Jeff Lindsay is an author of Conquering Innovation Fatigue. See InnovationFatigue.com for more info.
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Sunday, January 29, 2006
Appleton's Hawks
One of the things I really enjoy about Appleton are the beautiful hawks that live here. While driving along Highway 41 or 441, one can often spot hawks perched on road signs. This hawk was watching over a parking lot near Aldi's on the southeast corner of Appleton. Marvelous creatures! May they dine on many mice.
(Click to enlarge slightly.)
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Serious Packers Fans!
This Packers-themed trailer at Truckin' America on Highway 47 south of 441 (actually 1616 Drum Corps Dr., Menasha) shows just how serious football fans are out here. Do you have your Packers trailer yet?
Players Choice: New Sports Center in Appleton
Players Choice (formerly TDS Players Choice) is a new large indoor athletic facility with 68,000 square feet of space for soccer, basketball, and volleyball. I was there briefly last week and took the photos below (click to enlarge). It's about one mile east of North High School on Highway JJ (W3035 County Road JJ, Appleton). Looked like a busy place with lots of kids being coached. I've heard positive things about it. One more nice addition to the community.
And of course, I figured you'd want a close-up of the building:
And of course, I figured you'd want a close-up of the building:
St. Joseph's School Comes Down!
The old St. Joseph Middle School building near downtown Appleton is being torn down. It will be missed! Here's a photo of the work:
A few years ago, St. Joseph's relocated to 2626 N. Oneida Street (see the entry at PrivateSchoolReview.com).
A few years ago, St. Joseph's relocated to 2626 N. Oneida Street (see the entry at PrivateSchoolReview.com).
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
A Scene from the Performing Arts Center in Appleton
Here's a shot from inside the Performing Arts Center, showing several levels of seating on the side of the hall. It's a magnificent building!
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Appleton Is Tough on Crime: Heavy Sentence Handed Down
A story in tonight's Post-Crescent newspaper, "Menasha Teen to Serve 15 Years in Prison for Drive-by Shooting," illustrates how Appleton is tough on crime. An 18-year-old boy, Nhia Vang, fired three shots into a home, threatening the lives of its occupants (fortunately, nobody was hit). In sentencing today, Judge Dee Dyer sent a message by DOUBLING the sentence that the prosecution requested. He sentenced Vang to 15 years in prison and 15 years of extended supervision. District Attorney Carrie Schneider had asked for 8-10 years in jail followed by extended supervision and probation.
In doubling the sentence, Judge Dyer said, "This is not Milwaukee. This is Appleton. This is a safe community and we will not tolerate that behavior. There is no room for leniency in these crimes."
With strong anti-crime judges like Judge Dyer, you can count on Appleton remaining a relatively safe community. But being safe on the average doesn't mean crime free. Three bullets were fired into a home in gang-related crime. Terrible.
I must admit to having mixed feelings about the story, for I know Nhia Vang and his family. Eight years ago he was a nice young man with a great future in front of him. Unfortunately, his family went through serious problems and he got caught up in a Hmong gang. He told the judge he wanted a second chance to straighten out his life, and the judge said that he could have that chance in 15 years. Makes sense to me, and I hope it sends a strong message to other potential criminals, but I am pained for Nhia and his family. I hope he can get the help and support he needs in the future to truly straighten out his life, for I've seen the potential in him to be somebody good.
In doubling the sentence, Judge Dyer said, "This is not Milwaukee. This is Appleton. This is a safe community and we will not tolerate that behavior. There is no room for leniency in these crimes."
With strong anti-crime judges like Judge Dyer, you can count on Appleton remaining a relatively safe community. But being safe on the average doesn't mean crime free. Three bullets were fired into a home in gang-related crime. Terrible.
I must admit to having mixed feelings about the story, for I know Nhia Vang and his family. Eight years ago he was a nice young man with a great future in front of him. Unfortunately, his family went through serious problems and he got caught up in a Hmong gang. He told the judge he wanted a second chance to straighten out his life, and the judge said that he could have that chance in 15 years. Makes sense to me, and I hope it sends a strong message to other potential criminals, but I am pained for Nhia and his family. I hope he can get the help and support he needs in the future to truly straighten out his life, for I've seen the potential in him to be somebody good.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Snowmobiling on Lake Winnebago
While Lake Winnebago now has open water, during winter it often freezes over and can support snowmobiles, ice fishing shacks, cars and trucks. Here are a couple photos from the lake last January when the ice was thick. (The lake is on the south side of Appleton, and is Wisconsin's largest lake other than the neighboring Great Lakes.)
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Cheesehead Hats: Scene from the Austin Straubel International Airport at Green Bay
While at the Austin Straubel International Airport in Green Bay last week (just 30 minutes north of Appleton), I was pleased to see that cheesehead hats are now provided in two styles, the traditional and always stylish cheese wedge, and the avant garde cowboy hat with a chic Swiss cheese texture and rich cheddar color. Just goes to prove that you don't need to head to the coasts to don the finest in fashion.
Paper Magic to Be Performed at the Paper Discovery Center, Feb. 12
Appleton's outstanding Paper Discovery Center will feature a performance of magic with paper on Saturday, February 11 at 2 PM. The performer/lecturer will be Jeff Lindsay (hey, that's me!) of Kimberly-Clark Corporation. I'll do some of my favorite paper-related effects, while also providing a little information about the interesting properties of paper. Hope you're there! (One does need to pay the regular admission cost to get in and see the show. No funds go to me - I'm doing this to help the Center and to advance appreciation of paper as a fascinating medium.)
By way, I've got a few photos from my recent visit to the Paper Discovery Center.
I've also got a Web page on the topic of magic with paper.
By way, I've got a few photos from my recent visit to the Paper Discovery Center.
I've also got a Web page on the topic of magic with paper.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
The Dam at Oneida Flats
One of my favorite places in Appleton is the old dam on the Fox River down in the Oneida Flats area, almost below the Oneida Street bridge. Here are a couple photos from last winter. The caretaker of the dam has decorated it with a lot of interesting objects and art. Anybody know the colorful folks that make this dam so interesting?
(Click to enlarge.)
(Click to enlarge.)
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Heckrodt Wetland Reserve
One of my favorite spots just south of Appleton along the shores of Lake Winnebago is the Heckrodt Wetland Reserve, a 76-acre region with three-miles of trails through a beautiful marsh as well as forest land. They also have a beautiful visitors center with outstanding nature displays and stuffed animals. I just learned that they have their own Website now: heckrodtwetland.com.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
KidStage: A Fun Opportunity for Kids in the Fox Cities
After yesterday's post on the KidStage production that we enjoyed, I checked into the KidStage program and found that it is part of a national youth theatre program that helps children gain self-confidence and theatrical experience. Programs are available to help kids participate in plays and even develop their singing voice. Programs are available for grades K-12. KidStage was created by Mark and Karen Cain. Bravo!
Here are two more photos from the production of Alice in Wonderland:
Here are two more photos from the production of Alice in Wonderland:
Springz Closes!
After my previous post on Springz, I'm sad to announce that it closed its doors this week. Tough business model to pursue!
Likewise, as many of you know, Area 51 has closed. The indoor skateboard and bicycling stunt area just didn't have enough cash flow to keep going. Again, it's a tough business model. There are free outdoor parks in the summer, and the kids who want to use the facility in winter have limited cash and many other ways to spend it.
Likewise, as many of you know, Area 51 has closed. The indoor skateboard and bicycling stunt area just didn't have enough cash flow to keep going. Again, it's a tough business model. There are free outdoor parks in the summer, and the kids who want to use the facility in winter have limited cash and many other ways to spend it.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Alice in Wonderland:
A KidStage Performance at the PAC
Tonight my wife and I attended the a charming performance of Alice in Wonderland at the Performing Arts Center, a KidStage performance featuring an all-children cast from local elementary schools. There are several more showings tomorrow. The show is only an hour long, but features some fine young actors who have been well directed. The performance is in the Kimberly-Clark theater of the PAC, not the main concern hall. There will be several more performances on Saturday, Jan. 14. Nicely done!
Below are a few photographs from the performance (photography was permitted, just no flash). Click to enlarge slightly (and if you had kids in it, I have more originals that I could send you).
Below are a few photographs from the performance (photography was permitted, just no flash). Click to enlarge slightly (and if you had kids in it, I have more originals that I could send you).
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Two Wisconsin Financial Advisors Honored
At the retirement party I mentioned in my last post, I was pleased to meet Chris Doughty and Craig Pluta, both co-founders of The ReAct! Group and Vice Presidents of Ziegler Investment Services, a group headquartered in Milwaukee with an office in Appleton. Both Chris and Craig work with a lot of clients in the Appleton area and have done retirement seminars for people at Kimberly-Clark, where I work. Interestingly, both Chris and Craig are among twelve financial investors nationwide that are honored in a new book, The Trust Equation: The Savvy Investor's Guide to Selecting a Competent, Ethical Financial Advisor by Steve Drozdeck and Lyn Fisher (Fisher LeBlanc Group: Logan, Utah, 2005). I understand that the twelve advisors honored in this book were selected from a pool of 600 or so financial advisors. I think that's quite an honor. I guess I showed enough interest in the book that I managed to receive a free, autographed copy from Chris and Craig. Many thanks, and congratulations!
I truly enjoyed talking with these very sharp gentlemen about investing and financial matters, and was impressed by their knowledge and competence.
Plus I've already learned a few valuable things from this book. Recommended reading.
When I leave a party with a free new book in my hands, you know I had a great time!
I truly enjoyed talking with these very sharp gentlemen about investing and financial matters, and was impressed by their knowledge and competence.
Plus I've already learned a few valuable things from this book. Recommended reading.
When I leave a party with a free new book in my hands, you know I had a great time!
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Things Learned at a Retirement Party in Appleton
Tonight I attended a surprise retirement party for one of my favorite Kimberly-Clark people, Ivan Schrodt, the man who hired me into K-C 12 years ago and who has often served as a mentor. The party was held at Bergstrom Chevrolet in Appleton. So many interesting people were present. For example, I spoke with Bernie Kressner, an old friend, and learned about his work since his own retirement in advancing the Orthodox faith. He runs the Nativity of the Mother of God Orthodox Mission at 525 N. Bateman Street, where he has a marvelous small orthodox chapel in his backyard. It's beautiful, and I hope to have photos soon. He runs Saturday vesper services at 6:00 PM, and several other services during the week. Contact him at nmgom at earthlink.net. I'm not Orthodox, but plan to take my family to one of his services (will be my second time).
From Wendell Landin I learned that the White Heron Chorale is doing well and sold out one of its recent CDs. Their next performance is March 18. I hope to be there!
I talked with Salman Aziz and learned that there are now two Muslim mosques in the area, and that the Muslim community is doing well. Thanks to all those in the Fox Cities area that have shown religious tolerance and respect for this faith - in a time when intolerance and suspicion can be too easy.
One of my most interesting conversations came from two retirement consultants that have received national publicity for their outstanding work. I'll report that news a little later.
Many more stories and great conversations were fruits of this fine party. Thanks to all who made it possible, and a big thank you to Ivan Schrodt for an outstanding career at Kimberly-Clark.
From Wendell Landin I learned that the White Heron Chorale is doing well and sold out one of its recent CDs. Their next performance is March 18. I hope to be there!
I talked with Salman Aziz and learned that there are now two Muslim mosques in the area, and that the Muslim community is doing well. Thanks to all those in the Fox Cities area that have shown religious tolerance and respect for this faith - in a time when intolerance and suspicion can be too easy.
One of my most interesting conversations came from two retirement consultants that have received national publicity for their outstanding work. I'll report that news a little later.
Many more stories and great conversations were fruits of this fine party. Thanks to all who made it possible, and a big thank you to Ivan Schrodt for an outstanding career at Kimberly-Clark.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Appleton's Learning for Life Program: High School Students Learn About Engineering Careers
Thursday night, Jan. 12, I'm giving a presentation to a group of local high school students participating in a local program called Learning for Life sponsored by Boy Scouts of America. Once a month students hear different presentations on engineering careers. I've been to a couple and have really enjoyed it.
My presentation on Thursday will be from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the Miller Electric Training Center, 1515 W. Melvin Street in Appleton. I'll be talking about careers in process and chemical engineering, plus a little about the importance of patents and the career opportunities for engineers and scientists who pursue patent law as patent agents or attorneys. And I'll have a few nice things to say about my employer, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a great place for technical folks.
Many thanks to the fine folks at Miller Electric (a really amazing business) for supporting the Learning for Life program and for making their facility available.
My presentation on Thursday will be from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the Miller Electric Training Center, 1515 W. Melvin Street in Appleton. I'll be talking about careers in process and chemical engineering, plus a little about the importance of patents and the career opportunities for engineers and scientists who pursue patent law as patent agents or attorneys. And I'll have a few nice things to say about my employer, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a great place for technical folks.
Many thanks to the fine folks at Miller Electric (a really amazing business) for supporting the Learning for Life program and for making their facility available.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Best Burgers and Smoothies: Red Robin
I finally tried Red Robin, the new restaurant near Home Depot on the southeast side of town (Calumet and Kensington, on the south side of Calumet). Yes, I know it's a chain, but what a fun place! I had the Garden Burger - definitely the best vegetarian burger I've had and my son and daughter-in-law had another gourmet burger and a pasta dish. The burgers might be considered pricey - around $8 typically, but that's a large portion with plenty to eat, including fries. Then the Hawaiian Heart Throb Smoothie really won me over - absolutely delicious, almost as good as the ones I make. It came in a beautiful, artsy glass that I was tempted to photograph (but refrained).
Service was very friendly and attentive. And you can tell that the people there, both customers and employees, are having fun. I like that.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
HGTV Coming to Town: National Open House
A few of you have signed up for the visit of HGTV to Appleton in mid-March to let your home be filmed for their new National Open House Program. We're still looking for about four more homes to be featured in the price range of $100,000 to $750,000. Let me know if you are interested. We've also got four excellent nominations for realtors to be used. I'm not sure who will be selected, but I think it's going to be a great opportunity!
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Appleton's Copper Rock Coffee Shop
Had a fun lunch today with a friend who introduced me to Appleton's outstanding Copper Rock Coffee Shop, a pleasant, warm, and exciting little coffee shop that came to town two years ago. It's at 210 W. College Ave., not far from the Copperleaf Hotel. Copper Rock's young owner, Bill Heiges, explains that the two are unrelated, and that the Copper Rock was here first. Bill is from Colorado, bringing the copper rock theme from the Rockies.
I had a great minestrone soup and cinnamon scone for lunch. They have a good selection of sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts. I like the mix of people there and really enjoyed the setting (warm brick, interesting architecture, pleasant copper touches). They are open at night as well. I expect to be back.
I had a great minestrone soup and cinnamon scone for lunch. They have a good selection of sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts. I like the mix of people there and really enjoyed the setting (warm brick, interesting architecture, pleasant copper touches). They are open at night as well. I expect to be back.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Looking for Volunteer Homes in Appleton to Feature on HGTV
I've been contacted by some staff members at HGTV (Home and Garden TV) to help them organize some filming they are going to do in Appleton in mid-March of this year. Are you interested in helping? We're looking for a few homes between $100k and $750k that can be shown. You could get 30 seconds of fame! Let me know if you're interested. It is especially helpful if you have a story like why you moved to Appleton or something interesting you've experienced with your home. Contact me by email: jeff at jefflindsay.com.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
An Appleton Paradigm:
News = Sports News = Packers News
Just glancing through tonight's Post-Crescent newspaper, I am intrigued with how many color photographs deal with the Green Bay Packers. The front page has two photographs of Packers personnel and two photographs of locals commenting on the Packers, all in color. The headline is "Packers move on without Sherman." The story continues on page A7 with another color photo of Brett Favre and Mike Sherman, with eight small photos of local fans offering further comments about the firing of Sherman. The last page of the main section, page A8, 3 more stories about Sherman and the Packers with two more color photographs (and nothing else but a few ads).
Then we have the sports section itself, section D, with the lead headline "Packers begin the search" with a large color photograph of - surprise - Brett Favre and Coach Sherman, with two Packers stories on either side. Page D2 has another color photograph of Sherman and more info on the Packers and NFL coaches. Page D5 has another color photograph, this time of Packers safety Nick Collins to add a little variety. About 75% of the page is split between three Packers-related stories (two continuing from page D1).
Then we have the classified ads, dominated with items like, "White male coach seeks relationship with winning team." OK, maybe I read that wrong. But you get my drift.
Oh, right - I also think there was something in there about some war or election or something in a foreign nation, something about a coal mine, and a couple stories about other sports besides professional football (there are other sports??).
Then we have the sports section itself, section D, with the lead headline "Packers begin the search" with a large color photograph of - surprise - Brett Favre and Coach Sherman, with two Packers stories on either side. Page D2 has another color photograph of Sherman and more info on the Packers and NFL coaches. Page D5 has another color photograph, this time of Packers safety Nick Collins to add a little variety. About 75% of the page is split between three Packers-related stories (two continuing from page D1).
Then we have the classified ads, dominated with items like, "White male coach seeks relationship with winning team." OK, maybe I read that wrong. But you get my drift.
Oh, right - I also think there was something in there about some war or election or something in a foreign nation, something about a coal mine, and a couple stories about other sports besides professional football (there are other sports??).
Monday, January 02, 2006
Restaurant Review: Fusion
2010 update: This restaurant has been closed. Too bad. End of update.
I recently went to Fusion with a friend of mine for lunch. This relatively new restaurant at 527 W. College Avenue is contemporary, trendy, and delicious. It's been there since July '05, but somehow I didn't notice. I was impressed right away with the bold decor and intrigued by the large front window that opens up like a garage door in summer (in winter, though, it can be a bit draft right next to it). More impressive was the attention to detail in the food. Sophisticated "fusion" describes the culinary approach. We enjoyed a unique shrimp appetizer and creative, satisfying paninis. Mine emphasized portobello mushrooms - a real treat. We tried desserts also. I had the best version of creme brullee I can remember, and my friend had one of the best ice cream cakes either of us ever tasted. The homemade ice creams were bold and richly crafted, far superior to what I'm used to.
The service was excellent - friendly, courteous, and pleasant.
My younger friend noted that the interesting interior decor and music would make it a great place to go on prom night. He plans to go back. (As for the music, it was modern, upbeat, like the bold red decor, and not too loud - conversation was easy.)
It was a little more expensive than typical menus, at least for lunch, but I definitely plan to take my wife there for dinner sometime soon. For dinner there is a fine selection of seafood and other dishes available. Overall, a great addition to Appleton's dining portfolio.
