Thursday, December 30, 2010

Minnesota Twins Off-Season Roster

The Minnesota Twins, who are well known for their silent and patient off-season approach, have rebuilt their middle infield and added some interesting (not in a bad way) arms to the bullpen. Below are the moves made by the Twins thus far. I'm sure there will be more to come as there are existing questions for the Twins off season, but take a look at the current roster changes.

Who Left Minnesota:

JJ Hardy (SS): traded to the Baltimore Orioles
Orlando Hudson (2B): signed free-agent contract with the San Diego Padres
Jose Morales (C): traded to Colorado Rockies
Matt Guerrier (RP): signed free-agent contract with Los Angeles Dodgers
Jesse Crain (RP): signed free-agent contract with the Chicago White Sox
Brendan Harris (IF): traded to Baltimore Orioles

Who Came to Minnesota:

Tsuyoshi Nishioka (SS/2B): signed as a transfer from Japan for three-years and $9 million
Brett Jacobsen (RP): acquired in trade from Baltimore Orioles
Jim Hoey (RP): acquired in trade from Baltimore Orioles
Scott Diamond (RP): selected in Rule 5 draft

Jim ThomeTo Be Determined:

Brian Fuentes (RP)
Jon Rauch (RP)
Nick Punto (IF)
Carl Pavano (SP)
Jim Thome (DH)

The Twins are still extremely interested in signing Carl Pavano while he is interested in making bank off a season in which he won 17 games.

Nick Punto still has a shot at re-signing with the Twins, but would likely have to take a pay cut. If money were not an issue I would definitely keep Punto at the $4 million he made in both the 09 and 10 seasons because, well he works very very hard and never has a clean uniform after playing a game. I like him.

Jim Thome also has a good chance of returning to Minnesota, though he will undoubtedly be more expensive and, with Justin Morneau back, Michael Cuddyer will move back to right field and Jason Kubel to the starting DH position. Basically, I love Jim Thome and would love to have him back. I would pay almost anything for him, if not anything.

Fuentes and Rauch are unlikely to sign with the Twins again because the Twins have already committed $18 million to Matt Capps and Joe Nathan. I sure will miss Rauch's tattoos and Russian-mafia mentality and looks.
Happy hunting Twins!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Chicago White Sox Sign Jesse Crain

Jesse Crain, who has played all 7 years of his career for the Minnesota Twins, has just signed with Sox for a three-year, $13 million dollar contract. My best guess is Mr. Crain might feel a bit odd playing for the AL Central rival. Not to mention the bad guys.

Crain came up with the Twins, has never been anywhere else, and will be forced to play against his baseball family, but has commented that the rivalry should be fun and that he is excited for the challenge.

Crain is expected to fill the void left by Bobby Jenks, who will be putting on Sox of a different color this season. Jenks signed a $12 million, two-year contract with the Boston Red Sox.

On behalf of the Minnesota Twins and Twins Territory, I would like to thank Jesse Crain for all his hard work in his 71 appearances this 2010 season. Good Luck, you're gonna need it!!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

My Holiday Plans

Holiday Break <3!>
As of right now, 12:21 pm on 12/22, all that stands between me is about 11 hours of work, 3 hours of my LSAT course, 4 hours of LSAT homework, packing, moderate cleaning, and about two hours of travel across snow blanketed Minnesota. I can't wait!

My favorite part of the Holidays is spending time with my family. While that is obviously cliche, it is very true. This year my entire family will be congregating at my Grandpa's house. While we have family Christmas at my Grandpa's every year, this is the first year in... 5 or so years where everyone will be there. We are talking about 20 or so people.

This means that all the cousins, myself included, will probably play ruthless games that involve insults and extreme ridicule for the losers (I'm glad I always win. It is basically a fact). It means that Grandpa will fall asleep with his arm in his shirt while everyone else is obnoxiously loud -- and we love him for it because it is obviously a super power. It means everyone will love the food that Mom makes, yet there will be leftovers for weeks. It means screaming kids for a while, but then, after the storm, comes the calm of naps, movie marathons, present exploration and more naps.

Another favorite part of the Holidays is getting to see my favorite puppy in the world, Dopey. I have uploaded pictures of my ridiculous creature for your entertainment. This is the dog that, when I come home from school and haven't seen him in a month or so, I have to ignore his excitement when I walk in the door or he will wet himself... all over the house. He will actually lay on his back and... well then Dopey become Ol' Faithful.

If he could read this, he would most definitely be embarassed. But I love him so much and this is the best way I know how to show that.

I am very, very excited for my upcoming Holiday plans. I hope you enjoy yours as well. You will hear from me again after the first of the year... well... I may have some surprise posts for you. Check back! Happy Holidays!

Dopey Dog
Dopey Dog



New Minnesota Vikings Stadium Gains Momentum with Mark Dayton

Mark Dayton met with Roger Goodell, who visited Minnesota on Monday, and they discussed the need for a new Vikings Stadium.

Dayton expressed conditional support for the project that would be at least partially publicly funded. He stated, "If it's a good deal for the people of Minnesota, I'll support it. If the financial benefits of 8,000 construction jobs, the taxes they pay, the additional revenues from contractors, subcontractors, all of the financial gains to the state of Minnesota exceed the costs, then it's a good deal for the people of Minnesota."

Now, maybe this is just me being an Economics major, but... that means if the profits exceed the costs by only $1, or even $0.01, then Dayton would support the partially publicly funded project. That seems highly inefficient given the opportunity costs (and by costs, I mean benefits) that the Vikings organization could achieve by simply taking out a very large loan from National Football League.

If the Vikings were to foot the entire bill for the new stadium, they would be able to avoid many political figures and outraged tax payers. In addition, they would keep the revenues and have total control of the construction. As a tax payer, I find it hard to rationalize the justification of a multi million dollar, if not billion dollar, new stadium proposal. Public involvement seems to be a huge migraine all around.

Plus, it would be nice to have LA stop breathing down our necks. For that to happen, we need a decision made.

Favre Tracker

Leslie Frazier told reporters yesterday that Brett Favre will NOT be placed on the Injured Reserve list, which would end his 2010 season play, after suffering a concussion on Sunday against Chicago. Frazier maintains that Favre has always been some sort of super human with super-healing powers so he can heal super fast. Frazier went on to say that the team has yet to dismiss Favre for even the upcoming game against Philly; he still may play. It wouldn't surprise me if he returned and it shouldn't surprise anyone, frankly.

But is Favre's return the best thing for the organization?

I don't think so. I am not a Favre critic. I love him actually, but if he is truly the competitor he continually shows us, he should know that now is the time the Vikings need to utilize younger and less experienced quarterbacks to promote future wins. Now is the time to train and develop -- we need to rebuild the program so we are (somewhat) ready for post-Favre play. With Jackson on IR, it is Webb's turn to illustrate why he is in the NFL and why he should be a starting QB. Thus far we have not seen either of those two criteria met.

With nothing to lose, no playoff spot on the line, the Vikings should humbly admit that this season isn't much to brag about, but set the stage for 2011 bragging rights by early QB development.

Joe Webb
As a reminder for those who have been entranced by the Brett Favre whirlwind, Joe Webb is a rookie from Alabama-Birmingham. He was a sixth-round pick the Vikings had intended to convert to wide receiver. That plan was scrapped after the discovery of Webb's impressive arm in addition to his freaky atheltic talent.

I thank you, Favre, for you great work ethic, outstanding performance in 2009 and commitment in 2010, but now is the time to take your talent off the field and transfer it into wisdom -- wisdom that can be passed on to another Vikings QB. That is how your legacy will survive.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Ticket King and the Holidays

As a friendly reminder, the Ticket King offices will be open Monday-Thursday this week, making it a great time to stop in and pick up last minute Holiday Gifts!

Gopher tickets are becoming a hot item for this holiday season. The Minnesota Gophers Men's basketball team is off to a winning start with only one loss on the season! Upcoming home games include Indiana, Purdue, and Iowa. Don't miss out on this winning season at Williams Arena. Trust me, Gopher Men's Basketball tickets would make any Gopher fan happy this season.

Gopher Hockey TeamGopher Hockey tickets are also great gifts and are becoming more popular every year! The Gopher Hockey team kicks off the Mariucci Arena Classic at Mariucci Arena on December 31st. Purchase your Gopher fan some Classic Tickets and help them relax over winter break. I know I'd like some!

The Mariucci Classic features the University of Minnesota- Minneapolis, Bemidji State, Union, and Ferris State. Don't miss out!

Vikings Season Collapses are surely as the Metrodome

Brett Favre InjuredThe Minneapolis Metrodome, the Minnesota Vikings season, and Brett Favre. What do they all have in common? They've collapsed. "The bigger they are, they harder they fall," surely comes to mind.

It was hard to miss the symbolism on Monday night as Brett Favre, who was just sacked by the Bears' Corey Wootton, laid on the freezing turf of TCF Stadium in a game where the Vikings moved to a tear-jerking 5-9. The game was their first outdoor game in 29 years, to the date, that was supposed to honor the "50 Greatest Vikings" -- I'm sure they were proud.

The Minnesota Vikings were officially out of the playoff hunt when they lost last week to the New York Giants in a home game played in Detroit because the Metrodome collapsed. Brett Favre ended his record-setting career start streak that game. What a bad vibe. The Vikings are surely being kicked while they are down. And are getting kicked hard.

Who really knows what to say about the Vikings Season? It has been a cornucopia of mistakes, baffling events, and disappointed plays. Scratch that, people may know what to say, but they know we've beaten a dead horse (no disrespect meant, PETA). This Vikings file is closed.

On a related note, Bud Grant, who is 83 years young, was the toughest son of a gun to be at the game on Monday. He wore short sleeves at a game with an 8 degree wind chill. Wowzaa.

Ticket King had Successful Toys for Tots Campaign

Ticket King would like to thank all the Toys for Tots supporters. We had many donated gifts; the whole campaign was a huge success. There is absolutely no way we could have brightened so many lives this holiday season without your generous donations.


Toys for Tots Gifts
The Toys for Tots organization is a noble one and appreciates the outpouring of support from year to year. If you couldn't donate a gift this year, we understand times are tough, but keep Toys for Tots in your mind for next year -- the need is always there.

May you have a happy holiday season from Ticket King!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Justin Morneau Voices Displeasure About Target Field

In 2009, the Minnesota Twins were tied for tenth in the majors with 96 home runs. This year, 2010, the Twins slipped to 28th place with just 52 homeruns hit in the brand-spanking new Target Field.

Just Morneau is not a happy hitter.

Morneau sent an email to the Star Trib of Minneapolis complaining about the right-center to left-center field fences at Target Field making it nearly impossible to hit opposite-field home runs at Target Field. The Twins organization recently spent $4-6 million dollars on Target Field renovations and left the outfield fences untouched.

Morneau continued that players have a tendency to develope poor hitting habbits when it is deemed too difficult to hit opposite field balls over the fence; they opt to pull the ball instead. These habits then transfer to road games.

Will unfriendly home run dimensions continue to irk players? Probably. Dave St. Peter, the Twin's team president, pointed to the fact that the Twins had the best record in the American League... so why help the team out anymore, right? Wrong.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Finals and Holiday Break

As a reminder, I will be heading home over Holiday Break! But you should stay tuned for 2 special posts I have planned for this week... think of this as my Holiday gift to you.

After my three final exams next week, I will be hanging around St. Paul for a couple days and then will be on my way home!

I hope you all enjoy your Holidays... spend this time with your family and friends; the people who matter. Adios!

University of Minnesota Gopher Blogger

When doing some everything-Gopher research, I stumbled across this U of M student who is, as he puts it, "an aspiring sports journalist from South Saint Paul". Here at Ticket King we love supporting everything local. Do him, and yourself (Lukas has some great content!) a favor and check out his blog. I really enjoyed reading it and I'm sure you will too. I give Lukas my blessing.

Here is Lukas' Blog: Confessions of a Gopher

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Sarah Palin Reads?

In the 2008 Presidential Election, Sarah Palin faced the most difficult question; a question harder than any proposed to other candidates: "What newspapers do you read?" She floundered.


Sarah Palin's Favorite BooksNow on Barabara Walters' Ten Most Fascinating People, Palin is talking about the copeous amounts of reading she does. Right. Everything from C.S. Lewis to the Wallstreet Journal. She is attempting to put an end to any lingering thoughts that she is not ready for national office, that were fueled by Katie Couric's question.


Palin maintains she was offended by Couric's question. Scoff. The question was a give-me and she screwed it up. Keep pouting. If she stopped talking about it and blaming the media for every mistake she makes, people would forget about them. There is a new tragedy everyday.


Bottom line: I didn't know Sarah Palin could read so... unless all her reading material comes with 'book-on-tape' material, I doubt her statements.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Minnesota Twins Make Moves in Winter Meetings

The Minnesota Twins lightened the roster by trading shortstop J.J. Hard and Brendan Harris, along with $500,000 straight cash homie (I miss Moss), to the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday. In the trade, we picked up minor league right-handers Jim Hoey and Brett Jacobson.

Carl Pavano Minnesota TwinsThese two trades indicate that the Twins are likely closing in on a contract with Tsuyoshi Nishioka, a Japanese infielder. (I don't know how that name will fit on the back of a jersey!). It is doubtful that the club would have moved Hardy unless they were in a position to finalize a deal with Nishioka. The Twins would then be set-up to have a middle-infield combination of Nishioka and Alexi Casilla, with Casilla likely playing shortstop.

The Twins are also making a strong push to re-sign veteran starter Carl Pavano. I am definitely hoping for this contract to work because I love Pavano and his stache. Very attractive. The Twins are considered a front-runner for Pavano, but there are at least three other teams interested.

On a side note that actually may be more exciting to Twins fans, Jim Thome wants to play for two more years!!!!!! Love him.

Ticket King: Toys for Tots and Holiday Gifts

The Holiday Season is the time of year were giving is the thing to do. Show someone you care this Holiday Season by donating a new, unwrapped toy to Toys for Tots. Ticket King, in Minneapolis and St. Paul, is an official drop-off location for Toys for Tots. If you drop off a toy, you will get a free Vikings Helga Hat!!
Toys For Tots
In other Ticket King news, tickets make great Holiday Gifts! Not sure what to get the person that has everything? Call Ticket King (612-341-4131) and purchase a gift certificate that can be used on any event and never expires! Sounds like a great deal to me!

However, my suggestion would be to give some Gopher Basketball tickets. The Gopher Men's BBall team is doing very well this season and are currently ranked No. 22! We have tickets for all your Gopher Basketball needs. Call, shop online, or stop on in to check out our Gopher Ticket inventory.

Happy Holidays for me and everyone at Ticket King!

Top Searches of 2010-- My Thoughts

I love creeping on the news, no matter what site its on -- I do it all day. I wanted to see how I compared to the 'normal' or 'popular' top searches of 2010.

AOL Top 10 Most Searched

#10- Wikileaks
#9- Chelsea Clinton Wedding
#8- Anna Chapman
#7- Chilean Miners
#6- Kyron Horman
#5- Tea Party
#4- Toyota Recall
#3- Haiti Earthquake
#2- Unemployment
#1- BP Oil Spill

Yahoo's Top Ten Most Searched

#10- Britney Spears
#9- American Idol
#8- Justin Beiber
#7- Megan Fox
#6- iPhone
#5- Lady Gaga
#4- Kim Kardashian
#3- Miley Cyrus
#2- World Cup
#1- BP Oil Spill

WOW AMERICA! There is only one commonality between these lists and thats the BP Oil Spill earning a No.1 spot on both lists. That is a big ol F-U to BP. Absolutely. Mostly, I suspect this is a top search because people are concerned about their pockets and paying for higher-priced gas. While that is admirable, has anyone seen the impact the spill has had on Ocean Life? Thought so.

As for comparing the two lists, my basic summary is that people that use AOL searches are much smarter than those that use Yahoo. From the Toyota Recall to the Chilean Miners to the Haiti Earthquake, AOL searchers are concerned with day-to-day and global news. For the life of me, I can't believe Yahoo searchers haven't searched WikiLeaks in to the top ten yet! Are you serious? WikiLeaks will only affect how the world views the United States for DECADES to come. Ya... brush it off, nothing too big to worry about. GET. A. CLUE.

And really Yahoo searchers? Britney Spears. Nothing, absolutely NOTHING, has changed about this girl for the last 5 years. Consider a hobby.

I was pleasantly surprised the Tea Party was on AOL's top searches instead of Sarah Palin. I suppose people just searched "hunting for dumbies" to find her.

Based on these two sites, I would definitely affiliate myself with the AOL crowd... meaning I have a brain. Megan Fox? Miley Cyrus? SERIOUSLY.


Some of you may wonder why I did not include Google on this blog. Well, Google does something a bit different. They do a video of 2010 in review. Furthermore, they have a site called Zeitgeist that generates the 10 fastest-rising U.S. searches of the year. So... they don't necessarily have a top ten list. As far as I can find. I would have been very interested to discover what Google searchers were interested in as Google is my primary search engine. Last year, Michael jackson was a top search of Google. How that applies? I don't know. Just sayin'.

Mathematically Possible for Vikings to Make the Playoffs =)


Now that the Vikings have strung together a couple of wins to be at 5-7 going in to week 14 against the NY Giants, I asked myself, "can the Vikings still make the playoffs?".

My calculations are as follows. (Disclaimer: I really don't know if I figured this out right)

The Minnesota Vikings will go to the playoffs if:

1. The Vikings win the rest of their games, finishing at 9-7.
2. The Bears lose to the Packers, Eagles, Patriots and Jets
3. Eagles sweep Giants
4. Packers beat the Giants
5. Eagles beat the Cowboys
6. Falcons beat the Saints
7. Bucs lose to the Falcons, Saints, Ravens, and Redskins
8. The three teams that didn't win the NFC West are all 8-8 or worse

The Division winners would be the Eagles, Packers, Falcons, and the West winner.
Saints would get the first wildcard.
The Vikings would get the second wildcard with the conference record tie-breaker.

There. Mathematically, it is possible for the Vikings to earn a wildcard. Theoretically, we would need to have... around 25 games swing our way. Now, I would like to analyze the possibility of 1-8 happening.

1. We have to assume this will happen or the rest is irrelevant. Sure, we will go 9-7 on the season.

2. This is possible. All of the teams the Bears will be playing are very strong. I suspect the Bears will lose at least one. However, that is not good enough as one Bears win would make the wildcard impossible.

3. Very possible. The Giants lost in NY.

4. The Packers will be coming off a game against the Lions, a very talented team with a terrible record. This is an iffy premise. Depends if the Giants are rallying to keep up with the Eagles.

5. Likely, but division rivalries always are indeterminate.

6. Falcons are a better team, but the Saint have been improving.

7. See #2.

8. The NFC West is schizophrenic and this is highly possible.

Well... what do you think? This took me a very very long time to figure out, and I am not truly sure if it is right, but I would enjoy your opinions anyway! Just remember, we wouldn't be Vikings if we weren't willing to fight our way to the top. This year, we are just asking others for a little boost.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Holiday Break

I can't wait for Holiday Break!!! While I won't really have much of a break with my LSAT class a couple times a week for hours and working 15-20 hours a week, I am still excited to see my family for Christmas. And my dog Dopey.
It has been a while since everyone was able to coordinate their schedules and come home to the small rural farm all on the same day. Yes, that's right! From Fargo, Rochester and the Cites my family will flock to the my small town southwest of Mankato, MN. I couldn't be more excited!!

What are your Holiday plans?

The only things seperating me and my family are a test, 4 final exams, two group projects, one quiz and all the presents I have yet to purchase! Ugh... always so busy. Once finals are over, I will be able to make the Holiday transition from student to santa's elf and buy those last minute gifts. However... just seems far away!

At least it is supposed to snow this weekend =]
Snow in Southern Minnesota

While you may think this post was relatively useless, please consider the amount of information I am trying to cram in to my brain in prep for my tests and LSAT class. I don't have much room for a ludicrous, yet insightful posts. My bad.

Thanks, Hank!

Hanks Sports Blog
I would like to give a little shout out to Hank from http://hanksportsblog.wordpress.com/. Hank is a random blogger, like myself, who helped out Ticket King with some advertising. Thanks Hank! You should really check out his blog, pretty good stuff!

Texas Fans Band Together In Support Of Andre Johnson

Ok guys, this is hilarious. Please, to get proper context view this YouTube.com video that I have provided the link for. Seriously, do it. HIIIIlarious. The video is the fight of Andre Johnson beating the crap out of Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan.

Andre Johnson FightThat fight, which took place during the Titans-Texans game has Texas fans taking time out of their busy days, usually consisting of killing snakes in their backyards with the spurs on their and proceeding to fry the animal in a vat of grease, to raise money for Andre Johnson's $25,000 fine that was awarded for the fight. Because he is obviously so poor.

I guess as the great state of Texas does consist of oil-rich billionaires (about 99.9% actually), they can afford to dig up the spare change buried next to Grandpa in the front yard, but really? It doesn't seem right to take a day off from drafting your own moonshine to dig up the safe when Johnson can afford the fine himself.

Besides, then all those Texas fans will be causing major conjestion on all the four-lane gravel highways with their gas-guzzling pick up trucks when they attempt to mail their checks from the big city. Not only will global warming continue to become more fact than fiction with the increased auto-emissions, but gun shot wounds will surely increase by 1000% as their guns discharge after falling out of the gun rack of their truck. This would mostly be caused by some Willie Nelson fiasco that I can't quite invent at this moment.

While I disapprove of Texas fans raising money to support Andre Johnson, I am fully aware that, though Texas does have the death penalty, they would never persecute one of their own. Meaning I am going to shut it before some horse-riding Texas makes his way up here with a sawed off shotgun. Enough is enough I say, my opinion has been heard.

Oops, sorry for the horse-riding stereotype, I realize trucks are now the number one travel choice of the everyday Texan. However, the rest of what I said is true. Cheers.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Minnesota Vikings Approached by Los Angeles Group

Los Angeles Seeking Minnesota VikingsJust what we need... further discontentment surrounding the Minnesota Vikings this year. I just read that Zygi Wilf and the Vikings organization have been approached by two groups out of LA, the Ed Roski group and AEG (which you may recall is associated with former Timberwolves CEO Tim Leiweke) regarding the potential relocation of the Minnesota Vikings to a similar sports-entertainment location in LA. Great.

LA. Bigger market. More money. The only thing we have over LA is a bipolar weather pattern consisting of a 120+ degree spectrum. But they have an ocean. However, we have enough lakes to formulate an ocean? What it all comes down to is The Golden State vs The North Star State.

Minnesota Seeking New Stadium DealIt is no secret that the Vikings are nearing the expiration of their lease and that the stadium issue is being followed nationally, but do we really have to lose the Vikings to LA? I'm feeling traumatic flashbacks to when the Twins lost Torii Hunter to the Angels.

In California's defense, I can most definitely picture silver fox Brett Favre lounging in a hammock wearing nothing but a... number 4 jersey. Gotcha!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Ticket King Offers Free Holiday Shipping

Just a heads up for all you Ticket King shoppers... Ticket King is offering FREE SHIPPING with a promo code on Cyber Monday (Monday, November 29th). Want the promo code? "Like" Ticket King on facebook or follow us on twitter for the revealed code! Simple as that.

A Minnesota Sports Fan Christmas List

It is that time of year again. I have decided to channel the child in me and create a Christmas list for this Holiday season on behalf of all of those who bleed red, white, and blue in the spring and purple and yellow in the winter.

1) A Minnesota Twins World Series Win

2) Brett Favre at the age of 30 wearing purple

3) Bill Bellichick as the Vikings head coach

4) Randy Moss

5) Jim Thome at age 25 with the career numbers of this year

6) A home in Ft. Myers so I could go to Spring Training

7) Cliff Lee

8) A payroll cap for the MLB (haha Yankees... that one is for you)

9) If No. 1 not possible, a Minnesota Twins post-season drive PAST the 1st round

10) A new Vikings Stadium completely paid for by Zygi Wilf

There ya have it folks. A Christmas list on behalf of all Minnesota Sports fans. Let's see what happens... On a semi-related note... if I find Cliff Lee under my Christmas Tree... oofta.

A Minnesota Sports Fan Christmas List

It's Going to be a White Thanksgiving

Polar Bear in a Snow StormAs you all know, I am in college, which means I look forward to Holiday breaks like a convict looks forward to release... or something along those lines. This week is Thanksgiving (which is on a Thursday for all you non-pilgrim aficionados). I have class on Wednesday (meaning my break consists of Thursday and Friday only). This wouldn't make me too terribly upset unless there was supposed to be a huge snowstorm all day on Wednesday... which there is. And St. Thomas hasn't cancelled class. Shocker.

So... all you unlucky individuals that plan to be on the roads, particularly 169 South-bound. Look for me. If I am moselying along the forlorn highway looking like a polar bear in a snowstorm, please, don't stop... but DO throw me a searing hot Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha from Starbucks. Much appreciated.
All jokes aside, I hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving! This season, be thankful for Ticket King... we are always on your side!

I would like to thank-you, as readers, for continuing to read my blog after my controversial last post relating to Brad Childress. I very much appreciate it.

Minnesota Vikings and Brad Childress

Brad Childress FiredI would like to open with this: I am not a Brad Childress fan nor will I be addressing Sunday's game in this post (it is simply too depressing). I am a Brett Favre fan. In addition, until further consideration and research, I was in support of every "Fire Chilly" poster, tee, and bumper sticker out there (read my previous postings and see for yourself, I'm not lying). Now, I'm not so sure.

The Minnesota Vikings are a team with an immense amount of talent that is simply unaware of how to use it. After a record slip to 3-7 via the 31-3 loss to rivals Green Bay Packers, the Minnesota Vikings, in a desperation move, fired Brad Childress.

A week ago, the Dallas Cowboys pulled the same fast one over Wade Phillips and now they are on a two-game winning streak. Can we hope for the same result? No. The Cowboys new coach is young and experience with success as the offensive coordinator and plenty of years to study under Phillips.

Here is one side of the Favre-Childress fiasco:
This was the wrong move for the Minnesota Vikings. Before you gasp in outrage and file grievance against me, hear me out.

Childress took the Vikings to the NFC Championship last year and they were nearly Super Bowl participants. Of course, typical of Minnesota fair-weather style, we have lost all memory of that playoff rally. We also forgot who lost the game for the Vikings that year. Brett Favre. The turnover king, who is No. 1 overall in interceptions in NFL history. Favre threw that pass straight to the Saints. A big "your welcome" from us to you Drew.

I guess I just can't fathom firing someone who almost led us to the Superbowl a year ago. All I can assume is the team has turned on him. Following suit, so did the fans. When did this start?

I guess a better question would be... Who. Who put the anti-Childress ball in motion? Favre.

Favre and his "me-only" mentality has slowly infected the Minnesota Vikings like cancer to the bone marrow. In one of his many post-game press conferences, Favre talked about how he was "playing for himself" while everyone else on the team was "fighting for themselves". From there on out, the Vikings have fallen apart. The players lost all respect for and faith in Childress and it has turned in to a "me-only" football team.

Favre has successfully turned all the players and fans against Chilly (I am guilty too). Frustration levels for the Vikes must be skyrocketing as they are, as I said before, insanely talented. While I promote individuals questioning the wrongs and rights of society, we should still maintain a chain of command and respect those who have earned authority. In the case of Childress, he almost led us to a Super Bowl last year and now we are burning him at the stake.

It seems to me that Favre has found a way to blame anyone but himself for the team's failures. Instead of taking the fall for the Vikings losses, he threw his head coach under the team bus.

There has been no team faith for a while now. No team faith on a well-established squad that should be looking for a Super Bowl instead of a new head coach. Brett Favre stands in the way.

Here is some statistical support of what I'm saying:

QB Rating: 69.8
Passing Yards: 2,274
Touchdowns: 10
Interceptions: 17
Sacked: 19

These are the stats of the 2010 Brett Favre, not the legendary Brett Favre we know and love. Like I said, I am a fan of Brett Favre, but his time has come. While I have a hard time accepting his career is over, it most definitely is. We should give him his due respect, but in light of the firing of a head coach that had so much success in Minnesota highlights the instability of the Minnesota franchise.

In all honesty (I owe you, my readers, that much), I am not entirely sure how I feel about this post, how I feel about Childress, or how I feel about Favre. The purpose of this post was to point out another view that has been spiraling around Minnesota. Whether I agree with it, I am undecided. Call it devil's advocacy, but I definitely think this argument is something to consider.

Let's just say I am glad I didn't have to make the decision of firing Childress. The choice was economically irresponsible (he still had 3 yrs remaining on his contract that we will have to buy out), but was the right move if your strategy is fan-oriented over profit-oriented. Its a toss-up.

From Wilf's point of view, I can understand why he is disgruntled... or... I could have under why he was upset with Childress when he waived Moss. Now, like I said... I am completely on the fence. I wish I knew more. What do you think?

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Ticket King is an Official Drop Site for Toys for Tots

Ticket King teams up with Toys for Tots
I am a junior in college and, yet, I cannot wait for Christmas! A break from school, time spent with family, and of course gifts. As long as I can remember, I have had faboulous Christmases. We always spend our Christmas morning at my Mom's house where it is just Me, my Mom, and my Sister. Then, we trek through the snow over to my Grandpa's house where we share the day with the entire family. Never have I had a Christmas where I was disappointed. However fortunate I have been, there are people who are extremely unfortunate through no fault of their own. This Christmas, keep those people in mind. Purchase a gift and donate it to Toys for Tots. Ticket King is an official drop off location for your unwrapped toys this holiday season. Make someone else's Christmas this year; give a gift.

Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers Game Preview

Brett Favre seeks win against PackersBrett Favre has had a career composed of comeback after comeback, highlight after highlight. The greatest could be yet to come... if he can get the Minnesota Vikings in to the playoffs.

The season is on the line this Sunday when Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers come to town. Favre will try to lead the Vikings to a much-needed win over the NFC North co-leading Green Bay Packers this Sunday at the Dome. Wouldn't that be great? Yes. It would.

Favre could be in for better luck than the game at Lambeau, the Vikings are 3-1 at home this season and have won 17 of their last 30 as the host team. Sounds impressive, but I can tell you are skeptical. I am too. I guess we will just have to wait and see. Do you, Vikes.

(Here is where I should be talking about what each team is bringing to the table, but frankly, since we all know we need a win no matter how we can get it, let's just focus on that for now.

If the Packers come to town and do beat up on the Vikings, have hope. The last team they beat up on hard, Dallas, fired their head coach the next day.

SKOL!

Sidney Rice, Health vs Money

Sidney Rice Minnesota VikingsSidney Rice, who has yet to step on the playing field in this 2010 season due to a surgery in August, is offended that the media have hinted he is not playing out of soon-to-be free agent self-interest. He is offended.

Well, Sid, the Viking's medical team has cleared you sooo I don't really know what you are waiting for (if you are waiting to make your return in playoffs, may want to rethink THAT strategy). Sure, the Vikings put the 'to play or not to play' decision in your hands, but unless YOU have an M.D. degree, I think it may be about time to see what we've been missing for 3 months before we self-implode.

Rice addressed the reports in his own blog, titled "A Bunch of Bull". Apparently he doesn't agree with the media. Shocker. What an aberration for a Minnesota Vikings player to have issue with the media. Deja vu. In Rice's blog he writes, "Times like these, some news people just need stories to create and I guess me not getting back on the field yet is something they want to use."

SERIOUSLY?

Times like these... if you are talking about the economy, you have no business. You have no business talking about 'times like these' when you are being paid millions of dollars a year to NOT work. 'Times like these' consist of layoffs, closures and bankruptcies. Sound familiar to you? Of course not, why would it.

Giving you the benefit of the doubt, say you weren't talking about the economy and you are talking about the lack of media-worthy stories spiraling around MPL/STP, in which case you are highly oblivious. Brett Favre scandal. Randy Moss blowup. Childress in the hot seat. Right.. . your story is what people want to hear. Scoff.

I'd say the best way to get some well-deserved media spotlight is to suit up for Sunday's game and show Minnesota you aren't off the field with dollar signs in your eyes, but with the Minnesota Vikings in your heart. Kinda cheesy.

Ron Gardenhire (FINALLY) American League Manager of the Year

Ron Gardenhire is accustomed to being in the winners bracket, racking up victories as the manager of the small-market Minnesota Twins, but he has finally won the long-eluded and well-deserved AL Manager of the Year Honors for 2010! Until this year, I have been embarrassed for the Baseball Writers' Association for passing up the chance of naming Gardenhire the AL Manager of the Year in previous seasons where Gardy has been runner-up five times.

Congratulations to Ron Gardenhire for the honor and to the Baseball Writers' Association for getting one right.

Ron Gardenhire Manager of the YearGardy, who is famous for his hot-headed explosions at incompetent umpiring crews, received 16 of a potential 28 first place votes, scoring him at 108 points. Texas' Ron Washington, who was not able to clinch a World Series this 2010 season, finished runner-up to Gardy with 81 points and 10 first-place votes. I would say the 20 point spread is a successful margin of victory. Nice work, I approve.

Something to think about... in the NL, San Diego's Bud Black scored in at 104 points with 16 of the 32 first-place votes. Now, I may not be a mathematician, but it looks to me like Gardy could have easily been named the MLB Manager of the Year; why stop at the AL when you've clearly scored higher in points and first-place votes than any other manager in the MLB?

P.S. New York's Joe Girardi received one third-place vote. Suck on that New York.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Discount on Tickets Perfect for Wild Games

While Ticket King allows me to rant endlessly via my Ticket King College blog, I must occasionally spread the news of upcoming events and promotions Ticket King is offering. This one, I must say is pretty awesome and I am sure I will be taking advantage of it (perhaps when I purchase Christmas presents)!

If you are interested purchasing tickets for upcoming events, anything from the Minnesota Wild, Wolves and Vikings, to concerts like the Trans Siberian Orchestra, be sure to go to visit Ticket King because we are currently running a sweet promotion. Use the discount code STP at the check-out and receive 5% off of your entire order! Since we have no additional fees, this is a really awesome deal. You can use this code EVERY TIME INFINITELY! On a side note, I tried to get Kristy and Cortney to have a discount for an "Allison referral", but apparently I don't know that many people and the discount would have been useless. Eh... over it =).

If I may offer my expert-intern opinion, I would use this code (STP) on Minnesota Wild Hockey orders because we often have tickets for sale below face value (upwards of $10). What... a deal. Check it out: Ticket King!


Ticket King Tickets

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Joe Mauer, Rawlings Gold Glove Recipient

Joe Mauer wins 3rd Gold GloveFor the third consecutive year, St. Paul's hometown boy was named the recipient of an American League Rawlings Gold Glove Award.

Mauer committed only three errors in 733 chances for a .996 fielding percentage. My main man Joseph also nailed 26% of would-be base stealers. While Mauer has state that 2010 was a "long year" for him with numerous injuries, he is also proud of his outstanding defense given that most of the focus has been on his highly contributory offense.

Mauers third consecutive honor makes the 10th straight year the Twins have won at least on Gold Glove as a team.

Other recipients of the Rowlings honor include: Mark Teixeira (Yankees, 1B), Robinson Cano (Yankees, 2B), Evan Longoria (Rays, 3B), Derek Jeter (Yankees, SS), Ichiro Suzuki (Mariners, OF), Carl Crawford (Rays, OF), Franklin Guitierrez (Mariners, OF), Mark Buehrle (White Sox, P). Now I don't want to re-ignite the agonizing drama between the Minnesota Twins and the New York Yankees, but since the amazing malevolence I feel for the Yankees has never subsided, I will proceed.

While the Yankees may be tipping their pin-striped hats to Teixeira, Cano, and Jeter, I would like to give a Minnesota shout out to Torii Hunter of the Los Angeles Angels. Like Suzuki, of the Mariners, Hunter went in to the 2010 season as a recipient of 9 previous Gold Gloves, but he is notably missing from this years list. Torii Hunter played in 143 games totalling in 358 put-outs with only 3 errors. That, folks, is a fielding percentage on .992. I have decided to take it upon myself to find the faults in the award-giving process.

Derek Jeter played in 151 games totaling in only 182 put-outs. While I realize comparing the put-outs of a short stop and an outfielder are hardly comparable, but since we have no Yankee outfielder who was a recipient of a 2010 gold glove, (he annihilates Hunter in the assists category), check out Jeter's fielding percentage: .989.

If it were me, my vote for a gold glove winner would weigh heavily on the fielding percentage, which is the most widely used statistic for fielders of every position, because it is a well-developed defensive statistic that incorporates the putouts, assists, and total chances (which is equal to the number of putouts, assists, and errors combined) by a player. From there, the fielding percentage is calculated by dividing your putouts by your total chances. Based on my post-season research, Torii Hunter, who played with the Minnesota Twins for over 10 seasons, would win my vote by .003 percent.

You think I'm being petty? Recall: Derek Jeter fakes being hit by a pitch in order to get on base.

While I find myself looking for reasons to harp on the Yankees, I must credit them this, a $200-plus million dollar payroll suits them well. Seriously, no one can pull off 'dbag' so well. And when I say dbag, I am referencing dirt bag. Relax.

Again, congratulations Mauer on, not only winning a Rawlings Gold Glove award, but for being such a stand up guy and taking the contract with the Twins instead of the Yankees.

Sidney Rice To Return

Sidney RiceSidney Rice, who has been out for rehabilitation from a hip surgery he had in August, is looking to return to the roster. Rice did extensive work before the Cardinal's game, but did not make an on-field appearance as he has yet to be put on the active roster.

Childress, who is very knowledgeable about coaching the game of football =), has stated Rice is "very close, whether he is close enough to play, whether it's another week, it's hard to say right now." Childress further commented that it is a matter of if Sidney can play in an open field in the NFL, if he is ready for it because, unlike practice, the other guys will tackle. Hard.

In another Brad Childress-related story. Childress caused a[nother] press frenzy Sunday night when he made a comment... that was apparently a joke... when he was asked about any assurances he may have been give regarding his job. "I'm not going to sit here like Brett Favre and tell you I need compassion, I need a hug," he said. Holy Cow. Favre had said last week he could use a hug when asked if Childress was a compassionate coach. Brett's joke was just the beginning of a blood trail the thirsty press are continuing to follow relating to the relationship between Favre and Childress. Talk about stirring the pot... I may not like Brad Childress' coaching approach, but you have to admit the guy knows how to cause controversy. Very entertaining.

Childress Lives on as the Worst NFL Coach... For Now.

Sunday dawned brightly, as bright as was expected for fans of the Minnesota Vikings. News of the Randy Moss waiver, not supported by Zigi Wolf, had filtered to the four corners of the state, and Percy Harvin's blowup was progressing likewise. Everything seemed to be placing Brad Childress closer and closer to the edge of a plank he has been walking for sometime now. Everything came down to Sunday.

Chili had to win or he was done.

I had the privilege to be at the game on Sunday, and this was how it appeared from my view (a view from a Viking fan, an anti-Childress supporter, a Randy Moss aficionado and a Brett Favre rooter). Noon game. The offense struggled badly getting the ball down field, but executed well in giving the Cardinals the ball. Percy Harvin was so distracted from the Childress drama, he managed to give Arizona another touchdown off a fumbled kick-off return. The Vikings offense couldn't execute a pass if their lives depended on it, or if Childress' life depended on it... which it did. And the icing on that vanilla butter cream cake? There were around 100 or so signs sporting "Fire Chilly" being aimed at the coaching staff, cameras and even beer vendors in hopes of causing a domino-effect disbursement of beer to the agonizing fans. I saw it myself.

Fans around the stadium were thinking to the future, thinking of their unborn grandchildren. "I was there when ol' Brad Childress coached his last game." Me? Naahhh... I would probably tell that to my friends' grandkids. I am in no mental shape to handle any bouncing baby. No sir. Some fans just up and left all together in hopes of avoiding traffic. Ironically, due to the high volume that thought this, those who left early actually hit the traffic whereas those who stayed... didn't.

For those who are still mourning the death of Randy Moss as a Viking (ME), you couldn't help but smirk when it seemed glaringly apparent the Vikes were in store for another loss. Revenge seemed to be oh so sweet. Almost as sweet as those unforgettable over the head catches via the man of last hour, The Freak himself. You were posed with your palm open and inviting as you prepared to high-five Deanna Favre as you saw Childress-Favre Co. self implode. You chalked it up as a loss record-wise, but a win for your soul... a soul that thrives on the potential superbowl for next season when the current season seems more toasted than a kabob.

Oh. So. Wrong.

Could it be? Yes. Your favorite team, the only team that can pull off the complementary colors of purple and yellow, managed to score enough points in the last four minutes of play to tie the game. Then proceeded to win in overtime? You checked your time-machine mileage. Nope, you didn't misstep back in to 2009. Deja vu was your next option. Arizona, the immigrant fighters that they are, were hardly the liberal victim San Francisco 49ers of last years last-minute victory by the Vikes. This was reality, an unfamiliar reality of the 2010 season. Jared Allen even remembered it was ok to hit the quarterback. Bliss.

The Vikings pulled some strings, cashed in a few favors and managed to steal a win right out from under the Cardinals' beaks. When it had seemed the Vikings were going to take a page out of Moss' book, and quit, the Vikes prevailed! Even Brett managed to throw for a career-high 446 yards (maybe he has been laying off the ladies?). Percy Harvin, found a way to catch 9 passes for 126 yards without Randy Moss opening up underneath routes. Against all odds. Even Shiancoe, who has requested at least 5 alternative name pronunciations, caught a TD pass. Hell froze over on Sunday, and true to Minnesotan form, we liked it.

Perhaps the only downfall of the day was the salvation of our opposition. The Lord Voldemort to our Harry Potter, the Hitler to our Jew, the hurricane to our New Orleans will be around for at least another week. This guy is basically responsible for the development of Al-Qaeda, the catastrophic oil spill in the gulf (which he blamed effectively on BP), and the alarming economic downturn (pawned off on the Fed). Not to mention, the dismissal of Randy Moss (blamed the catering crew). And he lives on. I leave it up to you to weigh the pros and cons.

Until next time, just keep walking that plank like the pirate you are.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Percy Harvin Questionable for Cardinals

Post-Moss departure, I coined the expression "In Harvin We Trust". Harvin sprained his left ankle last weekend against the New England Patriots, missing practice on both Wednesday and Thursday. Seriously? How many times have the Vikings hit the 'SELF-DESTRUCT' button this year?

We know Brett Favre has tapped that more than once... oooohh... about that.

Back to Harvin, first it was migraines (of which I can empathize, when I get migraines, I'm a bear), and now its a sprained ankle. Basically, Brett Favre (who is listed as "probable" for Sunday, since when did "probable" mean "definite", as if they won't start Favre) is left with three healthy receivers for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals-- Greg Camarillo, Greg Lewis, Bernard Berrian. So... "Bomb it to Berrian", "Camarillo Can Catch", "Go-Lucky Greg Lewis".... uh ya, this may just be awesome.

Back to the game preview:

Last year the Cardinals and the Vikings were both victorious winners of their respective divisions, the NFC West and NFC North. This year, the loser of Sunday's game can give playoffs a big fat kiss goodbye, because they won't have a shot in the dark. If Minnesota draws the short straw, you can bet Brad Childress will be looking over his shoulder as he is already in the hot-seat due to the Randy Moss deal.

Brett Favre, going in to Sunday is still juggling an ankle injury, his age, and infidelity. No change there, but he did play pretty well before he was injured against the Patriots. I'm pulling for this guy to rally in back-to-back games. Everyone loves the glory days.

For the Cardinals, starting quarterback Derek Anderson is back in the saddle, regaining the starting position he had lost to rookie Max Hall. Anderson has been inconsistent and inaccurate.

Basically we are matched well at quarterback.

Ten Reasons Randy Moss Fits with the Titans

I found it particularly strange that my last post was a serious post about Minnesota Sports, that seems rare in these times. Habits die hard...

Top Ten Reasons Randy Moss is a Better Fit in Tennessee


10. The Catering Menu-- The "Mom and Pop" cooking style clearly didn't suit someone of Moss' elegant taste. Luckily, Tennessee is famous for fried... pickles.


9. Energy-- If you aren't energetic about Randy Moss coming to town, he will surely get your adrenaline pumpin' with a good moon or, maybe he will step it up a notch, and show off that big jock strap off his. (Anyone with an ego that big has to be boasting something worthy below the belt)


8. Confidence-- The Titans have been lacking in self-confidence lately. Good thing Moss has enough to go around. Confidence just went up 3000% in Tennessee.



7. Team Name-- Titans, according to Greek Mythology, were giant gods of exceptional importance and reputation who ruled the Earth. Coincidentally, the definition of Randy Moss is not dissimilar. Weird.


6. Team Bonding-- Bo Scaife of the Titans stated, "I know everyone on our team is going to welcome him [Randy Moss] with open arms." Right... when was the last time you saw ANYONE give Randy Moss a hug.


5. Hmmm... something about having an afro. I'll get back to you.


4-3. uhhh.... I guess Moss isn't really that great of a fit for the Tennessee Titans seeing as I could only dish 8 reasons, 100% of which I made up. Shucks.


2.Press Conferences-- The Titans team, nor the coaching staff, are likely to be caught off-guard by a rogue press conference statement by Moss because no reporter cares enough about the Titans to cover them. Looks like all of Moss' self-interviewing skills are going to go to waste. Bumski.


1. Randy Moss is pissed-- A pissed Randy Moss tends to play better than the crazy, fast-talking, no-respect-for-authority, normal Moss. (You're to thank for that, Childress) He is out to prove a point, meaning any ball within his zip code will be caught by him. Until someone tries to offer him cornbread.


Despite all the jokes that find their way seamlessly in to my blog from the departure of Randy Moss, I still miss him and would welcome him back any day now. Who else can we count on to always only pay "straight cash homie"?

Minnesota Twins and the Off-Season

You all know how I love my Minnesota Twins, so I did some checking-up on them.

This past weekend, the Minnesota Twins organization got together for the annual meeting where head haunchos talk about the past season, analyze the organization as a whole, and attempt to predict the future. More importantly, the annual meeting is one step in determining the roster for 2011. This is huge.

The Twins have a total of ten players that could potentially leave as free agents. Eight of these ten, or eighty percent, were members of the postseason roster this past year.

For the sake of determining cost, if all ten of those players left, the Minnesota Twins would still top the $100 million mark to keep the remaining club together. Talk about a chunk of change. And I do mean like... quarters; the Yankees payroll is just a little over $200 million. Clowns. The additional increase in payroll, about 50%, can be attributed to the revenues from the new Target Field.

The list of the Twin's free impending free agents is as follows: Jim Thome (whom I love very, very much), Orlando Hudson (who will be playing with his fourth team in four years), Matt Guerrier, Jesse Crain, Jon Rauch and Brian Fuentes.

Club Options: The Twins picked up Jason Kubel's $5.25 million option and declined Nick Punto's $5 million option, paying the $500,000 buyout instead. I have mixed feelings about this. I absolutely love Jason Kubel and performed very well for the Twins this year, I give this choice my blessing. As for Punto, sure he wasn't the best, but did you see how HARD that guy worked? Never did I see a game that Nick Punto played were his uniform wasn't dirty from a dive or slide. Punto gave the extra effort 100% of the time and all the Twins did was show him the door. I do NOT give my blesssing here. (PS, the picture of sad Tigger is what I imagine Nick Punto looks like, way to go MN)

Nick Punto Leaves Minnesota

As of now, there haven't been many other major shifts in the roster of the men you know and love, but be sure that I'll keep you posted. It's my job. It's my life.

Peace.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Vikings Divorce Randy Moss

What the heck went wrong?

The news that Randy Moss has been waived by Minnesota shocked fans (and critics) as it filtered through the airwaves. Even the most jaded cynics of Mr. Class-Act Randy Moss didn't foresee the Vikes/Moss relationship deteriorating and ending in just four weeks. Too soon. Too wrong.

What happened? Moss interviewed Moss. His post-game press conference in New England happened. Moss was Moss, he hemmed and hawed in his self-conducted interview, while taking time to graciously (never thought 'graciously' would be associated with such a big donkey? me either) thank his prior team, the New England Patriots for the pleasure it was to work with them and that he misses "the hell out of them". What... a sap. THIS IS THE NFL, suck it up you jock strap. Moss continued to vent his frustration of Childress (whoever ISN'T frustrated with Childress obviously lives in Cambodia where they don't know what football is) and eventually boiled over everything to the media... in his self-conducted interview (I just want to make sure everyone is aware that Randy Moss had to pay $25,000 for not answering questions by the media, he doesn't care, and that he will be conducting his own interviews. Classic Moss). Moss had a moment of frustration exposed in front of the media.

Then, we KILLED him.


Randy Moss Waived
Moss' interview has been dubbed a "meltdown", described as a "surreal" moment of Moss "ripping" his team to shreds. Basically, people think Moss is Cancer... the really bad kind that attacks babies. I took the liberty to hit the archives and research memorable, classic, and very entertaining Randy Moss quotes by Randy Moss or related to:

"Ain't nothing but 10 grand. What's 10 grand to me?" Well, Randy apparently 10 "Gs" weren't enough because you weren't interviewing yourself back then. 25 was all it took... dawg.

"Let's go now, this is our time. We are going to have fun now. There's no telling what you are going to see." Shocker, this was before he 'mooned' Green Bay Packers fans at Lambeau. I like it a lot.

"The tough part of it is, Randy will never be a model citizen. But until this, he's been so good so far this year. It was a very immature thing to do. And he's got to understand that everybody is watching him. But it wasn't a career-ender." Ok, ok this wasn't a direct Randy Moss quote, but it was some random's quote post-'mooning' incident. It wasn't a career ender.... Never a model citizen... PEOPLE! THIS IS RANDY MOSS WE ARE TALKING ABOUT! No offense to California, but Moss has admitted to smoking marijuana, Moss conducts his own interviews, he is one of the best receivers in the game... basically Randy Moss is one bad ass motha, we knew what we were getting.

Personally, I don't care if Moss smokes, swears, almost hits people with his car, or enjoys the field of news broadcasting... he is one of the best damn receivers in the NFL and he was OURS! Brett Favre cheated on his wife for Christ's sake, we still love him. On behalf of... myself... I personally apologize to you, Randy... Randall, for disrespecting you in such a way that made you, probably, punch an infant. I also extend an invitation to come back... I'll even let you do something outrageous. (Come on, it is pretty funny)

Sure Moss is a donkey, but we knew that when we signed him. Besides, whoever doesn't think it is a bit funny wouldn't laugh at anything normal humans laugh at. I get that Moss has a huge ego, but I think Childress is just jealous because he can't sport those luscious black dreads like Moss can. Get some hair Childress... then get a new job. Until then, In Percy We Trust.

Please understand that I really don't know when/why the above quotes were stated and that I just adapted them to fit certain situations in an attempt to appease my readers. Thanks.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Halloween at Ticket King Includes Minnesota Wild

Halloween is right around that spooky alley corner that is generally associated with Halloween Slasher movies. Let's just say Halloween is right on your doorstep. Next to the pumpkin. And Ticket King St. Paul is joining in on the festivities!Free Popcorn at Ticket King

On Saturday, Ticket King St. Paul will be 'pre-gaming' (to my fellow college students, don't get too excited) the Minnesota Wild's spooky showdown with the Chicago Blackhawks. Come join the fun at Ticket King, St. Paul on Saturday night, anytime after 4pm. Wear your best Halloween costume and be rewarded with delicious treats (including popcorn!) and get your picture snapped with an "I <3>
-- The Ticket King Gang.

WARNING: If anyone comes as Snookie, I will be dressed up as the person who punched Snookie. Watch yourself.

Minnesota Timberwolves Fall to Sacremento in Season Opener

Last night was the Timberwolves' season opener against the Sacramento Kings. Minnesota lost 117-116 in a game that had 17 lead changes. Good thing there wasn't 16. Or 18. Lucky us. Perhaps doting Minnesota fans will take comfort in the fact the the King's won from the charity line. You know who else accepts charity they don't deserve? Con artists. Stay classy Sacramento.

Because I don't much want to write about the Timberwolves unless they win (I can only stretch my heart so far for Minnesota Sports teams in a slump because I want to maintain consistent dedication. See: Twins in post season and Minnesota Vikings 2010), I would like to switch the direction of this blog to another blog. My best friend in the whole wide world, yes I can say "best" even if she is the ONLY, has spontaneously (and by spontaneous, I mean through encouragement by me) has started her own make-shift blog. Mara warns her readers that her blog will mostly be opinion based, which means, if you knew her, you would know it is going to be outrageously hilarious. In light of her appreciation for my constant support, Mara has dedicated her blog to me. Well, not yet, but maybe someday. I will prepare a gracious speech. Check out Mara's blog at facetiousbloggess.blogspot.com, the name says a lot about her, and you will laugh yourself out of that office chair.

Mara

Because I am such a great friend, I found the best picture I could of Mara, while attempting to not mislead my readers, or hers. =)

Back to the main and less important topic: The Minnesota Timberwolves will be hosting the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday. Tip off is set for 7pm. If they WIN, stay tuned for some intelligent Timberwolves' clamor from this girl. Peace.

Charlie Sheen

By now everyone and their Uncle (plus their Uncle's special lady) has gotten word of Charlie Sheen and his drunken antics... correction, alleged drunken antics... that took place while he was allegedly naked. Allegedly-schmallegedly. On a side note, when things like this happen with Charlie Sheen, Lindsey Lohan, or Paris Hilton, and similar celebrities, we should be allowed to stop referring to their chaos as "alleged". Everyone knows the truth.

Charlie Sheen

Anyway, police found Sheen's room to be trashed, including but not limited to, tables and chairs being overturned and a damaged chandelier. A chandelier? Pretty classy for Charlie Sheen. He must of agreed, ergo he destroyed it. Allegedly.

All I can say is, I'm glad Charlie Sheen didn't have to go to jail because obviously this guy has a great time. I want to party with him. Who wouldn't?

You might be asking yourself, 'what does Charlie Sheen have in common with sports?' Clearly, like any athlete, he loves his extracurriculars.

Vikings Loss To Packers

I am loathing the Vikings' loss to the Packers on Sunday. It is now Thursday and I am still having trouble sleeping at night. Not a joke. The loss was a hard one to take because there were SO many lost opportunities (or robbed). We had the chance to win, and then the officiating crew got a raise.

The Vikings performed well in a brutal environment on Sunday. AP obliterated Green Bay's defense taking on 131 yards and a TD off of 28 carries. Percy Harvin displayed his versatility through 5 receptions (***should be 6) for 65 yards (***could have been more) for 1 TD (***TWO). Bitter.

Wide Receiver, Randy Moss, whom I shall refer to as "The Freak" in the remainder of this awesome blog post out of respect for his faux moon against the Packers the last time he was at Lambeau in Purple, found the end zone. Personally, I think we need to utilize The Freak's abilities even more, especially those assets that are classified as 'fan antagonism". I hate Packer Fans. YOU ARE WEARING CHEESE ON YOUR HEAD! Which, frankly, relates you closer to a rodent than it does a human. And makes you stink like parmesan. Gross.

Never the less, all of the aforementioned jibber-jabber added up to a resounding loss for the Vikes. Yay, Purple Pride. The loss to the Packers will sting for a while, especially since we aren't used to losing to that obnoxious Pack (yes that is a jab at you Packer fans who have lost to OUR Brett Favre the last, and only, 2 times we have played you!). I'm sure we will rehash the game over and over in our heads, crunch numbers to see if we can budget an officiating crew in to our payroll, and replay Aaron Rodgers raising both arms and holding up 2 pointer fingers for victory in true Brett-Favre-Fashion (who do you think you are???) endlessly, but we must move on. We must man-up... or something... and face New England a team that is playing very, very well right now.

Butterfly EffectIn other news, another loss by the Minnesota Vikings, coupled with the fracturing of Brett Favre's ankle prompted an earthquake in Indonesia resulting in a tsunami-volcano eruption, one-two punch within 24 hours of each other. This, people, is known as the Butterfly Effect. Butterfly Effect can be defined as the following: If Brett Favre fractures his ankle in Minnesota, an earthquake, tsunami, and volcano triple threat will be unleashed on Indonesia, halfway across the globe. We need to get our sh** together FAST! Our bad.

*** This information is based on the yearly salary of Sunday's officiating crew according to the 2010 "How to screw the Vikings survey" plus any compensatory arrangements made through the Green Bay Packers; most likely all payments will be relative to the amount of 'screwing' the crew does to the Vikings. All figures have been rounded down and understated.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Minnesota Wild Schedule

Minnesota Wild ScheduleThis may not be college related, but I am always finding ways to show off my hidden talents... I created a great Minnesota Wild schedule. Stop on in to Ticket King, St. Paul and pick one up! They even come on green paper!


Ticket King's Sister Site, Gophers Hockey Tickets

You all known everything there is to know about my employer, Ticket King. 1) They took me off the streets and give me money, 2) Cortney makes me coffee, which is great, 3) I write amazing articles based off there ingenious ideas! Now that you are familiarized, let me introduce you to Ticket King's sister site that specializes innnnnnnn: (drumroll please!) Gophers Hockey Tickets

For all you U of M Hockey fanatics out there, I have discovered (well, Kristy actually told me about it) the best site for cheap U hockey tickets. On our sister site, you can learn everything there is to know about the men in maroon and gold, plus get great deals on tickets! Do yourself a favor, check it out. Now that I know about the Gophers Hockey Ticket site, I am kind of in the mood to promote it.

Gophers Hockey Tickets Website
I am looking to lighten my purse up a bit, yes, I think the Gophers Hockey Ticket site is that AMAZING... I want to help them advertise. If you know someone or someone you know knows someone else... uh... ya, if you know anyone who has a Minnesota Gophers sports blog, you should definitely email me. Make some money! Let me know: TicketKingCollege@yahoo.com =)

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Tim Brewster Fired

The search for a new head coach for the University of Minnesota Gopher football team is on; Tim Brewster was shown the door on Saturday after the Gopher football team moved to 1-6 falling to Purdue. The athletic direct at the U said he wants, "to find a Tubby Smith," or someone to raise the excitement level that should be associated with the new TCF Bank Stadium. Will Jeff Horton serves as the interim head coach, the search is on. Here are potential candidates:

Kevin Sumlin, Houston head coach:Kevin Sumlin

Sumlin has obviously had success as a head coach and has Minnesota ties, which is clearly a plus, but is he ready to be a Minnesota head coach? this would require him jumping to the next level. The answer is yet to be seen.

Marc Trestman, Montreal Alouettes head coach:


Trestman is a Minnesotan through and through... except for the part about coaching in Canada, which I'm sure isn't fun. Trestman went to St. Louis Park High School, played at the U of M and MNSU and worked for 3 years as a Vikings assistant. Impressive. Marc Trestman

Other prospects include:

Brady Hoke, San Diego State head coach; Make Markuson, Mississippi offensive coordinator; Mike Belottie, former Oregon head coach; Lesli Frazier, Vikings defensive coordinator; Mike Stoops, Arizona head coach; Jim McElwain, Alabama offensive coordinator.

I suggest you buy some Gopher Football Tickets and see what the team will look like post-Brewter-departure. Check 'em out.

Vikings Cowboys Weekend

This past weekend was quite an adventure for me. My UST bestie, Samantha Beck, had her cousin, Michael, and his friend, Matt, in town from California for the Vikings Cowboys game. Michael, a Minnesotan at heart and Matt, who might as well be wearing permanent cowboy boots were quite the pair.

However, let me start at the beginning of the weekend. On Friday, around early evening, my neighbors (who you may recall are Augsburg Baseball Players) invited myself, Samantha and her friend Chelsea, and our other roommate to a baseball party. We had planned to take it easy on Friday, given our big weekend ahead of us (set to pick Michael and Matt up at the airport the following day), but of course the sight of backyard games including, but not limited to, a college form of frisbee, bags, and hammerschlagen, we fast became committed to traveling that night to North Minneapolis. For those of you familiar with the cities, you know North Minneapolis is not dissimilar to Compton.

We arrived fashionably late at the house situated in between the Bloods and the Crips, and got our game on. One thing led to another and well, Samantha lost her phone. Go figure. This normally wouldn't have been a huge issue, but without Michael's number, we had zero access to his flight information.

After calling in a few favors, following a few paper trails, and one quick call to Michael's mom, we were set to pick up the boys at the airport. Let our weekend begin!

Allison, Matt, Samantha, Michael, Tyler, ChelseaBeing from California, Michael and Matt were adamant on going to White Castle, made famous by the movie "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle". Harold Lee and Kumar Patel are two stoners who end up craving White Castle. On their adventures, they encounter many obstacles including a raccoon and a racist officer. While we did not encounter either of those, we did have our own adventures involving a bilingual cashier and a street race.

Sunday, we all watched the Minnesota Vikings roundup the Cowboys. 'Nough Said.

All in all it was a successful weekend, resulting in me missing 3 out of my 5 classes on Monday.

Oh, PS, someone hacked my bank account this weekend and possibly has my social security number. I blame Compton. Hey, at least Texas beat the Yankees last night.