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I Operated an Excavator All by Myself at Texas’s First Construction Theme Park

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I Operated an Excavator All by Myself at Texas’s First Construction Theme Park


I had hoped that by exhibiting as much as Dig World very first thing within the morning on a wet weekday, I’d keep away from a giant crowd—thus minimizing my embarrassment at being the one childless grownup visiting Texas’s first construction-themed kiddie park, within the Houston suburb of Katy. However alas, once I arrived at 9:55 a.m., 5 minutes earlier than the park opened, Dig World’s car parking zone was already filled with pickup vehicles and crossover SUVs. Mother and father and grandparents have been unbuckling ecstatic four-, five-, and six-year-olds from their automobile seats. I attempted my finest to not stand out. 

“Parking zone” is a barely complicated time period right here, as a result of Dig World itself can be only a car parking zone. The park, which opened final month and was designed with the assistance of specialists from Texas A&M’s division of building science, is a cordoned-off section of the countless pavement outdoors of the Katy Mills procuring heart. The three.5-acre house has been remodeled right into a dreamland for the form of child who can let you know the distinction between an excavator and a backhoe. One among my nieces is like that, and I had thought-about bringing her with me as cowl. However she’s not even three, and much shorter than the 32 inches required to take part in Dig World’s primary attraction: driving and working real-life heavy building gear. Having to elucidate to her why she couldn’t get right into a skid steer would have made it tougher for me to do what I wished to do, which additionally was to get right into a skid steer, and function it on my own, like a giant child. 

Dig World has 4 primary stations. At its heart are the skid steer tracks, the place youngsters and/or their mother and father can wait in an extended line to spend just a few fairly cool minutes driving a stocky, four-wheeled loader that often has a scooping attachment within the entrance, however right here simply had two tires that made the loaders look type of like bumper vehicles. Additionally in the midst of the park is a smaller monitor on which older youngsters (these over 48 inches tall) can drive a utility activity car (like a golf cart, however for unmanicured landscapes). Alongside the periphery are two associated stations, the most well-liked of which is house to the mini excavators. These beauties have crane arms with buckets on the top for digging and relocating sand, dust, or no matter earth stands in the best way of your initiatives. Subsequent to them is a station that Dig World calls “mini ex video games.” It additionally options mini excavators, although these are bucketless, with hook attachments on the finish of their arms, that may be maneuvered to choose up cones, bricks, and a wide range of different objects. 

Upon my arrival, I headed straight for the mini excavators. This space had the longest line, little doubt as a result of excavators are legitimately cool. Who doesn’t need to swing a giant crane arm round, at any age? You get to take a seat means up excessive and management all the pieces with a joystick, like on the arcade. Although Dig World’s promotional supplies emphasize that the park is meant for building lovers of all ages, I used to be the one grownup in line not paired with a baby, and I did my damnedest to mission an aura of non-creepiness, particularly as a result of one other grownup lady had allegedly tried to kidnap a four-year-old at Dig World simply two days earlier. I waited in line for about fifteen minutes, and once I lastly obtained by I used to be positioned within the machine closest to the gate, which meant I had a nervous teenaged park worker proper subsequent to me, ensuring I knew what I used to be doing. Clearly, I didn’t, however I actually didn’t need him to know that. I don’t carry out nicely with somebody standing over my shoulder, even after they’re good, which this child completely was. I didn’t do my finest excavating that day. I barely moved any dust earlier than I gave up and moved on, forgoing even a visit to the “mini ex video games,” now not assured that I had what it takes to compete. 

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The road for the skid steers was additionally lengthy, but it surely flew by. I used to be much less nervous this time, as a result of I made eye contact with one other grownup lady in a skid steer by herself (she was there along with her child, however he was in one other car). I used to be helped into my machine by a special Dig World worker, although this man was considerably much less nervous. He wore a brilliant yellow building vest. He confirmed me the controls, after which walked backward alongside the winding monitor, waving instructions for me to comply with; collectively we meandered extraordinarily slowly round a Katy car parking zone. Once we have been completed, he provided to take my image contained in the skid steer, since I clearly didn’t have a mommy and/or daddy there to doc my large day. I accepted, however he didn’t get my good aspect, so these images won’t ever see the sunshine of day.

There wasn’t a lot else to do within the park. I opted to not drive the UTV, because the novelty is considerably much less thrilling for somebody who drives a automobile every single day of their life. There’s a gem-mining station, a gold-rush-era fountain factor with an indication studying “Previous Gemmy’s Mining Firm,” but it surely requires the acquisition of a gem from the close by concession stand. With fuel costs as excessive as they’re, I can’t be throwing round my hard-earned cash on faux gems. I didn’t even hassle going to the sandbox, as a result of I hate sand, and likewise I’m nearly 36. 

Based mostly on my go to, I really feel comfy saying that Dig World is enjoyable for all ages. I actually had a greater time driving the skid steer than I did driving my Toyota RAV4 again to Austin in standstill Interstate 10 visitors. However Dig World isn’t very large, and thus can solely actually really feel like a “world” to these between 32 and 48 inches tall. The children I noticed throughout my go to might barely comprise their glee. Vehicles are like celebrities to little youngsters. For my niece, being within the presence of a dwelling, respiratory excavator is as thrilling as being in the identical room as Sandra Bullock, or Lee Tempo, may be for yours really. Even on a gross, moist Texas morning, in a grey car parking zone on the aspect of one of the vital cursed stretches of freeway within the nation, just a few dozen preschoolers have been having one of the best day of their lives. That’s heartwarming, even for a childless grownup like myself. 



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Texas A&M baseball vs Tennessee live score, updates highlights from College World Series Game 1

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Texas A&M baseball vs Tennessee live score, updates highlights from College World Series Game 1


Texas A&M baseball is two games away — perhaps three — from achieving a historic first for the program.

With two victories over the No. 1 national seed Tennessee baseball team in the College World Series championship series, the No. 3 seed Aggies will have won the program’s first CWS title. But that is a prospect easier said than done, as Aggies coach Jim Schlossnagle is likely aware.

Texas A&M is 1-4 all time vs. Tennessee under the Aggies coach, whose Vols counterpart, Tony Vitello, actually served as his recruiting coordinator at TCU from 2011-13. Schlossnagle’s only victory over Tennessee came in the 2023 SEC Baseball Tournament, and the Vols defeated the Aggies 7-4 in the 2024 edition of the tournament.

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MORE: Watch Texas A&M vs. Tennessee in CWS with Fubo (free trial)

Moreover, Texas A&M is dealing with several injuries as it heads to the biggest stage afforded the sport, including likely top-10 draft pick Braden Montgomery. Jace LaViolette hurt his hamstring vs. No. 2 national seed Kentucky on Monday but returned and was able to play vs. Florida in the CWS semifinals on Wednesday.

If the Aggies are able to take the series vs. Tennessee, no one will be able to say it was unearned. With that, follow along for live scores, updates and highlights from Game 1 of the College World Series championship series:

Texas A&M baseball vs Tennessee score

Teams 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Tennessee
Texas A&M

Texas A&M baseball vs Tennessee live updates, highlights

This section will be updated closer to first pitch, scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.

Pregame

4:07 p.m.: Texas A&M fans have packed the Aggies’ hotel before they head out to the stadium. Here’s a look:

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2:40 p.m.: An interesting stat for Texas A&M: The Aggies had not made a national championship in football, baseball or basketball since 1939 until now.

2:16 p.m.: Another hype video, but Tennessee edition:

2:14 p.m.: Texas A&M released a hype video ahead of game one of the national championship series:

What channel is Texas A&M baseball vs Tennessee on today?

Game 1 of the CWS championship series will air on ESPN. Karl Ravech (play-by-play), Kyle Peterson (color analyst), Chris Burke (color analyst) and Kris Budden (sideline reporter) will broadcast the game.

Streaming options for the game include the ESPN app (with a cable login), ESPN+ and Fubo, the last of which carries the ESPN family of network and offers a free trial.

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MORE: Buy College World Series tickets with StubHub

Texas A&M baseball vs Tennessee start time

  • Date: Saturday June 22
  • Time: 6 p.m. CT

Game 1 of the College World Series between Texas A&M and Tennessee is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. CT from Charles Schwab Field Omaha.

Texas A&M baseball vs Tennessee betting odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Saturday at noon CT

  • Spread: Tennessee (-1.5)
  • Over/under: 11.5 runs
  • Moneyline: Tennessee (-185) | Texas A&M (+140)

Texas A&M baseball schedule 2024

Below is Texas A&M’s postseason schedule. For the Aggies’ full 2024 college baseball schedule, click here.

Bryan-College Station Regional

  • Friday, May 31: (3) Texas A&M 8, Grambling 0
  • Saturday, June 1: (3) Texas A&M 4, Texas 1 (11 innings)
  • Sunday, June 2: (3) Texas A&M 9, Louisiana 4

Bryan-College Station Super Regional

  • Saturday, June 8: (3) Texas A&M 10, Oregon 6
  • Sunday, June 9: (3) Texas A&M 15, Oregon 9

College World Series

  • Saturday, June 15: (3) Texas A&M 3, Florida 2
  • Monday, June 17: (3) Texas A&M 5, (2) Kentucky 1
  • Wednesday, June 19: (3) Texas A&M 6, Florida 0

CWS championship series

  • Saturday, June 22: (3) Texas A&M vs. (1) Tennessee
  • Sunday, June 23: (1) Tenessee vs. (3) Texas A&M
  • Monday, June 24*: (3) Texas A&M vs. (1) Tennessee

* If necessary

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College World Series 2024: How to watch Tennessee vs. Texas A&M game Saturday

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College World Series 2024: How to watch Tennessee vs. Texas A&M game Saturday


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The matchup for the Men’s College World Series championship finals is set.

No. 3 Texas A&M (52-13) will take on No. 1 Tennessee (58-12) in a three-game series this weekend to determine the national champion.

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The Volunteers advanced after they dispatched the No. 8 Florida State Seminoles Wednesday in a 7-2 victory. Tennessee raced out to a three-run first inning and coasted the rest of the way in what was a team effort that saw five different players record at least one RBI. The Aggies, meanwhile, dominated Florida in a four-hit, 6-0 shutout victory. Starting pitcher Justin Lamkin struck out nine and allowed just three hits in five innings of work.

COLLEGE WORLD SERIES: NCAA baseball tournament field bracket, schedule

Here’s what you need to know about Game 1 of the Men’s College World Series championship finals:

What College World Series games are on Saturday?

The 2024 Men’s College World Series championship finals kick off Saturday in a game between No. 3 Texas A&M and No. 1 Tennessee:

  • No. 3 Texas A&M vs. No. 1 Tennessee, 7:30 p.m. ET

How to watch College World Series game Saturday

Game 1 of the Men’s College World Series championship finals Saturday will be broadcast live on ESPN and streamed online on ESPN+.

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When are the Men’s College World Series championship finals games?

Here’s the full schedule of the Men’s College World Series:

  • June 22: MCWS Final Game 1, 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN
  • June 23: MCWS Final Game 2, 2 p.m. ET | ABC
  • June 24: MCWS Final Game 3 (if necessary), 7 p.m. ET | ESPN



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“Texas wine is having a moment”: North Texas winemaker breaking new ground

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“Texas wine is having a moment”: North Texas winemaker breaking new ground


NORTH TEXAS — If you love wine, lean in. About an hour’s drive north of Dallas, a tree-lined, dirt and gravel road bends around a curve revealing a lush and lovely surprise, the Edge of the Lake Vineyard and Winery. It’s 100 windswept acres along Lake Ray Roberts. 

“It’s more than I thought it would be initially,” says owner Fred Cummings, “but I now know it could be more than it is.” 

Dr. Fred Cummings Edge of the Lake Vineyard and Winery owner

CBS News Texas

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Dr. Cummings is the MD turned winemaker. He says he’s known since he was a child that he wanted to be a doctor, but it was his grandmother’s wisdom that planted something in his spirit about the soil. 

“She had a grapevine in her backyard and a fig tree,” recalls Cummings. “She says, `Fred’- I must’ve been about nine years old…just come back from Germany. And she picked up some dirt and said, ‘God didn’t make any more of this, so get some’.” And I said, Yes, ma’am.” 

And so he did, ultimately purchasing a former pig farm that became his family’s lakefront home. Then when the kids grew up and away, his wife Mary pushed him to do more with the property. So in 2010, he began to plant grapes. 

“The best grape that we grow on this property is actually grenache, but we grow grenache, tempranillo, and albarino,” explains Cummings. 

It took some years before he turned out a wine-worthy, award-winning harvest. Still, there was something else flourishing on those vines. Cummings says his proudest moment in his winemaking journey was, “my son coming to help me.” 

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Fred Cummings and son Christopher McIntosh
Fred Cummings and son Christopher McIntosh are winemakers at  the Edge of the Lake Vineyard and Winery in North Texas.

CBS News Texas


That would be his son Christopher McIntosh. He’s the vineyard’s winemaker. McIntosh admits that he needed some convincing, but now loves every moment. 

“It’s ours. We get to take it from fruit to glass- every bit of our work goes into each bottle. I get to share that process with- not only my father but the rest of my family. My wife works here, my daughter works here. My sister-in-law works here, my mother-in-law works here. So it really is a family operation which makes it even more special.” 

McIntosh says picking a favorite is like picking a favorite child, but just between us, the grenache has become the winery’s award-winning standout. 

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“I like to tell everybody we trick our vines into thinking they’re in the Mediterranean with all this lakefront property,” shares McIntosh with a laugh. “So yeah… that’s our favorite grape. We use it in three different wines. We make a rosé with it, we make a younger grenache, and then we make our estate grenache reserve.” 

Looking out on Lake Ray Roberts, the views are gorgeous, the tasting room polished and modern, the tasty tidbits and artisan cheeses just perfect for sampling. But the true test of a wine is in the sampling. And a tasting room full of visitors insist that  the Edge of the Lake Vineyard and Winery does not disappoint. 

“So it’s very hard work,” explains McIntosh. “But again, every bottle that’s turned out is a show of success. And the biggest show of that is when somebody tastes something and they just smile in awe of what what you put in a bottle for them.” 

Edge of the Lake Vineyard and Winery awards

CBS News Texas

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And while the wine is smooth and the hospitality wonderful, “We need a bigger place,” admits Cummings. “And we’ve had a few struggles trying to get that done.” 

Dr. Cummings can admit to navigating some bitter realities, Black winemakers are almost non-existent. According to Bloomberg, Black winemakers represent less than one percent of the industry. 

When asked if race has been a barrier in his winery’s growth, Cummings responded, “A little bit.” 

“It has been a little bit. And when you talk about that, I’m a guy that believes that I can do my best and it’s good enough for anyone to appreciate. And that’s how I approach my medical career. I approach wine the same way.” 

 And then a stray thought makes him pause and he adds with a wry smile, “Get more push back on the wine, than we have on treating people… so.” 

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When asked what advice he’d share with other minority entrepreneurs contemplating stepping into a space that perhaps the world suggests they do not belong, Cummings replies, “I’ve heard that so many times. I ignored it because I knew I was good enough. No one’s going to tell you that you’re good if you sit in the shadows. You’ve got to step out there.” 

And the Edge of the Lake Crew looks to make even more strides. They’ve got 15 acres planted now and hope to plant as many as 60 of the lake side acres with grape vines. They’re also looking for local support to help make the area a wine destination. 

Edge of the Lake Vineyard and Winery property

CBS News Texas


“You think that you can do this and have a little small thing,” shares Cummings, “but it grows just like the vines grow, the industry grows, and the business grows and you’ve got to be able to expand with it or you kind of get squashed.” 

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He admits to thinking about his grandmother often as he contemplates what he’s built and how much more he’d like to see it grow. “You know, she was a small one, but really had determination. And coming out of her upbringing and slavery, if you will. And she wanted her kids and her grandkids to do something, so she was always pushing us forward.” 

And Cummings believes the harvest for the entire industry can be grand. 

“Texas wine is having a moment and we need to really grab hold of that and take advantage of it now, not next week, not last, but now.” 

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