tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69262272698530749712024-03-05T17:01:58.743-08:00live.eat.play.twin citiesThis blog is dedicated to the great urban neighborhoods of Minneapolis and St. Paul. It's a compilation of inspirations, cool stuff, and random sitings that make city living such a great experience.Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.comBlogger172125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926227269853074971.post-85738680614521567892009-05-14T18:33:00.000-07:002009-05-15T08:04:37.986-07:00The best interpretive center EVER.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLFuVAhNm1ZLiOdHXvwXbzREdxgsSjZX2op8kJxmFR3cTl0-kQH4MgMdU36nbLyYUq3tqXGRg9iMvxIjtoMAWZ-OpbF8YnBJ0HNKsL_opllZ05DXDn2P3KmyJNn-O4Vn82ovWSrY-JIBe/s400/MN09+sign+239_1708.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLFuVAhNm1ZLiOdHXvwXbzREdxgsSjZX2op8kJxmFR3cTl0-kQH4MgMdU36nbLyYUq3tqXGRg9iMvxIjtoMAWZ-OpbF8YnBJ0HNKsL_opllZ05DXDn2P3KmyJNn-O4Vn82ovWSrY-JIBe/s400/MN09+sign+239_1708.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>People, a little excursion to North Minneapolis' Webber-Camden neighborhood is in order. Just east of I-94, along the Mississippi River, you'll find <a href="http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=4&parkid=419">North Mississippi Regional Park</a> (there are actually lots of entry points via trails and roads.) While the natural surroundings and trails are great, the thing you cannot miss-especially if you are an urbanist-is the <a href="http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=88&parkid=430">Carl W. Kroening Interpretive Center.<br /></a><br />Really, how often can you go into a park's visitor center and learn about the effects a freeway has had on neighborhoods and city development (as well as the natural environment)? Old newspaper stories, aerial photos, & a 1973 Barracuda tell the story of I-94's impact on North Minneapolis and the surrounding suburbs. It's a rarity to find a park that both celebrates natural resources and gives visitors an important lesson in urban history. Visit today!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">image: <a href="http://ecobirder.blogspot.com">http://ecobirder.blogspot.com</a></span></span>Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926227269853074971.post-79804502337036749202009-05-13T09:04:00.001-07:002009-05-13T09:17:12.401-07:00Green Inside & Out-My Love Affair with the Seward Coop<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://heavytable.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/seward1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://heavytable.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/seward1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I love the <a href="http://www.seward.coop/">Seward Coop</a> building. It's a lovely hunk of modernism with its bold green exterior paneling and its boxy shape. There certainly is no mistaking the messaging here--this co-op is green--in every way. According to a January 2009 article in "The Bridge," the building has:<br /><br /><blockquote style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">white roofing for climate control, skylights and recycled construction materials — including flooring from the old store — to minimize the co-op’s carbon footprint. Rain gardens and a sloped parking lot capture 90 percent of stormwater runoff.</blockquote> <p>It was also designed by <a href="http://www.closearchitects.com/">Close Associates</a>, whose offices are just blocks away on Franklin Avenue (how's that for local?!). As the store awaits for the results of its LEED Gold application (a year-long evaluation process, before certification is granted) I'll be wishing them success. </p><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >image:<a href="http://heavytable.com/"> www.heavytable.com</a></span>Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926227269853074971.post-69417705854443453182009-03-12T20:03:00.000-07:002009-03-12T20:18:45.923-07:00Live MSP--or why I have been MIA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vkVFv-ViZ5AZdNtLTn45HdGFPa0gOQzqjeH0j2jKNyofu5exol8MJzQioRVH5iUqFL_EJ-64gzt1wnEmrX1FEsRwH3Ip9RzZ00vzA6WDzAdoLCAXg9Ysr_Ue_LRIE8AJJJBuV4oRHuI/s1600-h/LIVE+MSP_logo_HR+%282%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vkVFv-ViZ5AZdNtLTn45HdGFPa0gOQzqjeH0j2jKNyofu5exol8MJzQioRVH5iUqFL_EJ-64gzt1wnEmrX1FEsRwH3Ip9RzZ00vzA6WDzAdoLCAXg9Ysr_Ue_LRIE8AJJJBuV4oRHuI/s400/LIVE+MSP_logo_HR+%282%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312505744627390466" border="0" /></a><br />I know, I know. Excuses, excuses. First it was my son born in September, now it's the forthcoming birth of <a href="http://www.livemsp.org/">LiveMSP.org</a> in April. It is all I am working on now. I promise I'll get back to blogging here, but in the meantime, keep your eyes on <a href="http://www.livemsp.org/">LiveMSP.org.</a><br /><br />You can also follow Live MSP on <a href="http://twitter.com/LiveMSP">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Live-MSP/53298764683?ref=s">Facebook</a>.<br /><br />For those of you who have read the blog all along--this is fulfilling #5 of my "<a href="http://livetwincities.blogspot.com/2007/12/mks-5-twin-cities-new-year-resolutions.html">urban new year resolutions</a>" for 2008!Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926227269853074971.post-18793621845893148282008-12-25T06:00:00.000-08:002008-12-25T06:00:01.064-08:00Neighborhood Arts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://northeastminneapolisartsdistrict.com/images/altbackground/artsdistrict-header.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 760px; height: 230px;" src="http://northeastminneapolisartsdistrict.com/images/altbackground/artsdistrict-header.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>In the process of working on my own website (the forthcoming LiveMSP.org--and that's live that rhymes with give, not with hive, got it?!?), I realized how much I like the <a href="http://www.northeastminneapolisartsdistrict.com/index.php">Northeast Minneapolis Arts District Website</a>. Everything you could possibly want to find in the area is on the website--from places to eat and shop and take classes to all of the studios and galleries. The maps are particularly great--showing you where all of the galleries/studios are and giving you a picture with address details too. Check it out <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?f=q&q=&layer=&ie=UTF8&om=1&hl=en&z=15&ll=45.005108,-93.259335&spn=0.015505,0.036521&msid=113960739410259252981.000001122bcbf40dc94ec&msa=0">here</a>.Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926227269853074971.post-49467344771910512102008-12-24T11:50:00.000-08:002008-12-24T12:18:38.946-08:00Christmas Eve Treats<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2268/2367054718_fded8b52ca.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 201px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2268/2367054718_fded8b52ca.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a>It is always a treat when my husband and I get to spend some quality adult time out and about in the cities. Today we had an amazing morning by starting out with breakfast at <a href="http://www.hellskitcheninc.com/">Hell's Kitchen</a>. Yes, the much ballyhooed lemon ricotta hotcakes (see left) lived up to and exceeded my expectations. Even better though, we found a treat to take home with us--the homemade peanut butter. Folks, this is not your typical Skippy. This is chopped peanuts with loads of honey and brown sugar. It's more like a dessert peanut butter. This will go into everyone's stocking next year. Amazing!<br /><br />After our hearty meal, we headed out to <a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/fort_snelling/index.html">Fort Snelling State Park</a> to go snowshoeing on Pike Island. It is a woodland oasis nestled in the shadow and roar of MSP International Airport. The solitude and pristine snow conditions made this urban, outdoor adventure truly stellar. After today, I'll be more easily able to remind myself why winter in the Twin Cities is a wonderful thing. <br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">Merry Christmas!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2149/2293888422_26a61c1187.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2149/2293888422_26a61c1187.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />images: Hotcakes at Hell's Kitchen, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/jumble/">Jumbledpile on Flickr</a>; Pike Island @ Ft Snelling State Park, <a href="http://flickr.com/people/mnsomero/">Sharon Somero</a>.Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926227269853074971.post-37336527945156556002008-12-17T07:37:00.000-08:002008-12-17T07:46:21.450-08:00Can you believe I've got one more post on geography and fonts?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://orkposters.com/images/dczoom.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 442px; height: 561px;" src="http://orkposters.com/images/dczoom.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I know I must be killing some of you readers who couldn't care less about cool maps and interesting type face, but for the rest of you geeks I thought I'd showcase these funky neighborhood maps today. Alas, <a href="http://orkposters.com/">Ork Designs</a> has not launched a Minneapolis or Saint Paul version yet, but I'm hoping with enough gentle pressure we'll see one soon. Lots of other hip, progressive cities are featured (e.g. Portland, Seattle, S.F., NYC, etc) so I have to imagine that we'll make the cut soon. I bought the DC map yesterday to honor the place where my husband and I met, where my daughter was born, and where I spent 8 great years of my life--as well as to add some much needed art to our walls!Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926227269853074971.post-60224209059458837752008-12-15T09:50:00.000-08:002008-12-15T09:59:27.567-08:00Extra! Extra! News in the land of citizen journalistsYesterday I found myself on the <a href="http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/">Twin Cities Daily Planet</a> website for a good half an hour or so. While I've been here many times before, this time I was struck by the high quality articles that freelance, non journalist, folks have contributed to the site. It's also great to be able to find stories about really neighborhood-specific issues that aren't covered in this kind of depth anywhere else. <br /><br />We're also lucky to have <a href="http://www.minnpost.com/">MinnPost</a> too. Replete with top-notch writers, many of whom have worked for the area's major dailies, Minn Post offers some great analysis and investigative reporting. <br /><br />I'm still a traditional, print version newspaper junkie, but I love having other quality journalism outlets too.Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926227269853074971.post-88220295916846216692008-12-14T13:00:00.000-08:002008-12-14T12:07:54.833-08:00For all lovers of fonts, geography, and humor<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://wearecampfire.com/img/products/237.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 440px; height: 247px;" src="http://wearecampfire.com/img/products/237.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>Hard to believe that a year has passed and that I have attended my second <a href="http://nocoastcraft.com/">No Coast Craft-o-Rama</a>. This year was really great--tons of excellent vendors with really interesting wares (not to mention the fact that <a href="http://saltytart.wordpress.com/">Salty Tart</a> is now located in the Midtown Exchange--so that now you can shop for handmade items with a pastry-cream filled brioche in your hand. It simply does not get any better than this!!) I heard from one vendor that they had over 300 applications for 80 slots. I think that they should consider expanding next year (while keeping it in the same location, because the <a href="http://www.midtownglobalmarket.org/">Midtown Exchange</a> is awesome!) My favorite vendor, <a href="http://wearecampfire.com/">Campfire</a>, schlepped all the way from Akron, Ohio and I'm so glad he did. I can't believe that there is someone out there who shares my love of cool fonts and geography. I'm pasting a bunch of images of his awesome t-shirts here.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://wearecampfire.com/img/products/305.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 433px; height: 249px;" src="http://wearecampfire.com/img/products/305.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://wearecampfire.com/img/products/106.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 408px; height: 235px;" src="http://wearecampfire.com/img/products/106.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://wearecampfire.com/img/products/061.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 435px; height: 252px;" src="http://wearecampfire.com/img/products/061.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://wearecampfire.com/img/products/278.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 454px; height: 262px;" src="http://wearecampfire.com/img/products/278.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >All designs from Micah Kraus @ Campfire.</span>Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926227269853074971.post-42747223265183121092008-12-14T11:42:00.000-08:002008-12-14T11:53:37.348-08:00A portrait of Minnesota Winter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://stmedia.startribune.com/images/337*500/1beer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 337px; height: 500px;" src="http://stmedia.startribune.com/images/337*500/1beer.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Well folks, winter officially arrived in the Twin Cities last month (as evidenced by snow sticking on the ground--that's my litmus test.) And while we're sitting here in a bizarre 38 degree rain storm that will obviously freeze since tomorrow's highs are in the single digits, folks up north are getting slammed. <br /><br />Our friend Pam recently wrote an <a href="http://pastorpam.typepad.com/living_word_by_word/2008/12/where-is-the-light.html">excellent blog post</a> about Minnesotans' tendencies to put up Christmas lights a month early. Pam reckons that we do it because it gets dark, really dark, really early, and for a really long time up in these latitudes. The lights, while a celebration of the upcoming holiday, are also a way of reclaiming some brightness during a long, dark, and cold winter. So thank you to all who emulate <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clark_Griswold">Clark W. Griswold</a> this holiday season for giving us a little artificial sunshine, in a rainbow of colors, after 4pm! <br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">image: </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Eric Hylden,</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Associated Press. </span></span>Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926227269853074971.post-45947363767880324192008-12-13T20:16:00.001-08:002008-12-13T20:21:27.353-08:00Uniquely AwesomeAlright, so this isn't officially in the boundaries of Minneapolis (or Saint Paul), but I just discovered the best thrift store of all time. <a href="http://www.uniquethriftstore.com/index.aspx">Unique Thrift</a> on Stinson and 37th NE in Columbia Heights rules!! Despite being packed, it was so neat and well organized that I couldn't believe it. The merch was great and the lines moved quickly. I'm so making the trek out this way again. No offense Saint Paul, but this Unique location is waaaaaaay better than the one on Rice Street. Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926227269853074971.post-76608661121905439992008-12-12T07:25:00.000-08:002008-12-12T07:30:49.022-08:00Tasty Thursdays<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://stmedia.startribune.com/images/wineMap.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 146px; height: 132px;" src="http://stmedia.startribune.com/images/wineMap.png" alt="" border="0" /></a>I feel the need to give a shout out to own very own, James Beard Award winning, <a href="http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/taste/">"Taste" section of the Star Tribune</a>. Every Thursday, you can be treated to delicious recipes, a great wine review, and practical info about all kinds of gadgets, restaurants, and events. Not to mention the fact that I'm still so impressed with this years Holiday Cookie Contest winners--proof that not only can the Taste Section contributors write interesting copy, they can also judge a delicious cookie when they eat it! What more could you want?Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926227269853074971.post-40030381614528310612008-12-10T09:16:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:21:54.642-08:00Save the Date for NEXT October<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.co.hennepin.mn.us/images/HCInternet/EPandT/Environment/Images/CTR08CouponBookCover.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 225px;" src="http://www.co.hennepin.mn.us/images/HCInternet/EPandT/Environment/Images/CTR08CouponBookCover.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>On my blogging hiatus, I missed the chance to share the news of Hennepin County's "<a href="http://www.co.hennepin.mn.us/portal/site/HCInternet/menuitem.3f94db53874f9b6f68ce1e10b1466498/?vgnextoid=241ebbf4099fc010VgnVCM1000000f094689RCRD&vgnextfmt=default">Choose to Reuse</a>" month which fell in October. In celebration, the county issued a killer coupon book with discounts from a bunch of thrift stores and other eco-friendly retailers. I'm counting on everyone to help me remember this next year--so I can actually take advantage of the savings.Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926227269853074971.post-828354112435544762008-12-10T09:09:00.001-08:002008-12-10T09:15:08.730-08:00A great holiday gift for your budding Twin Cities Geographer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.bigstickinc.com/images/largeview_minneapolis.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 520px; height: 378px;" src="http://www.bigstickinc.com/images/largeview_minneapolis.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I recently bought this map for work-related purposes and cannot speak highly enough about it! If you want a beautifully illustrated map that includes EVERY neighborhood in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, get to <a href="http://www.bigstickinc.com/map_minneapolis.asp">Big Stick Maps</a> ASAP and order this stunning gem. You'll discover some of the smaller neighborhoods you may have never heard of before as well as get your bearings straight in different parts of the city. A great resource for the geographer, city-lover, or map-nut on your shopping list.Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926227269853074971.post-82535113005095222642008-09-11T18:20:00.000-07:002008-09-11T18:24:23.045-07:00A Temporary Hiatus<em><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>A new baby has arrived in Midway</strong></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>from my blog, he takes away.</strong></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Once elusive sleep returns</strong></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>I'll be back at the keyboard.</strong></span></em>Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926227269853074971.post-74970699501030925322008-08-27T11:11:00.000-07:002008-08-27T11:15:36.827-07:00Tell the world what you treasure about Minnesota<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.1000fom.org/lake.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.1000fom.org/lake.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>From the 1000 Friends of Minnesota <a href="http://www.1000fom.org/Legacy_letters.htm">website</a>:<p style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);" class="main" align="left"></p><p style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);" class="main" align="left"></p><blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);"><p class="main" align="left">1000 Friends of Minnesota and Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) are working together to create dozens of Legacy Letters — short videos about what people treasure most in Minnesota. These minute-long videos will air statewide on the Minnesota Channel numerous times over the course of the next year, with the potential for select Legacy Letters to air on TPT’s weekly public affairs show, Almanac. The videos will also be posted online on the 1000 Friends of Minnesota website.</p> The goal of Legacy Letters is to have articulate Minnesotans express our collective values and the future they envision for the state.<br /><br />Tell us what you treasure about Minnesota. Pitch your one-minute Legacy Letter by calling the TPT Comment Line at 651-229-1430 by September 5, 2008. Be sure to mention “Legacy Letters,” and tell us your name, phone number, your object, and the story you’d tell in your Legacy Letter. Winning applicants will be invited to join us for a screening.</blockquote><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">image: 1000 Friends of MN.</span></span><br /></span><blockquote></blockquote>Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926227269853074971.post-44972497322140164142008-08-20T12:08:00.000-07:002008-08-20T12:18:15.521-07:00All Politics is Local<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://saintpaulitics.org/wp-content/themes/freshblue-idea-10/images/title.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 458px; height: 110px;" src="http://saintpaulitics.org/wp-content/themes/freshblue-idea-10/images/title.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Let's here it for the St. Paul Public Library sponsoring the <a href="http://saintpaulitics.org/">Saint Paul*itics program</a> right here in our backyard. As the website says:<br /><blockquote style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Saint Paul-itics series aims to increase awareness about local and national issues and encourage civic involvement.</span> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Saint Paul-itics will:</strong></span></p> <ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Create an informed citizenry and provide a forum for Saint Paul residents to discuss the democratic process.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Help Saint Paul residents find ways to connect to the national excitement and interest in the Twin Cities that hosting the RNC will create.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Create opportunities for those interested in politics to connect to others with like interests and to expand their base of knowledge.</span></li></ul></blockquote>I think its wonderful that the library is building on the momentum here in MN and using its information-based, non-partisan platform to get people educated and excited about this election season. Here's a<a href="http://saintpaulitics.org/"> link </a>to the national and regional speakers and events that are affiliated with the Saint Paul*itics program. Get out and learn, then get out and vote!Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926227269853074971.post-16637752499620187122008-08-19T12:12:00.001-07:002008-08-19T12:24:00.045-07:00On Sale (online) Tomorrow: 2009 Saint Paul Almanac<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://saintpaulalmanac.com/engine/elements/saint-paul-guidebook-2009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://saintpaulalmanac.com/engine/elements/saint-paul-guidebook-2009.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">I've profiled the eclectic Saint Paul Almanac several times on this blog already, but this is just a heads up that the 2009 edition goes on sale online tomorrow (full disclosure: I've got a piece in this edition about University Avenue (it's an expansion of an early blog post from this site)). You can order online <a href="http://shop.saintpaulalmanac.com/main.sc">here</a>. You could also wait until Sept. 1 to buy it in bookstores. If you want to celebrate the release of the Almanac and help raise funds for the non-profit that puts it together, come to the Black Dog Cafe and Wine Bar on September 29th between 12 and 4PM. More details <a href="http://saintpaulalmanac.com/index.shtml">here.</a></span>Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926227269853074971.post-48419363223962404732008-08-18T10:38:00.001-07:002008-08-18T10:46:51.876-07:00MSP makes NYT<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/08/17/travel/17hours600.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/08/17/travel/17hours600.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />One of my favorite parts of the Sunday edition of the New York Times is the "36 Hours in _____ city." Well this Sunday, <a href="http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/08/17/travel/17hours.html">Minneapolis and Saint Paul</a> were the featured city (ies.) Not a bad list of highlights--I'm impressed that Saint Paul destinations were referenced (I admit this is a low bar, but given recent RNC coverage and the nation's failure to recognize that the convention is in St. Paul and not Minneapolis, I'll take what I can get!) and the author also listed some off-the-beaten- path bars (e.g. CC Club, Lee's Liquor Lounge, 331 Club) that probably weren't on visitors' radar screens. <br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">image: Ben Garvin, New York Times.</span></span>Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926227269853074971.post-79419733666218699072008-08-15T11:54:00.000-07:002008-08-15T12:08:58.752-07:00Survey Time: Tell me what you love about Minneapolis and St. Paul<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ZRV9qpUng4oPEM:http://www.arb.ca.gov/ports/cargo/images/clipboard.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ZRV9qpUng4oPEM:http://www.arb.ca.gov/ports/cargo/images/clipboard.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Dear readers residing in the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul:<br /><br />I was hoping that you could take a couple of minutes of your time and either shoot me an e-mail (marykay_bailey@yahoo.com) or use the comment field to answer the following questions:<br /><br />1) What do you like most about living in the city?<br /><br />2) What do you like most about your particular neighborhood?<br /><br />3) What neighborhood do you reside in?<br /><br /> 4) How long have you lived there?<br /><br />You may be wondering why I'm asking and what I plan on doing with this informal, unscientific survey. Well, I've recently begun working on an initiative to market and promote all of the neighborhoods in our two fair cities. I wanted to get a very informal baseline about what the folks that read this blog and live here value about the Twin Cities and their neighborhoods. So if you're reading this, please take a minute to share your opinion and if you will, pass a link to other folks you know too. Thanks in advance for the help!!Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926227269853074971.post-56041138984195077872008-08-12T00:10:00.000-07:002008-08-12T00:10:00.974-07:00Save the Date: Saarinen coming to MIA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2021/2532752410_c3bcc7a812.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2021/2532752410_c3bcc7a812.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Lovers of modern design mark your calendars. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts and the Walker will be sponsoring the internationally-touring "Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future" exhibit from Saturday, September 13, 2008—Sunday, January 4, 2009. The <a href="http://www.artsmia.org/index.php?section_id=2&exh_id=2485">exhibit</a> will be held in the MIA's U.S. Bank Gallery.<br /><br />Read more about the exhibit <a href="http://www.eerosaarinen.net/index.shtml">here</a>.<br /><br />And get your engines revved by checking out Eero and son Eliel Saarinen's local masterpiece, Christ Lutheran Church at 3244 34th Avenue South in Minneapolis.<br /><br />image: Christ Lutheran Church, by Pete Sieger. See all of his photos <a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2021/2532752410_c3bcc7a812.jpg%3Fv%3D0&imgrefurl=http://flickr.com/photos/23944110%40N00/2532752410/&h=2048&w=1365&sz=126&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=Osf-ULmZZfEZ7M:&tbnh=130&tbnw=87&prev=/images%3Fq%3Deero%2Bsaarinen%2Bminnesota%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26hs%3D9iG%26sa%3DG">here</a>.Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926227269853074971.post-17571060959000911982008-08-11T00:01:00.000-07:002008-08-11T00:01:00.893-07:00History on a Stick or Burning Off Some of Those Cheese Curds<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ohforfun.typepad.com/oh_for_fun/images/hot_dish_on_a_stick_booth.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://ohforfun.typepad.com/oh_for_fun/images/hot_dish_on_a_stick_booth.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Just caught this nugget in the MN State Fair insert included in Sunday's Star Tribune:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">HISTORIC WALKING TOUR</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">This self-guided walk is a great way to explore the fairgrounds. Tour brochures available at State Fair information booths, the Foundation booth in front of the J. V. Bailey House or at walking tour signs located throughout the fairgrounds.</span><br /><br />Could be an interesting way to see new parts of the Fairgrounds while justifying your consumption of the newest infarction on-a-stick, "Big Fat Bacon" (1/3 lb slice of bacon fried and carmelized with maple syrup, served on a stick with dipping sauces). For more State Fair food info, check out this <a href="http://gopher.mnstatefair.org/foodfinder/">site.</a><br /><br />image: <a href="http://www.ohforfun.typepad.com/">http://www.ohforfun.typepad.com</a>Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926227269853074971.post-6828850064759845692008-08-10T09:53:00.000-07:002008-08-10T11:38:40.634-07:00Making the Twin Cities Even More Bike Friendly<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cagedesignllc.com/storage/msp-posters/01hiawatha_web.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.cagedesignllc.com/storage/msp-posters/01hiawatha_web.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Back in July, there was a great article about a U of M Computer Science graduate student named Reid Priedhorsky who is starting up <a href="http://cyclopath.org/wiki/Main_Page">Cyclopath.org</a>--a "geo-wiki" that allows cyclists to post bike routes to all sorts of destinations. The advantage of this set-up is that sometimes the most direct, or most traffic-free routes can take you off of streets and onto unofficial paths--things that aren't picked up by any map. While the <a href="http://bikeverywhere.com/mn/">Twin Cities Bike Map</a> is certainly decent--there are lots of alternative ways to get from point A to point B that experienced cyclists are likely to point out. Cyclopath is still in testing mode, but you can sign up to be notified of its official release.<br /><br />On August 17th from 1-3, the City of Minneapolis and Bike Walk Twin Cities, are launching a<br /><a href="http://www.bikewalktwincities.org/ambassadors/">Bike Walk Ambassadors Program.</a> As the website notes: <blockquote>"The Bike/Walk Twin Cities Ambassadors are here to help you out! The Ambassadors provide the information and support needed to help you start bicycling and walking more often. The Ambassadors are available to give presentations, lead safety/user clinics, and host events year-round. They'll help your group learn how to reach destinations by foot or bike with ease."</blockquote>There are several other good resources if you're looking to find the best routes to places.<br /><br />Minneapolis Bike Love. Com has a <a href="http://www.mplsbikelove.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=10">route planning forum</a> with lots of posted routes and a place where you can ask how to get from here to there.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bikely.com/listpaths/country/254/region/145/city/9194">Bikely.com</a>, a national website, also has a list of bike routes and paths for the Twin Cities.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bikewalktwincities.org/bike/whatyouneed/routes.html">Bike Walk Twin Cities </a>has links to a bunch of other map/route resources, too.<br /><br /><br />image: Cage Design. You can purchase a series of posters of favorite Minneapolis-St. Paul cycling locations <a href="http://www.cagedesignllc.com/msp-bike-posters/">here</a>.Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926227269853074971.post-24942094973844745642008-07-29T14:10:00.000-07:002008-07-29T14:10:00.529-07:00Slow Down for Art..another cool traffic calming project from the neighborhood that brought you "Paint the Pavement"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://mn-stpaul.civicplus.com/images/pages/N2639/Dog%20Silhouette.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 183px; height: 305px;" src="http://mn-stpaul.civicplus.com/images/pages/N2639/Dog%20Silhouette.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Last night, driving on Thomas Avenue in my Hamline-Midway neighborhood, I started noticing all of these random signs posted in the boulevards. I thought they were some interesting art project, perhaps sponsored by J&S coffee shop. Then I saw the <a href="http://www.twincities.com/ci_10026922?nclick_check=1">Pioneer Press today </a>and learned that they are part of a traffic calming effort devised by local artist Steven Woodward and coordinated with the Department of Public Works. From the article:<br /><span id="default"></span><blockquote><span id="default">"Woodward said he chose images that are meant to convey — in a matter of seconds — the following information: People live here. These are people's homes. You should slow down...</span>For example, a series of the signs is of a mother and child — an image he said should obviously evoke a sense of serenity and safety in <span id="default">drivers' minds. "You see a mother and child. What says protectiveness better than that?" he asked."</span></blockquote>Check out the signs on Hamline Avenue between Charles and Blair and on Thomas Avenue between Pascal and Griggs. And while you're at it, check out the <a href="http://livetwincities.blogspot.com/2007/12/paint-pavement-slow-traffic-create.html">Paint the Pavement</a> projects in our neighborhood too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://mn-stpaul.civicplus.com/images/pages/N2639/TC%20Z%20Home.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://mn-stpaul.civicplus.com/images/pages/N2639/TC%20Z%20Home.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> Images Copyright © by Steven Woodward. Read more <a href="http://www.stpaul.gov/index.asp?NID=2639">here</a>.Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926227269853074971.post-62679008704719094022008-07-29T14:08:00.000-07:002008-07-29T12:09:00.324-07:00Rolling out the Red Carpet--St. Paul's Very Clever Retail Recruitment Plan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.twincitiesdailyphoto.com/2007/stpaul_skyway-01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.twincitiesdailyphoto.com/2007/stpaul_skyway-01.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />During the past few weeks, I've been reading the articles about the "<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Red Carpet Campaign,</span>" St. Paul's retail recruitment strategy for filling storefront vacancies during the Republican National Convention. The city, working with the Chamber of Commerce and the local Building Owners and Managers Association chapter, is offering very short-term leases, in some cases for a couple of weeks, at significantly reduced rates, to encourage businesses to try out a downtown St. Paul location for a spell. The Chamber is administering the program--being a matchmaker between tenants and building owners/managers--which helps to eliminate the competition between owners as well as making it easier on them by delivering tenants to their door.<br /><br />Arguably, the RNC will be creating an unrealistic volume of customers, but I think it will be interesting to see which of the businesses decide to stick around to see if they can thrive in the capital city. According to <a href="http://www.twincities.com/ci_10021824?IADID=Search-www.twincities.com-www.twincities.com">Dave Orrick's article in yesterday's Pioneer Press</a>, one such businesswoman, Stacey Finnegan, owner of Il Vostro Boutique, is taking out a 6-month lease. Finnegan says in the article:<br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-weight: bold;" id="default"><blockquote>"I'm not really looking at the RNC as a litmus test, because it'll be a false negative or positive," she said. "We'd been considering secondary location options, and it was a perfect storm. There's some nice incentives in downtown St. Paul without the commitment for a five- to 10-year lease."</blockquote></span> I heartily applaud St. Paul for piloting this incredibly innovative and unique approach. As central business districts around the country struggle with attracting and retaining retail, a common strategy is to dish out lots of tax breaks and other higher cost incentives. The Red Carpet campaign relies on partnerships with building owners, it allows smaller businesses and those considering new locations to get their feet wet in St. Paul without a major cash commitment, and it is set up so that building owners, small businesses, and the city are all winners in the end.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">image: Twin Cities Daily Photo</span></span>Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926227269853074971.post-21812729510477139642008-07-28T11:19:00.000-07:002008-07-28T11:30:17.974-07:00West End Arts and the Pilney<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2IeqRqL2KDSJDVcU4W71Aqbnug4MhgCajquKJ4-a8ANWn5h_1YTyvTk7MIaWkCXaj1x9AvWhtqBe38neWRHs-R0O-aJ5jqOW2aoQsaBQa04-mv-EMac_P-q0snmy8HTXln9eaynQr6Xj/s320/_MG_0480.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2IeqRqL2KDSJDVcU4W71Aqbnug4MhgCajquKJ4-a8ANWn5h_1YTyvTk7MIaWkCXaj1x9AvWhtqBe38neWRHs-R0O-aJ5jqOW2aoQsaBQa04-mv-EMac_P-q0snmy8HTXln9eaynQr6Xj/s320/_MG_0480.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Driving on West 7th, near Randolph Avenue in St. Paul I took a close look at the Pilney Building today. It's very "Flatiron-esque" and is now home to the <a href="http://westendarts.blogspot.com/">West End Arts "Scene and Be Scene" </a>visual arts show. It's old news now, but the exhibit is showcasing the work of West End artists until August 2nd. So get yourself out to this great historic neighborhood, check out all of the coffee shops and old school bars along West 7th, and be part of one of the city's newest art scenes.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >image: <a href="http://pixelboymn.blogspot.com/">PixelboyMN</a></span>Mary Kay Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411357339483201896noreply@blogger.com0