July 2006 - Posts
July 31, 2006
Personally, I love hot weather. What I don't dig, is the way I feel now.
I currently have three layers on my face.
First, there's sunscreen. Lathered on because the temps were over 100 in Mankato today at Vikings training camp.
The second layer is dried sweat. No escape from the sun on those shadeless football fields.
Then on top of those layers, is makeup. Applied to make me look decent for my live shot. Where's a shower when you need one?
Vikings training camp is always exciting. Promise, potential and predictions abound. A clean slate and a boating scandal that is over and done with. The Brad Childress era is quite different though as far as the media is concerned.
No longer do we camp out in front of Gage Hall waiting for players to come and go from their dorms. Now the only time we can access the players for interviews is when they're exiting the practice field.
Since they all leave at the same time, you really have to be selective with who you get. The interview with a coach used to be done with Tice or Green standing in front of a fence. Now there's a large tent, a podium up front for Coach Childress, with microphone plug-ins and plenty of chairs for us all to sit. It's just a more professional atmosphere, and I think I like it.
Now if they could just supply us with showers on site.
perkout
July 29, 2006
I'm not a big lottery guy, but when the Powerball gets over $100 Million, it's hard not to get in on it. Some friends and I pooled together and each put in a buck for tonight's numbers which are over $150 Million.
Now, what to do with all that cash? There's bills to pay of course, and some great charities that I could help, and future college tuitions to take care of. But there's bound to be a portion I would blow. Funny how similar in sound "portion" and "porsche" are. I could waste some on a car for sure. Maybe a race horse. Perhaps even a luxurious vacation. Aah who am I kidding. I'd throw a giant city wide party. I'd call it Perkapalooza, and it'd be awesome!
I think I've been watching too much of the NBC show, Windfall. And by the way, Luke Perry can still carry a prime time program. That's it! I'd buy the Peach Pit! Does that place still exist?
perkout
July 25, 2006
I am in a hardcore Fantasy Baseball league. It's with a bunch of folks from the south (where I used to work). These guys study minor leaguers, high school players, and even visit clubs during spring training just because they're such baseball junkies. In my decade of playing with them, my highest finish was 8th place. There's only a dozen teams in the league.
The best part about the league though, is that it's a keeper league. Which means you can draft minor leaguers, and then eventually if you keep them on your roster long enough, and they actually live up to their potential, it can actually pay off nicely. That's what is happening this year, thanks to my Twins!
I drafted Joe Mauer years ago in this league when he was still at Cretin Derham Hall. Now look! I also have Justin Morneau and Francisco Liriano who are coming through like gangbusters.
It makes for an interesting situation when I have to interview these guys in the clubhouse though. There are times I want to give them a big thank you for carrying my fantasy team. But nay, I always let my professionalism win out and refrain. But maybe if they read this blog. ... If Liriano does, Gracias!
perkout
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July 23, 2006
Played in the 93X Randy Shaver Rock & Jock Softball Game today at the Stadium in White Bear Lake. I was the leadoff batter. They saw I bat lefthanded, so the shift was on. The left fielder was practically in centerfield. I did my best Joe Mauer impersonation, and ripped the pitch opposite field, down the left field line. It rolled up to the wall, and I dug hard. Once I got around 2nd base, I realized I was going to have an easy inside the park home run. The leftfielder was pretty slow.
I didn't need to, but I dove head first into home plate to ignite my teammates. It worked. We won! Let's be real though. The real winner is the Randy Shaver Cancer Research Fund which continues to do amazing things for cancer patients here in Minnesota.
I'm so proud to help in anyway with the Shaver family in their compassionate charity work. Randy and his wife Roseann truly are awesome people. Since the game started at 2:30 and I had to be on the air at 5 p.m., I hurried back to the studios in Golden Valley.
After the news I got a couple e mails from folks commenting about my hair being messy. That's what happens when you wear a hat!!! Can't please everyone.
Perkout
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July 21, 2006
Got to burn some rubber at the State fairgrounds today.
The last time I was in the grandstand area at the fairgrounds was a few years back, when I attended the Weird Al Yankovic concert. Well, this time we were spinning our wheels for the upcoming Car Craft Magazine Summer Nationals.
The burnout contest is sheer silliness, but still somehow, totally awesome. It's one of the highlights of this show for sure.
A nice guy named Bryan Owen from Eagan, used his gold colored 1967 Chevelle to show us the art of the burnout. Luckily, our cameraperson was smart enough to stand upwind of the smoke. It was loud, stinky, and downright obnoxious as the tires shredded on the asphalt.
Check out our website for the video.
From there I headed to the Mississippi River for the Formula One Champboats. These things are like Indy Cars on water. For the Grand Prix series in town this weekend, they had a two-seater boat that allowed the media in attendance to go on a ride-along.
I strapped in and held on tight as the boat hurtled toward the bridge piling. Keep in mind these things go 0-100 mph in four seconds, so we are hauling. About 100 yards shy of smashing into smithereens, the driver of the boat cranks the steering, and I am flung into the side of the seat. After my face un-contorts, we're off again for another lap. The ride lasts all of about a minute, and as we're pulling into the dock I realize I haven't breathed in a while.
Afterwards, folks asked me how I liked it, and I obligingly agreed it was exhilarating. I went back to the car, still shaking, and admitted to my photographer that I was horrified. Sure it was thrilling, but thrilling isn't necessarily good. Never again for me and the powerboats. In the parking lot as I pulled away, I did a burnout. Much happier to be back on land.
perkout
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July 17, 2006
So many things get overhyped. Things like Paris Hilton, New York Yankees, and 50 Cent are way overblown. Personally, I appreciate things that are underrated instead. Here are some examples.
Overrated: Lemonade, Underrated: Limeade
Overrated: Jay Leno, Underrated: Charlie Rose
Overrated: Sharpies, Underrated: Ball Point Pens
Overrated: California Rolls, Underrated: Spicy Tuna Rolls
Overrated: Hammers, Underrated: Pliers
Overrated: The Real World, Underrated: Project Runway
Overrated: Baseball Caps, Underrated: Porkpie Hats
Overrated: Monkies, Underrated: Lemurs
that's all for now...perkout
July 16, 2006
I love pizza. Unfortunately, I may not be eating it for a long time.
We went to New Hope today where they were hosting the annual Duk Duk Daze. The summer festival has tons of activities. I took part in the 2nd Annual Pizza Eating Contest. The event was put on by the folks at Frankie's Pizza there in New Hope.
Each of the 10 contestants all got one large 16-inch thin crust cheese pizza set in front of them.
First to chow down in front of the frenzied crowd wins $100 cash.
My excuse was simple. The pie was straight out of the box, piping hot! Try speed eating a pizza that is so hot it's steaming. I was scalded by the cheese and sauce on my first bite.
From that point on, I dunked all my pieces in a large cup of water. I got through the first couple pieces when the very stout fellow next to me, grumbled something about how we was about to puke.
At that instant, I was totally rattled. The more I glanced at him, the more I saw him fighting back the urge to let it all go.
Moments later, David Harris, the Contest Emcee shouted that the competition was over. A local kid named Jared Swanson had downed his entire pie in just about 5 minutes.
I had my eye on the pies, but I just couldn't contend with that. I'll eat pizza again. It just may be a while. And hopefully, I can eat one with a few red pepper flakes and not so waterlogged. Oh, by the way, I think that guy did lose his lunch.
Perkout
July 15, 2006
This gig has put me in front of a lot of sports heroes and so-called celebs. Not trying to downplay too much, but not many leave me starstruck.
Don't get me wrong, people like Kent Hrbek, Michael Jordan, and Brett Favre are fun to interview, and true greats in their respective worlds, but it takes a lot to get me awe inspired.
That happened on our Saturday morning show today, when Lee Valsvik interviewed Shannon Miller! She was the Gymnastics Goddess from the 90's — the most decorated U.S. Gymnast in history. She's in town promoting Diana Pierce's Summer of Fitness, and the Upcoming Visa Championships at Xcel Energy Center.
The August event will bring the country's best Gymnasts together for the most important competition of the year. As part of the event, Miller along with the other members of the Gold Medal Magnificent Seven from the '96 Olympic Games will be in attendance for the first time in a decade!
Listed below is a list of my Top Ten Star Struck Moments since I've had this job. Or at least the ones I can think of on the spot.
10- Being on TV with Shannon Miller
9- Covering Paul Krause at his Hall of Fame Induction
8- Chatting with Kirby Puckett in Fort Myers
7- Interviewing Arnold Palmer
6- Hanging with Paul Molitor in the Twins dugout
5- Interviewing Michael Jordan after a Bulls game
4- Seeing Prince at a Wolves Game
3- Interviewing Larry Bird at a Pacers Practice
2- Interviewing George Brett
1- Involving John McEnroe in a Perk at Play bit
PERKOUT
July 12, 2006
This place was like no other I've ever seen.
When we walked in, we saw a giant Teddy Bear. This thing was massive. Four times my size. Made of granite. After taking our photo with the huge animal, we made our way to the boat where we ferried away to a far off island.
Once to the island we explored the caves. We climbed the rock walls, and traversed over the sandy desert. There we found ourselves caught in the middle of a humongous spider web. After climbing off of that, we went through the cavernous tunnels, down the musical super slide and finally to a four car Train.
We hopped aboard and made our way to the engine where we pulled the cord that made it Choo-Choo!
And so it goes at Teddy Bear Park.
This brand new space in Stillwater is THE hot spot for kids, and parents looking to entertain their kids. It really is awesome. Man, I love vacation.
Perkout
July 8, 2006
Sorry if the blogs are infrequent this week. I'm on vacation.
Not in Cape Cod or Cozumel or even Corpus Christi. Just chillin' in the Twin Cities. For me, the best part about vacation, besides spending good time with loved ones, is Not Shaving!
When you're on TV, you can't really get away with a 5 o'clock shadow. Especially with this new HDTV! But this time off stuff frees me up to let my facial growth go. It normally takes me a good week to get anything that even resembles scruff, but at least I'm trying.
So if you see me out and about, forgive my sloppy appearance. I'm on vacation!
FYI- I have been brushing my teeth!
Perkout
July 5, 2006
Went to Black Water Choppers today in Osseo. What a shop!
That whole Chopper culture has undergone such a boom lately. These machines are so elaborate. Not to mention costly. (By the way, why do people say "Not to mention"? By saying "not to mention..." you are mentioning! It's kind of like saying "Needless to say..." Dumb phrases.)
Seriously though, those bikes run from $30,000 on up! They set me up on a $50,000 custom chopper for our Perk at Play that will air on the 11th. Then they reconsidered an gave me a tamer machine. The chrome was so bright my eyes hurt.
Pretty fun runnin' down the street with all that horse under you. I can see how folks get into those.
What else?
Oh, that gossip columnist C.J. mentioned me! She wrote something about my hair being messy. You know, if she were any sweeter, she'd cause cavities.
My hair will for sure be messy tonight! I had to wear a helmet for my chopper ride. So now I have helmet hair!
Oh, and Go Italia in the World Cup final! I made a few friends when I was in Torino, who I know are probably consumed with this soccer stuff. I hope for their sakes, the Italians take it.
Perkout!
July 4, 2006
Happy Independence Day. I spent the holiday weekend in Missouri with family. Even checked out the new Busch Stadium where the Cardinals hosted the Royals on Sunday. Another outdoor park that has me geeked for the Twins new digs. On the way back from St. Louis, I was cruising along I-70, when all of a sudden, I had an experience that resembled NASCAR more closely than I ever could've imagined.
Just zipping along at about 75 miles per hour (that's not the NASCAR part), when all of a sudden, the pickup truck directly in front of me, lost its load! Its load was a BBQ grill. The entire thing flung out of the trailer bed and started bouncing towards me. That was pretty scary.
What made it far more scary was when the ashes in the bottom of the grill, filled the air more densely than a thick smoke cloud. All I saw for about 3 seconds while driving, was a cloud of ash. I did what they do in stock car racing when there's a smoke cloud on the track in front of them. I calmly but swiftly dipped to the lowside of the track, aware that I could make such a swerve without a car next to me. Had there been a car next to me, I may have had a grill through my windshield. Or worse yet, a grill through my grill! Somewhere in Missouri, there was a party without Brats.
Perkout!