Brainerd and Crosby, Minnesota Fishing Report, December 29, 2017

I have been out on the ice twice this year, and caught a couple small perch but was hoping for some crappies. Looking forward to the Jaycee's tournament and friends coming into town to fish and help out the charity. Will update this week on current bite around and on Gull Lake.  Happy Holidays!

via outdoornews.com




BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

Walleyes continue to be caught on shiner minnows in 17 to 24 feet on Gull Lake, North Long Lake, and Round Lake. Crappies remain suspended over 17 to 25 feet on North Long and Round, while sunfish are biting in 8 to 12 feet on Cullen Lake, Nisswa Lake, and Roy Lake. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows in 14 to 18 feet on Gull Lake, North Long, and Cullen. Most areas being fished now have 8 to 12 inches of ice – a bit more in some spots and a bit less in others.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010

CROSBY AREA

Most lakes have 10 to 12 inches of ice, but thinner spots still exist on some bigger lakes. Crappies are being caught on Nokay Lake in 21 to 30 feet during the evening hours, or Upper Dean Lake and Hay Lake in 17 to 22 feet. Walleyes are hitting on Rabbit Lake and Serpent Lake in 15 to 20 feet during low-light periods. The backwaters on the Mississippi River are producing sunfish, while northern pike are hitting sucker minnows on Serpent, Black Bear Lake, and Black Hoof Lake in 8 to 12 feet.

Oars ‘n Mine Bait and Tackle (218) 546-6912

Dart Transit: Herb Rauschnot Cabover Kenworth Owner Operator

http://www.dart.net/drhall.htm

https://nationaltruckinmagazine.com/article.php?IN-A-LEAGUE-OF-THEIR-OWN-12

Herb Rauschnot

via 

“It’s hard to accept that we’re not going to be trucking anymore,” said Pat, “but we know it’s time. We have lots of good memories. We’ve won lots of awards, done a lot of things, and gone a lot of places.” 

The couple shared long and storied careers — Herb began hauling freight with Dart back in 1956, with Patty joining him in the family trucking business when they married in 1984.

In professional sports they would be called “franchise players” because their careers have been so closely tied to Dart’s identity. Indeed, Herb’s history with Dart goes further back in history than any living person except for Don Oren, Dart Transit Co. Chairman, who was born shortly before his father founded the business in 1934.



via:https://nationaltruckinmagazine.com/article.php?IN-A-LEAGUE-OF-THEIR-OWN-12

The best part of writing these articles is the very beginning, when I first hear of who the person will be. I’ve had a few different approaches for a number of different nominees. For instance, one did not even know that he was featured in our magazine until he opened one of our issues to flip through and a picture of himself along with his truck, caught his eye. His family was all in on it and that editorial turned out to be quite a hit. When I received the information for this one, a smile instantly formed on my face. I couldn’t wait to know more and for many reasons. One; what we have here friends, is a double whammy. A husband and wife duo. This to me is like a beautiful rainbow in the sky as I relax in my lounge chair on my back deck. You know it is going to be something great. All you have to do it sit back and take it all in. Two; I have the pair of them on the phone at the same time so I’m able to get both of their opinions and answers together, while listening to the two of them go back and forth with each other. It was refreshing to hear how they kid around and know when to let the other half take th

Brainerd Lakes Area Fishing Report Minnesota: December 15, 2017

With the recent tragedies concerning individuals falling through the ice, my family and I have been erring on the side of caution concerning ice fishing.  The local bait shop even suggests sticking to bays and smaller bodies of water, but I noticed last week, only a few days after Gull Lake had frozen over, someone had a portable out.  I just don't see the point.  I love fresh fish, but it isn't worth the risk.  Be safe out on the ice, and good luck fishing. 

from outdoornews.com

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

Although you’ll find skim ice on parts of the big lakes, the lakes being fished now have 4 to 8 inches of ice. It just depends on the area. Look for suspended crappies over the deep holes on Round Lake, North Long, and Nisswa Lake. Sucker minnows are turning northern pike in the 7- to 15-foot weeds of Cullen Lake, Pelican Lake, and North Long. Walleye action is best with spoons or shiner minnows at North Long, Round, and Lake Edwards in 15 to 22 feet.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010

Brainerd Lakes Area Minnesota Fishing Report: December 8, 2017

http://www.outdoornews.com/minnesota/fishing-reports/
BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

Strong winds prevented the big lakes such as Gull and Whitefish from locking up early this week. Anglers are walking on North Long Lake, Nisswa Lake, and Lake Edwards with 4 to 6 inches of ice being found. Crappies, northern pike, and sunfish are being caught on these lakes in 12 to 14 feet.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010

Netflix New Releases December 2017

TV Shows

Available December 1


• All Hail King Julien: Season 5
• A StoryBots Christmas
• Chef & My Fridge: 2017
• Dark: Season 1
• Easy: Season 2
• TURN: Washington’s Spies: Season 4
Available December 4

• When Calls the Heart: Season 4
Available December 8

• The Crown: Season 2
Available December 11

• The Magicians: Season 2
Available December 14

• A&E: When Patients Attack
• Ainsley Eats the Streets: Season 1
• Halt and Catch Fire: Season 4

Available December 15

• El Señor de los Cielos: Season 5
• Erased: Season 1
• Reggie Yates Outside Man: Volume 2
• The Ranch: Part 4
• Trollhunters: Part 2
• Wormwood

Available December 19

• The Indian Detective: Season 1
Available December 20

• La Casa de Papel: Season 1

Available December 21

• Peaky Blinders: Season 4
Available December 22

• 72 Dangerous Animals: Latin America: Season 1
• Dope: Season 1
• Fuller House: Season 3, New Episodes
• Rosario Tijeras: Season 1
• The Toys That Made Us: Season 1
Available December 23

• Myths & Monsters: Season 1
Available December 25

• Cable Girls: Season 2
• Planet Earth II
Available December 26

• Travelers: Season 2
• All Hail King Julien: New Year’s Eve Countdown 2018
• Beat Bugs: New Year’s Eve Countdown 2018
• Larva: New Year’s Eve Countdown 2018
• Pororo: New Year’s Eve Countdown 2018
• Puffin Rock: New Year’s Eve Countdown 2018
• Skylanders Academy: New Year’s Eve Countdown 2018
• Trollhunters: New Year’s Eve Countdown 2018
• True and the Rainbow Kingdom: New Year’s Eve Countdown 2018
• Word Party: New Year’s Eve Countdown 2018
Available December 29

• Bill Nye Saves the World: Season 2, Part 1
• La Mante: Season 1

Movies

Noteworthy selections in bold.
Available December 1

• 8 Mile
• Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
• Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls
• August Rush
• Diana: In Her Own Words
• Dreamcatcher
• DreamWorks Home: For the Holidays
• Exporting Raymond
• The Farthest - Voyager in Space
• Forbidden Games: The Justin Fashanu Story
• Full Metal Jacket
• Hitch
• The Little Rascals
• My Happy Family
• Nacho Libre
• Sahara
• Tyson
• V for Vendetta
• The Wackness
• The Young Victoria
• Voyeur
• While You Were Sleeping
Available December 5

• Craig Ferguson: Tickle Fight
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Available December 6

• Trolls Holiday Special
Available December 8

• El Camino Christmas
Available December 11

• Catwoman
Available December 12

• Judd Apatow: The Return
• The Santa Clause
• The Santa Clause 2
• The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
Available December 14

• 41 Dogs in My Home
Available December 15

• A Five Star Life
• Christmas Inheritance
• Discovering Bigfoot
• Drillbit Taylor
• Freeway: Crack in the System
• The Haunting of Helena
• The Mafia Kills Only in Summer
• Neverlake
• Pottersville
• Ultimate Beastmaster
Available December 19

• Miss Me This Christmas
• Russell Howard: Recalibrate
• You Can’t Fight Christmas
Available December 22

• Bright
Available December 23

• Creep 2
Available December 26

• Todd Barry: Spicy Honey
Available December 27

• Pusher
Available December 29

• The Climb
• Killer Legends
• Shelter
Available December 31

• Dave Chappelle: Equanimity
• Fun Mom Dinner

One Way to Sell 50 Units a Month

If You Can't "Sell the Money"; You Can't Sell Cars

Tips on Selling Cars

The best advice I was givin for any sales is "don't make a sale make a friend and then make a sale."


-Link to: Training-a-Rookie-Car-Salesman


Link to:http://www.insider-car-buying-tips.com/car-salesman.html

Peterbilt 352 Cabover

Preparing First Five Minutes of StandUp Comedy

Links to info:

http://devincomedy.com/5min/  Easy to follow and simple basics of comedy preparation

http://www.creativestandup.com/50-best-stand-up-comedy-tips/  free video signup too!

http://www.creativestandup.com/setlist-remember-performance/ Instructions on creating a set list and other great resources

http://jonaspolsky.tumblr.com/post/15769901634/how-to-do-stand-up-comedy-for-beginners-your Getting ready for 1st open mic.  I really appreciate the parts on how to stand out from other first open mic.(ers)


Forum with good advice on first comedy outing:
http://ask.metafilter.com/186794/First-stand-up-gig-what-do-I-need-to-know

http://johnkreiter.com/how-to-create-a-stand-up-comedy-routine/
Anatomy of a joke and other great advice

https://www.reddit.com/r/Standup/comments/32kxk8/tips_for_first_open_mic_standup/?st=j95s4vaz&sh=62c4b5de
Reddit standup discussion with many great pointers and suggestions

http://www.jimrichardson.com/write.shtml
Great info. on how to write jokes

Comedy Open Mics: Minnesota

Comedy at Red Carpet St. Cloud

Mike Brody's info on Twin Cities Open Mics.



TWIN CITIES STAND-UP
OPEN MICS

To add/remove your open mic: email mikebrodycomic@gmail.com with "Open Mic List" as subject.
Also, here is a site with the list of MPLS/STP non-open mic gigs. I do not maintain that site.
Last List Update: 10/14/17


Mondays
The Monday Night Comedy Show (Weekly)
Showtime: 8pm
Venue: Club Underground at the Spring Street Tavern - NE Minneapolis
Booker: Andy Brynildson
Notes: Booked showcase. Must attend one show prior to booking. Everyone gets on at least once. Message Andy on FB for a spot or talk to him after the show, do not contact club. No cover charge. There is a wild card slot for 5 minutes in the 2nd act. If chosen, you get your $4 back plus a drink ticket. SUMMER DATES: July 10, 24, August 7, 21. Then back to weekly on September 11.
Acme Comedy Company (Weekly)
​Showtime: 8pm
Venue: Acme Comedy Club - Downtown Minneapolis
Notes: 6-7pm sign-up. Put a star by your name if it is your first time up. List comes out at 7:30pm.
Camp Bar Open Mic Night (Weekly except for 1st Monday of the month)
Showtime: 9:30pm
Venue: Camp Bar - St. Paul
Booker: Robert Cudinski
Notes: Sign-up at 9:00pm, stage opens immediately after sign-up. Each performer gets 7 minutes. Performances can be recorded and will be put up on the AQObserver YouTube channel. MC is Robert Cudinski, former host of the Artist's Quarter open mic. "Poets, Musicians, Comics, Magicians, Fools and Sages welcome."


Tuesdays
Another Tuesday Open Mic (1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month)
Showtime: 7-8
Venue: Minneapolis Eagles #34
Booker: Gretchen Colleen
Notes: Room is located in the back in the Buechner Room. Sign-up in person at 6:45. 4-5 minutes depending on how many comics show up. Working to build a monthly showcase.
Triple Threat Tuesdays (Weekly)
Showtime: 7:30pm
Venue: Rick Bronson's House of Comedy at the Mall Of America - Bloomington
Booker: Mike Brody
Notes: Pre-booked showcase, typically with a 2-6 week waiting list depending on how many people have signed up ahead of time. Comics get five minutes of time. Email Mike Brody at brody@houseofcomedy.net for spot. Tickets are $4, along with $4 appetizers and select $4 drinks. Also, each week there are three "Wildcard spots" available for people who didn't sign up ahead of time. If you get to the HoC before 7:15 I will put your name on a list and draw three names. Those three people will get the 1st. 2nd and 3rd spot, respectively, after the MC.
Acadia "Fair Fight Open Mic" (Weekly)
Showtime: 9pm
Venue: Acadia Pub
Booker: Zach Kagan, Tommy Bayer and Connor Hangsleben
Notes: Sign-up at 8:30 in person.
VFW Comedy Night (3rd Tuesday of every month)
Showtime: 8:30
Venue: Minneapolis Uptown VFW
Booker: Hessley Rey
​Notes: Pre-booked. Sign up with Hessley on Facebook.


Wednesdays
Joke Joint Open Mic (Weekly)
Showtime: 7:30
Booker: Julie Bane & Chad Juettner
Venue: Joke Joint Comedy Club - St. Paul (Lilydale)
Notes: Open Mic starts at 7:30 pm. Sign-up sheet is in the lobby starting at 5:30. Free Workshop from 5:30pm to 7:00pm for new to established comics to perform in front of peers and club owner and to get feedback in a supportive environment. Show up in person to sign up for the workshop and talk to Julie Bane or Chad Juettner. Not everyone is guaranteed to get on the workshop. The workshop has it's own Facebook page.
Sad Comedy Jam (Weekly)
Showtime: 10pm
Venue: Grumpy's Bar and Grill - Downtown Minneapolis
Booker: Chris Maddock
Notes: Sign-up starts at 8pm. Ask for Chris Maddock.


Thursdays
Flat Earth Brewery Open Mic (2nd & 4th Thursday of the month)
Showtime: 7pm
Venue: Flat Earth Brewery
Booker: Brian McDaniel
Notes: Sign up from 6 to 6:30. List posted at 6:45. A drink ticket will be issued to each performer. There will also be a headliner each week who will get extra time.
Baddies (Weekly) (CLOSED FOR AUGUST)
Showtime: 7:30pm
Venue: Baddies Comedy Club
Booker: Brandon Riddley, Pierre Douglas and Bruce Williams
Notes: No cover charge. Show up and go up. Invite a friend or Two help build the audience. 5 minute sets unless told otherwise. If you would like your set recorded send a email to baddiescomedy@gmail.com saying so and we will give you information on that.
Lack Of Beards (Weekly) 
Showtime: 7:30
Venue: Terminal Bar
Booker: Earl Elliot
Notes: Sign up at 7pm.
Sisyphus Brewing Open Mic (Weekly)
Showtime: 8-9pm
Venue: Sisyphus Brewing
Booker: Corey Adam
Notes: Open mic sign up from 6:30-7:30pm with the list posted at 7:45.
Galactic Pizza Open Mic (Weekly)
Showtime: 10pm
Venue: Galactic Pizza - Uptown Minneapolis
Booker: Mike Linden
Notes: Sign-up at 9:30pm. Message Mike Linden before on FB or show up.


Fridays
Friday Open Mic Night (Weekly)
Showtime: 10:15pm
Venue: The Comedy Corner Underground (Basement of The Corner Bar) - Minneapolis
Booker: Bob Edwards
Notes: Online sign-up (click here) starting noon on Fridays


Saturdays
BALLS Cabaret (Weekly)
Showtime: Midnight-1:30am
Venue: The Southern Theater
Booker: Leslie Ball
Notes: Variety performance show which includes comedy. This is a sober event for the performers and the audience. Preference is that you've seen one show before you perform, but exceptions may be made. Call week ahead at (612) 340-0155 or arrive between 11:30-11:45 day of and fill out card if it's your first time. Performers get 7 minutes stage time. Theater performance venue, so no light and mic is not always available and comics may have to project voice.


Sundays
Finnish Your Thought Open Mic (Weekly)
Showtime – 7pm
Venue – The Finnish Bistro
Booker – Zach Kagan
Notes – No cover. Sign-up is from 6-6:45pm in person. Showcase is pre-booked. 3 pre-booked paid slots weekly. All other performers will be sign ups. Get there early to take advantage of happy hour specials from 5-7pm.

Eating on the Road Options

Low Sodium V8  (Even better mixed with a beer at the end of the day)
-get your daily veggies
-vitamins

Low sodium bacon-cooked in microwave or before leaving on trip

Hard boiled eggs

Brown or white rice-cooked ahead of time or in microwave

Veggies and dip-  I prefer cauliflower, carrots, celery dipped in ranch or with slices of American cheese

Smokehouse almonds

String cheese for snacking or adding to raw vegetables

Tuna salad and crackers

sardines

oysters

Cans of pork and beans

Brainerd, Minnesota Fishing Report: October 20, 2017

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

A jig and minow is turning walleyes in 15 to 45 feet on Gull Lake. Crappies are being found suspended over 20 to 30 feet on Gull, Cullen Lake, and North Long Lake, while sunfish are biting in 10 to 12 feet at Nisswa Lake, Cullen, and North Long. Look for bass and northern pike on the weedlines of Gull, Lake Edwards, and Whitefish Lake.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010

RV Free Refills of Fresh Water Boondocking

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f93/where-to-refill-fresh-water-on-the-road-47653.html
Places where you dump your tanks often have potable water available. If necessary, you can go to a campground or state/local park to dump and/or fill the fresh tank. There will be a fee, of course.

Cabella's stores, Canadian Tire, Fred Meyer's stores, FLying J's and such are RV friendly and have fresh water and dump stations. In some states the Rest Areas will have them too.

And small businesses are often amenable to a simple request to use an outside water tap. Especially if you just bought something there.

Brainerd Lakes Area Fishing Report: September 27, 2017

from outdoornews.com
BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

Walleyes are being taken with redtails on Gull Lake in 16 to 35 feet, North Long Lake in 22 to 28 feet, and Whitefish Lake in 22 to 30 feet. Minnows also are turning northern pike in the 8- to 12-foot cabbage and sand grass areas on Gull, North Long, and Lake Edwards. You’ll find crappies on the weedlines of North Long, Gull, and Cullen Lake, while sunfish and bass remain active on the shallow weedlines of most lakes.
S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010

Food Trailer Minnesota Layout and Products

MN mobile food requirements

MN Food Truck Assoc. FAQ

http://www.advancedconcessiontrailers.com/turn-key-trailer-packages/hot-dog-trailer-6-x-10/

Material list:
Sinks::

$100

https://crownfoodcarts.com/product-category/mobile-sinks/

$600










For Walls 

4 ft. x 8 ft. White .090 FRP Wall Boards

Moisture-resistance allows for application in nearly any room
Designed for minimum care and maintenance
Highly rated for quality and value (see reviews)
$24.97 /each Home Depot

Work Table NSF
$289.99

Epoxy flooring

Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield
2 gal. Gray 2-Part High-Gloss Epoxy Garage Floor Coating
Kit
(215)
Write a Review
Questions & Answers (228)Two part epoxy concrete coating provides long lasting results
Waterproofing sealer resists chemicals and hot tires
Use on garages, basements or other interior concrete floors
$99.00 /each

Aluminum 6 ft. shelf   $200

Concession Window Drop in Kit $500

Writer Jim Harrison | Wine Talk | News

Writer Jim Harrison | Wine Talk | News: The novelist who wrote Legends of the Fall is also a poet, screenwriter and lover of great wine and food. In this Wine Spectator interview, Jim Harrison discusses a lifetime of special bottles shared with Jack Nicholson, Lou Adler, Tom McGuane, Guy de la Valdène, Mario Batali and others.

Brainerd Lakes Area Fishing Report, August 25, 2017

from outdoornews.com

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

Walleyes are hitting crawlers and chubs on Gull Lake and North Long Lake in 18 to 24 feet. Look for northern pike to hit sucker minnows in 20 to 24 feet on Whitefish Lake and Gull. Bass fishing remains strong on the deep weedlines and shallow cover on most lakes. Sunfish continue to be found in 5 to 7 feet, as are a few crappies in 7 to 12 feet at Lake Margaret, Highway 371 Bay on North Long, Gull, and Nisswa Lake.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010

Minnesota Outdoor News Fishing Report – Aug. 18, 2017

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA 

Walleyes are hitting chubs or crawlers in 18 to 25 feet on Gull Lake, Whitefish Lake, and North Long Lake. Look to the deep weedlines with sucker minnows for northern pike on Whitefish and Gull, while bass are hitting along the 10- to 16-foot weedlines on North Long, Gull, and Lake Edwards. Look for crappies in the 7- to 10-foot cabbage and sunfish in 5 to 7 feet at North Long, Nisswa Lake, and Round Lake.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010

RV Transport Trailers and Pictures

From : http://www.motrailers.com/RV-&-Cargo-Trailers

'

Hotshot Trucking Sleepers

I am seeing quite a few hotshot setups pulling campers and classic cars this summer out on the highway. I think this niche market is an interesting sector of the transportation industry.  Here are some pictures of hotshot trucking sleepers:

Video on Hotshot sleeper from How to Hotshot on Youtube

Brainerd, Minnesota Fishing Report July 2, 2017

I have been catching panfish consistently in the Brainerd Lakes area in the past week.  I use a small yellow crappie jig with a piece of night crawler and pick up crappies and bluegill with this setup. Warm weather is finally showing up, and it is a great time to head out to the lake with a cold drink and catch some shore lunch.  Good luck fishing!

From outdoornews.com

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA


Largemouth bass action is strong on the weedlines with spinnerbaits or plastics at Gull Lake, North Long Lake, and Cullen Lake. A few walleyes are being taken on the 8- to 28-foot weedlines with leeches or nightcrawlers at Lake Edwards, North Long, and Whitefish Lake. Look for northern pike on the weedlines of Cullen, North Long, and Whitefish, while panfish reports have been best at Cullen, North Long, Hubert Lake, and the channels on Gull.


CROSBY AREA

Look for crappies in 12 to 14 feet and sunfish in 8 to 10 feet on Big Mahnomen Lake and Little Rabbit Lake. The Deerwood end of Serpent Lake is giving up crappies during the evening hours in 12 to 15 feet. Trolling stickbaits on the weedlines of East Rabbit Lake, Horseshoe Lake, and Lower Mission Lake has produced pike. Walleye reports were limited, but largemouth and smallmouth bass are hitting plastics on most lakes. Trout were found about 30 feet down on Huntington Pit and Portsmouth Pit.

Hobo Cabin on the Pond

Hobo Cabin on the Pond by Jason Bradley


Hobo Cabin on the Pond

by Jason Bradley


I first heard about the history of this hobo’s cabin when I was 8 years old and most days were spent happily in the woods or hanging out in the numerous tree forts I built. I asked my father about the faded remnants of the cabin near a small muskrat pond on our set aside land. I know the nomadic wanderer was tough, and like the cabin he must have stubbornly refused to be taken back by this earth, despite being exposed to this harsh place for the past fifty seasons.

The seasonal home of a train hobo, back in the 1960’s, and to time lapse now, to 2014, and the hillside has claimed back almost all of the small log cabin’s crumbling remains. It’s faltering ruins sit on the west end of the small muskrat pond, and I imagine the original inhabitant placed it here so he could rise and look east each morning at the sun, and sit and watch the small pond come alive.

Now, my father and I sit in our homemade, and sometimes store bought, deer stands, overlooking the cabin ruins, and the still remaining, and relatively untouched, muskrat pond. We come to this place for a few days each year, during the Minnesota deer hunting season.

The flattened metal can stove pipe thimble still lies in the cabin’s crumbling ruins, along with some rotting posts and hand cut logs, used for the first run of the small log cabin. A few concrete bricks and other debris can still be found, but the earth has taken much of this once inhabited spot back, at least for now.

When I was young, and spent more time exploring out in the these same woods, I found some of the hobo’s old peanut butter jars, and Prince Albert tobacco cans, from back when he would stay, or squat, in this small cabin during the short, Minnesota summers. According to my father, the hobo would arrive via the northbound train in spring, and leave on southbound train in the first part of September (which is Minnesota Fall). I imagine he never stuck around to deer hunt, that is if they had even dreamed up licensing for such things fifty years ago. He picked a fine place for a shack, and over time I have come to appreciate the unique location . This farmland, which hasn’t been tilled since I started hunting it, is teetering on the edge of three important ecological intersections, at the confluence of Minnesota’s forest, prairie, and oak savanna. I am jealous of the hobo’s eye for great building sites.


I want to honor this place by building a small cabin of my own on the same spot. I will reuse the hobo’s handmade stovepipe thimble, and I have a small ice fishing house wood stove, and a length of pipe I will use to heat the small space. I never met the cabin’s original inhabitant, but I share his vision. This is the perfect place for a small, handmade shelter of my own.

Annie Proulx Author Interview Link

http://www.missourireview.com/archives/bbarticle/an-interview-with-annie-proulx/
Title: An Interview with Annie Proulx
By: Annie Proulx
Interview from Issue 22.2 (Spring 1999): “History as Literature”
Tags: Read Text Online

Cabover Truck Pictures

Kenworths


day cab cabover Freightliner


Not sure

Brainerd Lakes Area Fishing Report: May 26, 2017

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA 

Shiner minnows continue to trigger walleyes in 16 to 20 feet on North Long Lake, Round Lake, and Whitefish Lake. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows in 8 to 12 feet on Gull Lake, Cullen Lake, and North Long. Look for panfish and bass in 3 to 6 feet at North Long, Gull, Round, Cullen, and Lake Edwards.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League  (218) 829-7010

Brainerd, Minnesota Fishing Report from Walleye Dan: May 23, 2017

I enjoy reading Walleye Dan's article in the Brainerd Dispatch and also his fishing reports. Here is his latest report from http://www.walleyedan.com/whatsbiting/:

May 23, 2017
Good morning! I hope the sun is shining where you are at, it’s been awhile since we have seen it here in the Brainerd Lakes Area. But, it sounds like it is supposed to sow itself tomorrow and I’m hoping that happens. I have been on the water a fair amount and have also spent some time in the woods chasing turkeys at the 11th hour. Fishing is good and should get even better in the next two weeks. I have spent the majority my time on Gull Lake and we have put some nice fish in the boat. The big ones have made a comeback and we are just hoping that the young bucks are somewhere to be had. Yesterday I was out with 4 men and we worked it pretty hard. For those that don’t have patience, this would not have been a trip for you. We caught 6 fish, all over 20 inches. Including a 24, 25 3/4, 26 and 27.5, nice walleyes anywhere, but really nice to see coming out of Gull. We caught them in 15-25 feet. The new Larson FX 2020T is decked to the hilt with my Hummingbird electronics and MinnKota trolling motors, this boat is SOLID and a truly awesome guiding machine! The summer is looking to be a busy one, so if you are interested in coming up to the Brainerd/Mille Lacs area, please give us a call at 218-839-5598 and book your trip or trips. Whether it is smallmouth or walleye on Mille Lacs or any species here in the Brainerd area, we will have a guide that can put you on them! Whether or not they bite, that’s going to be up to your talent level! But we will offer you up advice, and try to give you the best opportunity to catch some! Bottom line, for you, it’s better than working so book today.

p.s. Registration and sponsorship opportunities are open for the 5th annual Walleyedan Fishing To End Hunger walleye tournament on Gull Lake. Have a great day, Dan

Brainerd Lakes Minnesota Fishing Report: May 23

I am getting excited to hit the water this weekend and go fishing with my son.  I really like the fishing detailed fishing report from Brainerd Guide Service. Thanks to John for sharing the information.  Here is his report:

Brainerd, Minnesota Fishing Report: 5-23-17
The best walleye bite in the Brainerd Lakes Area has been happening on Mille Lacs. The action has been great with numerous walleye being caught in the 16 to 22 inch class. We had several outings over the last week where we released 15 to 20 fish per hour. Few places can match that type of activity anywhere! Key locations were sandy areas in 8 to 12 feet of water. The best bait was a jig and shiner minnow. The late evening trolling bite on Gull Lake remains strong while North Long has also been giving up a few walleyes during the day in 16 to 18 feet. The windblown structures on the main lake have produced the most fish with red tails and shiner minnows being equally effective. The majority of the crappies have finished spawning and moved back to the outer edge of the weeds. Key locations are in 8 to 11 feet of water near good stands of cabbage weeds. Slip bobbers tipped with a small jig and minnow have been the most effective lures in these situations. The sunfish are spawning in the shallows on many of the area lakes. Prime locations are in 4 to 6 feet of water. The Minnesota bass season officially opens this Saturday. Key locations this weekend will be in 6 to 9 feet of water. The majority of the bass are still relating to the pencil reeds. Jig/worm combos are effective presentations in these situations. The fishing action should only improve as the water temperatures continue to rise. Happy Memorial Day and thanks for all the calls. 
Life is Good. 
JOHN

Brainerd Lakes Fishing Report, May 19, 2017

I have been catching some nice sunfish this past week, but things slowed down with the weather being so cold last weekend. The rain has made everything green up really nice, and I am going to be doing more fishing on Gull and some smaller lakes in the Nisswa area this week, so I will keep all of you updated.


Here is fishing report from http://www.outdoornews.com/minnesota/fishing-reports/

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA


Crappies are hitting in 3 to 6 feet on Gull Lake, Upper Gull Lake, North Long Lake, Nisswa Lake, Cullen Lake, Roy Lake, and Round Lake. Walleyes are biting best early and late each day in 10 to 12 feet, mainly on crawlers and minnows, on Round Lake or in the channels on Gull. Northern pike are taking sucker minnows in 8 to 15 feet at North Long, Pelican Lake, and Whitefish Lake.


S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010

Live Music Brainerd, Minnesota For the week of May 18-24, 2017

From the Brainerd Dispatch:


For the week of May 18-24; bands perform 9 p.m. to close with no cover unless otherwise noted.


BRAINERD


Eagles Club


124 Front St.


Artisan, 7-11 p.m. Friday; $5 for all dances for non-Eagle members.


Agate to perform for Lakes Area Singles Single Spring Dance (age 40 or older), 7:30-11:30 p.m. Saturday; $5 cover


Last Turn Saloon


214 S. Eighth St.


Open Mic, first Wednesday of month (sign-up, 6:30 p.m.)


Bluegrass Jam, 6:30-8:30 p.m. every first, third and fifth Thursday of the month.


Liquor Pigz


718 Laurel St.


Karaoke, 10 p.m. every Wednesday


Jam session/open mic, 9 p.m. every Sunday


O'Madden Pub


11266 Pine Beach Peninsula


Jud Hailey, Friday-Saturday


Roundhouse Brewery


1551 Northern Pacific Road


Dos Guys, 7 p.m. Saturday


Shep's on Sixth


315 S. Sixth St.


DJ, every Friday-Saturday in Elbow Room


The Woods


19624 County Highway 3


Levi Pelzer, 6 p.m. today, May 18


DiamondBack, 8 p.m. Saturday


BREEZY POINT


Commander Bar


30279 Airport Road


Six to Midnight, 9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday


JJ's Pub


Downstairs of the Commander


Avery and Duncan, 5-9 p.m. Saturday


CROSBY


The Bridge Tavern


26929 Highway 6


Wanted (classic country), 4-8 p.m. Sundays


FORT RIPLEY


St. Mathias Bar and Grill


4640 County Road 121


YNOTT, Saturday

Crappie Fishing Gull Lake

Crappie Fishing – Bring the family crappie fishing, it’s a great time to get the family together! Enjoy our Brainerd Minnesota Fishing Resort!
How to Catch Crappie on Gull Lake.


Crappie fishing must be an all time favorite for family fishing. Every kid should get to try their hand at crappie fishing at the end of a dock on a sunny afternoon at least once while their young. If you want to make it really interesting rent one of our boats and spend a day or two on the water. Crappies are fun to catch because their fairly easy as long as you know where to go. If one of the spots on the map is not producing, try another. Crappies are not only fun to catch, they are fantastic to eat as well because of their incredible flavor. Crappies bite early in the season so planning a fishing vacation in May and June is a great time to take advantage of our lower rates!





*GPS Coordinates included on the right.





Crappie regulations on Gull Lake

Season: Continuous

Limit: 10 (no size restrictions)

Love Lake Crappies spawn in here from May into mid June. Use a jig & minnow suspended near the channel, or use a bobber and hook with a minnow in or near the swampier back end.
GPS Coordinates: 4626.315’N 94 19.103’W
End of the Bowtie Bar near Love Lake Good summer crappie, they will be deep, use a small jig and a crappie minnow.
GPS Coordinates: 4626.571’N 94 20.226’W
Wilson Bay Excellent May-June Crappies fish the dropoff into the reedbed with a jig and a minnow or a beetlespin w/ a Mister Twister.
GPS Coordinates: 4624.410’N 94 24.026’W
Wilson Bay Crane Island. Excellent early summer Crappie fishing try along the break with a minnow.
GPS Coordinates: 4623.906’N 94 24.293’W
Gull Lake Narrows Excellent May & Early June Crappie fishing. Take a jig and a minnow and you will be pulling out fish like a dentist pulls teeth.
GPS Coordinates: 4630.640’N 94 20.725’W

Brainerd Lakes Area Fishing Report: May 2017

Brainerd Fishing Report
Crappie fishing in the Brainerd Lakes Area has been hit or miss, with the weather, but when you find them it can be bast and furious. Fish are still being found on weed flats in 6-8 feet of water. Much like any kind of fishing, playing the wind is the key. This past weekend we found active crappies feeding along a weed edge that had some emergent weed growth. Between bugs and minnows the fish were actively feeding. A 1/32oz jig with a tube under a slip bobber was the ticket. Constantly changing the depths at which you have the bobber set as well as the colors of the tubes. Pink/white, pearl, black, and purple were all good colors. An important thing is to make sure your bobber is always sitting vertical and you aren’t using too big of one and you are changing your retrieve as crappies will respond differently throughout the day.

Fishing Report Brainerd, Minnesota May 1, 2017

Crappies and sunfish are being found in the shallow bays and 4- to 8- foot weed patches on Upper Gull Lake, Lake Margaret, Nisswa Lake, Roy Lake, Cullen Lake, and North Long Lake. Nightcrawlers are producing channel catfish on the Mississippi River.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010'

From http://www.brainerdguide.com/fishing_report.htm:

Brainerd, Minnesota Fishing Report: 4-20-17
The crappie fishing has been good in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Small backwater areas have been producing the most fish. Search out locations with soft, dark, muddy bottoms. These spots warm considerably quicker than other areas. The best fishing spots have been located on the smaller bays of the larger lakes. Small channels, harbors, and marshy areas have been producing the most fish. Small jigs, when fished two to three feet below a bobber, have been the best baits. Tip the jigs with minnows or plastic grub imitations. Don't use too heavy of a jig. Spring crappies can't resist presentations which fall slowly. Heavy jigs fall too quickly and are less attractive to fish when the water is cold. Fan cast likely areas while cruising with your trolling motor. Drop the anchor, or hit the spot lock, when the first crappie is found. You've found the spot! Crappie rarely are by themselves. Fish the area effectively and you will have the makings of your summer's first fish fry. Keep posted. There will be more fishing reports to come. It is finally nice to be back on soft water.
Life is Good.
JOHN

Netflix new releases April 2017

April

Available 4/1
A Weekend with the Family (2016)
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Across the Universe (2007)
An American Tail (1986)
An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991)
An American Tail: The Mystery of the Night Monster (1999)
Boy Bye (2016)
Born to Be Free (2016)
Good Witch: Season 2 (2016)
Gremlins (1984)
Only for One Night (2016)
Richard Pryor: Live & Smokin' (1971)
Scooby-Doo (2002)
Schindler's List (1993)
Something's Gotta Give (2003)
Thunderstruck (2012)
Wynonna Earp: Season 1 (2016)
Trouble with the Curve (2012)
Tropic Thunder (2008)
The Tenth Man (2016)


Available 4/2
The D Train (2015)

Available 4/4
Chewing Gum: Season 2 (Netflix original)

Available 4/6
Disney’s The BFG (2016)

Available 4/7
El faro de las orcas (Netflix original)
Dawn of the Croods: Season 3 (Netflix original)
The Get Down: Part 2 (Netflix original)
Win It All (Netflix original)

Available 4/10
Documentary Now!: Season 2 (2016)

Available 4/11
Kevin Hart: What Now (2016)

Available 4/12
DC’s Legends of Tomorrow: Season 2 (2016)

Available 4/14
Chelsea: Season 2 (Netflix original)
El Elegido (2017)
Sandy Wexler (Netflix original)

Available 4/15
Disney’s Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
Slam (Netflix original)


Available 4/18
Lucas Brothers: On Drugs (Netflix original)

Available 4/19
A Plastic Ocean

Available 4/21
Bill Nye Saves the World: Season 1 (Netflix original)
Girlboss: Season 1 (Netflix original)
Sand Castle (Netflix original)
Tales by Light: Season 2 (Netflix original)
The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show: Season 4 (Netflix original)
The Prestige (2006)
Tramps (Netflix original)

Available 4/22
The Great British Baking Show: Masterclass: Season 1-3 (2016)
The Secret Life of Pets (2016)

Available 4/23
Liv and Maddie: Season 4 (2016)
Phantom (2013)

Available 4/24
Long Nights Short Mornings (2016)

Available 4/25
Disney’s Queen of Katwe (2016)
The 101-Year-Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared (Netflix original)
Vir Das: Abroad Understanding (Netflix original)


Available 4/26
Real Rescues: Season 6-7 (2012)
Trust (2010)

Available 4/27
Las Chicas del Cable: Season 1 (Netflix original)

Available 4/28
A Murder in the Park (2014)
Casting JonBenet (Netflix original)
Rodney King (Netflix original)
Small Crimes (Netflix original)

Available 4/30
Sofia the First: Season 3 (2015)

Comedy Writing Blogs

http://comedywriterblog.com/funny/joking-on-the-web/   Extensive comedy writing prompts and information on Janis McInnis blog.  Check it out#

http://kenlevine.blogspot.com/  blog by comedy writer Kevin Levine

https://thecomedycrowd.com/5371-2/  blog on opportunities and techniques in comedy writing

Fishing Report Brainerd, Minnesota

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA


Hit the Merrifield Bay on North Long Lake for crappies in 3 to 6 feet and the Highway 371 Bay in shallow water on North Long for sunfish. The channels on Nisswa Lake are producing a few crappies and sunfish, as are the docks at Bar Harbor on Gull Lake.


S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010

Flash Fiction information and links

flash fic·tion
noun

fiction that is extremely brief, typically only a few hundred words or fewer in its entirety.

Flash Fiction Publishing Options from Poets and Writers Magazine

Flash Fiction Sites:

http://pidgeonholes.com/dispatches


https://pidgeonholes.submittable.com/submit



http://boinkzine.com



https://theairgonautblog.wordpress.com/about/

-The Airgonaut is a monthly online literary journal founded by Sheldon Lee Compton in 2015 that publishes innovative works of fabulism, magical realism, surrealism, and absurdist fiction

https://hottubastronaut.com/

About


Hot Tub Astronaut is primarily an online publisher of contemporary poetry, short fiction, visual art and audio recordings based in London. Our hopes are to foster a creative community and to share exciting projects, often experimental.

Crashing the Wave by Jennifer Todhunter

http://flashfictiononline.com/main/article/the-knives-of-her-life/

Eating Healthy on a Budget - and be skinny too!

January is always a good time to think about eating healthier.   A common misconception about healthy diets is that they are too expensive to fit with

most people's budgets.  I found the following info. to be very helpful in terms of eating well and not spending too much cash.



Check it out: Eating Healthy on a Budget - and be skinny too!

Desk job death risk is eliminated by an hour’s walk or cycle

This is very useful information to know.  Turns out you can avoid death by desk job by just brisk walking or cycling for an hour each day.  Easy to do?  Check out the article:

Desk job death risk is eliminated by an hour’s walk or cycle: Desk job death risk is eliminated by an hour’s walk or cycle