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Brew Pubs Provide Local Flavor
admin January 2, 2018 New Comer Blog Leave a Comment
By Caitlin Hogan
Craft beers have been fast gaining popularity in the United States over the past decade and the Greater St. Cloud area is fortunate to have several of its own local brew pubs creating these one-of-a-kind flavorful beers and sought-out social hangouts. Craft breweries are inherently innovative with brewers spending months, and sometimes years, to develop their own blend of flavors and ingredients, resulting in a beer distinctively their own. Taprooms act as the showcase for these carefully crafted brews, so the atmosphere is just as unique as the handcrafted beers they feature. "The space pays homage to St. Cloud featuring reclaimed wood and barn tin, St. Cloud brick, and a bar top that was a bowling alley lane in its previous life," Co-Founder Nick Barth said of St. Cloud's newest brewery, Beaver Island Brewing Co. in downtown St. Cloud, which opened in February 2015.
A Social Experience
Taprooms are a reflection of the founder's personalities and often display the inspiration behind the establishment. They are a place to discover the history, flavor combinations and story behind the brewery's finest creations as well as discover your own craft beer preferences. Barth describes the taproom atmosphere as "a relaxed environment where there are no TVs but great conversation and plenty of board games. We call it a social experiment gone right!" Beaver Island earned the "People's Choice" at the 2015 St. Cloud Craft Beer Tour. The bartenders in these establishments have a passion for high-quality and flavorful beers and are an integral part of the social atmosphere of the taproom with their knowledge and willingness to share each beer's story. Often times patrons meet and even sometimes served by the person who brewed the beer they're drinking. Third Street Brewhouse, located just outside of St. Cloud in Cold Spring, is known for creating the area's first local craft beer in 2012 and opened a taproom in 2013. "The atmosphere is intimate, chill and relaxed," said Krista Amundson, Third Street's public relations and marketing coordinator of Third Street Brewhouse. "While sitting at one of the tables in the taproom, you're able to view the brewing tanks where we brew all of our beer. On Friday evenings in the summer, you can sit on the patio and listen to live music." Third Street has added several seasonal beers to the year-round lineup and its beers can now be found in more than 350 bars.
Beer to Go, Too
In addition to the standard pint of beer, flights with 5-ounce samples of four different beers to enjoy on site and 64-ounce containers called growlers to transport beer off-site. "The taproom offers flights, pints of our beer, BIBCo Merchandise, and growlers," Barth said. "Growlers allow our guests to enjoy their favorite BIBCo beer at home or on the lake." Although taprooms typically do not offer food, they frequently welcome patrons to order in from local establishments and food trucks can often be found on-site. Opening this coming fall is Bad Habit Brewing, the first brewery to open in St. Joseph in over 100 years. This taproom will feature the brewery's handcrafted beer as well as homemade soda. These local treasures are among 50 craft breweries of their kind in Minnesota. Tours are often available upon request or by appointment.
Bumbledee's Selection & Downtown Location
admin May 1, 2018 New Comer Blog Leave a Comment
By mary macdonell belisle, wording for you
The buzz of appreciative customer voices is music to Dee Holsinger's ears. Visitors to her Bumbledee's shop have replaced those of her former music students, heard over 35 years as
an instructor to middle and high school students at ROCORI in Cold Spring. Relocating to downtown St. Cloud after her retirement in 2010 was an opportunity for Dee to pursue her second dream: to run her own shop, catering to tourists. This bubbly businesswoman loves downtown and her "shop of shops," an art, boutique, and antiques' enterprise on St. Germain Street.
Dee appreciates downtown for many reasons. Tourists are number one. She's welcomed visitors from overseas and from every state in the union. Many folks have families in the St. Cloud area, and exploring Bumbledee's provides them an enjoyable activity. The downtown has some of the best food establishments and unique shopping experiences around, notes Dee. Also, many downtown businesses owners are women, providing Dee retail colleagues to converse with and compare notes. Foot traffic is good, although she'd like to see more convention attendees from River's Edge Convention Center. Dee is pleased her place is an attraction for the antiques' lovers driving from the Twin Cities' northern suburbs as well, many
of them repeat customers.
Bumbledee's, owned by Dee and her husband Tom, is a draw. Dee knows she markets the best vintage jewelry in the city (her specialty), and the largest inventory of antique lighting, through a vendor relationship, backed with 40 years of experience. In fact, Bumbledees taps the expertise of 30 antiques dealers who stock her shop. They specialize in furniture, kitchenware, garden items, toys, artwork, glassware, crystal, quilts, etc. Each oversees her/his own inventory, handling the dusting as well. When asked how many pieces she carries in total inventory, Dee laughs and says, "I don't have a clue." Suffice it to say, "LOTS!"
Dee appreciates art and creativity, personally choosing each item displayed at Bumbledees. "When I find something that sells, I stick with it," she says of her business sense.
Tom and Dee's decision to lease their building seven years ago continues to bring joy. The building was originally a dry goods store, then, a J.C. Penney's. The couple lovingly (and with plenty of "elbow grease") restored the tin ceiling, maple floors (originally, painted red), and the
brick wall. They love the look, and every nook and cranny filled with their wonderful assortment of art and antiques.
Still, what Dee loves most about Bumbledee's is the variety of people who visit with her downtown and make their selections from her diverse collections. "I feel bad when a customer wants something one day and comes back the next day to find that the item is not here," confesses Dee. So, stop in to visit Dee (and Tom) and meet Penny Lane, their golden-doodle best friend, who keeps watch at the till. But if you see an item you want, better snatch it up, quickly, or you'll be singing a sad song when another patron walks away with the treasure!
711 W St. Germain | 320.257.3387 | www.bumbledees.com
Grasshopper Chapel
admin July 11, 2016 New Comer Blog Leave a Comment
This chapel in Cold Spring, Minnesota, stands testimony to a miracle that hap-pened in 1877. Crop failures due to Rocky Mountain Locust infestations occurred in 1873, 1874, 1875, and 1876.
Each year the hoppers ate everything in sight, laid their eggs, and flew away to torment another place. When the eggs hatched, the hatchlings could not fly for 5-7 weeks. During these weeks, they marched across the Midwest, searching for food. When mature, they laid their eggs and flew away. The cycle repeated.
The grasshoppers settled like a huge teardrop across Central North America, from the prairies of Canada down to Dallas, TX. Flour mills closed, farmers starved and governments were desperate. The economy crumbled. Many folks packed up and left.
A Catholic priest in Cold Spring gathered his strug-gling flock. He said that if they would build a chapel and hold an extra weekly service for 15 years, God would deliver them from the locusts. It seemed impossible–but they obeyed.
At the same time, Governor Pillsbury called for a day of prayer and fasting to ask God for deliverance from the Rocky Mountain Locusts.
In 1877 the grasshoppers flew away without laying their eggs. Some credit divine intervention. Others think a late April snowstorm disrupted their cycle. For whatever reason, the grasshoppers left and have been extinct ever since. The Grasshopper Chapel in Cold Spring remains.
It's a beautiful spot. You'd enjoy a road trip to see it for yourself.
admin August 12, 2017 New Comer Blog Leave a Comment
This chapel in Cold Spring, Minnesota, stands testimony to a miracle that happened in 1877. Crop failures due to Rocky Mountain Locust infestations occurred in 1873, 1874, 1875, and 1876.
Each year the hoppers ate everything in sight, laid their eggs, and flew away to torment another place. When the eggs hatched, the hatchlings could not fly for 5-7 weeks. During these weeks, they marched across the Midwest, searching for food. When mature, they laid their eggs and flew away. The cycle repeated.
A Catholic priest in Cold Spring gathered his struggling flock. He said that if they would build a chapel and hold an extra weekly service for 15 years, God would deliver them from the locusts. It seemed impossible– but they obeyed.
In 1877 the grasshoppers flew away without laying their eggs. Some credit divine intervention. Others think a late April snowstorm disrupted their cycle. For whatever reason, the grasshoppers left and have been extinct ever since. The Grasshopper Chapel in Cold Spring remains.
Candace Simar is a writer and poet from Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, in the heart of Lake Country. As a life-long Minnesotan, the grandchild of immigrants, Candace nurtures a passion for Minnesota History. Website: candacesimar.com
GREAT Theatre: As Good As Broadway
admin October 15, 2017 New Comer Blog Leave a Comment
by Jason Grabinger
Since 1998 when Dennis Whipple began GREAT Theatre, the community has benefitted greatly from the exceptional quality shows put on by dedicated actors, directors, and crewmembers each season. What began as a children's theatre had blossomed into an organization performing a vast range of shows to entertain and enlighten the entire family. GREAT's mission is to bind the community together through shared theater experiences, and they have a vision to ensure everyone in the Central Minnesota community will have access to the transformative power of the arts. GREAT Theatre has enjoyed wonderful success, and it is all due to the dedication of volunteers and the support of our community. Saint Cloud and the surrounding area is passionate about the arts, and has helped GREAT to build their World Headquarters in Waite Park. The GREAT Theatre World Headquarters is the first of its kind in MN, featuring rehearsal halls, a scene shop, a costume shop, and an administrative office. GREAT is also working on building a learning lab to share the magic of live theatre with people of all ages. Performing over 120 shows and counting, you can find GREAT Productions performing at phenomenal local venues including the majestic Paramount Theatre in downtown Saint Cloud, the Stephen B. Humphrey Theater on the campus of Saint John's University, and other wonderful venues. The shows, thanks to the passion and talent of hundreds of volunteers are often compared to Broadway shows, and each season offers something new for the entire family. GREAT Theatre is passionate about our community and is an active participant in the betterment of our cities and the residents of them. GREAT is a proud member of United Arts of Central Minnesota. GREAT actors often share their talent and skill for local causes, and weekly summer camps for children of varied ages introduce the wonder of live theatre early. These camps, along with GREAT shows build confidence and encourage people to achieve their dreams. Whether you are interested in seeing a show, volunteering your time behind the scenes, or would love to audition for a role, more information is available on GREAT's website at www.greattheatre.org. You can also reach them by phone at (320) 258-2728. We are fortunate to have such a quality community theatre in our area, and checking out all that GREAT Theatre has to offer is certainly worthwhile.
Great River Educational Arts Theatre
710 Sundial Drive Waite Park, MN
www.GreatTheatre.org
admin June 1, 2018 New Comer Blog Leave a Comment
United Way of Central Minnesota is committed to helping children and youth achieve their potential because 85% of brain development happens before age 3. Reading with your child, starting at birth, will help them gain a better understanding of the world and early reading skills.
Imagination Library is a program of United Way of Central Minnesota in partnership with the Dollywood Foundation to encourage children to develop a love of reading and better prepare them for kindergarten. The program provides a new, FREE, age appropriate book to every child at their home each month until their 5th birthday. Eligible children must have a parent or guardian who lives in the United Way of Central Minnesota service area. To learn more about United Way's service area, visit unitedwayhelps.org.
Since the program began 10 years ago, more than one million books have been mailed locally. That is more than the Great River Regional Library (32 library locations) has in circulation. One parent said, "We sit and read instead of watching television." A recent study completed with local Imagination Library parents revealed that 94% of parents noted that their children ask to be read to more due to the program.
To enroll your child, you can either print out a form at unitedwayhelps.org and mail to the United Way of Central Minnesota office or complete the online form. Please notify United Way of Central Minnesota anytime your address changes in order to continue receiving books. After registering, the first book takes about eight to ten weeks to arrive.
The program is funded locally by individual donations from parents, other community members, corporate gifts, and special grants. A child can be sponsored for $30 per year. Last year, more than 10,400 children received Imagination Library books in Central Minnesota. Help us spread the word about this program by informing your employer that businesses can also donate to help support Imagination Library.
To learn additional ways you can prepare your child for their future success visit unitedwayhelps.org and click on Read. Talk. Play. Together Everyday.
For more information regarding early learning/early literacy, please contact: United Way of Central Minnesota at (320) 223-7992, imaginationlibrary@unitedwayhelps.org or www.unitedwayhelps.org.
Owner's Spirit Guides feature of histori restaurant
admin March 1, 2018 New Comer Blog Leave a Comment
People savor experiences—in memories that can be called to mind and stories that can be shared. These often center around a meal, and a random smell will typically trigger thoughts of days gone by. A whiff of wood smoke. Sigh of a special BBQ sauce. Waft of an aged whiskey.
Anton's Restaurant has been the site of good food, good spirits, and good times since 1920 when a rustic log cabin was erected, operating as a speakeasy. The place was called "Bricky's," part of the Woodland Lodge, a small cabin resort. Its structure and history still speak volumes
today, with the entrance boasting an original still used to make Minnesota 13 moonshine during Prohibition. However, it is the spirit of owner Anton "Tony" Gaetz, who passed away last year, that pervades the place. Many a first date and family celebration have unfolded in this one-of-a-kind supper club, now owned and operated by Tony and his wife Lorraine's five children.
"My Dad was always creating memories for people, simply because of who he was," says Betzy Gaetz. A gregarious, big-hearted man, Anton scooted among patrons' tables, saying hello and sharing stories. Whenever he was inspired to make a menu or décor change, "you just let him do it," laughs Betzy. She tells of his decision to put a roof over the outdoor brick patio to make a four-season dining area. The structure was erected so swiftly that it overhung the outdoor umbrellas, still covering the tables. A live tree that obstructed the roof wasn't a problem, either; Tony simple hacked off the top of it. The ceiling-high "stump" continued to sprout leaves for the next two years!
The covered-wagon awnings over the booths were Tony's whimsical idea. His are the humorous license plates on the wall––G Y NOT, PLATE, SNOT NA (Anton's spelled backwards). A gold sign over the bar reads "Police Headquarters." (Tony loved gold paint.) Anton's features an eclectic mix of speakeasy, western, and river décor, notes Betzy. The artifacts harken to Prohibition and the early 20th century, and the cabin section of Anton's is the original structure.
In keeping with the speakeasy theme, creative menu offerings include: Moonshine Sirloin, Kentucky Bourbon Pecan Pie, and Drunkin' Chicken, just returned after a 20-year hiatus.
The giant popovers are notorious. Here's the story: Tony really wanted the recipe for the giant popovers his friend served at his supper club in Walker, Minn. The two made a trade; Anton's got the recipe and the friend got permission to use the covered-wagon idea for his restaurant decor. Thus far, the competition has not duplicated this famous menu side, served with honey butter.
Tony's 40-year-old recipe for BBQ ribs and secret sauce are also secure with the family.
Co-owners Betzy, Dan, Dave, Nancy, and Toni plan to keep all of these secrets and follow in their father's footsteps with regard to the philosophy of offering memorable food, brew, and experience. The family remains true to their father's vision, guided by Tony's spirit.
2001 Frontage Road N, Waite Park, MN
320.253.3611 | www.antonsrestaurant.com
Paramount Center for the Arts: a gem in the crown of downtown
There's a "Big Picture" vision for the Paramount that goes far beyond the frame of the stage's Proscenium arch, a vision sometimes eclipsed by the glare of marquee lights on an opening night, but there, nevertheless. That vision is to become an all-encompassing arts venue, offering outstanding theatrical performances, arts education programming, outreach, and support to local performing and visual artists.
The Paramount is more than a rescued and restored movie house from the 1920's. It has risen from the ashes of the 1985 fire to morph into the Paramount Center for the Arts. The new name and new logo, created in 2016, further reflect what the organization is and what it does, said Executive Director Bob Johnson. There has been much progress¬––thanks to the community's enthusiastic support—however, more opportunities are waiting in the wings.
"We are really looking forward to the next decade of 'new,"said Performing Arts Director Laurie Johnson.
"This is a very exciting time."
Theatrical Performances
In 2004, the Center produced five shows and 15 others were staged by groups renting the theater. By comparison, in 2016 there were 150 Paramount presents/rental shows for a total of 237 days of events. The goal is to increase these numbers. Currently the Center is home to a dozen performing organizations that perform once or twice per year, including: the Minnesota Dance Ensemble (the only professional modern dance company outside of the Twin Cities), GREAT Theater (the only community theater in central Minnesota), and the St. Cloud Municipal Band (oldest municipal band in the country).
The Center maintains a roster of paid teaching artists who offer on-site classes in beading, calligraphy, clay, mosaics, drawing and painting, stained glass, weaving, watercolor, and wood-turning. Arts camp for educators and kids' summer art camps are also enjoyed by the community.
Artists may take advantage of teaching opportunities, art competitions, art displays and exhibitions, such as "Essential Art" and the High School Art Competition through Visual Arts Minnesota. The may sell their art in the Gift Gallery as well.
Teaching artists work with area schools to reinforce learning, such as using beading and weaving to communicate math concepts, like the use of decimals. They also work in clay with the elderly of St. Benedicts' and Good Shepherd communities. The Center would like to expand the number of constituencies it serves, noted Bob Johnson.
Look to the Future
As the Paramount Center for the Arts sees more participation from community members, the hope is the 90,000 patrons who are currently drawn to the downtown by its offering will grow to 120,000, benefiting the community from an economic and livability standpoint, said Bob Johnson.
To accomplish this, the Paramount Center for the Arts is working to secure more space—more studio space for lease to artists, rehearsal space for performers, a permanent art gallery, and a black box theater that would be an intimate venue for smaller and experimental shows.
Paramount Center for the Arts | 913 West Saint Germain | 320.259.5463 | paramountarts.org
Reused and Recycled: The Benefit of Local Resellers
Many of us love taking a day to cruise around town visiting garage sales. In fact, it could be considered a favorite pastime of many local residents. However, garage sales are hard to find during the colder months. Fortunately, Saint Cloud is home to numerous stores that sell reused or revamped furniture, household items, clothing, and so much more year round. Some of these are local business ventures, and others are operated to benefit non-profit organizations. Either way, shopping at these stores is a way to buy quality products at a phenomenal value and benefitting the local economy or the mission of local non-profits while doing it.
For those who are seeking unique items and antiques, stores such as Rusty Pick, Bumbledee's, Gypsy Lea's, Restore, Habitat for Humanity, Savers, Wacosa, Salvage Sisters, and others are a great choice. It is fun to browse and witness the creativity and quality products available to enhance any décor. For those who are looking for fun DIY projects, or simply want to stretch their dollars as far as possible, stores including Saver's, Wacosa Thrift Store, and others are ripe for the picking. Shopping with these organizations is also a great way to support local causes. Donations are also welcomed and are a win for all involved. The stores have more merchandise to sell, with profits going towards their mission, you feel good, and can even use donations as a write off on your taxes. For those remodeling or building, there is even a used store that caters to you. Habitat for Humanity Restore is an excellent place to find lightly used or new items from doors and windows to cabinets and fixtures, and so much more.
By shopping for reused and recycled items, the benefits reach far beyond our own convenience and value. It reaches even beyond providing needed funding to important organizations and causes. Recycling and reusing is exceptionally important to our environment and sustainability. It reduces waste in our landfills, and the waste of products with a lot more life in them. In addition, these stores boost the local economy and keep dollars flowing and working right here at home. The stores provide employment opportunities, and some even provide jobs for individuals with special needs, teaching them to care for themselves.
Saint Cloud and the surrounding area is fortunate to have a good number of resellers to choose from, and you never know what treasures you may find. Whether you need a new wardrobe, furniture for your home, tools, or any other need, give our local resellers a try. The good that comes from it is powerful.
St. Cloud Skate Plaza
admin July 1, 2018 New Comer Blog Leave a Comment
St. Cloud Skate Plaza brings the opportunity for skateboarding at one of the best skateparks on the planet. Located at Heritage Park off of 33rd Avenue South, on the Metro Bus Line, the St. Cloud Skate Plaza is free to the public and is open from sunrise to sunset. Kids all ages are welcome to skateboard at The Plaza, and numerous events – from local to the national level – are held every year, including skate camps to help beginners further develop their skill set.
The grand opening of The St. Cloud Skate Plaza was in 2010, after the community of St. Cloud came together to raise money for a skatepark. They received significant donations from the Tony Hawk Foundation, St. Cloud Optimist Club, Bernick's Pepsi, and other local businesses; as well as support from the City of St. Cloud and the State of Minnesota to fulfill the funding that was needed to build The Plaza. Constructed of concrete, The Plaza offers one of the smoothest places to ride in the state. It is 25,000 square feet and offers many features; such as rails, ledges, quarter pipes, kickers, ramps and more. Suitable for riders of all ages and abilities from beginner to advanced – all in a safe environment.
The St Cloud Skate Plaza is located in Heritage Park, 225 33rd Ave So., St Cloud, MN 56301. St Cloud Park Ordinances apply to the Plaza.
Information provided by The Youth Shelter Supply www.theyouthsheltersupply.com
St. John's Pottery
admin December 1, 2017 New Comer Blog Leave a Comment
Whether you are an artist yourself, or simply appreciate the art of others, Saint John's Pottery in Collegeville, MN is a jewel waiting to be discovered. For over 35 years, Saint John's Pottery has been living out the Benedictine values and traditions, fulfilling Saint John's University's dedication to integrating art and life. Students, apprentices, and visiting artists are engaged by Artist in Residence, Richard Bresnahan. However, the public is welcome to visit the gallery, purchase handcrafted pottery, and experience the magic in the process to create true works of art through guided studio tours. Richard Bresnahan is a master potter who has directed pottery at Saint John's University since 1979. Having studied art at Saint John's himself, Bresnahan also studied in Japan. He works to provide mentorship to artists, teach art courses, and provide lectures and exhibits across the globe. Bresnahan also designed and operates the Johanna Kiln, which is a sight to see in itself as the largest wood-fired kiln in North America. His art has been prominently displayed in museums, and is considered one of the premier artists in our area. Saint John's Pottery is a phenomenal place to visit for people of all ages and cultures. Along with seeing local art at its best, a trip to Saint John's Pottery will enlighten you in many ways. You will learn how art relates to the preservation of our environment, see the link between work and worship, and enjoy the celebration of diverse cultures. The methods for creating pottery are also an interesting and valuable process to experience. The studio tours will show you firsthand the cycles of clay processing, glaze development, and the preparation and firing of the famed Johanna Kiln. Saint John's Pottery is just minutes from Saint Cloud, and is an excellent demonstration of how wonderful and diverse our local area is. Visitors are welcome on weekdays from 1:15 to 4:30 PM, and Saturdays from 10 AM to 4:30 PM. For more information, you can visit their website at http://www.csbsju.edu/saint-johns-pottery, or give them a call at (320) 363-2930. You will not want to miss experiencing the wonder waiting for you at Saint John's Pottery.
STRIDE Academy
STRIDE (Students and Teachers Reaching Individual Dreams through Education) Academy began over a decade ago as a thought written on a napkin in the basement of Amy Dvorak (former board member). Countless planning meetings took place with Dale and Dory Beutel (founders and former director) Liz Bergan (former board member) and Rassier's. Eventually a building was secured and recruitment started.
When I was hired, in the summer of 2005, STRIDE was located in an office in Waite Park. Staff was hired and asked to start right away with registering students and testing them in reading and math there. We patiently waited for our building to be completed while training as a team on the campus of SCSU. We started the 2005-2006 school year with students in grades K-5. We originally planned to house only
K-4, but had many parents requesting fifth grade. So at the very last minute the decision to add fifth grade was made. We were full to capacity and even had waiting lists for most grades.
STRIDE Academy Charter School was started by the Beutel's, and a few others an educational option for our community. I believe STRIDE was, and still is, the best school option around. At STRIDE we level in math and reading, and we cap our enrollment so as not to overpopulate the classrooms. We require a dress code, and participate in community service learning projects by grade level. We learn and live The 7 Habits, require families to volunteer 30 hours a year, and we operate on a year round schedule. For these reasons and many more STRIDE Academy is THE best option for children in Central Minnesota.
At STRIDE our mission is to provide educational experiences for all children, promoting a strong foundation in all core academic areas. Using researched based curriculum, students will excel academically through real-life educational experiences in a challenging, caring, and student-centered environment. By meeting each student's unique educational, emotional and social needs, students will be empowered to become responsible life-long learners and leaders.
In the last decade I've been able to see STRIDE grow from a K-5 school to K-8. We now have 95 staff members, 700 students, and we recently became one campus again after having an elementary and middle school for the last few years. It feels good to be back together in one place. We have also been chosen as an official Leader in Me School, which allows for the integration of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People into our daily routine. We are the only Leader In Me school in Central Minnesota. This is truly an honor and one we plan to uphold proudly.
Since STRIDE Academy is its own district our school board ultimately makes the decisions, along with our sponsor (Friends of Education). We at STRIDE are held to the same standards as the public schools so parents can feel good about choosing STRIDE over the neighboring community schools.
I am proud to be a teacher at STRIDE Academy, proud my own children do or
gone to STRIDE and extremely proud to have helped shape some of the best individuals while teaching here. We have a motto we like to say and that is "Live, Love, Learn, Leave a Legacy". STRIDE has left a lasting legacy on students here in Central Minnesota.
Angela Schmitz,
Teacher and Parent
The Frieze of the Prophets
admin February 1, 2018 New Comer Blog Leave a Comment
The stained glass windows on the east side of First Presbyterian Church, St. Cloud, are copies of a John Singer Sargent oil painting, "The Frieze of the Prophets." Sargent (1856-1925) born in Italy to American parents, spent most of his life in Europe and lived in London for many years. He established a reputation as a portrait painter of celebrities and fashionable people. Critics considered his portraits technically excellent but subjects often complained about his depiction of them. He later abandoned portrait painting and began architectural decoration. From 1895 to 1916 he painted a series of murals for the Boston Public Library showing scenes of Judaism and Christianity. The "Frieze of the Prophets" occupies the entire north wall of the exhibit. Moses stands in the center of the other Prophets holding tablets symbolizing the foundation of religion. The names appear in Hebrew and English. Sargent hoped the murals would be pleasing to the eye. The frieze became enormously popular. The Boston Library included some of the paintings in an illustrated catalogue, "The Copley Prints. "In 1901 a church in Maine asked to use the Prophets in stained glass windows. The idea soon spread to other churches. The First Presbyterian Church installed the windows, copies of five of the 19 Prophets in the mural, in 1917 when they constructed their present building. Other Christian symbols surround the images of the Prophets. Guests are welcomed to view these windows at the First Presbyterian Church.
340 5th Ave So., St. Cloud, MN 56301 | 320.251.8277 | www.fpcstcloud.org
The Good Earth Food Coop
admin January 15, 2018 New Comer Blog Leave a Comment
Local and organic foods fit for a community
Honey. Grains. Organic produce. Free-range poultry. Grass-fed beef. Fresh-baked whole grain bread. The Good Earth Food Coop has a history of bringing nutritious foods and nutritional products to its members and the greater St. Cloud community over the years. In 1971, the cooperative opened in Christ Church/Newman Center at St. Cloud State University, and few years later, it moved to East St. Germain Street. Finally, in 1994, food the cooperative relocated to Centennial Plaza on Veterans Drive where it's been in operation for over 20 years. Today, membership participation is at an all-time high of 3,000 individuals/families. If you're interested, a lifetime membership costs $100. For that, you receive so much.
Members of the Good Earth Food Coop are committed to helping themselves and others stay healthy by eating and using healthful products that are grown organically and sustainably. The coop works with local and regional producers to also ensure the health of the land and environment as well. "Every dollar we spend in the community goes back into the local economy," said Dawn Johnson, Produce Manager, who buys from 14 Minnesota producers. "Anywhere from 75 to 85 percent of our produce is local in the summertime. In the winter, the percentage drops, but we offer root vegetables like onions, carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash, potatoes, and others."
Supportive of sustainable, organic, and local agriculture
Johnson purchases produce from the Central Minnesota Sustainability Project, and has also donated plants to the group. "Last year, we bought more from them than ever before," said Johnson. Luke Salisbury, Bulk Manager, has been with the Coop for eight years. He buys flour from Swany White Flour Mill in Freeport and Whole Grain Milling in Welcome, just northwest of Fairmont in southern Minnesota. Of his 15 local/regional vendors, most grow the grain themselves, or cultivate the honey, maple syrup, and wild rice. Other items on the menu come from regional vendors. Eggs and poultry come from the Larry Schultz Organic Farm in Owatonna. Thousand Hills Cattle Co. in Cannon Falls provides grass fed beef items. Artisan breads and rustic pastries come from Fred's Bread in Eden Prairie. "We know our customers by name or member number, so they can come and talk to us whenever they have a question about pricing or a suggestion about a product they'd like to see us stock," said Salisbury. "Our prices are pretty comparable to a regular grocery store. We try to match prices on organics whenever we can."
First, you receive discounts on purchases: 5% one-time monthly discount, 10% discount on pre-ordered cases (bulk), monthly specials, finally, use your own cloth bags for shopping to receive a .05 cent token per bag which will be collected by the Coop on a monthly basis, and the value donated to charity. Shop "Member Super Sunday," and receive 10% off an order of $100 or more. Second, monthly "Owner Deals," posted on the website. Third, products are clearly labeled: green tags denote local items; orange tags indicate gluten free products; red tags highlight monthly specials. "One of the most important member perks is the ability to vote for the Board of Directors and to run for the Board as well, and thus, help govern the future of the Co-op," adds Salisbury. If you haven't explored this local, member-owned gem, do so today!
The Paper Collector
Art gallery and custom framing
Kate Evens is the familiar face of The Paper Collector, located in downtown St. Cloud. The shop's primary focus is the art gallery and custom framing services. However, as the name suggests,
the business also sells antique paper items.
The mix of The Paper Collector's inventory is impressive, and it might give customers insight into the personalities of the proprietors who operate the gallery/antique store. Everywhere one looks, in every display or cozy nook, there are treasures
from years gone by to today's contemporary interests.
Artwork from local and regional artists
Prints from major publishers, abstract to traditional renderings
Greeting cards and pottery from the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict (Kate is a "Benny.")
Antique paper: advertisements, postcards, plat maps, trade cards, books, sheet music, and magazines
Almost all of the art the shop features is from local artists, says Kate. Customers also appreciate the quality of the custom framing. Today, Kate's daughter, Cath, handles the framing as Kate offers her expert consultation.
"Choosing the right style of matting and frames can enhance the art," says Cath. "However, the wrong combination of mat and frame can take the focus away from the art, putting too much importance on the framing."
The Paper Collector's selection of frames features several frame companies, each with its distinctive look. Frame styles range from contemporary colored lacquer or metal frames to gilded antique frames. Specialty frames might display embossed dragons, or be made of birch bark, or possibly, shell. Customers find the sheer number of styles from which to choose––numbering over 2,000––is truly impressive.
"Everyday items can be framed, not just art," says Cath. Sports jerseys, trip souvenirs, and photo collages are the most common items she's framed. However, occasionally, Kate and Cath are asked to frame an unusual piece. These have included a violin, military medals, wedding gowns, shark teeth, and a jeweled necklace.
The Paper Collector routinely participates in St. Cloud's Downtown Art Crawls, and both Kate and Cath welcome the crowds that come.
"People like to come to look at everything," says Kate. "Downtown is really the place to browse and to shop. People get a better feel of 'customer service' when store owners know your name, are personable, and build relationships… We have the greatest customers!"
Many of their customers have been with them since the shop's opening. In 1984, Kate established The Paper Collector on Fifth Avenue, to expand her longtime interest in art and antiques. She moved the store a year-and-a-half later to its present location, just across from the Stearns County Court House.
Stop in and say, "Hello" during the Art Crawl, when you've got a framing project, or simply to view the treasures of this unique shop––The Paper Collector.
The Wild Bird Center
admin April 3, 2018 New Comer Blog Leave a Comment
One of the most common questions I am asked at the store is "How can I attract birds to my back yard?" There are a number of things you can do to accomplish this. For many the easiest thing you can do is add a bird feeder. You will be surprised of how many different birds you can attract with a simple seed feeder. I would recommend a tube feeder with a tray to start. Many birds that will not come to a tube feeder will come to one with a tray because they like to feed from a platform and a tray provides this. Place the feeder in an area where you can enjoy viewing and it's accessible to fill. Keep in mind birds like to retreat to cover if they feel threated so having a tree or shrub nearby can be helpful. If your feeder is close to a window, it is a good idea to put some window alert decals on the outside of the window. This helps birds realize there is a window there so they won't fly into it. Multiple feeders will attract more birds as you can provide different seed and presentation options. It is important to have fresh seed as birds do not like stale seed. Black oil sunflower, golden safflower, sunflower hearts, nyjer, and peanuts are favorites. However, not all birds eat seed so feeding nectar, jelly and mealworms can attract humming birds, orioles, and bluebirds. Suet is a favorite of woodpeckers, chickadees and nuthatches so I would add suet to your feeding station if possible.
Adding a water feature to you back yard is another way to attract birds. Birdbaths, misters and drippers are favorites of birds. A water wiggler added to a birdbath helps keep the water clean and free of mosquito eggs and larvae. Birds like the moving water as they know it is clean. Dripper's add a constant drip to a birdbath which helps to keep the water clean. Clean water is not always easy to find so keeping your birdbath full with clean fresh water can be a bird magnet. Birds prefer a shallow bath rather that a deep one so keep this in mind when setting up a birdbath. If your backyard is pretty open adding some trees and shrubbery for bird habit can be helpful. Not only do trees and shrubbery provide cover for birds, it also provides places for birds to nest and raise a family. Planting flowers such as canna lily, columbine, and zinnias among others will help attract hummingbirds as they visit the flowers for nectar.
Making your backyard safe by keeping out predators and artificial threats makes your yard welcoming to birds. Having a field guide will help you identify your back yard visitors when you are wondering what bird you are looking at. I have found bird watching is very enjoyable, brings me closer to nature and helps relieve stress. My hope is that you too will find much enjoyment bringing these beautiful creatures into your backyard.
Tom Tingblad
www.wildbird.com/cld
Trisko Jewelry Sculptures – Wearable Sculptures
admin November 1, 2017 New Comer Blog Leave a Comment
Creating jewelry images as "Wearable Sculpture" allows me to concentrate first on creating a intriguing form, and then adapting it to wearability. By designing each ring as a unique sculpture, I am able to eliminate the circular form typically used to make rings, and thereby create an ergonomically correct design, which balances the ring on the finger without turning or tipping. The intellectual underpinnings of my work are a Master's Degree in Sculpture and Metals as well as a degree in Mathematics, enabling my work to reflect an architectural quality, with pieces often standing as sculptures-in-the-round. Most of my jewelry pieces are the result of the "loss wax" method, which enables them to be polished to a more graphic finish and eliminates the solder joints and seams that often appear in fabricated pieces during polishing. I lap most pieces to maintain sleek, sharp lines, and pay close attention to detail and perfection in each piece I create. None of the my work is molded. Rather, each design requires a separate wax model and casting. In fact, some pieces utilize several wax components, which are then cast, polished, and assembled. Often, these finished pieces are modular units with strategic alignments that allow my creations to become additive and subtractive sculptures.
My unique images are available in 14K and 18K white or yellow gold. Complementing my work are beautifully individually selected gemstones, custom cut or carefully sorted for size in order to make the math "work" in my architectural style of design. Each finished piece is then copyrighted, marked "14K or "18K", and stamped "Trisko."
Robert C. Trisko
www.trisko2.com
Why the Y?
First, welcome to the area! Because of you, our community is growing stronger and more vibrant! And because of that, our area YMCA is undergoing a growth stage as well! We are excited to have you join us as we grow into a new facility. A new, larger community center that will bring kids, families and community members together to celebrate youth development, healthy living and social responsibility!
Second, let me introduce you to the our YMCA: The Y is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring access to quality facilities and programs, regardless of a family or child's ability to pay. A cornerstone of the Y's success is the fact that we aim to enrich all members of the St. Cloud community regardless of gender, age, race, religion and economic status. To date, this year we have provided more than $200,000 in financial assistance with the help of our generous community!
And finally, we are all about families and our community! Our programs and activities serve all ages with the mission to build strong kids, healthy families and an energetic community.
Here are just a few ways you can get strong with the YMCA:
• Family Fitness: Exercising as a family sets the foundation for lifelong health. Taking walks together, playing a game of basketball, even hitting the poolfor water fun is a great way to get fit as a family!
• Youth Sports: The YMCA prides itself in offering youth sport programs that help develop the skills needed to go on to become a competitive athlete!
We offer flag football, soccer, volleyball, basketball and more! Parents are encouraged to be involved as volunteer coaches working side by side with their kids!
• Group Exercise Classes & Rainbow Room: While mom and dad get fit in one of our many Group Exercise classes, kids can stay active playing in our two-story jungle gym! Kids 10 years and older are welcome to join their parents in the Group Exercise classes!
• Swim Team: Perfect your technique, get a great work out in and build endurance. The Gator Swim Team is for ages 6-18 and our Masters Swim team are for our adult swimmers.
• Volunteering: The YMCA offers many volunteer opportunities for families and individuals. From our fitness events to fundraising, you can make a difference in our growing community!
For more information on the St. Cloud Area YMCA, check out our web site at scymca.org or stop by for a tour! Welcome to the community!
"Beauty & Strength, Women of Africa" Mosaic
Lee Ann Goerss, teaching artist
This mosaic grouping was created during my second year as a Teaching Artist with students from Hands Across the World (HAW). My initial ideas for the mosaic centered on the natural elements of the African continent. During the research process, I came across a photograph of a Somali woman dressed in hot pink. She was striking. Immediately my whole mindset changed, as I was remembering the women from my first class at HAW. In the creative process, my concept was changing from panels representing the place to panels representing the people…the heart of any country. As an Artist, my art has always been about symbolism. My card line is under the name 'Sarang's Song', Art with a Message. The emotion behind this mosaic grouping is the commonality found in 'sisterhood' and respect for another person's journey.
Each panel has its own message:
Women in Pink – Strength | Women Grouping – Sisterhood | Tree – Roots
Butterfly – Evolvement | Woman & Child – Motherhood | Head – Beauty
Sometimes visual images have the ability to convey what words cannot. My hope
is that this mosaic grouping will have a thoughtful influence on diverse culture.
— Lee Ann Goerss, Artist
This organization is funded, in part, by United Arts of Central Minnesota. This organization is funded, in part, by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Central Minnesota Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
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Frenzy Tours offers safe and pleasant bus trips to customers of all ages. Unrivaled in value, they allow you to discover North America's big cities and enjoy a perfect mix of freedom and organisation. Our departures occur from Montreal and Laval. Frenzy Tours also offers tailored group packages, be it for sports teams, corporate groups, associations or others.
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Description Itinerary
Discovering the Big Apple
The «I love New York» package includes:
Transportation by luxury bus with movies and prize draws
Bilingual accompanying guide from Frenzy Tours
Superior hotel accommodations for 2 nights (free wifi) located 15 minutes from Times Square with easy accessibility by means of public transportation
Orientation bus tour of New York City with a bilingual tour guide (4 hours) (Central Park, Harlem, The High Line, Greenwich Village, Soho, Ground Zero and much more)
Orientation walking tour of Times Square and 5th Avenue (90 min)(Broadway, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trump Tower and much more)
Cruise to admire the Statue of Liberty from up close (60 minutes)
Official tour guide book and map of New York
Refreshments and snack on the bus
All service fees, taxes, transfers and OPC funds are included.
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All of the meals (except for 2 breakfasts), gratuity (according to your level of satisfaction) to the local tour guide (2$), to the accompanying guide (9-12$), and to the bus driver (9-12$) for the 3 days of service.
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*Please note that packages with a holiday weekend will depart 15 minutes earlier: Easter (April 10), Victoria Day (May 16), Labor Day (September 5) and Thanksgiving (October 10).
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Stop at the Duty Free. (with exception of packages that include a holiday).
Stop halfway for breakfast/break.
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01:15pm: Walking tour of Times Square and the 5th Avenue (90 minutes). You will have the rest of the day free.
08:30pm: Shuttle from Times Square to the hotel for check in.
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08:30am: Orientation bus tour of New York City (4 hours).
12:30pm: Stop at South Street Seaport for lunch and free time.
02:00pm: Cruise to admire the Statue of Liberty from up close, as well as New York's tallest sky-scrapers.
03:00pm: Shuttle with choice of drop off in Chinatown/Little Italy, Times Square or the hotel. You will have the rest of the day free.
09:00pm: Shuttle from Greenwich Village towards Times Square.
09:30pm: Shuttle from Times Square towards the hotel.
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01:00pm: Departure from Times Square towards Montreal.
Stop halfway for dinner/break.
09:30pm: Arrive in Montreal (4036 Sainte-Catherine Street West, in front of Bureau en Gros).
10:00pm: Arrive in Laval (Carrefour 440: 3956 Desserte Sud Autoroute 440, at the corner of boul. Curé-Labelle, in front of Centre Hi-Fi).
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On the Island of the Amazons
RP Logs » RP Log Archives » On the Island of the Amazons
Diana brings a number of allies to the island of Themyscira. Caitlin is among them, and gets a taste of how the Amazons train.
Themyscira
Caitlin Fairchild
The Invisible Jet ride hadn't taken too terribly long since the vehicle is capable of traveling so very fast. All those aboard it were treated to a comfortable trip and plenty of chance to chit chat and mingle along the way.
Once they'd arrived they'd been greeted by Amazonians on horseback, dressed head to toe in their traditional armors and weaponry. They'd brought extra horses for the approved visitors and had been following them ever since they'd arrived, though some had gone off in separate directions now as the party had split up for the time being.
Now, the group with Diana is near the beach and a grassy field that rests just beside the white sands that eventually lead into the water. Diana is not in her Eagle Armor, she is in a more standard set of gold-hued metals and dark rich leathers. Her hair is tied back in a tight briad behind her and she's standing to the side of a large gathering of Amazons are are amidst a sparring session… a contest of skill for some of the newer members to the society… (newer by Themysciran terms can still be upwards of a hundred years by normal standards).
Diana is simply observing and smiling at it all, she's ever-happy to be back home amongst her people.. who are always thrilled to have her… though who always seem nervous when outsiders are included.
Excitement keeps Caitlin chattering, jittering, and fidgeting the entire trip. Mostly she resists the urge to start dismantling the Invisible Jet to see how it works— the redheaded engineer definitely has a hard time respecting things like control panels and bulkhead walls. But she maintains her best behaviour, up to and including the landing and the reception of the visitors. She'd said the right things, tried to emulate the manners and courtesies Diana had explained, and generally swung between the extremes of shy reticence and overwhelming, radiant enthusiasm for the company.
The horse had proven interesting— upwards of 350lbs, Caitlin's not exactly a light load. But she handles the reins competently enough and keeps up with the others, dressed informally in yoga pants and a light t-shirt that says COME TO THE DORK SIDE in bold print on the front.
At the sparring session, Caitlin faces off with one of the Amazons, clutching a blunted spear nervously in her hands. Her own hair's whipped back in a tight and efficient warrior's braid, but other than that her sole concession to the fight is being barefoot. Always more surefooted when you can feel the grass underfoot.
She circles with the Amazon, then lunges forward and flickers the spear in a deceptively swift jab. She's got long arms and can launch a thrust such as that from a country mile away, and she follows Diana's often-instilled mantra of mobility and immediately starts shifting her position in anticipation of a follow-up.
Diana was amused by Caitlin's difficult time in not trying to figure out the way that the Jet had worked throughout the first part of their trip, it'd been quite amusing and she'd let the girl squirm a bit before she filled her in on the basics of it. The Jet wasn't built from parts and engineering, it was manifested through a science that Earth did not yet possess, and likely wouldn't for a very long time. The Jet is manifested by Diana's will from a 'disc' that is capable of taking on the form of almost anything she needs it to… within a relative mass of about the size of a house. The ORIGINAL Invisible Jet, was a one seater that ran on earth-based tech, and it is safely tucked away in a cave on this very island.
Here and now, the sparring is going well and though Caitlin is certainly a capable warrior she'll know that the Amazonians are able to essentially toy with her… its just a byproduct of hundreds of years of training day in and day out.
"Keep your feet light, Caitlin." Diana tells her. "Yes, like that." She knows the young woman is already well versed and getting to hang around Cassie who's had only a handful of years of Amazonian instruction herself.
"Watch for the leg sweep!" Diana shouts, playfully of course, just as the woman fighting Caitlin uses their handheld weapon to attempt to sweep Cait's feet out from beneath her!
Everyone tries to trip Caitlin. She's tall, and definitely looks top-heavy even with the muscles in her legs and hips. And most people expect her to move slowly, or to brace and try and stop the attack cold.
Caitlin shifts her weight to her front foot for a half a second, but just before the weapon whips around she kicks off the ground in a forward flip that'd do a gymnast proud. Strong as she is, it takes no more effort than it would to hop the spear itself. Midair, she shifts her grip on the spear haft to choke up on it, and lands neatly on her foot opposite her sparring partner. She swings the staff with a short stroke that'd be laughably lacking in leverage if Caitlin was anything near baseline, but her feet are set well enough that she could flip a small car with the short lateral motion. Sweat cleaves to her face, a tendril of red hair sticking to her neck. She presses forward, dropping her hips for more power and trying to shoulder-block her sparring partner off balance.
There is applauding from Caitlin's flip, as the Amazonians know a skilled combatant showing moves that are rarely seen even amongst their people. Not all of them like that kind of flashy combat though so some of them just stare with displeasure and a few headshakes.
Diana? She's all smiles and her hands come up to clap lightly as she shouts words of encouragement at the young visitor who she had brought to the island.
Its a beautiful sunny day here with soft white puffy clouds in the sky and a cool breeze beating back the sun's blanket of warming heat… it really is a paradise, with the sounds of the wind in the leaves of the treets around this sparring field and the light blue waters of the ocean just a few minutes walk away.
"Good." The Amazon sparring Caitlin says. "You have the stare of a predator. Your foes will tremble before it." The shoulder block works and the Warrior Woman is sent back a bit on her heels but she recovers in a swift second and is rushing forward with her fighting staff to swipe quickly in a series of mid-section attacks!
Caitlin's brows lift, and she tilts her head a little, one shoulder rolling in a shrug. "Well, I've got that going for me," she says, with a breathless cheer and a quick laugh— and then, she defends against the attack!
She tries to remember her staff forms, and sets up a few good parries with the spear whipping so fast the center of it bows in her hands. She misses one block and dodges, but the next blow catches her just below the ribs. She grunts and hooks the staff with her arm, trapping it, and quickly pivot steps forward towards the other woman to close the distance, tossing the spear aside and reaching with her hands. There's a quick slapping exchange of grip counters and wrist locks, moving almost too fast to follow, and then Caitlin does the unexpected again— she moves with one of the locks. She steps low and wide, arms hooking around the Amazon's waist as she slips behind the woman. With a grunt of effort, Caitlin picks her up off the ground, the Amazon's hips almost on her shoulder, and heaves backwards, bowing her back into a deep arch. Up and over the woman goes in a textbook suplex, a move that would be laughably ineffecient except for how incredibly strong Caitlin is. Her posture forces her sparring partner to absorb all their combined weight and momentum on impact, and she only holds back enough to make sure she's not going to paralyze someone with a broken neck.
That would probably sour Themysciran-American relations a bit.
It probably would, if Caitlin's pre-existing powerset wasn't publicly known to the Amazonians… sure some of them may not have taken it very seriously, but others were aware that this wasn't just some normal outsider who should be coddled and considered a weak little fleshy mortal… no, its part of the vetting process that super powers have to be fully disclosed if an island visitor is to be given access to said island… The Amazons demand to know, Hippolyta demands to know.
So when the fight goes in the favor of Caitlin some of the Amazons just enjoy the show, while others seem downright displeased by it yet still.
Diana encourages Caitlin with some positive words and more clapping, but the leader of the fighting session today steps out and reaches her hands up to signal the end of the spar.
"That is enough for now." She says, eyeing her soldier who had let Caitlin get the better of her. "Farame. YOu are to clean up the fields today." She says in her harsh toned Greek-accented English. All Amazonians are speaking English so long as English speaking outsiders are on the island, another rule amongst the society.
Diana steps up and toward Caitlin, smiling to her. "Well, I believe you surprised a few people here and now."
Caitlin's a considerate person, and she is the first to offer Farame a hand up and a smiling, sincere apology— and a 'thank you' for the sparring session. She looks a little uneased at the mixed reaction from the Amazons, but relaxes when Diana moves up as the crowd disperses.
"What can I say, I watched a lot of WWE wrestling during my formative years," she says, her green eyes dancing. "I doubt I could do that move twice in a row though. Farame's quick. I figured I better go for broke or I was going to end up on my butt and getting laughed at."
She looks around, uneasily, and hugs her elbow with her forearm across her stomach. "Is… are they mad at me?" she asks Diana, lowering her voice. "I was trying not to hurt anyone, but they said give it my best. But they looked kinda mad that I won, anyway. I thought this was just all in good fun?"
Diana falls in line at Caitlin's side and she motions for them to walk a bit so that there is some distance from them and the other Amazons who are filing toward the middle of the fighting fields. There are more woman still practicing, the archers are still on the far side and horse riders are still performing their session, but the ground fighters are all gathering up in the center.
"They are not mad at you." Diana says back to Caitlin in her husky hued English voice. "They are mad at themselves." She adds and glances over to Caitlin. "You see, this is a life style for them… It is not like training in the rest of the world. It is all that they live and breath, it is their sun and stars. Farame…" Diana glances back over her shoulders to put her blue eyes upon the back of the woman that Cait had just been combatting, then she looks back to Caitlin a second or so later.
"She is an arrogant fighter, she is often pushing others to limits that they are not prepared for. You bested her, but… she is stil respectful and will do as she must to make sure thatyesthat move will not work on her again." Diana is now grinning lightly. "You did great, be proud."
Caitlin's grin could solve the energy crisis, radiant and utterly unrestrained. She tempers it a second later, but she can't hide the pleasure at the high praise from her eyes. She ducks her head a moment later, still beaming a smile, and starts undoing her braid.
"Well, I can at least scratch that off my bucket list. 'Suplex an Amazon'," she remarks. "I just want a crack at Darkseid the next time he shows his face here. Bam! He'd never live that down, getting the smackdown from an Earth girl from Iowa."
She ruffles her fingers through her hair, separating the strands. *FOOMPH*. The humidity of the island makes it promptly explode in a frizzy mess, before she starts binding it back in a loose ponytail. "This is… this whole island. I'm still thinking I'm asleep and I'm gonna wake up back at the apartment," she admits, as they crest a low hill and take in the view of the city beyond. "I've dreamed my entire life about seeing the island. Now I'm here." She inhales a deep breath and lets it out slowly, eyes lidding at the rich scent of nature abounding around them.
Diana laughs a little at the body slamming an Amazon thing. "I am just glad that it was not me." She quietly replies in a bit of playful banter as they walk closer to where the grass becomes sand that becomes beach.
"I assure you, that you are not dreaming, Caitlin." She continues, letting her eyes go up to the water in the distance that matches the same hue as her pupils. Diana draws in a breath while her hands are resting at the small of her back above her flowing skirt. "You get to be here for several days yet to come." She looks over to the other. "And tonight? The first of many feasts to honor the guests. Food and song, dancing and hopefully no small amount of positivity and fun." She grins again. "It is not often that we bring people here, so when we do? We want to make sure that they have great memories of this place… to understand why we train to fight to protect it like we do."
_2018fairchild_july_nonewonder_woman


text:
Q: Looking for Raster Renderer statistics in ArcObjects I've got a plug-in for ArcMap that I have been working on.  I have my own renderer seperate from ArcMap that I am using to display imagery.  My goal is to sync up the display of this imagery with that produced by the renderer that ArcMap is using.
My ideal solution would be to get a copy of the lookup table that Arc is using in displaying the image.  I thought this might be buried somewhere in the IRasterStretch interface, particularly in the IRasterStretch2.StretchStats method described here:
IRasterStretch2.StretchStats Description
Unfortunately, I cannot figure out what the method is returning.  Basically, I am looking for what "ISomething" should be in the code snippet below:
IRasterStretch2 irs = irrgbr as IRasterStretch2; //irrgbr is of type IRasterRGBRenderer.
IArray ia = irs.StretchStats;
ISomething value = ia.get_Element(0) as ISomething; // What should "ISomething" be?

If anyone has any other ideas on how to go about getting the lookup table and/or statistics that the renderer is using to draw the raster layer, please let me know.
Many thanks!

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Keith Barnes, investment executive with FW Capital, left, and Dan Kitchen, chief executive officer of Razorblue.
Wynyard IT solutions provider Razorblue is powering ahead.
The firm has secured a six-figure investment from NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance, managed by FW Capital and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF).
Razorblue specialises in managed IT and security services, super-fast connectivity, cloud and hosting and business software solutions across a broad range of industries.
It works with major retailers, manufacturers, professional services businesses and hotels.
It was launched in 2006 by chief executive Dan Kitchen from his family home when he was just 17.
Today, the company employs 80 staff in offices across the north of England and boasts several multi-million-pound contracts.
The investment comes as Razorblue, which offers clients 24/7 around-the-clock support, has expanded into the North West with the acquisition of J-Media IT Managed Services.
"This investment will support our growth plans following the acquisition of our new business in the North West," said Dan.


text:
Prospectus Feature: The 7,500 Apprentices
Kate Morrison
Guilder Rodriguez played 14 years in organized baseball, and seven games in the major leagues. Nick Williams was just publicly humiliated by his manager for not showing whatever arbitrary amount of hustle was needed on an obvious out in a hum-drum game. The Frisco RoughRiders finished up a baseball game close to 11:00 PM CT, boarded a charter bus, and arrived in Midland, TX at 5:00 AM to play a game at 2:00 PM that afternoon.
Major League Baseball would have you believe that these are all well and good things for players who are, according to them, not actually "professionals," but instead seasonal apprentices or interns, per their press release supporting the abomination that is H.B. 5580.
Let's take a look at that press release, why don't we? Nothing is more fun than breaking a piece of what one would assume is carefully constructed communication down line by line.
"There are approximately 7,500 players in Minor League Baseball." True! Good, we're off to a good start here. "MLB pays over a half a billion dollars to Minor League players in signing bonuses and salary each year." Sure, that sounds about right. A lot of that is signing bonuses to the top five rounds or so, though, and there are 40 rounds of the draft. A lot of those guys get handed $5,000-$10,000 for six years of control. Some might get a plane ticket. "Minor League clubs could not afford these massive player costs." Also true! However, minor league clubs have not been responsible in any way for these costs since Branch Rickey's "farm system" strategy in the 1920s, and these costs are assumed as part of player development, something that is controlled completely by the big league club. As I said in 2014, the majority of baseball hasn't been grassroots for a very long time, and this press release doesn't mention anything about independent league ball.
"MLB heavily subsidizes Minor League Baseball by providing Minor League clubs with its players, allowing professional baseball to be played in many communities in the United States that cannot support a Major League franchise." Here we run into the first sentence that really needs editing. Minor league clubs in small cities provide places for major league clubs to develop their players. Whether or not the community could support major league baseball doesn't matter. No one goes to Arizona Rookie League games, and yet they still play them. Funny how that works. "Moreover, for the overwhelming majority of individuals, being a Minor League Baseball player is not a career but a short-term seasonal apprenticeship in which the player either advances to the Major Leagues or pursues another career." Guilder Rodriguez spent 14 years as a "short-term seasonal apprentice." Baseball Prospectus' own Colin Young spent six years. The term "minor league career" appears on MLB's own website about 30,200 times, something that MLB now suggests is an impossibility.
"Minor League Baseball players always have been salaried employees similar to artists, musicians and other creative professionals who are exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act." So baseball is a creative profession now? Baseball, where shooting an imaginary arrow into the air is decried as making the game about yourself, where having swag and individuality and cool hair and bat flips and fun and being a personality is seen as detrimental to the game? Everything we've seen from baseball so far is devoid of creativity. If baseball players were treated as creative professionals, then we wouldn't have Bryce Harper wanting to make baseball fun again. Of course, this also neatly side steps the fact that maybe instead of arguing to pay minor leaguers less, we should pay creative professionals more. Or does baseball magically stop being creative the second you get a call-up, the second it becomes a "career" and a living wage is paid?
The last line in this release really deserves its own paragraph.
"Like those professionals, it is simply impractical to treat professional athletes as hourly employees whose pay may be determined by such things as how long their games last, when they choose to arrive at the ballpark, how much they practice or condition to stay in shape, and how many promotional or charitable appearances they make."
This is absolutely hilarious, so funny that it's difficult to break it all down. The sheer audacity of this argument is astounding. Major League Baseball doesn't want to pay players hourly due to the hours they put in, and yet, at the same time, they don't deserve to make minimum wage, much less a living wage.
These players don't have a choice in how long their games last. They don't have a choice in when they arrive at the ballpark, they don't have a choice in working out or conditioning, and sometimes, they don't have a choice on promotional or charitable appearances.[1] Keeping their job is part of their job, and yet, getting paid somehow isn't.
Then, there's the word "professional." In one sentence, baseball claims minor leaguers are "seasonal apprentices," or someone still in training to be a professional. In the next, they say they're "professionals," but ones that don't deserve to be compensated for their time and effort. Baseball loves to talk about acting "professionally," and evaluate based on "being a professional," and talk a big "professional" game, but at the same time claim that these players just aren't just that, for all that they have to act like it.
That's where the press release ends, an insipid two paragraphs of nonsense put out by a league that just made $1.16 billion dollars off selling part of itself to Disney. Two paragraphs that insult every one of the 7,500 players that toil away in anonymity. The 7,500 players that absolutely deserve better.
[1] Some of these appearances will be extra cash for the players, anywhere from an extra $20 to $100.
BeltwayTraffic
one of the co-sponsors has already pulled her support
https://bustos.house.gov/press-and-media/press-releases/congresswoman-bustos-and-congressman-guthrie-introduce-bill-to
Would this bill effect Independent League Baseball?
I could see how those teams and leagues that ARE NOT subsidized by MLB could plead a hardship case. Those leagues and teams have a difficult time already making ends meet...
Reply to BeltwayTraffic
unlikelyfanatic
The specific wording of the bill "any employee who has entered into a contract to play baseball at the minor league level" doesn't make this clear at all, which is just one of the many problems with this abysmal piece of proposed legislation. Technically, independent ball is "minor league" but I don't think you'd find anyone who casually referred to it as anything other than independent or "indy" league ball. Real indy ball is an entirely different subject than this bill and the MLB support of it, as MLB has nothing to do with indy ball.
I saw that Bustos pulled her support yesterday, which is a start, but there's always the possibility that this gets hung onto some other bill as an amendment, quietly, and minor leaguers (pardon me, "short-term seasonal apprentices") get royally screwed.
Reply to unlikelyfanatic
Phillies113
Matt Imhof just lost his eye while pursuing one of these "apprenticeships"
Reply to Phillies113
That whole story is really sad.
poorlittlefool
Outstanding dissection - much appreciated!
Reply to poorlittlefool
varmintito
The fucking balls on those fuckers.
Reply to varmintito
brentdaily
Thank you for the great read, Kate.
Let's say each of these players now makes 50k/yr. on average (from 25k in complex ball to 100k in AAA), that's $12.5MM/yr/team. This is likely 'only' a $10-11MM net increase.
That's a WAR and a half. The owner's new investment has to yield 1.5 WAR/yr. - likely less since MiLB salaries won't keep up with WAR inflation.
A 2013 BA look found that 20% of all signed players in rounds 11+ went on to make the MLB. 5.2% spent at least the equivalent of 3 years in the MLB (assumed that was a MLB regular). But only half of the kids in those rounds sign. If you're able to lure 5 more away from 'real professional' jobs or college per year you wind up with 1 add'l major leaguer and 1 MLB regular every four years. Assuming 2WAR is a regular that's 6WAR in three years which equals the same 6WAR investment over the four years it took to produce this guy. All this is a wash just by getting a couple guys a year to defer grad school or the allure of working at All State. It doesn't even include marginal improvements from the other 250 guys in your system
The draft is still a dark art. Nobody is quite sure which of the 7,500 man-servants will go on to contribute real value. If year round training, eating real food, and alleviating injury risk from off-season jobs (construction is the most popular route), then marginal increases in value will produce real results when wins cost $7-8MM.
(Disclosure: I haven't factored in how much leaving players, literally, hungry increases TWTW.)
Reply to brentdaily
sinjin0366
Good point...plus take into account how almost all teams (including the low budget teams like Tampa Bay) just throw money away (dead money.) James Loney for example, he was due $9,666,667 according to Baseball Reference. They released him because they just didn't want him on the roster, now the Met's have him for the minimum at a prorated salary. I would like to know how much "dead money" each team is paying out. I bet you could pay a lot of starving minor league players the money each team walks away from.
Reply to sinjin0366
Also a good point.
2016 dead money comes to $136M but, as the first commenter points out, that fails to include zombie contacts like Howard, Crawford, Panda, etc. I'd guess a little crowd sourcing could easily find 200M in zombies.
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-teams-with-the-most-dead-money-in-mlb/
No team will eliminate signing mistakes completely but the owners (save Are Moreno) don't seem to cry over these wasted dollars either. If they can afford to light this money on fire surely they can afford to spend similar amounts that will provide a return.
After I wrote that reply, players who are getting paid to play for other clubs or to even sit home in Jose Reyes (22 mil) and Nick Swisher (15 mil) who is getting paid by the Indians and decided to stay home the rest of the year...albeit, a good reason (spend time with the family and new baby), but he saw the writing on the wall with the Yankees.
Your point is correct though, signing mistakes are never going to be completely eliminated. If owners are willing to walk away from 15 million here and 18 million there, what's 11 or 12 million for each team to put into a minor league salary pool for their players.
Brent, this was an excellent point that I missed the first time around:
"That's a WAR and a half. The owner's new investment has to yield 1.5 WAR/yr. - likely less since MiLB salaries won't keep up with WAR inflation."
If MLB owners would just pay the MiLB players, I think they would see a far greater return on their investment.
jeff4sf
I'm not against the overall thrust of your argument (pay minor leaguers appropriately/fairly) but I feel your argument here relies on only one team doing so. If all 30 teams invest 12.5 million dollars, then wouldn't the ROI for all the teams net out to 0? You can't increase a relative stat like WAR if everyone does it equally, no? What you'd see is that "replacement level" would go up as baseball steals people from football/soccer/hockey/basketball/wall street. There's probably value in that. But I do wonder if it's as much value as we think. I'm going to go to MLB games whether the level of play is X or 1.2x or .8X. I mean I guess I wouldn't go if it was .5X and started to really get sloppy, but I'm not convinced my eye could tell that.
That said, Thomas agrees with you, so maybe I'm missing something in your argument
Reply to jeff4sf
sunsshagger
In the mid-90's during the DUI trial of Boston's Mo Vaughn, his attorney referred to him as a "seasonal migrant worker". Future press releases could add some pop by not forgetting the migratory aspect of the seasonal apprenticeships.
Reply to sunsshagger
SChandler
If I may play Devil's Advocate here, if they (minor league players) don't like it they are welcome to go into a different profession. We are still a semi-free country after all. Not to get all political on you, but this article has a very Liberal slant to it. The author states that the league just made 1.16 billion dollars selling off part of itself to Disney. The problem with that argument is that Disney didn't pay that because of minor league players.
Reply to SChandler
Disney did pay because of minor leaguers. There is no major league baseball without minor league baseball. There is no development of BAM without major league baseball.
First off, you should have just left off "If I may play Devil's Advocate here;" you went from presenting another side to presenting your side. That's fine, as long as you present it that way. As far as your "they are welcome to go into a different profession" and "We are still a semi-free country" is concerned, you are right in theory and principle. That is no different then telling the guy complaining about his job at Taco Bell to just get another job and he's free to move where he likes. However, the guy at Taco Bell gets paid hourly, his pay is governed by labor laws. He receives a minimum wage, possibly a raise after 30 or so days for being a good employee, and makes overtime and holiday pay if he works above and beyond. This article doesn't have a "liberal slant," it's about being fairly compensated for the hours they put in and required to put in during the off-season. I know a lot people are going to point out the MLB players make an outrageous league minimum and many players make eight figures, but that doesn't make it okay to pay the "apprentices" far, far less than the minimum wage. Minor league players work all year and then go six months with less than six days off and pray for a rain just they can play a doubleheader the next day. I guess you can say the minor leagues are aptly named the Farm System due to the fact they are payed like illegal migrant workers.
Thomas, I have a couple problems with your response. You say the article is about fair compensation for the minor leaguers, but who is to determine what is fair. I suggest that the players and their organization negotiate that figure. Also there is a huge difference between minor league players and illegal migrant workers. Minor leaguers are chasing a dream with a huge potential payoff. Migrant workers don't have that potential payoff.
I would also argue that it is OK to pay minor leaguers what they re being paid because, as I said earlier, they don't have to do it. They aren't slaves. That we disagree is perfectly fine, but I do disagree with the premise of this article, and it's not at all surprising that my initial comment has a negative rating. I'm sure this one will too.
yibberat
In economic terms, 'fair' (and 'free' for that matter) requires competition on both sides. MLB has a monopoly and that monopoly is propped up by the government. Without that monopoly, they couldn't negotiate the media contract that they do get. That media contract exclusivity is also what kills off possible baseball competition from arising since baseball (like most sports) at any level can't survive on gate receipts. For you to ignore that market distortion and then turn around and dismiss the other side is simply silly (at best).
No the US is NOT a free country when it comes to baseball. We are a CRONYIST country. Personally, I would much prefer that we get rid of the obscenity called the antitrust exemption rather than compound one market distortion with a second market distortion. But if there is ONE situation which legally does fit a mandated minimum wage, it is precisely minors baseball because it is the only nationwide monopoly - with fully indentured servitude.
Reply to yibberat
It is true that if they don't like it then they can find another profession. Half of all draftees after the 10th round don't sign. So many are making the decision you're suggesting.
From a capitalist's standpoint though, if I'm looking for new ways to invest a dollar and find a path that allows me to earn a dollar twenty I sure as hell take that (see my POV above).
Yes, as Thomas and Kate pointed out, it's about fairly compensating people for work done on their employer's behalf. But it's also about employer's making a more optimal investment decision since the employer can't confidently say which of their employees will go on to play in the MLB.


text:
The Rhetorical Gamer
New Trek, Part Three: Picard
On August 15, 2022 By MichaelIn Star Trek
I finally finished the two seasons of Picard this weekend. I have thoughts. They might be surprising. I want to take a wander down memory lane first. I'll try to keep it brief.
When ST:TNG premiered in 1987, I was a 12 year old who loved the classic series. I… hated… TNG. It was stiff, weird, didn't seem to understand the original series at all, and you know, had that annoying kid on the show. I gave up on TNG and never finished watching it.
Then came the movie, Generations. I went to see it with some friends and I saw a crew that was nothing like I remembered. They were fun, and loved each other, and… I liked them. So I went back and eventually watched all of TNG. It had its issues – every regular Trek series does – because a TV production schedule is hard.
But you could see how the show evolved. You could see how the crew found their way and became more than echoes of the previous show. They were great. And leading them all through it was Capt. Picard.
Okay, enough of that – I'm not here to talk about TNG. I'm here to talk about Picard, the show. The two seasons are very different so I want to approach them one at a time.
First season was a very strange animal. It was a tale of a Picard who shrank. He felt betrayed by the institution he served and gave his all. He retreated into retirement and the life of a private citizen. In many ways, it paralleled the TNG episode Tapestry which finds Picard diminished. I'll come back to this theme but I don't want to drop too many spoilers.
The plot and story of the first season were interesting. Again, they proposed events in the ST universe that were unexpected and cool. I'm always a fan of getting to see the Romulans in action. And seeing the aftereffects of the Borg through a new lens was also great. Picard Season One handled the nostalgia elements – the, "these are only powerful if you understand the context" elements really well.
A great example is the episode with Riker and Troy. This could have gone many ways. But instead of focusing solely on Picard, Riker, and Troy… the episode spent a suprising amount of time on Riker and Troy's daughter. And she was great. Such an interesting young character. And the elements of tragedy in the life of these characters were handled with a deft touch that really made me feel them.
As someone who, in my own life, I suffer from loving people too deeply and yet never being able to show it. As someone who retreats too often from my friends and never feels in step with the lives of those around me… I felt the man Picard had become in Season One. Even great men like Picard have massive failures that haunt them. To me, that was the essence of the first season… Picard realizing that he had something left to give in a world that he chose to let move on without him. Because this time around, the show was clearly meant to have a "main character" and it was designed in such a way that such a set up worked.
(You have no idea how much I want to take shots at Book of Boba Fett here because Picard actually got the show about him to, you know, actually be about him.)
Season Two of the show became something different. I know a lot of people did not like this season. If my Fb friends list is any indication, then they hated it. I can't say that I feel the same. Don't get me wrong… it was not as strong as the first season. It had its problems. It involved Q and time travel. These are two of my least favorite things. It involved again, examining Picard as a flawed character by trapping him at one moment of his past (something Q has done many times but – in this instance – was said to be indicative of the man across his entire life). And yet…
I deeply enjoyed it. Sure, it was goofy as hell and sometimes a little clunky in execution but I feel like that didn't even matter. It was more about taking the characters out for one more victory lap; letting them go out on a high note. It was about letting Picard be the man he was always meant to be – a leader, a hero, a man of convictions, but one who always struggled with being alone. And it paralleled that story in the cast of characters built around him as his new "crew." They were all partial reflections of Picard and gave depth to the story he was experiencing. But they didn't feel superfluous. They were vital to telling the story of the season.
And I loved the crew around him. Especially Allison Pill as Dr. Jurati. I loved her in first season and I loved her in second season. I can't talk too much about her without massive spoilers but suffice it to say she was awesome. But I loved them all. I came to care about them – something that you really want out of a ST show. And in Season Two, the crew definitely had "player character energy" enough times that I laughed about it with my wife.
Yes, the plot and storylines of second season could border (or just fucking red rover right over) into being goofy at times. But I think the very intentional callbacks to Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home should also remind us that ST is okay when it's goofy sometimes. That movie also involved a deeply stupid plotline that required saving the entire universe from a life-ending threat.
It also hearkened – to me – to another show that Jonathan Frakes was heavily involved in… Leverage. I had a similar feeling about the final season of that show as I did about Picard. It was just a chance to live with those characters one last time. To let them go out on a win. To just let fans enjoy them again before they were gone. And to do it in a way that felt fun, not just "because we can."
So, sure, Picard was not a perfect show. But it was a good show. And it was a good ST show. It gave me the feels, and kept me engaged, and even made me enjoy some of the aspects of sci-fi and Trek that I normally don't enjoy at all. And I did enjoy it. If you haven't watched it and you are a fan – at all – of TNG, I highly recommend giving it a watch.
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New Trek, Part Two: TLD & SNW
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