Straight No Chaser Through The Eyes of an Eight Year Old

Part Two of the Legendary Aca-Experience (Part One was two days earlier) took place in South Bend, Indiana on Tuesday, December 22nd.  Actually it began about three hours before when I picked up my son for his first Straight No Chaser concert.  As I buckled him in his seat he started the adventure by saying "Ahem!  You didn't even notice I took a shower and brushed my teeth!"  This from an eight year old boy.  Is it possible he was more excited about this evening's concert than I was?

Not a chance.  Even though I caught the doubleheader Saturday at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago, I couldn't wait to see the guys again and even  more so see what my son's reaction would be seeing them live.  He has seen dozens of videos and LOVES (I mean LOVES) the official Marvin Gaye video as well as the Movie Medley video.  In fact, those two songs were what he was most hoping to see/hear.

** Side note - I can't express enough how thrilled I am that he has immersed himself in SNC's music.  But I'm a little concerned that I'm going to one day receive a call from his Catholic school principal saying "Mr. Bentel, can you come to school?  Your son is Marvin Gaye-ing in the hallway.**

So off we go, according to MapQuest a straight shot east from Chicago to South Bend.  On the way, no doubt worn out from eager anticipation, Cooper feel asleep.  He only woke up when he felt the car turning around.  "Where are we?  Are we there yet?"  "No," I told him, "we have to turn around."

Something didn't feel quite right when I passed a sign that said "WELCOME TO MICHIGAN".  I'm not exactly Magellan, but even I understood that Michigan didn't stand between Chicago and South Bend.  Not to worry, a quick U-turn and we were back on track.  I had told Cooper that if we arrived early enough we could try to find SNC's tour bus.  Well, we arrived early, but it was rather cool and windy so we hustled right into the theater, grabbed a beverage and found our seats.

The show started with Tyler singing lead on "Shut Up and Dance" and Cooper was captivated.  He didn't have to wait long for Mike to knock Marvin Gaye out of the park.

*Oh, I should point out that no matter how many times you've seen SNC, there is always something you haven't seen.  For instance, at the intermission we were fortunate enough to catch up with COTM Dottie Kovacs and her charming daughter Robyn.  Dottie asked how this show compared to the two I saw on Saturday.  In all honesty, the show was exactly the same, word verbatim on the intros, same set list (except that since we were in Indiana the boys added "Back Home Again in Indiana"), everything, so it was the same . . . except that it wasn't  - courtesy of Mike Luginbill.

During Marvin Gaye the guys (namely Jerome and Steve) like to offer their talents and accoutrements to various female attendees in the first row.  Mike, not wanting to be outdone, channeled his inner rock star and jumped up on one of the floor speakers. Or should I say "tried" to jump up on the speaker.  Well, he made it to the top, but didn't stay there for long as the speaker immediately started to tip over and almost planted Mike in the lust filled and helping hands of some women in the first row.  Showing cat-like agility, Mike managed to stay on stage, shook his head and in between lines said "I swear I thought that was taped down."  He sang a few more lines, made his way to the other speakers and said "I'm just going to check these .. . ", kicked them, saw that they moved as well and finished the song without another Mick Jagger incident.  BUT it was an awesome and different performance.

So the song ends and my son turns to me and says "When is the movie song?"  I knew it came during the second part of the show so I said "It's after intermission."

"How many songs until the break?"  Hoo boy, he came focused on what he wants.

Throughout the night I watched him as much as I watched the guys.  As the show went on Cooper became more interactive, almost responding to things that were happening on stage.  During the movie trivia and "12 Days of Christmas" as the guys were goofing around Cooper would shrug his shoulders and lift his arms almost as if to communicate "What? What are you doing?"  He already knew the routine from numerous video views, but now he was getting into it.

When the concert ended we headed upstairs for the Meet & Greet.  I made Cooper an autograph book

and to make things easy on everyone, we waited until we were last in line so the guys would have time to flip to their page and sign their name.  Tyler was first (followed by Don) and Tyler asked Cooper if he made the book.  Cooper said "Yeah, well my dad did" and then continued talking with Tyler.  It was awesome.  Don looked at Tyler's page and asked what song he was singing in the shot.  Tyler said based on his arm position he was guessing it was the Four Seasons Medley (he was most likely right).  Then Don signed his page and Tyler asked Don what song he was singing.  It was the part of their ending medley from a few years ago where Don sang (mimed, actually) "Call Me Maybe" which led to the two of them to try and figure out when that picture was taken.  Tyler finally nailed it down because he tied them doing that medley to when he met his current fiancée.  That's awesome and all, but I'm thinking "Hey guys? Uh can that wait for the bus?  Chaser here wanting to schmooz a bit."  But seriously, they were awesome.  Everyone was.  Cooper told me on the way home that Walt (who was the last guy in the M&G line) figured out (at least verbally) that the book was in alphabetical order.

Then came the highlight of the evening for me (if there can be just one highlight).  Time for the group picture.  When it was our turn, Mr. Korby (did I mention before that he's a class act?  Good lord, he's a class act) said to Cooper, "Ok, get in there!  Where do you want to stand?"  And with the energy and exuberance only an eight year old can muster he yells from deep in his throat "STEVE!!!"

Steve immediately celebrates "Alright!" and without missing a beat Charlie says dismissively "Well, there's a first time for everything."

And so I thought our awesome evening was over.  But Cooper rose to the occasion yet again.  As we were walking to our car he said "Hey Papa (that's how I roll), we never saw their tour bus."  So instead of heading to the highway we headed to the back of the theater to find a tour bus.  Successful, we pulled up along side one of the buses, hopped out of the car and took a picture of Cooper next to the bus.  Somehow in our conversation I pointed out that the guys sleep on the bus as they head to the next town to perform.  Showing he's still eight, Cooper said "Wait, what?!  They sleep on the bus?" 

Being the photographic genius I am, I chose to have him stand at the middle of the bus away from ANY supportive light.  But here it is anyway.

Trust me, both he and the bus are in the picture.  Then it was back into the car where he declares "We need to listen to music on the way home.  Can we hear "Marvin Gaye"?  Oh you bet we can, mister.  Let me just flip through my eight CDs to find . . . here it is!  From there we jumped around to other songs and in a Name That Tune sort of way, he played Name the Lead Singer.  Dang if he didn't get about 80% of the names right.  I even threw him a curve ball with Ryan singing lead on a song.  I said "You won't get this, it's Ryan singing."  Mr. Smartypants responds with "Oh yeah, he's the one that retired."  Points for creativity my man.

Postscript:  This weekend while we were making dinner, we listened to The New Old Fashioned.  When the song got to the Chariots of Fire part, I started moving in slow motion and Cooper got this big grin on his face, shrugged his shoulders, scratched his head and ran past me like he was shot of a cannon (obviously mimicking DR's role).

Officially I can say, SNC through an eight year old's eyes is pretty darn cool.

Sweet Georgia Chaser

Back in the early 1920's the Harlem Globetrotters were formed.  Everyone knows who they are and what they do.  But when they first started playing, oftentimes the players wanted to shoot trick shots, get real fancy and entertain the crowd.

The owner and coach of the Globetrotters, Abe Saperstein, made a deal with them.  He said they could do all those things, but FIRST they had to become the best, most disciplined BASKETBALL team before they could think about ENTERTAINING.

For a few years now I've thought of Straight No Chaser in that context.  Anyone who has seen them perform, like, say Saturday night to two sold out shows at the Chicago Lyric Opera House, sees an amazingly talented group of guys putting on a show that defies description.  Yes, it's a cappella singing.  But it's so much more than that.  It's funny, it's visually appealing, it's topical, it's choreographed.

But at the absolute core, it's being the best, most disciplined singing group possible.  They have to be.  Singing in and of itself is hard.  For some of us it's impossible and definitely should not be tried in public.  Then add moving around a little bit.  Add facial expressions to make your audience engaged.  Add A LOT more moving and dancing.  Oh, but above all else, maintain perfect harmony, perfect pitch, perfect tone and other musical terms I don't know or understand.  That's SNC.  They are the Harlem Globetrotters of music.  Not for one minute are they willing to sacrifice musical excellence in exchange for entertainment.

I had the extreme privilege of seeing them for the seventh and eighth times this past Saturday.  As I was going through the Meet & Greet line after the second show I pointed out that is was just possible the evening performance was better than the matinee, but I would hate to live on the difference.  Since they are still on tour, I won't provide any on stage spoilers.  But there were some amusing off stage things.

For one, and I have no idea why this happened, but while waiting for both shows to start I, like the other 3500 attendees, was hanging out in the lobby.  Apparently I was doing a really good job of it because I had not one, not two, but THREE people (three separate instances) come up to me and ask me a question about the venue because they thought I worked there.  Now I will be the first to admit that I was rather nattily attired (that's just how I roll), but I didn't think I was EMPLOYMENT attired. 

Yet there I was fielding questions for the location of the bathroom and lost and found.  I knew where the bathroom was so that was an easy help.  But let's just say that the guy who was looking for his iPhone?  Well, he's never going to find that thing.

And then, being in Chicago and at a major music event, there is always the potential for celebrity sightings.  I had no less than five encounters!  Not in any particular order, but I did happen upon...

Dan Ponce!  Chicago morning news anchor for Channel 9?  Yeah, whatever.  THIS IS THE GUY WHO FOUNDED STRAIGHT NO CHASER!!!  So what's with the picture you ask?  Why does it look like Dan is photo bombing the shot?  Because technology is no friend of mine and I absolutely SUCK at taking selfies.  This was my second attempt.  Dan was gracious enough to play along.

Toward the end of the evening I struck additional a cappella gold when I ran into  . . .

Luke Mechling (in the Colts hat), bass singer for Gentleman's Rule and brother of SNC bass Charlie Mechling and Corey Frye, former member of Gentleman's Rule.  Two incredibly talented singers (don't believe me?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miWJdXIGDVo  Bam!  Told you.) who were incredibly gracious with their time.  Corey took the picture of me and Luke and Luke took the picture of me and Corey.  Best line that didn't come from the stage Saturday night - Luke Mechling lining up the shot trying to get us to smile saying "Everyone say 'Corey's new hairstyle.'"

So two world class shows, the creator of Straight No Chaser (and Gentleman's Rule for that matter) and two members of GR.  What could be better?  Well what anyone attending an SNC concert would hope for - meeting Chasers.  Chasers, if you weren't aware, are the names of the rabid fans that worship and adore the ten guys on stage.  The pinnacle in Chaserland is to be named (by the group) as Chaser of the Month.  Being named COTM means SNC has recognized the contributions and loyalty a fan has provided to the group.  So did I meet a COTM? Heck no, not on a night when I had three employment inquiries, and met two GR members.  Nothing was happening in ones.  I met TWO COTM!!!  Maggie Sherwin AND Laura Miller.  Laura was there to see SNC for the 50th time.  Yeah, that's what I said.  It's  not a typo.  50.

Showing amazing generosity and grace with a healthy dollop of tolerance, Maggie and Laura let me hang with them in the M&G line to hear and share SNC stories.

What could be better?  I would say nothing . . . .except that Tuesday I will be driving to South Bend to introduce my eight year old son to the guys.  What's SNC look like in the eyes of an eight year old?  We'll soon find out.

Here You Go, Iowa, Catch . . . . softly

When I was in grade school I had a friend named Tom Hawkins.  Some of the kids called him Hawkeye. 

When I was in high school I would watch M*A*S*H twice a night (three times on Mondays) and was entranced as Hawkeye Pierce made us laugh . . .and think.

Now that I'm an adult I have a new Hawkeye in my life.

University of Iowa, you are about to receive a precious gift.  When her mother and I brought her home from the hospital we could not conceive of the unbelievable journey she was about to take us on.  We nurtured her, raised her, challenged her, did our best and now we present her to you.

When she walked at 11 and a half months we claimed her a genius.

At three she would lead us to the park, four blocks from our house.

When we took her to have pictures taken we unbiasedly identified her as the most beautiful child of her age in the entire world.

Two time captain of the cheerleading squad.  Homecoming queen.  National Honor Society Member.  Top 10% of her graduating class. Yet her true accomplishments rank higher than any yardstick the organized educational system can install.

She has been an amazing friend to many.  Volunteered for and impacted those less fortunate.  Connected with people on a deep, personal level ranging in ages from two to 85.  Her ability to interact with adults as well as peers and make all of them feel special and unique is unusual for a girl her age..

She is our Belle. Please keep the Beasts at bay.  She deserves a prince.  If there are none on campus we prefer she be allowed to challenge and expand her mind so she can be prepared to make dramatic contributions to whatever part of the medical field she sets her sights on.

She will make you proud and honored that she is a part of your family, just as she has done for us these past 18 years.

You should know that you were the first institution she visited.  She sought out a few others and none were able to compare with what she felt was available among your hallowed halls. She will give you everything she has and more. Give her everything you have but don't forget to send her home for the holidays so we can once again envelope her in our warm embrace.

She is absolutely incredible.  She loves candles if they smell good.  She loves her cat.  And inexplicably she loves Blake Shelton (ok, maybe she's not perfect).

She will make you laugh with the flick of an eyebrow.  She will melt your heart with her laugh.  She will break your heart when she sucks the marrow of knowledge from your bones and moves on to bigger and greater things four years from now.

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

She is capable of multi-tasking, having volunteered, captained in cheerleading, nailed down awesome grades all at once.  And proving it yet again, she is your newest alum and our baby girl, all at the same time.

Cougars, Country and Calisthenics

It had been a long weekend of work with more on the horizon.  Suddenly a window of opportunity presented itself and I jumped through it.  A quick, impromptu drive up Kirk Road brought me to the doorstep of the Cougars for a beautiful Saturday  night game.

Ok, doorstep, not so much.  How about the last freaking row of the parking lot?!  Seriously?  Yes, I showed up as the game starts but c'mon.  It's minor league ball after all and Kyle Schwarber and the Cubs left last season.  Oh wait, I get it.  It was Country Music night.  Some local group did a pre-game concert, country music played between innings and fireworks set to country music after the game.  Of course it would be packed.

While the game was less than stellar (Cougars lost 7-0 committing two errors), it was memorable for all the right and crazy reasons minor league ball is so awesome.  The Cougars rightfielder Chuck Taylor made an unbelievable catch running full force through the visitor's bullpen headlong into the low fence keeping the fans at bay.  Actually it was more like "running thigh-long" into the fence since that's the part of his body that connected with the barrier before he catapulted head first into the stands - hanging on to the ball to record the out.

This was the first time I think I ever saw a 3-4-3 groundout occur ---- twice.  Not a double play mind you where the first baseman snags a grounder, throws to second to get the lead runner and then catches the return throw to get the batter.  No, this was (and IT HAPPENED TWICE) a ground ball caroming off the first baseman, over to the second baseman who grabs it, and threw to first to record the out.  It was awesome.  Twice.

There were the usual between inning antics with a country flair.  They even had two World Championship Arm Wrestling matches after the game.  But then the pinnacle of the night was reached.  I thought it would be the fireworks.  Anyone who has been to a Cougars Fireworks Night knows how awesome the fireworks are.  But that was usurped by . . . The Jesse White Tumblers.

At 10pm a group of twenty or so 8-15 (?) year olds took to the field, laying out mats and mini trampolines.  They began by doing some basic tumbling that would leave me in traction for years, gradually getting more creative as they loosened up.  I was sitting half way up in the stands on the left field side, basically behind the thirdbase dugout and that provided me with the best view in the house.

The tumblers all ran and jumped, twisting and soaring over fellow tumblers who were providing a sort of pyramid to jump over.  About half way through the performance I glanced down and was struck by the sight.  Standing in front of the third base dugout was not just a player or two from the visiting team.  IT WAS THE ENTIRE TEAM.  Standing, captivated, watching these young kids do wonderful acrobatic things.

These baseball athletes had just spent the evening hitting balls thrown at 95 miles an hour, leaping in the air to catch spheres hit at rocket speed, running and sliding and doing amazing acts of physical agility.  And here they were, transfixed watching these kids perform.  The team I'm sure could have hopped on their bus to get to the local motel, yet they didn't move. 

When the final tumbler did his thing, which was amazing (he ran and jumped over all his fellow tumblers [I didn't count how many, but at least 15?] ala Evil Knieval jumping his motorcycle over a string of cars) the kids all exited the field through the third base dugout where they were met with . . . .high fives from the entire visiting team.

Watching hockey teams shake hands at the end of a playoff series is pretty cool, but this was remarkable.  Multiple ages, multiple races, multiple cultures, multiple talents high fiving each other respecting what had been accomplished.

Then the lights were doused and the fireworks began.  Accompanied by Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown, Blake Shelton and a host of other country artists and the most amazing Aquarian blue moon down the right field line, past the picnic area, hanging just so in a perfect summer night's sky.

Breaking New Ground

When you have children you never know when that awesome comment or conversation is going to happen, you just know that it will.

Tonight such a time occurred.  With my oldest (18) and youngest (14) daughters and son (7) hanging out for dinner, the subject magically turned to baseball.  Katelyn (18) reaffirmed her love and admiration for Cubs phee-nom, Kris Bryant.  She readily admits that he became her object of affection because he's so adorable, "but hey" Katelyn says "it turns out he's an awesome player as well!  I know how to pick 'em."

For years she said I should have Alfonso Soriano on my fantasy team.  With Soriano it wasn't because he was good looking, just because "he's awesome" according to Katelyn.  Now with Bryant she chastised me for not having him on my team.  The owners in my league can tell you that I did everything I could to get Bryant right after he was drafted by the Cubs including telegraphing my moves to force another owner to snag Bryant two slots ahead of me.

"I could probably win your league," Katelyn stated confidently.  "All I need are pictures of all the players.  I would pick all the good looking ones."

I kind of laughed as thoughts rolled around my head.  "Have you ever won the league?" she asked.  I said it had been a while (almost 20 years).  Then I said 95% joking, 4% serious, 1% hoping "I recently pissed off an owner and they decided to resign.  So we have an opening. . . "

She declined, saying she didn't want to be the only girl in the league.  I pointed out she would be the FIRST girl in the league.  But that didn't stop the four of us from brainstorming and spit balling ideas for her team. 

We started with the fact that she would be a pioneer and Kristi (14) threw out a reference to Neil Armstrong.  Then Katelyn said "Amelia Earhart" and I came up with her team's tagline - "A female pioneer who loses her way and is never heard from again."  I can only assume using a drafting strategy based on the good looks of a player would destine her team to the cellar.

Well, her team needs a name.  Usually the CFCL (Cubs Fan Club League) encourages its owners to build a team name in connection to the owners name.  But Katelyn nailed the name in five seconds.

"The Air-Hearts**", she said, specifically spelling the second part of the name h-e-a-r-t-s.  "The 'hearts' go out to the good looking guys on the team."

**  Yes, Amelia's last name was Earhart.  But if we spelled the team name The Ear-Hearts, obviously people will be thinking 'hearing' and mispronounce the team name. We're exercising creative license here people.**

And literally seconds after the name was identified and my note taking began, Katelyn came up with the team logo.  I can't create it in a word document so I will describe it.  It's a baseball in the shape of a heart with the red baseball stitches in front of each loop of the heart and wings extend out to the side from the upper parts of the heart.  A shout out to Amelia flying (wings), the heart for the good looking guys on the team and baseball stitches for . . . well you understand.

A legitimate team name, logo and approach all created in less than 10 minutes.  Let me tell you.  As a father who loves his children, loves baseball and loves fantasy baseball this was . . . Eden, Nirvana, Shangri-La all rolled into one.

Think about it, the team could be located on Howland Island, the island Amelia Earhart was trying to reach when she lost contact with the Navy.  Sure the Air-Hearts would travel more than the Seattle Mariners, but think about the home field advantage.  Teams coming in suffering from severe jet lag, playing in oppressive heat. The only fans attending would be Air-Heart fans, what fan would travel to see their team play only three games at a time on Howland Island?

As an owner, while she could learn it eventually, Katelyn would have to figure out how to coordinate our salary cap with the physical appearance of her team.

This is a pipedream as she has bigger fish to fry.  After conquering high school by finishing in the top 7% of her class (already more qualified to run a team than I am) she's off to the University of Iowa in four weeks to make an impact in the Health Sciences field.  It's the right decision . . . .but this would be totally cool.

Tales From the Trail

So Monday night I had one of the best nights in a looong time.  I surprised my 13  year old daughter, Kristi, with tickets to Pentatonix.  If you don't know who Pentatonix is, shame on you.  Go to Youtube and be amazed.

On the way home - and this is an honest to God true story - we were recapping the concert and talking about "stuff".  Somehow, the conversation went like this (and before I regale you, you need to understand that Kristi has become obsessed with playing "The Oregon Trail".  Apparently it's a web based game that actually teaches the youth of America life skills like critical thinking and money management.)

On the drive home we passed a building with the letters NSA on them.  So Kristi makes the comment that the government is in that building, watching our every move.  "If you didn't already know, I am totally anti-government," she said.  Yeah, I had a feeling.  So I made a comment about her removing herself from society and living alone.

"My goal," she said in response, "is to have a covered wagon led by oxen and go on The Oregon Trail to . . . Oregon."  (I SWEAR to you this conversation really took place).

I responded "Well, that would certainly get you on the news as they follow you across the country on your way to Oregon."

"I would have my oxen scare off the reporters so they would leave me alone," Kristi said.

And from there I decided to verbally imagine what the news report would sound like.

Carol (in the studio) - We now go live to Bob who is following a story somewhere out west.

Bob (on location) - Thank you Carol!  We are following a covered wagon led by a team of oxen.  The driver's name is Kristi and it appears that she is headed toward a remote cabin in Oregon where she will be meeting up with her followers - Kristi-ites. 

*Kristi (in the car) starts laughing out loud with the occasional "oh my god" thrown in*

Carol - Bob, have you been able to ask Kristi what her intentions are?

Bob - Not exactly.  Every time we approach her she gives her oxen a command in some foreign tongue that causes the oxen to begin to attack us.  We're not sure what language she's using, we've taken to calling it Kristiphonics.  I think she created the language so only she can communicate with the oxen. 

*Kristi (in the car) narrowly misses  hitting her head on the dashboard as she doubles over in laughter.  Don't call DCFS, this is NOT my fault!*

Bob - We are currently in Montana.  It looks like she will be passing through the tall stick part of Idaho where she will pick up a few potatoes for her, her oxen and the Kristi-ites and then make her way to the remote cabin in Oregon.

Carol - Bob!  This is an amazing story!  How do you know her destination is Oregon?

Bob - Well, Carol, we have an advance team of reporters that have spotted the remote cabin, largely because the Kristi-ites are sitting in a field, holding their cellphones aloft with the flashlight feature on, creating a large luminescent bon fire for Kristi and the oxen to drive towards.  As they await their leader's arrival, they are humming and singing, a cappella, a Kumbuya type of song in their Kristiphonics communication.

*Kristi (in the car) gasping for breath, holding her hands over her mouth to prevent spitting while laughing*

Carol - Bob, do you or the advance team appear to be in any danger?

Bob - Carol we haven't been attacked - aside from the surly oxen - if that's what you mean.  Though we do have reports from the government that they are concerned that Kristi is transporting many years worth of munitions to fortify herself and the Kristi-ites as they plan to establish what we have now learned to be a new religion of goat worship.  Apparently they are establishing "Goatism" where in they meet on the second Tuesday of every June.  They need to keep it simple because, well, goats are simple.

*Kristi - there may have been a snort*

Carol - Bob, for the love of god . . . or goat, please be careful and report back to us if you hear anything new.

Bob - Thank you Carol.  We're keeping an eye on things.  Back to you in the studio.

Ice Hogs And What They Teach Us

Boy, it's been a while since a new Monroe Doctrine has been posted.  I've found that going through a divorce can really sap all creative strength from a person.  So here's an attempt to get back into the swing of things and rather than hit the ground running with baseball, I figured I would ease myself back in with, of all things, hockey.

Admittedly I am a fair weather, bandwagon jumping fan of hockey.  Didn't care much about it until the Blackhawks won the first of their two recent Stanley Cups.  That sparked an interest.

So while trying to find something fun and different to do with the kids last weekend I took them to Rockford, IL to see the Ice Hogs (minor league affiliate to the Blackhawks).  I was impressed.  The way the Ice Hogs handled their pre, during and post game stuff reminded me of the Kane County Cougars for minor league baseball.  It was fun, it was professional and it was cost effective.

My kids (three girls and a boy) seemed to view our excursion as a punishment rather than an adventure.  The older two girls absolutely wanted nothing to do with this, but they went anyway.

While the Ice Hogs put on a great game and won 3-0, for the kids the entertainment seemed to be more in the stands.  Directly in front of us was a young boy who would alternate his attention between the action on the ice and his hand held electronic device.  My son (age 7) was yelling at the players (from the second to last row of the stadium) "Get it to number 28!  Oh man, 28 was open!  Why didn't you pass it to him?!"

That caused the boy in front of him to comment "They should pass it to 57."  My son responded "Well, that is a very good suggestion!"  At which point my son leaned to me and said "Papa, I have a  new best friend."

Watching this exchange caused my 13 and 15 year old daughters to absolutely crack up to the point of near tears as the banter between the boys continued throughout the game.  That coupled with my son's efforts to get on the video screen by dancing wildly to the music during the time outs was more entertaining that anything American Idol can produce.

It's obvious my son understands the nuances of hockey because part way through the second period he asked "Hey, when are they going to start fighting?"  I explained that these players don't make much money and probably get fined if they fight.

My oldest daughter wasn't as impressed with the Ice Hogs.  Based on the play she was observing she couldn't understand how any of these guys were going to be called up to the Blackhawks any time soon.  Her standards for hockey play are pretty high.

Another interesting and telling moment during the game was when the audio people tried to get the crowd amped up.  There is a tradition for them to play "Monee, monee".  Now in the clubs, I think we're all aware of the part of the song where people will yell out about the opportunity to have some entertaining nocturnal activity.  When they started playing the song in the stadium, I cringed thinking my kids were going to hear this.  Instead the crowd is conditioned to another response.  It took me a few times through to understand what the crowd was yelling, but I finally got it.  Both my 13 and 17 year olds asked what the crowd was yelling.  I said it's "Hey, guess what? You're goalie sucks!"  Upon hearing that my 13 year old said "Aw that's just mean."

I took them to see the Ice Hogs because they had never been to a live hockey game.  And while the game was entertaining and the Ice Hogs do it up right, sitting in the stands I observed more about my kids' personalities than I did about a hockey game.  It was awesome.