Catchy

Hydration. It cannot be overstated how important hydration is as we're gripped by the summer heat. As with most illnesses, we should make special arrangements to oversee the young and the elderly.

Seventy-three percent of all Americans will suffer from dehydration this summer. Of course that number was completely fabricated to emphasize the point.

While we're on the subject of drinking fluids to beat the heat, here is another tip. This tip coincides with last week's cover story: "Things That Are Still Cheap."

Tap water is cheaper than bottled water--trust me on this one. When did America (and the world for that matter) decide bottled water was so much better than tap water? Taking a road trip? Bottled water may be a necessity. Heading across town? Fill up your plastic, reusable bottle with tap or filtered water and save some money. Either way, drink up.

Glad to see the Tulsa Drillers heeded my message. Since last week's column challenged the team to rise above the fray, they've been on a hot streak.

First place is where our team belongs. Can they keep the current pace and finish off the first half of the season atop the division? Only one way... errr... day to find out.

Sunday, June 28, the team entertains Springfield. The first pitch is scheduled for 2:05pm. Springfield, NW Arkansas and Tulsa are within one game of each other at this time... like right now... as I sit at my laptop typing away.

The final game of the first half should be ample reason to schlep the family to Drillers Stadium for a Sunday tilt. After all, it is the last chance to see the final first-half game ever played at "old" Drillers Stadium.

But there is more.

The "great event" is a homerun every year. Principal Financial Group Family Fun Fest. Or PFGFFF as I like to type.

PFGFFF begins three hours prior to the game this Sunday. Starting at 11am, this free event is open to the public. It is geared toward families.

In case you have not taken advantage of the opportunity in the past, here is what is in store for you this year. Imagine the midway at the state fair. Now, take away the greasy smelling carnies and funny-looking food.

It is a celebration of baseball. The 4000 square foot setup features more than 20 baseball themed family attractions.

No confirmation on the "inject yourself in the rear with steroids" booth featuring Sammy Sosa in a Drillers uniform. But I'm sure there will be other amusing activities to enjoy.

Baseball museums, a video game trailer, batting cages and pitching cages are just a few of the attractions. The obligatory "Photoshop your face on a SI cover or baseball card" is available too.

I don't want to beat the Sammy Sosa is a cheater and once played for the Drillers angle to death but... how much for a collage of Sammy Sosa? Here are the three pics that must be included.

Sammy's corked bat shattering all over the field of play. That's the classic "oops" moment during his playing career. If the framed Sosa edition also contained a few splinters or pieces of cork, the price goes up.

The second photo would have to be Sammy sitting behind a microphone in front of congress with a caption reading "No hable ingles."

The final pic has to be a side-by-side of him before and after drug testing. Can you say shrinkage? I'd buy this in a Tulsa second. If he autographs it, even better. The joys of PFGFFF. Visit www.tulsadrillers.com for more information. Enjoy.

One Helluva Toss

This weekend also marks the 16th annual Summer Solstice. Summer Solstice? What the heck is that? It's the ultimate, as in, Ultimate Frisbee competition. Not disc golf.

A quick, low-level recap of Ultimate: Think a smallish soccer field equipped with end zones where the competitors throw a disc and complete passes like in football, except you can't run with the frisbee. Have I offended Ultimate players with this nebulous description? Probably.

The SS event is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28 at the Valley Park Soccer Complex in Claremore.

More than 30 men's teams and 15 women's teams from across the country will gather for the annual tournament.

Go check it out and if you're nice to the organizers, they may even let you chug a beer or two from their 30ish Choc kegs onsite Saturday night.

Most competitors camp at the field prior to the event. You know they are hardcore.

In closing, I'd like to once again stress the importance of hydration. Like I said, 86 percent of all Americans will suffer from dehydration this summer. Yes, I realize the number is higher this time but since both are made up I might as well aim higher.

Planning to head out to PFGFFF? Drink plenty of fluids. Thinking about joining the rowdy bunch out at SS? Double the H2O intake before sucking down local brews provided by Choc Brewing Company. Did I mention live music Saturday night?

Visit www.tulsaultimate.com for more information and specific times.

The UTW: Where you can get your PFGFFF and SS in one tidy package. Stay thirsty my friends.