Flat Venice

Flashback.

Venetion lagoon in downtown Minneapolis? But where is Flat Stanley?

City Stairs

City Center Escilators.

Bus Que

The Nicollet Mall.

Open to bus and taxi traffic only. Bicyclists too. A cold Saturday we see here as we pedestrians get around downtown via the skyway system. As I have said, the Nicollet Mall is closed to all vehicles except mass transportation. Yet there are the occasional wayward automobiles that turned the wrong way.

This reminds me of a story years ago in the early 1980's. I was driving with a good buddy of mine, scoping out restaurants for our prom dates. Frustrated and lost, he says take a left. I did so without question. Yep, you guessed it, right, (or left as it were) onto the Nicollet Mall. I dodged a couple busses while cruising 3 blocks down the Mall before we realized our error. I escaped the incident, ticketless.

Ah, the good 'ol days.

Green Roof

Minneapolis City Hall and Hennepin County Courthouse

Blue Posting

On the threshhold of Oz. http://northmetro.blogspot.com/2008/03/yellow-brick-stairs.html

Lyon's View

Street view down 6th Street From Lyon's Pub to Murray's and beyond.

Hard Rock Minneapolis

That is one big guitar. Much too big for playing Guitar Hero. View taken from the skyway thru the dirty glass window.

Skyway Bridging

Anglescape

Yet another Minneapolis skyway. This time in black and white. Linear and angular, bright and dark. Repetative geometry with appealing symmetry.

Portrait of a Watch Dog

Happy Easter! Tomorrow we celebrate Easter Sunday. I have nothing qeued for Sunday's post or for 2 Things Challenge. This has been a hectic week at work and with a family member's funeral earlier in the week.

Instead, I give you this, a portrait of a Watch Dog, our dog Winston.

Free Parking

For two wheelers. Seen on the Nicollet Mall.

Lyons on 6th

Home away from home, Lyon's Pub. Back in the day, countless hours and many pints of Guinness have been enjoyed here back at Lyon's Pub. It was like a homecoming to gather after our photoshoot for dinner and a beer. Guinness of course.

Reflective Twist

Somewhere downtown Minneapolis, shot thru the skyway window.

Hang On

Back by Nope's demand; music for your enjoyment. Seems he missed the mini concert here at the northmetro blogspot.

I queued up Pink Martini's tune, "Hang On Little Tomato" to go with this photo I took last November. I liked the colors, and oddly enough, it is similar to Pink Martini's album (CD) Hang On Little Tomato.

I like this photo, I originally called it Determination, "when times are tough, hang on tight. Courage, Hope, Perseverance. When everyone else has bailed and let go; be strong, hold on to the bitter end and make a difference".

My wife and I made it to the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul in record time to see Pink Martini in person. We were pleased to see this performance. China Forbes can really sing, just like an angel. The opening tune was their rendition of "Bolero". "Lilly" was beautifully mastered as was "Hang on Little Tomato". My personal favorite, "Una Notte a Napoli" was outstanding.

If you ever get a chance to see them in person, do it! You will not be disappointed. Better yet, buy all three of their albums...er...CD's; Sympathique, Hang On Little Tomato, and Hey Eugene.

For more information, Pink Martini

Skyway Blues

Skyway over the mall in detail. The skyway system in Minneapolis is an elevated enclosed connecting "bridge" from one building to the next above traffic. This is a great way to get around the downtown area without stepping outside when the temperature has warmed up to -25 F, -31 C.

Yellow Brick Stairs

This doesn't look like Kansas, Toto!

Stairway down from Gaviidae Common, downtown Minneapolis.

But it looks more like something Deney Terrio dreamed up.

Sidewalk Hydrant

As seen on the Nicollet Mall from the skyway above. This photo is from a photo shoot I was on with 13 other fellow photographers for our Tips From The Top Floor Minnesota Get Together (TFTTF MN TGT #3).

Our venue, the skyway system of downtown Minneapolis. Six times building security asked us to either please leave the premisis, stop taking photos, or both. We complied spending more time in the skyways.

I had a great time meeting fellow photo enthusiests and spending the afternoon with eachother. I am looking forward to future photoshoots. Until then, enjoy my version of the Minneapolis skyways.