To contact us Click HERE
It's been a long while since my last post. But I am back and ready to tell you everything you need to know about travel.
I will tell you a story. I had a call from a past customer telling me that the upcoming trip they had booked was a destination wedding and the travel agent the bride had chosen had held no rooms for the guests. In my mind, that is unheard of..but without knowing who the agent was, I made phone calls to find out if any rooms were being held by this agent. The answer was no. The mother of the bride, the maid of honor and many guest were not going to be able to go to the resort. The resort was sold out. The agent they had used was inept.
Did I mention that this was a Sandals resort and when I checked there were absolutely no rooms available. So I did what I do best..I work for the customer..my customers who chose the wrong travel agent for their special day.
I was not going to let them pay for it by having this wedding turn into a disaster.
I was able to find 5 rooms for these customers and they considered me their savior. I am no savior; I am just a knowledeable travel professional who knows what I am doing.
Be careful when planning a very special destination event. Make sure the travel agent knows what she is doing. Make sure you get everything confirmed ..do not take the agent's word for it, or you do can have a disaster in the making.
Hopefully the upcoming wedding will be perfect...
Congratulations to the bride and groom
5 Şubat 2013 Salı
Rabbit's Bakery, Lake City, Minnesota Field Report
To contact us Click HERE
One the second day of a vacation at Stockholm, Wisconsin, we crossed the border back into Minnesota to visit Rabbit's Bakery in Lake City. We got there just before noon, so that baking for the day was over, but the wood-fired oven was being heated up for the next day's baking.
There were lots of tasting things in case waiting to be chosen. We saw lots of people coming in to buy things or to have lunch at the bakery cafe.
There was some breads of the day on the rack waiting to be taken, a menu for drinks on the wall. You can also see a sign for pizza (lower right), which they currently make once a month.
They have their distinctive sign hanging outside their door.
Here you can see the chimney stack and cinder block addition for their wood-fired oven. It looks like they also added some additional venting.
Just in case you can't find it going by the address, they also have a distinctive sign on the exterior wall of their bakery building.
Everything we bought was good. I'll certainly stop by again if I'm in the area.
There were lots of tasting things in case waiting to be chosen. We saw lots of people coming in to buy things or to have lunch at the bakery cafe.
There was some breads of the day on the rack waiting to be taken, a menu for drinks on the wall. You can also see a sign for pizza (lower right), which they currently make once a month.
They have their distinctive sign hanging outside their door.
Here you can see the chimney stack and cinder block addition for their wood-fired oven. It looks like they also added some additional venting.
Just in case you can't find it going by the address, they also have a distinctive sign on the exterior wall of their bakery building.
Everything we bought was good. I'll certainly stop by again if I'm in the area.
D'Amico & Sons, Golden Valley, Minnesota Field Report
To contact us Click HERE
While looking for a place to eat dinner after attending an art exhibition at the Perpich Center for Arts Education I did a "search nearby" and found that there was a D'Amico & Sons location at 7804 Olson Memorial Highway, Golden Valley, MN 55437, about a mile away. Looking at the reviews on Trip Advisor for the restaurant, I saw one where it mentioned "wood fired oven" so that restaurant location seemed worth a try.
This time I didn't have my camera with me, so there are no pictures.
There is a menu that you can download from their page. The actual selections available in the restaurant were a bit broader.
The good news: They really do have and use a wood-fired oven to bake their pizza.
The bad news: They run their oven at a comparatively low 500 degrees or so.
As a result, their wood-fired pizza is just OK.
I ordered their Neapolitan (a highly ironic name considering the temperature of true Neapolitan pizza ovens), which had fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil. The pizza was thin crust, not overloaded, and had a bit of char on the bottom. It would have definitely benefited from some attention from a bubble popper. A couple of big bubbles had pushed the sauce and cheese away from substantial portions of my pizza.
Even with those problems, it was a pretty tasty pizza, and one I would order again.
This time I didn't have my camera with me, so there are no pictures.
There is a menu that you can download from their page. The actual selections available in the restaurant were a bit broader.
The good news: They really do have and use a wood-fired oven to bake their pizza.
The bad news: They run their oven at a comparatively low 500 degrees or so.
As a result, their wood-fired pizza is just OK.
I ordered their Neapolitan (a highly ironic name considering the temperature of true Neapolitan pizza ovens), which had fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil. The pizza was thin crust, not overloaded, and had a bit of char on the bottom. It would have definitely benefited from some attention from a bubble popper. A couple of big bubbles had pushed the sauce and cheese away from substantial portions of my pizza.
Even with those problems, it was a pretty tasty pizza, and one I would order again.
Bill's Bread, Vashon, Washington
To contact us Click HERE
A friend on Facebook shared a link to video about a wood-fired bakery on Vashon Island in Washington State named Bill's Bread. The video link is here. Apparently Bill doesn't have a web site. I did find some information on a Manta page.
I also found an older blog post that mentioned Bill's Bread.
His story sounds like a real, down-to-earth guy who discovered his life's work making people's food lives a bit richer.
I'll have to see if I can meet him the next time I'm in Washington.
I also found an older blog post that mentioned Bill's Bread.
His story sounds like a real, down-to-earth guy who discovered his life's work making people's food lives a bit richer.
I'll have to see if I can meet him the next time I'm in Washington.
Portable Oven Class Schedule for 2013
To contact us Click HERE
I have started scheduling my portable oven class for a variety of locations for 2013.
I primarily keep the list on my main Portable Oven Classes page.
In short, these are the dates scheduled so far.
04/20/13 Gale Woods Farm Park (Minnetrista, MN)
05/04/13 Tunnel Mill (south of Rochester, MN)
05/12/13 Borner Farm Project (Prescott, WI)
05/25/13 Running Dog Ranch (near Stockholm, WI)
06/22/13 White Bear Center for the Arts (White Bear Lake, MN)
06/29/13 Borner Farm Project (Prescott, WI)
08/17/13 Running Dog Ranch (near Stockholm, WI
08/24/13 Borner Farm Project (Prescott, WI)
I expect to add fall dates for Gale Woods and WBCA.
Ten classes in one year would be a record, and there are even three other locations under negotiation but not yet scheduled.
It's shaping up to be a busy year for teaching people how to build ovens in a day.
You can read more about my class in the pages whose links are to the right of the blog (under "PAGES").
January 25, 2013: I got an e-mail from Tunnel Mill telling me my class on 05/04/13 was already full, with a waiting list of two people. (That's four months ahead of the class.) We are looking at adding another date (possibly June 8).
I also put together a map showing where my classes are scheduled.
I primarily keep the list on my main Portable Oven Classes page.
In short, these are the dates scheduled so far.
04/20/13 Gale Woods Farm Park (Minnetrista, MN)
05/04/13 Tunnel Mill (south of Rochester, MN)
05/12/13 Borner Farm Project (Prescott, WI)
05/25/13 Running Dog Ranch (near Stockholm, WI)
06/22/13 White Bear Center for the Arts (White Bear Lake, MN)
06/29/13 Borner Farm Project (Prescott, WI)
08/17/13 Running Dog Ranch (near Stockholm, WI
08/24/13 Borner Farm Project (Prescott, WI)
I expect to add fall dates for Gale Woods and WBCA.
Ten classes in one year would be a record, and there are even three other locations under negotiation but not yet scheduled.
It's shaping up to be a busy year for teaching people how to build ovens in a day.
You can read more about my class in the pages whose links are to the right of the blog (under "PAGES").
January 25, 2013: I got an e-mail from Tunnel Mill telling me my class on 05/04/13 was already full, with a waiting list of two people. (That's four months ahead of the class.) We are looking at adding another date (possibly June 8).
I also put together a map showing where my classes are scheduled.
3 Ocak 2013 Perşembe
Electrosonic Delivers New Video Wall to The Weather Channel
To contact us Click HERE
Los Angeles, CA, USA (December 18, 2012) -- When The Weather Channel wanted to upgrade the primary studio set at its Atlanta headquarters, it turned to Electrosonic to install a new video wall to replace the previous display the company had provided. The new system, comprised of 12 Christie® Entero™ LED-illuminated rear-projection display cubes, is now seen as a backdrop for on-air talent and is a vehicle for live video and map presentations.
“In 2008, we supplied a rear-screen projection edge-blended system with Christie projectors,” explains Electrosonic Systems Consultant Pete Rajcula. “We have an ongoing relationship with The Weather Channel, and when they were looking for a new alternative to the blended system, we suggested Christie’s LED-illuminated DLP cubes, which offer extremely long lamp life, rich color and easy maintenance.”
Rajcula notes that while the former system was state-of-the-art at the time, LED-illuminated cubes have now reached maturity in the market, allowing the Weather Channel to reap the benefits of the technology.
The Christie® Entero™ LED was the first high resolution LED-based display cube introduced for the control room market. Using solid state illumination, the Entero™ LED display cubes feature vivid, wide color gamut performance – with no lamps to replace, no moving parts, and no consumables.
The installation was challenged by the need to do the work on a fully functioning set. Electrosonic installed the wall’s pedestal and cubes, adjusted the geometry and color balanced the screens to match the studio lighting.
“We’re extremely happy with the video wall,” reports The Weather Channel’s broadcast engineer Travis Warner.
The video wall is designed in a 2x6 configuration with dimensions measuring 26.9 feet wide by 6.8 feet high. A three-output Vista Spyder image processor drives a trio of 1-in/4-out distribution amps. Each of the DAs, in turn, drives one of three 2x2 sections of the wall. The video wall does its own processing of each 2x2 section, creating one large dynamic image across the display.
Andy Borum was Electrosonic’s project manager for the installation. “Everything went smoothly even though the studio was in use,” he reports. “The Weather Channel was prepared for our arrival, so we were able to build the wall and make the initial tweaks without disrupting on-air production.”
Learn more about Electrosonic. Visit http://www.electrosonic.com
About Electrosonic
Electrosonic is an international audio-visual company that creates tailored, state-of-the-art solutions for a wide range of markets including theme parks, museums, control rooms, and corporate meeting rooms. Since its founding in 1964, Electrosonic has built a strong reputation for working on complex projects, both large and small, and has developed lasting partnerships with customers and suppliers. Beyond complete integrated systems, Electrosonic provides a comprehensive scope of services including technical design, projector lamp sales, maintenance and operational support.
Los Angeles, CA, USA (December 18, 2012) -- When The Weather Channel wanted to upgrade the primary studio set at its Atlanta headquarters, it turned to Electrosonic to install a new video wall to replace the previous display the company had provided. The new system, comprised of 12 Christie® Entero™ LED-illuminated rear-projection display cubes, is now seen as a backdrop for on-air talent and is a vehicle for live video and map presentations.“In 2008, we supplied a rear-screen projection edge-blended system with Christie projectors,” explains Electrosonic Systems Consultant Pete Rajcula. “We have an ongoing relationship with The Weather Channel, and when they were looking for a new alternative to the blended system, we suggested Christie’s LED-illuminated DLP cubes, which offer extremely long lamp life, rich color and easy maintenance.”
Rajcula notes that while the former system was state-of-the-art at the time, LED-illuminated cubes have now reached maturity in the market, allowing the Weather Channel to reap the benefits of the technology.
The Christie® Entero™ LED was the first high resolution LED-based display cube introduced for the control room market. Using solid state illumination, the Entero™ LED display cubes feature vivid, wide color gamut performance – with no lamps to replace, no moving parts, and no consumables.
The installation was challenged by the need to do the work on a fully functioning set. Electrosonic installed the wall’s pedestal and cubes, adjusted the geometry and color balanced the screens to match the studio lighting.
“We’re extremely happy with the video wall,” reports The Weather Channel’s broadcast engineer Travis Warner.
The video wall is designed in a 2x6 configuration with dimensions measuring 26.9 feet wide by 6.8 feet high. A three-output Vista Spyder image processor drives a trio of 1-in/4-out distribution amps. Each of the DAs, in turn, drives one of three 2x2 sections of the wall. The video wall does its own processing of each 2x2 section, creating one large dynamic image across the display.
Andy Borum was Electrosonic’s project manager for the installation. “Everything went smoothly even though the studio was in use,” he reports. “The Weather Channel was prepared for our arrival, so we were able to build the wall and make the initial tweaks without disrupting on-air production.”
Learn more about Electrosonic. Visit http://www.electrosonic.com
About Electrosonic
Electrosonic is an international audio-visual company that creates tailored, state-of-the-art solutions for a wide range of markets including theme parks, museums, control rooms, and corporate meeting rooms. Since its founding in 1964, Electrosonic has built a strong reputation for working on complex projects, both large and small, and has developed lasting partnerships with customers and suppliers. Beyond complete integrated systems, Electrosonic provides a comprehensive scope of services including technical design, projector lamp sales, maintenance and operational support.
ALCHEMY studio Working with The Australian Museum on New Traveling Exhibition Development Process
To contact us Click HERE
Maplewood, NJ, USA -- In October, ALCHEMY studio added another museum in Australia to its portfolio: The Australian Museum. The Australian Museum is the oldest museum in Australia and focuses on subjects in natural history and anthropology.
ALCHEMY studio is currently working with the exhibition team at the museum to plan, think through and develop material to describe new exhibition projects that will then be part of their traveling exhibition program. This work is designed to help jump start exhibition development at a very early stage, thus allowing museum staff to concentrate on near-term deadlines. Also, the process will provide an initial "straw man" the exhibition staff can build upon or tear apart -at least something so they're not starting from scratch.
For more information on ALCHEMY studio, visit http://alchemystudio.com
About ALCHEMY Studio
ALCHEMY studio is an experience and institutional development, design and consulting services studio that plans, designs, develops and provides creative direction for museums, science centers and other lifelong learning experiences around the world.
ALCHEMY studio is located in Maplewood New Jersey in the New York City metro area. Its genesis is rooted in work begun in 2006 as LSC Experience Services, led by Wayne LaBar. Wayne founded ALCHEMY studio and now leads the studio.
Maplewood, NJ, USA -- In October, ALCHEMY studio added another museum in Australia to its portfolio: The Australian Museum. The Australian Museum is the oldest museum in Australia and focuses on subjects in natural history and anthropology.ALCHEMY studio is currently working with the exhibition team at the museum to plan, think through and develop material to describe new exhibition projects that will then be part of their traveling exhibition program. This work is designed to help jump start exhibition development at a very early stage, thus allowing museum staff to concentrate on near-term deadlines. Also, the process will provide an initial "straw man" the exhibition staff can build upon or tear apart -at least something so they're not starting from scratch.
For more information on ALCHEMY studio, visit http://alchemystudio.com
About ALCHEMY Studio
ALCHEMY studio is an experience and institutional development, design and consulting services studio that plans, designs, develops and provides creative direction for museums, science centers and other lifelong learning experiences around the world.
ALCHEMY studio is located in Maplewood New Jersey in the New York City metro area. Its genesis is rooted in work begun in 2006 as LSC Experience Services, led by Wayne LaBar. Wayne founded ALCHEMY studio and now leads the studio.
Kaydol:
Kayıtlar (Atom)