Minnesota Vikings News and Links, 7/31

Well, we've officially made it through July, ladies and gentlemen. And one week from tomorrow, we'll be preparing to see the Minnesota Vikings take the field for the first time since December as they kick off their first pre-season game against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium.

Since the last time we brought you an Open Thread. . .

-CCNorseman got to spend the day at Training Camp yesterday, and he has recaps of the morning practice and the afternoon practice.

-He also got an opportunity to speak with Vikings punter Jeff Locke. No questions about why the team would take a stinkin' punter in the fifth round. (That was for Mark.)

From some other sources around the internet. . .

-The Vikings may wind up shelling out about $1.1 million for bird-proof glass on the new stadium.

-Josh Robinson is looking to get comfortable at the outside cornerback position again.

The rules of the Open Thread are the same as they've ever been, ladies and gentlemen. . .no politics, no religion, no feeding of the trolls, keep the language relatively clean (with spoiler tags, if necessary), and keep the GIFs relatively work-safe.

Your musical entertainment for the day.

With that, the beer light is on and the bar is open for this Thursday, ladies and gentlemen. Enjoy the rest of your day!