Digi-Blog goes to Stillwater! (and you won’t like T-shirts)
The Digi-Blog, the new sensation that’s sweeping through parts of Fulton County and allows a sportswriter the opportunity to tell a story without the danger of misspelling too many words, is moving up to the next level, or at least to the Dustbowl. After past tours through SEC media days in Hoover, Ala., and the Falcons’ training camp in Flowery Branch, we took a digital photo tour of Stillwater, Oklahoma, where Georgia opens its football season Saturday. I must admit, I had never been to Stillwater before. In fact, I think the only time I had ever been to Oklahoma was when I drove through Tulsa for something, which was such a momentous event that I can’t remember what it was. I also wasn’t a big fan of Bruce Springsteen’s, “The Ghost of Tom Joad.” What’s a digi-blogger to do? Enough. Climb aboard the wagon train.
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I learned they don’t fly the most spacious planes to Oklahoma City. But I knew I was on the right flight Friday morning, given the number of Georgia shirts and hats. Even the flight attendant announced, “Ladies and gentleman, good morning for what appears to be the University of Georgia’s Morning Express to Oklahoma City.”
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We’re here. Fast flight, huh? This must be the rush hour at the Will Rogers World Airport. Will Rogers said he never met a man he didn’t like. That’s probably because he so seldom ran into one.
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Thought I’d stop and show you a few sights along the way. This is tucked between the airport and downtown Oklahoma City. I’m sure you always wondered where the world’s largest stocker and feeder cattle market was.
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Lies! Lies! Lies! It’s empty! Well, we all know how the stock market is down. (Thank you very much. And that’s why I only do two shows a night.)
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I got my first endorsement deal. See, a guy walks up to me and says, “You shovel. I shovel. Let’s go into business together.” (I thought I’d beat you to the punch.)
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Oklahoma City beat out Paris, London and Madrid for the International Pro Rodeo Association (which is as international as IHOP).
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I have a feeling we’re getting close. That’s a large inflatable Barry Sanders to the left, standing guard over his Hyundai dealership. Because when you think Barry Sanders and Stillwater, Oklahoma, you think Hyundai.
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We have entered enemy territory. This dude is Pistol Pete, and he is everywhere. I’m also reasonably certain there is no waiting period for handguns here.
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I warned you, didn’t I? Trust me. This isn’t the worst thing.
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Tennessee, Florida, Clemson — look Georgia fans, you have a whole new orange to hate.
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No, this isn’t the worst thing either.
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This is the worst thing. (Tech fans: If you would like to purchase a case or two, I can hook you up with my pal Lydia from the store.)
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Ladies and gentleman, the original Bee Gee.
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Here we are outside of the newly renovated T. Boone Pickens Stadium. Thomas Boone Pickens is an alumnus, made his money in oil and has given millions and billions and trillions of BooneBucks to Oklahoma State. I’m not sure if any of that money ended up in the pockets of a football recruit or two in the late 1980s, when the program went on probation. I don’t know why I brought that up. Probably goes back to the whole top soil endorsement thing.
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The door was unlocked. Very nice stadium. But fake grass and no hedges. Good news: also no tumbleweeds. (Fact is, I half-expected a couple of those old grasshopper-lookalike oil wells in the back of the end zone.)
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“Sit around the camp fire, boys and girls. Let me tell you the legend of Pistol Pete. He had a jump shot like no other gunslinger in these here parts . . .”
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They’re kind of into cowboys here.
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Gotta admit, this is an impressive trio in the trophy case: John Starks (hoops), Thurman Thomas (football), Robin Ventura (baseball).
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Just outside the stadium, workers were setting up a tent commemorating past Heisman Trophy winners. And guess which two winners were depicted right next to each other: Herschel Walker (Georgia) and Barry Sanders (Oklahoma State).
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There was a memory book for visitors to sign. I couldn’t resist. (Got a little nervous signing for Herschel.)
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194 comments Add your comment
Bob Horner had a sweet compact swing
September 4th, 2009
9:06 pm
Jeff…PLEASE don’t get drunk with the locals…..who would do your articles..?????
Cuz
September 4th, 2009
9:08 pm
Grinch, I believe the cheerleader shots will come tonight at Eskimo Joes. I hear they are doing belly shots for all takers.
Cuz
September 4th, 2009
9:10 pm
Bob, hacks like Jeff are a dime a dozen. Have you forgotten Bradley?
blazerdawg
September 4th, 2009
9:15 pm
That was awesome JS! Cool trophy case and the Sanders/Walker photo was great.
Cuz
September 4th, 2009
9:21 pm
Jeff is not commenting, he must be interviewing T-Bone Pickens for the “Well I skipped the wind farm and bought a stadium” article in Sundays paper.
greg
September 4th, 2009
9:22 pm
What a horrible place this looks like. How in the world can they have a top 10 program?
Sonny Clusters
September 4th, 2009
9:26 pm
Jeff, we was wondering if you saw that sucker punch that Oregon player thowed? Was they shaking hands when it happened? Once, Stinky Wintes got nailed with a sucker punch and he didn’t go down or nothing. He just turned around an blowed some of the worst breath in Gwinnett County all over that boy from Cobb. We was never behind after that.
TJ
September 4th, 2009
9:29 pm
I heard OSU does have some hot cheerleaders. Looking forward to seeing them on the tele manana. And if you have any pics of them Jeff, please feel free to share.
Chris
September 4th, 2009
9:33 pm
Dude you took pics in horrible locations, tomorrow hit up the campus early (Southwest Corner) and start pictures at Theta Pond and work your way to the stadium catching campus and tailgating, Eskimo Joe’s will be along your route. Enjoy your visit and the game!
-OSU Student
GA swamprat
September 4th, 2009
9:36 pm
Jeff – Good stuff. I’m still laughing. I was surprised that the stadium was so small and dull looking.
I heard that the game may be cancelled if they have a dust storm out there. Thanks.
GO DAWGS. SHOW THOSE COWBOYS WHAT A GREAT FOOTBALL TEAM LOOKS LIKE.
WIN-WIN-WIN. GO DAWGS.
Cuz
September 4th, 2009
9:40 pm
Mike Bobo’s Thursday night press conference.
“After watching film of Oklahoma States last three games we have come to three conclusions. We can take advantage of their secondary, their defensive line and at least four of their cheerleaders. Has anyone heard of a bar called Eskimo Joes? Well you will after Friday night.”
Jeff watch out for the jello shots also.
Chris
September 4th, 2009
9:40 pm
Eskimo Joe’s:
Entrance:
http://www.eskimojoes.com/webcam/index.php?cam=3
Middle section: (It has 3 sections like this downstairs and 2 upstairs
http://www.eskimojoes.com/webcam/index.php?cam=2
Sic Em'
September 4th, 2009
9:42 pm
Jeff I am not going to lie, I really don’t like you. Not even a little bit.
But this was an entertaining piece. Once you get back, i expect nothing less of you than to take your “Atlanta sports sucks and no team in this town will ever win a game again” stance.
But good work on this one. You don’t HAVE to come back. If you are able to get a job at the cattle market I’d support that move for you.
Sanford Drive
September 4th, 2009
9:43 pm
Cuz, are you talking to yourself?
Jeff Schultz
September 4th, 2009
9:44 pm
Hi all. Thanks for the comments. Tim Tucker and I just got back from dinner. Yes, we had steak. Tasted like steak.
Howard – I did not see Fulmer on campus today, but I’ll check again tomorrow and report back.
MiltonDawg – I vote for cheerleaders, unless TPB is offering cash.
Volman – I think I’m doing back to back Tech games actually, Clemson and Miami.
Carlos – Yes .. I’ll file some sort of pre-game blog, possibly on T.P.B. giving me a $2 million just because I’m a nice guy, and then live blog on that. Then I’ll write a post-game column. And I’ll for the same price!!!
Mark C – He’s definitely juicing.
Dog in Fla. – I heard about Eskimo Joes but didn’t see it today. Hope to make it there tomorrow.
Hungry Dawg – I think it seats about 60,000.
Hillbilly – I agree. I think we should just all spell words the way they sound to us!
BoutDemPokes
September 4th, 2009
9:47 pm
Hey Jeff, very funny stuff….”the Original Bee Gee” is killing me!!! Thanks for not being disrespectful of your host too, that scored big points with me and I think you’ll enjoy your night in Stillwater on the Strip and at Eskimo Joe’s were they hold the all time record for the most T-Shirts sold than any other any other establishment on the planet.
We’ll all have a good time together, the cheerleaders are always freaking smokin’, duck when Pete pulls out his weapons on the field, take pictures of the team walk to the stadium with the band and I’ll have a Brat and a Beer waiting for you at the Masonic Lodge on Duck Street!
B
September 4th, 2009
9:51 pm
Glad you ate a steak and didn’t choke!! Now remember, you are in the CTZ. So you have an extra hour to play with Tim. Hehe
Jeff Schultz
September 4th, 2009
9:52 pm
Tim – had too many long work nights recently. Had one glass of wine with dinner and I’m ready to pass out. … I know. I know. (sigh).
B – The steak was good, not best I’ve ever had or anything but good. Tucker and I just went to a mid-level place.
Marie – Do NOT tell Uga about the shirt. It would TOTALLY ruin his weekend. And you know how he gets.
Bryan G – Pretty funny.
St. Bernard – Cox is flying separately tonight from team. You probably heard about the flu thing. Tim talked to him earlier today and supposedly he’s feeling a little better.
Cuz – Thanks for the travel tip.
NRBQ – You can tell by the way he uses his walk, he’s a woman’s man, no time to talk . . . .
Bob Horner had a sweet compact swing – I never get drunk before I write. But I do take hallucinogens before writing Weekend Predictions every week. It frees the mind, don’t you think?
Central Fl Dawg
September 4th, 2009
9:55 pm
I am not sure how the OSU fans can tolerate living with all that orange everywhere. But then I guess I am the only that can taste the bile from seeing so much it where I live.
GO DAWGS…………..SIC ‘EM UGA 35 OSU 24
B
September 4th, 2009
9:57 pm
I prefer the meats at Fogo personally. Especially the picanha. But I never miss a nice T bone when I am in the Southwest. They have a sec college preview on Peachtree TV now. Pretty interesting. Braves about to lose 3 straight. Talk about inconsistent. I am glad football is here. No more wasting time on them.
Jeff Schultz
September 4th, 2009
9:58 pm
Sic ‘em — You can’t hate me but like something I did. Do not play with my emotions that way. Hate or like? Decide. Choose or perish.
B — Tim’s back in his room now, on medical alert just in case he has to update the Cox story. No jello shots for him.
Campout Cowboy
September 4th, 2009
10:00 pm
Nice little article.
Posting from Gundyville, outside of BP – can’t wait for the game tomorrow. I will say that if you want to hit Eskimo Joes or the Hideaway, get there EARLY, as the lines will really stretch out. (Also, the Pom Squad is a better photo op than the cheerleaders, for the record.
Ken Stallings
September 4th, 2009
10:00 pm
You know Jeff, this might be a good theme for each of the upcoming football games — your column can double as a quality travel site!
Campout Cowboy
September 4th, 2009
10:01 pm
Also.
OSU – 37
UGA – 28
M
September 4th, 2009
10:12 pm
I get the point you were trying to make but it sounds like something opposing band members would think of.. “lets go take pictures of the other team’s town and then use the ones that make it look terrible. (laugh, laugh, pass the wine cooler)”. I’ve been to Georgia several times… careful in that big glass house!
Sonny Clusters
September 4th, 2009
10:27 pm
We was thinking losing this game tonight is going to make it hard for the Braves to get to the playoffs. Now that they been away for the playoffs for so long is it time to think Bobby Cox might not be so special after all? When we was playing if Coach lost a few in a row the principal would threaten to make him teach government if he didn’t start winning again. Coach did not like to teach anything he couldn’t spell.
Sic Em'
September 4th, 2009
10:29 pm
FINE!!!! As I sit watching a 20/20 episode about Amish teens defecting from their familes and life, a premonition comes over me!!! *** MAYBE I DO LIKE JEFF SCHULTZ!!!!*** Jeff, I’d like to buy you a horse and buggy for your return trip to the great state of Georgia.
Enjoy yourself out there buddy!!!
Jeff Schultz
September 4th, 2009
10:32 pm
Ken Stallings — Thanks. Not sure it would work in Starkville though.
M –It’s all in fun. But you don’t really want to compare Athens, considered one of the best college towns in the nation, to Stillwater, do you?
osu fan stuck in a tall office building in tulsa
September 4th, 2009
10:33 pm
Why did you fly into OKC? Tulsa is much nicer.
dbc
September 4th, 2009
10:34 pm
Is there, like a town? A campus? Seems like you went out of your way to portray them as Festus on Gunsmoke. I can’t go to the game, but I love the topic and the way it’s presented. How about taking it a step further and showing the actual campus, the fans, the town, the tailgate. Then we can all “get the picture.” Could be something kinda cool for the rest of the season. Nice first step though. (That said, the statue and mascot look like Cowboy Curtis from Pee Wee’s Playhouse.)
Not Disappointed!
September 4th, 2009
10:42 pm
Jeff, you out did yourself. This is so funny! I cant wait to go to the tech game and listen to the dawgs on the radio! “College Football is here!”
Ramblin Wreck!
Doc Holliday
September 4th, 2009
10:45 pm
Nice of you to take photos of some of the ugliest parts of our fair state instead of the really nice parts.
Cuz
September 4th, 2009
10:47 pm
Festus is the AD for Okie State.
“Well gosh darn Mike Gundy, what the heck are we gonna do with all dem Bulldawgs a barking and such.”
Look it up on Wikipedia, there is a Campus, there is a stadium and there is Eskimo Joes. No mention of a town.
osu fan stuck in a tall office building in tulsa
September 4th, 2009
10:48 pm
dbc, the campus is beautiful — one of the nicest in this part of the country. in fact, the architecture is referred to as ‘georgian.’ The buildings are stately there is a beautiful duck pond, etc.. The town is small (around 50-60,000) but is mostly centered around the university. The town has a nice downtown and several exclusive areas (Karsten Creek is one golf course you’ve heard of). The town is the type that fights box stores and malls in perference to downtown areas.
We have a strange football culture. Unlike ou and most southern schools there is a large percentage of the student population which does not care about football. Those that do are as rabid as any fan from any school.
Cuz
September 4th, 2009
10:52 pm
Doc, I admire you for shooting Johnny Ringo for Wyatt, but why would Jeff want to take pictures of your state fair?
Jeff Schultz
September 4th, 2009
11:01 pm
OSU fan in building — yeah, apparently Tulsa is so much nicer that my flight would’ve been like double.
DBC — The next time I go on a campus I’ll get shots of the library and cafeteria for you — as long as there’s a cheerleader or something funny going on there. … Trust me, not much at all to the town. .. Downtown is old and ugly. .. other parts are typical: a Wal-mart, a Chili’s, fastfood, etc.
OSU fan in bldg — campus is nice. “beautiful” might be overstating it, but I guess I missed the duck pond (it’s not huntin’ season is it? hope not.)
Cuz
September 4th, 2009
11:08 pm
Hunting season starts tomorrow Jeff, DUCK!!! Sorry, had to throw that sucker punch of an Oregon joke.
45ACP
September 4th, 2009
11:16 pm
I thought my penmanship was bad. Jeff your 2nd grade teacher would be ashamed.
Reid Adair
September 4th, 2009
11:48 pm
Very well done, Jeff. “The original Bee Gee” … ha!!!
BugKiller
September 4th, 2009
11:54 pm
Jeff,
First, Bradley puts a Batman reference in his blog, which was awesome.
But you’ve now topped that with your Ghostbusters reference.
You are this week’s King of the Blog!!!
lowcountrydawg
September 4th, 2009
11:54 pm
Great pics, JS…Go Dawgs!!!
Alabama Jack
September 4th, 2009
11:54 pm
Been to Eskimo Joes yet. Coldest beer and best cheese fries in town – but suggest you leave your dawg stuff in the motel room.
David Granger
September 5th, 2009
12:03 am
Why do we give a rat’s ass what kinda T-shirts they’re selling? Oklahoma State is THEIR team, just like Georgia is ours. Let ‘em print whatever kinda shirts they want to and wear ‘em. Lord knows, we do the same. Just means you support your team.
Frankly, I hope Georgia doesn’t worry about shirts this year. Alabama game last year shoulda taught us that…
OSUbuick
September 5th, 2009
12:33 am
Jeff- I will compare Stillwater to Athens. Stillwater has been rated the #6 best small town in America, so yeah, we got some goods.
ostatesports
September 5th, 2009
1:04 am
Kinda funny to see a buncha country boys from a dusty agricultural state bagging on, well….country boys from another dusty agricultural state.
Corrine Brown
September 5th, 2009
1:19 am
Pistol Pete is a “Brokeback Mountain Cowboy”
biggbuzz
September 5th, 2009
1:21 am
THESE STUPID CROTCHLIKERS THINK ATHENS IS SOMETHING SPECIAL?????
Whopper Dawg
September 5th, 2009
1:28 am
I assume that they have a hotel and you are not sleeping in the rental car, or should I assume that don’t even have rental cars and you are thumbing and sleeping on the street?
I am very thankful right now that me and mine have absolutely nothing to do with the state of Oklahoma.
BugKiller
September 5th, 2009
1:30 am
LMAO… “crotchlikers.”
These Brokeback Cowboy jokes just keep making themselves without any effort from us.
Lee
September 5th, 2009
2:09 am
Great article from a Tech fan