Minneapolis Metblogs » Wes

35W Bridge on track for early finish

Wes — Mon, 05 May 2008 00:50:17 +0000

The StarTribune is reporting that the new 35W Bridge is on track to open in September. The expected date is currently September 15th, which would also result in the maximum financial incentive of $20 million.

Going back to the old bridge for a moment, I found this interesting video of it being built in 1967, courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society.

Robin Williams coming to Minneapolis

Wes — Fri, 02 May 2008 12:27:22 +0000

I was hoping to sit on this story to improve my odds of getting tickets, but I’ve already had two people call me this morning about it so word seems to be out. A true master of comedy, Robin Williams, is coming to Minneapolis Tuesday-Thursday. Even more surprising than his visit is the venue - Acme Comedy Co. Just 275 people a night will get to see Robin in the intimate quarters at Acme.

Tickets go on sale Monday at 10AM for $50 each. Save me one :/

Star Tribune 100

Wes — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 02:07:41 +0000

This past weekend the latest version of the Star Tribune 100 came out. This is an annual report on Minnesota’s top 100 publicly held companies - most of which are right here in the Twin Cities area.

The headline in the paper said it all - “in the black, but blue.” While the list performed fairly well, many of our local companies are taking a stock beating expected during a ”recession.” Here’s to better times ahead. (please)

Biking gets easier

Wes — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 22:40:29 +0000

It looks like biking will be easier in Minneapolis soon. When I lived on the north side I would make pretty good use of my bike to get around and found the biggest trouble was sharing the pothole-filled roads with cars. It was pretty cool to ride into downtown or over to the UofM campus and realize I hadn’t spent any fuel (and thus money) getting there.

With the turn in weather for the better, I have been trying to run more local errands on my bike. I have found getting around in the suburbs hasn’t been as hard as I thought it would. Sidewalks are pretty much empty, so there’s no bike vs. pedestrian conflict there, and it keeps me off the road with the H2’s. So far I’ve done stuff that hasn’t required carrying much - the bank, post office, or picking up bagels. Anyone have experience using a bike almost exclusively, even for tasks like grocery shopping?

Oh, and if you’re on the fence about biking, or any exercising really - take note that it’s apparently good for your brain as well!

Finally, it’s warm!

Wes — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:43:36 +0000

While this surreal picture doesn’t show it, it’s finally starting to feel like spring in Minnesota. What that really means is not shorts and sandals, but orange cones and detours. Yes, it’s the start of the “second season” – road construction.

On a trip from Bloomington to Uptown yesterday, I passed through at least 6 construction zones. The one that really peaked my curiosity was the American Boulevard bridge over I-35W. With this bridge just being completed a couple years ago, I really had to find out what was going on. According to the City of Bloomington website, the abutment is sinking but “structurally the bridge is sound.” Next time I think I’ll just continue in ignorance.

If you’re in Minneapolis, you will have to contend with road construction and some street sweeping parking restrictions that start today. Find out the schedule for your street from this tool on the city website. You might also receive an automated call (no guarantees, though!) if you have a listed phone number.

Despite the start of transportation woes, it will be nice to finally go outside without a coat. Today’s forecast calls for a high of 70 degrees. Personally, I’m hoping it starts staying in that range.