Ten-running the other guys

Say what you want about us, but our kickball team has gone beyond just wanting to win the games. Each week we now strive to ten-run the other team. This week we were successful again: 12-2. Now we head deeper into the playoffs...

Busy Summer Weekends Don't Seem Hectic in Nice Weather

Busy summer weekends may also not be as hectic when they're three days long.

On Friday, I went out to lunch at Salut with birthday friend, Ruthann. I find it humorous that the image you see on the Salut website is a French frog smoking. hah! Smoking is not allowed indoors in Hennepin County, the county where Salut is located.

Saw three movies this weekend: The Simpsons (previously discussed), Ratatouille, and The Departed. Enjoyed all three.

On Saturday, went to the Ramsey House. Apparently I've been there before. I have absolutely no recollection of visiting this place before, but nonetheless, I was supposedly there around the age of 10.

On Sunday, in keeping with an annual tradition but this year with a new twist (usually it's dinner), went out to brunch with my parents at Figlio. Loved it, of course. The pollo in the pollo mattone is divine.

The Simpsons...da da da da da da da da dadadada

If you know me AT ALL! you'll know that I went to see The Simpsons movie this weekend. I loved it, of course. Whatever you may say about The Simpsons going downhill the last few seasons (ok, like 6-12 years depending on which friend of mine you are), who cares. It was a great movie, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The point wasn't to get all high-brow artsy on it, but to enjoy it for what it is. Mission accomplished.

State authorities should combine efforts with MySpace

After reading this story about MySpace deleting 29,000 sex offenders from their service, and then this story this morning from the Strib to be on the lookout for another sex offender the second time this week, I realized that Minnesota authorities should combine forces with MySpace to hunt these guys down.

Watch out for McGuinn!

In more ways than one, you must watch out for McGuinn. Our kickball team is 6-0 going into the playoffs next week.

First Year

Today is the official anniversary of my first year of rowing. One year ago today, I took up this wonderful sport. Now I can't imagine my life without it.

Happy Birthday!

To my friend, Ruthless: have the happiest of birthdays.

(It may only be six days, but you'll always be older than me.)

Rowing Clip of the Week: Classic Capsize

Today was the first day I've ever rowed a pair. It's fun.

There are two boats that are extremely tipsy: the single (1x), which is one person with two oars, and the pair (2-), which is two people with one oar each. When I got to the boathouse at 5:30 this morning, our coach had my partner and me re-rig the double (2x - 2 oars each) we'd been rowing to make it a pair. We won a bet and made it through a light practice without tipping like these guys. But that's a horrible fear: doing fine through all the practices, and then flipping the boat during a race, with all eyes on you.

Two of a Kind Makes a Pair

It's been a few firsts for rowing the last couple of weeks.

Last week was the first time I've done 8 practices in 6 days.

On Wednesday, I bowed a boat for the first time. This means you sit in the front of the boat, facing backwards, and have to steer/set the course + call out ratings, instructions, etc. The first time went quite well - steering not quite as great, but an awesome landing at the dock. The second time (on Thursday evening), the wind had changed direction a bit. Great course, landing not so hot, but fine nonetheless. Third time was the charm, though. On Friday I rowed in a double with my new partner (I row with her all the time now), and the course was good and the landing was good. Practice makes perfect, I guess.

Chris Farley Lives!

Check it out here.

My afternoon view

Played hookey today and went to the Twins game at the Metrodome. Sure, they lost to the Tigers. Did I care? No. Why didn't I care? Uh, because I was sitting about four rows behind home plate, and had a great view of Joe Mauer doin' the designated hitter thing.

Rowing Clip of the Week: The SCARE - Sculling Pair

This is incredible - extremely difficult, but lots of fun to watch.