Almost 23 years ago, a young couple named Rich and Molly Hoeg moved back to Minnesota and started their new technical jobs. Surprisingly, we've both stayed at these two same companies. Today, however, my wife who leads the Star Tribune's information technology department, leaves the newspaper for new beginnings.  Even though Molly does not have another job waiting, the family realized is was time for a change:

• Our family has personal needs
• The newspaper industry is dying
• The Star Tribune is in turmoil
• Wikipedia Star Tribune Article

When we made our career decisions almost a quarter of a century ago, who would have guessed the dramatic technical changes that awaited two techies? The internet and it's effect on media is still hard to fathom. This blog is just one example.

Good going, Molly!  I support your decision …. Love, Rich.
.
(two photos: back then … and today)
   

If you've never attended an old fashioned state fair, via my blog you may visit one of the largest state fairs in America, the Minnesota State Fair. My family was at the fair for over seven hours … you need only spend 63 seconds … which will include a parade and music by John Phillip Sousa! 

• Minnesota State Fair History -Wikipedia
  .
• Northstar Nerd's Minnesota State Fair Webcast Tour
  (may take a moment or two in loading)

Excitement reigns at the Hoeg house this Saturday night … The Northstar Nerd’s Rapala Box Opening Video has cracked the "top ten" search results on YouTube for the keyword "Rapala".  Kind of hard to believe, but 1,350 people have watched this spoof!
.

Definitely off topic, but cool …

During this afternoon's training run (9 miles), I saw a bald eagle. Now for a person who lives in Minnesota, you may not find that unusual … but I was only six miles from the middle of downtown Minneapolis! A pair of bald eagles has built a nest on the shores of Medicine Lake right in the middle of the Twin Cities. My family has been seeing them all Summer.

We also see bald eagles all the time up by our cabin in Northern Minnesota, but that is to be expected. Two weekends ago I watched an eagle catch a fish for supper, just like the eagle in the photo shown below (click to expand). Our local loons hate the eagles and make a real racket whenever one flies by.
.

Friday I had the honor to attend both a briefing on Boxer-22, and the military funeral of Captain Ben Danielson (promoted to Major upon confirmation of his death). Via my church's Freedom Tree which was planted in 1973 and has been growing for Captain Danielson, and all MIA's, I have had the fortune to play a small role. The day was amazing, and made me proud to be an American. It was amazing to come out of the church after the service and see over 800 American Flags … 500 of the flags displayed by the Patriot Riders (a group of motorcycle riders … many Vietnam vets). Here is a brief description of each photograph.

(click upon the thumnail image given at the bottom of this post to quickly view a photo, or click upon the link given immediately below for a high res version with digital zoom)

1. Holden Lutheran Church … where the service was held
2. Holden Lutheran Church Sanctuary
3. Lt. Commander Danielson … son of MIA Major Danielson
4. Final Recognition … photo #1
5. Final Recognition … photo #2
6. The Patriot Riders … 500 motorcycles riders with American Flags
7. More Patriot Riders
8. A country road in rural Minnesota …

Update on October 31, 2007: It has been gratifying to see how often this post is read, and meet many of you privately via email. Given the interest in Major Danielson, Boxer 22, and the story of one Vietnam MIA, I have scanned and posted the program document. Please use in a respectful manner. The sideways format is not a mistake.  This allows for 8×11 color printing in the correct size. (click upon the page numbers in parenthesis for a normal lower resolution view)

• Danielson-01-08 (front and back covers)
• Danielson-02-03 (pages two and three)
• Danielson-04-05 (pages four and five)
• Danielson-06-07 (pages six and seven)