Email Author Patrick Strait

2011 Stories by Patrick Strait

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  FEATURED STORY

  William Gurstelle explores his inner pyromaniac

  published Jul 05, 2011

  Tucked back in a quiet suburban neighborhood in south Minneapolis, William Gurstelle has spent more than 30 years designing, building, and--most importantly--making things go whoosh, boom, and splat i... More >>

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  FEATURED STORY

  America's greatest '80s tough guy movie montages

  published Jun 29, 2011

  The greatest weekend of the year is upon us. Each summer, Fourth of July allows us to celebrate the things that make our country great. There's an all-day marathon of the movie Independence Day on TNT... More >>

• Andrew McMahon talks new Jack's Mannequin album, bad fan tattoos

  published Jun 28, 2011

  Andrew McMahon worries that he might have overstayed his welcome in Minnesota the past couple of years. "The shows are always great when we come here, and the people are a lot of fun no matter where w... More >>

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  FEATURED STORY

  Allen Christian invites visitors into his House of Balls

  published Jun 06, 2011

  It's 10 p.m. on Friday night, and three twentysomethings are standing outside of a small storefront on Third Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. They're trying to make sense of the bizarre sculptures and ... More >>

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  FEATURED STORY

  Drag queens to break Guinness World Record tonight

  published Jun 03, 2011

  Tonight, Epic Event Center will host a world-record-breaking event as over 100 performers from all across the state of Minnesota will come together for A Night of 100 Drag Performers.The event is pres... More >>

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  FEATURED STORY

  Hannibal Buress isn't pitching his standup

  published May 31, 2011

  If you've never heard of Hannibal Buress, you need to learn -- fast. A former writer for Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock, the 28-year-old comic has already appeared on nearly every late night talk sho... More >>

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  FEATURED STORY

  Standup spotlight: Who the F is Chris Maddockr

  published May 26, 2011

  Ask any standup on the local scene, "What's the worst room in the Twin Citiesr" Chances are, they'll all agree: the downtown Grumpy's. The club's weekly Death Comedy Jam has wrecked many young, aspiri... More >>

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  FEATURED STORY

  When parkour strikes back: Best parkour fail videos ever

  published May 20, 2011

  Want to see some dudes flying around like ninjas in downtown Minneapolisr As a part of this week's feature about the MN parkour scene, our own Ryan Brennan put together an amazing video, showcasing th... More >>

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  FEATURED STORY

  Reporter's notebook: Booze and parkour don't mix

  published May 19, 2011

  This week, we went all Jackie Chan on the bit, with an in-depth look at the local parkour scene. If you haven't read it already, we recommend you do so now, before you find yourself chased into an all... More >>

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  COVER STORY

  Mn Parkour turns Twin Cities into obstacle course

  published May 18, 2011

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• Acro-Cats bring kitty hijinks to the Twin Cities

  published May 13, 2011

  Have you ever thought to yourself, "I wish there were more variety shows coming to town featuring cats playing instruments"r Well, good news: The Acro-Cats are on their way. For the first-time ever, ... More >>

• Southern Minnesota Alliance LARPs your face off with fantasy

  published May 12, 2011

  Attention kings, queens, wizards, hobbits, goblins, and other dudes wearing fake ears: The Southern Minnesota Alliance is going to go LARP all over your face this weekend.For those who have absolutely... More >>

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  FEATURED STORY

  Kelly Cutrone shares life advice; doesn't practice witchcraft

  published May 11, 2011

  "If you're not getting fucked by midnight, go home."Welcome to chapter two of Kelly Cutrone's new book, Normal Gets You Nowhere (HarperOne), which is possibly the most honest, entertaining, and helpfu... More >>

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  FEATURED STORY

  Chris Hardwick promises his nerdiest comedy show ever this Friday

  published May 02, 2011

  Chris Hardwick is probably the busiest--and nerdiest--guy in show business. As host of the uber-popular Nerdist podcast (www.nerdist.com) and G4's Web Soup, he has attracted legions of fans over the p... More >>

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  FEATURED STORY

  Standup spotlight: Who the F is Andy Eriksonr

  published Apr 27, 2011

  For a lot of aspiring standup comics, their material comes from painful past experiences, topical current events, or just witty observations about everyday life. But for Andy Erikson, her comedy stemm... More >>

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  FEATURED STORY

  Elizabeth Berkley visits Mall of America

  published Apr 21, 2011

  When someone says the name "Elizabeth Berkley" a lot of things come to mind: Jessie Spano, the actress from Showgirls who licked the pole, and David Caruso's ex-lover (on CSI: Miami, that is). Now New... More >>

• Shopping mall Easter Bunny survival guide

  published Apr 19, 2011

  Let's skip the chit-chat and get to business. We need to talk about the Easter Bunny.No, not the real one who lives in the hearts of children everywhere (and the minds of dudes who love huffing gas. L... More >>

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  FEATURED STORY

  Grading the missed connections of Saloon Connection

  published Apr 15, 2011

  Remember 2010 when Craigslist's "casual encounters" was all the rager Back before you had sites like AshleyMadison.com (a "dating" site for married couples looking for some side-action), PlentyOfFish.... More >>

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  FEATURED STORY

  Gay 90's hosts Nina DiAngelo Goddess fundraiser this Wednesday

  published Apr 12, 2011

  Let's face it; the Twin Cities haven't had a whole lot of luck lately. Our sports teams are falling apart, Block E lost Applebee's (Saddest. Day. Ever.) and we've still got a while until we find out h... More >>

• Tammy Faye Bakker ties the knot at the Loring Theater

  published Apr 01, 2011

  In what has to be considered the front-runner to win "most unusual anniversary party ever," tonight the Loring Theater will host Where Tammy Tied the Knot, a evening celebrating the 50-year anniversar... More >>

• A non-anime fan's guide to 'Anime Detour'

  published Mar 31, 2011

  This Friday through Sunday thousands of cranked-up anime fans will come together to share their passion at Anime Detour, which, according to their website, is "Minnesota's very own convention dedicate... More >>

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  FEATURED STORY

  Standup spotlight: Who the F is Gabe Noahr

  published Mar 23, 2011

  Some standup comedians talk a good game about the crazy things they've seen in their lives. Some of the stories are true, while some are embellished for the sake of the joke.Gabe Noah doesn't embellis... More >>

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  'America's Got Talent' (and Nick Cannon) descends on the Twin Cities

  published Mar 21, 2011

  Attention karaoke pros, dance crews, magicians, and Howie Mandel enthusiasts: America's Got Talent is coming to the Twin Cities.This Wednesday and Thursday, the modern day Star Search (with less Ed Mc... More >>

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  FEATURED STORY

  Road Warrior Joe "Animal" Laurinaitis talks wrestling, drugs, and Zubaz

  published Mar 17, 2011

  With his painted face, bad-ass mohawk, and signature spiked shoulder pads, Joe "Animal" Laurinaitis spent over 20 years wreaking havoc  all over the world as one half of the legendary pro wrestli... More >>

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  FEATURED STORY

  'A Cock Tale' premieres Friday at Suburban World Theatre

  published Mar 16, 2011

  "In a world of chickens, there can be only one top cock on the block."This Friday night, local animator Greg Bro (Bro-iest. Name. Ever) premieres his animated short, A Cock Tale at the Suburban World ... More >>