Blogs

On weekdays, Joe Brandmeier directs dozens of people on the set of video productions. On the weekends, he can be found alone, camped out in front of a bear den.

His wife, Joan Steffand, the former KARE 11 anchor, says Brandmeier will bring the same commitment he has for producing and directing to his camping and focusing on quality photographs during his stakeouts.

Going to the farmers market with food writer Meredith Deeds would be a lot of fun. First of all, she has a wealth of knowledge about the locally-sourced produce, meats and more that you find at your favorite market each week. She never brings a list, simply reveling in what looks good now and what might taste really good later. Her enthusiasm would likely be contagious, so you might find yourself unloading a big bag of kale when you get home and wondering … “What was I thinking?” She’d have your answer: kale chips.

Don’t worry, be happy. Late 80s musician Bobby McFerrin’s voice may have been echoing through the ears of Edina City Council members last week when they unanimously changed their city’s policy of prohibiting happy hour discounts on alcohol. Whatever prompted the council to make Edina Minnesota’s last city to allow liquor discounts, such conformity will be welcomed by many.

I always have admired the minds of artists—the way they can see things that us non-artists can’t. After speaking with Dana Douglas, Bill Wiard and Annie Schilling, I admire artists all the more.