Horns, Swords and a Longship: July 7, 2016

Ted broke out his final pre-training camp mailbag.

We had a short segment on a Louisville radio station yesterday, but you'd have to ask Chris where you might find a link to listen to it.

Kyle Rudolph made a compelling argument that the VIkings getting a new stadium will mean nothing if the Vikings can't win games there.

Arif took his skills divisional as he debated among four NFC North gurus about a wide variety of topics in the NFC North Football Fights Podcast.

Yesterday's storm shook loose a few panels on the new stadium so there will be an investigation into what happened and what can be done to keep it from happening again.

Eric and Ted continued their "30 Best Players of the Vikings" yesterday with numbers 15-11.

The "More than Words" fundraiser has surpassed its $10,000 goal, but don't let that stop you from donating!

1500ESPN: Former Vikings WR Cris Carter's son Duron Carter was suspended for a game by the CFL after his instigation of a fight/brawl/brouhaha between his team and whichever team they were playing. The Purple Podcast has its 139th episode up, and NFL players voted Adrian Peterson as the fifth-best player in the NFL last year.

Vikings Journal: PurplePTSD questions what the Vikings' reported interest in Morris Claiborne earlier in the offseason means. They also have a look into the position battles shaping up on this year's offensive line. Arif has a look at an offensive play that is a particular favorite of new Vikings coach Tony Sparano.

Vikings Territory: Adam Patrick has numbers 10-6 of VT's list of Most Important Vikings in 2016. Adam Warwas provides a more comprehensive update on the More Than Words campaign. Finally, Austin Belisle questions whether Danielle Hunter will beat out Brian Robison for a starting spot this year.

Reddit: /u/Skepticismissurvival has a comprehensive write-up on the 2016 offseason for the Vikings. In a recent NFC North Q&A, Ben Goessling poses the question of what the Vikings should do with Teddy Bridgewater if he doesn't take the "step forward" that everyone is expecting him to.

Bleacher Report: Pro Football Rumors checks in on the 2016 offensive line battle. The Viking Age questions whether Jeff Locke could improve in 2016. They also list five things to watch in the Vikings' preseason.

Calvin Johnson spoke candidly about the prevalence of painkillers in the NFL, as well as the situation surrounding his retirement. Keith McCants, an ex-NFL player, has also recently spoken out about painkillers in the NFL.

Bucs receiver Louis Murphy was locked inside a museum after falling asleep during a wedding that had taken place there and waking up after everyone had left.

Cornerback Brandon Browner is the latest NFL player to be investigated for assault. Speaking of NFL players in trouble with the law, former NFL player Jeff Webb has been arrested in connection with orchestrating car crashes.

Wide receiver Andre Johnson is hoping another team will give him a shot.

Mike Ditka is apparently a huge fan of J.J. Watt.

With a truly dazzling pitching performance by Ervin Santana, the Twins won their series finale against the A's 4-0. Santana's 2-hit complete-game shutout is without question the best pitching performance put on by a Twins pitcher this year. With the win the Twins won their series against the A's 2-1 and move on to a four-game series in Texas that ends right at the All-Star Break. The Twins send Tyler Duffey to the mound against Chi-Chi Gonzalez. Game time is 7:05 CT.

As for our entertainment today, I think it's only fair that since it's Thursday, we get a little Thor action up in here. Video is NSFW.

Again, we all know the rules, but in case someone is new:

-No discussion of politics or religion
-No feeding of the trolls
-Keep the bad language to a minimum (using the spoiler tags, if you must)
-Speaking of which, if discussing a newer show or movie, please use spoiler tags 
-No pictures that could potentially get someone fired or in serious trouble at their place of employment
-If you can't disagree in a civil manner, feel free to go away
-While navigating the open thread, just assume it's sarcasm

With that, the disco light is down and the bar is open. Belly up & tie one on. Don't forget to tip your local dolphin brigade, & try the spicy Sprite!