25. January, 2004 - ooh look! pictures!

Dave’s link to the discussion at Scott McGerik’s post on the Keys got me looking around a bit. I stumbled onto Gonzo Food Critics (under construction since soemtime before the turn of the millenium), but their list of the Worst Restaurants in Minneapolis is worth a read. [jim]
Dave invited us to smack penguins yesterday, but I wonder if he even knew about the drug enhanced version. [jim]
Joe Soucheray Can’t get away from stadium fight. It’s not surprising that Stenglein has taken the lead in fighting for a Minneapolis location for the stadium. Plus, after going to the Ice Palace yesterday, I’m not surprised that people think parking in St. Paul will be a problem. A well-attended game will be a lot more people than were there yesterday, and parking and traffic were pretty much a mess all afternoon. [press-patch]

Yesterday I went over to wander around the Ice Palace. Ran into a couple ex-neighbors in line and we talked while winding our way into the gates and gabbed a bit, but nothing worth blogging about. Since I’m light on links today, I’ll try and make up for it with pictures, I guess.

A few notes about visiting the Ice Palace:

If you’re coming from anywhere west of downtown St. Paul, the best parking is at the History Center. While you’re there, you can look around the museum too, if that interests you. Also remember to ask for the coupons at the parking lot entrance.
Be careful when you’re walking around. There’s ice on the ground, and this seemed to surprise many people.
Remember that it’s outside and winter in Minnesota. It might be cold.
Best time to visit is before noon. The crowds pick up a lot after lunch, and the sun on the Ice Palace looks pretty spiffy walking down the hill from the History Center in the morning hours.
Remember that you’ll need $5 for parking and $5 for entrance.
There are unofficial people selling tickets, too. I got my ticket for $4.68 because I’d forgotten about the previous and was a tiny bit short on cash. Plus I got to avoid one line.
I haven’t been by in the evening yet, but the light-shows are supposed to be pretty cool. Going a second time means buying a second ticket.
Don’t expect the ice on the skating rink to be in good shape. There was no zamboni around.
If you see one of the tradesmen wandering around, thank them for their volunteered time. Over fifty-five thousand hours were donated for the construction, and many more hours are still being donated to keep things running smoothly.
Don’t go out of your way to thank a foreman. They got paid to sit on their butts watching the volunteers work.