Transportation Veto Overturned

Yesterday, the Minnesota Legislature overturned a veto by Governor Tim Pawlenty on the $6.6 Billion dollar transportation bill. This means that the bill becomes law and $6.6 billion dollars will be invested into improving roads, bridges, buses and trains in Minnesota over the next 10 years. To raise this money the gas tax, license fees, etc. will be increased. This was a highly political issue, with most Democrats being in favor and most Republicans being opposed. It took 6 Republicans changing their mind, however, to overturn the veto.

Freealonzo wrote an interesting post on this topic today, and it got me thinking about how I feel. As I have stated in the past, I hold many beliefs that would be viewed as "conservative" and I hold many beliefs that would be viewed as "liberal." I find, however, that the following statement guides how I form most of my opinions:

I want to live in a word-class city. I want to live in a city that is safe, offers the best in education and employment opportunities, The Arts, Major League Sports and sports venues. I want to live in a city with corporate headquarters, a world-class airport and top-notch infrastructure. If I have to pay more to ensure that these "needs" are met, I am willing.

Because of this philosophy, I am happy that the Governor's veto was overturned. I am happy that $6.6 Billion dollars will be earmarked to fix our bridges and our 1980's-era highways. It's been far too long. The gas tax has not been touched since 1988. And, believe me, the gas tax will affect me - I own a Suburban. I am willing to chip in, however. I will put my money where my mouth is.

If the fact that I am willing to pay higher taxes for the aforementioned services makes me a Democrat or a liberal, so be it. Although, oddly enough, it took the backing of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce (hardly a bastion of liberalism) to help overturn this veto.

The only thing that frightens me about this is that I agree with Nick Coleman. He wrote an article about how happy he was the veto was overturned. That makes me feel a little dirty.

How do you feel about this issue? Are you willing to pay more for these types of services? If not, should they be funded another way or not at all? Let me know.

Jeff

...But Not That Move.

The Wild need a scorer and a guy who can win face-offs. But, instead they pick up enforcer, thug and borderline criminal Chris Simon from the New York Islanders for a 6th round pick. This guy has eight career suspensions, including the longest in modern NHL history for his near-decapitation of New York Rangers forward Ryan Hollweg.

Chris Simon. On the Wild.

Simon is the type of player that belongs with Vancouver or Anaheim. He is Al Secord with far less talent. He is the type of guy I love to cheer against. Simon is truly the first "bad person" the Minnesota Wild have acquired. Not good for a franchise that is known for selecting "character guys." It will be interesting to see how Simon fits in with the normal human beings on the Wild.

I can only conclude one thing with this move: The Wild put the Minnesota Vikings in charge of their organization for one day. See what happens?

This move, I do not understand.

Jeff

Time for the Wild to Make a Move...

The Wild lost 2-1 to Miikka Kiprusoff and the hated Calgary Flames this afternoon, meaning they fall into 2nd place in the Northwest Division. Right now, the goal must look like the size of a mail slot to the Wild. And putting Kiprusoff in front of the goal is a little like putting Fat Albert in front of the mail slot. It's a wonder the Wild even scored one goal. Actually, they scored two goals, but one was disallowed by The Three Blind Mice due to goaltender interference on Aaron Voros. Never mind that it was a member of the Flames that pushed Voros into Kiprusoff and never mind that the puck was already in the net. Minor details. The refs didn't even bother to watch a video replay.

But, in the end, the Wild have nobody to blame but themselves for today's loss. Even after that horrible call, they had plenty of opportunities to win this game. The main reason for this loss is that their power play was inept, something that has plagued them off and on all year. This is why I believe the Wild have to make a move. The NHL trading deadline is Tuesday and they have to pick up a scorer. Somebody who makes a difference over the course of the game. I give the Wild credit for consistently locking up their young talent such as Brent Burns, Marion Gaborik and Nick Schultz, but they need a quick talent infusion. In the past, they have made "minor" moves at the trade deadline and picked up the likes of a Dominic Moore or Adam Hall. That type of move is not going to cut it this year. I am talking about acquiring an Olli Jokinen, Mats Sundin or Marian Hossa (as long as he is willing to sign a long-term contract here). I realize that it may take trading some of their current talent (Pierre Marc-Bouchard?) to obtain one of these guys. However, as the Wild sit today, there are probably good enough to make the playoffs in the West and lose in the first round to a Dallas or Detroit.

They need to make a move.

Peace,

Jeff

Writer's Block

Geez, do I have writers block. Not much is going on. Football is done - even the edge-of-your-seat exciting Pro Bowl. Baseball is just getting started. There haven't been any major Sasquatch sightings lately. Nothing. So, here are a few of my latest observations:

1. News Item: Vikings release safety Dwight Smith. I am having a hard time deciding what is my fondest memory of Smith's tenure with the Vikings. There ares so many to choose from. Was is the time he got caught having "relations" with that woman in a downtown Minneapolis stairwell? Was it the time he got caught smoking "hooch" in his parked car in downtown Minneapolis (I am sensing a pattern) and admitted to the cop that he was "just smoking pot in his car?". Was it the three or four times he had to sit out the first series of a game because of an "unknown transgression" during the practice week? Rumor has it that Dwight was late for quite a few team meetings over time (see "hooch"). Dwight Smith's conversations with Brad Childress must have been very similar to those between Jeff Spicoli and Mr. Hand in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. They probably went a lot like this:

SCENE: Spicoli walks into class late (or Smith walks into a practice session late)

Spicoli (Dwight Smith): "Hey, there's no birthday party for me in here..."

Mr. Hand (Brad Childress): "Mr. Spicoli, what is the reason for your tardiness?"

Spicoli (Dwight Smith): "Just couldn't make it on time, Mr. Hand."

Mr. Hand (Brad Childress): Mr. Spicoli, what is your fascination with truancy?"

Oh well. Once again, losing Smith is "addition through subtraction" for the Vikings Maybe he can catch on with Fred "Smootzie" Smoots in Washington. Cuz they both wuz robbed, you know.

2. More proof that I am getting old. I am becoming The Guy Who Turns Off Lights in the house. All day, every day. I swear you can see our house from Space it's so lit up sometimes. Why do these children leave the lights on all the time? Don't they know how expensive the electricity bill is?

I'm 41 now, you know.

3. Speaking of The Children. We are looking for a Junior High for my oldest son. Junior frickin' High. How did we get to this point? It was just yesterday that I was in Junior High - in 1979. You know what happens in Junior High. Deodorant. Pimples. The Opposite Sex. Urges. Changes. Dad not being the Center of Your Universe. Roller skating parties with boys AND girls. Feathered hair and combs in your back pocket - wait, that was 1979. I don't know if I'm ready for this.

4. New Gary Louris album - "Vagabonds." The lead singer of the Jayhawks has released his first solo album. My expectations were very high due to some raving reviews of the album, so it took me a little while to warm up to the songs. It's got a mellow mid-1970's California feel, probably more "Crosby, Stills & Nash" than "Jayhawks." After 5 or 6 listenings I can say that I truly enjoy this album. The highlights are "True Blue," "Vagabonds" and "D.C. Blues." I am looking forward to his concert at The State in Minneapolis in March.

That is all I got today.

Jeff

More Good News - Twins Pitchers & Catchers Report

It's February. Cold. Bleak. Gray. This time of year, it's easy to sit inside and get caught up in the overwhelming issues the nation is facing today - terrorism, recession, the Presidential election, war, the existence of the Sasquatch etc., etc., etc., etc......

Do not despair, however, because the first sure sign of spring takes place today - February 17th, 2008. Today, Twins pitchers and catchers report to spring training in Fort Myers, Florida.

Whether it is right or wrong, baseball helps provide a diversion from the aforementioned issues. The Sociologist in me believes this is the reason humans pay to build stadiums and pay to see guys to play a game. It's a diversion from all of the negative issues. Now, granted, baseball has added a negative issue to the list with these steroid accusations. But, that is a topic for another day.

What I like about Baseball is that it is a game from a bygone era. It's a summer game, played at a slower pace without a shot clock or game clock screaming at us. Because of its 162-game season, each game is not a life or death sentence like it is in the NFL. My blood pressure stays lower. Winning 2 out of 3 games in each series is the goal. Baseball has been criticized for these things, but I think they are positives.

So, while baseball (or any other pastime) does not make the nation's issues disappear, it makes life a little happier and spring seem a little nearer, at least for me. And speaking of spring and the outdoors, if you haven't checked out the new ballpark web cam lately, here is the link. They are making some excellent progress:

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/min/ballpark/new_ballpark_webcam_full.jsp

So, in the spirit of spring training, here are some of the "issues of the day" that will be on my mind today:

--Who will make up the Twins 5-man starting rotation now that Johan Santana is in New York?

--Who will be the starting center-fielder?

--Will Joe Mauer stay healthy enough to remain the starting catcher?

--Will the Twins sign Joe Nathan to a long-term contract?

--How effective will the "new" infield of Justin Morneau, Brendan Harris, Adam Everett and Mike Lamb be?

--Who will the clubhouse leader with the absense of Torii Hunter?

--Will the Twins loosen up those pursestrings and sign a big-time free agent after this year?

--And, Jase, will the Brewers contend in the NL this year?

How far away can spring be?

Peace,

Jeff

Good News

From Chris Riemenschneider's music column in the StarTribune:

After years of hinting at it, Rhino/Warner Bros. Records finally announced plans to reissue the first four albums by Minnesota rock legends the Replacements on April 22, complete with bonus cuts, new liner notes and remastering.

The records -- including the debut "Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash," the "Stink" EP, "Hootenanny" and the acclaimed "Let It Be" -- were originally released on the Minneapolis-based Twin/Tone label from 1981 to 1984.

Rare tracks being dusted off for the reissues include oft-bootlegged B-sides and outtakes such as "If Only You Were Lonely," "Bad Worker" and "Staples in Her Stomach"; the solo demos by Westerberg that got the band signed to Twin/Tone; alternate takes of such classics as "Answering Machine," "Sixteen Blue" and "Customer," plus cover songs including Hank Williams' "Hey Good Lookin'," T. Rex's "20th Century Boy" and even the Grass Roots' "Temptation Eyes."

Rhino is promising a similar reissue treatment next year for the band's other four albums on Sire Records (1985 to 1990).

Folks, that is the kind of news that makes me happy.

Peace,

Jeff

Favorite Songwriters

I have been meaning to write a post listing my all-time favorite songwriters. Well, the kids are in bed and it's 5 degrees outside, so what the hell, why not tonight? I've actually put some thought into this. You know, while lying awake at 2:00 AM, driving home from THE CHECK wondering "who are my favorite songwriters?" I am not saying that these are necessessarily the TOP songwriters of the ages, just the ones that have had the most influence on me in my lifetime. So , here are my Top 10 favorite songwriters in descending order (for effect, of course):

10. Shane MacGowan - Pogues, Solo (A mix of traditional Irish and Punk - can't beat it)

9. Bob Dylan - (Perhaps you have heard of him)

8. John Lennon - (Was in a band called The Beatles)

7. Ryan Adams - Whiskeytown, Solo (He's a dink, but he sure can write songs - lots of 'em)

6. Gary Louris - Jayhawks, Golden Smog, Solo (The pride of Minneapolis alt-country)

5. Mike Scott - The Waterboys, Solo (Rock, Traditional Irish - he can do it all)

4. Neil Young - (An absolute Icon)

3. Joe Strummer - The Clash (The Only Band That Mattered)

2. Jeff Tweedy - Uncle Tupelo, Wilco (A Genius - Country, rock, 60's pop - it's all there)

1. Paul Westerberg - The Replacements, Solo (Who else? The Soundtrack of Our Lives)

So there you have it. Although, the list could change in 5 minutes, I feel it's a pretty solid representation of the songwriters that have influenced my life over the years. By the way, the guys from Spandau Ballet and Kajagoogoo just missed the list!

Who are some of your favorite songwriters - Let me know!

Jeff

Bluto

This, to me, is one of the greatest "mug shots" of all-time. This is Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the "alleged" (nod-nod, wink-wink) Sept. 11 mastermind, as photographed shortly after his capture during a raid in Pakistan in March, 2003. He is in the news today because the Pentagon is planning to seek the death penalty for Mohammed and five other detainees at Guantanamo Bay for the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

I am not trying to diminsh the seriousness of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's crimes by making light of this photo. If anything, the fact that he is such a bastard makes the photo even funnier to me.

This photo truly is priceless. It's part "Animal House John Belushi" and part "Bluto" from Popeye. The Hair on his head. The Hair on his back. The T-Shirt (extra-wide neck). The mustache. Priceless.

And The Look. This picture was snapped shorty after his capture, and The Look on his face clearly portrays his thought as troops burst through his door - obviously waking him from a beauty nap:

"Hey - what's that noise?? Who are these........? What the......? Oh, Crap."

One second, you're a highly-feared international terrorist taking an afternoon nap. The next minute your photo is pasted on the World Wide Web to be mocked and ridiculed. I guess that's the way it goes.

Good luck with the trial Bluto.

Jeff

Sports Guy - espn.com

By the way, I forgot to tell you. Bill Simmons, the Boston-based columnist on espn.com, recently wrote a post-Super Bowl article on how bummed out he was that the Patriots lost the Big Game. I decided to respond to his article via the magic of e-mail, and he added my message to a follow-up article on the post-Super Bowl messages he received. Here is the link - my comment is about 3/4 of the way down. Check it out:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/080208

Peace,

Jeff

P.S. - Yes, I do have better things to do than e-mail newspaper columnists and web site personalities. I also call radio stations quite frequently.

One Last Thing About the Santana Trade...

Ok - I promised that I was finished with this topic, but I couldn't resist. After the Star Tribune's Nick Coleman wrote a column lambasting the Twins for not re-signing Johan Santana, I sent the following e-mail to him ('cause I like to needle Coleman):

Dear Mr. Coleman: "The Associated Press reported Santana's new contract includes a $18.75 million option for 2014 with a $5.5 million buyout. The entire package could be worth $150.75 million over seven years." Do you still think the Twins (or any non-New York or non-Boston team) could have signed Johan Santana?

Regards (Classy, eh?)

Jeff Thompson


Here was his e-mail response to me today:

Yes, I do.The USA Today headline about the trade said it all: METS STEAL SANTANA.

Whoa - that was in the USA TODAY!? Forgive me - that must make it Gospel!

The USA Today? McPaper? This is really disappointing. Even though I disagree with virtually everything Coleman writes, I'd be the first to admit he seems to be an intelligent man and an excellent writer. But quoting from the USA Today headlines?

That's actually kind of sad.

Jeff

Drive By Truckers - Brighter Than Creation's Dark

As I have mentioned previously, when I hear a new album that I really like, I tend to listen to it over and over again - ad nauseum. Well, I'm in another one of those cycles with the new Drive By Truckers album, "Brighter Than Creations Dark." Admittedly, I had lower expectations for this DBT album due to the exodus of Jason Isbell, who left the band last year to pursue a solo career. This left Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley vocals, along with bassist Shonna Tucker (Isbell's ex-wife). I was very surprised to be hooked on this album, however, after a single listen. Here's a great link from the DBT web site that has additional links to quite a few reviews of this album:

http://www.drivebytruckers.com/reviews.html

Surprisingly, the DBT's managed to craft some of their best songs on this new album. It is a little "toned down" from past albums, but this is not a bad thing. In my opinion, the top songs on this offering tend to be the mellower ones. As always, they touch on general Southern living, death ("Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife"), loners ("Bob"), and generally good guys struggling with everyday life ("The Righteous Path," "Daddy Needs A Drink," "Self Destructive Zones"). Each DBT album has to have a somewhat "creepy" song, and this one is no different. "You and Your Crystal Meth" fits the bill - a song about a life ruined by Meth. The Truckers also touch on the war in Iraq from a soldiers point of view ("The Man I Shot") and from the viewpoint of the soldiers wife left at home ("The Home Front"). "Checkout Time in Vegas" sounds like it could be sung by Gram Parsons and Emmy Lou Harris circa 1972. Which brings up the "new" talent featured on this album by the band - the singing of bassist Shonna Tucker. She is a nice female counterpoint to the other male vocalists in DBT, and really shines in "The Purgatory Line" and "I'm Sorry Huston." I don't know if she makes up fully for the loss of Jason Isbell, but it's a great start. Lyrically, Hood, Cooley and Tucker are at the top of their game. Here are some of my favorites from "Brighter..."

"Here I am again
perfect timing
the strings are ringing and the words are rhyming
I used to hate the fool in me, but only in the morning now
I tolerate him all day long"

I might have known before
if I'd got this old before
I thought I got too cool to give a damn
That who you see in dreams at night seem to spend their afterlives
trying hard to live the last one down"
PERFECT TIMING

"Daddy needs a drink to deal with all the beauty
To deal with all the madness to keep from blowing up
Daddy needs a drink to calm down the badness
To execute his gladness on the fullness of his cup"
DADDY NEEDS A DRINK

"It was 1990 give or take I don't remember
when the news of revolution hit the air
The girls hadn't even started taking down our posters
when the boys started cutting off their hair
The radio stations all decided angst was finally old enough
it ought to have a proper home
Dead fat or rich nobody’s left to bitch
about the goings' on in self destructive zones"
SELF DESTRUCTIVE ZONES

"Bob goes to church every Sunday
Every Sunday that the fish ain't biting
Bob never has to have dinner with the preacher
cause Bob never bothered getting married
He likes to drink a beer or two every now and again
he always had more dogs than he ever had friends
Bob ain't light in the loafers, he might kneel but he never bends over"
BOB

"Talking tough is easy when it's other people's evil
and you're judging what they do or don't believe
It seems to me you'd have to have a hole you're own
to point a finger at somebody else's sheet "
A GHOST TO MOST

"Brighter Than Creations Dark" is a fantastic album. While listening, I heard shades of Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Uncle Tupelo, Gram Parsons, The Rolling Stones, and (of course) Lynard Skynard. If this album is any indication, it won't be long until the Drive By Truckers are mentioned in the same breath as these great bands.

Jeff

Garden Sasquatch

Check this out:

That's right, it's a Garden Sasquatch. For a mere $99.95, a person can purchase this magnificant sculpture to guard thier gardens against intruders, bugs, rabbits, birds, kids etc. It stands over two feet tall, for God sakes. Tell me that this wouldn't scare the hell out of you if you were a rabbit.

The body is quite life-like, but the head is a little too "Planet of the Apes." The creator needs to spend a little more time on the BFRO web site (link to the left) and get that head right. Haven't they seen the Patterson video? Come on. But beggars cannot be choosers, right?

I'd buy one (or two) of these sculptures but they would get ripped off within a week. No question about that.

I mean, who doesn't want a Garden Sasquatch?

Peace,

Jeff

The Four Horsemen

So Nick Coleman (and some others) think the Twins should have signed Johan Santana. From espn.com:

The Associated Press reported Johan Santana's new contract with the Mets includes a $18.75 million option for 2014 with a $5.5 million buyout. The entire package could be worth $150.75 million over seven years.

Folks, you can argue all you want that whether or not the Twins got "fair market value" in return for Santana. But anyone who thinks the Twins could have (or should have) signed this guy is completely delusional.

By the way, those of you that know me realize I am a sports fan and a baseball fan. However, I will be the first to admit that this contract is bordering on immoral. Johan Santana will most likely earn $1.5 million dollars per win over the course of this contract if he wins 15-18 games a year.

It's a good gig if you can get it.

The Four Horseman are mounting up as we speak.

Goodnight. Sleep tight.

**Morning Update (and then I think that I am done with this topic). Here is an excellent article from Jayson Stark of espn.com. He touches on the implications this deal has on MLB for teams that are not located in New York or Boston:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=3226745

Jeff