so long, and thanks for all the tator tots.
On Sunday, the Uptown Bar in Minneapolis closes for good. The neighborhood has changed so much since I first moved down here twenty years ago, but the Uptown has always (and long before that) been a mainstay. It's not closing due to poor business, but instead because the owner has decided to sell the property to redevelopers. Because the guy is doing it to provide financial security for his family, no one is really vilifying him, justly so. It's a noble reason, even if the nobility will result

shameless plug: 99, 99, 99...
One of the most interesting places for art happenings around town is the Soap Factory. Located near Downtown Minneapolis just on the other side of the riverbank, it's an industrial space with the ability to convert into whatever its current exhibit needs. The floors are wood-slats and concrete. The walls are brick and gallery-friendly white. I've seen paintings, sculpture, interactive installations and performance in this space, all well done shows that might not be done in another venue. Last month, I had the fortunate pleasure to be part of a craft show held there as part of the local Handmad

let me ask YOU a question
Do you have a go-to bag? What makes it so?This is partially market research, but also for my own curiosity. While I made the purse I use everyday, I did not make the bag I consider to be my go-to tote. So while I examine what makes that one "Ol' Reliable" for me, I would like to know why your bag appeals to you. Is it the size? The material? The versatility? I'd love to learn what kind of bag you have, and why you believe it's the one. Obviously, I would like to be the maker of one's kismet carry-all. It's important that what I make is as functional as can be. But as each of us are different, getting more insight on what makes a connection would be most hel