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January 8, 2009 • (888) 331-1033
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Wireless Internet service in the great outdoors? Like illegal drugs, just say no.
Itasca State Park became the first state or federal park facility in Minnesota to offer wireless Internet service when it was launched in May.
The experiment was prompted by slumping park attendance and the knowledge that fewer people are enjoying the great outdoors.
But we think there are better ways to draw people to parks and other wild places than by offering a way to stay connected to the work-a-day world. How about reminding people of what it’s like to wake up to the call of the loon or to fall asleep hearing the lapping of the water outside your tent?
Will there be a day that visitors to Voyageurs National Park can load their boats with fishing and camping gear, as well as laptops to check emails and get caught up on the latest news? We hope not.
Certainly the Internet plays an important role in people’s lives. Many people rely on the Internet at work and at home for a variety of valuable uses. But connecting to the Internet, for some people, seems like an addiction. We wonder if the further they get away from its access if they get the shakes and turn pale — jonesing for an Internet fix. Maybe it’s time to reel in that need for a time and force people to go without their fix.
The idea of “getting away from it all” during a camping vacation should include getting away from the computer, Internet, and the connection to the regular, day-to-day world.
Maybe the best way to get more people in the outdoors is to teach them the joys of that experience at a young age. Parents ought to choose to play outside with their children when possible, instead of coming home from work and plugging in to the Internet or even television. Children learn by the choices their parents make.
Offering Internet service from motels, restaraunts and visitors centers is fine. But extending that service into the woods and forests defeats the purpose of our parks.
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That's brilliant. Why not...
Back to page topThat's brilliant. Why not put a sign on the edge of town telling tourists they're not welcome?
Welcome to 2008. The Internet and cell phones are here to stay. I can stay at the municipal campground in Grand Marais and have cable TV if I choose.
Itasca State Park offers offers more to tourists than all of the American side of Rainy Lake. You locals are so territorial that only the your families and the more affluent show up.
You should rethink this editorial. Anything that brings people to your city should be encouraged. I'd bet that 100s of travelers would come to Rainy Lake if there was a decent campground with access to the lake. Not everyone wants to stay in a tired cabin or motel that is the best the Falls has to offer.
This editorial has been one...
Back to page topThis editorial has been one of the most ridiculous ones I have ever read. Why in the name of heaven would you want ot "force" people to do anything? I just can't believe that you would even think of something so outlandishly stupid. Why would you even think of controlling how someone should spend their vacation or raise their children? I think they know what choices to make for the betterment of their family without you telling them how they should do it. Do you know what each family has going on or should they also fill out form for you to go over as to letting them in or not? I think families have done some research as to what a National Park has to offer or not. Does a person have to be addicted to the internet to choose to use it while on vacation? I think not. If it's there to use let the people opt to use it or not. That's just what our area needs is more rules and restrictions.Just can't believe the small town narrow minded thinking of this editorial.
The Daily Journal should...
Back to page topThe Daily Journal should stick to "trying" to report the local news and provide "editorial opinions" on local issues. Something it currently does with only limited success to start with. Please don't attempt to tell us what we should or should not do or want. Opinions and news stories regarding anything outside of Koochiching County and maybe I'Fall's sister city across the river are way...WAY out of your league.
It's obvious that the Daily...
Back to page topIt's obvious that the Daily Journal occasionally allows the cleaning crew to write an editorial piece. Although I agree with the premise of the writer's opinion, the context of their argument is not very applicable to the issue of the VNP having wireless availability. I certainly don't believe some kayaker is going to lug their laptop in their backback so that they can "log on" when they set up at one of the "FEW" campsites this farce of a Park has been able to set up in over thirty years. One concern I would have is the cost to the taxpayers -vs- the limited use by the few people who visit this wonderful "empty" space. Maybe Rocky and Bullwinkle will want to enjoy some quiet blogging, once the few park visitors have left for the season.
The only reason I'd want...
Back to page topThe only reason I'd want internet available would be to check weather conditions. An ipod touch is small enough to stuff into a shirt pocket and connects to wi-fi.
As far as this editorial. Well isn't VNP a local concern? Why can't the DJ write an editorial about it? BTW an editorial, according to wiki is : "The editorial page of a newspaper is not about news. It is about personal views. Articles appearing on a newspaper's editorial pages represent the views of the newspaper's editor and/or it's editorial board." No one says you have to agree with it, or read it.
The nice part about...
Back to page topThe nice part about editorials is that they are like these blog postings: something we can agree or disagree with. In the case of roj, always; with doorsman, sometimes; anton, rarely. In this case I disagree with Laurel largely because I see the parties loading up at Northernaire for the multi-family weeklong trip into the VNP. I am overjoyed that they come and recognize that they are often professionals from urban locations. A WiFied computer on a houseboat makes all the sense in the world to me. A year ago, when I was sitting in my medieval castle using WiFi to make daily contact with my world of work and my world of blog, I was pleased that someone had the foresight to see that a castle needs the network just as much as it needs hot water. In fact, I used the hot water argument in a hotel in Italy that wanted to charge me an extra $20 for the internet. I don't think they got it, but I was using my editorial voice, acting like I could use logic to persuade them of my firmly held opinion. That's an illusion, of course. Few of us are moderating our opinions as a result of what we read in these postings. In fact, we seem to be more entrenched than ever. Or we just leave, like 04 did.
So Laurel, I disagree, but keep up the good work.
I will stay on topic here....
Back to page topI will stay on topic here. I know it is a very difficult task for some on here to do. My issue with this editorial is having a news source telling their readers what they should or should not do. I read many papers, watch many news channels and do my own research on topics of interest to me. I don't expect everyone or anyone to agree with an opinion that I may have about any given subject. I also realize it is not realistic for a paper or news source to remain 100% neutral; however I do have an expectation that those biases would be slightly more covert. The issue I raise is not about internet in a state park (or national park which for some strange reason was inserted into this author's argument). The issue is providing an editorial opinion without telling the reader what they should or shouldn't do. We readers can make our own decision as to whether or not we agree with a newspaper editor’s opinion.
Oh Delta Blue, please try to...
Back to page topOh Delta Blue, please try to "lighten up" and have some fun. It didn't take much effort to read between the lines of the DJ Staff editorial, and see what idea they were trying to express. I believe they were trying to imply that it is only a matter of time before the "digital Wifi revolution" encroaches upon the almighty VNP!! But as TLJ so adeptly explained, the virtues of Wifi within the VNP do have some redeeming qualities. Who would have thought "way back in the 1960's" that you could have a generator at your cabin, with direct TV, and watch the Twins "live", while you fry fresh caught walleye. If you mentioned that, they would have thought you were from Mars or Washington D.C.!! I do have to wonder sometimes how we were able to spend months during the summer up on Rainy Lake, with nothing but a fishing rod and a stick to keep us entertained. And if you were lucky, you could pick up CFOB on the radio, and listen to the "message period". Even at that young age, roj could throw a monkey wrench in some of the "well intended" messages to the "Island Dwellers". Oh Delta, there I go again, digressing on "your dime"!! What's wrong with us having a little "lattitude" in our blog entries. Does every thing now a days, have to be "right on the mark", or can we have a little fun on here?? Sure, we could hop on over to the chat room and go at it, but why not throw in a little "home town" chit chat, while we are making a point or two??
TLJ, Me, moderate my...
Back to page topTLJ,
Me, moderate my opinion?? I think you will see me vote for Obama before that happens!! I love how your blog entries always have a "dig or two" aimed at me!! Just when I think you don't care, you throw an extra one my way! Keep it coming, I'm tough like President-elect McCain!! Thanks for reminding me of the "garbage skows" (houseboats), needing the internet. Heaven knows they need to watch their stocks plummet!! (mine did last month). By the way, enquiring minds want to know; who won the $20.00 Wifi war, you or the Italians?? Your's truly entrenched, roj!!!!
roj. If I thought you...
Back to page toproj. If I thought you couldn't take it or didn't need it, I would quit. For instance, calling houseboats "garbage scows" is your jab to me. I know that. You'd rather see some guy in a twelve year-old pick up drop in a thirty-year old 14-footer and fish all day eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and bruised bananas out there on the lake. The kind of guy who has figured out exactly how to save his money but never got around to figuring out how to spend it. I like those stock-holding executives who fly up to the Falls and spend money on groceries, minnows, gas, houseboats, and even fishing equipment. Their kids are the ones that get hooked into this great place and come up here for the rest of their lives [driving up land values and paying taxes on services they will likely never need].. The guy in the Crestliner has a batch of kids who grew to hate the place because Dad was too cheap to have a good time. So they all moved up to the Cities. For good.
So I say, WiFi. And in Italy, I walked out the four-star hotel and into the two-star across the street and wified my little heart out. And you probably replied in kind.
What do we envision (fear)...
Back to page topWhat do we envision (fear) here? A 200' tower with flying saucer above Bushy Head Island?
Who thinks the Park Service would actually offer this as a "free service"?
So far they can't execute the technology needed to have a web cam at any visitor center or even a blog to give a little day to day commentary on what's going on in the park.
If some entrepreneurial concessionaire wants to invest in NPS approved WiFi transmitters (I'd vote for the return of 40' plastic voyageurs) more power and best wishes to the person making the investment.
When it gets down to...
Back to page topWhen it gets down to practical details like towers and concessionaires, it doesn't seems like such a great idea. As I was enjoying breakfast today at Thunderbird, I was amazed as I am everytime by the incredible view eastwards out of that dining room. I was discussing with my brother the incredible amount of new building along the shores of Rainy and the fact that there is very little commercial infrastructure between the Falls and Dove Island except for the Loon's Nest and One Stop. Every once in a while there is a rumor about some hotel chain arriving in Ranier or some grocery store. But the rumors subside. So WiFi is like that hotel chain in Ranier -- nice to discuss but unlikely to come to fruition in our times here.
The black bean omelet at...
Back to page topThe black bean omelet at Thunderbird is a definite winner, by the way. Any other dining recommendations in International Falls?
The blueberry pancake at...
Back to page topThe blueberry pancake at Grandma's Pantry always hits the spot.
Blueberry pancakes anywhere...
Back to page topBlueberry pancakes anywhere hit the spot but I will try them at Grandma's. There won't be many local blueberries in their mix this summer, however.
So, paradox. I am taking a guess based on a suggestion: were you once a cub scout? Just me trying to make connections in this world of anonymous conversations. I got the disease from roj.
I went to six den meetings....
Back to page topI went to six den meetings. In those six meetings we did not go outside once. The final straw was when I attended my sixth meeting and we made muffins.
Yes, but were they blueberry...
Back to page topYes, but were they blueberry muffins or the kind that come out of the box?
I heard you can get a great...
Back to page topI heard you can get a great fried chicken dinner, somewhere on Stop Island. They say the chicken is very good, but contains, too many "left wings" (rumor has it).
If you want great homemade...
Back to page topIf you want great homemade food Nothing out of the box or can Sandy's Place can't be beat.
How about spicy or ethnic...
Back to page topHow about spicy or ethnic food? If I want walleye, that is one thing. But if I want pesto or Vietnamese, is there a good place to go? Need to know before my next birthday dinner on August 14.
Out on Stop Island, they eat New York Strip and Italian spaghetti made from scratch. Both used to be bettter before Lucca's closed, however.
TLJ, The menu on Stop...
Back to page topTLJ,
The menu on Stop Island sounds great!! I am currently in NYC, staying at E 54th & Park Avenue (long way from Rainy Lake). Plan on getting some "spicy and ethnic" food this weekend. Had great authentic Italian food last night. Concur with Lucca's comment. Sure miss the beef jerky! Don't get the Aug 14th Bday dinner though?? Who's turn is it now. Or is that when the Dem's start their convention to nominate "the Man"! Sure is quiet here in NYC without the big Anchors tailing Obama. Did see Keith "Hitler" Oberman doing his show last night. Had him in my sights, when he turned and have me the "once over"! I think he thought I was from "the factor"!! Oh well, have fun in God's Country, while I bake here in the 95 degree heat of the concrete jungle.
Before I left to come into...
Back to page topBefore I left to come into the library internet, I put the first level of split pea soup into the slow cooker and it will cook while the dog sleeps.
This is the first day of the third week of July, traditionally the warmest week of the year. I go into the water everyday but must admit that I haven't really thought about swimming yet as the water is still quite cool. Of course, my wife from Michigan swims around the "thumb" of Stop every afternoon with my son from Chicago. My protective layer clearly isn't working the way theirs are.
Enjoy New York City; enjoy Keith Olberman. You did get your media labels a bit off, however. Hitler has inked a long term contract with Rupert Murdoch and the fine folks over at Fox; it is Karl Marx who is working over at NBC. Now that Tim Russert is gone, he will be handling the Sunday news shows as he has no other compelling Sunday responsibilities. And go to Yankee Stadium. I'm sure glad the Steinbrenners aren't Italian as I rather appreciate the fact that the outdated Colosseum is still allowed to have a place in the Eternal City. [That would make NYC the Temporary City, I guess].
One time, in band...
Back to page topOne time, in band camp...
...I was in New York at the internet libray and it was very hot cause it was the begining of summer. I wanted to watch the news but this guy died and so I didn't. I went to see Yankee Stadium because I heard karl Marx was coooking pea soup. But instead I got some beef jerky because I figured, why not? I'm in god's country! Shortly after I left the stadium I found myself in the Italian part of twon eating Vietnamese. It was really good. But alass I had to Stop on Long Island before I ventured any further. I had heard they had better breakfast then a little place I knew from home. Trust me, all the years it took me to get my Bobcat Pin in the Boy Scouts I always wanted that blueberry muffin recipe. Try as I may Grandma would never share it. So I went down the street and found this great little place that served up a wonderful bean omlet. It was SOOOO Great! I was able to check my email wile this really...really...annoying woman did nothing but complain in the local paper about trailer houses and apartment buildings. Then I went home.