Girl Friday

Birthday Henna Tattoos

After a week of transition, I'm finally moved into my new place, so blogging should resume at regular intervals once again. As an aside, Comcast can't come out until later this week so I linked up to the Minneapolis Citywide Wifi. It sucks.

Friday the 23rd was my birthday and, after a failed attempt to get an appointment for 4 manicures at the Aveda Institute after lunch at Brasa, I decided that we would all go get henna tattoos. There's that place in Eden Prairie Center that does henna and eyebrow threading, but it seemed like a long way to drive for such a little thing. Then Erik remembered that a girlfriend of his got henna done at the Somali mall. Google led us to 24th and Elliot, to a concrete structure more or less void of windows and certainly no henna shops. It turns out we were at the wrong Somali mall. (Yes, there are multiple Somali malls in South Minneapolis.)

Some nice ladies directed us to the Suuqa Karmel Somali mall at Lake and Pillsbury, where the henna tattooing can be found in suite #110. You'll recognize it by the complete lack of any indicators that henna tattooing is done there. You will, however, see a lot of long black dresses adorned with sequins.

So four of us walk in, two girls, two guys, without really giving it a second thought. My cousin Tony actually stops just short of the back room where the tattooing is done, since he wasn't really thrilled about the idea. But Cristina, Erik and I just stroll on in, to where at least four Somali ladies have their sleeves up around their elbows and their skirts pushed up to their knees. Erik was, of course, quickly ushered out -- "women only!" -- and joined my cousin in the front room to pout. No henna tattoos for boys. Modesty aside, no wonder they were pretty wide-eyed when a guy walked into their henna salon. According to Wikipedia: "Traditionally, only women apply this body art and it is absolutely strange for men to apply such art on their hands and feet."

Our henna tattooist, Sabrina (whom we later renamed Sabrina Fierce), was a master of multi-tasking. Not only did she complete both Cristina's and my tattoos in like 5 minutes, she did while texting.

Cristina's hand:

Waiting for my henna to dry:

Getting knifed (the fun part):

Note the six-year-old giving a henna tattoo in the background. She had a sucker in one hand and a squeeze-bag applicator in the other. Sabrina Fierce couldn't have been older than 20 and she said she'd been doing henna for at least 12 years.

The tattoos were $10 each and I'd totally go back for another one. We went right around 3-3:30pm when school got out so it was a little crowded with youngsters, but we probably only waited about 5 minutes for Sabrina Fierce to get started.

Tattoo Day (#4)

It's Friday! Do you know what that means? That means I'm headed to the Minneapolis Tattoo Arts Convention in a few hours to do some journalist-y stuff, not to mention get a tattoo(!).

I spoke with Shane Wallin of Twilight Tattoo this week about getting ink job #4 while at the convention, and he was 'bout it-'bout it. So what am I getting? I think I'll let it be a surprise for now. If you don't see me in person in the next few weeks, then pick up an issue of vita.mn around mid-October and then you'll know.

Tonight is also exciting because my girl Gretchen is back in town for the wedding of Melissa Maerz and Chuck Klosterman (congrats, guys!). What's everyone up to today and tonight? Anything incredibly interesting going on? Anyone need any new suggestions for dining and drinks?

Win a Tattoo from Vita.mn

Here's something definitely worth trying for:

Join Vita.mn at the Minneapolis Tattoo Arts Convention at the Hyatt Regency, September 18-20. Come by the Vita.mn booth and hang with the North Star Rollergirls. Other happenings include:

* More than 200 of the world's top artists
* Live tattooing all weekend long
* Entertainment including The Enigma, Olde City Sideshow, burlesque show and tattoo contests

Win a tattoo courtesy of famed tattoo artist Troy Timpel on-site at the Minneapolis Tattoo Arts Convention, as well as a pair of tickets. There's also an additional pair of tickets up for grabs. Enter here.

More information on the convention here: http://www.myspace.com/minneapolistattooarts

All Fried Out

I think I'm all fried out. I spent nearly 9 hours at the State Fair today with my family and everything I sampled, save for a couple of Sweet Martha's cookies, spent at least 20 seconds in a bubbling vat of grease before being served to me.

To be specific: cheese on a stick, ribbon fries (with cheese sauce and jalapenos, obviously), cheese curds, mini donuts, something called a tater twister (horrifically overpriced) and some fresh french fries (I know I shouldn't complain because it's the State Fair, but seriously; it's called "changing the fryer oil," people.)

I'm currently sitting at my desk drinking cucumber water and rubbing my belly, an extension of my body that didn't yet exist at noon today.

Because I'm a glutton for punishment (not to mention a glutton) and because I love the State Fair, I'm going back tomorrow evening for another run-through. This time, though, I think I'll stick to the always-veggie soba at Island Noodles, chickpea-potato roti at Harry Singh's (ask him for the serious sauce if it's not out on the counter) and maybe some falafel from Falafel King or Holy Land.

I finally broke down and bought the red Polish hoodie I've been eyeing for the past few years (and my copycat mom bought one in black). I wish that vendor carried as much apparel at the Fair booth as they do on their website; perhaps this tee would've been more appropriate for me.

It was brought to my attention that a lot of kids had to go back to school this week instead of after Labor Day, hence the Fair wasn't very crowded at all today. This also explains last week's record-breaking attendance and hearing from several people who sat in traffic for nearly two hours. I can't even imagine. My hamster bladder would never hold up.

Donny Dirk's Zombie Den Opens Over North

Crazy. It always blows my mind when a local institution closes, but I guess I don't even remember hearing about the shuttering of Stand Up Frank's back in April. It was even more surprising to hear that the proprietor of Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge & Tiki Garden has taken over the beloved ghetto space and "Suzified" it (Simon's word, not mine). The bar formerly known as Stand Up Frank's is now Donny Dirk's Zombie Den.

An appropriate name considering the clientele that used to stagger in and out of those doors.

Stand Up Frank's was one of the few bars in Minneapolis that successfully freaked me out a little -- anybody remember Sully's in Northeast? -- and I kind of liked it that way. But, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

Speaking of being freaked out at Stand Up Frank's, I imagine all the FTRA riders who hop off the train over there will be surprised to see a shiny new establishment called Donny Dirk's Zombie Den in place of their usual Minneapolis stop. I suppose they could always wander into Halek's Bar around the other side of the block if Donny's is too kitschy.

One preliminary review on Yelp mention that Donny Dirk's has "reasonably priced drinks." I wonder if the reviewer ever ordered a Jack & Coke at Stand Up Frank's. I'll stop by during the day sometime in the next week to check it out. Think they open at 9:00am?

(Oh, and speaking of local establishments: I was going through my blog archives a couple days ago and noticed that this December will mark The Herkimer's 10th anniversary. Awesome!)

Tego to Minneapolis

We need you. I need you.

It all started with a little Tweet after I began following Tego Calderón, the greatest reggaetón artist in the world, on Twitter. Feeling particularly empowered that day, I declared the kick-off of my mission to bring Tego Calderón to Minneapolis.

See, Latino artists don't make it up this way much and Tego, along with several other musicians that I absolutely love, has never been here. This is a damn shame because the Twin Cities are packed with lovers of reggaetón, dancehall, salsa and good hip hop; just check out one of our weekly Latin dance nights. (Actually, check out AQUA downtown this Friday. They're kicking off a new weekly "Caliente" dance night that will be an ass-shaking mix of reggaetón, salsa, bachata, hip hop and top 40. There are also 2-4-1s and $3 Coronas until midnight. It should be really hot, and you will hear plenty of Tego Calderón.)

It's also a shame because it's not just Latinos that listen to this incredible dance music. M.I.A. (maybe you've heard of her) has been borrowing beats from the Caribbean since "Hombre," which is a straight-up reggaetón song. In fact, I've been trying to figure out why Tego hasn't reached the level of popularity that world artists like M.I.A. and Damian Marley have.

Is it because he doesn't rap in English? I say who the heck cares when the man can make music like this:

(The chicken meets his end in that video, just to warn you.)

In addition to being one of the world's most talented artists, Tego is also a conscientious celebrity. In 2007, he was asked to appear in a film called "Bling", a documentary about the high price of blood diamonds. Using the hip hop culture's obsession with bling as a springboard, the film follows Tego, Raekwon and Paul Wall as they head to West Africa to talk to miners, amputees and former child soldiers who were used to plunder the blood diamonds of Sierra Leone.

But back to my mission. Joining forces with my pal and fellow mega-Tego fan Guptan, we've started a Twitter account and a Facebook group dedicated to the cause. We've got both vita.mn and District Del Sol on board to help spread the word once we find a promoter and a venue committed to a show. Any help in the promoter/venue department would be much appreciated so, if you've got contacts, please let us know. We can reach the vita.mn readership and a huge chunk of the Latino community, which are both major assets in trying to book a show here.

Oh, and Tego? He replied to my Tweet to say "I'm down!" We're going to email him this week or next, to tell him how much the Twin Cities really wants to bring Tego to Minneapolis. But we need a little help-- we need strength in numbers!

If you love Tego, please join up with us on Twitter and Facebook. We promise we won't clutter up your pages with a bunch of unnecessary crap, we'll only keep you updated on bringing Tego to Minneapolis.

If you're not sure if you love Tego Calderón or not, Tweet at us, leave a comment on Facebook or just leave a comment here saying so. We can help you out with that by recommending a few songs to download.

We can do it! We can bring Tego to Minneapolis!

Underwear & Earrings

Buenos días, vecinos!

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is currently on like Donkey Kong, with sale prices in effect through Sunday, August 2. If you're like me and snooty about your bras and underwear, this is the time to stock up on the good stuff. I always buy Chantelle bras, and I set out to buy this one on sale right now for $52.90, but then I saw the Wacoal number below for only $27.90 and couldn't pass up the great price.

  

I also got another pair of my all-time favorite underwear; the stretchy, satiny super comfortable Natori boyshorts. (Yes, of course that's me modeling them.)

The Caffetto Craft Fair is this Sunday from noon to 6:00pm, featuring all kinds of handmade local items like clothing, art, soaps, candies and jewelry. Kara Hallie will be there with the newest designs from her Kula jewelry line, a classy and creative collection that's recently gotten national and international fashion blog attention.

I have several pairs of Kula earrings that I love, but I think my current favorites are the ones I wore to this year's vita.mn Poolside Fashion Show.

Why do I look so pale? Perhaps I should rethink yellow.

Still Alive

Wow, I haven't updated this blog since last week? For shame, Alexis. For shame.

I haven't died or anything. Rather the opposite, as this week I've been busy obsessing over obese flight attendants on vita.mn and Chris Shaffer on Twitter. He has amazing hair.

I want to give a belated shout out to Nintendo for throwing a party for my friends and me a few Sundays ago, and especially for giving everyone a free DSi. And for catering it with awesome food and for being cool with the fact that we drank every last drop of booze in under three hours.

Also, big ups to Cirque du Soleil for the gratis tickets to Kooza last week. I'd never seen a CDS show before and I was totally blown away. Highly recommended, for all ages.

Alright, my inbox is full of great stuff, so here we go:

- The Uptown Market will hold its second event this Sunday. Check out wares from local artists, crafters, farmers and food vendors from 11:00am-5:00pm. They're on 29th Street between Lyndale and Dupont.

- If you loved the antics of my fellow 10 Second Film Festival judge, the misguided philanthropist Mrs. Smith, head to Patrick's Cabaret this Friday and Saturday night. Local actor and musician David Hanbury will be performing as Mrs. Smith for "Queer Boyz Nite," starting at 8:00pm both nights.

- Minneapolis Picks has launched Minneapolis Picks Perks. Take advantage of great monthly specials at all the best local shops and boutiques in the metro area.

- Arc's Value Village is having a storewide summer clearance sale next Saturday and Sunday, July 25th and 26th. All merchandise (except white-tagged items) will be 50% off.

-The Living Room at the W Hotel is now hosting Martini & Mani Mondays. Every Monday from 5:30-8:00pm, just $17 will get you a martini and a manicure (courtesy of Denny Kemp Salon) or a martini and a massage. That, as you know, is a great deal.

- No more confusion, it's definitely this Saturday, July 25th: Blacklist Vintage is having a Digger's Sale from 11:00am-7:00pm. Owner Vanessa Messersmith says she's lining the sidewalk with $1-5 bins full of vintage textiles, clothing and housewares, and the shop's entire inventory will be 10% off. There will also be free cupcakes and drinks, $1 regular and veggie hot dogs and Transmission DJ Jake Rudh spinning from 12:00-4:00pm. Sounds like a party!

[Or is it August 22? Or 29? Or, and this is most likely, is it really this Saturday, July 25th? Stay tuned for a correction. The email I got last week definitely says "Saturday, August 25."]

Happy Almost 4th

I was kinda miserable this week. The weather sucked, I'm losing my tan, nothing sounded like fun and I was bored with both work and domestic duties (save for one really great cooking day in which I almost lost an eyeball-- more on that next time).

But now? It's warm outside, weather.com says it's not gonna rain and I have no obligations. First stop: Richfield Target, where Aaron has spotted copious amounts of Mountain Dew Throwback. Second stop: Who knows? Hopefully something that allows me to get some color back in my skin.

What are you doing tomorrow night? Don't miss the Soap Factory's Ten Second Film Festival after the fireworks at St. Anthony Main. I'm guest-judging this year, along with The Current's Barb Abney, actor/director Randy Reyes and someone named Mrs. Smith (there might be drag, I'm not sure, all I know is that it's a man pretending to be a woman). The current vita.mn cover is a good read on the Ten Second Film Festival and how it all goes down.

WTF Homophobia

I enjoyed the Pride festival this weekend, as always, but I feel like I encountered more homophobia this year than any other in recent memory.

Friday night, two of my gay friends got kicked out of a Gopher State Airport Taxi by the homophobic driver (who picked them up at Jetset, mind you). Saturday afternoon, I watched from Lurcat as police cuffed and arrested the born-agains sporting "FREE BIBLES" tee shirts for trespassing on park grounds. This morning, someone sent me the link to a video in which a gay man is harassed by a group of kids as he walks home from the festival. I don't care to watch it, but the comments indicate that they walk past three security officers (not from the Minneapolis Police Department) who do nothing.

I realize things could be a lot worse here, in the city that boasts the third largest Pride festival in the country, but it still shocks me that people are so ignorant and malicious.

Meanwhile, an Athiest who writes a sex column dares to disprove the wingnut argument that homosexuality goes against the word of God. I haven't heard one peep of negative feedback yet, which further proves my theory that vita.mn (and Girl Friday) readers are of above average intelligence.

Kate Nelson, Me, Erik Janzen (Photo by Dan Phan)
Unity Basketball's First Annual Pride 3-on-3 Tournament