This Saturday - Free Electronics Recycling

Minneapolis PAL (Police Activities League) is partnering with Tech Dump in sponsoring an electronics recycling event exclusively for all residents of the City of Minneapolis. By dropping off your electronics for recycling, you are helping sponsor the efforts of Minneapolis PAL.

Date/time: Saturday, January 26, from 8:00am — 1:00pm.
Location: 4119 Dupont Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55412

Items that can be recycled:
- DVD and VCR Players
- Cell Phones and PDAs
- Computers, Laptops and Accessories
- Fax Machines and Printers
- Stereo Equipment and Speakers
- Game Consoles and Accessories
- Flat Panel TV’s/Monitors
- CRT’s and TVs ($15, NO CRT’s over 25″)
- …Anything with a battery or cord on it (not appliances)
 
Safe, secure, and responsibly prompt disposal guaranteed!

For more information call 763-432-3117.

Benessere Body in Balance Now at 501F1T

Diana, Phil and the staff at 501F1T are excited to announce their new bodywork partner, Benessere Body in Balance.  501 Washington Avenue South is the second location for Benessere, their first one being in St. Anthony Main.

New Assistant Superintendent Leads Minneapolis Parks’ Recreation Division

Via a January 16 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

New Assistant Superintendent Leads Minneapolis Parks’ Recreation Division

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s (MPRB) new leader for its Recreation Division is now in place. MPRB Superintendent Jayne Miller announced Nicholas Williams as her selection after a national candidate search and Williams began his duties as the new Assistant Superintendent for Recreation on Monday, Jan. 14.

“Minneapolis provides an abundance of recreational opportunities that draw residents and visitors alike and I’m pleased to have Nick on board to serve in such a vital role within the organization,” said Superintendent Miller. “Nick is a highly effective leader who has exceptional knowledge of operations, management and programming to keep us moving forward. He provides an expertise in community engagement, is adept at managing and mentoring a diverse staff, and offers an innovative approach to solving problems and thinking outside the box.”

The Park Board’s Recreation Division provides expertise to lead, provide and create affordable recreational, cultural, educational, and leisure opportunities to benefit and enhance the lives of all Minneapolis residents. The division oversees recreation facility operations, including recreation centers, golf courses, aquatic facilities and beaches, ice arenas, cross-country skiing venues, and the Wirth Winter Recreation Area; recreation, education, and interpretive programming; use and event permitting; and athletic fields and complexes. The Recreation Division also provides support to the Recreation Committee of the Board.

A long-time resident of Atlanta, Williams brings leadership and community building experience to the MPRB. Since 2007, Williams served as Parks Operation Manager and Interim Director for the Office of Recreation and Office of Parks for the City of Atlanta. Prior to his time with the City of Atlanta, Williams also served as the Director of Community Building for Park Pride, a non-profit organization that supports Atlanta’s park system.

“I'm thrilled to join such a team of experienced and passionate people,” Williams said. “I'm honored to be a part of the greatest parks and recreation system in the country and I look forward to being intricately involved in its continued forward progress.”

Mill City Farmers Market January 12 Winter Market

Bruce Bradley signed copies of his novel, Fat Profits, at the January 12 Market.  In addition to authoring this book, he blogs on his website about the tricks, traps, and tools big food companies use to get us eating processed food.

I'm short on pictures for the January 12 Market, but I love this one of a little guy sampling cheese:

And this little girl contemplating her veggies:

I'm thinking this fresh pasta, along with an arugula pesto skyr sauce, garnished with diced tomatoes and crumbled bison chorizo, will make a great Market Meal.

Mark your calendar - the next MCFM Winter Market is February 9.  :)

1st Precinct Reports Rise in Bike Thefts

From a January 8 e-news alert:

First Precinct has seen a rise in bicycle thefts from underground parking facilities in the last two weeks

In a proactive effort, MPD is asking the community to take special care with bicycles stored in underground parking facilities. It is earlier in the year than what we usually see this type of activity so we are urging extra precaution.

Several bicycles have been stolen, particularly in the North loop Community. A Bicycle Theft Information Flyer is attached along with a Home Inventory Sheet.

Stay aware of who is in your garage; do not allow anyone to piggyback when you are entering through the service or overhead doors. Allow the doors to fully close before proceeding in or out of the parking area. Secure you bicycle to a stationary object with a good lock. Make sure you have the description and serial number recorded and stored in a safe place.

Urge you neighbors to sign up for Crime Alert bulletins by going to http://www.minneapolismn.gov/police/crimealert/WCMS1Q-070530?list=90&nb=20

For questions, contact:

Renee Allen, Crime Prevention Specialist
Minneapolis Police Department, First Precinct
renee.allen@minneapolismn.gov
612-673-5163

Bike Theft.docx

Copy of Home-Inventory-Form.pdf

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul - Here's What Playing/Coming

The Film Society programming screens at St. Anthony Main Theatre, 115 SE Main Street.

Friday January 4 thru Thursday January 17: Promised Land. Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting, Elephant, Milk) directs this intelligent drama embedded in the social, economic, and environmental issues surrounding the 'fracking' boom in rural America. Written by and starring John Krasinski and Matt Damon, based on a story by Dave Eggers.

January 18 thru Febraury 7: Frozen Docs. Starting mid-January, The Film Society presents a new series of acclaimed and award-winning documentaries hot off the festival circuit. Kicking things off will be Eugene Jarecki's (Why We Fight, Freakonomics) astonishing probe into the 'war on drugs': The House I Live In; and lyrical documentarians Bill and Turner Ross' (45365) mesmerizing discovery of New Orleans viewed through an all-night forbidden excursion taken by three young brothers: Tchoupitoulas.

Check out the other titles to be featured during Frozen Docs below.

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‘Winter Jackets’ Reading Program for Adults Begins February 1

Via a January 4 Hennepin County Library e-newsletter:

“The Snow Angel,” “The Chocolate Snowman Murders” and “Dashing Through the Snow” are a few of the books Hennepin County Library staff recommends when “the weather outside is frightful”.  What are you reading? Hennepin County Library invites readers age 17 and up to share their comments about what they’re reading by participating in “Winter Jackets,” a free adult reading program scheduled Feb. 1-28 at all Hennepin County libraries.*

Presented in collaboration with the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA) and back by popular demand for its fifth year, “Winter Jackets” encourages adults to read to their hearts’ content throughout I Love to Read Month (February), then post book reviews at their local library. Public libraries throughout the seven-county metro area (www.melsa.org) are participating in the “Winter Jackets” program.

Whether you like fiction or nonfiction in print, as an audiobook on a CD or downloaded to an MP3, or downloaded to your computer or eReader, make the most of a season of snow and cold by curling up indoors with lots of great books, sharing your reading recommendations with others and finding out about lots of great titles to add to your reading list.

Three Ways to Share

Hennepin County Library offers you three ways to share your book recommendations with others:

· Fill out a “Winter Jackets” book review form. Look for a “Winter Jackets” display with blank review forms at your local library. At Home Service patrons who are homebound can submit their book recommendations via a review form included in the At Home Reader newsletter and materials mailed to them, and by phone.

· Create book lists to share online via Hennepin County Library’s BookSpace.

· Add your comments about books via Hennepin County Library’s online catalog.

“One of the great things about this metro-wide program is that adults can participate whether they read fiction, mysteries, poetry, biographies or other nonfiction,” said Hennepin County Library Director Lois Langer Thompson. “It’s a great opportunity to share what you’re reading, as well as find out about good books.”

As part of the month-long “Winter Jackets” reading program, a “Winter Jackets Book Chat” is scheduled on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 10:30 a.m. at Hennepin County Library – Brookdale, 6125 Shingle Creek Parkway. Librarians will talk about books they’ve enjoyed over the past year and patrons will be invited to talk about some of their favorites, too. Registration is requested and begins Jan. 15 (call 612-543-5600).

For more information, visit your library, go online to www.hclib.org or Ask Us. For a list of library locations and hours: http://www.hclib.org/pub/info/locations.cfm. To see Library staff’s “What We’re Reading” list: http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/WhatWereReading/Reviews.cfm. 

*Hennepin County Library – Roosevelt and Hennepin County Library – Walker are currently closed for renovation or construction.

Park Board Selects Officers, Committees, Representatives for 2013

Via a January 3 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) held its annual meeting Wednesday, Jan. 2, and elected its officers for 2013. Commissioners elected John Erwin as President for the fourth consecutive year and Liz Wielinski as Vice President for the second consecutive year.

The Board also elected Michael P. Schmidt to continue serving as Secretary to the Board and Attorney Brian Rice and firm Rice Michels and Walther LLP as General Counsel.

President Erwin appointed the following Commissioners to serve on Standing Committees of the Board (one-year terms):

•Administration and Finance Committee – Chair Scott Vreeland, Vice Chair Anita Tabb, Bob Fine, Jon Olson, Liz Wielinski
•Recreation Committee – Chair Bob Fine, Vice Chair Brad Bourn, Carol Kummer, Anita Tabb, Liz Wielinski
•Planning Committee – Chair Anita Tabb, Vice Chair Bob Fine, Jon Olson, Scott Vreeland, Annie Young
•Operations and Environment Committee – Chair Jon Olson, Vice Chair Brad Bourn, Liz Wielinski, Scott Vreeland, Annie Young
•Legislation and Intergovernmental Committee – Chair Carol Kummer, Vice Chair Jon Olson, Bob Fine, Anita Tabb, Liz Wielinski
•Standards and Conduct Committee – Chair Liz Wielinski, Vice Chair Annie Yount, Scott Vreeland, Carol Kummer, Bob Fine
•Innovation and Development Committee – Chair Annie Young, Vice Chair Jon Olson, Scott Vreeland, Liz Wielinski, Brad Bourn, Juli Wiseman
 
Park Board Commissioners, ten citizens and Superintendent Jayne Miller were appointed to serve on the following external boards, commissions and panels. All terms are one year unless otherwise noted.

•Planning Commission – Liz Wielinski (second year of two-year term)
•Board of Estimate and Taxation – Bob Fine
•Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission – Citizen appointee Ali Warsame (two year term expires July 2013)
•St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board – Scott Vreeland, Liz Wielinski, John Erwin, citizen appointee Stephanie Gruver, Superintendent Jayne Miller
•Youth Coordinating Board – Brad Bourn
•Minneapolis Institute of Arts Board – Anita Tabb
•Mississippi Watershed Management Organization – Scott Vreeland, alternate Annie Young
•John H. Stevens House Organization – Carol Kummer
•Minneapolis Parks Foundation – John Erwin, alternate Bob Fine
•Minneapolis Tree Advisory Committee – Scott Vreeland, citizen appointees Peggy Booth, Gay Noble, Jeanne LaBore, Don Willeke
•Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership – Liz Wielinski, Scott Vreeland, Anita Tabb
•Minneapolis DID Gate Committee – John Erwin
•Minneapolis DID Greening Design & Infrastructure Committee – John Erwin
•Southwest LRT Community Works Steering Committee – Anita Tabb
•Bottineau Transitway Policy Advisory Committee – John Erwin
•Minneapolis Bicycle Advisory Committee – Citizen appointees Janice Gepner, Matthew Hendricks, Joshua Houdek (two-year term expires May 2014)
•Internal Audit Committee – Citizen appointee Mark Oyaas (three year term)
 
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board typically meets at 5 p.m. every first and third Wednesday of each month for regular meetings. Board meetings are broadcast live from 5 to 9 p.m. on the Minneapolis Government Meeting Channel 79 on Comcast cable and online on the Channel 79 webpage.

Meeting agendas and related information are typically posted on http://www.minneapolisparks.org/ two business days prior to each meeting.

Vandals Strike Gold Medal Park Sign Again

Vandals mangled the L on the sign this weekend:

A Few Favorite Shots from 2012

In no particular order - some random shots taken in 2012.  Click on any picture to see the photo set on flickr.

Let City Gardens Flower Mill Beautify Your New Years Eve

Dan & Kaia of City Gardens Flower Mill would like to help make your New Year's Eve beautiful.

Call "Dan the Flower Man" for a custom flower arrangement to add elegance to your evening, or bring as a hostess gift. Get $5 off for every $30 spent.  Per Kaia, "It's sort of a YEAR END SALE. We're just trying to keep up with the gang over at Sorella Wine and Spirits!" 

Pick up or delivery available.  Hours: Saturday 10am-6pm and Monday 10am-4pm. (Closed Sunday)

Reach them at 612-332-7377, visit their website, or email them at citygardens@mac.com.

City Gardens Flower Mill wishes their Mill City Friends and Neighbors a Happy New Year!

West River Parkway Closed January 1 for Commitment Day 5K

A portion of West River Parkway from 4th Avenue to 11th Avenue will be temporarily closed Tuesday, January 1, from 9:00am to 1:00pm during the Commitment Day 5K.

Ring Out 2012 With The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul

Oscar contender, A ROYAL AFFAIR opens Fri, Dec. 28 thru Thu, Jan. 3

A ROYAL AFFAIR is the true story of an ordinary man who wins the queen's heart and starts a revolution. Centering on the intriguing love triangle between the ever more insane Danish King Christian VII (Mikkel Boe Følsgaard), the royal physician who is a man of enlightenment and idealism Struensee (Mads Mikkelsen) and the young but strong Queen Caroline Mathilda (Alicia Vikander), A ROYAL AFFAIR is the gripping tale of brave idealists who risk everything in their pursuit of freedom for their people... Above all it is the story of a passionate and forbidden romance that changed an entire nation.  Purchase Tickets

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SISTER - Now Showing thru Sun, Dec. 30

Winner of the Silver Bear at the 2012 Berlin Film Festival and Switzerland's Oscar Submission for Best Foreign Language Film. Twelve-year old Simon lives with his older sister in a housing complex below a luxury Swiss ski resort. With his sister drifting in and out of jobs and relationships, Simon takes on the responsibility of providing for the two of them. Every day, he takes the lift up to the opulent ski world above, stealing equipment from rich tourists to resell to the local kids down in the valley. But, when Simon partners with a crooked British seasonal worker, he begins to lose his boundaries, affecting his relationship with his sister and plummeting him into dangerous territory. An Adopt Films release.  Purchase Tickets

A Kevin Kling Christmas Story

Kevin Kling is one of my faves, and while I enjoyed reading his story 'A Gift' in this mornings Star Tribune, hearing him tell it is sooo much better! Decide for yourself - read it / hear it.   The interview is an added bonus.  Merry Christmas! :)

Just In Time For Christmas Break: Ice Rinks Begin to Open in Minneapolis Parks

Via a December 24 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

Ice Rinks Begin to Open in Minneapolis Parks

Lace up your skates – ice rinks are beginning to open in Minneapolis parks. The recent stretch of cold temperatures has allowed Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) crews to open some rinks beginning Dec. 26 in time for league play, and all rinks by Jan. 1, weather permitting. Currently, the only rink open as of Dec. 24 is the hockey rink at McRae Park. The daily status of each of the MPRB’s 47 rinks at 22 parks can be viewed online throughout the season at www.minneapolisparks.org/rinks.

Overwhelming Response to Mill City Commons' 5th Annual Holiday Food Drive and Fundraiser

"I was truly humbled by our members' generosity during this year's Turkey, Dressings and Extra Helpings campaign", reported Linnea Tweed, Executive Director of Mill City Commons. "We more than doubled last year's financial contributions, and we had an amazing crew of 14 members who delivered pallets of groceries to Ascension School in North Minneapolis. Principal Dorwatha Woods had volunteers ready to put together gift baskets for 75 families she had identified."

MCC members and friends donated nearly $6,000 to buy groceries.  Once again, Rainbow Foods Store Manager, Jeff Hamm, assisted with the project.  The gift baskets consisted of either a turkey or pork roast, a 10# bag of potatoes, a bag of oranges or apples, flour, cooking oil, and much more - enough food for multiple meals.  An added bonus was having surplus funds available to contribute to Ascension's food shelf.

The name of the campaign is "Turkey, Dressings and Extra Helpings" because in addition to the food donations, clothing and gifts are also donated to local non-profits.  Per Linnea, six carloads of clothing and gifts were delivered to three homeless shelters in downtown Minneapolis. 

Linnea would like to pass along "Thank you, everyone, for opening your hearts and giving to those less fortunate!"

Minneapoli​s Riverfront Partnershi​p: Leading in New Ways in 2013

Via a December 21 e-newsletter from Minneapoli​s Riverfront Partnershi​p:

Dear Riverfront Partners:

The Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership would like to share with you news of our 2013 priorities, and changes on the horizon. This week, bright snow provided a lovely stage for the Lowry Bridge’s blue arches, and provided a clear end to autumn. Viewed from the Broadway Bridge, the Lowry Bridge clearly heralds an exciting future for Minneapolis’s Upper River – Above the Falls.

Riverfront Vitality Indicators Project: Tracking What We Value:

The Board of Directors has selected its top priority for 2013: the Riverfront Vitality Indicators Project, tracking and highlighting key measures of riverfront vitality that shape the Mississippi riverfront in our city and region. This partnership project will inform private and public decisions shaping our riverfront, and provide a model for other riverfront cities facing challenging choices.

· As lead partner, the University of Minnesota is supporting our research and cultivating other project partners from the Federal Reserve Bank, Macalester College, and the University of St. Thomas.

· We are gathering original data about our riverfront's assets, while analyzing public data from many sources, including the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

We look forward to sharing results with you in 2013.

Executive Director Cordelia Pierson Moving On:

After three years of serving the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership, Cordelia Pierson is resigning as executive director. Pierson worked tirelessly on the board's priorities: transforming the riverfront, increasing public access and awareness, and promoting a "Great River for a Great City."

· Inspiring people to explore the riverfront, Pierson supported a wide range of activities: Great River Outings, Minneapolis Riverfront Forums, the Riverfront Vitality Celebration, and annual river tours.

· Behind the scenes, Pierson facilitated riverfront project coordination, assisted with successful funding requests for riverfront projects, and encouraged collaboration.

She will be assisting the board and Program Associate Raya Esmaeili with our transition, preparing the way for mission success in 2013. We are confident that she will continue to contribute to the quality of life in our Mississippi riverfront city.

Your Support:

You can support our work launching the Riverfront Vitality Indicators project and transforming and promoting the Mississippi riverfront in Minneapolis.

Please give today online, or send your donation to us at: Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership, 2522 Marshall Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418.

Inspiring Places, Inspiring People:

The next time you travel across or by the Mississippi River, reflect on how our river connections have changed in the past twenty years, or ten years, or last year, with the new Lowry Bridge. Then think ahead a year, or ten years, or twenty years, to the possibilities that lie ahead for transforming our riverfront. We hope you will join us in shaping a positive future for our Mississippi riverfront, creating a Great River for a Great City.

In appreciation for your partnership and support,

David Ahlers
Chair, Board of Directors
Vice President, Graco

Be a champion for our riverfront. Contribute to the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership.

Minneapolis Leads the Nation in National Night Out Participation for Second Straight Year

Via a December 19 e-newsletter from the City of Minneapolis:

For the second consecutive year and fifth time in six years, Minneapolis residents led the nation in participation in National Night Out activities, which help build community and keep our neighborhoods safe. Minneapolis placed first in the nation for the number of National Night Out gatherings held in the city, among cities with populations greater than 300,000, according to the National Association of Town Watch, which sponsors the annual awards. Overall, this is the 11th time that Minneapolis has earned the top ranking.
 
This year’s National Night Out theme in Minneapolis was “It takes a village, it starts with our block,” and more than 65,000 residents gathered on Aug. 7 at a record 1,219 events in all 83 neighborhoods of the city to celebrate National Night Out. Minneapolis’ effort, which was coordinated by the Minneapolis Police Department and its Crime Prevention Specialists, resulted in activities ranging from small get-togethers in yards to elaborate events in parks and on blocked-off streets.

National Night Out is a crime prevention effort that aims to reduce crime by encouraging neighbors to get to know one another. When people know one another, they are more likely to watch out for one another and call police about suspicious activity. National Night Out activities help build and maintain Minneapolis’ extensive network of neighborhood watch block clubs by giving people an opportunity to get together with neighbors, meet new people and discuss issues.

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In case you missed it in August, here's a slideshow from our 2012 Mill District NNO party:

Lindquist & Vennum Prize for Poetry 2013 Now Open For Submissions

Milkweed Editions and the Lindquist & Vennum Foundation are thrilled to announce that submissions are open for the Lindquist & Vennum Prize for Poetry 2013. Submissions will be accepted from December 3, 2012, to January 31, 2013. The prize-winning collection will be announced in April 2013 and published the following winter.  Visit http://milkweed.org/ for details and complete submission guidelines.

This annual regional prize—open to poets currently residing in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, or Wisconsin—will award $10,000 as well as a contract for publication to the author of the winning manuscript. Finalists for the prize will be selected by the editors of Milkweed Editions, with the winner selected by an independent judge, chosen yearly from among the ranks of eminent regional and national writers.  This year’s judge will be G.C. Waldrep.

G.C. Waldrep is the author of four full-length collections of poetry, most recently Archicembalo (Tupelo Press, 2009), winner of the Dorset Prize, and Your Father on the Train of Ghosts (BOA Editions, 2011), a collaboration with the poet John Gallaher. He is also the author of four chapbooks, most recently “St. Laszlo Hotel” (Projective Industries, 2010) and “Susquehanna” (Omnidawn, forthcoming 2013). With Ilya Kaminsky he co-edited Homage to Celan (Marick Press, 2011), and with Joshua Corey he co-edited The Arcadia Project: North American Postmodern Pastoral (Ahsahta, 2012). His work has received awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Academy of American Poets, and the Poetry Society of America. Waldrep lives in Lewisburg, PA, where he teaches at Bucknell University, edits the journal West Branch, and serves as Editor-at-Large for The Kenyon Review.

Milkweed Editions is one of the nation’s leading independent publishers, with a mission to identify, nurture and publish transformative literature, and build an engaged community around it. The Lindquist & Vennum Foundation was established by the Minneapolis-headquartered law firm of Lindquist & Vennum, PLLP, and is a donor-advised fund of The Minneapolis Foundation. This partnership between Milkweed Editions and the Lindquist & Vennum Foundation will celebrate poets for their artistic contributions, and bring outstanding regional writers to a national stage. The inaugural Lindquist & Vennum Prize for Poetry 2012 was awarded to Patricia Kirkpatrick of St. Paul, Minnesota for her collection Odessa, and the honorary judge was Peter Campion.

Mill City Provides Vivid Backdrop for New Novel, Fat Profits

A couple months ago I learned about Bruce Bradley from one of our Vendor friends at the Mill City Farmers Market. This former processed food marketer turned organic food advocate has recently published his first novel, Fat Profits. It's a thriller set in the Twin Cities with scenes in ... you guessed it, Mill City! So how could we resist talking to him?

Bruce has a book signing scheduled for the January 12 Mill City Farmers Market. In the mean time, you can learn more about his book (and read a FREE chapter!) via the FAT PROFITS website.

Here's a little Q&A we did to provide background on Bruce and how his book came to be:

Q: Congratulations on your first novel, Fat Profits. What got you interested in writing?

A: I distinctly remember the moment I wanted to become a writer. I heard a high school classmate of mine read a short story she had written. Her story was amazing, and I thought to myself, "I'd like to do that."

Of course, life has a way of taking you in different directions. Responsibilities start piling up at your doorstep, so that dream was put on hold. But years later I found myself living in the Twin Cities, and I heard about The Loft. I took several courses, and over time I studied and practiced how to write.

In the Fall of 2009 the Loft offered a Thrillers & Mysteries weekend workshop. Vince Flynn was the keynote speaker. I already had a very rough draft of my manuscript. I knew my book wasn't ready, but everything Mr. Flynn said confirmed I was on the right path.

Determined to make this dream finally happen, I rearranged my work schedule to give myself more time to dedicate to writing. Fast forward three years later, Fat Profits is finally published!

Q: Why did you choose to write a thriller?

A:  I've always enjoyed the suspense genre. It's what I usually read for pleasure because thrillers are fast-paced and provide a great escape, transporting you to a different place and time. And if a thriller is especially well written, they sometime increase awareness about important issues. Those are my absolute favorite thrillers—all the entertainment, excitement, twists, and turns with a little something extra for good measure.

Q: Can you tell us a little about your novel?

A: Fat Profits is all about corporate greed and corruption.  It's a timeless topic that I decided to take to an industry I'm quite familiar with—food.

Leveraging my 15+ years of food marketing experience, Fat Profits is about a corrupt food company that will stop at nothing to become a Wall Street darling. With increasing concerns over food safety and potentially toxic ingredients in our food, Fat Profits is a timely thriller that will not only entertain but also educate people about what drives big food corporations—profits. And what better place to set it than Minneapolis—a city steeped in a long agricultural history and the home of several huge food companies.

Q: Several local book reviewers have commented on your use of the historic Mill District area for the final, climatic scene in Fat Profits.  I know we love our neighborhood, but why did you choose it?

This is where it all began—the Twin Cities were born right here on the shores of the Mississippi. Not only are the historic, cultural, and economic roots of the city here, but it's also an amazingly beautiful spot. From Mill Ruins Park, St. Anthony Falls, and the Guthrie, there are also tons of interesting places for intrigue and drama—exactly what an author needs as a backdrop!

But almost more importantly is this area's powerful, redemptive story that's a perfect metaphor for my novel. Corporate greed and corruption nearly destroyed this place. Unchecked, companies were more than happy to literally suck its resources dry, then abandon it—leaving others to clean up their mess. While we must never forget this lesson, the magical part of the story is what happened next. Dedicated people made the difference. Unwilling to write off the ruins, they doggedly perservered—proving that when our human spirit is given the slightest opportunity and nurturing, it can and will prevail.

Q: Wonderful! Do you have any plans for some local appearances?

A: Yes! I haven't done many local events, but when I heard about the Winter Market at Mill City Farmers Market I jumped at the chance. So come out and join me on January 12th from 10 AM - 1 PM. I'll be signing and selling books!

Bruce also blogs about the tricks, traps, and tools big food companies use to get us eating more and more processed food at his website, www.brucebradley.com.