Eric Perkins

Thanks Stranger!

Had a fun night off. Took the family to a restaurant in Eagan. It's called Viva Italia. I was pleasantly surprised.

Not only was the service and food way up to par, but they have a really cool thing on their kids menu.

Anyone with a toddler knows that the options for tykes are pretty limited. Chicken Fingers, Grilled Cheese, most restaurants have the usual fare.

An option Viva Italia had which was unique was a Make Your Own Pizza. My 3 year old daughter was all over that concept.

So for 5$ they bring a round rolled pizza dough to the table, with three topping jars. My girl spread the sauce on, then dumped all the mozzarella on, and finally, a sprinkling of sausage to top.

The waiter told her he was going to cook it, and shortly thereafter, they brought out her mini-pie that she constructed! She was so stoked.

I gotta admit, it's a twist I've never seen before, but it's so genius, and so neat to see her take ownership of her little pizza. The best kids menu item I've ever seen.

After dinner we went to MOA. Can you say Nordstrom Sale? HELLO!!!!!!!!!!

As we drove home from the mall, well on our way down 494, I realized, I didn't have my cell phone! I had left it in the stroller with my 9 month old. It must have fallen somehwere along the way. Woops.

I immediately borrowed my wife's phone to call the Mall, when I realized she had a message.

We listened to it. It was my Dad, who was calling from Georgia. His message was funny.

"Calling for Eric. He's lost his cell phone. Call me back and I'll tell you how you can get it back."

Obviously, I called him back and said, "OK Omniscient One, where can I find my phone?" He proceeded to explain that some man had found the phone somewhere in the mall, scrolled through the contact list, and saw an entry that read "Mom & Dad". He had the savvy to call, and let them know he was leaving it at the West End Lost n Found lower level.

I eventually got the cell, but never got a chance to thank the kind, thoughtful man. So, if you're reading this for some reason dude, thanks. You rule.

Lesson learned, let your kids make their own pizza, but don't let them play with your celly.

perkout

He'll Be Back

Got a chance to take part in this weekend's 93x Rock n' Jock Softball Game. Randy Shaver and the radio's morning crew played host.

Always good to see Shave with his hair down...even though his hair never moves. He had a great time at this 2nd year tourney that raises money for his Cancer Research Fund.

Good to see some fun characters out there too. Guys like Mark Parrish of the Minnesota Wild. That dude can crush the ball! Vikings punter Chris Kluwe can mash too. He and Parrish had a Home Run Derby afterwards. Parrish won 5-4.

Former Twin great Al Newman was our 3rd base coach. He gave me an inspiring pep talk before my 2nd at-bat. I proceeded to whack one to the fence in left center. Couldn't let Al down.

After I scored, I hurried out of the Stadium in White Bear Lake, and raced back to the station to anchor the 5pm show.

Which brings me to the question. And it's a question I get a lot these days. When is Shaver coming back? Is he o.k.?

The answers. Wednesday and yes.

Shave has been at KARE for a long time, as most of you know, so he accrues a lot of well deserved vacation time.

He also works a lot of extra days during football season, so come summer, he spends a lot of good quality time with the fam. But fret not. He'll be back just in time for the Vikes reporting to Mankato. Wow, is it really that time of year?

Actually, I don't mind the inquiries about Randy's status. It keeps me from having to answer questions about Belinda's pregnancy. That's a whole other blog.

perkout

Men are Odd

I've always been amazed by machismo. Why is it when I wear something pink, I usually get negative comments from men, but positive comments from women?

The answer is simple. Men are odd.

Have you ever noticed that whole no-touch phenomenon that happens when two guys get together. If your foot happens to brush against the feet of another guy, immediately, there's a need to say, "Sorry dude."

This gets funny when you see a man handing a male cashier currency. Many guys will go out of their way to not make contact with the other fellow's hand. At times, I've even had a cashier, drop coins into my hand from a few inches over my hand. Are you kidding me? Do I have cooties!?

I can't tell you how many times I've gone to a movie with a male friend and had to have an empty seat in between us, just because what?! I remember once going with 3 male friends, and together, we used up 8 seats in the theater.

I'm not judging what's right or what's wrong. I'm just saying. If I want to order a White Zinfandel, I should be able to!

perkout

Darn Near Perfect

Nice stretch of weather we're having, youbetcha!

Friday night I got out on the lake for the first time this year. It's about time!

Now, when I say, the lake, that leaves about 10,000 options. The one I speak of...or write of... is Lake Minnetonka.

My wife and I, along with 6 other dear couples, all got on an awesome extra large pontoon, and set out on what may have been one of the most beautiful nights we've had in a long time.

We anchored in a mellow bay and just ate, talked, and chilled.

This blog isn't so much about the weather though. It's about the service we got at the Excel Boat Club and Marina in Excelsior.

This place is outstanding! The owner Tom Jacob is a first class cat, who knows how to treat a customer. The kids that work for him are alarmingly attentive. They hustle their butts off up and down the dock to make sure things go smoothly.

The Boat Club is actually a genius concept too. You just pay an annual fee, and then get the lot of boats they have available all summer long. Ski boats, pontoons, fishing boats. You don't have to pay for a slip fee, or maintenance or winter storage, or above all, a boat!

I'll stop short of making this an advertisment for the place, I just really appreciate good service, and people that are this good, deserve to be called out.

That's all.

Perkout

What's He Really Like?

Went to Brit's Pub today. Was one of the judges for the Xcel Energy Center's Lawn Bowling Tournament benefiting the Raptor Center.

A fellow started chatting with me, and asked me what I was like in real life.

You'd be surprised how many times I get asked this question.

Friends, family , and co-workers get this inquiry a lot too.

I suppose I understand what they're asking. Although phrasing it as though tv isn't real-life always makes me chuckle.

I come across as a bit of a character on air. I know that. It's very much by design. But it's also very much who I am.

I'm hyper, scattered at times, but totally passionate about what I do, and generally pretty loud.

Whatever you ask, don't ask why I'm judging a Lawn Bowling Tournament. I have no earthly clue.

perkout

Happy 4th

I love this country! MMy favorite color is yellow, but I am awfully fond of Red White and Blue.

I don't own a Lee Greenwood album, but I do like the song America from Prince and the Revolution's Around the World in a Day album.

I have never been to Mount Rushmore, but I have seen the Statue of Liberty.

I've never sung the National Anthem at a sports event, but I have sung Take Me out to the Ballgame.

Pecan Pie is actually my favorite, but I do appreciate a good Apple Pie.

I don't like the Patriots of New England, but I do like Randy Moss.

I've never seen purple mountains, but I have seen amber waves of grain.

I guess what I'm trying to say, is that I may not be the most most zealous rah rah 4th of July guy, but I do love this great nation of ours, and I always will. Because after all, you can't spell America, without Eric.

perkout