Conner's Blog

In the last month or so I’ve been asked on several occasions what my Twitter name means. So I thought I would take the time to share this incredible story with my readers.

Ok, I’m lying it’s not interesting or incredible but since people want to know I’m going to tell them. Sloped came from a blog that I started in college and killed almost immediatly called slopedsideways. I came up with the name because I realized fairly early on in my life that my brain doesn’t work like the rest of the world’s. Not that this makes me unique, but at the time I thought it did.

So in an attempt to describe this phenomenon I settled on the phrase slopedsideways, basically this meant that my thought processes don’t go in a straight line but instead slant a touch to the right or left depending on the time of day.

When I joined Twitter I was looking for a short yet unique name for myself. I had recently been thinking about the blogs I had started throughout the years. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to resurrect the name and it’s unique enough that I generally can use it anywhere I go.

So that’s the story behind the name, and this is also the perfect opportunity for me to announce one of my new projects. I’m starting another blog at http://sloped.me. It’s going to be a place for me to get on my soap box about social media, workplace technology, and other things that don’t really fit with that I’m doing here. So take a look, subscribe if you want, and let me know what you think.

There will be no Wednesday Where? today.  I’ve been home most evenings and couldn’t find anything in my photo archives that seemed like a good candidate.  Sorry about that.  Instead I give you nine new blogs to peruse.  They have been added to my Minnesota Reading List page.  Please add any comments over there.

• All Those Possible Worlds – A tumble blog in the truest sense, lot of updates so subscribe with caution. (They are good updates though, so it’s worth it)
• insights outsights - Another tumble blog, lots of inspirational content.
• MNStories – Video’s by Minnesotans about Minnesota.
• Blog, Blog, Blog – Kassie’s new site, replacing Mmmmmm, Dinner.  Following her 101 in 1001 journey.
• Name Taglines – Name tags not found at your last convention.
• That’s how we do it in the T.C. – Replacing We Have Mixed Feelings about Sven Svengaard.
• The Punsultancy – Brought to you by the same guy who brings you Hey Look it’s Art.  If you enjoy groaning give it a try.
• T****y Photoblog – I refuse to write the whole title here, but even with a name that isn’t fit to print the photos are stellar.
• a simple exchange – Only 50% Minnesotan but 100% fun and inspirationa.

Since I’ve moved my reading list over to a page I decided I should start posting occasional updates in post format when I’ve added a few new blogs.  I’m going to try and update when I have ten or so additions.  So here is the first update, we’ll see what happens.

First I have a few food and beverage related blogs that need to be shared

• Happy Food – A blog about food, if nothing else this recipe for Vegan peanut butter cups should pique your interest.
• Simple, Good, and Tasty - Focusing on local food news, I haven’t been reading very long, but so far I like what I see.
• You Are Where You Eat – Dropping local wisdom about healthy and sustainable eating.  Lots of links, this guide to the local food system was interesting to me.
• The Captains Chair - A blog about beer, and not your uncle’s watered down American lager.  (I apologize if you uncle drinks real beer)
• Stirrings from the Empty Nest – Bob Collin’s personal blog.  I found this via his News Cut blog and haven’t dug in yet.

I have to say, the more I dig into the Twin Cities food blogging scene, the more impressed I get.  It kind of makes my attempt look sad.

Finally a few more multi-purpose sites.

• Mullet Like Me – A normal guy grows a mullet and decides to write about it.  If your wondering…yes it’s humerous.
• Zipbag of Bones – I followed her on Twitter for a long time before I found her blog, she’s just as clever in more than 140 characters.
• synapsecollapse – A smattering of fun content from around the web.  Also someone I’ve followed for quite a while.
• Powderhorn365 – A project documenting the history of the Powderhorn Neighborhood through photos.
• Streets for People – A site promoting the use of streets for humans and not dead steel.
• 50000000 Sparber Fans Can’t Be Wrong – Max Sparber’s personal blog

So there you have it, do you like this format, let me know here and as always, if you want your blog included in my list, leave a comment on the list and I’ll see what I can do.

Update: I’ve turned this post into a page http://connermccall.com/mnreading.  I’ll try and keep the page updated.

My reading list is always expanding, rarely shrinks, and causes me no end of worry whenever I see the unread count head over the 150 range.  I know I could hide the unread counts in Google Reader and save myself the pain, but for some reason I’m resistant.

One thing that has been a constant in my reading list, is that Minnesota based blogs take up most of my time.  Given 200 unread items, I usually have 150 unread items tagged Minnesota.  Here my recent list of Minnesota blogs.   There is no reason for the order, it’s just how the came out of my reader

• East-Lake – A bit about Minneapolis.  Check out his Top Beers page
• Like you give a damn – A wonderful tumblelog about Minnesota
• A Blog About Sarah – Sarah writes about a lot of things and takes great photos
• A Day In The Life – Technology, memes and poo have been recent topics
• A Nod to Nothing – Pretty much as it says, a lot of nothing about nothing
• Aaron Landry – Minnesota’s resident pizza expert
  
• Ambulance Driver – If you’ve ever wondered what an EMT’s day is like, here you are
• An Amber Colored Life – She claims she’s really good and hanging out
• Babbling - The opposite of babbling as it is usually interesting and understandable
  
• Because Emily Says So – Bacon, her cat, and other randomness.
  
• Beer Musings of Minneapolis-St. Paul – The title says “Beer”  Click Now!
• Bekiyrah - Photography, journalism, social science and law
• Lazy Lightning – A great place for south metro news and food reviews
• Bleat - Our own world famous blogger, Lileks could make my blog funny
• Secrets of the City – I subscribe to a few of the feeds here, a great place for local news and entertainment
• Blogging at FL250 – Written by a Minnesota based pilot.
• Brain Popcorn – If the title doesn’t capture your attention, the content will
• buildcontext - Musings on the web from Ben Hedrington
• Bus Tales – If you’ve never ridden a Metro Transit bus, here is a taste of the experience
• Camacho Watcho – If you like food and food photography, Katie has you covered
• Chocolate Mussolini – Jenni says “i have dedicated my life to the pursuit of awesome.”
• Cinna.mn – 32 flavors of Minnesota (and then some)
• Coincidence is Not Fate – “Inane ramblings of someone who thinks he knows more than he actually does. Or something.”
• Completely Inappropriate – Because sometimes inappropriate is just appropriate
• Doniree - She’s awesome becuase she uses Premium bottles to make fresh tortillas
• doodledee - Another interesting yet random blog
• Doug Hamlin’s Blog – Doug doesn’t post often, but when he does it’s worth the wait
• Drewko - For the trip of life
• Easier being Green – Great advice on how to live greener
• Embrace your age cause you livin’! – The title alone is inspiring
• The Empty Envelope - Artist, poet, wife, mother…
• Eye, me, my – Marissa writes about fashion, design, and other things
• Eyeteeth - A journal of incisive ideas
• Fresh.mn – Fresh info from Minnesota
• Ginger Sorvari – I started following Ginger during the Best Buy layoffs.  Her perspective has been very interesting..
• Girl Friday – Confessions of a Minneapolis Concierge
• The Punsultancy – Servicing all your pun needs
• Hilarity Ensues – She claims she can’t write funny captions, I don’t believe her
• The Hot Dog Blog – People eating hot dogs and writing about it = awesome
• How Does She Do It – She loves bacon so of course she’s cool
• How Many Licks, Mr. Owl? – Defining products that defy explanation
• I was told there would be bacon – “I’m a riddle, wrapped in an enigma, wrapped in a vest soaked with booze.”
• Jason’s DeBlog – Jason Derusha’s online home, tune in for Good Questions
• Just a Cool Cat – Music and links, what more do you need
• Kristofer D. Layon – Web Design & Online Collaboration
• Les Petites Images - Photos and other things, but I love her photos
• l’etoile magazine blog – Lots of good stuff, but their Weekend what’s what is wonderful
• Letters to Bob – I just discovered this site, drunken musings = great fun
• Live from Minnesota – A lot of interesting things
• Meg’s Single Step – blogger, social butterfly, and librarienne
• Minneapolis & St. Paul Restaurant Critics – Your where to eat guide to the Twin Cities.
• Minneapolis Metblogs – Our local Metbloggers rock
• Minnesota Microphone - Minnesota spoken word news and events
  
• Minnesota Pictures – “Photos that define Minnesota”
• Braublog - News about local media from MinnPost
• Minnesota Blog Cabin – I’m unsure if this is still going, but it is a column about the MN blogosphere
• Mmmmmm, Dinner – The title pretty much covers it
• MN Headhunter/Nerd Search – A great blog for any job seekers out there
• Monkey Disaster – “Pop culture and some news put through a filter of optimistic cynicism”
• More Cowbell - A great source for info on the local music scene
• News Cut – MPR’s Bob Collins keeps you informed
• No Smoking in the Metrodome - Short and sweet Minnesota Twins news and trivia
• Overheard in Minnespolis – Funny, funny, and even more funny
• Paleo-Future Blog – A interesting look at how the past looked toward the future
• Polymer Studios – A blog about web consulting
• Rachel’s ThinkSpot - Musings from Rachel
• Random Stuff From Sheldon – Basically, anything I feel like sending out to the blog world
• Singlespeed - A biker with a keyboard
• South 12th – Another interesting tumbleblog from the Twin Cities
• Stuff about Minneapolis - Paul is the curator of this wonderful site
• SugarFang.com – Brianne Pitt’s blog, full of interesting tidbits
• Swirlspice - Erica write about  interesting things
• The Deets – Ed Kohler takes on toilet paper, the yellow pages, and other stuff
  
• The Heavy Table – A great new addition to Twin Cities food blogging
• The Product - “obey the rules. often enter. organize your material”
• The Same Rowdy Crowd – A great blog about communication
• The Waiting Line – “Do you believe in what you see?”
• This is why I love Minneapolis – Great info about Minneapolis
  
• Twin Cities Tour Guide – “Hop on the blog and enjoy the Twin Cities!”
• Twin Cities Photoblog – Great photos from Minnesota and beyond
• Twin City Sidewalks – A blog about sidewalks that is more interesting than you think
• Uptown Mpls Blog – A photoblog centered in Uptown
• Uptown, Minneapolis – “Musings about the Uptown area of Minneapolis”
• We Got Served – Minneapolis and St. Paul restaurant reviews
• We Have Mixed Feelings About Sven Svengaard – “being cheap and watching bad TV in Minnesota”
• I’ll Tell you What it Shwas - Interesting things from Suzi
• Whiskeymarie - A little bit of crazy for your reading list
  
• YAYBIA! – A great blog about advertising
• Your Dress Would Look Better On Me – One last interesting blog about a lot of different things

That’s all I have for you today, of course there are many more Minnesota based blogs.  One things I’ve discovered since I started trying to keep much of my internet browsing local, is Minnesota has many talented writers.  If you want to add your blog to the list or link to your favorite Minnesota blog please do so in the comments.

Update:  I posted an updated list and created a page, please check out http://connermccall.com/mnreading/

I last posted my list of MN blogs in October, since then I’ve added quite a few. Here is the latest list. I also attached an OPML file for your convenience. Enjoy.

• A Nod to Nothing – Interesting and random.
• Aaron Landry – Company profiles, restaurant reviews, and other interesting things.
• Because Emily Says So – Emily generally makes me smile most days.
• Lazy Lighting – Keeping the South Metro informed. Bill should be on any Twin City residents reading list.
• Blogging at FL250 – A blog by a local pilot. Extremely interesting.
• dk-today.com – Another random yet interesting blog. I haven’t been subscribed for long, but his North Minneapolis ATM Story earned him a reader.
• doniree.com – Food, Funny, Friendly. Doniree pretty much rocks.
• drewko.com -  For the trip of life, Drew is moving to Minneapolis so this is a preemptive addition. Check out his site and wish him luck on his move.
• Easier Being Green – The title pretty much explains what the site is about. Another new addition so I don’t have much insight.
• Empty Envelope – An interesting collection of stuff, check out her Etsy store to.
• erik.michael.photography – One of my good friends photo blog. He’s currently on IR due to a dirt bike accident so it’s not being updated much.
• Fresh.mn – Links and news from the Twin Cities.
• Ginger Sorvari – Another new addition, she works at Best Buy has interesting stories to tell.
• Girl Friday – Alexis is a must read for anyone wanting the latest on Twin City happenings.
• Just a Cool Cat – Music and Mayhem.
• Meg’s Single Step -  Meg loves technology and shoes, she also writes about knitting.
• Minneapolis Metblogs – Local content in easily digestible bits.
• Braublog – One of the few blogs I follow that doesn’t have a full text feed. Worth clicking through for the news and commentary.
• Mmmmm, Dinner – Kassie writes about food, read her blog.
• MOA Blog-  If you avoid the MOA like most of us this is a good way to pretend you pay attention to a place I like to call the 1st ring of Hell.
• News Cut – Bob Collins from MPR keeps you informed. If you aren’t reading this already subscribe now.
• Overheard in Minneapolis – Read, Laugh
• Pharyngula – PZ Myers is a professor at the U of M, Morris. If biology interests you, check it out.
• Rachel’s ThinkSpot – Another recent addition. Rachel has been entertaining so far.
• Random Stuff From Sheldon – The title pretty much sums it up.
• SugarFang.com – Another wonderful local blogger keeping you entertained.
• swirlspice – Erica is busy at fresh.mn and cinna.mn but she is worth reading.
• The Deets – Ed keeps you informed about toilet paper, phone books, and other things.
• the product -A Duluth based blog.
• The Waiting Line – Photos, Recipes, and links.
• Twin City Photos – Photos from around the Twin Cities
• Twin Cities Tour Guide -A wonderful blog for anyone visiting or living in the Twin Cities.
• twin cities sidewalks – Yes it’s a blog about sidewalks. No it’s not lame.
• Unjournalism – Not about MN but if you like reading about PR Mike is a great read.
• Uptown Mpls Blog – Photos of Uptown.
• We got served -Twin City eatery reviews.
• I’ll Tell You What it Shwas – Suzie is a Timberwolves fan, she deserves you as a reader for her misery.
• Whiskeymarie – Another new addition that I haven’t pinned down yet.

OPML File

• Do you hate being asked questions that require a 3 second Google search.  Send them to letmegooglethatforyou.com and your problem is solved.
  
• Remember when Forbes Magazine used to be smart, it has become a camouflaged version of People.  Then again I guess it’s things like the Hottest Tots that sells magazines these days.
  
• I normally don’t approve of fans booing their team, but the Thunder as a whole deserve it.  Maybe not the players but the owners for sure.  In fact I propose that the Thunder get booed at all games regardless of where they take place.
• Fun photo of the day, check out the Star Tribunes front page.  Does this inspire confidence in the recount? The guy in the stocking cap is a nice guy I’m sure, but really??
• Michelle Bachmann did not need to do anything else to prove she is insane, but that didn’t stop her.  Can someone please tell her that an urban legend generally doesn’t have video tape to prove they are real.
  
• My blog recommendation for the week is one I discovered but forgot about.  Margaret and Helen have a lot of wisdom and aren’t afraid to tell it like it is. Thank to RosaPena and and nukirk for reminding me.
  
• Three new MN based blogs for your reading pleasure
• • Desaraev is interesting if you like reading about internet marketing.
  • Because Emily Says So is great, really I’m not kidding, read her.
  • Finally The Forest of Things looks like it was interesting, Jeff appears to be busy with other writing engagements.  Of course you can follow him on Twitter.
• Did you see the Timberwolves won last night.  They avoided the fate of the 2003-2004 Magic who went 1-19 after winning their first game(check the last item).
• This song was played on Tuesday morning on the Current.  When the first song of the day is titled Zydeco Taco you know things are looking up.
• If you didn’t like my chili recipe, here is a vegetarian recipe that looks tasty.  Also the story preceding the recipe is kind of cute.  (Yes, I’m a guy and I will use the word cute)
• For those on Twitter, if you haven’t see this, check it out.

Circuit City is filing for bankrupcy shortly after announcing they would be closing numerous stores.  From what I’ve read it sounds like Minnesota stores are safe which is good.  I’m not a big fan of Circuit City, but I hope they survive, Best Buy needs some competition keeping them honest. 

I’ve added a few new Minnesota Blogs to my reading list:

• Fresh.mn – Started by swirlspice.  I wrote about Erica’s blog in my previous Minnesota Blogs post.
• Via Fresh.mn I found Because Emily Says So. I read the last 5-6 posts and clicked subscribe.  Well written and funny.
• Aaron Landry – Interesting so far, if for no other reason than the photos from local pizza places.  If you are hungry and trying to eat healthy I don’t recommend visiting.
• We Got Served – Well written restauraunt reviews from around the Metro.

So far the Obama’s search for a puppy seems to have caught the nation’s attention more than anything else.  Bob Collins at MPR’s News Cut takes the press to task for their lack of reporting on real issues.

Am I allowed to rescind my opinion on the Timberwolves?  I’m considering starting a fire Randy Whitman site shortly.  The Timberwolves better start playing defense or they won’t win 10 games this year.

The Vikings defense played a solid game against the Packers.  Lucky for the offense the insane number of mistakes they made didn’t cost the Vikings the game.

For the record the Vikings MVP’s halfway through the season are Adrian Peterson and Jared Allen.  If you didn’t see Sunday’s game and how Peterson willed his team to victory after fumbling on fourth down you need to.  Talk about heart.  Allen played hurt all game and was very effective.  He may not deserve his contract, but at least he’s trying to live up to expectations.

The Franken-Coleman race will never end.  This is what Minnesota gets for voting for either of those imbeciles.  There was another choice.

FiveThirtyEight.com had a front page article on the NYT’s web site today.  I started introducing my offline friends to this site.  I’m usually very hesitant to introduce them to websites but Nate Silver’s site was just too good.

I had a horrid experience at the Applebee’s in the Burnsville Mall this weekend.  I’ve never had bartenders be quite so angry at their customers.  On the other hand Chili’s in Burnsville was, as always, a good experience.  Of course I would prefer a non chain bar, but I live in Burnsville so my options are limited.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner.  This means Christmas music will start shortly.  I hate this, I like Christmas music, just not for a month straight.

With the change in seasons I’m suddenly craving soups and chili.  This is fairly unusual for me so I’m on a recipe collecting spree.  I’m planning on trying this recipe at some point this week.  Any other soup or chili recipies I should try?

It snowed all day on Saturday.  I had to scrape my windshield for the first time all year.  I am not happy I had to pull out the hat and gloves from storage.

If you are a blogger, please read this article from Lazy Lighting.  There are people out their trying to alter the contents of local blogs.  Let’s keep them from succeeding.

As I continue my adventures with Twitter, I have focused a fair amount of my following on fellow Minnesotans.  Due to this, I have slowly amassed a collection of blogs either written by a Minnesotan or are written about Minnesota.  Here is a rundown of these blogs and a few thoughts.

• Lazy Lightning – This blog is written by a South Metro Resident Bill Roehl.  It focuses on a variety of subjects regarding the Southern Metro.  Some of Bill’s best posts in my opinion are his restaurant reviews which are a great source for those looking to try some new eats.
• Erik Michael Photography – This is a photo blog published by one of my college friends.  He is a great outdoor and motor sports photographer and though he publishes infrequently, it is always worth the wait.
• Girl Friday – The tag line is “Confessions of a Minneapolis Concierge.”  Posts about restaurants, style, and events.  Sometimes off topic and always entertaining.
• Growing Communities of Scientists – Blog written by a teacher at a Minneapolis High School who is working on creating a Linux Thin Client computer lab for his science class room.  I’m currently working with him to get the project up and running.
• Just a Cool Cat – A blog by a St. Paul resident, I have not been subscribed to it for very long, but this post alone made me add it to my feed list.
• Meg’s Single Step - MegCanada is one of my favorite twitter users.
• Minneapolis Met Blog - Locally focused news by local bloggers.  Good source for local events and opinion.
• Mmmmm, Dinner – Kassie’s recipes have been starred numerous times in Google Reader, unfortunately I have yet to try them.  They do look wonderful though.
• MN Headhunter – Local jobs and job tips.
• MOA Blog – Discovered this blog recently. Interesting tidbits about the Mall of America.  Even if I avoid the MOA as much as possible it is fun to read an obsessive visitors take.
• Overheard In Minneapolis – A site cataloging odd things overheard in Minneapolis.  Subscribe and increase your laugher quota for the day.
• Swirlspice - Another wonderful Twitter user who I find intelligent, informative, and sometimes hysterically funny.  @swirlspice
• The Deets – Another Minneapolis blog I just subscribed to.  Interesting so far and I expect it to continue.
• The Waiting Line – Generally a photo blog.  Wr3n is another of my favorite twitterers.
• This is Why I love Minneapolis – It’s all in the name, interesting tidbits and news from Minneapolis and sometimes St. Paul.
• Twin City Sidewalks – A blog talking about and photographing sidewalks.  More interesting than you think.

I should also mention the Star Tribune’s Timberwolves blog and also Twins Fix.  They are currently the only sports blogs I follow, but as the NBA and MLB seasons get into full swing I will be searching out additional sites.

So now you have my current Minnesota reading list.  Feel free to share any other Minnesota blogs that you read in the comments.