The Monday briefing: What you need to know this week

PICK OF THE WEEK: It's almost time for the shouts of "Play ball!" at CHS Field again. The St. Paul Saints open their season with home games Thursday through Sunday. But first comes the team's annual block party, which starts at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday on 6th Street between Wacouta and Sibley streets (about a block and a half west of the ballpark). Be sure to bring your glove because the activities include "the world's largest game of catch." Saints players will be on hand, as will this year's mascot pig. And — da-da-da-dah! — the winner of the Name the Pig Contest also will be announced. Food and drink will be available. (Not necessarily to the pig.) For info on the block party, go to tinyurl.com/gp3tc59 and for details about games go to saintsbaseball.com/schedule.

Cheat sheet: Another summer of racing begins at Canterbury Park on Friday, making this a good time to toss racing clichés into casual conversation. Try these:

• Homestretch — the part of the racetrack between the last turn and the finish line; also what yoga fanatics do before leaving for class.

• Photo finish — a race so close a picture is needed to determine which horse won; for baby boomers, it's a nostalgic reminder of a decision they had to make when getting film developed.

• Also-ran — a horse that finished the race behind the winners: applied frequently to politicians and Minnesota sports teams not called the Lynx.

Day by day: Take note — Saturday is national Memo Day.

LIFE HACK: Use frozen grapes to chill wine or other drinks that you don't want watered down by melting ice cubes.

JEFF STRICKLER • Star Tribune