The following is another "Have Fun or Get Out of the Way" column by Don Leighton and Mike Granlund and their alter egos, Lance Boyle and Billy Pirkola, which runs occasionally in The Daily Telegram.
Let's get something straight. Since April 22, when the first "Have Fun or Get Out of The Way" was published, the Daily Telegram has been saying that Don Leighton and Mike Granlund and their alter egos, Lance Boyle and Billy Pirkola, write it.
The credit for the column should be given to us, Lance and Billy and our alter egos, Leighton and Granlund. We are the brains behind this wonderful prose, the Wizard of Oz behind the curtain, so to speak.
So, without further delay, here is a recap of columns 21 through 30, by yours truly, Lance and Billy.
July 9
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Lance was not allowed to run in Grandma's Marathon this year. All of the training and care in the nutritional intake all down the drain. In "Grandma's Marathon will never be the same," find out how and why, Lance feels, Grandma's denied his application. Grandma's will never be the same if the suggestions of Lance are followed. Perhaps lunch is in order at a certain restaurant in Canal Park.
July 11
"Just in case you've missed it, Part II" covers the second collection of 10 columns by the Pulitzer award winning (yeah right) columnists, Lance Boyle and Billy Pirkola.
Columns 11 through 20 dealt with lots of stuff: parents making a difference, the proper attire for a football game and the proper way to grill a hot dog, growing up in Lake Nebagamon, Niko taking down Enger Tower, the great one, Morrie Arnovich and his Field of Dreams, notes and quotes from us, Mike Granlund donning a leather helmet from his football days (this explains many things about Mike), Obe Saari, Lakeside legend, and a brief history of how and when Little League baseball came to town in 1957.
As if that is not enough, there was even a column about our first 10 attempts at whatever this is.
July 12
Another in the "Field of Dreams" series, "Field keeps memory of Tim Wicklund alive" covers the creation of the field behind the Billings Park Civic Center. The Wicklund family created this field to keep Tim's memory alive and to contribute something to the community that can be used by everyone.
July 15
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One of Lance's favorite people in the whole world is Harriet the hostess at Grizzly's. If you have been there, you know her. If you haven't been there, go and meet one of the all-time greats. But don't spill any popcorn.
Consider yourself warned.
July 18
Guaranteed to give you names you have never heard of, "Let's play the all-name game" covers all of the sports with some of the strangest names imaginable. This is one of Billy's most entertaining columns.
July 23
Most of the names in "Finnish athletes have flourished locally, abroad" are hard for Lance to pronounce. There are many great names of athletes of Finnish descent. Some of the locals include one of our favorite families, the Copp family of Brule. Tim Heikkala, Marty Wiitala, the Linds, the Lahtis, Jeff Anttila, Rick Murto, John Leino, Jerry Erickson, Billy Kangas and others. These are the names of some of the best athletes to ever compete in Northern Wisconsin.
July 25
"Oulu: The early years" is one of the most entertaining columns in our long and storied history.
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Oulu, where there is never a dark and dreary day, is the hometown of Billy. His memories, as good as they can be for someone his age, will make you laugh, get angry and even a little teary eyed.
Among the memories are the discrimination he saw his friends, Dave Lindelof and Knute Pederson, endure, and the always entertaining injury of a personal nature will offer an insight into the complexities of Billy. Sigmund Freud would have a field day with this one.
July 30
Another "Field of Dreams" gives a brief history into the Superior Women's Field. The hard work and dedication of many women in Superior led to the creation of this field and is enjoyed by hundreds of girls and women each summer. The numbers are down for the women so we are challenging the women to get out and start playing softball again. Women's softball has a rich and storied past that will be further investigated next summer. Thanks to Marlene, Mary Jo, Barb and all who gave thousands of hours to achieve the improbable.
Aug. 1
"But I don't want to go!" is about the Northwestern class of 1968 and their class reunion this summer. Lance was there and gives a first-hand report as to the festivities and all of the fun had by all. One classmate, Pat Meteraud, is dealing with serious illness issues and could not attend. This column "encourages" all to attend their class reunions, to celebrate life and to be thankful for the chance to see old schoolmates. Please say a prayer for our friend, Pat.
Aug. 5
This column was filled with Pirkolator items that covered area athletes who excel in hockey, track and field and golf. There is information, humor (thanks Tim), credit for a job well done (thanks Steve Flagstad), and useless stuff that we like.
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Since the further adventures of Lance and Billy was first printed on April 22, hundreds of readers have e-mailed us, spoken with us in person, called us and not given us any money. We are so thankful for all of the kind words. We try to put a smile on your face, make you think and give information that is both useful and useless. We are having the time of our lives and hope that you are having fun along with us.
Take life seriously, but remember to "Have Fun or Get Out of the Way."
Opinions and/or story ideas can be e-mailed to dleigh1273@aol.com or wgranlund@centurytel.net
