No overdrafts at TCF...or any drafts, cans, bottles, etc.

In the great egalitarian spirit that Minnesota likes to believe it has, some have become rather upset that the University of Minnesota wants to sell booze/beer in the luxury boxes at TCF Bank Stadium, but not in the general seats. I thought this was settled last year, but the Legislature worked to make some sort of compromise allowing alcohol sales in the boxes as long as it was available in part of the general seating. This was promptly shot down by the Board of Regents.

I really don't see the problem with the U's position. Most other college stadiums on campus do not serve booze in general seating (I can vouch for Camp Randall and Notre Dame not serving booze). I am also certain that it is allowed in luxury boxes at Camp Randall.

The reason there is any controversy about this is because when the Gopher football team played at the Jiffy Pop Dome, beer was served as the Dome is off-campus.

Now, I am someone who certainly enjoys his beer, but I really don't have a problem with not drinking at college sporting events. Now, because the Gopher football team is something resembling awful, a beer or eight after the game may be necessary. However, in the end, I really don't think it's any of the Legislature's business to dictate drink policy to the U, especially in some misguided attempt to show how much they supposedly care for the people.

Here's an idea, Legislature...if you are so hellbent on improving access to alcohol for Minnesotans, how about allowing liquor stores to open on Sundays?

Where has Stinger been?

OK, so I've been gone for quite awhile (until this week). So, here's the story of the past several months explaining where I have been:

1. The first thing that really took me away from writing was something I hadn't done since high school, which is acting. I was, and remain, a recovering drama/band geek. So, I was in a play last fall, where I had a bit role in a Halloween-themed musical. The bit part did involve a singing/grunting duet (believe it or not, I did the singing). I have to tell you, it was amongst the most rewarding, fun experiences I have had in a long time. I definitely intend to act again, hopefully many times.

2. Facebook...frankly, that is a huge time-waster. But, you probably already knew that.

3. As many of you know, I was a carless wonder for a long time. But, last fall, I finally bought a car. 2004 VW Jetta, fairly low miles, got it for under $10,000. My increased mobility meant (and means) many more trips to Wisconsin. Less time for writing.

4. In 2009, I wanted to make a concerted effort to have more real-world interaction with people, and I was fairly successful in that. Again, less time for writing. By the way, part of the reason this was more successful was because of #2.

Anyway, I have decided that I want to try to post more often again (we'll see how long that lasts). There could be some significant life changes on the horizon, and I want to try to document those here. In addition, I will try to occasionally comment on happenings outside my own life, in the usual categories that interest me. Knowing my track record, I would give myself 30/70 odds that I do more than five posts between now and Labor Day.

What would you give up?

The year was 1993. Bill Clinton began his time as President. Michael Jordan decided to try life in AA as a Birmingham Baron. And, I was lucky enough to be one of the five boys from my class to be selected to attend Badger Boys State, an American Legion program that is a week-long civics lesson.

It is always interesting to think about some of the people you encounter in life. One person I encountered (and met) is a guy named Tom Nelson. Turns out, he grew up across the Fox River in Little Chute. In the intervening 17 years, he has risen up to become a Wisconsin assemblyman, and has decided to run for Lieutenant Governor (which is an elected position in Wisconsin, unlike in Minnesota where gubernatorial candidates select their running mates).

I am sure he will give many speeches in support of his candidacy. But none, and I mean not one, will match his speech at Badger Boys State when he ran for "county" office.

In his speech, he showed fire, enthusiasm, and he really, really wanted the job. In fact, he said he would "give his left nut" for the job. You know what...it convinced me. I voted for him. We did not hold him to that particular campaign promise.

Unfortunately, I can't vote for him as I live in Minnesota. And, given his politics, I am not sure I would (we disagree on some things). But, I want to wish him good luck in his quest. From what I remember, he's a good man with a great sense of humor. Hopefully, he won't sacrifice anything anatomical, or even promise as much. Best of luck, Left Nut!!

Super Bowl in GB?

I read a little post from Michael Rand at the Strib, where some clownshoe reporter asked Packers president Mark Murphy about the possibility that Green Bay could host a Super Bowl someday, now that the new Giants Stadium is set to host in 2014.

Obviously this will never happen for many reasons, so why a reporter asked about it is beyond me. But, what gets me is the comments from Vikings fans below the post. Read those for your own entertainment.

Referring to the Packers as Pukers? Check.
People complaining about Wisconsin coverage in a MN paper? Check.
Reference to Mark Chmura's dalliance back in the 90s? Check (especially funny given the Vikings' propensity to fly in strippers from Atlanta for boat cruises)

No one has referred to them as a particular slur towards homosexuals yet, but I assume that's on its way.

My rejoinder to them is as follows: No, Green Bay will never get a Super Bowl. But, I take heart in knowing that once the Vikings move to LA, Minnesota will never get another one either.

Sorry that Vikings bashing is my first post back in a long time, but bashing that worthless franchise never gets old.

I should note that overall, I like Rand as a writer. His blog is fairly entertaining, and it's cool to see someone who worked at the Minnesota Daily when I was in school still writing locally.

On another unrelated topic, I just have to note that I got excited when I saw my last post had 12 comments despite saying nothing. Turns out there's three, and two are likely links to malware/viruses. So, you know, whatever.

Well....

...hello out there. Been a long time since I've been here. Just figured I'd check to see if anyone is paying attention. I've been really busy of late. Perhaps I'll fill you in sometime soon.

Last five

Trying again to do a twist on the whole Last Five/Next Five thing...having multiple blogs to post on is one way. The last five is here, but the next five is over here. Once again, you get to guess what the songs are.

1. "Is it any wonder I found peace with you."
2. "You're pushing me, you're breaking; overtaking me you're racing."
3. "Bonafide ride, step aside my Johnson; yes I could in the woods of Wisconsin."
4. "Tell Bill Clinton to go and inhale."
5. "Don't you push your drugs in my face or I'll put you in your place."

Remember, next five can be found here.

Street lights, people...oh-oh-ohhhhhhhhh!!!

Just saw this article talking about the rise of "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey back into American conciousness. I don't know that you can really pinpoint when this song became what it is today. My guess is that it happened the same way Pabst Blue Ribbon became popular unexpectedly a few years ago...as a joke.

It is undeniable that this song is everywhere...also this song. I can't wait until they really try to make grunge songs into sports anthems next decade.