“No Shoes Mask, No Service” So, exactly how confusing ARE mask-wearing rules now? Confusing enough that I literally needed a spreadsheet (above) to keep track of everything. At least by my count, there are no fewer than six different mask possibilities in Minneapolis right now. “Minnesota Nice” Running errands in Linden Hills today, the most...Read More
Version #6: What Someone Says, Post-Neck Surgery You might not guess how versatile the expression, “I can’t look!” is. That is, at least until you undergo neck surgery (I just did). Here are all the variations I’m now aware of: One. “I can’t bear to watch (someone — or something — come to harm).” What...Read More
When the Neighbors are the Dealbreaker Prospective Buyer: “We love the house. But we could never live across the street from that pornographic statue.” Phil Dunphy: “Oh . . . huh . . . I never noticed it.” Prospective Buyer: “Yeah . . . you can see it from inside when you look out the...Read More
Identical or Fraternal? Look closely in the photo above, and you’ll see not one but two trunks at the base of this tree, located about 1/2 mile west of Minneapolis’ Cedar Lake in St. Louis Park’s Fern Hill neighborhood. The tree — make that tree(s) — command a key intersection, which give passing motorists (and...Read More
“What’s the Matter With Kansas Iowa?”** In modern English, a shibboleth can have a sociological meaning, referring to any in-group word or phrase that can distinguish members from outsiders – even when not used by a hostile other group. It is also sometimes used in a broader sense to mean jargon, the proper use of...Read More
“I’ll List Your House for $700k $750k $800k!!” Anxious Buyers aren’t the only ones bidding up home prices this year. So are some Realtors, including at least a few who should (and do) know better. Housing Market Icaruses One of the things that can happen when prospective home Sellers interview lots of agents in an...Read More
