Eric Perkins

Feline Folly

Eric Perkins — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 20:09:00 GMT

December 12, 2007

I've always been a "cat guy". I firmly believe most everybody leans one way or another in their pet bias.

There are a few quirky "Ferret People", but whatever.

I am not by any means a dog hater. Michael Vick I aint. I actually had several dogs growing up. Buford, Mitch, Ruffy, Neska, and the like.

I even had a Cocker named Oshkosh until he got run over by a train. Long story. He also got hit by a bus earlier in life. Longer story.

Anyway, I have a cat now. Elizabeth. But the other day in our house, we saw a Mouse!

Not the cute Mickey kind. Or even the one I'm wielding now on my computer. But an honest to goodness, smarmy little whiskered nasty rodent!

In my house!

Which brings me back to my cat. Um, Hello! Elizabeth. It's not like you have a lot on your plate. There's eating. Sleeping. Washing. Using the litterbox. Sleeping some more. Come on! Get that mouse!

Granted she's a bit long in the tooth. 12 years to be precise. I'm just saying, use those long teeth to take care of our pest problem for crying out loud.

Anyway, thanks for listening. She's certainly not listening. Maybe I'll look into a ferret. Or perhaps, just adopt the mouse.

perkout

Sorry

Eric Perkins — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 04:38:00 GMT

December 4, 2007

I feel like a slacker who has missed the deadline on his book report for Red Badge of Courage.

Does that sound like someone who actually did neglect that very task back in 10th grade?

Now however, I'm great at deadlines. The problem comes when there isn't a deadline. Like this blog. So just know that I will try to do better, and start peppering this thing with entries to make up for my 9 day hiatus.

Hey, I was busy with my charity event.

That's a good excuse, right? Serious tip, thanks to all those that supported the first ever Perk's Abominable Snow Party. I'm stoked to try it again next year.

The turnout at Buck Hill was solid, but I'm certain it can be even bigger and better. There was after all, the storm of the season to contend with, blitzing us all day long. But, it was fun, and it was for Childrens Cancer Research Fund, so that's all good.

OK, hope your holidays aren't holidaze. Take the time to enjoy the snow, take a few deep breaths,and remember what the season is all about when things get too crazy whack.

perkout

We're a Week Away!

Eric Perkins — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 01:17:00 GMT

November 25, 2007

A cold snap on the horizon is fine by me. That means even more snow at our big event at Buck Hill.

If you're not hip to what I'm up to, I'm hosting Perk's Abominable Snow Party for Children's Cancer Research Fund, this Saturday December 1st, all day long.

We're going totally hip and totally family friendly.

For the snowboarders, check our Rail Jam out. Should be a sweet contest with cool prizes on the line, including a vacation package to the Rockies. There's also going to be a ton of ski and snowboard vendors there, letting folks try out all the latest cutting edge demo equipment!

For the kids, there's a Tube-a-Palooza, and a Mascot Sled Race. Goldy Gopher, Viktor Viking, T.C.Bear, Crunch and many others are confirmed entrants!

And for the music fans, we've got some rockin' bands. Here's the lineup!

Catchpenny

Room for Gray

Mighty Fairly

Leroy Smokes

Bone Shakers

These bands will play throughout the party live in our heated tent.

We'll also have a ton of other fun stuff. A celebrity Snowboard Race should be classic! Belinda Jensen on a snowboard will be an experience in itself.

Then there's the Parents Iditarod, the Winter Gear Clothes Race, an Icy Dunk Tank, tons of food and drinks, plus a Snow Lacrosse game with the Minnesota Swarm, and if that's not enough, we're giving folks a chance to be on Perk at Play, with a special crash challenge!

Please come join us. We will have snow, and we will have an awesome time, for a very worthwhile cause. Check it out at:

PERK'S SNOW PARTY

perkout

Enjoy the Day

Eric Perkins — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 20:21:00 GMT

November 22, 2007

Here's wishing everyone a beautiful Thanksgiving day.

May your day be merry and bright. Oh wait, that's next month.

Enjoy your meal. Be sure to chime in on our Thanksgiving day related Perk Poll this week.

Oh, and if you're ever in Glencoe, Minnesota and you pay a visit to the restrooms at the local Subway Sandwich shop, be sure to check out their hand dryers! It's called the Xcelerator. It is easily the most powerful hand dryer I've ever witnessed. I thought I was in one of those aerodynamic testing wind tunnels.

perkout

What is a Pimento?

Eric Perkins — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 04:40:00 GMT

November 18, 2007

Seriously, how many times have you eaten a green olive and overlooked that thing that looks like a little red slug?

They are pretty flavorless actually. Just a bit slimy. Far less exciting than some other things you'll find stuffed in an olive. Feta, jalapenos, almonds, garlic cloves. Why pimentos?

And seriously, what is a pimento? After some research, I realized it's actually a sweet red pepper slice that is fairly indigenous to the Mediterranean region in which olives are so prevalent.

As maddening as they may be to me, I will freely admit, I prefer them to olives that haven't been pitted at all.

Speaking of foodstuffs, our sports producer Yen just brought in a mini fridge to the sports office. This could change the way we live back in this office. No more walking 50 yards down the hall to the break room!

I wore a dress shirt and slacks today but forgot to wear a belt! That's a pet peeve of mine. It annoys me to no end. The only thing more annoying perhaps would be a pimento!

perkout

Beckham Worth the Hype

Eric Perkins — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 05:45:00 GMT

November 11, 2007

The date is 11-11 and I work at KARE-11.

11 was also my score on the ACT.

Just kidding, I took the SAT, not the ACT. I actually took the SAT 3 times, improving 100 points each time. But enough about my brilliance.

David Beckham is worth the hype because he is so passionate about the game. He so clearly enjoys it, and the way he treated the fans while he was here, was delightful to see from such an iconic figure as he. Kudos to Becks.

And yes, I did get to interview him afterwards, and he was as you'd expect an English gentleman to be.

A few random thoughts while I'm at it...

Eucerin makes good lotion.

Mouth sores are so annoying. Like the kind you get when you bite your cheek too hard. That stuff drives me nuts.

White is an underrated color. And I know what you're thinking, white's not a color, right? Well, it should be! So should black!

I've never been passed on the highway by a Toyota Prius, and I never will be.

And I heard a rumor that the inside slimy part of a banana peel works as a makeshift shoe shine. It totally does! Great discovery!

I smell like a monkey, but my shoes glisten baby!

perkout

Come Party with Me!

Eric Perkins — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 02:27:00 GMT

November 4, 2007

I am so jazzed about a party I'm hosting on December 1st. And you are invited!

I've decided to team up with Buck Hill, Hoigaard's and KARE-11 to raise money for the Children's Cancer Research Fund.

The event is called Perk's Abominable Snow Party!

It's set for December 1st, and features an all night Tube-a-palooza, and then from noon until 5pm that Saturday, it's a family friendly carnival like atmosphere complete with rail jam, live music, games, races, and tons of the latest demo ski and snowboard gear to try out.

Buck Hill tells me they'll have snow for us too! I sure hope you can join us for a great cause. One that's dear to me.

Check us out at:

Click for: PERK'S ABOMINABLE SNOW PARTY

perkout

Orange and Black Attack

Eric Perkins — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 03:45:00 GMT

October 31, 2007

Never have I become so familiar with the variety of winter squashes and gourds as I do during Halloween.

To me, the uglier the gourd, the better.

Here are some other random Halloween observations.

Roasting pumpkin seeds is worth it. Especially with a little cayenne pepper and salt.

Best Halloween costume I saw this year: The one I saw by a youngster at my church. He had a bunch of Target bags as a cape, and called himself "Super Target".

As far as candy goes, bring on the Smarties and candy corn, and lose the Tootsie Rolls.

Favorite part of the psuedo-holiday: That my 3 year old daughter doesn't realize that after saying Trick or Treat, you just wait in the doorway, get your candy, say thanks and go.

She understood the Trick or Treat part, the candy part and the thanks part. What she didn't quite comprehend was that you don't then just invite yourself inside to every single house you go into, walk around, pet the cats, and act as though you live there.

Sort of embarrassing... but quite amusing... perkout

Old People Rule

Eric Perkins — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 02:24:00 GMT

October 24, 2007

Ran into a sweet septagenerian last nite at the Hopkins/Chaska playoff game.

I was covering the football playoff game for the Prep Sports Extra, and like an ill-informed buffoon, I failed to wear a jacket with temps in the mid 30's.

It's a good thing I didn't though. I never would have met George Reynolds.

I holed up in the press box, between the scoreboard operator and Chaska's not too pleased Defensive Coordinator. Hopkins eventually won the game, 38-14, and that poor coach was beside himself.

I ended up plopping down next to Mr. Reynolds. And we got to talkin'. He and I gabbed for a great while. He regaled me with stories from the glory days of yesteryear. I'm a sucker for that kind of stuff. I love hearing stuff like when he was a walk-on at the U of M basketball team back in 1950, you couldn't dunk the ball, unless you wanted to receive a technical foul. He was full of tidbits like that.

We talked about everything from the game in front of us, to the pro sports teams' stadium issues, to golf. George is an ace golfer. He's been to the Masters many times.

I don't know the point of this blog. I guess, it's that sometimes, it's great to just sit back and listen to people. Especially wise people who have years of experience behind them. I don't think I talked about myself once. And that was refreshing. I'm going to try it more often I think.

perkout

Favorite Singing Voices

Eric Perkins — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 14:47:00 GMT

October 19, 2007

OK, I have belabored this list, and finally narrowed it down to my top 10. Now, keep in mind, I do not think these are the best voices in the singing world, just my favorites.

That's why some like Celine Dion or Josh Groban aren't on the list. It doesn't mean I don't respect their talent, it just means, their voices aren't my favorites.

This list also doesn't necessarily mean they're my favorite artists. You won't find Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder or Modest Mouse on here. They are definitely some of my favorite musical artists.

These are just the people whose voices for whatever reason, I can't get enough of musically.

-10) Anita Baker

-9) Ric Ocasek

-8) Jeffrey Osborne

-7) Philip Bailey

-6) Jon Secada

-5) Donald Fagen

-4) Gloria Estefan

-3) Barry Gibb

-2) Chaka Khan

-1) Sheena Easton

Let the disagreements fly. But remember, it's personal preference,and totally subjective.

perkout

My Birthday

Eric Perkins — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 04:22:00 GMT

October 14, 2007

My birthday was made when the first words out of my 3 year old's mouth this morning was, "Happy Birthday Daddy!"

Original Pancake House with the fam didn't hurt the day's mojo either.

Forget the rainy day, I had sunshine throughout. Heck, the Vikings even won.

I wanted to thank the many e mails I received over the weekend, of people, many who I do not know, wishing me a happy birthday.

Thanks to Dana, Kim, Perry, Teresa, Robin, Nancy, even Linda from Bemidji! So sweet.

A special thanks to Sven Sundgaard's Mom for baking me homemade cookies too... wow... now I have to be nice to your son.

OK, that's all, here's hoping you have a great day also.

perkout

Bump it up!

Eric Perkins — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 22:47:00 GMT

October 13, 2007

Just wanted to bring attention to the blog before this, written 9 days prior, at the start of the Major League Playoffs.

The paragraph where I mention the Red Sox are going to beat the Rockies in 5 games to win the World Series. It's still got a while from happening, but so far, I'm looking downright clairvoyant!

That's all, I just felt like tooting my own horn.

Speaking of horns, I've always been intrigued by the french horn. Just as an aside.

perkout

Sweet Month

Eric Perkins — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 01:26:00 GMT

October 4, 2007

They might as well call this month Rocktober. Because of how hard it rocks.

Yesterday was my son's birthday. He turned 1. So that's definitely a big deal.

By the way, did you know that other than July, October is the most common birth month? For real.

It's also is the month my sister in law , and my brother were born. Oh, and me! Feel free to send me a birthday wish on the 14th. I'll be looking for it.

And in case you're wondering how old I am, well let's just say, to me, the Dukes of Hazzard are not Johnny Knoxville and Seann William Scott. They are very much Tom Wopat and John Schneider, and Catherine Bach puts Jessica Simpson to shame!

October is also the month in which my parents got married, so that's certainly significant too.

I could also go on and on about fall colors and apple orchards, but to me other real great parts are Major League Baseball Playoffs, high school football and television's fall schedule. Did you see the Top Chef finale?!

For the record, the Red Sox will beat the Rockies in 5 games in the World Series later this month. I know that because I stole an almanac from Biff Tannen.

Oh, one more cool thing about October before I go...and it's not Halloween or Columbus discovering the New World, it's the fact that Larry of the 3 Stooges, Brett Favre of the Packers and David Lee Roth of Van Halen were all born this month too.

Rocktober it is.

perkout

10 Years

Eric Perkins — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:59:00 GMT

September 25, 2007

They aired my 10 year anniversary Perk at Play story tonite on the news. And yes, I much prefer "tonite" as opposed to "tonight".

I remember the first Perk story I did here. It was a guy training for the Twin Cities Marathon. John Wenker was his name.

Technically though, the first time the segment ever aired was in Memphis. I wanted to do a segment that featured some of those sports, games and athletes, that usually didn't make their way onto the nightly sportscasts.

The first one was about an NCAA Champion shot putter. The end of the story was me trying to catch one of his shot puts. That story made its way onto my resume tape, which Randy Shaver and Bea Chang eventually saw, and the rest is history.

It's funny, I went out to a Perk at Play shoot today in Shakopee at Sever's Corn Maze. They have a pumpkin slinger. A giant slingshot that fires pumpkins about 100 yards. I ended the shoot trying to catch a flying pumpkin. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

perkout

Purple People

Eric Perkins — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 04:18:00 GMT

September 18, 2007

I'm not a huge Vikings fan. As one who didn't grow up in these parts in the Super Bowl glory days, I never fully understood the power of the purple, but what a nite at the McNamara Center at the U.

I covered the Bud Grant 40 year anniversary ceremony put on by the Vikings.

There at the event were a handful of Hall of Famers, Bud himself, Paul Krause, Carl Eller, and so many more football power players. Jerry Burns, Wally Hilgenberg, Joey Browner, you name it! If they were associated with Grant in any way they were probably there. Vikings fan or not, I was in awe at the massive assemblance of gridiron heroes.

I even got to interview Bobby Knight. The legendary basketball coach was intimidating. Just his mere chair throwing reputation made for an apprehensive approach for an interview.

Should I call him coach. Mr. Knight, Bobby, what? I opted for Sir.

He was gracious as was the whole gang. A cool evening for sure. Now if the current squad could have some of that yesteryear glory rub off, things would get pretty fun come Sundays. But it might be a while I'm afraid.

perkout