The Skyline (such as it is)
by zrim
St. Paul is the capital city of Minnesota, but it does not quite have the same commercial panache as that of its sibling, Minneapolis. Several modern skyscrapes comprise the Minneapolis skyline, in fact there is very little that remains of the original turn of the century buildings in Minneapolis. In St. Paul, however, with a few notable exceptions, the downtown remains mired in a post World War II look and feel. The energy is not quite there despite the new Excel Energy hockey arena.
The Quadriga
by yooperprof
A "Quadriga" is a sculptural set of four horses dashing onward, pulling a resplendent chariot. Minnesota's Quadriga was the work of master sculptor Daniel Chester French (1850-1931), who is best known for his massive sculpture of seated Abraham Lincoln, at the beloved Lincoln Memorial in Washington. Here, French worked in collaboration with his partner Edward Potter.
Every figure in the Quadriga is symbolic. The four horses are said to represent the elements: Earth,Wind, Fire and Air. The two women driving the horses are Industry and Agriculture, and the man who is getting a ride in the chariot is Prosperity, journeying into the glorious future.
There's another well-known Quadriga atop the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. I'll be seeing _that_ Quadriga later in 2004.
Biking/Walking Path Etiquette
by goodfish
Many of the great paths around our urban lakes, parks and riverfront areas are split into two - one for walkers/runners and one for bikers/bladers. Look for markings indicating which is which, or just watch what others are doing and follow along. These paths can converge at points so if there's just one walkway and it doesn't have indicated lanes for biking/walking, just stay right and let faster traffic go around you.
If biking or blading a combined path, PLEASE give walkers/runners advance warning that you're approaching from behind and about to pass ("On your left!") and always keep your speed down. This is more than a courtesy - it's usually a posted safety rule. It's very easy for leashed dogs, children and faster walkers/runners to unexpectedly stray into, or pass via, the left side and into your path. Walkers/runners, do the bikers a favor and keep ipod volumes low enough to hear their warnings.
Take time to tailgate!
by bluecamper
There's more to Minnesota baseball than just the Twins. Saint Paul, our beautiful capital city, is the home of the Saint Paul Saints who play for the Northern League.
Last Summer I was tailgating before a game when I was invited to participate as the "Grand Fan of the Game." All I would have to do is suit up in a whole lot of velcro and be stuck to a billboard in right field for as long as I could stand it. Of course, I said yes! it was an exhilarating 9-innings--and I came away with a little soreness and a big cash reward.
Saints games are known for a great time--as much for the baseball as for the atmosphere. You can watch the entire game from a hot tub in center field or get a haircut, for instance. The announcers are hilarious and there are plenty of stunts between innings.
The team mascot is a pig named "Mudonna." And Bill Murray is part owner of the team. Life doesn't get any better than a Saints game in the Summer!
Thier motto is "Fun is good"
'nuf said. IcyHot, if you plan to go for the "GrandFan" title...
Otherwise just you, your friends, and a healthy appetite for popcorn, beer and hotdogs!
Go Saints! Fun IS Good!
"Skygate" installation
by yooperprof
Created by New York arstist R. M. Fischer in 2000 as part of the "New Millenium" project in St. Paul. Corner of Fifth and Wasbasha.
Incidentally, there was a arts scandal about Skygate - it started to rust dramatically immediately after unveiling. Only in 2004 was the piece given the necessary treatment to enable it to survive in the outdoor environment it was intended for.
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Summit Avenue Residence
Kitchen, JJ Hill House
Fireplace on the patio
Patrick McGovern's Patio
