Plight of a Tailgating Rookie
by Skol Girl on May 26, 2011 5:00 AM CDT
in Minnesota Vikings
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PrintRight now the Minnesota Vikings' stadium bill is stuck in limbo (along with Minnesota's budget) until Governor Mark Dayton calls a special session of the Minnesota Legislature. Until then, legislators are at home pressing flesh and coming up with sound bites to prove their worth to the public, kind of makes me think of that segment on the Daily Show with John Stewart, Great Moments in Punditry. There's nothing quite like hearing children using political doublespeak. I sincerely hope that the Minnesota legislators' constituents are encouraging them to pass the Vikings' stadium bill, but, in all honesty, I'm getting kind of burned out talking about it.
For the moment, I have hit my limit in talking about the stadium so, even though I should be writing about the financial benefit to the state of Minnesota in keeping the Vikings, I don't feel like it. You're probably tired of reading about it too. So, it's handy that I write for the Daily Norseman where Chris let's us do pretty much whatever we want. Therefore, today is all about tailgating.
I was very, very small when the Vikings moved out of the old Metropolitan Stadium and into the Metrodome, so I never got to experience the culture and tradition of tailgating. Sure, I know there are hardcore folks who still tailgate before Vikings games (even when lots for tailgating are located ridiculously far away from the Dome), but tailgating took a real hit when the Vikings moved into the Dome. And I'm jealous I missed out on tailgating's heyday.
More stuff that has absolutely nothing to do with the stadium debate after the jump.
While my family had our own version of "tailgating", it would likely make a tailgating purist cringe--we had Taco Sunday. Taco Sunday was my mother's invention, we would go to Taco Bell or Taco John's either before the game or during halftime, pick up vast quantities of tacos, and then crowd onto my parents' bed to eat and watch the game. Fun though it was, there's a certain amount of stain-related danger when excitable* little girls are eating messy, greasy tacos during a football game--the comforter on my parents' bed probably wouldn't have survived if it hadn't been for copious amounts of Tide laundry detergent.
Like I said, it was fun, but I'm well aware that Taco Sunday wasn't really tailgating. However, if the plan the Wilf's unveiled for an Arden Hills stadium is any indication, I may finally get a shot at experiencing tailgating the way it was meant to be.
The problem is, I have no idea how to really tailgate. Is it just about the food and hanging out before a game or is more stuff involved? Is this strictly a group activity, or could you tailgate by yourself? Is there a kind of tailgating code?
I have no clue.
Oh, and it gets worse, because, in addition to my ignorance about tailgating, I've recently become a vegetarian. Don't laugh, vegetarianism really sucks. I'm probably the most morose vegetarian you'll ever meet. I didn't want to become a vegetarian, but after the book The China Study, it's difficult not to become vegetarian. It sucks even more because grilling season is upon us and, while I like the meatless products Morningstar Farms Foods makes, it just isn't the same as a Johnsonville all-beef brat. Or, for my California friends, there is no good substitute for a Double-Double animal-style from In-N-Out. Yes, this whole vegetarian thing truly sucks.
My gripes about vegetarianism aside, I've got some time to learn the fine art of tailgating before grilling starts in Arden Hills (I like to think positively about it), and this seems like a good chance to solicit information and tips from the wide world of football fans. C'mon, I can't be the only person out there who missed out on tailgating at the Met (or anywhere else), so with summer just around the corner and grills firing up around the country I'm asking you to teach me, and any of the other tailgating rookies out there, to tailgate.
*My sister and I inherited those excitable tendencies from our mother. It was dangerous to sit near mom when she was drinking coffee and watching the Vikings.
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wow, seriously??
spend 2 days in Wisconsin you’ll learn everything you need to know
by josephacampbell on May 26, 2011 7:03 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
I'm thinking Blatz and jail
ian’t what she had in mind. Just spitballing, though…
"Lord I pray for the eyes of an eagle, the heart of a lion and the balls of a combat helicopter pilot."
by Ted Glover on May 26, 2011 8:23 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Plight of the Vegetarian
Or is it Flight of the Navigator? I get confused sometimes :)
I’ve been a vegetarian all my life (49 years worth so far), my parents were vegetarians, my grandparents were vegetarians, etc, so for me I never had to go through the angst of giving up a food I enjoyed. To this day I have no idea what meat tastes like (which includes fowl) and I’m really really ok with that. But for folks transitioning, it’s got to be rough.
The main thing is get your protein. Those Morning Star burger things are ok if you’re desperate, or maybe on a diet (Dr. Praeger’s California Burgers are better), but you’d do better if you get in the habit of building meals that combine the elements you need to get the nutrition you need. Like legumes and rice which work synergistically. I understand this stuff scientifically now, but growing up, we just did it because it works (and it was very, very tasty :) ). Learn to use spices, they are your friends!
When it comes time to tailgate, think veggie kabobs. Skewers of your favorite vegetables and don’t be afraid to try out marinades. Raw veggies, sliced up, served with a Ranch dip, tend to go very fast, whether folks are vegetarians or omnivores. Foil wrapped corn or potatoes works well too, and you can pick up any flat bread or naan type breaks to toss on the grill to heat up and use to wrap your food in (I shouldn’t recommend this, but…. take a stick of butter and butter-up your bread before putting it on the grill, way better!). Use vinagrettes or other salad dressings for sauce (or just straight yoghurt) and you’re in business.
If you figure out how to make tofu work, let me know. I still puzzle over that stuff.
I’m assuming you’re not a vegan, of course. Don’t understand how those folks do it, if that’s your route, good luck to ya, lol.
Ah, ah,
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
SKOL!
Thanks for the grilling and tailgating tips DC
Vegetarian is enough of a change. But vegan would be really tough because I’d have to give up baked goods. Well, some enterprising vegans try to bake, but it is pretty hard to do without eggs and dairy products. I’ll have to look for the Dr. Praeger’s California Burgers. You know the ridiculous thing about me feeling deprived for going vegetarian is that I didn’t eat all that much meat—something about the idea that I can’t makes me a little crazy.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
Hey, Skol Girl,
is wild game or fish permissible in your vegetarianism? For reasons like The China Study, I switched to an herbivorous diet that includes the occasional pheasant, venison, or wild-caught salmon about a decade ago. Those meat options are much healthier—read: low-fat, hormone-free—than beef or chicken, and satisfy the occasional craving for meat. I’d gander (see the pun?) that you know a hunter or two that’d be happy to share his or her larder.
Also, venison steaks smell pretty damn good on the grill.
by virginia viking on May 26, 2011 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Planned to keep eating some fish...
Especially salmon for the Omega-3 fatty acids. And I plan to give myself wiggle room for eating turkey at Thanksgiving. You’re right , off hand I can think of at least one deer hunter. I hear venison is really lean, but I don’t think I’ve ever eaten it before.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
Salmon steaks on the grill
marinated or dusted with some of your favorite spices are tough to beat.
Venison is good, I like it but it can be gamey sometimes.
"Lord I pray for the eyes of an eagle, the heart of a lion and the balls of a combat helicopter pilot."
I'm a big fan of grilled salmon.
Takes some skill to grill fish well. I’m going to guess that, being a fisherman, you have some skills.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
I get thick cut steaks
and use a grill basket. Almost impossible to screw up.
But I’ve managed to, lol.
"Lord I pray for the eyes of an eagle, the heart of a lion and the balls of a combat helicopter pilot."
Gotcha beat on screw-ups.
Ever made a fish taste as salty as the ocean… without using a drop of salt?? I wish to this day to know how I managed to do that, LOL.
Dear Yahoo! Sports: Please stop using that picture of Brett Favre holding his shoulder on the sidelines whenever you write about the Vikings. That is all, thank you.
Daily Norseman
The great thing about tailgating
is that it’s awesome no matter where you are. It’s about hanging out with friends and/or family, drinking (alcoholic or not) and eating (meat or not, lol) and just enjoying each other’s company.
Get a cooler with drinks, a portable hibachi, some snack food and your main grilling stuff. Find a place to park, unpack, start cooking, mingle, have fun. See what’s on the grill next door, bring enough food and drink to share with strangers who will become friends, and mingle. Rinse and repeat.
"Lord I pray for the eyes of an eagle, the heart of a lion and the balls of a combat helicopter pilot."
Clearly...
You have some experience :) I remember your story about going to games at the Met.
I think tailgating would be less of a mystery to me if I was into camping—same concept of cooking away from home. But I hate camping and do it only under duress. I just fail to see how sleeping on the ground, being dirty, and having to check yourself for ticks is a good time.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
but...
having SOMEONE ELSE check you for ticks CAN be a good time. ;-)
Vikings Valhalla .com
by Admiral BigGun on May 26, 2011 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions
Someone really needs to come up with an emoticon for cringing.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
Or facepalm
"Lord I pray for the eyes of an eagle, the heart of a lion and the balls of a combat helicopter pilot."
I would also recommend
bringing something to do, IE bags, ladder golf, football, etc.
tailgating and drinking is fun, but if you get there at 9:00 am for a noon game (most hard core people will get there when the gates open) 3 hours is a long time just to drink.
but that being said, Ted has it just about right
when asked by Dan Patrick if his name alluded to not making quick decisions in the pocket, Ponder calmly replied "As crazy as it sounds, my mom's maiden name is actually Superbowlwinner. All one word"
Ah, activities...
Makes sense to bring something to do. I remember meeting a woman who lived in California during the North Ridge earthquake. When they were getting evacuated her neighbor, who had lived through the Battle of Britain, said if you were going to be evacuated you needed to do it in style. Bring cheese and crackers, wine, and a deck of cards.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
I tailgate a lot
at Iowa and Iowa state games, and the most fun we have is chilling with the neighbors in our spot, playing drinking games, throwing bags and such and walking around.
I went down to KC last year (and am definitely going this year, i’d recommend the trip if you want to see tailgating in it’s finest) and had an absolute blast. most tailgate people, even if they root for the other team, are really cool to hang with
when asked by Dan Patrick if his name alluded to not making quick decisions in the pocket, Ponder calmly replied "As crazy as it sounds, my mom's maiden name is actually Superbowlwinner. All one word"
I've heard that...
Tailgating people are pretty welcoming. It would be fun to see some KC tailgating too—seems like they would be a fun crowd.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
if you can make it to KC
I’d recommend it. you’d then REALLY want the Arden Hills site to get approved
when asked by Dan Patrick if his name alluded to not making quick decisions in the pocket, Ponder calmly replied "As crazy as it sounds, my mom's maiden name is actually Superbowlwinner. All one word"
It's kind of tough to top just how much I want the Arden Hills site to get approved.
Oh no, it just occurred to me how much it would suck to be in KC, a town known for its barbecue, and not eat meat.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
Oh yeah, that would suck big time
Do they smoke/bbq tofu? I’m sorry. I’m no help on this one. I’m 100% carnivore. No matter where you tailgate, you’re still going to get the constant aroma of charcoal+meat+beer. It’s inevitable.
Skol!
Deconvert?
Maybe not. I think it’s just some karmic retribution for all the times I gave my vegetarian friends crap. It’s like prohibition—ban something and suddenly it is so much more desirable :)
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
when i was in KC last year
I really didn’t notice the bbq … granted we ate at an amazing restaurant (though i can’t think of the name of it) and i don’t really deprive myself of anything … (except once i quit going to McDonalds … not b/c of fast food nation but because a local mcdonalds decided to take the double cheese burger off their dollar menu, so i boycotted, and chicken nuggets sounded like the most amazing thing in the world)
you could use the KC tailgate experience as one of your ‘holidays’ for eating meat … you’ll be glad you did
when asked by Dan Patrick if his name alluded to not making quick decisions in the pocket, Ponder calmly replied "As crazy as it sounds, my mom's maiden name is actually Superbowlwinner. All one word"
Just might do that :)
I had a hard time eating at McDonalds after watching Super Size Me. While I know that anyone eating massive amounts of fast food is bound to gain weight, McDonalds was the chain featured in the movie. It was silly and arbitrary, but it stuck.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
I went to Iowa City
garbed out in my OSU stuff, and had a great time. The tailgating crowd is the nicest, friendliest bunch of folks you can run across, and I don’t think it matters what stadium or team.
I’ve never had a bad tailgate experience, either as a home team or visiting team fan.
And I am SO going to KC, I’ve heard about that place for years.
"Lord I pray for the eyes of an eagle, the heart of a lion and the balls of a combat helicopter pilot."
I fully intend on rocking my Vikes stuff
down in KC this year. I’m also making some Jagermeister bags stuff.
when asked by Dan Patrick if his name alluded to not making quick decisions in the pocket, Ponder calmly replied "As crazy as it sounds, my mom's maiden name is actually Superbowlwinner. All one word"
I'll join you filbert!
I’ve got a homemade set of Vikings “bags” “cornhole” whatever you want to call it. I’ve got a friend who is a big Cheifs fan so I might see if he wants to rock down there.
Skol!
I'll be there.
I’ve got a group of friends that is going this year, one is a big chiefs fan, and i’m a big vikings fan, the rest are non partisan, but it’ll be a good time regardless
when asked by Dan Patrick if his name alluded to not making quick decisions in the pocket, Ponder calmly replied "As crazy as it sounds, my mom's maiden name is actually Superbowlwinner. All one word"
Filbert, email me
I’m planning on going. We should try and get a Vikes/DN tailgate thing going…
"Lord I pray for the eyes of an eagle, the heart of a lion and the balls of a combat helicopter pilot."
done and done
e-mailed you, and the meet up would be a lot of fun
when asked by Dan Patrick if his name alluded to not making quick decisions in the pocket, Ponder calmly replied "As crazy as it sounds, my mom's maiden name is actually Superbowlwinner. All one word"
Other fans can be cool even your most hated rival
My wife an I were able to go to the 2001/2002 Vikings vs Pack game at Lambeau. It was a late december game new years weekend I think. As we were walking to the stadium there were several people in their front yards with grills LOTS of beer and other fixins’ We were offered food and beer at every yard. We were decked out from tip to toe in Vikings gear but regardless of team colors all fans were mingling and having a good time.
After the game. Going back to the car was another deal tho. We lost but only by a last minute drive from Favre to win the game (GOD I HATED HIM then). Wasn’t sure we would make it out alive all the Vikings fans were kind of grouping into a pack and traveling together to avoid the Pack fans DRUNK hatred.
But it was a good day none the less
"If you've got them by the balls their hearts and minds will follow."
John Wayne
by just another viking on May 27, 2011 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions
That's quite the story.
Wouldn’t it be cool if there was a documentary about the Vikings/Packers rivalry from the fan perspective? I don’t know, maybe there is one. Stories like yours beg to be told :)
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
There is a ton more but
i dont want to hijack your thread
Might write it up and do a fanpost and see if any one else has any other stories to add.——feel free to steel the Idea for the front page if you want :)
"If you've got them by the balls their hearts and minds will follow."
John Wayne
by just another viking on May 27, 2011 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Something tells me...
That a fanpost like that would get plenty of attention from Gates and Glover. Looking forward to reading it :)
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
and a camera
defiantly bring a camera… and then of course share the photos with us.
Vikings Valhalla .com
How to Tailgate
Ok, as a transplant from MN to Milwaukee, I was hosed on my first baseball tailgate. I simply showed up with captain chairs, a grill that rested 6" from the ground and some plates and food. Low and behold a moving truck plastered with Brewers junk parks next to us. They pull out a tent structure, full sized grill, couches, a music system, 6-way beer bong, rug, tables, etc etc I simply bowed my head in shame and shyly stated " I have much to learn"
Anyway, best way to learn is to go do it, like me, take notes and learn from the best. As hard as it is to say, WI knows how to tailgate, they will be champions at this until we get our stadium and show them up.
Come out to the brewers twins weekend something like June 24-26th…people here go to the games just to tailgate, some dont even buy tickets to get in.
Finally, learn to make a black bean burger, as they are amazingly better than any veggie burger
Duly noted.
You’re right, there is no substituted for just going there and soaking up the experience and seeing what other people do. I’ve had some good black bean burgers in restaurants, but I haven’t started looking for a recipe yet. Can you recommend a recipe?
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
http://innocentprimate.wordpress.com/2008/06/16/on-the-grill-black-bean-burgers/
i top with salsa and cheese, you can also freeze them before going to a game, making it even easier to have them. Best part is you can add/subtract more veggies as you please. The gf like an avocado slice to boot, but not me so much.
Also, look out for Worcestershire Sauce, as it contains anchovies, unless of course you’re a pesca-tarian, then it doesnt matter
by redhearring on May 27, 2011 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Thanks so much, I'll have to check that out!
I’m going to side with your girlfriend—everything is better with avocado. Well, okay, maybe not everything, but this sounds like a good case for it. And, a little anchovy in the Worcestershire Sauce doesn’t bother me.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
Does anyone
remember the grill that Dick Butkus used to advertise that used crumpled up newspaper as its only source of fuel? http://users.aristotle.net/~shicks/qwikcook/index.html. I wonder how that thing worked?
I had one of those bad boys.
I use to cook burgers on it when I was on one of my Canadian fishing trips. It was easy to use and newspaper was easier to carry than charcoal and lighter fluid. And the grill collapsed down so it was easy to store too. The burgers turned out great.
I was always warned not to use anything with colored print. Something about carcinogenic fumes from the red print dye. Probably an old wives tale, but I never tempted fate. I do not know what ever become of this product. My died after about 15 years ago when a friend ran over it with his car at a tailgate party.
I don’t know the science of how it worked. I just know it did.
Your fantasy football expert since Jerry Rice's rookie year.
Just like the Owners....
Have we forgotten what we’re doing here? It’s about FOOTBALL!!! Bring your damn football and toss that puppy around(not to offend any dog owners with my figure of speech. I have a dog and would never toss him around. His name is Cooper and he looks like a footlong.) Gotta have a football getting toss around. If someone’s grill doesn’t get knocked over from an errant Dilfer toss, then you’re not tailgating. Make sure you setup camp fairly close to the restroom/porta-potties(think ahead people). The day before is where the food prep comes into play. Marinate the hell out of whatever you’re bringing. I’m a big fan of like a teryaki/pineapple combo(throw in some crushed red pepper if it’s cold out) for the chicken. For steaks I go with worcester sauce overnight, then black pepper before the grill. Make sure and pack lots of chips and lots of celery/carrots(you’d be surprised how people go crazy for that stuff). Now for veggies on the grill, gotta do the kabobs. Red peppers(green/yellow), mushrooms, cherry tomatos, and ZUCCHINI. Slap some Italian dressing a few minutes before you throw these on the grill. You’ll be glad you did. The #1 thing you need to take with you in your tailgating adventures: Grill your corn with the husks ON! It’s so simple. Leave them on. The corn cooks perfectly inside. The husk peels away so cleanly after it’s been cook too. Then, just get a bowl of warmed butter(grill that if you have to in a pot). Then dip, shake, and do that salt/pepper the way you want it. People will go nuts for that stuff. Plus, you hold the peeled away husk as a handle so it’s no mess and you don’t have to struggle with those little pokey things on each side. Enjoy all! I, for one can’t wait for tailgating season!!
Skol!
grilled veggies are amazing
I like to use a mixture of Worcestershire, Italian dressing, and coke (awesome) along with some cookies all purpose, Mrs. Dash, and whatever other spices i find in my cupboard. I usually use mushrooms, green and red peppers, tomatoes, and whatever else looks good that day.
Another one i like to do is wrap asparagus, up in aluminum foil with cookies all purpose and butter.
when asked by Dan Patrick if his name alluded to not making quick decisions in the pocket, Ponder calmly replied "As crazy as it sounds, my mom's maiden name is actually Superbowlwinner. All one word"
Thanks for the veggie grilling tips.
But I may have to forgo throwing a football around. It’s embarrassing, but on land, my coordination is kind of lacking and I know I throw like a girl. Now if this was a water sport, I swim like a fish :)
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
That's fine.
To each, his/her own on the actual participation with the football. My point is that there’s always some group of peeps that are playing catch like 30 yards apart, like they’re showing off their arms or something. Then there’s always “that guy” that starts to play defense on the other guy even though no one asked him to so it’s just really weird for the 2 guys who originally wanted to play catch and now they’re forced into playing keepaway from this jackass.
Skol!
stick to bags
Bags is easy, and girls can play (and cheat) without most guys caring ..
as for the awkward keep away dm_purp … that makes me laugh every time. like they want to make it into an overcrowded game of 500.
when asked by Dan Patrick if his name alluded to not making quick decisions in the pocket, Ponder calmly replied "As crazy as it sounds, my mom's maiden name is actually Superbowlwinner. All one word"
Sliced pineapples sound awesome.
Cut up over ice cream.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
marinate the pineapple slices in a sweet chilli sauce over night then grill
awesomme
"If you've got them by the balls their hearts and minds will follow."
John Wayne
by just another viking on May 27, 2011 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions
That does sound awesome.
Love that kind of sweet/spicy pairing. But I have a very close rapport with my bottle of Rooster Sauce (can’t remember how to spell the real name of it!) and put it on or in lots of stuff.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
Eat first, then drink.
I have student season tickets to the University of Iowa (even though I am a Gopher fan who hates the Hawkeyes), and I’ve been honing my tailgating skills for some time.
I stuff myself with cheese and meat (protein to fill the stomach up), and then start drinking beer three or four hours before kickoff.
There are plenty of people, especially for night games, who start drinking eight hours or more before kickoff, but that is not for me; i would rather actually make it to the game, remember being there, and not wind up in the Kinnick jail or detox.
by Midnight Rambler on May 26, 2011 3:32 PM CDT reply actions
Being an Iowa fan
i’ve heard of a lot of stories of the tailgating that goes on in IC, but I’ve only been to Ames tailgating for those rivalry matchups. You definitely have to keep active(games and such) and eat plenty or else you’ll be done by halftime.
Skol!
Good thinking.
It would be a shame to miss the game because you can’t stagger through the turnstile.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
Missing Out on Tailgating
Growing up in Minnesota in the Metrodome era, and going to college in the MNSCU system in the ’90s, I missed out on the tailgating tradition almost completely.
I knew about tailgating, of course. Aside from a couple Packer-Viking games at Lambeau, and an occasional trip to Ames to see Iowa State get the snot kicked out of them by Oklahoma, Texas, or Nebraska, I never got to experience tailgating on a regular basis until I started grad school at Iowa. Then I really appreciated what we are missing out on in Minnesota.
One of the things I like about the Arden Hills proposal is the 21,000 parking spots, which will mean Viking fans finally get to tailgate again. I envision the tailgating scene at the hypothetical Ramsey County site being something like Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, which is awesome.
by Midnight Rambler on May 26, 2011 3:39 PM CDT reply actions
I'm crossing my fingers...
And hoping that the MN legislature doesn’t ass up this stadium proposal. The plan that the Vikings and Ramsey County have created looks great. Granted, it was kind of late being brought forward, but it looks great. I have a hunch that the Wilfs have been so outspoken about wanting to bring tailgating back in a big way because they know it will resonate with the fans and encourage support for the stadium deal.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
Tailgating rookie here, myself.
So I’m looking forward to seeing all the advice that comes out of here.
However, I noticed that you said you’re becoming vegetarian due to The China Study? My mother read about that at one point and was absolutely convinced. Now, I really, really like eating meat, and so the prospect of my mom suddenly deciding to make our house pretty much vegetarian did not make me happy, so I started looking around and reading up on said study, and I ran across this:
http://rawfoodsos.com/2010/07/07/the-china-study-fact-or-fallac/
I would very much recommend reading that if the only reason you’re going vegetarian is that study.
Well, like the Facebook relationship status, it's complicated...
For the past couple years I haven’t been eating very much meat—mostly just in restaurants because it’s easier. The compelling thing about the China Study for me was that the researchers were not looking for this connection between animal protein consumption and cancer. My paternal grandmother had breast cancer and died of heart disease so, if I can lower my risk factors for both of those terrible diseases by going with a plant-based diet, it’s worth it for me. However, I know that if I feel deprived it will make it hard to stick with vegetarianism, so I plan to give myself the occasional dietary holiday so I can have a burger from SmashBurger or In-N-Out.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
FYI
You can find several cases debunking or at least questioning the methodology used in The China Study. Don’t take it as literal truth. As a researcher, let me incorporate you into some truth: EVERY scientist is essentially a salesperson for the ever diminishing funding sources.
by Jepp The Viking on May 26, 2011 4:33 PM CDT reply actions
That being said:
If you chow down on Big Macs every night needless to say you are going to die early. On the other hand, you can find equally unhealthy plant materials which will kill you just as quickly (ever looked at an avacado?)
by Jepp The Viking on May 26, 2011 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Definitely.
Moderation is key no matter what one is consuming.
True enough Jepp.
And after some classes on statistics I know that how you massage the stats can generate just about any possible outcome you’re interested in proving or disproving. The China Study wasn’t the sole reason I’m vegetarian, it was just the last nail in the coffin.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
Cool stuff
I want to reiterate I’m not saying your stance is invalid by any means, I’m a big believer of ‘to each their own’. I just didn’t want you basing decisions solely on reactionary “science”. Kind of a pet peeve of mine. A lot of lay people come up to me with their hair on fire about some ‘research study’ they saw on 60 Minutes as if it were gospel truth. I hate that part about my job.
by Jepp The Viking on May 27, 2011 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions
I can see how that would make you really annoyed.
Just curious, what do you do?
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
I manage a laboratory
for the health care conglomerate most recently cited in the twin cities as occupying a giant banner above right field in the MLB playoffs last year ;). Cardiovascular health specific.
by Jepp The Viking on May 27, 2011 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm always intrigued at just how diverse the community here at DN is.
Always enjoy your comments.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
Thanks, and you as well
It’s nice to have a blog about our beloved purple that isn’t chalk full of keyboard warriors isn’t it?
by Jepp The Viking on May 27, 2011 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions
The Truth is Out There
1. If you eat two Big Mac’s everyday all your life, it won’t necessarily kill you: http://sglinks.com/pages/691288-man-eats-th-big-mac-years-first
2. Someday in this century, they will grow pure beef without it growing any brains or hooves with it, making it no more a moral decision to eat beef than is involved in eating celery. (Sure, I know the Shakers died out because they thought sex is immoral. Remember, I was born in Cuyahoga County, Ohio.)
3.If you let the Vikings leave Minnesota, (I won’t save “never”, but…) you won’t see another NFL team there for at least half a century.
History has changed the NFL.
People like to cling to the fact that Minnesota is in the 15th largest marketing zone. (What they neglect to mention that LA is in the 2nd largest marketing zone, and it hasn’t had an NFL team since 1995.)
People like to think that LA is just weird and doesn’t like football. (Well, USC is on suspension, and it has no shortage of fans.)
The real problem in LA is filling a stadium. Why? Two things: People do not like being mugged and real estate in LA is like gold — it’s highly expensive due to demand. You have to build a stadium in a relatively safe neighborhood to fill the stadium so blackouts won’t occur and demoralize the TV fans. (Sure, you get to watch two NFL games in LA now. How will you like it if your choices become watching the Jets and Packers (or whatever team the network or station manager likes) and whoever plays them? Not exactly like having a home team to cheer for, is it? Marketing and ad guys are crazy, but they’ll catch on that everyone is watching the football channel that has the home team.)
LA is NY’s rival. NY has two NFL teams. Figure it out.
There are now 32 NFL teams. In this world in which two teams and only two teams play each and every NFL game, that is a very round number, one which has its advantages. To add enough expansion teams so that you’d have a better number at your disposal , you’d have to add 32 more teams. (Not bloody likely, eh? Remember, right now, we can’t even get the players and the league to agree on something vital to both.)
Should the plethora of enemies of the NFL football triumph in Minnesota, Jerry Jones is not going to vote to give you another chance. That’s just how the cookie crumbles.
LA stole the Cleveland Rams in 1946. History repeats itself, but history takes extremely long coffee breaks. When it does change, nearly unalterable things happen in the blink of an eye.
My point, my having been a Brownie fan by birth, is don’t let them lull you to sleep.
Bin Laden thought he was safe too.
Get historical and get hysterical. It’s time for berserkers. There are too many zany people in Minnesota. Be more nuts than they are, or else you’ll regret it.
It's all in the tools
Skol Girl, a vegitarian can still have fun grilling whether tailgating or in the backyard, you just need the right equipment. The best thing to have is a grilling skillet. Think of it as a regular 12" skillet with lots of perforated holes. This allows the heat and the smoke to pass through. Even for us carniviores it’s great to have. thin slices of red/yellow/green peppers, chunks of onion and even garlic tossed with olive oil salt and pepper grilsl up nicley and tastes fantasic by itself or tossed on your favorite meat or faux-meat. Plus giant portabellas grill niclely. Throw a thick slab of mozzerla on it then top with a grilled tomato or battered fried green tomota if your real ambitious. You’ll have a meal even brat lovers would envy.
Check out Bass Pro Shop or other outdoor sporting goods store and you can find all kinds of grill accesseries to make veggie style fun and tasty.
by Stubby83 on May 27, 2011 10:59 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Thanks for the tip Stubby :)
I’ll have to remember the grilling skillet the next time I find myself at Cabela’s or Bass Pro. Last summer I finally had fried green tomatoes at Smalley’s in Stillwater and I’m hooked.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
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