apple juice

oh yes. dunkin’ donuts is coming to minneapolis.

i thought this day would never come.

Making pancakes with my pancake batter dispenser.

Thanks andrea!

Posted by Wordmobi

The Vice-Presidential Debate

Eloquently stated… McCain’s Integrity.

Obama is closing the gap in California:

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in California shows Hillary Clinton with a very narrow three-percentage point lead over Barack Obama. The survey was conducted in the hours immediately following Florida’s Presidential Primary and before John Edwards dropped out of the race.

First off, if you haven’t been reading MinnPost, you’re missing a lot of great stories.

But, I do have one problem with this (otherwise excellent) story about the troubles facing condo owners and potential owners.

There is a lot of discussion given to mixed-use developments, pointing out that lenders are growing wary of these types of developments. Mixed-use developments are those that include a mix of commercial, retail, rental and residential space (think first-floor coffee shop, condos upstairs). However, there is little discussion about the fact that mixed-use developments are desirable for healthy and vital neighborhoods. They almost got there with this quote:

“Our policies encouraging mixed-use development along transit corridors are still standing and still strong.” — Barbara Sporlein, director of planning for Minneapolis.

Ok, good, but why are we encouraging this?

I think support for mixed-use developments would grow when there is greater coverage given to why it is important for an urban area. (See also “I live downtown; where is the closest grocery store?” and “Places you can stand in Chicago and see two Starbucks stores with lines out the door”)

I just saw Obama on the tonight show. I thought he did an excellent job. I’m feeling the hope again. Leno, on the other hand, bugs me:

Leno: I can’t believe leaving your socks around the house is an issue.

Obama: Yes, it really distracts from the real issues like health care, social security, the environment.

Leno: So, how does leaving your socks around the house inform your policy on Iraq?

Pretty much like that. I know, I know, it’s the tonight show. But would it kill them to debate a policy, talk about an issue? Instead they ask about being related to Cheney, flag pins, socks in the house, etc.