BELSIZE PARK

40 seconds of clarity?

Yesterday afternoon, as I sat at my desk at work, I briefly saw the world, my world, as if I were about eight years old again. Bear with me, it wasn't anything mystical. More like subjective nostalgia really. Maybe just a result of emotional fatigue caused by a job that impedes more than it enables...

I was searching for this journal record and suddenly it seemed odd to me that I was sitting at a desk where only adults were permitted. I looked around the desk and saw all the accouterments of what I knew to be the work world and wondered a bit about the screen. As I did the feeling lifted and the task at hand seemed familiar. The experience quickly brought up memories of waiting at my father's office when I was a boy. Now that I think about it,  I never wanted to work there either.

I wonder if, when we are young, we are really as confused as we think we are or do we just see a strange world clearly?

Spring

The spring humidity has arrived in Minnesota signaling the end of enjoyable weather for another five months. Have already spotted those of Nordic descent sitting on benches, faces upturned, worshiping the rare and weak sun god. In a few days they will migrate north to their cabins and continue their devotions at their wet alter, "the lake." Sacraments of bait, lures, children and jet-skis will be offered. Daily pilgrimages will be made to the liquor store and choirs of sports broadcasts will lift, or depress, spirits. I will stay here in the city and plan for other shores.

Minnesota State Fair

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police

One of these people is not real.

And I'm not talking about personalities or hair coloring!

Tango

Saturday morning in Loring Park

Plastic houses

Remember my rant about the inhumane housing being thrown up here in Middle America? Remember the picture of the Styrofoam building material? Well, this is what we're going to spread out over Afghanistan. More profit for the petrochemical goons. More disregard for the real needs of the vanquished.

Willow striking leather

Minnesota Bhakta SC defending the wicket. For all the details: www.minnesotacricket.org.

The Art Car Parade

Or....Hoods in the 'Hood.

(click on the pix to see the artistry)

The Cork Car. often seen in the Mpls. Warehouse District. But it's not a car I hear you say. This is Art, dear reader, Facts don't count.

Kharma Kar.

Fridge magnets. Does this imply utility...or a lack of commitment?

Speaks for itself.

"Mercedes Bones" But it's a Volvo you cry. Again, those pesky facts!

Morgan L'Argent, genius. It looks as normal as any badly upholstered couch can sailing down the street at 15 mph. There are even potato chip crumbs under the cushions. Electric powered with the ability to spin end-around-end this sofa can rocket your no-longer-welcome guests across the yard and down the street with remote control ease. That's the remote in the inventor's lap. For more...couchmobile.com

He rode this to the Senate and into our hearts.

Thank God someone has come up with a use for a leaf blower that doesn't involve driving the neighbors nuts.

Power wagon.

Caffeine freak.

My old classmate MJL piloting the House of Balls (212 3rd Ave. N.) flagship around the parade's first turn. Doesn't the pink hair set off her eyes well! And ain't art fun!?

No pictures this time.

Last Saturday afternoon, as I sat watching a cricket match at Bohanon Field, I heard what sounded like fireworks going off. Since this is summer and the fireworks laws have been loosened up a bit I thought nothing of it. Then the police sirens started up and just kept coming. Dear reader, I know this is the middle of America and it's our culture but what is it with guns? What can ten bullets pumped into someone accomplish? More shooting?

I'll gladly show the picture I took of the aftermath of this shooting to anyone who believes that handguns should be legal in this country. I'd like to watch their face. You can learn a lot by watching someone's face.

Last evening's block party...

There were balloons...

There were bands...

There were feats of strength...

...and royalty.

The ambulances were quiet...

But the Irish pub was not...

The comedians began their night on the sidewalk...

And I ended mine on the road.