From the time I first joined the Daily Norseman I’ve been curious about some of the icons (those little picture thingies that appear next to people’s nom de guerre) I’ve seen people using on the site.  I was kind of hoping people would step forward and explain their icons for us -- even if you think yours is self explanatory.

I’ll go first:  My picture is of Swiper (a character on the children's TV show Dora the Explorer) and a Vikings helmet (non-NFL approved version).  For those of you who don’t have young kids or aren't one yourself, Swiper is a fox who skulks about and steals things away from Dora.  Once he swipes something, he hides it.  It’s up to Dora and her pet monkey to find those things again in order to complete their mission.

Well, long story short, I chose this picture because the ending to our 2009 season made me feel like the NFC Championship had been stolen.  Our Vikings mojo had been taken from us.  How else could one explain Peterson’s fumble of Favre’s handoff at the goal line?  Or the additional 7 turnovers (another 5 fumbles and 2 interceptions)?  How else could you explain the horribly one-sided officiating?  I’ll never forget the pass interference call on Leber.  And 12 men in the huddle?  Oh please.  That’s what convinced me that Swiper was involved.  And unfortunately in 2010, we didn’t exactly get our 2009 Vikings mojo back.  Hopefully 2011 will be different, because gosh darn it, I’m getting ready to move on. 

Skol Vkings!  …and Swiper no swiping!