An update on "theatre night" smoking, via the Shakopee News (not bad update for a weekly -- they scooped the dailies!).

WHOSE GRAVY?

OUR GRAVY!

If we don't get our gravy, we'll riot!!!

Does it explain where/when I get my gravy?

It's just a sad way to pretend that there is an editorial balance at the Strib. Instead of seeking excellence in writing and reporting, and columns that are based on that excellence, they simply find a shrill right winger who will quickly and stupidly sketch up the daily talking points and happily bully whoever is currently out of favor. It's, like, "Hey, we don't have a liberal bias -- look at the right wing loon we print!"

The amazing thing is that conservatives aren't equally disgusted by this. But, then, as long as they can pretend that the only reason someone might have a problem with her is because the critics are godless, anti-American, and hate Christians, I guess they don't care whether she does her job well or not.

I saw all the human bodies I needed to (and then some) at Body Worlds.

I dont think shes all that worried about losing her job. Thats the entire point of her blog post.

She does in fact generate a lot of interest. Much more than Dick - er Nick.

Burn!

Oh yeah? Well, I don't even have an iPhone, so there!

Fitting that she reprints an entire Power Line post that has "grandstanding" in the title. I think this is a ploy by Kersten to generate sympathy with Avista managers, thereby keeping her job: she can say, "See, I must be doing something right; look at at all the interest I generate."

Minnesota Monitor, by the way, has more on this: Pulitzer winner and PiPress reporter David Hanners signed the petition. If anybody's got the chops to call Kersten out on journalistic grounds, it's him.

I've saved $70! Naturally, this assumes that I wouldn't be carpooling. (And that I would bike the same route to work as I drive -- which I don't.) In any event, we'll see how much I bike the rest of this year...

I find it interesting that the Democratic official is calling for her firing because of her report on a Muslim school. -- I don't think it's worth calling for her firing, but said Democratic official has a good point. Of course there's no excuse for the ignorant jackassery of the people who actually did all that stuff.

That suggests that she has journalistic qualities to perceive. -- *snerk*

No clue how they come up with that

The explainer says that they estimate a $0.21/mile cost of driving by yourself (stuff like maintenance, wear and tear, and gas, but not stuff like insurance and depreciation). I'm sure there's a formula somewhere and it's probably somewhat related to that standardized mileage reimbursement rate.

They also said they assumed $3/gallon for gas, so clearly you're already saving more than that.

I won't!

Max, stop talking about Teucer's mom like that.

At least she has the courage to mention how readers perceive her journalistic qualities

That suggests that she has journalistic qualities to perceive.

Anything else is just so tranny hot mess.

I think the reason women who look like 12 year olds are used by so many designers is because a high percentage of those designers are gay males. Gay males that are very talented sure, but many of them know very little about designing clothing for the average woman.

umm i will pick up the grand prize with... wait for it.... KENNY G, toni braxton opened at the target center. and i loved it (it was in the early 90s, i was 14 i didn't know any better.)

Sweet Baby Jesus, that is a winner.

Well, I wouldn't mind Toni Braxton but KG...ugh.

I once met this Native American, Ex-Navy sailor who told me, in no uncertain terms, that he "Hated America."

So my question is "Why do all Native American Ex Navy Sailors hate America?"

And to think I just re-upped my sunday paper for 6 more months.

Do you have that many bird cages to line?

I recycle.

Besides, I put my money where my mouth is, and support the media format that is most accessible to me.

I know how quiet Priuses are. Once, a Prius drove past me and I got a shock, it was as if it suddenly materialized next to me.

Owen should have seen it though. You're supposed to look out for cars.

I don't really want to blame anyone, can't we all just get along.

Ok, I'm with Jane & Bob - blame Canadian ethanol.

god dang it, now I put the song "Blame Canada" in my head.

I blame Canada for that.

Cool! I have saved $42 so far this month. No clue how they come up with that, but I'm gonna spend big this weekend.

...and ethanol!

Blame Canada.

I don't think the Russians are still Godless. I suppose we could blame French socialists.

The anti-god, anti-american heathens hate her.

The Chinese hate her? I doubt they're even aware of her.

Ahem. Can't we blame the Russians for once?

I have all of Shatner's records. I celebrate the man's entire catalog.

THEY JUST PAINT IT ON THE WALLS, MAN.

Caveman metaphors should not be this complicated.

One of the mix tapes I have made is entitled "A Big Pile of Shat" A collection of William Shatner "Songs" It's all kinds of good!

Shatner's "Has Been" CD is a goldmine of greatness!!

I'm failing to see the connection between dinosaurs and political figures, but the big question is: is the dino a Libertarian, and how does the caveman create a newspaper, with stone tablets?

I'd take it.

Surely you already have heard of "New Kids on the 'New Kids on the Block' Block"?

I offer because I'm kind. By the way, Chris - MG, you wrote: I was baftfled. JJ, you wrote: are reaaly protective
This page has some of the worst spelling ever! And as for the grammar...
Sorry, I should stop this bl**dy madness.
Anyway, mrcheese sounds like one of those weird guys, like badgery thing.

Max, weren't you in an all virgin boy band that covered New Kids on the Block?

And imagine if it was a dinosaur calling for the closing of a caveman newspaper/

Yes, imaginary parallels are easy to draw. And so very, very meaningless.

I find it interesting that the Democratic official is calling for her firing because of her report on a Muslim school. I wonder how different of a scenario it would be if a Republican official called for Nick Coleman's firing over a report on a Christian school. Imagine the scandal! Then we'd hear a lot more about freedom of the press, censorship, and separation of church and state. So many parallels to draw.

And to think I just re-upped my sunday paper for 6 more months.

Do you have that many bird cages to line?

Actual gravy?

The anti-god, anti-american heathens hate her.

The Chinese hate her? I doubt they're even aware of her.

So, she takes off her shirt and says something about not being ashamed of who you are, blah blah, and gets all the older ladies to do the same. It's actually pretty sweet (at least, that's how it goes in the movie).

Amen, aliecat. Plus, they work in a sweatshop - all the more reason to disrobe.

I haven't yet, but I hear it's fantastic. Apparently, naked women are pretty sexy.

I CAN'T WAIT!

So Max finally saw naked women?

Is that the point?

I know, like, a bajillion people already do this. Especially around here. But it was exciting for me. Signing up for Bike2Benefits is worth it to me just to see the calculator do it's magic. The prizes are gravy.

Heathens, Maz?

Heh. Look who's talking.

I am a terrible speller, Ronnie (especially for a professional communicator), and an even worse typist.

PS: Even friend teucer doesn't have a ".uk" in their email address. You from Across The Pond?

Some people are reaaly protective about their dignity. hey, is mrcheese here?

It is the perception that we should all look like 12 year-old boys with gigantic breasts.

Hmm, I've got a note sitting at home that touches on this.

If CJ and the Withering Glancers remain, we shall have our answer.

Drive Shaft

It's because she's a Christian. The anti-god, anti-american heathens hate her.

How about anti-profanity laws?

I wouldn't say it's "public disdain," but I've certainly gotten uncomfortable comments over the years about my thinness. I've been told I must be anorexic, that I need to eat something, that I shouldn't complain about my problems since I'm thin (and thus must not have any problems, huh?), etc.

None of which ruined my day, by any means, but they can create uncomfortable situations when said at the workplace in front of co-workers.

I hate unenforcible laws.

Fucking nothing is enforced in Minneapolis.

How about littering, running stop signs, speeding.....

None of that shit matters in Mpls. Sure they are minor nuisances, but these small problems add up and make the city look like shit.

Honestly, I think enforcing minor laws is a great way to generate revenue. Just go around fining people for littering.

Anyway, the only thing Mpls is good at is giving parking tickets.

What a right wing christian 'journalist' playing the victim card? Wow - never saw that coming.

Who wants to bet on which 'family' organization will blame her eventual firing on the war on christians?

One of the cops also told me that cop cars now have remote starters so no keys are left in them.

Fine, now keys are in the car. That doesn't matter if the car's already running. Right?

Which is what has been talked about. The police keep their cars running all the time.

I was told that it doesn't matter if it's your driveway or the street, if your car is running, unattended, it's illegal. One of the cops also told me that cop cars now have remote starters so no keys are left in them.

I'm pretty sure idling is still allowed on your own property. I'm guessing this new ordinance would put a stop to it though.

Yes, thank you for that. Zing, as they say.

The Rat majority of commenters here does
have a history of popping into are threads to express contempt.

In all seriousness, this is really bad news, if more cuts are coming. I won't miss KK, but there are still some good writers left at the Strib.

And to think I just re-upped my sunday paper for 6 more months.

Consider it the preamble to her upcoming book

"Martyr: How A Courage Conservative Took On The Liberal Media Machine -- And Lost"

I think having to go through life wearing that hideous Katherine Kersten mask is punishment enough.

From the Hamilton County (Ohio) Environmental Services. The Idling Quiz.

How did you score, MNspeakers?

From the Idle Chatter link "people driving around a parking lot for 20 min waiting for a close parking spot to open up. "

Please, this never happens.

This is such a complex conversation. I was going to say it was "hefty" and "weighty" but did not.

Part of this issue goes beyond aesthetics, doesn't it? Issues of health, self-image, lifestyle, etc. are woven into this. It's not just about weight and appearance.

Whether it's reading articles about how men's beer bellies are tied to Alzheimers or the crippling effects of eating disorders, there is more at stake here than a discussion of the aesthetics of a human's body.

That said, I too think flesh is wonderful.

Probably not going to be her decision: Cuts coming, fast.

more like we are obsessed with youth,
Also, we are obsessed with celebs and new fangled gizmos.

More on No idling laws:

New Jersey
Minnesota School Buses
Idle Chatter

I know they enfoce it in Maplewood. Cops like the low hanging fruit. It makes the time pass and helps them feel like big people.

As Cat mentioned in another thread, leaving an unattended car with the motor running is already against the law in Minnesota

And yet the police do it all the time. Also, there's atleast one story a year where the police have their a car stolen. It's totally redonk.

I really don't think our culture is obsessed with looks alone, more like we are obsessed with youth, hence the 12 year old comments.

...boys to be girls and girls to be boys like girls to be boys. Always should be someone you really...

Blur reference. I got it.

I think I heard that in Sweden, people turn their cars off at stoplights.
In Japan people shift to neutral at stoplights. I hear it saves on fuel.

In Russia, lights turn off when you turn red.

Yeah, there was a collective cop sigh when I moved outta Longfellow.

Between the annual "Our Yard Sucks Ass" party accompanied with our very own illegal fireworks display and the umpteenth "Um, Cat, how many times we gotta tell you not to let your car sit on the street running without a car starter?" warning, they were a little too happy to see me move.

Meanwhile, I can only assume that this production plays on the same tension as the painting. There are, for better or worse, societal norms that we all--men and women, young and old--have to cope with and try to live up to. And yet it's obvious that we all are beautiful, talented, alluring, smart, attractive, yet very imperfect--each in our own way. These works of art point out that individual, imperfect beauty is, in fact, still very beautiful.
Besides, I'm just a fan of flesh. I don't mean that in a creepy way. I just happen to think skin is, plainly aesthetically speaking, a beautiful surface. And I say this as a card-carrying, officially sanctioned aesthetic expert (a.k.a., an art critic)! (Ha!)

It's a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world.

Girls will be boys and boys will be girls

These days, so are guys.
Yeah, what's with chest waxing for non swimmers? I guess the media wants twelve year old boys to be girls and girls to be boys like girls to be boys. Always should be someone you really...

umm i will pick up the grand prize with... wait for it.... KENNY G, toni braxton opened at the target center. and i loved it (it was in the early 90s, i was 14 i didn't know any better.)

As Cat mentioned in another thread, leaving an unattended car with the motor running is already against the law in Minnesota.

How about drive-through windows? I don't use them often, but I have waited a lot more than three minutes before.

Would it apply to Hizhoner's Prius, if the car was in battery mode (no emissions0?

UPS, postal and delivery vehicles?

I think I heard that in Sweden, people turn their cars off at stoplights.
In Japan people shift to neutral at stoplights. I hear it saves on fuel.

Which proves my point that women in general are under aesthetics-based pressure regardless of their body type.
These days, so are guys.

Who the hell is going to enforce a 3 minute idling law? Will a cop be sitting on your block waiting for you to start your car and walk away? And then time you?

I always assumed it was so they could hop into the car, put it in gear and go. Nothing kills a good pursuit or response to an emergency like a failed starter.

It is the perception that we should all look like 12 year-old boys with gigantic breasts.
Which proves my point that women in general are under aesthetics-based pressure regardless of their body type.

Tangentially on this subject

This painting sold for US$33 million a couple days ago.

I hadn't yet seen this story. Thanks for pointing it out, Rat.

I think I have to disagree with the story's assessment that this painting challenges conventional taste and is not pretty. The subject may (or may not) do that, but I find the painting's classical rendering and bold and lyrically physical handling of paint to be quite beautiful. It's a very conventionally pretty painting in many ways that carries a tension because of the humanness of the subject. Reminds me of Otto Dix's and George Grosz's hyperrealist paintings of the 1920s, or Alice Neal's portraits, or, well, of Lucien Freud.

I recall a story that came out of Spain awhile back that runway models were not allowed to work if they were perceived as too slim.

The disdain is not that women are thin, the disdain is that the media wants us all to believe that there is a "perfect" body. Eating disorders and electic cosmetic surgeries aren't on the rise because of women being thin. It is the perception that we should all look like 12 year-old boys with gigantic breasts.

Yes, the police idles hard-core always. I almost wonder if they have to for some reason...

And truly, thin women do not get the same disdain that women who are perceived as overweight receive.
Not the same since the flawed reasoning behind it is different, but they certainly get disdain from the media, and respond to it just as dangerously as the overweight. See eating disorders, elective cosmetic surgeries such as breast augmentation et. al.

That Heliotrope lineup is outstanding! Little pissed I have to work the second job tomorrow night and miss Skoal Kodiak and Vampire Hands. Won't miss Chooglin' @ Grumpy's on Saturday though.

BTW: That CNN story might be NSFW.

Well, you'll note I didn't delete your comment, but instead asked for clarification as to what your intentions were.

The Rat does have a history of popping into are threads to express contempt.

It got the discussion going. Most of these art topics sit all day with no response.

Frankly, I don't think I've ever heard of one instance of public disdain and predjudice for skinny women beyond "she should eat a sandwich." And if that's something that would ruin your day, maybe you should go to 5-7-9 and buy some thicker skin.

bud jr, you are SICK

Tangentially on this subject

This painting sold for US$33 million a couple days ago.

"Christie's calls it a "bold and imposing example of the stark power of Lucian Freud's realism," depicting "the forceful and undeniable physical presence of people and things."'

Oh no, Badgery Thing is on this post as well. I saw his comment on the main page.

There is something interesting about those Somali videos.

Justpbob, you made a mistake: school bues be turned off.
No offense, I just do stuff like this. I do agree with you though.

Lunch!: Good point, but I think the title of the play is a response to real women are not just what you see in the media. And truly, thin women do not get the same disdain that women who are perceived as overweight receive.

And it is extraordinary for a group of women to work and get along together. Most times you put a group of women together and it can be a disaster. We're our own worst enemy at times.

What was kind of a "wtf?" for me is that, while Holder brings up valid issues of domestic abuse, deportation, poor working conditions, etc. - are these the focuses that the writer really wanted? I thought it was more of coming-of-age story, but I've only seen the movie.

No problem, I was just excited to use it!

Zaftig!

Word of the day!

Thanks Alie!

The point of them removing their clothes was brought about by the younger character being frustrated that every older woman she was working with complaining and putting down their zaftig bodies. So, she takes off her shirt and says something about not being ashamed of who you are, blah blah, and gets all the older ladies to do the same. It's actually pretty sweet (at least, that's how it goes in the movie).

There, happy now?

I'm sure this is the most internet buzz Rick Springfield has gotten in... well, ever.

Or just be clearer as to why you're mentioning them. The Rat does have a history of popping into are threads to express contempt.

The lesson to The Rat, I guess, is that when Max puts up a post that highlights the one paragraph mentioning larger, naked women, you had better not reply with any mention of larger, naked women.

All Boys New England Prep School, nuff said.

I saw Rick Springfield at an outdoor music festival in Kansas City about 10 years ago, and he was completely wasted and it was AWESOME! The soundtrack from "Hard to Hold" is still one of my favorite albums ever. I recently tried to find it only to find that it is out of print. Noooo!!!

Does anybody remember when Rick was in a pilot of a show called "Nick Night" where he played a vampire cop? It was brilliant, but for some unknown reason, it never got picked up.

Badgery Thing, if you want to babble nonsense in older threads, I don't really care, but don't start popping into current threads and just make noise.

HIIIIIIIIIII everybody

Is there an implication that women do not work well together?

Did you attend a High School?

I guess the all caps wasn't enough differentiation

I wonder what it be like if some of you guys appeared nude on stage. Methinks you would shrink under pressure...

But Peter Griffin brings us the joy of a child's laughter.

I'm with max on this one, given The Rat's well noted contempt for any type of art even slightly out of the mainstream.

IMO absolute statements like Real X have Y are inherently exclusionary. Skinny women are just as badly buffeted by the whims of public opinion and the vicissitudes of daily life as women with more heft. But of course titling your play "Some Real Women Might Have Curves and That does not Reflect Badly on Those that do not" No marketability there.

Also, why is it such a special, extraordinary thing that women work together? Is there an implication that women do not work well together?

We discourage posting under someone else's handle.

oh come on, it fit his sentiment perfectly.

Actually, the rat reminds me a lot of peter griffin with his kind of obnoxious asinine comments.

Hm. Maybe it's because you phrased your question in a manner that sounds contemptuous. If you're serious about your question, perhaps rephrasing it might generate a more thoughtful response.

I was confused and I asked a question. After reading the story I wasn't sure whether the play's theme had a political or social subtext.

I certainly wasn't trolling.

Don't do that, Wayne.

How can you tell when a Swede is giving someone a dirty look?


If they look at them!

What is it, precisely, that you feel you have contributed to this thread, rat?

oh, so did anyone see the schedule for meetings about bus fare hikes?
check this one out:


Public hearing schedule:
MONDAY, JULY 7:

5:30- 6:30 p.m.

Northtown Mall, Community Room 398 Northtown Dr., Blaine

TUESDAY, JULY 8:

6:30-7:30 p.m. Hopkins Center for the Arts 1111 Main Street, Hopkins

WEDNESDAY, JULY 9:

Noon -1 p.m. Minneapolis City Hall, Conference Room 333 350 S. 5th St., Minneapolis

5:30-6:30 p.m. Burnsville City Hall 100 Civic Center Pkwy., Burnsville

THURSDAY, JULY 10:

6:30-7:30 p.m. Maplewood Community Center 2100 White Bear Av., Maplewood

TUESDAY, JULY 15:

Noon-1 p.m. Metropolitan Council offices 390 N. Robert St., St. Paul




------------------------

uh, great. Glad everyone in the cities proper has to figure out a way to get downtown on their lunch hour while anyone in a suburb can do it after work. it's like they want to avoid having anyone with a job that isn't at target or wells fargo and lives in minneapolis and rides the bus from coming to their fucking meeting to complain. Good one.

"Minneapolis to consider targeting idling cars"

So will the police no longer idle their cars as they eat donut in SA?

I'll wager this is just another law the police ignore for themselves and use to harass everyday people.

One of my fave covers is Richard Cheese's version of Disturbed's Down with the Sickness and the bonus is that it's part of the soundtrack of "Dawn of the Dead."

Enjoy (Sorta NSFW)

Siyad is the media!

Next you'll be saying that the Siyad is the message, chuck.

I see the UpChuck's missadventures in political convention coverage is in today's dead tree report.

Sweet--thanks Kurtis!

It has been widely reported, Bixby. My wife and I ride our bikes in that area sometimes, so it had my full attention.

If you were wondering... (GRRFL)

Didn't the movie version have to do with pants? I'm so confused.

You three are worse than trolls.

I have nothing but pure gold in my record collection, but a friend of mine has "Disco Duck" by Rick Dees on 45...

Oh, I also purchased the Kidz Bop version of "You're Beautiful" from Amazon...because it's hi-larious.

More reasons not to go to CRapids. Also, how is this the first I'm hearing of these beatings? I'm sure it's been reported but I've completely missed any reports.

I bought the CD single to "Dazzey duks" by Duice.

Is Eva Mendes in it?

Very cool. Thanks for the heads up, Schmelzer. Her studio is close to where I work so it'll be an easy run over lunch. Soooo excited.

1972 was a good year.

You'd have to see the play, Rat

Thank you, but dat's OK.

The first album I ever bought was off an ad on the TV for "Super Gold of 1972". I played the crap out of that record. The only songs I remember off it was "Brandy" (your a fine girl) and Song Sung Blue.

You'd have to see the play, Rat. I saw the movie with America Ferrara and it does have a point.

How can you tell when a Swede is giving someone a dirty look?

Hey Cat_. Julaporn's open starting at noon on Friday!

I think I heard that in Sweden, people turn their cars off at stoplights. And give dirty looks to those who don't. Anyone else heard that?

(And please, let this NOT devolve into yet ANOTHER Swede. v Norwegian fistfight... "Swedes eat their lefse like this, Norwegians eat their lefse like THIS.")

"Those teachers and staff who will loose their jobs also get the first chance to apply and interview for them again."

As English teachers, I hope.

The play celebrates the power of women and the incredible bond that can happen when women work together. We never see the men, but the worries they cause the women are feltalthough these worries are minor compared to the fear of being raided by immigration officials.

What's that got to do with chubby women takin' off their clothes?

Hey, I won on the first post Bob.

Hey, I love bad 70's ballads, Kurtis, so I really shouldn't be teasing you.

Mnblrmkr: When you say "awfully drunk" is that 6 cocktails or 12 cocktails and 2 shots? Just askin'.

I think kurtis is the winner, if we can use that word...

I'm not sure how the anti-idling ordinance can be enforced, if passed.

I think the price of fuel would be enough incentive for people to do this -- yet, people are still buying big gas-guzzlers, even as I type this. Go figure.

The idling story is now in the news section.

Can't you already get a ticket for idling your car unattended? Also, doesn't your insurance refuse to pay out if your car is stolen or damaged if it's idling?

The second record I ever bought was Bay City Rollers. First convert I ever went to was Huey Lewis and the News. I'd have to be awfully drunk to give up my MOST embarrassing music purchase.

And Rush kicks ass.

Does this mean you'll be hangin' with my bros at the Rush concert next week? They are way too excited to see them. Sad, really.

Cat_, I have Ray Stevens singing "Everything is Beautiful." I have Cal Smith singing "Country Bumpkin." I have Debby Boone singing "You Light Up My Life." I have Roger Miller singing "Little Green Apples," and Ronnie Milsap singing "Any Day Now," and Tanya Tucker singing "Delta Dawn" and Don Williams singing "Lord, I Hope this Day is Good." It's the AM Radio I grew up with, and I enjoy it without a trace of irony.

Just thought you might want to know that.

Was aware. In fact I was thinking about getting a little Rat sculpture when I was in Singapore a couple weeks ago.

Whenever I see "the Rat" I think of early Haruki Murakami novels... his surrealist pre Norwegian Wood stuff.

This studio usually has a blacksmith at work during the day

I won't be here for Art-a-Whirl - Boo. I love Julaporn's scupltures. I really want a couple of small nong's that she did. They are so freakin' weird and whimsical and funny.

Ok, wait a minute. It's an Embarrassing Music thread, not Air Your Dirty Laundry of Music thread.

Kurtis: I like you. Are you sure you want to say that you have the Tom T. Hall song or do you want to admit that it was a typo and it's really in your Uncle's iTunes?

Should be fun. Jason, looks like you need a Mok Buakaow for your collection! (Thanks for the link, Max.)

Also this weekend, the most-excellent underground music festival Heliotrope returns to the Ritz in NE. Skoal Kodiak getting mobbed on stage by skinny-jean hipsters was the high-point of last year's festival. Here's this weekend's lineup.

Actually, I'm just yanking the Rat's chain a bit. We are not pushing for this ordinance, in fact, we didn't even know about it until it hit the news.

We do recommend that school bues be turned off when parked outside of schools. There is a state law that requires it, but it has no teeth. Some drivers let the engines run for hours, summer and winter. Not only is it polluting and a health risk for students, it's a wasteful practice.

I do have that Tom T Hall song in iTunes.

Don't spread lies, Rat - he's not a puppy lover. And the Tom T. Hall song is wrong wrong wrong.

Oh, btw: Did you know that according to the Chinese calendar, it's The Year of The Rat? Just thought you might want to know that.

Went there last Saturday and the food and service was not worth it. Waited over an hour and a half for our dinners. Should have went somewhere else. It is still a disaster.

Could be worse Jane... I saw Rick Springfield at the Medina Ballroom. I was over 18 so there is absolutely no excuse.

My first concert was New Kids on the Block. I was the envy of all the girls in my 6th grade class at the time.

HA Ha!

Siyad is the media!

About idling cars in winter... the fact that I'm agreeing with The Rat shows this ordinance is probably a bad idea. In this case, I think it's better to encourage responsible behavior rather than legislate it.

Abd he likes country music like this Tom T. Hall classic

Apart from having a Tracey Ullman tune on my iPod I save my ultimate shame for buying and still owning the CD single of "Mmm Bop" by Hanson. Even more embarrassing was a friend unearthing it at a party last winter and playing it.

one must have heart in order for it to harden.

Maz likes puppies.

I'm going to Soundset '08 on the 25th at the Metrodome parking lot. Should be hella fun if anyone is interested. Tix are $25 till the 18th and then go up to $30 till the day of the show.

I don't think it's so funny, Bob

Just another way to bring you freedom-lovers to your knees, Rat.

Art-a-Whirl: The Liquor Pigs kick things off at the tent in back of 331 at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Alas, I will be in Indianapolis.

The ordinance would make it illegal to let your car idle for more than three minutes, unless, of course, you're stuck in a traffic jam.

I bought the gas. I should be able to run the damn car all day if I want to.

Whatta bunch of crap.

Cat-- had the same thought on BBT at the Zoo. huh?

I love Art-a-Whirl. We've bought art from Ray Becoskie, Eleanor McGough; jewlery from Karin Jacobsen and Brittany Foster.

If you're filming for more than three minutes, Siyad, turn off that engine!

You should probably turn off the meter, too.

The Music in the Zoo series is an odd lineup this year. No John Hiatt? And Billy Bob Thornton? I don't know if I'd see him for free. He creeps me out.

Maz: That song couldn't possibly be your theme song as one must have heart in order for it to harden.

/tease

Holy Crap! Art-A-Whirl...

I won't soon forget that week...

I sometimes watch the crudely produced Somali music videos on cable access -- like Bollywood musicals, they are strangely compelling to watch.

Looking over the local concert listing, I see my summer is going to be all funked up this year: George Clinton at First Ave., Bootsie Collins doing a James Brown Tribute Show, Morris Day and the Time at the Zoo!

Quarterflash opened.

They did my theme song.

wikipedia
What are all these wierd people on about?

Normally I just stand unless there are free seats. Most of the time when I offer, they just refuse.
By the way, the clock should be fixed, I mean, It said I was on mnspeak at 03:12am!

TRUST NO ONE

good to have someone different to talk to, anyway.

TWO people, and meep meep, who is a third

Are you hitting on Mary Abbe?
There's no evidence that she's even heard of mnspeak.com...
Still, I admire your pluck!

In high school, two friends loved Rick Springfield and bought tickets to his concert at the Met Stadium. At the last minute, one couldn't go so I went. It was my first concert ever.

*sobs*

Quarterflash opened.

I've made up for it by carefully attending only very very cool concerts ever since. Still, the taint isn't gone.

It was funny enough for a double post!

Oh man I can't believe I double posted. Sweet.

I heard nursing homes are the way to go...something about women outliving men almost 3 to 1.

Plus, chicks with parkinson's give great handjobs.

I heard nursing homes are the way to go...something about women outliving men almost 3 to 1.

Plus, chicks with parkinson's give great handjobs.

How can she buy the rake!

Yeah I offered my seat once to a lady and she said she was an independent woman and if she needed a seat she would ask for one. Ever since then I don't offer because she got me thinking..if you do need a seat then you will ask and I personally would oblige. I mean if you are asking me for the seat there must be a reason.

The reason i don't sit next to the window is because perhaps I am about to get off in a few stops. If you want the seat next to me just ask. I will move.

I ususally try to avoid all these issues by sitting in the back and next to the window.

When Bx *preens* it's Rx for Mn.

Oh, leave Bx alone. This is her way of compensating for all her real and percieved inadequacies, such as her lack of social skills. All the attention feeds her self-importance and gives her a sort of validation.

That's my contribution to the discussion. Your welcome.

Above and beyond Tracy Ullman (about whose music I'm not the least bit embarrassed to admit enjoying), I will admit to enjoying The Carpenters and Barry Manilow. "Weekend in New England" is one of the sappiest love songs out there, only made more special by my living in Vermont when it was first released.

My record-buying consumerism came rather late in life. I was all of 14 when I purchased my first album: the soundtrack to the movie "The Glenn Miller Story." Most all of the records I bought while in high school were jazz or big band. Most, but not all. I was big fan of Barry White, too, my senior year. My year in art school, though, did broaden my musical horizons quite a bit. Imagine going from Barry White to ... Frank Zappa in a matter of months!

"Does anyone remember the Smoke Free Generation concert in the mid-80s? "

(ahem)

I was taking the 781 out of downtown to Maple Grove after work one day, and a woman ended up standing next to me in the aisle. I immediately tapped her on the shoulder and offered my seat. IT OFFENDED HER!!! She adamantly refused. "CHIVALRY'S DEAD" she said. Why? I was baftfled. Try to do something nice...

The DeRusha Suit Zubaz intersecting with the rare 'Jason Manbabing' may cause the type of damage from which the Internet may never recover.

I think it may have already destroyed Twitter.

Thanks, Raindog.

Glad you think that's interesting.
Thanks for contributing to the discussion about me.

*preens*

My favorite Minneapolis eccentric, straight out of 1988, passed away a few years ago. If you grew up around the lakes you could not have missed this white-bearded dude, cruising around the lakes at all hours. He would ride his rusted ten-speed no-handed for extended distances, jutting his hands out, one forward and one back, pumping them in a wild, groovy motion like "walk like an egyptian." Whoom whoom. whoom whoom. With this spacey smile.

Southwest journal wrote him up when he passed....

Does anyone remember him?

I think it's interesting Bx that every comment you make in every thread inevitably leads to a discussion about you.

I hope your needs are being met.

Max,

I think I did list the ladies first because the treatment of women was the uber issue at hand, but corroborating the opinions of both is divine.

Maybe but it would only include St. Paul and Mpls. the rest of us are just arrogant, angry white men that are rich and should pay more in taxes and live in the suburbs. Keep coming bx, your my only friend. If you don't mind were do you live. Not being from MN explains why you have some reality in you posts. Most people in this state have never left the Midwest and have moved to the big metropolis of the "twin cities". They tend to come from some small town and think that they are living the big city life. In reality most people that grew up in Mpls move.

Swandog, you NAIL it. We "reality" junkies need to stick together. Someone's gotta be the voice(s) of reason in this MNSpeak Fairyland.

I was born and raised in the Twin Shitties. Now I split my time betwixt here and Somewheres Else. When I'm in town, I like to come here, watch the trainwreck and talk shit. It's relaxing, feeling like a superior jackass. We all have to blow off steam somehow, right?

I've read through the responses, and...

Dokken (Monsters of Rock-Metrodome'88), Cinderella (saw them at the MYTH last year!), The Carpenters, Justin Timberlake, The Scorpions,... hell, even Warrant.

These are not embarrassing.

This is embarassing. Album owned, concert attended in the '80s.

'Rauschenberg's oft-repeated quote that he wanted to work "in the gap between art and life" suggested a questioning of the distinction between art objects and everyday objects'

Think about that, no really, babe. Think about it. Get back back to me. We'll do lunch.

Later, babe.

A blog? For dating? Hmmm.....

Dang, swandog, don't you ever get sick of your bitter self? You must be a real slice to live with.

As far as I know there is no residency verification function required to post on MNSpeak. Or is there?

Ah, yes, that is the point I was making. Nice deflection.

It's fine, though. It was more of a rhetorical question because it's pretty obvious why you stick around, despite hating everyone who frequents the site.

Ah... A real art post.

I know it's a real post because there's only one comment! Things are back to normal...

cities is = cities are

is it friday yet?

Most people in this state have never left the Midwest and have moved to the big metropolis of the "twin cities". They tend to come from some small town and think that they are living the big city life. In reality most people that grew up in Mpls move.

Actually Swandog, there are any number of transplants on here. And I know a ton of people who've lived in the area all their lives too.

I've bought a lot of bad music over the years -- Cinderella, Dokken, Incubus, The Streets, Arctic Monkeys -- but the purchase that makes me mad is the time I was duped into buying a CD by [a local band] at Cheapo. I'd never heard of the band (I lived in NYC at the time, and was just visiting MSP) but I think there was an endcap display in the Local Music selection. I'd had a lot of good luck with random Cheapo purchases in the past (Owls, Soviettes, Plastic Constellations, 12 Rods, Sweet JAP) so I figured any band with that sort of cred at Cheapo must be pretty good.

It wasn't. It was horrible. It was bad enough that I complained to one of my friends about it. He explained, "The dude from [that band] works at Cheapo, so he hypes his CDs there." Even though that made complete sense, it totally ruined Cheapo for me! I still shop there from time to time because it's local, but I go out of my way to visit the Electric Fetus -- and every time I see that CD, still featured prominently in the Local Music section at Cheapo, I kick myself for being a rube.

Why does Bx assume whiteness? It is MN, but it is also the cities...