FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[AO]

I'm thinking about heading over to the Mall of America for a couple of hours one evening. I haven't been there in years. How's the place held up? Is there anything new, interesting, and worthwhile? Any restaurant recommendations?

There is light rail to Minneapolis. Travel at your own risk after sundown......

As one of a few metro posters here I will speak for the majority of males in the Twin Cities and  say that most of us avoid MOA. My two daughters love the place though. If you like shopping you will do well there. MOA has improved the safety issues by implementing a curfew for kids under 17 or 18 so it should be a good experience. No idea where to eat but your cab driver will have a good recomendation.

MOA isn't too crazy this time of the year, especially with the weather this nice.  They've done a lot of renovations recently going after a little more luxury feel.   If you're not looking for the Bloomington equivalent of Manny's and just want a quick meal I can fully recommend Burger Burger.  It's sort of a Shake Shack with a full bar.

[OzJohnnie]

Here's quite an exciting game from the weekend between the Western Bulldogs and Adelaide. Tight from beginning to finish.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SX6yhXRJObI

And here's the Hawthorn v Richmond game for you Hawk fans. Not that good, only close because of average skills until midway through the third quarter when Hawthorn finally turned it on and blew the Tigers away.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Flk1QHU1raE

[BDB]

Hey bennie,

I am looking for your take on the NHL playoffs so far. Sorry retagent, the Caps might make it to 6 games but the Penguins are my pick for the Finals. And Chicago Tommie, your guys are out. Understandably so. What a run.

Blues/Penguins Stanley Cup final bennie? All I know is, watching the best hockey players in the world playing at their highest effort and any game called by Doc Emrick is just plain good GREAT entertainment. 

[faunch]

I'll be spending a few days in the Twin Cities next week. I booked a room at what appears to be a new Hyatt Regency in Bloomington. Is anyone familiar with the place? If so, any opinions? I usually stay downtown, but from the website this Hyatt looks pretty good.

I'm thinking about heading over to the Mall of America for a couple of hours one evening. I haven't been there in years. How's the place held up? Is there anything new, interesting, and worthwhile? Any restaurant recommendations?

To be honest I don't know why anyone would waste anytime at the MOA?  I only go there if there is something I really need...no I don't even do that.  And really....why would such a distinguished graduate of U$T ever waste time at MOA?  Complete waste of time.

Restaurants:
Minneapolis: Butcher and the Boar, Surly Brew Pub, Sea Salt (@ Minnhaha Falls)
Downtown St. Paul: Ox Cart Ale House, Public, Dark Horse, Meritage

[Mr.MIAC]

I'll be spending a few days in the Twin Cities next week. I booked a room at what appears to be a new Hyatt Regency in Bloomington. Is anyone familiar with the place? If so, any opinions? I usually stay downtown, but from the website this Hyatt looks pretty good.

I'm thinking about heading over to the Mall of America for a couple of hours one evening. I haven't been there in years. How's the place held up? Is there anything new, interesting, and worthwhile? Any restaurant recommendations?

To be honest I don't know why anyone would waste anytime at the MOA?  I only go there if there is something I really need...no I don't even do that.  And really....why would such a distinguished graduate of U$T ever waste time at MOA?  Complete waste of time.

Restaurants:
Minneapolis: Butcher and the Boar, Surly Brew Pub, Sea Salt (@ Minnhaha Falls)
Downtown St. Paul: Ox Cart Ale House, Public, Dark Horse, Meritage

Well everyone likes to go slumming now and then. Actually, I worked at a store in the MOA during ycollege so maybe there's some nostalgia involved. What's that you say? Tommies actually have to work during college? Consider your mind blown.

I visited Surly and Butcher and Boar--two great places--on my last visit. Thanks for the recommendations. Ox Cart and Meritage look especially good.

[OldAuggie]

More information on the expanding Augsburg campus:

http://m.startribune.com/health-partners-costs-augsburg-s-campus-and-prince-s-estate-are-growing/378349631/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=dlvr.it

[OzJohnnie]

Here's the Trip Advisor search for the Twin Cities, my first go to place for dining recommendations in unfamiliar cities (and for finding new ideas in Melbourne).

https://www.tripadvisor.com/MobileRestaurantSearch?itags=10591&geo=43323&deals=&autorac=&cat=&pid=&zfn=&zfr=&zfp=&clearRacParams=true

[57Johnnie]

I'll be spending a few days in the Twin Cities next week. I booked a room at what appears to be a new Hyatt Regency in Bloomington. Is anyone familiar with the place? If so, any opinions? I usually stay downtown, but from the website this Hyatt looks pretty good.

I'm thinking about heading over to the Mall of America for a couple of hours one evening. I haven't been there in years. How's the place held up? Is there anything new, interesting, and worthwhile? Any restaurant recommendations?

A good Polish boy from Chicago should try the pierogi sampler at Jax

[retagent]

Hey bennie,

I am looking for your take on the NHL playoffs so far. Sorry retagent, the Caps might make it to 6 games but the Penguins are my pick for the Finals. And Chicago Tommie, your guys are out. Understandably so. What a run.

Blues/Penguins Stanley Cup final bennie? All I know is, watching the best hockey players in the world playing at their highest effort and any game called by Doc Emrick is just plain good GREAT entertainment. 

You're dead to me.

Seriously, I've been here before - too often. I still think the Caps could flip the script, but that would take the officials to actually see the game. Just one example. Ovechkin's going down the right side, carrying the puck, no sight blockage by a mass of players. He gets high sticked in the mouth. Nothing!!! As Gags once said, he'd send the refs Christmas cards, but he couldn't find any in Braille. They've missed obvious calls, both ways, but the Caps have been hurt more IMO.

To even pick those crying whiners is an affront to all that's good and decent. Next time you see a Pen go to the box without whining, and yelling at the refs will be the first time.

[BDB]

Ok ret. Maybe your squad can get it done but I'm not seeing it. I guess that would make me a good referee.

I'm certainly not a Pens fan and I really want to see Dallas get knocked out, but I don't have a dog left in these playoffs so I just enjoy the games.

[OzJohnnie]

Iron Maiden rocks Melbourne!

https://youtu.be/kTqVFca5kFg

My humorous bone was entertained all night as these guys are beyond parody. Spinal Tap wished they had thought of a giant zombie balloon floating behind a Mayan temple inspired set.  And, yes, that is dry ice fog. Classic.



But it was a great night. Loud and hard. They played a bunch of their most popular tunes (and had a whole bunch left over we wish they had played). The stuff they played from thier new album was decent and if I had it in me to listen and learn a new hard metal album I would probably pick it up.  As it was, a good night well spent.

Of course, the multi-talented Bruce Dickinson was spectacular, belting out that singing style which doesn't belong in a metal band but works so well.  Here is is on the tarmac at Melbourne airport, having piloted "Ed Force One" into town.



EDIT:  And I was just smiling as I recalled how we knew that was a Mayan inspired set. Bruce Dickinson was telling a story something like this, "Blah, blah, ancient Mayans. Blah, blah, and no one knows why they disappeared. So we BUILT THIS $&@ING SET!!!!"  As I said, many laugh out loud moments that were beyond parody. I almost started watching Spinal Tap after I got home but my ears were still ringing and I needed sleep. Maybe this weekend.

[OzJohnnie]

One of the things that gives footy its character: the good old fashioned ear rub.  If you're going to take a mark then it's going to sting a little.

[DuffMan]

Iron Maiden rocks Melbourne!

That's awesome!

[SJUrube]

I've read what I could about the Johnnies trip up north. What do we make of a 35-14 win? Probably not much.

Did any posters end up making the trip or talk to anyone who did? Any noteworthy news coming out of it?

[DuffMan]

What do we make of a 35-14 win? Probably not much.

I'd agree with probably not much.  Between missing regulars, playing some Canadian rules, and being spring ball, I don't think many conclusions can be drawn from the score.  It's more about building for fall.