New Orleans

What a special night in New Orleans last night. I watched the broadcast on ESPN and couldn’t help but tear up at the beginning and throughout most of the pre-game race as they did a remarkable job of balancing the reality of the situation on New Orleans as well as the positives of having the New Orleans Saints back at home for the first time in 13 months. My man Tony Kornheiser has to receiving top honors for staying focused on the tragedy at hand throughout the game and doing such a wonderful job of explaining the importance and the symbolism of this game. It was a lot more than just a football game last night, it was a lot more than just a Monday Nighter. And kudos for Spike Lee for joining the broadcast team for a bit last night and keeping it focused and not losing yourself in a rant, or as he said it “I’m not pulling a Kayne West”. Great job all around last night by that production. Not to mention the Saints winning the game in fashion, by blocking punts, field goals, trick plays, everything! This game had it all and all of America went to bed last night with a little glimmer of hope, but also with a sense of reality of the situation. I expect good things to come out from this broadcast, and I’m not just talking about ratings.

It got me thinking that if I was a billionaire philanthropist, I would totally stage a race there and foot for the bill. I know the cost are ridiculously high and I know that a real businessman doesn’t spend his own money if he doesn’t have too (hence why I am not a billionaire philanthropist), but what a great way to help the city and what a great way to gain some much needed exposure and of course, some economic relief that the race would generate. If one football game can generate so much attention, I’d like to see what a ‘three day festival of speed’ could do. I know that the city needs more than that, naturally. But I venture to say that the economic benefit and the exposure to the reality of the situation would do wonders for both the city and the investors. It’s not a realistic dream I suppose, but then again, dreams that pertain to a person being a billionaire philanthropist usually aren’t.

Speaking of races, I am amazed at the information on the forums pertaining to the new schedule. How do you guys know so much?? The schedule hasn’t been released yet, heck it was revised (as far as I know) as late as this weekend and some of you are spot on! I go back the fan club dinner on Saturday night too, because once again, it amazes me the knowledge that the fanatics have on this series. You guys know more about the series and everything surrounding it then 60 percent of the Champ Car employees! It’s the strongest and most loyal fan base in the world I would venture to say. The schedule officially comes out on Wednesday, so ALL questions will be answered by then. But, most of you seem to already know everything already!