Girl Scout, And Homemade, Cookies

       I brought in some Girl Scout cookies and offered them to a colleague who still wanted to talk about how she didn't get cookies from me on my service anniversary. It was early in the day, and she said she was full. I said 'Don't say I didn't offer'. She brought in homemade cookies and I had one. I really didn't know what to do for her, as I didn't mean it as a snub and figured she would have let it go a while back. Sounds like we are fine now.
   I stayed busy with my normal duties- the payoff report and letters- for much of the day. I wanted to see that things were caught up by the end of the day since I am out of the office for two days next week. Thankful I was able to leave at my normal time, what's typical is that I stay a little late but I had already done this earlier in the week and didn't want to again if I could help it.
   I made it to Chris and Rob's in St. Paul this evening, the Chicago-themed hot dog place. It was nice to see who I know there, he said he had played junior a hockey for the Rochester, MN, Mustangs. I did what was typical of my routine there, looking at the art on the wall in the seating section which is a retired railroad car. And of course having a chili cheese dog and tater tots, though I have a birthday coupon that just arrived for pizza. I also have one from the Dairy Queen Blizzard fan club, and a few other food establishments will likely send an offer when it is all said and done.
   I also made it to the comedy club tonight. The sub teacher did his joke where he mentioned plenty of presidents, and I said 'Brilliant' when I heard it. The 'Tetris comic' did one where he referred to Richard Dawson, saying it sounded like people didn't know who he is if no one laughed. I said I knew, he's the (former) Family Feud host. The 'Self-Checkout' comic did the one about trading in the Ford Escort for the hybrid car, and I really like how it ends with the 'Slap fight'. The show closer was the 'Extra murder' comic who did the one about tax time coming up. I had heard it before but it was funnier this time as he had plenty of great comebacks for a crowd member who kept interrupting. I liked how he added to the one about a friend dating a carnie, saying only carnie is below comedian in the entertainer jobs hierarchy. After the show I said I laughed so hard I hit my head on the wall behind me in the corner, when doing the tax time joke. He said he didn't want to injure anyone, but I've hit my head before and I'm fine.

Slaughterhouse Runoff Smoothie

        I read some more back issues of the paper and read the month of August tonight. There was one Friday paper I didn't get that month as I was out of town at a writer's convention in Chicago. Heritage Square at the state fairgrounds is to become a transit hub. Valerie Harper is filming a TV-movie in Canada. A quote was removed from the Martin Luther King statue. The pedal pub rolled over, and two people were hospitalized. There was a cartoon about Vikings owner Zygi Wilf''s fraud and racketeering case red flag, in reference to the planned new stadium. The TV show 'Duck Dynasty' made cable history, and an editorial said democracy is off the table in Egypt. The 'Last Supper' play opened, from the 'Church Basement Ladies' series. The Wilfs await the price they must pay, defrauding partners of profits from an apartment complex. One photo in the editorial section showed somebody holding up a sign, it said 'Dear free world: enjoy watching us burn'. It was about a chemical weapons attack on suburbs of Damascus, Syria. Governor Mark Dayton saw a 'Last window' for the orchestra labor dispute. He weighed in on it publicly, and pushed for George Mitchell as mediator. Kellogg stands for peace, not cereal. It is about how Kellogg Road in St. Paul was named for a co-author of the Kellogg-Briand pact from 1928, an antiwar piece of legislation. There was an anniversary event. The orchestra's board takes their case to the public. A painter seeks asylum in France after painting Vladimir Putin in women's underwear.
   Then there is the funny columnist. He wrote about Twinkies stuffed with cigarettes, in reference to a proposal to have the city take over utilities and grocery stores. Then there was 35 candidates for mayor of Minneapolis, why aren't there even more? The next two were about the state fair. The best new thing at the fair may be the most basic thing of all. There was mention of a 'Slaughterhouse runoff smoothie'. He said the best new thing was the restrooms. I also liked mention of the Fine Arts pavilion, where you can holler your approval or disdain at the art unlike at a museum. Finally, there is the fair. It is where wretched heat and bad music and iffy food still equals bliss. There was also mention of signing up for a water softener and getting junk mail for the next 10 years.
   I did watch two episodes of 'Big Bang Theory' tonight. The syndicated rerun was the one where Sheldon breaks up with Amy and then copes by getting plenty of cats. His mom shows up and uses reverse psychology, and he starts dating Amy again. The prime time episode was about Leonard getting a new table for the apartment and Sheldon doesn't approve. He goes to break up with Amy, who claims Leonard is manipulating him. Then eventually they are back at the same table, since Sheldon and Amy were the holdouts on the new table.   

Obama At Union Depot

       When I was riding the bus to work this morning I asked the driver if the route would be diverted due to the presidential visit. I was told that only those buses going to Union Depot in downtown St. Paul would be affected, and I get off before then but just blocks away. I had to check some online articles for more information, found out President Obama was scheduled to give a speech around 2pm. There was preparations happening well before then, such as the doors opening at Union Depot at 11:30 am and the police closing streets around 12noon. I did take a walk during my lunch and confirmed what was happening. The police had Kellogg, a major road, blocked off. I saw a light rail train parked in front of the depot. There have been test runs on the track, but it is not operational just yet. I did the walk after taking my state income tax return to be mailed, along with depositing a check to my savings account. It said it was an overpayment from a dental appointment, must be from last week. I did watch the news after the comedy show tonight and there was a short segment about the visit. It said the president was asking for money from Congress in order to improve the nation's infrastructure. This depot is a good example of what can be done when there is enough interest in renovating. I did speak of when I saw President Clinton appear at the University of Iowa in 1996 when he was running for re-election, he spoke at the basketball arena. I still have the free ticket from the event.
   At the comedy club tonight I did get stage time. As usual, I had plenty of material available, more than needed. I did jokes about the microwave ovens at my workplace, a colleague that I match wits with, and internet dating. My 'Bestie' was on, a few comics before me, and I liked how he did the 'Chivalry is dead' joke. It helps that he does a voice impression in it, much like his newer joke about how he's considering dating other women. I told myself I needed to call my college roommate to say I would be in town soon, I did so during the show when I went to the bathroom. I am used to how the calls don't last long, this was no different. I did so just minutes before I was onstage. The godmother did jokes about yoga at church, being a life coach, and acceptance letters from Globe University for her and her late dad. The show closer did a joke about dating somebody who would send her text messages about what day it is, and reading about a woman who slit her boyfriend's throat. She does run her own comedy show. I tend to write about those I see the most at the clubs, and those are most likely to get nicknames as I don't use their real names while writing. Hopefully I can think of one soon. The bartender did a joke about pets at the animal shelter, and some of them having nicknames like 'Sammy Davis Jr.' this of course would be in reference to Sammy having a glass eye.
   I am still getting plenty of comments about the navy coat, so I think I will still keep wearing it. Some of these was from my 'Bestie' before the show. He said we had the same coat on, but not quite, as mine had anchors on the buttons. He said it was fine as long as I don't have a red winter hat, and I don't. Something about being just like the movie 'Single White Female' if I'm not mistaken. I briefly told the story about a college roommate giving me the coat, along with how it had been recently mended. He said something about needing a coffee break.
   I have been giving out my business card to comedian friends in hopes that they read the blog, but I'm not sure as to how many do. I know the godmother does, and she tells me tonight's show closer does as well. I think she will be the 'Auto-correct' comic as she does a joke about what her name auto-corrects to. There should be no concern whatsoever as to what I write about comedian friends. I go to plenty of shows, and see plenty of comics, and hear plenty of jokes. For this reason, I believe in making it count when I write. So it is easier for me to write about the positive, as I want to remember the positive, especially since I enjoy comedy a lot. It is mostly about what jokes are done, reporting what happened, and if I speak of a joke I probably liked it.

T-Wolves Ticket Sales

      I get various emails, and it was odd to get one from the Timber-Wolves, the basketball team, today. It said they wanted to know if I enjoyed the game from early January, and I did. Looks like it was mainly advertising what games they have left this season. I like seeing them play New Orleans each year, as I loved my visit to the 'Big Easy'. But I am not sure about seeing another game this season. My alumni association has had an outing at a Wolves game before, but I haven't heard anything yet about one for this season. I have received calls on my cellphone as well.
   I was onstage at the comedy club tonight, as usual no problem finding enough material. I had 8 items written down and got through 5 of them. I started off with something not on the list, as there was laughing as I was taking the stage. The response was 'You don't want to know' as to why I got laughs before telling jokes. So I did one about who I've been told I look like, a joke I did my first time onstage back in 2008. After the show I was paying my tab as I had a small pizza along with my customary beer. I spoke with some Canadian women in town for a conference, and I was asked how long I had been doing comedy. I like how I take things in stride easier than I did, as I handle compliments better than I did. When I spoke of attending a Van Halen concert in Winnipeg they said they were from a town about 4 hours from there, on the border near International Falls.
   My 'Bestie' wasn't originally on the list but he did show up after I was onstage, I was third after the mc. He did one about considering dating other women, and I liked it as he did a voice impression of his dad. I spoke with the rapper comic before the show. He did a joke about buying a motorcycle, and waiting to tell his lady about it. The show runner was the show closer tonight, and did one about his lady applying for a job at Make a Wish.
   Work was slow enough in the afternoon that I found enough time to work on my income taxes, and completed the state forms. I already submitted the federal ones of course. I needed to get a stamp at home so it meant waiting another day before mailing it. One colleague helped me with a joke idea as I am often matching wits with her. I was wearing my patriotic shirt, which was intended for the show, and pointed out things depicted on it like Mt. Rushmore. I don't know if I want to tell her since she once said she didn't want to inspire any jokes. But it is really hard to ignore the material available to me.              

Bus Driver's Water Break

    When I was taking the bus home from work today, the driver decided to stop next to a Subway sandwich shop to get water for his bottle. Another rider dared somebody to steal the bus and said he would give them $10 if they did. I asked if anyone knew how to operate it, and no one spoke up. The driver wasn't on his water break for long.
   I had a nice treat at the comedy club tonight, as the D.C. native was back from the East and told jokes about being in detox like puking into a cup. He also did the 4th of July 'Numbers joke' that I really like.
   The 'Bathtub comic' did two jokes I liked, one was about the movie 'Good Will Hunting'. It was in reference to visiting his sister at Harvard. Another was about Liam Neeson doing an action movie, where he plays an air-marshal. I liked it as he said there would be sequels like 'Layover', where he complains about the high cost of food at the airport. Or even 'Missed my connecting flight'. The 'Extra murder' comic did the Motel 6 joke I like. I often like to stay at Motel 6 and I still think it is funny. I liked hearing this comic talk about the business of comedy after the show, as I don't hear about it often enough.
  Another comic will be added to my 'Ring of honor'. It was the neck tattoo comic. The picture was done tonight before the show. He was sitting in a chair at a table, and I said I should be sitting as well. I think most of the others have me standing.

3 Dryer Sheets

   I did laundry today and I got some static for the dryers I chose. The 2 dryers had 3 sheets each in them, and then a woman swore at me for it. I said nothing, having no idea what she wanted me to say. This seems like an odd way to mark territory- claim a dryer with those sheets. I liked a couple I spoke with as I was about to leave, she works at a college and he had a coat on like mine and said it was found at a landfill.
   I got started on my income taxes in the late afternoon, by submitting the federal return online through H and R Block. I can file it for free with them, and I file the state return by postal mail. I ordered a Maytag postcard on E-bay. And I submitted an entry to a comedy festival in Iowa.
    I listened to a comedian friend's radio show and was pleased to get a shout out at the start of the show, since I called in last week. Subjects covered were a school suspension due to rumors of a teacher sleeping with a student, illegal workers at McDonalds, an unusual museum in Iceland, and sexual duration by states. I did more mending of the navy coat during the show.    
    Speaking of rumors, I went to a grocery store to get lunch while doing laundry and there were postings on the front door addressing some rumors of closing. This was the first I had heard about it, and thankful it isn't true that they are closing.

Navy Coat Mended

     I continued with mending the navy coat and was satisfied with my work. I finished sewing the lining of the second sleeve and some other parts, so it was wearable again. When I went out to a date at a coffee shop, I was wearing it. When my other two winter coats are of sports teams, it works well to have a plain coat as I blend into a crowd better. There are some areas where the lining is still torn, like the tail and near the shoulders, but those are less important than sleeves when I need to get my arms into the sleeves. I liked having the coat on again as it is black and this color seems to suit me well. It has a snug fit. I kept saying 'Supper is waiting on the table', thinking of a Smashing Pumpkins song called '33'. In the video, frontman Billy Corgan is wearing a coat much like mine.
   I still want to get my taxes done this weekend, as I have already seen an email from H and R Block about filing online. This is the service I have used when filing online before. In the evening I went to a comedy show in Minneapolis where many of my friends were performing. One of them I hadn't seen in months, and he said he hadn't performed comedy in a while. Some of it he alluded to in his jokes, as I recall he had surgery. Before and after the show I spoke with somebody who said he was familiar with a comedy venue in Iowa City, where I attended college. He said it is a live music venue primarily, so it sounds like some of the venues around here.

Office Opened Late

    I called the hotline this morning before I ventured out and it said the office would open late due to the weather, at 11am. I still needed to go move my car for the snow ordinance, then I went to a convenience store nearby for breakfast. I was pleased that they had breakfast pizza, I don't have it too often. I slipped and fell when I was coming back from getting the pizza, and orange juice.
  There were multiple ways we were informed about today's schedule. I had an email waiting for me when I arrived. When I called the hotline I noticed the emergency services people had called to inform me of the late start as well. It was a number with all 2's and a somewhat robotic voice.
   I will have to admit I was a little punchy, especially after one colleague said he needed to train me on another thing but he asked too early. I need to finish my normal duties first! I was also preoccupied with finding out what was done about the hours we didn't work as we were told not to show up until 11am. Some showed up before this time anyway, and some were even later or I think didn't make it in at all. After a while I was told we would still be paid for those hours, much like a holiday luncheon.
   Looks like I have a date on Saturday afternoon at a coffee shop. I was exchanging text messages and we finally spoke by phone. I am fine with waiting until then as I was tired after work. I tried to make it to the comedy club tonight but I got my car stuck twice, so I decided to pick up some supplies at Walgreen and go home. I finally decided to get started on mending a navy coat that a college roommate gave me. I had shopped around to see if somebody would do it for me, but it was expensive. So I decided I should be able to mend it myself, just by using needle and thread. The lining was torn, especially in the sleeves. I have one of the sleeves completed already. It shouldn't take much longer before it is truly wearable again. It wasn't that wearable if I couldn't get my arms in the sleeves comfortably.   

Four Weddings And A Funeral

    After watching two episodes of 'Big Bang Theory' tonight, I put in the DVD of 'Four weddings and a funeral'. I enjoyed the movie, it had a natural progression to it. The Hugh Grant character was best man at the first wedding, and he meets the Andie MacDowell character there. It made me laugh when he spoke of the next one being 'A wedding from hell' for him. What helped with this feeling was the visits of 'Ghosts of girlfriends past'. The second wedding was a couple that had met at the first. The third was Carrie's, and Andie played her. It was in Scotland, she married a politician. There was some bagpipe music in it, not sure what it was. I did decide to find 'Scotland the Brave' on Youtube after watching the movie, as bagpipe music reminds me of attending Canadian Days. A man died at the third wedding, probably a heart attack. This was the funeral, just days later. The fourth wedding was for Charles, and Hugh played him. I had read the Wikipedia article before even getting the movie on loan from the library, and I was intrigued when it said Charles gets punched here. It is revealed, by his brother doing sign language, that he loves somebody else. The closing credits confirmed plenty of Elton John music in it, including 'Crocodile Rock'. I think I may have seen some previews when it was at theaters 20 years ago. I now recall how Fiona, played by Kristin Scott Thomas, being asked if she was married (no) and then if she was a lesbian.
    With 'Big Bang Theory', the syndicated rerun was one where a lady scientist visited the university as a guest of Sheldon's and ends up sleeping with all of his friends. I hadn't seen it before. The prime time episode was a rerun, but it was the return of Professor Proton so I really liked seeing it again as it was Bob Newhart guest starring.
    I did the final Olympic event at work around midday, the Wii biathlon. I often went the wrong way after doing the shooting. I don't think I earned a medal in any of the four events, but I still liked participating. We were given the weather hotline number by email as there is plenty of snow expected. For this reason, I had no problem staying in as I had no place to go. Two E-bay orders arrived, 6 World's Fair postcards total. So there are 5 orders outstanding at this time.

Jump, Kriss Kross

     I liked doing Wii dancing near the end of my workday as usual. One of these songs we danced to was a cover of 'jump' by Kriss Kross. I recall this song when it was a hit back in 1992. They wore outfits backwards, though I wasn't surprised how this fashion trend didn't catch on. Some outfits are uncomfortable backwards, like bib overalls. Like many other sessions, it was just me and the event coordinator. Other songs we danced to included 'Girlfriend' by Avril Lavigne, and 'Call me' by Blondie. Another was by Harry Belafonte, I recall the lyrics including 'Hey Senora'. It was an active dance song, same as 'Jump'. But I didn't mind this at all, as dancing can be a good form of exercise.
   I have an online dating match who used a few terms that I decided to look up to understand their meaning. One of them was 'Fin De Siecle', I knew it was French, and 'Fin' means 'The end'. The article on Wikipedia said it meant 'End of the century'. Then it went on to cover things related to it like degeneration theory, pessimism, and artistic conventions.
    I had a dental appointment after work, and I fielded many of the same questions as before from the dental assistant. Still not much to say to her about how it's going with dating. I was asked how I spent my holidays as well, and about concerts. I said I have just one concert ticket at this time, for Lady Gaga in May.
    At the comedy club tonight, the show closer was the school bouncer. He did the one about how he doesn't like to do paperwork. He also did one about being spanked as a kid, being told by his parents that it would keep him out of jail. But it didn't, then he explained why. It was due to having an expired car registration and not paying for insurance. The godmother did one about having a rescue dog, a big dog that spreads out on the bed. The sub teacher spoke about more than just the radio show, as he also had a public access TV show at one point.

Domino's Pizza Rally

     I went to the comedy club tonight and was surprised by the big crowd. One comic said it was a Domino's Pizza event. It explained why I saw an SUV on the way inside with a tire cover, which had  a the single domino on it. One sign said it was the 'Domino's GM rally and awards celebration'. I liked a joke by the 'Self checkout' comic, it was in relation to his Ford Escort car. When he replaced it with a hybrid car he said he got into a 'Slap fight' with another motorist. After the show, I liked getting to listen to the show runner discuss pro basketball with some others.
   During the show I briefly stepped out to the bar area to check on the Iowa-Indiana basketball game. This was when I found out it had been postponed due to venue problems. It has not yet been rescheduled. It is late in the season, so there are limited options for a makeup date. One of these may be playing the game right before the conference tournament.
   I had a medical appointment just before midday, a physical. I seem to be fine, which is nice to know. I was asked to give my email address as I was granted access to my medical records online. When I returned to the workplace the third Olympic event, the skeleton, was in progress. I did participate, but I had hoped to do more- like work the event- since I am on the Communications Council. I had to say I was unavailable due to the appointment. Hopefully I can help out with the final event, the biathlon.
   It was annoying to hear some whining while my car was running, so after work I had it looked at and was told it was low on power steering fluid. I figured this was one thing normally checked at oil changes, which was just over a week ago.

Saving Private Ryan

   I went to the comedy club tonight and I spoke with the sub teacher before the show. Much of it was related to my call in to his show. He was there with his lady, who told me she is also a teacher. When he went onstage tonight, he did a joke about his high school football coach showing the team a movie before a big game. It was 'Saving Private Ryan'- the wrong movie to show as it left them too emotional to play. I have seen it but not at theaters. I saw it on video when I was visiting a college roommate nearly 10 years ago. He lived near Waterloo, Iowa, at the time. He is ex-military and usually likes to see military movies. When he was one of my roommates we saw 'Courage Under Fire' at theaters.
   Some of the early comics were not funny at all to me, but I have a higher standard for comedy than I did. The 'Extra murder' comic did his 'Watching Labyrinth' joke, hadn't heard it in a while. He almost did the 'Extra murder' joke but then it became one about homeless people asking for food money for a particular fast food place. The Fargo native did one about doing a show in her hometown. And the 'Bathtub comic' did one about his plans to attend a friend's wedding in Australia. He wants to hug a koala.

Take Me Home Tonight, Eddie Money

       I went to perform at a comedy show in Coon Rapids tonight. After the show I went to refuel, and as I pulled into the gas station I heard a song on my car radio. It was 'Take me home tonight' by Eddie Money. It seemed appropriate as I was on my way home by then.
   It was a fairly full day for me despite being a day off from work. I had a breakfast sandwich at McDonald's and made it home in time to listen to a radio show. Some of my comedian friends were guests on it. The sub teacher is the show's moderator. I did call during the show and he did field my call. I started off by saying it was the most I had ever heard anyone say 'Dildo'. One of the guests happened to be the 'Cashew comic', and on Facebook he even had a photo holding up a piece of paper asking if he could say the word on the air. Around midday I made it to the Family Dollar store in my neighborhood and got more than just the Lance Nekot (peanut butter) cookies this time. I also bought two CDs and a DVD. I watched the DVD already, it was an HBO documentary about the Miracle on Ice Olympic hockey team from 1980.
   Other things I did included going to the library and finding the movie '4 Weddings And A Funeral' on video. I will find some time to watch it this week. Then it was on to the fitness center.  

10 Years In Minnesota

        It took me a little while today, but I finally thought of how it was a milestone day for me. I moved from suburban Chicago to the Twin Cities on Valentine's Day weekend 10 years ago. In many ways it seemed appropriate that I marked 10 years of living in Minnesota by attending a comedy show. The rap/comedy act known as Valley Meadows was performing. It was at the show where I spoke of the 10th anniversary. I said I am in no way sorry now about having to move here, even though at first I didn't want to move that bad. I have a circle of friends that I didn't have then. I did say more than once how I do my best to support my friends, and my 'Bestie' along with this act are near the top of my list. There was a joke about hoping to move up to the 'Bestie' title, but it is in many ways taken. I saw some of their merchandise after the show, two different types of shirts. One kind of shirt I had seen before and the other I hadn't. I said I did have one shirt already, it was promo for a combined tour with the girl band the Dirty Curls. I like the 'Joe Biden' song by the Dirty Curls, and was told the sub-teacher from this act would be playing Biden in the music video. I liked seeing both comics do sets before they combined to do the Valley Meadows act. Some of these jokes I hadn't heard in a while, like 'One dollar of gas' or 'Sharing cookies and bullets' for one. For the other I liked hearing 'Eye candy as a bookstore employee' and 'Comparing marijuana to NASCAR'. I liked getting a free Valley Meadows sticker after the show, and I already had the CD. It was a shortened version of their act, but I liked hearing the 'Hot dish' routine along with 'Don't substitute my love' along with the cop-hating song.
   I did various things today before the evening arrived. I sent a text message to one E-harmony match in hopes of getting a date scheduled this weekend. It will have to wait, as I got a response right away about being out of town to visit family. I got a new battery for my car, and went to Dairy Queen to use my 2-for-1 Blizzard coupon. Much like before, I eat one there and take one home. It means one of them is covered right away.
   Then after DQ it was on to an event at a bowling alley in St. Louis Park, called Park Tavern. It was slow going due to the snow, and I arrived about 30 minutes after the event began. There was pizza served, and since I hadn't eaten lunch yet I liked having the pizza. I bowled some as well, and completed one game, a 92 score, one strike and one spare. I got another game started, a better pace than the first as I had a 53 through 4 frames, but the time allotment ran out. The lane lights were shut off as my ball veered off into the gutter just before it hit the pins. I noticed how one woman had the same approach each time, different from mine. She would stand behind the line and swing her left arm back and forth a few times and release the ball. I do the customary thing of walking up to the lane and releasing without a pause at all. It in many ways is typical of many of my weekends, where my meals are irregular. I had a Spam single and two pieces of string cheese before I headed out to the comedy club. I had just been to the grocery store for my customary weekly grocery run.

Algieri Vs. Taylor Boxing Match

       I went to the comedy club tonight, and in the bar area was a boxing match on ESPN, Friday Night Fights. I like watching boxing, and was able to see many of the 10 rounds before the comedy show began. It was Chris Algieri vs. Emanuel  Taylor, junior welterweights, in Huntington, New York. I noticed how Algieri was winning many of the rounds I watched, throwing and landing more punches. I found out he won the fight by unanimous decision.
  I was onstage tonight and it went really well, doing plenty of jokes about dating. I often had to wait longer than expected for the applause breaks to end before telling another joke. If given three minutes, I have no problem finding enough material.
   Some of the other notables was the 'Extra murder' comic doing his 'Walking dead' joke. The Tetris comic did one about staying at a hotel near Universal Studios, apparently named for the movie 'Waterworld'. I spoke with the Belarus native before and after the show.
    I liked how I was able to get caught up at work, especially on the letters. The volume dropped enough where this was no problem, same for the payoff report. And I liked doing a pack of new contracts, accepting them in the system and then filing them. I think I like the contracts as I like working with numbers, in this case the account numbers.  

You Can't Handle The Truth!

       After watching my second episode of 'Big Bang Theory' tonight I kept it on CBS and watched 'The Millers'. I liked how the mom in it gave a speech similar to the one Jack Nicholson gave in the movie 'A Few Good Men'- known as the 'You can't handle the truth!' speech. It was in reference to getting rid of an annoying pet bird. I like the speech as it is true, how some can't handle the truth.
    I made it home just in time to see the syndicated rerun of 'Big Bang Theory' tonight. It was the one where Sheldon goes to jail for contempt of court, contesting a traffic ticket. He misses out on meeting Stan Lee. He tries to meet him later on but gets a restraining order. The prime time episode was about Amy getting a gig at the same university Sheldon works at.
   I drove into work today as I had an appointment in the morning. I liked how I still got my share of the payoff report submitted close to the preferred time around midday. But I was inundated with letter requests so it was anything but a leisurely afternoon. I did complete 19 letters, but had to leave some for the next day. I did the second Olympic event, it was a hockey obstacle course ending with a shot on goal. I did fine on the event, middle of the pack. We had to use mini-hockey sticks that were from a Winter Classic, probably from this year as it said Toronto vs. Detroit.
   An E-bay order arrived, Canadian pennies. I added the 5 pennies to the folder, so now there is 28. I placed some more orders this evening, some World's Fair postcards.  

First World Problem

       I went to the comedy club tonight and the 'Extra murder' comic did his 'First world problem' joke. I also liked hearing the one about how his friend dated a carnie. Before the show I exchanged business cards with the 'Rapper' comic. Much of his set did involve rapping, including a cooking recipe. The godmother comic did jokes about getting internet dating emails even though she's already married. The show closer was the Wisconsin native who is married to a comic. I agreed with his joke about how you can't just take a class to be funny, as funny just happens to you. Another comic did most of her set talking with her phone, the 'Siri' app if I'm not mistaken. I have seen this kind of technology depicted on 'Big Bang Theory'. I am trying to think of a nickname for her, don't have one yet but she has done comedy longer than I have.
   I was onstage tonight as well. I did one about somebody in the elevator at work who spoke of seeing barfing on CNN. And I did some about my recent dating exploits, including one about how my dad didn't know what to do at comedy shows besides smile.
   I stayed past my normal leave time at work to get caught up on doing letters. I tried bidding on a set of Canadian coins on E-bay but was outbid. I ordered some other things after the show on E-bay, including some Chicago World's Fair postcards, a lot of 5. It does seem to be a better deal than ordering them individually.
   At work we did an Olympic event, our version of curling, I was in the middle of the pack. The
object of the game was to slide some plastic discs on the floor with our knees behind the line. I also liked doing Wii dancing, it included a song titled 'Barbra Streisand'. I liked the final one we did, 'Dynamite' by Taio Cruz, as it had lyrics about being the 'Last one standing'. There was one by No Doubt frontwoman Gwen Stefani, but it wasn't familiar to me, one of the lyrics was 'Tick tock'.

Bump And Grind

     Normally while at the comedy club, I mostly write about what is happening onstage. But I will have to write a little more this time about offstage events. After the show ended, I was planning on making my way out to the bar. But somebody was dancing right in front of me. So to me, the most appropriate thing to do was to join in on the dancing- and I did the 'Bump and grind'. I spoke with the headliner in the bar area after the show when my dance partner found me and asked for my name. I presented a business card, as I said right away I would have to write about it. She did give me her name, but I don't use names while writing unless they're already famous, somebody I used to know, or no longer alive. This goes back to what a writing instructor taught me in high school- how it has a more universal appeal. In her words, in case someone in San Francisco is reading it. It's not too often where I end up dancing at the comedy club, or anywhere else, so of course I enjoyed doing so. I am hopeful to see my dance partner again, and since I gave her my card it is possible.
   Well, now I should cover what happened onstage. I did step out and go to the bar during the show to get some air. I said to some of my friends that I can't believe how bad some of the comics were, as some of the jokes were stale. In my words, I say 'It's been done'- but thankfully it did improve. The godmother performed, I still like her jokes about being married to a cop. She did a new one about being certified to be a life coach after watching some Youtube videos. The 'Happy meal' comic did one about being afraid of bees due to being stung at a young age, after somebody set the hive on fire. The 'Extra murder' comic did the 'Man cave' joke, I said I really like it. The headliner had a CD available, eventually I should get it as I already have four of my friends' CDs. He did his Super-America joke. I like it even though I eat at this convenience store every so often as I like the loyalty points. I guess he should be the 'Cashew comic' since he shared on Facebook recently how he got cashews as a tip. I said I like cashews, and so did others, eventually he revealed this as well.
   After the show I did like hearing 'Angel' by Shaggy playing. When I got home I noticed the couch cushion from the day before still on top of the snowbank. So I decided to walk over to the dumpster and put it in there. As I was leaving the club I did the same with a drink cup, and somebody said they liked how I did this- getting it into a trash bin. I said it was usually a thankless task.
    It was a long day at work, I stayed a few extra minutes to finish things up. I ended up getting home on a bus that is two buses after my normal one. I just missed one so I had to wait 12 more minutes. I almost got caught up on the letters, you do what you can.
   I am watching 'The Fly Show', and there was mention of the passing of former child star Shirley Temple. Clips from some of her movies were shown. It did remind me of an episode of 'Education of Max Bickford' where Richard Dreyfuss played a college instructor. He had a debate with a colleague and former student, played by Marcia Gay Harden, about who was more important in the history of the decade of the 1930s- President Franklin Roosevelt or Shirley Temple.

Couch Cushion In Snowbank

     When I made it home after being at the comedy club tonight, I noticed there was something in the snowbank when I parked my car. It was a couch cushion. So I pulled it out and got a picture of it. I see litter all the time in my neighborhood, despite plenty of dumpsters being made available.
     As usual, the comedy show was good all around. I am looking at the list, the lineup as it helps with remembering the highlights. There were two ladies near the middle of the show, both did jokes about their lack of success with men. One said she was told she was comedy pretty, implied as not interested in dating her. This was the 'Resistable' comic. The next one did her joke about her low self-esteem is the 'Netflix kind'. I liked hearing the joke about history being lies again, mainly about the Parson Weems fable- George Washington cutting down the cherry tree. The sub teacher spoke about his new lady friend, being like a movie critic on the set of a film he is directing. The 'Extra murder' comic did one about going to work out at the gym and seeing plenty of old, naked men there. And he did the joke about being at the strip club.
   I stayed a few minutes after my normal leave time at work so I could get more caught up on the settled, and paid in full, letters. It was a long day as the payoff report was printed late, and I had a ton of contracts to print to go with the report as well. I brought in two containers of cookies to mark my 15-year service anniversary, which was actually Saturday. One was peanut butter and the other chocolate chunk. Over the weekend there was an email sent about ordering a service anniversary gift. There are plenty of choices available, some I can eliminate right away as I am not interested in jewelry. When I have more time I will narrow my search some more.

American Spirits: Prohibition Exhibit

     This afternoon I went to the Minnesota History Center and saw the 'American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition' exhibit. I knew I had just another month to see it, and this day was available. I bought some small souvenirs after seeing the exhibit- two postcards, a button and a magnet. I got 12 pictures on my camera as well. Some was of artwork supplied by breweries who had exclusive rights to supply certain saloons. These particular artifacts were on loan from Anheuser-Busch. There was mention made of the likes of William Jennings Bryan and Billy Sunday, as both were advocates of Prohibition. There was a display about the entertainment in speakeasies, including Louis Armstrong. Near the end, there was a wall devoted to famous gangsters involved in the liquor trade. One of these was 'Dutch Schultz', whose real name was Arthur Flegenheimer. This name was familiar to me as I saw a movie called 'Billy Bathgate', which was about Dutch Schultz. I saw it at the theater with my dad, and he spoke before we saw the movie how he knew of his real name. Dustin Hoffman played him. I liked one line he had on the witness stand: 'I am a public benefactor, not a public enemy'. It was well worth it to be there at the exhibit, as I usually enjoy my time at a museum.
   After the museum visit I went to my employer's fitness center, which was nearby since the museum is close to downtown. I wasn't there for long, making it just before closing time. But I like knowing I am getting back in the exercise habit more. Then it was on to the copy store to get some things printed. One of these was a photo I got from the museum exhibit, next to a cardboard cutout of Al Capone. It was a nice souvenir to have. I did briefly visit with who I know there, while he helped me with my purchase of a Charlie Brown mug, which was on sale for $5. It has a winter theme, and even though it says it is a mug it is bigger than my coffee mugs. It looks more like a soup bowl to me. There's Lucy, Sally, Snoopy decorating a snowman, Linus throwing a snowball, and Charlie Brown on a sled, and 4 Woodstocks. I'm proud to have it, as I wanted it more than the glass ornaments. I liked how this friend suggested putting it in a box to protect it while getting it home. I like hearing how his training will be finishing soon, apparently he expects to be practicing as a chiropractor later this year.
    My internet dating fortunes may be changing, though it's hard to tell at times. I am getting more responses, but I know it doesn't mean a thing until-or maybe I should say unless- I meet them in person. One of them requested to skip to emailing, and said they were unavailable for more than 2 weeks due to being ill. I did get not one, but two, responses on Facebook to my comments about my E-harmony frustrations. But both are from out of state- one from Florida, the other Colorado- and I haven't done a long-distance relationship before. I did finally get a response to sending flowers and a card to one match, by email, but still heard 'No'. At least I got a response. I did respond to some of what was written, and said 'If you ever change your mind, don't be afraid to contact me'. I said my preference was to date, but I am open to just being friends as well. Can't have too many friends, only too many enemies.
    This was also a laundry day, and I did laundry before going to the museum. As I was leaving the Laundromat, I saw somebody smoking a cigarette- inside. It may have been the same man who had a NORML shirt, which I know is a pro-marijuana organization. When I was driving home I saw a vanity plate on a car that said 'DUI/DOA'.  

Decus Et Tutamen

    I went to a US Bank to have some change counted around midday and I made a nice discovery there. At first I was a little frustrated about having to wait for the machine, normally I don't have to. But it said 'Temporary delay, see attendant'. Then an attendant showed up and took out a full plastic bag of quarters. On her cart was two full bags of other coins, pennies if I'm not mistaken. I was third in line but the line moved quickly after the attendant arrived. When I stepped up I ended up with $7.29 as expected since I count it before putting into my can at home. I keep track on an old business card I tape to the side. The breakdown was 114 pennies, 27 nickels, and 48 dimes. I usually don't put quarters in as I value them for things like doing laundry, or getting a paper. Much like before, the change once counted is deposited into my savings account.
    The discovery was some foreign coins left behind by others. This must have been the loud knock when the coins were being counted, having them spit out. There were 5- one Canadian quarter, two British pounds, and two Euro coins. One was a 1-Euro coin and the other 20 cents. It was the first time I had seen Euro coins. I hadn't seen many British coins yet, only on my one visit to Great Britain in 2012. I checked the current exchange rate online, and it says the 1.20 in Euros is equal to $1.64. The 2 Pounds are $3.28. I had 1.88 Pounds from the one visit, so the 3.88 Pounds are worth $6.37.
   I tried to ask someone while in Great Britain about the inscription on the pound coin, but didn't get an answer. This would be 'Decus Et Tutamen'. Apparently it's Latin and means 'An ornament and a safeguard'. I don't know what it refers to specifically, unless it is to the currency itself.
   I went to a hockey game in the afternoon, it was Charles Schulz Arena in St. Paul. I like going there annually as I  am a Charlie Brown fan and I like to see the Snoopy statue inside. It was Senior Day for Cretin-Derham Hall, who was playing East Ridge. Cretin won 4-2. East Ridge went ahead 1-0, their goal was midway through the 1st. Cretin went ahead 2-1 with two goals early in the 2nd. East Ridge tied it 2-2 with a goal early in the 3rd. Cretin went ahead 3-2 with a goal at about 6 minutes left, and it ended 4-2 with an empty net goal in the final minute. I did 'Chuck a puck' for a dollar, and threw a rubber puck onto center ice during the 2nd intermission. Mine was one that kept rolling and didn't fall over.
    I was on Facebook tonight and I saw a posting from E-harmony. Many aired their frustrations about being unable to find the right one, including me. This led to me getting a response from somebody. I asked them if they had done a long-distance relationship, as they are in Florida and I am in Minnesota. I will have to see where this one goes, but either way it is another good story to tell.

Smile And Nod

    I went to the comedy club tonight, and one of the performers was the 'Extra murder' comic. He did a wordless routine, plenty of smiling and nodding in it. He wasn't fazed even when I made a request for the 'First World Problem' joke. After the show he said it was due to not liking the crowd. The 'Tetris comic' did his home use catheter joke, as well as a train stopping for Taco John's near his home. The 'Resistable comic' did her joke about wanting a hug and not a handshake on a date. The 'School bouncer' comic said he let a kid hit him as he hates to do paperwork. The Belarus native did the one about 'Two Stones with one bird'.
   At midday I did walk around outside some, but not for long as it is still cold out there. I made it over to Walgreen to get a newspaper and a roll of toilet paper. Before I had lunch I made a long walk in the skyway to an ATM where I knew there would be no waiting in line. Unfortunately at that time of day the two closest ones to me- and to the Erbert Gerbert sandwich shop I like going to- have a two deep line. I guess I needed the exercise anyway.
    A colleague said there were personal 'Facebook movies' based upon your activity since their 10-year anniversary was observed this week. I haven't seen mine yet, but for a few days I had a hard time getting logged in and finally did this evening after I ate the 'Loco Taco box' at Taco Bell.

Swallowed, The Bush Song

    This morning I did my customary walk through the skyway before reporting to work. I like how I can recognize enough lyrics from a song so I find it online later. In this case it was 'Swallowed' by Bush. I recalled 'Swallowed, I know, everyone'. I actually found multiple hits, but figured it had to be the Bush song. I was pleased that it led to finding another Eminem song- 'Talking to myself'. I don't know this band that well, but I like this song. Listening to it in full on Youtube, and reading the lyrics, helped. The contrast works- 'Everyone and yet not'. When a fish hook is mentioned, then 'Swallowed' as the title makes more sense as it is in many ways a fishing reference. The video suggests it is a love song, but also one about angst, and the angst part works for me- as there is mention of self-esteem. When it ends with 'Miss the one I love a lot' the lasting impression is the love theme of course.
   Now for Eminem. 'Talking to myself'- I think it was the first time I heard it. But it is familiar, since one can tell that he is working through things in his music. This is evident when he speaks of writer's block, and a bitter pill to swallow. I think this is why I found it when I entered 'Swallow'. I already can say how brilliant he is in his craft with his other songs, so I don't think it's one that will be a standout for me. But it's still a pretty good song. I would say it more about 'Lose Yourself', since the movie '8-Mile' made me an 'Em' fan. Others in that elite category for me would be 'Real Slim Shady' and 'Need a Doctor'. I like the passion in both, especially saying 'Will the real one please stand up' in the former. And of course how he sings about his mentor, Dr. Dre, in the latter. Then there's 'Without Me'- saying 'Let me be me'. I like how he has put out so much music. I seem to find one of his songs all the time when searching for song titles by other musicians since he often has a song with a similar title.
    I did watch two episodes of 'Big Bang Theory' tonight. The syndicated rerun was a Christmas episode where Leonard's mom visits. He finds out Sheldon has a better relationship with his mom than he does. Kind of funny how his mom and Penny get drunk together. The prime time episode was a Valentine's Day theme, where Sheldon, Howard, and their ladies take a train to the Napa Valley. We all know Sheldon loves trains, so it works that he met a friend on the train who had the same passion. But this annoyed Amy, as expected, since she was being ignored.
   Somebody I know from riding the bus spoke of Jay Leno and the Tonight Show. I was unsure when he would be having his final edition but found out it was tonight. I liked watching it, as many famous people said farewell, including Jim Parsons, who plays Sheldon. It was nice to hear stories from Billy Crystal, and Garth Brooks performed two songs. I like 'The Dance' more than 'Friends in Low Places'. I had to laugh when a 'Kiss Cam' was done in Congress, to the tune of 'Kiss Me' by Sixpence None the Richer, a song that was in the movie 'She's All That'. On CNN at midday in the break room, they went through some of the notable events from 1992, when Jay started hosting the show. One of them was the opening of Mall of America.  

Iko Iko, and SOS

     I look forward to the Wii dancing each week, not just the exercising but also the songs played. Today the notables were 'SOS' by Rihanna, and 'Iko Iko' by Mardi Gras. The Rihanna song was one I recall hearing when I was visiting Detroit, probably in 2006. It's a catchy song, borrowing from 'Tainted Love' by Soft Cell. With 'Iko Iko' I am reminded of the movie 'Rain Man', though it was 'Ika Ika' in the movie, a slight variation. I was just one of two today, me and the event coordinator. When I think of a comedian friend being impressed with activities at my workplace, I think this one has to be near the top. Since I am now on the Communications Council, helping out with events, I have seen more by being an 'Insider'. This was a catch-up day at work, I liked getting my primary duties finished before I went to lunch. So then when I returned I was able to devote the rest of the day to getting the letters caught up. I ended up doing 20, so now it is more caught up as just two were left at the end of the day.
   At the comedy club tonight, I liked seeing my 'Bestie' perform as the show closer. He did do the 'Lost dog' joke, but did some other jokes before it. I liked hearing a few I hadn't heard in a while, like 'Chivalry is dead' since he does a voice impression and it proves having range. He did a new joke, 'Die for you', in reference to his lady. After the show I liked to hear him holding court. There are times I will listen very closely and say very little, and this is one of them. I had to laugh a little, even if it was only internally, about what another comic said while he was holding court. I asked if he had a comedy CD out yet, he said no. I expressed interest in being in the crowd when it is done. The other comic said I would be the first to know. But I know others have seen, out of all the comedian friends I have, that there is a reason why this one is called 'Bestie' as it is a special friendship.
    I am a loyal and supportive friend, but I have seen how he is as well. I spoke of how internet dating still hasn't panned out, and he said it is best to keep trying. I was thinking I need to be open to other ways of meeting a mate, especially when I hear how other couples met. I liked how he asked me a valid question: what else am I going to do, quit? I said I had done that before, for too long, and don't want to do that again.
    I also liked how he spoke with the 'Extra murder' comic for a while as well, about various subjects. It was not just the business of comedy, but also about relationships. I do like hearing about the business of comedy, what it's like behind the scenes.  The 'Extra murder' comic did the 'Yule Log' joke, along with an older one about spicy Jello. I liked seeing the 'Bathtub comic' before the show, he did the joke about the dead pet rat.

Nixon List

    At work today I spoke about feeding my intellectual needs, especially in history since I majored in it. I also spoke of those who have tried to talk about history and don't have their facts straight, which is annoying. This led me to speak of the 'Nixon List'. I said anyone who tries to talk about this subject and acts like they know more about it than I do will end up on my Nixon List. Sadly I have had to put some people on it that I once considered to be friends.
    On a more positive note, I liked how a senior leader found me and gave me a nice baseball jacket. This was just before midday. We like the same team, and I said to my 'Work Spouse'- who noticed it right away- how friends make life more bearable. I like how it proves I am not afraid of someone just because they're a senior leader. They're people, same as anyone else. Just find out what makes them tick, what they do and don't like.
   I had to leave work early for an appointment, it was held early enough so I was still able to make it to the comedy club tonight. I liked hearing the 'Tony the Tiger' joke from the ex-military comic, a good joke about the brutal winters here in Minnesota. When I laughed a lot at it I got a shout-out, which I enjoy of course. I was thrilled when I saw how my 'Bestie' showed up as he wasn't on the list. He ended up doing the 'Lost dog' joke, and is still adding some things to it like saying it made him a dog detective after being a dog sitter. After the show I was surprised to see somebody riding a bicycle, when it is still winter. Not much in postal mail, but my W-2 arrived so I can start doing my taxes soon.   

Parson Weems Fable

    At the comedy club tonight, I liked how the two comics near the end did history jokes since I majored in history. The show closer did speak of his brother who is a history re-enactor at Fort Snelling- he does jokes about studying music, like opera, in college. But the one I liked even more was the comic before it, how World War I was at first called 'The war to end all wars'. Then he went on to covering a legend surrounding the George Washington story- chopping down the cherry tree. He said the story that reminds you not to tell a lie is a lie. I spoke with him after the show, and I expressed appreciation for the history jokes. I said the cherry tree story was known as 'Parson Weems fable'. It is also a famous painting, by Iowa native Grant Wood. I was familiar with this artist as he was covered in art class in grade school. I spoke of how I was confused hearing 'Parson Weems' along with 'Mason Weems' but found out it is the same person. He was a preacher, so 'Parson' was his title.
   Some other notable comics were the 'Bathtub comic', who did a joke about his mom being in the crowd as it is her birthday. Another was how his parents divorced when he was young, like age 6, and he kept outing his mom as a lesbian to strangers. Since it's Black History Month some comics did jokes about this subject. I also liked getting some items related to a movie premiere, it had been a while since I had seen a movie promoter at the club. It was for 'About Last Night'. I got a poster and a postcard, the advance screening is next week.
   It was a busy day at work, the new metrics just took effect. It now means emailing the boss when we are done with things like the payoff report as we are being timed now. When I emailed I got a response saying my boss had seen some of my comedy clips online, on Youtube probably, but not the ones from Rooftop as he said it didn't load. He would like to see the one about being at the Lady Gaga concert, which is on Rooftop. We had a meeting on short notice just before midday honoring our senior leader for 25 years of service. There was pasta and sauce and salad and bread. Later on there was cake. I liked the spaghetti sauce but the 'White cream' sauce with pepper in it I didn't like.

Budweiser 'Hero's Welcome' Commercial

    I watched the Super Bowl this evening, Seattle beat Denver 43-8 after leading 22-0 at halftime. This was the 48th Super Bowl and there still hasn't been an overtime game or a shutout. They've come close on both of these a few times though.
   With a lopsided game like this I still wanted to see the commercials. My favorite one had to be by Budweiser, it was the 'Hero's welcome' theme. I liked it due to the song used, 'Coming Home'. I know there was such a song by Diddy Dirty Money (a stage name for a Sean Combs music act) including Skylar Grey. 'Let the rain wash away all the pain of yesterday', it's a wonderful sentiment.
    I did have a date at a Caribou coffee shop in the early afternoon, but it didn't pan out. My date left when I spoke about scheduling for a second date. It's just as well, as the question of place of employment was refused. One of the employees asked me how everything was. I said the food was fine but the date wasn't. I said I did get a warning of this possibility on the phone week ago, had to push to get another fair question answered- the school attended for undergrad studies. If one isn't answering fair questions, then you're wasting my time. I did see somebody I know at a Fedex Office after it as I needed to print a few things. He told me he had dated some but most don't pan out from internet dating. He said the success rate is higher when meeting through friends. I did say his comedian friend in California did add me as a Facebook friend.

American Hustle Movie

    This evening I went to see the movie 'American Hustle' at the Grandview Theater in St. Paul. It's rare to see movies in St. Paul as there aren't many theaters in the city. It may have been a conman movie, but I liked how it was also funny in some areas. This included the interactions between the FBI agent and his boss, especially about the 'Ice fishing story'. The other would be between the conman and his wife, played by Jennifer Lawrence. I think Jenny was one big reason why I went to see it, along with the Oscar nominations. She was good in 'Winter's Bone' and I liked 'Silver Linings Playbook' as well. It was funny to me when she said 'I will have fun, it may be contagious' so I laughed. I wasn't sure if I would be able to get through the movie without a bathroom break, but I did. I liked it, plenty of twists and turns in the story. And it started with saying 'Some of this actually happened'. I like cars, so I liked seeing plenty of cars from the 1970s in it, since the story took place in that decade.
   In the afternoon I went to a basketball game at Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis, as I do mentoring at this school through my employer. Roosevelt beat Prairie Seeds Academy 72-59, after leading 30-25 at the half. I had to look up where their opponent is located, Prairie Seeds is in Brooklyn Park. The game was close throughout the first half, neither team held a lead of more than 5 points for most of the half. Roosevelt started the second half strong and had a double digit lead for a while but Prairie Seeds did narrow the gap. Roosevelt never trailed in the second half, and only briefly trailed in the middle of the first half. Near the end the Roosevelt lead widened again, largely due to Prairie Seeds being forced to foul to stop the clock and Roosevelt shot well from the foul line. Not sure who had the height advantage in the game. At some positions Roosevelt seemed to be taller, at others shorter. The program listed heights only for the home team. Roosevelt had 9 players on their varsity roster, just 2 were under 6 feet. Prairie Seeds had 18 listed, though it was misleading as 5 of them were listed as grade 9 or lower. I counted just 10 players who made the trip so their 'Traveling squad' must be smaller than the 18. It was a sparse crowd so one could easily hear what coaches said during timeouts. With one I heard the Prairie Seeds coach hollering at his players, saying they need to be strong and to run. In a later timeout, the Roosevelt coach asked them to look at how much time was left, and said to play like a team. There was just over three minutes left and Roosevelt was up by 7 at the time, so I'm not sure why this was said other than it is important to stress the end game.
   After the game, I drove over to Roseville and looked around at Har-Mar Mall. They have a Barnes and Noble bookstore and I wanted to get a coin folder for my US pennies, 24 in all. I also got a 'Keep calm and carry on' book. While there I recognized a song as usual, on my way to the bathroom. It was 'Turpentine' by Brandi Carlile. I like the lyric where she says 'Losing sleep and gaining weight, wishing I was 10 again so I could be your friend again'. I wasn't home for long after getting back from Roseville. When I got home I checked the paper for the movie times and saw how the movie I wanted to see started in less than an hour. I picked up a quick dinner from Super-America on the way to the movie. On 'Storm stories' after the 10pm news on WCCO the story was about the 2008 tornado in Parkersburg, Iowa, a town I traveled to for a football game in 2010.