Don't worry Mr. Ponder, I'll help you figure out what you're confused about

I've had tons o' fun so far answering questions and trying to bring a fresh start to this blog.

I need to interrupt our regularly scheduled broadcast for something more important. A substantial activity that fills my life from September to February (hopefully).

The Vikings.

I consent if I ever become a sports journalist that this post will come back and haunt me.  I'm not sure I care or desire to comprehend the consequences.  I have been through too many games and too many loses to think fortune will some how change and the Vikings will end up being the Giants or Patriots of the NFL and consistently win for decades.

No, I'm not looking for that type of team.  As a matter of fact, if you ask any Vikings fan, they will tell you that our teams happen to be a once in a lifetime type of teams.

Whether it's drafting a receiver that blows up and has an awesome rookie year; or a QB that comes in an immediately starts exceeding expectations; even a QB who you hated more than that one time your brother gave you 10 stitches in the forehead, these are the teams that Vikings fans live for.

I remember in my younger years going to a movie with my dad.  Before we went we were listening to the Vikings game in his old Cutlass '88.  This was my first introduction to AM radio which I still adore to this day.  My father made a living on the road professionally made me appreciate the wealth of information I could receive from point 'A' to point 'B.'

Anyway, we were sitting and listening to the radio the whole second half as we were driving to the movie theater.  We arrived early and the Lions were driving on the Vikings.  The Vikings had held the lead the entire game (13-7).  My father, myself, my brother, anyone who lived in Minnesota knew that this game would end in a Vikings loss.  We just didn't give ourselves a chance to maintain and sustain a lead on a Lions team which had good pieces but Scott Mitchell as the Quarterback. The VERY last play of the game, the Lions had made it all the way down to the One yard line of the Vikings. My dad said we could go into the movie now if we wanted.

"No, I think we can somehow hold them, we can get this win."

The radio proclaimed what was needed for a young Vikings fan to learn, "Touchdown Herman Moore!  Fade pass in the back of the endzone.  All the Lions need is a extra point to win it!"

Of course the Lions ended up kicking the extra point and winning the game.  But the bigger lesson was understood that day.  As Vikings fans, we need to be realistic with out expectations   We need to expect a season like 1998 to happen more often than a consistent excellence throughout a season, decade, or lifetime.

My brother and I have been through the range of emotions.  Same for most of my friends as well.  We don't expect wins each week, but we expect a certain level of nuttyness to make us wish we either never watched the game that week or watched each passing moment of the week before the next week.

All this said, being a Vikings fan is a lot of work.  But, the ultimate question: will it pay off?

Well Thursday night, the Vikings fell to 5-3 after starting hot but losing some questionable games to opponents that are clearly worse than the Purple and Gold.  And to cap off a first half of the season that saw victories over one of the best teams in the NFC and another team who made the playoffs last year.

As always, it was easy to find the reaction of Vikings fans by listening to the radio and hearing the frustration of whatever could go wrong, go terribly wrong.  And since the introduction of social media the outrage is amplified of how bad this team could be after the first half of the year.

I'd like to look at it this way; after all of the struggling and torture over my lifetime of being a Vikings fan:

We Are Going To Win.

What are the common links that every Vikings' team has had since I've been young?  Other than playing in an oversized hefty bag? The Vikings have always had talent.  And not just a team that has good players here and there.  We've had transcendent talent that is unmatched by anyone in the NFL.

Fans may be asking themselves, "What about this team?  We're nothing special including that douche that seems to think he's a good QB!"

Well, let's take a look.  Adrian Peterson is the best Running Back in the NFL.  Percy Harvin is the best player in the league right now (when we give him the ball).  The Vikings have a perennial all pro at Defensive End and an All Pro at Defensive Tackle.  The linebacker is a top tackler in the NFL and our new safety who we drafted is in line for a possible Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

This is not uncommon to other years.  Why aren't we rallying around this team?

Herman Moore (who by the way, was unreal and should be in the hall of fame with CC), is not going to come out of the woodwork and catch a touchdown to beat us at the last minute. As fans, we need to rally and expect the unexpected with this team.  I think the Vikings can win this year.  Maybe it's a cry for help and a call that needs to be placed for men in white suits to send me to the nearest institution.  But this team can win and the only thing that is stopping us is the mindset of our fans.

Sorry I said it.

Remember to send questions over my way: dvosays@gmail.com  I'm still answering them!

Our Second Question

Somewhere in there is Cheese

The best thing about answering questions, especially ones that are out of the box, is knowing that whatever the answer is, I'm right.  I haven't thought about changing this to the "answers blog" or "question answered;" nothing cheesy like that.  It's still Dvo Says because of the beauty of questions.

I love the fact as the questions come in, I've been able to say, "I'll put my spin on this and I wonder how everyone else will see it." That's the best thing about this blog! Please keep sending in questions to: dvosays@gmail.com.  I would love to keep this thing going.  It's fun for me and more importantly, I hope it's fun for you the reader.


Our Second Question:

If you could only keep an endless supply of 5 items in the refrigerator for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

-Anonymous (Boston)

Fantastic question anonymous!  First of all, let's make sure we have the technical points of the question figured out.  The question has to do with the refrigerator, not things you want to keep as food.  So that eliminates pita chips, pasta (to cook), cookies, trail mix (any kind), and bread.  Also eliminates the freezer as well (technically), which basically takes away ice cream.  Although that's upsetting, I'm going to still answer the question.  The great news is there are many delicious foods in the fridge.

Here is the list, in no particular order:

Apples: Your mom (and my mom) were right when they said an apple a day keeps the doctor away.  You want to know what else apples do?  They suppress hunger, keep you going with energy, and there are so many different kinds.  Apples could be sour (like granny smith's) or soft (like red delicious). My personal favorite?  Honeycrisp. Originally created at the University of Minnesota. They are juicy, crunchy, and filling.  Easy to eat when you need a quick snack.  Just don't forget that napkin!

Actual Image of What I look like when I find PB

Peanut Butter:  For people like Significant Other, she knows that if she buys peanut butter, it can't go in the fridge because I will find it.  And when I find it, I will attempt to eat it all with my hand in one bite.  Peanut butter is addicting for me.  And unlike most things that I've ever eaten, I've never gotten sick of eating peanut butter.  I'll have it with a spoon or butter knife. I'll put it on anything I can.  And when I need something fast, I'll put it on two slices of bread and slam it in my mouth at the same time.  And I'll follow that up with chugging a ton of milk.

Cheese: Uh, HELLO????  Is this thing on?  YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME, THIS IS WINNING.  Cheese is by far the reason why I will continue to have a high cholesterol and a never shrinking waste line.  Sure I could lose a little more lbs and tone up a touch, but then I would have to cut out cheese.  I don't remember the last time a day went by when I didn't have cheese.  Whether it's my mom buying Laughing Cow or String Cheese when I'm home, or going to the deli with Significant Other and clearly getting more Land o' Lakes White American to have on hand; I need it each day.  And it doesn't just stop with the cheap cheeses either.  I love fancy stinky french ones to soft and creamy italian ones.  I even love the curd of the cheese.  Fried.

Yogurt: Yes, you read that right.  I love yogurt and would eat it each day if I had an endless supply. Sure, this does load things up dairy when it comes to this list, but you can get protein in greek yogurt now too!  And yogurt can come in all different flavors and sizes.  Also, greek yogurt for me has become a great substitute for sour cream and cream cheese that makes food taste even better.  I don't hesitate for a second to grab some yogurt and would never get sick of it because of all the variety.

Deli Meat: I know it's hard to believe and your probably saying to yourself, "Dvo, deli meat??  There are so many other things that are awesome in the fridge!"  You're right, there are a lot of things that are in the fridge that are awesome.  However, most of those are condiments.  And if I listed all condiments on this list, there could have been an uprising or I would have to be sent to a mental institution.  Anyway, deli meat is great.  It comes in so many varieties and sizes.  I love going to the supermarket and asking for deli meat.  They show me my slice of meat and how thick or thin I cut it. Look, it doesn't take much to make me happy.  From this list you can see that I love the deli and this is a big part of it. Deli meat that is awesome, in no order: Honey Ham, Smoked Turkey, Salami (Hebrew National of course), buffalo chicken (Boars Head, just buy it trust me), Genoa Salami, and of course Pastrami.  I don't get pastrami much, just for the simple fear of getting sick of it.  If I got sick of it, I don't know if my world would exist anymore.

That's it!  And remember to keep the questions coming: dvosays@gmail.com

Our First Question

Oh ya, it's that time for our first question

There was a moment in time last week when I posted my blog and said, "Oh crap, this won't work."  For me, it was a rather selfish idea to see who would respond and what questions would I come across. I felt as though this would be another ho-hum blog that I would continue doing.  So as I was about to start a blog post regarding my endorsement for the next president of the United States and why I feel that way; we finally got our first question!  We'll continue forward!  YES WE CAN!  And it's a doozy.  Again, I'll try to tackle it as best as possible. This is my first go at it, so let's see how it turns out.  Remember to send out questions!  I will answer them (dvosays@gmail.com).


Our First Question:
If you were to an NCAA style tournament of your family vs. Significant Other's family who would win in a:

• Fight
• Cookoff

Despite their sweet looks, my money says the Significant Other's family got some fight in 'em.  Besides, I saw your family raining tears at the wedding, so I know there's a soft spot underneath that Russian exterior.  

-Alex King (Boston).

So since both families (Significant Other and I) are very non-violent people (albeit my side can be quite angry at times), I'll say Significant Other's family would win in a fight.  I see this fight being a hunger games type of scenario and their family would totally outlast my family.  They are just much more resourceful.  Their family would build fires and hunt for animals and know which berries to pick.  My brother would make sure he's alive long enough to eat me.  And when we would be at our weakest, our opponent would know when to strike.  They would wait for the perfect opportunity.  Morbid subject, but my family wouldn't stand a chance.

On the other hand, I love your other question here: Who would win in a cookoff?

First, the players:

Dad: My Dad
Mom: My Mom
Bro: My Brother
SOD: Significant Other's Dad
SOM: Significant Other's Mom
SOS: Significant Other's Sister
SOBro: Significant Other's Brother
Me: Me
SO: Significant Other

I think when you talk about a cookoff; you know that each person is going to bring their 'A' game to the show.  Although NCAA tournaments can't just pair teams up, we'll pair up our teams into siblings, parents, and kids (SO and ME).

And of course, as we start this journey for me to hurt feelings based on how I feel each family can cook; let me just say that I love everyone involved.  I'm fortunate to have the best cooks in the world in my families.

That said, let's get started.


SOD and SOM vs. Mom and Dad: SOD and SOM come out strong in the first round.  They prepare a full course meal with one of SOM's famous salads with lettuce, fresh veggies, berries, goat cheese, and homemade caramelized pecans.  SOD goes right to work on the grill, starting with the pineapple on a slow heat.  Next he cooks mini sliders flipping rapidly and toasting buns at the same time.  The table is arranged perfectly and we have wine paired with the meal.

Mom and Dad take a slightly different approach.  Mom helps Dad prepare antipasto apps such as fresh mozzarella on tomato with fancy olive oil and cured meats while Dad starts to prep the jalapenos filled with cheese and wraps them in bacon.   Dad then prepares the steaks on with his marinade and starts the grill with fresh corn on it already.  Mom tries a unique recipe for soup/salad that may or may not be that great.  In the end this could cost them.  The table is set with more food than I (or an army) can eat.

Winner?  There is some good and some great on both teams.  Let's check out how our other teams are doing.

SOBro and SOS vs. Bro: SOS immediately gets to work on a seven course meal with the perfect wine selected to accompany each course tasting.  SOBRO and Bro each have a beer and hang out and aren't that interested in cooking at this point.  Bro promises some chicken wings that he is currently marinating and may or may not make them.

Winner? SOS Wins in a landslide somehow eliminating both brothers; one being her teammate. 

SO vs. Me:  SO starts off with homemade matzoball soup that she has made from scratch.  SO then makes her famous (and patented) salmon with teriyaki sauce.  I sit and hang out with my Bro and SOBRO while being fed delicious food.

Winner?  Clearly Significant Other was going to win this one.  I mean, come on. 

So what do we have after this NCAA tournament style cookoff between both families?  We have a tie with the parents and SO and her sister winning.  Yep, that sounds about right.


That was a lot of fun!  Keep the questions coming; anything ridiculous will do.  dvosays@gmail.com