DigElogROCORI

How Steve Jobs Touched My Life

Steve Jobs
1955-2011

Earlier this week Steve Jobs passed away at the young age of 56.  Special tribute will be given here to Steve today because in many ways, the world of DigElog would never have existed if it wasn't for his vision, creativity and technological influence.  

Let me begin by referencing another mentor of mine:

The story of Steve Jobs is an amazing one. He turned a few hundred dollars of spare parts into one of the most valuable companies in the world while revolutionizing one industry after another. In so doing, he was a prime example of the empowerment of the individual while in turn empowering everyone else. He showed the power of marrying science and art and democratized the tools of creativity. Jobs was truly a unique and remarkable innovator who has enriched all of our lives and we are all immeasurably saddened at his passing.

— Ray Kurzweil

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Steve Jobs' 2005
Stanford Commencement Address

• Our Stories Intertwine Back In 1982
  The two Steve's had already invented the Apple II in 1977, but I personally get involved when I purchase a Apple II Plus with 64k of RAM and dual 5.25" floppy drives, for my Drywall Distributing company in 1982.  I find myself learning basic programming at the local community college and becoming a VisiCalc enthusiast applying spreadsheet technology to everything from product inventory to payroll in my small company.  I also discovered a "Family History" software that pushes me to dig deeper into my family heritage and to document it on my Apple II Plus.

• 1984 Steve and Apple Introduce Macintosh
  I see the Super Bowl commercial like the rest of the world and immediately decide it's something I want to learn more about.  The local community college buys a couple first edition Macs for their computer lab and I get some immediate hands on experience that simply dazzles my imagination.

• 1985-6 Steve is forced out of Apple but the Mac explodes into the publishing industry
  Although Steve's direct involvement with Apple will take a 10 year hiatus, his dream and vision of the Macintosh inspires me to become a Public Information Director for the local community college with a brand new Mac 512 and a Laserwriter Plus on my desk.  Over the next 12 months I produce camera ready copy for publishing in the local newspaper and I publish one of the very first camera ready college catalogs (100 plus pages) using Ready Set Go 1.0 publishing software.

• 1987-8  Steve has now started both NeXT Computer and Pixar Annimation Studios
  My Mac experience has prepared me for my next life encounter.  I join 6 other brave young lads in taking a bankrupt Team Electronics store and turning it into an "Apple Only" computer store.  At the time, the seven of us knew more about Apple products that any 7 employees of Apple did, because we not only sold the product but we trained it and supported it.  Our crazy idea was a success and the fundamental company that was started back then is still alive today.

• 1989 While Steve is busy making animated movies, I'm proving the Mac to be a business machine
  The driving force for any computer is its software.  I choose the niches of Accounting and Data Base development as my areas of growth and opportunity.  I become a consultant in both Accountant Inc. and Filemaker Pro software.

 

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"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything -- all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.

Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart. ... Stay hungry. Stay foolish."

- Steve Jobs, 1955-2011

 

2010 Hometown Pride Award Recipient: JUDY SAMUELSON

Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Cold Spring Chamber Of Commerce Hometown Pride Awards Banquet
Cold Spring, Minnesota USA

 One of this year's 4 Hometown Pride Award recipients was Judy Samuelson.Judy grew up in Stearns County and graduated from SCSU.  Judy retired in 1996 after 30 years, including Richmond Elementary for 18 years and at Cold Spring Elementary for 11 years.  Judy met her second husband, the late Larry Samuelson, at Parents Without Partners, and was married for 25 + years.  Together they raised judy's four sons and daughter and Larry's four sons.

Judy has always been available to lend a helping hand.  She "gives her all" to every event and organization activity. Some of Judy's involvement includes volunteering at the Middle School Media center, the ROCORI Senior Center, the American Legion's Hometown Pride Days & Firefest food stands, and at Oktoberfest with the Friends of the Library.  She has been involved with the Cold Spring American Legion Auxillary for 23 years, and has provided leadership roles in the local club, Girl's State, and is currently the District President.

2010 Award Recipients:  Janet Aaseth, Judy Samuelson, Pam and Curt Karls

DigElog ROCORI One Year Ago: ROCORI Senior Participates in Mission Trip

April 14, 2009
Cold Spring, MN


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In this story you will have the chance to meet Tracy Skluzacek, a senior at ROCORI High School. Skluzacek recently went on a mission trip to Kenya. She shares how mission trips sometimes are associated with negative thoughts by here peers, but that didn't stop her from having a great time on her trip. Mission trips are a great way to volunteer your time to those that may not have the same opportunities as you. Skluzacek also states, not only can you learn about other cultures on mission trips, but you can also learn so much about yourself. Thank you so much for sharing your story Tracy. Your selflessness and servitude illustrates wisdom beyond your years.

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Special thanks to Lakes Eye Clinic for sponsoring this story. Dr. Mary Jo Femrite, owner of Lakes Eye Clinic, is originally from Cold Spring.  Daughter of Bob and Darlene Dockendorf, she attended Rocori High School graduating in 1992.

Dr. Femrite is active in the Minnesota Optometric Association and the American Academy of Optometry, presenting several case reports and research studies at national meetings.  She is very excited and honored to have the opportunity to return to Cold Spring to serve the eye care needs of the community.

LAKES EYE CLINIC:  CLICK HERE TO VIEW WEBSITE

Cold Spring Sign Update: (Original Post Two Years Ago)

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Two Years Ago

Can you remember the beautiful granite sign that used to mark your passage through the town of Cold Spring?  It was located across from the Granite Company on the edge of the motel property just west of the Sauk River on Highway 23.

Fortunately, we still have a picture of it.  Now do you remember?

This story explores the mystery of where this sign ended up after the expansion of Highway 23 was completed.  Does the sign still exist or was it destroyed during construction?  If it's still around, why has it not been relocated to a new home?  Can you solve the mystery?

       

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After almost two years, DigElog ROCORI has found the old sign. DigElog ROCORI's own Duane Kuss revisits the sign just past the gas station on the edge of town. Watch this story as we finally answer the question, "where did our beautiful welcome sign go?"

************ This story is Sponsored by ************

Plantenberg's Food Pride, located in Richmond, MN,  is a fourth- generation, family owned grocery store. Plantenberg's prides itself on fresh, quality foods and friendly customer service. Their custom meats are regionally famous.  Stop in to their store today and tell them DigElog ROCORI sent you in!

Click Here to Learn More About Plantenberg's Food Pride

Cold Spring Fire Department Donates Equipment

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In this story you will hear about a volunteer project that the Cold Spring Fire Department recently took part in. Due to United States regulations on the safety of old fire equipment, Cold Spring and many other fire departments must dispose of perfectly good equipment. A Minnesota volunteer chapter stopped in just last week to pick up some of the old equipment and eventually ship it off to a fire department in Chili that is in desperate need of it. 

Interview With Coach Brink- Part Four

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In our fourth and final interview with ROCORI Boy's Basketball Coach Bob Brink, he discusses the rich tradition of ROCORI basketball. He has had numerous players come through his system whose fathers had also played for him. Brink also shares how his assistant coaches' philosophies mirror his own. In building the basketball program from the ground up, it allows Brink to focus more on the "flex offense" that he runs- but no matter what, Brink will always focus on the fundamentals. 

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Last month, Coach Brink picked up career win number 900 in dramatic fashion as the Spartans won their game against Alexandria on two free throws with under one second left in the game. Watch this story as Coach Brink and his wife Judy are honored in front of the home crowd. When asked if he could reflect on his personal accomplishments, Brink always shifts the focus to his great staff, the system he runs, and the wonderful opportunity that he was given in ROCORI.

  (Click the Image above to view part three of DigElog ROCORI's interview with Bob Brink)

 
 (Click the Image above to view part two of DigElog ROCORI's interview with Bob Brink)

 
(Click the Image above to view part one of DigElog ROCORI's interview with Bob Brink)

Click Here To Read The Star Tribune Article Written By PatRick Reusse On Coach Brink 

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Special thanks to Central Minnesota Federal Credit Union who sponsored this story.   The Central Minnesota Federal Credit Union in Cold Spring is proud to support the rich tradition of ROCORI athletics and the contribution it makes to student development.  At the Central Mn Federal Credit Union, all ROCORI athletes are Champions in our community.
See Other Central Mn Federal Credit Union Sponsored Stories

Central MN Fed Credit Union Website

DigElog ROCORI Exclusive Interview With Bob Brink Part Three

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In the third part of our story with Boy's Basketball Coach Bob Brink, he discusses the importance of teaching fundamentals as well as building complete players at ROCORI. Brink also shares how these fundamentals are not only taught at the high school, but they are also taught throughout the entire ROCORI basketball program. In building the basketball program from the ground up, it allows Brink to focus more on the "flex offense" that he runs- but no matter what, Brink will always focus on the fundamentals. 

       *QUICKTIME         *iPOD          *CELL         *You Tube
 

Last Friday, Coach Brink picked up career win number 900 in dramatic fashion as the Spartans won the game on two free throws with under one second left in the game. Watch this story as Coach Brink and his wife Judy are honored in front of the home crowd. When asked if he could reflect on his personal accomplishments, Brink always shifts the focus to his great staff, the system he runs, and the wonderful opportunity that he was given in ROCORI.

 (Click the Image above to view part two of DigElog ROCORI's interview with Bob Brink)

(Click the Image above to view part one of DigElog ROCORI's interview with Bob Brink)

Click Here To Read The Star Tribune Article Written By PatRick Reusse On Coach Brink

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Special thanks to Central Minnesota Federal Credit Union who sponsored this story.   The Central Minnesota Federal Credit Union in Cold Spring is proud to support the rich tradition of ROCORI athletics and the contribution it makes to student development.  At the Central Mn Federal Credit Union, all ROCORI athletes are Champions in our community.
See Other Central Mn Federal Credit Union Sponsored Stories

Central MN Fed Credit Union Website

 

DigElog ROCORI Milestone: Bob Brink Just 6 Wins Shy of 900

ROCORI Varsity Boys Basketball 2005

With Bob Brink just 6 wins shy of 900 for his career, DigElog ROCORI would like to take a look back at some of the stories we covered with Coach Brink. Here is a look at the ROCORI Spartans 2005 season. 

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The ROCORI Varsity Boys Basketball team has just started their 36th season along with their coach Bob Brink who has been the head coach during the entire 36 years.  This story captures interviews with the coaches, team captains and highlights of their team practice.

Tonight ROCORI will be hosting the Sauk Rapids-Rice varsity basketball team here in Cold Spring.  The Spartans are working hard each day to improve their game.  Their coaches are excited about this team that they feel has the potential to be one of the better teams in the conference.

Coach Bob Brink begins his 36th season as the ROCORI Spartans Head Boys Basketball coach.  Coach Brink has led Spartan teams to 10 state tournament berths and ranks as the second-winningest head coach (802 victories) in Minnesota high school history.

Senior co-captains Chad Willenbring, Aaron Traut and  Garrett Branstner sharetheir thoughts about the up-coming season.

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Special thanks to Central Minnesota Federal Credit Union who sponsored this story.  Sheila, Lynn, Peggy, Norma, Bob & Ryan are all looking forward to meeting you.  They can provide a wide range of personal and business financial services ranging from checking accounts to business loans.

ROCORI Trail Update

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In November of 2009, the ROCORI Trail Committee held an open house at the ROCORI High School. The open house gave community members the opportunity to listen to local officials, trail committee members, and other experts share their personal involvement with the trail. At the end of the meeting, the floor was open to the public for questions. If you would like more information about the ROCORI Trail project, contact your local city hall.

DigElog ROCORI: Four Years Ago- Christmas Piano Medley

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Today we present a special piano music event that rarely happens in the big city let alone in the Land of ROCORI.  Here is a Christmas Grand Piano Duet performed by Cold Spring Area Maennerchor accompanists Ingrid Loewen and Bette Kuss.   

Hear "Go Tell It On the Mountain", "Angels We Have Heard On High" and  "A Merry Christmas Medley".

This music video comes from a concert performed in Melrose at the High School Auditorium on December 12th, 2005.  Both the Maennerchor and the Melrose High School Choir performed during this special holiday event.

Download MP3 Version HERE! for your listening enjoyment