Twitter

Hello again:

Twitter has become a solid source for news and sports for me. I set up following for several local TV stations. Then I picked up on several different reporters from several different news sources. Add to that sports through the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLS, NHL, and a couple of local teams and you have news coming in constantly.  I also follow several writers as I am aspiring to be one. Also following many other people as well.

The moment something happens there is a tweet about it and I have it. One of the best ones I follow is called Weather Underground.  If there is any bad weather they tweet it up quickly. It is one way to keep on top of the local weather scene.  Talk about keeping on top of the weather. Local weather station WCCO just posted there is a severe thunderstorm warning for Meeker and Wright Counties in Minnesota.

You can turn your twitter account into a family and friends connections or you and add in a little news and keep up with what is happening around you outside the little world we all set up.

Until next time... Keep Tweeting...

Minnesota Sports Update

Here is a quick update on some of the Minnesota Professional Sports Scene.

The Mn Lynx WNBA team is 13-2 and trying for a repeat championship.  They play again today at 2:00 pm central.

The Mn Wild NHL team has pulled off the free agency coup of the year, in acquiring both Zach Parise and Ryan Suter for the next 10 years plus, they have also added a few others so this could turn things around. They have not been in the playoffs the past 4 years.  Could this be the year they return?  This will make them a team to be reckoned with for the next few years.

The Mn Vikings NFL team has made big acquisitions themselves in getting Matt Kalil and several others to help turn their team around this year. Peterson is getting healthy after his knee surgery, as is Harvin, add to that what I consider the best draft / free agency in the past 5 years. The Vikes are looking to surprise people this year. Could we be back to a point in the NFL North where we are strong contenders?   Now add all this new talent to the fact that they will be playing in a new stadium in 2016. Things may finally be looking up for the Minnesota Vikings.

The owner of the Vikings says he interested in bringing an MLS profession Soccer team to Minnesota.  That would be a good thing for Minnesota when you consider all the colleges in the state that have soccer teams. Here's my question to them. Is it possible to field a team where most if not all the players are from the Minnesota Collegiate Soccer system?  How potent a team would that team be against the kind of talent the MLS currently has?

Until next time....

I'm Back

Hello again.  Sorry I have not posted in awhile but I have been very busy.  Several wood projects have come my way.  In the last couple of months I have built an under bed / study zone for my daughter, a queen sized bed for myself, and if that weren't enough I have been doing some small engine work.

Projects and pic to follow.


Until later....

New Stadium Bill Progresses

The MN house and senate took on the job of passing a stadium bill for a new peoples stadium where the Minnesota Vikings would play. They both passed it on Tuesday May 8th and sent it to a conference committee where it was worked on behind closed doors until 11:50 pm Wednesday May 9th when they sent it to the House for reconsideration. The house started their debate at 1:48 am and right away a motion was made to send it back to conference committee by voting not to adopt the findings. That failed and the discussion to adopt the committees results began. After lots of words for and against the bill at 3:30 am the house voted and passed the findings onto the senate for a vote later today. The senate is expected to start their session around 9:00 am with a potential vote coming between 11:45am and 12:15pm. If the Senate passes the bill then the Governor will sign it.  Once he signs it the City Council of Minneapolis will have to vote on it within 30 days. Should they pass it then the new stadium project can move forward and lots of jobs in the construction trades will begin to happen.

Side note  38  Democrats  & 33 Republicans voted yea (For)
                21  Democrats & 39  Republicans voted nay (Against)

Until later....

For or Against

Hello again:  Well here we are on the verge of a Vikings / Peoples Stadium vote. Either we will have a multi-use  domed stadium or we won't and if not the next question to come into play will be. Do the Mn Vikings stay in Minnesota after this season or do they fly away to another city leaving a big financial hole in the Mn budget? Keep in mind that there will be a financial hole in the budget but we will also loose an NFL franchise that people have loved to hate for 51 years and counting. Families rally together every Sunday for family dinners and to watch the Vikings. It doesn't matter if they are winning or losing they have one of the best followings of any team.

It does not matter if you are for or against the New Stadium I strongly encourage you to read these two articles.

Until next time....

Become Wowed!

Hello again:  I am always on the search to find a quicker and easier way to shop online.  Well I don't think the folks at Become.com could make it any easier.  Major companies and ease of use and a great layout. Along one side you have a complete list of department tabs, on the other they have Hot Deals, and editors picks, a shopping tip center and buying guide as well as a top 10 products.

Looking for copper round table? Take quick look in the home furniture section then browse through a list of tables until you find the one you like. Click on the picture and you get a larger image and the company that sells that item with price.  Once you are on that company website you can browse that site for all the different home furnishing and other tables they might have. Some of the items are on sale while others carry and internet price only on them. This is usually a very low price when compared to the store price.

This site reminds me of entering a shopping mall, only differences are its all online and no crowds to contend with, lots of items to choose from from many different large reputable companies. Here are a couple of other items to check out. First is the "cotton bed jacket", and once your a wrapped in a soft cotton bed jacket maybe you will cover your bed with a Cream Comforter. All these items and thousands of others only a few clicks away.

Until next time..... Happy shopping

Stadium bill update! Other good news.

Hello again:

He is the latest on the Vikings Stadium. As you can guess it's sketchy at best. Sounds like they GOP is trying to  re-write the entire bill. At least that is my opinion. Here's the link.  Gov Dayton's remarks on the new proposal.

While all the politicking is taking place at the capital at Winter Park the team got underway with a little light training.

Contact your Legislators and Senate reps and tell them to vote on the approved plan NOW!!

In other news related to the Vikings & Saints.  There were suspensions handed out today for the vicious attacks on players in the bounty scandal. NFL not playing around with this type of actions. Served notice to anyone else who has the idea copying them.

Until next time...

New Plan for Stadium

THIS IS JUST SOME OF THE INFO ON THE NEW STADIUM.  FOR IT OR AGAINST IT PLEASE READ ALL OF IT.

Here we are once again and the stadium issue in Minnesota has not be finalized.  Instead the GOP has decided to come up with an entirely new plan that eliminates the roof.  They have in hand a bill that has been approved and negotiated by the Gov, the Mn Vikings ownership, and all the house and senate majority and minority leaders, the Minneapolis mayor, and the Minneapolis City Council. If you have all these people approved of this bill, why would you want to go and make wholesale changes unless you are trying to kill the bill entirely. Keep in mind this package for a stadium has been vetted through several different committees and moved forward.

One of the Senators in the Tax committee even stated that he heard there was enough votes on both the house and Senate side to get this done. Then in that same committee the wheels started coming off the deal because suddenly everyone had a better way to fund the stadium package or wanted to have their constituents happy and as a result started picking every little detail apart. It didn't matter what the explanation was it wasn't good enough for them. A few times the same question was asked four or five times by different senators.

I have been watching the Senate Hearings and some of the House and it seems to me you couldn't get two to of them to agree on anything let alone a bill to build a new "Peoples Stadium". It is call that for a reason. The Mn Vikings would play approximately 10 games per year. The rest of the year the Commission that will be overseeing the Stadium will be able to book many other events.

I would encourage anyone whether they support the stadium or not to check out as many articles as possible on the issue.  I know they GOP wants a large bonding bill and tax breaks for the "main street businesses" in Minnesota. With all 201 seats coming up for reelections this fall they are all trying to posture to get the vote. Well one sure way I would think to help ones-self would be to support this stadium bill and put people back to work.

Some of the upside of having this domed stadium and it potential impact it could make. Not only would it allow Minnesota to try to obtain a Superbowl, but Monster Truck Shows, WWE Wrestle Mainia Events, the final four college basketball, and musicians, all of these would have huge economic impacts on the Minneapolis and even St Paul hospitality industry.
One way to help get this stadium passed it to contact the representative for your area and let them know to GET THE STADIUM DONE.

This list of addresses will help understand what is going on with this issue, hopefully.

http://www.dailynorseman.com/2012/5/2/2993180/the-economic-impact-of-super-bowls

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/minnesota-vikings-stadium-drive-takes-step-backward-as-gop-floats-idea-of-roofless-building/2012/05/01/gIQADLMhuT_story.html?tid=pm_sports_pop

http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_20523320/vikings-stadium-dayton-democrats-explode-accuse-gop-pushing?nstrack=sid:2040594|met:300|cat:0|order:1

Until next time....

New counter tops

I spent that last couple of weeks doing a little remodeling project.  I removed 6" glass tiles from my counter top and replaced them with 12" ceramic tiles. I also removed the glass tiles that were on the back splash and added a new backer board (3/16 tri ply), and then installed a combination glass and stone tiles with a mesh backing. I used a sticky back installation kit for part of it just so I would know how. I grouted the rest in. The Simple Mat product is from Home Depot and makes the job much easier but a little more expensive. With the addition of a few new appliances the kitchen is nearly finished. All that is left is to install the dishwasher and connect the Refrigerator to the water system. That I will do at the same time I install the dishwasher. But for now this is how it looks.

Note the front narrow strip has only been completed between the Fridge and Range, the rest will be completed once the dishwasher is in place. (Have to remodel the lower cabinet to the left of the sink to fit it in.) The ceramic tile has been sealed to protect it from staining.

I have one other project where I will be laying down Ceramic tiles I will try to be more in depth as to how the process works.

Until next time...

Below are a few pictures of how it turned out. Since this was my first attempt at doing this sort of project I think it turned out fairly well.

Vikings Trump Lawmakers

Hello again Vikings fans and once again we play the waiting game. This time however the Mn Vikings have started playing their trump cards. The first card, "there is no next year" when it comes to the stadium issue. Check out this article for full details. It surely sets the tone for things to come. The next card could be the move card it just depends on how long Ziggy and company are willing to wait.

Despite all the negative energy coming from the Capital the Vikings continue to sign players and work on providing the best team possible. It seems to me they are keeping their end of this bargain. Now the NFL Draft is coming up quickly. It would be nice to have this stadium issue behind us going into the draft.

Until next time...

Vikings Stadium Dead??

Well we finally have our decision from the Minnesota Lawmakers.  They have voted against the stadium bill. Now the Vikings are left without a place to play. The lease on the Metrodome ran out in February this year, they passed on signing a plan to move the team, all because Ziggy wanted to keep the Minnesota Vikings in Minnesota where they belong.  They are committed to playing in the Dome for this season. If a stadium bill is not approved soon, we will not only loose the team, but the revenue it produces, and all the potential jobs that could have been created by building a new stadium. As for the lost revenue read this. Here are a few other tidbits about the Vikings and the revenue they bring in. There is also the family factor. How many of us gather each and every Sunday no matter if the Vikings win or loose to cheer them on and make it a family event. That one day a week when we all come together. These are memories that will never fail us, however if the lawmakers in our state don't vote yes for a new stadium we will all have to choose some other team to call our home team.

until next time....

Vikings Newcomers

Throughout this free agency market the MN-VIKINGS have been steadily picking up players they feel will plug the holes in their team. They cut several players early on making their salary cap numbers a little greater to work with. Then set their plan to improve this team into motion. One of the best moves this year so far is by-passing on Randy Moss. Yes he is a deep threat however he has this "I will play when I want to attitude" that will not fit with this team. They avoided any quarterback controversy by stating who would be number one and two then locked up QB Sage Rosenfels as a solid third.  The swooped in and picked up former Seahawk -TE John Carlson. The Chris Cook verdict meant a possibility of him being reinstated. A few days later the Vikings did just that, CB Chris Cook is now back with the team. The debate as to who the Vikings will take with their #3 pick still rages on. Will it be Kalil, Clairborne or Blackmon? It's anybodies guess. DT Letroy Guion signed along with RB Jerome Felton as competition to fill the holes continues to heat up. Next we have DT Fred Evans re-signing and RB Lex Hillard joining the team.  Another player leaves the team when the contract with NT Remi Ayodele is terminated. Yet another hole that will need to be filled. Another veteran joins the team with the signing of OL Geoff Schwartz. Then we have CB Zack Bowman joining the team and LB Erin Henderson re-signing with the team. This team is getting younger and stronger at the same time with the WR Devin Aromashodu re-signing.  RB Adrian Peterson is recovering quickly from his major knee surgery and is looking good for the first or second week of the season. WR Percy Harvin has had minor surgery on his shoulder but should be ready for OTA's on May 29. He had to have some bone spurs taken care of.

While it is true that some or all of these player are just returning from an injury of one sort or another it can also be said they played very little over the past year. Let's hope this off time has allowed them to recover completely so they can play to their fullest potential. With all of them being vets I believe they will all come out ready for battle. This should be fun. I am looking forward to watching them play.

This shows how busy the front office has been over the past month. Along with signing all the players listed above they have been making strategy for the upcoming 2012 Draft where they will have 10 pick this year. The most coveted being the #3 pick in the first round.  The have been dealing trying to get the building of a new stadium approved so they have a field to play on for the future. This year they will play either in Mall of America Field or TCF Bank Stadium on the U of M College Campus.

With not having a lockout to deal with the team should be able to come together much better than last year.
The Vikes pre-season schedule has been announced and it is the toughest in the NFC North. Here we go, tested right out of the gate. What a great way to see what we are made of. GO VIKES GO!!

Until next time...

Vikings Stadium

Vikings Stadium: The new stadium bill is slowly pushing its way through the legislative process. They are currently out on an official break over the Easter Holiday and will return to work on the 16th of April and if my information is correct they will have only 11 days to finish pushing this bill through. The Governor has said he wants this bill passed this session. I guess we will see if it happens. Hopefully it will get the up vote it needs so that some 7500 plus jobs can be created over the next three years. One of the main stumbling points has been the backup plan for state funding if the electronic pull tabs doesn't provide enough funds. The White Earth Tribal Council has offered to write the state a check for $400 Million that would cover the entire state portion of the stadium package. Will it happen and is it legal? We will have to watch and see what happens.

The The Minnesota Vikings would have a place to play for the next 30 years and it would enhance the possibility of a Major League Soccer team coming to Minnesota in the next five years. This would increase the profits from the new stadium greatly.

Find out who your Representative is and let him or her know you want this stadium deal.

Until next time...

Is It Love

Here are a few random thoughts:

When you're in love with someone you will undoubtedly feel, Joy, Pain, Excitement, and Disappointment among other things. One can only hope that the Joy and Excitement out weigh everything else.

How can you tell if its love:
I have asked several people that question and these are the most common answers.


First :  Just knowing there is someone who appreciates you for who you are without wanting to change you.
Second :  Feeling needed and not taken for granted
Third :  The comfort and emotions the take place when you place your arms around someone and in that same instant they wrap their arms around you without even thinking about it.  It just happens.
Fourth :  Being able to make love to your partner completely without reservation or barriers. And to have them respond to your every touch and drive you as wild as you drive them.
Fifth :  When you have been with your special someone for several years and it feels like you just married them yesterday. I think its a fairly safe call you are in love with each other.

How do you show your love?

Some people do it through material things like making sure there is lots of money to spend, and the person you are with never has to go without anything. Still others show their love behind closed doors during their love making. They set their partners needs above their own and seek out all those special touches that make them feel special.

Now keep in mind this is the short list. I am sure you could add some of your own ideas as to "How you can tell if you're in love and "How do you show it".  Feel free to do so in the comments section.

Stadium Jobs

The stadium issue is getting very old I know. However, unless I have lost my mind completely didn't the White Earth Band offer to build a Casino on the Arden Hills site as well. In reading through the news article this sounds like the same proposal as the last one they made. If the state is going to accept this as a viable method to pay for the Stadium then I say move the Viking to the site they prefer and are willing to put up the most money to acquire. The White Earth Band is offering 50% of 300 million annual profits (150 Million a year) plus the state will take in and extra 10 million in new taxes.  There is 160 million of the states estimated share of 340 million. Nearly half from one funding source.

As I see the financing for Arden Hills site Vikings would pay 425 mil, the NFL would contribute 200 mil, the state of minnesota would contribute 340 mil,and the city of Minneapolis would contribute 300 mil. The simple math Vikes 425m + NFL 200m=625 + Mn State 340=965+ Mpls 300=1.265 billion.  Money is there lets get the job done and put people in Minnesota back to work and lock the Minnesota Vikings in the state until the next Millennium.  This would be a MULTI USE STADIUM, concerts, and other events could be held there. Not to mention Ziggy has indicated on more than one occasion he would like to bring MLS Soccer to Minnesota and provide even more revenue to pay for the stadium.  MLS average attendance is 12 -16000 per game and the average ticket price is 22.67. That is a minimum income of nearly 4 Million in just ticket sales. When you factor in the hotels, and other venues that will benefit. These figures are based on 2007 ticket sales.

Let's get this done already.  People need work and the Vikes need a home.

Until next time....

Booking Hotel Rooms

Guest post from: Bruno Smith

I travel a lot for work, and while sometimes I get to travel to some great places, I’m more often stuck in very undesirable locations. A lot of my travel is overseas, so I’m always very vigilant about doing my research about a city before visiting it. I want to understand the local customs, check out the places I should (and shouldn’t!) eat, and more importantly, check out the best hotel in the area. Since some of these places set the bar low for hotels, I want to at least make sure I’m staying in the “best of the worst,” as it were. I have had some really bad experiences in the past when I haven’t done my research, so I’m very careful these days. I used to also be more relaxed about completing my research because it was a little bit of a pain. We didn’t have home internet access due to our rural location, so I had to stay late at the office a lot of nights to fit my research in. Fortunately, I discovered Satellite Internet Bourbon and we had it installed at our house. It’s made things so much easier!

Minnesota Vikings Stadium

There is another proposal in the works for a new stadium location.  Duluth Minnesota where they have and even larger site than the Arden Hills site.  They are proposing a location just west of Duluth on 500 acres.  That's lots of tailgating space and its the same distance from Minneapolis to Duluth as it is from Green Bay to Milwaukee.

However, if the Minneapolis City Counsel and other's have their way the Vikings will be forced into a site in the back parking lot of the Metro-dome.  Hopefully we have a stadium deal before the beginning of the 2012-13 season.  It seems the political persons in this state are playing games shooting down every proposal that comes their way in order to get just what they want. It  doesn't seem to matter what anyone else wants or who it might benefit. If they put the new stadium close to the old one then we will have the same limiting conditions, I think its time we look forward 10+ years and think of the long term jobs this could create. The site in Duluth or Arden Hills are both large enough that a sports district could be created and be used year round. Maybe bring in other sports teams to use the same stadium and generate even more cash flow.

Until next time...

Moon Men??

Bob the Moon Builder

4390 Frodo Lane

Darkside Beach, Darkside of the Moon 55466 

February 7, 2012 

Dear Man on the Moon, 

Greetings from Earth! 

I hope you like this letter and I hope it helps you feel less lonely, cause I don't think anyone's ever sent you a letter before. I wonder what it's like up there. Is it cold? I bet it's scary up there, all alone. Cause what if you hear a noise?! You're supposed to be alone! That would scare me so much. Anyways, my name's Jessika and I'm a human. Well...That's what people tell me I am. Sometimes I doubt it. Are you a human? I don't think you are cause otherwise how are you not dead? You must be magical! That's pretty awesome. I love magic tricks

Are your pants really made out of cream cheese? I doubt it, but how cool would that be?! I wish I could walk on the moon one day. I bet it's really fun up there, weighing so little.. It would feel like flying. I'm scared of heights though, so I think that would stop me from going all the way up into space. It's stopped me from going to see one of my friends because I'm scared of flying. I live in a trailer house which only has one story which is good for me because I was scared to go upstairs in our old house, I always feared it was going to cave in. That never happened of course, but it;s still a valid fear because that happens all the time to people. 

I think that's just about everything I'm going to write about for now. I might write to you again sometime, I probably will so you feel loved. of course I will! I love writing to people! 

Your Earth friend, 

This letter was written by my daughter for an assignment.  It brought a smile to my face so I thought I would share it.

Until next time....

Winners 2012

New York Giants Super Bowl Champs 2012 over New England Patriots 21 -17.

LA Temptation defeats Philadelphia Passion for a three peat win of the Lingerie Bowl IX by a score of 26 -6.

Until next time...

Super & Lingerie Bowl

Hello again... the house is busy today. Everyone getting ready for the Super Bowl Weekend. The last of the football weekends for this season New York Giants and the New England Patriots will battle it out to see just who has bragging rights for this year.  Pick your winner and sit on the appropriate side of the room. The battle is about to begin. I will be running between two Televisions. One with the Super Bowl on it and the other will have the Lingerie Bowl IX between the Philadelphia Passion and the Los Angeles Temptation.

Until later... 

Online Classes

I have started a new writing program online with Winghill Writing School thus far it has been an interesting process. They are pushing me a little to spread my wings into different areas of writing. You can find them at Quality of Course Career Schools. Lots of opportunities for Event Planning, Makeup, Design or Writing. You choose your own path.

I had never thought about writing for a magazine yet yesterday I sent out to inquiries to a couple of them requesting their criteria for submissions. Today I heard back from one of them and I will begin writing an article for them.

Friends

As i looked over my list of so called friends,
I dared to seek a name only list worthy of the name, "Friend"
I looked it over carefully, each name in kind,
with these few things on my mind..

Would this person accept me for whom i am,
or a change upon me force, that i be a different form of man.
Would he or she be there in my time of need without expectation,
or a payment of reward be their destination?

As I went through my list of names so many,
only a select few came through as true as a penny.
There were things that set each name apart,
but only a few would remain in my heart.
Forever to be called friends to the end.

With the few names that now remained on my list,
I started the same process with a little bit of a twist.
Has this on been true
or have they done something that made me blue?
The next question to ponder in my Quest,
would they be there to stand the test?
Or like so many would their excuses cover the land as they loudly protest.

Over and over these questions I turned,
and in the midst of all these questions I learned,
to find a friend that with be there forever,
one must act in kind and judgmental never be,
for what you put forth in a friendship shall be returned unto you,
a great friendship that is strong and true.

After the passage of time has elapsed many moons,
and your bonds of friendship have since grown,
to a place where you both hold,
one-another heart as if it were pure gold.
The friendship you search for in your time of need,
shall be at your door, a true friendship indeed.

I followed my own lengthy advice,
and, it was through this vast search,
one name jumped out at me to stay,
it was you dear friend and i must say,
"I love you my friend," forever as much as I do today

Solomon Elimimian

Minnesota Vikings sign to a two year contract the Hardest Hitting Lineman from the CFL. Just watch this video and think what this will mean to the Vikings defense.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQ9OtEizjP8 I think we just got a little bit better. I know we need more but, this is a good start.  Some vikings faithful have already given this guy his new name, "The Eliminator".

Until next time...

Legend - Continental Drift

Here's a heads up for all those movie goers out there that love a good laugh.
Here we go again with a whole new Ice age twist, Ice Age 4: Continental Drift  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOHcHcOhsZM . I just watched it and Scrat is up to his usual self. Watch and see a new version of how the continents were formed..

Coming in 2012 I Am Legend 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqtSgtLsgKA&feature=related . If you thought the first one had action, wait til you see this. The good doc (Will Smith) is out the save humanity.

Until next time .....

Ghost Rider Returns

Looking through the YouTube video file I came upon one titles Ghost Rider 2 "Spirit of Vengence". After watching the trailer  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_iMh0DMHpI I will be making a trip to the movie theatre in February 2012.  Yes Nicolas Cage will be returning as the rider Jonny Blaze.

While your there checking out the Rider be sure to check out he other movies coming out in 2012 including the next installment of the X-Men Series. The Origin of Cyclops May 1st 2012. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-J3nxYCsEk&feature=related

Until next time ... Enjoy the Movies.

Stadium

The stadium battle rages on. When will they finally come together and get the job done.  Make a decision already. I think most of us here in Minnesota would like to Vikings football team to stay here in Minnesota.  However, if the lawmakers and their finance team cannot see their way clear soon I fear the Minnesota Vikings will become the LA Vikings.  Not a good sounding team name to me.

I grew up watching the players try play on a snow covered field with wide receivers catching the ball, landing on a hard field and sliding a half block before they come to a stop. Wish we could get those types of games back. Wouldn't it be great to see at least one game played each year out in the Minnesota cold. Icicles hanging from the coaches, players and fans beards and caps as we cheer the Vikings to a much needed victory.  If I had my choice as to which teams I would like to see in that game it would be one of three, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, or the Greenbay Packers, I miss those days.

I know the outside games most likely won't happen but I vote we get this stadium deal done and move forward with OUR football team. I have been reading all the bleacher reports and vikings news from their home page and it looks like they are making some good moves. Now we have a full coaching staff and a new GM so lets all get behind our team. We are actually in nearly the same situation that Detroit was a couple of years ago. Struggling.

I sometimes feel like I'm a Red Sox fan.  I have waited so long to get the big dance and come away with the prize it feels like it will never happen. But, every fall here I am, with renewed hope and an enthusiastic outlook for the upcoming season.  GO VIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until next time ...

Give and Ye Shall Receive

Couple things to remember when starting any new relationship, take is slow and let it grow. Keep it real & honest. Don't be afraid to say you’re sorry when you know you’re wrong. If things do seem to be getting out of hand, step back for a few minutes and clear the air in the room. Come back in say ... half an hour and talk about what it was that started the situation in the first place. Then find a way to make sure that situation won't come back.

Always remember, with every day there comes the chance for a new beginning in life, love and relationships. If you’re having trouble with your special someone you should always make sure that before the sun is done for the day so are your problems. This will clear the way for you both to start anew the next morning. There are no problems that can't be solved if both parties sit and TALK instead of screaming at one-another. One of the worst things that can be done is cheating. It hurts tremendously to find out your special someone has cheated on you and it makes you angry. But, have you stopped loving that person? Or, are you just furious with their actions. After all they are the same person. When you sit down to talk about what happened the main thing to find out is, WHY did it happen? Something like this doesn't just happen. There has to be an underlying reason. Did he / she feel like they were being neglected? As in, not getting the same love back they were putting forth in the relationship or in the private room. The one thing we all need to remember is, we were all designed to give and receive love.  Men sometimes think the woman they are with will be there for them no matter how they act. Not true. If guys don't show their special someone the kindness, respect and love, how then can they expect her to be there for him. The opposite is also true. I know some guys that go the extra mile because they love a woman so much they feel they cannot live without seeing them or being touched by them. A simple hug and kiss is all it takes some times to show the love that is within us.

From what I hear there are women expecting their guy to be there for them no matter what, just like men? Men / Women, if you show up at the home of your special someone and they are dressed to go someplace special on occasions you need to be flexible enough to say or do what it takes to make the evening as special as they were expecting. Everyone realizes that in this economy we cannot always go out and spend a lot of cash on each other. Remember, the amount of love and attention your special someone gives to you in the private room needs to be returned or else they will go looking for that attention in someone’s arms other than your own. "Treat your special someone with the love and respect you want them to have towards you. The same goes for the bedroom people. Don’t be afraid to touch one another. Remember, you’re not making love to someone but rather with someone. Do this and your relationship with not only stay healthy but get stronger by the day."

I could go on but you get the idea. If you’re special someone has cheated on you. Find out why and solve the problem. When you married each other you did say, FOR BETTER OR WORSE. These are my opinions and you can choose to agree with them or not it’s ultimately your choice.

Seeking a friend

As i looked over my list of so called friends,

I dared to seek a name only list worthy of the name, "Friend"
I looked it over carefully, each name in kind,
with these few things on my mind..SEEKING A FRIEND

As i looked over my list of so called friends,

I dared to seek a name only list worthy of the name, "Friend"

I looked it over carefully, each name in kind,

with these few things on my mind..

Would this person accept me for whom i am,

or a change upon me force, that i be a different form of man.

Would he or she be there in my time of need without expectation,

or a payment of reward be their destination?

As I went through my list of names so many,

only a select few came through as true as a penny.

There were things that set each name apart,

but only a few would remain in my heart.

Forever to be called friends to the end.

With the few names that now remained on my list,

I started the same process with a little bit of a twist.

Has this on been true

or have they done something that made me blue?

The next question to ponder in my Quest,

would they be there to stand the test?

Or like so many would their excuses cover the land as they loudly protest.

Over and over these questions I turned,

and in the midst of all these questions I learned,

to find a friend that with be there forever,

one must act in kind and judgmental never be,

for what you put forth in a friendship shall be returned unto you,

a great friendship that is strong and true.

After the passage of time has elapsed many moons,

and your bonds of friendship have since grown,

to a place where you both hold,

one-another heart as if it were pure gold.

The friendship you search for in your time of need,

shall be at your door, a true friendship indeed.

I followed my own lengthy advice,

and, it was through this vast search,

one name jumped out at me to stay,

it was you dear friend and i must say,

"I love you my friend," forever as much as I do today.

Would this person accept me for whom i am,
or a change upon me force, that i be a different form of man.
Would he or she be there in my time of need without expectation,
or a payment of reward be their destination?

As I went through my list of names so many,
only a select few came through as true as a penny.
There were things that set each name apart,
but only a few would remain in my heart.
Forever to be called friends to the end.

With the few names that now remained on my list,
I started the same process with a little bit of a twist.
Has this on been true
or have they done something that made me blue?
The next question to ponder in my Quest,
would they be there to stand the test?
Or like so many would their excuses cover the land as they loudly protest.

Over and over these questions I turned,
and in the midst of all these questions I learned,
to find a friend that with be there forever,
one must act in kind and judgmental never be,
for what you put forth in a friendship shall be returned unto you,
a great friendship that is strong and true.

After the passage of time has elapsed many moons,
and your bonds of friendship have since grown,
to a place where you both hold,
one-another heart as if it were pure gold.
The friendship you search for in your time of need,
shall be at your door, a true friendship indeed.

I followed my own lengthy advice,
and, it was through this vast search,
one name jumped out at me to stay,
it was you dear friend and i must say,
"I love you my friend," forever as much as I do today.

Baby Shyanne

Written by my son Christopher
10-25-1999

You light up my life.
  Like the sun in the morning sky.
Your baby blue eyes,
  Bring tears to my heart.

Each night I try to sleep,
  All I can think of is you.
I miss my baby shi,
  Many night I often cry myself to sleep.

I want to be your best friend,
  I want to be your daddy.
I want to be there when you need me,
  Help you when I can.
I want to be your daddy.

Your my reason for trying,
  My reason for living.
Please forgive me Shyanne,
  Fore I'm not perfect.

Please forgive me Shyanne,
  I still want to be your Daddy.

Love Always,
Daddy

Moving Here Again

Moving Here Again

Thanks for the guest post by Esteban Vinson

When we moved here my husband said he’d only be okay with it if we’d make a real concerted effort to start saving money. Since it was my job that was bringing us here and he had to give up his old one I told him that I would of course and so that’s what we’ve been doing lately. When we bought the house we made sure it was one that wouldn’t leave us house poor and then everything else from the TXU energy details for Lewisville Texas residents to the internet was scrutinized by us to make sure nothing was slipping through the cracks that we could save on. The good news is that we’ve managed to save several thousand dollars over the course of the last six months and that make me happy – I can’t wait to tell my husband what’s showing in our bank account because I think it will really help him understand that this was a good move for our whole family and not just for my job. I think this was a win!

St Johns University Hockey

The St Johns University "Jonnies" hosted the Gustavus "Gusties" in a wild hockey game tonight.  The Jonnies jumped out to an early lead in the first period then extended their lead in the second. The third period belonged to the Gusties. They came out of the locker room all fired up. They were flying up and down the ice as if they had jet packs on. About midway the second period the hitting started got more and more intense. This was one of those games that have very few penalties and was a hard fought battle. As they say, in the end only one team can win.  Below are a few action shots taken during he game with the final score at the end. The clip is very short so enjoy.  Jonnies 3  Gusties  4

Minnesota Vikings & The New Stadium

One of the topics huge in Minnesota that is currently being stalled is the new Minnesota Vikings Football Stadium.  If the lawmakers took a few minutes to look at all the upside to having a new stadium they would and should approve a financial package to get the job done. 

Think of all the construction jobs it will create, if they built the stadium and the casino on the same location at the same time. Two major construction projects equal lots of jobs for a job market that is straining.  These jobs mean money pouring back into the Metro Economy.  While the projects are being built the Vikings will most likely sign a new extension on the Metro-dome Stadium until their new facility is ready. By creating this new stadium we guarantee the Minnesota Vikings will be in the state for a very long time.  The number 30 years keeps coming up in conversations as the length of time it will take to pay off the new stadium.  If the Vikings stay in the state it assures the Metro / Minnesota a steady 30 mil + in income yearly and that is in addition to the 10 mil + in estimated tax revenue that the new casino would bring in. Then there's the vendors and stadium personnel it will take to operate and maintain this venue.  That’s even more long term jobs and money pumped into the Minnesota economy. 


Rumor has it that Ziggy wants to bring an MLS ( Major League Soccer ) team to Minnesota. A new facility would help in efforts to bring that to fruition. Even more revenue and jobs for the Minnesota economy. If my facts are correct the MLS season runs 30 plus games and the estimated average attendance is 14 to 18 thousand per game. 

It is my opinion that using the 300 million to assist in keeping a steady 30 million in revenue pumping into the state economy and in the process add an extra 10 mil.  Combine that with adding a huge amount of jobs and you have a winning formula for jump starting our economy here in Minnesota. I know there are those people out there that don’t want to use state money to get this thing going but if it jump starts the economy then I am all for it.  To the lawmakers of the state of Minnesota I would say get out of your own way and get this Minnesota Economy back on track. If it takes building a casino and a new stadium then do it.  There has been billions given to banks, loan companies, car companies and many others to bail them out and set them back on track. Why is this situation any different.  


Here you have a business that has been in this state for some 50 years and have expressed the desire to stay here, all they are asking for is a little help in getting a new building built. A building I might add that would be used not only for Football but other events as well.  They have proposed to put up the lion's share of the money to get it done.  

Until next time….

The Year in Review

Over the past year we have seen jobs go away, housing go away, and businesses collapse, yet we move on hoping things will get better.  The politicians have finally started showing their true self absorbing stripes. They hold up progress on whatever they wish unless it benefits them and the advancement of their political careers. It didn't matter what the situation was. W ether it be a state government in crisis or so other piece of legislation the get a project moving.  Why is it that our political leaders think of themselves until its time for election then they remember who put them where they are?  Lets hope that in the coming year we will have a government that looks out the people that put them in office. With good planning and follow through they should be able to generate new jobs. Give business a reason to stay and expand that way they can generate the jobs necessary to turn this economy around.

until next time....