Category: Minneapolis

Thursday, 5 May 2005

Minneapolis Scobleized

by Garrick van Buren 10 Comments on Minneapolis Scobleized

Tim, Cody, Chuck and I grabbed a drink with Robert Scoble tonight. And I also met local open source CMS developer Tim Broeke from ElectricJet.

If you’re finger isn’t on the pulse of weblogs, Scoble is Microsoft’s überblogger. He was in town to start a conversation with Target. I applaud Target for this.

There are only a handful of companies people feel really passionate about. So passionate you don’t want them to get started (yeah, like me with weblogs and podcasts). These are companies that would have to do something really, really stupid for their impassioned customers to blink.

Target is one of those companies.

Jen is one of those customers. She knows Target’s different layouts. We get the Sunday Star Tribune for the Target flyer. There was a moment of silence in our house when T-1 was demo’d. I’ve talked to a number of others around the US, just as passionate.

To me, companies with a customer base this passionate are obligated to cultivate an intimate conversation. Whether this is weblogging, in its many forms, or some other community-building technique, I think that’s up for discussion and experimentation.

As always, I look forward to seeing the fruit of whatever seeds Scoble planted.

Saturday, 30 April 2005

Waiting for Tiger in Roseville

by Garrick van Buren 1 Comment on Waiting for Tiger in Roseville

Waiting For Tiger in Roseville

Yesterday, Jen asked if I needed anything at the mall. I had already placed my order for Tiger at Amazon, so I was good.

I decided to join her anyway, and stop by the other electronics big boxes scouring for a USB- or Firewire- powered 3.5″ hard drive enclosure. No luck on that yet, but I still have to hit the Micro Center in St. Louis Park.

As we walked by the Roseville Apple Store, I shot the above photo of the queue waiting to for official Tiger release. It’s nothing like Julio’s movie of the queue at the Mall of America.

Sunday, 24 April 2005

First Crack 38. The Long Term Commitment of Placemaking

by Garrick van Buren Comments Off on First Crack 38. The Long Term Commitment of Placemaking

A conversation with Minneapolis urban planners Sam Newberg, from Joe Urban, and Jay on how making a place distinct takes a hundred years.

This conversation was recorded at Keegan’s Irish Pub in Minneapolis with two Radio Shack lapel mics going into an iPod running Podzilla.

Listen to the Long Term Commitment of Placemaking [12 min]

Got questions about coffee or comments about the show? Call: 206-20-BEAN-1

Like the show? Support the First Crack Podcast

Learning from the 24 Hour Comic Challenge

by Garrick van Buren 2 Comments on Learning from the 24 Hour Comic Challenge

Yesterday, I attempted to create a 24 page comic in 24 hours. Here is what I learned from my first attempt.

  1. Have the story finished.
    I knew how the story started, that got me 6 pages along. Half way into page 7, I was stuck. Seven characters moving, a handful of relationships established, and nowhere to go. It’d be better to have a complete story ready and use the 24 hours to illustrate it.
  2. Like a marathon, training is required.
    The act of illustrating was stressful for both my brain and my hand. Numerous times throughout the 6 1/2 pages I completed, both refused to cooperate. Maybe there’s a Couch-to-5K plan for illustrators.
  3. Start early.
    I was reviewing student graphic design portfolios during the day, so the first time I put pen-to-paper was 6 hours into the 24. I should have gotten the students to help with the story.

Congrats to all those that participated and completed the challenge.

For the rest of us, next year will also have an April 23rd.

Friday, 15 April 2005

Odd Friday in Minneapolis

by Garrick van Buren 2 Comments on Odd Friday in Minneapolis

I’ve been working out of the home office most of the week. Today was my first opportunity to spend some time around the city. You know – with other people. Glad I did.

I caught a slightly-punk late-twentysomething, walking casually down Nicollet Mall with full-grown macaw on his right shoulder. Yes, they were deep in conversation.

There isn’t a Dress Like a Pirate Day – I checked – and we’re months from Talk Like a Pirate Day, so I think this is normal in his world. Sweet. I was on the phone with Kari, so no photo. Sorry.

Hey, parrot guy, if you’re reading this, I’d love to interview your macaw on my podcast.

My neighbor’s roof is being redone. I get home, settle into my office and watch one of the roofers walk to the opposite side of my house and drink from my hose. Speechless.

Thursday, 14 April 2005

First Crack 37. From Betty’s Bikes & Buns

by Garrick van Buren Comments Off on First Crack 37. From Betty’s Bikes & Buns

A big thanks to everyone that helped keep Betty’s open. Betty’s is a great independent coffee shop and I’m happy to see the community pull together and keep it open.

Tom Roe owner of Betty’s Bikes and Buns and I talk motorcycles, community, and the best coffee in Minneapolis.

The First Crack podcast website has been recently redesigned. It now has episode voting courtesy of the Votio plugin from Asymptomatic.net. I want to thank First Crack subscriber Jonas Rullo for identifying and resolving a CSS issue with the new site. Thanks Jonas and good luck on your quest for a West Bend Poppery I.

Listen to From Betty’s Bikes & Buns [18 min]

Got questions about coffee or comments about the show? Call: 206-20-BEAN-1

Like the show? Support the First Crack Podcast

Sunday, 10 April 2005

First Crack 36. The First Home Roast of the Spring

by Garrick van Buren 2 Comments on First Crack 36. The First Home Roast of the Spring

Toddy Maker Cold Brew Coffee Maker Coffee by Kenneth Davids

In celebration of the first great day of spring, I dust off the West Bend Poppery and roast up some Aged Sumatra. Then brew up some iced coffee in my Toddy Maker Cold Brew Coffee Maker.

Things mentioned:

Listen to the First Home Roast of the Spring [12 min]

Got questions about coffee or comments about the show? Call: 206-20-BEAN-1

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Friday, 8 April 2005

True Thai is Our New Thai Place.

by Garrick van Buren 3 Comments on True Thai is Our New Thai Place.

Last night, Jen and I ate at True Thai down on the south side of Minneapolis.

This was our second attempt at dining there. Attempt #1 was trying to seat a party of 6 on a Saturday night, without calling ahead = bad idea.

I haven’t been real pleased with the Minneapolis’ Thai offerings. Sawatdee‘s offerings are fair and their locations are many, and their staff is sharp. Like Dunn Bros.

There’s a bad place just north of us. Bad. Awkward service, bland offerings, bizarre staff. Like bad milk, I don’t see a need to share. Anyway – that’s not True Thai.

The only odd thing about True Thai is, well:

“I am assuming he is the owner, but, I sometimes wonder what restaurant owners do. Well, at least, what was he doing at the front desk if he was incapable of seating us? Better off letting the staff, who knows what is going on, run the show while he plays with the books. Anyway, aside from the owner who rudely passed us off to a staff member, our time at True Thai was enjoyable.”

Scott McGerik wrote this back in November of 2003, Jen and I had the exact same experience – 18 months later. Something to be said for consistency.

My side of the table was their Spinach Curry in Peanut Sauce with Mock Duck. Yes, spicy – to 11. Initially, it was exactly what I was looking for. In the end, it was a little too sweet. Jen enjoyed her bite of it. On her side of the table was the Calamari Pad Thai. You can’t go wrong with that. Can’t.

Wednesday, 30 March 2005

First Crack 34. Get Your Own Radio Show By Dave & Huna

by Garrick van Buren Comments Off on First Crack 34. Get Your Own Radio Show By Dave & Huna

Two years after their first demo, Dave and Huna got a real, over-the-air, AM call-in talk radio show on March 6, 2005. They tell you what it was like and how to do it.

More Stuff:

If you want to buy Huna’s car, send an email to firstcrack@gmail.com

Listen to Get Your Own Radio Show By Dave & Huna [31 min]

Got questions about coffee or comments about the show? Call: 206-20-BEAN-1

Like the show? Support the First Crack Podcast

First Crack 33. HourCar Brings Car Sharing to Twin Cities

by Garrick van Buren Comments Off on First Crack 33. HourCar Brings Car Sharing to Twin Cities

Kurt Fischer, Program Manager for HourCar – Minnesota’s non-profit car sharing venture, and I sat down at Nina’s Coffee on Dale and Western in St. Paul. HourCar is planning to introduce car sharing to Minnesota in early May 2005. We talk about car sharing, who is a good candidate for car sharing, and how car sharing positively impacts a community.

If you’re in the Twin Cities, this might be the easiest way to get your hands on a 2005 Toyota Prius.

Nina’s is an excellent place, old building, great decor, very popular neighborhood hangout. Unfortunately no wireless and noisy.

Links Mentioned:

Listen to HourCar Brings Car Sharing to Twin Cities [32 min]

Got questions about coffee or comments about the show? Call: 206-20-BEAN-1

Like the show? Support the First Crack Podcast