Toy Department

Super Bowl LI: Four Myths About The Big Game

Posted on by Martinson Agency

Super Bowl LI: Four Myths About The Big Game

February 5th, 2017 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

With the Super Bowl right around the corner, let’s look at four of the most common myths surrounding the big game.

The Marketing Misconceptions

The Super Bowl is known as one of the biggest events of the year in advertising. However, Advertising Age explains that there are a lot of myths about advertising during the big game. The news provider explained that broadcast advertising is not the only way to gain some visibility, as one company carried out a campaign on the web ─ without purchasing a $4 million ad spot ─ and reached 10 million individuals by becoming a part of the conversation. Even small businesses can capitalize on the event, not just large ones.

Right Down The Drain

TIME Magazine explained that some people believe the “flush effect” myth, which is the belief that everyone in the country will flush their toilet at the same exact moment during halftime, and that this will strain the nation’s water supply. Interestingly, TIME Magazine points out that research in various cities has proven that water use peaks during breaks in the game.

Plenty of Beer, But Not The Most

Americans might believe the big game would be the biggest day of the year for beer purchases, and for good reason. However, this is false. The Nielsen Co., a ratings and research firm, lists this event in February as the eighth-biggest day for beer sales, behind other days including Independence Day, Labor Day, Father’s Day, Thanksgiving and Easter.

Stock Market Predictor

One theory states that the Super Bowl can predict the stock market’s performance for the coming year. As ridiculous as it sounds, there is some evidence to back this theory up. The “Super Bowl Indicator” states that if a team from the old American Football League (AFL) wins, the stock market will go down; if a team from the old National Football League (NFL) wins, the markets will go up. The Super Bowl indicator has been accurate roughly 80% of the time!

Don’t leave your insurance to luck! Call today us today!

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Top Major League Baseball Stadiums

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Top Major League Baseball Stadiums

October 1st, 2015 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

With MLB season winding down our friends at buzzfeed.com decided to rank the top 10 stadiums in Major League Baseball. Does your favorite stadium make the cut? Let us know!

10. Nationals Park

Team: Washington Nationals Capacity: 41,341 Food Highlight: Chili fries from Ben’s Chili Bowl

Spacious and sleek, Nationals Park is a great place to catch a game. There’s tons of food options, from local treasure Ben’s Chili Bowl to national gem Shake Shack. And the Presidents Race in the 4th inning is always fantastic (#LetTeddyWin).

9. Safeco Field

Team: Seattle Mariners Capacity: 47,574 Food Highlight: Mariners’ Fish n’ Chips

This is one of the only baseball stadiums to master the “dome”: It’s just a partial covering of the seats when it rains, so you still feel outdoors. Also, baseball season is the best weather in Seattle, and the stadium keeps up with the classy culinary rep of the city at large.

8. Coors Field

Team: Colorado Rockies Capacity: 50,398 Food Highlight: Rocky mountain oysters!

Since the thinner air at high altitudes helps baseballs really soar, you got more chances of catching a stray one, right? This is also the only ball park to boast a working brewery (A+, Blue Moon), and delicious local favorites: If fried bull testicles aren’t your thing, go for a green chile burrito.

7. Wrigley Field

Team: The Chicago Cubs Capacity: 41,072 Food Highlight: The “High Plains” bison hot dog from Decade Diner

This place is truly timeless. From the ivy-coated walls to the old-school bleachers, it’s easy to feel like you’ve fallen back in time at Wrigley. The food is pretty classic if not exciting, and the consistent crowds are about as friendly as it gets.

6. Dodger Stadium

Team: L.A. Dodgers Capacity: 56,000 Food Highlight: A Kirin Ichiban draft topped with frozen foam

Always packed and always gorgeous, this place has stood the test of time. The California weather, view of the Chavez Ravine, and the Dodger Dog are all pretty reliable reasons to watch a game at Dodger Stadium.

5. Target Field

Team: Minnesota Twins Capacity: 39,021 Food Highlight: The Bloody Mary

This field is not only named for America’s favorite store, but it’s also in the heart of our kindest, most self-effacing state! And not only do you have bites from local standbys like Murray’s Steakhouse, but you can wash it all down with an epic, pizza-garnished Bloody Mary.

4. Miller Park

Team: Milwaukee Brewers Capacity: 41,900 Food Highlight: The Beast: A hot dog stuffed in a brat, all wrapped in bacon and topped with ‘kraut and onions.

If you were hoping a stadium and team named for beer would show you a good time, then you’re in luck. Brewers fans are an awesome tailgating crowd, and the sixth-inning sausage race will keep your appetite fueled for everything from nachos on a stick to classic cheese curds.

3. Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Team: Baltimore Orioles Capacity: 45,971 Food Highlight: Pit beef from Boog’s BBQ

Always ahead of the curve, Baltimore went for timeless charm when other stadiums were trying to cram everything in one concrete package. It’s nostalgic without being cloying, and celebrates Baltimore with all its best food and drink. You stay classy, Camden Yards.

2. Fenway Park

Team: Boston Red Sox Capacity: 37,673 Food Highlight: Lobster roll in the summer, clam chowder for fall.

This place is packed with character and history, and it’s genuinely beautiful. It’s also intimately packed with rowdy fans who are truly delightful so long as you pledge eternal allegiance to their fair city. Though the stadium eats are standard, just outside are tons of places to rally with another beer or enjoy a good meal.

1. AT&T Park

Team: San Francisco Giants Capacity: 41,915 Food Highlight: Garlic sourdough with crab sammie from Crazy Crab’z

Probably the most picturesque park in existence, the home of the Giants has A LOT going for it. There’s the varied and delicious food, some surprisingly good beer, consistently pleasant weather and a winning team to boot. It’s a breezy, retro park that, let’s face it, has pretty much everything you could ask for.

 

**Article courtesy of buzzfeed.com**

 

Don’t leave your insurance to luck! Call today!

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

Terrible Golfer Chronicles His Round to Hilarious Results

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Terrible Golfer Chronicles His Entire Round to Hilarious Results

August 6th, 2015 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Like any mediocre golfer knows, sometimes you get in a funk where it seems like throwing your clubs into a fire pit is the only solution. Usually it lasts a few shots, maybe a few holes. But every so often it spans an ENTIRE ROUND. That’s 4-5 hours of pure misery. It can cause even the strongest, most mentally stable person to contemplate tying a cinder block around their ankle and diving headfirst into the closest body of water. It’s hell. And last week I was sitting next to the devil himself.

This is my story.

10:41 a.m.

The sun is shining and things are looking great outside. Sure it’s a little hot but who can complain with 85 degrees? Not me!

12:03 p.m.

We arrive at the course a little early so we have time to hit a few balls. There are four of us so we don’t have to worry about getting paired up with that lonely guy who slows you down by walking the course because he “loves the exercise.”  

12:20 p.m.

We head over to the tee box to start the round and even though I didn’t hit the ball particularly well at the range, I’m filled with optimism; like a teenager heading to his first dance. Maybe I’ll get a kiss! And like that idiot, it’s only a matter of hours before I’m in front of my mom wondering how it all went so wrong.

12:22 p.m.

First shot is a beauty for the first 100 yards. Then it appears to come to a four way stop, remembers it left something at home and takes a sharp left. I’m not talking about a gradual, hooking left. An actual 90 degree angle. Not a good sign. 

12:35 p.m.

First hole is done and I’m putting an 8 on the board. Not a great score but the day is young.

I’d kill for an 8 later in the day. 

12:41 p.m.

My drive on the 2nd hole hits the ground six inches from the spot it is teed up and darts into the water. How does that even happen? I’m still not sure. Can Neil deGrasse Tyson get on the phone and fill me in? After looking to my playing partners for an explanation, all I can come up with is that this could be the longest day of my life. (Spoiler alert: It is!).

1:34 p.m.

Just finished the 4th hole and I’m already wondering if I have enough balls to finish the round. Mind you, I’m splitting a brand new pack of 24 balls with my brother who hasn’t lost a single one yet. I figure that as long as I don’t lose more than 2 per hole for the rest of the day, I should be OK. On the other hand, if I lose 2 balls per hole the rest of the day I may get a one way ticket to North Korea.

1:41 p.m.

5th hole. Par 3. 147 yards.

Splash! Like Kevin Costner in Tin Cup, I calmly reach my hand back to my brother and ask for another ball. He throws me one. I lay it down, and swing again. Splash. So many thoughts are running through my head.

Why is there water there?

Are you allowed to throw the ball down the fairway instead of using a club?

Should I be watching CSI since my childhood crush Elisabeth Shue is the co-star?

But all I can do is stare blankly into the distance like a guy who just walked in the YMCA changing room for the first time after the 6am Senior Swim Session.

Some things you can’t unsee. 

2:20 p.m.

Just finished the 7th hole and my score card reads as follows.

8, 7, 8, *, 6, $, 8,000

Sometimes it’s better to give yourself a fictional $ sign than to actually count up all your strokes and realize that if your score was a person, it’d be able to do everything except rent a car.

2:51 p.m.

Finally done with the front 9. Even though there isn’t really anybody in front of us we’re moving at a slow pace. Could it have to do with me hitting 10 shots every hole? Possibly…but I’m open to other explanations.

3:07 p.m.

Finally teeing off on 10. I contemplated staying at the bar and having a few drinks but I figure I’d probably hook those left as well. Plus, I need some redemption!

3:08 p.m.

Sticking with my driver even though it has failed me all day. Kind of like returning to the same pizza place that has given you food poisoning the day before. Maybe, Geno washed up today!

No thinking Mike, you can do this. Be loose!

Swing and a drive. It’s long and gliding right. It could be out of play but I’m secretly thrilled I made solid contact. Guess who’s back baby?!

3:14 p.m.

The ball is nowhere to be found. It may have hit a tree or God may have sent an angel down to remove it from earth and put me one closer to death. Hey who am I to argue? It’s his plan!

3:44 p.m.

My 5 iron almost goes flying from my hands on a swing. Likely from the pounds of SPF 30 I’ve applied every hour but hey, if being a pale skinned, lumpy bastard were easy everyone would do it!

4:02 p.m.

I start to snap. After another terrible drive, I drop in the middle of the fairway because rules went out the window the moment I started playing with these knockoff Pinnacles (can you get lower than that?).  My dad tells me to take my time. Holy crap pops, really? It’s like telling a baseball player who hasn’t gotten a hit in days that he’s due! Just in case you didn’t know, here are a few things you shouldn’t say to someone struggling on the golf course.

Keep your head down.

Hey thanks for the tip. Should I have a safe flight too? Out of my control man!  

Take your time.

I could sit here for 2 hours and we both know my next shot is going to skip more times than Punky Brewster after hearing she’s been adopted by Henry Warnimont. (Nice timely reference Mike…Shut your face).

Hit another one.

I’ll hit another ball whenever I want. As Ivan Drago would say, I play for me…for meeeeee! (Getting closer to modern day with that reference but still a bit off…I know, I know).

4:33 p.m.

16th Hole. By some grace of God I’m putting for Par. Instead of playing the slight break from right to left, I decide to blast it with all my might right at the cup. Kind of like Happy Gilmore when he first gets on the green. But unlike Happy, I can’t drive the ball 350 yards. Although getting my hand ripped off by an alligator like Chubbs seems pretty appealing right now.

5:02 p.m.

18th hole. Bam! A drive 225 yards right down the middle of the fairway.  I’m back baby! No clue how or why it happened but it did. It’s almost like I was being punished for something I did in a past life and now I’m free. Let’s birdie this bad boy.

5:06 p.m.

My second shot goes an estimated 17 yards. Woof sandwich.

5:09 p.m.

Third shot and I’m in chipping range. I hit the ground about a foot behind the ball and almost broke my wrist. I wish I did, then I wouldn’t have to golf for months. That’s a win!

5:21 p.m.

I tap in for a score somewhere between a 7 and a 10. Round finished. Spirit broken.

Should I quit golf forever? Should I finally embrace that gut I’ve been harvesting for the past couple years and join a bowling league? Maybe weekly poker nights is more my speed?

I’m a broken man. My hands are calloused, I’m crashing after a diet of candy bars and gatorades, and I’m pasty from a year’s worth of sun tan lotion used in 4 and 1/2 hours. 

But on the ride home a funny thing happens; all I can think about is that beautiful drive on 18. 225 yards, RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE.

“Wanna play again on Monday?” my dad asks. I pause only for a moment. “Sure!” 

Back to Geno’s. Hopefully this time he washes his hands.

**Entertainment is courtesy of BroBible.com**

 

Don’t leave your insurance to luck! Call today!

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

 

Car Safety for Pets

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Car Safety for Pets

June 11th, 2015 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Summer has officially arrived in Minnesota and that means that road trip season is upon us! Car safety is important this time of year and often times we forget our four-legged friends. Many just assume that cats and dogs roaming free in your vehicle is an accepted practice and while it may not be against the law, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider these important safety tips while traveling with your pet.

1. “DO NOT let your pet sit on your lap” We’ve all seen it. And sure its cute. Sure, the car next to you may look over and wave. But it isn’t safe. And it shouldn’t happen. Not only does this put you and other drivers at risk, but it puts your animal at risk as well.

2. “Consider a pet carrier for cats and smaller dogs” Many times smaller animals can be more distracting while on the road because they can move though out the vehicle quicker and fit into smaller spaces. Using a pet carrier restricts the freedom your pet has while providing comfort at the same time.

3. “Use a travel barrier” A travel barrier works great for animals of all shapes and sizes.  This is a simple option that keeps your pet in the backseat. Most barriers are adjustable so you can customize it to meet you and your animal’s needs. Don’t forget to turn on A/C in the back to keep your buddy cool and comfortable throughout your trip!

4. “DO NOT leave your pet in the vehicle on a hot day” This is another that seems obvious and yet something that happens all too often. Your dog or cat doesn’t have the freedom of turning on the A/C if they start to overheat so don’t put them in this position. You have options. Have a fellow passenger stay with the dog while the vehicle is left running. Take the dog out of the vehicle while you are making a quick stop. If you must leave the animal alone for a moment, make sure that the windows are left open enough for proper air flow. But please, make it quick!

5. “Remember: Not all animals enjoy car rides” Sure, some animals love going for a car ride. But please remember that not animals feel the same. They may become fearful, anxious or car sick and all of these issues can lead to distracted driving. If you own an animal that hates the car, please avoid long road trips. Obviously, some situations are unavoidable and in this case be sure to make your pet as comfortable as possible before you hit the road.

Traveling can be an enjoyable experience for your family and your pet this time of year. Just please consider the safety of not only your family, but the safety of others on the road as well. Make sure that before you hit the road this summer, your pet is comfortable and relaxing in a safe place.

Don’t leave your insurance to luck! Call today!

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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The Rules of Calling Shotgun

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The Rules of Calling “Shotgun”

May 21st, 2015 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Calling “Shotgun” is the act of claiming the front passenger seat of a car for yourself. Since this is the most coveted spot, this list of rules has been created to ensure that Shotgun can be acquired in a fair and equitable manner by any passenger of the automobile (except the driver, of course).

Section I: Making The Call

  1. The shotgun caller must be in clear sight of the car (even if the driver isn’t).
  2. “The Deed” – Any activity that directly precedes the ride, ex. stopping for food, visiting a friend ect. Accepting this concept is important because it establishes a shotgun-calling time frame that ensures everyone has an equal opportunity to start calling.
  3. When simultaneous shotgun is called, a footrace will follow. The first person to touch the passenger door handle wins.
  4. Shotgun must be called outdoors. If the deed takes place indoors, the deed is “done” only after you have left the building in which the deed took place.
  5. Once shotgun has been called for the front seat then back left and back right can be called. This leaves the slowest person to travel in the middle.
  6. Anyone calling shotgun much have shoes on. This prevents opportunistic people from running outside and calling shotgun, then having to go back inside- slowing down the journey.

Section II: Duties and Losing The Privilege

  1. First and foremost, the shot gunner must be awake for the duration of the journey and engage the driver in conversation to keep him/her awake.
  2. If the shot gunner attempts to open the door just as the driver is unlocking it and jams the lock half open so that driver needs to unlock again, the shot gunner forfeits their position. This is known as Shotgun Suicide.
  3. The shot gunner is responsible for all gate opening, food ordering and question asking. They are in essence the copilot and therefore the enforcer of behavior in the vehicle and exacter of slaps, punches, water spraying and bag throwing at the passengers in the back. (Only when the vehicle is stopped of course. SAFETY FIRST!)
  4. The shot gunner is responsible for tending to the driver’s text messages. Driver’s text messages pertaining to the final destination or that day’s plans must take precedent over all of the shot gunner’s texts. Any abuse of this power will result in a one-month ban from riding shotgun.
  5. The shot gunner does not have the right to correct the driver of their navigation skills or driving ability.
  6. The driver is, of course, the controller of music. But if they feel the road requires their full attention, duty is passed to the shot gunner. Putting on crap music or allowing for silence when the iPod finishes a song will result in demotion to the dreaded back middle seat.

Section III: No Contest

  1. If the regular driver of the vehicle is unable to perform their duties, then they are automatically given shotgun.
  2. If one of the backseat passengers is seriously ill (flu or worse) or has had a recent life event that deserves sympathy (ex. pet died), then this person should be offered shotgun. Known as the “pity rule”, and can only be used once per illness/event.
  3. If passengers are picked up separately and you are the first, you are automatically given shotgun. You retain this position unless you lose (see Section II) or any other Section III condition is met.
  4. If only one person knows the way or has a smartphone with GPS, then they are deemed designated navigator and automatically given shotgun.
  5. If one of the potential occupants of the vehicle is dressed (convincingly) as a pirate then they are given automatic shotgun. In the event of more than one pirate being present, a sword fight shall determine the successful shot gunner. This is known as the Pirate Rule.
  6. When traveling with a couple, one member of said couple MUST take shotgun. No one wants to chauffer two of their mates whilst they are in the back all over each other.

Section IV: Driver Powers

  1. Once shotgun has been called the driver has the option to yell “reload”. All previous calls of shotgun are void and the contest restarts. This is helpful when the driver really doesn’t like the shotgun winner. *Note that a shotgun has only two barrels so a reload can only be called once.
  2. The driver may declare “Survival of the Fittest” prior to any shotgun call. The passenger seat will be decided by whoever can take it by force.

Section V: Concluding Notes

  1. “Shotgun” overrules Dibs, Baggsies and other inferior terms.
  2. If someone asks, “What’s Shotgun?” after it has been called then they have to walk, regardless of distance.

Article courtesy of www.distractify.com (http://distractify.com/abby-s-marino/rules-for-shotgun/?v=1 )

Don’t leave your insurance to luck! Call today!

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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