I'm just gonna say it, the best Coffee Shop in Willmar, Mn has got to be Dunn Bros. Now don't get me wrong, I'm a home-grown boy and I love to support the local businesses, but since a couple years ago when I discovered Dunn Bros in the cities, I fell in love. Last year, when they had reached out into Willmar, Mn, I knew it was going to be too hard for me to withstand the aroma of oh so tasty, freshly-roasted coffee. The actual setup of the coffee shop is pretty basic. It's got kind of a big-city in-out feel, but it still has a wonderful atmosphere to sit and enjoy yourself for a while. I like the fact that the place is opened up a bit so it feels like you have some room to stretch out.
While this is all fine and dandy, I must say, the kicker for me is the fact that they roast their own coffee beans. A lot of times, it's kind of hit-or-miss with a few Coffee Shops, as you don't really know when the beans were roasted. Dunn Bros. Is very open about this. If you pick up a bag, the roast date is marked on it in plain black permanent marker. I've yet to see a bag older than probably four days. I believe it's simply because they can control the amount they set out, due to the fact that they can run custom sized batches since their roaster is in the coffee shop, right here in Willmar, Mn (which makes an awesome aroma, by the way). Also, I believe the turn-around for selling the beans is great, as they are very delicious.
So hey, next time you are in Willmar (or in the Cities, or really, they trail down central states), make sure to swing in and grab a cup, you won't be disappointed! Also, sign up to their newsletter, they'll give you a complimentary cup of coffee if you do. They'll also send you assorted coupons every couple of weeks.
posted at 3/29/2008
posted at 3/28/2008
As most of you know, I've had a disposition with Social Networks for roughly three years. In the past, I have quit Myspace twice and have accused Social Networks for the advancement of social retardation, shallow friendships and a whole heck of a lot of incriminating photos. You can honestly know everything about everyone at all times and ironically, nobody really cares about this and actually, in turn, wholeheartedly accepts it.
Well, despite these things, I have decided to run a few experiments. I am going to try and create more of business like image of myself on Facebook, and if that works, eventually MySpace (though low priority). In all reality it can't be too bad of an idea. Eventually everyone my age will be in the work force and yet, still on these networks. I'd only assume for a lot of my "era", Facebook will be a fairly tangible harbor of potential business. All the needed information is there. You can basically make your facebook page a portfolio containing information such as where you went to school, where you worked, what your skill set is, examples of your work and a list of references. Mix that in with a little interaction and you could probably find yourself with a couple new business partners and a handful of clients. Unfortunately, however, if you were a little wild in your college years, you may have to do a little cleanup in order to look presentable.
Lets think about it a little more. Microsoft paid $240 million in order to get a simple 1.6 percent stake in the $15 billion dollar company, Facebook. Don't tell me Social Networks are useless if Microsoft is dropping the top dollar for a little bite. There must be some form of money in there and doggonit, I wanna find it.
So take it as it is. I'm going to try for a more "professional" venture and see who I can meet from there.
posted at 3/13/2008