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February 16, 2014

Sunday Travel Thread: Tourism for the Sports Enthusiast [Y-not]
— Open Blogger

This thread sponsored by Â“Be like Mark Spitz: drink your milk!Â”

Nice 'stache!

In honor of the Olympics, I thought it might be fun to have the travel thread that covered some interesting sports-related travel destinations? For the purposes of this thread, letÂ’s use a loose definition of sports. In other words, golf IS a sport, you haterz! As are curling, cheerleading, gymnastics, cycling, etcÂ…

LetÂ’s leave off hiking, climbing, fishing, hunting, and camping for another day because IÂ’d really like to do a outdoorsy travel thread sometime. I think it deserves itÂ’s own thread (or two or three).

So with those Â“ground rulesÂ” in mind, here are some of my favorite sports-related travel destinations as well as some that are on my bucket list:
Without a doubt my favorite thing to do (when IÂ’m able to do it, which is not every year, sadly) is go to Spring Training. IÂ’ve never been to the Grapefruit League, but Cactus League games are awesome. Even if you donÂ’t care about baseball (shame on you, you un-American commie!), there is something so fundamentally right about going to Arizona in early Spring and sitting outside in a small minor league park watching a game. The husband and I have been to games at both Tucson (which I think is no longer host Spring Training games) and Phoenix-metro. We preferred the latter in large part because we love the Scottsdale Arts Festival, which an outstanding outdoor arts, music, and food festival that is held during one of the Spring Training weekends every year. Arizona is glorious at that time of year, warm but not oppressively so, and there is a lot to do in Phoenix-Tempe-Scottsdale and beyond. Our favorite place to watch a game is Scottsdale Stadium, which is conveniently located to great restaurants and bars.

Scottsdale Stadium is home to the San Francisco Giants during Spring Training

On a related front, on several occasions weÂ’ve had a chance to incorporate minor league sports, both baseball and hockey, into our travels and have been pleased whenever weÂ’ve done so. Minor league games afford an intimacy to the players and a sense of fun that many major league sporting events seem to lack. (And, theyÂ’re more affordable.) Occasionally youÂ’ll get to see a major leaguer coming off from rehab at these games, which is an added kick. (I saw Rafael Belliard play in Vermont one year, which was fun for me because heÂ’s one of the shorter baseball players that I used to follow Â– a mere 5Â’ 6Â” Â– so the joke was that I would go and steal his uniform since I, too, am on the diminutive side.) Locally, we have a couple of baseball minor league teams, the Orem Owlz and the Salt Lake Bees, as well as the Utah Grizzlies in hockey. Great family-friendly fun.

What minor league parks and stadiums do you recommend?

Some people do it up big and put together a travel itinerary specifically designed to hit all of the major ballparks. IÂ’ve always been a little fascinated by people who do that. Does it still manage to be fun after a couple of dozen ballparks or is it a burden? The good folks at The Art of Manliness have put together a how-to guide on this sort of vacation/travel:

While a student at Cornell University, Alon spent the summer after his junior year touring the country with his childhood friend. By visiting 30 MLB stadiums and 22 national parks in 81 days, Alon was able to help raise over $6,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, American Cancer Association and Harlem RBI.

Alon recommends you think long and hard about whom your traveling companion should be (he recommends a childhood friend), how long it should take (he says leave plenty of time and also have backup activities and side trips in case of rain outs), and plenty of tips on how to make the most of each stadium visit you make. He even wound up rating the stadiums he visited Â– turns out AT&T Park in San Francisco was his favorite ballpark. Sounds like a lot of fun.

IÂ’m not sure that there are a lot of baseball parks IÂ’d like to see (although I do think Wrigley Field is worth a visit for any real baseball fan Â– make sure to go for a day game), but I have developed an interest in attending some PGA Tour events. My fascination with golf has developed over the past 5 years or so. I started following the PGA and despite the fact that IÂ’m not a golfer, I really enjoy it. The players are almost universally nice, the venues are usually gorgeous, and the tour starts just as football ends.

If I were to have the time and money to do it, there are a few PGA events IÂ’d love to see. The top of my list is the Phoenix Open which is held at TPC Scottsdale. (Incidentally, TPC stands for Tournament Players Club for those of you who donÂ’t follow golf.) Although The Masters is the granddaddy of US PGA golf known for its rich tradition and beautiful course, the Phoenix Open also has a lot of tradition or what IÂ’d call Â“personality.Â” It looks like a helluva fun tournament for the spectators and the fact that my favorite PGA Tour golfer, Phil Mickelson, is so at home there (heÂ’s an ASU grad, after all) just ads to the appeal. Sadly, it looks like the caddie races are no more (the bastids!), but this is a tournament where the crowd is really involved and the players, for the most part, enjoy their involvement. Although, in general, IÂ’m for a certain level of decorum in golf, somehow the hijinx of the crowds at the Phoenix Open seems fitting.

Caddy race at the Phoenix Open

Other golf events IÂ’d like to see include The Masters (I am pals with a Masters champion so I suppose there's a teeny weeny itsy bitsychance I might be able to go someday. A good friend of mine has gone with him several times now.), the Tournament of Champions which I believe is held at Kapalua on Maui each year (IÂ’ve been there Â– itÂ’s spectacular), and the Accenture Match Play Championship. The latter is purely because I really enjoy the format of match play and this is the one I tend to watch each year. As it turns out, the Accenture tournament is this coming week and is being held in at Dove Mountain near Tucson. It probably goes without saying that I think itÂ’d also be fun to go to some of the links courses in the UK, but that would probably take more know-how and wherewithal than I possess.

As long as weÂ’re on golf, another type of travel in which IÂ’m developing an interest is one of those golf school vacations. I would love to learn how to play, even if only well enough to duff at my local golf courses, but I am sure itÂ’s quite hard to do so one of those golf schools seem like the way to go. Have any of you attended one of these or something similar in another sport (I know baseball and football have fantasy camps)? If so, what did you think?

BTW, for the fitness-minded amongst you, here is a fun list of fitness oriented vacation ideas to get your juices flowing.

Another type of sports-related travel that has piqued my interest is attending the Big Games (or Big Races). Sadly, IÂ’m not one of them, but IÂ’m sure many of our morons and moronettes have been able to attend the Super Bowl, World Series, National (College Football) Championship, Stanley Cup or the like. Or perhaps youÂ’re into racing and have gone to the Kentucky Derby, Boston Marathon, or Indy 500*? How did that go? Did it meet your expectations? Was it worth the expense and hassle of fighting the crowds?

*(Having lived in Indiana for several years, it was inevitable that I attend one of the Indy 500 speed trials. One word: LOUD. Not my thing at all, but what the heck!)

To wrap things up and put us all in the mood for the summer to come, here's great summer-y song:

Happy travels!

Send tips, suggestions, and praise to MoxieMom on Twitter.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 04:55 PM | Comments (188)
Post contains 1407 words, total size 10 kb.

1 pornstache thread!!!

Posted by: Peaches at February 16, 2014 05:01 PM (8lmkt)

2 Since golf is allowed I can mention that I went to the British Open last year at Muirfield in Scotland. We took one day off to go check out St Andrews and have plans to go back when it is held there in15.

Posted by: Molly k. at February 16, 2014 05:03 PM (SGWOI)

3 Mark Spitz revolutionized swimming. He basically invented negative slip.

Posted by: toby928© at February 16, 2014 05:03 PM (QupBk)

4 Golf, cheerleading and curling are sports and fishing isn't? Alrightie then.

Posted by: JackStraw at February 16, 2014 05:04 PM (g1DWB)

5 Yeah, baby! Gotta love the Spitz-ster.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 16, 2014 05:04 PM (zDsvJ)

6 pornstache thread!!! Posted by: Peaches at February 16, 2014 09:01 PM (8lmkt) Boom-Chika-Wah-Wah!

Posted by: The 'Stache Hat at February 16, 2014 05:05 PM (AymDN)

7 No, JackStraw. Fishing IS, but I thought we should have a couple of "National Parks/Camping/Outdoorsy" threads at a later date. But talk about what you want! :-)

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 16, 2014 05:05 PM (zDsvJ)

8 Is this the thread where we discuss "watersports"?

Posted by: BarneyOffal at February 16, 2014 05:05 PM (ul4Lc)

9 Wow, Y-Not, lot of work, thanks. My favorite sports trip. Going to Albuquerque NM to see NC State win the BB National Championship in 1983. I knew Coach V and it was really a blast. I can not believe he's dead and that was over THIRTY years ago. I was only 12, that's my story.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 16, 2014 05:06 PM (0FSuD)

10 I'm conflicted about women's synchronized swimming: it can't be a sport, but I like watching it.

Posted by: Arbalest at February 16, 2014 05:06 PM (FlRtG)

11 2 Since golf is allowed I can mention that I went to the British Open last year at Muirfield in Scotland. -- Wow. Lucky duck! Was it hard to arrange in terms of getting tickets and finding a good place to stay?

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 16, 2014 05:06 PM (zDsvJ)

12 I saw Negative Slip open for Bruce Jenner and Where's My Adam's Apple back in the day

Posted by: Peaches at February 16, 2014 05:07 PM (8lmkt)

13 When I was a good bit younger, Mrs928 traveled many leagues to kayak whitewater. Though only east of the Mississippi. I've always wanted to paddle big western water.

Posted by: toby928© at February 16, 2014 05:07 PM (QupBk)

14 >>But talk about what you want! :-) No, no. You're thread, your rules. But try offshore fishing sometime. I think you're find it sporty.

Posted by: JackStraw at February 16, 2014 05:07 PM (g1DWB)

15 I wish I could still afford to travel. Bought a motorhome but can't afford to gas it up to take it anywhere any more, how sad is that?

Posted by: lindafell at February 16, 2014 05:08 PM (PGO8C)

16 At least Spitz and his mustache didn't go and ruin my childhood memories the way Jenner has.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 16, 2014 05:09 PM (DmNpO)

17 I've always wanted to paddle big western water.

Posted by: toby928Â© at February 16, 2014 09:07 PM (QupBk)

dude, do the Kern. it's big enough to make you go, hell yeah, but still a lot of fun. do the 2-day trip with Outdoor Adventures, if they're still around.

Posted by: Peaches at February 16, 2014 05:10 PM (8lmkt)

18 My favorite sports trip. Going to Albuquerque NM to see NC State win the BB National Championship in 1983. ---- Wow! That must've been great fun. Plus, I love New Mexico. As it turns out this year I'll be going to the WAC basketball championship in Vegas with my better half for a work thing. So that should be fun. I'm trying to convince him we should drive instead of flying so we can bring back some liquor. The kind we like is too many proof to fly with!

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 16, 2014 05:10 PM (zDsvJ)

19 I did go to the Henley Royal Regatta and The Royal Ascot horse race one year. The Brits will take drunk in a fucking heart beat and that Pimm's Cup, aka lemonade with booze, will rot your teeth. Every hot girl would fire on you and you would get pretty excited till they smiled and showed those rotten teeth. YUCK.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 16, 2014 05:10 PM (0FSuD)

20 Wow. Lucky duck! Was it hard to arrange in terms of getting tickets and finding a good place to stay? Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 16, 2014 09:06 PM (zDsvJ) ................. Not at all, we actually booked the golf part of our trip with a company called Celtic Golf. It was a package that included rt transportation each day to the course, tickets and hotel room for 6 nights. They met us at the airport and also took us back when it was time to fly out. The hotel was very very nice. My sister and I were the youngest people with this group but it really didn't matter. It was a blast.

Posted by: Molly k. at February 16, 2014 05:11 PM (SGWOI)

21 THREAD STOMP!!

Posted by: OregonMuse at February 16, 2014 05:11 PM (fTJ5O)

22 One of the reasons I am determined to move to the Phoenix area is that every time I mention it to a lib, they recoil in horror. I like that.

And when I mention it to others, what they say is "can I come visit you during Spring Training?"

Posted by: Splunge at February 16, 2014 05:11 PM (qyomX)

23 But try offshore fishing sometime. I think you're find it sporty. --- Actually, that is on my list of things I'd like to do. I want to go to the Florida Keys sometime, as well. Would that be the kind of place where you'd do sport fishing? I admit when you said "fishing" I was thinking of fly fishing... my regional bias now I guess.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 16, 2014 05:12 PM (zDsvJ)

24 @18 Y-Not it's a lot better than I let on, I had a press pass and was in the locker room after they won. I was the ONLY non team member in the room. It WAS cool as shit.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 16, 2014 05:12 PM (0FSuD)

25 I do remember taking a road trip as a kid to visit some family friends in NM that lived near White Sands. I remember going and playing in the dunes, I was probably 8 or 9.

Posted by: lindafell at February 16, 2014 05:12 PM (PGO8C)

26 18 My favorite sports trip. Going to Albuquerque NM to see NC State win the BB National Championship in 1983. ---- ................. Does going to Vegas to watch March Madness count? We do that every year.....

Posted by: Molly k. at February 16, 2014 05:13 PM (SGWOI)

27 Bought a motorhome but can't afford to gas it up to take it anywhere any more, how sad is that? --- You're welcome!

Posted by: Barack Obama, Economic Super-Genius at February 16, 2014 05:13 PM (zDsvJ)

28 22 I spend 2 weeks in Scottsdale every year, and they are the last 2 weeks of August. Try it before moving, it may change your views.

Posted by: ManWithNoParty at February 16, 2014 05:13 PM (ojnk6)

29 Golf, cheerleading and curling are sports and fishing isn't? Xx And it makes you sad that a pastime that can feed you is separated from ones that can't ?

Posted by: Dendritic at February 16, 2014 05:13 PM (8Z8Vp)

30 Muff diving?

Posted by: CMU VET at February 16, 2014 05:14 PM (ejB0r)

31 I have spent plenty of time in Warroad MN on the shores of Lake of The Woods. Warroad is home to the MOST American Olympic Gold Medal Winners in Hockey.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at February 16, 2014 05:15 PM (jucos)

32 23 But try offshore fishing sometime. I think you're find it sporty. Make sure you take a bucket to puke in, just for the sport, don't you know.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 16, 2014 05:15 PM (0FSuD)

33 dude, do the Kern. That's in California, yes? The pictures I've seen of it looks like Eastern technical rapids. Ie, rocks. I want to do one of the big flow rivers like the Colorado where is just giant haystack and hole after haystack and hole.

Posted by: toby928© at February 16, 2014 05:15 PM (QupBk)

34 28 22 I spend 2 weeks in Scottsdale every year, and they are the last 2 weeks of August. Try it before moving, it may change your views.

I did something like that, actually. It was September, and it was 111 all day for the whole week we were there. Seemed OK. Should I try it for two weeks to see if that's what it takes for me to melt?

Posted by: Splunge at February 16, 2014 05:15 PM (qyomX)

35 30 Muff diving? Posted by: CMU VET at February 16, 2014 09:14 PM (ejB0r) That is sort of sporty, but the smell.

Posted by: Huma Abedin at February 16, 2014 05:16 PM (0FSuD)

36 >>Actually, that is on my list of things I'd like to do. I want to go to the Florida Keys sometime, as well. Would that be the kind of place where you'd do sport fishing? Yes ma'am. In fact, I'm heading there week from Thursday for that very reason. We've got a house in Marathon for But I'm fortunate to be able to do it right where I live all summer long.

Posted by: JackStraw at February 16, 2014 05:17 PM (g1DWB)

37 16 At least Spitz and his mustache didn't go and ruin my childhood memories the way Jenner has. -- Oh man, ain't that the truth. When I was looking for Mark Spitz pictures (I almost posted a bathing suit one then lost my nerve; sorry ladies!) I was reading up on him. I can hardly believe he was in the 1972 Olympics. How he managed to accomplish what he did in the faace of that tragedy is beyond me.

Posted by: Barack Obama, Economic Super-Genius at February 16, 2014 05:18 PM (zDsvJ)

38 34 I have to, go for work during this time every year. The worst cold I ever got was walking in from 119/120 to a hotel room at 72 degrees. Love the place, but the summers are brutal.

Posted by: ManWithNoParty at February 16, 2014 05:18 PM (ojnk6)

39 Off Barack Obama, Economic Super-Genius sock!

Posted by: Y-not at February 16, 2014 05:18 PM (zDsvJ)

40 Golf is a sport?

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at February 16, 2014 05:18 PM (FMbng)

41 Should have been .. for a week. That was odd.

Posted by: JackStraw at February 16, 2014 05:18 PM (g1DWB)

42 Huma: Did you mean old and musty?

Posted by: CMU VET at February 16, 2014 05:18 PM (ejB0r)

43 Actually, that is on my list of things I'd like to do. I want to go to the Florida Keys sometime, as well. Would that be the kind of place where you'd do sport fishing? *** It is, unless, of course, Obama closes the ocean again.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 16, 2014 05:19 PM (DmNpO)

44 I would recommend going to see the Stanley Cup finals. Got to see the games in Raleigh back in 2006, and seeing a Game 7 is unlike anything else. Right up there is the World Series. Saw Game 2 of the 1990 World Series at Riverfront with my dad, and it is one of my best memories. Martinsville or Bristol for a Cup race can't be beat, but bring earplugs or you will be deaf. Bucket list? Golf tourney Rugby World Cup Indy 500 US Grand Prix

Posted by: Ashley Judd's Puffy Scamper, aka MrCaniac at February 16, 2014 05:20 PM (HxSXm)

45 When I was looking for Mark Spitz pictures (I almost posted a bathing suit one then lost my nerve; sorry ladies!) I was reading up on him. I can hardly believe he was in the 1972 Olympics. How he managed to accomplish what he did in the faace of that tragedy is beyond me. *** The definition of Olympic spirit

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 16, 2014 05:20 PM (DmNpO)

46 The kind we like is too many proof to fly with!

Is there a proof limit on checked luggage?
<wayne>I did not know that. </wayne>

Posted by: HR at February 16, 2014 05:20 PM (hO8IJ)

47 BBl going to reboot to see if I can get the site to stop loading and loading

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 16, 2014 05:21 PM (0FSuD)

48 Make sure you take a bucket to puke in, just for the sport, don't you know. -- Make your own chum! My grad school advisor used to take the lab out onto Lake Michigan for the day to fish for salmon (we'd catch some, too). One time one of the lab mates really lost it... loudly and frequently. Ugh! I just got a really bad-ass burn.

Posted by: Y-not at February 16, 2014 05:21 PM (zDsvJ)

49 Ask any other professional athlete that has taken up golf whether they believe not only is golf a sport but whether it is one of the most difficult sports out there.

Posted by: Roc Ingersol at February 16, 2014 05:21 PM (eb70/)

50 Shit, I hope I didn't break the blog, Nip Sip. I was out this afternoon and rushed home to try to get this post up before the ONT. Made a hack job of it.

Posted by: Y-not at February 16, 2014 05:23 PM (zDsvJ)

51 Nice teeth. That guy should have been a dentist.

Posted by: fluffy at February 16, 2014 05:24 PM (Ua6T/)

52 ass burn? Don't know how you had time for fishing.

Posted by: sixpckr at February 16, 2014 05:25 PM (rRgJm)

53 Bingo. Must have been something running in background. Looking good now!

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 16, 2014 05:27 PM (0FSuD)

54 >>>Actually, that is on my list of things I'd like to do. I want to go to the Florida Keys sometime, as well. Would that be the kind of place where you'd do sport fishing? Yes. And you must get to the Keys soonest. A closer place to paradise I haven't found.

Posted by: DC in Towson at February 16, 2014 05:27 PM (eQJwb)

55 The mister and I have looked pretty seriously at Phoenix-metro a few times over the years. But, man, it sure is scary hot there. Beautiful in March but iirc even by May it's bad. I almost passed out walking outside from campus to the hotel without a hat around noon during one visit. Prescott seems really nice and I've heard the weather is more moderate.

Posted by: Y-not at February 16, 2014 05:27 PM (zDsvJ)

56 Huntington Park in Columbus is really nice and it a new Ballpark smack in the middle of downtown, they even installed peep holes so people walking by can watch the game. http://www.huntingtonparkcolumbus.com/Photos.html I was disappointed when the Yankees no longer was an affiliate. I got to see some great players here in Columbus, got to see Jeter when he was here. http://www.huntingtonparkcolumbus.com/Photos.html

Posted by: Patrick from Ohio at February 16, 2014 05:28 PM (b6koZ)

57
Since you ask, I am quite fond of Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, which is home of the Cedar Rapids Kernels, the low-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. It's a nice modern stadium, all seats are close to the action, the prices are reasonable, the food is quite good, and parking is free. Though I couldn't find a scorecard for sale in the place, and I *always* keep score.

Cedar Rapids is a pleasant place to visit. It's near the Herbert Hoover museum, along I-80, just east of Iowa City, which is worth a visit by any self-respecting 'ron or 'rette, and the studio of Grant Wood, the Cedar Rapids artist who painted "American Gothic", at 1 Turner Alley is also well worth seeing.

Posted by: Brown Line at February 16, 2014 05:28 PM (a5bF3)

58 I attended the All Star Game in Baltimore in 1993. That was fun

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at February 16, 2014 05:28 PM (jucos)

59 The AT&T on the courses around Pebble Beach is pretty good. Early in the year, so the weather is quite unpredictable, but it's fun (thank you, Bill Murray) and absolutely beautiful.

Posted by: t-bird at February 16, 2014 05:29 PM (FcR7P)

60 Someday I'd like to go to the college World Series in Omaha. Has anyone here ever been? We've gone to the ACC baseball tournament in Durham a couple of times. Great fun.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at February 16, 2014 05:30 PM (dfYL9)

61 >>Muff diving? Careful. Some sports may lead to cancer.

Posted by: C. Everett Coop at February 16, 2014 05:30 PM (CYjLA)

62 >>>I attended the All Star Game in Baltimore in 1993. That was fun Me too. It was a blast. I was also at 2131.

Posted by: DC in Towson at February 16, 2014 05:30 PM (eQJwb)

63 2131?

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at February 16, 2014 05:32 PM (jucos)

64 >>>2131? Cal breaking the consecutive games record.

Posted by: DC in Towson at February 16, 2014 05:33 PM (eQJwb)

65 Sounds interesting, Brown Line. So many great places to see in the US.

Posted by: Y-not at February 16, 2014 05:34 PM (zDsvJ)

I love going to minor-league and independent-league baseball games.

From here in NJ it's a leisurely drive to get to

Minor League: Trenton Thunder (Yankees AA), Reading Phillies (AA), Lakewood Blue Claws (Phillies A), Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs (Phillies AAA)

Independent Leagues: Camden Riversharks, Somerset Patriots, Long Island Ducks, Bridgeport Bluefish (Atlantic League); New Jersey Jackals (American Association, Montclair NJ)

My favorites in each: Lakewood and Somerset, great stadiums and fans.

Posted by: crisis du jour at February 16, 2014 05:34 PM (J1eJz)

67 >>Me too. It was a blast. I was also at 2131. So who wins? I worked for a company that was headquartered in Tampa for a number of years. We were about 5 blocks from the Yankess spring training complex and my boss had a season package. That was very cool. As was going to the Tampa Bay Lightning games in the "winter". Hockey rink right on the harbor with an outdoor bar that is open between periods. Highly recommended for snowbirds.

Posted by: JackStraw at February 16, 2014 05:34 PM (g1DWB)

68 Cedar Rapids is a pleasant place to visit.

The City of Five Smells?

It's near the Herbert Hoover museum, along I-80, just east of Iowa City, which is worth a visit by any self-respecting 'ron or 'rette

I dropped in during the shutdown.
http://is.gd/AswuNC

Why is there a giant papier mÃ¢chÃ© head staring out of the museum? I couldn't get inside.

Posted by: HR at February 16, 2014 05:34 PM (hO8IJ)

69 I should have known that. I had just moved back from FL and caught that game on the TV. So happy to be back in MD. Hated FL.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at February 16, 2014 05:35 PM (jucos)

70 For golf school, there are a couple worthy trips that combine a great golf location and a good school. Vegas has a couple good ones, but I would recommend either The Inn at Spanish Bay (by Pebble Beach), or Pinehurst/Pine Needles. Pebble Beach is crazy overpriced for a round of golf, except it is easily the most memorable course to play - well, the first 10 holes, and the last 2. Astounding, really, if you play on a day with nice weather. Pinehurst will be less pricey than Monterey, but probably harder for you to get to. Pinehurst has a great golf school, but Pine Needles has the Peggy Kirk Bell academy, which for women is about the best in the world. They have a one week program specifically for ladies, my wife and mother went to it years ago, when my wife first picked up the game:

http://www.pineneedles-midpines.com/golf-instruction/golfari/ladies-golfari.cfm

Posted by: BetaPhi at February 16, 2014 05:35 PM (1WdJ6)

71 >>Is there a proof limit on checked luggage? Yeah, apparently. And that anise-flavored spirit, Arak, is over the friggin' limit. Had ouzo for the first time today at lunch. It was ok, but not as good as Arak imho.

Posted by: Y-not at February 16, 2014 05:35 PM (zDsvJ)

72 Visited my brother in Round Rock and he took me to see the Round Rock express, and before the game took me to Salt Lick BBQ which was featured on Diner Driveins and Dives, which is right next to the Stadium.

Posted by: Patrick from Ohio at February 16, 2014 05:36 PM (b6koZ)

My favorite sports trip. Going to Albuquerque NM to see NC State win the BB National Championship in 1983

Very cool that you got to do that!

I was a grad student at N.C. State at the time. Campus went NUTS when Lorenzo Charles dunked that ball into the basket to win the championship.

Posted by: crisis du jour at February 16, 2014 05:37 PM (J1eJz)

74 Forget about the brotherly and otherly love. Motherly love is just the thing for you.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at February 16, 2014 05:37 PM (kVfSG)

75 Wow, BetaPhi, thanks for that. Bookmarked! Are there any schools for couples or are they all segregated by gender? And what about the 48 OTHER genders?! ;-)

Posted by: Y-not at February 16, 2014 05:37 PM (zDsvJ)

76 I used to attend conferences at Dodgertown in Vero Beach FL every January. I was surprised by how Spartan the digs were. Not fancy at all. Kind of dumpy actually. Cinderblock 50's style hotel actually.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at February 16, 2014 05:37 PM (jucos)

77 The NBA is rude for not inviting President Obama to play in the All Star game because he is America's All Star to the world.

Posted by: Dorcus Blimline at February 16, 2014 05:38 PM (pbpWV)

78 That's a nice urban view from Huntington Park.

Posted by: Y-not at February 16, 2014 05:40 PM (zDsvJ)

79 We've gone to the ACC baseball tournament in Durham a couple of times. Great fun. Posted by: Margarita DeVille at February 16, 2014 09:30 PM (dfYL9) You must be lost. The ACC Basketball Tournament has NEVER been played in Durham. EVER. Thinking of Greensboro?

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 16, 2014 05:41 PM (0FSuD)

80 >>>So happy to be back in MD. Hated FL. That's funny. I have another interview coming up that would send me to Florida. I hate MD and can't wait to leave.

Posted by: DC in Towson at February 16, 2014 05:42 PM (eQJwb)

81 I was a grad student at N.C. State at the time. Campus went NUTS when Lorenzo Charles dunked that ball into the basket to win the championship. Posted by: crisis du jour at February 16, 2014 09:37 PM (J1eJz) I was on the floor taking pictures. It was FUCKING INSANE!

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 16, 2014 05:43 PM (0FSuD)

82 You must be lost. The ACC Basketball Tournament has NEVER been played in Durham. EVER. Thinking of Greensboro? Posted by: Nip Sip at February 16, 2014 09:41 PM (0FSuD) Bazeboll, been berry berry good to me.

Posted by: Chico Escuelo at February 16, 2014 05:43 PM (HxSXm)

83 Mark Spitz, MILF Hunter

Posted by: Lucky Pierre at February 16, 2014 05:44 PM (5fSr7)

84 @79 Oops, misread post, baseball not basketball, sorry. Too much wine?

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 16, 2014 05:45 PM (0FSuD)

85 79 --- BASEball, not basketball!

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at February 16, 2014 05:45 PM (dfYL9)

86 O/T Sick fucking people everywhere. http://tinyurl.com/klczrse

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 16, 2014 05:49 PM (0FSuD)

87 >>>Too much wine? I don't understand those words in that order. Carry on.

Posted by: DC in Towson at February 16, 2014 05:49 PM (eQJwb)

88 That's funny. I have another interview coming up that would send me to Florida. I hate MD and can't wait to leave.

Posted by: DC in Towson at February 16, 2014 09:42 PM (eQJwb)

_________________

I hate MD politics. Love the geography.... and the proximity to most of the east coast sights and attractions. Business was not good for me in FL

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at February 16, 2014 05:49 PM (jucos)

89 The NBA is rude for not inviting President Obama to play in the All Star game because he is America's All Star to the world. Maybe they'll do a preseason game in Indonesia to make up for it.

Posted by: t-bird at February 16, 2014 05:51 PM (FcR7P)

90 I'm not sure I could deal with the humidity and flatness of Florida.

Posted by: Y-not at February 16, 2014 05:51 PM (zDsvJ)

91 >>BASEball, not basketball! Be gentle with him. He is still coming to grips with the war of northern aggression. It's not easy dealing with something that happened 150 years ago.

Posted by: JackStraw at February 16, 2014 05:52 PM (g1DWB)

92 Speaking of traveling, if my Dell computer gets any slower I'm taking it straight to Hell.
Oh, Mark Spitz got crazy p#ssy.

Posted by: Dr Spank at February 16, 2014 05:52 PM (38LLM)

93 >>>Business was not good for me in FL I hope your new venture is surviving the Obamaconemy. But seriously, fuck this cold and snow shit. I'm done. Palm trees and white sand beaches is what I need.

Posted by: DC in Towson at February 16, 2014 05:53 PM (eQJwb)

94 84 --- Easy misreading since you're mind was on basketball! As UVA fans, even after all of these years, we look upon that Wolfpack championship with certain ambivalence. Heh. It was definitely a heart-breaker for us. And yet, and yet...... Well, we rooted hard for NC State in the championship game. It was a magic victory. And we miss Jimmy V too.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at February 16, 2014 05:53 PM (dfYL9)

95 Definitely Kaminsky Park. Big fan of the White Sox, whoever they are.

Posted by: Barky O'Tool at February 16, 2014 05:53 PM (FcR7P)

96 Too much wine? I don't understand those words in that order. Carry on. Posted by: DC in Towson at February 16, 2014 09:49 PM (eQJwb) **** Much wine, too?

Posted by: Seamus Muldoon,United Mime Workers Local #555 at February 16, 2014 05:55 PM (g4TxM)

97 I would like to throat punch the NBC sports scrunt that just interviewed Bode Miller. Bitch!

Posted by: Duke Lowell at February 16, 2014 05:55 PM (o9Rp5)

98 >>Posted by: Barky O'Tool at February 16, 2014 09:53 PM There's something wrong about a guy who doesn't get sports.

Posted by: Y-not at February 16, 2014 05:56 PM (zDsvJ)

99 97 I would like to throat punch the NBC sports scrunt that just interviewed Bode Miller. Bitch! -- Did she get him to break down on camera? I just saw a tweet about it.

Posted by: Y-not at February 16, 2014 05:57 PM (zDsvJ)

100 I will survive. Business could be better but I will be ok. The snow will be gone on Friday as it is supposed to get to 65 or 70. I like a little change in the weather.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at February 16, 2014 05:57 PM (jucos)

101 First they came for Sunday travelers..... Then they came for the car thread people.... I didn't notice. They were Sunday drivers. ROADHOGS.

Posted by: mister magoo at February 16, 2014 05:58 PM (S4RNz)

102 >>>Much wine, too? Not nearly enough. As always.

Posted by: DC in Towson at February 16, 2014 05:59 PM (eQJwb)

103 Did she get him to break down on camera? I just saw a tweet about it.

----------------------

Yes, 5 or 6 questions about his dead brother. How do you feel about your brother? How does this win feel in light of your brother? That type of questioning when you could see he was about to lose it. She kept pressing. Obvious what she was trying to do.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at February 16, 2014 06:00 PM (o9Rp5)

104 Did she get him to break down on camera? I just saw a tweet about it. Posted by: Y-not at February 16, 2014 09:57 PM (

Yeah, she knew if she screwed with his head long enough he'd break down.

Posted by: LC LaWedgie at February 16, 2014 06:00 PM (krHnX)

105 I'm a big fan of the Chicago football cooperative, the Bears. They're rough and tumble play is matched only by the spirited nature of their boosters. They undoubtedly will win the the honor of being top football program next year.

Posted by: President Obama at February 16, 2014 06:03 PM (38LLM)

106 Got to watch bro-in-law pitch vs Michael Jordan in Knoxville back in the day. At the time basketball was my life so I got a big kick out of it. After the season they both played winter ball in AZ. When the season was over he told me you should have come out, Jordan was looking for guys for pickup games every afternoon. Still haven't forgiven him for not calling.

Posted by: Rusty at at February 16, 2014 06:03 PM (bNR3+)

107 It's not easy dealing with something that happened 150 years ago. Posted by: JackStraw at February 16, 2014 09:52 PM (g1DWB) This is true. It's hard. I look at our farm where our home was burned to the ground by the invaders and all our property was stolen. Some Yankee has some nice silver flatware, unless the trash melted it down. Anyone else got that problem? It' tough.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 16, 2014 06:03 PM (0FSuD)

108 Did she get him to break down on camera? *** Saw the same sort of thing yesterday with the skeleton racer who botched his start. When he teared up the announcer gloated, "There's an Olympic moment" or some such. I don't get why they feel they have to push a narrative, rather than letting the narrative be the story itself. Sad.

Posted by: Seamus Muldoon,United Mime Workers Local #555 at February 16, 2014 06:03 PM (g4TxM)

109 I went to the Olympics many moons ago, as a spectator at Albertville. It was awesome, got in the newspaper and everything. AOSHQ Facebook Group members may have seen the 1992 USA Today article I posted on the opening day of Sochi.

Posted by: Lincolntf at February 16, 2014 06:03 PM (ZshNr)

110 NBC's coverage has been horrible. Awful. At least it has been kind of funny watching Johnny Weir get gayer as the games have gone on. I expect him to have breasts by the end of the games.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at February 16, 2014 06:04 PM (jucos)

111 HOW DO YOU FEEL??????? NBC needs to fire these amateurish interviewers. Horrible, embarrassing.

Posted by: Seems legit at February 16, 2014 06:05 PM (A98Xu)

112 Wait. He wants to be loved by the mothers? What kind of milk is he talking about?

Posted by: Kevin at February 16, 2014 06:05 PM (cTm+o)

113 The media have become assholes. Canfields for everyone.

Posted by: mister magoo at February 16, 2014 06:06 PM (S4RNz)

114 >>110 NBC's coverage has been horrible. Awful. Sounds like it. I've only seen a couple of the women's hockey games... and I htink they were on NBCSports or CNBC or something.

Posted by: Y-not at February 16, 2014 06:06 PM (zDsvJ)

115 I'm always talking up my hometown on these threads, but San Antonio hosts the National Shooting Complex, where several national and world shotgun championships are held. It's also where the HQ of the National Skeet and National Sporting Clays Associations are. Plus, the San Antonio Gun Club in my neighborhood is the oldest gun club in the US, and the only shotgun club in the middle of a large city. This city is where you can find many of the country's top instructors and take lessons from them.

Posted by: stace at February 16, 2014 06:07 PM (9PXzx)

116 NBC Olympics FB page is taking a beating on that interview.... http://tinyurl.com/pyz5x9z

Posted by: [/i][/b][/u][/s] Tami at February 16, 2014 06:08 PM (bCEmE)

117 Oh my gosh, Southern ancestors may have lost silverware? That's terrible. My neighbor's ancestors were being sold by he pound, do you really think it equates?

Posted by: Lincolntf at February 16, 2014 06:09 PM (ZshNr)

118 "Some people do it up big and put together a travel itinerary specifically designed to hit all of the major ballparks. IÂ’ve always been a little fascinated by people who do that. Does it still manage to be fun after a couple of dozen ballparks or is it a burden"

I've been to 11 MLB parks, a couple when Robin Yount was chasing his 3000th hit but most were unplanned, if I happen to be in a major city in the summer I like to hit them if I can. Thing I've noticed is most modern MLB parks are that they are pretty much the same, same with football stadiums and basketball arenas. Kinda like airport terminals, if you didn't know what city you are in probably couldn't name it. The fans are different. Then again I don't really go for the building, I go to see the players. The athleticism and ability of these guys never ceases to amaze me.

Posted by: lowandslow at February 16, 2014 06:09 PM (IV4od)

119 Who here ever saw the Dodgers play at Ebbetts, or the Giants at the Polo Grounds?

Posted by: Stringer Davis at February 16, 2014 06:09 PM (xq1UY)

120 I really enjoy the winter Olympics, but the coverage has been awful. In the summer Olympics you can't swing a dead cat without hitting coverage of all the events. Now, I have ice dancing. So I'm watching Wicked Tuna.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at February 16, 2014 06:09 PM (o9Rp5)

121 Did she get him to break down on camera? I just saw a tweet about it. Did not see that, but it sounded like top-notch sports reporting.

Posted by: Bob Costas at February 16, 2014 06:10 PM (FcR7P)

122 Posted by: Bob Costas at February 16, 2014 10:10 PM (FcR7P) *** Yeah, but Bob, you are looking at the world through rose-colored lenses.

Posted by: Seamus Muldoon,United Mime Workers Local #555 at February 16, 2014 06:11 PM (g4TxM)

123 First no gun thread, and now no space post from CAC? Are they just being held over 'till tomorrow to stretch out the holiday weekend?

Posted by: Psychedelicat at February 16, 2014 06:12 PM (AymDN)

124 Posted by: Patrick from Ohio at February 16, 2014 09:28 PM (b6koZ) ==================== That was sarcasm, right? Please say that was sarcasm. What kind of person misses the fucking Yankees? Seriously, leave Ohio right now. Go to the Bronx, if you miss them so much.

Posted by: MTF at February 16, 2014 06:13 PM (F58x4)

125 I would recommend that all of the gheys that went over to Sochi to vamp it up and make a statement not stick around after the cameras go off.

Posted by: Jean at February 16, 2014 06:13 PM (4JkHl)

126 Everyone President Obama is on TV now and. I am recording it

Posted by: Dorcus Blimline at February 16, 2014 06:13 PM (pbpWV)

127 119 Who here ever saw the Dodgers play at Ebbetts, or the Giants at the Polo Grounds? --- Vic saw them at the Colliseum. The Roman Colliseum! ;-)

Posted by: Y-not at February 16, 2014 06:15 PM (zDsvJ)

128 We are getting coverage of almost every event.... does having satellite make a difference? They have several different channels with just about everything live, as far as I can tell. I have so much DVRd I'm not sure I'll even get through it all. My favorite stretch of river to go down is the Russel Fork of the Big Sandy. Damn near killed me, but I loved it. Wanted to try some creeking back in the day, but I wasn't strong enough, even then.

Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at February 16, 2014 06:16 PM (Z6IPg)

129 123 First no gun thread, and now no space post from CAC? Are they just being held over 'till tomorrow to stretch out the holiday weekend? --- I think so. Some people may be out making merry today.

Posted by: Y-not at February 16, 2014 06:17 PM (zDsvJ)

130 110 NBC's coverage has been horrible. Awful. At least it has been kind of funny watching Johnny Weir get gayer as the games have gone on. I expect him to have breasts by the end of the games. Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at February 16, 2014 10:04 PM (jucos) Did you see when his hair was done like the "Swiss Miss" girl? I fully expect him to be wearing a wedding dress by the ladies event.

Posted by: Ashley Judd's Puffy Scamper, aka MrCaniac at February 16, 2014 06:18 PM (HxSXm)

131 117 Oh my gosh, Southern ancestors may have lost silverware? That's terrible. My neighbor's ancestors were being sold by he pound, do you really think it equates? Posted by: Lincolntf at February 16, 2014 10:09 PM (ZshNr) Not a good analogy at all. Actuality rather silly. You are accepting the premise that the war was about slavery. You are welcome to your opinion and we won't get into that. The pillage and plunder of a victorious army is very ugly. The union made no effort to stop it. That is the point. Never have Americans ever destroyed other American's property for no reason but spite and greed under the color of law. Let us pray they never will again.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 16, 2014 06:18 PM (0FSuD)

132 My wife was lead researcher for Dick Schaap for his books. He did one on the Packers and she not only got to be on the field for a game at Lambeau, she got to meet all the old stars - Starr, Neitschke, etc. I'm not a GB fan, but I would have loved that!

Posted by: Duke Lowell at February 16, 2014 06:18 PM (o9Rp5)

133 Thing I've noticed is most modern MLB parks are that they are pretty much the same, same with football stadiums and basketball arenas. Kinda like airport terminals, if you didn't know what city you are in probably couldn't name it. --- Yeah, that's kind of sad. Have you been to the "new" Oriole's ballpark? I went to Memorial back in the day, but haven't been to the replacement. It looks pretty on the outside, anyway.

Posted by: Y-not at February 16, 2014 06:18 PM (zDsvJ)

134 Everyone President Obama is on TV now and. I am recording it Talk about vamping it up for the cameras, what a great pair of comments.

Posted by: t-bird at February 16, 2014 06:19 PM (FcR7P)

135 Oh, and my favorite organized sports moment (that I actually saw) was a hundred years ago when my family went to see Cal Ripkin break the consecutive games streak. My favorite trip was to raft the Grand Canyon: beer for breakfast, rafting all morning, hiking all afternoon and generally being happy to be alive. I highly recommend the trip to all, and get there before the Democrats outlaw the trip or Los Angeles sucks the Colorado dry.

Posted by: MTF at February 16, 2014 06:19 PM (F58x4)

136

Posted by: toby928Â© at February 16, 2014 09:15 PM (QupBk)

Try Westwater canyon. 2 day trip. first day pretty flat, next day awesom rapids. High water washes out some of the rapid. End of May or June is the best. Oh, Western Colorado.

Posted by: Infidel at February 16, 2014 06:19 PM (6bvBO)

137 just rewinding the dvr on the Bode Miller thing. Kristin Cooper is the NBC scrunt's name, and as if there's not reason enough to loathe NBC. To be fair, Miller was the first to mention his brother, but the reporter kept pushing pushing pushing him to say how he felt about it, over and over. Ick.

Posted by: stace at February 16, 2014 06:19 PM (9PXzx)

138

The camera got all up in Bode's face, the lady could have gotten the same response from the poor guy had she just said, "Did you do this for your dead brother?!"...Jeez.

Posted by: Puncher at February 16, 2014 06:20 PM (LhAqq)

139 Remember: The Olympics are not about the sports or the athletes, they are about the NBC personalities covering them. I mean, I'm tuning in to see Matt Lauer and Al Roker on a luge instead of the actual luge participants.

Posted by: Ashley Judd's Puffy Scamper, aka MrCaniac at February 16, 2014 06:21 PM (HxSXm)

140 I fully expect him to be wearing a wedding dress by the ladies event. He's already done that: http://www.etonline.com/tv/123147_Johnny_Weir_s_Bridal_Blitz/

Posted by: Y-not at February 16, 2014 06:21 PM (zDsvJ)

141 I think the single greatest sporting event I've ever been to was watching Ray Borque and Joe Sakic hoist that Stanley Cup after game 7 from glass seats at the Pepsi Center. Either that or my son's Squirt team winning the consolation championship at the Fargo Squirt tournament in double overtime.

Spring Training is delightful and all should partake. I've only done the Cactus version.

Posted by: Fritz (not Fritz) at February 16, 2014 06:22 PM (U0t2o)

142 The North, including my GGGGfather (maybe five G's), knew what hey were fighting for. I know it's popular to believe that Lincoln craved war and adored slavery, but that's simply not the case in my experience/education. I've seen the "quotes", so don't bother with that crap. Show me original documents, contemporaneous reportage, to support any argument or I'll guess you don't really care and are just trying to make some larger North vs. South point, like so many other sad people.

Posted by: Lincolntf at February 16, 2014 06:23 PM (ZshNr)

143 I mean, I'm tuning in to see Matt Lauer and Al Roker on a luge instead of the actual luge participants.

Posted by: Ashley Judd's Puffy Scamper, aka MrCaniac at February 16, 2014 10:21 PM (HxSXm)

If they were firing them into the sun I would canoe my silly ass to russia to see that.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at February 16, 2014 06:23 PM (FMbng)

144 I mean, I'm tuning in to see Matt Lauer and Al Roker on a luge instead of the actual luge participants. I would pay to see a duct-taped Al Roker being sent down the luge run.

Posted by: t-bird at February 16, 2014 06:24 PM (FcR7P)

145 Did you see when his hair was done like the "Swiss Miss" girl? I fully expect him to be wearing a wedding dress by the ladies event. *** http://bit.ly/1ju3AL7

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 16, 2014 06:25 PM (DmNpO)

146 John E is ripping into NBC for that awful Bodie Miller interview @JohnEkdahl "Tough race, Bode. In your childhood, did you ever have a family dog that was run over in front of you? Let's talk about that." 10:00 PM - 16 Feb 2014

Posted by: kbdabear at February 16, 2014 06:25 PM (aTXUx)

147 Hell, Weir may be so far out there that he may wrap all the way around and come out the other side of the Moebius strip. Maybe he'll be dressed as a fully bearded Lumberjack or something stereotypically hetero.

Posted by: Seamus Muldoon,United Mime Workers Local #555 at February 16, 2014 06:26 PM (g4TxM)

148 NBC announcement regarding Bob Costas https://twitter.com/kbdabear/status/435244439666053120

Posted by: kbdabear at February 16, 2014 06:27 PM (aTXUx)

149 Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Posted by: Seamus Muldoon,United Mime Workers Local #555 at February 16, 2014 06:27 PM (g4TxM)

150 I havenÂ’t watched or cared about the Olympics since the Nancy Kerrigan & Tonya Harding incident.

Posted by: Carol at February 16, 2014 06:27 PM (z4WKX)

151 I remember when the Olympics were an epic struggle between east and the west where geo politics played out with every hockey game or ski run. National pride and defense of ideology was always on the line. Now it has come down to Preznit Passive Aggressive sending our Gheys "over there" to make some kind of point to the mean Russian Leader. I don't get it. We are being force fed Teh Ghey at every turn. NBC is soaking in Teh Ghey.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at February 16, 2014 06:28 PM (jucos)

152 I also want to be loved by the mothers. The mothers with big racks and tight asses.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at February 16, 2014 06:28 PM (oFCZn)

153 I have to admit, Johnny has absolutely grown on me. At first I was like WTF, but I think he's done an outstanding job with his commentary, and despite the wardrobe, I find he has a certain dignity about him. I envy him those very ladylike qualities, particularly his soft spoken tone of voice and graceful hand gestures. The braid sorta staggered me, but he rocked it.

Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at February 16, 2014 06:28 PM (Z6IPg)

154 @142 I am really not sure what you are talking about, but you DO enjoy living in NC? It is not hard to find land where the Union soldiers completely destroyed the property for no reason at all. Start in Sampson County.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 16, 2014 06:28 PM (0FSuD)

155 For those of you still fighting a war from circa 1860's, please be advised that the next one won't be one with a Mason Dixon line. Don't let the good be the enemy of the perfect. It won't be that easy. I live in the north, I'm a conservative. Don't damn me for my location. My family was fucked with back there. that's why I'm here. Lots of people in the south came here for the same reason, only earlier, I s'pose. We have a common enemy.

Posted by: mister magoo at February 16, 2014 06:29 PM (S4RNz)

156 133 Thing I've noticed is most modern MLB parks are that they are pretty much the same, same with football stadiums and basketball arenas. Kinda like airport terminals, if you didn't know what city you are in probably couldn't name it. --- Yeah, that's kind of sad. Have you been to the "new" Oriole's ballpark? I went to Memorial back in the day, but haven't been to the replacement. It looks pretty on the outside, anyway. Posted by: Y-not at February 16, 2014 10:18 PM (zDsvJ) Baseball has done a pretty good job of building the new stadiums so that they aren't cookie cutter like all the stadiums from the mid 60's to mid 70's. All the basketball/hockey arenas all are pretty much cookie cutter with a little cosmetic changes.

Posted by: Ashley Judd's Puffy Scamper, aka MrCaniac at February 16, 2014 06:31 PM (HxSXm)

157 For no reason at all? During a war? Can't think of any reasons as to why an Army might do that? Consider it unique in martial history? Oh, the shame, the shame.....

Posted by: Lincolntf at February 16, 2014 06:31 PM (ZshNr)

158 Hell, Weir may be so far out there that he may wrap all the way around and come out the other side of the Moebius strip. Maybe he'll be dressed as a fully bearded Lumberjack or something stereotypically hetero.

Posted by: Seamus Muldoon,United Mime Workers Local #555 at February 16, 2014 10:26 PM (g4TxM)

Not. in. a. billion. years. That dude spun out of orbit and is heading into deep space.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at February 16, 2014 06:31 PM (FMbng)

159 Union soldiers completely destroyed the property for no reason at all. Start in Sampson County.xx Right or wrong that is the way real wars are fought. No point to start one otherwise.

Posted by: Dendritic at February 16, 2014 06:33 PM (8Z8Vp)

160 If I had a son, he'd look like Johnny Weir.

Posted by: Barky O'Tool at February 16, 2014 06:33 PM (FcR7P)

161 John E is ripping into NBC for that awful Bodie Miller interview

@JohnEkdahl

"Tough race, Bode. In your childhood, did you ever have a family dog that was run over in front of you? Let's talk about that."

10:00 PM - 16 Feb 2014

Posted by: kbdabear at February 16, 2014 10:25 PM (aTXUx)

No shit. That was fucked up. The wife even said "they fucking suck, they ruin the moment for these people".

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at February 16, 2014 06:34 PM (FMbng)

162 Half hour past the usual ONT time? Did that many of the cobs take this weekend to dedicate exclusively to hobo hunting?

Posted by: Psychedelicat at February 16, 2014 06:34 PM (AymDN)

163 Oriole Park is unique and was a model for most new generation baseball parks. Target Field in MN is uniquely Minnesotan as far as architecture and materials is concerned. Chavez Ravine and Pittsburgh are great baseball stadiums to watch a game in as well. Misses are in Miami (Awful warehouse), and Tampa (Even worse than the Metrodome), and Milwaukee.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at February 16, 2014 06:36 PM (jucos)

164 153 I have to admit, Johnny has absolutely grown on me. At first I was like WTF, but I think he's done an outstanding job with his commentary, and despite the wardrobe, I find he has a certain dignity about him. I envy him those very ladylike qualities, particularly his soft spoken tone of voice and graceful hand gestures. The braid sorta staggered me, but he rocked it. Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at February 16, 2014 10:28 PM (Z6IPg) The hair and the necklace thingy kind of gives me a pause, but you are right, he has done an outstanding job of commentary during the skating. As for the wedding dress, I had no idea. Oh. My. God.

Posted by: Ashley Judd's Puffy Scamper, aka MrCaniac at February 16, 2014 06:37 PM (HxSXm)

165 Most golf schools run classes for any of the 48 various gender identities recognized by New York (and represented in the "family" of the mayor). I have not looked specifically for a couples school, though. I bet Pinehurst has couples golf classes - they definitely have parent/child golf classes. They really go all out to draw in couples and families. Really neat place, if you like golf. And if you are a spa lady, they have a top notch spa at Pinehurst as well.

http://www.pinehurst.com/golf/pinehurst-golf-academy/

Posted by: BetaPhi at February 16, 2014 06:38 PM (1WdJ6)

166 Johnny Weir might as well have elbows.

Posted by: Lincolntf at February 16, 2014 06:38 PM (ZshNr)

167 What's on ONTV tonight ?? where are my reading glasses ?

Posted by: mister magoo at February 16, 2014 06:39 PM (S4RNz)

168 Mid 80's here in Tucson today. I have a Winter home on the Omni Tucson National Golf Course. I don't play golf (yeah, I know.... like a gay guy working in the Playboy mansion) but this is an old historic course that, prior to Dove Mountain (which everyone hates) hosted the PGA since before ever.

Come on down to Tucson. Catch a taste of warm and enjoy seeing the sun again.

Posted by: Anchovy at February 16, 2014 06:39 PM (MNxW+)

169 Drove through Lake Placid once. It's a ghost town. That giant ski jump is still there though.

Posted by: Dr. Varno at February 16, 2014 06:39 PM (V4CBV)

170 ONT up.

Posted by: ManWithNoParty at February 16, 2014 06:40 PM (ojnk6)

171 Those that don't remember the past are condemned to repeat it, or something. War is hell, it is not a license to rape and plunder. What strategic purpose does a farm house in the middle of nowhere serve? Shelter? OK maybe. Grant's march to the sea, even today, is an embarrassment to the US Army for it's unsupervised destruction. Why pray tell did union troops destroy every rail line in NC AFTER the war was over? For fun?

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 16, 2014 06:43 PM (0FSuD)

172

I agree - spring training is fun. I've only seen the Cactus League too.

The only MLB parks I've been to besides Miller Park are Wrigley (quite fun) and Camden Yards. I went to the latter when it was new and state of the art.

I've heard AT and T (no ampersand for me- I'm not allowed to have any) is beautiful. I wish I would have made it to Fenway and Yankee Stadium when I lived on the East Coast.

Lambeau was a blast, even though the only time I was there was during a pre-season game in August - it was Brett Favre's last season with the Packers. Still quite festive. It's a bit of surprise the first time you visit, even if you're a Wisconsinite, because Lambeau Field is a regular, rather blue-collar neighborhood. Lots of little unassuming houses surrounding this huge stadium.

Posted by: Donna V. at February 16, 2014 06:46 PM (R3gO3)

173 Posted by: Ashley Judd's Puffy Scamper, aka MrCaniac at February 16, 2014 10:37 PM (HxSXm) Did you hear him say he designed the costume worn by the young Japanese kid who won the gold? Lord. I love Johnny, but he doesn't have very good taste! Especially in wedding gowns! But if his husband likes it, who are we to judge?

Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at February 16, 2014 06:47 PM (Z6IPg)

174 Just to be big meanies, I'm sure.

Posted by: Lincolntf at February 16, 2014 06:48 PM (ZshNr)

175 Lambeau was a blast, even though the only time I was there was during a pre-season game in August --- That's probably the best time to go there, unless you're an Inuit! :-)

Posted by: Y-not at February 16, 2014 06:49 PM (zDsvJ)

176 I remember watching PCL in Portland, got to see a lot of players who made it to the big leagues and those who were moving down, I remember Radditz, Sheinblum and Piniella.

Posted by: drunkineastmesa at February 16, 2014 06:59 PM (l7HsE)

177 173 Posted by: Ashley Judd's Puffy Scamper, aka MrCaniac at February 16, 2014 10:37 PM (HxSXm) Did you hear him say he designed the costume worn by the young Japanese kid who won the gold? Lord. I love Johnny, but he doesn't have very good taste! Especially in wedding gowns! But if his husband likes it, who are we to judge? Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at February 16, 2014 10:47 PM (Z6IPg) The Mrs fell asleep before watching it last night, and she watched the "Jesse Stone" marathon on Hallmark today, so we will be watching it tomorrow night. It is interesting to hear them talk about how different the "Russian block" of judges and the "American block" of judges score the skaters. Plus, that venue was dead after Pluschenko dropped out.

Posted by: Ashley Judd's Puffy Scamper, the artist formerly known as MrCaniac at February 16, 2014 07:06 PM (HxSXm)

178 176 I remember watching PCL in Portland, got to see a lot of players who made it to the big leagues and those who were moving down, I remember Radditz, Sheinblum and Piniella. Posted by: drunkineastmesa at February 16, 2014 10:59 PM (l7HsE) Lived in Richmond in the early to mid 80's and watched the Braves in the International League. That was during the time that all of the Atlanta Braves' core from their teams of the 90's were there. It was a fun time to watch those guys. Glavine, Belliard, Smoltz, Justice, Gant, Blauser

Posted by: Ashley Judd's Puffy Scamper, the artist formerly known as MrCaniac at February 16, 2014 07:17 PM (HxSXm)

179

(assumes willow's role of thread-ender .....)

Wanna do sports destinations? Frozen Four, doesn't matter where.

X-country skiied the Olympic trails at Lake Placid (Russian junior biathlon team was there, skiing and shooting). Rented some speed skates and skated the outdoor oval where Heiden won all those golds. Rode a boblsed down the course (followed a local tip and was up at the top at closing time - they needed bodies and you could ride down w/out the usual $50 charge).

Hockey highlights. Seeing the original great Soviet Central Army team play the WHL SD Gulls, and the slightly changed CSKA team play an exhibition against the Penguins in 1988 (first 8 min. of the 2nd period went without a whistle, the crowd began applauding the incredibly disciplined and intelligent style of play). Seeing the Canadiens at home at the old Forum (not against the Bruins, but against the Nordiques, so almost as intense). Seeing the Nordiques at home at Le Colisee (Sakic was still there).

And seeing Pilsen vs. Prague in the Czech League, in Prague. Fastest game of any kind I've ever seen. And somehow, despite the epic indoor sports weekend that was for me with my long-distance Euro squeeze, having the interest to stare at the stunning Czech women (and get busted).

Happened to see two games of the 1994 World Cup in DC, and one of them had the goal of the tournament (Saudi Arabia vs. Holland). And also happened to go to the San Diego State game where Marshall Faulk subbed in for the injured starting running back, set an NCAA t-down record, and well, you know the rest.

Posted by: non-purist at February 16, 2014 07:31 PM (afQnV)

180 Sounds great, non-purist!

Posted by: Y-not on the phone at February 16, 2014 07:50 PM (zDsvJ)

181 Apprently, the hijacker of the Ethiopian plane was the pilot... At least he didn't pull an Egyptian pilot routine and nose dive it.

Posted by: Baldy at February 16, 2014 10:50 PM (2bql3)

182 40 Golf is a sport? Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at February 16, 2014 09:18 PM (FMbng) ###### The Drunken Cart Super-G is one of my favorites.

Posted by: One pissed off goat! at February 17, 2014 12:45 AM (RXQ2T)

183 Damn, missed this thread. It came out too late for me.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at February 17, 2014 02:13 AM (T2V/1)

184 Sorry about that, Vic. I got home later than I'd planned yesterday.

Posted by: Y-not on the phone at February 17, 2014 05:47 AM (zDsvJ)

185 Golf courses are a waste of good cemetery property, right?

Posted by: Erowmero at February 17, 2014 06:23 AM (OONaw)

186 Best minor league ball park: Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL Home of the Eastern League Jacksonville Suns AA for L.A. Dodgers last I checked

Posted by: The Emperor Cletus Augustus at February 17, 2014 06:37 AM (xvN0P)

187 "It's not easy dealing with something that happened 150 years ago."

Just an observation, apparently the only two groups you are still permitted to tell to "get over it" are white people and Jews.

Posted by: Richard McEnroe at February 17, 2014 07:23 AM (XO6WW)

188 Canal Park in Akron, OH -- Akron Rubber Ducks (formerly Akron Aeros), AA affiliate of the Indians. Great park, and you can get fresh jalapeno slices for your hot dog.

Posted by: A message at February 17, 2014 10:26 AM (fsHdl)

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