Today’s feature photo was shot by Leigh McKolay while I was busy running my mouth, or making some sort of promise I couldn’t keep, with Jon Baugh.

Had a good couple days in Minneapolis:

01. Hung with Ryno and Sara. Come to Portland, lovebirds.

02. Showed off the city to a wide-eyed Leigh.

03. Told stories of my “old days” there. Tall tales.

04. Crossed over just about every bridge over the Mississippi.

05. Caught up with the one and only Jon Baugh for a quick drive-by.

06. Got to meet Mike Davis and get a tour of Burlesque. Nice as hell with talent that reaches from North Minneapolis to all points of the globe. Pure awesome.

07. Got to meet Mike Cina of youworkforthem, and check out their book warehouse. This is the ONLY place to buy a design book online. Take a halfwit word for it. Great, great selection, and even better service.

08. Met Jason at Space150 for a quick tour and some loose talk. Thanks for having me. Nice joint. Good energy. Interesting stair/pillow/romper room thing in between the two studios. Remember, send me yer contacts so I can get you on mag list.

09. Got denied at the Ideal Diner. They close at 2pm on Wednesdays, people.

10. Watched the debates and felt very, very good about Mr. Obama.

11. Rolled past old apartments. See item #03.

12. Picked up a copy of Lifter Puller’s “Fiestas + Fiascos” from Treehouse. On vinyl. Heck yes. My birthday splurge.

13. Had a nice supper at Cafe Ena in South Minne. Lots of fusion going on.

14. The next time I am in town, I will be hitting up Murray’s Steakhouse for real deal meal. Wow. Jon, make a reservation for the spring, or something. On the DDC.

15. Got to “man the turntables” with Ryno at a little club downtown. Turn it up.

HERE’S SOME SCENES FROM THE BIG NIGHT OUT: DDCFT08-116 “Aaron and Ryno.”

- - - -

Goddammit. I love Minneapolis. And that’s that. Thank you.

So many good signs. So many amazing designers. So many great buildings. A big river. A great skyline.