The Rundown
Here’s a quick look at what’s been happening or what I’ve been focusing on the past few days.

1. Newman Gone: I just read in the Star Tribune that Twins beloved third base coach Al Newman left the team to become a scout for the Diamondbacks. Oh, Newmie, you will probably be missed.

2. Possible Visit: Plans for a future visit to Madison by Minnesota friends Jason, Patrick, and Liz continue to be a topic of conversation in phone calls with each of the three. It would be nice to have everyone here one last time sometime this fall. Last time they all came I had to work at MDL and missed out on lots of the festivities.

3. Controversy at Times: More controversy is sure to be had when the newest edition of the Trojan Times comes out Friday. New Features editor Zach Langner, in his first official issue on the job, wrote an article bashing our football team. Of course these kind of articles never go over well, as seen with the baseball team last fall and the football team three years ago. Brace yourself Zach, it will be ugly.

4. Workless for a While: After my shift at AmericInn on Friday, I am not on the schedule again for two entire weeks, which kinda sucks. I actually enjoy working there, and I of course need the money. But after those two weeks, I work six out of eleven days to make up for it. Amanda constantly tells me to get a second job, but I tell her I already have four if you count the Trojan Times and my two internships. She of course breaks her back day in and day out for the drastically understaffed Dairy Queen.

5. New Hope for Bon Jovi: Old DSU friend Nicky Volin has been contacting me lately hoping I might still be interested in trying to go to Bon Jovi in November. Nicky was so up for going that he was willing to buy tickets for the Madison, WI show. I can’t make it to that one, but I said if I see four decent-priced tickets on eBay I would bid on them so we can go, along with Amanda and Jason.

6. Jeff LaPlant Unknowingly in Times: Javy Fick, layout editor for the Times, called me Thursday night saying we needed more content. I was in a hurry and threw some stuff together quick, including a large photo of Jeff LaPlant in a woman’s wig and dress, making it the topic for a funny caption contest. The picture is huge. I laughed quite hard when seeing the draft.

7. Curb, Extras on Sunday: I have been sure to tune into HBO original series “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Extras” the last two weeks. Neither have disappointed. Curb is back this Sunday with Larry buying a bra for his housekeeper.

8. Chargers on MNF: The Chargers will be sporting their powder blue uniforms Monday night against the Steelers. You would think I wouldn’t have many fellow Charger fans here, but DSU friends and San Diego natives Juston O’Neill and Anthony Scott are both fans. Then there’s old VF friend Adam Abraibesh who lives there and has partied with the team somehow.

9. Gervais All Over: Star of “Extras,” Ricky Gervais is now making his name known on all of my favorite shows. He also starred in the BBC version of “The Office,” one of my favorites of all-time. Now, he’s making appearances on “Arrested Development” and writing an episode of “The Simpsons.”

10. It’s Cold: It seems like we went straight from summer to winter with temps in the 80s last week and 30s this week. This might be the first winter since sixth grade that I’ve actually been somewhat excited to have some snow. I don’t know why, but the thought of a blizzard doesn’t seem that bad. It’s not like I have to drive anywhere for a while.

11. Feeney Exposed: Thursday night, Jake and I were on our way over to Brad Feeney’s house to deliver a VHS tape. After a knock at the door and no answer, Jake barged in, only to see a naked Feeney drying himself off with a towel. We all had a good laugh.

Well that’s all for Friday morning.

Ryan