Because you ask things like what the hell? and why? Because I guess you want to know. Because I joined up with the Amish after my dad decided it would make a man of me and it was either that or go to work at my grandfather’s automobile dealership and I knew damn well that … Read more
That was Jason Simontacchi, folks, right-handed, thirty-three year old definition of a journeyman. This is a guy who bounced in and out of the minor league systems of the Pirates, Royals, and Twins before finally getting a shot with the Cardinals from 2002-2004; a guy who blew out his shoulder and disappeared entirely from the … Read more
WINE AND ADVENTURE A Celebration of Art and Wine It’s going to be a lovely weekend, so get in the car, do a little driving, and spend the day (or the entire weekend) on the Three Rivers Wine Trail, visiting wineries amid lush valley scenery, sampling locally-produced wines, enjoying the featured artwork, and listening to … Read more
One of my favorite stores on the whole planet (or at least in the general vicinity of this geocode) is having a vintage sale this weekend. At Fashion Avenue (4936 France Ave. S., Edina), I’ve found magenta leather boolets from the ’80s, an ultra-long Cynthia Rowley dress, and countless other fashionable items. Important note: The … Read more
(UPDATED) I can’t decide if I want this to be true or not, but by all indications on May 14 Star Tribune publisher, Par Ridder, currently busy hacking the livelihoods out from under 150 or so of his employees, closed a deal to buy former KARE anchor Paul Magers’ rather, shall we say, grand-to-ostentatious Lake … Read more
Just a quick reminder that the Mill City Farmers Market is open tonight from 4pm to 8pm for the first of its new summer Thursdays gig. Sounds like a good place to spend happy hour. Word is, there are some kick-ass mini-donuts skulking around…. ps…last night’s Top Chef wasn’t worth yapping about, but tune in … Read more
BOOKS AND AUTHORS Tell Me a Story, Tell Me a Lie Join humorist Kevin Kling and host Heather McElhatton for an evening that showcases our finest writers and musicians to present existing work and collaborate on new pieces. Kling built his reputation in the Twin Cities during the 1990s with his groundbreaking plays “21A,” “Fear … Read more
I love a good rip job, and commenter “lttl” gets off a terrific stream of rips while responding to Strib Guild officer Pam Miller’s post lamenting the loss of so much talent from her newsroom. Clearly “lttl” places far less value on the Twin Cities’ primary news source. Here’s a sample: “Ford, NWA, local govt, … Read more
If RetroRama was any indication, there’ll be about a gazillion people wearing pill box hats at this weekend’s Antique and Vintage Clothing event. Trouble is there’s a six-dollar cover to get into the thing. But you can save a whopping buck if you come dressed in vintage. From what I understand, this is one of … Read more
A little good news for a change. My erstwhile radio partner/combatant, Sarah Janecek, editor of Politics in Minnesota and close pal of Kevyn Burger says word direct from the treating physicians is that Burger’s cancer is Stage 2 and therefore completely treatable. She will undergo the usual draining chemotherapy but prospects for a full recovery, … Read more