The Wizard of Minneapolis

From 247 10th Avenue S. in the Mill District of Minneapolis.

Gay Scientists Isolate Christian Gene [Video]

From Roger Ebert:

National Night Out Free Street Permit Registration Shuts Down July 19

From the Minneapolis Police Department:

We hope that talks have not stalled on your block and that you'll take advantage of the fact that you can block off your street *at no charge* through the end of the day, July 19, 2011!  This is such a good deal, about two dozen blocks have registered TWICE! :)

Many of the planned events for the NNO parties registered thus far include, simply, "talking...chatting...getting to know neighbors... catching up on things"... That's the whole point, and there'll be a whole lot of community building going on, with no budget gimmicks, posturing, or gamesmanship (OK, lots of games, but the good kind!)...

We hope you'll take a moment to register your event--for organizers of past events, you should know it will take less than 1/3 of the time it took last year. We do not require that you list all of your supporting neighbors, you just need to check a box affirming that you have their support!  Regsitering will get you the street permit placard, MOA Mystery Tickets, and some neat information on holding a "greener NNO"!  If you just have a yard party, you'll get it all, minus the permit.

Please link to the following ASAP -- https://apps.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/blockeventapp/

Don't let the midnight deadline of July 19 sneak up on you without an agreement!!  After that we can't compromise, the fee will be $100. We'd rather you spend that on comestibles for your grill, or rent for a bouncy house, or other fun stuff!

Luther Krueger, Crime Prevention Analyst 
Strategic Information and Crime Management Division (SICM) 
Minneapolis Police Department, Room 100 City Hall
350 S. 5th Street + Minneapolis MN 55415 
612-673-5371 + Luther.Krueger@ci.Minneapolis.mn.us

The MPD never sleeps.

P.S.  We are 5 registrations shy of 1000 signed up to date.  If you are event #1000 I will throw in an extra set of Twins Baseball Cards!

Guest Post: Books & Bars at the Aster Cafe - a Poplular Monthly Event

We post the monthly Books & Bars gatherings held at the Aster Cafe under the Events section, but as of yet we haven't had the chance to enjoy one.  Karen Runyon, a Mill District neighbor, was at the July 12 event and provided us with some pictures and feedback.

From Karen Runyon:

The patio was full, 80+ people to discuss the Harry Potter series. All ages, teens to grandmothers. Some very passionate readers, great food and drink (the Aster made a butter beer for the occasion), and a spirited facilitator.

Passersby stood outside the patio listening for various lengths of time.

Jeff Kamin moderates these events, as seen below.

Thank you for the review and pictures, Karen!  We welcome contributions from our readers, it's easy - send us an email with a picture and a short (or long) description or story.

Mill City Farmers Market July 16th

July 16: Minnesota's 1st Sustainable Ag Day!

Celebrate it at the Mill City Farmers Market where we are overwhelmed with the abundance of summer's harvests: sustainable fruits and veggies, pasture-raised meats, poultry, eggs and cheese; artisan chocolates, breads and treats. It's easy to fill your pantry needs at the Market, so don't forget your grocery list!

Produce Planner

At the Market this Saturday, you will find: 

Blueberries, broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, collards, zucchini, summer squash, beets, salad turnips, potatoes and much, much more!

Mill City Cooks, 10am

Chef Nick Schneider welcomes Mae Lee from Mhonpaj's Garden to Mill City Cooks to talk about Hmong agri- and culinary culture.

Discover You Can!

Stop by to enter a raffle for a Ball Home Canning Discovery Kit and learn more about upcoming canning demos, classes and CONTESTS at the Market!

Meet Your Vegetables, 9 am - 1 pm

Have a tasty sample of an easy recipe for Early Roots and take home nutrition facts for your family!

Art Market, All Day

Featuring The Ink Orchard, Hmong ABC, Ceramics by Tom Jaszczak and Heather Wang, and Woodsport

Live Performance, 10 am

Minnesota Bright Stars Youth Dancers

Live Music, 11 am - 1 pm

The eclectic improv musical group, Skysong

CANCELED DUE TO STATE SHUTDOWN: Tonight - Mill City Live: Outdoor Music Series at Mill City Museum

Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm

Location: Mill City Museum, 704 2nd Street South

Fee: $5 per person; includes admission to Mill City Museum. Free for MHS members.

Performers: Flamin' Oh's

The Twin Cities’ most explosive outdoor concert series is back for an eighth season with a slate of bands curated by music writer Jim Walsh. Featuring legendary performers from the heyday of the Minneapolis sound, these concerts will riff on American music in a gorgeous riverfront setting every Thursday from July 7 through Aug. 18. Admission includes the concert and entrance to the museum from 4 to 9 p.m. Food and drink by D’Amico Catering available for purchase.

Time Lapse Video of Metrodome Roof Being Inflated [Video]

Thanks to The Journal Blog for finding this one:

Blimp Hovering Over Metrodome While Roof Being Inflated [Photos]

Taken earlier this morning:

[Photos] Metrodome Roof Being Inflated

Just caught these of the Metrodome being inflated.  It rises again!

Inflated

Half Inflated

Deflated

New Patient Feedback on Bierbrauer Chiropractic

Although we've published a Mill District Business Spotlight on Bierbrauer Chiropractic, and posted numerous articles from Dr. Bierbrauer under the Mill City Tmes Fitness Blog, I haven't had to seek chiropractic care - until now.  

I made an appointment with Dr. Bierbrauer hoping to get relief from neck pain, and I wasn't disappointed.  The entire experience - from getting set up as a new patient thru the initial consultation and session - was easy, efficient and relaxing. 

He sent me home with printouts of simple daily exercises that will counter the strain caused by too many hours slouched over a keyboard.  I'll also be replacing the office chair I've been using since 1996 and make an honest effort to sit up straight. 

Gone are the old days of setting up a series of follow up appointments.  With Dr. Bierbrauer, he asks that you do the exercises, take whatever other corrective action was discussed, and call him if there are follow up questions or things aren't improving. 

Another nice benefit is the Bierbrauer Chiropractic website - it's packed with scads of helpful info.  If you've been considering chiropractic care, I would highly recommend making an appointment.

Tomorrow - Minneapolis Pops Orchestra Coffee Concert at Nicollet Island Pavilion

Time:  10:30 am

Location: Nicollet Island Pavilion

That the Minneapolis Pops is populated with top musical talent will be made amply clear as our players emerge from their sectional seats to showcase their nimble fingers, flashing bows and blazing embouchures in a grab-bag of solos from the classics to contemporary. It’s a look inside the Orchestra as we’ve never seen it before. Can you spell V-I-R-T-U-O-S-O?

Free Coffee Concerts will be presented free of charge at Nicollet Island Pavilion on July 13, July 19 and July 28 at 10:30 a.m. These concerts will feature complimentary beverages, pastries, and door prizes.

The mission of the Minneapolis Pops Orchestra is to bring the power and pleasure of live orchestra concerts performed by professional musicians to the Twin Cities community, free of charge. Since 1950 the Minneapolis Pops Orchestra has been making a difference in the community by offering summertime concerts at various park locations.

CANCELED DUE TO STATE SHUTDOWN: Tonight - Minneapolis History Pub Crawl with Mill City Museum

Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm

Location: Tour begins and ends at Mill City Museum, 704 South Second Street

Fee: $25 ($20 MHS members)

Reservations: required, call 612-341-7555

Discover the richness of Minneapolis history, and slake your thirst with some fine beverages along a single road: Washington Avenue. Travel down this busy but underappreciated street to see the importance of railroads, warehousing, flour milling,, immigration, entertainment, and vice to the story of the Mill City.  A trolley will take participants through the neighborhoods along Washington from 35W to Plymouth, with stops at significant historic places and two watering holes in historic buildings. Ages 21 and up only. Drink purchases are not included in the tour price. Drink specials will be made available at participating locations.

Tonight - Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association Board Meeting

Time: 6:00pm

Location:  Central Public Library - Room N-202

DMNAboard meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month. Anyone who lives, works or owns a business or property within the Downtown East and Downtown West neighborhoods is eligible for general membership in the DMNA.

The agenda for tonight's meeting is below:

DMNA Board Meeting Agenda 7 12-11 - revised 7-5-11

View more documents from Mill City Times

There's a New Mobile Pub in Town - City Cycle Tours

Look out, Pedal Pub, here comes City Cycle Tours!

I first learned of City Cycle Tours through an article in Finance and Commerce.  While Dave and I haven't personally encountered one on the street yet (the inaugural run in Minneapolis was June 4), the pictures reflect a sleek machine.  

Company representative Daniel O'Brien took time to educate me on how City Cycle Tours compares to Pedal Pub. 

Now, I am in no way denigrating Pedal Pub, but CCT has some really cool features - from top to bottom.

Being on the short side, my first question was regarding a minimum height requirement (PP's is 5’3", which disqualifies me from pedaling). CCT's vehicle has adjustable seats, and Daniel noted they've had riders ranging from 4'11" to 6'6" who were able to adjust their seats to a comfortable height for pedaling.  CCT is equipped with soft, cushioned Schwinn bicycle seats.

Although rental prices are the same between the two companies, with CCT you'll have two staff on board - one to drive and one to assist with refreshments.  Speaking of which,  Daniel said their vehicle has full suspension and a custom designed chassis that could support laps around a race track. Two advantages - a smooth ride, and your keg of beer won't get foamed up.  If you prefer cans, there are two 66 liter coolers under the bar floor (enough space to keep 300 cans cold and out of the way).

In addition to storing beverages under the bar, CCT features space above the riders and purse/bag hooks.  There is a lip around the outside edge of the bar plus 12 cup holders to prevent your drinks, cell phones, etc., from flying off.

What if it gets dark before you're done pubbing?  No problem - in addition to the headlights and tail lights, there are over 10 LED lights.  For music, there's an aftermarket, amp-powered 6 speaker sound system with a CD deck made for a car.  It has an iPod hook up - so bring your favorite mix.

 

Several more features exclusive to CCT are a hand rail and a standing platform under the seats.  The platform makes getting on and off much easier, and prevents injury from falling off the vehicle.  It also keeps the bar at a normal height - around the chest - when you’re standing between seats; with PP, if your not seated you'll need to stand on the ground, making the bar face level or higher.

I asked Daniel about any unique events they've been involved with so far.  He mentioned a recent 3-day Susan G Komen walk in St. Paul during which they gave free rides and raffled off a tour to support that cause.  He also mentioned they're currently checking into how CCT can be involved with St. Paul's first Zombie Pub Crawl coming up in October.

Per Daniel, "Feedback so far has been fantastic, we've had nothing but positive feedback about the vehicle and the way we run it. In our short amount of operating time, we've already had people re-book." 

Find out more about City Cycle Tours via the following links:  Main Website, Features Website, Facebook and Twitter

Park Vista Condos Demolition Has Started [Photo]

Demolition has started in preparation for construction of the new Park Vista Condos across from Gold Medal Park in the Mill District of Minneapolis.  We'll be tracking progress of this project in the Real Estate & Development Blog.

New Feature - The Week Ahead in Mill City / July 11-17

Bright and early each Monday morning we'll be providing an easy to reference list of events and activities for the week ahead.  Submit your events here...

Monday, July 11

Chefs for Change at People Serving People

Music in The Park - Nicollet Island Park

Tuesday, July 12

Minneapolis History Pub Crawl with Mill City Museum

Movies in the Park at Father Hennepin Bluffs

Books & Bars Series at Aster Cafe

'Mill and Main' on Agenda for Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting

Music in The Park - Father Hennepin Bluffs

Wednesday, July 13

Minneapolis Pops Orchestra Coffee Concert at Nicollet Island Pavilion

Thursday, July 14

Twin Cities River Rats Show

Mill City Live: Outdoor Music Series at Mill City Museum

Momentum: New Dance Works at the Southern Theater (3 nights)

Friday, July 15

'Mshale Poetry & Spoken Word Open Mic' at The Loft

Aquatennial Block Party

Saturday, July 16

Taste Twin Cities Minneapolis Riverwalk Tour (Starts at Gold Medal Park)

Riverfront Quest Family Tour at Mill City Museum

Mill City Farmers Market

The RAD Zoo at Central Library

Marbling Around the World Workshop at MCBA

KidsFest at MacPhail

Twin Cities River Rats Aquatennial Water Ski Show

Central Library Summer Atrium Sale

TKO Wines at Sorella

Sunday July 17

Historic Main Street Tour at Mill City Museum

Minneapolis Sister Cities Day Celebration at Nicollet Island Pavilion

In Conversation with Rainn Wilson at the Guthrie

"Freegal" Music Downloads Now Available at Hennepin Libraries

You can now download three free Sony Music selections each week through Freegal, a new online music database offered by Hennepin County Library. The songs are yours until you delete them.

All you need is a MN library card that is registered at Hennepin County Library. Access Freegal on the HCL website's "Music" page. The music is in MP3 format and will work on any computer (Mac or PC) and on any MP3 player, including iPods, and can be loaded onto iTunes.

You can access Freegal on your home computer, or on HCL's internet-connected workstations that use PC Reservation sign-ups. Freegal limits customers to three downloads per week, and updates its catalog with new additions continually. You can even listen to a sample click before downloading.

For more information, visit the HCL/Freegal website.  

Week 10 at Mill City Farmers Market

Click here to cast your vote for Mill City Farmers Market in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest! 

NOTE - You can see MCFM Founder Brenda Langton in action on Sunday, July 10, at the Park Nicollet Move and Grove Family Fest at the Basilica of St. Mary, part of the Basilica Block Party.  This free event celebrates kids' fitness, healthy eating, and wellness in a fun, interactive environment.

 

This Weekend in Mill City / July 8 - July 10

Events this weekend in and around the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis and across the Stone Arch Bridge in Old St. Anthony.

Friday, July 8

Cadence Hip Hop Series at the Guthrie (2 nights)

Fine & Dirty: Contemporary Letterpress Art MCBA

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Saturday, July 9

Taste Twin Cities Minneapolis Riverwalk Tour (Starts at Gold Medal Park)

Mill City Farmers Market

Dog Wash Event at Ollu benefiting Pet Project Rescue!

Washburn A Mill Tour at Mill City Museum (canceled due to State shutdown)

'Mizna's New Edition' at the Loft

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Sunday, July 10

Railroad History Tour at Mill City Museum (canceled due to State shutdown)

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Weekend Brunch

Saturday & Sunday

Brunch at Spoonriver
750 South 2nd St (at Chicago Ave S)
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-436-2236

Reservations recommended

10:00am - 2:00pm

See the menu...

Saturday & Sunday

Brunch at the Aster Cafe
St. Anthony Main
125 SE Main Street
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-379-3138

Until 2pm.

See the menu...

Sunday

Brunch at Spill the Wine
1101 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-339-3388

brunch buffet 10am- 2pm Sunday
$12/person (kids 3 and under eat free, 4-12 years are 1/2 price!)

includes: eggs, bacon, french toast, hash browns, fresh salad and fruit, pastries, build your own omlette bar and more...

featuring absolut bloody bar for $5.

also offering fair trade coffee and full bar.

MILL CITY LIVE CANCELLED TONIGHT DUE TO STATE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

From the Minnesota Historical Society:

July 7, 2011 - Tonight's first concert in the popular "Mill City Live"
outdoor music series has been cancelled. "Chris Osgood & the Mill City
Rockers" had been slated to open the 8th season of the series which can draw
as many as 550 people per concert to the dramatic open air ruin courtyard.
As soon as the shutdown is resolved and Mill City Museum reopens, the series
will resume. Concerts are held every Thursday from July 7 through Aug. 18.
This year the program is curated by music critic Jim Walsh who selected
bands which represent five decades of Minneapolis music history from 1960
through the present.

In addition, the Minnesota History Center's popular "9 Nights of Music"
series in St. Paul held on Tuesdays in July and August, is cancelled until
the state of Minnesota government shutdown ends.

The Minnesota Historical Society, its museums, historic sites and library
are closed temporarily, and all programs and special events are suspended
due to the State of Minnesota government shutdown. Funding from the state
comprises more than half of the Society's operating budget.

Historic sites and museums affected in the Twin Cities include: the
Minnesota History Center, Historic Fort Snelling, Mill City Museum, James J.
Hill House, Alexander Ramsey House and the Minnehaha Depot. Society-led
tours at the Minnesota State Capitol also are suspended.

Other sites closed statewide during the shutdown are: Split Rock Lighthouse,
Two Harbors; Birch Coulee Battlefield, Morton; Charles A. Lindbergh Historic
Site, Little Falls; Comstock House, Moorhead; Folsom House, Taylors Falls;
Forest History Center, Grand Rapids; Fort Ridgely, Fairfax; Harkin Store,
New Ulm; Historic Forestville, Preston; Jeffers Petroglyphs, Comfrey; Lac
qui Parle Mission, Watson; Lower Sioux Agency, Morton; Marine Mill, Marine
on St. Croix; Mille Lacs Indian Museum & Trading Post, Onamia; North West
Company Fur Post, Pine City; Oliver H. Kelley Farm, Elk River; Sibley House
Historic Site, Mendota; Traverse des Sioux, St. Peter; and the W.W. Mayo
House, Le Sueur.

Information is available on the Society's website at
www.mnhs.org<http://www.mnhs.org>, which will continue to function. However,
web-based services enabling the public to order historical documents,
photographs, tickets and merchandise will not be operational during the
shutdown. The public may still make charitable donations and membership
payments through the Society's secure website.

All historic sites and museums as well as the library at the History Center,
will reopen and all programming will resume when the state government
shutdown concludes and funding is available to operate the Society's
programs. Reopening information will be available at
www.mnhs.org<http://www.mnhs.org>.

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural
institution established in 1849 to preserve and share Minnesota history. The
Society collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota's past through
museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational
programs and book publishing. For more information, visit
www.mnhs.org<http://www.mnhs.org>.