An Early Intervention
What a beautiful sight… filled with hope and inspiration. It signals beginnings and the promise of great things to come in the new day. I’m talking of course about the sunrise, that one thing, along with death and taxes, that we can actually count on. The sun rose yesterday, it may have already risen today, and I’m pretty sure it’s going to rise again tomorrow. You’ve probably seen one, haven’t you?
Here is where we reach out to the sunrise whisperer… Bugsy Sailor. Are you familiar with Bugsy, and his “problem?” If not… here it is. Bugsy Sailor, for a reason known only to him, has photographed the last one thousand five hundred and thirty-six sunrises, not counting today. 1,536. Enough already! That’s more than four years of ignoring the snooze button and trudging out, regardless of the weather, to photographically document something that some would suggest… when you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.
I’m sure you disagree with that, Bugsy, but let’s get real here. Your obsession with sunrises, and your need to record them for posterity, should come to an end, now. I’m guessing you’ve considered trying to break your habit, but out of some sense of loyalty, or commitment, or not wanting to be called a quitter, you’ve persevered.
We, your friends, are here to help. Okay… maybe it’s just me, but doggone it Bugsy, it’s time. You have more than fifteen hundred sunrises in your cache. How many more do you need? All of them, forever? If you’re doing this for us, that’s commendable. But seriously, we’re good.
Here’s what we want you to do. Tonight, when you get in bed, don’t set that alarm. To paraphrase an old slogan… just don’t do it. When you awaken, rested and ready to face the real challenges of the day, you’ll feel a freedom that’s been absent from your life since the last decade. The sunrise will no longer be your master.
If you don’t have the stomach to cold turkey it, here’s an idea. How about sunsets? They look a lot like sunrises. In fact, the photo above is that of a sunset. It’s not so bad, is it Bugsy? And whoever took that picture didn’t have to get up and out at some ungodly hour that should be known only to farmers and snowplow drivers.
Again… we’re here only because we care about you, and your well-being. If you quit today, we won’t think any less of you. We won’t! And you’ll still have all those photos you’ve already taken.
Look, far be it from me to get involved in someone else’s life. This isn’t an advice column, it’s an opinion column, and the opinion here is that it’s time to acknowledge your problem and deal with it. This isn’t a twelve-step program. It’s a one-step program. STOP TAKING THE DAMN SUNRISE PHOTOS!
Sorry to get rough with you, but sometimes interventions get ugly.
We’ll finish here, Bugsy, and note that tomorrow morning the sun is going to rise, whether you’re there to photograph it or not. So picture this. You, in bed, NOT rising with the sun.
On the other hand, if this intervention doesn’t work, we’ll gladly look forward to photo #1,537. And many more. 🙂
Marquette Mountain Update
A couple weeks ago I wrote about Marquette Mountain and the concerns of some of the regulars about current management and operation.
Well… maybe the folks out there heard those voices because here is what they posted on their Facebook page earlier this week: “As part of our 65th season celebration and due to this year’s great snow coverage, we’re extending ski operations with expanded hours. Additionally, weekday tickets will be discounted!”
Also, in my subsequent communication with owner Eric Jorgensen, he stressed that he understands their skiers’ passion, and their frustrations. He added… “Anyone, at any time, can come to myself or Kaet with questions, providing a candid conversation.”
I don’t think that’s lip service. I think those are the words of a guy who’s already invested a considerable sum into previously neglected infrastructure, and has a clear vision for what he hopes Marquette Mountain will soon become. Changes and improvements to a major ski resort don’t happen overnight. The good news is, I think Eric has the same passion he sees in his patrons. That’s gotta count for something.
This weekend, starting tonight, is their annual Spring Carnival. Like everything else in the ski industry, if the weather cooperates, you might want to join the celebration.
Curling… and More
As we enjoy Marquette’s new skyline, the one without the hideous power plant smokestacks, we envision what the vacant Shiras Power Plant property on South Lake Street can become.
The Board of Light and Power has control over most of that plot, and they’ve let the community know… they’re open to redevelopment ideas.
Well, one local enthusiast has an idea, and he just might be ambitious enough to get it done. Barry Greenleaf’s vision is to respond to the needs of the curling culture with a new facility designed to address the burgeoning interest in this niche sport.
“All similar projects begin as dreams, brought to fruition by a group, or groups of folks dedicated to the cause. We are in the early planning stage, which includes developing concrete plans,” Greenleaf said.
Curling? Is it really becoming that popular? Well, if you’d have asked me three years ago about the pickleball craze, I would have said… “What’s pickleball?” And in case you don’t know, it’s currently being called the “fastest growing sport in America.” On the other hand, curling already has a considerable following, and not just during its Olympic TV coverage.
Speaking of pickleball, Greenleaf says, to the delight of area enthusiasts, that can be a part of the new facility as well. Depending on the interest of other sportsters, he sees the potential to accommodate a number of other activities. “Either a standalone Curling facility or a sports complex including indoor facilities for Curling, Golf Driving Range, Soccer, Tennis, Pickleball and Batting Cages.”
This is a long way from becoming a reality, but as Greenleaf suggests, you’ve got to start somewhere. The BLP will have the final say, but with the area’s fondness for recreation, I wouldn’t be surprised to see that spot become a year ‘round destination, for curling… and more.