<![CDATA[jbrewerpipress · Storify]]>http://storify.com/jbrewerpipressNodeJS RSS ModuleThu, 23 May 2013 03:54:11 GMT<![CDATA[Jeannie Hayes]]>

A young news anchor and producer in Illinois Tweeted she wasn't feeling well over the weekend. She died Thursday after being diagnosed with leukemia. Her feed goes from chipper to dire in a week's time.

Storified by · Fri, Nov 09 2012 11:40:47

Omg how much do you LOVE @ERICSORENSEN as #EltonJohn ?? Great costume! http://pic.twitter.com/jkUmsuA9 · Jeannie Hayes
WREX Anchor Jeannie Hayes Dies Two Days After Leukemia DiagnosisWREX Anchor Jeannie Hayes Dies Two Days After Leukemia Diagnosis
Hayes, who joined WREX in 2005, anchored the noon newscast. The station will air tributes to her on Friday&#39;s evening newscasts. “The ...
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]]>http://storify.com/jbrewerpipress/jeannie-hayeshttp://storify.com/jbrewerpipress/jeannie-hayesFri, 09 Nov 2012 19:40:47 GMT<![CDATA[#Vikings Training Camp, Day 1]]>

No autograph sessions at camp today so the crowds were thin -- but folks in and around town still took to the Internet to post their thoughts at the start of the team's 47th training camp in Mankato.

Storified by · Fri, Jul 27 2012 13:31:31

A couple of people showed off their team apparel. The hot color this season? Purple.
Good afternoon #Vikings #PINK #VictoriaSecret http://instagr.am/p/NmL9Wgiw5A/ · Abel Tesfaye
VCS "Spirit Shoes" LOL #Vikings #yellowbox http://instagr.am/p/NmJW9Og01Q/ · J Lentz
One fan even got to touch a real player jersey. Where it was hanging is a mystery.
Just got to touch Perch Harvin's real jersey! #Vikings http://pic.twitter.com/qKgTD0zi · Deathwarrior1999
Plus, the newest blogger to TwinCities.com, Chris Kluwe, put up his second post on a timely subject -- training camp.
And of course there was some twittering about the biggest news of the day: Adrian Peterson on the PUP list.
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]]>http://storify.com/jbrewerpipress/ingshttp://storify.com/jbrewerpipress/ingsFri, 27 Jul 2012 20:31:31 GMT<![CDATA["Today is the best day for autographs" #vikings]]>

About 50 Minnesota Vikings fans showed up at Mankato State University Thursday, July 26 to watch players check in for training camp. Over the next three weeks, between practices, press conferences and scrimmages, fans will wait in line for hours to get an autograph. The wait wasn't that long today.

Storified by · Thu, Jul 26 2012 14:06:52

"Today is the best day for autographs," said Webb Summer, who brought two 3-ring binders filled with photos for signatures. Only the most die-hard fans show up on check-in day, he said. Half of his 2,000-square-foot house in Iowa is dedicated to the Vikes.
Webb Summers, Spirit Lake, Iowa, with his #vikings training camp scrap book. Whole basement (on cover) is Vikes-themed. http://pic.twitter.com/jut7Zav7 · TC Rover
Some folks in Kato (as the locals call their town) were excited for the camp, the upcoming season and the chance to see some sports celebrities around. Others could care less.
Those who cared:
And the care lessers:
Minnesota 169, the route from the Twin Cities to Mankato, bustled with media, fans and players Thursday. Someone also snapped a shot of this:
The Vikings are back and taking a shortcut http://pic.twitter.com/J1IMNAtc · Darryl Walker
While players could start arriving to the Gage Hall dormitories at 11 a.m., fans weren't allowed to cross Stadium Road until 11:30 a.m.
Gas money? RT @TCRover: Fans have to wait for the OK to enter camp. One guy offered me $200 for my press pass. http://pic.twitter.com/hwVyhAod · Phillip Pina
There was plenty of purple and gold at camp, including a few questionable fashion statements.
Vikings Pride bitches!! Camp Mankato!! #SKOLVIKINGS http://twitpic.com/ac19ef · Megan Kathryne
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]]>http://storify.com/jbrewerpipress/today-is-the-best-day-for-autographs-vikingshttp://storify.com/jbrewerpipress/today-is-the-best-day-for-autographs-vikingsThu, 26 Jul 2012 21:06:52 GMT<![CDATA[Social media and the Hmong Sports Festival]]>

As training for the late-July launch of the TC Rover, I took photos, shot video, ate sticky rice and interviewed folks at the 32nd annual Lao Family Community of Minnesota sports festival in St. Paul Saturday, June 30.

Storified by · Mon, Jul 02 2012 21:10:12

"US HMONG": What started as a small picnic on St. Paul's Harriet Island in 1980 has grown into one of the largest Hmong gatherings in the world. Up to 60,000 people come from all over the United States for what is essentially a giant family reunion. 
Hmong rappers from Michigan LP and TL wear "Us Hmong" t-shirts to promote their album and "Our people," LP said http://pic.twitter.com/e4qjOnSO · TC Rover
We primed the pump a day ahead of the event by posting a preview online and in print.
Hmong festival in St. Paul&#39;s Como Park expected to ... - Pioneer Press
3 days ago ... Blia Vue looked out over the grass at McMurray Field -- a wide expanse of baseball diamonds and soccer fields in Como Pa...
I also started Tweeting from the venue as folks set up -- and when I picked up my VIP pass. 
Vendors scouting for spots at Hmong sports fest (Sat-Sun at Como). I'm going for topspin: competitive top spinning! http://pic.twitter.com/DDatVZ3Y · John Brewer
Hope you like social media coverage of Hmong sports festivals cuz I'm VIP for the @PioneerPress w/ a digital camera. http://pic.twitter.com/5ufNFEVM · TC Rover
FOOD: Open-air restaurants line one side of the park, most serving sticky rice topped with grilled chicken, pork or sausage. Watching a cook make papaya salad on the spot turned out to be some of the best entertainment out there (see video below).
Hey @danyaph @jessflem @andyrathbun -- I'm on day two of the sticky rice diet. The food court here is insane. http://pic.twitter.com/h2cyUTSL · TC Rover
Food At The 32nd Annual Hmong Sports Tournament · brewproduce
GLADHANDING: With up to 60,000 people passing through the gates over two days, politicians, political parties and even the National Guard made appearances. (Voter issue update: Sen. Al Franken didn't know his Twitter handle when I asked him for it. #toughquestions)
Sen. Amy Klobuchar at the #J4 Hmong sports festival. I wonder if she knows where I can get some papaya salad. http://pic.twitter.com/OmP1Tagp · TC Rover
Yes, yes it is. He went to the GVP Sports Festival in Dakota County last night, but it was cancelled. http://pic.twitter.com/cH445zoX · TC Rover
UMBRELLAS: Almost everybody carried umbrellas around the festival -- shade was a hot commodity. Here's a sampling of the more interesting ones:
Lena Vang and her cat umbrella. #J4 http://pic.twitter.com/g3N7HVsR · TC Rover
Soccer spectator with a globe #umbrella at #J4. I want one. My @PioneerPress cap isn't cutting it. http://pic.twitter.com/KgVXgYhU · TC Rover
Seng Lee (right) and Vang Lee with an awesome #umbrella at the #J4 sports festival. http://pic.twitter.com/iXC1h3dh · TC Rover
Strawberry Shortcake? Another #umbrella at the #J4 sports festival. http://pic.twitter.com/a1IHk6xp · TC Rover
Coolest yet. #umbrella #J4 http://pic.twitter.com/zsCfSPzB · TC Rover
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]]>http://storify.com/jbrewerpipress/twitter-and-the-hmong-sports-festivalhttp://storify.com/jbrewerpipress/twitter-and-the-hmong-sports-festivalTue, 03 Jul 2012 04:08:03 GMT<![CDATA[Duluth flooding shuts down city]]>

Up to seven inches of rain have fallen on the North Shore city in the last 18 hours, flooding streets, neighborhoods and the city zoo. Officials have asked residents to stay home Wednesday, June 20. Rain continued to fall as of 1 p.m.

Storified by · Wed, Jun 20 2012 21:47:35

RT @svensundgaard: 5.27" rain & counting in Duluth. Civil emergency with I-35 closed. Severe flooding, sink holes, mudslides. #FB http://pic.twitter.com/xhxWfnop · Jason Hildre
RT @C_Vogler18: Craziest photo I've seen so far #Duluth #endofworld2012 #weregoingdownswimming http://pic.twitter.com/zAIWXcWt · Brady Engstrom
#rain #rubberboots #flooding #monsoon #duluth #nosnow #sinkhole #seriousshit @bucknastyymn · Ben Marwick
Holly Henry, a Lake Superior Zoo spokesperson, said two seals did make it out of their flooded enclosure and onto Grand Avenue, which runs in front of the zoo.
RT @solace: Photo of a seal that escaped from the Duluth Zoo overnight & was wandering around the streets from a friends Facebook: http://pic.twitter.com/so0W8zI0 · Charlie Adams
Roadways, including Interstate 35 and Minnesota 61, have been closed due to the flooding.
The storm has also led to the closure of several state parks.
Residents around town ventured out Wednesday morning to see what the flooding had done to their town. The damage is extensive.
#Duluth #Flood · Theory
It's flooding here in Duluth. D: Oh boy, a sewer fountain. #igers#ighub#instagood#instamood#instagramers#love#igdaily#iphonesia#instagramhub#followme#photooftheday#instagram#instadaily#tweegram#me#picoftheday#bestoftheday#webstagram#iphoneonly#follow#statigram#ignation#instahub#life#duluthmn#duluth#flood#fountain#sewer#rain · Bitzy Biskitz
Duluth getting destroyed by flash floods. · Elliot Tensen
Is that you @svensundgaard ? MT @pinkbabybutt13: Only in Duluth, do you have people kayaking in the street!!! http://pic.twitter.com/7knfHCrO · kristin ッ
Kind of glad I do not have to drive anyplace today. #duluth #flood http://twitpic.com/9yl7qo · @utopianmae
So today is all about watching FB pics of the flood in #Duluth http://pic.twitter.com/ZdYFDKuM · Laura Weintraub
The flooding even shut down the Miller Hill Mall.
@GMA they had to shut down the mall in Duluth because transmitters were under water http://pic.twitter.com/V2uGqSU5 · Sarah Vigliaturo
Authorities have warned the public to stay out of floodwaters. Other than an 8-year-old boy swept into a culvert (he survived after a six-block, underwater trip), no one has been seriously injured. Video shows how fast-moving the flood is.
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]]>http://storify.com/jbrewerpipress/flooding-shuts-down-duluthhttp://storify.com/jbrewerpipress/flooding-shuts-down-duluthThu, 21 Jun 2012 04:47:35 GMT<![CDATA[Andre and my iPhone]]>

While reporting on the North Minneapolis tornado anniversary, I ran into Andre, a 5 year old fascinated by our staff photographer's camera. The rig, with lens, costs thousands of dollars. It was off limits. But my phone wasn't.

Storified by · Mon, May 21 2012 21:10:24

When you give this 5 year old an iPhone 4S, he'll ... http://pic.twitter.com/z2JcP4uw · John Brewer
take a picture of you ... http://pic.twitter.com/yvZoVIVC · John Brewer
and then take a picture of his neighbor ... http://pic.twitter.com/uL1GDHnJ · John Brewer
which will remind him that he wants his picture taken ... http://pic.twitter.com/E7gIXQLz · John Brewer
and that'll make him want to take more pictures, this time of a real photographer ... http://pic.twitter.com/1R19Yaxj · John Brewer
then a picture of his own house ... http://pic.twitter.com/Ylp99dwd · John Brewer
and one last picture of his neighbor before the reporters have to go back to the office. http://pic.twitter.com/af1bckUk · John Brewer
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]]>http://storify.com/jbrewerpipress/andre-and-my-iphonehttp://storify.com/jbrewerpipress/andre-and-my-iphoneTue, 22 May 2012 04:10:24 GMT<![CDATA[Afternoon on the North End]]>

Who's hanging out on St. Paul's Rice Street at 3 p.m. on a Thursday? Me ... and these folks. Route: Rice, from Atwater to Maryland. D

Storified by · Mon, Apr 30 2012 13:39:45

John Brewer's Twitter PhotoJohn Brewer's Twitter Photo
The Unusual Furniture Company (closed). First stop on a tour of the North End. http://t.co/lfqp6efO
Sad this unusual store is closing, for good · massdistraction
These are the first North Enders I talked to on the walk. The woman asked if I could help get her brother out of prison (he's in on an accessory-to-murder conviction, she said) and the guy later offered me a drink of jug wine.
John Brewer's Twitter PhotoJohn Brewer's Twitter Photo
Thomas Zawacki and his niece (unidentified). He's not afraid of anything, he said, because "the world's going to hell." http://t.co/maK1uiom
I stopped in the Lucky Fish Shop because it has a bright, rainbow-colored sign in the front window and the starkest interior -- white walls and shelves, lined with dozens of small aquariums.
John Brewer's Twitter PhotoJohn Brewer's Twitter Photo
All of the fish in the Lucky Fish Shop are fighting fish. They live alone their entire fish lives. #notsolucky http://t.co/1N148v7D
Mama's Pizza has survived a devastating burst pipe and a fire next door over the past few years. Each time it closes and reopens, customers come back. I'm guessing it's for the food, but the in-booth TVs aren't bad either.
Ma Ma's Pizza · anglerove
John Brewer's Twitter PhotoJohn Brewer's Twitter Photo
Tony Mudzinski checks a pie at Mama's Pizza. Dinner crowd is just trickling in. "Stop back when you're done," he said. http://t.co/G3K9yVjF
Washington High School, a technology magnate, was getting schooled in baseball by Battle Creek as I passed by.
John Brewer's Twitter PhotoJohn Brewer's Twitter Photo
Battle Creek leads Washington 3-0 in first. Wash relief pitcher warming up as BC players tell him he's not ready. http://t.co/g0mXyZlI
Rice Street Hardware has everything -- that's not hyperbole -- including the cheapest can of Coke around.
John Brewer's Twitter PhotoJohn Brewer's Twitter Photo
It's true -- 75 cents for snacks at Rice Street Hardware. http://t.co/5fhe7zZp
The walk ended 3/4 of a mile after it started, outside Tin Cup's bar. "G. Cleanup" had his feet up and socks off as we talked. He said living on the street (and sleeping under some nearby stairs) is harder on his 54-year-old body than he thought it would be.
John Brewer's Twitter PhotoJohn Brewer's Twitter Photo
"G. Cleanup" takes a break from washing windshields outside Tin Cup's. "I'm trying to provide a service," he said. http://t.co/ZEW7bfFO
I didn't stop at some iconic places -- like Borns Bar -- or talk to the Mayor of Rice, Bones, but other people have. Here are their documents.
Rice Street Cleaner · Shotbox
Rice street ICON Bones. St Paul MN ·
Dive Bar on Rice Street; Saint Paul, Minnesota · alleyraven
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]]>http://storify.com/jbrewerpipress/afternoon-on-the-north-endhttp://storify.com/jbrewerpipress/afternoon-on-the-north-endMon, 30 Apr 2012 20:39:45 GMT<![CDATA[Koch, "inappropriate relationship"?]]>

On Thursday, Minnesota Sen. Majority Leader Amy Koch resigned her post. On Friday, GOP leaders said she quit amidst allegations she had an "inappropriate relationship" with a Senate staffer. Political observers reacted online.

Storified by · Fri, Dec 16 2011 13:54:20

Imageshack
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]]>http://storify.com/jbrewerpipress/new-story-1http://storify.com/jbrewerpipress/new-story-1Fri, 16 Dec 2011 21:54:20 GMT<![CDATA[So long, Ford]]>

The 86-year-old Ford plant in St. Paul rolled its last Ranger pickup truck (white) off the assembly line Friday morning. "It was hard to choke back the tears," said Marsha Anderson-Shearen, a Ford worker who was leaving the plant for the last time. "You'd go from happy to sad."

Storified by · Sun, Dec 18 2011 14:29:29

Last Ranger rolling off the line at St. Paul Ford plant, 53-year UAW worker at the wheel. http://twitpic.com/7u3873 · Randy Bunker
"Dallas Theis accepted congratulations and posed for photos with his co-workers in the plant lobby after he piloted the last truck—a white 4-door sport model—off the line. Theis says his job was to make sure the trucks didn't have squeaks or rattles, and 'that one didn't.' -- Associated Press
About 800 employees are affected by the closure. Some will transfer to other Ford plants. Some will retire. Others are uncertain about their plans. U.S. Sen. Al Franken visited the plant to say goodbye a week ago.
Tour of St. Paul Ford Plant · Senator Franken
Tour of St. Paul Ford Plant · Senator Franken
Tour of St. Paul Ford Plant · Senator Franken
On Friday, passerby shared their thoughts on the closing.
RT @rkoski: This morning marks the end for St Paul's Ford Plant. Here's a great postcard of what they had planned in 1924 via @mnhs http://pic.twitter.com/RxbmtdkT · Annie Carpenter
St. Paul&#39;s Ford Plant. The end of an era ... Interested to see its future http://t.co/aCXsgH3G · nathaniel1983
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]]>http://storify.com/jbrewerpipress/so-long-fordhttp://storify.com/jbrewerpipress/so-long-fordSun, 18 Dec 2011 22:29:29 GMT<![CDATA[Andy Heimstead]]>

Died on I-94 in Hudson, Wis., the afternoon of Oct. 4. He stepped in front of a Peterbilt semitrailer.

Storified by · Fri, Dec 16 2011 08:50:26

Tripod
Heimstead was in several Twin Cities bands, including Echo3 (Heimstead is on far right, above), Wyzr Tyme, Psychobabble, Campfighter, Uncle Sam and Rattle and Hum.
He also appeared in a mid-2000s Star Trek fan film, "Starship Exeter: Savage Planets." He was listed as a "crewman" in the credits and did grip work for the movie, too.
Mac
Heimstead lived in Hudson. He killed himself at the beginning of afternoon rush hour by stepping into traffic on eastbound I-94. Witnesses said he faced the truck as it approached.
I-94 fatality ruled a suicide | Rivertowns.net | River Falls, Wisconsin
Oct 19, 2011 ... “This is a sad time for all involved,” Schachtner said in reporting the cause of Andrew Michael Heimstead&#39;s death....
His obituary:

Andrew Michael "Andy" Heimstead, 43
Hudson, Wisconsin 

Died Suddenly on October 4, 2011 Andy was born January 25, 1968, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. For much of his life, he was part of the music scene in the Twin Cities, playing bass guitar in such groups as Echo3, Wyzr Tyme, Psychobabble, Campfighter, Uncle Sam, and Rattle and Hum. During his life, Andy also performed in a Star-Trek-based video, Starship Exeter - The Savage Empire, and traveled to many places in the world. Andy is survived by mother, Lenief; father and step-mother, Douglas and Judy; brother, Jon; sister, Alison, and her husband, Steve Epley; step-brother, Craig Sandberg and his wife, Heather; step-brother, Jay Sandberg and his wife, Terri; nieces and nephews; and many friends in the music world. Andy was preceded in death by sister, Jennifer; grandparents, Douglas and Lynne Heimstead; grandparents, Dick and Edith Peterson; and uncle, Frank Heimstead. A gathering to honor Andy's life will take place at Hillside Funeral Chapel in Minneapolis on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. Washburn-McReavy Hillside Chapel 612-781-1999 2610 19th Ave. NE, Mpls
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]]>http://storify.com/jbrewerpipress/andy-heimsteadhttp://storify.com/jbrewerpipress/andy-heimsteadFri, 16 Dec 2011 16:50:26 GMT