Dr. Nina Pierpont of Malone, N.Y., coined the phrase "wind turbine syndrome" for what she says happens to some people living near wind energy farms, according to a report.

Pierpont's findings suggest that low-frequency noise and vibration generated by wind machines can have an effect on the inner ear, triggering headaches; difficulty sleeping; tinnitus, or ringing in the ears; learning and mood disorders; panic attacks; irritability; disruption of equilibrium, concentration and memory; and childhood behavior problems.

IWCO Direct (Chanhassen, MN) has received a “Corporate Business Achievement Award” from the U.S. Postal Service. In addition, the firm has been recognized as an “Industry Safety Leader” by the Envelope Manufacturers Association (EMA).

The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) a non-profit social services agency assisting veterans and their families statewide is hosting the American Veterans Traveling Tribute at Canterbury Park from June 19 to 22^nd to draw awareness to veterans issue and the organization itself.

NASHVILLE - In the year since Al Gore took steps to make his home more energy-efficient, the former Vice President’s home energy use surged more than 10%, according to the Tennessee Center for Policy Research.

“A man’s commitment to his beliefs is best measured by what he does behind the closed doors of his own home,” said Drew Johnson, President of the Tennessee Center for Policy Research. “Al Gore is a hypocrite and a fraud when it comes to his commitment to the environment, judging by his home energy consumption.”

A new 18-hole premier disc golf course will open at Bryant Lake Regional Park, Eden Prairie, on Monday, June 16, and you can golf it for free through June 30. 

Longtime WCCO-TV meteorologist Mike Fairbourne says that the environmental movement is practicing "squishy science" when it ties human activity to global warming, the Star Tribune reports. See the story at http://www.startribune.com/nation/19095579.html?page=1&c=y

"Prince the musical auteur is becoming an author," according to a Pioneer Press report.

"21 Nights," a "photographic essay" is his first book and is based on Prince's 21 sold-out concerts in as many nights at London's O2 Arena in 2007.

"21 Nights" will include a CD of after-hours jams, "Indigo Nights," unavailable from any other outlet.

The publisher of the Star Tribune on Sunday denied a New York Post report that the paper is on the brink of bankruptcy. In addition to declining advertising revenue, the Star Tribune reported last week that its weekday circulation fell 6.74 percent to 321,984 in the six-month period that ended March 31. The Pioneer Press reports that Avista Capital Partners, owner of the Star Tribune, has hired Blackstone Group to analyze the company's finances. "But that hardly merits a conclusion that we are near bankruptcy," Publisher Chris Harte reportedly said.

Life Time Fitness, Inc. (NYSE: LTM) today reported its operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2008.

First quarter 2008 revenue grew 20.5% to $184.5 million from $153.1 million during the same period last year. Net income during the quarter grew 23.1% to $17.4 million, or $0.44 per diluted share. This compares to net income of $14.1 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, for 1Q 2007.

Marlyn Weber from Oakdale called on the telephone Wednesday morning to say she had seen the recent write-up and photo in the Villager about the demolition of the Sears Catalogue Home on 78th Street.

She was raised in a similar Sears home in Fergus Falls from 1928 until she left for school in Minneapolis in 1946. Last in Fergus Falls three years ago, she said the home is still standing, still occupied and still sturdy.The  current owners were gracious enough to give her a tour.