Greg Sax - 12:30am Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8010 of 8458)
By the way, Cheryl et al.: I don't know if anyone else noticed, but I think Itsinmypocket had the same e-mail address as Joe Medallion for a while. They're different now. Regardless, I'm pretty sure they were either the same person or were friends. Whoever Joe is, I was more amused by his antics than irritated. He certainly had stamina. And when he posted, he tended to post as two separate names, meaning he was taking the time to run two (sometimes three) browsers from the same 'puter and then carrying on conversations with himself. Weird kid, but clever.
greenslvs2 - 12:45am Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8021 of 8458)
I'm shaking in my boots. What if people are disappointed????
Terry Valentine - 12:47am Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8022 of 8458) Read #8268 from CASEY!!!!!!
How could anyone be disappointed?
greenslvs2 - 12:50am Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8023 of 8458)
Expectations. Maybe I've not set this up rite. Maybe they think the PP will be all over us like flies on... Like a lot'a flies, you know. Maybe they dont' like sloppy joes and potatoe salad!!!!! I DON'T KNOW
Terry Valentine - 12:59am Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8024 of 8458) Read #8268 from CASEY!!!!!!
The only expectations anyone should have is the opportunity to meet face to face those that have had such an impact on all of us the last couple weeks.
The picnic is merely the vehicle to have that happen. How many winter picnics do people attend anyway? Potato salad and sloppy joes will be just scrumptious with the stuff everyone else will bring.
The PP all over us like flies? It's possible, not a major story, but could be one of those human interest stories.
No one will care. That's not why people are coming. If they want publicity, there are other ways to get it. This is about building friendships and sharing common interests. We don't need publicity for that. We'll solute the Cooler and Casey where ever they are.
Greg Sax - 01:43am Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8046 of 8458)
All is now quiet on this eve before rehash As I wish I could be at the inaugural bash. But, alas, I am stuck oh so far and away No coffee, no sloppy joe, no Frito-Lay. But I'm glad to have made my mark In the snow at Cherokee Park With a shovel in the dark Gnashing like a shark In ground not bark Happy as a lark
Hark? Hark. Hark. Hark.
A little rhyme for fun. I liked the ones that others have written over the past 8000 posts and thought I'd add one myself. It ain't much, but as Linda Ronstandt once sang, "I got the music in me."
Greg Sax - 10:40am Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8049 of 8458)
This is WAY TOO perfectionistic, but it's been buggin' me since last night. It was Kiki Dee that sang "I Got the Music in Me." You may also remember her for the duet with Elton John, "Don't Go Breakin' My Heart." Whew. Nothing like name-dropping the wrong 70s pop diva to make yoursleep wrestless!
I hope ALL have/had a great time at the REHASH BASH. Wish I could be there. I'll be looking for details here on the Cooler.
Hello all. Back from the 'bash. It was fantastic! So great to meet everyone. And food everywhere. Green could've fed an army (we're talking 240 pounds of potato salad!) Maureen and Steve were there and showed us the exact spot where Steve found it. We all even got to touch the Old Navy baby sock it was in. The PP showed up, talked to us, took notes, took pictures, asked if we were ok with having our picutre in the paper. Look for the article! And what a day - absolutely PERFECT weather (well, at least perfect for February in Minnesota). Thanks to all who made it out. And mega thanks to Greg who got the buttons there and everything. We were thinking of you, Greg.
Holly Wood - 03:48pm Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8052 of 8458) (Counting Off 10 Paces on the Walk of Fame)
Amen to all of that Sue Bee! I have just returned from the bash myself and have followed Mr. Sax's (your 3 friends are great Greg!)lead in adding a rhyme to the cooler log:
###############################################
The hunt may be done but the spirit lives on,
The crew will have fun though the clues have now gone.
Our singular quest became our common denominator,
Despite the bad news on the backyard thermometer.
The next year's months will come and will go,
But none will compare with this last in the snow.
When the time rolls around for the '99 search,
I'll be back here again, on my computer chair perch!
Thanks again everyone and another round of applause to Green for her leadership and to the champions Steve and Maureen for showing up today and sharing their tale (and their beer!)....
Black Widow - 04:30pm Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8053 of 8458)
Just wanted to stop in and say Thank you again Green, Greg, Ian for all that you have done to bring a group of complete strangers (some stranger than others HEHEHE) together. I believe that this is what people mean by "Minnesota Nice". It was great putting faces to the names and quotations we've been reading all week. Can't wait for the next get together. Count me in for just about anything. Thanks again
Terry Valentine - 05:52pm Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8056 of 8458) Read #8268 from CASEY!!!!!!
Hey Everyone! Just got back from our other obligation this afternoon. Wish we could have stayed longer. You won't believe this - we no sooner got seated for the fashion show our daughter was in, and in walks a women with an "Old Navy" shopping bag!
Greg, It wasn't muddy. A little icy but not bad. The PP guys (Not Casey) brought Pioneer Planet t-shirts and beanies with propellers. Your friends were great! Can't believe you actually pulled the button thing off. They were great! We (hubby and I) each bought one. Figure they will be collector items someday. Loved the little shovels. Probably be worth millions!
Anyone checking in...who else came? How many showed altogether? What time did it break up? Wish we could have stayed for the whole thing. It was fabulous meeting everyone. You're all A-1!
Ian - 06:02pm Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8057 of 8458) READ MESSAGE 8268
This will probably be quite long-WARNING!
All of the above comments are true. I am not the type of person who does this type of thing, but I wouldn't have missed it thanks to GREEN!
She is so persuasive. I have to tell you all what I missed out on today. My boys are VERY into bowling, and are on a Sunday traveling league. To keep it short, after I left them this morning, my oldest son threw his best game ever!-a 266. Spare, Open, 10 strikes in a row.
I'm not sorry I missed it because he will have more great games, but who knows if I ever would have met such GREAT people.
I want to thank LEM and JOHN from the PP. They are very nice people who show an interest in our group (we are, aren't we?). They brought the coolest beanies with a propeller on top. And lots of T-shirts.
CASEY, where were you?
Greg, there was no mud. We had plenty of ice in the picnic area. Made for tricky walking at times. Most of the day was sunny. (Atleast, partly)
I want to ask everyone who has not signed the guestbook, to PLEASE do so soon. Many future activities are being discussed and we need to be able to contact you.
THANKS to everyone who gave me such nice compliments on my attempted web site. As always, it is under construction. I wanted to get something up, and it is a start.
Eagle Eye - 07:36pm Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8062 of 8458) READ #8268 - THE WIZARD SPEAKS!
It was fun to meet so many new friends today. Thanks again to everyone who made this day happen. Greg, the buttons were great; hope to meet you at future cooler functions. There were Cooler Heads who couldn't make it, but perhaps they still think its at Mounds. Looking forward to more fun with all you CoolerPhiles.
Pat Pfundstein - 07:41pm Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8063 of 8458)
Greg the bash went until about 3:30. It was a blast involving hot dogs, chili, corn on the cob, brats, sloppy joe medallions, chips, cookies, coffee, a monster cake, and great people. I will treasure my beanie always.
A major topic of discussion was the different ways we could all get together in the future. Casey , one of these was representing the Pioneerplanet in parades such as Grand Old Days or the Winter Carnival (hint, hint; contact our fearless leader Green to round us up).
Another topic was PPMCC logo wear. We are all for it, as I am sure green will let the PP know. Along those lines, if anyone wants an iron on transfer such as I wore today, email me your email address, and we will let you know the cost as soon as we figure it out. Given the cost of ink, transfer paper, stiff envelope, and postage for same, I would guess that cost in the neighborhood of $3-5.
To wrap up this epic length post, cake girl and I just want to say it was great to meet the faces behind the messages. Hope to see you all soon, or hear from you, or dig with you again. Thank goodness I don't have to eat all those papers.
Wright Winger - 08:02pm Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8064 of 8458) 99 YEAR OF THE COOLER
Thanks Cheryl, im sure your right, nothing short of a dentists apointment or leagal drinking age will keep me from missing a summer outting, although outta town for about a month. oh well im sure ill be in town. hope to see ya'll at a differnt time. wow a 266! my best is a 217.
Max - 08:20pm Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8065 of 8458) The dog of Cherokee Park
Thanks everyone who showed up at the "Cooler Bash" this afternoon. We all had a great time and had a wonderful day for a picnic in February. Looking forward to the next get together. "Thanks" Hollywood, for the Hot Dog...I was starved.
It's not often I get to go to parties with my owners, but the least they could have done is pinned a "You Dig?" button on my Lil' Red Coat. I help dig too ya know. Oh Well, Nice meeting everyone!
Max
greenslvs2 - 08:49pm Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8066 of 8458)
pppppssssstttttt, Pat... That was not a 'monster' cake!!!! THAT WAS A COOLER CAKE!!!!!!! Made by Cheryl
Greg Sax - 02:00am Feb 9, 1998 CST (#8071 of 8458)
I'm really glad the picnic turned out well, and I'm glad the buttons were appreciated. Next year's lot should be much more imaginative. It sounds like everyone's sort of wrapping up this year's events (at least those related to the Winter Carnival and the creation of the PPMCC) so I wanted to throw in a couple of things that have been on my mind.
1) Provided there's still a forum for clue solving sponsored by the PP next year, we must be sure not to become too elitist and drop little insider lingo. Every year should be a new beginning on the Cooler (or whatever else there is). We can continue to forge an identity but we must be careful not to discourage new friends from joining our ranks.
2) I think there are a lot more like us -- those that really find the medallion hunt to be a special, community-building event. Not all of them have computers. I firmly believe we can turn the "Rehash Bash" into an annual event that's actually sanctioned as part of the Winter Carnival festivities. I think plenty of people would like to get together to talk about their medallion hunting stories over hot dogs and coffee. As a newly-formed nonprofit organization, the PPMCC could sponsor the picnic (with a little help from the PP -- hint, hint) always to be held at the park where the medallion was located. I don't see how it could fail to draw folks in. If people show up for the annual Polar Bear dive, they'll at least look into the "Rehash Bash." There are tons of little events associated with the Winter Carnival every year. I think there's room for one more. Don't you?
Take it easy, y'all. I'll check in periodically tomorrow. I have more information on that Bock Beer Festival (including medallion search) in New Ulm. The PPMCC could eventually become a team of professional medallion hunters sending representatives all over the continent to take part in various carnivals, festivals, and egg hunts
John Jordan - 07:50am Feb 9, 1998 CST (#8073 of 8458) Online Advertising Sales Manager - PioneerPlanet
Thanks for the kind words, guys. Lem and I enjoyed meeting all of you. We do expect, now, that we'll see you wearing those beanies when you're driving down the road, walking in downtown St. Paul, eating out or any other important thing. <grin>
Feel free to email me with any future events you plan.
Dave Young - 11:14am Feb 9, 1998 CST (#8074 of 8458)
Hey, folks! I had a good time at the bash yesterday! Lots of good food! It was the first time I had corn-on-the-cob at a picnic in February! Lots of wonderful people! Those of you who didn't come missed a good one! Thank you, Greensleeves, for your work on this project!
Let's have a "pre-hunt" party next year on the night the first clue comes out for the water cooler gang. We could meet at some local eating establishment. Someone in the group could wait at the Pioneer Press building and get the first newspaper out and bring it over to the group and read the first clue to the rest.
Next year during the hunt, how about everyone in the water cooler gang wrapping a band of duct tape around the left sleeve of their jackets while digging so the rest of us will know which ones are in the water cooler gang? You can use duct tape for everything else; this would be the newest use!
Mr. Know It All - 11:17am Feb 9, 1998 CST (#8075 of 8458)
To all the COOLer people that showed up. I had a great time, wish I could have stayed longer. Those of you who didn't show up missed out on a great opportunity to put names with faces!!! Thanks to, ( I know I will miss someone) everyone that participated and everyone that helped put this on, especially Green, for forming this outing. Also my dog appreciated it too, just to being able to run around the park and sniff STUFF! GREG SAX E-Mail me I want one of those collector buttons. YOU DIG??????????????????
One other thing I didn't know (Mr. Know It All) that this could turn out such a success! I will have to sharpen my skills!!!!!!!! See Ya
emmy & hannah's mom - 12:44pm Feb 9, 1998 CST (#8078 of 8458)
Green -- thank you for bringing together such a FABULOUS bash!! Whether or not you want the credit, you have to realize, it simply would not have happened without your persistance. I (and family) had a really great time. We moved back here in 93, and still haven't gotten around to making a LOT of new friendships. It was fun to meet so many new, special people.
Oh, and if the foot thing-y is BLUE, it must be ours. No need to worry, the baby doesn't need such a heavy duty snowsuit very often, in fact this is the first time she's ever worn this one.
Thank you also to everyone who showed up....it really was all of us together that made it such a success. I can't wait for a little more temperate weather to have a summer getogether/picnic. til later....
John Jordan - 08:51pm Feb 9, 1998 CST (#8088 of 8458) Online Advertising Sales Manager - PioneerPlanet
I've actually sneeked a peek behind the curtain (took me hours just to discover its secret location in the belly of Planet headquarters...he doesn't office with the rest of us for obvious reasons) and can assure you that Casey looks alot like the Wizard of Oz. I was especially impressed with the long tails on the back of his jacket and the slicked back, Billy Graham-esqe hair. His PC also has lots of knobs and cranks, most of which he turns nightly just to keep the Cooler working. It's a thankless job but he does it well.
greenslvs2 - 09:59pm Feb 9, 1998 CST (#8093 of 8458)
All: So much spinning in my head, don't know where to start. WARNING!!!! This is long... Sorry... :(
Greg: You're gonna kill me on this one... But, I really think we should change the name to "PioneerPlanet" MCC. Will not restate whys and wherefores of "Pioneer Press" as those are on record... I KNOW, but it's a woman's perogative to change her mind!!! (weak smile) But I've been thinking since yesterday, what with Lem talking about "on-line communites" and all - well, if not for the *computers* - which get us into The 'Planet - we/this would not be an on-line community, it wouldn't have come together as we have, blah, blah, blah. Also, it's specifically the 'Planet part of the 'Press that's going for all this... and it's the 'Planet that we're going to be helping, be advertising for, getting new people in here for, etc. Sorry... But better to change the official name now, when we're just getting started, rather than 10 years down the road. Again, sorry, Greg - next time hit me in the head with a snow shovel until I see the lite - stars?. (Greg: I need two more buttons for friends. e-mail me, please, as to how I may get them from you. Thanks.)
Greg: Agree with your post of 2:00 a.m. today. A lot of that will be covered in what follows. I, personally, do not think there will be a problem with an elitist attitude - it seems to me the "newness" of all this - ideas, friends, things to do, traditions - is what thrilled all who have participated in The Cooler and the subsequent Bash this year. It is new people, a new year, new sayings, new ideas, new clues, new perspectives, new challenge, etc., we all thrived on. New "blood" will only enhance this community - without it, we're doomed. (Not to mention we'd all get pretty bored, I think. ISH!!!)
Moving rite along...
You guys are just loves to continue to look to me as "leader", but we ARE a community and I AM only one person and this is starting to get to be a full-time job!!!! I need "HELP!!!" We - all of us - are going to have to contribute in order for the PPMCC to be a Twin Cities cyber community success. It's not my private party and I don't want it to be.
So...
I made up a list of priorites today (compiled from all the GREAT AND WONDERFUL ideas everyone's been coming up with), which is probably not complete, but will get things going. What I would like to do is list them, find people to take on one (or more!!! LOL!!) of the priorites as their responsibility and handle/work on it, keeping every one in touch, etc. (I feel like David Letterman... )
Note: If if it should be the PP's desire to have only one person be contacting them regarding anything the PPMCC has in mind, we will have to respect that. However, it will still take all of us contributing in the gathering of information that is to be passed on to The PP.
#1 Priority: We gotta put this Cooler to bed as it's time for the PPMCC to move on. We need someone (Greg... I think you'd be perfect as you're concise, articulate, educated, tactful, decisive and diplomatic.) to talk with the PP about another Med Hunt Cooler next year, possbility of a chat room, making this an old document that can be accessed over and over, possibilities of them letting us have a homepage (we can ask Ian if we may use his for as long as we need - tho his is going to fill as I'm assuming he only has so much space on whatever server he's using...) and more.
#2 - St. Patty's Day is next month. A desire was expressed to be in not only that parade, but in the Grand O'l Day (did I spell that rite???) parade as well as the Aquatenial, etc. We need someone to be in charge of talking to the PP as to whether they would sponser us for any/all parades, and then handle all arrangements that the PP would want us to or any they did not want to deal with - seeing our entry was in, or whatever. Details to be worked out with PPress.
Terry Valentine - 10:57pm Feb 9, 1998 CST (#8097 of 8458) Read #8268 from CASEY!!!!!!
Today, as I was thinking over all the activity of the last week or so, I was more amazed than ever of everything we pulled off together. The hunt was a blast - because it always is - but the input of so many here brought it to new heights. The Inaugural Rehash Bash yesterday only happened because so many of us felt we had learned enough about each other to meet face to face. Was is trust or curiosity? Both I suspect.
It is not easy to find intergenerational common ground where everyone feels comfortable. My work, part of which is coordinating a program and activities for people of all ages - birth to 100+ years - is most challenging. Looking from that perspective, what was accomplished here is phenomenal!
I talked about this whole experience with people I work with today. They laughed (friendly fire) at the little stories I shared about how this had transpired. I will remember these past several days for a long, long time.
Thanks to all who contributed to the Cooler discussion. Thanks to all who slogged through our ramblings and never posted - we know you were there. Thanks to all for the work done to make the Bash a success. Thanks to all who wanted to join us at the Bash but couldn't. Thanks to the '98 Medallion Finders - it was great to meet you. Thanks to all who are and will be working on future PPMCC events. Thanks to the Planet for the forum to make this possible.
greenslvs2 - 09:29am Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8106 of 8458)
Continuation of Priorities:
#3 - Advertising. The PPress/Planet is going to use our pic/write an ad for the paper - telling about on-line communities. But how can we reach even MORE people in addition to wearing our buttons, beanies and t-shirts??? Can we even, or is that all we can do? If you have a homepage, you could put a link to the Planet, The PPMCC, etc. If your friend(s) have a homepage... bribe them to do the same!!! LOL! If your friends' friend's... You get my drift. Bet the folks at the PP can give us good ideas and guide us.
#4- This could be combined with #2 & 3. Need someone to set up the get-togethers/outings/appearances. Contacting where we're going, getting people to sign up, tickets, transportation if needed, posting to where ever we'll have to post announcements to, etc. Will need to let 'Planet know where we're showing up en masse.
Will post this and continue - don't want to loose anything again!
greenslvs2 - 09:54am Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8107 of 8458)
Priorities:
#5 - Volunteering. (PatP, you came up with this idea...!!! <g> ) Working the State Fair booth selling PPMCC logoed-wear. Also, how about this: if the PPress had a computer or two there we could demonstrate how to navigate to the Coolers, show folks what all is there to talk about, get them into a Cooler of their choice and help them post!!!!! (John, put me down - I'll help at the State Fair.) The 'Planet may have even more ideas!!!
#6 - Non-Profit Org. This is a real PAIN. Involves paper work with State and IRS. (Saintly City Cat Club is a NPO, that's how I know this, tho I'm NOT the one in the club that's handled it. Just thought of something... I can hand stuff out at the cat show!!!! Like about the 'Bash!!!!) Basically, we'd need an income (logoed wear??? The 'Bash???), then would keep some to run on, donating most of it. Personally, I think it's too soon to consider this, but at least we're throwing it out there to think about. *If* we *did* become a NPO... we *could* donate/use our money for... SOFTWARE/HARDWARE/COMPUTER STUFF in the school system!!!! Get it??? Planet-->on-line community-->PPMCC-->computers-->computer stuff for schools!!!!!!
#7 - Logoed-wear. The PPP, since they gave us the tee-shirts, etc., prolly have a good handle on this. They could tell us the name of the company they use, etc.
Maureen Hursey - 10:05am Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8108 of 8458)
Hi Everyone, Things sarting to settle down. Trying to get a scapbook together also. Visited Ian's and Dave's site. Looking good. I got to try to pull a site together. Thanks Again for recent messages and e-mail. Maureen
Greg Sax - 11:12am Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8110 of 8458)
I'll have more to say later when I'm at home, but wanted to bring up a few things while I'm thinking about them here at work...
I like all the detailed thoughts from greenslvs2. A nice change of pace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, I'm kidding. You can handle it.
Changing the name of the PPMCC is something I felt we would need to do all along, so I'm glad it's come up. "PPMCC" doesn't exactly stick in the head. It may be special to us in some way but that shouldn't prevent us from creating a more "marketable" name. (I mean, hey, I still prefer the old "smiling dog" T-Wolves logo but it just wasn't selling.) Further, having a name-association with the Pioneer Press/Planet could be controversial down the line if one of us ever does find the medallion. I know if I were on the outside looking in, I would think it was rigged. I really like the idea of promoting the Pioneer Planet by being representatives for a strong online community which began in their Water Cooler forum, but I also feel we need to cut that sandbag sometime soon so we can try to fly this balloon around the world (okay, it's a stretch but I'm hearing so much about balloons in the news these days).
I don't think we should ever lose sight of who allowed this to happen, therefore I think volunteering for things like the State Fair is a great idea, but I think our relationship with the PP should be focused more on co-promotion of similar ideas. We don't want to step to close to the PP line and make ourselves ineligible for the medallion hunt.
As for a new name...I know we're all attached to PPMCC but do throw out new ideas. If we're talking about parades and such, we really need to think about a recognizable identity that people can relate to. Keep it simple. Here's a few ideas to mull over and get the juices flowing: Winter Safari Team Medallion Krewe Diggers United Mining for Medallions Ramsey County Diggers Association (other "collection" synonyms: group, band, crew, bunch, gang, party)
That's good for now. I'll step off the podium until later tonight.
Holly Wood - 02:37pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8115 of 8458) (Counting Off 10 Paces on the Walk of Fame)
A whole week of work with no time off for hunting...I am going through the period of withdrawal often referred to as "The Shakes"!
To Max the Pooch: I would have pinned a "You Dig" button on you but I thought that bullet proof flak jacket of yours would have been inpenetrable!
For a team name: (can you tell I'm still hungry?) 1) Corn in the Winter 2) Hot Diggity Dog 3) Hunt's Ketchup 4) Socialist Worker's Digger's Party 5) Want Medallion - Will Travel
To Casey: "Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain"!!!
Eagle Eye - 07:31pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8120 of 8458) READ #8268 - THE WIZARD SPEAKS!
Hello Cooler Friends. After a long day at work, its great to come home (Casey: there's no place like home!) and check in on the Cooler Conversations of the day. Greg: Good thinking - we do need to be careful not to exclude ourselves from eligibility. I had enough of that when my mother was a PP employee, and we couldn't hunt! Club Medallion would be a good name, but I agree that Club Med might be pushing it. Medallion Crewe or Krewe is cool, too.
Eagle Eye - 07:50pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8121 of 8458) READ #8268 - THE WIZARD SPEAKS!
John Jordan: Maybe a good approach for us to take would be to find out what, among all our planned activities, fits with PioneerPlanet's goals, without bringing ourselves to the point of ineligibility to hunt medallions. I'll bet there are a lot of ways we can help each other, without crossing that line. This got very complicated, didn't it?
greenslvs2 - 08:37pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8122 of 8458)
(sighing in happiness...) TANKS Eagle for jumping in and helping on this noodling bit! Keep the good thoughts coming... Because come hell or high water, I'm not dropping this. There IS a way that we can accomplish a great many things here - to the benefit of many... Just gotta find the best and correct ways!
Gregory: Great minds think a like, boyo!!! Figured a ton'a folk would love "The Energizer Mouth - she just keeps going and going and GOING!!!" Take all the digs you wanna. I'm not taking them purrsonally - yet! LOL!!! 'Sides, I don't get mad. I get even!
Greg: Agree with you 100% on your latest soap box spiel. However, you're coming up with really sucky names. (ROFLOLWMP!!!!!!!!!) That aside... Do you have any ideas how we can get our balloon to float? LIke, we'd need a posting area such as this, a chat area, and a Web page?????? We need to get going on the brewery/hunt thing as that is coming up very soon, is it not??? Any more info on that???
Also, really like your input as it keeps me focused and you bring up things that I... ah... in my ferverent excitement tend to overlook or miss. What was that you said? "Cooler Heads will prevail"????
Think we can parlay my priorities just fine into a "removed" PPMCC. Hopefully, the PP will assist us in our endeavors... Think they will.
Your idea of the Re-Hash Bash becoming a sanctioned WC event... Well, that would exceed my wildest dreams... Hopefully, tho, the "Whatever Group" could still be a part of it. Well... OTAY!!! It WAS something *I* thought up... and... well... I would *really* like to remain a part of it/work it/help out/etc. (Otay, I'm human and FINALLY admitted it!!)
Terry Valentine - 09:04pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8137 of 8458) Read #8268 from CASEY!!!!!!
Hi all! Been slogging through todays postings. It's slowing down a bit, but wholly cow!!! a lot of ideas (some crazier than others) are flying through here.
The name thing...Club Med is cute but we can't use it. Would be confusing anyway. Maybe something with a planet theme? an internet theme? cyberspace? I think I used up my creativity today at work. It doesn't seem like it should be so hard. We ARE, after all, a very clever, creative crew. Look at all the ways we tore apart the clues. Maybe something with a snow or winter sport theme?
Terry Valentine - 09:45pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8165 of 8458) Read #8268 from CASEY!!!!!!
Green - Priority #1 - Being the planet has found a new advertising gimmick for their needs, maybe they would consider setting up a home page for us to post news about gatherings, events, logo-ed wear, etc. Greg has such a nice way with words, if he would like to take that on, fantastic. If not, we can revisit this priority.
Priority #2 - St. Patty's Day Parade, Grand Ol Days, etc. etc. would be fun. St. Patrick's Day is on a Tuesday. How many could get off work to attend? Grand Ol Days is always on a Saturday in June (the first I think. That would seem more likely to allow a number of us to be there.
Priority #2 part b. If Greg agrees to be the words - the sponsorship and arrangement thing could be talked about then.
Priority #3 - Advertising through the our home page at the planet would be most accessible. Perhaps some print ads in the paper could be done too. Local community papers often advertise for little or nothing. Would they advertise this???
Priority #4 - Some of this could be done on a rotating basis. That way no one person would have all the work. Or we could divide and conquer. I can certainly help.
#5 - Volunteering - Does the paper participate in county fairs too?!? Another question for our Wizards of ???
#6 Let's see where this goes before we apply for non-profit status though the idea of doing community good appeals to me. Maybe computers for seniors so they can join in the hunt, even if they can't get out to hunt anymore.
#7 - Another question for the PP. - Greg? Are you willing???
greenslvs2 - 10:11pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8187 of 8458)
This* is SOMETHING, Ian. To us, to the PP, to the Internet communites, to the greater Twin Cities area. For some reason, somehow, someway... *THIS* has happened/is happening. Can't go back, can't change it. This group of folks has DONE something... and they are continuing to build on it and not let it rest. It's just getting better and better!!!!!!
Eagle Eye - 10:12pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8188 of 8458) READ #8268 - THE WIZARD SPEAKS!
Modem Med: I'm still laughing..."Let them go ONE more day." BTW, do we have a plan for the day when we come in here and its gone? We're gonna need some support! What about, when the snow clears and the ground isn't muddy anymore, we return to Chair-o-key Park and pick up the litter from the hunt?
MODEM MED - 10:14pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8189 of 8458)
You can bet that's never been done before.
Terry Valentine - 10:15pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8190 of 8458) Read #8268 from CASEY!!!!!!
Eagle Eye - Another community event. Those digging ideas are just flying here!
Earth Day is April 21. We could plan a community clean-up at Cherokee!
We'll be so busy, we'll have to give up our day jobs.
greenslvs2 - 10:25pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8198 of 8458)
Green has left. Mz. Emotional here!
I wore my PPMCC button today on my turtle neck...
You CANNOT imagine the pride I had... to be able to tell people that I was a part of all that is transpiring here... the ideas, emotions, the drive!!! To be able to say, "Yea, I'm a part of this, I'm working for this, I'm helping this..."
The people that asked about my button that know what I'm doing were... well... just thought I "need to get a life - dumb Medallion hunter!" And those that didn't seemed to think... "Oh. A group of Medallion hunters, that's different."
BUT.... I know what's really going on here... And what all of us must NEVER forget is that we are unique in the Twin Cities - an on-line community that IS DOING SOMETHNG and having an effect. Yup. We're the first.
greenslvs2 - 10:45pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8209 of 8458)
What's a general discussion board????
GREG, IAN.... WE NEED OUR PLACE TO FLY OUR BALLOON AND WE NEED IT *NOW*!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Time has run out.....
Great, just friggin' great. Here we sit planning stuff and where are the real minds - tho Ian's got to get up for work... He'll catch this about 2:00 a.m. - when you need them????? I don't know SQUAT about what Casey's talking about or Web pages or how to get this damn balloon off the ground!!!!!
Terry Valentine - 10:49pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8210 of 8458) Read #8268 from CASEY!!!!!!
Web pages are new to me too, but if this gets moved into old discussions for a while, we won't lose what we've posted until they dump it. We could print out the priorities, other ideas since the finding of the medallion. Discussions with this crew (no e) will move to a new venue but won't be lost.
Have Faith - YOU got a picture for your postings. I haven't gotten up the courage to think about that.
Greg Sax - 12:30am Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8010 of 8458)
By the way, Cheryl et al.: I don't know if anyone else noticed, but I think Itsinmypocket had the same e-mail address as Joe Medallion for a while. They're different now. Regardless, I'm pretty sure they were either the same person or were friends. Whoever Joe is, I was more amused by his antics than irritated. He certainly had stamina. And when he posted, he tended to post as two separate names, meaning he was taking the time to run two (sometimes three) browsers from the same 'puter and then carrying on conversations with himself. Weird kid, but clever.
greenslvs2 - 12:45am Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8021 of 8458)
I'm shaking in my boots. What if people are disappointed????
Terry Valentine - 12:47am Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8022 of 8458) Read #8268 from CASEY!!!!!!
How could anyone be disappointed?
greenslvs2 - 12:50am Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8023 of 8458)
Expectations. Maybe I've not set this up rite. Maybe they think the PP will be all over us like flies on... Like a lot'a flies, you know. Maybe they dont' like sloppy joes and potatoe salad!!!!! I DON'T KNOW
Terry Valentine - 12:59am Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8024 of 8458) Read #8268 from CASEY!!!!!!
The only expectations anyone should have is the opportunity to meet face to face those that have had such an impact on all of us the last couple weeks.
The picnic is merely the vehicle to have that happen. How many winter picnics do people attend anyway? Potato salad and sloppy joes will be just scrumptious with the stuff everyone else will bring.
The PP all over us like flies? It's possible, not a major story, but could be one of those human interest stories.
No one will care. That's not why people are coming. If they want publicity, there are other ways to get it. This is about building friendships and sharing common interests. We don't need publicity for that. We'll solute the Cooler and Casey where ever they are.
Greg Sax - 01:43am Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8046 of 8458)
All is now quiet on this eve before rehash As I wish I could be at the inaugural bash. But, alas, I am stuck oh so far and away No coffee, no sloppy joe, no Frito-Lay. But I'm glad to have made my mark In the snow at Cherokee Park With a shovel in the dark Gnashing like a shark In ground not bark Happy as a lark
Hark? Hark. Hark. Hark.
A little rhyme for fun. I liked the ones that others have written over the past 8000 posts and thought I'd add one myself. It ain't much, but as Linda Ronstandt once sang, "I got the music in me."
Greg Sax - 10:40am Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8049 of 8458)
This is WAY TOO perfectionistic, but it's been buggin' me since last night. It was Kiki Dee that sang "I Got the Music in Me." You may also remember her for the duet with Elton John, "Don't Go Breakin' My Heart." Whew. Nothing like name-dropping the wrong 70s pop diva to make your sleep wrestless!
I hope ALL have/had a great time at the REHASH BASH. Wish I could be there. I'll be looking for details here on the Cooler.
ReHash Bash-a SMASH ing success!
SueBee - 02:56pm Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8051 of 8458)
Hello all. Back from the 'bash. It was fantastic! So great to meet everyone. And food everywhere. Green could've fed an army (we're talking 240 pounds of potato salad!) Maureen and Steve were there and showed us the exact spot where Steve found it. We all even got to touch the Old Navy baby sock it was in. The PP showed up, talked to us, took notes, took pictures, asked if we were ok with having our picutre in the paper. Look for the article! And what a day - absolutely PERFECT weather (well, at least perfect for February in Minnesota). Thanks to all who made it out. And mega thanks to Greg who got the buttons there and everything. We were thinking of you, Greg.
Holly Wood - 03:48pm Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8052 of 8458) (Counting Off 10 Paces on the Walk of Fame)
Amen to all of that Sue Bee! I have just returned from the bash myself and have followed Mr. Sax's (your 3 friends are great Greg!)lead in adding a rhyme to the cooler log:
The hunt may be done but the spirit lives on,
The crew will have fun though the clues have now gone.
Our singular quest became our common denominator,
Despite the bad news on the backyard thermometer.
The next year's months will come and will go,
But none will compare with this last in the snow.
When the time rolls around for the '99 search,
I'll be back here again, on my computer chair perch!
Thanks again everyone and another round of applause to Green for her leadership and to the champions Steve and Maureen for showing up today and sharing their tale (and their beer!)....
Dave W. "Hollywood"
Black Widow - 04:30pm Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8053 of 8458)
Just wanted to stop in and say Thank you again Green, Greg, Ian for all that you have done to bring a group of complete strangers (some stranger than others HEHEHE) together. I believe that this is what people mean by "Minnesota Nice". It was great putting faces to the names and quotations we've been reading all week. Can't wait for the next get together. Count me in for just about anything. Thanks again
Greg Sax - 05:15pm Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8054 of 8458)
Dying to hear more...how many people? how long did it last? was it muddy? details are anticipated...will check back later.
Terry Valentine - 05:52pm Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8056 of 8458) Read #8268 from CASEY!!!!!!
Hey Everyone! Just got back from our other obligation this afternoon. Wish we could have stayed longer. You won't believe this - we no sooner got seated for the fashion show our daughter was in, and in walks a women with an "Old Navy" shopping bag!
Greg, It wasn't muddy. A little icy but not bad. The PP guys (Not Casey) brought Pioneer Planet t-shirts and beanies with propellers. Your friends were great! Can't believe you actually pulled the button thing off. They were great! We (hubby and I) each bought one. Figure they will be collector items someday. Loved the little shovels. Probably be worth millions!
Anyone checking in...who else came? How many showed altogether? What time did it break up? Wish we could have stayed for the whole thing. It was fabulous meeting everyone. You're all A-1!
Green - Thanks!
Ian - 06:02pm Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8057 of 8458) READ MESSAGE 8268
This will probably be quite long-WARNING!
All of the above comments are true. I am not the type of person who does this type of thing, but I wouldn't have missed it thanks to GREEN!
She is so persuasive. I have to tell you all what I missed out on today. My boys are VERY into bowling, and are on a Sunday traveling league. To keep it short, after I left them this morning, my oldest son threw his best game ever!-a 266. Spare, Open, 10 strikes in a row.
I'm not sorry I missed it because he will have more great games, but who knows if I ever would have met such GREAT people.
I want to thank LEM and JOHN from the PP. They are very nice people who show an interest in our group (we are, aren't we?). They brought the coolest beanies with a propeller on top. And lots of T-shirts.
CASEY, where were you?
Greg, there was no mud. We had plenty of ice in the picnic area. Made for tricky walking at times. Most of the day was sunny. (Atleast, partly)
I want to ask everyone who has not signed the guestbook, to PLEASE do so soon. Many future activities are being discussed and we need to be able to contact you.
THANKS to everyone who gave me such nice compliments on my attempted web site. As always, it is under construction. I wanted to get something up, and it is a start.
OK, I'm outta here. *IAN*
Cheryl Straight - 07:17pm Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8061 of 8458)
Green, Greg, Ian, Terry, BW, ETC..., thanks for making this 1st annual awesome!
Greg - Buttons are too COOLer.....
Green - organized to COOLness.....
Terry - Breaker written to COOLfection
Ian - Tell your son way to Bowl, glad you could be there with us
Maureen / Steve - Thanks for giving us all hope and letting us share a little bit with you.....
BW - next year, PLANETEERS.....
Eagle Eye - 07:36pm Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8062 of 8458) READ #8268 - THE WIZARD SPEAKS!
It was fun to meet so many new friends today. Thanks again to everyone who made this day happen. Greg, the buttons were great; hope to meet you at future cooler functions. There were Cooler Heads who couldn't make it, but perhaps they still think its at Mounds. Looking forward to more fun with all you CoolerPhiles.
Pat Pfundstein - 07:41pm Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8063 of 8458)
Greg the bash went until about 3:30. It was a blast involving hot dogs, chili, corn on the cob, brats, sloppy joe medallions, chips, cookies, coffee, a monster cake, and great people. I will treasure my beanie always.
A major topic of discussion was the different ways we could all get together in the future. Casey , one of these was representing the Pioneerplanet in parades such as Grand Old Days or the Winter Carnival (hint, hint; contact our fearless leader Green to round us up).
Another topic was PPMCC logo wear. We are all for it, as I am sure green will let the PP know. Along those lines, if anyone wants an iron on transfer such as I wore today, email me your email address, and we will let you know the cost as soon as we figure it out. Given the cost of ink, transfer paper, stiff envelope, and postage for same, I would guess that cost in the neighborhood of $3-5.
To wrap up this epic length post, cake girl and I just want to say it was great to meet the faces behind the messages. Hope to see you all soon, or hear from you, or dig with you again. Thank goodness I don't have to eat all those papers.
Wright Winger - 08:02pm Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8064 of 8458) 99 YEAR OF THE COOLER
Thanks Cheryl, im sure your right, nothing short of a dentists apointment or leagal drinking age will keep me from missing a summer outting, although outta town for about a month. oh well im sure ill be in town. hope to see ya'll at a differnt time. wow a 266! my best is a 217.
Max - 08:20pm Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8065 of 8458) The dog of Cherokee Park
Thanks everyone who showed up at the "Cooler Bash" this afternoon. We all had a great time and had a wonderful day for a picnic in February. Looking forward to the next get together. "Thanks" Hollywood, for the Hot Dog...I was starved.
It's not often I get to go to parties with my owners, but the least they could have done is pinned a "You Dig?" button on my Lil' Red Coat. I help dig too ya know. Oh Well, Nice meeting everyone!
Max
greenslvs2 - 08:49pm Feb 8, 1998 CST (#8066 of 8458)
pppppssssstttttt, Pat... That was not a 'monster' cake!!!! THAT WAS A COOLER CAKE!!!!!!! Made by Cheryl
Greg Sax - 02:00am Feb 9, 1998 CST (#8071 of 8458)
I'm really glad the picnic turned out well, and I'm glad the buttons were appreciated. Next year's lot should be much more imaginative. It sounds like everyone's sort of wrapping up this year's events (at least those related to the Winter Carnival and the creation of the PPMCC) so I wanted to throw in a couple of things that have been on my mind.
1) Provided there's still a forum for clue solving sponsored by the PP next year, we must be sure not to become too elitist and drop little insider lingo. Every year should be a new beginning on the Cooler (or whatever else there is). We can continue to forge an identity but we must be careful not to discourage new friends from joining our ranks.
2) I think there are a lot more like us -- those that really find the medallion hunt to be a special, community-building event. Not all of them have computers. I firmly believe we can turn the "Rehash Bash" into an annual event that's actually sanctioned as part of the Winter Carnival festivities. I think plenty of people would like to get together to talk about their medallion hunting stories over hot dogs and coffee. As a newly-formed nonprofit organization, the PPMCC could sponsor the picnic (with a little help from the PP -- hint, hint) always to be held at the park where the medallion was located. I don't see how it could fail to draw folks in. If people show up for the annual Polar Bear dive, they'll at least look into the "Rehash Bash." There are tons of little events associated with the Winter Carnival every year. I think there's room for one more. Don't you?
Take it easy, y'all. I'll check in periodically tomorrow. I have more information on that Bock Beer Festival (including medallion search) in New Ulm. The PPMCC could eventually become a team of professional medallion hunters sending representatives all over the continent to take part in various carnivals, festivals, and egg hunts
John Jordan - 07:50am Feb 9, 1998 CST (#8073 of 8458) Online Advertising Sales Manager - PioneerPlanet
Thanks for the kind words, guys. Lem and I enjoyed meeting all of you. We do expect, now, that we'll see you wearing those beanies when you're driving down the road, walking in downtown St. Paul, eating out or any other important thing. <grin>
Feel free to email me with any future events you plan.
John
Dave Young - 11:14am Feb 9, 1998 CST (#8074 of 8458)
Hey, folks! I had a good time at the bash yesterday! Lots of good food! It was the first time I had corn-on-the-cob at a picnic in February! Lots of wonderful people! Those of you who didn't come missed a good one! Thank you, Greensleeves, for your work on this project!
Let's have a "pre-hunt" party next year on the night the first clue comes out for the water cooler gang. We could meet at some local eating establishment. Someone in the group could wait at the Pioneer Press building and get the first newspaper out and bring it over to the group and read the first clue to the rest.
Next year during the hunt, how about everyone in the water cooler gang wrapping a band of duct tape around the left sleeve of their jackets while digging so the rest of us will know which ones are in the water cooler gang? You can use duct tape for everything else; this would be the newest use!
Have fun, gang!
Mr. Know It All - 11:17am Feb 9, 1998 CST (#8075 of 8458)
To all the COOLer people that showed up. I had a great time, wish I could have stayed longer. Those of you who didn't show up missed out on a great opportunity to put names with faces!!! Thanks to, ( I know I will miss someone) everyone that participated and everyone that helped put this on, especially Green, for forming this outing. Also my dog appreciated it too, just to being able to run around the park and sniff STUFF! GREG SAX E-Mail me I want one of those collector buttons. YOU DIG??????????????????
One other thing I didn't know (Mr. Know It All) that this could turn out such a success! I will have to sharpen my skills!!!!!!!! See Ya
emmy & hannah's mom - 12:44pm Feb 9, 1998 CST (#8078 of 8458)
Green -- thank you for bringing together such a FABULOUS bash!! Whether or not you want the credit, you have to realize, it simply would not have happened without your persistance. I (and family) had a really great time. We moved back here in 93, and still haven't gotten around to making a LOT of new friendships. It was fun to meet so many new, special people.
Oh, and if the foot thing-y is BLUE, it must be ours. No need to worry, the baby doesn't need such a heavy duty snowsuit very often, in fact this is the first time she's ever worn this one.
Thank you also to everyone who showed up....it really was all of us together that made it such a success. I can't wait for a little more temperate weather to have a summer getogether/picnic. til later....
Casey Trauer - 04:30pm Feb 9, 1998 CST (#8082 of 8458) PioneerPlanet night editor/Water Cooler moderator
Dear Cooler heads,
I'm sorry I missed the bash. It sounds like everybody had a good time.
Of course, if I had shown up, how could I have maintained my Wizard of Oz-like image? ;)
Cheers, Casey Trauer
John Jordan - 08:51pm Feb 9, 1998 CST (#8088 of 8458) Online Advertising Sales Manager - PioneerPlanet
I've actually sneeked a peek behind the curtain (took me hours just to discover its secret location in the belly of Planet headquarters...he doesn't office with the rest of us for obvious reasons) and can assure you that Casey looks alot like the Wizard of Oz. I was especially impressed with the long tails on the back of his jacket and the slicked back, Billy Graham-esqe hair. His PC also has lots of knobs and cranks, most of which he turns nightly just to keep the Cooler working. It's a thankless job but he does it well.
Green:
After all these years, Who is Black Widow?
greenslvs2 - 09:59pm Feb 9, 1998 CST (#8093 of 8458)
All: So much spinning in my head, don't know where to start. WARNING!!!! This is long... Sorry... :(
Greg: You're gonna kill me on this one... But, I really think we should change the name to "PioneerPlanet" MCC. Will not restate whys and wherefores of "Pioneer Press" as those are on record... I KNOW, but it's a woman's perogative to change her mind!!! (weak smile) But I've been thinking since yesterday, what with Lem talking about "on-line communites" and all - well, if not for the *computers* - which get us into The 'Planet - we/this would not be an on-line community, it wouldn't have come together as we have, blah, blah, blah. Also, it's specifically the 'Planet part of the 'Press that's going for all this... and it's the 'Planet that we're going to be helping, be advertising for, getting new people in here for, etc. Sorry... But better to change the official name now, when we're just getting started, rather than 10 years down the road. Again, sorry, Greg - next time hit me in the head with a snow shovel until I see the lite - stars?. (Greg: I need two more buttons for friends. e-mail me, please, as to how I may get them from you. Thanks.)
Greg: Agree with your post of 2:00 a.m. today. A lot of that will be covered in what follows. I, personally, do not think there will be a problem with an elitist attitude - it seems to me the "newness" of all this - ideas, friends, things to do, traditions - is what thrilled all who have participated in The Cooler and the subsequent Bash this year. It is new people, a new year, new sayings, new ideas, new clues, new perspectives, new challenge, etc., we all thrived on. New "blood" will only enhance this community - without it, we're doomed. (Not to mention we'd all get pretty bored, I think. ISH!!!)
Moving rite along...
You guys are just loves to continue to look to me as "leader", but we ARE a community and I AM only one person and this is starting to get to be a full-time job!!!! I need "HELP!!!" We - all of us - are going to have to contribute in order for the PPMCC to be a Twin Cities cyber community success. It's not my private party and I don't want it to be.
So...
I made up a list of priorites today (compiled from all the GREAT AND WONDERFUL ideas everyone's been coming up with), which is probably not complete, but will get things going. What I would like to do is list them, find people to take on one (or more!!! LOL!!) of the priorites as their responsibility and handle/work on it, keeping every one in touch, etc. (I feel like David Letterman... )
Note: If if it should be the PP's desire to have only one person be contacting them regarding anything the PPMCC has in mind, we will have to respect that. However, it will still take all of us contributing in the gathering of information that is to be passed on to The PP.
#1 Priority: We gotta put this Cooler to bed as it's time for the PPMCC to move on. We need someone (Greg... I think you'd be perfect as you're concise, articulate, educated, tactful, decisive and diplomatic.) to talk with the PP about another Med Hunt Cooler next year, possbility of a chat room, making this an old document that can be accessed over and over, possibilities of them letting us have a homepage (we can ask Ian if we may use his for as long as we need - tho his is going to fill as I'm assuming he only has so much space on whatever server he's using...) and more.
#2 - St. Patty's Day is next month. A desire was expressed to be in not only that parade, but in the Grand O'l Day (did I spell that rite???) parade as well as the Aquatenial, etc. We need someone to be in charge of talking to the PP as to whether they would sponser us for any/all parades, and then handle all arrangements that the PP would want us to or any they did not want to deal with - seeing our entry was in, or whatever. Details to be worked out with PPress.
Terry Valentine - 10:57pm Feb 9, 1998 CST (#8097 of 8458) Read #8268 from CASEY!!!!!!
Today, as I was thinking over all the activity of the last week or so, I was more amazed than ever of everything we pulled off together. The hunt was a blast - because it always is - but the input of so many here brought it to new heights. The Inaugural Rehash Bash yesterday only happened because so many of us felt we had learned enough about each other to meet face to face. Was is trust or curiosity? Both I suspect.
It is not easy to find intergenerational common ground where everyone feels comfortable. My work, part of which is coordinating a program and activities for people of all ages - birth to 100+ years - is most challenging. Looking from that perspective, what was accomplished here is phenomenal!
I talked about this whole experience with people I work with today. They laughed (friendly fire) at the little stories I shared about how this had transpired. I will remember these past several days for a long, long time.
Thanks to all who contributed to the Cooler discussion. Thanks to all who slogged through our ramblings and never posted - we know you were there. Thanks to all for the work done to make the Bash a success. Thanks to all who wanted to join us at the Bash but couldn't. Thanks to the '98 Medallion Finders - it was great to meet you. Thanks to all who are and will be working on future PPMCC events. Thanks to the Planet for the forum to make this possible.
Enough ramblings for now. Peace.
Ian - 01:46am Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8099 of 8458) READ MESSAGE 8268
This is still available, so I'm still posting.
Pat: A line in your review of the Bash didn't hit me until a few hours later at work. You were listing the menu and one item was:
Sloppy "Joe Medallions"
TOO FUNNY !!!!!
Ian - 01:53am Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8100 of 8458) READ MESSAGE 8268
Speaking of Joe, I got # 8100 !!!!!! HAhAhA
Anyone here seen my friend Bob?
greenslvs2 - 09:29am Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8106 of 8458)
Continuation of Priorities:
#3 - Advertising. The PPress/Planet is going to use our pic/write an ad for the paper - telling about on-line communities. But how can we reach even MORE people in addition to wearing our buttons, beanies and t-shirts??? Can we even, or is that all we can do? If you have a homepage, you could put a link to the Planet, The PPMCC, etc. If your friend(s) have a homepage... bribe them to do the same!!! LOL! If your friends' friend's... You get my drift. Bet the folks at the PP can give us good ideas and guide us.
#4- This could be combined with #2 & 3. Need someone to set up the get-togethers/outings/appearances. Contacting where we're going, getting people to sign up, tickets, transportation if needed, posting to where ever we'll have to post announcements to, etc. Will need to let 'Planet know where we're showing up en masse.
Will post this and continue - don't want to loose anything again!
Scribe: Bob doesn't work here any more.
Did he get fired?
greenslvs2 - 09:54am Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8107 of 8458)
Priorities:
#5 - Volunteering. (PatP, you came up with this idea...!!! <g> ) Working the State Fair booth selling PPMCC logoed-wear. Also, how about this: if the PPress had a computer or two there we could demonstrate how to navigate to the Coolers, show folks what all is there to talk about, get them into a Cooler of their choice and help them post!!!!! (John, put me down - I'll help at the State Fair.) The 'Planet may have even more ideas!!!
#6 - Non-Profit Org. This is a real PAIN. Involves paper work with State and IRS. (Saintly City Cat Club is a NPO, that's how I know this, tho I'm NOT the one in the club that's handled it. Just thought of something... I can hand stuff out at the cat show!!!! Like about the 'Bash!!!!) Basically, we'd need an income (logoed wear??? The 'Bash???), then would keep some to run on, donating most of it. Personally, I think it's too soon to consider this, but at least we're throwing it out there to think about. *If* we *did* become a NPO... we *could* donate/use our money for... SOFTWARE/HARDWARE/COMPUTER STUFF in the school system!!!! Get it??? Planet-->on-line community-->PPMCC-->computers-->computer stuff for schools!!!!!!
#7 - Logoed-wear. The PPP, since they gave us the tee-shirts, etc., prolly have a good handle on this. They could tell us the name of the company they use, etc.
That's it! Feedback? Catch you all later!!
Maureen Hursey - 10:05am Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8108 of 8458)
Hi Everyone, Things sarting to settle down. Trying to get a scapbook together also. Visited Ian's and Dave's site. Looking good. I got to try to pull a site together. Thanks Again for recent messages and e-mail. Maureen
Greg Sax - 11:12am Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8110 of 8458)
I'll have more to say later when I'm at home, but wanted to bring up a few things while I'm thinking about them here at work...
I like all the detailed thoughts from greenslvs2. A nice change of pace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, I'm kidding. You can handle it.
Changing the name of the PPMCC is something I felt we would need to do all along, so I'm glad it's come up. "PPMCC" doesn't exactly stick in the head. It may be special to us in some way but that shouldn't prevent us from creating a more "marketable" name. (I mean, hey, I still prefer the old "smiling dog" T-Wolves logo but it just wasn't selling.) Further, having a name-association with the Pioneer Press/Planet could be controversial down the line if one of us ever does find the medallion. I know if I were on the outside looking in, I would think it was rigged. I really like the idea of promoting the Pioneer Planet by being representatives for a strong online community which began in their Water Cooler forum, but I also feel we need to cut that sandbag sometime soon so we can try to fly this balloon around the world (okay, it's a stretch but I'm hearing so much about balloons in the news these days).
I don't think we should ever lose sight of who allowed this to happen, therefore I think volunteering for things like the State Fair is a great idea, but I think our relationship with the PP should be focused more on co-promotion of similar ideas. We don't want to step to close to the PP line and make ourselves ineligible for the medallion hunt.
As for a new name...I know we're all attached to PPMCC but do throw out new ideas. If we're talking about parades and such, we really need to think about a recognizable identity that people can relate to. Keep it simple. Here's a few ideas to mull over and get the juices flowing: Winter Safari Team Medallion Krewe Diggers United Mining for Medallions Ramsey County Diggers Association (other "collection" synonyms: group, band, crew, bunch, gang, party)
That's good for now. I'll step off the podium until later tonight.
Ian - 01:00pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8111 of 8458) READ MESSAGE 8268
"Club Med" ???
Holly Wood - 02:37pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8115 of 8458) (Counting Off 10 Paces on the Walk of Fame)
A whole week of work with no time off for hunting...I am going through the period of withdrawal often referred to as "The Shakes"!
To Max the Pooch: I would have pinned a "You Dig" button on you but I thought that bullet proof flak jacket of yours would have been inpenetrable!
For a team name: (can you tell I'm still hungry?) 1) Corn in the Winter 2) Hot Diggity Dog 3) Hunt's Ketchup 4) Socialist Worker's Digger's Party 5) Want Medallion - Will Travel
To Casey: "Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain"!!!
I'll be back soon to weigh in on future issues!
Your Pal,
Dave
Greg Sax - 03:05pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8116 of 8458)
"Club Med" could get us in trouble or be confusing but...
"Club Medallion" OR "Club Med(allion)" could work
Really like the possibilities with this. Catchy, clever, cute, and all that.
Eagle Eye - 07:31pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8120 of 8458) READ #8268 - THE WIZARD SPEAKS!
Hello Cooler Friends. After a long day at work, its great to come home (Casey: there's no place like home!) and check in on the Cooler Conversations of the day. Greg: Good thinking - we do need to be careful not to exclude ourselves from eligibility. I had enough of that when my mother was a PP employee, and we couldn't hunt! Club Medallion would be a good name, but I agree that Club Med might be pushing it. Medallion Crewe or Krewe is cool, too.
Eagle Eye - 07:50pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8121 of 8458) READ #8268 - THE WIZARD SPEAKS!
John Jordan: Maybe a good approach for us to take would be to find out what, among all our planned activities, fits with PioneerPlanet's goals, without bringing ourselves to the point of ineligibility to hunt medallions. I'll bet there are a lot of ways we can help each other, without crossing that line. This got very complicated, didn't it?
greenslvs2 - 08:37pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8122 of 8458)
(sighing in happiness...) TANKS Eagle for jumping in and helping on this noodling bit! Keep the good thoughts coming... Because come hell or high water, I'm not dropping this. There IS a way that we can accomplish a great many things here - to the benefit of many... Just gotta find the best and correct ways!
Gregory: Great minds think a like, boyo!!! Figured a ton'a folk would love "The Energizer Mouth - she just keeps going and going and GOING!!!" Take all the digs you wanna. I'm not taking them purrsonally - yet! LOL!!! 'Sides, I don't get mad. I get even!
Greg: Agree with you 100% on your latest soap box spiel. However, you're coming up with really sucky names. (ROFLOLWMP!!!!!!!!!) That aside... Do you have any ideas how we can get our balloon to float? LIke, we'd need a posting area such as this, a chat area, and a Web page?????? We need to get going on the brewery/hunt thing as that is coming up very soon, is it not??? Any more info on that???
Also, really like your input as it keeps me focused and you bring up things that I... ah... in my ferverent excitement tend to overlook or miss. What was that you said? "Cooler Heads will prevail"????
Think we can parlay my priorities just fine into a "removed" PPMCC. Hopefully, the PP will assist us in our endeavors... Think they will.
Your idea of the Re-Hash Bash becoming a sanctioned WC event... Well, that would exceed my wildest dreams... Hopefully, tho, the "Whatever Group" could still be a part of it. Well... OTAY!!! It WAS something *I* thought up... and... well... I would *really* like to remain a part of it/work it/help out/etc. (Otay, I'm human and FINALLY admitted it!!)
ever... green
Terry Valentine - 09:04pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8137 of 8458) Read #8268 from CASEY!!!!!!
Hi all! Been slogging through todays postings. It's slowing down a bit, but wholly cow!!! a lot of ideas (some crazier than others) are flying through here.
The name thing...Club Med is cute but we can't use it. Would be confusing anyway. Maybe something with a planet theme? an internet theme? cyberspace? I think I used up my creativity today at work. It doesn't seem like it should be so hard. We ARE, after all, a very clever, creative crew. Look at all the ways we tore apart the clues. Maybe something with a snow or winter sport theme?
Let's keep thinking!
Terry Valentine - 09:45pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8165 of 8458) Read #8268 from CASEY!!!!!!
Green - Priority #1 - Being the planet has found a new advertising gimmick for their needs, maybe they would consider setting up a home page for us to post news about gatherings, events, logo-ed wear, etc. Greg has such a nice way with words, if he would like to take that on, fantastic. If not, we can revisit this priority.
Priority #2 - St. Patty's Day Parade, Grand Ol Days, etc. etc. would be fun. St. Patrick's Day is on a Tuesday. How many could get off work to attend? Grand Ol Days is always on a Saturday in June (the first I think. That would seem more likely to allow a number of us to be there.
Priority #2 part b. If Greg agrees to be the words - the sponsorship and arrangement thing could be talked about then.
Priority #3 - Advertising through the our home page at the planet would be most accessible. Perhaps some print ads in the paper could be done too. Local community papers often advertise for little or nothing. Would they advertise this???
Priority #4 - Some of this could be done on a rotating basis. That way no one person would have all the work. Or we could divide and conquer. I can certainly help.
#5 - Volunteering - Does the paper participate in county fairs too?!? Another question for our Wizards of ???
#6 Let's see where this goes before we apply for non-profit status though the idea of doing community good appeals to me. Maybe computers for seniors so they can join in the hunt, even if they can't get out to hunt anymore.
#7 - Another question for the PP. - Greg? Are you willing???
Terry Valentine - 09:59pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8177 of 8458) Read #8268 from CASEY!!!!!!
Where are the clues coming from tonight?
Another name idea - Clue Masters
greenslvs2 - 10:00pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8179 of 8458)
Poor Casey, poor John, poor Lem... Those men have earned stars in their crowns...
JOE MED... EAT YOUR HEART OUT!!! LOL!!
MODEM MED - 10:03pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8182 of 8458)
Is this like an experiment or something? Each morning the previous day's posts are spread over some exec's desk...."Let them go ONE more day."
Terry Valentine - 10:06pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8184 of 8458) Read #8268 from CASEY!!!!!!
Casey said they would leave this up until it slowed way down. Then they would put it in the old discussions.
I think after wallowing there for a while, if it doesn't get used, they zap it.
Love the idea of all this slapped all over some execs desk - laughing myself silly
Terry Valentine - 10:07pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8185 of 8458) Read #8268 from CASEY!!!!!!
Hunting Connectors - another name idea.
Maybe another discussion board??
greenslvs2 - 10:11pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8187 of 8458)
This* is SOMETHING, Ian. To us, to the PP, to the Internet communites, to the greater Twin Cities area. For some reason, somehow, someway... *THIS* has happened/is happening. Can't go back, can't change it. This group of folks has DONE something... and they are continuing to build on it and not let it rest. It's just getting better and better!!!!!!
Eagle Eye - 10:12pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8188 of 8458) READ #8268 - THE WIZARD SPEAKS!
Modem Med: I'm still laughing..."Let them go ONE more day." BTW, do we have a plan for the day when we come in here and its gone? We're gonna need some support! What about, when the snow clears and the ground isn't muddy anymore, we return to Chair-o-key Park and pick up the litter from the hunt?
MODEM MED - 10:14pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8189 of 8458)
You can bet that's never been done before.
Terry Valentine - 10:15pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8190 of 8458) Read #8268 from CASEY!!!!!!
Eagle Eye - Another community event. Those digging ideas are just flying here!
Earth Day is April 21. We could plan a community clean-up at Cherokee!
We'll be so busy, we'll have to give up our day jobs.
greenslvs2 - 10:25pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8198 of 8458)
Green has left. Mz. Emotional here!
I wore my PPMCC button today on my turtle neck...
You CANNOT imagine the pride I had... to be able to tell people that I was a part of all that is transpiring here... the ideas, emotions, the drive!!! To be able to say, "Yea, I'm a part of this, I'm working for this, I'm helping this..."
The people that asked about my button that know what I'm doing were... well... just thought I "need to get a life - dumb Medallion hunter!" And those that didn't seemed to think... "Oh. A group of Medallion hunters, that's different."
BUT.... I know what's really going on here... And what all of us must NEVER forget is that we are unique in the Twin Cities - an on-line community that IS DOING SOMETHNG and having an effect. Yup. We're the first.
Be proud - you should be.
Green will be back shortly.
Casey Trauer - 10:26pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8199 of 8458) PioneerPlanet night editor/Water Cooler moderator
Crew,
I'm thinking of replacing this discussion soon with a general discussion area. If you have any better ideas, e-mail me.
Yours, Casey Trauer
greenslvs2 - 10:45pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8209 of 8458)
What's a general discussion board????
GREG, IAN.... WE NEED OUR PLACE TO FLY OUR BALLOON AND WE NEED IT *NOW*!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Time has run out.....
Great, just friggin' great. Here we sit planning stuff and where are the real minds - tho Ian's got to get up for work... He'll catch this about 2:00 a.m. - when you need them????? I don't know SQUAT about what Casey's talking about or Web pages or how to get this damn balloon off the ground!!!!!
Terry Valentine - 10:49pm Feb 10, 1998 CST (#8210 of 8458) Read #8268 from CASEY!!!!!!
Web pages are new to me too, but if this gets moved into old discussions for a while, we won't lose what we've posted until they dump it. We could print out the priorities, other ideas since the finding of the medallion. Discussions with this crew (no e) will move to a new venue but won't be lost.
Have Faith - YOU got a picture for your postings. I haven't gotten up the courage to think about that.