Thursday, August 30, 2007

Colts alumni website on dci.org

Click here to go to the dci article about the Colts Alumni web site.

Monday, August 27, 2007

Colts on ESPN2 promo poster available on dci.org

Click here to go to dci.org's TV promotion page for the ESPN2 broadcast of the World Finals from the Rose Bowl. While you're there, you can download a promotional poster featuring The Colts.

(Thanks to Jody Glow for pointing out the site)

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Hands

photo
Photo by David S.

Colt Cadets on dci.org

dci.org is featuring a photo from the Colt Cadets' visit to Washington D.C. You can see it here.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Friday, August 17, 2007

Finals gallery

photo
Photo by David S.

A gallery of photos from just before, during, and just after the Colts finals performance in the Rose Bowl has been posted. There will be lots more galleries posted -- but in no particular order and on no particular timetable. So check back often. I did these first because I figured they were what a lot of people wanted to see.

Enjoy.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

DC-Eye features the Colts

Steffany King's photo of the Colts at homeshow is featured in the DC-Eye feature at dci.org.

Catch a Glimpse of Some Colts

DCI posted a link to a Los Angeles TV station's video about the DCI championships last week. In the video, you get a glimpse of a few members of the Colts - primarily the tubas (they're still contras in my world). It is about 1/3 of the way into the video. Here is the link:
http://www.myfoxla.com/myfox/MyFox/pages/sidebar_video.jsp?contentId=4036799&version=1&locale=EN-US.

Monday, August 13, 2007

On finals night

Our Red Team, on the field in the Rose Bowl, one of the best in the world.

photo

photo
Photos by David S.

Articles in the Telegraph Herald

The Telegraph Herald (Dubuque's daily newspaper) on Sunday had an on-line article (with very interesting comments) about the Colts top 10 finish: http://www.thonline.com/article.cfm?id=169155.

Monday's issue contained the following article: http://www.thonline.com/article.cfm?id=169173.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Congratulations 2007 Colts

A performance of a lifetime. A lovely, moving show. And I would bet no regrets.

86.15 (All the scores and recaps are here.)

10th place

We screamed our heads off in the south endzone at the move from 11th to 10th place.

Congratulations 2007 Colts. As has been said many times, we love you and will always remember every one of you.

The Virtual Cooktruck Staff

Saturday, August 11, 2007

It's Saturday, Aug. 11; it's finals

We are in Pasadena, CA
And like David said, “It’s Finals Baby!!!!!!!”

Click for weather report and forecast

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Egg bake
Bacon
Cinnamon streusel
French toast (left over)
Oranges

Lunch
Pork or chicken patties
Hash browns
Peas or carrots
Lettuce salad

Dinner
Ravioli
Chicken casserole (left over)
Lasagna (left over)
French bread
Green beans

Snack, sort of
Deli meat sandwiches (for those traveling to the airport)

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
7:30 Wake
7:45 Stretch
8:30 Breakfast
9:30 Warm-up
10:30 Ensemble
12:00 Final run through of the season, followed by age-out speeches
1:45 Lunch, pack and load
3:30 Guard/pit to stadium
3:45 Brass/battery warm-up
4:30 Brass/battery to stadium (time approximate)
5:40 Gate
6:00 Perform in finals!
7:00 Dinner at school

*** Rest of the evening ***
After dinner, re-dress in uniform
Return to stadium for retreat with all finals corps
Return to school and check-in uniforms and instruments
End of season meeting – late
Busses to airport


Today's Cooks
Jody G., head cook
Lori C.
Diane H.
Carole B.
Jim H.
Polly H.
Vicki D.
Bill S.
Luba S.

Today's News
YES!!!!! Well, I know we are all just a bit excited. I understand there was quite the celebration last night once everyone got back to the housing site. ‘Wish I was there.

It seems like the first camp was not all that long ago. It’s hard to believe we are here already; the last day of this season. And what a season it was!

GO RED TEAM!!

Happy birthday to Dan “the Britt” and Luba!

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

It's finals, baby

87.0

Believe it.

This is so cool!

Friday, August 10, 2007

It's Friday, Aug. 10; it's semifinals day

We are in Pasadena, CA

Click for weather report and forecast

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Sausage, gravy and biscuits
Fruit (lots of bananas)

Lunch
Chicken noodle casserole
Vegetables
Pears in a cup

Dinner
Turkey and dressing with gravy
Other good stuff (continuing to look for what’s left)
Cookies from cookie donations

Snack (en route to stadium)
Fruit

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
7:00 Wake
7:15 Stretch
7:45 Breakfast
8:15 Staff meeting
8:45 Visual
10:00 Sectionals
11:15 Ensemble
12:45 Lunch/pack/load
2:30 Guard/Pit depart for stadium
3:00 Brass/Battery warm-up
4:40 Brass/Battery and cook truck depart for stadium
5:20 Gate
5:42 Perform
6:30 Dinner @ stadium
10:10 Age-outs to field (in uniform, no shakos)
11:15 Return to school
12:00 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Jody G., head cook
Lori C.
Diane H.
Carole B.
Jim H.
Polly H.
Vicki D.
Bill S.
Luba S.
Jim J. leaves

Today's News
Before we get to the news please send an email to greg@colts.org with your well-wishes for the Colts. We’re looking for 100% participation! Thanks!

Well here we are, right in the thick of it. Staff and parents watching last night’s show said it was good, but not the best they’ve seen all year – there’s room to grow tonight!!

The police and custodial support at the housing site has been very good. The cooks have lots of help, with lots of visitors. Boy, do I wish I was there (Rod).

Final run-through of the season is scheduled for Saturday at 11 AM. If there is any way to attend, do it. It’s not to be missed.

Many of us from the Chicago land area watched the Colts perform in the theatre last night, and it was fantastic to see. Not as good as being there of course. The audience at the theatre gave the Colts a good round of applause. And the announcers had good things to say about the corps, especially the closer. They remarked that it was the “closer of the year”. They loved the music selection, drill and everything about it.

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Thursday, August 09, 2007

Today is Thursday, Aug. 9; it's quarterfinals day

We are in Pasadena, CA

Click for weather report and forecast

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Pancakes and French toast
Sausage patties
Fresh peaches and bananas

Meal 2
Sirloin steak patties
Cheesy potatoes
Corn

Meal 3
Lasagne (10 trays)
Salad
Garlic bread
Brownies
Leftover lemon cake

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
7 Wake
7:15 Stretch
7:45 Breakfast
8:15 Staff meeting
8:45 Vis
10:15 Sectionals
11:30 Ensemble
1:15 Lunch/pack/load
3 Pit and guard depart for Rose Bowl; hornline and drumline warmup at school
5 Depart for Rose Bowl
5:50 Gate
6:11 Performance
8:30 Return to school
9:15 Dinner

Today's Cooks
Jody G., head cook
Lori C.
Diane H.
Jim J.
Carole B.
Jim H.
Polly H.
Vicki D.
Bill S.
Luba S.
(Jim J. says there are 14 names on the board, all these plus more)


Today's News
Today is “even more beautiful than the day before. It’s fantastic here,” Jim J. says.

It’s quarterfinals day and it’s “very exciting.” The corps had a long day of rehearsal yesterday – worked like they always do. But they are focused and not nervous at all, Jim says, “so they should be great.”

There have been a number of alumni working various jobs on and off the cooktruck.

Fresh fruit has been donated for tomorrow.

Jim says the cooks got to watch rehearsal and runthrough last night in a beautiful setting. “Mountains in the background. The weather was fantastic and the drum corps was even better.”

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Today is Wednesday, Aug. 8; it's I&E day

We are in Pasadena, CA

Click for weather report and forecast

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Muffins and bagels
Sausage
Bananas

Meal 2
Breaded chicken
Broccoli and cheese
Fruit cups

Meal 3
Pork chops
Mashed potatoes
Carole’s apple/snicker salad

Meal 4
Manwiches
Tater rounds
Little Debbies

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
7 Wake
7:15 Stretch
7:45 Breakfast
8:45 Sectionals
10:45 Vis
12:45 Lunch
1:45 Sectionals
3:15 Vis
4:45 Dinner 1
5:45 Warmup
6:15 Ensemble
9:30 Dinner 2
11 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Jody G., head cook
Lori C.
Diane H.
Jim J.
Lisa P.
Carole B.
Jim H.
Polly H.
Vicki D.
Bill S. and Luba S. arrive
Lisa P. leaves

Today's News
Another bright, sunny day in Southern California
There was a tour by some DCIs VIPs going on when I talked to Jim on the cooktruck today.

Member day at the souvie truck
Also, lost and found day. Claim it if you want it.

Rehearsal ended abruptly last night when the field lights cut out unexpectedly. But the corps is working hard and has gotten a lot accomplished in the past couple of days.

The sewing crew was adding sparkles to the butterfly flags.

There are about 12 people helping today on the cooktruck, with several visiting alumni being put to work.

The all-corps meeting last night was so that the brass members could perform their I&E material for the rest of the corps. Jim said they were great, with one of them that was really, really cute. The I&E performers left at about 3 p.m. for their competition today.


As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Today is Tuesday, Aug. 7; it's a rehearsal day

We are in Pasadena, CA

Click for weather report and forecast

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Pancakes and bacon

Lunch
Hamburger or chili dog
Fries and tater tots
Peaches

Dinner
Mexican chicken lasagna
Corn
Lettuce salad

Snack
Left-over chicken nuggets, ham, fish, and chicken patties
Mac and cheese
Lemon cake

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
8:30 Wake
8:45 Stretch
9:15 Breakfast
10:15 Sectionals
1:15 Lunch
2:15 Visual
6:15 Dinner
7:15 Warm-up
7:45 Ensemble
10:00 Full corps meeting
10:45 Snack

Today's Cooks
Jody G., head cook
Lori C.
Diane H.
Jim J.
Lisa P.
Carole B.
Jim H., Polly H., and Vicki D. arrive

Today's News
It’s a beautiful, southern California day; not a cloud in the sky.

Although the cooks did not experience it, the kids really enjoyed the beach. It was beautiful and refreshing. One member said “I had the best hamburger of my life”. I guess it’s always about the food.

It turns out Twit may have actually been struck by lightening in Lubbock, TX, hence all the continued electrical problems. It finally gave out yesterday, and is still in San Diego getting repaired. A bus was leased to replace it.

The housing site is literally 2 miles from the Rose Bowl, a prime location. It’s a very large high school campus, with lots of buildings and grounds.

Lots of cleaning and polishing of the show going on today, in preparation for Thursday.

Lauren R. sewing

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Monday, August 06, 2007

Quarterfinals lineup posted at dci.org

The lineup and performance times for quarterfinals in Pasadena are posted at dci.org.

Today is Monday, Aug. 6; it's a rehearsal day

We are in San Diego, CA

Click for weather report and forecast

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Scrambled eggs
Bagels and cream cheese
Bananas
Sausage and bacon

Lunch
Chicken nuggets
Chicken salad
Pasta salad

Dinner
Ham
Scalloped potatoes
Lettuce salad
Peas and carrots

Snack
Deli sandwiches
Chips and salsa

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
7:00 Wake
7:15 Stretch
7:45 Breakfast
8:45 Depart for beach
9:15 Beach!!!!
11:30 Return to school
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Sectionals
The rest of the schedule is to be determined…

Today's Cooks
Jody G., head cook
Lori C.
Diane H.
Jim J.
Lisa P.
Carole B. arrives

Today's News
Yesterday’s trip to the show site tested the patience of everyone; it was very challenging due to lots of construction and a total lack of directional signage. But, they made it and all is good; just an inconvenience, remember!

Last night, after the cooks prepared the evening meal, they were given the night off! Staff served the meal and did clean-up (and did an excellent job, I understand). Apparently, they were insistent that green beans be taken, before ice cream was offered.

Today is shaping up to be a nice day; a little hazy/foggy, but pleasant.

Lauren R. sewing

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Sunday, August 05, 2007

Today is Sunday, Aug. 5; it's a show day

We are in San Diego, CA

Click for weather report and forecast

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
French Toast
Twist Donuts
Banana Nut Muffins
Sausage Links

Lunch
Fish or Chicken Sandwich
French Fries
Pears

Dinner
Teriyaki Chicken
Spaghetti Noodles
Vegetable of Some Kind
Rolls
Stephen's Birthday Ice Cream – leftover from yesterday due to rain-out

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
10:30 Wake
10:45 Stretch
11:15 Breakfast
12:00 Warm-up
12:45 Ensemble
2:30 Lunch, pack and load
4:15 Depart
5:00 Warm-up
7:00 Gate
7:19 Performance; return to housing site after performance
9:15 Dinner
10:30 Corps meeting
11:00 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Jody G., head cook
Lori C.
Diane H.
Jim J.
Lisa P.

Today's News
Happy Birthday, Brian L.

Unusual show last night – Colts got on the field; started the opener and got to David’s solo … and were called off the field due to a downpour. We waited about 20 minutes, re-took the field and did the show.

Take 2 was filled with lots of energy and was a great show; some problems due to conditions – still raining, wet and windy.

Arrived a little late in San Diego but Jim said, “It’s a gorgeous day in sunny California. Warm, not sweltering, and NO FLIES.”

Lauren R. sewing

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Saturday, August 04, 2007

San Diego Housing Announced

The San Diego housing has been posted on the Colts home page - colts.org.

Today is Saturday, Aug. 4; it's a show day

We are in Phoenix, AZ

Click for weather report and forecast

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Cheesy Eggs
Bacon
Home fries
English muffin

Snack
1 Hot dog
Fresh veggies and dip

Lunch
Philly cheese steak
Shoestring potatoes
Potato salad or cottage cheese

Dinner
Cold salad buffet – pasta, chicken, cucumber and fruit
Birthday ice cream treats

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
7:15 Wake
7:30 Stretch
8:00 Breakfast
8:45 Warm-up
9:15 Ensemble
12:15 Snack
1:15 Down time; clean horns and drums
2:45 Lunch, pack, clean and load
4:25 Depart for stadium
6:25 Warm-up
8:26 Gate
8:46 Performance
9:30 Dinner
11:00 Depart

Today's Cooks
Lauren R. and Jody G., head cooks
Jody G. and Lori C. arrive today
Diane H.
Jim J.
Lisa P.
Jan M. leaves today

Today's News
Happy Birthday, Stephen D.

It’s Hot!

Alum donations – 2 bottles of Gatorade per member, powder Gatorade and cookies.

It’s Hot!

The cooks are melting on the Cooktruck.

Did we mention that it is Hot!

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Friday, August 03, 2007

We get letters

And we share:

Last week I finally got to see the Colts in action for two days' worth of solid rehearsal in Lawrence, Kansas. I've been exposed to drum corps a lot throughout my life, but seeing the Colts is like seeing no one else; these 'kids' are far more dedicated, and far more passionate. What's more, they deserve more than any corps I know to go to finals in Pasadena next week.
It doesn't matter that they're not one of the huge "everybody knows us" corps... in comparison, they have everything those corps don't: spirit, determination, guts, emotion... these kids WANT IT so much more than anyone I've ever seen. To everyone out there who thinks they don't deserve it: you've obviously not been watching, or you don't have a sense of heart.
I'm a Colts fan, and I've never been more proud of it. Take finals.
~ Andrea Menousek

Colts alums unite!

Calling all Colts alums (and other interested parties)!

There's a new website for alumni up and running at www.coltsalumni.org.

Click on the post title or the link in the links section in the right sidebar to check it out.

david

Today is Friday, Aug. 3; it's rehearsal and laundry day

We are in Phoenix, AZ

Click for weather report and forecast

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Oatmeal
Sausage Patties
Banana or other fruit

Lunch
1st half – Mustgo

Dinner 1
2nd half – Mustgo

Dinner 2
Chicken Nuggets

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
8:15 Wake (no floor time for the cooks)
8:30 Stretch
9:00 Breakfast
9:45 Visual
11:10 Sectionals
12:30 Lunch
1:15 Laundry
5:15 Dinner 1
6:15 Warm-up
6:45 Ensemble
8:45 Dinner 2
9:30 Staff + age-outs to Hudson’s
11:00 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Lauren R., head cook
Diane H.
Jim J.
Lisa P.
Jan M.
Jimmy M. – 2006 age-out helps

Today's News
Happy Birthday, Brett W.

Corps had rain twice at housing site in El Paso but only sprinkles at the show site. “Awesome show last night.”, Jim J. said, “Audience loved it and went crazy.” Dee said, “best show ever”. The members seem to be floating on cloud 9. The Sun Bowl stadium in El Paso is in the side of a mountain. Trophy was a large piñata, tortillas and jalapeños.

Donations of more aloe vera plants; Gatorade from an alum; Gatorade, brownies and cup cakes from local band organization.

Closer flower flags are now sparkly – a great effect!!

Peter H. leaving today

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Thursday, August 02, 2007

Updated Phoenix Housing

The Colts website has posted an update for tomorrow's Phoenix area housing site. Go to colts.org for the update.

Today is Thursday, Aug. 2; it's a show day

We are in El Paso, TX

Click for weather report and forecast

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
French toast
Cantaloupe, plums, apples, grapes

Meal 2
Pulled pork
Homemade cole slaw
Homemade potato salad

Meal 3
Fajitas
Beans
Mexican rice
And all the fixin’s

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
(All times local to the corps)
9:30 Wake
9:45 Stretch
10:15 Breakfast
11:15 Visual
12:30 Sectionals
1:45 Ensemble
3:15 Meal 2/pack/load
5 Depart for stadium
5:30 Warmup
7:34 Gate
7:54 Performance
8:35 Dinner
10:35 Depart for Surprise, AZ

Today's Cooks
Barry M., head cook
Diane H.
Jim J.
Lisa P.
Jan M.
Charlotte W. and Barry M. leaving today

Today's News
Happy Birthday, Scott F.

Barry’s niece brought a donation of locally grown cantaloupe and brought an aloe vera plant, which should help with sunburn – although it sounds like something waterproof would have been more appropriate today.

The second half of the show last night was rained out. But the Colts’ score was good. The corps drove through storms last night on the way to El Paso but still arrived just about on time. The cooks were trying to dodge another rainstorm today. Big black cloud overhead, though.

They had someone out to see about a possible propane leak in the burners and that got fixed. That’s all I’ll say about that.

Lauren R. sewing; Peter H. and Mike R. driving. Brock L. leaving today

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

More Colts and Cadet news on dci.org

Today dci.org features the Colts in an article called "The benefits of housing a drum corps."

Lenny

Time after time

We don't usually provide time zones, but as a public service, as the corps heads west, here is the Time Zone Tutorial for today. (Thanks, Lenny)

El Paso is not in the central timezone like the rest of Texas - it is in the Mountain Daylight Time (1 hour behind Central Daylight).

Also, Phoenix is not in the Mountain Daylight Time. They are on Mountain Standard Time - effectively Pacific Daylight Time (2 hours behind Central Daylight).

And of course, California is on Pacific Daylight.

Class dismissed.

Professor Squiggy

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Today is Wednesday, Aug. 1; it's a show day

We are in Lubbock, TX

Click for weather report and forecast

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Bacon and cheese eggs
Blueberry muffins
Apple streusel

Meal 2
Mini-subs
A variety of fresh fruit
Carrots and cauliflower

Meal 3
***Barry’s Annual Asian Feast***
Sweet and sour chicken
Kung pao chicken
Rice

Meal 4
Pizza

photo
BARTOK
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
8:45 Wake
9 Stretch
9:30 Breakfast
10:30 Visual
11:45 Sectionals
1 Snack
1:30 Ensemble
3:15 Lunch/pack/load
5 Depart for stadium
5:45 Warm up
7:48 Gate
8:08 Performance
9 Dinner
11 Depart

Today's Cooks
Barry M., head cook
Diane H.
Jim J.
Lisa P.
Jan M.
Charlotte W.

Today's News
Jim says the corps has put in new drill for the end of the show. He says he hasn’t even seen it yet, so he can’t comment on how it looks. Maybe tonight.

There have been changes in housing sites. Please remember to check colts.org for the latest news about tour schedules.

Mary and Bill were giving away Yamaha shirts today, so your corps member should have at least one clean T-shirt left.

The school was treating the corps extremely well. The school had lined the fields when the corps arrived and said they would have put out a welcome banner if they’d had one.

Lauren R. sewing; Peter H. and Brock L. driving

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.