Secrets of the City

Aw. I wasn’t paying attention when I hit a thousand posts. This is 1015.

Income tax overpayment (and thus a refund):

Foolish interest-free loan to an overspending government

or

Free insurance against anal rape in April?

Personally, I go with the latter.

I am so lost right now.

That was a good morning wake up, Max. Thank you.

Dara says goodbye to CP readers,and reminds us of her most comi-tragic restaurant experience which led to her most savage review. I didn’t live here then, never went to MPLS Cafe when I did move here, but knowing what I know about the guy who owned that place, it’s completely believable.

Funny that the headline is “Your fly’s open.” Tonight’s Good Question is about the fly. The zipper. At one point, I’ll have my fly down, so make sure you tune in to watch for that at ten.

true to form, it’s jason derusha. simple and a little bit slutty.

Star Tribune is late to the “are the health risks of obesity overblown” debate, which we covered yesterday in this post. Also in the Strib, a followup on the Great Rock-Tenn Garbage Burner Debate. Neighbors who opposed the burning of trash to power the plant now live downwind of a fuel oil boiler.

The headline “Cleaner power plant yields higher costs, more emissions” on the link is rather misleading. Higher costs yes, but not neccisarily for the consumer. More emissions? No. Even with the Rock-Tenn plant turning to fuel oil, the net reduction in emmisions is 40% from the days when the High Bridge plant used coal instead of natural gas.

I’m having that catch phrase printed on my business cards.

At one point, I’ll have my fly down, so make sure you tune in to watch for that at ten.

Make sure a little of your shirt tail is sticking out of it for maximum effect.

Heh, Jason. That was a nice looking dress you picked out for your wife. Terri and I spoke of you often (and well) earlier this week.

In Wisconsin news, the Badger State is trying to catch up with Minnesota with renewable fuels and with a statewide smoking ban. Our folks on this side of the border have been lending a helping hand.

Star Tribune is late to the “are the health risks of obesity overblown”

More than likely they’re exaggerated. Like most everything these days, there’s political undertones to the way people frown on just about everyone’s life decisiond. Big cars, big houses, big bellies. They seem to stir the same reactions from the same people.

Good call, Alie.

Derusha – just make sure you’re wearing underpants.

These jeans I have from Express for Men have a faulty zipper that never stays up. This morning I gave it a good hard zip up as I walked into the hallway. Little did I know the new intern was sitting right there.

Derusha – just make sure you’re wearing underpants.

The word “underpants” always makes me giggle.

Way to much information, kev, for both us and the intern.

PS: Is he cute?

was her reaction, “it looks just like a penis…but smaller.”?

I totally remember that Dara review of the Mpls. Cafe. Can’t believe it was over 10 years ago.

That’s what interns are for.

Say it like this – undapants.

hehe

Undapants… hilarious.

Underpants is my favorite word in the whole world. Once when my husband was sick I put a pair of underpants (tee hee) on my head and did an underpants hat dance to cheer him up.

Say the words underpants hat and try not to laugh.

And yes, they were clean underpants.

jderusha: So if I send in a Good Question asking what the White Eared Elephant is, would you answer it? Would there be an on-screen demonstration?

The silliness of the word “underpants” is a key reason to favor boxer shorts.

One of my boys’ favorite books is titled “Underpants.” It’s about an orangutan and a zebra who love underpants and a grumpy buffalo who does not. The buffalo’s adoption of underwear turns him into a jovial and nice dude. Powerful literature.

teucer: I would answer it. On the video e-mail. You can register to get it here!

Underpants and monkeys. My two favorite subjects.

One of my nephew’s favorite books was “The Adventures of Captain Underpants.”

I used to date a guy who hated the word “panties.” Guess what word I said all. the. time.

The Captain Underpants Extra-Crunchy Book O’ Fun sounds like excellent literature.

Panties – heh! Oh! and Boooooogggger!

I also hate the word panties. They’re undapants. No need to call them any different.

All of you have lost your damn minds.

Also, I prefer saying “crotchless pan-ties” with a falsetto and an upwards inflection.

You can substitute pantaloons for panties if you wish…

Disclaimer: this is NOT intended to be a political question, simply a query about participation! Down Maz, down!

How many of you are planning on caucusing next Tuesday? Is anyone else really looking forward to it, or am I just weird?

Please. No liberal/conservative thing. Just wondering. Raindog. Step away from the keyboard. Slowly…

“Grundies” is a good term for grungy undies.

Also, just the word “pants” can make me snicker. Like when older people call underwear “pants.”

I don’t mind “pants,” but “slacks” is just plain weird.

I’m a little ticked off about the senate’s take on the “economic stimulus” bill. I was banking on $1200, not $1000. Mrs. Champs has five grand on her card to cover tuition this semester and I’m pretty sure her half was earmarked for that. My half was all set on a new TV, but who knows what I’ll get anymore.

By the way, that Canon 70-200mm IS f/2.8L lens is stupid expensive.

And does Tim Pawlenty seriously think the rest of the country gives a shit about him when he’s off campaigning for John McCain? Those are some long coattails he’s hanging onto for a ride out of this state…

I dunno, bob. there’s a lot of things I could stimulate with $1000.

I always new bert was evil…but when did he pull ernie into his tangled web of deceit?

Alie – I use the word slacks a lot. I think I get it from my grandma.

Jane- what’s up with yoga tomorrow??

How many of you are planning on caucusing next Tuesday? Is anyone else really looking forward to it, or am I just weird?

I want to, but can’t. I enjoy going to the caucuses.

Actually, champs, now that McCain has risen from the political dead and become the current GOP frontrunner, Pawlenty looks pretty smart. Ron Carey? Not so much.

How about the term “pant” for appearal? That always makes me pause, even if it is proper.

So wait, now I’m getting $500 instead of $600?? Why don’t they just make up their minds and send me a fucking check?

I like “undies”.

What a friday!

I dunno, bob. there’s a lot of things I could stimulate with $1000.

Bob?

You can’t get your new TV?!?! Oh noooooooo. That’s not fair, is it?

Bloomers

[rant]
The economic stimulus package is such a joke….yeah lets just borrow it from the future!

Thats not how we got into this mess at all…. [/rant]

I like “drawers” best!

Hmm… I think I have to stay with panties. And say it with a snotty twelve year-old whine. It drives my bros craaazy — as well as they get all embarrassed. So of course, like Alie, I must say it that way all of the time. Until the dreaded church pinch. Yooowwch.

But, really? Jammies is my fave word. It symbolizes comfort and warmth and while I have them on, people won’t be mean to me.

How many of you are planning on caucusing next Tuesday? Is anyone else really looking forward to it, or am I just weird?

I’m going to caucus for the first time evah. Mostly because I have a candidate that I really want to be nominated. Not such a fan of the other candidate.

And I will be wearing man panties.

And I will be wearing man panties
No Need. Giuliani dropped out.

Manties?

I already bought a new TV, so that check better stimulate me nice and good. Even bought it locally and paid state sales tax. Hennepin County even, so I contributed about four bucks to the Twins stadium, too. Just doing my citizenly duties.

Without Santana you may have gotten season tix for 4 bucks.

Hey – any of the other SLP gang going to the DFL caucus at the high school? We can form a MNspeak voting bloc and become a force in precinct 2850!

http://www.yogacentermpls.com/slp_winter2008.html

Here’s the deal on yoga tomorrow. There’s a 9:00 medium class, which would be the ideal level, and 9:00 is technically do-able, though a bit early. Then there’s a 10:00 harder class, but I’m into lazier yoga classes lately, tho 10:00 start time is better.

And THEN there is the noon class, which I went to last week. Not sure I’d like to do a noon class EVERY Saturday, but MAN was it ever an awesome class! It was super relaxing, tranquilising. I wore my socks & sweater the whole time, did most only seated positions and was so relaxed and happy afterward.

You could think snarky things about the yoga-y out-there things the instructor was saying, but she was fine and it was easy to tune her out a bit when I felt like it.

Is anyone interested in any of these classes? I will likely go to the noon class, but would happily go earlier to be more social. I will be wearing a black w/pink Pabst tshirt. (Or, if the noon class, a light blue sweater).

Obama ‘08
JACC ‘09
and
Alie 4eva.

We were all set to caucus, cjc even took the day off so he could do it, but I’m really not excited about my choices. I did my caucus voting for Sharpton last time, that was a man I could get behind, but these two, eh.

Yoga: I could do the 9am only tomorrow. I have to be at my other job at 12:30. Any takers?

Caucasing in SLP: I can’t decide if I want to or not. I’m leaning towards yes.

Obama ‘08
JACC ‘09
and
Alie 4eva.

That will be my slogan when I run for the first American Dictatorship. Panties and slacks for everyone!

And once again, Yoga is not going to work for me tomorrow, dang.
But don’t stop the open thread comments about it as one day I really hope to be able to join you all.

Can I be your running mate? Or at least Secretary of Underpants?

Here is the DFL Precinct caucus finder. I am hoping and praying that my girlie will take me back so I can caucus with her and reap some return on the work and care I have put into her DFL Senate District Unit. I think staying over one day a week while I am otherwise on the campaign trail will qualify as residency there for DFL purposes, as long as I don’t claim it anywhere else. Otherwise, it looks like Bloomington this year (Kennedy Sr. High, go Madia!). Please save me from Bloomington!

While I love the river out here, the MN Valley NWR, enjoy the mall for people watching and light exercise/picnics on cold days, I have put more soul and sweat into the issues of the rural and urban poor, and the war/foreign policy, not commuters and transportation. I am also involved on preserving the internet for anonymous snarky comments by hipsters, and free speech. I guess that works anywhere, but…

I’ve put a few hundred announcements and maps on doors in precinct 6-4, with a lot of help from a few friends. Hope that is useful to some! I hoped to score cred for me and the Ponkey/Christin to make it out of SD61 as delegates to the state convention. She’s even attended a few of those SD61 meetings, and that has to be half of why she broke up with me

miller – I can’t figure out where you are caucusing based on your post!

mb21- totally! And instead of threat levels we’ll have Underpants’ Status. Currently the status is Scooby Doo.

Awesome!! I’m going to make us buttons for the Potluck dinner.

When the level gets to Transformers we need to be very cautious.

Power Rangers… all hell is gonna break loose.

Caucus finder for all parties.

I’d prefer if the status would refer to how on they are

Current Status: Commando

How about a link that works.

How weird is it that the Republican caucus ballot is non-binding? They pick delegates at a state convention in a couple months.

I’m caucusing at Meadowbrook Elementary on Tuesday. I mention this because I’m going to use the venue as the launching pad for my write-in candidacy for President. I’m thinking of running on the slogan “Ready on Day 4.”

Jason – I’m giving this scoop for free. Your coverage of my candidacy will be tantamount to finding Hoffa. This could really launch both of us on the national scene. Pretty exciting really.

mb21, I think we have a rival….underpants status PowerRangers!!!

miller – I can’t figure out where you are caucusing based on your post!

um… the DFL caucus at the high school?

jderusha – it is pretty weird – probably designed to prevent new ideas and new and better leaders percolating into the party without a lot of money changing hands.

This is why it is a bad idea to caucus for Ron Paul w/ the GOP if the war/occupation of Iraq is your issue, and you have never been an active member of the GOP.

In the DFL, balloting “UNCOMMITTED” may get above the 15% threshold and send a Peace First! style delegate, or and Edwards-type delegate, or several of each, to the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Perhaps someone (Wayno?) could make a chart showing various levels of Underpants Status?

And “friend” your comment is touchingly personal. A short story, even, with a winning combo of enthusiastically political and heart-breakingly sad. Or maybe you are stalking this poor woman who broke up with you; I can’t tell.

miller which high school? What is precinct 2850?

No threats = Care Bears
Be aware = Rainbow Brite
Elevated = Scooby Doo
Heightened = Transformers
Watch Out!! = Power Rangers

Wayno, get on it.

on a side note… Friend’s comments annoy me.

Wait, what about Yu-gi-oh?

friend, there’s only one high school in SLP.

mb21:
Until your threat alert system comes in a wireless battery powered resin savior form, I will not acknowledge it!
See this for an example.

one more level:

Nuclear World War III: Skid marks.

Sadly the Democrat Caucus system of electing delegate is mostly worthless since Super-Delegates make up nearly half of the voting delegates at the convention.

If you are caucusing for the first time be prepared to spend an inordinate amount of time talking about platform planks like abortion and welfare and any other pet cause someone wearing a tinfoil hat has.

aliecat cool, thanks! SLP suddenly makes sense to me as Saint Louis Park. Is there a big MNSPEAK contingent there? Anyone wnt to carry resolutions for me there on the internet/free speech, biodiversity, fair trade impeaching Cheney and/or meeting our commitments made by Clinton to the people of Aceh, after the tsunami?

You can e-mail me: impeccableliberalcredentials at gmail dot com and I will send you the ready to print resolutions as they become available, or drop by my pre-caucus feed Tuesday after work downtown/on your way home!

True Simpleton. At least you can now walk in, cast your ballot, and leave if you don’t want to hear all of the talking.

Nateek, I am caucusing and totally exciting about it too. This is my first time since I am from states that had regular primaries. I think it’s going to be super fun.

I fear friend has already drank the Kool-aid.

Friend –
I dig your activism and the tremendous commitment you’ve obviously made to your particular issues. However, I’ve got one bone to pick with the Dems. If I go to the caucus and there’s a ton of chatter about impeachment or other such inflammatory stuff I’m going to be pissed.

While I’m not saying impeachment isn’t a worthy conversation, it’s also a massive distraction as we head into a hard year of campaigning. As my dad, who has a PhD in poli sci says, caucuses are generally not rank and file events; rather, they’re generally populated by the more zealot amongst us. I want to talk about the war, the economy, and education. Shit that matters to me right now! If the Dems take their eye off the ball, the game is over. I’m excited to caucus but I’m also sad that the whole thing might piss me off and depress me because it’s going to be too removed from the reality that the 99% of us who are between the poles care about. Know what I’m saying?

We’ll see…

Nate – well said.

WAIT!!!!!!! Hold the phones!!!!!

I owe you all a big apology. I started this caucus conversation by saying I DIDN’T want it to turn into a perfunctory political debate between liberals and conservatives, and then I go and write just that! Sorry.

Let’s see. How to re-direct…

Is it okay to drink gin in the winter?
Is anyone else at the MPS library right now?

Again, really really sorry.

You’re scaring me away, Nateek. I don’t want to be in the presence of a bunch of shouting fringies from some fevered swamp of anger and suspicion.

I hardly recognize the Democrats sometimes.

As a point of reference, Rat, I used to be one.

I’ll continue to be one, no matter what. I come from a family of Roosevelt Democrats. We vote for him every four years.

It’s only in my bones.

Nateek, do you really think that will happen? Most of my friend are Dems, and none of us ever talk about impeachment or anything of the sort. I and the other Dems I know are focused on the future and excited about the upcoming elections. It never crossed my mind that there would be this kind of chatter at the caucuses, as I think people are really energized about our candidates this year. I do hope you’re wrong. I guess I will find out.

1. I don’t want to be in the presence of a bunch of shouting fringies from some fevered swamp of anger and suspicion.

2. I hardly recognize the Democrats sometimes.

Which part was Maz refering to have once been?

Perhaps someone (Wayno?) could make a chart showing various levels of Underpants Status?

—

No threats = Care Bears
Be aware = Rainbow Brite
Elevated = Scooby Doo
Heightened = Transformers
Watch Out!! = Power Rangers

Wayno, get on it.

—

You know, if I didn’t think it would look really really strange to be searching for children’s underwear at work, I would probably make a graphical chart like this right now. But it’s not happening, sorry folks.

The FBI once looked into threats that my grandpa made against the life of FDR. After he died (my grandpa, that is) I found out he was about as anti-liberal as I am, which in hindsight should have been obvious by how much he screamed at CNN during Crossfire.

It’s always OKAY to drink gin.

plus I have a lot of, well, you know, work to get done.

so I don’t really have much to add to this thread.

You know, if I didn’t think it would look really really strange to be searching for children’s underwear at work, I would probably make a graphical chart like this right now.

I am teh sadness…

Representative Robert Wexler’s call for impeachment hearings on Kucinich’s articles against Cheney is pretty straightforward, his letter has been published in some major East Coast papers and and Tammy Baldwin from Madison, WI is a co-sposnor.

It is a sober constitutional issue. there are some fringe lefties (Greens) screaming and tryiong to discredit this, but the Greens take money from Blackwater/Erik Prince, so I think they should be ignored.

Keep in mind that one of the key roles of a caucus is to help the party define its agenda. Therefore, it behooves all reasonably minded people of any party to go the caucuses and help set the conversation.

I heard the DFL chair of MN yesterday discuss this important aspect and he said something about whether or not impeachment should be on the table. I don’t think that’s what most of us are paying attention to. Hence it’s imperative that you show up and speak up for what you DO care about.

So there might be crazies in the room, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be outnumbered. Maybe they need separate caucuses for the nutsos of both parties and they can just get together and yell at each other. I think the rest of us could have a year full of excellent discourse if we could just shut the loony wackjobs of both sides up.

Has this caucus talk has raised the alert level to Transformers?

Thanks Nate.
That’s all I gots for ya’.

Not to be all banny, but Open Threads should be kept sacred and topics should be anything but political or religious.

Start another thread to talk about politics. Ugh!

I <3 DouglasG. Big Time.

Thank you for bringing the Friday thread back to wear it should be.

Underpants.

Nateek, I totally knew you were starting what you said you didn’t want to start. The trick to not starting things is to not start them at all.

I think it is okay to drink gin in the winter, but it really shines in the summer. My question is, is the gin someone left in my fridge last summer still going to be good (good enough) next summer?

Thanks Nate.
That’s all I gots for ya’.

Not to be all banny, but Open Threads should be kept sacred and topics should be anything but political or religious.

Start another thread to talk about politics. Ugh!

Maybe they need separate caucuses for the nutsos of both parties

We don’t have nuts in our party. We’re the party of adult behavior.

If you are caucusing for the first time be prepared to spend an inordinate amount of time talking about platform planks like abortion and welfare and any other pet cause someone wearing a tinfoil hat has.

I believe (but could be wrong) that happens AFTER the Presidential balloting. So you can go, offer your vote for the Presidential race, and leave before they start discussing resolutions.

no way the Power Rangers are a higher level than Transformers . . . c’mon

See?

Is it okay to drink gin in the winter?

It would be cheaper to just go outside nad shove pine needles in your mouth.

I did not do anything to garner the double post – although that sounds like a dance – the double post.

I vote with Cat with a vote against myself. Should I go ahead and start that caucus thread or do you have that one max?

I’d answer the question about whether or not gin goes bad but I’ve never had a bottle last long enough for that to be of concern.

maz: We don’t have nuts in our party. We’re the party of adult behavior.

Riiiight.

somehow, pine needles in mouth not as good as gin.

call me crazy!

We’re the party of adult behavior.

Two words: Jon Grunseth.

also, I wish I had a couple hundred bucks to drop on parts so I could build something like this:

to go here:

The fierce green light would never, ever get old.

so true, although I could always shade it red to match my accent colour in my decor

Not to get away from the awesomeness of discussing Underpants Status, does anyone know where I can buy a reasonably priced 50’s style apron, the kitchy-er the better?

Perhaps someone (Wayno?) could make a chart showing various levels of Underpants Status?

—

No threats = Care Bears
Be aware = Rainbow Brite
Elevated = Scooby Doo
Heightened = Transformers
Watch Out!! = Power Rangers

Wayno, get on it.

Done its here:

alie – check this out.

Go ahead and do a caucus thread, Nate.

dang it didnt show up

err how do you do this?
[IMG]http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m279/rlibson/tl.jpg[/IMG]

very nice, mb21. I’ll have to browse this somemore tonight.

one last try

This thread is going Threat Level Skidmarks.

oh I was going to use pictures of little boy’s underwear

yeah it turns out I don’t wanna be the guy in the google index searching images for “little boys underwear”

But hey thats just me….

i like u-trou (under-trousers)

Did anybody else end up getting tix to see Crispin Glover tomorrow?

Me and Coco will be there.

Scott and I and my friend Britt, who I don’t think you’ve met, will also be there. Maybe we can all get drinks afterwards.

Alie: do you remember Mary Jane’s Handmade? She’s that 90 year-old that makes these really cool retro aprons.

Here’s more info:

Mary Jane’s Handmade

I’ll be there. and if we can’t get a babysitter, I’ll be ISO of a +1. Details and a possible MNSpeak contest to follow.

Yes. Let’s all get drinks afterward.

I prefer Mary Jane’s homegrown to her handmade.

Cat, those are sublime…I may buy one!

wow. I’m totally buying one of those Cat. Very cool.

Friday recipe time. I didn’t come up with this one but it’s so rich it’ll make you fall on your back and moan “panties!”

Pecan Soup

4 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 large garlic clove, crushed
2 cups shelled pecans
1 1/4-inch-thick slice of bread, ciabatta or similar
4 large plum tomatoes, quartered
4 or less chipotle chilies in adobo
7 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1. In a large pot, melt butter in oil over medium heat. Add garlic, pecans and bread. Cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally and turning garlic and bread once, until garlic is fragrant and bread is golden.

2. Transfer half the pecan mixture, half the tomatoes, half the chilies and 1 1/2 cups milk to a blender. Purée until smooth. Repeat with remaining pecan mixture, tomatoes, chilies and 1 1/2 cups milk.

3. Pour mixture back into pot, along with remaining milk, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer about 3 minutes.

Next week a low fat soup to make up for the decadence.

Although, I’m kind of leaning toward this one…

Yeah, Mary Jane had a booth at the No-Coast craft show. Her aprons are the shizzle. I bought a couple and gave them to my sibs for x-mas. Now I’m trying to figure out a way to steal them back.

Or I could just order more from MJ.

If I remember correctly, you can custom order – pick out your fabric and style and MJ will make it for you.

Who knew that I would grow up to love aprons.

I heart Etsy. That reminds me–I need to buy some more homemade soap.

Who knew that I would grow up to love aprons.

must….resist…..sexist….joke…..temptation….so….strong….

Saloth Star, are “chipotle chilies in adobo” readily available? Where do I get them? This recipe looks excellent.

I wanted to buy one the last time someone linked to Mary Jane. So excited, I just bought the blue one!

I’d like to smack meth-heads for ruining the formulation of Dayquil and Nyquil. They’ve made being sick far, far less fun then it used to be. It ain’t a sinus infection unless your head is floating on the ceiling from the psuedopedrine.

*cough*

Jane–you should be able to find them pretty easily. The ones I’ve bought in the past come in a can.

Ooooh, Alie. That one is supa cool. Me likey.

Saloth – have not yet made your Tortilla soup as yet, but sent the recipe to my sis and she said it was the yummiest recipe.
She also made it with flour tortilla’s that were seasoned with Chipolte seasoning and fried – they are lighter. So then she fried more and made nachos which she said rocked.

I may pass on the pecan soup though, but don’t stop bringin’ recipes to the Friday opens.

BTW: I thought of you with the City of Lakes Loppet happening this weekend. Are you participating?

Oooh, I love this one. I may need to order it.

Saloth, that soup sounds wonderful. I may try to make a vegan version this weekend. Yum!

The trick to not starting things is to not start them at all.

That’s the spirit!

I’m leaning towards the 9:00 yoga class tomorrow. I think I can do it. I know I can. Anyone interested besides mb21 and me?

Jpav: you can make the sexist joke.

But aprons are sexy. Especially the retro ones. Very Stepford Wife without the 50’s attitude.

I just ordered the red one. Yay!

That’s why men sometimes wear them when we’re barbequing. Très exotic and alluring.

I’ll be shopping the apron site from home tonight. The wife has been wanting a cool apron. . . yeah . . . that’s it . . the wife wants one.

That’s why men sometimes wear them when we’re barbequing. Très exotic and alluring.

Only if you wear it with nothing underneath…or is that for women?

I have to be honest, I don’t know why someone would find an apron sexy. Unless, I suppose, it’s part of some cheesy french maid ensemble.

And that can be impractical to barbeque in.

Really, Tuecer? So if a hottie with a body was standing in front of you in just really cool apron without anything on underneath, you wouldn’t find that sexy?

Aaaaahhh! I just imagined Oliver barbecuing in a French maid ensemble!

To be honest, I just want one for my hotdish party, because what’s more retro than making hotdish wearing one of those full skirt dresses, an apron, and pumps?

The wife wants one for baking because she is really messy. Pumps optional.

come on teucer everyone knows that bettiepagebangs/pinup/burlesque/polk-a-dot-dress crap is so hot right now!

thats all you see on etsy….that and cephalopods made of yarn.

As Elizabeth chipotle chilies in adobo are pretty easy to find an either a big Rainbow store or any Mexcian store. They come in cans and adobe is basically tomatoes and garlic. You can keep the extras in a little tupperware thing for a month or so after you open the can.

As for the Loppet – is there even a trail? I stopped racing when I was 17 and now I just ski for fun.

BTW, teucer, I take your doubt and raise you this apron…

I like Recipe Time more than I like undies.

Ryanol: Cephalopods made of yarn, you say?

Go on…

DouglasG: “Aaaaahhh! I just imagined Oliver barbecuing in a French maid ensemble!”

You know you love it.

Cat: “Really, Tuecer? So if a hottie with a body was standing in front of you in just really cool apron without anything on underneath, you wouldn’t find that sexy?”

I don’t know. If there was only some way to test this hypothesis!

i like sheep by products as much as the next guy….but come on already…we get it… you like knitting and making creatures out of felt.

Barbeque sauce would be a dickens to get out of the lace. Definitely would stain.

I don’t know that I would cook in it, tho…HEYOOOO!

Alie – For a hotdish party you have to get this apron from Turman.

We don’t have nuts in our party. We’re the party of adult behavior.

And adult beverages! Bottoms up!

50’s aprons make me go all Eddy Haskell. “No thank you, Mrs. Cleaver. I really must be getting home. We’re having squab this evening. “

Cat: “Really, Tuecer? So if a hottie with a body was standing in front of you in just really cool apron without anything on underneath, you wouldn’t find that sexy?”

I don’t know. If there was only some way to test this hypothesis!

Been awhile since I’ve seen it, so my memory might be a bit hazy, but you might try watching “Color of Night.”

And adult beverages! Bottoms up!

Don’t say that near Sen. Craig, kev.

As it was so pertinent to the apron/barbecuing discussion, I swiftly ripped the following comedy sketch to Youtube.

It is not really work-safe, because it features Simon Pegg’s butt.

Uh oh!

I care nothing for shifting antigen viruses. My apron will protect me.

Or better yet: The reto apron-clad chickadee will protect you, teucer.

I have some pride. If I’m going to hide behind an apron, it’s going to be my own.

Do those shifting antigen viruses look like Simon Pegg wearing only an apron under a microscope, or am I reading too much into this?

Teucer: think of it as standing behind a really nice behind.

I’d like to take this moment to let you know our threat level has been returned to Rainbow Brite status. Use caution as at any moment someone could come along with a comment about politics, climate issues, ethanol, etc. and ruin the fun.

Be careful out there and have fun.

- Melissa, Secretary of Underpants

Thank you Madame Secretary!

That you for that message, Madame Secretary, the Dictator of the United States of Underpants was taking a nap…

WTF …I was just about to pick up Barack/Jesus in my Hummer to go pick up some smokes. We were gonna head over to the hospital and light up in the waiting room…maybe see if we couldn’t find some oxygen hoods…..what did I go to far?

what did I go to far?

No, but naming your kid Maverick is going too far in my book.

Yes, I know I’m going to hell for that comment.

“what did I go to far?

No, but naming your kid Maverick is going too far in my book.

Yes, I know I’m going to hell for that comment.”

I knew I love this place for a reason…..

Jane – yoga tomorrow morning at 9? I’ll be in black pants and a wife-beater tank top…

Anybody else joining us?

Dudes: I am so choosing food over yoga – but, only because I had already made brunch plans.

mb21 I’ll see you at the 9:00 class!

Cat, no more making brunch plans w/o consulting us, your unknown online friends!

naming your kid Maverick is going too far in my book.

I could direct you and your son to a good boxing gym.

With a name like that, the kid’s gonna have to learn how to fight.

For two seconds Rat, I thought you were giving me the business. I should have know better.

Hooray for the first-ever MNspeak yoga get-together!

Yay! It was a great class. I’m definitely looking forward to doing it again. I say next time whoever goes that we plan on getting coffee after!