"Armed Robbery" All the Talk in Uptown

Armed robbery seems to be the talk of the town here. Three suspects armed with a silver semi-automatic handgun and a black 6” revolver are striking in and around the Calhoun Square area, which is right where I live. Needless to say, I’m pissed. At first I didn’t think much of it, but when I found out they were striking groups of up to three people I got a little spooked. Now many are wondering what’s going on around here? The suspects have struck at least 12 times after 11:00 p.m. but I heard it was more like 19 times in the last three weeks. Please click here Police Crime Alerts for more information, especially if you are an Uptown resident. Is anyone gonna grow a pair and stop these guys or what?

Grand Rounds Sign

Uptown_4_05_Lakes_Sign_1963, originally uploaded by Black Java.

Just like the sign from this angle for some reason. Lake of the Isles, Arpil 2005.

Little Wooden Box of Mystery

Uptown_4_05_Bench_BW_1945, originally uploaded by Black Java.

I was walking the shoreline down by Lake of the Isles the other day on a mission to take some photos and do some thinking. While heading back towards the path I discovered this box on a bench that faced out over the lake. The bench was old but not in a bad way, but rather in a good way as if it had weathered many storms and somehow looked natural in it surroundings. This made the old bench appealing especially with the freshly cut grass surrounding it.


Immediately I sat down on the bench next to the box, for this box had no doubt captured my attention as well. It was a wooden box, small in size with gold hinges and a black ink stamp ran half way across the top. It appeared to be a cigar box of some kind but it didn't give off the impression that cigars were inside. Cigars kept in boxes usually are expensive and who would leave those behind? Maybe it was a bomb and I was about to become the victim of a random act of violence. No, I thought, my life isn't that interesting. Maybe it was full of money or maybe it was nothing. I made the conclusion that it was probably art supplies and someone had been drawing near the lake or something.

I continued to sit next to the box wondering what could be inside. Rather than opening the box though, I opened a book "All the President's Men"€ instead. I sat there for a half hour or so reading and waiting for someone to come by to claim the box/bomb and reassure me that my life wasn't that interesting. But no one came.


In the end I decided to leave the box just as I had found it, pressed up against the side of the bench, untouched and unopened. What could be more interesting than that? Some things are best left a mystery I guess.

Bridges N' Water, Plus a Lil' Urban Wildlife

Uptown_4_05_Bridge_BW_1936, originally uploaded by Black Java.

Photos taken between Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles. Uptown Minneapolis Arpril 20, 2005.

Nice Day in Uptown

Uptown_4_05_1896, originally uploaded by Black Java.

It was so nice in Uptown this weekend that I had to go out and take some pictures. Most of the photos I took were lousy. What are ya gonna do. Heres one of the better ones.

No Smoking in Uptown Blows

Uptown Smokin Ban, originally uploaded by Black Java.

No smoking in Minneapolis! The first thing that popped in my head when I heard there was gonna be a smoking ban in Uptown was Liquor Lyle’s. I would guess 90% of people that go to that bar smoke. This ban is gonna effect their business big time. Some other Smoky Uptown bars that come to mind are the Red Dragon (try their punch bowl thing) and Mortimer’s. They will also be greatly effected by this and probably lose business too.

I’m not a smoker but I do believe in small government, less laws the better, etc., so I’m not happy with this at all. What other rights are in jeopardy, blah blah blah, you get the drift. Next thing you know people are going to complain about the smoke outside near the entrance to bars/restaurants. Black Java is not happy.