TimFreeland.com - Whats going on with this guy?

A local Cottonwood has a story to tell

Tim Freeland — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 08:15:45 -0700

AL FREELAND

We have been in town since 1981, but it was only in the last couple of years that I noticed the tree. By “the tree” I mean the giant cottonwood tree by the old metal bridge on Canada Ave., Northeast of Northfield. When the tree finally caught my eye I was totally amaze by the size of this “old man of the woods”. The base of the tree was hollowed out, but it still looked strong and not in danger of toppling.

Farwell Metrodome | Congrats 2009 Central Division Champs

Tim Freeland — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:02:24 -0700

After attending the last regular season game at the Metrodome the Twins beat the Detroit Tigers in a one game playoff, 163rd game of the season. This following 12 inning game was considered by many to be one of the most entertaining games in Twins history, considering the Twins were 7 games back just weeks prior and was the second time in 4 seasons that the Twins beat the failing Tigers on the last day of the season.

In a stark turn of momentum the Twins were swept in 3 games during the following ALDS by the “Evil Empire” (Yankee’s). I feel lucky to have had my team with the Central Division title as they left the Metrodome.

Here are photo galleries from the last games that I attended. Third to last. Last game.

Following the last out during the final game at the Metrodome ever, they removed the home plate and moved it to the new Target Field.

Michael Cuddyer hits home run in 9th inning of last regular season game EVER!

Tim Freeland — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:28:15 -0700

Car Show Reactions | 2009 DJJD Sundowners Auto Show

Tim Freeland — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:33:19 -0700

BY AL FREELAND

I really enjoy the Defeat of Jesse James Day’s auto show every year. I like it for the same reasons that many “old people” like me revel in the event!!! It is a walk down memory lane, a time to feel a bit younger as you identify with the machines that grew to be an extension of your body and seem still young, and for me and a few others walking around it was because of “simplicity”.

The best way to describe what I mean by “simplicity” is as follows:

I was talking with a gentleman that had rebuilt a Model-T Ford. He gave a fascinating rendition of how Henry Ford had made a very usable car for the masses. He said that Ford fine tuned the car engine and transmission to a point that is basically the same functional engine and transmission that exists in today’s cars. Once Ford developed the new oiling system, planetary gear transmission, and the basics that are still in our cars today, he stuck with it. To make the massive sales he had, he just kept reducing the prices, making the Model T almost impossible to not buy; keeping all other competitors at bay. He built millions of them until he was forced to update the technologies in 1927 when the Model A was released (I think I got the facts right). The exhibition gentlemen had all the facts about the evolution of the Model-T which made for a fantastic visit. It was the “keep it simple stupid” or KISS method of manufacturing, marketing and success.
Next, as I was walking over to a 1930 Pontiac that caught my eye, I overheard a couple of guys looking at some other older cars who were saying the same thing I had said all day long, “would you look at this Sam – can you believe how simple these engines were – no junk hanging all over it like today!” Their point was proven all the more when I strolled over to the 1930 Pontiac. One of the side hoods were raised showing the rebuilt and uncluttered engine (see the picture above). I think you would agree with me if you were standing by my side, that this engine was designed for easy access and maintenance of all of the major engine wear-parts, including: the spark plugs easily positioned on top of the engine, starter, generator, gas filter, water pump, manifolds, distributor, and carburetor. I could touch, remove and replace these all with a couple of wrenches and a couple minutes effort.

2006 Defeat of Jesse James Horse Shoe Hunt conspiracy re-post

Tim Freeland — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:50:23 -0700

I posted the following blog on my old website 3 years ago when I spent a lot of time hunting for the hidden horse shoe. This year I am one of those hiding it. Little did I know I was wasting my time, if I had paid any attention to the rule about it having to be on public property. Regardless, the clues that I did tie into Oaklawn Cemetery in Northfield were just to ironic to not be part of something bigger. Today, I am assured that it was just pure coincidence. Read over the old post and take close note of the names on the stones.

TimFreeland.com launches video site -Cool Stuff I see-

Tim Freeland — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:13:46 -0700

I am often running across incredible video clips on the internet that people MUST see. Today I’m launching best personal best-of video site called CoolStuffISee.info. It’s important that you subscribe to this site so that you stay on top of the awesome daily video that I run across. Enter your email in or subscribe in a reader (on the right hand side).

CoolStuffISee.com

Here’s a sample of items.

Poor guy – He tried – Really really bad rendition of Amazing Grace

How does Google store all this data? Look inside a massive data-center

A new way to write without a keyboard using mouse navigation – cool!

How the last 200 years changed the world – fascinating graphs

Twelve Year Old Catches Two Foul Balls – Against incredible odds!

Total cool robotics. Seriously, we can do this?

This is sweet – if you love lasers

Trying to figure out what this is about. Hope no one was sitting in the middle

No way this is real. Sound effects are a give away.

James May Rides In U2 Spy Plane – Awesome views

Summer Vacation to the Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells Photo and Video Galleries

Tim Freeland — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 16:50:17 -0700

A great time was had by all! Aug 21-23 2009. We stayed in the resort the whole time. There was so much to do that we didn't need to leave. The facility is immense.

Click here to view the VIDEO page.

Mid-Summer check in. Funny photo

Tim Freeland — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:46:13 -0700

Hi folks! I hope you’re having a great summer. I’ve taken a little time off from TF.com for some web projects at work. But….my camera continues to click. I’m getting ready to post a number of great blogs on various topics and they all include great video and photo galleries. Here’s a hint at what’s to come.

Our puppy Mia is growing up just fine. She will surprise us with free entertainment on a daily basis…including her new sleeping spot on our recently paid off furniture. Stay tuned and have a great August.

My photo and video galleries

Tim Freeland — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 08:31:44 -0700

Northfield-Dundas road marking failure

Tim Freeland — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:55:40 -0700

Knowing there is nothing planned for the empty field to it's north, the new road markings at the Mendards in Dundas lead traffic into a curb.

I share my June 1st birthday with a lifelong friend, Chris Blomberg

Tim Freeland — Sun, 31 May 2009 12:08:36 -0700

My next door neighbor growing up in Northfield was Chris Blomberg. He and I share June 1st as our birthday. Tomorrow he turns 34 and I turn 36. We always had a ton of fun with this, including some grand parties when we lived together in Minneapolis. We have always made efforts to get together or do something special together on this special day that we share.

This morning he randomly showed up at my front door on his bike. He lives about 45 minutes away and I hadn’t seen him in many months. He was in town for a family event and was going for a spin and decided to drop by. This was such a great present.

Happy birthday Chris!

The other Andrew Freeland landscaper

Tim Freeland — Fri, 29 May 2009 17:42:07 -0700

By AL FREELAND

Andrew was born in southwestern Norway. What else did a person do in Southwestern Norway but fish or farm – period! He was born in a little town of Bryne – today still a little town of about 500 people. Outside of the town is a little wooden church called Time (pronounce Teem’ a) Lutheran. I was there about 10 years ago and saw the baptismal font he was baptized in, and the pews that he sat in, and the graveyard his ancestors were buried in. The thread of time and history and ancestry is small, but strong. I felt pulled there and could feel the connections the “thread” was pulling. The following is the Time “Crest” or “Coat of Arms”. (click on the head title to read on)

The Gravestone, ancestor Ole Apland was a legend

Tim Freeland — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:56:17 -0700

ALAN FREELAND

Ole Apland was a legend! He came from Norway in 1855, he landed in Canada, took a train to Illinois, and then a wagon train – yes literally a horse drawn wagon train across the prairie to Story County, Iowa. He fell in love with a cute girl named Anna Ersland who was a passenger in the wagon train as well. They became the first couple to be married in Story County, Iowa. He homesteaded his 160 acres and eventually became a wealthy pioneer, acquiring a lot of land in Story County and wealth, and eventually we all became his ancestors.

What you just read was a SUPER summary of the entire life a pioneer that could be a feature length, trilogy, movie, novel, and/or a lifetime of study! What I want to focus on is just one fact of his life – actually his death. One very small, insignificant perhaps fact. (click title heading to read on)

Grandma Esta Freeland-Cox | the gift of quilt

Tim Freeland — Mon, 25 May 2009 18:57:02 -0700

My Grandma Esta Freeland-Cox has spent many many hours with a quilting needle in her hands during her 96 years. It’s been a source of entertainment, socialization and crafting for years. When I was very young Grandma Esta told me that I’d receive a hand made quilt some day when I graduated from high school. She simply asked me what color I wanted. Under pressure and completely unaware of the longevity of this decision, I said “yellow” for some reason. I hated yellow then, and still do today. BUT…when I graduated from Northfield High School in 1991, there was my quilt on the gift table, sealed for freshness in a plastic covering. Each of her grandchildren received a hand sewn quilt at graduation as their gift. There were five of us. Mine was yellow.

I recently realized that I have slept with this quilt off and on for eighteen years since graduation. This included all of college and in five different homes. So, last week I laid the quilt out on the bed, as seen in the photo, and carefully studied the patterns and reminisced on all of the years that this piece has served me. I ran across her little tag that is sewn onto each of her creations. Click on it to see the larger view. It says “Specially Fashioned by Esta Cox”. Why did it take me eighteen years to see this? I guess we take tags for granted.

Last week I asked grandma about the material on the floral patterns. She explained that she had stockpiles of materials in her collection from years of setting aside pieces of clothing and cloth samples of interest. She even thought some used in my quilt were from her mothers collection. Although she could not identify any particular piece of cloth in particular, she did indicate that any old piece could have been anything from her maternity clothing to her mom’s Sunday church outfit.

How’s that for lasting quality.

D.O.A College House, University of Minnesota 1994 -The Glory Year

Tim Freeland — Sun, 24 May 2009 14:13:37 -0700

So what in the world is the story here? Well..here is a legend of unprecedented party-house leadership that led to hazy memories for thousands. This is the story of my college-life glory year at an off campus house at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis MN.

While my best friend Chad and I were living in the college dormitory, we couldn’t get into any of the “fraternity” parties to save our life. Let’s be honest, why would the frat-boys want to invite a bunch of guys to their parties. So, we’d walk down University avenue, trying to get into the hopping parties but wouldn’t be allowed in because we weren’t “brothers”. So, we made our own fraternity. The next year, we rented the biggest, baddest house we could find closest to frat-row and named it “D.O.A”, which of course, was a sarcastic take on the medical term D.O.A. for “dead on arrival”. We even found an old boat decking at a flea-market, painted our name on it and distressed it to taste. It hung over the fireplace. (notice the photo of a visit from my parents. Don’t I look so innocent in my 90’s grunge flannel and pony tail). We wanted to have our own little fraternity where everyone was welcome that wanted to have a good time. We actually considered prohibiting fraternity members, but decided against that, because it was against our house motto of having a good time…..all the time. (click story title to keep reading)

Visit all 12 Northfield's in the US

Tim Freeland — Fri, 22 May 2009 06:37:27 -0700

How about a road trip to all 12 Northfield's across the US? Doesn't make you feel very exclusive, does it?

Northfield, CT
Northfield, IL
Northfield, IN
Northfield, KY
Northfield, ME
Northfield, MA
Northfield, MN
Northfield, NH
Northfield, NJ
Northfield, OH
Northfield, VT
Northfield, WI

View Northfield's in a larger map

Greazy Meal at the Cabooze in Minneapolis

Tim Freeland — Wed, 20 May 2009 05:44:59 -0700

I just can’t write enough about this band in one post. They were the house band at the Cabooze on the West Bank in Minneapolis in the 90’s. They put on one of the best live shows on the face of the earth. The members were a collaborative gathering of from many other successful acts such as Price, Mambo’s Combo, Beat the Clock & Paul Westerberg.

Check out a video. (strong language warning for your ears). Website is www.greazymeal.com

'Tech Talk with Tim and Adam' ...Social networking!

Tim Freeland — Sun, 17 May 2009 19:48:53 -0700

This is Tech Talk with Tim and Adam, a weekly radio program on helpful tips and tricks for the common computer user, broadcast on 1080AM KYMN Radio out of Northfield Minnesota. You can listen to a copy of these shows at here, can podcast or just listen live weekly at 11AM on Friday's, rebroadcast at 5:30 Sunday nights. Tim Freeland is KYMN host and webmaster along with Adam Gurno, software developer and owner of Brown Dog Computers, ready to inform, discuss and teach you better and new ways to use computers and the internet to improve your quality of life.

Click the arrow to listen to the show!

Rylie's Kindergarten project book - A month by month art recap

Tim Freeland — Sun, 17 May 2009 19:43:35 -0700

Open publication - Free publishing - More rylie

Rylies year end Kindergarten program (video of singing)

Tim Freeland — Sat, 09 May 2009 06:21:12 -0700

Congrats to Rylie for a great first year in public school! I see she also has a potential career in singing and dancing.

View other videos from this concert here!

10 comments on this photo of Andy and I from fishing opener 1981

Tim Freeland — Fri, 08 May 2009 18:03:09 -0700

1. If I could have that waist line now!

2. Is that a 1978 green “Vega”?

3. What’s in my pants?

4. Where are those fish now?

5. Nice effort Andy!

6. Who picked out my cloths that day?

7. It took 6 months to develop this film (marked with NOV 81 in bottom left)

8. Those are most likely Bullheads.

9. Maroon socks?

10. Chances are Andy caught all of these fish.

Many ask what my favoite movie of all time is...and this is it

Tim Freeland — Thu, 07 May 2009 17:26:13 -0700

I've seen thousands and thousands of movies. People often discuss their favorite movies, which can be a daunting task. In 1999 I found my favorite movie, "Magnolia". It features a half dozen of my favorite actors and a top-notch writer/director. Here is the trailer, which doesn't do the movie justice. Go rent it, sit back, and be ready trade 3 hours for the movie of a life time.

'Tech Talk with Tim and Adam' my first radio show on KYMN Radio

Tim Freeland — Wed, 06 May 2009 18:13:02 -0700

Click the arrow to listen to the show!

Mashing two songs together that sound alike. Check this out

Tim Freeland — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:48:01 -0700

I heard this new song "Drowning (Face Down)" 2008 by Saving Abel this week. I immediately started to sing Badlees "Fear of Falling" 1995 over the top of it. So, I used my trusty Audacity audio editor and Vegas Studio video editor to put this little display together. This was my first attempt at using both together.

The best words a Dad could hear

Tim Freeland — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:01:07 -0700

I few weeks ago I took my daughter Rylie to the Mall of America during the day for a father-daughter outing. I had taken off the day and she was on spring break. We went to eat at the "Rainforest Cafe" and then to the "Underwater World Adventures" then to the "Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park". This used to be the old "Camp Snoopy". We started on a few rides and eventually landed on the log roller coaster. This is the one where the log/boat floats throughout the ride and you end in a watery fall. Well, we rode this one so many times, the operators almost knew us by name. We knew every turn and when every creepy dude would jump out. Oh, we also got more and more wet as the day went on.

Well, as we were walking out to the ramp to go home, Rylie was holding my hand and said "Dad, this has been the best day of my whole life". I replied, "life will only get better and better too." It was a great day!