Wander Minnesota

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Photos courtesy of Bruce Kluckhohn; video courtesy of the Minnesota Swarm

You may still be nursing your wounds after last weekend’s playoff game against the Saints, or maybe you’ve moved on to counting the days until the first game at the new Twins stadium. But in the meantime, there’s another pro sports team here in Minnesota that deserves your attention. And I say that as someone who’s not always that excited about professional sports.

The Minnesota Swarm, the men’s professional lacrosse team that calls the Xcel Energy Center its home turf, just began its season on 1/15.

Well --let’s be clear: the team doesn’t call Xcel Center its home, it calls the Center its Hive. Appropriate for a team dressed in bee-like stripes of glorious blue and gold.



Not to mention the goalies, so heavily protected they start to resemble sumo wrestlers.



I’m almost at a loss to describe how fun this was. I’d never seen professional lacrosse played until last weekend, and it was a hoot (to use a most unprofessional term). Even though these are highly skilled athletes taking what they do very seriously, there’s also a certain tongue-in-cheek element operating that provides plenty of humor—as if the sight of grown men whacking each other with sticks (known as the crosse) wasn’t humorous enough.



Another thing I didn’t know about lacrosse is that its history starts centuries ago with Native Americans, who played the game not for laughs, but as a healing ritual and also as preparation for war. Things have evolved over the years, although women’s lacrosse is allegedly closer to the original Native American form than men’s. The women’s version allows no body contact and limits stick contact, so players don’t need much in the line of protective wear. While US Lacrosse Inc., the governing body of American lacrosse, notes that “Men's lacrosse rules allow some degree of stick and body contact, although violence is neither condoned nor allowed,” it appeared that men are allowed greater latitude within the “condoned or allowed”—which, of course, tends to make it more fun for spectators. By the time you add in a wise-cracking, periodically trash-talking announcer, you have something of a cross between Slap Shot and the St. Paul Saints.



The game on the 22nd had a unique half-time performance: the Oneida Tribe of Native Americans took the field for a demonstration of “real” lacrosse. Note that the team included adults and kids (including a young girl), some of whom played barefoot (that had to be hard on the feet), and no protective gear. It was as exhilarating as the pro team.



The next home game is against the Washington Stealth on Feb. 13. Tickets can be purchased here. Go get some. You’ll have a blast. See for yourself:

What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out the 10 p.m. Sunday night WCCO newscasts, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.

If it’s mid-January, must be time for that annual ritual. No, not the St. Paul Winter Carnival (although that’s coming up soon too). No, I’m talking about a relatively new event that’s been appearing for a few winters on Medicine Lake in Plymouth. Yes, on Medicine Lake, in January: the Art Shanty Projects.

From the edge of the lake, it may not look like much more than yet another cluster of ice fishing houses.



These aren’t just any ice houses, though. Each of these custom-designed abodes is themed and open for visitors. Some are silly, some are scientific, and some are educational -- but all are entertaining.



What better form for game-playing than giant dice? Five dICEHOUSES are scattered across the shanty community, each stocked with playing cards, dice, and games. Can’t remember how to play cribbage? No problem. Just stop by the Art Shanty Headquarters, and someone will help you out.



Scandinavians, rejoice -- your heritage is well represented at the Nordic Immersion Village Art Shanty.




Learn the language, adopt your own Scandinavian name, and perhaps even sing along to some culturally appropriate songs.

Of course, an event called the “Art Shanty Projects” ought to have, well, an Art Shanty.



This is the Art Swap Shanty, which is more interactive than you’d expect -- filled with one-of-a-kind artworks, you’re encouraged to bring one home, but not by paying money; you need to contribute some art too.

The written word is represented as well.



Students at the SALT adventure and environmental alternative school near downtown Minneapolis have created a communication cube, complete with opening questions.

If the weather is on the cold side (and sorry, last weekend’s Vikings fans, the weather on Sunday was perfect for a visit to Medicine Lake), there are ways to warm up. The Black Bania is a tipi-housed sauna. Bring a towel if you want to participate, or just pop in for a quick warm-up.



Or maybe you need some physical activity to heat up. Good thing there’s a Dance Shanty.



Speaking of physical activity, if hiking across a frozen, snowy lake is something you’re not quite up to, never fear -- the fine folks behind the Art Car Parade have provided some much-welcomed taxi service.



Other forms of transportation across the lake include snowshoes and, for the little ones, being pulled by sled.

It’s a great way to enjoy the Minnesota winter.

Open Sat.-Sun. through Feb. 7, and runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out the 10 p.m. Sunday night WCCO newscasts, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.

Photo and video courtesy of the Science Museum of Minnesota

If it's winter in Minnesota, it must be time for that wonderful winter festival. No, I'm not talking about the St. Paul Winter Carnival--not that that's not wonderful, of course—but I'm talking about the annual film extravaganza known as Omnifest, taking place at the Omnitheater at the Science Museum in St. Paul.

I had the pleasure of previewing two of this year's offerings, films that have not previously played in the Twin Cities. They were two completely different movies, and both were wonderful, in very different ways.



Van Gogh: Brush with Genius is an award-winning film that looks at the life and work of Vincent Van Gogh. The framework of the film—narrated by an actor playing Van Gogh, supposedly looking over the shoulder of the film's director—may annoy some, but the sheer gorgeousness of the film will override most objections. To see these masterpieces close up and enlarged on the domed Imax screen at the Science Museum is to be fully immersed in Van Gogh's work in a way that's otherwise just not possible.

Going to the other end of the entertainment spectrum is Ski to the Max.



The above video is some of the deleted footage from the Omnitheater movie. Now imagine the amazing and downright scary skiing and snowboarding in footage like this taking place on the giant screen. "Thrills and chills" doesn't really begin to describe it. It's hard to beat the scenery, with the stunts filmed on mountains from Utah to Colorado to St. Moritz. Writer/director Willy Bogner has had a longtime career combining skiing and movies, having both filmed and orchestrated ski scenes in movies, including the Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me. One note: the people populating the film, including singer Pink, are not real actors, and it definitely shows. Fortunately, the bulk of the film focuses on what they do best—pumping adrenalin into viewers with their daredevil mountain adventures.

Rounding out this year's Omnifest are three other films: Into the Deep, which explores a kelp forest growing a few hundred meters off the southern California coast and full of colorful plants and marine animals; The Greatest Places, which explores the Namib Desert, home to the tallest sand dunes in the world; and Africa's Elephant Kingdom, filmed in Kenya's Amboseli National Park.

Tickets for Omnifest go on sale this Saturday (here). This is a very popular event and often sells out, so get those tickets early.

What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out the 10 p.m. Sunday night WCCO newscasts, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.

Cesar Millan may be the one to turn to for dog rehabilitation, but in the Twin Cities, Patrick Nau is the guy you want to call about getting the perfect photo of your canine companion.

Nau (Minnesota Dog Guy Twitter) has been a professional photographer for almost 30 years. But his true life's calling arrived in the form of a magazine he picked up five years ago with an article profiling a pet photographer, accompanied by poor-quality photography.

“That magazine changed my life,” Nau says. “I was sure I could do better than that.” (If you visit his site, you can find a slide show of his work, and it's clear that he’s mastered the art of photographing unpredictable animals.

But it took months of trial-and-error photo shoots. Not a dog owner himself, he turned to a neighboring business -- which conveniently happened to be an animal hospital -- and offered free portraits of pets for the employees, if they'd just give him the practice.

It was a good call; shooting pictures of dogs proved to have some challenges not usually associated with humans. I recently spent some time watching Nau work his magic, using the experience he’s gained from the thousands of pet photo sessions he's had since his magazine epiphany.

"One thing I learned is you can't start right off with the camera," Nau says. "The dog needs to settle down. It’s a new place, I’m a new person."

That proved to be just the case with 5-year-old black lab, Zeke, a friendly, curious dog who, as owner Bruce said, "thinks all people are his best friends."

Talking about the upcoming session with Bruce and his wife Marie gave Zeke time to sniff out the situation. The next tip: Always have dog wranglers. In this case, Bruce and Marie fit the bill, strategically placed by Nau to keep Zeke comfortable. But they also had to be quiet -- Zeke needed to pay attention to Nau, who in turn has a special vocabulary designed to interest a dog: "Zeke, Sit! Walk! Squirrel! Treat!" It quickly became clear that treats and walks were words near and dear to Zeke’s heart. A few well-timed squeaky toys brought out the Flying Nun in Zeke’s black-lab ears.

"You have to be flexible," Nau said, "and don’t wait for the perfect moment. Keep shooting." (Not unlike taking a toddler for a portrait!)

Throughout the briskly paced photo session, Zeke had a blast. Periodically he'd run up to Nau to deliver enthusiastic puppy kisses and get some treats. It's a short trip for Zeke -- each session usually lasts about 30-40 minutes -- but it's a workout for Nau.

"This is one-handed photography," he said as he crouched, knelt, stood, and bent over to get just the right angle, balancing a camera in one hand and tempting toy in the other.

But he loves the work. He's given up shooting weddings, and pets make up 70 percent of his business. Why doesn't he have a dog of his own?

"I don’t need one," he said. "I get to have lots of dogs every week."

Including sweethearts like Zeke.



What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out the 10 p.m. Sunday night WCCO newscasts, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.

The holiday season has, as it inevitably does, arrived full force again, and there are so many things to do. And just not in the Twin Cities, but all over the state. Here are just a few suggestions of things to do from now through New Year’s, whether you’re hanging out in the metro area or heading outstate for some family holiday time.

The annual Holidazzle Parade will wrap up its 2009 run this weekend, with parades nightly from 12/17-20. You can enjoy the Parade even more if you take advantage of some of the wonderful food options, like Vincent’s crepe stand, or do some quality noshing with a stop at the Chef Shack (profiled last week by WCCO’s blogger Crystal).

If you’re going to be in Duluth over the weekend of 12/19-20, call to see if there’s still availability for the Glensheen Holiday Brunch, which comes with a brief tour of the estate.

The Minnesota Historical Societyhas plenty of ways to enjoy the holidays. St. Paul’s Alexander Ramsey House offers a Victorian Homecoming Tour on selected days through 1/3. On 12/19, you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride there, or on 12/31, enjoy a candlelit farewell to 2009 at the lovely Victorian home as well. (I visited the Ramsey house last week and loved it.) Not to be outdone, the James J. Hill House has Hill House Holidays, a festive tour, on 12/19-20 and 26-27, and Victorian Christmas Stories on 12/20 and 12/27. Finally, the Oliver H. Kelley Farm in Elk River presents Christmas on the Farm 12/19-20.

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum has all kinds of things going on through the holidays. The Making Spirits Bright display combines a wonderful array of nature-oriented décor with a delightful exhibit of gingerbread houses, constructed by some of the Twin Cities top bakers. Live music is frequently offered, and holiday teas will be given through 12/30.

If you’re going to be in the northwestern part of the state for New Year’s, check out Grand Fork’s First Night event. A family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration, First Night has live performances, kids’ activities, dances, and fireworks to ring in the New Year.

Looking for a peaceful, soothing New Year’s Eve experience? Head over to Wood Lake Nature Center in Richfield for Candlelight & Ice, and enjoy a candlelit hike followed by hot cocoa and toasted marshmallows.

For a festive way to celebrate beginning a new year, head up to Duluth and take a train from Fitger’s to the Bentleyville Tour of Lights, offered 1/1-2. Held at the Bayfront Festival Park, the Tour of Lights offers a splendid array of holiday decorations, live music—and plenty of bonfires for toasting more marshmallows.

Wander Minnesota will not have an update 12/23 or 30, but will return on 1/6. As always, feel free to leave comments, questions, and suggestions.

What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out the 10 p.m. Sunday night WCCO newscasts, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.

How long does it take to establish a holiday classic? This year, the Guthrie Theater celebrates 35 years of A Christmas Carol, while the Minnesota Dance Theater brings Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy back for its 45th year. Clearly these groups have found performances that resonate with and are beloved by local audiences.

But this year also marks the third year that another production is being staged that is winning acclaim and attention during the holiday season: All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914.


Photo Courtesy: Hennepin Theatre Trust

"I don't think anyone ever sets out to write a holiday classic," said playwright Peter Rothstein, laughing, when I spoke with him last week. But he may have done just that, intentionally or not.

"I hope it has a big life—it deserves to be part of our collective history."

The Christmas truce of 1914 is a rarely discussed incident during the first year of World War I. Opposing forces along the Western Front voluntarily set aside their weapons and battles and, literally and figuratively, reached out a hand of support to their enemies. The soldiers sang together, shared treats like rum, tobacco and chocolate; they even helped each other bury their dead and exchanged photos of loved ones back home. On their own, perhaps the war would have ended right there, but orders from above drove them back to their separate sides of the trench, and the war continued.

Rothstein used considerable source materials from letters, war documents, memoirs and even gravestones to create All is Calm, which is performed by the Cantus ensemble. A wide variety of music is performed, from traditional Christmas carols to war songs and popular music of the period.


Photo Courtesy: Hennepin Theatre Trust

Rothstein noted that although he'd studied WWI in school, the Christmas truce was never mentioned. Nor, he said, did many Americans know about it when it happened.

"That was when the propaganda machine started working so strongly," he pointed out. "All communications were censored. They couldn't have soldiers sending home stories of sharing Christmas together with the enemy."

He went on to point out that much beyond the 1914 truce was censored, including the fact that more men were dying from conditions in the trenches than from actual warfare.

After learning about the truce, Rothstein spent several years researching and developing the project, including two trips to Europe, traveling through France, England, and Belgium.

"You can still see the trenches from the air," he said. "The extended trench warfare left its mark on the land."

Part of his research took him to the In Flanders Field Museum, which is different than other war museums in that it focuses less on the glories of war and strives more to put a human face on war instead. What he learned during his research was heartbreaking; the stories of these young soldiers—some only 14 or 15 years old—with feet rotting in the trenches, finally reaching the truce, only to be ordered back into war by superior officers not in the trenches. In fact, later a British soldier noted, "I regret that it was one of ours that broke the trust."

"The roadblock for the play was that its theme was the lack of drama, and drama is usually what's required," Rothstein said. "It needed a nontraditional form." When he came up with the idea of creating a radio play, he knew he'd found his medium. Radio was the primary form of communication in 1914, and music was a common language. When he had the opportunity to hear Cantus perform, he realized he'd found the right group to carry out his message.

It's a message that is gaining ground with audiences, even if its subject matter is not the usual cheery holiday fare.

"It's poignant and profound," Rothstein said, "but it's powerful and uplifting. Peace becomes such a cliché this time of year—everyone wishing everyone 'happy holidays'—but this wakes us up."

This year, All is Calm started the season with a brief tour in the western and southern U.S. before returning to Minneapolis. As for future tours, Rothstein noted that he'd really like to bring the production to the rest of the country, but the difficulty is in the short holiday production season (basically Thanksgiving to Christmas) and the strong ties with Cantus.

"We'd have to add another company, but it's a challenge to reach the exceptional level of Cantus," Rothstein said.

Tickets may still be available through Ticketmaster for the Dec. 17-20 performances at the Pantages Theater. The show, which appropriately enough has been broadcast on MPR, is also archived on the American Public Media site, or you can purchase an original cast recording here.

What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out the 10 p.m. Sunday night WCCO newscasts, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.

It can't be said that the state of Minnesota doesn't know how to celebrate the winter holidays (for more examples, check out the weekly series this month on A Closer Look at Flyover Land). But in the midst of all commotion that December brings, sometimes it's best to take some time to slow down and relax. And what better way to do that than to enjoy a holiday tea? There are plenty offered across the metro area. Note: reservations are strongly recommended.

In Minneapolis, Brit's Pub is offering its holiday tea, a grander affair than its regular high tea, Fridays-Sundays through Dec. 20. Dec. 12 and 19 will feature carolers. But no matter when you go, you'll be treated to a tower of treats, including English cheeses, a variety of tea sandwiches, scones, desserts, and of course, tea.



It's hard to imagine a better view than the one offered at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen. Days vary, but in general the holiday tea will be offered through Dec. 30. Definitely book this ahead—it frequently sells out.

You could take your holiday tea to entirely new heights if you head over to the St. Paul Hotel for the It's a Wonderful Life Tea. Enjoy butternut squash soup and duck mushroom pot pie while taking in "It's a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play" performed live. Dec. 20-23.

There are also opportunities to experience a bit of history with your tea. The Fillebrown House in White Bear Lake will host a holiday tea on Dec. 12. Where better to celebrate the season than an 1879 lakeside cottage?

Also in White Bear Lake, the Avalon Tearoom has a series of themed holiday teas: a children's tea, American Girl tea, and the traditional five-course holiday tea on Saturdays through Dec. 19.

Lady Elegant's Tea has its own dramatic twist by offering holiday teas with a one-man performance of "A Christmas Carol." Dec. 11-12 and 18-19.

In Anoka, the Mad Hatter Tea Room will serve a four-course Christmas tea Dec. 5 and 12.

What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out the 10 p.m. Sunday night WCCO newscasts, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.

Next week is, of course, Thanksgiving. Once you've made it through your tryptophan-laden dinner and survived the madness of early morning Black Friday sales, what else is there to do over the long weekend? Plenty.

Thanksgiving weekend marks the official kickoff to the Christmas season, and one of the splashiest events starts on Fri, Nov. 27, and runs Thurs-Sun through Dec. 20 (weather permitting): the Holidazzle Parade.

Holidazzle isn't the only festival of lights, however. Phalen Park is home to Holiday Lights in the Park, which opens 11/24 and runs nightly through the end of the year. Sponsored by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, this display charges admission, but all net proceeds go to Second Harvest Heartland, Union Gospel Mission, St. Paul Parks Conservancy, and UnderConstruction.

Taylors Falls and St. Croix Falls have a Thanksgiving weekend extravaganza planned with the 25th Annual Lighting Festival, taking place Nov. 27-29. Parades, crafts, cloggers, wagon rides, and don't forget to stop by the 1855 Folsom House to see it decorated to the hilt.

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum begins its series of Making Spirits Bright holiday musical events on Nov. 28-29, with Holiday Heralds of the Minnesota Chorale performing both days at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. (Check the link above for the full schedule of holiday performances throughout December.) While you're there, take time to explore this year's holiday displays: lavish gingerbread houses and the Windows on Winter.

The Minnesota History Center offers Family Franklin Days Nov. 27-29. To celebrate the opening of the "Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World" exhibit, Franklin Family Days participants will see the exhibit, make crafts, join an "Electricity Party," see how lightning works, dance, and conduct musical experiments. If that won't work off all the pumpkin pie, nothing will.

Nov. 27-29, learn about A Victorian Christmas at the Alexander Ramsey House. Tour the beautifully decorated home, enjoy fresh cookies out of the wood-burning oven, and stop at the Carriage House for hot cider (and maybe a little shopping). Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available on the 28th.

If you've been feeling too sedentary, maybe it's time to head over to The Depot and lace on some skates. The ice rink opens Nov. 25, and will be open all Thanksgiving weekend, including Thanksgiving Day.

There will be no Wander MN next week as we get ready to enjoy our own turkey, but I'll be back the following week. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out the 10 p.m. Sunday night WCCO newscasts, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.

Hmmm …what's this?



Looks contractual, doesn't it? Whatever could it be?



Why — could it be a contract for me to write a new book about Minnesota, called "Backroads & Byways of Minnesota," slated for publication spring of 2011 by Countryman Press? I do believe that is exactly the case!

Please join me as I continue to explore the state of Minnesota, especially those "off the beaten path" areas that will make up the bulk of the new book. And please — if you have any favorites or suggestions, please let me know. I can hardly wait to start this new journey, and to share it with my readers here at WCCO.COM.

What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out the 10 p.m. Sunday night WCCO newscasts, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.