Laura's Blog

If I hadn't already bought 4 '08 calendars

2008-01-07T04:09:00.000-06:00

I'd have a little more justification in buying this one. Alas, I will wait until '09.

Calendars are wicked cute and the company story is, too. Thanks to Daily Candy for turning me onto these...

Best trip ever

2008-01-07T03:44:00.000-06:00

Well, it's slightly exaggerated to say our New Years trip to Denver / Breckenridge was the best trip ever. However, I can confidently say it's one of my top 3 trips in the last 5 years and knowing how much I travel, that says a lot.

While on the trip, we visited Denver for a few days:

They have not learned how to shovel their goddamned city sidewalks:

Then we went to Breck and had some beer for New Years:

And we did some skiing (well, Alicia didn't and I quit early that day):

The complete set o photos can be found on my flickr page.

Dreamy

2008-01-07T03:41:00.000-06:00

My parents are in the middle of buying a new bedroom set as they upgrading from their '70s waterbed. Yes, I said waterbed.

I'm not buying a new bed / bedroom set / mattress anytime soon but if I were, I'd totally buy exactly everything shown above from Restoration Hardware. The sleighbed, the yummy brown/blue, the high count thread sheets.

Now all I need is a maid to make it everyday.

Huh?

2007-12-10T23:16:00.001-06:00

I took the Traveler IQ Quiz after Bejota blogged about it - but let it be knows I forwarded the site to about 15 people after getting the VSL about it this am.

However, I can't figured out if compared to Bejota, I win or not? He's a 104 IQ which seems worse, but also got to a higher final score and higher final level. And I took the North American quiz, if he took a different one can you compare it against mine? I don't know...

Not gross

2007-12-10T22:55:00.001-06:00

I've bought a few of Amy's Organic Frozen Dinners and have been unimpressed, especially with the Indian meals. Blech.

However, the Cheese Enchilada Whole Meal (which means it comes w/ corn and black beans) is quite yummy. In fact, it's on my list to buy again soon.

Amy's has about a bazillion different SKUs so it may be tough to pick out the yummies vs. the ickies, but this was so good I might try...

This has got to be a record

2007-12-09T22:24:00.000-06:00

I hope no one is stalking me, because this clearly lays out where I'll be the next week -- I can't believe my life is so ruled by the Evite. Except that they work SO well. Oh well.

As an FYI, I'll be at gay bible study Wed night -- long story. And no, I'm not a lesbian.

Not quite right timing, but still good...

2007-12-01T13:06:00.001-06:00

Aaron Karo presents the Halloween Walk of Shame

What's going on in the neighborhood?

2007-11-29T04:50:00.000-06:00

Tacos are coming to Lyn/Lake thanks to Hector Ruiz of Café Ena and El Meson! Look for them this spring around the corner of Lake Street and Bryant Ave S near LynLake. Let's hope that they put some good veggie options on the menu considering the Uptown area… and its proximity to my house.

Thanks to the Twin Cities Eats blog for this info - good to know something yummy is opening w/in a block of my house - I wonder if it'll go in the Phoenix Games storefront or a different one?

Also mentioned - a sushi place over by the U. If the food is as nice as the design, it should be yummers.

UPDATE: I include the pix of the restaurant to the right - reminds me of sushi places in London.

No pix but

2007-11-24T09:49:00.000-06:00

here's what I've been up to:

Wed night - met M at the Windsor Castle for drinks, then meet Sarah and her BF that own in my condo buildling in Mpls

Th - slept in, shopped at the O2 Centre, was scared that eggs aren't refridgerated in the grocery store here, made pumpkin pie very quickly (who knew their oven is convection and the pie would bake in 20 min instead of 1.25 hours?!?)

Fri - did NOT sleep in, visited LBS, went to Borough Market for lunch (it is AWESOME!!!), Mexican dinner near Trafalger Square, "clubbing" at Carbon on Old Quebec Street (we were 8/18 people there!)

Sat - slept in, grabbed take-away lunch at Paul's Pastry shop (yummy goat cheese/tomato hot pastry), shopped Marlyebone High Street to Oxford Street. Oxford Street was, as expected, a cluster on a Sat in the holiday season but still fun - a Uniqlo just opened there so I bought stuff there and at H&M

Now we're headed to Luton airport (~~yeah new airport!!!~~) (was there in April to go to Istanbul) to catch an EasyJet flight to Amsterdam for a mini-trip till Mon noon.

UPDATE: Amsterdam was fun, we had 2 great dinners, saw the Van Gogh and enjoyed some coffee together. Separately, Missy visited the Anne Frank house and Tulip Museum, and I saw the Resistance Museum. Our hotel was fancy for the $ we paid on Hotwire.com (thanks Josh!) and we were happy to have a warm haven as it was f-ing cold in Amsterdam.

Monday, I visited the newly remodeled Transport Museum in Covent Garden (opened 22 Nov) and we went to dinner at a fancyish Indian restaurant w/ Eli. It was too spicy so they offered to redo which made me a happy camper.

I awoke Tues morning to Laura (Missy's roommate living in Kate's room) bringing home Starbucks and croissants for the three of us and literally commented, "I could get used to this, maybe I should move here". Maybe?

Milwaukee Fun

2007-11-20T11:02:00.000-06:00

I'm gonna bet $1 that Alyssa and Rachelle are all over going to this with me the weekend we're in Milwaukee. Thanks to Sabatkes for turning me onto it...

Dec 8 West Allis - Winter Wonderland Craft Fair

Approximately 50 artisans and crafters will share their handmade creations at one of the best craft fairs in the area. Fiber, wood, glass, folk art, jewelry, paintings, sculpture, photography, ceramics, dried floral & pre-packaged carry away food items. Booths available: sizes are approximately 8X6. A limited supply of tables and electric receptors will be available and will be assigned as applications are received. 8400 Beloit Road. Event starts at 9:00AM and ends at 3:00PM. For more information call (414) 771-3020.

Dress up is fun?

2007-11-20T01:40:00.001-06:00

I'd call myself a Halloween party pooper. I'm too old to whore out at a college party, but not old enough to have kids who care about Halloween. I'm in Halloween purgatory.

Or so I thought. Look at all these peeps I know who enjoy getting dressed up for fun!

Matt Flores' sisters - Caitie (naughty) and Angie (nice)

My friend Angie from HS - I believe she is a child who dressed herself for the first day of summer camp. Correct me if I'm wrong on that Ang.

Rosita from AKPsi - this is part of her Hooters girl photo shoot so she's actually not headed anywhere in this outfit but I'm guessing she does dress up for Halloween.

Mark, the man who paints himself. He sat by us at Saturday's game and was our friend.

Sally, 17, JCC HS Senior and family friend.

Chelsea (Sally's sister) as "pregnant". You can't fake this shit.

Bob is s-e-x-y

2007-11-20T00:13:00.000-06:00

Since cutting his hair short about a year ago, I have got to say damn, Bob, you've got it going on.

If you want to go to his show at the Varsity Theatre in Dinkytown w/ Alicia and I on Sun Dec 2 at 7pm holla. I've got 4 extra tickets. First come, first serve.

What more need I say?

2007-11-19T22:48:00.000-06:00

Free beer through 11/30.

Fuck yeah

2007-11-18T07:19:00.000-06:00

I just heard this quote and heart it:

"Action without knowledge is senseless and knowledge without action is useless."

It's a take on this Abu Batr quote.

Reprise

2007-11-18T06:26:00.000-06:00

I've not failed to mention my LOVE of Thanksgiving travel and once again am undertaking a major trip next week - this time for Europa. I feel that spending this innately American holiday in the UK is a nice counterbalance vs. the 4th of July (2000) that I celebrate there.

Perhaps this time I'll be the one singing the Star Spangled Banner at a the Shakespere's Head bar and throwing up down my shirt while on my way home on the tube by myself i.e. Alicia circa 7/4/00.

To recap past November fourth Thursday trips:

2003 - Fam visits me in Boston (ok, actually NOT a trip for me but whatev)
2004 - I visit MN for a week over T-Day (again, this only count for 1/2)
2005 - Fried turkey at Alicia's relatives then off to Vegas
2006 - NYC for Thanksgiving week
2007 - Thanksgiving in London (I realize the irony) - with the weekend in smoky Amsterdam

I'll *try* to put some picture updates on flickr before T-day 'o8 but no promises bitches.

Net net - Europeans are smart, Americans are stupid (and on an unrelated note, fat)

2007-11-18T05:41:00.000-06:00

The Strib has an article about underage drinking in today's paper. I very much enjoyed the discussion board regarding the legal drinking age being 21 - my comment can be found as posted at 5:38am on 11/18. So check it out!

PS I can attest that students at the Carlson School do not follow the scenario reflected on the chart below (from this website). I know grade inflation is a problem at CSOM, but not so much that they're giving all their students 'A's that, according to this chart, should be failing out.

Current obsession #3

2007-11-18T05:06:00.000-06:00

If you're not watching 30 Rock, you're an idiot.

Note:

The lyrics are: Werewolf bar mitzvah, spooky scary... (later) Werewolf bar mitzvah, kooky hairy. That's almost on the level of Weird Al lyrical genius.

At the end when they're talking somebody says "this aint no dick in a box". Fantastic

Reward

2007-11-17T05:58:00.000-06:00

I'm hunting for my green clutch purse and a ziploc bag filled with all my gift cards. Last seen appx 2 months ago in my apartment. Any clues or help or ideas of where these things are stashed would be appreciated.

Note: The gift cards in the ziploc are NOT in the green clutch. So they're 2 separate missing items.

UPDATE: After my mom's hints, I looked in the closet where my other purses live for green clutch (not there) and looking in my big turquoise purse for gift cards (nope). Other ideas?

UPDATE #2: This post was originally written in August. Status update: no change. I have still not found the purse or gift cards in my goddamned 760 sq ft apt. Seriously WTF - why have my house elves turned on me and started stealing my shit?!?!

Current obsession #2

2007-11-14T06:19:00.000-06:00

My 10 year class reunion coming up in August. I'm on the planning committee (duh) and have spent the last 48 hours creating this reunion website which I think is great fun.

I can't stop checking back to see who has visited since I have access rights behind the scenes :)

Craigslist posting of the day

2007-11-14T06:05:00.000-06:00

Searching for the "Uptown Woman" - 34

Date: 2007-11-09, 8:09AM

I have been working in the uptown area for months now doing construction and watch all the beautiful women all over the place. So now I thought I would try this to see if any of you read these.

Me: I am 5'11", 225lbs. Not fat here. drug and disease free. Very short brown hair and brown/green eyes. Nice looking, openminded, educated, and LOVES to please you.

You: The classic blonds/ brunettes from the salon. The artsy alternitave woman with pink and orange hair taking pictures/painting artwork. The BBW waiting for the bus. The runner going somewhere in a hurry. The woman wearing all black and completely covered. The one wearing almost nothing at all. The pierced and tatooed woman. The business woman.

You are all so beautiful. Makes me glad to be a man. Are there any of you wanting to take a chance? Lets chat.

This doesn't sound right

2007-11-14T05:58:00.000-06:00

"There are about 17.2 Million women beer drinkers in the US which makes up about 17.4% of the beer market."

Considering the source is a website that's a pun, maybe this shouldn't be trusted...

Current obsession #1 - love this TV commercial!

2007-11-13T22:33:00.000-06:00

What more can I say?

2007-10-22T22:08:00.000-05:00

Dumbledore is Gay

No wonder why I love the HP series / JK Rowling so much!

Take 2, they're small

2007-10-16T06:22:00.000-05:00

The St. Louis news is full of this story today:

"Hardees gets a little bit country, and a little bit espanol"

Funny headline (sort of) but what's not funny is that this m-f has 920 calories and 60 grams of fat. Sick. Sick. Sick. However, comparing it to McDonald's Deluxe Breakfast and BK's Triple Whopper (each with 1200+ calories) makes it look not that bad. Which is also sick, sick, sick.

This isn't funny

2007-10-16T04:09:00.000-05:00

Did you see on the news the story about the man who molested a toddler and there was a manhunt for him? They caught him, yeah.

What's funny? His name is Chester Stiles, ala Chester the Molester. I'm guessing I'm not the only one to think of that...

PS Sorry that Laura's blog died for a while - I think I may be back. We'll see...

Who are my real friends?

2007-09-03T21:19:00.000-05:00

As Alicia explained, we had a hell of a time securing Paolo/Amy tickets. As a result of the drama, we ended up buying 10 tix between the 2 of us and only needed 4. So, how shall I decide who my/our (since it's Alicia and I that have the extras) friends are that get the extras. And by get, I mean purchase at face value.

Ideas:

My initial idea is to do a vita.mn thing - whoever plays on my blog/facebook/myspace the most is clearly my BFF deserving of a chance at the tickets.
Posting them on Craigslist for random Amy/Paolo friends would also be fun.
Or else just sending out a mass email asking who wants them and rewarding fast repliers is also appealing.

Your thoughts?

UPDATE: Since Amy is a hot mess right now, the concert has been cancelled, damnit. However, Paolo did reschedule his own concert but our tix got refunded and we weren't offered dibs on the Paolo concert. F-ing ticketmaster.

Reason #482

2007-09-03T20:06:00.000-05:00

not to move to Texas.

There's a city in Texas called Cut and Shoot. I couldn't make this stuff up.

Word of the day

2007-08-19T10:18:00.000-05:00

Work hot Def: A person that may or may not be hot, but is the most attractive person in the set of people you work with so you lust after him/her.

Ex:
Person 1: So this new girl at your work is she hot?

Person 2: Hell yeah...well I mean she's work hot.

Also funny

2007-08-12T09:21:00.001-05:00

I think this is funny

2007-08-12T09:02:00.000-05:00

Target = Oprah? Scary

2007-08-12T08:40:00.000-05:00

I know it's good marketing, but I'm not sure I like that Target is starting it's own book club, "Target Bookmarked". Pushing people to read more is cool, it's just the power of a retailer to try to determine what people are reading that scares me I think...

The only time it's cool for everyone to be reading the same book at the same time is w/ Harry Potter - though I've STILL not seen the movie or started the book. Bad Laura.

I think this is funny

2007-08-04T12:44:00.001-05:00

People from LA are stupid

2007-08-02T13:15:00.000-05:00

Example from Overheard in Minneapolis:

Is This What People From LA Really Believe?

Young woman from LA: So, Minnesota is dark for half the year, right???

Minnesotan couple: ...No.

Young woman from LA: Oh. Well, North Dakota is, right?

Willamette, like goddamnit

2007-07-13T16:05:00.000-05:00

I'm enjoying my first 24 hours in Portland, Oregon. I'm staying with Paul who I know from college and have a full agenda planned between now and Sunday when I train to Seattle to see my mom's sister's family.

First on the agenda, is the Portland International Beer fest. Yum.

I want to do the aerial tram, go see the falls (outside of town), visit the Oregon Historical Society and then just wander the neighborhoods. And drink lots of beer in the microbrewery capital of theUS of A.

I'll keep you updated on my travels - my loose itererary for your information:

today - Sunday noon -- Portland
Amtrak Portland - Seattle
Sunday afternoon - Monday afternoon - Kent, WA w/ the fam
Monday afternoon - Friday morning - Carnation, WA for work
Friday - Sunday night - San Francisco to stay w/ Marc & Matt
Sunday night - taking the red eye baby!

Craigslist posting of the day

2007-07-03T00:31:00.000-05:00

Attn. Black pregnant woman - 26

Date: 2007-07-01, 3:22PM CDT

I have a thing for black pregnant woman. I find it very sexy. I understand that pregnant woman can have a very high sex drive and sex is quite healthy when your pregnant.

I'm a tall, good looking white guy, blond hair, blue eyes. If your pregnant, black and single, hit me up with a picture. I'll send some back to you.

News

2007-06-28T14:29:00.000-05:00

1. I got promoted. Yeah.

2. This has resulted in me working Joe Colletti hours. SERIOUSLY. Joe called me at 8:30pm last night and I was still at work but he was on his way home from work. This needs to end soon (and should - I'm doing 2 jobs right now which isn't my cup o' tea.)

3. Zippy is coming to visit me this weekend - yipee! It better not be cold this weekend or she'll probably never come back :)

4. Mr. Glenn got a new job w/ Goldman Sachs - yeah for Glenn!

Interested?

2007-06-25T19:14:00.000-05:00

I think this would be fun - anybody interested? It's a little pricey but does include drinks all night...

2007 Vine Park Brews Cruise!

Come cruise with all your favorites from Vine Park! Enjoy beer and a dinner of BBQ Chicken, Penne Pasta salad with grilled vegetables, Caesar Salad, fresh veggie trays, and lots of cookies & bars. And a free VPBC logo pint glass!

Our annual Brews Cruise departs at 5:30pm promptly on Saturday, August 4th from Harriet Island across the Wabasha Bridge from downtown St Paul. It will be 3 hours of fun, food, and beer enjoyed with friends. We are limiting ticket sales to 180 on a first come basis.

Price: $65.00 per person if you buy before the Fourth of July, $75 after the 4th.

Why Americans' cell phones suck?

2007-06-24T21:08:00.000-05:00

This article pretty much sums it up - based on my experience with the cell phone industry. I'd say all is true but they perhaps don't put enough emphasis on the fact that carriers dictate pretty much everything - not the case abroad.

Yipee!

2007-06-16T01:07:00.000-05:00

Could I be any happier about direct flights MSP-LGA on AMERICAN starting on September 5? Woo who.

Laura's anticipated itinerary for next trip to NYC:

Fri night dep MSP at 7pm, arrive at LGA 10pm
Monday morning dep LGA at 6:30am, land at 8:30am

Love it!

You're a dick if...

2007-06-13T23:27:00.001-05:00

you have your DUVET monogrammed, aka:

Sheets are also highly suspect.

In my book, things that are okay to monogram include towels and those Lands End tote bags.

Finally, I haven't figured out if men's shirts are okay or not...

Your take on the "rules" of monogramming?

Come on!

2007-06-13T23:06:00.000-05:00

She was 22 and tired of exotic dancing for a living. So Irene Thomas bet her future on real estate, hoping that becoming a landlord would be her first step toward exiting the stage.

With the help of Universal Mortgage Inc., a brokerage company in Brooklyn Park, Thomas signed the papers to buy a house early last year. And she kept signing. And signing.

In 90 days, with none of her money down, Thomas had $2.4 million in debt and 10 houses in her name, most in north Minneapolis. Nine belonged to officials of Universal, the same company that handled the transactions for her.

Less than 18 months later, Thomas was losing every property to foreclosure after the monthly payments weren't made. Her credit ruined, she now says she was duped by a group of real estate insiders who sold houses at inflated prices.

This is the beginning of an article from the Strib that tells a tale of the increasing foreclosures in the Twin Cities. Several questions went through my head while reading it:

How can you realistically think you can sign up for more than $2M in debt with $0 down?
Who LETS someone do this? These people are evil.
How did the reporters find this chick's story to report?
WTF?
Come on!
Really?

Literally, this why I live in Uptown

2007-06-12T23:12:00.000-05:00

Tonight I got home from work after booking a "surprise" trip to MKE (aka I booked it at 4pm today and leave at 5pm tomorrow) to do laundry and then headed to my 2nd architectural tour sponsored by the Minneapolis Public Library. I came home at 8:30 from this v. fun endeavor (did you know there's part of the old streetcar line that still runs along Lake Harriet?!?!?) planning to pack and hit the sack.

But, Christina had changed her flight to Europe from 6am to 7pm so she didn't need to go to bed early. Plus, it was SO nice outside I decided that we should definitely have have "a" drink outside. So 3 hours later and 3 drinks at Bar Abeline later, I'm sitting in my house delighted by the fact that I had no plans to go out (nor should I have gone out - definitely packing in the AM now) that I managed to get drunk in Uptown on a Tu night, accidentally.

Literally, as of 7pm ZERO plans to have a drink tonight but 4 hours later, I'm tipsily blogging and happy that I live somewhere that facilitates this type of behavior. Yeah, responsibility free (mostly) city living!!!

Spendy but...

2007-06-03T21:41:00.001-05:00

I think this grill is quite fancy - its claim to fame is that it can be used on decks where propane grills are against fire code. I like that they tout it's good design as a selling point in the description on the website.

Pledge

2007-06-03T21:34:00.000-05:00

I've decided that this is the summer I'll look back on fondly as the time when I started using reusable bags for groceries, Target, etc. instead of choosing paper or plastic.

Don't worry - I'm not starting to shop at The Wedge or anything, I'm just taking a "green" step and want you to hold me accountable. I figured I don't have a good excuse NOT to use reusable bags.

PS This did help me justify the purchase of a couple of v. cute reusable bags from IKEA over the weekend :)

M-a-d

2007-05-29T22:01:00.000-05:00

I'm enjoying a night with Christina in Madison tonight, and then am back here again on Thursday night. It's a nice break from 2 days of doing a store reset in Milwaukee (actually, Franklin) this week Wed and Th.

We ate yummy Turkish fare for dinner, enjoyed a bottle of Pinot Noir and a martini before coming back to her pimpin' apartment for more wine and cribbage. Old habits never die, I guess. Why do I have the feeling that driving to Madison at 6am is going to s-u-c-k tomorrow?!?!?

Famous

2007-05-28T22:05:00.000-05:00

Cousin Anthony is famous, again. This time for slightly more legitimate reasons than winning eating contests. He was featured in the Rapid City Journal (front page, business section) and commented on the job market as a '07 graduate. Good luck in Peoria, Anthony!

Summertime fun

2007-05-24T22:45:00.000-05:00

I've seen a few signs for Minneapolis MOSAIC and after I figured out it was a summertime celebration of diversity not a Uptown condo development, I looked into it.

Here's the schedule of events, and here are my top picks:

Mill City Museum Walking Tours
Ard Godfrey House Tours
Out @ the Library

want to go to these or any of the other events?

I love St. Paul?

2007-05-24T06:48:00.000-05:00

2 posts in a row about St. Paul - weird. And I'm thinking about going on a St. Paul pub crawl on June 1. Really weird.

I found this website featuring "photo tours" of St. Paul neighborhoods. I'll grant that several St. Paul neighborhoods are charming - wow, I'm getting soft on St. Paul. I esp liked Irvine Park.

Speak up

2007-05-24T06:23:00.000-05:00

If you don't read MN Speak, it's time to smart. Essentially, people blog on this central site about MN news, events, etc. often pulling articles from the Trib, PPress, MN Daily and other MN sources. Thus, less need to study those websites to make sure you've read about everything in which you're interested...

Similar to vita.mn, on MN Speak people will pose questions about random things - this girl asked where to go w/ her parents to graduation dinner. I'm not going for grad dinner anytime soon, but the list generated, aside from being focused on St. P, was v. fun.

jPs is mentioned several times - ever been there? It's 2 blocks from my house and I've barely even noticed it since it's presence is not overbearing along Lyndale.

Whoa! Magic!

2007-05-21T15:29:00.000-05:00

Overheard on the 50 bus in Minneapolis

8 year old boy: (to Man sitting next to him) Hi.
Boy turns away. Man Leaves, Woman takes his seat.
8 year old boy: WHOA! Are you magic? You were just a man!
Woman: Yes I'm magic. Obviously. I went to Hogwarts.
8 year old boy: Whoa! Magic!

Sad

2007-05-16T19:39:00.000-05:00

I decided to make cupcakes tonight but made a fatal mistake at the grocery store. While the cupcakes LOOK right, I used stupid "butter recipe yellow" instead of "lemon" which I intended to use. Now I'm stuck w/ cupcakes that look good but taste wrong to me. F.

Due process

2007-05-13T23:35:00.000-05:00

I realized I failed to post the list of Brandon Yorks on the Target registry (I posted the Julie Burns on 5/1) and again would like to voice that "Julie" is better than Holly & Stephanie. Not that it matters now, the marrige is already on the books :)

Geek prom

2007-05-13T23:22:00.000-05:00

I was browsing this superfun blog which led me to this Flick photoset where I found this picture of Matt from Geek Prom Sat night.

He's looking awfully Urkle-esque - a big tranformation from when I saw him around 9 at Maggy's party at The Independent.

York is better

2007-05-01T21:54:00.000-05:00

I thought it was fun to find that THREE Julie Burns are getting married in the next 2 months and registered at Target...

Live it up in April!!!

2007-05-01T09:04:00.000-05:00

Thanks to NPR for "reminding me" about what crazy Pat Robertson predicted regarding the apocalypse:

According to Pat Robertson's 1990 book, "The New Millenium," the world is coming to an end on April 29, 2007. If you believe him, then you'll probably be spending the next few weeks differently from someone who doesn't.

I guess my schedule is pretty good if I thought the world was ending:

March 30-April 4 London
April 5-8 Istanbul
April 9-10 London
April 23-26 St. Louis

OK, St. Louis really doesn't fit but London/Istanbul makes up for it...

UPDATE: The world did not end. And I almost forgot to be excited yesterday when I should've "celebrated" this fact.

As if I needed

2007-05-01T08:51:00.000-05:00

one more reason to avoid Chino Latino.

"The Hispanic and Latino workers were subjected to "hostile epithets" from co-workers, calling them "lazy,"wetbacks" and Spanish curse words. They also faced employment discrimination, such as shorter breaks and more frequent discipline for being late."

Real classy, Chino Latino.

News?

2007-04-19T09:02:00.000-05:00

I was reading this Strib article about a new Vikings stadium DT and it ended with this quote:

The Vikings will probably play at the University of Minnesota's new stadium after the Twins' 2009 season, when the Metrodome is likely to be razed.

This is the first I've heard about the Vikes playing on campus and the Dome "likely" coming down in '09. Am I that out of the loop or is this news?

It takes all kinds

2007-04-12T17:53:00.000-05:00

I just decided that this saying, "It takes all kinds", is quite annoying. I know what it means. I know that old people like to say it. I'm just saying that I don't like it, and hope that my generation can retire it.

PS It was reading this Bus Tales story that broke the camel's back on this phrase.

Barney Wisdom

2007-04-11T19:32:00.000-05:00

(discussing if the strippers Barney books for bachelor parties are attractive)

Barney: You think the girls I pick aren't hot enough? Alright, fine, the stripper at Stuart's bachelor party was a 15.

Ted: She was 15?

Barney: A 15. Like in blackjack.

Ted: As in, not sure whether you'd hit it.

Barney: Exactly.

Wedding protection

2007-04-11T14:35:00.000-05:00

My new car/home ins company, Travelers, is advertising its Wedding Insurance in a oh so tactful way - using quotes like the following:

"You've put so much into your wedding…your heart, your time, and your money. But what if the bridal salon loses your dress? Or your caterer backs out? Or severe weather rolls in? Wedding insurance can protect your special day."

Because, of course, saying "Or what if he backs out a month before the wedding?" just wouldn't work, even thought that's probably why some people will buy the policy.

There must be a marketing term for ignoring a targeted audience when advertising a product because no one wants to admit that's why they buy the product...

UPDATE: I lied. I read the FAQs and if "you and your fiance decide not to get married" the policy doesn't cover it.

Status update

2007-04-09T18:12:00.000-05:00

I'm headed home to MN tomorrow (Tues). I'm sad to go, as usual. I heart London.

We saw the Harry Potter play Equus tonight. He wasn't naked very long.

Istanbul was fun. If I didn't suck I'd have pix posted by now but you know.

Don't let me forget to file my taxes once I get home. Top of my to do list.

My oh my

2007-03-21T17:41:00.000-05:00

I knew that my friend Maggy was all up in Vita.mn but jeesh - she's #3 for Karma this month - and it's getting to be the end of the month.

Check her out - I like all of her articles and aspire to get more Karma points soon. To be fair, you can also check out Alicia and Matt (please note his user ID #1 - he is the bomb).

Decision '08

2007-03-15T21:40:00.000-05:00

I've decided that I will get Lasik in 2008. Reasons being:

1. Might as well get it sooner than later.
2. I need to put away FSA funds beginning 1/1/08.
3. How beautiful would life be if I could see.

Maroon and gold wedding

2007-03-15T10:09:00.000-05:00

Former Gophers hockey stars Krissy Wendell and Johnny Pohl are planning an August wedding :(

The Otter Part Deux

2007-03-15T05:31:00.000-05:00

I met up with Blaine tonight for a drink at the Herkimer and then headed to the Country Bar for a second drink. I had NO IDEA that the Country Bar is pretty much The U Otter Stop Inn. 2 blocks from my house. I am so happy.

Beer was cheap.
The crowd was odd.
Karoke was raring.
Pull tabs were represented.
A collection of strange things are hanging from the walls.

PLUS - there's a full menu. We were there till around midnight and they were grilling up burgers at that point so the kitchen doesn't close early. And Blaine said their breakfast is awesome. I can't wait to have a reason to try it.

Herberger's Promotion - take advantage!!!

2007-03-13T06:05:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, March 14 – Monday, March 26 earn a 20% off coupon for every piece of apparel or home textiles you donate.

Fragrance, cosmetics, designer apparel, accessories, and home décor rarely (if ever) go on sale! Now’s the time to save on your favorite items and brands.

Coupons received from Goodwill donations may be used from 3/14/2007 to 3/26/2007.

Read the fine print

Hehe

2007-03-13T01:08:00.000-05:00

I thought there was a decent chance Courtney would be on facebook - so I searched by name for him. Here's what came up:

When you think about it, it makes so much more sense that Courtney would look like the girl in the picture than anything else...

He's a S-T-A-R

2007-03-13T00:54:00.000-05:00

Check out the show Michael is in - can you pick him out?

UPDATE: I've had more than one person ask if this is a joke or staged or something. No, Michael really IS a dancer and he really DOES dance in this show on June 9.

HELL YEAH

2007-03-12T04:59:00.000-05:00

Look at the forecast for Winter Park. I'm skiing there w/ all the cool people Fri - Tues!!!

Drag Queen Bingo - mark your calendar!

2007-03-12T04:12:00.000-05:00

If you haven't had the chance to experience Miss Richfield, you're seriously missing out. Her xmas show was FABULOUS.

She hosts Drag Queen Bingo - unforch, the next one is the date of Julie's wedding so that's a no go b/c I'm making my bridesmaid premiere that night, but a few other dates are scheduled:

May 5, 2007: Big Top Bingo at Incarnation Church Basement
September 22, 2007: Mad Hatter Bingo location TBD
November 10, 2007: Peter Pan Bingo at Incarnation Church Basement

It's probably for the best - it looks like a clown theme in May and we all know how much Alicia would freak surrounded by drag queen clowns... Mad Hatter sounds especially nice - perhaps that could be a Brandon/Alicia birthday party event?

Goddamn, I'm bossy.

Trivia

2007-03-12T04:01:00.000-05:00

Did you know Lawrence Welk was on TV from age 52-79 and is a native North Dakotan?

I'm sure this will win you a bet someday :)

Tinto de Verano

2007-03-12T03:56:00.000-05:00

Since y'all have told me you don't actually click through to read stores (damn you're lazy) I post things I think you should read in full context. Here's on of those - my favorite Spanish activity was buying a bottle of cheap red wine and orange Fanta, getting cups and ice from the liquor stores and standing in the town square getting drunk prior to going to bars.

EuroCheapo Blog alerted me to the fact that this tradition, apparently called Botellón could be ending. Hopefully, there's a Facebook group I can join to protest the fall of Botellón :)

Chalk one up for the quiet and calm adults.

The long-treasured Spanish pre-party tradition of the Botellón is a step closer to death. The Botellón—the practice of buying a whole bottle of booze and some mixers and searching out a plaza or street corner to set up shop with friends—has been a favored way to share a few cheap drinks before hitting the pricier clubs and bars of Granada, Seville, and Madrid.

With public drinking comes noise, and the Botellón circuit has attracted no shortage of complaints from annoyed neighbors. In university towns like Granada and Malaga, the weekly Botellón became so huge that city halls could ignore critics no longer. The result? A wave of new laws designed to curb street drinking has come into effect this year.

So, despite massive protests—30,000 strong in Granada, for one example—cities across Spain started cracking down on the gatherings, doling out tickets and fines across the country.

Though beaten, the Botellón is not completely dead. Some cities are designating certain zones as acceptable for the gathering of spirits.

This spring and summer, remember to check with locals before cracking open a bottle in your favorite plaza.

This is great

2007-03-11T23:35:00.000-05:00

I've been studying this for 10 minutes and here are my observations:

Why does St. Louis call it soda?
What's wrong w/ Lake of the Woods county in MN? (the hump at the top for those of you who don't recognize one of MN's 86 counties)
Alaska seems v. confused, as does the mid-Atlantic.

March Madness

2007-03-11T22:32:00.000-05:00

I'm excited to get into a bracket or five - I know less than I usually do about men's college basketball this year but am still excited to get into March Madness. I think I'm going to put in a bracket for Juice's pool, anybody else have one I can join?

Or, I might start my own. If I did, would you join mine? It'd be low stakes - $5 or $10 to get in on it...

Good thing I was born in 1979...

2007-03-07T23:37:00.000-06:00

because that means I went to college before MySpace and Facebook existed.

Had I been born 5 or 10 years later, I'm not sure I would've graduated because I predict I would've procrastinated 100% of college coursework playing on the interweb - as it was I procrastinated appx. 60% of college coursework and the internet was comparitively ghetto when I was in school.

We did have Napster, though.

Clinique Bonus Days

2007-03-07T19:24:00.000-06:00

Mark your calendar:

Macy's April 8-22

Why people have heart attacks shoveling

2007-03-05T22:51:00.000-06:00

Damn, there's a lot of snow in Alpha at my parents house. I think my mom said 20 inches? I'm sure she'll correct me in the comments if that's wrong.

TMI #2

2007-03-04T21:32:00.000-06:00

Do you really need to include how many people you've slept with in your personals ad on Craigslist?!?!?

You're all nutters! - 25

Date: 2007-02-21, 11:46PM CST

OK, I'll agree that a controlling portion of men are assholes and/or stupid. After working in a night club last summer, I know for a fact it's true. But allow me to be most likely the first open-minded, intellectually capable, equality-minded male you've ever heard say this. Most women (not all) are completely battshit crazy!

I do not understand either of these trends. On a psychological level men and women are almost identical when we start out. Yes, there are slight differences, but they are slight (a female toddler separated from their mother by a wall will cry while a male will attack the wall for instance).

I would very much like to find a woman who, like me, tends to ride the wire between feminine and masculine. I will love you as long as you'll have me if you can go to a dive bar, drink beer, watch kung fu movies, but absolutely melt when I buy you a pair of vintage Mary Janes and can remember your shoe size. I want to go to my stylist (Erin Flavin, Jon Oulman Salon, go to her, she's fantastic) and have her tell me all the nice things you said about me when you got your hair done last. I want you to challenge me to belching contests. In my perfect relationship, you'll tell me I'm fussing too much over which shirt to wear and I'll tell you you're fussing too much over your hair. I crave balance.

Also, unlike most men, I do not want a nymphomaniac. That, to me, is hell. I can not keep up with someone who wants it five times a day. I will not sleep with someone on the first date. If we really click, maybe the first month. I have dated a lot of women, had a lot of chances, and so far my list is 2. Quality over quantity. I refuse to let something as intimate, as exciting, and as sincere as sex become a constant routine that only lasts 10 minutes.

So, if you are a well balanced woman with a brain who feels comfortable with her whole self and you well and truly do want a sincere, kind, thoughtful, generous, romantic guy and not some pinheaded jock who's tiny brain shuts down if the space between fucks lasts longer than an hour, right here. If you're nuts, stupid, or are more interested in an Adonis than a Plato, then go to the nearest mirror, look into your own eyes, and ask "do I feel good about myself?" But more importantly, please leave me alone.

TMI

2007-03-04T21:17:00.000-06:00

Do you really need to include all this in your personals ad on Craigslist?!?!?

Do you believe in second chances, do you appreciate honesty - 30

Date: 2007-02-26, 6:59PM CST

I am a convicted felon for drug charges and fleeing an officer. I used drugs for over 10 years and have been sober for two and a half years. I am honest, sincere, good looking, caring, and a gentleman. I made some bad decisions in the past but am a changed man. Since I became sober I have attained my drivers license which I did not have for 10 years.

I raised my credit rating from 450 to 680 currently, and continuing to rise. I have made all new friends and do not involve myself with old social circles. I moved to the city and have been self sufficient for almost two years. I do attend AA a couple times a week.

Like I said I am a good looking, inshape man but probably will not send you a picture on the first email. I prefer active and slender to average woman. I am looking for someone that will accept me for my past but smart enough to realize that life is boundless and any body can overcome and achieve anything they desire in todays world!!!!!!

Can you find any body more honest? Any questions? Are you willing to send a pic?

Comedy

2007-02-27T23:04:00.000-06:00

This story about people wowin' out on the bus is really funny - because it's true :)

RSS Bus Tales, esp. since it's from Minneapolis it's fun.

Need to make an appetizer?

2007-02-19T11:35:00.000-06:00

At my party I had Tortilla Pinwheels and received several compliments. I'm sharing the wealth - here's the recipe:

Tortilla Pinwheels
8 oz sour cream
8 oz cream cheese
4 oz can diced green chiles (drained)
4 oz can chopped black olives (drained)
1 c. shredded cheese
1/2 c. chopped green onions
garlic powder to taste
seasoning salt (Lawry's) to taste
5 10-in flour tortillas

Soften cream cheese. Mix all ingredients. Spread on tortilla, roll. Chill in plastic wrap overnight. Cut to 1/2 inch slices. Makes 50.

I feel like Amy is the only person who might attempt this, but that's okay.

WOW! Craigslist works

2007-02-18T23:52:00.000-06:00

Aside from selling furniture, I've never posted on Craigslist. Until tonight.

I got a pair of tix to Tuesday night's Wild vs Stars hockey game and decided to try something I saw on Boston's Craigslist a few years ago. This is what I posted:

Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars

I am a single 27 year old female, living in Uptown. Through work, I got two tickets to Tuesday's Wild game. Rather than going to the game with a friend, I thought it would be fun to use this as a tool to meet someone - random but could be fun. Just drop me an email telling me about yourself, where you live, and your picture - I'll decide who is going to the game by Monday.

I must admit I'm more of a Gopher fan than a Wild fan and this will actually be my first NHL game ever so I thought a fun date to the game might make it memorable.

So far, I've gotten over 30 responses -- and I posted it just a few hours ago. I feel very popular even though I know people just want me for my free hockey tickets. I'd say 1/2 of the responses are from people that seem normal and nice (I have a few oddballs, certainly [read: 40 year old limo driver offering to drive us to the game in his limo]) and one person I know in real life that responded not knowing I'm me, hehe.

I'm now starting to reply to the normal cute boys to determine who I'm picking as my date for the game. I have high hopes it's somebody that doesn't suck - and that I can roll the people I don't pick but that seem nice into dates outside of my ticket promotion.

UPDATE: I have 50 responses, and have it narrowed down to my top 4. It's tough to pick.

Prepare to vomit

2007-02-18T20:15:00.000-06:00

Sorry I didn't put this up pre-VD because I know you were looking to buy your sweetie The Smitten to show your love. "The Smitten is a single heart-shaped mitten (containing two cuffs). You and your honey will be able to hold hands while waiting on line at the ski lift or crunching along on a brisk, romantic stroll."

As my aunt Jeanne would say, "Gag a maggot".

I hate everyone who think this is a cool idea. Just a heads up on that.

See you later, decorator

2007-02-17T08:19:00.000-06:00

As a designer gets tossed off of Top Design, instead of Project Runway's Heidi Klum's "Auf Weidersehn", Jonathan Adler sends you off with "See you later, decorator".

REALLY?

It's so hokey, you've got to feel like he doesn't want to be saying it, but is forced to.

Anti-shower

2007-02-13T09:21:00.000-06:00

The news may be old, but still -- how much more evidence do I need to abstain from daily showers? I've got SCIENCE on my side, bitches.

Daily Shower Could Cause Brain Damage
The Gold Coast Bulletin
July 4, 2005

Taking regular showers could pose a health risk and even result in permanent brain damage, scientists claim.

US researchers believe that breathing in small amounts of manganese dissolved in the water may harm the nervous system. The damage may occur even at levels of the naturally occurring metal normally considered safe. Although manganese levels in public water supplies are monitored, regulators have not considered the long-term effects of inhaling vaporised manganese while showering, they claim.

"Inhaling manganese, rather than eating or drinking it, is far more efficient at delivering manganese to the brain," said Dr John Spangler of New Carolina. "The nerve cells involved in smell are a direct pathway for toxins to enter the brain."

Dr Spangler's team calculated from animal studies the amount of manganese people would absorb by showering for 10 minutes a day. After 10 years of showering in manganese-contaminated water, children would be exposed to levels of the metal three times higher than the doses needed to leave deposits in rats' brains. Adults with a longer history of showering could be exposed to doses 50 per cent higher. Children, pregnant women, the elderly and patients with liver disease were at the highest risk from manganese.

Everyone is exposed to small amounts of manganese, which is found in food and rocks, and enters the air, soil and water. But in sufficient doses manganese damages the brain and spinal cord, leading to learning and co-ordination disabilities, behavioural changes, and tremors.

Weddingpalooza 2007

2007-02-12T11:14:00.000-06:00

I should really call it mini-wedding palooza because Natalie #1 takes the cake w/ her I think 13 weddings in 2006 (plus she was IN several of them). But, since that total includes invites from her and her boyfriends' friends, I figure I'm pacing with her because my slate is all mine, none from my BF. Because I don't have a BF.

ANYWAY, mark your calendar (Alicia) and plan for the following fun weddings:

May 5 - Julie and Brandon (aka JBY)
May 19 - Heidi and Joe
June 23 - Damon and Katie
July 28 - Beth and Gregg
September 29 - Rich and Nicole (aka Nicole Ritchie)

If you can come up w/ celebrity nicknames for the other couples, please share.

Congrats!

2007-02-12T10:51:00.000-06:00

Congrats to this tall drink of water on his new job!

Michael will be moving from the Advocate to Conde Nast Traveller next month for a new job within the ad sales dept. I thought the perks of working at the Advocate sounded sweet, I can only imagine what it will be like at the new magazine...

Let it be known

2007-02-12T02:35:00.000-06:00

I'm totally getting married in December, year TBD. Looking at pix from this girl's MySpace page of her Dec wedding confirmed it. I thought I'd be a fall bride, but I'm definately learning toward Christmas instead.

PS Several pix make me throw up a little in my mouth, but focus on the church / xmas trees / garland with white lights ones...

I thought I'd be at least 40%

2007-02-12T02:31:00.001-06:00

You Are 28% Nerdy

You're a little nerdy, but no one would ever call you a nerd.
You sometimes get into nerdy things, but only after they've become a part of mainstream culture.

How Nerdy Are You?

This is your brain on drugs (alcohol actually)

2007-02-11T17:02:00.000-06:00

After going to Plymouth Congregational this morning with Julie and Brandon and his mom and bro, I decided to swing by the grocery store and buy eggs so I could make myself brunch. I walked straight to the back of the store and picked up this:
However, as I was walking to the register I changed my mind and instead decided to buy this:
The only problem was when I got home and started to cook, I realized that I couldn't make what I wanted, namely this:

I am REAL dumb when I am hungover.

Congrats!

2007-02-10T12:19:00.000-06:00

me, Nicola, Missy at the Rugby Pub Crawl in September (fairly well into it, we look wasted)

Allegedly, Missy will be working at Lehman Brothers in London this summer. Yeah, Missy!

Mark your calendar

2007-02-10T10:03:00.001-06:00

Minnesota Aids Walk - Sunday, May 20

Who think that the day after a wedding is a good day for an Aids Walk? Hmmm...

Where in the world..

2007-02-10T09:48:00.000-06:00

I'm going to travel to Istanbul for a long weekend in April as a side trip from London. Alicia and I are overlapping Missy's spring break and it should be a fabulous time! We're collecting Istanbul travel advice from all who offer it - if you have any, comment.

These makes me giggle

2007-02-10T03:17:00.000-06:00

From Overheard in Minneapolis:

Three More Self-Help Books, And He'll Attain His Goal.

Dude: So, I'm a douchebag?

My friend: You're not a douchebag. You lack the confidence to be a douchebag.

Keegan's

Listening Is Far Too Complicated.

Office worker #1: I made really good chicken tacos last night.

Office worker #2: Oh, did you make them with ground turkey?

Office worker #1: No... I made them with chicken.

Downtown Minneapolis Office

Don't Listen To Them. I Say It, And I'm Cool.

Girl #1: O.M.G.

Girl #2: OhMyGod Shelly you can't say O.M.G. in a, like, real convo. It's, like, not cool.

Girl #1: Oh shit, I can't be sayin L.O.L. then can I?

#6 bus

Baby licenses?

2007-02-10T02:54:00.001-06:00

Let me first say that I mean this in the nicest way possible.

We've debated baby licenses before, perhaps this is some sort of evidence in our favor... This man is now a father to baby Samantha (at least that's what I learned from comments on his Myspace). I rest my case.

PS Yes, that is sweat he's soaked in, not beer.

I bet you didn't know

2007-02-10T01:22:00.000-06:00

You can do "backstage tours" at the Guthrie on Saturday mornings at 10am for $8. During the tour, you will "learn about the unique building highlights and key architectural elements". Sign me up?!?
The Guthrie Learning Center has lots of fun classes - "$15, 90 minutes" is the motto. Fun.

For the very first time...

2007-02-08T21:40:00.000-06:00

I tried Twin Cities Free Market - with great results. I posted my loveseat (below) for free around noon today and at 7pm had a man come to my house and take it away. Wowsers, that was fast.

The downside is no pix on the site, but with 6 responses in 3 hours clearly people are using the site... Easier than hauling it to Goodwill!

Famous friends

2007-02-08T15:39:00.000-06:00

I love surfing the StarTribune.com and randomly seeing a picture of my friend Matt, featured in the "Guys' Guide to Valentine's Day" story. Here's Matt:

For his guide to VD and all the other guys' advice, check out the article.

POLL: Fun movie on mute?

2007-02-08T13:02:00.000-06:00

I'm preparing a playlist on my iPod to be broadcast on my surround sound for Saturday night's party - but was thinking it could be fun to have a muted movie playing to demo my big ass TV. My first pick would be Borat but it's not out on DVD for another month.

Any suggestions of a fun movie that would be 'background' at the party?

* DREAM JOB *

2007-02-08T09:37:00.000-06:00

The U has a new Academic and Corporate Relations Center that is a "go to" for businesses so they don't go in circles trying to track things down at such a big university. It's being compared to a hotel concierge desk - you go to them, they point you in the right direction.

Employed at the ACRC are relationship managers to help their accounts--about 20 companies or organizations each--to navigate the U and identify appropriate people to work as consultants or in sponsored research. The companies include Target, Best Buy, 3M, Boston Scientific, Hormel Foods and Coloplast Corp. in Denmark.)

How much would I LOVE to be a relationship manager?!?!?

U of M + tour guide + being a know-it-all + dealing w/ big companies = FUN job for Laura