A strange thing happened as I was jogging around a lake a few days before the 2016 US presidential election. In my November 1, 2016 post I wrote: A diminutive older woman was trying to catch my attention. She announced proudly in a Russian accent that she was voting for the Republican candidate for President. “Very…… Continue reading Russia in Minneapolis
Author: Tom Wilson
The Time I Was Summoned to “The Kremlin”
It’s 1960. My maternal grandfather, my Aunt Madge, my brother, and I had been summoned to “the Kremlin.” Madge consistently referred to her brother’s Glasgow home as “the Kremlin.” This reflected her disconnect with her brother, Malcolm. He was clearly keeping his distance from the rest of the family, possibly for good reasons. The backstory…… Continue reading The Time I Was Summoned to “The Kremlin”
MSP Terminal 1 by Bicycle
Today I did my annual bike ride to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, MSP. On previous rides to the airport, I’ve visited Terminal 2. This time I wanted to take my bicycle to Terminal 1. However, it’s not possible to cycle to Terminal 1 without running afoul of the law. MSP has two terminals: Terminal 1-Lindbergh, with 117…… Continue reading MSP Terminal 1 by Bicycle
Taking It to the Streets
It took an invitation from a friend for us to do it. Last week, Dwight and I found ourselves picking up trash from a main drag that runs through our neighborhood. All the way back to childhood, I’m grateful for friends appealing to my better instincts. Sometimes appeals to people’s worst instincts are strong motivators.…… Continue reading Taking It to the Streets
The Show Had to Go On
When she was a child, my mother was acting up. My grandmother pointed to a little girl sitting passively across the room: “Why can’t you be like her?” My mother retorted: “Nobody is paying attention to her.” She was probably a little older than the toddler uncomfortably propped on the chair in the photograph at…… Continue reading The Show Had to Go On
Bibimbap: Korean Comfort Food
Since my last visit to South Korea in 2017, I have come to crave the comfort of Korean-style rice bowls: rice topped with little heaps of meat, vegetables, and a soft-cooked egg. Yolk permeating rice is one of life’s great pleasures. The photo at the top of this post shows a fine example awaiting my…… Continue reading Bibimbap: Korean Comfort Food
Love Hotel Amenity
[wp_quiz id=”1823″] I have nothing against love hotels as places for courting couples to get some privacy for a couple hours, or a traveler to get a cheap bed for the night if they can wait until late night to check in. I have issues with other uses that involve exploitation. I took the photos…… Continue reading Love Hotel Amenity
Drooped Antenna on a Pole
[wp_quiz id=”2011″] There are about 40 of these devices scattered around the Minneapolis and St. Paul downtowns, and the campuses of the University of Minnesota. This one is across the road from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. It consists of a box, an antenna, and a solar panel. The antenna is always drooped, as…… Continue reading Drooped Antenna on a Pole
Standing at the Edge of Creation
October 1983, Hawaii Big Island: I stand against an expanse of blackness, some of the newest terrain on Earth. I set the self-timer on my Canon AE-1 film camera, then dash into the field of view for a self-portrait. “Selfies” would have to wait until the 21st century. I walk around nearby Halemaumau Crater as…… Continue reading Standing at the Edge of Creation
A Suspicious-Looking Backpack
[wp_quiz id=”1930″] Picture the scene yesterday. We’re in the meticulously restored Minnesota Governor’s reception room. The older nephew is listening intently to a short presentation. The younger one is wandering around at the back of the room looking for some object that he could climb. Dwight and I stand by, waiting to intervene if necessary.…… Continue reading A Suspicious-Looking Backpack