Wow, I never realized how many different Web sites track the traffic in the Twin Cities.
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In response to the post that Erica wrote about, I too am a little unsettled by this event. I work in Calhoun Square at ComedySportz. I WAS working at ComedySportz at the time of the event. We heard word that something big had gone down outside between shows, but had no idea what was going on. Now that I DO know, it creeps me out more than you can possibly know. The fact that we went on and did our ten thirty show completely unawares to what just gone down outside is odd to me. A whole throng of people parked in the lot right across the street and came upstairs to watch a comedy show. We were goofy and they laughed. But outside something horrible had happened. No one seemed to take notice. My heart goes out to the family affected by this travesty. I also know there is nothing I can say to make it better. I just really hope they catch who ever did this. Until then, I probably won’t feel nearly as safe walking to my car after work…

As much as people seem to think otherwise, I’ve never really felt unsafe since I moved into Uptown. I don’t generally have qualms walking around in the evening. Especially on the weekend, because even though I grumble about the traffic, what could happen with all those extra people walking out and about?

So it’s a little unsettling to hear that a woman was robbed and her son shot at 31st & Girard last night around 10:00. The woman willingly gave up her purse and they still shot the son in the head.

Right outside of Calhoun Square. I’ve parked on that block of Girard when I need to go into Calhoun Square. As a matter of fact, I just did last week, trying to get to Starbucks before it closed.

That definitely makes me nervous.

I saw folks with signs and police cars and a crowd on Hennepin, just north of Lagoon. I was on my way to work so I didn’t have a chance to investigate. I saw a KSTP van parked nearby, too. Anybody got any scoop on it?

Martin Sabo will announce tomorrow that he won’t be seeking re-election. He’s been representing Minneapolis and the 5th District for 28 years.

I didn’t live in his district when he last got re-elected, but since I moved here I’ve been following his voting record. It’s a little hard to understand what’s actually being voted on, but for the most part I like what I see.

They’re expecting the campaigns for his seat to be super expensive. It’ll be a dogfight, I’m sure.

Apparently, roundabaouts are the new new thing in easing traffic congestion.

The Star Tribune and MPR have both recently reported on a few metro area cities that have put in roundabouts or will be in the near future.

The benefit supposedly lies in that 1) no one actually has to stop as you would for a traffic light or stop sign, keeping traffic moving; but 2) it does force you to slow down, improving safety.

According to MNDOT traffic engineer Ken Johnson, the way to use a roundabout is, “As you come up to it, if there’s a gap, go. If not, wait.”

Seems simple enough, but I know these damn things drive me nuts in practice. It’s the whole thing about an inner vs outer lane. Are there two lanes? Can I exit to the right from this inner lane? Can I tell from the signage which street I’m about to get on? Because I couldn’t just keep going straight to stay on this road and now I’m all disoriented.

Morning Snowplow Commute

Yet another dump of snow on us last night. One March snow emergency was quite enough, thanks! Also: the drive in was particularly interesting. Everyone forgot how to drive since Monday.

Oh, and Erica: Minneapolis parking restrictions begin at 9 PM tonight.

The City Pages’ 2006 Best of the Twin Cities ballot is now online. Go go go!

I think I’ve only actually voted once, but I like the whole thing in principle.

(tipped off by CP’s own Culture To Go)

I’m usually out of town with friends for St. Patrick’s Day, but this year I’m around and so I’ll be running the 10k portion of the St. Patrick’s 5k & 10k at Lake Calhoun on Sunday morning. The race is sponsored by Running Room and benefits the Shad Ireland Foundation.

The Shad Ireland Foundation allows dialysis patients who suffer from kidney failure the revolutionary opportunity to improve their quality of life and to pursue their life long goals by positively incorporating physical fitness and education into their daily lives.

Word is Shad Ireland himself will be running. Shad is the only kidney dialysis patient ever to compete in and complete an Ironman Triathlon. I’m sure he’ll be done running long before I ever cross the finish line.

You can still sign up if you’re interested. Either register online or stop by the Uptown Running Room (on the corner of 28th and Hennepin).

Given the snow we just got (and are expecting tonight), I am now questioning the sanity of this choice, but I’m trying to look at it as a test of my mettle. Especially since I already chickened out on the Winter Carnival Frozen Half Marathon.

It turns out this isn’t really new news, but I just discovered within the last few days that Rex Hardware at 26th and Lyndale is closed down. I don’t know if you could call myself a frequent shopper there, but I’ve had keys made, and when I moved into my new apartment, I bought some bathroom stuff there. I bought my first toilet plunger at Rex Hardware.

From what I can gather, the owner decided to retire, and the building has been bought by the owner of French Meadow, who is still deciding what to do with the property.