MNSpeak: Talk

Free Coffee Shop

by Max Sparber :: posted on Jan. 08, 2009 - 1:07am

Apparantly, Hiawatha Joe's is available for whoever wants it, if it hasn't been snapped up already. (Via Alexis on Twitter.) Anybody know what's going on here?

0 comments

Lake Street Now Has Its Own Web Page

by Max Sparber :: posted on Jan. 08, 2009 - 12:58am

In answer to everybody who has said, when will the street that has Ingebretsen's, Hymie's, the Midtown Global Market, and the Heart of the Beast going to get it's own Web page? The answer is now. (Via.) What's your favorite Lake Street attraction?

1 comments

Gran Torino

by Max Sparber :: posted on Jan. 07, 2009 - 2:45pm

With Clint Eastwood's newest movie opening Friday, perhaps it is time we had a new thread about it. As we know, it was written by local writer Nick Schenk, was originally set in Minnesota, and still retains some Minnesota flavor. First reviews range from fair to terrific, and the film was cast with some Hmong actors and has generated some excitement in the Hmong community. It has come with some criticisms, too: Hmong writer Sharon Her says that the movie is underresearched and doesn't represent the commuity well; Northwest Asian Weekly says the movie falls short in its depiction of Hmong culture; MPR looks at some of the mixed responses people in the Hmong community are having about the film.

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Spoken Word Minnesota

by Max Sparber :: posted on Jan. 07, 2009 - 1:04pm

Minnesota has a varied and noble tradition of spoken word, including the MN Spoken Word Association, numerous CDs of spoken word artists, and now a blog titled Minnesota Microphone, specifically devoted to spoken word artists and performances. (Via) What spoken word do you recommend?

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Monsters of Minnesota

by cslarsen :: posted on Jan. 07, 2009 - 11:41am

I'm a local author, putting together a book about monsters - real monsters like bigfoot, giant bears, vampires, werewolves, or killer mosquitos. Do you know of any stories that you've heard of over the years? If so, let me know and it may end up in the book. I need to know location and approximate date of event. Thanks, Chris Larsen Author of Ghosts of Southeastern Minnesota

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Minnesota Health Plan

by Max Sparber :: posted on Jan. 07, 2009 - 2:02am

Our own Erica discusses the plan for health care reform in Minnesota (FAQs). Just how messed up is health care here, and will this plan help? What else needs to be done?

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Dining Roundup 01.07.08

by Max Sparber :: posted on Jan. 07, 2009 - 1:57am

Edible Cities reports that the Cheeky Monkey Deli is opening soon.
We Got Served goes to Cafe Maud and Merlin's Rest.
Foodie File looks at local burgers.
The Decider (specifically, MnSpeak's own McP) goes bar hopping.

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Minnesota Writers Hall of Fame

by Max Sparber :: posted on Jan. 06, 2009 - 11:35am

MinnPost tells of a forthcoming Minnesota Writers Hall of Fame (albiet a virtual one, as it will exist only online). We can guess that Fitzgerald and Sinclair Lewis will be on it. Garrison Keillor will undoubtedly also make the cut. Who else? Judith Guest? Louise Erdich? What about some lesser known notables, such as the group sex-obsessed Henry Sackerman? Who would you nominate?

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More Cutbacks at City Pages

by Max Sparber :: posted on Jan. 06, 2009 - 11:26am

Susannah Schouweiler at MnArtists discusses recent cuts in City Pages, including laying off the A-List editor and one of the two food writers, as well as the recent announcement that Quinton Skinner's theater beat is being cut by half. With all these cuts in arts coverage (and City Pages is hardly alone in this), where do you turn to find out what is happening on the local arts scene?

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Favorite Songs About Minnesota

by Max Sparber :: posted on Jan. 06, 2009 - 12:02am

Mine would have to be Augie Garcia's lost classic "Be My Guest" about the River Road Club in Mendota, although I have also always been partial to The Replacement's "Skyway." What are your favorites?

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Local Blog Roundup 01.05.08

by Max Sparber :: posted on Jan. 05, 2009 - 11:45pm

Afterglide locates a very odd Craigslist offer.
Breaking Down says Minnesota is not a state for drivers.
The Deets enjoys some fine local fried food.
Overheard examines the value of Timberwolves tickets.

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Carl Pohlad Dies at Age 93

by Max Sparber :: posted on Jan. 05, 2009 - 4:12pm

According to Star Tribune columnist Pat Reusse, on Joe Soucheray's KSTP show (reported here), Minnesota Twins owner Carl Pohlad is dead at age 93. If anyone hears any more about this, please comment. [Update: Star Tribune confirms.]

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Joe Dowling Makes a Lot of Money

by Max Sparber :: posted on Jan. 05, 2009 - 3:06pm

The Strib does a story on salaries for the local arts community, and reveals that Guthrie Artistic Director Joe Dowling pulled in $682,229 in salary and benefits last year: Even discounting a one-time bonus of $100,000, his compensation surpassed that of his peers not only in New York but also at nonprofit theaters elsewhere in the United States. So, Joe Dowling -- overpaid?

19 comments

Perhaps the Greatest Andrew Zimmern Site Ever

by Max Sparber :: posted on Jan. 05, 2009 - 12:57pm

Here is what is currently flying through the blogosphere: Andrew Zimmern Ate My Balls. Via: Almost every blog in the Twin Cities.

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Food Invented in Minnesota

by Max Sparber :: posted on Jan. 05, 2009 - 12:18am

Of course, we know that Minnesota is the home of the Jucy Lucy. Also the bundt cake, or, at least, the bundt pan. Pronto Pup claims to have invented the corn dog. We're reportedly the birthplace of the cosmopolitan. Cheerios comes Golden Valley, along with dozens of other General Mills products. Pearsons in St. Paul invented the Salted Nut Roll. And now Secret's of the City's own Jeremy Iggers reveals the extraordinary fact that Minnesota's own Leeann Chin invented the cream cheese won ton. Any other local creations that I am forgetting?

20 comments

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