What did they know and when did they know it?

It was no shock that Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) was ousted in last week's Senatorial primary. But who knew he was the White House's Democrat of choice for November's general election? Well that was indeed the case if you believe Joe Sestak.

Sestak, a former Navy vice admiral who defeated Specter in the Democratic Senate primary last week, months ago said that the White House offered him a job to stay out of the race.

Sestak refused to bow out then, and still refuses to say now what job was offered.

"I was offered a job. I answered that," he said on NBC's "Meet the Press. "Anybody else has to decide for themselves what to say upon their role. And that's their responsibility."

It's highly unlikely that any mainstream media outlets will continue to press the Obama administration on this matter, especially since there is no possibility of Karl Rove being frogmarched out of the White House.

But the intriguing question is why would the Obama administration prefer Specter over Sestak? As a member of the U.S. House, Sestak was pretty much in lockstep with Obama, Pelosi, et al on such issues as TARP, partial-birth abortion, health care, etc.

Is it possible that Sestak merely fabricated the whole thing because the Obama administration endorsed Specter? I guess. But that seems rather far fetched given that Sestak made these claims after he secured the Democratic nomination for Senator. So what benefit would he possibly receive for doing such a thing?

I'd like to think we'd be given a suitable explanation for this. Is that too much to ask of the most transparent Presidency in recent history?

------------------------------------------

Author! Author!

Steve Rushin and myself at his book signing

In 1991, at the age of 25, Bloomington, MN native Steve Rushin became the youngest Senior Writer on the Sports Illustrated staff. This was after having been with the magazine all of three years.

He spent the final nine years (1998-2007) of his S.I. career penning a weekly column entitled Air & Space. I was bummed when I learned that Rushin would be leaving the magazine. It was because of him I subscribed to S.I. again in the early 2000s. Then a fortuitous concatenation of events led me to cross paths with Mike McCollow, who happened to be Steve's best friend since Kindergarten. I mentioned to Mike on several occasions that I wanted to meet Steve one day when he came back to his old stomping grounds.

Thursday evening, I had that chance.

Steve was in town to promote his new novel The Pint Man, a fictional account about a 34-year old bachelor who is an unassuming lover of wordplay and television sports. Given the setting is an Irish Pub in New York, many of Steve's acquaintances surmised that certain aspects of the story are autobiographical. In fact, Steve met his wife-to-be, ESPN analyst and former NCAA basketball All-American Rebecca Lobo, at an Irish Pub in Manhattan.

I saw Steve as soon as I walked into O'Gara's Bar & Grill Thursday evening. He seemed a little disoriented when I introduced myself and I soon learned why. After a book signing in Tulsa, OK on Wednesday, he and Mike were planning on taking a flight to Minneapolis. However, severe storms resulted in the cancellation of said flight. Their only other option appeared to be to fly to Atlanta Thursday morning and then take an afternoon flight to the Twin Cities. However, they were concerned that would have made them late to Thursday evening's event at O'Gara's. They ended up renting a car in Tulsa, driving 250 miles south to Dallas and catching a 6:00 am flight to Minneapolis. As soon as they arrived at MSP, Mike and Steve went directly to the KFAN studios for a one-hour radio interview which was to start at 11:00. So by the time the meet-n-greet (or "booze -n- schmooze" as Steve called it) began at 7:00 pm, the guys had been awake for close to 36 consecutive hours!

The event started out with Steve sharing humorous accounts of the famous people he had encountered during his years of writing. He spun yarns of President Clinton offering Steve marital advice and how President Bush, who couldn't remember Steve's name, merely referred to him as "Mr. Sports Illustrated."



The evening also featured some local celebs who formed a musical act. Star Tribune sports columnist Jim Souhan (guitar, vocals), AM 1500 news guy John Heidt (guitar, vocals) and WCCO radio personality Tommy Mischke (keyboard, vocals) performed upon completion of Steve's "monologue."



With a gift for wordplay, Steve had some hilarious suggestions for the band's name. Given the group was comprised of middle-aged men, Steve offered up such gems as "Cialis in Chains" and "Counting Crows Feet."

And if all that fun and frivolity weren't enough, I had heard that a former O'Gara's bartender would be making an impromptu appearance at about 9:00. Big deal, you say? Well, several years ago when this guy was tending bar, he had stars in his eyes and was desperate to become a big-time writer himself. Knowing that Mike was best friends with Steve Rushin, the bartender asked Mike to introduce him to Steve so he could pick his brain and maybe get some inroads into the industry.

So whatever became of the bartender? Well, for the past thirteen years, best-selling author Vince Flynn has become a titan in the arena of political thrillers!

Remember that game "Which one doesn't belong?" To my left is author Vince Flynn, who has penned six New York Times bestsellers . To my right is Steve Rushin, who was the 2005 National Sportswriter of the Year and was nominated for three National Magazine Awards during his S.I. career.

It's an invaluable life experience to be able to talk to people who have accomplished so much in their lives and yet remain humble enough to share the wisdom gained on their respective journeys. And here all I expected going into the evening was to grab a bite to eat, have a few beers, get my book signed and go home! OK, I accomplished all that, too. But I definitely left with more than a full stomach and a slight buzz.

--------------------------------------------

Book it!

Do yourself a favor and come on out to O'Gara's Bar and Grill in St. Paul tonight! I'll be there early to ensure I get a prime spot!

Steve Rushin is putting the pub back in publicity tour: The Bloomington native and former Sports Illustrated columnist will sign and read from his new novel, The Pint Man, at O’Gara’s Bar & Grill in St. Paul on May 20th at 7 PM and at O’Donovan’s Irish Pub in Minneapolis on May 21st at 5:30 PM.

The Los Angeles Times calls The Pint Man, set in an Irish bar in New York, “wipe-your-eyes funny.” Best-selling novelist Carl Hiaasen says, “The Pint Man is clever, bracing and full of laughs.” With his “exceedingly enjoyable first novel” (Booklist), “Rushin emerges as one of the sharpest wits on the scene” (Publishers Weekly).

There will be drink specials both evenings and books will be available for purchase at 20% off the cover price. O’Gara’s will feature live music courtesy of Minneapolis Star Tribune columnist and ESPN 1500 radio host Jim Souhan, who will play with his band after the book signing. Join us for a fun night out as we raise a pint with The Pint Man.

------------------------------------------

Chris Matthews: Jackass

In a special election for the U.S. House seat of the late Jack Murtha, Democrat Mark Critz defeated Republican Tim Burns Tuesday evening.

PA Congressional District 12 has been in the news quite a bit over the past few years. You see, it was the constituents of PA 12 who were tarnished with the reputation of being racist, a charge once levied by Rep. Murtha no less.

But leave it to MSNBC buffoon Chris Matthews to perpetuate that notion.

Upon Critz's victory, Matthews insinuated that it was no surprise he won because "with a nice ethnic name like Critz, how do you lose?"

No word on whether or not Matthews described voter turnout as "monochromatic."

Stay classy, Chris.

-------------------------------------------

Mixed Bag: Where Sports Meets Politics edition

-The Minnesota legislature has finally recessed, but without a stadium bill for the Minnesota Vikings.

Naturally, the Vikings organization (which ranks near the bottom of the NFL in revenues) was more than a little disappointed in the matter not being resolved. In fact, the team's official statement ended with this:

We appeal to our State’s leaders to join the bi-partisan group of legislators who have stepped up to work on securing the long-term future of the Vikings in Minnesota. This group of leaders has acknowledged that having an NFL team in Minnesota requires a stadium solution. This solution must be finalized in the 2011 Session.

Or what?

While us Vikes rubes are constantly chided with chants of "L.A. Vikings", Los Angeles isn't ready for an NFL franchise for at least three years, maybe longer. Meanwhile, the Vikings' Metrodome lease is up after the 2011 season.

Either way, this issue will linger into the administration of Gov. Tom Emmer.



-Speaking of L.A., they have a pretty good NBA team, too. And of all the misinformation and idiotic talking points regarding Arizona's new immigration law, SB 1070, Lakers coach Phil Jackson appeared to be a voice of reason.

Jackson was asked two weeks ago about a plan by the Phoenix Suns to wear their Los Suns jerseys during a playoff game on May 5, Cinco de Mayo. The immigration law spurred the Suns' decision to use the jerseys to honor Arizona's Latino community.

"Am I crazy, or am I the only one that heard when the legislators said that we just took United States immigration law and adapted it to our state?'" Jackson responded.

When the reporter suggested that Arizona had usurped federal law, Jackson corrected him. "It's not usurping, they just copied it, is what they said they did, the legislators. Then they give it some teeth to be able to enforce it."

Usually it drives me absolutely batty when celebrities opine on political issue, because they're rather sanctimonious in doing so. However, Jackson was asked a question and gave his honest opinion as opposed to seeking out the proverbial soap box to impart his self-anointed wisdom.

Yes, it doesn't take a Zen master to understand SB 1070. But in this case, it's not a detriment either.


-------------------------------------------------

Fools Rushin

One of my all-time favorite sports writers will be in town this week for a couple of book signings.

Steve Rushin is putting the pub back in publicity tour: The Bloomington native and former Sports Illustrated columnist will sign and read from his new novel, The Pint Man, at O’Gara’s Bar & Grill in St. Paul on May 20th at 7 PM and at O’Donovan’s Irish Pub in Minneapolis on May 21st at 5:30 PM.

The Los Angeles Times calls The Pint Man, set in an Irish bar in New York, “wipe-your-eyes funny.” Best-selling novelist Carl Hiaasen says, “The Pint Man is clever, bracing and full of laughs.” With his “exceedingly enjoyable first novel” (Booklist), “Rushin emerges as one of the sharpest wits on the scene” (Publishers Weekly).

There will be drink specials both evenings and books will be available for purchase at 20% off the cover price. O’Gara’s will feature live music courtesy of Minneapolis Star Tribune columnist and ESPN 1500 radio host Jim Souhan, who will play with his band after the book signing. Join us for a fun night out as we raise a pint with The Pint Man.

I purchased a copy of the book recently and have gone through the first couple of chapters. If you're at all familiar with Rushin's writing, his quick wit and ability to turn a phrase with clever wordplay are readily apparent in this his first ever novel.

I will be checking out the appearance at O'Gara's this Thursday!

-------------------------------------------

Stealth father

While talking to one of my Uncles earlier this week, he let it slip that my Dad was flying in to town from California on Saturday. That would be today. And of course, the old man never told my brother and I he was coming to town. This is nothing new, as he pulled this same stunt two years ago. He was in town an entire month and never contacted me once.

Now my regular readers need not fret here. This isn't another one of those posts where I launch into a scathing rebuke of my father. Thankfully I sought professional help for those issues I had, so I'm feeling much better now!

No, the point of this post is to take a running bet as to how long he goes without telling us he's even in town. My Aunt & Uncle are having a get-together on Memorial Day weekend (five days after my birthday). The smart money is that is where I will first speak with him.

-------------------------------------------

Smoke Screen

Many have commented that President Barack Obama is in perpetual campaign mode. Despite being elected President more a year-and-a-half ago, he still feels the need to continually go out and convince the American people that his misguided policies are the best thing for this country’s future.

But I believe there is an ulterior motive to his “road trips.” Given his wife’s initiative in fighting childhood obesity, the President rarely gets to indulge in the American pastime of high fat, greasy meals. As a result, you can bet the First Lady demands nothing but the most nutritious meals in the White House. Hey, Obama may be the leader of the free world but not even he can escape the clutches of his nagging wife.

Hence the road trips, where the President can partake in such foods as cheeseburgers, pie and spicy wings.

I wonder if he’s still sneaking the heaters, too.

-------------------------------------------

Don't go there

President Barack Obama hasn’t exactly made the most politically savvy decisions over the past….uh……how long has he been in office?

Anyhow, he’s now inserted himself into a situation which can potentially alienate the electorate in a key swing state.

Include President Obama as another Chicago Bulls fan rooting for LeBron James to move to Chicago.

"He doesn't want to tamper," senior adviser to the president -- and former Bulls season-ticket holder -- David Axelrod said. "But as a Chicago fan, the president thinks LeBron would look great in a Bulls uniform."

James, whose Cleveland Cavaliers were eliminated from the playoffs Thursday by the Boston Celtics, becomes a free agent on July 1. Many believe he could be headed to the Bulls.

The president, a former U.S. senator from Illinois and state senator from Chicago, never has shied away from his sporting roots. He frequently wears his Chicago White Sox cap; has attended a Washington Wizards victory over the Bulls last season, and also hosted the Bulls on a tour of the White House.

You may recall that the state of Ohio literally decided the 2004 Presidential election when George W. Bush won said state 51% to 49%. The Buckeye state then swung Democrat in 2008, where Obama won it by 5 percentage points. So with LeBron being a native son of Ohio and having played for the hometown Cavs for his entire seven-year NBA career, it seems rather foolish for the President to advocate for the departure of Ohio’s prized possession. It seems to me that Ohio will likely be a hotly contested battleground state again in 2012.

OK, I guess I’m being a little tongue-in cheek here by suggesting this will have a major impact on a national election. But it's not a huge stretch either. Do you recall the backlash against Massachusetts Senatorial candidate Martha Coakley when she referred to legendary Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling as a “Yankees fan?” Don’t think it didn’t play at least a small part in a Republican (Scott Brown) winning a US Senate seat in Massachusetts for the first time in over thirty years.

Sure, some of you scoff at the notion that voters could be so shallow as to vote for a political candidate based on vapid and superficial reasons. But let's not forget that Obama received more than a fair share of votes on the basis of his looking good on television and being a great orator.

Just sayin’.

-------------------------------------------------

Self-inflicted buffoonery

You know the folks at MSNBC have crapped the bed when Rev. Jesse Jackson appears to be a voice of reason.

Oh, and a closed circuit to Keith Olbermann: The next time you have a thought? Let it go.



------------------------------------------

Separated at Birth: Elena Kagan and Kevin James

Elena Kagan (left) is President Obama's nominee to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.

Kevin James is best known for his role as New York truck driver Doug Heffernan on the CBS sitcom The King of Queens.

Also, be sure to check out Fraters Libertas and their numerous submissions.

-------------------------------------------

Mischke returns

Radio host Tommy Mischke, who was unceremoniously dumped by AM 1500 KSTP nearly a year-and-a-half ago, makes his debut this evening on AM 830 WCCO.

If there is a wing in the Museum of Broadcasting which features single greatest media interviews, Mischke's sit down with an expert on the wreck of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald needs to be recognized post haste. The entire interview consisted of Mischke actually singing questions to the tune of Gordon Lightfoot's famous song about the Fitzgerald shipwreck.

In his days at the old "Talk Station" I was a casual fan of Mischke, so I figured I'd tune in to his initial program on the Good Neighbor tonight at 10 pm.

But once I read this "tweet" from a certain bubble-headed, droning media hack, I will definitely tune out promptly at 11:00 pm.

----------------------------------------

Radio is a sound salvation, Radio is cleaning up the nation.

Be sure to tune in today to the Northern Alliance Radio Network on AM 1280 The Patriot. From 11:00 until 1:00, my friend and colleague Kevin Ecker and myself will be filling in for regular hosts Brian Ward and John Hinderaker.

Amongst the myriad of topics on the docket is the Arizona Immigration bill. Kevin is perhaps the Twin Cities most prolific advocate for immigration reform, so I know he'll provide valued insights on said legislation.

We'll also cover the local political angle, including Minnesota's budget issues, threat of a local government shutdown, the MN Supreme Court usurping Governor Pawlenty's executive privilege of unallotment, etc. And given our status as a Vikings rubes, discussion of the stadium issue may also rear its ugly head.

In the Noon hour, we will be joined by local NBA expert Mike McCollow. However, we will not be breaking down the Timberwolves roster for the 2010-11 season for fear of a revolt from the regular NARN listeners. No, Mike will be in to promote the recently released novel of his long-time friend (and former Sports Illustrated columnist) Steve Rushin. Steve will be in town May 20th & 21st signing copies of his newly released book The Pint Man. Mike will also be in to discuss his own involvement with The Patriot golf club out of Tulsa, OK., and what they're doing to support family members of our veterans who were wounded or killed in combat.

We'll also provide the weekly First Team staples "Loon of the Week" and "This Week in Gatekeeping."

So be sure to tune in via AM 1280 on your radio dial or stream it on the web (audio link). And if any of these topics interest you at all, we have 20th century technolgy called a telephone! Studio line is (651) 289-4488.

-------------------------------------------------

Et tu, Mr. President?

Full disclosure: I did not vote for Barack Obama to be our President.

I could go into a myriad of reasons why I eschewed voting for Obama and held my nose in voting for chose John McCain in November 2008. And if you really want to know, look at any of my political posts from '08.

No, my issue here is the President has decided to partake in the same inflammatory rhetoric used by some of his Democrat colleagues and many supporters (emphasis mine).

Three days after he decried the lack of civility in American politics, President Obama is quoted in a new book about his presidency referring to the Tea Party movement using a derogatory term with sexual connotations.

In Jonathan Alter’s “The Promise: President Obama, Year One,” President Obama is quoted in an November 30, 2009, interview saying that the unanimous vote of House Republicans vote against the stimulus bills “set the tenor for the whole year ... That helped to create the tea-baggers and empowered that whole wing of the Republican Party to where it now controls the agenda for the Republicans.”

Tea Party activists loathe the term “tea baggers,” which has emerged in liberal media outlets and elsewhere as a method of mocking the activists and their concerns.

It amazes me that the same man who campaigned on changing the divisive culture in Washington used a term that is meant to degrade a group of concerned citizens exercising their first amendment rights. President Bush was vilified by his detractors in some of the most vile and repugnant demonstrations this country has ever witnessed. Despite that, he went about the business of Commander in Chief with the courage of his convictions. Meanwhile, President Obama has given the impression that he's nothing more than a condescending, thin-skinned ideologue with an obvious loathing towards anyone who dare question his agenda.

Remember this come November, Mr. President.

-------------------------------------------

Convention recap

I was honored and privileged to be part of the festive atmosphere at the MN GOP State Convention this past weekend. As a first-time delegate, I was heavily engaged in all of the proceedings. The convention began Thursday evening with the usual business of platform and credential reports as well as rules adoption.

But then the fun began.

After unanimous endorsements of candidates Dan Severson (Secretary of State) and Chris Barden (Attorney General), the State Auditor endorsement was expected to be a spirited battle. While so-called "establishment candidate" Pat Anderson was expected to prevail, Long Lake mayor Randy Gilbert left a lasting impression with his campaign the prior few months and then delivered a fantastic speech Thursday before the delegates. As a result, Gilbert garnered 32% of the vote on the first ballot. Jeff Wiita, who continually emphasized that he was the only candidate with CPA credentials, also put forth a respectable showing with 18%. Wiita withdrew his name from consideration after the second ballot but refused to endorse either of the remaining two candidates. Tom Conlon, a fourth candidate, withdrew his name from consideration during his initial remarks and thus threw his support behind Anderson. At approximately 1:30 a.m., just before third ballot results would be announced, Gilbert withdrew from consideration and Anderson was endorsed as the GOP candidate for State Auditor.

After getting about three hours rest, I arrived back at the Minneapolis Convention Center at 8:40 am Friday in anticipation of a 9:00 start. On this day, I decided to take a seat in blogger row amongst the likes of Kevin Ecker, Eric Black, Craig Westover, Mitch Berg, Leo Pusateri and Chad "The Elder" Doughty.



To me, that was one of my favorite parts of the convention! We thoroughly enjoyed documenting the event live (via our blogs, Facebook and Twitter) as well as entertaining ourselves with the "Tweets" of other convention goers.

But the reason many delegates showed up was for the endorsement of a gubernatorial candidate. While five candidates would be on the initial ballot, it was pretty clear it would come down to MN state legislators Tom Emmer and Marty Seifert. The salient issue over the past several months is that there was little distinction between the two on a legislative basis (both solid pro-life and fiscal conservatives). While many argued that Emmer (my personal choice for Governor) had the broader conservative vision, others ascertained that Seifert was more electable, a trait of vast importance in outstate Minnesota where they tend to lean Democrat. But within the past few weeks the Seifert camp really stepped up its efforts to gain an advantage in vying for GOP endorsement. Most controversial was a letter sent by Sandra Berg, a delegate out of Chisago County. Said letter drudged up two DWI arrests of Emmer occurring twenty and thirty years ago. The letter also inferred that those arrests may have been the catalyst for Emmer supporting legislation weakening drunk driving laws.

There were also some rather inane (if not humorous) attempts at lowering Emmer's status as a conservative. It was learned early Friday (the day of the gubernatorial endorsement) that former Senator Norm Coleman endorsed Emmer's candidacy for Governor. As a result, some Seifert supporters emphasized Coleman's record of anti-ANWR drilling and corporate bailouts and thus tried to project those issues onto Emmer. Only in Minnesota could it be implied that a legislator from Delano is a "big city establishment" candidate. Naturally, these same people failed to mention that Sarah Palin also endorsed Emmer. Given their respective political stances, Coleman and Palin can hardly be considered interchangeable.

But I digress.

When the first ballots were being passed out, I rushed back to my BPOU section, put on my delegate hat and cast my vote for Emmer. While awaiting results I rushed back to the "press pit". While there, my co-bloggers and I discussed what the results may look like. Ecker mentioned that if campaign sign volume amongst supporters was any indication, Emmer would be up 55-45. Sure enough, the first ballot had Emmmer at 53%, Seifert 43% and the remaining three candidates compiling the rest. Since Phil Herwig, Bill Haas and Leslie Davis each failed to garner the minimum 5% on ballot one, they were no longer eligible for endorsement. Both Haas and Herwig subsequently endorsed Seifert while giving their exiting remarks. Davis mumbled something incoherently but ultimately did not throw his weight behind anyone.

The second ballot figured to be closer given the lower tier candidates urged their supporters to back Seifert. However, Emmer's vote total increased by 56 votes while Seifert had a gain of only 17. But since Emmer was still 81 votes shy of the required 60%, a third ballot would commence. However, Seifert asked to address the convention as ballots were being passed around. It was then that Seifert graciously conceded and enthusiastically asked his supporters to back Tom Emmer as our next Governor of Minnesota!



Seifert also announced that he will retire from the MN legislature and go back to his family in Marshall. But don't look for this to be the end of Marty Seifert in politics altogether. The prevailing wisdom is in two years Seifert may challenge 20-year Congressman Collin Peterson in CD7, provided 2010 GOP candidate Lee Byberg does not win this November.

So now, possibly the most conservative Minnesota gubernatorial candidate in my lifetime has the daunting task of winning a statewide election. However, he may have an advantage in that the DFL is still squabbling over whom their candidate will be. Even though Margaret Anderson Kelliher received the endorsement last week, candidates Mark Dayton and Matt Entenza are dipping into their personal fortunes in an attempt to win the August 10 primary. That means the GOP will have a three month head start in campaigning now that their candidate has been selected.



Let's do this thing!

-------------------------------------------

Live from the MN GOP state convention

I will be sending out live updates while at the convention this weekend.

I will be utilizing Facebook and Twitter.

Hope to hear from you!!

----------------------------------------------

Baseball trivia time

What a month of April it has been for Colorado Rockies pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez. He threw a no hitter against the Atlanta Braves on April 17 and then last night won his fifth game of the season.

Only one other pitcher in MLB history has won five games and thrown a no hitter in the month of April. Can you name him?

----------------------------------------

ANSWER: Jack Morris (Detroit Tigers, 1984).

----------------------------------------

Emmer chooses running mate

Minnesota GOP gubernatorial hopeful Tom Emmer selects Annette Meeks as his running mate.

You can click here for audio of my immediate reaction.

Seriously, can anyone even name the current Lieutenant Governor? The fact of the matter is the Lt. Governor candidate has rarely made a positive impact in a gubernatorial candidate's campaign. If anything, said candidate can be a drag on the ticket (see Judi Dutcher, 2006).

Put it this way: Emmer's selection does not change my endorsement of his candidacy.

Now, on to the state convention, which begins Thursday!

------------------------------------------

Old "News" still fresh!

From the time I was in middle school through my college years, my room was a veritable shrine to Huey Lewis and the News. If there was a TV show or national radio program featuring Huey, I was sure to tune in. I can't begin to tell you how many hours I spent watching MTV, ready to hit the record button on the VCR. To this day, I still have my collection of Huey Lewis music videos on VHS.

This past Saturday evening at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, I saw Huey and the boys in concert for the first time since 1991. Despite the fact that Huey will turn sixty years old this July, he gave no indication that his musical prowess had diminished. While the faces have changed somewhat with the retirements of original members Chris Hayes (guitar) and Mario Cipollina (bass), the band's sound remains just as distinctive as it did in the '80s.

The set began with four or five soulful tunes from an album which is currently in the works. While HLN hit the mainstream in the 80s with a general pop sound, Huey's roots (and heart for that matter) lie in the blues/soul genre. While the crowd politely applauded this set, Huey ascertained that the oldies (still not comfortable referring to '80s tunes as "oldies") were in demand. The next set began with He Don't Know, a modest hit on 1991's Hard at Play. But then the crowd really got into it when the guys launched into I Want a New Drug from their most successful album to date, the multi-platinum Sports. The band also covered the tunes Heart and Soul and The Heart of Rock & Roll from that same album.

After whipping the crowd into a frenzy, the band covered So Much in Love a capella, and did a mighty fine rendition of it! After a couple more songs, Huey and the gang walked off the stage for the evening. Of course, an encore was in order. Huey knew full well he couldn't end a show without singing The Power of Love from the Back to the Future soundtrack. The guys then wrapped up with Do You Believe in Love and Workin' for a Livin', both from 1982's Picture This.

All in all, Huey Lewis and the News put on a great show on Saturday. And given the lackluster performances recently put forth by 60-something rockers (The Who at the Super Bowl comes to mind) it was a treat to indulge in such a stellar performance.

-------------------------------------------

The all-time NFL Pickle-named team

QB - Jimmy Clausen
QB - Mark Vlasic (backup)
QB - Steve Dils (third string)
RB - Felix Jones
RB - Tony Nathan
WR - Don Hermann
WR - Nathan Poole (sorry Vikings rubes)
TE - Chris Gedney
OL - Scott Dill
OL - Dick Farman
OL - Al Steinfeld
DE - Paul Kruger
DT - Dick Klein
DT - Bob Heinz
LB - Ralph Ortega
DB - Nathan Vasher

-------------------------------------------------

Jon Stewart: Maniacal loser

Reunited, and it feels so good!!

With some utter craziness enveloping my work place, I was grateful to have a little break from the action at the end of this past week.

On Thursday we attended our first regular season Twins game at the new Target Field. Naturally I was ecstatic that the Twins trounced the Boston Red Sox, 8-0!

The view from our seats in the Home Run Terrace

But even better was the fact I got to enjoy the game with my lovely bride, my sister, her husband (whom I hadn't met in the 4-1/2 years they've been married) and my youngest brother Ben. The last time I saw Ben was September 1998 when he was a 22-year old Marine about to be married. Unfortunately, the marriage endeavor lasted only 16 months. Nevertheless, it was great to see my "little" bro (I say "little", but he's actually 6'5"!!) after so many years.

Look who's here!!!! It's my little bro!

As an added bonus, I had also learned that my long-time buddy Jon (along with his wife Amy) would be in attendance at Thursday's game. That too was a long overdue reunion, given that I hadn't seen them since their wedding day in March 1998. And if Jon ever told his wife about Spring Break 1991 in Fort Myers, FL (along with two other of our good buddies), she may have balked at such a reunion.

Me (far right) with my three best buds back in June of 1991

Me and my good buddy Jon. We've hardly changed a bit in 19 years, eh?

To top off the end of the week, I was proud to host a sibling reunion at our home Friday evening! There have been several occasions where there have been three out of the four sibs together. But all four of us have not been in the same room since December 1989 when our beloved grandparents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

From left to right: Carly, Eric, Ben and Brad. Celebrating Grandma & Grandpa Carlson's 50th anniversary in December 1989.

From left to right: Ben, Eric, Carly and Brad. Hopefully we don't have to wait another 20 years for this photo-op




Yes, this past week was yet another reminder of how blessed I am to have the family friends I do.

-------------------------------------------

Uhhhh........Hooray???

With job approval ratings at an all-time low for the Obama administration, a scintilla of good news would be welcome in the White House.

Leave it to the Washington Post to be a seemingly willing accomplice (free subscription log-in required):

The federal deficit is running significantly lower than it did last year, with the budget gap for the first half of fiscal 2010 down 8 percent over the same period a year ago, senior Obama administration officials said Monday.

The officials attributed the results to higher tax revenue and to lower spending than projected on bailing out the financial system. If the trend continues for the rest of the year, it would mean the annual deficit would be $1.3 trillion -- about $300 billion less than the administration's projection two months ago for 2010.

Imagine if you were behind on your mortgage payment when all of a sudden the transmission goes bad on your vehicle. Would you celebrate the fact that instead of paying $2,500 for car repairs, the tab came to "only" $2,000, all the while having so many other financial woes?

Clearly, such celebration of "only" a $1.3 trillion budget deficit is a sign of desperation of by an already foundering Democrat party. And even if a fair portion of the American people buy in to such spin, it could still backfire.

By suggesting the deficit may have peaked, administration officials are taking a political gamble. If the favorable number does not hold up in coming months and the budget shortfall surpasses the $1.4 trillion recorded last year, voters in the November midterm elections could punish the Democrats for offering false hope.

One area where the President has been consistent in his rhetoric is to continuously point out the deficits he inherited, specifically laying blame at the feet of the Bush administration's "tax cuts and two wars." Yet the highest budget deficit under the previous administration was around $450 billion. So the aforementioned Obama administration officials are rejoicing over the fact that if the current trend holds, the annual deficit will only be three times the size of the largest shortfall under George W. Bush.

Forgive me if I'm reluctant to share my exuberance.

-------------------------------------------

Free Enterprise: The Backbone of our Nation

Given the left wing agenda of the current administration occupying the White House, it would be no surprise if some aspiring entrepreneurs were reluctant to start a business in the 21st century. But American history has shown that the human spirit can overcome a lot when it truly yearns to accomplish something great.

Recently the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has organized a video contest for the specific purpose of promoting free enterprise principles. Our pal Katie Kieffer has thrown her proverbial hat in the ring by extolling the virtues of said principles.






It heartens me to hear that Katie still exudes the same enthusiasm and dogged determination she had five years ago while still at the College of St. Thomas!

This country is too great to concede to a European style socialism. I only hope more young people are clinging to the vision Katie is conveying.

------------------------------------------

MLB debut at Target Field

Friday, April 2, 2010. A historic date in Minnesota Twins history as they officially christened their new outdoor stadium in downtown Minneapolis with an exhibition game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Target Field is definitely a first class ballpark, one which the Twins will call home for many, many years to come. And it also launches the Twins organization into the upper echelon of major league baseball franchises. The new venue significantly enhances revenue streams, evidenced by the 50% increase in payroll over last season. Yes, gone are the days in which the Twins were merely a glorified farm system for players who rose to stardom in their organization but got the really big money elsewhere (see Hunter, Torii; Santana, Johan).

As I sat amongst a festive crowd Friday evening, I couldn't help but think about the fact that twice in the previous 26 years the Minnesota Twins almost ceased to exist.

In 1984, there were rumblings that the Tampa area was looking for an MLB franchise. With notoriously frugal owner Calvin Griffith growing weary of the sudden epidemic of seven-figure annual salaries, he ascertained the fan base in the Twin Cities could not support such a system. As a result, Griffith argued that if fan attendance continued to sag, he could opt out of the Metrodome lease and relocate the franchise. But in an effort to block such an action, local businessman Harvey Mackay organized a ticket buyout program for the simple purpose of inflating attendance figures. There was nothing more surreal than a May game against Toronto where the announced crowd was more than 51,000 despite less than 25% of that total actually present. The following month, another local businessman by the name of Carl Pohlad purchased the Twins from Griffith and agreed to keep the team in Minnesota.

Under Pohlad's ownership, the Twins would win two World Series championships. But shortly after their second title, the Twins franchise foundered. From 1993 through 2000, the club had nary a winning season. But in 2001, led by a solid core of young, home-grown players, the Twins broke through with their first above .500 season in nearly a decade. Their reward? Commissioner Bud Selig suggesting the real possibility that the Twins franchise (along with the then Montreal Expos) would be contracted. Despite such an ominous outlook, they weathered the storm and continued to produce winning seasons (five division titles over the next nine seasons) while still being a low revenue producing club.

Given such an uncertain (and sometimes bizarre) history, Friday evening provided an air of celebration. In fact, one of the more poignant moments of the evening came in the eighth inning of Friday's game. Jacque Jones, one of the young up and coming stars of the Twins resurgence in the 2000s, received a long standing ovation from the crowd of more than 32,000. Jones represented a link to the core players who made the most out of the Twins being a small market club. And because of renewed interest in Twins baseball over the past ten years, a new ballpark suddenly became feasible (and ultimately a reality), a fact we fans wanted to acknowledge.

The 8-4 loss to the Cards was almost an afterthought. For the first time in almost two decades, there is zero question about the long term viability of major league baseball in the Twin Cities. That fact alone is cause for celebration.


-------------------------------------------

Gubernatorial endorsement???

Have yet to hear of an official gubernatorial endorsement from the Bachmann camp. Howvever, Michele Bachmann's husband Marcus may have tipped his hand (click on photo below).

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann and husband Marcus


-----------------------------------------

Best. Epic. Fails. EVER!!!!

BEST EPIC FAILS EVER!!!
Uploaded by epicfailure101. - Click for more funny videos.

------------------------------------------

Hey, Speaker Pelosi.

How do you feel about turning 70 years old today?




------------------------------------------

Noted Presidential Accomplishments

Franklin D. Roosevelt is famous for the New Deal


Harry S. Truman gained notoriety for the Fair Deal


Barack H. Obama? The Big F***in' Deal

-------------------------------------------

It is so, Joe!

The business of contract negotiations is a necessary evil in professional sports. But now that the Minnesota Twins have extended the contract of their high profile catcher, we as fans can now focus on the actual game of baseball.

Joe Mauer is staying home.

The AL MVP agreed to an eight-year, $184 million contract extension with Minnesota on Sunday that includes a full no-trade clause, a massive deal that shows the Twins are no longer spending like a small-market club.

The deal covers the 2011-2018 seasons and is the fourth largest—both in total value and average salary—in major league history. Starting next season, the All-Star catcher will make $23 million a year.

Who's to say if Mauer ever really convinced himself that leaving the Twins after the 2010 season was a possibility. But at the same time, Mauer was crystal clear that he wanted to play for a winning team, which is a euphemism for "no hometown discount will be given." To the credit of the Twins organization, they made several key off-season moves which served as overtures to Mauer that the club was serious about building upon on their division championship team from last season.

With the regular season slated to start in two weeks, Mauer's agent Ron Shapiro was willing to take as much time as possible before sealing a deal for his client. Shapiro likely played on the anxiety of the Twins front office and their knowledge that losing arguably the most popular player in franchise history (after fleecing the public for a new stadium no less) would be the ultimate P.R. disaster.

From my standpoint, I wouldn't have blamed the Twins organization if they had decided to draw a line in the sand in terms of maximum annual salary. While Mauer had won three batting titles in his first six years in the majors, arguably he wasn't even the most valuable Twin until last season (In my opinion, Justin Morneau had been the Twins' most potent offensive player from 2006-08). If Mauer's camp had demanded a salary on par with the highest in MLB (Alex Rodriguez at about $28 million annually), then you're talking about one player absorbing nearly 30% of the team's payroll. Combine that with the fact that Mauer is continuing to play the most physically demanding position on the field, there will be a pretty good chance he will endure some injury issues over the next nine seasons. From that standpoint, the Twins are already making a calculated risk with such a long-term deal.

Whatever the case, Mauer will be in a Twins uniform well past his 35th birthday. With that, the sole focus of Mauer, his teammates, the Twins front office and fans can be on the inaugural season at Target Field.

PLAY BALL!!!

-------------------------------------------

Health Care vote NOT settled

The current tally as of the morning of March 20:

No - 209
Yes - 207
UNDECIDED - 15

THIS ABOMINATION CAN STILL BE DEFEATED!!!!!

Click on this link! The contact information for the undecideds is included!

CRUNCH TIME!!!!!!

-----------------------------------------

Rebounding?

Despite his overwhelming popularity just a year ago, President Obama has recently fallen on hard times. The American people have spoken and they clearly did not like his most recent stance on an issue very critical to us all.

Nevertheless, the President decided to press forward with his choice and accept whatever consequences may come his way. Some say he was showing keen insight while others (myself included) saw him as not incorporating any relevant facts.

But as much as it pains me to say it, the President got his way. In fact, it appears he was spot on in his decision-making.

So Mr. President, let me offer my sincerest apologies for my vehement skepticism and what I deemed as a "radical thought process."





Never in a million years would I have thought that Murray St. would upset Vanderbilt in the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament.

-------------------------------------------

Back to the basics (or Everything I learned about effective government, I learned in first grade)

When one sees how utterly inept our government has become, one would ascertain that even a first-grader could manage issues more efficiently.

With House Speaker Nancy Pelosi exploring a "Deem and Pass" strategy to push through wildly unpopular health care legislation, it appears the third most powerful politician in the country has lost all sense of proper legislative procedure. Sometimes we just need to take a step back and get back to the basics.

As such, I'd like to point Madame Speaker to something I first learned as a student at a Highwood Hills Elementary School.




As citizens, we certainly haven't forgotten our right and responsibility to make sure our Congressional representatives hear our voices.

To ensure that your House member and the 58 Democrats on the fence know how you feel about the health care abomination, please check out this link. Time is definitely of the essence!!

-------------------------------------------

Separated at Birth: Tom Emmer and Paul "P.A." Allen

As the radio voice of the Minnesota Vikings, Allen (right) had one of the more classic on-air reactions to a last second Vikes loss in 2003. I may utter a similar response if Emmer is not the 2010 GOP nominee for MN Governor.

------------------------------------------

Separated at Birth: Jesse Ventura and Dr. Emmett Brown

"He's a real nutcase. You hang around with him, you're gonna end up in big trouble."

No doubt that quote has been attributed to both.

------------------------------------------

Climb in off the ledge, Twins fans

Everybody relax. Take a deep breath and exhale.

Better?

Yes, potentially losing All-Star closer Joe Nathan for the season is a buzzkill, no question. But the club is still in Spring Training, which means there is ample time to find someone on the current roster to supplant Nathan in 2010. Early speculation is that Matt Guerrier, Jon Rauch or Jose Mijares would be strong candidates to emerge as the ninth inning specialist. I guess we'll have to see how things play out. Lest we forget, the Twins were intending on re-signing closer Eddie Guardado for the 2004 season when he opted to sign with the Seattle Mariners. As a result, Nathan, who was brought in that season via trade to be the Twins eighth inning specialist, was given the closer role despite having only one career save in 121 major league appearances. Six seasons and 246 saves later, Nathan is considered by many to be the second best closer in baseball, trailing only the legendary Mariano Rivera.

I would be surprised if the Twins sprung a trade for an established closer given that their payroll is already hovering around $100 million. But if the 2010 stopper morphs into the second coming of Ron Davis within the first month of the season, a trade is still a possibility. It was rumored last July/August that the Twins were looking at San Diego Padres righty Heath Bell in an effort to bolster their bullpen down the stretch. In his first season as Padres stopper in 2009, Bell registered 42 saves.

Bottom line is I wouldn't expect the Twins to enter the regular season in a funk even if their All-Star stopper is unable to contribute. Besides, the club's recent history suggests that they thrive in adverse situations. Last September 12, with 20 games remaining, All-Star slugger Justin Morneau would play his final game of the year. A back injury forced Morneau to the bench with his club 5-1/2 games out of first place. The Twins weathered the storm by finishing the regular season 17-4 (including the thrilling tiebreaker in game 163) and capturing the American League Central division.

I guess what I'm trying to say is I'm not going to request a refund on my 2010 season tickets.

-------------------------------------------

SD48 update

Our dynamic Congresswoman, Michele Bachmann, stopped by our BPOU!


In my first BPOU convention as a resident of SD48, I have to say there was an excitement and energy I've rarely experienced in such a venue. We met Saturday at Anoka City Hall where all the delegates literally couldn't fit into the meeting room!

We were fortunate to receive campaign visits from gregarious people like Congresswoman Michele Bachmann and gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer, both of whom enhanced the energetic buzz about the room! And just as Emmer and wife Jacquie exited the convention, the other favored GOP candidate for Governor, Marty Seifert, walked in. Seifert also delivered a very impassioned speech, which gives me some comfort if Emmer (my choice for Governor) does not emerge as the Republican candidate.

As for the local House and Senate races, all candidates received unanimous endorsements. While the GOP endorsement was something that eluded Rep. Jim Abeler (HD48B) two years ago, his constituents clearly have forgiven his 2008 vote on the mass transit subsidy Transportation Bill. On a more lighthearted note, when I saw Rep. Abeler later on, he motioned to me and said "Look, I got my haircut!" I guess he found my blog post where I took a cheap shot at his shoulder length hair.

But I digress.

Early projections indicate sweeping GOP gains in both local and national elections come November. I guess it's not too shocking the motivation that can boil over in freedom-loving citizens when our Federal government is poised to take over health care and enact Cap and Trade. Add that to the takeovers of the auto industry and certain financial institutions, and you have a government who controls over half of this nation's economy.

I don't know about you, but that doesn't sound very much like a "free" society to me. And that is why I'm ready to roll up the proverbial sleeves and get ready to work over the next eight months.

-------------------------------------------

Gubernatorial endorsement

It's convention season in Minnesota, and our BPOU meeting in SD48 is slated to take place this Saturday. As a delegate in said district, I have received phone calls from prominent candidates seeking endorsements.

Last week, Rep. Jim Abeler called me personally to seek my endorsement for his re-election bid in MN House in 48B. As far as I know, Abeler is receiving no serious challenges for the GOP nomination, so there was really no one else for me to consider. Besides, I feel Abeler has been on the right side of the majority of issues important to me.

Then yesterday I got a call from Rhonda Sivarajah, who is the running mate of GOP gubernatorial candidate Marty Seifert. Although I didn't talk to her live, Sivarajah wanted to be sure I would be attending my BPOU convention on March 6. She also wanted to know where I stood in my preference for Governor.

In my mind, the GOP has been blessed this campaign season with two solid candidates in Seifert and Rep. Tom Emmer (Delano). If you look at their respective campaign web sites and where they stand on the issues, the differences between the two are infinitesimal. And if Seifert happens to secure the GOP nomination, I will throw my support behind him 100%.

But I endorse Tom Emmer for Governor because he's actually been in the working world within the past decade (he's been a well-respected trial lawyer for more than twenty years). Nothing causes me to roll my eyes more frequently than a career politician who talks about knowing the needs of "working families." And while Seifert is no octogenarian (he'll be 38 next month), he was first elected to the MN House in 1996 when he was only 24 years old. He really hasn't known any other vocation. On the other hand, Emmer appears the type to fulfill his public service by enacting an ambitious agenda and then stepping aside. This is the spirit in which public service was intended. And that is just one of a host of reasons why I am pledging my full support for Emmer.

-------------------------------------------

New Board Game!

Don't wanna play?

Sorry. You kinda already are.

------------------------------------------

Checkin' in.

While watching a little MLB Network this evening, the telephone rang. The Caller ID said "Abeler Chiropractic."

Hoo Boy!!!

Having recently moved to MN House District 48B, my state representative is a man named Jim Abeler. In the few seconds before picking up the phone, only two things leaped to my mind: My gratuitous shot at Rep. Abeler's haircut and his being known as one of the MN GOP's "override six."

Since I am now a delegate in Abeler's district, he was gracious enough to call me to ask if I had any questions of him. I mentioned how we moved into his district 17 months ago and how I had been a delegate in 49B (then represented by Abeler's "override six" cohort Kathy Tingelstad). And yes, the subject of the highly controversial mass transit subsidy transportation bill did come up. I freely expressed my objections to the bill and Abeler's vote on the matter. Rep. Abeler was very accommodating in my criticism and understood my concerns. However, he emphasized that the bill did result in a third lane being added on Hwy. 10, a fact not lost on my wife as she commutes down that road on a daily basis.

Overall, it was a nice conversation in which we broached several subjects like the Minnesota gubernatorial race, the ongoing health care debate in Congress, etc.

In the end, the main purpose of Rep. Abeler's phone call was to ask for my endorsement at our March 6 BPOU convention. Abler was denied the endorsement in 2008 but won handily in the HD 48B primary. In poring over his record once I knew I would be living in 48B, I found that Rep. Abeler has been on the right side of a vast majority of the issues important to me (the vote on the transportation bill notwithstanding).

Nevertheless, I have decided to endorse Jim Abeler's re-election bid.

-------------------------------------------

The Dallas Tea Party movement......

.............cordially invites leftist shill Keith Olbermann.






------------------------------------------

The Blind Side

Over the weekend, my wife and I finally saw the box office hit The Blind Side, which is the true story of NFL player Michael Oher.

Whether or not you are a football fan is irrelevant. If you like the proverbial rags-to-riches stories, this film is for you. If you enjoy tales which help restore your faith in the indomitable human spirit, this film is for you.

About six years ago, the Tuohys, an affluent Memphis, Tennessee family, took in Oher after the teen began attending the same Christian private school as the Tuohy children. When the Tuohy matriarch, Leigh Anne, learned that Michael was homeless, she and husband Sean allowed him to live at their palatial estate. With Oher showing tremendous potential as a football player, the Tuohys worked to help Michael become academically eligible to receive a college football scholarship upon his graduation from high school. Oher was courted by many major universities like Tennessee, LSU, Auburn and Arkansas before settling on the Tuohy's alma mater of Ole Miss. In fact, the Tuohy's hired a tutor to assist Michael in attaining the necessary grade point average to become eligible for a scholarship. At one point of the story, the tutor sheepishly admitted to the Tuohy family that she was a Democrat, prompting Sean to say to his wife "Who would've thought we'd have a black son before we met a Democrat?"

While I knew how the story ended (Oher becoming a first round draft pick of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2009 NFL draft), it was heart-warming to see the journey. For the nearly thousands of disadvantaged youths who long to escape a life of poverty and squalor, Michael Oher proves what can happen when someone shows just a scintilla of belief in the person. And how ironic that the African-American Oher was given that opportunity by a family of rich Republicans (sorry, couldn't resist!!).

Anyhow, do yourself a favor and see the movie!
-------------------------------------------

Blast from the Past!!!!

WOW!!!

I hadn't thought about this song in a long time. In 1984, when I was a high school sophomore on the basketball team, one of my teammates played the following tune on every bus ride to an away game.



Well, that and Billy Idol's White Wedding.

-------------------------------------------

KSTP: Keep Shuffling Through, Please (UPDATE: AM 1500 going All Sports?!?!?) (UPDATE II: KSTP makes is official!)

The veritable revolving door at AM 1500 KSTP looks to be in full swing. Although I've neither seen nor heard anything official, It appears KSTP has pulled the plug on the four-hour time suck from 9-1 weekdays Prebil & Murphy show as the duo's show page has been removed from the AM 1500 web site. For the rest of this week, former KSTP personality Bob Davis is filling that time slot.

A little over three years ago, many GOP political candidates (at both local and national levels) were slaughtered in the 2006 mid-term elections. Consultants to talk radio stations used those results as a cudgel to perpetuate the meme that conservative talk radio was dead. As such, KSTP was said to have jettisoned Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity (who are now syndicated on FM 100.3 KTLK) from their airwaves for that very reason.

When the local FM frequency 100.3 became a talk format at the beginning of 2006, the initial weekday linuep consisted of a mixed bag of commentators in an attempt to appeal to the masses. Sure, Limbaugh and Hannity appealed to the conservative crowd. But there was local flavor with the likes of Andrew Colton and Kelly Guest (both politically benign) in the mornings, WCCO-TV political reporter Pat Kessler (MSM journalists are impartial, right?) in the late morning and the lefty male/righty gal duo of Brian Lambert and Sarah Janecek during drive time. Four years later, KTLK is thriving as a conservative radio station with the likes of Glenn Beck, Limbaugh, Hannity, Jason Lewis and Laura Ingraham filling out the weekday lineup. So much for "right-wing radio" being passe.

Meanwhile, within the past year, AM 1500 has added left-of-center commentators like Patrick Reusse in the early mornings and the aforementioned Prebil & Murphy in the 9:00 am to 1:00 slot. In addition to securing the rights to Twins baseball in 2007 and Joe Soucheray still appealing to the center-right crowd with the ever popular Garage Logic from 2 to 5, KSTP seems to be embracing the philosophy that KTLK rejected within its first year of existence. That is, being "all things to all people." As a result, it's becoming harder to deny that the AM affiliate of Hubbard Broadcasting is moving along like a rudderless ship.

-----------------------------------------
UPDATE: I no sooner published this post when I saw the following tweet from Darren "Doogie" Wolfson of KSTP-TV:

As big a radio announcement locally as I can remember ... and it originates out of this building (@KSTP) ... AM-1500 is going all-sports.

------------------------------------------

UPDATE II: Via Ginny Morris, President/GM of Hubbard Broadcasting

On Monday, February 15, we evolve again, and you will know us as AM1500 The SportsTalk Station.

Joe Soucheray and Patrick Reusse invented SportsTalk in this town - arguably in the country - and we look forward to featuring them together every afternoon. They are wonderfully talented entertainers and storytellers, as individuals and as a team, and they will anchor our new line-up that we think you will enjoy.

Patrick will be heard each day from noon to 2p.m. Joe and Patrick together from 2 to 4p.m., then from 4-6p.m. "The Mayor" resumes the magical theater of "Garage Logic."

For three years, we have enjoyed a tremendous partnership with the Minnesota Twins, and this new position enhances and strengthens our relationship with the Twins and their many fans. We look forward to being up and running before the Twins's inaugural season at Target Field.

Also, at the center of these changes will be a new partnership with ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports coverage. ESPN has a contractual obligation to another outlet in town for a period of time, but beginning Monday you will hear the Colin Cowherd program from 9a.m. to noon. Soon, we will also bring you ESPN's "Mike and Mike In The Morning," and some other great ESPN programming throughout the week.

When those pieces are able to unfold, we will change our name to 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.

We are excited to embrace the next phase in our history, and we truly thank you for listening to the new AM1500 The SportsTalk Station.

------------------------------------------

Domino effect

Cause and effect, chain of events
All of the chaos makes perfect sense
When you're spinning round, things come undone
Welcome to Earth, 3rd rock from the Sun-Joe Diffie

This is a story of how one decision made almost four years ago impacted both the BCS and Super Bowl champions for the 2009 season.

Just prior to the 2006 NFL season, then Miami Dolphins coach Nick Saban was about to enter his second year as a pro coach. Having amassed enormous success at the college level, Saban was looking to make his mark in the pro game. The first step was to acquire a legitimate quarterback to lead the Dolphins back into relevance. As a result, the Dolphins organization looked to San Diego.

Despite a lackluster beginning to his career with the Chargers, quarterback Drew Bress was coming of two very good seasons (2004 & 2005) until suffering a torn rotator cuff in the final game of the '05 campaign. The Chargers had Philip Rivers waiting in the wings so they were willing to deal Brees to the Dolphins. But after what was supposed to be a routine physical, the Dolphins' team physician would not clear Brees, thus leading Miami to instead make a deal for Vikings QB Daunte Culpepper.

This scenario allegedly so enraged Saban, who coveted Brees, that he was willing to listen when the University of Alabama came calling in late 2006. In that same '06 season, the New Orleans Saints took a chance on Brees and he ended up leading the club to a seven game improvement over 2005 and an NFC title game appearance. Saban officially left the Dolphins upon the conclusion of the '06 campaign and took the head coaching position with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

A little more than three years later, Saban lead the University of Alabama to its first national championship in seventeen seasons. And Brees quarterbacked the Saints franchise to their first ever Super Bowl appearance and subsequent victory.

No word if that Miami Dolphins team physician was grand marshal at either victory parade.

-------------------------------------------

Cris Carter snubbed again

As is tradition, the day before the Super Bowl brings the announcement of the latest Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees.

All-time greats Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith led a class of seven into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday.

The NFL's career receiving and rushing leaders were joined in the Hall by John Randle, Russ Grimm, Rickey Jackson, Floyd Little and Dick LeBeau. Little and LeBeau were elected as senior committee nominees.

Conspicuously absent from the list was Cris Carter, one of the most prolific wide receivers in NFL history. From a numbers standpoint, it's hard to argue Carter's place amongst the all-time greats. He is third in NFL history with 1,101 receptions (behind only Rice and Marvin Harrison), fourth in touchdown catches (trailing Rice, Randy Moss and Terrell Owens) and eighth in career receiving yardage.

From what I understand, the voting process is somewhat convoluted. Essentially you have 44 media members debating which players belong in the Hall. Before these members fill out their respective ballots, there is a great deal of politicking taking place, a veritable "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours." And quite often the mentality is no more than one player per position is enshrined in a given year. Well since no rational human being would deny that Rice should be selected to the Hall of Fame on his first year of eligibility, this silly unwritten rule the writers enact denies Carter's induction in this his third year of eligibility.

Further speculation suggests that Carter's somewhat tumultuous relationship with the media during his playing days may have also contributed to his enshrinement being denied. Hence, this is the writer's opportunity to exact some measure of retribution. I don't know if I buy that. But I do believe the selection process causes many bones of contention amongst the voters themselves. That is, certain writers will campaign vigorously on behalf of a player they've covered. And if that player is, say, denigrated by another writer, this sets off a firestorm of tensions where other worthy players are left off ballots (players must be named on at least 80% of ballots to be inducted).

Whatever the case, Carter must continue to wait. But I'm sure he will be the first to say that all the waiting will be worth it when his day of enshrinement finally occurs.

-------------------------------------------