November 2004

LNW! Holiday Shopping Tip

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I noticed over the holiday weekend that Books on Snelling is going out of business. From what I could gather the proprietor is ill and no longer interested/capable of running the business. Apparently the fire sale has been going on for a couple of weeks, but there's still some decent deals to be had. Most books are 60 percent off. The store specializes in rare and first edition books. They're also selling off a bunch of nice bookshelves for anywhere from $50 to $150.

I stopped in Friday afternoon and purchased a hardback first edition copy of Carl Hiaasen's Basket Case for $5. I'm not much for fetishizing books, but it's quite a lovely product. The novel itself is quite entertaining, particularly Hiaasen's vicious, barely fictionalized portrait of Tony Ridder (i.e. Race Maggad III).

(By the way, if you missed this interview in Miami New Times with Hiaasen from a couple of weeks ago, it's well worth a read. Particularly recommended for Pioneer Press readers--if there are any left.)

Yesterday I stopped by the bookstore again and made two more purchases: a hardback collection of Dashiell Hammett stories called Nightmare Town and a first-edition copy of William Boyd's Brazzaville Beach. Total cost: $13.

Posted by Paul Demko at November 29, 2004 3:37 PM

We Hear His Favorite Song is "Guns, Guns, Guns"

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Posted by Paul Demko at November 22, 2004 7:11 PM

Guess Who

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SENATOR COLEMAN HELPS CANADIAN BAND ROCK ON IN U.S.

Senator Norm Coleman helps expedite The Guess Who's visas to keep them on American tour schedule

St. Paul, Minn.—Senator Norm Coleman announced today that The Guess Who, a Canadian rock band from Winnipeg, will be able to stay on schedule and begin their year-long American tour commencing this Wednesday, November 24^th, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

The Guess Who, famous for songs such as, "American Woman" and "These Eyes" experienced a set-back in their tour today when the band discovered its application for P2 visas, a requirement for the band to work and re-enter the U.S. throughout the tour, had not yet been processed by U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services.  The American Federation of Musicians sponsored the band's visas and paid an additional fee to expedite the application, all received by U.S. officials on November 12, 2004. 

Processing of the visas normally take four to eight days, but the band was notified earlier today that they would not be receiving the visas until November 27, 2004, a delay that would have potentially hurt the band's tour schedule and contract. The band's agent, who has an entertainment company in Chanhassen, immediately contacted Senator Coleman's office to seek assistance.

"I was thrilled to be able to help the band get back on schedule," said Coleman.  "I love music and have even worked in band myself when I was younger. I know the importance and excitement of starting a new tour, and I did not want to see bureaucratic red-tape get in the way.  The Guess Who are professionals who are going on the road in order to entertain many of their fans. I was pleased to help them get over this short hurdle."

"I am truly impressed at the quick response and attention that I received from [Senator Coleman's] office," said The Guess Who agent, Randy Erwin.  "They cut through the bureaucracy and saved us from having to cancel the first concert of the tour."

The Guess Who, the band that became Canada's first international rock music superstars, began in 1962 in Winnipeg as Chad Allen & the Reflections.  The Guess Who is scheduled to stop in Minnesota this summer to play at the Taste of Minnesota.

###

Andrea Wuebker

Dpty. Press Secretary

United States Senator Norm Coleman

Tel. 651-645-0323

Mob. 202-253-6717

Posted by Paul Demko at November 22, 2004 6:55 PM

Defective Cheez-its

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I just bought some white cheddar Cheez-its from the vending machine at work. I was really looking forward to the trans fats.

But upon opening the package I discovered that all the Cheez-its had been crushed into tiny crumbs. That really cheez-ed me off. I can't afford to be throwing away my hard-earned money on defective snack foods. I'm considering my legal options.

Posted by Paul Demko at November 22, 2004 3:18 PM

Friends Don't Let Friends Drink and Sprint

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The other night I attended a goodbye party for my friend Dan at the Turf Club. I arrived home from this gathering at a rather late hour, about 1:30 a.m. When I pulled up to my house there were three twenty-something gentlemen standing in the middle of the street. They appeared, by their voluble behavior, to be somewhat intoxicated. This is not an uncommon occurrence given that there are two saloons--a gay bar and a Hmong sports bar--within 100 feet of my front door.

The trio seemed unconcerned by my presence so I stood on my wheelchair ramp and observed. I was mainly concerned that they might decide to engage in fistificuffs or some other troublesome behavior.

As I watched, two of the gentleman--one black and one Asian--retreated to the corner of Dale Street, about 75 feet to my left. The other gentleman, also of Asian descent, moved about 20 feet to my right. It became apparent to me at this point that they planned on engaging in some kind of sporting contest. It was not clear, however, whether there was any money being wagered on this endeavor, or if merely barroom bragging rights were at stake.

As I contemplated this question, the fellow to my right waived his arm in the air and the two contestants began sprinting down the middle of the street. After about 10 steps, however, the black gentleman slipped on the asphalt and hit the ground very hard. The other guy won the race.

At this point I decided to go inside. I was worried that they might determine retroactively that spectators weren't welcome at their sporting contest.

I'm uncertain if there was a rematch.

Posted by Paul Demko at November 20, 2004 12:35 PM

U.S.A. v. Jamaica

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The U.S. plays Jamaica tonight in a World Cup qualifying match. It's a largely meaningless game for the Americans. They're already through to the final round. But the Jamaicans are fighting for their World Cup lives, which should make the match interesting. The Reggae Boyz are currently one point ahead of Panama and two points ahead of El Salvador. The latter two will be facing off tonight simultaneously in Panama City. Only one of the teams will join the Americans in the final round. The U.S. roster features a slew of youngsters, most notably 18-year-old Manchester United defender Jonathan Spector.

Folks will be gathering in Minneapolis at The Local to watch the match. Kickoff is 6:30 p.m. CT.

Posted by Paul Demko at November 17, 2004 10:26 AM

And the winner is ...

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Elisabeth Bumiller! Congratulations!

Posted by Paul Demko at November 16, 2004 3:58 PM

R.I.P. Sal

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I was just putting together a post about yesterday's MLS Cup when some very sad news came over the transom. Salvador 'Sal' Sanchez, local soccer referee extraordinaire, died on Saturday from cancer. He was 62.

In my five years of playing soccer through Cities Sports Connection, Sal probably refereed a third of the games. He was by far the most enthusiastic referee I have ever encountered. Sal blew his whistle with a fervor not dissimilar to how Dizzy Gillespie attacked a trumpet.

Figuring out exactly what the call was could be a slightly more difficult matter. Sal would come running across the field and offer some explanation in his inimitable English, but it rarely helped. I think it's fair to say that Sal called the game according to his own quixotic rules. His first priority was always sportsmanship. If you dared to act in a manner disrespectful to the opposition he would not hesitate in kicking you off the field.

A couple of years ago, Sal invited my entire team over to his house for a party. This was surely a violation of some canonical rule of refereeing, but it was also a very sweet gesture. I was unable to attend, but several of my teammates did. They ate enchiladas and danced and had an all around swell time. I wish I'd been there.

According to the paid obit in today's Star Tribune, Sal was a professional soccer player and participated in both the 1956 and 1960 Olympics, presumably for his native country of El Salvador. I had no idea.  

Here's the note that Cities Sports Connection sent around today.

Sal will be missed.

Posted by Paul Demko at November 15, 2004 1:52 PM

Sal

Filed under: Stories

Posted by Paul Demko at November 15, 2004 1:27 PM

Fun

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Posted by Paul Demko at November 14, 2004 12:36 PM

MLS Cup

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The most anticipated day on the U.S. sporting calendar is almost upon us.  That's right, this Sunday at 2:30 p.m. CT the MLS championship will take place.

It's DC v. KC. I've been high on DC throughout the playoffs, but for some reason I'm now having my doubts. KC's overcome so much adversity and has played so intelligently throughout the playoffs that they just seem like the team to beat. Steven Goff does a nice job of laying out the woes that the Wizards have overcome this season. They're boring but effective.  

By contrast, DC's game is beautiful but highly erratic. They score lots of great goals, but concede many stupid ones. Last weekend against New England they knocked in three highlight-reel tallies only to concede equalizers each time. Granted one of the New England goals was quite spectacular itself. For all you soccer haters I highly recommended watching the highlights from this game. It had everything: spectacular goals, vicious tackles, outrageous crowd, a bare-chested Freddy Adu.

My prediction: 1-0 KC.

Bruce has named his best 11 for the MLS season.

And oh yeah: Don't miss Sparks' diary from the Country Music Awards. It actually makes some sense for about the first 2,000 words and then rapidly disintegrates into absolute drunken chaos. I'm taking bids on how many beers were consumed during the watching of this program. My bet: 11.

Posted by Paul Demko at November 12, 2004 6:25 PM

Yum, Watermelon

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A belated thanks to whomever it was that left the two seedless watermelons on my front stoop a week or so ago. They were very very tasty. And seedless!

I don't know why you bestowed this act of kindness upon me, but I'm guessing that it's because you think I'm an old cripple who never leaves the house. I'm not. It's a common mistake though. The wheelchair ramp on the front of the house tends to fool people.

The newspaper delivery guy thinks I'm a cripple as well. At least that's the only reason I can figure that each morning he walks inside the fence, up the ramp, and deposits the paper inside my screen door. I try to tip him well.

My friend Andy's been threatening for more than a year to show up with a case of beer and an axe and lay waste to the ramp. He's not joking either. But I think I might leave it up for the perks.

Besides, if I tore down the ramp I'd have a front yard. And I'd probably feel compelled to plant grass or something. I don't even know how to plant grass. Seems like too much work.

Anyway, thanks again.

Posted by Paul Demko at November 12, 2004 12:13 PM

Kerry/Edwards RIP

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Posted by Paul Demko at November 11, 2004 1:33 PM

Misc Debris

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1. Bambi Must Die Mosedale's fabulous polemic about Minnesota's burgeoning deer population offers something to offend pretty much everyone: hunters, vegans, suburbanites, loggers. It must be the first pro Chronic Wasting Disease story ever.

2. The Big Cheese A few weeks ago I went to the U.S.A.-Panama World Cup qualifier in D.C. and drank a lot of beer with my fellow footy geeks. Afterwards we ended up in Adams Morgan searching for something to soak up the alcohol. The kitchen at Millie & Al's was closed. So we went across the street and got some slices. The slices were very, very large. Apparently we were lucky not to be knifed.

3. The Get Up Johns I saw this band open for John Cale a couple of weeks ago at First Avenue (for a crowd of roughly 12). Two local guys playing mandolin and guitar. They performed lots of Louvin Brothers and traditional tunes. My favorite was their take on "I Wish I Were A Mole in the Ground." What really floored me was their gorgeous country harmonies. It's the kind of stuff that's almost always overly reverent and boring, but they won me over. The Get Up Johns open for Bellwether and the Ashtray Hearts on Saturday at the Turf Club.

Posted by Paul Demko at November 10, 2004 7:28 PM

Footyball

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I know, the anticipation is too much. The MLS playoffs are down to four teams: DC, KC, LA, and NE. That last one is something of a shocker.

For most of the season the Revolution looked like the worst team in the league. Prodigious goal scorer Taylor Twellman seemed to have concrete in his boots. The squad lacked an effective playmaker in the midfield to control the game. About the best that could be said about the team was that they played with admirable pluck, as exemplified by rookie midfielder Clint Dempsey. The Nagadoches, Texas-native seemed to spend half the game horizontal. I think he might already be the career MLS leader for diving header goals.

Somehow the Revolution knocked off Columbus, who closed out the season with a league-record 18-game-unbeaten streak. Of course, it helped that the Crew somehow managed to miss two penalty kicks last Sunday, the second an exceedingly feeble effort by St. Paul's own Tony Sanneh.

The Revolution's run will end this weekend. Even though DC will be without their top defender, Ryan Nelson, as well as irascible midfielder Dema Kovalenko, the creativity and efficiency of their midfield should make hasty work of the Revs. And Lil' Nicky Rimando, terrifying as he is to watch (at least as a marginal DC partisan), seems to be on his game.

I'm not sure what to make of tonight's matchup between LA and KC. I can't stand LA. I hate their uniforms. I dislike their coach. I can't for the life of me understand how Tyrone Marshall continues to cash a paycheck as a defender in this league. Ryan Suarez is a loathsome thug. I hope KC kicks the shit out of them.

Posted by Paul Demko at November 5, 2004 4:30 PM

I Should've Known Better

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Shortly after I posted my electoral prediction on Monday evening, Zellar sent me this note:

Look, Demko, I've been at the track with you. I've heard legends about your prognosticating incompetence for years --Jesus, man, why'd you have to go and put a bullet in the Kerry campaign? Please, it's not too late: delete this entry.

 In Nordeast Minneapolis, line out the door at 6:45am.  Bush is done.

Posted by Paul Demko at November 3, 2004 7:06 PM

LNW! Predicts Kerry Victory

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Most of this election season I have been direly proclaiming that John Kerry has about as much chance of being elected President as Vermin Supreme. In the Spring I even had a brief, heady dalliance with John Edwards. It's not that I much cared for Edwards. I was simply convinced that Kerry could not win the election, and that therefore the cherubic junior senator from North Carolina was the only possible choice.

Thankfully, as has been the norm throughout my 31 years, I was wrong. Kerry is going to win the election tomorrow. The main reason is simple: the first debate. Until then Team W. had done a remarkable job of caricaturing Kerry as a far left, flip-flopping Francophile who lied about his duty in Vietnam.

In retrospect they did too good of a job. When Kerry proved competent and clear-headed during the first debate (and failed to either suck the brain out of a fetus or pledge ultimate fealty to Jaques Chirac) folks were quite impressed. By contrast, Bush seemed truly put off that anyone--but especially this fop from Massachusetts--would dare to question his vision of how the world works. Four years of staged events and a completely cloistered existence finally caught up to the President.

But well before Bush's first-debate meltdown, voters had been looking for any excuse to give him the boot. His approval ratings have been perilously low all year, rarely rising above fifty percent. And on issues across the board--from the economy to the war in Iraq--people disagree with the direction the country's headed. Kerry finally, after months of flailing, provided these disgruntled voters with a credible alternative.

As for the specifics, I predict Kerry will win 306 electoral votes, sweeping the big three swingers (Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida), as well as the three upper-Midwestern battlegrounds (Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin). This will leave Bush with just 232 electors. 

The popular vote will undoubtedly be closer. I'm guessing that Kerry will fall just short of 50 percent (say 49.7), while Bush will barely clear 48 percent (say 48.1).

Hopefully I'm not wrong again.

Posted by Paul Demko at November 1, 2004 6:21 PM

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