Goodbye 2013, Predictions 2014

So here we are, the end of 2013.  For me, 2013 was a year of transition.

1) 2013 started for me literally at Best Buy corporate headquarters.  I was at my cube when the clock struck 12 am on New Years Day.  At that moment, the thought came through my mind that all these hours working wasn't really getting me anywhere and really harming my quality of life.  So after much discussion, prayer and networking, I was able to find a new job at Deluxe Corporation that provided a promotion and better work/life balance.  I am thankful for this answer to prayer.

2)   My sister graduated from Metro State - Denver this past May, finished her service with the military and is now engaged to married in 2014. I have tried to be more engaged in my commitment to building relationships with others in my work and in my church.  I'll just say it's a work in progress.

3) My good friend and Pastor, Roger Magnuson, passed into the land of the living this year.  His wisdom and friendship is something I can never repay.  I miss him greatly.  

So that was 2013, I'm optimistic that 2014 will provide better things, albeit one day at a time.  So I'm going to provide 5 predictions for 2014

1)  I will attend 3 weddings this year, a record year for me since I generally don't like to attend weddings.  

2) The controversial mobile app, SnapChat, will be part of a scandal involving a morally corrupt public figure, perhaps a politician running for public office.  This will essential shine a bright light of the dangers of such apps and create greater awareness among large sections of the public against using them.

3) Despite the headwinds of Obamacare and uncertainty of the future, the US economy will continue to grow.  Unemployment will decline and the deficit will shrink due to a large part to capital gains tax receipts from a rising stock market.  However, the gap between college-educated unemployment and non-college-educated unemployment will grow larger, refocusing the debate from income-inequality to the education gap in our society.

4) I will come very close to paying off the mortgage on my condo.  In 2008, I bought a condo in Downtown St. Paul in anticipation of development in the area.  Now much of the development will be completed in 2014.   I made a goal to pay down my mortgage to a certain number before paying it off.  At the start of 2014, I can feasible see reaching that number in 2014. If that happens, I will make the Dave Ramseys in the world quite happy.

5) I will travel to a New Years Day bowl game to watch the Minnesota Golden Gophers football team play.  As a season ticket holder, this will be a great sign of measurable progress.

SG at the SPCO: The Messiah

Over the summer I decided that instead of renewing my Gopher men's basketball tickets I would re-direct my resources towards hosting groups from church to classical music concerts performed by the SPCO.  I thought that I would try it out this year with a smaller subset as a 'beta' run.  So I chose a few concerts featuring works from the baroque to romantic eras (Bach, Vivaldi, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Handel) and just want to see how that went. 

Well, I have to say I am grateful to learn it has been received quite well.  I underestimated the interest, particularly for Handel's Messiah.   Thinking of these events as times for fellowship, I scheduled a dinner before each concert.  For the Messiah, I scheduled a potluck.  

Here's the evidence that the potluck did happen (Why aren't you smiling, Kelly?):

Of course, the Pastor of the church had to drop by (conveniently?) to finish an errand.   Upside for him and his wife was they get to mooch on the potluck.  Upside for everyone else, we get to see Pastor son Lars, who of course stole the attention of a few folks.

I guess of few of the ladies wanted to practice their carols for the van ride over to the concert.

Along with some ladies obviously enjoying their company.

We had the van ride over to the concert, which was at the Basilica of St. Mary.  It was a sold out event and we were sitting in right back of the sanctuary.  Here's the view from my seat.

The performance of the Messiah was superbly executed.  The SPCO orchestra played all the musical parts at a high level that could be heard excellently through the Basilica. We were told before the beginning of the concert that the countertenor, a large man, had the stomach flu during the day.  However, demonstrating his own witness to Philippians 4:13, he decided to go through with the performance, which he did very well. The vocal parts were all excellently performed, although the acoustics of the Basilica tended to lose the high key vocals and the orchestra drowned out the low bass notes at times.   However, the performance received an "A" grade from me.  It reminded me that while the SPCO had not performed the Messiah since 2000, they are very well versed to do it since they are better known for performing older baroque and classical works than the Minnesota Orch---(I guess their isn't another orchestra in the Twin Cities these days).

Overall, this was a very enjoyable evening with grade "A+" fellowship.  Perhaps I'll do it next year, Lord Willing.

"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing." - Rev 5:12

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Calvin Coolidge Quote of the Week

It's been over two months since I've posted a Quote of the Week.  I take full responsibility for the lack of posting.  I guess that was quite obvious to you, but I thought the confession is proper. I'll try to keep on track for the foreseeable future.

This week (quarter's?) quote is from  President Coolidge speech when he accepted the GOP nomination on August 14, 1924 as talked about his philosophy of common sense and government:

"The people know the difference between pretense and reality.  They want to be told the truth.  They want to be trusted.  They want a chance to work out their own material and spiritual salvation.  The people want a government of common sense." 

I have to say the idea of common sense in policy making is attractive, don't you think?

Twins Hot Stove (with special guest)

Yeah, Yeah, I know it's been awhile since I have last posted.  It's been quite a busy time for me with work, events and travel.  But I finally had some time to talk with Twins erudite PCM about MN Twins baseball.  He brought a new analyst as well...




Comments?  

Birthday?

I've had a hiatus from this space.  I'm sorry to keep you waiting (did anyone notice?)  But I did have a birthday recently.  Here's some photos.


I started at the Capitol:

Then I went to the Schubert Club Museum

I took a walk with some willing colleagues:

And I rewarded Mr. Meier with a something special at Candyland, which I'm glad he enjoyed.

I have to say it was a good time.  Thanks.

Mellow Yellow After Dark

Tonight I decided to treat myself to an evening of enlightening entertainment. I decided to participate in an evening tour of the home of Alexander Ramsey, the first Territorial Governor of MN, second Governor of the state of MN and former Secretary of War. Ramsey was also credited for being the first Union governor to commit troops to the Civil War (a letter you would be able to view at a recent exhibit at the MN History Center).  

Well, I decided that due to the excellent weather and the close proximity (Ramsey House is 1 mile away from home), I decided to walk to Cossetta's for dinner, then walk the last 5 minutes to the Ramsey house for the tour and walk straight back home afterwards.

Well, I guess I can now show pictures how the evening went:

This is the LRT stop that has been established a half block from my condo.  Next year I'll be able to take the LRT from home to Downtown Minneapolis, which essentially means that I'll never have to worry about driving to Downtown Minneapolis again, that saves on parking fees.

I walked by the Xcel Energy Center on my way to Cossetta's, apparently there was some country music concert scheduled to the evening.

I reached Cossetta's on West 7th Street.  It's a nice Italian restaurant, although the prices appeared a bit inflated.  But I generally think that's because of the high cost of business having some knowledge of the business myself.  

It was getting busy when I left around 6 pm.

I arrived at the Ramsey house about 5 minutes later.  I was able to get a view of family tree (this is the whole line in MN).  However, there were no photos to be taken inside the house.  I'll just say it was an impressive Victorian structure.  The tour emphasized Ramsey stint as Secretary of War from 1879 to 1881 under the Rutherford B. Hayes Administration (what makes President Hayes different from most is your trivia question). President Hayes actually visited the Minnesota State Fair after taking some time with Ramsey in the house.

This is the only photo I took of the house, as I was leaving: the front door.

Here are some pictures I took on the way back

Can you find St. Paul's Cathedral?

With the Minnesota Orchestra disintegrating these days, I'm glad I'm a member of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, which plays many of its concerts here at the Ordway.

Landmark Center, home of the Schubert Club, various galleries and the Saint Paul Conservatory

Park Square

Dropped by Candyland candy store

Candyland was bustling

As I made my final turn home, I saw the Capitol lit up.  What decisions have been made there?

So that was my evening.  Have a good day :)

Calvin Coolidge Quote of the Week

After last week's break, this week's quote comes from an address President Coolidge gave at the Massachusetts Republican State Convention (there is one apparently) on October 4, 1919 talking about the public's obligation regarding public assets.

"What the public has, the public must pay for.  From this there is no escape."

Wonder what Silent Cal would say about today's debates over public assets.  Hmm.

Shutdown tidbits

Since we're in day two of the partial shutdown and I haven't personally interacted with some to effects, I did some research.  Although I would guess some essential services may not be provided, here are a few that I found that I don't think Calvin Coolidge would think of as essential services on the taxpayer dime.

* Election Assistance Commission - research for improving federal elections.  To me it appears we are not getting the expected Return on Investment (ROI) for this investment anyways, but that's my myopic opinion.

*National Gallery of Art

*Office of Government Ethics - Government ethics?

*Smithsonian

*Udall Foundation - educates on environmental issues.  Don't we have nonprofits doing this already?

*US Commission of Fine Arts

*Holocast Museum - Its a fine museum that I have visited, but should taxpayers fund a nonprofit-like entity?

*US African Development Foundation - I think we have many NGOs doing this already.

A short list from a quick scan.  I do think we'll survive this patch okay.

Interesting

Have game shows really changed in the last 60 years?

Calvin Coolidge Quote of the Week

This week's quote is from President Coolidge's interview with Henry L. Stoddard on December 14, 1932 regarding how he approached the nation's problems.

"It has always seemed to me that common sense is the real solvent for the nation's problems at all times - common sense and hard work."

Has such an approach been lost in today's society?

Huh?

Need a boost for that next confrontation, ask Roy Rogers what he did.

Marketing hasn't really changed much in the last 60 years, has it?

Calvin Coolidge Quote of the Week

This week's quote talks about the simple truth on the role profits play in civilization.

"Civilization and profits go hand in hand."

President Coolidge has left me, ahem, speechless.

The SPCO Concert 1: Beethoven 5th

This past Saturday night I spent time hosting a gathering of 12 surrounding the first Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO) concert that I've decided to host this season.  Here's the lineup.

Johann Sebastian Bach
Orchestral Suite No. 4 in D

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Serenade No. 7 in D Major, Haffner
Steven Copes, violin

Ludwig van Beethoven
Symphony No. 5
Edo de Waart, conductor

I decided since this was the first concert that some pre-concert activity was in order.  So I decided to delegate that task out (feel free to identify yourself in the comments section) and a picnic on Harriet Island was decided upon.  

On a 80 degree day, the picnic was well put together and went quite well.   Here's a couple of photos I took by the picnic site.

Nice peaceful evening on the Mississippi 

Look! A bigger boat

So at around 7:30 we started the walk from my condo to the Ordway for the concert.   After a beautiful walk that went by sites such as Candyland (yes, i know we didn't stop there), Rice Park and the Landmark Center, we arrived at the Ordway.   

Here's the view I had for the performance, despite the charges of segregation.

 Not a bad view, despite the blur of the camera

The performance itself was quite high quality.  I decided to try to minimize, if not eradicate, modern pieces in the concerts I chose.  From the list above, I was successful here and it was in my myopic opinion to everyone's benefit.  In my myopic opinion, the Bach piece was quite good due to the different textual qualities heard throughout different parts of the piece.  I was following the conductor through the pieces and he did an excellent job in this piece in particular, despite his attire.  The Mozart piece was pretty good, although i thought some of the transitions lacked crispness.  The soloist violin was very good.  However, as one that hasn't been able to appreciate Mozart, I couldn't really get into it.    

After a 20 minute or so intermission, Beethoven 5th Symphony was performed.  Like the preview I witnessed Thursday night, I was very impressed by the execution.  I could feel the different emotions flow throughout the piece quite powerfully.  So powerful, in fact, that a lady sitting next to us emitted a "Wow" after the end of the first movement. But what impressed me was the ability to maintain the high intensity  and high quality throughout the rest of the piece, especially the final movement.  I have to say I was not disappointed.

After post-concert an ice cream social,  we all called it a night.  But what a night it was, I think everyone enjoyed themselves.  It was a great night with great company in any case. Not bad for a opener, in my myopic opinion.

The SPCO: The Preview

After last year's strike shortened season, I'm really looking forward to enjoying a full season of quality musical entertainment in from the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra this season.  Tonight I went to Mears Park in Downtown Saint Paul to enjoy the SPCO play Beethoven 5th Symphony.  Here's some photos:

A view from my seat, wasn't too bad at all.

It's a good crowd on hand

A crowd that spread pretty far

A view from the front (courtesy of the SPCO)

As far as the concert went, while the acoustics were not great in the park, the performance was excellent.  It certainly deserved the standing ovation at it's conclusion.  I can't wait to hear it again (with company) this Saturday night.  

I'll just say, I'm gratified the SPCO is back in business.

Calvin Coolidge Quote of the Week

This week's quote is from a newspaper column he wrong on May 12, 1931 regarding the concept of security

"All through the ages people have been seeking some material security outside themselves.  It has not yet been found.  There is a possibility that the quest is a delusion... In the end the security of nations and men must be sought within themselves by observing the command to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly."

A keen perspective, in my myopic opinion.

Calvin Coolidge Quote of the Week

This week's quote is from President Coolidge's essay "On the Nature of Politics" in his book Have Faith In Massachusetts  where he talks about his philosophy on reform.

"Laws do not make reforms, reforms make laws.  We cannot look to government.  We must look to ourselves.  We must stand not in expectation of a reward but a desire to serve.  There will come out of government exactly what is put into it."

Government is not the first solution.  How foreign a concept is that to our society?

Gopher Football

Thursday night will be a day I have been looking forward to for quite awhile.  Thursday night will be the the Opening Game for the Minnesota Golden Gophers football team at TCF Bank Stadium! 

I'm a season ticket holder and look forward to the season.  I think there will be "measurable progress" this season as the team continues to improve under Head Coach Jerry Kill.  I have to say Coach Kill reminds me a lot of my own high school football coach, the late great Proctor High School HOF Dave Hylla.  In fact, there's some resemblance.

 Here's Coach Hylla:

Now here's Coach Kill:

There philosophies are similar too: Tough, physical football that emphasizes maximizing limited talent by getting everyone to buy into the "team" concept.  I truly feel the excitement this season as I have seen slow, but noticeable improvement the last two seasons under Coach Kill.  Hopefully we'll see a big step this season!

So hopefully I'll see you at the Bank!  Go Gophers!