DIS Dads Rust Belt Road Trip (2 UPDATES--1/18)

[Captain_Oblivious]

As for shameless plugging, mine did not make the list.

D'oh! See, I knew I forgot somebody. This has been fixed!

 

[Poolrat]

D'oh! See, I knew I forgot somebody. This has been fixed!

You are the best!!!

 

[glennbo123]

Thanks for the plugs Captain! Now I know why I saw a huge blip in hits on my TRs today. (And since we're plugging, my PTR for the 2010 trip has a flashback trip report in it and a bonus European trip.)

I enjoyed reading about your trip to Canton. Whenever Joe Montana gets mentioned around here, my wife loves to tell about how she met him when she was in junior high. A friend of hers had an older brother who was on the Notre Dame football team, and one time she got to go with her to the game and the brother introduced them to Bob Golic and Joe.

We learned to our amazement that they had never, ever seen one episode of Phineas & Ferb.

They must be the only people in the entire tri-state area never to have heard of Pineas & Ferb!

 

[KatMark]

After our luxurious, upscale meal at Mike's Place and a pleasant evening and breakfast at the Country Inn, it was time to head south to Canton. Ever since we had first come up with the idea of a road trip to Chicago, I'd had my eye on a stop at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Because football is awesome. Do I need any other reason?

I had to make sure everyone else was on board with it, though. First, I went to Julie:
Me: "You know, we will be driving near Canton, Ohio..."
Julie: "We're stopping at the Football Hall of Fame, right? We'd better be stopping there!"

I love you, honey.

She's a keeper!

A fine looking group!

Yes, Sarah is wearing a Donovan McNabb jersey and Scotty is sporting Brian Westbrook, neither of whom play for the Eagles anymore. The Budget Committee has yet to approve new uniforms.




Another room had an exhibit featuring every NFL team. It didn't take too long to find the Dallas Cowboys:

This is NOW my ALL-TIME Favorite picture on the DIS! I hate the Cowboys -- America's Team my A**!

The room, as you can see, was kinda cool and kinda creepy at the same time. I looked around for some of my favorite Eagles, like Reggie White and "Concrete Charlie" Bednarik. Julie also found her favorite, Joe Montana. She admired him only for his football talent, or so she tells me.

I keep telling you that your wife is VERY smart.

The coolest part of the hall was a series of huge touch-screens. You could find any player in the hall, and pull up their bio, career stats, and even video highlights of them in action. We had a lot of fun re-living the glory days of Reggie White, Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Walter Payton, and so on.

My how I miss Sweetness.

We also found former Packers great Brett Favre's jersey, and I felt like I needed to take a picture for Barry, seeing as this is his hero and he'll always be beloved in Green Bay.

You are a nice man, Mark. I personally am a HUGE Brett Favre fan, but these Packer backers on here like barry will drive you a little batty.

We went to the Football Hall of Fame around 16 years ago and I'm sure it has changed a great deal since then. I remember it not having a lot for the kids to do and our youngest got bored really quick.

A great update yet again, Mark.

 

[chloe770]

I live near Odessa but work in Dover. Did you make it through the hurricane ok?

I would definitely have voted for Philly as being the most tortured, but with the Phillies finally winning in 2008, it seems hard to say that anymore. But I know how you feel about the Flyers. I'm still trying to figure out why they blew up the team this summer.

We made it through the hurricane just fine. Only a few minor roof leaks and we never lost power.

Not sure what the Flyers did. Once baseball season starts, we stop watching hockey in my house. GO YANKEES!!!

Since you work in Dover you'll appreciate this. I just realized We will be in Disney for race weekend. What better place to avoid the crowds and traffic in Dover.

 

[nodnol]

A very interesting ethnological presentation!
I remember visiting the (a???) Basketball hall of fame on my first trip to the US in 1992. I'm afraid I was a huge disappointment to our host as I was only interested in the tiny part about history, as I didn't know any of the teams or players.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

The same reason the Hawks blew theirs up after they won the Stanley Cup -- MONEY!

And as for long suffering fans, I think my Cubbies are right there up at the top!

I'll read your update tonight.

Money usually isn't a problem for the Flyers. They traded their top goal-scorer and their captain within an hour of each other. I think they were trying to change the culture of the team (and get rid of a late-night partying element).

And yes, Cubs fans are the longest-suffering of them all.

Although I'm hopefull with the moves the Hawks have made this summer. I think they have found a good mix of players, including Carcillo. He's got that AJ Pyrzinski atribute about him, can't stand him on any team but your own.

Carcillo will make a play every 20 games or so that will make you think, "Hey, this guy has some talent, he might be a good pickup." Then he'll drive you nuts with stupid penalties for the next 20. Have fun!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

There's always room on the Packer's bandwagon. I'll gather up some cheeseheads and mail them off to the kids tonight.

Mmm...we love cheese. Wait, that's not real cheese? You guys are posers.

We have to stick with the Eagles in the lean years. That's what real fans do. Then, when victory eventually comes, it's that much sweeter. And it will come, right? Right? Hello? Bueller?

I've never liked the idea of paying anywhere from $50 - $200 for a shirt from someone that may not be on the team in a few years (exhibit A: Favre, Brett). Taking it a step further, I'm even wary of paying that much much money for someone who's still alive, just in case they do something embarrassing after they retire. (Exhibit B: Favre, Brett). Therefore, the only Packer jersey I have in my closet it a #66 Ray Nitschke.

That is a cool jersey to have. I agree on the prices. Ours were found in bargain bins and clearance racks at the end of football season, or obtained for a good deal on eBay.

What did the kids try to do first - take off the Eagles garb or pretend they didn't know you?

After I walked into a trash can? That's old hat. They didn't even bat an eye.

Certainly. He could zip a pass through coverage so tight that...hey, is that lipstick on the Joe Montana bust?

I'm sure it was like that when we got there.

He's there. Just keep looking. Check the janitor's closet on the 2nd floor. He's probably cleaning his mop.

Exactly!

Beloved like a tongue on a metal pole in January. It was pretty heated for a while back in '08. Seems the state was divided between supporters of Favre and GM Ted Thompson. But as they say, time heals all wounds. That, and the guy that replaced him is the reigning Super Bowl MVP. Maybe that should be an old Chinese proverb.

I can see where that shiny trophy would make for a nice, definitive end to the argument.

So I can sit in a seat, rotate all day long and watch the Packers win over and over and over? Do they sell brats there? Because I could live off that all day.

I didn't see any brats. But I also didn't see any signs preventing tailgating in the parking lot.

Can you appeal that decision to the budget committee?
Oh, sorry.

See? More room on the road for you! That makes it safer!

I did turn my lights on. Safety first!

And I'm sure they had a lovely decorated rock they were living under.

They're great friends. But our tastes in entertainment tend to diverge.

If I had that conversation with my wife it would go something like this....
Me: You know, we will be driving near Canton, Ohio...
DW:
Me. The Football Hall of Fame is there...
DW:

That's ok. Nobody's perfect. Julie still doesn't "get" Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

I guess that is approval. Although I'm not sure about that last part.

Like I said, I started her early, before she knew better. I have video somewhere of Sarah at 18 months, demonstrating all of the referee's penalty signals. Julie went to a bridal shower on a weekend and left me alone with her, and by the time she came back she had 7 or 8 signals down.

Somebody's about to get a lot of hits to their profile page...

I only speak the truth.

Julie is the only "true" Eagles fan in your family. She even refused to be photographed in front of that display.

Once or twice... although I don't recall them ever mentioning how awesome their dad is.

Well, I'm sure that was implied.

Naked Gun 2 1/2

+1 I would also have accepted the Police Squad! TV series.

Were you able to keep the "BO squad" away from the van with this tactic?

Fighting fire with fire!

So did you hit the College Football Hall of Fame too?????

Sadly, no. We did mention that it would have been funny to see both Halls of Fame on the same day, but it was late, and we were starving. So food won out.

Welcome to Indiana!

 

[glennbo123]

+1 I would also have accepted the Police Squad! TV series.

Do you ever look at the Filmwise website? Check out this week's "Invisibles" quiz, particularly #5. Link

 

[afwdwfan]

That is a cool jersey to have. I agree on the prices. Ours were found in bargain bins and clearance racks at the end of football season, or obtained for a good deal on eBay.

I had a friend who knew a guy who knew a guy that could get authentic (you know, sewn on numbers and patches) MLB and NFL jerseys for $20. I may have a Peyton Manning and a Drew Brees jersey hanging in my closet.

Like I said, I started her early, before she knew better. I have video somewhere of Sarah at 18 months, demonstrating all of the referee's penalty signals. Julie went to a bridal shower on a weekend and left me alone with her, and by the time she came back she had 7 or 8 signals down.

Julie must have been so proud!

I can't even convince Landon to do .

Sadly, no. We did mention that it would have been funny to see both Halls of Fame on the same day, but it was late, and we were starving. So food won out.

Probably a good decision. It would have been cool to see, but I'm sure a big let down after seeing the one in Canton.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Nice update, even if it all about football. Don't mind the game all that much but if you are glued to the tube and can't even try to answer a yes or no question during a football game then I don't like football.

That's ridiculous. It's completely reasonable for a woman to expect a man to answer questions and even have a conversation during a football game.

As long as it's during commercials.

You are the best!!!

Yes, I know. Er, I mean, uh...thanks!

Thanks for the plugs Captain! Now I know why I saw a huge blip in hits on my TRs today. (And since we're plugging, my PTR for the 2010 trip has a flashback trip report in it and a bonus European trip.)

Oooh, bonus European trips! You know, I don't think I've read that one yet. I'll have to get on that.

I enjoyed reading about your trip to Canton. Whenever Joe Montana gets mentioned around here, my wife loves to tell about how she met him when she was in junior high. A friend of hers had an older brother who was on the Notre Dame football team, and one time she got to go with her to the game and the brother introduced them to Bob Golic and Joe.

Very cool! Did she admire his athletic ability too?

They must be the only people in the entire tri-state area never to have heard of Pineas & Ferb!

That is something up with which I will not put!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

She's a keeper!

Don't I know it! I still don't know why she bothers keeping me around.

A fine looking group!

Yeah, too bad that big guy had to ruin the picture.

This is NOW my ALL-TIME favorite picture on the DIS! I hate the Cowboys -- America's Team my A**!

Why thank you! And well-said.

I keep telling you that your wife is VERY smart.

But she married me. I guess everybody has a bad day.

My how I miss his Sweetness.

One of the best.

You are a nice man, Mark. I personally am a HUGE Brett Favre fan, but these Packer backers on here like barry will drive you a little batty.

You call yourself a Bears fan and you love the guy who quarterbacked both the Packers and Vikings?!

I used to like Favre quite a bit, but then the whole retiring/un-retiring thing drove me insane. Then there was the texting thing and...yeah.

We went to the Football Hall of Fame around 16 years ago and I'm sure it has changed a great deal since then. I remember it not having a lot for the kids to do and our youngest got bored really quick.

A great update yet again, Mark.

Thanks, Kathy. I think the whole family enjoyed it, but we did find ourselves moving through some exhibits quickly because they didn't have anything interactive for the kids. Dave probably could have stayed there all day--that boy loves his sports. He's a good kid.

We made it through the hurricane just fine. Only a few minor roof leaks and we never lost power.

Glad to hear it! Our sump pump has been running non-stop for 3 days, but other than that we did ok.

Not sure what the Flyers did.

Oh, nothing. Just traded their top goal-scorer and captain away.

Once baseball season starts, we stop watching hockey in my house. GO YANKEES!!!

Since you work in Dover you'll appreciate this. I just realized We will be in Disney for race weekend. What better place to avoid the crowds and traffic in Dover.

That's the best race-weekend avoidance plan ever!

I guess you saw the new interchange that opened at N. Frederica? I worked on the project.

A very interesting ethnological presentation!
I remember visiting the (a???) Basketball hall of fame on my first trip to the US in 1992. I'm afraid I was a huge disappointment to our host as I was only interested in the tiny part about history, as I didn't know any of the teams or players.

Yeah, I thought this chapter might not mean much to you or your sister. Or anyone else who doesn't follow American football, for that matter. So I tried to keep it simple as best as I could.

And I had to google "ethnological". I hang my head in shame.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Do you ever look at the Filmwise website? Check out this week's "Invisibles" quiz, particularly #5. Link

No, I've never seen that website before. Thanks for the link!

I don't think I'm doing too well at the quiz, though. #5 is obviously The Naked Gun. And I think I see Twins and Bill & Ted in there. Otherwise...

I had a friend who knew a guy who knew a guy that could get authentic (you know, sewn on numbers and patches) MLB and NFL jerseys for $20. I may have a Peyton Manning and a Drew Brees jersey hanging in my closet.

Very cool. $20 is awesome compared to what they go for in stores. Your guy who knows a guy wouldn't happen to have any throwback Reggie White jerseys, would he?

Julie must have been so proud!

I can't even convince Landon to do .

I think she was proud and horrified at the same time. Which is what I was going for.

Sadly, I think Sarah knew the signals better back then than she does now.

Probably a good decision. It would have been cool to see, but I'm sure a big let down after seeing the one in Canton.

Have you been there before? I have no idea if it's worth seeing or not.

 

[theduck619]

Mmm...we love cheese. Wait, that's not real cheese? You guys are posers.

We have to stick with the Eagles in the lean years. That's what real fans do. Then, when victory eventually comes, it's that much sweeter. And it will come, right? Right? Hello? Bueller?



That is a cool jersey to have. I agree on the prices. Ours were found in bargain bins and clearance racks at the end of football season, or obtained for a good deal on eBay.



After I walked into a trash can? That's old hat. They didn't even bat an eye.



I'm sure it was like that when we got there.



Exactly!



I can see where that shiny trophy would make for a nice, definitive end to the argument.



I didn't see any brats. But I also didn't see any signs preventing tailgating in the parking lot.







I did turn my lights on. Safety first!



They're great friends. But our tastes in entertainment tend to diverge.



That's ok. Nobody's perfect. Julie still doesn't "get" Monty Python and the Holy Grail.



Like I said, I started her early, before she knew better. I have video somewhere of Sarah at 18 months, demonstrating all of the referee's penalty signals. Julie went to a bridal shower on a weekend and left me alone with her, and by the time she came back she had 7 or 8 signals down.



I only speak the truth.







Well, I'm sure that was implied.



+1 I would also have accepted the Police Squad! TV series.



Fighting fire with fire!



Sadly, no. We did mention that it would have been funny to see both Halls of Fame on the same day, but it was late, and we were starving. So food won out.

The college football hall of fame is a little less exciting then the pro version. Although i enjoy seeing many, many, many, many of my Notre Dame hero's enshrined there. Andy, you could go see the Bob Griese bust, he may be the only boliermaker in there

And before you start I checked and you guys have a couple of more guys in there than IU

 

[afwdwfan]

Very cool. $20 is awesome compared to what they go for in stores. Your guy who knows a guy wouldn't happen to have any throwback Reggie White jerseys, would he?

Actually he probably could. There were several retro jerseys that he was able to get, but that selection was hit and miss. The only reason I only have 2 jerseys is because the order he made after I got mine never turned up. Supposedly it got held up in customs...

Another friend of ours had ordered a Carl Yastrzemski jersey in that order and was waiting for it to come. He actually worked in customs and was trying to use any back channels he had to find out what happened to them. I don't think he ever found out and I'm pretty sure he was out $20.

Anyway, it was a short lived opportunity, but I'm glad I took advantage when I had the chance.

I think she was proud and horrified at the same time. Which is what I was going for.

That is a win!

Have you been there before? I have no idea if it's worth seeing or not.

Yes, I went there once when I was in High School. I went to a Notre Dame/MSU game and watched Plaxico Burress torch the Irish.

We stopped by the HoF on the way home that afternoon. It was cool to see, but it really only takes a couple of hours to see everything... and that is coming from someone who has always loved the history and tradition of college football and would prefer to watch Saturday games over Sunday games.

 

[glennbo123]

No, I've never seen that website before. Thanks for the link!

I don't think I'm doing too well at the quiz, though. #5 is obviously The Naked Gun. And I think I see Twins and Bill & Ted in there. Otherwise...

Not Twins....Rain Man. And I'm sorry to admit, that I got The African Queen as #6. But in my defense, I've never seen the whole movie...I just caught that scene where Katherine Hepburn dumps out all of Humphrey Bogart's booze.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

The college football hall of fame is a little less exciting then the pro version. Although i enjoy seeing many, many, many, many of my Notre Dame hero's enshrined there. Andy, you could go see the Bob Griese bust, he may be the only boliermaker in there

And before you start I checked and you guys have a couple of more guys in there than IU

You mean the College HOF is located in South Bend, IN and they have a huge representation of Notre Dame players?? I'm shocked! Shocked!

Actually he probably could. There were several retro jerseys that he was able to get, but that selection was hit and miss. The only reason I only have 2 jerseys is because the order he made after I got mine never turned up. Supposedly it got held up in customs...


Another friend of ours had ordered a Carl Yastrzemski jersey in that order and was waiting for it to come. He actually worked in customs and was trying to use any back channels he had to find out what happened to them. I don't think he ever found out and I'm pretty sure he was out $20.

D'oh! I guess there was a reason why they were $20...

Yes, I went there once when I was in High School. I went to a Notre Dame/MSU game and watched Plaxico Burress torch the Irish.

We stopped by the HoF on the way home that afternoon. It was cool to see, but it really only takes a couple of hours to see everything... and that is coming from someone who has always loved the history and tradition of college football and would prefer to watch Saturday games over Sunday games.

Sounds like I didn't need to worry about a special trip, then. Whew!

Not Twins....Rain Man. And I'm sorry to admit, that I got The African Queen as #6. But in my defense, I've never seen the whole movie...I just caught that scene where Katherine Hepburn dumps out all of Humphrey Bogart's booze.

D'oh! I should have gotten Rain Man. And The African Queen is one of those movies I probably should have seen, but haven't.

 

[theduck619]

You mean the College HOF is located in South Bend, IN and they have a huge representation of Notre Dame players?? I'm shocked! Shocked!



D'oh! I guess there was a reason why they were $20...




Sounds like I didn't need to worry about a special trip, then. Whew!



D'oh! I should have gotten Rain Man. And The African Queen is one of those movies I probably should have seen, but haven't.

Mark, you had to build it where the players are You couldn't put it in Columbus the Buckeyes would sell all of the stuff in there

 

[afwdwfan]

You couldn't put it in Columbus the Buckeyes would sell all of the stuff in there

Hard to agree with a Notre Dame fan.... but that's funny!

 

[mom3sonstt]

Originally Posted by KatMark:
My how I miss his Sweetness.

One of the best.

This one's for you!!

This is a pic my folks took at a Bears game back in the mid-80s