The Wight Pages

Week 10 Report Card

Russell Wight — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:04:25 GMT

Even after a night's sleep, I am still in a state of euphoria as I observe the national media praising the Cincinnati Bengals. With an 18-12 win in Pittsburgh on Sunday, the Bengals are in sole possession of first place in the AFC North. It is hard to find fault with the Bengals right now. They are the best team in their division and right at the top of the AFC with the Indianapolis Colts. After watching his team fight for 60 minutes, Marvin Lewis said, "It's the most physical grinding game I've ever been on the sideline for." The Bengals are no longer a team that lives and dies by the passing attack. They are a smart, mature football team that knows what it takes to win. OFFENSE The offense was unable to cross the goal line, but did what they needed to at the most crucial point of the game. With 6:17 left and a 15-12 lead, Carson Palmer entered the huddle and instructed his teammates not to give the ball back to the Steelers. The Bengals offense marched 54 yards in 11 plays and took over four minutes off the clock. They racked up four first downs on the drive that ended in a Shayne Graham field goal. Cedric Benson left the game with a hip injury. The combination of Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard showed the depth that the Bengals have. Grade: B. DEFENSE Finding words to describe this defense gets harder each week. The Steelers were 3-for-15 on third down and failed on their last 10 attempts. The Bengals sacked Ben Roethlisberger four times and tipped four passes, one resulting in an interception. Palmer said, "It was a team win but our defense won this game. Field goals win games, touchdowns win games, we'll take this." Mike Zimmer designed another great gameplan and it was executed beautifully. It was another team effort by the Bengals defense. Grade: A. SPECIAL TEAMS All points came on special teams. The only touchdown of the game came on a 96-yard kickoff return by Scott in the first quarter. Graham kicked four field goals and had a 51-yard attempt bounce off the right upright. Grade: A.

Student Suspended For Being a Bengals Fan

Russell Wight — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:04:53 GMT

In a despicable display of social interventionism, an eighth grade student a Garfield Middle School in Hamilton, Ohio was disciplined because of his haircut. Dustin Reader received an in-school suspension for violating the school's code of conduct, which prohibits "unnaturally colored hair, extreme/distracting makeup, haircuts and hairstyles." The young man must have had a creative four-letter word shaved on the side of his head. Surely, there was an obscene image on the back of his dome. No and no. Mr. Reader had his barber shave tiger stripes on his head and a large "B" on the back to show support for his favorite NFL team, the Cincinnati Bengals. I certainly hope the financial state of this school district is sound. I assume that standardized test scores are the best in the state. Garfield Middle School must have an impeccable reputation in regards to student behavior, except for this miscreant who dared get his haircut in a nonconforming way. Child please. Personally, this type of haircut is not my thing. I would not have done it and would not encourage either of my kids to do it. However, if this young man and his parents don't have a problem with it, who am I to tell them differently? The administrators of this school should be ashamed of themselves. They represent part of what is wrong with society. Calling them educators is an absolute joke. Do they have nothing better to do than reprimand a kid for being a kid?

Bengals and Steelers Talking Some Trash

Russell Wight — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:32:40 GMT

There are two huge games this weekend in regards to how the AFC playoff picture might begin shape up. The undefeated Indianapolis Colts are hosting the New England Patriots on Sunday night. Prior to that game, the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers will battle for first place in the AFC North at Heinz Field. The Bengals are 4-0 against AFC North teams this year, including a 23-20 win against the Steelers in Week 3 at Paul Brown Stadium. A victory on Sunday would mean sweeping the Steelers and Ravens, with one game remaining against Browns. The trash talking has started and is in full-force. Chad Ochocinco tweeted, "Can't wait to pull out this mustard Sunday since they won't be able to ketch-up to me<--funny-won't be when I pull it out though-Pow." Pittsburgh safety Ryan Clark said on ESPN Radio that the Steelers don't do a lot of trash talking, then proceeded to do exactly that. Clark said, "I like Chad, just remember he plays receiver and receivers get caught in bad situations." This situation shows the difference between Ochocinco's antics and the comments often made by the dirty players that wear black and gold. Ochocinco is boasting that the defense will not be able to cover him. Clark then insinuates that he is going to take a shot at Ochocinco coming over the middle. The only bad situation that Ochocinco and the rest of the Bengals receivers are caught up in is playing against a dirty football team. By the way, did you hear about NFL Rule #1059?

The Best of Ochocinco, Volume 4

Russell Wight — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:43:24 GMT

After three editions of The Best of Ochocinco, you would think I could have covered Chad Ochocinco's best tweets. However, OGOchoCinco just keeps 'em coming. This version involves Chad's obviously loving relationship with his grandmother. I now present The Best of Ochocinco, Volume 4.

OGOchoCinco Yall ain't gonna believe this, grandma bought a hot dog, pulled her own ketchup and mustard packs out her purse <--- She showing off n cincy!

OGOchoCinco The same peppermint bag she gave me when I was little in church, why does she still have the same bag full of peppermints asking if I want 1.

OGOchoCinco Oh hell na she trying to clean my ears with a q-tip, alright she going to far, going through my house dusting huh? I'm grown right <---

OGOchoCinco Mam why she got on my old FUBU jersey as her night gown. WTF, she told me she still hip hop. she really think she doing it up to! Wow

OGOchoCinco What channel is Jay z concert on, grandma want to see him perform <----- it must be the FUBU jersey got her acting 30 tonight

OGOchoCinco We in the theatre, mind you now her purse is half the size of my body, she got the blanket off the damn airplane trying to cover me up, huh?

OGOchoCinco #rememberbackndaday when yo momma - grandma would pinch you real hard in church to get you to stop misbehaving

OGOchoCinco #rememberbackndaday when you got in trouble in school and put on three pair of underwear to prevent the beating from hurting when u got home

OGOchoCinco @MissErika I tried suicide once, I talked back to grandma and I saw her hand then I saw this bright light with angels waving come home

OGOchoCinco Beautiful morning in Liberty City, nothing like waking up at grandmas house n remembering them days when I was young, plastic on couch? SMH

OGOchoCinco Why I wake up n I was stuck to the couch, she wouldn't let me turn on the AC talking bout her bill gone be high, ain't no food n here!

OGOchoCinco Yall won't believe this shh, my old room is covered in church hat boxes like it's a damn hat convention, shoes with the purse on top to match

Ravens-Bengals: Week 9 Report Card

Russell Wight — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:22:40 GMT

The Bengals improved to 6-2 yesterday with a 17-7 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Cincinnati's offense and defense were exceptional in the first half, with the defense continuing its dominance until the final gun. The Bengals are undefeated in the AFC North with another big division game at Pittsburgh next week.

OFFENSE

Cedric Benson ran for 117 yards on 34 carries, surpassing the 100-yard mark for the second time this year against the Ravens. The last time the Ravens defense allowed an opposing running back to crack the century mark twice in a season was when Ricky Williams did it in 1997.

The Bengals running attack continues to open up the passing game for Carson Palmer, who completed 20 of 33 for 224 yards. Palmer's ability to recognize coverage gaps at the line of scrimmage and put balls where only the receiver can catch them show he is indeed among the league's elite quarterbacks.

Chad Ochocinco made a couple of great catches and drew a crucial pass interference call in the first half, but needs to improve his ball security. While trying to gain yards after a reception in the second half, he had the ball stripped by safety Ed Reed. Grade: B.

DEFENSE

The Ravens offense entered the game averaging 28.4 points per game, good enough for fourth in the NFL. They also began the day third in the league when it came to converting third downs at 48.4 percent. Against the Bengals, they couldn't score or convert a third down until the fourth quarter.

The Bengals secondary shut down quarterback Joe Flacco and his receiving corps for the second time this season. Leon Hall and Johnathan each had an interception.

The Ravens could not get anything going on the ground either, gaining just 55 yards. Grade: A.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The kicking game was not that much of a factor. Shayne Graham converted both extra-point opportunities and kicked a 23-yard field goal in the second quarter. Grade: A.

Why I Hate The Baltimore Ravens

Russell Wight — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:04:59 GMT

Back in September, I listed several reasons why I detest the Pittsburgh Steelers and pretty much everything to do with their repulsive franchise. Seeing black and gold together turns my stomach. However, I have reserved some of my hatred for another AFC North team.

Ladies and gentlemen, why I hate the Baltimore Ravens...

Joe Flacco. His name reminds me of Shane Falco, the quarterback of the Washington Sentinels in The Replacements. The Sentinels' head coach was played by Gene Hackman, who played Norman Dale in Hoosiers. He would have never won that state championship without Jimmy Chitwood.

History. I will admit that I didn't exactly lose any sleep when the Browns packed up and moved to Baltimore. However, Art Modell flipping the bird (pun intended) at one of the league's most loyal fan bases was an absolute tragedy. I was at the last game in Cleveland Stadium and it was really sad.

Team Name. Ravens? I can't help but think of Raven-Seymone, who played Olivia on The Cosby Show 20 years ago. The problem is I remember her being on the show, which shows how old I am getting.

Logo and Colors. I always think something is wrong with my television when I see the red blocks on their logo at midfield. Purple and black were the same colors as my college baseball team and I always thought they were stupid. Besides, watching a man dressed in Barney colors flapping his arms like a bird after making a tackle is just disturbing.

The Best of Ochocinco, Volume 3

Russell Wight — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:02:16 GMT

My BlackBerry allowed me to keep tabs on scores and news while on vacation. The other thing I kept up on was the Twitter feed of Chad Ochocinco. OGOchoCinco continues to be the most entertaining athlete to follow on Twitter. Be sure to check out previous editions of The Best of Ochocinco: Volume 1 and Volume 2.

Now, I proudly present The Best of Ochocinco, Volume 3.

OGOchoCinco http://twitpic.com/fn86v - Top Chefs my ****, I'm cooking so kiss da baby!!!

OGOchoCinco @BarackObama since I can't get a break on my taxes can I at least have your followers, my name is Ocho Cinco and I approve this message :)

OGOchoCinco @THE_REAL_SHAQ I am gonna ask one time only, I need your followers or I'll go level 5 pi$$ed and do nothing except ask again politely!!!

OGOchoCinco President Obama has just approved a 69 billion bailout of Chadstate insurance. All Johnsons will be covered, Pow (batman voice)

OGOchoCinco A dude got caught steeling my steering wheel, he told the police he was trying to turn his life around <--- slow people might not get it!!!!

OGOchoCinco Why didn't the skeleton go to his high school dance?

OGOchoCinco Skeleton didn't go to the dance because he had no-body to go with, lame joke but I'm LMAO right now

OGOchoCinco Attention: Economy has become so bad all Botox users have turned to bee hives as new form of treatment, this is a sad day :(

OGOchoCinco @BarackObama Is there any way I can borrow Air Force 1 when it's not being used, we can swap, give the plane I'll give you the shoes, call me

OGOchoCinco Since everybody so smart tell me how to become a billionaire so I can change my name to Sheek Esteban Ocho Cinco <--- I'll be waiting

It's a small world after all

Russell Wight — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:57:03 GMT

Being with my family at Disneyworld has moved blogging to the bottom of my to-do list. However, right now, my wife and kids are taking shelter from the sun as I wait in a seemingly endless line for icecream.

My BlackBerry allowed me to keep an eye on the whoopin' the Bengals applied to the Bears on Sunday. It felt like each time I refreshed the browser on my phone, the Bengals had scored another touchdown.

The offense could not be stopped on the ground or through the air. Cedric Benson ran over, around and through his former team. Carson Palmer and his corps of receivers shredded the Bears secondary.

Because of the heat, I opted for a simple Bengals t-shirt instead of my usual gameday jersey. That t-shirt and the Bengals playing so well prompted many a "Who Dey" cheers from other people at the park. There were numerous encounters with people asking if I had heard the score or if I could believe how well the Bengals were playing.

It was great to see other people in Bengals attire so far away from home. I guess it really is a small world after all.

Ochocinco Joins Mainstream Media

Russell Wight — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:55:47 GMT

Each time you think Chad Ochocinco has provided fans with the ultimate entertainment experience, he takes it to the next level. What started as Twitter messages and Ustream videos evolved into an application for the Apple iPhone, allowing users an in-depth look at the Bengals receiver.

Ochocinco has now announced that he is entering the field of mainstream media with the Ocho Cinco News Network (OCNN). With technology provided by Motorola, the OCNN will provide inside information from throughout the NFL. Ochocinco will turn to his friends in the league to get the scoops that reporters normally would not have access to.

How can this be a tremendous innovation? With access to players and coaches on a personal level, Ochocinco can provide a level of intimacy never experienced before by an NFL fan.

How can this fail? Many teams have developed policies against tweeting and disciplined players for "leaking" information. If players don't reveal anything special, then the format would cease to be unique.

However, one thing that Ochocinco has always been is unique.

Stadium Review: Great American Ball Park

Russell Wight — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:54:32 GMT

This article is also featured on Stadium Journey.

Great American Ball Park (GABP) officially opened its doors at the beginning of the 2003 season. Located on the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati, it serves as the home of baseball's first professional team, the Cincinnati Reds. Despite the team still looking for its first winning season since moving in, Great American Ball Park remains a wonderful place to watch a baseball game.

Food & Beverage

The concession stands at Great American Ball Park are operated by Sportservice. All of the regular staples such as hot dogs, brats, popcorn, peanuts, nachos, soft pretzels, beer and soda are widely available. The aisles are spacious and most stands have at least one television so you don't miss any of the action.

For the true Cincinnati experience, be sure to visit the Montgomery Inn for some pulled pork or chicken. There are three Skyline Chili locations for Cincinnati's own Skyline Cheese Coney. My personal favorite is LaRosa's Pizza, which can be found at three locations throughout the park as well as The Machine Room Grille.

The Machine Room Grille is located in the left-field corner on the Suite Level and is usually the first stop my family makes when visiting the GABP. There are televisions everywhere, a full bar, pool table and video game kiosk. Inside and outside seating is available with some tables having a view of the field. The Machine Room is themed with items from the Big Red Machine era. For old-timers such as myself, seeing the zamboni machine used at Riverfront Stadium is always a real treat.

Atmosphere

The Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum does an exceptional job at paying tribute to the club's storied history. A long-time Reds fan will be in paradise with interactive exhibits and memorabilia that will undoubtedly trigger some great memories. Be sure not to miss the massive display of 4,256 baseballs, one for each hit Pete Rose collected during his career.

The Fan Zone is an area offering entertainment such as live music, games and activities. There are photo walls, giant baseball cards, home run challenge video game and a playground for kids. You can even test your speed from home to first at the "Run It Out" booth.

Crosley Terrace serves as the main entrance to Great American Ball Park. As you approach the gate, the ground is paved with bricks purchased by fans with a personal message inscribed. My wife and I bought one prior to the stadium opening, as did my parents. Statues of Joe Nuxhall, Ted Kluszewski, Frank Robinson and Ernie Lombardi are featured as well.

The Reds have three official mascots that patrol the park on a regular basis. Mr. Redlegs, Rosie Red and Gapper always pose for pictures and bring a smile to children's faces. Even after seeing them countless times, my kids still get excited for a picture with one of the trio.

Neighborhood

The area between Great American Ball Park and Paul Brown Stadium, the home of the Cincinnati Bengals, is prime real estate and ideal for development. However, a seemingly endless political battle has caused the former home of Riverfront Stadium to remain a construction site.

I love Cincinnati, but any activities before or after a Reds game are usually done on the outskirts of downtown, miles from the stadium. Newport on the Levee is a very nice area, but you must cross the bridge into Kentucky.

Fans

Cincinnati has always been a baseball town. Fans are passionate and knowledgeable about the game. Baseball is a sport that is passed down from generation to generation and Cincinnati exemplifies that concept as good as any city.

I can remember my parents taking me to Riverfront Stadium and sitting in the upper deck on a Sunday afternoon. My wife and I shielded our daughter from an Adam Dunn home run ball that nearly hit her carrier when she was less than two months old. My son's first Opening Day was when he was six months old and he has not missed one since.

Our story is a common one around Great American Ball Park. Despite recent struggling attendance figures, fans are well-versed in the history of the Reds and genuinely hopeful for more special memories to come.

Access

There are 3,500 on-site parking spaces at Great American Ball Park. If you are able to walk several blocks, I recommend parking at one of the garages downtown. You will save some time and money. There is also surprisingly quick and easy access to interstate ramps.

When it comes to being handicap accessible, Great American Ball Park is second to none. My parents are both disabled and have no trouble taking their grandkids to see the Reds. There is handicap parking available at the stadium as well as a disabled pick-up/drop-off zone located on Joe Nuxhall Way.

The aisles are wide, making it no problem for a wheelchair to navigate. Handicap seating is available in most seating areas with great views of the field. There are even electrical outlets to charge a scooter, etc. at no cost.

Return On Investment

In a struggling economy, people have to be more careful about where and how they spend their money. It can be quite expensive for a family of four to attend a sporting event or movie. Like many teams, the Reds have tried to make a trip to the park more affordable.

Tickets are available for as little as $5 and there are several "Family Days" throughout the year, which allow one person to purchase a full-price ticket while the rest of the family gets in for half-price. The Machine Room Grille is also very affordable option for a family dinner.

Etc

Great American Ball Park is a fabulous place to watch a baseball game. There are comfortable seats angled toward home plate, various standing areas with a perfect view of the field and plenty of attractions that will catch your eye. If you get the chance, be sure to visit home of the Cincinnati Reds. You won't be disappointed.

Great American Ball Park
100 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH 45202