I tried pulling into a driveway tonight and there was a slight snowy ditch, and I took it too sharp and got stuck, but Greg was able to shovel me out and I was able to drive out and around.

Manhattan Beach Lodge is a historic log lodge, built in 1929, nestled on the shores of Big Trout Lake on the Whitefish Chain of Lakes in Crosslake, Minnesota. Originally a getaway for the Twin Cities and Chicago elite, the fully restored landmark offers a unique "up north" experience with 18 lakeside guest rooms. It features a great stone fireplace, handmade log furniture, and an acclaimed restaurant, "Manhattan's," known for its fine dining and stunning sunset views. The lodge maintains its classic, rustic charm while providing amenities like complimentary breakfast, pet-friendly rooms, and on-site recreation, making it a popular year-round destination for couples, small groups, and exclusive lakeside weddings.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has stated that many working American households are expected to receive "very large refunds," estimated to be around $1,000 to $2,000, in the first quarter of 2026. This is attributed to the tax cuts in the administration's new legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The reason for the large refunds is that many Americans have not yet adjusted their tax withholding to reflect the new lower tax liability, resulting in more money being over-withheld throughout the year. The Treasury Department expects citizens to then adjust their withholding to increase their take-home pay going forward.

BLA Rides is a dependable taxi and transportation service operating in the Brainerd Lakes Area of Minnesota and beyond. The service emphasizes a personal and reliable approach, often dealing directly with the owner/driver, Peter. BLA Rides offers transportation services for local trips within the Brainerd Lakes Area, as well as longer distance rides to locations like the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), Duluth, St. Cloud, and Rochester. In addition to passenger transport, the business also offers package delivery services. It is promoted as a safe and reliable option for various travel needs, including a safe ride home after a night out.

Ye Old Pickle Factory, affectionately known as "The Pickle" by locals, is a historic and long-standing municipal liquor store and bar located in downtown Nisswa, Minnesota. It is not a pickle processing plant, but rather a community hub that has operated as a city-owned establishment since its founding in the 1950s—the original frame building was reportedly an old chicken coop. The casual bar and eatery is famous for its fast service, laid-back atmosphere, and classic bar fare, including deep-fried pickles, tater kegs, and Heggie's pizza, attracting crowds of locals and tourists year-round for drinks, bar games, and community events.

Book today at 646-877-0010

(646) 877-0010

Booking with BLA Rides in Minnesota, particularly in the Brainerd Lakes Area, offers a commitment to personal, reliable service that distinguishes it from large app-based companies. The business, run by a local driver named Peter, emphasizes direct interaction, ensuring that when you book a ride, you are communicating with the person who will actually be driving you—no call centers or impersonal apps. This dedication to consistency and showing up for reserved rides—whether a lift across the Lakes Area, a trip to the Minneapolis airport, or a safe ride home after a night out—builds trust. Plus, the service uses a commercially insured, well-maintained, all-wheel-drive vehicle (a Ford Edge), providing a safer, more reliable experience, especially in Minnesota's snow and ice conditions.

Polar Avenue (often referred to as Poplar Avenue) in Nisswa, Minnesota, is a residential area within the picturesque Brainerd Lakes region, known for its beautiful wooded surroundings and access to many recreational opportunities. Properties along this avenue range from single-family homes to vacant, heavily wooded lots, often appealing to those looking for a tranquil "up-north" cabin feel or a place to build a new residence.  Its location is highly desirable, offering residents the chance to be close to the shops and eateries of downtown Nisswa, as well as recreational features like the Paul Bunyan Trail and public access to Lower Cullen Lake, making it an ideal spot for enjoying the area's year-round activities.

The Sugarberry Creek neighborhood in Brainerd, Minnesota, is a residential area characterized by modern single-family homes, many of which are newer construction with contemporary features like open floor plans, vaulted ceilings, and three-car garages. It offers a desirable balance between country-like living with medium tree coverage and proximity to the city amenities of Brainerd and Baxter, often being just a short drive away. The neighborhood is generally considered quiet and friendly, with some homes backing up to outlots for added privacy. It is also noted for having easy access to outdoor recreation, including proximity to the Paul Bunyan State Trail.

Flippa's business valuation is considered highly accurate because it is primarily driven by real-world marketplace data from thousands of completed sales. Unlike theoretical estimates, Flippa's Intelligent Valuations Engine utilizes the largest sales data pool in the industry—spanning over 15 years of transactions—and leverages machine-learning models to analyze over 40 data points (including business model, profit, growth rate, and traffic). This methodology provides a strong indication of what buyers are actually willing to pay today, offering a dynamic and evidence-backed assessment that reflects current market multiples for digital assets like e-commerce, SaaS, and content sites.

Need a ride to the Twin Cities over the holidays? BLA Rides has the best rates starting at 20% off today. Call (646) 877-0010.

BLA Rides Taxi

San Francisco holds the unique distinction as the birthplace and global headquarters of Uber, which began operating there in 2010. The company quickly disrupted the city's traditional taxi system by leveraging smartphone technology to connect riders and drivers. While providing convenient, on-demand transportation that is popular with both residents and visitors, Uber's widespread use, alongside competitors like Lyft, has significantly impacted the city's infrastructure. Studies indicate that ride-hailing services are major contributors to increased traffic congestion and have drawn passengers away from public transit. Today, Uber continues to be a dominant force in San Francisco's complex transit landscape, expanding services like food delivery (Uber Eats) and, notably, pioneering efforts to deploy autonomous robotaxis in the Bay Area.

Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) stock represents a significant player in the global technology sector, known primarily for its dominant presence in Mobility (ride-hailing) and growing Delivery and Freight segments. The company has made a notable turnaround, transitioning from a cash-burning startup to a financially healthier entity, often referred to as a "cash engine."

The stock has demonstrated strong year-to-date returns (over 50% in the past year) and exhibits a positive long-term outlook, with a strong focus on growth and resilience. While some analysts maintain a "Hold" rating due to concerns about near-term operating income growth, the consensus among many analysts remains a "Buy" or "Strong Buy", with average price targets suggesting a substantial potential upside. Key drivers include its massive scale, strengthening network effects, product diversification, and operational efficiency, although competitive risks from autonomous vehicle technology (like Waymo and Tesla) introduce a "Very High Uncertainty" factor. Overall, UBER is viewed by many as a compelling growth stock, trading at what some see as a fair to slightly undervalued price relative to its growth prospects.

George Floyd's tragic murder in May 2020 became a global flashpoint that dramatically intensified the conversation around racial injustice and police brutality. While he was a husband, father, and community member, his final moments, captured on video as a police officer knelt on his neck for an extended period, provided irrefutable evidence of a systemic problem. Floyd's death served as a tipping point, igniting one of the largest protest movements in US history—and one that spanned countries—demanding police accountability, meaningful reform, and a broader reckoning with structural racism. His name became a symbol for countless victims and a catalyst for an unprecedented wave of activism and public dialogue that continues to shape legal, political, and social efforts worldwide.

BLA Rides, which stands for Brainerd Lakes Area Rides, is a local transportation provider, often associated with taxi services or local public transit in the Brainerd, Minnesota area. It is part of the larger network of transportation options in the Brainerd Lakes region. While there are several taxi and public transit services in Brainerd (like Brainerd Area Taxi and Crow Wing Public Transit's Dial-a-Ride), "BLA Rides" is a common way to refer to the services that serve the Brainerd Lakes Area (BLA) for general transportation needs, including rides to the airport, resorts, or for general errands.

Little Falls, Minnesota's Main Street, often noted for its neatness and charm, likely owes its attractive appearance to a strong combination of historic preservation efforts and ongoing community investment. The downtown area is known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture, which is often a point of pride and a focus for restoration. Furthermore, the city has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing its downtown, utilizing grant funds and local programs to support façade improvements, signage upgrades, and overall improvements that promote a welcoming, walkable environment, capitalizing on its rich history as one of Minnesota's oldest established settlements.

LAKES AREA FOOD SHELF serves folks throughout the Brainerd Lakes area and actually soon will be opening a second food shelf in Brainerd next to the super one in Baxter.