Working for a living... sort of

Cooperstown... Alice Cooper's theme restaurant is located 2-3 blocks from Chase Field (where the Arizona Diamondbacks play baseball) and right behind US Airways Arena (where the Phoenix Suns and Mercury--can't forget the ladies-- play). It is packed with rock n'roll and sports memorabilia and features signature sports bar food and multiple televisions to watch games. It's a very popular pre-game hangout and with the New York Yankees in town to play, all the transplanted New Yorkers were out to see the games (3 sell outs). I worked there doing security (I wonder if they wanted me because of my East Coast roots) just walking around making sure everyone was behaving. When game time came on Monday the place emptied like someone pulled the plug on a full sink... By 7:30 it was "Ghosttown" rather than Cooperstown so I was cut early but paid for 4 hours so I was not unhappy. I was back on Wednesday night expecting the same result... but it was not to be. In addition to the baseball game, Ringling Bros. Circus was across the street at US Airways Arena. So traffic was bad and the place was packed before both events got under way... (I had parked my car in the park-n-ride in Tempe and rode the light rail downtown. It dropped me off about 3 blocks from the venue).

So, as I said, the place was packed... (there were a few more Dbacks fans but it still felt like I was back in the Bronx with all the Yankee jerseys milling about). Again, around 7:15 the place emptied as if the health department had declared an ecoli breakout...but this time I was required to stay until the game was over. So basically I was being paid to watch pedestrian traffic walk up and down the street (not that I am complaining. At least my ankles were safe from the little vampires that attacked my ankle last week. That wound is healing nicely, thanks for asking). What was cool was that the animals from the circus were penned directly across the street under the arena, so we were serenaded by the elephants and big cats... (glad they were in cages). So, the game dragged on... (I figured we would be done around 10:30 because most baseball games are around 3-3 1/2 hours long and it started at 6:40). But noooooooooooo! This game went into extra innings and didn't finish until 11:00. But I figured cha-ching... more greens fees for me. Then my partner told me that the last eastbound light rail left at 11:15... (a fact I overlooked when deciding to take the train). But he lived in Mesa and offered to drop me at my car. (Whew!) Plus there were a few diehards that came back for more adult beverages so we had to hang around... (we did get to escort 2 over zealous drinkers from the bar before we were done. They were happy drunks so there was no altercation). We were finally released around 11:45 and the ride back to my vehicle was much appreciated... (will have to learn the light rail schedule better for the next time. Not used to things stopping at certain times although I should be by now). A good gig all around.

Want to thank one and all for the birthday wishes... It was a quiet day... (I celebrated with a round of golf on Tuesday). In fact, I was part of setting a world record for most golfers at a shotgun start... (golfers tee off at the same time from different holes on different courses across the country). It was all set up to benefit the Livestrong Foundation.. (Lance Armstrong's charity to aid cancer survivors) so it was for charity and it was a great outing. We set a new world as 2,223 golfers teed off at the same time across the country breaking the old record of 1,019. This is my first Guinness World Record and probably my last (although the longest fingernails record intrigues me, I don't know how I would hold onto a golf club so never mind). It was a beautiful day (what else?) and we played with a great bunch of guys and gals and if I can find where they posted the picture I will put it on facebook. Another tournament coming up on Sunday to benefit charity so I need to practice up. Work is scarce but I may have something for July 4th. More details to follow...