You've Got to be Kidding Me

In the small world that I live and work in, if I don't do my job, I lose it (and I certainly don't get bonuses). Granted, I've only got a B.S. degree to guide me through the trevails of the workplace, but it has served me well. This degree has enabled me to survive and in many ways thrive in my career. Now, compare that to the "genius" MBA's on Wall Street who are running the leading banks and financial institutions into the ground....It was widely reported, today, that after taking the largest bailout in U.S. history, AIG is paying out over $100 million in executive bonuses. It's too incredulous for words. Believe me, I don't have anything against MBA's, in fact I've oft considered getting one myself, but you've got to be kidding me...

There's the Beef

It's high school tournament time in Minnesota and what a tradition it is... I can remember getting out of school some 43 years ago to make the 5 hour drive from northern Minnesota to go to the basketball tourney - which was the first of many state tournament adventure's. Sittin' in obstructed view seats in the Barn, having the first real pan style pizza of my life at DiNapoli's and staying at the Leamington with what seemed like a million other screaming lunatics and tourney fans.

But talk about really legendary, the Boys State Hockey tourney is currently underway. It may be the grand daddy of all tourney's in the U.S. It's at the Xcel Energy Center, which may be the premier arena of it's kind in the country, home of the Minnesota Wild NHL team and the crowd of 18,064.

But, if you wanna' talk about really, really legendary, let's talk about Mancini's, the family-owned Saint Paul restaurant that's been serving tournament fans, local residents, and visitors alike for decades. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported, today, that between yesterday's afternoon and evening sessions of the hockey tourney, they served 782 steak dinners in 90 minutes! Now, granted, it's a cavernous place and they can seat hundreds, but having spent a few years in the restaurant biz, I can only say that's quite an accomplishment (and, quite frankly, I pity the poor dishwashers)... I still can't get over it, 782 steak dinners in a 90 minute period. Think about it, it's mind boggling and we hope the cash registers are ringing throughout the Twin Cities as a result of the state tournaments because in these troubled economic times, there's not a prettier sound than a cash register ringing.

But, let's talk about really, really, really, really legendary.. I think, after all these years, we may have finally found out the answer to Clara's oft-asked and age old question from the classic Wendy's TV commercials of the 80's. So, therefore, we no longer have to query, "Where's the Beef?"

What's Up With That?

The other day on a relatively conservative Twin Cities AM radio station, which by the way I seldom listen to, the 'jock went on a tirade and rant about transit and public transportation, particularly the bus system and subsidies. It was his opinion, irrational as it may be, that all of the operating and administrative costs for the bus system should be covered and offset by the ridership. He said if that meant that a one-way fare would cost $10.00 or more, the bus riders should pay for it, period...

What's up with that, given that every inch of every mile of every highway is 100% subsidized and completely paid for by the taxpayers?