One of my regular features in this blog is an item called “America Unchained” where I feature a small, independent business in the hopes that we get back to the idea of locally-owned, family businesses that focus on customer service and pride in product.

Strange Brew customers

I was at a travel baseball game Saturday morning in Greenwood and I was jonesing for a cup of coffee.  I used Bing to locate a nearby coffee shop and was really in for a delightful surprise.  The Strange Brew is nearly exactly like the coffee shop I would enjoy visiting in Seymour.

The place had just the right amount of Bohemian flair and a very comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.  I was in a hurry to get back to the ball game and would loved to have just hung out and relaxed for a while. The coffee house had a very eclectic group of customers which is always the hallmark of a good java establishment. Coffee has a way of bringing people together. Our own Constitution was conceived in a coffee house.

The prices were well below the national chain and the ability to customize one’s drinks was a real plus.  They had a few food items on the menu and the blueberry scone that I got was fresh from the oven and loaded with fresh blueberries. I had gone in for just a coffee, but I opted for a latte’ with an extra shot…just what I needed for three games of baseball spread out throughout the day.

I really wish someone would open one like this in Seymour. Between the highway 50 traffic, the Interstate, and local regulars this could be a viable business in the right location.  Strange Brew is located at  4800 West Smith Valley Road in Greenwood. 

When Susie and I rolled up the the concert Saturday night, “Jack and Diane” was being played and I stopped slack-jawed sure that none other than John Mellencamp was making a guest appearance.  In reality, it was none other than Schneck Medical Center’s Andy Hagedorn.

The concert was part of a Leadership Jackson County project to benefit the Starve Hollow Nature Center.  The band is comprised of Andy Hagedorn, Facilities manager at Schneck, Dr. Luyen Le ( surgeon) Dr. Kris Williams (orthopedic surgeon), and Dr. Dave Hartung (family physician). Not only can this group wield a scalpel, but play a really eclectic array of songs equally well.  From Johnny Cash to Black Crows.  Susie and I both commented that the band seemed to be having as much fun as those watching.  Frontman Andy Hagedorn’s self-effacing style and humor added to the fun environment.  He only lost it when extra-large panties were tossed on stage by a group of nurses.

I look forward to seeing more of their venue’s in the future.

One of my regular features in this blog is an item called “America Unchained” where I feature a small, independent business in the hopes that we get back to the idea of locally-owned, family businesses that focus on customer service and pride in product.

An independent blog

Since you are here reading this blog post, do me a favor.  Scroll up and down the page.  Now, scroll from side to side. What’s missing?

Advertising! Yeah, I’m not trying to sell you a thing. If you don’t like what I’m saying you have a right to click  “comment”  and speak your peace. Or simply go on to another site.

At this time more than 60% of the content on the internet is non-commercial. Just like this blog, it is content produced by people like you and I. AND that percentage is growing. People are enjoying this non-commercial material.  Think about the hilarious videos you have seen on YouTube and other video outlets that are funnier than anything on commercial TV.  Hi-Def  or not, crap is crap!

Corporate giants would like to change things. When you are spending time on this blog, for instance, you are not spending time on their commercial sites. You are also getting a mind of your own. Because of the two-way nature of the internet as it is, you can have your say and possibly influence the opinions of others. While I see that as a good thing and in line with Thomas Jefferson’s “Marketplace of Ideas”, telecommunication giants, media companies, software companies are threatened by this lack of control and dwindling share of internet content. They want to change the rules and make the internet more one-way.

Support Net Neutrality. CLICK HERE for more information.

One of my regular features in this blog is an item called “America Unchained” where I feature a small, independent business in the hopes that we get back to the idea of locally-owned, family businesses that focus on customer service and pride in product.

T3 MultiSport at 1343 W. 86th Street on Indy's Northside

After my long ride on Wednesday I headed up to Indy to buy a new 2XU wetsuit that I had tried on last week.

I highly recommend T3 MultiSport for their friendly, competent advice and service. They have a large selection of top-name triathlon equipment, including bikes, wheels, aerobars, wetsuits.(Quintano Roo, Zipp, HED, Cervelo, Easton, 2XU, Colnago….)

Several years ago I made the mistake of ordering a wetsuit online using nothing but the size chart on the website.  The wetsuit was like swimming in a straight-jacket.  Sales Manager Antonia Vivian took the time to fit me correctly and give sound advice about wetsuits in general.  Tons and tons of cool new toys for triathletes as well.

They also have triathlon classes and put  together group rides.  Check out their website at: www.t3multisport.com

T3 MultiSport: Antonia sells properly fitted wetsuit to The Blogger.

One of my regular features in this blog is an item called “America Unchained” where I feature a small, independent business in the hopes that we get back to the idea of locally-owned, family businesses that focus on customer service and pride in product.

Travel in double-decker comfort on Megabus.

I am leaving for the American Library Association Annual Conference this week in Chicago.  Luckily, my brother-in-law told me about Megabus.

From Indianapolis to Chicago tickets are from $15.00 to $21.00 depending on the time of travel.  The double-decker buses are equipped with bathrooms and wi-fi internet service. The trip takes approx. 3 hours, 20 minutes non-stop.

One of the downsides to driving to Chicago are the outrageous parking rates downtown.  Since we are staying downtown at the Wyndham,  we really don’t have need of a car once we get there.  Flying to Chicago takes longer than driving based on my experience. There are convenient times of departure  from Union  Station in Indianapolis throughout the day.  The Megabus arrives at Union Station in Chicago with convenient return times as well.

Megabus operates routes between major cities in the U.S. and Canada, as well as the United Kingdom. Check it out at www.megabus.com

One of my regular features in this blog is an item called “America Unchained” where I feature a small, independent business in the hopes that we get back to the idea of locally-owned, family businesses that focus on customer service and pride in product.

My co-workers at DCS are constantly asking where I get all my weirdo food and beverages.  That an easy one:  Sahara Mart in Bloomington.  I really love this place!!  If it’s edible and unusual, they have it.

Sahara Mart's new Third Street location in Bloomington

One of the downsides of living in a small town is the inability to procure anything other than standard fare.  Since my in-laws live in Bloomington, we either travel there frequently or they come to our house.  This makes our shopping at Sahara Mart easier and convenient.

I really enjoy Koji-cha which is a pan-roasted green tea from Japan. (Koji-cha has a nice malty quality from the roasting and an aquatic finish not unlike licking between the tenticles of a squid.)  Sahara Mart has it. Not only that but hundreds of teas. If you’re in the market for an unusual beer, look no further! Sahara Mart has the world’s largest selection.

World's Largest Beer Selection

I enjoy all the bulk products that provide value and the quantity that you need.  When I found out I had diabetes I quit eating white flour and found a plethora of unusual flours and grains at Sahara Mart. I enjoy teff, which is a grain flour from Ethiopia.  Or quinoa, which is native to South America.  For a change of pace, I tried Taj Mahal a lightly-roasted coffee from India with a complex, earthy quality.

They have an amazing selection of fresh, organic vegetables and fruits. Huge selection of supplements,  green cleaning products, ethnic foods, rare ingredients.

There are now two locations in Bloomington:  on 106 East 2nd Street downtown, and 2611 East Third Street near College Mall.

One of my regular features in this blog is an item called “America Unchained” where I feature a small, independent business in the hopes that we get back to the idea of locally-owned, family businesses that focus on customer service and pride in product.

Cortland Diner on Highway 258

I really enjoy a surprise. The Cortland Grocery used to be owned by some crotchety old turd who wouldn’t even let customers use the restroom.  I purposely didn’t patronize it because of the owner.

Several years ago it was purchased by a new owner and renamed “The Cortland Diner.” With the change in name came more emphasis on prepared food. This is where the surprise comes in. I was pleasantly surprised at the excellent baked goods that are prepared on site.  Great cinnamon rolls, moist flavorful carrot cake, wonderful pies!!!

The food is excellent and prepared to order, not sitting under a heat lamp for days on end. They make a very good tenderloin sandwich ( and I’m choosy about my tenderloin sandwiches).  Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Cortland Diner still carries a variety of grocery items…including live bait so that Cortlanders don’t have to make that trek into town.  Take a trip out to the Greater Cortland Area and enjoy some great food.

One of my regular features in this blog is an item called “America Unchained” where I feature a small, independent business in the hopes that we get back to the idea of locally-owned, family businesses that focus on customer service and pride in product.

Starlite Drive-In off of Highway 37 Bloomington

The Thomas Family was so verklempt that we were not going to be able to participate in the Terre Haute Triathlon on Friday that we needed to do something very special to make up for it.

Starlite Drive-In is just such a cure!  It is right out of the 1950’s.  Last year we drove the Wagoneer over and got in for free because antique cars get in free on some nights. We saw Night in the Musuem with Ben Stiller.

The drive-in is off of Highway 37 on the southwest side of Bloomington. The sound is broadcast via an FM frequency.  We were able to sit in the back with the tailgate up and enjoy the show. It is a special treat worth the drive over to Bloomington.  Go to the drive-in’s website for movies and directions.

Vintage "Refreshments" sign

Chilling out before the flick begins.

One of my regular features in this blog is an item called “America Unchained” where I feature a small, independent business in the hopes that we get back to the idea of locally-owned, family businesses that focus on customer service and pride in product.

Young ice cream aficionados with Mr. Rieger, Kovener's manager and also my elementary school music teacher.

On a scale of 1 to 10 in unchained-ness, Kovener’s Korner is a solid 10.  I have very fond memories of this place as a kid. My family lived on the other end of the block from this establishment.  The chocolate malt soft-serve ice cream has remained unchanged since I had my first cone as a kid.  Delicious!!

Kovener’s doesn’t have an extended menu of choices.  It does a few things, but does them well.  The place is only open in the spring and summer.  It is a favorite stop after baseball games or during the day after swimming at Shield’s Pool. There are picnic tables to sit on and enjoy the ice cream.  First-timers be aware that the picnic tables are communal.  Just because you are sitting at the table doesn’t mean that the whole table is yours.  If there are empty spots someone will sit at them.

Opened in 1949, Kovener’s celebrates 60 years of service this summer.  Stop by and enjoy their signature chocolate malt or other summer treats.

Good things come in small packages.

• Mystery of the Kovener’s Gorilla: In 1986 I was living in Boston, MA and was home during the summer visiting my parents. One evening we were sitting on a neighbor’s front porch and we could see Koevener’s from this vantage point.  All of a sudden, Emma Aikman (our neighbor) yells, “There’s gorillas at Kovener’s!!” Not something we were expecting to hear on a tranquil summer night in southern Indiana.  But, sure enough there were two gorillas at Kovener’s
  

  Kovener's Korner on West 2nd Street in Seymour.

  lurking around the back door.  The neighbors quickly deduced that the gorillas were going to try and steal banana splits. Emma runs inside and calls the police.  Quickly, not one, but two, police cars arrive.  The officers get out grinning from ear to ear. With mock seriousness, the first police officer says, “We need to get to the bottom of this gorilla business.” The second officer says, “they’s prolly tryin’ to steal themselves a ‘nana split.” They bust a gut laughing at their own humor. The neighbors all agree that they saw two gorillas at Kovener’s.  The officers confirm that no one is intoxicated. But alas, the gorillas are long gone.

• The years go by and the story of the Kovener’s Gorillas lives on in the lore of Emerson Drive.  In 1996 I was helping Simply move some stuff in his garage.  After moving a large wardrobe, I see a moldy gorilla costume on the floor of the garage.  I ask about the gorilla costume. Simply starts to tell about he and a friend wearing the costumes to scare some girls at Kovener’s. After ten years the mystery is solved. It was Simply all along.

One of my regular features in this blog is an item called “America Unchained” where I feature a small, independent business in the hopes that we get back to the idea of locally-owned, family businesses that focus on customer service and pride in product.

Look for the Rockford Ridge sign on Highway 11

I was helping simplybrent with his lawn mower today and afterwards we decided to visit Rockford Ridge Drive-In .  It had been a while since I’ve been there, but once I tasted the tenderloin it was like a long-lost friend.  The restaurant has a good selection of traditonal drive-in fare.  AND they come out to the car and take your order and then bring it out. Just like old times!

Craig Zickler, owner/chef created “The Big Cheesy” which is supposed to be the premier burger.  I went instead for my old stand-by the tenderloin.  We also had the potato wedges which were fried to perfection. (Simply denies that Craig created the “The Big Cheesy” because simply had one as a kid.)  I’ll leave that to the blog readers to fight out. The chocolate malts are hand-dipped and excellent. Hoosier food at it’s best.

The drive-in has an eclectic collection of hats, stuffed animals, and license plates nailed to the rafters.  You can find this unchained treasure on Highway 11 north of Seymour next to John Mellencamp’s childhood home.

Rockford Ridge Drive-In's eccentric collection of goodies. (Note my sleek Woodie in the background!)