The theme of the 2008 ATSI Convention and Expo is "Step Up To The Plate."

The Convention and Expo is being called a great success — both in terms of attendance and content — however, the allusion to major league baseball did not follow that example, with the local St. Louis Cardinals being swept by rivals Kansas City.  Some convention attendees may have snuck out to watch Wednesday's evening game or Thursday afternoon game, but if they were rooting for the home team, they would have been disappointed.  (Hence a reminder to stay at the convention.)

Given the rains and flooding Mississippi, it turns out that an alternate theme could have been "The River is Rising."

Yes, the mighty Mississippi river is again flooding its banks.  It reportedly crested this morning at about 37 feet.

The Mississippi River, St Louis MO, June 19, 8:00 pm



Observation Platform on the Mississippi

This was taken just east of the arch.  I understand it to be an observation platform.  Only the railing is above water; the rest is submerged.

Fortunately, the flooding has not affected the Convention and Expo, where it is only the interest and excitement for the industry that is rising.