Miscellaneous Missives

When the cathedral was built, limestone was brought from the south.  Limestone craftsman (mainly African American) were also brought in because Minnesotans could work with the different limestone. Major Taylor was an African American cyclist.  The Twin Cities (and other cities) has a Major Taylor Cycling Club .  Last night (9pm to 6am) I rode their Dark2Dawn ride which focused on African American history in the Twin Cities.  Since it was dark, my pictures aren't phenomenal, but it was thought provoking. Everyone wore some form of yellow! I need to research the Dred Scott Decision. We started at MLK Park. A couple of years ago the neighborhood park created controversy as the black residents were not pleased about the idea of a dog park in the neighborhood.  Now they have the first Civil Rights themed playground in Minneapolis (perhaps the country). We also visited the new Seward Coop.  One's first opinion would be that a new Coop in this predomi...

Since it's raining this morning, I'm skipping the farmers' market.  Saturday without the farmers' market doesn't really feel like Saturday.  The rain will make it a great day to read and nap.  In fact, I received an email today about tonight's (and tomorrow morning's) ride.  Once again I'm riding the Dark2Dawn ride which starts at 8pm.  The email reminded us to "rest, take a nap, and charge your lights."  It also gave a warning about the "cool temperature."  Last year's ride was so cold that I chipped my tooth.  It's time for me to figure out my layering and to toughen up.  Part of me is feeling like counting my registration fee as a donation and skipping the ride.  I, however, remember the knowledge and awareness I gained from last year's ride, so I should be posting pictures and thoughts tomorrow.

If you haven't been paying attention to the calendar and/or days of the week, tomorrow is FRIDAY!  Woot!  It's going to be a crazy weekend, but I'm super excited about it.  Saturday evening/Sunday morning a friend and I are doing a Dark2Dawn ride (8pm to 6am).  It's sponsored by Major Taylor , and it's a ride titled Bicycling through African American History.  It's advertised as an all-night ride through Minneapolis and St. Paul's African American Historical Geography.  This ride will be followed by Sunday night's (early show 6:00) Counting Crow's concert at the Cabooze.  My guess is Monday will be an epic teaching day in my classroom.  Updates should appear over the weekend and of course after Monday's after school meeting :(.