Random Thursday

*Whatever happened to Subway stamps?

*Remember that rule in the NFL where if the visiting team couldn't call its offensive signals due to crowd noise, a penalty was called on the home team?  Remember how visiting quarterbacks would look at the ref and wait for a flag?  That was a weird and dark time in our football history.

*You ever wonder why kitchen mixing machines cost so much?

*As I've grown older, I've become less tolerable of the cold weather.

*According to Jimmy From Accounting, you can find gas in Fargo for $2.82 a gallon.  It's $3.05 in Grand Forks.

*Reggie Tales shout out to Natalie in Newport Beach.

*I really hope Terry Ryan knows what he's doing in regards to the Ryan Doumit trade to Atlanta for a left handed pitcher.  I liked Doumit.

Random Thursday on a Tuesday

*Whatever happened with the Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin story?  I have a feeling that when the truth comes out people will be quite surprised.

*I love when Jim Schwartz of the Detroit Lions loses.  It almost removes the smug look on his face.  And I still wonder if Matthew Stafford is an above average quarterback.  Sometimes I feel bad for my Michigan relatives than I quickly remember I'm a Vikings fan.

*Does the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induct everyone?

*Speaking of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I often wonder how huge Nirvana would have become.  I really think there was true genius at work there. 

*Reggie Tales shout out to TPetter in Warroad.  Still the best shortstop in Northern Minnesota.

*When the dust settles, it will be interesting to see who survives the finger pointing over the failed Christian Ponder experiment.  I'd like someone to address why the experiment went on for so long.

*Out of Work Hockey Guy got an advanced screening of "Anchor Man 2."  His one word review?  "Disappointing."  I've been worried about this for a couple of weeks now.  They have been promoting the movie so much it seems strange.  I will still go, most likely on Saturday.  I will let you know.

*I've never seen a "Fast and Furious" movie.  In my mind, Paul Walker will forever be remembered for his work in "Varsity Blues," where he plays a quarterback.  And at the end of the movie he becomes the head coach.

*I'm craving Chippers.

Random Thursday

*Ron Burgundy on The Dan Patrick Show this morning was comedic gold.  I hope the movie is half as funny.

*Hunger Games 2 was absolutely fascinating. 

*Blowing snow the first couple of times is always fun.  Then it's not.

*Reggie Tales shout out to Carson in North Carolina.

*I'm pretty sure Mike Tomlin knew what he was doing.

*I have no choice but to be excited the Minnesota Twins signings.  Ricky Nolasco is a solid starter who immediately becomes their number one pitcher.  And Phil Hughes might benefit from getting into a more spacious ballpark.

*I was torn between rooting for and against the Vikings last Sunday.  But since Jacksonville is on a hot streak I'm convinced the Vikes can sew up that first pick.  Which they will subsequently screw up.

Random Thursday on a Friday

*The Atlanta Falcons owner looks like a villain from an old black and white movie.

*The curious tale of Vikings quarterback Josh Freeman is so puzzling I'm not sure anyone can figure it out.  They bring the guy in to take a look at him, have him start a game for which he's not prepared, and then never play him again?  I think that situation alone tells you how horribly the Vikings are run.

*P.s....Is there really not a better wide receiver available than Joe Webb?  

*The Minnesota Twins seem quiet on the free agent front.  My guess is they will wait until all the top tier players are gone and then rummage through the discount bin once again.  I wonder what they are going to do when attendance drops off 50% next year.

*I'm still trying to comprehend how gas is $3.15 a gallon in Grand Forks and just 70 miles south it is less than $3.00.  That really grinds my gears.

*Reggie Tales shout out to Mrs. Rain Man celebrating a birthday tomorrow!

Random Thursday

*The New York Yankees won't allow facial hair on their team but they will allow known steroid users.  Strange, but true.

*Is it safe to put the lawnmower away and to take out the snow blower?

*Sometimes I miss Duane's House of Pizza.

*Happy belated birthday to Blonde Daughter.  And she's behind the wheel of a car.  You've been warned.

*Is it just me, or do the Vikings always play in Seattle?

*"Billy Madison" is some of Adam Sandler's better work.

*Is there much better than "Million Dollar Listing, Los Angeles?"

*Reggie Tales shout out to Big Doug in Brainerd.

*Shepherd's Pie.

Random Thursday on a Sunday

*I wish I had some lefse.

*Nice to see the Vikings win a meaningless game.  I do think Adrian is nearing 100% again.

*The Packers without Aaron Rodgers are very similar to the Vikings.

*How about that Gopher football team?

*I'm starting to think that a trip to Lambeau Field for a game is a bucket list type thing for me.

*I hope Rain Man was able to catch me a deer this weekend.

*Shout out to Uncle Tommy in Swartz Creek, Michigan.

*I went to "Last Vegas."  It was exactly what you would think.  Junk.

*Next up is "12 Years a Slave."

Random Thursday

*Congratulations to the Red Sox and to Red Sox Daughter.  About 12 years ago she picked Boston as her favorite baseball team and you know the rest of the story.   

*The Minnesota Twins didn't need David Ortiz.  Now he's on the doorstep of the Hall of Fame.  

*This gem from Jimmy From Accounting:  JJ Hardy won a Gold Glove and hit 30 home runs this year.  The Minnesota Twins, you will recall, had him for one season.

*Also, the Red Sox were 30 to 1 long shots to win the World Series this year.  I'm incapable of math, but if you had put $100 on them to win it all, you would have made some nice "walking around money" as my friend Rain Man calls it.

*I love Facebook.  I especially love when people talk about all the housework they are getting done.  It's really interesting.  I'm sure that's what the inventors had in mind.

*Reggie Tales shout out to Doc Litin in Rochester.

*I'm seriously contemplating going to "Last Vegas."  Morgan Freeman and some other old guys go to Vegas.  I'm setting the over/under at five laughs.  Anything over that will be a success!

*Apparently the Vikings contemplated trading Jared Allen this week.  I was unaware he was still on the team.

*Chris Cook has 0 (zero) career interceptions.  I think former Tiger Chad Kuz once had three interceptions in one game at Mayville State.

Random Thursday on a Friday

*I've said it before and I'll say it again:  Major League Baseball should be embarrassed by the quality of the umpiring in their game.  Especially in the playoffs.

*Gas in Sioux City, Iowa is $2.94 a gallon.  It's $3.30 a gallon in Grand Forks.

*If there is a better cereal than Cinnamon Toast Crunch then I'm not aware of it.

*Jimmy From Accounting pointed out to me that St. Louis Cardinals pitching phenom Michael Wacha was passed over by the Minnesota Twins in the 2012 draft.

*Of the Minnesota Vikings many, many problems, one that seems to be getting overlooked is the terrible play of the offensive line.

*Grand Forks needs a Sonic.  And a Steak and Shake.

*Reggie Tales shout out to Keith on Crooked Stick.

*As I watched the Monday Night debacle between the Vikings and the Giants, I couldn't help but notice the disdain in Jon Gruden's voice.  At least I got to turn it off at halftime.  He had to keep watching. 

Random Thursday

*Is the Tim Horton's ever going to open in Grand Forks?

*I think there are more three-legged dogs than there used to be.

*I ate White Castle for the first time recently.  It was interesting and good.

*The Vikings are a mess and it is all of their own creation.  They have nobody to blame but themselves, and GM Rick Spielman and his massive ego deserve most of the criticism. 

*Reggie Tales shout out to Debbie at Black Diamond.

*Blooming Onion.

Random Thursday

*With the President needlessly offering his opinion on the Washington Redskins nickname, I have a feeling we are going to be subjected to all the same arguments we've already heard concerning the Fighting Sioux nickname for the last 20 years.  

*Somehow it amazes me each year how bad the umpiring is in the Major League Baseball postseason.  It's embarrassing.

*Remember when Dodgers fans wanted Don Mattingly fired at the beginning of the season?

*Look for Matt Cassel to start this Sunday and then Josh Freeman for the rest of the year.

*I've missed Breaking Bad so much that I've started watching it again from the beginning on Netflix.  I had absolutely forgotten how good some of those early episodes are.

*The Philadelphia Flyers fired their coach after three games.  Minnesota Wild coach Mike Yeo has got to be the most uncomfortable man in the NHL right now.  I've watched Minnesota's first three games and they look exactly like they did last year.  Unable to score the big goal and incapable of the big save.  

*Good luck to my Minnesota Lynx as they look to wrap up their second WNBA Championship in three years.  

*Is it just me, or did Justin Morneau look even skinnier and more malnourished in the playoffs with Pittsburgh?

*Shout out to my favorite sister celebrating her birthday today.  10/10/?.

Random Thursday

*It's not even that Matt Cassel is a great quarterback.  It's just that he's not Christian Ponder.  And since nobody in the organization wants to admit the huge mistake they made with Ponder, this is the mess they're left with.

*One day it was 75 degrees in Grand Forks and the next it was 50.  Our Falls are short lived.

*UND hockey gets underway on Sunday.  Which is good, since it will help ease the sting of UND football.

*Some years I get a flu shot, and some years I don't.  I got one today.  It hurts a little more than I remember.

*I think I'm pulling for the Tampa Bay Rays.  I have to admit, it was difficult watching Liriano throw a gem for Pittsburgh the other night.  I wonder why the Twins and Rick Anderson couldn't get that kind of performance out of him?

*Reggie Tales shout out to Coley and his bride-to-be in Omaha as they tie the knot on Saturday.  I understand all the Shoes will be in the same place at the same time.  Omaha, you've been warned.

*Why do so few defensive backs play the ball anymore?  If you know the answer, tell me.

Popcorn Guy

                        



Since everyone else in the free world is talking about Breaking Bad and Matt Cassel today, I thought I'd touch on something outside the box.  This video may depict the only man in the world who enjoys his popcorn more than my dad and me.  He seems to have entered a popcorn induced coma, and frankly, that may be the best way to endure a Washington State football game in the rain. 

Random Thursday on a Friday

*I read something recently that said Twins Manager Ron Gardenhire was very happy for Justin Morneau and that this is what the Twins had in mind when they traded him to a team in playoff contention.  Shouldn't he be more concerned about what's best for the Twins?

*So Christian Ponder has a rib injury?  The conspiracy theorist in me thinks this is interesting timing.  Now we will see what Matt Cassel has to offer.

*Speaking of the Twins, remember when they gave away catcher Wilson Ramos for Matt Capps?  That one is going to hurt for a long time.

*Reggie Tales shout out to Red Sox Daughter celebrating her birthday tomorrow.

*The Breaking Bad Marathon reminds me each hour the genius of the show and the vision that the show's creator had for it.

*On the other hand, Boardwalk Empire has gotten off to a fairly tame start this season.  I expect things to heat up soon.

*Three college football games tomorrow will tell us a lot...Montana State at UND, NDSU at SDSU and Iowa at Minnesota.  I will be very interested in the results.

*I assume something is horribly wrong with Antoine Winfield since he didn't receive a phone call from the Vikings this week.

The Band Perry Coming to Grand Forks

According to our highly placed sources here at the Reggie Tales, The Band Perry  will be coming to Grand Forks on Sunday, February 9th.

The brothers and sister act will be in concert at the Ralph Engelstad Arena, along with opening acts Easton Corbin and Lindsay Ell.

TBP will also play in Bemidji on February 8th.  No ticket information is available at this time for either show.

Random Thursday

*Prisoners looks promising.

*Matt Frattin will score 22 goals for the Los Angeles Kings this year.

*Why can't Jared Allen ever get a sack that matters?

*I'd caution Vikings zealots to contain their Ponder excitement.  Until he proves he can do it consistently, every game, he's still an erratic quarterback.

* It's hard to believe that another NHL season is almost upon us.

*Each Sunday, when Breaking Bad fades to black, I feel like a part of me is dying.  And to think there are only two episodes left.  That show has revolutionized what television shows should aspire to be.

*Reggie Tales shout out to Mike in Stephen.

*If anyone knows of Summer Sidekick's whereabouts, give me a call.  Thanks.

Random Thursday

*It's hard to put into words how good Breaking Bad is.  And Boardwalk Empire.

*It's hard to put into words how bad Christian Ponder is.  

*Is birthday cake an acceptable breakfast if accompanied by coffee?

*I wonder what Anthony Weiner is going to do next.

*It turns out that the Minnesota Twins are still playing games.  Allegedly.

*Famous Dave's.

*I'm seeing lots of fancy jeans around town.  People love bedazzled things.

*Among the many problems with the Vikings, is anyone else concerned with the punter?

*Reggie Tales shout out to Joyce in Stephen.  It was good to see you yesterday in the big city.

Random Thursday on a Saturday

*Does anyone else get the feeling that if a Minnesota Viking player had delivered a cheap shot to a San Francisco player Jim Harbaugh would still be screaming about it?

*The Vikings will be lucky to win eight games if they believe Christian Ponder is a starting quarterback in the NFL.

*It will take Ponder four games to throw seven touchdown passes.  Peyton Manning did it in one.  Or as the Columbus Dispatch reported, "Elway Throws for 7 Touchdowns."

*Spicy Pie.

*Reggie Tales shout out to Roger in Grand Forks.

*Notre Dame at Michigan today.  Nice.

*If UND is serious about making an impact in FCS football, it needs to beat South Dakota State tonight.  Enough with the "Moral Victories" and going "Toe to toe" with opponents.  Now it's time to actually beat teams on the scoreboard.

This Is A Good Thing

A Tim Horton's coming to Grand Forks and setting up across the street from the CanadInn is like a license to print money. 

It's also a really good thing for people like me who are deprived of a Dunkin Donuts.  Tim Horton's is basically Canada's version of Dunkin Donuts.  And so this is good news.  I really like Dunkin Donuts.

Rare is the visit to Winnipeg when I don't stop at the Horton's on the south side of town.  Really good coffee and pastries.  And as an added bonus, the drive thru driveway shape is very similar to the Bristol Speedway.  Turn one is really tight.

Random Thursday

*Get well soon to Todd Fritz from the Dan Patrick Show.  He's been under the weather and in the hospital.  And the show just isn't the same without him.

*I'm getting a lot of negative feedback from my friends who went to "We're the Millers" and actually thought it was pretty good.  I'm at a loss for words.

*"The Butler" was very good.  And apparently a true story with several liberties taken for the sake of making a movie.

*Happy belated birthday to Bro #3.

*Something was falling from the sky this morning in Grand Forks.  I'm not sure what it was but it was wet.

*Reggie Tales shout out to Kevin in Arlington.

Panera

There are two kinds of people in the world:  people who've been to a Panera Bread and people who haven't.

I haven't been to a Panera Bread.  And when you admit that to someone who has been, well, standby to be scorned and ridiculed.  

I once used wireless Internet access outside a Panera Bread in Denver but didn't actually go in.  But I did notice that approximately ten people went in every minute.

With the near completion of the above Grand Forks location, I am close to righting this wrong.  I will finally be able to shed the "never been" scarlet letter.

And as an added bonus, some Panera experts tell me that a drive-thru is almost unheard in Panera lore.  

It might have something to do with our winters.

Anyway, hurry up Panera Bread.  I want to eat your breads and soups and sandwiches. 

Random Thursday on a Friday

*One of my favorite television shows is Chasing Classic Cars.

*The Ryan Braun "apology" was a complete joke. A written statement delivered a month late?
 Embarrassing.

*My new favorite pet peeve is when people feel the need to drop "subtle" hints that their birthday is approaching.  Especially on Facebook.  I think you should stop doing that when your 12.

*One Direction was on The Today Show this morning.  If one of those guys walked up to me in Super One or the Rydell Car Wash, I wouldn't know who they were. 

*Reggie Tales shout out to Al in Grand Forks.

*Congratulations to the great people at River Cities Speedway for their incredibly successful World of Outlaws show last Friday night.  6,000 people is very impressive.  RSC is one of Grand Forks great  treasures.

North Dakota Sunset

Maybe it has something to do with the flatness of Eastern North Dakota, but the sunsets in this part of the world are top notch.  I took this photo last night on I-29 near Thompson at about 8:15.  I take a lot of sunset photos but I think this is the new leader in the clubhouse.  And of course, I took it with my texting machine.  Imagine if I had a real camera.

Random Thursday

*Vin Scully is 85 years old and is still the best play by play guy in all of baseball.

*Speaking of the Dodgers, they are 40-8 in their last 48 games. That's impressive.

*Overheard at the dog park Tuesday night: "Does anyone have a crescent wrench?"

*My yard could use some rain. Actually a lot of rain.

*Reggie Tales shout out to Ryan from Stephen.

*Duck Dynasty did not disappoint last night.

*Nor did Breaking Bad on Sunday.

*Looking forward to checking out "Jobs" sometime this weekend.

We're The Millers: Awful

Christmas is coming early for you people:  Skip "We're the Millers."  That's my present to you.  Skip it with a vengeance.  Skip it and never rent it.  Or Netflix it.  And never stop and watch it when it's on cable TV before the end of the week.

I knew going in that "We're the Millers" was getting terrible reviews.  But I couldn't leave well enough alone and I wanted to know why it was so bad.  I had two guesses:  Jason Sudeikis doesn't have the star power to carry a movie and Jennifer Aniston is box office poison.

I was right on both accounts.  And the fact that the movie has such a stupid premise it makes it difficult to comprehend someone thought it was a good idea to film this.

This movie is so bad that it doesn't even fall into the "It's so bad it's kinda funny" category.  Like "Road House" and "Turner and Hooch."  Nope, this one is just flat out awful.

Sudeikis is funny for about five minutes.  And then he gets real old, real fast.  And I once saw play at Lewis and Clark Elementary School where the girl playing Tree #2 had more acting range than Aniston.  Why do people continue to ask her to be in their movies?

This movie has one, minor, saving grace.  The guy who plays Ron on "Parks and Rec" is pretty funny as a straight laced Drug Enforcement Agent.  But that's like saying Denny Hocking was a solid utility man for the 1998 Minnesota Twins.  It's pretty hollow praise.

Anywho, skip this movie and spend the $8 on trinkets or those fake cigarettes that are actually gum.  They probably don't make those anymore.

We're the Millers

1 out of 5 stars

No treats, no beverages.  I had just been to Olive Garden, which is the biggest and most beautiful restaurant in all of Grand Forks.  I stopped gazing long enough at the beautiful architecture to eat a lot of food.  Something called Sausage and Peppers Rustica.  I think that's what it was called.  And two bowls of soup.

 

Random Thursday on a Friday

*I knew the NCAA was a messed up organization long before their current issues.

*17 of Stephen's best and brightest guys will gather to golf tomorrow on a golf course in the southern valley.

*What if this cold wave continued and it didn't warm up again this summer?  Wouldn't that be depressing?  If all of a sudden it was fall?

*Has Jennifer Aniston once again ruined what seemed to be a promising movie?  Why does she keep doing that?

*The Vikings season boils down to Christian Ponder.  If he succeeds I will be the first to gladly admit I was wrong.

*Seems like a lot of people are growing beards these days.

*Reggie Tales shout out to Richy from Felton.

Random Thursday

*If Major League Baseball was serious about getting steroids out of the game it would have banned Ryan Braun for life. 

*And if Alex Rodriguez ever sees the field again you know for sure they aren't serious.

*Apparently Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington made a movie together.

*Belated birthday wishes to CJ who turned eight last week.  He celebrated by visiting both Grand Forks dog parks.

*Reggie Tales shout out to Out of Work Hockey Guy as he ties the knot again this weekend.

*Bonus shout out to Summer Sidekick who celebrated another birthday yesterday.

*Dwight Yoakam is still good.

*I wish Tom Kelly did all of the Twins games.

*Francisco Liriano might win the National League Cy Young Award.

*Today is the day Dickey's BBQ in Grand Forks is set to reopen.

The Way Way Back

If you're looking for a different kind of movie, "The Way Way Back" might be right up your alley.  It's equal parts entertaining and nostalgic and smart.  Full of teenage angst and summertime memories, The Way Way Back is a nice mix of parenting issues and features Steve Carell in a role like you've never seen him in before.  That is to say he's not very likeable.  He's actually kind of a jerk and it's quite a departure for him.  But he provides the movie its antagonistic character which sets the events of the movie into motion.

There is some kid actor who does a nice job playing a fourteen year old boy who's bummed out with having to spend the summer with his mother and her boyfriend.

I was beyond pleasantly surprised with The Way Way Back.  It actually falls into that category of movie you feel disappointed when you know it's about to end.

Go see it.

The Way Way Back

3.5 out of 5 stars

Popcorn and a 50% lemonade and 50% iced tea concoction I invented about two years ago.  It was a large and I finished it as the movie was starting.  The movie was so good I didn't dare go get more.  When the movie was done I got a refill and then drank it as if I'd been crawling through a desert for three days.

Random Thursday on a Saturday

*It was a great day for golf in Warren yesterday.  I didn't play well but nobody got hurt.

*My friend Mitch ate cheeseburgers with Mark Miller of Sawyer Brown at the Marshall County Fair on Thursday night.  He said the cheeseburgers were good and that Miller was a great guy.

*The big news on the Warren golf course was that only half of the carnival rides showed up for the Fair.  People were mad.

*Reggie Tales shout out to Jay in Beverly Hills.

*I've never read a Harry Potter book but the movies are entertaining.

*Zorbaz.

Random Thursday

*Is anyone else alarmed by the fact Al Sharpton has a television show on MSNBC?  Or has no one noticed since it's on MSNBC?

*On further review, I won't be going to Grown Ups 2.  It has 6% approval on Rotten Tomatoes.which is the lowest number I can ever recall seeing.

*Today was the kind of day I will think about on February 7th.

*Reggie Tales shout out to Nephew Brady.  He once again made the front page of the Grand Forks Herald sports section.

*I have never seen a single episode of Glee.

*Monsters University is a good movie.  Fun for the whole family.

Random Thursday

*A sign at Dickey's says they are re-opening on August 1st.  I'm hopeful yet skeptical.

*I think there are seven ex-Minnesota Twins playing in this year's All Star Game. Wow.  I've said it before and I will say it again and again and again, the J.J. Hardy move was the worst ever.

*The Lynx got a big win over the Dream the other night.

*Against better judgement, I'm going to check out "Grown Ups 2."

*Reggie Tales shout out to Mitch in Horace.

*Happy Anniversary to Mr. and Mrs. Summer Sidekick today.

The Heat

I went to "The Heat" with very minimal expectations.  I'm not a Sandra Bullock fan.  But I do like Melissa McCarthy and so with that I rolled the dice.  

It ended up being one of the funnier movies I've seen in a while.

"The Heat" has a real "Bridesmaids" feel to it.  McCarthy delivers most of the snappy dialogue as she plays the bad cop to Bullock's good cop.  Usually cop/buddy movies involve two men, but don't mistake this for a chick flick.  And the Bullock/McCarthy pairing works perfectly.  Bullock plays a know-it-all FBI Agent and McCarthy a rough around the edges Boston detective.  Hilarity ensues.

I'm not sure this movie is as funny as "Bridesmaids," but it's close.  But I do think it's definitely funnier than "Ted."



The Heat
3. 5 out of 5 stars
No treats, no drinks.  Crazy, I know.

Random Thursday On A Friday

*Can we all agree to stop saying 'Merica? Where on earth did that come from?

*The Minnesota Twins are pretty much who we thought they were...bad.  And I'm starting to think that Ron Gardenhire's job is no longer safe.

*The Twins are so bad that they will lose the Yankees again tonight.  And they don't even play the Yankees tonight.

*A Soprano's movie had long been rumored. I suppose there is no chance of that happening now.

*Reggie Tales shout out to my dad, Roger, who turned 82 yesterday on the 4th of July.  A good time was had by all.

Dickey's Closing?

A week ago I noticed the Dickey's parking lot empty at a time of day it shouldn't be empty.  Upon closer inspection, I found a "Dickey's closed due to mechanical problem" sign on the door, which also included "we will re-open in a few days."

Like I said, that was a week ago.  And it still hasn't re-opened.  Nor have I seen any kind of activity there.  

As is the usual modus operandi in this town, when a restaurant closes, some vague explanation is usually given rather than just saying, "We are closing.  Forever."  

I hope I'm wrong, but I've seen this scenario play out too many times.  Somehow the busiest intersection in the state of North Dakota has again proven to be the kiss of death for one of my favorite establishments.  Before Dickey's, it was Mi Mexico.

If this is the end of Dickey's, I feel bad for the owner, Josh.  He's a good guy and worked hard on getting the restaurant open. 

Will Toews Bring the Cup to Grand Forks?

If I had a dollar for every time I've been asked in the last two weeks if Jonathan Toews would bring the Stanley Cup to Grand Forks were he to win it again, I'd have seven dollars.

The truth is, I don't know.  I can only guess.  But I'd say the chances are better than 50% he will.  

When he won it in 2010 he rightfully brought it to his hometown of Winnipeg.  This time, the former University of North Dakota star could quite possibly bring the most storied trophy in sports to the town where he polished his NHL skills for two years.

My hockey insiders are of the opinion he will.  Just think, The Cup could once again make a trip to the World Famous Judy's!  Mike Commodore brought it there when he came to Grand Forks in August of 2006.

By the way, have you ever seen a hockey game where both teams pulled their goalie?  You might never see it again.

Random Thursday

*When Summer finally hits Grand Forks, it really hits.

*I watched five minutes of the NBA Finals on Tuesday night.  I have no idea what constitutes a foul or traveling anymore.

*My favorite part of the game was when all those Miami Heat "fans" left the game midway through the fourth quarter and then couldn't get back in.

*Putting new siding on a garage is a lot harder than it looks on TV.

*Reggie Tales shout out to my friends at the River Cities Speedway as they host the World of Outlaws on Friday night.

*Saddened by the news of James Gandolfini's passing yesterday.  He played the role of a lifetime as the mob boss on the "Sopranos," one of my all-time favorite shows.  One of  the greatest acting jobs ever.  And this coming from a relative unknown actor at the time.

*The Stanley Cup Finals are costing me a lot of sleep.  Alas, I feel it's time well spent.

The Internship

Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson were pretty much exactly what you expect them to be starring in a movie called "The Internship."  Your older than average interns trying to relate to much younger colleagues while working at a summer internship at Google.  Some hilarity ensues.  Not a ton, but definitely enough to make it worth your while.

Vaughn and Wilson play characters very similar to their roles in "Wedding Crashers."  In fact, when the movie started, I thought maybe it was an extension of "Wedding Crashers."  Alas, it was not.

Of course the movie is predictable and some of the scenes are way too long, but I laughed out loud probably a couple thirteen or fourteen times. 

"The Internship" won't win any awards.  But nobody will be offended and nobody gets hurt.  A good, safe, solid movie.  And far better than "Hangover 3."


The Internship

3 out of 5 stars

Diet Coke and Popcorn.

Random Thursday

*There is nothing better than Doc Emrick calling a Stanley Cup Playoff game.  I'd love to meet him.  Out of Work Hockey Guy, can we make this happen?

*Speaking of hockey, isn't it incredible how many times they hit the posts?  Sometimes more posts are hit than goals scored.

*Kings will win tonight to tie it up at two, then will win Game Five in Chicago and Game Six in Los Angeles.

*Life is too short to use crappy pens.  They should be thrown away immediately and not given a second chance.

*Reggie Tales shout out to Lucy and Muffy in Grand Forks.

*I have no idea what to make of this Minnesota Twins team.  Jimmy From Accounting took advantage of some quiet time yesterday and sent me some interesting statistics which show them to be a very poor pitching team, but decent hitting and fielding numbers.  JFA is numbers guy.  When he keeps his gambling problem under control, he's usually pretty wise.

*I'm having trouble getting that Roomba commercial out of my head. Roomba Roomba...Roomba Roomba.

*Bonus Shout Out to Kurt.  Best UPS guy in the business. 

*Next up:  The Intern.  I have high hopes.

"Mud" is the latest, below the radar hit.  In fact, it might be the best movie I've seen in 2013.  Matthew McConaughey stars in this smart film based in a small Arkansas town.  Spoiler alert for the gals, McConaughey keeps his shirt on for the first 90 minutes of the movie.  But he does take it off for a pivotal scene near the end.  Wink.  

McConaughey plays Mud, a man on the run from law enforcement and bounty hunters.  He hides out on an island near his boyhood town.  Two 14 year old boys stumble upon him (think Stand By Me,) and they soon begin to help him elude those chasing him.  McConaughey and the two are excellent in this fast paced thriller.  Reece Witherspoon plays a love interest but even she can't ruin this movie.

I assume McConaughey doesn't get a lot of respect from the Academy for much of his work, but he should for "Mud."  And although he's playing a character that suits him quite well, he does it seamlessly.  And there's something to be said for that.

I highly recommend this movie.  I also highly recommend going to the bathroom before it starts.  It's long.  Almost two and half hours.


Mud

4 out of 5 stars 

Popcorn, Peanut Butter M&Ms and a 90% Fruit Punch Gatorade and 10% Sierra Mist concoction I invented several years ago. 

The Hangover Part III

The trick to enjoying "The Hangover Part III" is to lower your expectations before going to see it.

Apparently, I didn't lower them far enough.

The movie isn't very funny and it doesn't really try to be.  I never laughed out loud once.  I did a couple of courtesy laughs although I'm not sure why.

The movie is a mess as it tries to tie together the first two Hangovers and somehow make sense of a third.  The void of laughs is filled with several murders and reheated gags that fall flat.  And for some reason, Mr. Chow is given a very prominent role.  Mr. Chow is only funny in small doses.  John Goodman makes an appearance in this film but does little for it.  This movie makes "Hangover 2" feel like an Oscar winner. 

I'd say skip this movie unless you come across it for a $1 somewhere.  Then, rent it so you can complete the trilogy and you can bring some closure to your life.


The Hangover Part III

2 out of 5 stars

No popcorn, no pop, no treats whatsoever.  And no, this did not play into my feelings for this movie.

Random Thursday

*The Stanley Cup Playoffs are pretty much the greatest thing on television.

*Speaking of that, how relieved was that ref last night when the Chicago won in overtime?  If the Blackhawks lose that game, he's the most hated person in Chicago since Steve Bartman.

*Good to see Tom Cruise, David Beckham and Justin Bieber at the Kings game on Tuesday night.  And Posh Spice.  I wonder if my buddy Tom Arnold was in attendance?

*In Grand Forks Class D Slowpitch Softball, Rain Man is leading his team with a .572 batting average. 

*I've been on a real lemonade rampage the last few weeks.

*Reggie Tales shout out to Todd in Stephen.  Thanks for letting us use your grill on Saturday.

*I have a backlog of movies I need to see which should culminate with "The Intern" in a few weeks.  I haven't seen "The Great Gatsby" yet, but Red Sox Daughter gives it high marks.

Random Thursday

*The Minnesota Twins are who we thought they were.  Bad.

*Is bingo a sport?

*I mowed my lawn for the first time yesterday.  I might have to mow it again today.

*Reggie Tales shout out to Summer Sidekick.  He met me early this morning at Menards while most of you were probably sleeping (8:30.)  He helped me pick out siding for what I'm calling the "Garage Project."

*Full disclosure:  I never watched the finale of "The Office," which is crazy since it was one of my all time favorites until about two years ago.  Then it got real bad.

*Miami Heat fans are annoying and look like plastic.  At least the ones seated court side.

*The early returns on "Hangover 3" are not favorable.  I am undeterred.  I will see this through.

Oh, Deer

I came upon this scene recently in the parking lot of a local eatery.  It's a deer sitting in the passenger seat of a pickup.  With his/her seat belt on.  Actually, the seat was reclined and the deer was staring straight up.  He seemed content.  But it really did frighten me. 

Random Thursday

*I don't think people should be able to throw cigarette butts out the windows of their cars.  It's littering and it's dangerous.  Why is this allowed?
 
*Interesting fact:  The Minnesota Twins have played 37 games this year and have been the Las Vegas favorite in only three of those games.

*Justin Morneau is starting to hit the ball a little bit.  I wonder if we should trade him before the deadline?

*The Breakfast Club is still a Top 10 movie.

*Gas is over $4 a gallon in Grand Forks.  It doesn't even seem possible.

*When is the Kegs going to open?

*Reggie Tales shout out to the GFC Girls Tennis team as they embark upon the East Regionals.  Good luck and have fun!

*Happy belated birthday to Out of Work Hockey Guy!

*Speaking of hockey, don't look now but the L.A. Kings are starting to play like they did a year ago.  And we all know how that ended.

Russian Youth Hockey Fight

This Russian youth hockey brawl has been floating around the last couple of days.  Thank you Internets!  It's mind boggling, but I'm guessing there must be some history and bad blood between these two teams.  Although, I'm not sure how much history there could be considering they appear to be about ten years old.

The Russian rap music gives it a real gangster, depressing type feel.  They should have gone with Scissor Sisters.  Summer Sidekick says they are a hockey arena favorite all around the world.


Looks like the Cold War isn't over in Russia... (wait for laughter.)... Enjoy!

Random Thursday

*Major League Baseball has once again proven how horrible their umpires are.  Embarrassing.  Umps in the Cleveland and Oakland game last night used video replay and still screwed it up.  Absolutely no surprise that Angel Hernandez was involved.  He is one of the top five worst umpires in all of baseball.

*I will be going to see the Great Gatsby in the near future.  To be honest, I don't even know if Gatsby was a real person or not.

*Gotta love the Los Angeles Kings.  A bad team would have packed it in after giving up a late tying goal.  But not the defending Stanley Cup Champions.  They came out and won it in overtime.  I wonder if the Wild would have even come out for the overtime.

*Reggie Tales shout out to Charles Ramsey in Cleveland.

*If anyone sees my dad, will you tell him to answer his cell phone.  At this point, I feel like I'd have a better chance of contacting him by yelling out my front door.

*Special congratulations to Red Sox Daughter, who is capping off a pretty good senior year at Grand Forks Central by delivering a speech at her Graduation!  Your dad and Reggie Tales Nation are very proud of you!

Concert Bucket List

I have seen a lot of concerts in my life.  Hundreds.  Below is a list of concerts I haven't seen which comprise my Bucket List of need to see shows, in no particular order:

1.  Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

2.  Red Hot Chilli Peppers

3.  Pearl Jam

4.  U2

5.  Van Halen (With David Lee Roth)

Random Thursday

*The Stanley Cup made an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show this morning.  And so did Phil, the keeper of the Cup.  And yes, he had his white gloves on.  It was awesome.  The best part was when Dan asked if he could lift it over his head and Phil said, "When you win it."  It's been too long since the Cup came to Grand Forks.

*By the way, the Stanley Cup Playoffs are pretty much the best thing ever.

*And what's the deal with fancy jeans?  You know the ones.  They have lots of bedazzling on the back pockets.  And almost everyone is wearing them. 

*Rochester, MN got a foot of snow this morning.  And it's May 2nd.  Bro #1 lives in Rochester.  Just sayin'.

*After 24 games last season, the Minnesota Twins had six wins.  This year they have 12.  If this team finishes at .500 it will be a minor miracle.

*Reggie Tales shout out to Mrs. Rain Man.  She puts up with a lot. 

Summer Sidekick to the Rescue

                                       Ben Gazzara                               Robert Loggia

                                                                Mistaken Identity


Once again, Summer Sidekick has demonstrated very clearly why he's been kept on the payroll here at Reggie Tales.  While thousands hundreds of you blindly accepted Robert Loggia as the actor who portrayed bad guy Brad Wesley in "Road House," the Best Worst Movie Ever,  SSK knew better.

In fact, he was so determined to right a wrong, he texted The Tales Home Office within minutes of reading last Friday's blog.  He correctly pointed out that it was indeed Ben Gazzara who had played Patrick Swayze's arch nemesis.

Now,a lot of people would have stopped right there.  But not SSK.  There's no quit in SSK.  He went on to point out that Robbert Loggia did appear in one of our Best Worst Movies Ever, "Necessary Roughness."  Fans of awful movies will remember he played assistant coach Wally Rig at Texas State University.

Now, some random facts to impress people with who walk by your house on the weekends:  Ben Gazzara died in February.  He was born in 1930.  Robert Loggia was also born in 1930.  Loggia played a great character on the "Sopranos" for a few episodes.  But then Tony tired of him and got rid of him and had him arrested for parole violation.

Thanks Summer Sidekick.  Your usual payment is in the mail.
                                  

Best Worst Movie of All Time

Sometimes when I'm flipping through the channels during a Minnesota Twins game, I'll stumble upon a bad movie I love and then watch the remainder of it.  It doesn't make any difference at what point the movie is at.  Beginning, middle, or end. 

At the top of that distinguished list is "Road House."  Easily the Best Worst Movie of All Time.  Patrick Swayze at his Best/Worst.  Quite possibly the worst dialogue, acting, directing and believability in the history of film making.

And I love it.  Swayze is a bouncer who has killed before.  Robert Loggia plays the bad guy who has no fear of law enforcement because there isn't any.  Well, except for the last two minutes of the movie.  By then, people have been shot, killed, beaten.  Buildings have been burned.  Businesses ransacked.

I'm not sure why I thought of this today.  I miss Patrick Swayze.

Other notable Best Worst Movies are "Son In Law," and "The Fan" where Robert De Niro plays a bad man who loves the San Francisco Giants.  That's a really bad movie.  I watch it every time.

Random Thursday

*This blog comes to you from the friendly confines of the Choice Wellness Center in beautiful  Grand Forks.  Choice has been a haven of girls tennis during our "spring."

*Is it just me or does it seem like the Minnesota Twins have a lot of days off?

*Dan Patrick continues to be the best thing going on either television or radio.

*It only took two years but I am now fully invested into Duck Dynasty.  The crazy uncle is my favorite. Obviously.

*I still have never watched an entire episode of Modern Family.  And yes, i realize it's probably quite good.

*Reggie Tales shout out to Big Doug who had a birthday on Monday.

Hockey Stuff

*The Minnesota Wild find themselves in a precarious situation.  Once thought to be a lock for the playoffs, they now are clinging to the final spot in the West.  

*If the Wild miss the playoffs, Coach Mike Yeo is gone.  He was given a ton of talent this year, and I'm not talking just Parise and Suter.  There are a lot of good players on that team.  But somehow, they are struggling mightily.  

*Speaking of the Wild, they take on the defending Stanley Cup Champions Los Angeles Kings tonight.  Congratulations to Out of Work Hockey Guy on getting back on the ice for the Kings after back surgery early in the season.  It begs the question, can I still call him OWHG?

*If/When Yeo is fired, I'd like the Wild to hire former UND guy Dave Tippett who is in a dead end situation in Phoenix.

*I know the Wild are having trouble scoring, but it wouldn't hurt if goalie Niklas Backstrom stole a game every once in awhile.

Random Thursday on a Saturday

*I've been busy trying to figure out what the bright object in the sky has been the last couple of days.

*Are the Twins done for the season?  It's been so long since they've played I assumed they had been mathematically eliminated.  Although I am moderately pleased by their 6-7 start.

*CNN didn't do a very good job of covering the Boston Bombings story.  I watched a lot of the coverage and felt like FOX News probably had the best overall product.

*I'm not sure what I'm more excited about:  "Anchorman 2," the new season of "Eastbound and Down," or the new season of "Boardwalk Empire."  I guess "Mad Men" will have to suffice.

*Reggie Tales shout out to Big Poe who celebrated another birthday on Tax Day.

*Congrats to Richy's little brother, Jared, on the birth of his baby boy.  I bet grandma and grandpa are proud as heck.

42: Reviewed

Full disclosure:  I love baseball and baseball movies.

"42" is the true story of Jackie Robinson's journey to becoming the first African American to play in the Major Leagues.

My advice to you is to run, don't walk, to see this movie.  

Not a fan of baseball?  Don't worry.  This movie is less about baseball and more about the state of racial inequalities that faced Robinson in 1947.  Baseball is merely the backdrop.  And if you are a baseball fan, it's even more enjoyable.  Although, the subject matter isn't always enjoyable.  There are scenes in the movie of overt racism that will make you cringe...hard.

The movie is a lengthy 2:08 but seemingly flies by.  Harrison Ford plays Brooklyn Dodgers owner Branch Rickey and will most likely receive Oscar consideration.  He's brilliant.  

The movie is so good and educational that I would make it mandatory viewing for seventh grade history classes everywhere. 

On this occasion, I brought Dad and Red Sox Daughter along.  Dad was 15 when Robinson broke into the Major Leagues. He recalls it happening back in '47, but he didn't realize some of the particulars.  One of my father's many talents is naming the make and year of any car built before 1980.  Since the movie is so riveting he didn't say too much.  But when he did, it was usually something like, "46 Dodge."  Or, "47 Buick."  I'm not sure how he does that.

42

4 out of 5 stars
Popcorn and 80% Red Powerade and 20% Sprite.  Astute Tales followers will recognize that I've gradually increased the Red Powerade dosage.  Historians will decline to comment.  Dad had a Dr. Pepper and I'm not sure what RSD had.  Probably something gross.   

Random Thursday

*I'd like to golf at Augusta with my friends from Stephen.  I wonder if they would enforce their "rules?"

*Jackie Robinson movie comes out this weekend.  I think I will go early next week.  I'm expecting good things.

*Apparently we aren't going to have an April.  It's pretty much the opposite of last spring.  People on Facebook are really mad about this.

*Reggie Tales shout out to Muffy from Florida.

*Chicken in the Biscuit still remains an all-time classic.

*I come from a Jif Peanut Butter family and I consider all other peanut butters substandard.  Gun to my head and no Jif available?  Skippy.  Ps...seems like it should be spelled JIFF.

Basketball Stuff

*Although it's the 11th hour of a busy tax preparing season, Jimmy From Accounting organized an NCAA Basketball Tourney pool.once again this year.  The pool consisted of 41 people picking the tournament games.  And, you guessed it...Jimmy From Accounting won his own pool.  In the tax game, an audit would be appropriate.  

*How did I do, you ask?  I finished a respectable 6th, but still out of the money not within bragging rights.

*I find it hard to believe that those were the three best basketball officials they could find last night.  The first fifteen minutes of the game they didn't call anything.  Then they started calling everything, including imaginary fouls.  It didn't make any sense.  And I thought the bad calls were evenly divided.

*I'm not quite sure we needed to see Kevin Ware 95 times last night.  I get that it's a nice story, but it went way overboard and actually started to get kind of weird.  I can imagine in a dorm room somewhere college kids were playing a game every time he was shown on TV.

*During the post game handshakes, Rick Pittino seemed quite frightened when some fireworks were set off.  He and his hair remained intact.  

*I wonder how Rick's son Richard will do as the Golden Gophers coach?

*I think Charles Barkley has the same cold I've had for the last three weeks.

Random Thursday

*My newest guilty pleasure is a reality show about a trailer park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  It's called "Welcome to Myrtle Manor."  To be honest, a train wreck would stop and watch this show.  My favorite character is the "security guard."

*The Twins improbable win yesterday will keep me on the bandwagon for at least another week.  But the noticeable lack of a big hit from Mauer, Morneau, and Willingham looks a lot like last year.

*The Minnesota Wild adding Jason Pominville to their lineup tells me they are planning on "going for it" this year.  He's a good player and a captain.  He plays both ends of the ice and can score.

*Lost in the shuffle a few weeks ago was UND great and all-around good guy Chay Genoway getting traded from Houston to Hershey.  Good luck, Chay!

*Reggie Tales shout out to Chad in Horace.