January 19, 2025

Skol No More: A Familiar Finish to a Promising Season

 


Skol No More: A Familiar Finish to a Promising Season 
Todd Swank's Diary Entry for January 19, 2025

The Minnesota Vikings invited us to a watch party at Mystic Lake Casino, proving once again that they really know how to take care of their season ticket holders. Classy venue, great perks, and a perfect setup to watch our 14-3 squad take on the Rams in the playoffs. And by “take on,” I mean lie down and let the Rams stomp all over us.

Sam Darnold was running for his life, our defense forgot how to tackle, and the Rams scored like it was a Madden game on rookie mode. Typical Vikings: deliver an amazing season, build our hopes to Super Bowl levels, and then faceplant when it matters most.

But hey, the free food was top-notch. Skol, I guess.


At least the day wasn’t a total loss—we got to meet Vikings Hall of Famer John Randle. This guy wasn’t just one of the greatest defensive tackles in NFL history; he was an unstoppable force. With 137.5 career sacks and a reputation for relentless energy and trash talk that got into the heads of even the best quarterbacks, Randle earned his place in the Hall of Fame and the hearts of Vikings fans everywhere.

Miss Sheri couldn’t contain herself when she saw him—literally jumping up and down like a kid meeting Santa Claus. Randle was one of her favorite players back in the day, and honestly, I’ve never seen her so starstruck. She was grinning ear to ear, and for a moment, the crushing playoff loss didn’t seem so bad.  But just for a moment.


A couple nights later, we had a courtside experience before the Timberwolves-Warriors game, watching the players warm up just feet away. It’s surreal being that close—hearing the swish of the net, the smack of the ball, and realizing that pro athletes operate in a completely different stratosphere. The energy was electric, and for those few moments, it felt like we were part of the team… except without the talent, paycheck, or six-foot-plus height requirement.


Anthony Edwards, aka "Ant-Man," is the future of the Timberwolves and arguably one of the brightest young stars in the NBA. His smile doesn’t just light up a room—it could power the entire Target Center during a blackout. Being that close to him, watching him warm up, felt like standing next to raw charisma with a killer jump shot. The guy’s got it all: talent, energy, and enough charm to make you forget about Minnesota winters… almost.


A few months ago, I ran into Rudy Gobert outside an elevator and got a picture with him. Naturally, I assumed that made us best friends. So at the game, I kept trying to catch his attention—waving, nodding, throwing in the occasional "Hey, Rudy!" like we were old pals. He never engaged. Probably just focused on his warmup... or so I’ll keep telling myself.


This is Jade, our Timberwolves rep and absolute rock star who hooked us up with courtside seats for warmups. She makes dreams come true and keeps us coming back for more heartbreak every season. Honestly, I’m starting to think she’s better at closing deals than our team is at closing games.


Naz Reid.


We saw Vikings running back Aaron Jones nearby in the crowd. Class act all the way. Hope to see him back next season—he’s the kind of guy every team needs.


The Timberwolves put on quite the rollercoaster show against the Warriors, clawing back from a 24-point hole only to come up just short, 116-115. Steph Curry, being Steph Curry, drained seven threes on his way to 31 points, including the dagger that kept the Wolves’ furious comeback at bay. Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo tried to carry the night, combining for 56 points and all the hope Minnesota fans could muster. But even hope can brick a free throw when it matters most.


On Friday night, we ventured onto the cold, dark ice of nearby Spring Lake to check out the Walters family’s latest purchase—a new ice house that’s less “fishing shack” and more “luxury RV with a hole in the floor.” It’s the kind of setup that almost makes you forget you’re sitting on a frozen lake… almost.

This thing is next-level fun—it’s got a kitchen, beds, and even a bathroom! And as if that wasn’t enough, you can fish right through the floor. It’s like camping, but with way fewer bugs and a much higher chance of catching dinner without stepping outside.

Jen wasted no time breaking in the new ice house, snagging the first fish of the night like a pro. Then she casually followed it up with three more, proving she has some kind of mystical connection with the underwater world. Meanwhile, the rest of us were just there to enjoy the show.

As Luke and I were driving off the ice at 11 PM, we spotted this lone swan just hanging out in the dark like it was waiting for an Uber. Nothing says “Minnesota nightlife” quite like a majestic bird silently judging your life choices from the frozen tundra.

January 17, 2025

Advice from Clint Stalker - Happiness & Success in 2025 - Day 16

 

Advice from Clint Stalker - Daily tips on how to live happier and achieve more success in 2025. Day 16

 


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January 16, 2025

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January 15, 2025

Happiness & Success in 2025 - Day 14 - Advice from my Brother in Law Dave Mohar

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January 14, 2025

Happiness & Success in 2025 - Day 13 - Advice from Cathy Klimek

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