NiceRide 170, too challenging

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Ed Kohler of The Deets started a tradition several years ago by using Nice Ride bikes to hit every single kiosk in a single day. I wish I would have joined him for the first year, when there were only sixty-five stations that could be traversed in about three hours. In 2013, there are 170 stations spread out over 110 miles of biking–all of which, under the rules of the challenge, must be traveled using the 50-pound Nice Rides. Furthermore, a lot of the new stations are tucked away in obscure places that probably no one goes to. Like behind random buildings, or in St. Paul. Continue Reading

Mayoral Candidate Doug Mann on the Vikings stadium, social justice, and housing in Minneapolis

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Minneapolis licensed practical nurse Doug Mann has been a perennial candidate in local races, running for school board eight times since 1999 and for City Council in 2005.This year he’s one of a slate of more than 10 candidates vying to be the city’s next mayor. Earlier this month he filed a court order to force the city to hold a referendum on the Vikings stadium. Doug Mann spoke with KFAI’s Trisha Collopy about the price of opposing the Vikings stadium and his plans to bring housing equity to the city. [Audio below]

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How to improve the urbanism of the new Vikings stadium

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The Stadium Implementation Committee meets July 18 and several more times in to September to advise on key design decisions related to the new Vikings stadium in downtown Minneapolis. This post is primarily concerned about the relationship of the stadium to its surrounding urban environment. In late May Oslund & Associates presented the landscape plan for the stadium, and the following are my questions, concerns and recommendations about this plan. I hope the Stadium Implementation Committee considers the following. Continue Reading

Neighbors get healthy while gettin’ down in Powderhorn Park

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Summer is finally here in Minnesota and what a better way to take advantage of it than to be active in the park. The Out in the Backyard project brings free classes in yoga and zumba to the residents of the Corcoran and other surrounding neighborhoods. Out in the Backyard began in 2008 through the partnership of Allina Health and the surrounding communities. The projects main focus is in supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people in community by offering a hub of resources online as well as activities to encourage appreciation and respect for people from all walks of life. The program emphasizes their belief that health in the community is not only a physical need but also a desire to connect with and support our neighbors. Continue Reading

Summer fun at the Midtown YWCA

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It is July, which is almost the middle of summer vacation. What fun things did you do in June? I am currently going to a fun summer camp each weekday. The name of it is Camp Butwin. We get to go horseback riding, swim in a great big pool and go on nature walks. Continue Reading

J4 Soccer Tourney at Como Park brings out an All-American celebration

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The July 4th holiday weekend marked the 33rd annual Hmong Freedom Celebration, also known as the J4 Soccer Tournament and Festival at Como Park in St. Paul. This year, for the first time, a formal invitation to attend the festival was extended to residents of the Como Park neighborhood.St. Paul City Council member Amy Brendmoen and staff at the planning organization Lao Family Community of Minnesota issued an open invitation to the residents of the Como neighborhood to visit the city’s best-known Asian community festival.“I thought this was a good idea just because we had a few years back gotten a tour,” Brendmoen said. “We had some amazing food and amazing time and it kind of de-mystified what was going on at the festival. Continue Reading