This, That, Here & There

Dragons, trolls, ribbons and biscotti

New Trail breaks ground
https://www.nearnorthnow.com/news/here-comes-the-dragon
Ok so maybe the whole Dragon Trail thing may not move you personally but you gotta admit it’s a pretty cool project we have taking place in our area. Now,of course, if you are a trail riding cycling enthusiast this is an epic creation and most are tingling with near rapture in anticipation of the opportunity to pedal what will truly proved to be a unique course.
Not to be lost in the excitement of this enticing enterprise, one of the most impressive items of info to come out of this is the way it got done.We hear lots of talk about the dynamic of collaboration but few initiatives truly get beyond cooperation.
The vital intermingling of several government entities and departments, companies, corporations, organizations and agencies showed a heap of courage because in an age when scrutiny and accountability for missteps has heightened this must have been a bit of a risk for all involved.
But it worked. 
And soon there will be an added gem to the biking/hiking array of trails our area enjoys.
Oh, and by the way, the annual and much celebrated cyclist challenge known as The Icemen Cometh a 30 mile race from Kalkaska to Traverse City  and it’s partner the shorter Slush Cup race are being held November 2nd just a tad to the north of us. The two races sold out of registrations and maintain a waiting list of sorts.
Between the two somewhere around 5000 folks signed up to pedal those 30 miles.
The Dragon Trail is 47 miles.
Just saying…

Police Chief
https://www.nearnorthnow.com/news/fremont-council-terminates-chief-over-recent-charges
When news broke about the charges being filed against the recently terminated Fremont Police Chief there were a lot of reactions from the community as could and can be expected. This story will likely see an enduring half life with every court date or action taken revving up the social media rumor mill and the trolls will run wild with yet another opportunity to rile up the troops. 
Troll prevention 101:
Remember, pay less attention what is said (well... typed not said, but you know what we mean) and more attention to how what they say makes you feel. That is their goal. On any post or comment if it makes you angry that was the purpose.If it leaves you frustrated? That was the target. Experiencing a bit of existential ennui? They consider it mission accomplished.
Solution?
 Indifference. The only thing that makes a troll go away is to stop feeding it. Ignore. Delete. Don’t respond. If possible have the dialogue continue with no response to their post. Starve them and they will soon try to salvage a clever way to say goodbye in a last ditch effort to make us feel bad and move on.
They are indeed emotional parasites who have always been around but now, of course, possess more access to others via the internet.

Business moves and changes

The Builders First Source crew

No conFusion at this downtown Newaygo salon

A couple of recent ribbon cuttings came to us via the RV Chamber. Builders First Source held an open house to promote their expended services and Fusion Salon celebrated their new digs with a cut from a pair of Fusion folks who looked as though they’ve had some experience handling scissors. 

Icon passes
There were drummers and then there was Ginger Baker. With Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce he was part of the rock triumvirate known as Cream then joined Clapton and Steve Winwood and former Traffic guy Ric Grech to offer up the revolutionary classic Blind Faith album. Neither group stayed together long as the members of each seemed drawn toward doing a bit of wandering musically. 
Ginger Baker passed this week, another icon of the rock legends to leave us. But if you’ve never heard the Blind Faith album, give it a spin on some righteous vinyl. Way, way worth it in our opinion.

Watching
CBS Sunday Morning is perhaps among the best that television has to offer. And Jane Pauey, perhaps my all time fave on Today, does a superlative job in hosting.
​This past Sunday we learned about Lizzo, saw a funny bit about the recent ‘embrace failure’ phenomena, took in some Mitzi Gaynor past and present and watched a surprisingly balanced piece about corporate decisions regarding sales of firearms and a bit about a pair of reporters, Jimmy Breslin and Pete Hamill, we have long admired for their distinctive approaches to their stories.  
Viewed with a cup of good coffee and one or two biscottis (Nonni’s, Chocolati with that wonderful almond taste)  it is a splendid way to spend a weekend mid morning.

We'll be back soon. Until then be kind to each other, keep flossing, listen to music every day and remember...

“Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”- G.B. Shaw