Blog Lock-down

Amidst all the talk of a government shut-down, I feel rather guilty for explaining my own shut-down.  But since some of you have asked, here's the story:

I was talking with a few students not long ago, and one of them told me a story about getting flicked off by someone with a Twins bumper sticker.  I asked him to describe the car, because said flicker could most definitely have been one of our Minnesota acquaintances.  The student asked why I wanted to know, and I explained that Matt and I have several friends from Minnesota living in Maryland.  I said that we function like an immigrant community, forming our own "Little Minnesota," watching football, going to baseball games, etc.  Out of nowhere another student asked, "And blogging?"  I told him that was ridiculous, then Googled myself as soon as I had a chance.  Our blog is the fourth link.  This is the same student who has a D because he hasn't turned in a single homework assignment all quarter.  Obviously, his free time is being terribly misspent.

And so we're locked down for the foreseeable future.  Thank you for continuing to love our family and language as much as we do.

Halftime at the America Bowl

In a follow-up to Saturday's post on the America Bowl, I have to write just one more related post. Yesterday, the blog shared its halftime show, a painfully lip-synched "Up With People" performance from Super Bowl XVI.

Since this contest of presidents versus Super Bowls may end up in a tie, I hope they use this as the tie-breaker. The presidents would win hands-down.

44 vs. XLIV

There was an article in The New Yorker this week about one of the most fascinating convergences of Americana I've ever seen: U.S. Presidents and Super Bowls. There have been, after all, 44 of each, so it was only a matter of time before someone decided to face them against each other. That time has arrived with the "America Bowl."

I could try to explain its genius, but I really can't do it justice. This is how the site's author, Don Steinberg, describes the contest:

"There have been 44 presidents in U.S. history, and on February 7, 2010, the 44th Super Bowl game will be played. For the only time in history, America's greatest institutions will be all even with each other.

"But which have been better? Our Super Bowl games? Or our Presidents? Finally, we can find out!

"Each day, for 44 days leading up to Super Bowl 44, America Bowl will match a President against the same-numbered Super Bowl game. Each day one will win -- and score a point.

"It will all come to a head on February 7, when Super Bowl XLIV is matched against 44th President Barack Obama. Will it all come down to who wants it more on that last game day? Keep checking in here to find out!"

As the article notes, the criteria for these 44 matches is vague, but that doesn't make the contests any less entertaining. Steinberg's wit and knowledge of both history and sports culture makes this page worth bookmarking--at least for the next 23 days.

Shout-outs

First, thank you to Maria for the wonderful Earth Day prizes! They are amazing, and she was more than generous. I've already used the produce bags a couple times, though I have to wait a few days on the Diva Cup.

Second, even if you're reading this outside the Twin Cities, be sure to vote for Missy as "Best Local Blog" over on this site. She's still leading the pack with 40% of the vote, and there are only a few weeks left to vote. Good luck!

Tagged

Even though this is kind of like a blogosphere email forward, I can't turn down anything from Rebecca. She was kind enough to tag me, and I do love to talk about myself. With that said...

1. I love kids. I'm not a big fan of infants, but they're great once they're old enough to carry on a conversation. And once they get old enough to carry on an intellectual conversation, I can't get enough.

2. I work in PR, but I hate it. Ok, hate is a strong word. I seriously dislike the communications profession. I don't like talking to the media, and I can't handle people asking me to edit something, then complaining when I change it.

3. Since 1 + 2 = 3, it makes sense that I leave the communications profession and work with kids. I started working toward my teaching certification this fall, and I spend all my free time writing lesson plans and thinking about "reading and writing strategies in the content areas." Keep your fingers crossed that I'll be in a classroom by this time next year.

4. I know Rebecca through work. We both worked with Anna back when it was still cool to work at the Attorney General's office.

5. Aside from my family and all the lakes, the thing I miss most about living in Minnesota is Caribou Coffee. I drink it at least 2-3 times each day when I'm home.

6. I'm not a big fan of Halloween, because it infringes on my birthday. But I love, love, love Christmas. In fact, I'm debating whether or not it's too soon to start listening to Christmas music at work. My parents' house is featured on the Christmas lights tours each year, and my dad was a finalist for a reality show about "exterior holiday illumination."

7. I'm nuts about history and culture. My idea of the perfect weekend is exploring a battlefield or getting lost in a museum.

Anna (I don't care if Rebecca just tagged you)
Julia
Abbi
Kimmy
Missy
Maria
Kristine (specifically, her awesome weight loss journey!)