The event has been organized and developed by An Escape Plan. Jeff Patterson, IMPD officer and self-defense trainer will be sharing with participants a variety of skills and resources they can use to protect themselves when they’re confronted with a situation we’d all prefer to avoid.

Understanding how to establish the idea of "Protective Thinking" for yourself and learning how to use self-defense to keep you and your family and friends safe is the purpose of the event.

The event is completely free, but you must register to attend. and parking is free as well in the Conseco Fieldhouse garage. The event takes place this tomorrow night at 6:00pm at Conseco Fieldhouse. The doors will open at 5:30pm.

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by.

Be Aware. Be Prepared. Be Safe.

I’ve always been a metal head. So ten years ago, when I heard that members of the band Savatage were putting together a “metal” Christmas album, I was thrilled. That project turned into the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) and has been going strong ever since. I have always lived near cities where TSO was playing, but never got to see their live show. This year, my wife got us tickets here in Indianapolis.

With three Christmas albums (and one other album as well), the group brought plenty of material with them to Conseco Fieldhouse last night. The band played a mixture of classic and original Christmas music accompanied by two manic violinists and a back-up orchestra. With the band is a group of fantastic singers bringing a true rock opera experience to the audience. Just as amazing as their music is the stage show itself. With a morphing light rig, laser lights, falling snow, musician lifting-risers, flames and fireworks the show must truly be seen to be appreciated.

The show falls into basically two parts. The first half is a more-traditional playing of the group’s songs tied together with a narrated theme. Most of their songs with lyrics were performed during the first half. The second half of the concert cranked up the volume (and the fireballs) and was much heavier. TSO’s instrumentals were featured and the musicians got a chance to really show their stuff.

The show is truly family-friendly (other than the volume) and our 6 year-old rocked out with his older brother. It was the first rock concert to which either had been. While it was not my first, I haven’t seen a show this good in many years.

Finally, I thought I would mention that TSO takes a dollar from each ticket sale and supports a charity in the community in which they are playing. In Indy’s case, they made a donation to two: Community Health and Shepherd Community Center.

Thanks John for sharing. You sold me. Looks like I’m going to have to make this a must-do event in Indianapolis the next time Trans-Siberian Orchestra is here performing.

Enjoy his slideshow on flickr from the show

I found out today that one of my favorite comedians will be making their way to Indianapolis early next year.

It’s Jeff Dunham (Website, Facebook, and MySpace) one of the funniest ventriloquists I know of on the planet. I was able to see him perform at a comedy club in Nashville, TN a number of years back. I’ll never forget how he handled a bit of an audience member that had a bit too much drink and wouldn’t shut-up during his show. At the time he was doing a bit with Walter and in after one of the audience member’s interruptions Walter let this stinger fly out of his lips without missing a beat:

"Three million sperm and that one had to win the race!"

What confuses me though about Jeff Dunham coming to Indianapolis is that he’ll be doing a show at Conseco Fieldhouse. Now, I’m not real sure, but I believe I could probably pull off being a darn good ventriloquist for the people in attendance sitting in any of the red, yellow or blue sections below don’t you?

I’m not sure if he’s going to sell out the Fieldhouse, but I’ve got to think he’d probably sell out the Murat a couple of nights in a row don’t you think? Or perhaps a show at the Murat and a couple of other shows at other comedy clubs in the area?

The Indiana Pacers tip off pre-season play at home tonight, but fans shouldn’t head to Conseco Fieldhouse. The Blue and Gold will turn back the clock when they host New Orleans at Pepsi Coliseum. The Pacers franchise played seven seasons in the building beginning in 1967 as a member of the American Basketball Association. They also won three championships under head coach Bobby "Slick" Leonard. Leonard is expected to coach the current Pacers squad during the first quarter of tonight’s game.

One thing that I do like is the respect and recognition being shown to Bobby "Slick" Leonard as O’Brien trades spots with him tonight to let him coach the team for a quarter.

I didn’t grow up in Indianapolis, so I don’t know all the history of the Pacers, but I am familiar with the pride and history of Slick Leonard’s involvement with the team. Kudos to whomever thought up this tribute idea.

Now, if someone in the Pacer’s organization is interested in trying to change my mind this season with the Pacers, I’ll accept some free tickets for you to try and convince me to check out the team again. There’s no way I’d pay money to see a game in person at this point.

Give me an entire season with no Pacer showing up in court or in the headlines for activity off the basketball court and I might start warming up to the team again. Until that happens, this team needs to take an absolute zero-tolerance stand on questionable behavior by members of the team. Members of the team should probably start putting up some significant peer pressure in that area as well.

Source: IBJ Daily