John McCain chose Sarah Palin as his running mate. Who? Alaska's governor, apparently. What a ridiculously transparent attempt to target women.
I've always found the concept of a woman Republican to be an oxymoron. Or any other minority. Or anyone whose income doesn't meet John McCain's definition of middle class (i.e., makes less than $5 million per year).
(Oxy)morons aside, this ploy to win over disgruntled Hillary supporters (whose strength and tenacity have been significantly exaggerated) is both laughable and doomed to failure.
He could not have made a better VP choice!
Couple this tragic mis-step with Obama's home run speech last night and, folks, this thing is in the bag.
Anyone who listened to Obama's words last night cannot help but feel motivated and hopeful for the future.
Anyone who was previously uncertain about Obama's plans for moving our nation forward cannot help but feel convinced.
More than ever, we need a Democrat. I vote along party lines. Always. Many people don't and I respect the idea of voting for the person rather than the party.
Barack Obama. Joe Biden. Different stories, same goals. Together, they are the people and the party we need.
Fair Fun
Last August, my first back in Minnesota, I was unable to attend the State Fair, the beloved Great Minnesota Get-Together. The timing of this event is really not user-friendly. If it were up to me I would never schedule the fair to include a holiday weekend.
Scheduling aside, I was intent on attending this year. I was also adamant that Jack attend. A life-long Minnesotan who's never been to the fair? I'm not sure one can legitimately use that moniker until one has eaten deep-fried-something-on-a-stick while perusing acres of farm animals without getting nauseous. I had a little trouble with the last part.
There's a reason they say no food or beverages in the Miracle of Birth building. It's definitely for your own good. Watching a calf come into the world may be amazing, but it's best done on an empty stomach. And possibly from a great distance. I suggest placing monitors outside the building. [Insert joke about irony of small town girl with zero farm sense here.]
But who can resist adorable babies like this two day old lamb? Kinda makes me wish I had some farm sense.
Chris, still in his inaugural year, can now call himself a true Minnesotan if he chooses (and who wouldn't?). Melissa - 10+ year Minneapolis resident and frequent fair-goer - rounded out the group.
Once through the gates, our goal was clear. FOOD. We made a beeline for the deep-friend twinkies and corn fritters (after a quick detour for a turkey leg and beer).
Next stop, food building, where I was told that I "must be Norwegian" because I asked for my lefse with butter and white sugar. Apparently, the Swedes prefer brown sugar and newbies go for lingonberries and other exotic toppings. Huh. Seems like the food version of blasphemy if you ask me.
We mostly wandered and ate and drank. And ate. And then I felt sick. I blame the animals, but some might say it was the cheese curds. Or the BeerGarita. Beer + margarita mix. Not recommended. Don't believe the "best of the fair" propaganda. Best = oddest. Though I suppose if you really enjoy sweet drinks the BeerGarita might be for you.
Here, a list of everything we consumed (most of it shared). Mind you, most of this was consumed in a two-hour period.
Turkey leg (small but tasty)
Beer (always recommended)
Deep-fried twinkie (yummy but not up to Chris' standard)
Corn fritters (delicious, but may seem too healthy for some)
Cheese curds
Gyro (stingy on the meat)
Nachos (freshly made guac was good, but otherwise kind of a waste of stomach space)
BeerGarita (don't do it)
...nausea set in...
Deep-fried reese's peanut butter cups (could've been more melted inside)
I think that's it! There was so much more I would've tried. I really wanted the chocolate-covered bacon, although I heard it wasn't nearly as good (cold bacon? ew!) as the hype suggests.
Next year's fair seems so far away...maybe I'll try to make it back before the fair ends. There's still so much more to see and eat!
Scheduling aside, I was intent on attending this year. I was also adamant that Jack attend. A life-long Minnesotan who's never been to the fair? I'm not sure one can legitimately use that moniker until one has eaten deep-fried-something-on-a-stick while perusing acres of farm animals without getting nauseous. I had a little trouble with the last part.
There's a reason they say no food or beverages in the Miracle of Birth building. It's definitely for your own good. Watching a calf come into the world may be amazing, but it's best done on an empty stomach. And possibly from a great distance. I suggest placing monitors outside the building. [Insert joke about irony of small town girl with zero farm sense here.]
But who can resist adorable babies like this two day old lamb? Kinda makes me wish I had some farm sense.
Chris, still in his inaugural year, can now call himself a true Minnesotan if he chooses (and who wouldn't?). Melissa - 10+ year Minneapolis resident and frequent fair-goer - rounded out the group.Once through the gates, our goal was clear. FOOD. We made a beeline for the deep-friend twinkies and corn fritters (after a quick detour for a turkey leg and beer).
Next stop, food building, where I was told that I "must be Norwegian" because I asked for my lefse with butter and white sugar. Apparently, the Swedes prefer brown sugar and newbies go for lingonberries and other exotic toppings. Huh. Seems like the food version of blasphemy if you ask me.
We mostly wandered and ate and drank. And ate. And then I felt sick. I blame the animals, but some might say it was the cheese curds. Or the BeerGarita. Beer + margarita mix. Not recommended. Don't believe the "best of the fair" propaganda. Best = oddest. Though I suppose if you really enjoy sweet drinks the BeerGarita might be for you.Here, a list of everything we consumed (most of it shared). Mind you, most of this was consumed in a two-hour period.
Turkey leg (small but tasty)
Beer (always recommended)
Deep-fried twinkie (yummy but not up to Chris' standard)
Corn fritters (delicious, but may seem too healthy for some)
Cheese curds
Gyro (stingy on the meat)
Nachos (freshly made guac was good, but otherwise kind of a waste of stomach space)
BeerGarita (don't do it)
...nausea set in...
Deep-fried reese's peanut butter cups (could've been more melted inside)
I think that's it! There was so much more I would've tried. I really wanted the chocolate-covered bacon, although I heard it wasn't nearly as good (cold bacon? ew!) as the hype suggests.
Next year's fair seems so far away...maybe I'll try to make it back before the fair ends. There's still so much more to see and eat!
Photos of Angie (aka Princess)
I've been rather neglectful of my blog (among other things) this summer and realized while going through some photos that I haven't posted any of Angie's royalty pics!
She and her fellow princesses have been making the rounds of the small town festivals (not Ivanhoe's, sadly). Bonnie has been kind enough to send me some gorgeous ones!
While it seems to be a huge time commitment, it also sounds like Angie (as well as Bonnie and Duane) are enjoying themselves!
She and her fellow princesses have been making the rounds of the small town festivals (not Ivanhoe's, sadly). Bonnie has been kind enough to send me some gorgeous ones!
While it seems to be a huge time commitment, it also sounds like Angie (as well as Bonnie and Duane) are enjoying themselves!
A Solution for Your Photos
There was a great article in the New York Times earlier this week about a service called ScanMyPhotos.com that will scan photos for $50 per thousand (that's 5 cents a piece) on to a CD.
This is a terrific and affordable solution for those who may have plastic totes full of photos taking up closet space. (I'm talking about you, Mom!) This is quicker and more efficient - not to mention more permanent - than sorting them and putting them into albums.
Photos must be grouped by size, but other than that it sounds so easy. Even easier is their service that prints an album containing your scanned photos. It may not be as pretty or creative as traditional albums or even the albums you can create on the photo websites, but sometimes ease is more important!
For those worried about sending precious photos off to some unknown location, the company claims to have processed 8 million never lost or damaged one.
Scan My Photos also offers VHS to DVD transfer, a service I definitely plan to use. And Mom, once it gets cold (ugh! too soon, I'm sure) I will be there to help you sort your photos!
This is a terrific and affordable solution for those who may have plastic totes full of photos taking up closet space. (I'm talking about you, Mom!) This is quicker and more efficient - not to mention more permanent - than sorting them and putting them into albums.
Photos must be grouped by size, but other than that it sounds so easy. Even easier is their service that prints an album containing your scanned photos. It may not be as pretty or creative as traditional albums or even the albums you can create on the photo websites, but sometimes ease is more important!
For those worried about sending precious photos off to some unknown location, the company claims to have processed 8 million never lost or damaged one.
Scan My Photos also offers VHS to DVD transfer, a service I definitely plan to use. And Mom, once it gets cold (ugh! too soon, I'm sure) I will be there to help you sort your photos!
Welcome to the 21st Century
Thanks for all the wonderful birthday wishes! Between my blog, Facebook, email (and a couple phone calls), I got as many "happy birthdays" as if I'd had a party.
Chris, Melissa and I (Jack had to work late so was unable to join us) went to dinner at Porter & Frye at the new Hotel Ivy downtown. Chris had a ribeye the size of my head, Melissa had beef tenderloin and I had parmesean-crusted walleye. All amazing and I get to eat the rest of my walleye for lunch today. Highly recommended!
I received a number of thoughtful and generous gifts, but one does stand out as my favorite. Yes, I finally have my own digital camera. I'm now officially functioning in this century!
In my defense, I got my first digital camera in 1998 (I won it) and I didn't know a single other person who had one at that time. I got rid of it because it was clunky and I just didn't use it. I bought another one in 2005, but found that I had nothing to photograph so gave it to Mom (and Dad, but I'm quite sure he's never used it). Chris has a digital camera, so it's not like I've been a complete luddite.
Since I've had my blog and am on facebook, I've found that I want/need a camera more often. After extensive research, I chose the Canon SD1100 and Chris traipsed all over town to find it in silver. Thanks Chris!
Here's a picture of the camera along with the first photos I've taken.
Jack looking fancy in his Rebel Power! tee.
Lovely flowers and balloon from Mom and Dad (plus last year's birthday plant from Bonnie - it's looking good!).
Chris, Melissa and I (Jack had to work late so was unable to join us) went to dinner at Porter & Frye at the new Hotel Ivy downtown. Chris had a ribeye the size of my head, Melissa had beef tenderloin and I had parmesean-crusted walleye. All amazing and I get to eat the rest of my walleye for lunch today. Highly recommended!
I received a number of thoughtful and generous gifts, but one does stand out as my favorite. Yes, I finally have my own digital camera. I'm now officially functioning in this century!
In my defense, I got my first digital camera in 1998 (I won it) and I didn't know a single other person who had one at that time. I got rid of it because it was clunky and I just didn't use it. I bought another one in 2005, but found that I had nothing to photograph so gave it to Mom (and Dad, but I'm quite sure he's never used it). Chris has a digital camera, so it's not like I've been a complete luddite.
Since I've had my blog and am on facebook, I've found that I want/need a camera more often. After extensive research, I chose the Canon SD1100 and Chris traipsed all over town to find it in silver. Thanks Chris!
Here's a picture of the camera along with the first photos I've taken.
Chris took this one. Does this look like the face of a 35 year old? I think not!
Jack looking fancy in his Rebel Power! tee.
Lovely flowers and balloon from Mom and Dad (plus last year's birthday plant from Bonnie - it's looking good!).
Guess who is turning....er.....Older!!!!
That's right, please join me in wishing Jen a.....
Happy Birthday!
To prove that getting older doesn't mean you have to act your age, Jen recently entered the Pretend to sit in an invisible chair, while not spilling your beer and holding a random article of clothing on your arm contest!!!! (photo courtesy of Amber) I only wish we had the photo from one second later...
For the record, she did not ask/know I was going to sneak a post in today.
Jonathan Errol Brown
I have a new baby photo to share! Elaine's son Jonathan Errol Brown was born on Friday, August 8.
Isn't he sweet?
Elaine, her husband Chris and two older sons live in Staten Island. I met Elaine at one of my jobs in New York (where she still works!) and I'm so happy we've kept in touch all these years.
Isn't he sweet?Elaine, her husband Chris and two older sons live in Staten Island. I met Elaine at one of my jobs in New York (where she still works!) and I'm so happy we've kept in touch all these years.
Gear Daddies at the Zoo
Does anyone who reads this blog remember the Gear Daddies? They're a Minnesota band who was quite popular in the early 90s. I loved them when I was in college. I still love them - most of their songs have five stars on my itunes (which means they get played often, for those unfamiliar with the ratings).
I saw the Gear Daddies in concert once at SDSU Spring Fling in 1992 and Martin Zellar (former lead singer who's been on his own since the mid-90s) at Skinner's in 1998.
Their songs are fun, kind of folk-country-pop (I have no clue how to accurately describe music genres) and includes references to driving a zamboni and dream vacations in the (Wisconsin) Dells.
About six weeks ago, I found out that the Gear Daddies had a reunion concert planned as part of Music in the Zoo at the Minnesota Zoo. I immediately went online to buy tickets, as I knew Melissa would be up for it.
Unfortunately, most of the other Gear Daddies fans seemed to know that the tickets had gone on sale in May and snapped them up. I couldn't get two seats together! Not to be discouraged, I looked for single seats and was able to find two. I bought them, figuring that Melissa and I are small and could squeeze together since it's bench seating.
Last Friday, we arrived early at the zoo since we could visit the zoo with our concert tickets and not pay additional admission. (I'll try to get some pictures from Melissa.) We spend about two hours walking around before the concert.
We made our way to the concert amphitheater (capacity: 1,400) and tried to figure out which of the two tickets was a better seat. One was Row F, but all the way over on one side. The other was Row E (yes, 5th row), directly in front of the stage. No question, we went for Row E.
Being center stage also means being in the center of the aisle. Together, Melissa and I probably equate to 1.5 average Minnesotans, particularly the 35-45 year old Gear Daddies fans. But these seats were not made for 21st century folk. As I heard one person behind me say, the seats are sized for 1960s adolescents. (Thinner people, if you're not catching my drift).
I think you can see where this is headed. I will spare you the excruciating detail, but it included the following scenario:
- the (large) guy next to Melissa repeatedly asking to see our tickets and me pretending like I couldn't hear
- me spilling my sob-story (i.e., we wanted to see the Gear Daddies so very bad but couldn't get two seats together and how could we not sit together - all true!) to the woman next to me who kindly scooted over a bit to allow more room
- us still packed in like sardines (which in my defense we would have been anyway since even I would take up the tiny space allotted on these benches)
- me spilling same sob story to large guy who was not at all sympathetic
- large guy's larger brother essentially crushing Melissa
- no one behind us standing so we thought it would be rude to stand and avoid the crush (although we eventually did - their cover of Little Red Corvette is irresistible)
- large guy and brother (looked to be in their 50s, but probably 40s) sitting like two large bumps on a log throughout an hour of classic Gear Daddies tunes; who pays $60 for a ticket to awesome rock-out music and then just sits there? Seriously!
- leaving for a bathroom break, knowing there was no way we would get those seats back
- moving to the 'dancing area' for the remainder of the concert; although the view wasn't as good, that was a much better spot for rocking out!
Despite the seating issues, it was still a fantastic concert. I hope they return next year. This time I'll be prepared when ticket sales start!
I saw the Gear Daddies in concert once at SDSU Spring Fling in 1992 and Martin Zellar (former lead singer who's been on his own since the mid-90s) at Skinner's in 1998.
Their songs are fun, kind of folk-country-pop (I have no clue how to accurately describe music genres) and includes references to driving a zamboni and dream vacations in the (Wisconsin) Dells.
About six weeks ago, I found out that the Gear Daddies had a reunion concert planned as part of Music in the Zoo at the Minnesota Zoo. I immediately went online to buy tickets, as I knew Melissa would be up for it.
Unfortunately, most of the other Gear Daddies fans seemed to know that the tickets had gone on sale in May and snapped them up. I couldn't get two seats together! Not to be discouraged, I looked for single seats and was able to find two. I bought them, figuring that Melissa and I are small and could squeeze together since it's bench seating.
Last Friday, we arrived early at the zoo since we could visit the zoo with our concert tickets and not pay additional admission. (I'll try to get some pictures from Melissa.) We spend about two hours walking around before the concert.
We made our way to the concert amphitheater (capacity: 1,400) and tried to figure out which of the two tickets was a better seat. One was Row F, but all the way over on one side. The other was Row E (yes, 5th row), directly in front of the stage. No question, we went for Row E.
Being center stage also means being in the center of the aisle. Together, Melissa and I probably equate to 1.5 average Minnesotans, particularly the 35-45 year old Gear Daddies fans. But these seats were not made for 21st century folk. As I heard one person behind me say, the seats are sized for 1960s adolescents. (Thinner people, if you're not catching my drift).
I think you can see where this is headed. I will spare you the excruciating detail, but it included the following scenario:
- the (large) guy next to Melissa repeatedly asking to see our tickets and me pretending like I couldn't hear
- me spilling my sob-story (i.e., we wanted to see the Gear Daddies so very bad but couldn't get two seats together and how could we not sit together - all true!) to the woman next to me who kindly scooted over a bit to allow more room
- us still packed in like sardines (which in my defense we would have been anyway since even I would take up the tiny space allotted on these benches)
- me spilling same sob story to large guy who was not at all sympathetic
- large guy's larger brother essentially crushing Melissa
- no one behind us standing so we thought it would be rude to stand and avoid the crush (although we eventually did - their cover of Little Red Corvette is irresistible)
- large guy and brother (looked to be in their 50s, but probably 40s) sitting like two large bumps on a log throughout an hour of classic Gear Daddies tunes; who pays $60 for a ticket to awesome rock-out music and then just sits there? Seriously!
- leaving for a bathroom break, knowing there was no way we would get those seats back
- moving to the 'dancing area' for the remainder of the concert; although the view wasn't as good, that was a much better spot for rocking out!
Despite the seating issues, it was still a fantastic concert. I hope they return next year. This time I'll be prepared when ticket sales start!
Oddity of the Day
Given that I observe so many odd things (or at least I think they're odd), I'm starting an "Oddity of the Day" post. I could probably post something every day, but I will try to post only the oddest. I could probably call this "Rant of the Day," but nine out of ten posts would likely fall into the rant category! :)
Today's Oddity:
What is with people on airplanes who think that the overhead compartment purpose is to keep their suit jackets uncrushed and wrinkle-free? And that said jackets take priority over actual luggage?
Last night the guy sitting next to me practically flew from his seat when another passenger touched his suit jacket while trying to put luggage in the overhead.
I mean, I don't want to discriminate about what's acceptable overhead cargo and what's not, but if a person can legitimately wear the item, shouldn't that take lower priority?
I wear a suit jacket about half the time I fly. Not once have I ever thought of putting the jacket in the overhead, yet I see someone else do it nearly every time I fly.
What am I missing here? Is there a legitimate reason to do this, other than wrinkle prevention (which I refuse to accept) or is it pure oddity?
Today's Oddity:
What is with people on airplanes who think that the overhead compartment purpose is to keep their suit jackets uncrushed and wrinkle-free? And that said jackets take priority over actual luggage?
Last night the guy sitting next to me practically flew from his seat when another passenger touched his suit jacket while trying to put luggage in the overhead.
I mean, I don't want to discriminate about what's acceptable overhead cargo and what's not, but if a person can legitimately wear the item, shouldn't that take lower priority?
I wear a suit jacket about half the time I fly. Not once have I ever thought of putting the jacket in the overhead, yet I see someone else do it nearly every time I fly.
What am I missing here? Is there a legitimate reason to do this, other than wrinkle prevention (which I refuse to accept) or is it pure oddity?
One Year Anniversary
August 1. It's been one year since the 35W bridge collapse, a fact which those of you who are tuned into the Twin Cities media could not avoid. While that was a tragedy, that's not why this date is important to me.
The one year anniversary I'm celebrating is a happy one. Last August 1st was my official first day at my job. The day that I knew absolutely for certain that we would be moving to Minnesota! I didn't actually arrive here until the following week, but I started getting paid (the most important part) on the first of the month.
This year has flown by and has been filled with so many wonderful moments that I would have missed - and did miss for the nine years prior. I wouldn't trade my experiences in other cities for anything, but there truly is nothing like the feeling I have here. It's one of belonging, almost one of home, while having the advantages of a progressive, liberal, open-minded city. For me, it's the best of both worlds.
It's also Angie's birthday today - the big 1-9! Although she doesn't read my blog, I'm sending wishes her way.
The one year anniversary I'm celebrating is a happy one. Last August 1st was my official first day at my job. The day that I knew absolutely for certain that we would be moving to Minnesota! I didn't actually arrive here until the following week, but I started getting paid (the most important part) on the first of the month.
This year has flown by and has been filled with so many wonderful moments that I would have missed - and did miss for the nine years prior. I wouldn't trade my experiences in other cities for anything, but there truly is nothing like the feeling I have here. It's one of belonging, almost one of home, while having the advantages of a progressive, liberal, open-minded city. For me, it's the best of both worlds.
It's also Angie's birthday today - the big 1-9! Although she doesn't read my blog, I'm sending wishes her way.
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