As recently as my last post here, I had promoted my city as a Creative Technology superpower. Comically, I mentioned Google was missing out by not having an office here. Today, as if responding to my thoughts, or predicting my search terms, the Chairman himself showed up! He wasn't planning a MPLS division (that I know of) but he was promoting the idea that Google can help create vitality within the innovative small businesses we create.
Eric Schmidt met with Mayor RT Rybak, toured the former Grain Exchange trading floor, now a hyper innovative technology think tank, and spoke at the University of Minnesotas Humphrey School of Public Affairs. He delivered a speech called "The Future of the High-Tech Economy: How Technology is Changing Business, Education and Government." The speech is getting good national coverage because ES was hyper critical of proposed draconian federal controls of the previously free internet. And I've FOUND the recording! yeah!
I've been advocating for a Minneapolis Google Office since 2003, but Google can go ahead and be late to the party, if they come at all. Minneapolis technology entrepreneurship is on the rise without them. And, with our profoundly creative, tech savvy artist culture, we are about to sky rocket into a future of quality innovations. Do not forget that Minneapolis has been a model of innovation in the world, having invented the lions share of this worlds products, ideas, and methods. To much to go into in a short blog post, but look it up. We rule root.
***Give me a few months and I'll give you a 3D virtual SKYRIM quality Minneapolis Skyway, with instantly deliverable goods and services. Just run your avatar into Caribou Coffee, order up, and a REAL barista will be up to your office in 10 minutes. Like wise for Target, Office Depo, or any other store in the system.
UPDATE 11-30-11
Well what do you know? Does Eric Schmidt read my blog? I doubt it, but he decided to drop into the grain exchange and meet with the Mayor of Minneapolis today!
The story that a squad car showed up at the OccupyMn Foreclosure Action, and ran a man over, is being circulated.. while the video shows something a little less serious, the headline is sensational.
The video which is in circulation does not show the entire narrative, so I thought I would post here what I've witnessed.
This narrative perspective is speculation based on video evidence, but I believe it's correct.
I hope someone will correct me if I'm wrong.
There is a fuller video which shows a bit more of the context to the weekends arrests.
It looks to me like the cops showed up to investigate, and arrest a kid, whom had an earlier confrontation with transit police on platform across from Government, er, Peoples Plaza.
In the previous incident, the officers were hassling people to leave the platform if they didn't have train tickets. A young guy attempting to stand up for himself, was indignant with the Transit Cop, basically saying "blah blah blah la la la all I hear is.." then loudly yelling "BULL-SHIT!!". He was not arrested at that time. The scene then turned into a larger confrontation with many squads showing up. (Video follows)
Forward to this weekend. It is not confirmed that it's the same kid, but it looks like him in the video whom the cops showed up to "investigate". Again, please correct me if I'm wrong.. I'm not 100% certain..
They used this to gain entry to the foreclosed/occupied home, then proceeded to clear it out "for safety reasons".
After taking the kid into custody, the departing squad car was blocked by a cross armed guy who refused to move from the street. The driver proceeded to attempt a nudge action and continued driving, pushing the guy about 15 feet down the road before stopping, getting out and performing a frustrated, slightly aggressive arrest.
The Associated Press is reporting that the first kid was arrested for burglary and trespass, while the second one was arrested for obstruction of justice.
The occupiers formed a circle around the house and chanted, as the police left. They saw this as a victory in an attempt to evict them, but really it was this other investigation (..?..?) In any case, Police showed up in force the next day (today), cleared the house and boarded it up. It's a shame. I thought the Occupy Foreclosures idea was a very good one.
End of story, here are the videos I found which give the big picture. In reverse chronology.
Over a dozen occupy Minnesota movement representatives chose to be arrested rather then leave the bridge, giving the police an opportunity to practice mass arrest strategies.
Again, FULL RESPECTS to the people, but there would have been no shame in leaving to avoid arrest. I want them to know that. Peace and love to those in jail right now. I know that's more suffering then I would have chosen to go through. But, it's larger then any one person.. Just STAY FREE people! It's a bummer to see you get taken away..
The video ninjas did an excellent job. The peoples movement is unending, never to be defeated. We're all in this together.
A terrible and sad sounding death has occurred. A woman reportedly walked onto highway 94, near 7th street, laid down in traffic and was run over by several cars. Unimaginable.
This happened shortly after 6:30 (durring rush hour) and was witnessed by MNDOT employees monitoring the interstate cameras. The freeway has been re-opened, but the womans identity has not been released because of the horrible damage done to her body.
R.I.P suicidal lady. I have one friend living in that neighborhood. I hope it wasn't her..
A commercial building housing a painting and refurbishing business has gone up in flames. You can only imagine how flammable their supplies were! The building has burned this morning with such intensity, that it has collapsed. The business was called "North American Carousel".
