Perry Mason

     When I called my dad tonight he said he was watching a Perry Mason movie. I know he likes them, but he said there was one where it wasn't Raymond Burr in the title role. He likes to remind me how my grandma liked these shows as well. I am not sure if I have seen one of these shows, but I have heard of them. He also told me about the death of Joe Blake of Indianola, father of former major league baseball player Casey Blake. An online article spoke of how he died in a car crash.
    I started the day at my hotel room near the St. Louis airport. I went down to the Phillips 66 and got some mini donuts and milk and orange juice. Then I found the Renaissance Hotel, one of the places where the movie 'Up in the air' was filmed. I got some postcards there. I had just seen my DVD copy of the movie and it looks like not much was filmed there, a scene or two. I took a dip in the pool of about 15 minutes before needing to check out from my hotel, which was not far from this one. I sent a postcard to the post office at the airport and said see you on the other side, as I am sending it to myself. After I checked out I went to eat at a Mexican restaurant and the owner recognized me from my visit last year. I had a Dos Equis beer with my meal, a chicken fajita with rice. It was a struggle getting back to the airport on time as there was a delay on getting my rental car checked in, some mention of wrecked cars arriving soon. I drank a Perrier when I arrived back at MSP. I chose it as I
wanted something for around two dollars and no sugar. I took the bus home and saw an empty can of Busch beer, so I picked it up and threw it out at my stop. It was a reminder of where I had just been.
    It was my typical schedule when I got back, unpacking and then I fell asleep in my chair. I watched the Simpsons, about photos from 6 years earlier, and then had to get to the grocery store.

Lafayette Park And Square, St. Louis

    I went to Lafayette Park and Square in St. Louis today after getting my rental car. I liked reading about this historic neighborhood, and as my dad would say, 'They are playing my song'. I took a walk around the square after finding what I understand to be the 'Chicago house' in the movie 'Up in the air', and found some souvenirs at a nearby shop, a magnet and a postcard. Then it was on to the park. There was some brochures of the park and square so I did take one of each. There was a Washington statue in the park, and a dedication plaque from a chapter of the DAR, or Daughters of the American Revolution. One display spoke of the park being an encampment during the Civil War. I had hoped to see a friend but through text messages I found out she was busy with work, running a nail salon if I am not mistaken. So I decided to continue on to the Botanical Garden, where I got a penny souvenir. There was some wedding photos being taken when I arrived, and after paying for the ticket I went to find the penny machine. It was raining but I had my rain gear, so I was ready. I got a few pictures but then the button on my camera stopped working, and I heard beeps when I tried to take pictures. So it likely means getting a new camera or re-using an old one when I get back home.
    I did make it to the Cardinal museum in Ballpark Village, where I took a quick tour of about 30 minutes. I did learn something, how Stan Musial's mom was fine with him playing baseball and more so than his dad. It reminded me of reading this about Joe DiMaggio, where the mom said 'Leave him alone'. I liked how there was more than just mention of the Cardinals there. Since I have liked reading about Bill Veeck I liked seeing a section about his owning the Browns. There was a rain delay of more than two hours tonight, and the Cardinals lost to the Dodgers 5-1. I had a burger and fries and shake at the Hardee's inside the stadium.  

Fort Leonard Wood

    As far as I know, I have never visited Fort Leonard Wood. But I did just arrive in St. Louis today for my annual visit. When I was at the airport I was trying to do a 'Selfie' with a Snoopy cardboard cutout. Then a man in a military uniform asked if he could help, and he took a better picture than I could. I said I had never served in the military, so I was unsure what branch judging by the uniform. He said he was Army, and had just finished AIT at Fort Leonard Wood, also in Missouri, and would be going on to Florida. He was trained to be a prison guard so it sounds like according to what he was saying he will be most likely sent to Gitmo or a combat zone like Afghanistan. I thanked him for his service and said two of my college roommates had served. His nametag said Perkins. I thought about asking for a picture of or with him, since I like doing the Vivian Maier thing of getting pictures of nearly everything, but I didn't want him to be late for his flight so I didn't ask. To me it was enough that he had helped me. As many of you know, I am prideful and usually won't ask for help but won't turn it down either.
     The flight touched down at Lambert around 4pm and I got checked into my hotel near the airport after 5pm, so I didn't spend much time in my hotel room. I dropped off my bag, and responded to a text message to a friend who lives in the area. Then it was back out again, taking the Metro-Link light rail downtown to the Cardinals baseball game. The Cardinals beat the Dodgers 3-0. It did rain some in the top of the ninth, and I started seeing people leave in droves in the lower level, umbrellas came out. I am thankful the rain held off for a while. I had to walk through a rainstorm after getting back to the airport but not very far, and I am a brisk walker.    

Shining Star, Earth Wind And Fire

  Tonight I left work a little early and took the light rail over to Minneapolis to be part of the filming of a video celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Loft Literary Center, where I have taken writing classes. I also I have a membership with this organization. I sang 2 lines from 'Shining Star', by Earth Wind and Fire. We got it done in 5 takes. The logistics proved to be a challenge as there was somebody singing the song everywhere, starting out on the sidewalk. I understood it as they wanted to show off the entire building, as we ended up on the patio outside which has a nice view of the skyline and the Vikings stadium under construction. It was the first time I had seen the patio, and I had been there many times before.
   I arrived while there still was the social time with some food and drink, then we were assigned partners for the parts of the song we were doing. I liked claiming a souvenir, the sheet with the lyrics on it. It was called the 'lip-dub video taping' by the event coordinators. I was at two different places to sing my lines, on the landing I sang 'in the sky so very dear, yeah' then I moved to the first flight of stairs where I sang 'that's it now I got my own oh yeah'. I was teamed with an older woman, who I noticed after we were done filming had changed her outfit. So she took it seriously on wanting to be in costume with a 70's outfit like they requested. I really didn't have anything that I felt fit the bill. I decided to put a headband on, actually it was a black sash from a dress.

Music Is The Medicine

   Tonight at the comedy venue I recalled one lyric in a song being 'Music is the medicine', and I found it to be relatable. Since many things besides pharmaceuticals can serve this purpose. I also liked hearing two Johnny Cash songs- 'Folsom prison' and 'Hurt', as well as 'Creep' by Radiohead. Much of my set was about music, including hearing 'Umbrella' by Rihanna. Then there was me telling my story through songs that seemed to fit, like 'Control' and 'Nasty' by Janet Jackson. Actually I wrote it in notes as 'my life through songs, marking the time'. Others were about PBR trophy husband, steal a dollar, and the haves and have-nots at the Twins game. Also at the comedy venue, there was a young rapper wearing a Ninja Turtle shirt, he is the one who did 'music is the medicine'.
   I couldn't get many settled letters done as one template was in use by someone else. It was likely somebody who wasn't in the office for the day. For the Wii dancing event we did a bridge walk, and it was a little warm with my leather jacket on. I likely would have brought it with me anyway as I like having something to carry. When I have been questioned about this before, I quoted the movie 'Field of Dreams' as Dr. Graham was believed to have always had an umbrella for this reason. I don't have to say anything at all of course.

Liquor Store Shopping Cart

    Tonight on Facebook another comic, Ragu, spoke of being sad but not to the level of filling a liquor store shopping cart. Then I said there are also hand-held baskets at these stores, and Bus fare said I had a point. When I went to the comedy club tonight, I did this as one of my jokes. I also did ones about observations while attending three baseball games over the weekend. At work I was busy with the payoff report for a while, no surprise when it was the day after a holiday.
   I think about music often, since it is everywhere. While watching the six o'clock news on WCCO during the sports segment from the Twins locker room I heard 'The sign' by Ace of Base. After the comedy show ended, I liked hearing at the venue 'Landslide', the Smashing Pumpkins version. I had to stay until the song was done, and covered one ear to hear it better. I am still wearing a Band-Aid on my hand from a paper cut at the office, I get them all the time and it is annoying.
   Also at the comedy club, International Falls did ones about Facebook friend dumped, pedal pub incident, internet dating, poem to lonely dad, gave up casual sex, caress hair in porta pottie, a visit to Dinky-town, coffee grounds, and art- car on fire, and bathtub full of blood. Magic Man did ones about make my wife disappear, synergy and energy, and HR at Minnesota Daily. A newer comic with two first names did ones about Starbucks, blood diamonds, mascara on beard, and farmers meet dot-com. Fish noodle did ones about squirt don't hurt, Rochester high school prom lock-in, favorite swear word, raised hand instead of clapping, moon facts, Lorne Michaels, own the moon, ride the bus, and learned a lesson. Chalm Skinn did ones about walking a cat, Karaoke, people take it seriously, and the Beastie Boys. A comic I will call 'note paper', since he gave me some, did ones about invented cheapest sandwich, tortillas instead of bread, I want a garage, hobbies, and his Twitter followers. Nebraska did ones about the venue's décor, his lady can't cook, easy bake oven, jobs on Craigslist, The first three-some, Stevie Wonder has another kid, and take shoes off. Blind Side did ones about his lady offered a job in Tennessee, people are like puppies, not a cool dad, and like directing porn.    

Bossman's Comedy Party

   The boss-man had a party for comedians today at his house. There was also a softball game, but the Twins baseball game started at the same time so I went to the Twins game instead. I arrived at his home around 5pm, a part of Minneapolis I hadn't seen much of before, St. Anthony. It helped that many of the street names were named after presidents, and I know the order real well. I found the park where the softball game was held first, as expected it was over by then. I knew from Mapquest directions that the park and the home were about a mile apart so I figured if I could find one then I could find the other. I got a picture of the welcome sign at the park and then I left. After the Twins game I stopped at the 'Beehive' gas station and at first I was hassled by a clerk saying the five dollar bill I wanted to use to pay for some batteries for my camera may not be legal tender as he couldn't see a watermark. Well I could see it! He did accept it though, I am wondering if he was just having fun with me.
     I brought some cheese flavored popcorn, about half was eaten and I will take the rest to the office as I know it will be eaten there. I have just two photos from the event, one was of the food table and the other was of Mason City with his dog. The bossman and his wife have two young sons, one of them was on a kind of scooter much of the time there. At one point I said 'Be careful' as he had a cookie in his hand and I didn't want him to drop it. He offered it to me and I said 'That is for you, you eat it'. His dad said something about sharing. I am not around kids much but I know the best game plan is to be polite and have some patience, more so than with adults. I did say 'You will be all right' at one point when I was waiting for one of them to go down the stairs as I recall this from an Eddie Griffin movie where he said this to a high school student he was mentoring. I would have liked having this encouragement and reassurance when I was young, so I try to give this to kids.
   I think I saw more of my comic friends here than at some of the non-comedy show events I have attended like weddings. Some left shortly after I arrived, others arrived after I did. I will try to remember as many as possible that I at least saw and probably spoke with. Many are in my 'Ring of honor' or written about in this forum. I saw Chalm-Skinn, Woody, Fish noodle, Long straw, Duffel bag, the aforementioned Mason City, the Wisconsin couple, International Falls, Bathtub and his lady, Michigan, Stillwater and his lady, Sub teacher, Big Dog, Brawler, Oklahoma and his lady, Morton Salt and his lady, Mr. Pibb, the one I call 'Red' because of her hair, Kentucky and his lady, Belarus, and the lady of Pottery Barn, who I think was the first to greet me upon arrival. The recent add to my 'Ring of honor', who I think I will call 'Senior leader' as he has a name close to mine at the office, was also there. He was asking if he had a nickname and I said he probably didn't since I hadn't seen him in a while.
     As expected, Oklahoma did talk some about the Twins game I attended as he likes baseball a lot much like I do. He said it was a good one to attend, as the Twins beat Boston 7-2. The Twins were up 7-0 after 2 innings, striking early helped. I told Big Dog as he was leaving, not long after I arrived, that I went because it keeps the memory alive of my favorite movie, 'Good will hunting'. Then he quoted the 'It's not your fault' scene and I said 'Does this mean we are hugging?' as this is how the scene ends. I said a different scene is why it changed my life, motivating me to leave my native Iowa for suburban Chicago. It is the one where Will is talking to Chuckie, who said 'I will kill you' if you are still doing construction in 20 years since you are sitting on a winning lottery ticket. I figured I needed to move on from my job, temping for the state government in Iowa, before I got the same speech. Naturally it was nice to hear Mason City talk about music some, and it does remind me of another house party from last summer, hosted by the late Bill Young. He asked to be called Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, but I like 'Mason City' more. I take care of Bathtub and his lady as they are very nice to me so they got greetings early on. It was also nice to see the Wisconsin couple. The husband was wearing an Oakland A's jersey, number 51. The wife found me while I was saying bye to Big Dog. She said me and her were opponents in a cage match, 'Hypothetical fights' where it was said I would win because of all the blog nicknames I created. I was flattered to hear of such a thing, but said I think of it as my circle of friends so I couldn't even give myself permission to 'Roast' friends for a while. Brawler had a Sesame Street shirt on, a good joke as it said 'I was raised on the street'. I liked hearing Bossman tell a story about a canceled driver license, he has already said 'That ship has sailed' on his performing comedy. He is still good at holding court so I told myself I must be content with hearing whatever stories he is telling us. Plenty of food there, I had two of the deviled eggs and one of the long hot dogs. I didn't have any beer as I usually just have it at the clubs, I had a root beer instead. I liked hearing more from Stillwater about his 'Ring of honor' song in the works. It sounds like I will be available to attend the award ceremony next month, where the plans are for it being performed there. It is a Sunday evening, and I wasn't sure if I would be out of town then but I won't be. As usual I enjoyed people telling their stories, like where they were from as I don't necessarily have the chance to hear them at the clubs.  

Cupcake, Hot Chocolate

   A cupcake and hot chocolate was the first food and drink I bought tonight at the St. Paul Saints baseball game. I wanted to pace myself as I expected food trucks after the game, but due to the rain the food truck event was canceled. I also made it to the souvenir shop and got two items there, a bandana and a keychain. Good thing I asked for a bag as I did get more, a program for two dollars. I knew well enough to keep back from the railing on the outfield wall, as I did see some things that fell from there. One was a bag of ice, another was a game ticket. The game was help up for a short time so a player could take an umbrella off the field. I paid 13 dollars for my souvenirs and didn't want to waste it by losing them. The rain held up the start of the game by about an hour, I am surprised it was played at all as it constantly rained throughout the day- and during the game itself. But they got the game in, the Saints beat Fargo-Moorhead 12-5. A wet seat didn't appeal to me so I walked around for most of the game. Hard to say how many laps I made around the stadium, but probably less often than once an inning. I later got a hot dog and then chicken tenders with fries to round out my food orders. I did see a work colleague during the rain delay, a sales rep who was a history instructor. He was wearing a Minnesota Fighting Saints hockey hoodie. After the game I lucked out on not needing to wait long for a bus home over at Union Depot. I stayed until the after-game fireworks were done.
   I went to Walgreen in the afternoon and scanned more photos onto a CD, three more comics were added to the 'Ring of honor' so it is up to 72. I got a response from Belarus already, stating he was honored to be in it and he called me 'Sassy', didn't know how to respond besides saying 'Thank you'. I don't think of myself as 'Sassy' though. I ordered a comedy CD from Amazon as well, using some gift card money. It is the comic that I saw last night at the Wisconsin girl's show. There are two but I can get the other eventually. It was on my wish-list for a while but it means more to have it now since I just saw this comic again in person. He is one of the three just added to the 'Ring of Honor'. Hard to say what his blog name would be, though I did like his joke about pizza surgery.

Watered Down Orange Juice

    I made it to McDonald's just minutes before they stopped serving breakfast for the day and sadly I got watered down orange juice included with my Egg McMuffin order. I drank half of it and threw the rest of it out after I got outside. After this I went on to the post office and had plenty of E-bay orders to pick up. I have added 32 postcards to the Chicago World's Fair album, up to 182.
   In the afternoon I went to the Twins stadium and saw college baseball, in the Big Ten tournament. Michigan beat Illinois 5-3. Michigan scored first, going up 2-0 in the 2nd. Then Illinois got back into it, scoring single runs in the 4th, 5th and 6th. Michigan went ahead again with 3 in the 6th. At one point, I was getting annoyed with the Michigan pitcher. He kept throwing to first base to keep the runner close. Many people booed, and it was a big deal when eventually even I ended up booing, as usually I say very little at a game.
   After I got back I went to the grocery store, and got some cheese flavored popcorn for the comedian outing that is happening soon. Then in the evening it was to the comedy club to see the Wisconsin girl perform. Plenty of friends were there.
    At the comedy club, Maryland was MC. He did ones about hockey fights, basketball fights, Urkel, a disco ball of a mic, aliens invade earth, shopping on Amazon, a non profit, dating, gas station, yoga pants, and high horse. I did not know the feature act, but it was somebody from New York City. Jokes were done about cheese curds, mozzarella sticks, doesn't enjoy the feel of breathing, small vertical corpse, woman's body like a work of art, sack of sex potatoes, not a shrinking violet, atteroll, drugged in a big birthday cake, side effects, generics, 3rd slice of pizza, nobody likes a woman talking, it does feel like last words, and how strange the male organ is.
    I knew some of the others, starting with number 25. she did ones about a special guy in her life, they cleaned my house, Dad's trifocals, playing angry birds, a man at the bus stop, and how big was it? There was also International Falls. She did ones about giving up casual sex, caress hair in a porta pottie, day 212 no HR, eat hot dogs raw, and Prince as emergency contact.
   The Wisconsin girl did ones about 3 ladies like The View, girl meeting her birth dad, Spirit Airlines, a little backpack, like going on a hike, Redbox, prostitution ring,  Weekend at Bernie's, stealing drugs, and the 'blind spot'. This was followed by just to look plain, who she learned puberty from, putting Teen Spirit on, Harlequin Romance and Danielle Steel, lifetime of disappointment, pirate shop in Iowa, hide in hollow, how sex works, and husband uses ointment.   

Baseball Exhibit, Landmark Center

    During my lunch I decided to get over to the Landmark Center and see the baseball exhibit, it is closing soon- in about two weeks. I saw the lion's share of it and can go back soon to finish looking at the rest of it.
     At the comedy club tonight, Blind Side did ones about a weathergirl, Bemidji and Saginaw, and being adopted. Others were about Ancestry dot-com in foreplay, hills have eyes, and Carlton from Fresh Prince. Tetris did ones about a miracle, over-optimistic doctors, apologize for apologizing, and time travel- kill the previous me. He was brought on the stage by a Nicki Minaj song, I think it was the one about who she did or didn't have sex with. Long straw did ones about internet ads, social anxiety, a graduation fedora, he is from Beloit, Hormel chili can, and Sudafed bullets and moonshine. The shorter one of the brothers performed. He did ones about triple X treasure, surprise birthday party, a thousand words, fight with a midget, and TP a house. Fantasia did crowd rap. Others were about not good at job interviews, girls like jerks, and whip batteries. Tortoise did ones about a third mic stand, fedora the explorer, a skateboard on it, girls texting, Homer Simpson scarface shirt, box of Life cereal, video games ice cream and TV in room, Robin Williams doing an impression of Santa, and Matthew McConaughey. Postage stamp did ones about smoke alarm add the pasta, a food morgue, measuring system, teaspoon, KFC secrets, superheroes next step of evolution, turning 30, Buddha enlightenment, and Toy Story.
    And there were more. Sub teacher was wearing a buffalo nickel shirt. He did ones about being with his dad at the mall, homeless defensive coordinator, requires new polos, photos from his lady, depression train going, you're a moron (I got a shout-out for laughing at it), gas station pizza, ready when time is right, and starting a push mower. Perkins did ones about a young Orville Redenbacher, bought bike from Craigslist, got cameras everywhere, hipster pirates, Mom as insult comic, 5 new minutes a day, Nazi elbows, log intro Netflix, and I'm still sad. Duffel bag did ones about internet dating, body types, female bodies are to look edible, and shopping for insurance. The university accountant did ones about Mom shops at Savers, robes and socks, Katie Couric crying, and Michelle Obama guilty pleasure. Happy meal did ones about a mustache, ticket in a roundabout, fast food like
cheating, coupon books, I just want a chicken sandwich, and Wendy's then Taco Bell. Mr. Pibb did ones about game same board switching, used to drink a lot, throwing up in a bucket, tipping over a Monopoly board, not a hero, Sons of Anarchy belt, hid and waited until class ended, finally it was
Woody Allen.

School Of Rock

    After work tonight I stayed in downtown St. Paul, or actually Lower-town, and milled around since the grand opening of the Saints baseball stadium, CHS Field, was tonight. One of the things I liked seeing was a band playing songs I recognized, called 'School of Rock'. The announcement said there was a location in an adjacent building, and Eden Prairie as well. I tried hard not to get choked up when they played 'Welcome to the black parade' by My Chemical Romance. The song has powerful lyrics, like 'Savior of the broken, the beaten and the damned'. Then it continues on with 'Defeat your demons' and 'Carry on'. 'Another one bites the dust' by Queen is another one they played. 
      I walked away with some cool (and free) souvenirs. One of them was a bandana depicting the neighborhood. This included a street grid as well as highlighting the stadium and Union Depot. I got it in front of Union Depot. The other notable thing was a 'Go Saints' sign handed out by the St. Paul Pioneer Press paper. I got a bag of Old Dutch chips, but ate them right away. At midday I walked over to the stadium and found out there is a dog park next to it. I looked around inside the souvenir shop but didn't buy anything yet. I wanted more time to look around than what my one hour lunch break allowed. In addition, I already have plenty of Saints souvenirs. So I have to be careful as to
what I get. I did enough studying that I have a good idea about what to buy on my next visit. There was 'Be a fan, take a fan' display in the neighborhood but I just got a business card instead of any
flamenco fans. There was Mounties, or horse patrol, not too surprised as they are used often for big events. Since it is next to the Farmers Market there was activity at the market too. I liked getting a photo of two girls in costume, as a carrot and strawberry. Saints boss Mike Veeck was interviewed by WCCO radio, and I even saw somebody in a dog costume. The tag on the collar said 'Return to Black Dog Cafe'. Some tried to sell me tickets on the street, but I said I paid less than that for Sunday's game. I hadn't planned on staying for the game anyway as there were things I wanted and needed to get done at home. Eventually I went to the Super-America nearby and had some roller grill items since it was dinner time. I finished eating them before I got on the bus home. I liked how there was multiple segments tonight about the new stadium on WCCO-TV. This included the story about the company who bought the naming rights (so named as it was a merger of Cenex and Harvest States, farmer co-ops) but what I didn't like is that no mention was made of the final score. I had to look it up online and found out the Saints beat Fargo-Moorhead 8-7.    

Selling Roses

    At the comedy club tonight, I saw the same man try to sell roses twice. I did plenty of new jokes, and I liked the songs I heard. One of them was 'Run Around' by blues traveler, odd to have also heard it on the radio when I was headed home. Naturally the roses also makes me think of a concert I had attended many years ago. It was GNR, and I saw somebody selling roses there. I said well they can't sell guns but they can sell roses.
   We had the health ahead fair at my office job. It is an annual thing and some things looked familiar like the health screening in the main conference room. The Saints season-opening block party was at midday. I liked getting my Softee baseball signed by Saints boss Mike Veeck.
    Also at the comedy club, I liked much of the music I heard there. Notables were 'Little Talks' by Of Monsters and Men, 'Come Undone' by Duran Duran, 'Creep' by Radiohead, and 'Wagon Wheel', originally a Bob Dylan song but I know the one by Darius Rucker the best. I think the show runner did one about no rest for the wicked, and bills to pay. Don't know if it is an original song, as she does have some. O one girl's shirt there was a Kurt Cobain quote- 'Rather be hated for who I am, than be loved for who I am not'. It is something I agree with. Reminds me a little of a Eugene Debs quote I saw on a sticker before. He'd rather fight for something he wants and not get it than fight for something he didn't want and get it.

Skyway Grill

    I made my first visit to the Skyway Grill in downtown St. Paul for lunch. I was lunching with the perky girl and she brought hers. She had a shorter amount of time available at 30 minutes and I take a full hour. Last time I had eaten there it was a McDonald's. I got a burger that had blue cheese on it. Their burgers have St. Paul names like Lower-town. The tea from the fountain tasted fine, and I liked the fries as well. I spoke about comedy going fine and internet dating not going fine. When I spoke of expected travels during 'Baseball and museum season' she advised me to get the day off now for my cousin's wedding in Wisconsin next month. I did get it requested and approved by the end of the day. I made two E-bay orders this evening, both were postcards. One was a cartoon of a man 'Seated' on the goalpost at Soldier Field in Chicago. The other was a World's Fair card, the Schlitz café. I did have one of Schlitz at the New York World's Fair, which was held a few years later.
   At the comedy club tonight, Mr. Pibb was the fill-in host, as International Falls was at another club. We found out when she arrived that it was to be a judge at a contest, and one of those who advance was the girl from Rochester that we saw perform 2 weeks ago. I did jokes that had movie references in them. When I was holding court recently, somebody said the leather jacket reminded them of Indiana Jones. Other references were to 'La Bamba' and 'Forrest Gump'. The MC called me a working class hero wen I was introduced.
   Also at the comedy club, Mr. Pibb did ones about Mall of America and Southdale, the spoon and cherry, Orange Julius, C3PO and Anakin, Woody Allen qualities, and making dogs nervous. Rut-roh spilled some beer. He did ones about Raisin in the Sun, cell phone, bowl of rice, internet bill, cat in heat, sensitive guy, and sensitive skin. Bathtub did ones about back into a dream, play a rerun, who has the soul, Conjoined twins paper dolls, Amber alert, fishing, and cheater bait. A comic with a beard gave me some scrap paper so I could write down jokes. He did one about old ladies at the grocery store. The crow did ones about dump sand, the Jessie's Girl song, guitar player wait, and Stairway to Heaven. New Ulm mayor did ones about big red scorpions, it wasn't me, the Angel song by Shaggy, the Mad Max movie, wearing spikes, the Friends theme song, sign at church signed God, and a Kenny Rogers song reference- about condition. Poster artist did ones about fear of sharks, and fear of loving a woman with a snake. Belarus had safety glasses on, and did crowd rap as well as one about 4 attached mirrors on the wall. Nebraska did ones about 13 internet dating profiles, HGTV, chandelier and carpet, Fox News, dog food commercials, and I'm not Wells Fargo.             

Band-Aids, Bullet Holes

   Tonight while driving home from the comedy club I heard a song on the radio that mentioned bandaids and bullet holes. I still need to look up the song title and performer. At first I didn't see the tool bar available on my Hotmail account which includes the delete button, but after the show it was there. So of course it took longer than typical to go through messages.
   At the comedy club tonight, trailer park girl is getting married. University accountant did one about thrift store socks. Bathtub did ones about jaywalking and weed, and developing film. Wee bit did one about chucky cheese. Opera singer did one about a deadline. Sub teacher did ones about a cucumber, and an open relationship. The Wisconsin couple was there. The husband did one about a pedal pub, and the wife did one about a hooker. Postage stamp did ones about game show doors, and learning Spanish. Oklahoma did ones about talk text, and leave 30 minutes early. Fever comic did one about a flashlight. Extra murder did ones about his wife being in the hospital, waiting for a surgeon, the old people he met, and history references. Number 25 did ones about a bus stop encounter in LA, and moving in with her guy. School bouncer did one about Bruce Jenner. Olive garden did ones about VFW Coke,  Obama did it, and a Goodwill shirt. Maryland did ones about dog on patio, and high horse. Perkins did ones about braces, aquarium, Google, no GQ model, plug website, pay for Tinder, and Netflix. 

Don't Litter, Please

    I performed at the comedy club tonight. one of the show runners, who I now call Ukulele, did a song called 'Don't litter, please' which is catchy as well as funny. All of the jokes I did were things that had happened since Thursday. This included ones about a parking ticket, motivational speaker, reprimanding, upset about Boston, pictures at Dinky-town McDonald's, do not disturb sings, change jar while doing laundry, and round three on internet dating. Chameleon did a song after me.
    Also at the comedy club, Ukulele and Tortoise did a routine on a big sketch book about recycling. Bus fare did ones about monster roaming free, Chipotle, steal whatever you want, an ex, you can find out, got spit on, plate of biscuits, 2 liter bottle of Pepsi, guy crying, eating Lunch-ables, and a leaky Walmart bag. Blind Side did ones about recycled baby, second Easter, hobby farm, home DNA test, hills have eyes, fall on grenade, Carlton from Fresh Prince, weathergirl, and Bemidji and Saginaw. Chameleon did a song about an open marriage. She faked it, and agreed to play along. The next act was a lawyer duet. Wee bit did ones about going to a Twins game, I'm as real as it gets, time travel, not having a dad, advice at the gym, bought condoms, marriage proposal in Duluth, photos from a relationship like a roller coaster, text next week, necklace, Chucky Cheese, work construction, and cell phone virus. International Falls did one about wearing a Bridgetown shirt, a comedy festival she had participated in recently. Others were about high fiving Janeane Garofalo, street harassed, dog rescue, police dog poem, 9 pound bucket of coffee beans, Mom's Day poem, Day 198 and no HR, and Prince as an emergency contact.   
    I ordered some more Chicago World's fair postcards from E-bay, five in all. This included United Airlines, Baltimore and Ohio magazine, Armour meats, Railway Express Agency, and Ford. This would be number six on the Ford postcards. I have ordered quite a few recently, and did some more research on the ones still available that I want. I returned eight grocery carts back to the store. When I decided to quit it was starting to rain. One of them was missing the front gate, but after some more searching I found it and sent it over with two other carts.

Dinkytown Uprising Movie

   Tonight I went to see the documentary movie 'Dinky-town Uprising' at St. Anthony Main theater in Minneapolis. It was a part of the film festival last month, but scheduling wasn't in my favor then. It is just two screenings per day, so it is likely ending soon so I wanted to get there right away. It gave me a historical perspective that I didn't have before. It was about a protest and occupation to prevent a Red Barn burger place from opening, in 1970. The interviews in it were good, but the filming in it was uneven for lack of a better term. It would have made more sense to have mention of what year the footage was from if it wasn't from 1970 or this year, to avoid the impression that it was from the present time. I say this because I liked seeing some archival and recent footage showing the Varsity Theater in the background, I was there for an event recently. But some footage had another theater sign showing and I couldn't tell what it was for a while until the end. It was the Oak Street theater, not that far away, but it is no more! It was demolished for condos. I had seen a movie at Oak Street, it was called 'King Corn', a farm documentary. The one I saw tonight told the story well of what was happening in the world at that time, like the Kent State riot which was around the same time as this occupation. I liked what one interviewee said, a protest ringleader, which was asking why are we still dealing with some of these same issues? It is a valid question.
   I actually was in Dinky-town today. It was in the afternoon, I bought some books at a shop near the Varsity Theater. I liked getting plenty of pictures at the McDonald's nearby as well. I ordered an ice cream cone and had free rein getting pictures in the upper level, nobody was there. This section was closed when I was there about two weeks ago. I was impressed with how they decorated the place, giving it a local feel as it was mostly Gopher athletic art. It depicted athletes in action, like Kevin McHale playing for the basketball team. I went to this neighborhood after an on-campus baseball game had ended. The Gophers beat the Michigan State Spartans 2-1. It was a quick game, finished in just under 2 hours. Spartans scored in the 1st, Gophers tied it in the 2nd and went ahead in the 6th. I had a general admission ticket, and decided to sit near the visitors on-deck circle. One of the players even spoke to me, as in the 1st inning I said 'Isn't there one out?' and he said there was. They were slow with updating outs on the scoreboard. This was the DH, a big dude as he was 6 foot 5 and 245 pounds. I thought about asking if he played football as well.

Brunswick Zone, Eden Prairie

    I went to Brunswick zone in Eden Prairie for the final Roosevelt mentoring event of the year. Of course it was a day off from work in order to be there. I liked the bowling, but I didn't do the laser tag. I also had a beer after the students had left, as a way of thanking us mentors for all we have done. Notable was songs I heard while driving to and from the event. One was 'Tide is high' by Blondie, I still think of it as the song where I found courage since I didn't want to end up hating it. So the song has fond memories. The other was by Soul Coughing, I think it is called 'Walk around in circles'. This was after the event, seemed appropriate since there was plenty of traffic. I say this because some of the lyrics speak of languishing. It is relatable as I know I have languished at times, sad but true.
    At the comedy club tonight, the show closer played a ukulele. I had to contend with a construction delay getting there, as there is a major construction project this weekend.
    Also at the comedy club, Blind Side did ones about Bemidji and Saginaw, weathergirl, and Carlton from Fresh Prince. Duffel bag did ones about 4 options on body type, too fluffy, goofy imagery, Snickers bar in salad, and sister, computer, and therapist. Long Straw did ones about glow in dark board game, fashion not strong suit, avoid ridicule, dress like wallpaper, and cover of Little John song. Perkins did was brought on by the song 'Don't get me wrong' by the Pretenders, I like this song. He did ones about adult braces, saltwater aquarium and self esteem, he and mom had matching outfits, and give her candy and chase her. Extra murder did ones about yours has a comma, cop walk into a door, wife had cancer, waiting for surgeon, love is a catheter bag, old people in hospital, lights out, and I can drive. Bus fare did ones about Air Bud, moving, being closer to therapist, making himself cry, super Grover, lady bully a Chipotle employee, light bondage and nightmare, and before Christmas. Fever comic did ones about a flashlight, born premature, touch football with pads, helps sick kids feel better, and how many G's on your phone. Red-faced comic will now be known as Stillwater, after his native city. He did ones about heroin addict babysitter, brunch on weekends, show me breakfast soup, 2pm, and circumcised. Wisconsin guy did ones about rollerblading and physical education, Vicky's Secret panties, hot like Kraft singles, 5 squirrel tails in circle, horse jockey and sumo wrestler, donated undies, how to build a deck, and peanut allergies. School bouncer did ones about Bruce Jenner, dude to diva, double dip, became a Kardashian, Japanese porn, noble people, and before stop number 7. The taller of the brothers did ones about taking Tums, audition for a band, a kazoo, and wedding photographer. Fish noodle did ones about a high school prom lock-in, hair shaved by friends, thinking about 'Mad Max', baby on bus, and eardrum terrorist. Woody did ones about a Christian cover band, doing Slayer songs, and wanted to feed one bird. A tall comic who has done a joke about being a 1940s basketball player previously did ones about being a student at the U of Minnesota, and Denny's, wear a Perkins apron. Show closer will be known as ukulele. He did ones about Ferris Bueller, and performed the song 'Don't litter please', it is catchy. 

Suriname Stamps

    Every so often I like to place E-bay orders. One of those tonight was for stamps from Suriname, in honor of the 1987 Pan-Am Games in Indianapolis. I also ordered some from Brazil, and Nicaragua. I liked making some nice finds on postcards, specifically the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. I do have to check the listings closely as to if I already have them, as I have over a hundred so far.
   After watching 2 'Big Bang Theory' episodes tonight I did venture out for a long walk around the neighborhood. It was cut short as I said it is not much fun to be walking in the rain, even if it was just light rain. I still picked up some trash, and then went to a Taco Bell for dinner. The syndicated rerun was when Amy wanted to move in with Sheldon after Leonard got annoyed with Sheldon. The prime time episode was about Sheldon and Penny doing an intimacy experiment. Howard and Bernadette were dealing with hassles on getting Howard's mom's remains back home. On the Letterman show, George Clooney was a guest, and he handcuffed himself to Letterman. The final guests on this show are all big names who have been on it before, as it is the most fitting way to do a farewell. The final show will be next week, don't know yet if I will be watching as I must accept some stage time if it is offered to me. And in this day and age I know things can be found online later, so no big deal if I miss it when it is first-run.

Blue Bandage

    I have a blue bandage on my hand due to a paper cut, I don't see this color used for bandages often. It was nice getting stage time at the comedy club, the first time at this particular venue. It was a place I had passed by before but had never went in, this was true for some other venues where I have performed. Notable is seeing a Snoopy statue outside. I heard about the show as the high-energy musician from Monday said she runs this show, and much like two days ago it was mostly musicians. But I don't mind as I like listening to music.
    Notable today was doing a walk to the saints baseball stadium during the Wii dancing allotment of 30 minutes in the afternoon. It looked like a high school game was in progress, as one of the team's uniforms said Johnson, the name of a St. Paul high school. At the comedy club the opening act included a guitar player. Nothing unusual there, except it was a kid of age 11 or 12. He was pretty good. I even gave him a shout-out when I was onstage, and referred to seeing a kid musician in St. Louis and saying the same thing there. My set was mostly inspired by music, seemed appropriate for the crowd. It included mention of when I have done Karaoke before, and finding out I was good at it. Notable for this venue was seeing drink holders on the microphone stand, I liked seeing this. The show runner said one performer likes to preach, I found out on my own she was right. He spoke for a while and some of what he said I agreed with but not all of it. He spoke of how it shouldn't be so competitive in the comedy community, how we all do better if we support each other. Well there were some musicians nearby who said it is the same way in their community as well. There are just so many paying gigs to go around, and the world as a whole is really competitive, so not much can be done about it.      

Schedule Adherence

   There was an all employee meeting, at least for my department, this morning. It was about schedule adherence. I don't think these new policies, or just plain enforcing the existing ones more, will affect me much. Many of the concerns were about things like being available for family. I am unmarried and have no kids, and I take the bus to work, and it is just a 20-minute ride. The policies are mainly about being on time in the morning. I am thankful it did not run the entire 60-minute allotment as I really wanted to get back to my normal duties. Since I left early Monday we were behind on the settled letters. I did 28 of them, the lion's share. We got sandwiches from Erbert Gerbert. I got the roast beef and ham, called Comet Candy if I am not mistaken. It was another 30 minute lunch as I was flexing to make up some time.
    I performed at the comedy club tonight. I was third, or actually second after the MC, who was the radio personality. I did one about a dollar bill on the wall at work, something I had just seen earlier today. Many of the others were the same as what I did last night, like the smashed penny souvenir. I had to wait until after the show to get caught up on emails. I was the only bidder for two items, a Soldier Field Pan-Am Games postcard and a first-day cover. I got smarter with the Delcampe order to see it that will be sent to be PO box, checking it over closely before completing the transaction. It defaults on the E-bay system, so not the same issue there.  
   Also at the comedy club, Radio personality did ones about houseguests, pilgrim with pigment, a Rain Man reference, apple orchard, corn maze, kooky garage sale mom, get a puppet, cargo pants, enjoy your rock lawn, sunflower seeds, scrap booking, stamp collecting, stealing cats, and those kind of brownies. Whopper did ones about I'm real on cover letters, proof on social media, physical fitness, taxi cab, phone book, and confessions. Long Straw did ones about dressing philosophy, Gap v-neck, who let the dogs out, Baja Men, what garbage we prefer, how to not wear a fedora, Catholic singles, and childhood insult. Turtle Check did ones about ready to go, doing pushups, torn pants, charcoal burn, a fight witness, a beard, Home Depot, and Paul Walker tattoo. Twin Peaks did ones about Grandma called me a hipster, she watches Twin Peaks on VHS, knit sweaters for cats, dyslexia and diarrhea, pity sex, and who has watched Usual Suspects? Morton Salt did ones about roommate on Craigslist, Genghis Khan, seagull with broken leg, serenity prayer, and Foreigner songs. Mr. Pibb did ones about Urban Outfitters book, cop in trunk, clowns and commitment, his lady fears June bugs, Rihanna, obladi-oblada, Game of Thrones sword, MOA and Southdale, spoon and cherry, Orange Julius, Anakin and C3PO, Woody Allen, dated a twin, yeast popcorn, throwing sand, hopscotch, New Yorker cartoon, is this your cat?, IUD poking, and Dad kisses.

Rembrandt Paintings

    I saw a copy of a Rembrandt painting at the Bobby and Steve's in Minneapolis tonight. Seemed   like an odd place to display art, anchored to a pole near an entrance. as I recall it was of 'Lucretia'. I went there to get some Godfather's Pizza. I don't know Rembrandt paintings well, I mainly know it as the name of a music group, who did the theme song for the TV show 'Friends'.
    The painting became my lead-off joke tonight at the comedy club. It was a place I hadn't been to in a while, and first time I was there to perform. I liked seeing various beer cans on a wall display. One of them was Pickett's. It reminded me of growing up in Iowa, and the movie 'Take This Job And Shove It'. The movie took place at a brewery in Dubuque, Iowa, and they were switching from Star Beer to Pickett's. The Wikipedia article said this actually happened, so the movie was based on actual events. Notable among the performers was a high energy musician, I hadn't met her before. I didn't know many of the performers as most of them were musicians, but all I care about is getting the stage time. A few were people I hadn't seen in a while.
    After work I went to a reception for the University of Iowa president at the Millennium Hotel in Minneapolis on Nicollet. It was announced that the president was retiring, so it is a farewell tour of sorts. There was a video shown about what has been happening at the University. I did see somebody from the local alumni chapter who spoke of a summer outing. Hopefully I can attend it, I think she said it will be in August and that month is not too booked up yet.    

Chippy Waffles

     I went to Opera Singer's birthday party cookout at Como Park in St. Paul. I actually arrived in the picnic area before he did. When I spoke of visiting Chippewa Falls in Wisconsin, his native state, he called it 'Chippy waffles'. It was cool and windy, and did rain some. I brought a bag of BBQ chips and some little cupcakes. Not all of the cupcakes were eaten, but I can take them to the office. I had a hot dog and bratwurst, and liked the potato salad as well. I liked doing an event with comic friends away from the clubs. Plans were also for visiting the zoo, but I didn't have the time. I went home and did the dishes and rested, then went out again. It was on to the Soap Factory in Minneapolis to do volunteer work, tearing down displays. I was first assigned getting coat hangers onto a rack. It meant  separating the wire types from the plastic types. I got a photo of it. There was still plenty to do, even though it was the final shift of the day. While moving a table I got cut on a thumb going past a metal door. I needed a Band-Aid, and got some ointment before the bandage was applied. Near the end of the two hour shift I was back at the clothing racks, placing garment bags made out of trash bags over them. I was told to use as few as possible, so it wasn't one to a hanger.
   Before I ventured out at midday, I did get some more baseball cards into binders. One pack of a hundred was taken care of, but there is still another one. A few cards in it were not authorized by major league baseball, and made by Panini.      

Fort Des Moines

    I was back at the antique shop near downtown St. Paul this afternoon, and one of the postcards I bought was about the women's Army auxiliary corps at Fort Des Moines, in my native Iowa. Actually it wasn't a typical postcard, but the fold-out kind. This program existed during World War II. I knew the current fort is on Army Post Road, been past it before a few times. Some of the pictures in this folio include the post chapel and post exchange. Another folio post card I bought was of Chicago, and I recognized the image on the back cover. It was of Soldier Field with an obelisk, as I had a postcard of it with 'World's Fair 1933' stamped on it. So I placed the folio in the World's Fair postcard album next to the similar postcard. I like making some nice finds there, actually I found both last week but put them back as I wanted to stick to a budget.
    In the evening I listened to sub teacher's radio show. School bouncer, Michigan, and Rut-roh were guests. School bouncer spoke of a song he performed that is on My-space. I thought about going out to a comedy club but the show I was interested in was sold out. So I decided to stay in and get caught up on things like get more stamps placed on a page. I filled the page so this page is now in a binder. One of my orders from Delcampe arrived, a first day cover of Haiti stamps made for the 1959 Pan-Am Games in Chicago. It honors Jean Du Sable, the first resident. It bothered me that it was sent to my home when I asked it be sent to my PO box, but it looks like the address from Paypal, my method of payment, is what they are going by. I hadn't ordered from this site in two years.
   It was also nice to get to Union Depot for Train Day, meeting Sprinkles the Clown and a man from the National Park Service who had a fish puppet. I toured a railroad car and locomotive.

Milestone Smashed Penny

    I went to Union Depot in downtown St. Paul at midday after having a sandwich at Erbert Gerbert. I found the smashed penny machine and got one. When I got home I checked the two albums I bought to see how many I had. This was a milestone, number 50.
   I did perform at the comedy club tonight. The crowd was a little lighter than typical. I did one about going to the Saints stadium to get a ticket for a game next month. Another was about the sandwich order taker I see at Erbert's.
    Also at the comedy club, Netflix did ones about tap dancing, girl's girl, they're your enemy, and a car and a vagina. Mr. Pibb did ones about a nosebleed, cop in trunk, clowns and commitment, yeast popcorn, and Anakin and C3PO. Perkins did ones about cheating, frequent flossing miles, and a gypsy curse. Maryland did ones about an apartment fire, mold, and a pawn shop job. Fantasia did ones about like I'm mad at her, rock stars, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Tetris did ones about a City Pages artist, unavoidable man, windows 95, Best Buy ad, fake taxis in NYC, hospitals, and cat pictures. Postage stamp did ones about Garfield, Heathcliff, Toy Story, evolution, and 3-0. Louisiana did ones about depression, court ordered therapist, multiple lines, supermarket make a point, and Best Buy rewards. Tortoise did ones about inferiority complex, pandas, non functional hats, Scar-face Simpsons shirt, catcalling, Fedora the explorer, an ex on Tinder, and the Rock the actor. Duffel Bag was wearing a Coca-Cola sweater. She did ones about a religious family, turned from Lord, birthday cake on Christmas, bad at being a real adult, laundry equipment, dental appointments, one time use Tupperware, and life insurance. Rut-roh did ones about realistic dreams, Apollo 13, internet bill, cat in heat, cell phone, bowl of rice, eight dollars, and weekend plans. Bus fare did ones about teeth in hotel room, Yelp reviews, always here on pay-day, and spilled soup on baby. Nebraska did ones about covering drinks, White Castle, stay in school, be all you can be, rock climb sky dive and dic-pics, and taking off shoes. The crow did ones about a 5-minute window of time, beer and weed, mental blocks, and a job and not live with parents. Software developer did ones about personalized plates, and tequila and a compliment.

Kentucky Colonel

    After talking with Kentucky last night about colonels and kernels he spoke of Kentucky colonels. I decided to look it up, as all I knew of was the pro basketball team in the ABA which folded in 1976. I found out it is a high honor, given by the governor. Colonel Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, has this name as he was given this honor. There was mention of some Kentucky governors in the Wikipedia article, including Happy Chandler. I knew this name, since I know baseball I know one of his gigs was commissioner. He was also a senator for this state, besides governor.
    At work there were some photos put up for grabs in the afternoon, on our notary table. They were from the state fair outing in 2011, so I claimed the ones I am in. I liked how they were in a nice hand-size album. It is a reminder of some of our colleagues who are no longer working in this office.
   I watched 2 'Big Bang Theory' episodes tonight. Syndicated rerun was when Sheldon and Howard had a dispute over a parking space. Prime time episode was about relationships. Sheldon asked Amy about a TV show, while Leonard and Penny discussed wedding plans. It felt like a season finale, and it is the time of year for them. Then I took a walk around the neighborhood, and I did pick up some trash though it was less fun as it had rained earlier today so some of it was still wet. Then when I got to a Super-America I placed the bag of trash in a bin and got dinner from their roller grill. I got back home just after 9pm, and the skies looked threatening, with thunder and lightning off in the distance. After getting off the bus in the evening I liked getting one photo of a car driving through standing water. I was smart enough to stay back from the sidewalk so I wouldn't get splashed. In the morning while riding the bus I found out the science museum employee has 2 sisters and a brother. I have noticed before how I learn more when I listen more. On the news tonight there was mention of a possible shutdown of Sun Country Airlines. I did fly this airline, only once back in 2011 to Florida.

Moose Country, Lilydale

    After the comedy show tonight some friends decided to go to Moose Country in Lilydale. It was my first time there. I liked having some chili, better than most I have eaten as some tortilla chips and
sausage discs were in it. I got some photos besides the food, also of the big moose inside. Magic Man and Kentucky were there, hadn't seen either all that much lately. I watched many of the music videos on the monitors, Another was 'So hard to handle' by the Black Crowes.
   At the comedy club, Mr. Pibb did ones about Rihanna, yeast popcorn, throw sand, and Barnes and Noble eye lasers. Blind Side did ones about being adopted, dic-pics to win a bet, and hills have eyes. Software Developer did ones about customized plates, adopted a kid from China, and tequila and a compliment. University accountant did ones about 9 bloody marys, 36 best things ever, Flavor Flav, monopoly risk and bingo, drug-free zones, when to drink water, class reunion, senior pictures, and girl with large arms. Wisconsin guy did ones about Larry Flynt magazines, wife's birthday, a day at the spa, dead sea cow at picnic, how to build a deck, bikini malfunctions, flying to Las Vegas, and gourmet strawberry jam. Wisconsin girl did ones about it's spring we are going to live, let out a wow, being grandma hope and wait, antiques roadshow, Chinese buyers, write down confirmation number, fried pig butts, and NPR and BBC. Magic Man did ones about pay people if there is a problem, HR manager at college paper, not ROTC, Afghanistan, and end the A and E department. Godmother did ones about thyroid appointment, medical students, the St. Thomas dream, house hunters, yoga at church, spin the allergy wheel, fighter pilot look, and donkey punch. Wee bit did ones about rap eye contact, depends on type of commitment, Chucky Cheese tickets, Great Clips and SA date, and perform for a non-profit. Kentucky did ones about humane society for people, text message- who are Habsburgs?, oil funnel, car fire, telling people to go away, and cop car door doesn't work. Louisiana did ones about running out of meds, Best Buy loyalty program, saw therapist was in jail, not a swift process, harmonica and a bunk, weird but still on board, feminist bloggers, cutting down Steve, you will be a chair, snakes in Everglades, butterfly kisses, let me call the shots toaster, and sing 'no worries'. The ending song had the following lyrics: what you got cooking in the pot, Mary Mary how does your garden grow?    
   At work we did the Wii dancing as walking instead, through the skyway as it looked really windy outside. A big part of the walk was going through some parts of the skyway I don't see very often.  

Southwest Rapid Rewards

    As of tonight, I have another airline frequent flyer account, this one is Southwest Rapid Rewards. I wanted to get a flight to St. Louis booked soon and the fares with Delta and American seemed kind of high. I liked flying Southwest Airlines when I lived in suburban Chicago. When I moved to the Twin Cities 11 years ago Southwest didn't serve the market, so I got used to flying other airlines. It means flying out of the smaller terminal, which I haven't done very often. The last time may have been when I was going to Great Britain 3 years ago. Want to get away? Sure I do! This is what the airline called the type of airfare I am getting, for a nonstop flight and at least a hundred dollars less than some other fares I saw out there. The hotel reservation was placed earlier, one of those where 'Up in the air' was filmed. I have been there before, as I like the location. The event tickets were also ordered tonight, so really all that is left is the car rental reservation. It is not as important as the other things in terms of having it done early. I still plan on doing an advance reservation for it. Both of my flights will be in the afternoon, gives me plenty of time to get to the airports. It was why I chose the flight times, along with the price.
   At the comedy club tonight, I liked trying some new jokes as usual. There was a request made by International Falls to do some about the Dairy Queen Blizzard fan club, and about some other loyalty programs. I am thankful I finally did them. Another was one about a Facebook posting I saw, it was about somebody living in the past. I was impressed with a new comic, a visitor from Rochester. I said my hat is off to her for finding the courage to try comedy at such a young age, still in high school. I liked her joke about different bathroom signs. I have seen a few others who have started this early, but not too many.
   Also at the comedy club, International Falls did ones about a sleepwalker poem, casual sex, caress hair in porta-pottie, 184 days no HR, emergency contact to Prince, street harassed, dog rescue, and a police dog poem. The ex-cop did ones about a spoon collection, IKEA, Sarah Palin, condoms at a Holiday station, and text and driving. The Rochester comic had the same name as a classmate who is now a dentist. She did ones about a trust fall, family reunions, catcalls about tests, teen pregnancy, bathrooms- human trafficking, washing hands, cheese beer fireworks, and prevent strokes. Others were about Culver's butter burgers, Mayo Clinic, a twin brother, and a sports-obsessed Dad. Hipster plantation did ones about pizzas to meth lab, hit with a speak and spell, Stephen King novels, Jesus a zombie at last supper, Billy Joel song, K-Mart bathroom, Vincent Van Gogh, and e-cigs. Big Dog did ones about existential rage, chase with wife, liked drama-free household, clap if apathetic, swear at foreigners, slide revolvers on floor, and forbidden sex is hottest. Fish noodle did ones about a prom lock in, baby crying on bus, eardrum terrorist, and diamonds in air bag. Blind Side did ones about paying another man's tab, stupid when horny, and dic-pics for a competition.    

Microphone Shaped Award

     I went to the comedy club tonight and it was an anniversary show. Awards were given out and they were in the shape of a microphone. I didn't win any but I did know many of the winners. There was a segment where we honored two of our comrades, Gus Lynch and Bill Young, by reading their jokes. I was onstage to read a joke from both. I also got a poster as my name is on it, as anyone who has performed at the show got their name on it.
     In addition, there were some who got awards but didn't make it to the show. Black Flag did Star Wars jokes as it was May the Fourth, sounding like 'may the force be with you', a well known line from the movie. There was a music video by a band called The Lyritics. There was also a couple duet, I had heard them perform with Valley Meadows before. A show runner from a 'great' comedy show was wearing a robe. He said the 'don't drink and drive' announcement is for him. There was also 2 Princess Leias, one of them is the danger zone comic, I didn't know the other, who called herself 'spark of thunder'. Preschool teacher did a music duet.
   One email I saved was from a history organization I have joined, asking all members to update their information in terms of expertise. At work it was still a busy day despite the payoff report being  smaller, as I had to handle plenty of settlement offer letters in the afternoon. I said to my boss how I have seen many tours in the office before, and I do my best to blend in. This was in reference to our facility czar giving a tour, and I decided to stay out of their way by going down a different aisle.

Wrecking Crew Movie

    This afternoon I went to see a movie at the Lagoon in Minneapolis, 'Wrecking crew'. It was about the studio musicians behind many of the hit songs of the 1960s. It was a film done by the son of one of the musicians profiled in it. Notable was Glen Campbell, since he did achieve stardom, helped by joining the Beach Boys. Herb Alpert was interviewed often, it reminded me of hearing a Janet Jackson song, 'Diamonds'. I didn't understand why Alpert was listed as the performer in this song, but then I found out he is the 'A' in  A and M records, so this explained it better. The song and the record label are not mentioned in this documentary. I liked it, much like '20 feet from stardom' before it, a film about a similar subject. Mention of Gold Star Studios was relevant to me as it was also mentioned in the movie 'La Bamba', and the song 'La Bamba' was one of many songs played in it. I tried to dance to the 'Hawaii 5-0' theme song in my chair but it was hard to do. This is one movie where it was a real good idea to stay for the closing credits, but I normally do anyway as I like seeing where movies are filmed and what music they've used. Nancy Sinatra was interviewed multiple times as well. After the movie I walked around Uptown a little in order to get some items at a Walgreen. I saw a man with a Cookie Monster head on while riding a motorcycle. I shouted 'Cookies!' after I got the photo.
   I actually saw two movies today. The lid-lifter was a DVD I saw in the morning, 'Hank Williams first nation'. I found it at a Family Dollar, and bought it as I like road movies. It was about somebody on a road trip to find the grave of musician Hank Williams. I guessed correctly that it was a Canadian film as the quotes praising the movie were from papers based in Canadian cities. It was mainly filmed at a Cree Indian settlement in a remote part of the province of Alberta. I wiped away a tear near the end when there was a scene depicting a eulogy at a funeral.
  After watching 'The Simpsons' tonight, which did mention the 'Mr. Burns' play, I walked around the neighborhood and rounded up carts. The final total was eight grocery carts and two laundry carts. Actually the total for the day was 12 grocery carts as four were returned this morning. First time I had seen laundry carts. So I ended up with plenty of exercise from it.  

Newsweek Special, Abraham Lincoln

    When I went to the grocery store this evening I also decided to get the Newsweek magazine special edition about Abraham Lincoln. There is one by Life magazine, but I told myself one at a time. The photos in it are good, something I just spoke of on Twitter. Newsweek is a few dollars cheaper and has been out longer, and there were fewer copies left. There were other special editions available, but I hardly ever buy magazines and I tend to be picky.
   This was a day for finding collectibles. I bought 11 postcards at an antique shop and then bought 19 first day cover stamps at a show inside a hotel. This was after going to the post office to pick up the mail that was there, my weekly visit. All four of my E-bay orders were there. Three were postcards and the fourth was sheet music inspired by the Emerson Hough novel 'Mississippi Bubble'. It had the same cover style as the book, green with a fleur-de-lis on it.
   After reading the Newsweek special I went to see a play in uptown Minneapolis at Bryant Lake Bowl, 'Becoming Inga'. I wanted to see it at the Fringe Festival last August so I am thankful I got another chance to see it. It was about somebody taking a job in what sounded similar to a dominatrix dungeon. I like honest stories and this story needed to be told.

Haiti Stamps

   While looking at a website called Delcampe, something like E-bay, I liked finding a first day cover of Haiti stamps from the 1959 Pan-Am Games in Chicago. I ordered it, there are images of Jean Du Sable on one, the first settler in the city. riding the bus home this evening I changed my seat after I saw a rider near me with a beer in a paper bag.
    At the comedy club tonight, International Falls did ones about hockey fans, Facebook fetus photo, placenta, hamsters, sleepwalker poem, and recycling. Bus fare did ones about eggs in basket, plate of biscuits, 2 liter Pepsi on bus, walk of shame, and yogurt at stoplight. Long straw did ones about a cover of a Little John song, new favorite curse word, listens to ska, creative writing degree, divorced at 26, groceries at Target, Oceans 11, and childhood insult. A newer comic did ones about burning
garage at age 9, and a Walmart fight. Mr. Pibb did ones about Rihanna, Game of Thrones, popcorn yeast, throw sand, and given firepower. Wisconsin girl did ones about turn on radio, hope and wait, Grandma, raincoat for dress-up, Antiques Roadshow, China wants it back, and service dog. The lone lady member of The Turkeys did ones about dead orphan basement, pigeon eat dead pigeon, one year left of water, build time machine, Don Knotts, crotch usage, the Space Jam guy's shoes, and Moses in the desert. Rut-roh did ones about chop onions at work, Foot Locker, phone accident and bowl of rice, sports jacket in restaurant, a real handshake, fictional conversation at funeral, a shout-out about
how I came to laugh, and tacos and chicken. Blind side did ones about car hit cell phone, praise joy, pregnancy scare, and garage door open. Brawler did ones about free comic books, Captain America, die with college debt, Samuel Jackson, and growing up in inner city Pittsburgh. School bouncer did ones about careful with dirty talk, big strong dudes, gym membership, take your house back, a risky move, and a kid and a concussion. Extra murder did ones about broken automatic door, Batman tax bracket, sisters second wedding, a Dennys placemat, Elton John, inventor of hash tag, and sister is an actress. Tortoise did ones about TV in room, video games and ice cream, chicken cross the road, turned away at border, bears from 1920s, and shirt on Barbie. Ragu did ones about Facebook people you may know, and inane Allman brothers facts. Happy meal was closer, and did ones about a Civil War documentary, dog and cat argument, periscoping, we relate to each other, selfies, and you don't understand hockey.