Minneapolis Metblogs » Jon B

Ready for some baseball?

Jon B — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:44:53 +0000

Today was the unveiling of the new Twins jerseys at the IDS center. They pretty much look like the normal jerseys, just with some tweaking of the lettering. Not quite as unique as the new Wild ones, but once they hit the pro shops, I’ll be grabbing one!

To bring them out, they had Denard Span and Scott Baker. I’ve never actually had the chance to talk with Denard before, but he has to be one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. He took the time for some chit-chat, pictures and autographs.

I felt a little bad for Scott Baker at one point. Through the crowd noise I heard (and I’m sure Scott did too) someone say “Hey, there’s moonshot Scott”. I’m sure he wishes he had a cooler nickname than one that refers to the amount of home runs he gives up (nickname #2–Baker the home run maker). I didn’t get a chance to talk with Scott Baker though, he was busy with dozens of people trying to get an autograph–and hat’s off to him, he took the time to sign everything people gave him. Glad to have both these guys represent the team and DEFINITLY looking forward to some baseball next Spring!

Sorry I didn’t get a shot of Scott Baker with the jersey (it got crowded around the stage at that time).

Is it just me….

Jon B — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:22:29 +0000

…or is 1st avenue still a little strange on a bike? The street changes have been around for a while now, but I can’t seem to enjoy riding between parked cars and the curb. Most people are conscious getting out of the drivers side (well, some people are). But most individuals aren’t exactly aware of bikers from the passenger side. The first time I was riding down this stretch, 2 doors almost clipped me. And if you’ve ever been down here, you know there isn’t much swerving room.
*Sidenote* While I was taking this picture, another group of bikers were behind me complaining about the new set up. One of them explained to me that she was actually pushed by a car who tried to drive in the bike lane.
Maybe it will take people a little longer to get used to–but for now I’ll detour it.

Bikers and dogs.

Jon B — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:21:24 +0000

Since yesterday was such a nice and warm day (a good change of pace for our recent weather), K and I decided to go out for a bicycle ride. Not even through the alley and we encounter what most bikers hope they never do…No, not Corey Haim selling biographies, loose dogs–a rottweiler and a pit bull. At first they didn’t seem to notice us, but shortly after seeing them, they saw us. The problem with most Minneapolis alleys is that garages line most of them–not leaving much availability to jump a fence or something. So the best option was to bike past them in a hurry. I was able to get past them, but K seemed to attract the attention of the pit bull and it latched on to her pants. I thought for sure it was going to drag her off the bike. For the better part of a block it kept jumping up at her legs trying to latch on. The rottweiler chased me down for about 2 blocks. Unfortunately we got separated when the dogs started running after us. I knew the dog chasing me wouldn’t catch up, but I kept having reruns of dog attacks on the news going through my head. After a while, we managed to meet back up. The dog did get at her leg, but only a small bite. Thankfully it was never able to fully grab her ankle or foot. Maybe some dog mace wouldn’t be a bad idea for the next bike accessory…..
It’s just scary to think what could have happened.

Fuggedaboutit

Jon B — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:11:58 +0000

Local boy gone bad, Tom Petters, now claims to be running from the mob. According to WCCO:

…In another indication of his state of mind, Petters also expressed fear that two investors who stood to lose up to $19 million, and who he claimed had mob connections, would try to kill him.

When I was in high school, I worked for Petters Warehouse Direct. For some reason it always felt like some giant, semi-organized garage sale. At one point in time I met Petters at a company function. He informed me that “You kids should be skipping out on the big name gum, and using Breath Blasters”. I found out that Breath Blasters were re-packaged Certs that we sold in the stores. 3 days later another employee and I made a sketch comedy bit about how Petters would use these Breath Blasters to take over the world. I guess we were visionaries-far ahead of our time. Breath Blasters, ponzi scheme, hey, it’s all the same.

Monster Dash

Jon B — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:33:23 +0000

So where’s Waldo?

Thanks to everyone who came out and ran in the Monster Dash. The weather was cold, somewhat snowy and windy. I guess the added layers of costumes helps out in some ways. The best costume was probably the bearded Forrest Gump running. The 1/2 marathon results are as follows: Mens- Joseph Radosevich 1:14:15. And the women’s – Nancy Buselmeier 1:27:28. We look forward to the Polar Dash on January 1st!

The weather outside is frightful….

Jon B — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:25:43 +0000

So if you’ve already forgotten to get that Halloween costume and you don’t feel like doing the last minute idea, grab a bike or some running shoes (and that last minute costume) and get outside.

Bike Jerks is putting on the Track or Treat (fixed gear only). Alley Cats are always fun, but doing it on Halloween night should be redonkulous.

And if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, check out Team Orthos’ Monster Dash 1/2 marathon, 10 mile and 5k at Lake Harriet this Saturday. Afterwards, there will be a party (21+) at the convention center.