BREAKING: James Talarico just released an incredible video reminding every American what hope feels like. This is the best political ad we've seen in a long time.
One of the lessons from Montreal's Olympic Stadium is the importance of “Think Global, Act Local.”
The stadium was designed by a talented French architect, Roger Taillibert, but the project became a cautionary tale about the importance of adapting ambitious architecture to local realities—including Montreal's harsh winters.
Which brings me to one of the benefits of building in public.
The moment I mentioned the PEPSC site near Carrie-Derick as a potential home for the restored @Montreal_Expos, a couple of Peanut Project “import-exporters” (fans and supporters) pointed out something I hadn't considered.
The site is near the old Autostade, which apparently faced serious problems with wind and bugs.
We'll deal with the bugs later.
But the wind? That's worth thinking about now.
In Montreal, I believe a retractable roof is essential.
Now, I have precisely ZERO experience in graphic design, architecture, engineering or construction. Bruh, I can't even fix anything around the house. My wife is Bob Vila, and whenever a plumber or electrician shows up, I react as though I'm witnessing the return of the Messiah—Jesus, the Mahdi, take your pick.
Nonetheless, here's what I'm imagining.
A retractable roof whose primary structure is anchored along the river-facing side of the stadium, with the movable roof opening toward downtown.
[Wind direction: The river-facing side is not automatically the windward side. Montreal's winds vary seasonally and by weather system. A site-specific wind study would determine the best shielding arrangement.
Roof mechanics: A roof that opens toward downtown could be feasible, but the location of its fixed structure, moving panels and tracks would depend on engineering. A fixed river-side roof section might offer the protection you're imagining without requiring a literal hinge.
Glass: Absolutely worth exploring, but glazing introduces snow-load, thermal-performance, glare and maintenance considerations. Retractable and transparent are not mutually exclusive.]
The idea is to explore whether the structure could help shield spectators from prevailing winds while preserving something that makes this location so special: the spectacular Montreal skyline.
Ideally, even when the roof is closed, we'd incorporate generous glazing so fans could still enjoy the city views and natural light. Not some hermetically sealed concrete bunker.
Of course, all of this is subject to actual engineering, wind studies, costs and feasibility. I know just enough to ask questions—and nowhere near enough to answer them.
I'm just a guy with some time on his hands with a classroom exercise that turned into reality (j/k. I was as serious as a heart attack on day 1. People just didn't know it, yet).
But that's precisely my point.
Imagine we eventually work with a world-class stadium architect like @Populous, alongside a talented local Montreal firm.
Global expertise. Local knowledge.
Even the best architects might not immediately know about the old Autostade's wind problems. That seemingly small historical detail could influence everything from roof design and structural loads to spectator comfort and operating costs.
Catching those issues early could help avoid expensive redesigns, cost overruns and, ultimately, a subpar fan experience.
And that insight didn't come from an expensive consulting report.
It came from a couple of Montreal sports fans who remembered something.
That's the value of building in public.
You don't have to know everything. You have to be willing to listen to people who know something you don't.
Any architects, engineers, stadium designers or longtime Autostade fans want to weigh in?
Just sayin'. These are clearly just concepts... I 100% concede that much glass in Montreal may be wishful thinking. But you get the idea.
Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, Oct 4, 1956 - A dejected young fan looks on as rain postpones Game 2 in 1956 World Series between the Yankees and Dodgers. When play resumed the next day Gil Hodges and Duke Snider led the way for the Dodgers combining for 5 hits and 7 RBIs in a 13-8 win
Take a 360d pan around the Ebbets Field clubhouse where Duke, Campy, Jackie, Reese and other Dodger greats once laced up their spikes. #Brooklyn#Dodgers#Ebbets#NotAI@Momento360 https://t.co/XivttrwA14
2Pac & The Outlawz - “Made N***az” (1996) 🔥🎤
One of Pac’s hardest Death Row-era joints. Produced by Pac himself alongside Johnny J, this is Pac and the Outlawz going absolutely IN 🔥
Originally released on the Supercop soundtrack in July 1996, just weeks before Pac’s death, the track later appeared on the Gang Related soundtrack in October 1997.
And that music video! 🎬 One of Pac’s final videos, directed by Gobi Rahimi. There were multiple versions, including that iconic rotating-camera performance and the hilarious but menacing scenes featuring Biggie and Puffy lookalikes! 😂🔥
30 years later, this joint still goes HARD. And let’s not overlook Pac’s involvement behind the boards either 💯
2Pac was absolutely ruthless on “Don’t Go 2 Sleep” 🔥 Originally recorded in 1996 with the Outlawz and produced by Daz Dillinger during Pac’s Death Row days, this is one of his most vicious Bad Boy-era diss tracks. The aggression, delivery and sheer contempt in that outro are truly something else 🎤😤💯
Daz later reworked his own production, adding verses from himself and Kurupt for the Makaveli & Dillinger EP, released in 2001.
A visit to the main concession court at Ebbets Field provided all the traditional comforts of a day at the ballpark: hot dogs, peanuts, cold beer, and cigarettes. #Brooklyn#Dodgers#Ebbets#NotAI
WHOLESOME |
Viral Haitian father is capturing attention for teaching his young daughter English from their rural community in Haiti, showing how learning can begin early, no matter where a child grows up •
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// Wendy & Almeida
Next up? @latimes@BillShaikin was doing a story on former @Dodgers GM @DanEvans108 and spoke about his involvement, support and efforts to help me & the #PeanutProject in the restoration of the @Montreal_Expos & @MLB to @Montreal
A quote, and then the link in the replies.
"Karbasfrooshan has started the conversations, with old money and new money in Montreal, with corporations there and elsewhere, with private equity funds from all over — and with sports industry veterans who can tell him what he doesn’t know. He might end up with a small stake in the team, or none at all.
'I’m not coming at this like some kind of social dilettante billionaire who thinks he’s God’s gift,' he said. 'I’m just a guy. I’m a nobody in many ways, but I’m a guy who built a world-class company and executes and fundraises and all that.'
Karbasfrooshan is optimistic he has generated enough interest to pull all that capital together, but he spoke this week with a sports investment banker in the hope of turning that interest into commitments. He has a former NFL executive interested in becoming president of business operations and has spoken with a former MLB executive about running stadium operations.
'They wouldn’t care if the capital wasn’t there,' Karbasfrooshan said. 'But, if all factors are equal — if Salt Lake has capital and we have capital; if Raleigh has a stadium and we have a stadium — you can then show you have these people committed. In a way, it’s doing a bit of their due diligence.'"
Full article after the jump! LFG.