Come on guys...you love the movie.  I can't explain it.  My wife asks why I think Caddy Shack is so cool.  I didn't like it when I was a little boy, but when I could understand the humor, I went crazy for it.  "What does that sign say?.....no bare feet.....What does THAT sign say......no fighting.....well, then, what does it mean....no fighting....you owe me one gum ball machine".  What a bunch of ridiculous lines.  But, they were timeless.  I took a screen shot of that sign and had it replicated.  Yes, it was copy-write whatever.  But, they sold like hot cakes on eBay.  Here's the screen shot and a photo of the tin sign that I had made. 

The Day before I got married in 2000 I put together a speech for my Dad at the grooms dinner.  I spend about a week writing and re-writing a tribute to my father, Al.  I have always been so proud of Dad and wanted to do a public eulogy-like speech on his accomplishments.  When the night came, we were at the Chart House in Lakeville and there was no privacy.  It was loud, we were mixed in with the public and a band was playing.  I didn't give the speech.  Later that evening I approached him and told him what happened.  I gave him my notes.  He told me he had written a dedication to me and was unable to give it.  I got those notes.  Later on, after reading my dedication he told me his only prayer was for me to have a child that would write a speech about me, like that, some day.  I've attached the speech here.

Dedication to Dad at my grooms dinner. 6-19-2000

Wouldn't it be awesome to have all NHS yearbooks scanned for online viewing...and searchable by name?  Yes it would...but is very time consuming.  I started with just the senior photos from my senior year.  You can click here to view or download the originals in Flickr.  I'd like to enter all the names as Flickr tags so you could search for a person by name. 

In the spring of 2004 I came up with a great idea.  I was standing in the back yard of my house and looked down the neighbors back yards in my block.  It seemed that almost half had one of those gigantic wooden play fort swing sets, maybe of which were Rainbow Play-systems.  Rainbow is the "Cadillac" of forts and can be denoted by their trademark red, yellow and blue striped canopies.  Rainbow is very expensive.  So my good friend Chad and I got together and went to work for Rainbow installing these sets.  Out goal was to learn about the product and either try to re-sell Rainbow or make our own models.  Well..it didn't take long to rule out manufacturing and we hooked up with Outback Play-systems in Wisconsin.  We bought by the truck load and installed all over the twin cities.  There was some rewarding about putting these fun little kits together.  It paid pretty well. 

After installing these for just one summer, I ended up here.  I had wrecked my right shoulder.  Four years later I had the surgery.  I held off for so long hoping it would go away only to ice the pain away every day. 

Well, I'm back and available to install should anyone be in the market.  Just shoot me an email to learn about the various brands on the market.

Don't Let this happen to you....Call us!

Here's a photo from 1979 of Chad, Andy and I building our first fort.

Oh, the agony of being left handed. I've spent my life fighting a prejudice toward left handed people. It was there in pre-school when my scissors didn't work, was there in college when I had to use "right handed" decks of cards and now, at work, where the standard keyboard and mouse are tailored for the righty.

Wait..deck of cards? That's right. Just to prove my point, I'll show you just how subtitle this discrimination is. Most people wouldn't even think something as simple as a deck of cards was made for right hand use, but just look at the pictures below and you'll see exactly what I mean. I'm not kidding. One can't read the card indices when fanned with the left hand.

Over the years, I have become accustom to picking out a lefty. I can see them a mile away. Why, well...because of that awful left handed writing hook. You've seen it, where we have to look all gimpy when writing. There's really no way around this if we want to see what we're writing. Ask a lefty if they get pen or pencil on the base of their hand. Actually, when erasable ink came out, my hand would be covered in ink.

Here is a list of items that are automatically made for the right hander, and not the left hander.

• Bowling balls
• Guns
• Fishing rods (now they come with inter-changeable reels)
• Guitars
• Most instruments
• Controls in the driver seat of a car.
• Can openers
• Mice (computer mouse)
• Scissors
• Playing cards
• Golf clubs
• Baseball gloves
• Most kitchen utensils
• Spiral bound notebooks and paper pads
• One could even say the standard clock is bias.

Funny story

About 10 years ago, Nerf came out with this aerodynamic football that had curves carved into it for a better spiral throw. Problem is, the curves were meant to assist the right handed hurler, not the lefty. I was at the lake with some friends who were throwing this around. I picked up the ball and went to riffle of my usual perfect spiral, but it died in the air like a lame duck. This is when I learned that left handed prejudice had been taken to a new low.

Left Handed Fascinating Facts (grabbed from some random website)

• Most left-handers draw figures facing to the right.
• There is a high tendency in twins for one to be left-handed
• Left-handers adjust more readily to seeing underwater.
• Left-handers excel particularly in tennis, baseball, swimming and fencing.
• Left-handers usually reach puberty 4 to 5 months after right-handers
• 4 of the 5 original designers of the Macintosh computer were left-handed
• Left-handers are generally more intelligent, better looking, imaginative and multi-talented than right handers - based on discussions among lefty's.

Logistics 

I know it's a numbers and cost thing. Most people are right handed, so why produce something for a left hander. But, day in and day out, we need to constantly find ways to adapt to the right handed man's world. Sometimes, it even poses a safety concern. But, I'm proud to be left handed. It's like our own little everyday club. And, I will go on the records as saying that lefties are definitely different than the right. I can't nail down the specifics, but they say that the left side of the body is controlled by the right side of the brain. The right brain has certain artistic and creative lobes not found on the left. Left handers seem to be more creative, artistic and dynamic thinkers. We are also more quirky and socially slow. Lefties are also know to be good leaders. A majority of past presidents of the US are left handed, including Clinton, Bush Sr, Regan, Ford and Truman...and I'll just add Obama to the list right now. So, please let me know if you're a left hander and I'll add you to my comprehensive list of left handed people that I keep.

Finally

Check out this beer bottle label.  It's "Left Hand Brewing Company".  It captures BEER, LEFT HANDED and BLACK JACK.  Three of my very favorite things.

I have been a registered eBay seller since 1997 and an official eBay "Power Seller" for two of those years. eBay is by far one of the top website's on the face of the earth. You are able to consistently buy almost anything you desire or sell anything you can think of. The process can be as easy or as complicated as you want to make it. The site is set up for ease of use, while able to handle the volume of a large company. I have been able to use eBay to find treasures for my collections that I thought would be impossible to find. I have learned that eBay has it all. If you want to buy something, I urge you to check eBay first. I am your connection between wondering what it's all about to being an active user. I also have advice for established users.

• I am looking for merchandise to sell..new or used. If you have stuff sitting around, I am interested in purchasing it from you. Dig through old boxes for dusty collections. Make room by offloading CD's, DVD's, books, appliances, musical instruments, even vehicles. I'll take it. I do not sell on consignment. I'm looking to purchase outright so you have no hassle.
• I will consider commercial agreements when over stock or returned goods can be off-loaded, allowing you to recoup cost.
• I am available for consultation and eBay sales training. I have over ten years of tips and tricks to share.

Regards,

Tim

*I have multiple accounts. This account was established March 2003.

Story by VIV SAVAGE

Lester Stovold was just one year from retirement when I met with him to discuss his latest release of his course book "Clog With Me. Danish Clog Technique for the Advanced Beginner, Rev 2.4". Stovold had immersed himself in the art since he took up the study his freshman year at Iowa State, some 39 years ago.

"Not having a major and needing to fulfill 3 courses of art, I first took the class as a joke. I thought it would be a great way to meet chicks while getting a little exercise," Lester explained. "I had no idea I'd spend 39 friggin' years of my life wearing these, no-arch-supporting splinter machines."

He seemed light hearted at first about his freakish knowledge of the art, being able seamlessly rattle off 20 authentic Danish manufactures of clogs, 28 world renown masters, 17 clog dance style variations as well as his ability to shuffle of a jig that would put Danish clog star Bjorn Sir Branson to shame.

"Some people work this hard and are recognized on the street by the general public. All I get is an occasional cartoon rendition of me dancing in the nude on the walls of the guys bathroom stalls. This is a dying art it is actually kinda embarassing. What have I done," as Stovold looked down in disgust. "People will go to bars and do that <explicative> chicken dance while some lousy polka band comes off as rock stars. Those lousy Germans shouldn't have all the fun. Would it kill the college kids to try a little clog dance at their favorite watering hole now and then!"

I reminded Lester that he has spent seven years learning to make an authentic clog in Denmark. That he was the foremost authority on the art in the upper mid-west and most importantly beat the visiting Norwegian princess in a clog-off back in 2005.

Lester Stovold finished his interview saying "My book is boring, the dance is not graceful. The shoes are uncomfortable and I've wasted my entire life."

First there was the famous image of the Marines raising the flag at Imo Jima. Then there is a similar image of fire fighters raising the flag at ground zero after 9/11. But nothing beats the reverence of the image taken on the Fourth of July 2000 just down the street from my house in Shakopee Minnesota.

The famous fire work display started before dark. We lived close to a field and used it to fire enormous bottle rockets into. After a few celebratory cocktails and beers, we used a 12 foot by 4 inch PVC tube I had in my garage as a launching mechanism. Not did it just work perfectly, but it make such a cool sound that it made it all the worth while. I can not remember why it took 5 guys to make this thing work but it did. Liquor, fireworks, friends and PVC tubing. You can't get better than that on a national holiday.

I'm sad to announce the Ronald is going through a series of chemo treatments and has lost his trademark hair. Ronald McDonald has been diagnosed with an incurable cancer, which will force all McDonalds to close their doors indefinitely. We're told that in addition to the hair loss, Ronald's skill will soon turn a yellow/orangish, human looking hue. It's been said that with a shaved head and normal looking skin, this clown will soon look like Michael Stipes of REM. Ronald can be viewed in his glass coffin at the Northfield McDonalds.

Honestly...I was at the Mc D's tonight getting my $1 new releases from the Red Box when I overhead some high school Mc D's employee's laughing at Ronald behind his glass display. They said that someone had taken his wig and dudes had been spotted around the high school all week wearing it. That's good humor. I'd hit that wig if it came my way.

Never noticed until now how big his collar is and just how freaky clowns are. Nice job with the lip stick Ron.

   DUNDAS - A little after 2pm yesterday plastic pellets and large stones were being hurled through Dundas streets.   It all started a few weeks ago when local resident Willie Mason saw a pack of suspicious racoon's scouting the corn in his sparrow feeders. 

"I seen them's creeping up and sniffin' around places they shouln't be sniffin," Willie explained.  "We could tells they were looking for food, whether it was in our trash or in our home made bird feeders.  Something didn't smell right."

Willie and his wife Zee prepared for battle.  Willie started to warn neighbors on Hester Street while Zee called to her friends on the Mill Preservation Society.  Willie had purchased an air pellet gun from Kmart in the early 80's and it was about to get it's first use.   

On Tuesday, around 2:13, a band of 3 masked racoon's approached Don's Corner Bar from the east on Railway Street while 2 approached from the west.  Entering the garbage corral in the back of the bar, the three robbers began their search for fried food left overs and peanut shells.  The other two racoon's kept guard in the street.  They were aggressive in their search, ripping through trash bags and trying to break into the mother load: the barrel of used fry-oil.  They were set on soaking up 45 gallons of pure deep-fry nirvana but could not get through the locked canister top. 

When taking a cigarette break on the opposite side, Don Cruise sensed something was wrong.  He heard wrastling and commotion coming from areas that shouldn't have coming.  When he made eye contact with the masked bandits, they began to flee.  He began to throw rocks.  Unable to make contact with any bandits, Willie came to the rescue, rattling off some 23 rounds of little plastic pellets.   Two 'coons were hit, twitching and running as they took in the sting. 

"Doubt we'll be seeing them around this block anytime soon," Willie gleamed, "and hopefully they won't try to mess with the citizens of Dundas' garbage anytime soon!"

This is the logo from the staffing department at the State of Minnesota. I've always noticed that there was a left facing human profile in the eastern boarder of our state. I've always meant to do something artistically to bring out this face. I ran across this logo and BAM, there it is. Someone has already done it. So, now you'll see it. Every time you see the state map now, this just might stick out for you.

Last Tuesday Brad Pitt's latest movie came to DVD. "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" is quite the title and a pain to type (twice). This is the movie that I based the 2007 DJJD button on. I was expecting the movie to be a smashing success in town as Hollywood's biggest male actor of the century portrays Jesse James. I used the font, parchment theme and art clips from the original Warner Brother's website and trailer to reflect the theme of the button. There were even committee members trying to get Brad to make an appearance last year as the movie came out just weeks after the celebration. It would have been a wonderful promotion and a news story that we be sure to make the national wire. Nothing became of it.

The movie came and silently went through Southgate Cinema last year. I was unable to see it during it's short stay. I heard that Brad Pitt played Jesse to the tee and that Casey Aflack was Oscar-worthy.

On Tuesday I went to 'Movie Gallery' to rent it. They informed me that they were not carrying it as they were having "disputes" with their movie vendor over it. On Friday, I was told they weren't going to be carrying it. I then went to Mr. Movies and they only had 3 copies, all of which were out. THEN, the nerd in me went to Target to buy it. They had one little spot for it, and those were all gone. Usually, when a new movie comes out, Target has 10 spots for each movie. It appeared as if they only ordered 10 copies. Lastly, I went to Mc Donald's Redbox without any luck. To this day, I can't tell if they even carry it. I didn't even think to check Cub foods video rental box.

No one seemed to calculate the demand for a movie with significant Northfield ties, played by Brad Pitt. Of any city, wouldn't the distribution people think to double up on their volumes in Northfield Minnesota?

I was very lucky.  I had a friend that worked at a restaurant call me when he needed someone to read a commercial for a radio advertisement.  He knew I wanted to get into radio my whole life.  I was already in a career, hadn't gone to Brown Institute nor had any radio experience.  Chad sent me the ad copy and I rehearsed it many many times.  I went to the ABC Studio's close to the University of Minnesota campus in May of 2002 and asked for a guy named David Tuttle.  David was the production manager for all stations.  He was well known on the KQRS morning show as "Tuttle", the guy that laughed in the back ground.  I followed him into one of the 7 KQRS studio rooms and recorded my commercial.  I nailed the 60 second spot on my first read.  It was a rush.  The studios looked just like you see in the movies. 

I made a well thought out pitch to Tuttle right after I finished.  I told him that I was thinking about going to Brown and was willing to volunteer my time in exchange for learning opportunities.  He quickly took my under his arm and showed me everything he learned at Brown.  So it began.  I started to come in after work day after day.  I recorded so many commercials and learned how to run the board so quickly that he let me come in on my own, without him to go to work on commercials.  It was all unpaid, but it was the time of my life.  I was able to hang out with every local radio personality that you could name.  It was literally a dream come true. 

After a few month, there was a opening for a DJ on the new Drive 105 modern rock station. Tuttle wanted me to have it. I put together a demo and Tuttle perfected it before handing it to the program manager.  I began doing weekend nights.  It was very hard work at first but sooo cool.  After just a few months of giving up my weekends, I asked for some "compensation".  I learned quickly that radio stations don't pay their radio talent.  I soon had my first daughter.  She had some health problems and I had to leave my gig.  They never let me back in.  My opportunity was gone. I would not have been able to support a family at 28 on a DJ's wage, so I had to let the dream go. 

Lately, I was able to dabble in radio for a brief stint at 1080 KYMN radio before starting my job at the Newspaper.  Once you're on air, it's always in your blood. 

Following are various on-air radio samples of myself:

Try-out demo for Drive 105 (note: the songs are cut out so you just hear me.  Sounds like I say things over and over a lot)

Ragstock Commercial 93X (last part of the commercial)

Tom Thumb Commercial 92.5 KQRS

UPS Commercial Drive 105

Redbull Commercial 93X (last half)

Sprint PSC Commercial 92.5 KQRS (last half)

Voice Stream (Commercial with Jamie Lee Courtis) 92.5 KQRS (last half)

Northfield News Spot on KYMN 1080 AM

On Air, Minnesota's Alternative Drive 105. October 2002

I was a frequent BWCA camper from 1988 to 1995 when I officially "retired" myself from taking these trips. I finally have scanned as many photos as I could find from these years, having neatly posted them into Flickr and created a nice landing point to view them all. I encourage anyone who has been to this beautiful country to have a look and comment about your own experiences.

Click here or the photo collage to be magically transported to the photo collection.

Oh, I retired because I am a huge wimp and now prefer to experience my nature in a cabin and motorized boats.