72 thoughts on “June 25, 2012: A Day That Shall Live In Infamy”
So, Saturday our softball team (er well, half our softball team along with several players' kids) got to play at our local minor league baseball team's stadium (The Corn Crib - Normal Cornbelters). It was fun to play a softball game on a professional field. It's that sprintturf stuff with the rubber pellets. Fun, but we got trounced 23-3 but Kurt's Auto Body.
If anyone follows me on twitter (@freealonzo) you would have seen that I went on a 165-mile, 3-day bike ride on the Paul Bunyan State Trail over the weekend. All went well and we had a blast. Even though the bike computers estimated that I burned 11,000 calories riding, I lost no weight as the consumption of Summit Beer counteracted any athletic endeavors I undertook. We saw one black bear on the trail too.
Bike held up well but then on my ride to work I got a flat tire (rear, of course) so I was rudely welcomed back to the work week before 7:00a.
Next up: 13,300 feet of Mount Alice this coming Friday/Saturday. Then a pretty easy going Summer, although the wife wants to go to the Mandan Villages in August.
It was fun following along free. Still can't stop thinking about that burrito now though.
I know it's ridiculously early to ask, but are you considering doing that ride again next year? As miserable as the weather was during the MS 150, I discovered pretty quickly that I love the long rides.
Yes. There were 7 of us total. Four from my church who have been doing it for four years now. I was a new addition and 2 other college friends of one of the originals were new additions. The Owls Nest Motel can accommodate 15 people so that should be fine. It will probably be the same weekend next year with the plans being discussed in March. I will inquire if you are still interested at that time.
Definitely keep me posted if there is room. I would love to have some summer options!
Willingham now leads the AL with 3.6 WPA. The next closest is Asdrubal Cabrera at 2.7.
but he's tied for the team lead in dongers with Plouffe!
he needs to bunt more
Glorious U-verse victory update: I tuned in to the Giants-A's game last night in the 9th inning. Just in time to see Derek Norris hit his first career MLB HR to win it for the A's. #winning
Tyler Robertson has some quality ears, based on his BB card photos.
Jeebus, you can set your watch by how this team handles injuries.
Our parish facebook page got a like from a guy in New Delhi, India. This probably shows my age and overall hickishness, but it still amazes me that someone who grew up in a town of about 300 people can preach a sermon in Onida, South Dakota, fire it through the internet, and have someone hear it in New Delhi, India. There may be something to this whole "world wide web" thingy after all.
No, the internet is just a fad that will fade away like the Macarena.
Your universe must be a very dismal place if you think the Macarena is ever going to fade!
the day things like this stop being amazing is the day you should hang it up
That's pretty cool. Spooky mentioned that someone from South Africa has emailed him and explained that following the Survivor writing contests the last few years is one of the ways he expands his English vocabulary.
will the folks in Phoenix burn a two-time MVP in effigy for taking his talents to South Beach?
Press Conference Thursday at 7.
The Decision II
Had a second interview today. Not entirely sure how it went. Will be praying and hoping until I hear.
good luck, Phyllo.
Good luck, my friend.
Good luck!
Hope it went well, I'm sure you wow'd 'em.
Thanks all.
Once had an interview for some VP spot at Deluxe Corp. Met with the dude, answered eleventy questions about my strengths/weaknesses/blah blah blah interview 101 crap, then he points to this oil and water plastic sculpture thingy that moves oil/water back and forth.
He: What do you see in that.
Me: I'm imagining me walking out of here.
Heh. Wow.
Mine was pretty much the opposite. In summary form:
"So. I've looked at your resume. We'll let you know."
At least you got the call. I threw my hat in the ring for a position for which I was semi-recruited by the incumbent. And have heard NOTHING.
Yeah. I don't know if it was "we'll let you know" good or bad, but it was almost certainly one of the two.
It's only in the upper 70s here, so I did Dad a favor and mowed the lawn while he's at work. It was nice to get out and do something physical.
If you're feeling the same tomorrow, feel free to stop by and take care of my lawn.
And as long as you're in the neighborhood...
Same here for Scandia. I'll even pay for the gas.
Well, I am free until Thursday and was thinking about a trip to REI
so, i'm going to be in NYC with the boy for a couple days with absolutely nothing to do. what do you guys suggest?
You can always stop by Cannonball press, or for something completely different the Whitney. If the weather is nice a stroll around Battery Park offers some interesting public art and a different feel from central park. The moma is always a good time, but almost always packed which can be a drag. I'd suggest a trip to Astoria to the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, but with the kid in tow you may not get the whole experience. Have a Nathan's from a street cart for me.
Dude. Seriously? Nathan's?
Go to a Gray's Papaya. Recession Special.
I'm a sentimental sort of guy.
Me too. Nothing quite like a fruit drink and a couple of dogs for breakfast after a night out on the town.
When I was a younger man I had the breakfast of champions before catching an early am flight back to buffalo: A Highlife, two hot dogs, and a cigarette. Those were the days.
I thought the Breakfast of Champions was beer-n-Cap'n Crunch?
You should also get out to the Brooklyn Museum despite the fact that they're currently showing Keith Herring.
The Seinfeld tour is fun if you were into the show (run by the original Cosmo Kramer).
Man him up a bit with a visit to a Russian banya - super hot, birch branches, sweat, wodka.
Karl is currently telling his weekend camping story.
Ooh! we camped in our backyard this weekend. Kids had fun, but there were a few mosquito bites
Looks like Dave got more than he bargained for with Amber. I'm thinking those beefers are fake.
I was thinking that she was a working girl.
Working: probably, but I'm guessing she's got a peener. They only thought they saw her beefers amd Tim Dog did just get out of prison.
Figures provided by both the Twins and the public ballpark authority show that sales and use taxes collected at the stadium fell last year by $1.5 million from the 2010 inaugural season total of $18.6 million, and will likely drop again this year as the team expects 300,000 fewer people from a year ago. The 2011 total of $17 million, which represents six separate sales taxes collected on nearly everything sold at the ballpark, was still nearly three times the $6 million collected in the team's final year at the Metrodome.
$390 million investment, $11 million in additional tax revenue: ~2.5%
In one year. It might be worse than that though. One page two of the article:
But downtown restaurant sales taxes had been steadily increasing since 2004, long before the ballpark was built, state officials said. For five summers starting in 2004, downtown restaurant taxes increased every year and stood at $5.9 million in 2008. After dropping in 2009 -- again, likely due to the recession -- they rose in the summer of 2010 and again last summer, topping $6.2 million.
...
But when the Twins played at the Dome, tickets were exempt from the tax. At Target Field, they are not. The state's analysis concluded that the large increase in entertainment tax money was "an artificial result" that "does not imply increased activity."
Dude should have stayed in school and gotten a degree.
On the bright side, he won't be as big a bust as Thomas Robinson, because somebody is gonna take that guy too early. 6'8" in his stocking feet, robotic in the post. I do not understand the "great athlete" scouting reports.
Chad Ford in his mock draft 9.0 (really) has the Wolves taking, wait for it, a power foward.
Ford's Analysis:
The Wolves are really hoping a sweet-shooting 2-guard will fall to them here. Alas for Minnesota, it looks as if they'll all be taken in the lottery. That leaves the Wolves with three options: (1) They can go with an athletic big man, such as Moultrie, Fab Melo or a real dark horse such as Miles Plumlee; (2) they can reach for the next best 2-guard, Will Barton; (3) they could try to use forward Derrick Williams as trade bait to move up in the draft.
So, how far up can the Wolves move with the 18th pick in this draft and the #2 overall from last year's draft?????
Not far enough.
Also, Miles Plumlee? Seriously?? He's such a dark horse you can't even see him.
It would be nice to think that if the BPA is a power forward that the Wolves could trade that player in a deal that would improve their guard (and SF?) situation, but that's a rather charitable thought.
Between him and Rubio, there's probably enough for two good knees. I want to like the Wolves, I really do, but things like this make it tough.
two-year guaranteed contract? seriously?
Well, they can't offer him (or anyone) a winning team, a warm winter, or no state income tax, so they have to do something to attract him to Minnesota.
I really thought substituting "Rubio" in for any of those would work, but it's entirely possible that "Kahn" will balance that out. Time will tell.
I think the Wolves will be the toast of the town over the next five years. Rubio and Love are the most likable duo since Hrbek/Puckett.
Too bad neither of those guys are a hometown guy that was super hyped in high school, won titles in multiple sports at a high-profile school, handsome, and avoids controversy at all costs. Minnesotans just love those guys, right?
JoeBoo should grow an evil-Spock goatee.
Naw, just bleach his hair and have it go all crazy.
Depending on how much, I'm good with this. I'd been hearing for a while now that Roy would play this year. If he can go, man, the Wolves could be pretty good.
So, Saturday our softball team (er well, half our softball team along with several players' kids) got to play at our local minor league baseball team's stadium (The Corn Crib - Normal Cornbelters). It was fun to play a softball game on a professional field. It's that sprintturf stuff with the rubber pellets. Fun, but we got trounced 23-3 but Kurt's Auto Body.
If anyone follows me on twitter (@freealonzo) you would have seen that I went on a 165-mile, 3-day bike ride on the Paul Bunyan State Trail over the weekend. All went well and we had a blast. Even though the bike computers estimated that I burned 11,000 calories riding, I lost no weight as the consumption of Summit Beer counteracted any athletic endeavors I undertook. We saw one black bear on the trail too.
Bike held up well but then on my ride to work I got a flat tire (rear, of course) so I was rudely welcomed back to the work week before 7:00a.
Next up: 13,300 feet of Mount Alice this coming Friday/Saturday. Then a pretty easy going Summer, although the wife wants to go to the Mandan Villages in August.
It was fun following along free. Still can't stop thinking about that burrito now though.
I know it's ridiculously early to ask, but are you considering doing that ride again next year? As miserable as the weather was during the MS 150, I discovered pretty quickly that I love the long rides.
Yes. There were 7 of us total. Four from my church who have been doing it for four years now. I was a new addition and 2 other college friends of one of the originals were new additions. The Owls Nest Motel can accommodate 15 people so that should be fine. It will probably be the same weekend next year with the plans being discussed in March. I will inquire if you are still interested at that time.
Definitely keep me posted if there is room. I would love to have some summer options!
Willingham now leads the AL with 3.6 WPA. The next closest is Asdrubal Cabrera at 2.7.
but he's tied for the team lead in dongers with Plouffe!
he needs to bunt more
Glorious U-verse victory update: I tuned in to the Giants-A's game last night in the 9th inning. Just in time to see Derek Norris hit his first career MLB HR to win it for the A's. #winning
aaaaaand capps to the DL.
Robertson, hmm? Interesting.
Tyler Robertson has some quality ears, based on his BB card photos.
Jeebus, you can set your watch by how this team handles injuries.
Our parish facebook page got a like from a guy in New Delhi, India. This probably shows my age and overall hickishness, but it still amazes me that someone who grew up in a town of about 300 people can preach a sermon in Onida, South Dakota, fire it through the internet, and have someone hear it in New Delhi, India. There may be something to this whole "world wide web" thingy after all.
No, the internet is just a fad that will fade away like the Macarena.
Your universe must be a very dismal place if you think the Macarena is ever going to fade!
the day things like this stop being amazing is the day you should hang it up
That's pretty cool. Spooky mentioned that someone from South Africa has emailed him and explained that following the Survivor writing contests the last few years is one of the ways he expands his English vocabulary.
Nash to Miami? It could happen.
will the folks in Phoenix burn a two-time MVP in effigy for taking his talents to South Beach?
Press Conference Thursday at 7.
The Decision II
Had a second interview today. Not entirely sure how it went. Will be praying and hoping until I hear.
good luck, Phyllo.
Good luck, my friend.
Good luck!
Hope it went well, I'm sure you wow'd 'em.
Thanks all.
Once had an interview for some VP spot at Deluxe Corp. Met with the dude, answered eleventy questions about my strengths/weaknesses/blah blah blah interview 101 crap, then he points to this oil and water plastic sculpture thingy that moves oil/water back and forth.
He: What do you see in that.
Me: I'm imagining me walking out of here.
Heh. Wow.
Mine was pretty much the opposite. In summary form:
"So. I've looked at your resume. We'll let you know."
At least you got the call. I threw my hat in the ring for a position for which I was semi-recruited by the incumbent. And have heard NOTHING.
Yeah. I don't know if it was "we'll let you know" good or bad, but it was almost certainly one of the two.
You can use this, Phyllo.
Spooky, here's a (near) namesake that doesn't have to make you blush.
It's only in the upper 70s here, so I did Dad a favor and mowed the lawn while he's at work. It was nice to get out and do something physical.
If you're feeling the same tomorrow, feel free to stop by and take care of my lawn.
And as long as you're in the neighborhood...
Same here for Scandia. I'll even pay for the gas.
Well, I am free until Thursday and was thinking about a trip to REI
so, i'm going to be in NYC with the boy for a couple days with absolutely nothing to do. what do you guys suggest?
You can always stop by Cannonball press, or for something completely different the Whitney. If the weather is nice a stroll around Battery Park offers some interesting public art and a different feel from central park. The moma is always a good time, but almost always packed which can be a drag. I'd suggest a trip to Astoria to the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, but with the kid in tow you may not get the whole experience. Have a Nathan's from a street cart for me.
Dude. Seriously? Nathan's?
Go to a Gray's Papaya. Recession Special.
I'm a sentimental sort of guy.
Me too. Nothing quite like a fruit drink and a couple of dogs for breakfast after a night out on the town.
When I was a younger man I had the breakfast of champions before catching an early am flight back to buffalo: A Highlife, two hot dogs, and a cigarette. Those were the days.
I thought the Breakfast of Champions was beer-n-Cap'n Crunch?
You should also get out to the Brooklyn Museum despite the fact that they're currently showing Keith Herring.
The Seinfeld tour is fun if you were into the show (run by the original Cosmo Kramer).
Man him up a bit with a visit to a Russian banya - super hot, birch branches, sweat, wodka.
Karl is currently telling his weekend camping story.
Ooh! we camped in our backyard this weekend. Kids had fun, but there were a few mosquito bites
Looks like Dave got more than he bargained for with Amber. I'm thinking those beefers are fake.
I was thinking that she was a working girl.
Working: probably, but I'm guessing she's got a peener. They only thought they saw her beefers amd Tim Dog did just get out of prison.
Time for a little Forbidden Zone?
$390 million investment, $11 million in additional tax revenue: ~2.5%
In one year. It might be worse than that though. One page two of the article:
A measure of sanity in the NBA draft.
Jared Sullinger: the next Byron Houston?
Dude should have stayed in school and gotten a degree.
On the bright side, he won't be as big a bust as Thomas Robinson, because somebody is gonna take that guy too early. 6'8" in his stocking feet, robotic in the post. I do not understand the "great athlete" scouting reports.
Chad Ford in his mock draft 9.0 (really) has the Wolves taking, wait for it, a power foward.
Ford's Analysis:
So, how far up can the Wolves move with the 18th pick in this draft and the #2 overall from last year's draft?????
Not far enough.
Also, Miles Plumlee? Seriously?? He's such a dark horse you can't even see him.
It would be nice to think that if the BPA is a power forward that the Wolves could trade that player in a deal that would improve their guard (and SF?) situation, but that's a rather charitable thought.
So, Brandon Roy?
Between him and Rubio, there's probably enough for two good knees. I want to like the Wolves, I really do, but things like this make it tough.
two-year guaranteed contract? seriously?
Well, they can't offer him (or anyone) a winning team, a warm winter, or no state income tax, so they have to do something to attract him to Minnesota.
I really thought substituting "Rubio" in for any of those would work, but it's entirely possible that "Kahn" will balance that out. Time will tell.
I think the Wolves will be the toast of the town over the next five years. Rubio and Love are the most likable duo since Hrbek/Puckett.
Too bad neither of those guys are a hometown guy that was super hyped in high school, won titles in multiple sports at a high-profile school, handsome, and avoids controversy at all costs. Minnesotans just love those guys, right?
JoeBoo should grow an evil-Spock goatee.
Naw, just bleach his hair and have it go all crazy.
Depending on how much, I'm good with this. I'd been hearing for a while now that Roy would play this year. If he can go, man, the Wolves could be pretty good.