OK check out how much we are spending on Back To School. I know I am not alone in feeling rushed that I have to go get the supplies, the hair cut scheduled and I only have a few weeks left!
The National Retail Federation had BIGreserach conduct a survey to find out what the average consumer is spending on back to school:
$234.51 for clothing
$151.61 for electronics
$109.75 for shoes
$ 98.37 for school supplies
73% shop in discount store
56.6% shop in department store
47.8% shop in clothing store
41.8% shop in office supply store
24.8% shop online
21.4% shop in electronics store
18.2% shop in drug store
46.4% shop 3 weeks to one month before school starts
30.5% shop 1 to 2 weeks before school starts
3.8% shop the week school starts
Here's what the average consumer is spending on back to college:
$555.69 spent on electronics
$266.83 for dorm or apartment furnishing like bedspreads, posters, answering machine, or microwave and fridge
$202.61 spent on clothing
$97.35 spent on shoes
$84.13 spent on school supplies
$82.53 for Collegiate branded gear and supplies
52% purchase items from discount store
41.8% purchase items from college bookstore
41.8% purchase items from department store
30.7% purchase items from clothing store
29.9% purchase items online
19.6% purchase items from electronics store
14.3% purchase items from drug store
14.2% purchase items from resale shops
13.1% purchase items from home furnishings store
21.5% shop at least 2 months before college starts
29.8% shop 3 weeks to 1 month before college starts
27.9% shop 1 to 2 weeks before college starts
12.1% shop the week college starts
18% of college students will be living in college housing
24.3% of college students will be living in off campus housing
Bon Iver is indie folk with an extra pinch of forlorn. On For Emma, Forever Ago, Justin Vernon's solo debut, the deep ache of past troubles paints an irresistible tableau. Bon Iver's poetic lyrics boast enough internal rhyme to make even rappers like Big Pun turn tail, but it is really the naturalistic imagery that should snag your interest. It's not by chance either, since most of the album was recorded during a four-month period of voluntary sequestration in a Wisconsin cabin. The result yields sparse, carefully controlled instrumental parts mixed with Vernon's dreamy, fluid vocals. Vernon's skill with an acoustic guitar carries him a long way; and just for the record, it's the kind of acoustic guitar where an intentional squeak from a slide isn't just for show. Whether or not you can get close enough to hear that is another question. With A.A. Bondy. 18+.
2. GARLIC FESTIVAL
Saturday
The premiere event for lovers of garlic and good times, promoting gourmet garlic farming in Minnesota. Family friendly, fun filled and fragrant, this festival features local foods, chefs, music, artisans, games, competitions, and lots of garlic - all in support of a healthy environment, family farms and vital rural communities in Minnesota. Sponsored by Sustainable Farming Association of MN.
Dates
8/16/2008 to 8/16/2008
Address
Wright County Fairgrounds
Howard Lake, MN 55349
3. FLOWER FESTIVAL
Saturday and Sunday
The Arboretum presents, on the same weekend, two popular attraction of the summer growing season: the 26th annual Arboretum Flower and Garden Show, co-sponsored by the Federated Garaden Clubs of Minnesota, and the Minneapolis Men's Garden Club's Food, Flower and Foto Show. In addition to the flower shows, local plant societies and garden clubs will give demonstrations and presentations. Fee is gate admission (free for members).
From 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. in the MacMillan Auditiorium in the Oswald Visitor Center
4. ALL WEEKEND
Kayak/Canoe Lake Harriet
Take the person you love (or maybe just like) to Lake Harriet and paddle around in a kayak, canoe or paddleboat! It's cheap ($15 or so for an hour) and they're open until 8 p.m. Enjoy summer while it lasts!
5. FRIDAY
Afrifest 2008 Gala
Friday, Epic nightclub
Like immigrants from any other continent, Africans tend to party among fellow countrymen, usually at events that might as well be secret to the outside world. So last year's Afrifest was a revelation to Africans as well as to others in Minneapolis-St. Paul, which has emerged as an Upper Midwest locus of pan-African music, culture, sports, and commerce. This year's multi-venue fest features a free business expo Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Pan African Mall in Crystal. Then the real fun begins Friday at Epic in Minneapolis, with a concert and pan-African fashion show headlined by Congolese pop star Awilo Longomba, whose ebullient techno-soukous is pretty much irresistible to anyone with ears, feet, and an ass.The show is hosted by comedian Boima Freeman, with performances by local Liberian rapper Blade Brown and spoken word artist e.g. bailey (a dress code will be enforced). Saturday features Grooves and Jazz at Suburban World Theater with a wine tasting and tunes by Yohannes Tona Band with special guest Incognita ($15/$20, 8 p.m.). Sunday is Pan African Family Day in Powderhorn Park (3400 15th Ave. S., Minneapolis) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with food and soccer, followed by a closing-night celebration at Envy Nightclub in Minneapolis hosted by Def Comedy Jam alum Michael Blackson, "the African King of Comedy." (18+, dress code enforced, , 400 First Ave N.; 612.673.9694; www.envympls.com. $10 before 11 p.m.). The Pan African Business Expo is free from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Pan African Mall (5736 Lakeland Ave. N., Crystal; 763.560.2263; www.africafoodmall.com). Epic (110 N. 5th St., Minneapolis; 612.332.3742) concert and fashion show is 18+ Friday, ($25/$30; $50 VIP). For a complete schedule visit www.afrifest.org. -- Peter S.
This is a funny Post by Elizabeth Tuttle, a writer for MinnPost.com about all the PDA going on in China.
GROSS!
Elizabeth Tuttle: Making out in China Americans are under the impression that Chinese people are shy and conservative, but those who believe that must have never visited Beijing. The young China, the new China, surprisingly embraces extravagant Public Displays of Affection (aka PDA). After 8 p.m. on the soccer field at Tsinghua University, where I live, there is no longer enough light to play soccer, but there is the perfect amount of twilight for young lovers.
The soccer field is covered in couples lying down on blankets or standing. They whisper and giggle at each other and make out. It's strange to see on a college campus in the United States, but it is what I saw back in high school: kids making out near the football field on game nights back in Minnetonka.
But my favorite story of PDA accompanies a picture taken by my friend Ann Frisk (a fellow University of Iowa student). The girls and I were ordering kiwi smoothies at a bakery in Beijing when Nicole Mason (pictured below) went to find a table.
MinnPost photo by Elizabeth Tuttle
Then I hear Nicole say my name almost laughing, but I didn't turn until she said my name again, and when I looked over, I saw them in the bakery's seating area. Two Chinese kids were making out, the girl sitting in the guy's lap, her arms around his neck, devouring his face. We all sat a couple of tables away and watched in surprise.
I don't even see this in the United States. The couple continued on like this for at least 30 minutes, and they were still there even as we left the place.
But this picture and story just show stereotypes are not always true and that Chinese people, especially the youth, are not as modest and shy as many Americans think.
Elizabeth Tuttle, 20, of Minnetonka, is a reporter for the official Beijing Olympic News Service. Tuttle is a journalism and international studies major in her senior year at the University of Iowa. She covered Olympic test events for the Beijing Olympic News Service in October and is currently working on a do****entary about China and the Olympics. Tuttle can be reached at elizabeth-tuttle@uiowa.edu.
Middle Children's Day -- Where someone falls in his family order can have a huge effect on their personality and their role in your relationship, says Meri Wallace, author of "Birth Order Blues." If he's:
·A firstborn -- Bravo. You scored a dependable conscientious, and caring one, you can rely on for logical advice and support. But beware: If you don't speak up, this confident cutie can become a control freak.
·A middle child -- No doubt your partner has a way of getting along with anyone, thanks to their loyal, social, and sensitive nature. Their also really attuned to your feelings and super thoughtful. But as laid-back as they may be, they can demand lots of TLC and major reassurance.
·A baby -- The last of the litter tends to be a loving, outgoing, freethinking charmer. You are likely a fabulous storyteller and great at ****tail parties. One caveat: you can be flaky, leaving you to make all the weekend plans.
·An only child -- You're dating a responsible and driven one who'll be totally devoted to you. The downside? Since they never had to share their parents' love and attention or any possessions with siblings, they may be self-centered and possessive of belongings.
We are having Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl on the show today who is the Editor of Minnesota Monthly's food pacakages and also Real Food the Lunds and Byerlys publications in store. She is one of my favorite local foodies and if you have any food or restaurant related questions send them to me and we will "Ask The Critic" today.
MinnPost photo by Elizabeth Tuttle