdge night, I’m sure some will pop up and represent the site in your absence!
Just be safe, don’t risk it, and be glad the games are on TV, provided your DirecTV doesn’t go out because of the snowstorms.
I think the axis of the Earth has shifted, as here in LA we’re getting Portland’s weather, and Portland is getting Chicago’s.
I’m hoping to fly up for X-mas, but flights are being canceled left n’ right and I might be out of luck. GULP!
Mortimer
It's global cooling
from a reduction in politicians’ campaign season hot air.
"Brandon Roy, that man is unstoppable, it's like he's playing NBA Live." - Anthony Johnson
Getting to the Rose Garden Tuesday Evening
Getting to work today was impossible. The town I live in has been declared a state of emergency. But, I have high hopes to make it to the game tomorrow night!
Thank you.
It has been due to ghastly comuter problems. I’ve missed the blog world terribly,
by ladygonegrey on Dec 22, 2008 5:19 PM PST up reply actions
We know better
It was Alfredo hitting on you that scared you off.
If you can't convince them, confuse them -- Harry Truman, U.S. President
We've missed you ever so much.
"There is a difference between having two guys banging down low and having two guys who can bang down low." - Blazin'
happy holidays Dave
and I hope the weather clears sufficiently so you can make it. Not that I’ll be there or anything. Avoiding a crushed blogger is reason enough.
What part of Idaho is Dave in?
Anybody (or Dave) know?
" if you don't like it, you can shove it
but you don't like it, you love it!"
- Weezer (Red Album)
by halfasiansensation on Dec 22, 2008 2:34 PM PST reply actions
Like Sandpoint, Sagle area?
" if you don't like it, you can shove it
but you don't like it, you love it!"
- Weezer (Red Album)
by halfasiansensation on Dec 23, 2008 11:44 AM PST up reply actions
I have a good buddy who lives in Sandpoint
absolutely loves it.
Wait you’re agnostic. That means you worship lawsuits. --TiH
by prezofdeath on Dec 28, 2008 11:47 PM PST up reply actions
I dug my car out of the snow and drove 5 miles to pick up Blazer tickets from my friends dad
They are 5 rows off the court. He gave them up cause of the weather. I CANT WAIT!!!…. I might actually catch a t shirt.
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