Why We're Here: Twin Cities

Somewhat a rip-off of the 50 People One Question videos that I love, but still, nice to see the Cities represented in such a lovely matter.

local: RedBlackBrown calendar

I was pleased as punch to see that local design collective RedBlackBrown has their 2011 calendars up for sale! As an avid fortune collector myself, I just may have to purchase one of these beauteous screenprinted gems.

Some of my favorite months below. Be sure to check their site for better images and a chance to buy!

(images via redblackbrown)

local find: Peace Coffee Shop

I had the best time Sunday morning chatting with a friend over a hot cup of coffee at the new Peace Coffee Shop.

I could go on and on about Peace Coffee (they have been around since 1996–their history and ethics are super interesting, check out their site for more info) but in my mind the best part about them is that they're good a what they do- coffee!!

I toured their facilities last summer through AIGA MN's sustainability group reDesign, and the people we met were so incredibly kind. With coffee in hand we were shown the bean bins, the roasters, the cupping room and told all about their LEED certified building. Not to mention told about how they deliver their beans around Mpls by bike (yes! even in the winter).

Long story short, go to their new shop and enjoy a welcoming environment and a good cup of coffee.

Images from the peacecoffeeshop.com

MN State Fair Trivia

I'm actually not the biggest fan of the state fair (big crowds, expensive food and smelly livestock), but it still holds a special place in my heart. We went several times throughout my childhood, I've entered several quilts into the fair's Creative Arts building (I got a ribbon both times, thankyouverymuch) and I worked for a day during college in the University of Minnesota building.

I am, however, a huge fan of trivia. Behold MN State Fair trivia, courtesy of the fair website.

What year was the first Minnesota State Fair held?

Where can you find a listing of this year’s State Fair foods at your fingertips?

The 330-foot Space Tower was built in Germany, and shipped to what Minnesota city before being loaded onto 20 trucks to finally arrive at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds?

Where can you find 100 State Fair coupons offering savings on food, merchandise and attractions?

What year was the first Minnesota State Fair held on the current fairgrounds?

Where are almost 170 baby animals born during the 12 days of the fair?

What were the fairgrounds before they were the Minnesota State Fairgrounds?

What special event took place at the fairgrounds on June 20, 1910?

When did the State Fair attendance first top the one million mark?

What is the Minnesota State Fair’s all-time attendance record and when was it?

Who broke the all-time record for the most tickets sold to a single Grandstand show?

At what attraction can kids feed a chicken, stroll through an apple orchard and “purchase” produce all while learning about the Minnesota agricultural process?

Which United States President gave one of his most famous speeches at the State Fair?

What famous composer appeared at the fair in 1927?

During a typical year, how many gallons of milk are served at the American Dairy Association’s all-you-can-drink concession?

Where can you witness a slap shot, 360 and a wheelie all in one location?

When was the pronto pup introduced at the State Fair?

Where can you enjoy the former Children’s Theater entertainment and get a tan at the same time?

When can you receive discounts on food, merchandise, and Mighty Midway and Kidway rides and games just by walking though the gates?

When did the first merry-go-round appear at the fair?

In what year was the first Princess Kay of the Milky Way crowned?

How much did famous racehorse, Dan Patch, sell for in 1902?

What is the most popular flavor of pies entered in the creative activities baked goods category?

Which Grandstand performers have won the Country Music Association’s Vocal Duo of the Year Award more than any other group?

What are the two oldest buildings on the fairgrounds?

What year was the first nighttime Grandstand show?

When was the Minnesota State Fair Foundation founded?

Approximately, how many rolls of toilet paper are used during the fair?

Dan Patch Avenue on the State Fairgrounds was named after whom?

Why wasn’t there a fair in 1946?

How much butter is used to sculpt the likeness of Princess Kay of the Milky Way?

What year was the world’s most productive cow exhibited at the fair?

How long would it take the average cow to produce all the milk served during the fair's 12-day run at the All-You-Can-Drink milk booth?

What past Grandstand performer has made the most appearances at the State Fair?

On average, what’s the total number of corn dogs typically consumed by fair visitors each year?

Name the U.S. presidents that have visited the State Fair at one time during their life.

In acres, how large is the fairgrounds?

Which fair food contains the most calories?

What famous author described the Minnesota State Fair in his poem, “A Night at the Fair” in 1928?

Which event teaches Seniors how to stretch their muscles, how to stretch their prescription dollars and how to add steps to their days?

What is the oldest ride on the fairgrounds?

No cheating! Answers tomorrow.

Yes, Please: Posters

If anyone needs any ideas on what to get me for a housewarming present, look no further than the latest from Adam Turman (one of my uber fav local designer/illustrators).

I hadn't been to his site in a while, but a post over at rockstarwantabe led me back and oh how excited I was to see some of his new stuff.

I already have this rocking test print that I snagged during the Art Attack at the Northrup king building last year, and I would love to expand my collection.

(the test print I already own... and LOVE)

A few of my favorites (all images from Adam's site):

(San Fran!)

(Target Field, the Twins fan in me wants it... a lot)

(Isn't this a perfect way to collect them?! Postcards!)