Saturday before the game, I was looking for something unique to do.  Amanda, Kaylie and I went to the sign museum.  Yep, it was unique.  Not something you would spend more than like an hour at, but still worth seeing.  I loved seeing the progression of signs and I am glad someone is preserving history.

 

Second stop before the game, the Reds Hall of Fame.  Their bobblehead collection was on display, ha.  I loved the wall of baseballs showing how many balls Pete Rose hit in his career, 3 stories worth. So much history from another storied club, but I am still partial to the Cardinal HoF.

 

Game 2 was held on an absolutely beautiful day.  We were joined by my friends Matthew and Kristie from Louisville.  Too bad he is a Reds fan, but the Reds dominated the Cardinals on this afternoon.  Go figure.

 

Some little lady has the faces down pat. 

 

After leaving for a night in Indy after the game, I ventured on to my next destination, Chicago.  I had something planned for that Sunday night, but I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do for Sunday since I wouldn't get there until noonish.  I eventually decided that I had not been to an aquarium in awhile.  The Shedd it was.  I had been here before way back in '98 I think.  I was curious what animals were still serving time here, but I digress.

 

I have always wondered if blue lobsters are discriminated against....  Oh those things I wonder about.

 

Love me some seahorses.  So delicate and stately looking.

 

These 'headless' looking worms/snakes (whatevers, can't remember) give me the creeps.

 

Pause for a pic you working birds.

 

Eels are also some creepy dudes or dudettes.

 

These guys are my style though.

 

Must have had a bad night.

 

Why was I in Chicago?  Black Sabbath concert.  \m/  When they announced the final tour, I knew I had to see them somewhere since I never had.  The venue was an interesting amphitheater that had a balcony area.  That was a first.  As soon as the first note played, I felt chills come over me.  They are the godfathers of everything I listen to and I have been listening to them for close to 30 years now.  (that just sounds weird).  They did not disappoint, even with Ozzy's waddling, swaying and occasionally singing off cord.  It was an absolutely amazing night. 

 

I hate that my videos weren't any clearer and that I had to decrease the quality more to get them to upload, but you get the idea.  What a unique sound that stays with you forever.

 

Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath

 

 

Black Sabbath - War Pigs

 

 

Black Sabbath - Iron Man

 

 

Black Sabbath - Children of the Grave

 

 

Setlist

 

 

 

Last stop, after a day of driving, Kansas City, and as it would turn out, there was one more concert to see on this Labor Day night.  Awolnation and Prophets of Rage. 

 

 

As many of you know, seeing Rage Against the Machine at T in the Park in Scotland in 2008 was about as good of a show as I have seen.  Definitely in my top 2 or 3 favorites.  Well Zack De La Rocha isn't helping the band by performing anymore, but the sound rages on.  Prophets of Rage is Rage's band, Chuck D and DJ Lord from Public Enemy and B-Real from Cypress Hill.  It is mostly covers of every band, mostly Rage, but wow.  Still love hearing it all, even if it sounds a little muddled with Chuck D instead of the crispness of Zack.  Loved the show and we all need to think a little more at times like these. 

 

 

Prophets of Rage - Prophets of Rage

 

 

 

Prophets of Rage - Guerrilla Radio (Rage Against the Machine cover)

 

 

 

Prophets of Rage - Testify (Rage Against the Machine cover)

 

 

 

Prophets of Rage - Know Your Enemy (Rage Against the Machine cover)

 

 

 

Setlist