Microblog

Visited Chicago’s Wrightwood 659, a new exhibition space designed by Tadao Ando. The current installation showcases Ando and Le Corbusier, an early influence on Ando. In one gallery, models built by Ando’s students of Le Corbusier’s designs, are displayed in chronological order.

Went on an architecture walk in Chicago, led by a wonderful volunteer docent.

On my Downtown walk, the windows of the Marquette Hotel distorted and reflected while the Foshay Tower stood tall.

Posted Finding Tadao Ando.

After admiring the extensive selection of oysters at Coastal Seafoods, opted for Atlantic salmon. On Tuesdays, seniors get 20% off everything.

Visited the new Bell Museum of natural history where I experienced a digital planetarium for the first time.

Last night’s snow was sliding off Mill City Museum as I walked in search of splashes of color.

Spent all day figuring out light bulbs. Settled on SORAA bulbs with these specs: Power: 7.5W, 9; Color temperature: 2700K (warm); Color Rendering Index: 95% (accurate); Beam: 10°, 25°, 36°, 60°. Incandescents were so much easier.

Enjoyed a murder at Theatre in the Round, the longest-running theater in Minneapolis: Agatha Christie’s “Go Back for Murder.” The staging of the second act was brilliant.

Walked Downtown to do errands. Paused to enjoy the patterns and symmetries in some of the hundreds of carefully cut marble slabs that side this 1966 building. It was designed by starchitect Minoru Yamasaki for the (then) Northwestern National Life Insurance Company.

As the sun rose, I jogged.

Posted Northern Pacific Bridge Number 9.

Walked around the University of Minnesota with a friend, barging into buildings. We found a display of books that have been banned in some United States correctional facilities. Apparently Annie Proulx is dangerous. Maybe the Physicians’ Desk Reference could be used as a weapon.

Workers were still screwing down the decking as we walked to an island in the Mississippi close to downtown Minneapolis. The bridge had been closed for several months for a thorough restoration. With its reopening, I get back my running route.

On my chilly cycle ride, started hearing “oompah, oompah, …” then a contingent from the University of Minnesota Marching Band appeared. They were warming up their instruments on their way to the 57th Annual Marching Band Indoor Concert at the Northrop.

Started planning a hike with friends through England’s Lake District.