Life Can't Get Much Better

Apparently everyone's favorite Pop/Punk band of the early 21st century is back together. Yep, Good Charlotte released a new album for the first time in several years. In many ways it sounds very different from their early work, but it also still has that same flare that made them who they were as well. I wasn't blown away by the album by any means, but it's worth a listen if you were a fan of the band. Lots of solid songs, but my favorite was the stripped-down acoustic song, "Life Can't Get Much Better."

I have a dozen or so photos to share from area baseball functions. Next week I'll be starting my Fantasy Football Rankings, as well as looking back at how I did a year ago, beginning with Quarterbacks.

Genola Campground was a bit flooded back on July 14.

Some action of the VFW baseball game between Pierz and Little Falls.

An attempt at a catch by a VFW player.

This is a Diekman playing in the VFW game.

I think that this is Joe Alholm.

Pierz catcher Reese Kapsner, loses control of the ball as the Little Falls player slides into home. I think it is Anthony Vetter.

The Royalton River Dogs' Ryan Snyder takes a healthy cut.

Chuck Boser of the Pierz Brewers tosses his bat after being hit by a pitch back on July 17.

Zach Opatz of the Little Falls VFW team.

Brewers pitcher Cody Meyer nabs an infield fly.

AJ Jenks pitches against Sartell, July 18.

Austin Weisz takes off after a perfectly placed bunt earns him a single for the Little Falls Legion team.

A big hack by Thomas Miller ends in a hit, one of four on the day.

Unbelievable

It was 25 years ago when EMF's hit "Unbelievable" hit No. 1 after 14 weeks on the Billboard charts. I was three at the time, but have since heard the song numerous times as it was a bowling alley staple growing up. Happy anniversary hitting No. 1.

Enjoy a few photos that I took at Swanville, July 10.

Swanville Swans' Ben Schultz avoids a tag from the Long Prairie third baseman.

A pair of giant oxen at the Swanville parade, July 10.

Cute little calf.

A dog in a tutu.

And a Jennie-O turkey.

Swans outfielder Carter Loven slides head first into third base as the Preds third baseman puts on the tag.

My Carz

Snoop Dogg is back. For realz. The Doggfather released a new album "Coolaid" recently, and he is certainly back on his game. After all these years, and at age 44, the D-O-double G can still entertain, rhyme, flow and pick a beat. I really enjoyed the track "My Carz" which uses a sample of the Gary Numan's new wave hit "Cars."

Got several photos to share from Legion and Victory League baseball and some of the Bowlus Parade on July 3.

Little Falls Legion runner Justin Jenks slides safely into second on a steal, June 30.

The color guard presents the flags at the Bowlus Parade, July 3.

Flyers Legion catcher Thomas Miller awaits the throw for a play at the plate.

A hurl from the Flyers' starting pitcher Adam Hallberg.

Doggie.

A painful looking slide by Sobieski's Jon Czech, July 3 against Flensburg.

Skis starter Andrew Lange.

Nick Herold swings in an at-bat for the Pierz Legion team, July 6.

Preston Rocheleau started for the Pierz Legion team.

Victims of Life

This was a tough one to listen to. I listened to The Avett Brothers' latest album, "True Sadness," and that pretty much sums it up. They are like a weird amalgamation of every terrible bluegrass band I've ever heard, and terrible versions of Mumford and Sons and the Black Keys. This is not a good thing. Not to mention that the entire album reeks of an early 2000s emo album, but then like masked as a happy-go-lucky melody. It was weird and creepy. This is well exemplified with the strange beach-like tune "Victims of Life." I'm so glad to be done listening, and needless to say, will not be listening again.

Anyhow, I have four photos from the St. Mathias/Ft. Ripley Victory League game, Sunday, June 26.

St. Mathias' Teddy Dehler swings and misses in a game, June 26.

Matt Tautges throws to first as Rhett Williamson tries to beat out the play.

Devils second baseman Conner Knettl shows the ball after attempting to tag a stealing Jack Hegarty.

Hegarty dives safely back to the bag as Dehler prepares to receive a throw over to first.