Losing Teddy Bridgewater

In devastating news yesterday, Teddy Bridgewater was lost to the Minnesota Vikings to a catastrophic knee injury.  He'll be out the entire year.

In all of my years as a Vikings fan, this was the one season in which I looked forward to our chances the most.  Even in the Culpepper/Moss/Carter heyday, I never got this excited.  The reasons are many: 

1. Zimmerman is the best coach the Vikes have had since Bud Grant, hands down 
2. The offensive line has been substantially upgraded
3. AP appears in fantastic shape, yet again
4. Our defense is among the best in the league, and is championship caliber
5. A brand new stadium, and with it, a brand new attitude
6. Teddy Bridgewater had another year under his belt in his progression to become a great quarterback

Now, with just two weeks to figure out what they're going to do at quarterback, the Vikings are left scrambling.  

I love Teddy Ballgame.  Smart, talented, nimble, and just didn't make mistakes.  He was getting better and better right before our eyes.  Last Sunday he was a masterful 12 for 16 for 161 yards and a touchdown.  He ripped apart San Diego's #1 defensive unit.  He was poised for a big year - much bigger than most would give him credit for accomplishing.

Now it's over.

I just feel we lost before the season has even started.

Looks like another tough year for the Purple Faithful...

RIP Gene Wilder

This scene is but one example of many similar ones where he verges on overacting, but it just works so damned well.


They just don't make them like Gene Wilder anymore, and our world is a little less interesting and less entertaining because of it.

First Ever Game at US Bank Stadium

I was able to wrangle our tickets from work to attend the first ever game a the new US Bank Stadium, and had a ball.  I took a pair of our friends, as well as my Mom, and I believe a great time was had by all.  We were stationed in the Mystic Lake Club Purple - an all-inclusive club on the second level.  It was nice - not fabulous - but the beer was cold and the food fine.

Speaking of food, my Mom was wavering between the brat and a turkey sandwich, when I piped in, "Get them both!  You don't have to eat both and the price is right."  Just that move alone probably saved us $10 in concession fees.

Here's Mel with Vikings great Matt Blair.  Personally, I think he's more excited to meet her than the other way around:

Club Purple has an exclusive deck, and here's the view.  Beautiful:

Speaking of beautiful, the stadium is a gem:

What a great place to see a football game.  

Colin Kaepernick Goes Batshit Liberal

There's standard liberal, and then there's undiluted, unmitigated, 200 proof, flaming, batshit liberal, and Colin Kaepernick has just crossed that threshold.

Living in a world in which white parents raised him, in a world that pays him more than 99.99999% of the souls that live on it, and in a world where is sole role in life is to play a child's game, Kaepernick can't bring himself to stand for the national anthem because we're so damned racist. 

The San Francisco 49ers?  Supportive!  The NFL? Supportive!

My favorite current football player is the Vikings great Harrison Smith.  No longer.  Now it is anyone that is lined up against Kaepernick on a given Sunday and has a chance to plant this guy.

Don't worry, Colin, there will be a great life for you after football.  Just ask Chris Klewe... 

The Dangers of Catfish Fishing in Louisiana

Yikes!

Saturday Song Share: The Tragically Hip - New Orleans is Sinking

From their last concert, with Gord Downie noticeably sick, but equally noticeably as pure Gord Downie.

Their greatest song:

  

There will never be another...

Why I'm Cheering for LSU

There is more to life than football, and the people of Louisiana need a distraction from that life right now:

St. John's Abby Guesthouse

A couple of weeks ago, while passing through on business, I decided to stay at the guest house at the St. John's Abby:

 The room was spartan, but quite comfortable:

After a really nice night's sleep, I headed out for a 3 mile run to the old chapel and back.  Unfortunately, the black flies were horrible, so I had to run with my head covered by my pulled-up shirt, which made me look like a nun.  Still, the chapel was worth it:

 Breakfast was included, which was some really great coffee, a bowl of granola, and, of course, some toasted Johnnie bread.  This was enjoyed from their outdoor deck:

Overall, it was a peaceful and much needed stay.  I guarantee that I will be back.