Farve and the Future

There's lots of discussion up here in the northland about what Farve will or will not do for our beloved Purple. Some folks hate the move, and some love it. Put me down in the love category. Here's my rationale:

• The Vikings' Achilles heel has been their quarterback play. Defenses stack the box to shut down our vaunted running game, and Jackson has lacked the ability to make them pay for it. We need a quarterback that can read the defense, and burn them when appropriate with a quick slant or a well-timed post pattern. Jackson has proved, time and again, that he's incapable. Farve, on the other hand, feasts on those scenarios.
  
• We don't need our quarterback to carry the team. We have a running came that is more than capable of doing that. All we need is a quarterback to keep the defense honest. Hence, the pressure on Farve should be low, both literally and figuratively. He should not need to pass more than 25 times per game. That takes off a lot of pressure both mentally and on his body.
  
• For the Sage Rosenfels fans out there – and there are about 3 of you – I'm sorry. But with T-Jack in the mix, there was no guarantee he was going to get the ball anyway.
  

For the first time in a long time, I believe we have all the pieces necessary for a championship run. Given the Vikings' history, we know it is going to be an interesting ride.

Until then, welcome to #4. We're glad you're here.

Daily Puntometer

Derek Jeter recently set the MLB record for hits by a shortstop at 2,674. Nick is close on his heels, and after factoring in his total lifetime hits and his current trajectory, the Daily Puntometer projects that Nick will pass Jeter in the 2031 season. At age 53, we can't wait to see him sliding into first and being called out yet again on another close play.

A gutty 1 for 3 including a 2 RBI clutch hit sends Nick's average soaring to a whopping .210.

A Dog Named Blitz - Chapter Three: "Puppy Troubles" Part 2

For background on this serial, please click here. You can also start at the previous section

While we tried to keep the basement filled with distractions, the only distraction that Blitz really enjoyed, and really captured her attention, was our cat Trixie. Trixie was a two-year-old mutt that we got as a kitten from an animal shelter, and she was at a age that she'd gone past the ability to consider the new addition to our family as a buddy. In fact, this little puppy, with her quick moves and monopolization of human attention, was something to be feared and loathed. To Blitz, however, Trixie represented yet another member of her new pack. And a fun one at that! She hunched up her back, made that funny hissing sound and really liked bonking dogs on the nose with her paw. What fun!

Trixie was also a completely indoor cat, so her experience to anything new was confined to new people coming to our house. While new people posed a problem for our standoffish feline, this new source of noise, movement, and rambunctious behavior was something that was beyond a problem and went to something that just could not be tolerated.

Despite our best efforts, integration of the two would not work. Trixie demanded peace and space, and Blitz just wanted to play, regardless of the consequences. Thus, a Korean-like division of the house was enacted, with the cat confined to the upstairs, the dog confined to the downstairs, and the stairs themselves to serve as the our very own demilitarized zone. It was a solution that seemed to work well, as long as the DMZ was not crossed. While my wife and I spent our evenings separated due to the needs of our respective pet, the peace and calm the situation afforded was worth it.

Unfortunately, that peace was a tenuous one, as a JAILBREAK by Blitz was known to bring about complete chaos.

Her first JAILBREAK was committed one late summer weekday morning. Upon rising, I toddled downstairs in my robe and let Blitz out, fed her, let her out again, and put her up until I let her out one more time before I departed for work. Unfortunately, I must have been lackadaisical in my confinement of her, for as reached the top of the stairs and was headed out the front door to pick up the paper at the end of the driveway, I heard a noise coming up the stairs that was either a pack of elephants or one very excited yellow dog exploring her newfound freedom.

Since we were lacking in the pachyderm department downstairs, I was not surprised to see a little yellow flash arrive at the top of the steps - tongue lagging, tail wagging, and completely keyed up for some substantive puppy fun in this forbidden territory.

While I may not have been surprised, Trixie, who was standing about five feet away from me, was incredibly surprised, and in her "fight or flight" moment, chose the latter. And the path she chose was out the still open front door from where I had just entered after getting the paper. And hot on her tail for this impromptu game of tag was Blitz. I spun on my heels and engaged in the pursuit myself.

The cat was flying and employing her best Walter Payton imitation. The dog followed every movement, but had a tough time closing the five yard gap. I was approximately the same distance behind the dog, screaming at her a vile combination of profanity and commands she had not yet learned, all completed with my robe flying up in the air, revealing for all my boxer shorts and potentially other things. Our serpentine train weaved to one side of the front yard, then out to the street and down to the neighbor's, then around the neighbor's house one full rotation, then to our back yard. All the time the cat is juking, the dog pursuing, and I am screaming and holding down my robe. For those looking on (and, unfortunately, based on the faces of my neighbors looking out the window as we sped past, I know there were some) it had to look like the closing skit of a Benny Hill episode, minus the music and pretty girls.

As we came around to the front of the house after our second circle, Trixie happened to notice the sanctuary of the open front door, which I thankfully left open in my haste to join the pets on their chase. The cat sped into the house and up to the shelter of the kitchen table while I marshaled the puppy interloper back to her half of the house. The ramifications of all the excitement were one very angry cat, (at least) one set of entertained neighbors, one very tired pet owner, and one very entertained puppy.

Despite a verbal scolding, the yellow face that greeted me from behind the gate after her confinement was one that said "That was a BLAST! Can we do it again? Huh? Huh?" Unfortunately, Trixie met me upstairs with a face that said, "Traitor! You will pay dearly for such treachery! Sleep with one eye open, foul scoundrel, for my vengeance will strike upon thee at an hour unbeknownst..."

Needless to say, I'm a dog person.

Subsequent jailbreaks were confined to the house, and while we were witness to very few of them, based on forensic evidence obtained at the crime scene, most involved play/harassment of the cat, going to the bathroom multiple times, and violation of my wife's Beany-Baby collection. Often times we came home from work to be greeted at the door by a happy little dog and house scattered with what can only be described as a massacre of small stuffed animals, unbelievable quantities of dog poop, and one very ticked off cat. My wife describes these episodes as "doggy day at the circus," I think in part because the dog has the day of her life, and in part because the house is usually left looking and smelling like wild animals have spent the day there.

Note that the impacts of "doggy day at the circus" were not just confined to the upstairs: often times we would find Beany-Baby victims scatted downstairs and all along the DMZ; their gutted and lifeless bodies strewn about, and their bean innards splattered everywhere. The entire house was fair game for the dog's activities, and all that was missing from these scenes is someone writing "Helter Skelter" on the wall.

The scene and the smell the horror was incredible, and was surpassed only by the clean-up duty that was to follow. The dog was always immediately taken back down to her proper spot, and was scolded and secured. The integrity of her confinement was always double checked at this point. Despite the scolding and captivity, Blitz remained remorseless, and seemingly contemplating how she may achieve her next JAILBREAK all the while being punished for her last. We found ourselves all wondering along with her.

To go to the next chapter, click here

Introducing the Daily Puntometer!

Not since the .191 posted by Tim "rhymes with padner" Laudner in 1987 have the Minnesota Twins had an everyday starter of this level of offensive ineptitude. His offensive production is just that - offensive.

Since the Twins can't pitch and have been playing out this pennant run like they have both hands firmly wrapped around their necks, there's only one thing we can do: root for Nick Punto to hit below .200 and put an exclamation point on the joke that has devolved into the 2009 season.

C'mon Nick, you can do it. And knock off those 2 for 3s.

Stop back often for our tracking on the daily Puntometer!

Leech Lake Anniversary, with Bonus Leech Lake Fishing Report

My wife and I celebrated our 15 wedding anniversary by spending a long weekend at our cabin on Leech Lake. The weather conspired to keep fishing to a bare minimum, but we did get out there and got on some fish. Saturday had very little wind, so we headed out to the shallow flats outside of Big Rock Reef and trolled cranks (I know, midday, but we had very little wind) in the deeper areas.

My wife landed a very nice 24" Northern and I ended up with one of the biggest Walleyes of my life – a 26 ½" that was incredibly thick. My biggest fish in length are a 28" and a number of 27"s, but in terms of weight and fight, I think this fish wins.

We did dinner at Boulders on Friday, and were really surprised at the quality of the restaurant – extremely nice. Food was really good, and wine list was solid and priced appropriately. We highly recommend it, and will be going back again.

Rain and storms kept us off the lake way more than we'd like, but that allowed for shopping for my wife and work time for me. During the worst of the rain yesterday we went to town and caught a matinee of The Hangover and loved it. Really funny.

I hate to turn around and leave, but duty calls. We got spoiled with being up here a full week a couple of weeks ago, and it feels like time went by way too fast. Regardless, it was a really nice anniversary and a great way for the two of us to spend some time together. Here's looking forward to doing it again next year (hopefully with better weather and more fish!)

To My Wife, With Love, On Our 15th Anniversary

An Irish celebration marks the beginning of our tale
And as our night progressed, I must confess, all others began to pale
As I walked you to your car, who would have thought that such a man
Could ever be so happy with a hug and touch of your hand?

Our romance moved quite quickly, despite our long miles apart
I fell in love, a gift from above, as you took and owned my heart
Budgets were cut quite sharply to afford a wedding band
That would forever take its place upon your beautiful left hand

We started out quite slowly – our incomes were so small
Our jobs were new, our expenses too, yet we had wherewithal
We did the best we could yet Hamburger Helper was always bland
But it was a feast while upon our couch, as we ate and I held your hand

Time went by so quickly and we saw the build of our first house
And in those years, you had, my dear, entrenched me as your spouse
Pets, work, house, fun – a rotation without a plan
And despite our growing years you never tired of holding my hand

Careers took off, our foundation grew, and happiness did reign
Despite loss, and regardless of cost, we prevailed through life's pain
We've seen both sadness and wonder, things we can and cannot understand
And through it all you stood with me - a firm grip on my hand

I know I'm not the man I was, my looks and health aren't the same
It'd not be a surprise if you narrowed your eyes and decided to complain
Your love has been the greatest gift, more I cannot justify or command
It's a honor to have spent that time with you and find you still holding my hand

Fifteen years has come and gone, how quick our time did go
Despite our years and infrequent tears there is something you must know
I promise my best and love to you until the hourglass' last sand
If you grant me fifteen more years, and you let me hold your hand

Silversun Pickups, Manchester Orchestra, Cage the Elephant Minneapolis Concert Review

Last night I attended the Silversun Pickups / Manchester Orchestra / Cage the Elephant show that was held at the State Theater in Minneapolis. As I went by myself, I had outstanding tickets - 4th row, center stage. As you can see from the photo, they don't get much better than this.

Overall a very strange show, but a good one. Here's a quick review:

Cage the Elephant

• Young band with very high energy. Looked like they just captured their college campus' "Battle of the Bands"
• Lead singer Matt Schulz is a stage force akin to a young Jagger. Really.
• Matt, kind of ticked about the traditional seated venue and kind of ticked that, as an opening act, they were playing to a room that was 1/3 filled, spent two songs out amongst the crowd, and at times, standing on empty chairs.
• Matt ended up climbing one set of stacks and jumping to a balcony stage left of the theater. Unbeknownst to him, the balcony was fake, and he had no way down. He sang Ain't No Rest for the Wicked up there before having to shimmy his way down. Rock and roll!
• Set list was a bit scattered, but enjoyable. Once this band ages some and their material matures, they are going to be really good. One to watch, for sure.
  

Manchester Orchestra

• I would have gone to see these guys even if they were the solo act on the bill - I'm a big fan. Andy Hull, lead singer and creative driver of the group, led an impassioned set that did not disappoint.
• Chris Freemen, who does keyboards and percussion, is really fun to watch. I've never seen someone so into the music while on stage. Jamming to the point of almost being out of control. Really fun.
• I was disappointed in the length of Manchester Orchestra's set, and that they didn't play Where Have You Been?, but overall their performance was outstanding. I can't wait to see them again.

Silversun Pickups

• The band came on about 15 minutes late due to sound issues. This was frustrating, but Brian Aubert had the crowd eating out of his hand by the time they hit the stage and went into Growing Old is Getting Old. Their lead song seemed appropriate to me, and I was wearing my "Oldest Guy at the Concert" T-shirt
• Set was thoroughly enjoyable, with most of the expected songs played.
• On the song right before Lazy Eye (Substitution), Brian broke a string. The band held until his replacement guitar was delivered and then they killed the last portion of the song off. Unfortunately, as Brian kicked into Lazy Eye, the tune of the guitar was off, and in a moment that should have brought the house down, the crowd was noticing the issue and was only mildly into it. About a third of the way into it Brian must have compensated in some fashion as the sound was regained, but momentum hurt. Not to be outdone by Cage's antics, Brian jumped off the stage and into the crowd for the guitar solo. By the time he had returned to the stage, he had tore the building down. Fun to watch him work so hard to save the song.
• Due to their late start and the State's draconian curfew times (10:15?), the band left and immediately (and I mean immediately) returned for their first and only encore. They pushed it and cranked through one more song, and the crowd really seemed to appreciate the effort.

Overall, it was a great show. I'd rather see all three in a venue like First Avenue, but given my seats, it was still pretty fun. I'd like to see all three return to Minneapolis in short order.

Until their return, check out some serious rocking...

Duck Action Congress - Notes from the 1st Meeting

I attended the kick off meeting of the Minnesota Duck Congress last Saturday at Game Fair. While there's lots that could generate complaints, I was overall surprised by the tone, and by the article that it subsequently generated by Dennis Anderson in last Sunday's StarTribune.
A couple of thoughts:

• I think the "Voluntary Restraint" concept of shutting down shooting early and not shooting roosts is fine, but I think compliance will be token at best. Regardless, I respect the approach.
• As long as we're on "Voluntary Restraint," I was disappointed that harvest of hens was something that was not considered.
• Ron Schara gave a very impassioned speech on Minnesota's ditch laws, and he couldn't have been more right. Now this is something that we can all get behind as a piece of legislation that we can get pushed through. Outstanding.
• " Amendment bucks for ducks." Hallelujah. The Constitutional Amendment effort started out as a duck initiative, and we need our fair share of the funding. Another one that should get staunch support.
• Hunter recruitment was addressed as a significant need, and the conversation didn't devolve into a Youth Waterfowl debate. Everyone there recognized that we need to pull out all the stops to reverse this horrific trend, as the numbers of participants in their 20's and under is mortifying. Ours is a dying sport, and without recruitment, it is doomed, and likely sooner than we expect.

Overall, the tone was better than I expected, and they have some serious meat we can sink our teeth into. Despite my earlier frustration at direction, if this is the group's aim, I'm supportive. It will be an uphill battle, but one that must be fought.