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Art Music and Poetry

Original Art, Music, and Poetry from member of the Cooler Crew.

We've got an awful lot of talent around these parts for poetry, art, music, photography, and yes even the occasional mock hunt. These pages are a showcase for those talents (except for the mock hunts, which we take care of elsewhere).

TitleAuthor(s)
Medallion Hunt HerosKCØGRN
Kitch
OTiS
Tim the Hunter

Ode to Hunt

Submitted by ComedyCurtis on

Ode to Hunt

The hunt is over and I guess, 
I’ll clean my house, for it’s a mess. 
Through sleet and snow and low wind chill, 
We’re like mailmen but mentally ill. 

It ended Monday, blessed is he, 
To find a puck that looks like pee. 
I must admit the kid has class, 
Has anyone seen my frozen ass? 

At Como Park the hunt was bold, 
The polar bears said, “Damn its cold!” 
Hid was treasure for us to find, 
Some looked up a frog’s behind. 

Braving the cold takes lots of guts: 
I’m getting the feeling back in my nuts. 
The wife was great throughout the hunt, 
But now she has a frozen c….offee. 

So now it’s over what to do: 
Re-hash with the Cooler Crew, 
We’ll whine with wine and jeer with beer, 
And say, “I guess it’s mine NEXT year.” 

The Best of the Boards

Submitted by Joe Medallion (not verified) on

Its about that time of year when I start going through and tidying up things in preparation for the coming hunt. In doing so, I'm going through the archives to an extent and doing some old reading. We've had some great one-liners before and I'm gonna post them here:

  • Eags, 2002 Boards, post 565: Never thought about it in terms of the medallion getting laid before...
  • TMK, 2002 Boards, post 1042: New for the 2002 Medallion Hunt, straight from Cooler Crew Incorporated, comes the Christmas/Medallion Hunt CD for all diggers! Included on this stellar cd are songs such as "The Twelve Days of Hunting", "Scribe in Bells", "Away From a Playground", "Check the Mall", "Do You Dig What I Dig", "God Rest Ye Weary Coolerheads", "We Came Upon a Midnight Clue", "Joy to the Finder", "O Dig All Trees", "Tim the Red-Nosed Hunter", "Trent and Jackie Are Coming To Town", "Sleepless Night", and the all-time favorite, "Allison Wonderland" Hurry now, while supplies last!

Don't Stop Your Diggin'

Submitted by ares on

Don't Stop Your Digging

by Ares

Just a city girl, huntin' in a frigid world
She got the midnight clue digging' anywhere
Just a small town boy, born and raised across the Croix
He got the midnight clue digging' anywhere

A digger in a smokey queue
A smell in line; who ate legumes?
For a smile they can share their lights
It goes on and on and on and on

Strangers waiting, up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night
Parklit people, digging just to find a treasure
Hiding, somewhere in the night.

Shovelin' hard to get my fill,
Everybody wants the thrill
Doin' anything to move some snow,
Just one more time

Some will win, some will lose
But all were born to look for blue
Oh, the searching never ends
It goes on and on and on and on

Strangers waiting, up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night
Parklit people, digging just to find a treasure
Hiding, somewhere in the night.

Don't stop diggin'
Hold on to the feelin'
Parklit people

Don't stop diggin'
Hold on
Parklit people

Don't stop diggin'
Hold on to the feelin'
Parklit people

Have a Successful St Paul Winter Carnival Medallion Hunt

Submitted by zephyrus on

History

Back in 1885, a New York reporter noted that St Paul was “another Siberia, unfit for human habitation”. This gave birth to the novel idea for a celebration of our wintry clime. Families and communities came together to participate in the St Paul Winter Carnival; a tradition that continues today, over 120 years later as the coolest celebration on earth.

The Winter Carnival Medallion Hunt began in 1952, where “hidden in Boreas' rollicking realm, lay his treasure.” A small treasure chest made of wood, with the instructions on how to claim the prize inside. Arthur M. Jensen found this treasure in Highland Park on the 11th clue, which told of two tree stumps to the west. With his big $1000 win, his wife splurged and bought herself a new hat!

There are a few things that you can do to ensure that you have a successful medallion hunt as well. Maybe you won't win the prize, but you can share in the magic of family and tradition that the St Paul Winter Carnival brings to us each year.

The Fun Part

“It is time again, to pick up a pen
and delve into the clues mysteries.
Grab yourself a chair, but you must beware
the clues are full of trickeries.

The time is near for you, my dear
to bundle up and bring your luck
the hunt has begun, now have some fun
and bring home the cherished puck!”

The clues are mesmerizing as clever little poems. Take the above “clue” as an example. At first glance, it is telling you that the clues are tricky and that the hunt has begun. But that's no fun, the cluewriter needs to make sure that only those who put forth a little effort can find this. What fun would it be if you were just given directions, and had to foot race 2,000 people to the location?

Digging deeper into the above clue, you have a few different possibilities. “Chair” could represent something that the medallion is near, or attached to. It could also be a reference point for another clue, if it means anything at all. “Trickeries” could be just that, the clues are hard to figure out due to deception, or it may point to the magic shop across the street from the medallions location. “The time is near” may refer to a large clock nearby, but for sure, “the cherished little puck” means the medallion. Right? Or is it referring to the park having a hockey rink?

It is easy to confuse yourself and get caught up in the clues thinking that every word has meaning. This happens every year when a newbie comes along and deciphers every word in the first clue to give the entire directions and location to the medallions location. There may be more to the first clue than some have realized, 15 times since 1952 there has been more information in the first clue than just general information or if it is in St Paul or not.

Bring the family together on this. Call up some of your friends, meet for dinner and discuss the clues. The most enjoyable part of the medallion hunt for many is the opportunity to spend a lot of time with their family and friends. There is a closeness that develops when you really get into the deciphering. Consider this, you are decoding the map to a treasure of $10,000, and you are trusting your family and friends to not leave you in the dust and find it for themselves. You are doing more than just spending time with your friends, you are building trust with them as well.

So you think you've figured out tonights clue. You run out the door because you know the exact location of the puck and you are going to just reach down and pick it up. Wrong. Don't be the guy who runs out in the middle of the woods when it is -17 degrees outside with just a windbreaker and tennis shoes. You can die or become seriously injured from the cold. Stop and bundle up. You will be out there longer than you think.

If there is any snow at all you are not going to move it with just your hands. You will need a tool of some sort. Hoes are very popular this time of year, as are garden rakes and shovels. Remember the saying, “search, don't destroy”, as it cannot be said enough. You just want to move the snow, weeds, or whatever. Do not dig into the ground; on that note, do not climb up trees either. The medallion will be within easy reach for the average individual. It has been that way for over 55 years. A 3 inch piece of Lucite hidden within 170 square miles doesn't need to be hidden too hard at all. Hunters will be spread out among many parks throughout the county. If you get close enough to find it, and you are a persistent digger with a keen eye, you will find it. Maybe.

Take your kids out with you and build a family tradition that they can carry over to their kids. This is a great opportunity to be an active part of their lives. My Grandpa, Larry Graber, found the Dispatch-Pioneer Press Treasure Chest in 1954 at Hidden Falls Park, the 4th hunt ever. Imagine what goes through my mind as I think I am very close to finding the medallion! It is an amazing closeness to him that I can share even though he moved to Calvary Cemetery back in 2001.

Whatever it is that you do during the medallion hunt, do it safely, do it responsibly, and have fun doing it. So suit up, head out and enjoy the coolest celebration on earth!

The Pre-Hunt Warmup

Submitted by Administrator on

by The Batman

“Say it ain't so, Clueless Joe,”
It’s almost that time of year!
Its time to obsess, with the Pioneer Press, 
For the hunt will soon be here!

Jus’ one plastic puck, worth ten thousand bucks,
Hidden beneath the snow.
But that’s reason enough! So you better get tough,
And put up with the cold, for the dough!

You know I got pride, I represent the East Side ,
So I hope it’s hidden there.
It might be an advantage, but I think I can manage.
For me to find it, would be fair!

To those who write the clues, please take your time to choose,
Exactly what the clues should say;
Cuz’ for the past few years, your clueless peers,
Jus’ couldn’t lead us astray.

As crowd sizes grow, the hunters then know,
That they’re right where they should be.
The “mob” at Phalen Park , was outrageous after dark,
If you saw it, then you surely agree.

All the clues that we critique, and the longer that we seek,
Adds more tension to the event.
If its found by clue eight, the hunters all get irate!
And they’ll tell you to go “pitch a tent”!

Stayin’ up all night, as the clues I’ll recite,
Over and over again.
All the research that’s done, won’t compare to the fun,
Of “searching hill and glen”.

This “Jughead has spoken”, and I long for the token,
In this, the hunt of all hunts!
So I soon will prepare, for the upcoming affair,
And dress warm for the sudden cold fronts.

After clue number two, I’ll assemble my crew,
And we’ll pick up a bottle of Jack.
Then we’ll head for the woods, to search for the goods,
Gettin’ a buzz but stayin’ on track!

King Boreas will be proud, when the roads are all plowed, 
To make way for me, . . . the finder.
Yes, his precious medallion, will be found by this stallion!
You can consider this is a binder!

I’m anticipating, and eagerly awaiting,
The release of the first clue.
I feel like I’m cursed, ‘til January 21st,
This hunt is long overdue!

Hotel Coolerfornia

Submitted by ares on

Our Theme Song

by Allison Wonderland and Ares

In a dark winter snowfall, cold frost in my hair
Warm smell of hot coffee, rising up through the air
Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light
I dropped my shovel and put down my Guide so I could track through the white.

There she sat on a snow mound; With her laptop and cell
And I was thinking to myself, 'This could be Heaven or this could be Hell'
Then she pulled up the website and she showed me the way
There were voices there in every post, I thought I heard them say...

Welcome to the Hotel Coolerfornia
Such a lovely place such a lovely place In this Medallion Race
Plenty of room at the Hotel Coolerfornia
Any time of year, any time of year you can find it here

Their minds are treasure hunt-twisted, they're tracking all the clues' trends (ugh).
There's a lot of crazy, crazy folks, and they're all friends.
How they noodle the clues, thinking they're set.
But the mistakes they made last year, they tend to forget

So I emalied the Sysop, 'Please don't make me whine'
He said,'We haven't had a monitor here since nineteen ninety nine'
And still those voices are calling from far away,
Keep you up in the middle of the night Just to hear them say...

Welcome to the Hotel Coolerfornia
Such a lovely place In this Medallion race
They're huntin' it up at the Hotel Coolerfornia
What a nice surprise, if they find the prize.

Buttons on the dresser, Leftover boxes of fried rice
And she said 'We are all just prisoners here, of our own device'
And there on the Cooler boards, They've gathered, now they're stuck
They noodle it with their crazy thoughts, But they just can't find the puck.

Last thing I remember, I was Reaching for the drawer
I had to find the map back To the place I dug before
'Relax,' said the huntress, In spotters you will believe.
You can logout any time you like, but you can never leave.

Scribe on the "Pop" Rocks

Submitted by me2 on

Scribe on the 'pop' rocks 
with THX by her side 
Just pour me a Bailey's 
And I'll tell you "the crow flies" 
the hunt is on 
So she just sings the 'woo hoo's' 
All the time

Gave you my vulcan button 
Gave you another hairbrush 
You left me alone in the park 
With no shovel to look through the slush 
The hunt is on 
Now all I want is to find the damn puck before her!

First she has a hairy back

How she has that boil

Suddenly she find's she's out there 
11 pm -standing in line at ma press

And when the hunt knows it has you

Nothing you can do or say

You've got to hunt just everyday 
We all know the clues

You need what you need

Flashlights, hand warmers & a St. Paul newspaper

Wearing your Columbia jacket, boots, hat & glove 24/7
When the hunt is on

May be no snow on the ground 
But it's cold 
When your Scribe's on the 'pop' rocks

First she tries to claim 'Joes'

Oh, How she weighs 300 pounds

Scribe on the 'pop' rocks 
with THX by her side 
Just pour me a Bailey's 
And I'll tell you "the crow flies" 
The hunt is on 
And now all I want 
Is to find the damn puck before her!

Got the Clue?

Submitted by Artemis The Huntress on

Inspired by the Pioneer Press Medallion Hunt

Once again its the season to be out freezin
in the great medallion hunt open to all.
A tradition and a Celebration
they started in St. Paul.

With clues that are truly poetic
and rhythm that really swings
we bring this hint that will help you
get to the bottom of things.

What's more precious 
than the treasure of a King?

Crystal clear clues make it child's play to win
if you're willing to be an iconoclast.
So don't put it off, now's the time to begin
you never know how long it will last!

Every time you read a new line
don't let circular thinking reign,
but don't always believe you're eyes
for we're playing a tricky game.

To search for carnival treasure
can be a strain on the brain!

A well trained eye is one reason why
a good hunter stays on the attack.
This is a lesson you need to apply,
if you're on the wrong track, don't blow your stack!

If you are wise you will surmise
there are enough trees around.
So get out there and search, ya dig?
Sooner or later the treasure will be found.

Hey, Hey, OK, OK
Its all about this game we play!

Treasure Hunt Blues

Submitted by Marleyking on

Inspired by the Pioneer Press Medallion Hunt

It's the thrill of the hunt
the elusive treasure we seek

It's that little bit of rebel
inside us young and old
makes us bundle up, grab our tools
and brave the Minnesota cold

Keeps us runnin round in circles
tryin to follow all their clues
But still we keep on diggin
even though we got the Treasure Hunt Blues

It's that little bit of pirate
that lives inside us all
that sets our minds to flight
with each new midnight call

Keeps us runnin round in circles
tryin to follow all their clues
but still we keep on diggin
even though we got the Treasure Hunt Blues

It's the satisfaction of trying
using our brains and brawn
even if we don't find it this year
next year we might be right on!

Still we keep on diggin even though
I got the (I got the)
You got the (You got the)
We got the Treasure Hunt Blues

Alli-Sins

Submitted by Eags on

The Scribe wrote on his posting slate 
And posted for all to see 
"If faith's anew' then why don't you 
All come to mass with me?"

And one replied, "Can't go inside 
For long have I feared the worst 
For much I've scoffed and pissed Him off 
And into flames I'll burst.

Or maybe I never really thought 
That any harm could come 
But I'll err on the side of being sure 
And with the priests, stay mum.

But I'll tell you a sin or two 
Though imagined or real they be 
And whether they're lies or super-size 
My conscience can be set free.

So rub-a-dub-dub come hop in my tub 
And I'll tell you my Alli-Sins 
'Bout whips and chains and walking canes 
And a few more ... just for shits and grins.

But what I must confess is that I obsess 
'Bout hockey pucks hidden in tins 
And I dream at night of parks all white 
And that one of the Cooler Crew wins!

Now I'm done confessing so please give me your blessing
I've gotten it all off my chest 
Super-size or with fries I've my eyes on the prize 
Just let me get on with my quest."