Well it’s 2009 and I’m drawing a blank on post ideas already, which isn’t a good sign.  Lots of good stuff in this edition though.  I had a lot of things to read when I got back.  I also updated my blogroll.  Not every Minnesota blog I read ended up there, but over half did.  Hope everyone is having a great week. Read more…

I hate the term New Years resolution.  I  don’t know why, maybe because the term has become almost meaningless.  It seems that 90% of people make the same ones: lose weight, save money, eat out less.  I used to do it to, until one year I just decided to say screw it.  It’s not that resolutions are bad, but deciding to set a date for a lifestyle change (which all of these things require) is not a good idea.  Last year I decided in March that I wanted to get healthy, on December 1st I had lost 20lbs, overhauled my diet, and was routinely exercising.  The holiday season hasn’t helped those things, but I’m already getting back on track this week. This taught me that  “big” life changes need to come when your ready and that the New Year is generally not the right time, for me at least. Read more…

I just want to take this time to welcome any new visitors I have.   This week has been a ton of fun, I got mentioned in Minnpost and got a link from Metblogs, Thank you all for stopping by my little corner of the Internet. Here are some links and a few thoughts from around the web. Read more…

• Acceleration - Usually leads to the creation of item I during the first snow storm.  Formation is combated using item S.
• Brake Lights - These light the way down 35W during every snowstorm.
• Creep - What drivers experience when it’s either snowing or has snowed.
• Death Grip - How a percentage of drivers hold the wheel, panicking at the first flake and don’t top until the last ice melts off Lake Minnetonka. Read more…
  

I grew up in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere.  It is one of those places that no matter how hard I try to explain it, no one ever really understands just how small and remote it was.  To put it in perspective, you should know that the closest fast food place was a Dairy Queen 20 miles away.  The closest McDonalds or Wal-Mart was 80 miles away, and the nearest mall was three hours away.  If you needed something from a grocery store after 5pm, you were out of luck.  It was a completely different world than most people grow up in.  Was it terrible?  Not at all, it gave me an appreciation for convenience, and taught me the value of maximizing trips and time.  Unfortunately, one lesson I didn’t learn is the value of going out and experiencing the place you live. Read more…

I have a good list today, I’ve been focusing on starring and bookmarking interesting stuff so I don’t have to throw together this list from my history.

• Tim Brunelle shares a great story that puts social media in perspective.  It’s here to stay, and is not only great for finding interesting information, but also for real life networking.
• Apparently sarcasm has benefits beyond confusing those that don’t know me well.
• Stock up on acorn futures, apparently there is a shortage, wonder if the explosion of bird squirrel feeders has any part in this.
• This is a great site, @mosqueda is a great person to follow on Twitter.
• A simple but poignant reminder that we aren’t doing that poorly.
• An amazing visualization of our national budget.  Via Newcut
• Drew is moving to Minnesota, he needs some tips on how to survive our arctic chill.
• Here is a tasty looking Mexican dish.
• A list of authentic Minnesota Food.  Via The Deets

Finally an actual thought for Thoughts and Links.  I’m not a fan of the auto bailout, but I think we need it or this recession is going to go on for an extra year or two.  It’s ridiculous that banks who don’t actually create anything tangible get $700 billion, yet an auto industry that creates actual products can’t get a nickle.  (Admittedly the auto industry is not run correctly, but neither were the banks)

This is my second holiday season in Minneapolis.  Last year I did a poor job of experiencing what the Twin Cities has to offer in the holiday spirit department.  I’m hoping to remedy that somewhat this year.  Some things I want to do.

• Attend Hollidazzle.  I’m not that into parades, but I think I need to attend an event that has been a part of Minnesota for so long.
• Attend at least one holiday themed stage production.  I’m not sure which one at this point.  A Christmas Carol seems to be popular.
• See the lights around Lake Phalen.  This is a new event, but looks fun and it’s for charity so I want to check it out. Via Metblogs
• The Grand Meander - I hadn’t heard about it until this year, but it looks fun.
• Holiday Traditions at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts - Looks like a relaxing and fun exhibit.
• Macy’s Santaland - I may not be a kid anymore, but who isn’t a kid at heart during Christmas.
• Drive around looking at lights - This isn’t an event, but my family used to to this every Christmas.  I’m guessing some of the homes in the Lowry Hill and the chain of lakes area would be amazing.

Any other suggestions?

I wrote about this on Twitter but thought I would share it here.  Sunday night the Metropolitan Symphony Orchastra will be performing at St. Olaf’s Catholic Church.  The concert starts at 7:30.  Here is a link for more information.  The concert itself is free and no ticket is required though the orchastra does ask for donations.  There is also free parking at the energy center building on the second floor or above.  I’ve talked to a few of the players and they all say it will be a really good show.

I spent yesterday trying to wrestle an interesting post idea out of thin air.  On the way I did come up with a neat idea that will be unveiled on Friday, but nothing to use today.  So instead I’ll just show off some photos I took over the weekend.  First two shots of the Target Field Construction area. Read more…