For Thursday evening Oct. 4 I have Orioles tickets and was planning a drive to Baltimore to see Cal Ripken play baseball one last time. Friday evening would be good, however, and would also eliminate most worries about having to wake up and go to work the next morning.

Although, actually I am working Saturday afternoon since I'll be reporting on a beer festival in the Shirlington area of Arlington. (Getting paid to drink free beer -- there are times when writing for a beer magazine has its advantages.)