The other day I went into Preston Foods to see what the deli had to offer for lunch. I was hoping for home style goulash, but was willing to consider something else. As I walked toward the deli, there was Old Foolish Fan. I hadn’t seen the old boy for months and wondered if he had forgotten me during my leave of absence from the paper.
He was ordering lunch and seemed surprised to see me. I was glad to see him and knew that he usually had something interesting to say about the political and sports scene. I asked if he had a few minutes to visit, but he seemed anxious to be on his way. I noticed he had ordered goulash and mentioned that I enjoyed goulash and suggested we take a few minutes and eat on the tables outside. After I paid for the meals, he joined me in the early afternoon sun.
As you may remember, Old Foolish Fan can get the crux of an interview answer by saying, “You mean?” The following is a fictitious account of Old Foolish Fan’s recent interviews.
We dug into the goulash and I asked if he had recent political and sports interviews. He said he had, and through the intervention of ex-Governor Tim Pawlenty, he had the opportunity to have a short telephone conversation with Republican candidate Mitt Romney.
Old Foolish Fan: “Tell me Governor Romney, do you think Newt Gingrich should drop out of the race in view of the fact that he and Rick Santorum are dividing the conservative vote and make it a true test between you and Senator Santorum?"
Romney: “It is entirely up to Newt Gingrich as to whether he continues in the race or not. Speaker Gingrich brings a unique perspective to a very interesting contest. He provides a meaningful dialogue in the truest sense of the word. His presence is welcome and speaks well of the American political process.”
Old Foolish Fan: “You mean?
Romney: "I hope not."
Old Foolish Fan was happy to leave the political scene and talked about his sit down with Zigi Wilf, owner of the Vikings.
Old Foolish Fan: “Tell me Mr. Wilf, it appears that the Vikings will get their stadium, but not in Arden Hills, which you would have preferred because of the real estate opportunities. What is your reaction?”
Wilf: “It’s true that we would have preferred Arden Hills, which would have given us the opportunity to provide Minnesota with a wonderful new addition to the Twin Cities scene. However, downtown Minneapolis is acceptable.
Old Foolish Fan: “You mean?”
Wilf: “Something is better than nothing.”
Old Foolish Fan was able to spend some time in Southwestern Florida watching the Twins as well as the Orioles, Pirates and Red Sox. He corralled Twins manager Ron Gardenhire for a quick five-minute interview before the team bus left for Port Charlotte.
Old Foolish Fan: “Tell me Mr. Gardenhire, how is the team shaping up this year and do you anticipate them being a contender for the Central Division title?"
Gardenhire: “As you know we have a great many people in camp this year, particularly pitchers. We feel that with a return to fundamentals and the puzzle pieces that Terry Ryan has provided we will enter the season with a competitive team."
Old Foolish Fan. “You mean?”
Gardenhire: “It can’t be any worse than last year.”
Old Foolish Fan had finished his goulash and was anxious to depart for his next interview. I bid him farewell and decided that I would again show up on goulash day in hopes of another visit.
