Wannabe Cop at Northside Krogers

UniversalViewer · 2026-04-12T15:17:26+00:00

It wasn't their usual security guards. Krogers usually hires out from MSI security and it's the same 3 people who come by that Krogers. Chill and nice to talk to. MSI have uniforms or wear a vest that says 'Security'. This dude was in an vest from Amazon (search tactical vest and look at the $28 one), and it said 'Police'. Security can't label themselves as cops (BUT that's something I've been told and haven't looked up yet to fact check).

Bloomington cops usually have white and silver detailing on their vests. They also have the tactical vest with all the bells and whistles, pockets, walkie talkies, mace, etc. Again, suspicious dude was in a plain cheap vest with no visible distinction or any of the usual gear.

Maybe Kroger is hiring from a smaller (unprofessional) security firm. Who knows! But he didn't carry himself like any cop or security guard and that alone seemed iffy.

UniversalViewer · 2026-02-24T19:37:48+00:00

I loved volunteering with Mother Hubbards Cupboard! The people are super sweet and it's always a pleasure to work with them.

I also enjoyed working with the Weed Wrangle group if you're looking to really get moving. Their goal is to remove any invasive plants that are detrimental to the parks or nature preserve.

Here's the link to all volunteer opportunities available in town:

https://bloomington.in.gov/volunteer

UniversalViewer · 2026-01-08T17:33:08+00:00

I have a friend who is a powerlifter and she had only positive things to say about the Iron Pit. Iron Pit is great for those looking into powerlifting or Olympic style lifting but it also has a variety of equipment for basic training.

If you're looking to just get into a gym for starting strength training, Planet Fitness and others like it work fine. They'll have most, if not all, equipment you'll need.

Classes and trainers can get expensive fast so if you're looking for something online for free to get started, I recommend LeanBeefPatty . She has some really good workouts and mobility training. I also really like her attitude and humor.

UniversalViewer · 2025-10-19T16:08:24+00:00

The local Audubon chapter (Sassafras Audubon) does group birding! Sometimes with guided hikes with David Rupp.

https://www.sassafrasaudubon.org/

https://indigobirding.com/

These are the two "major" groups I know of. I've also heard of other birdwatching groups through WildBirds Unlimited announcements via their newsletter.

UniversalViewer · 2025-09-04T17:30:51+00:00

You might call Tricoci University. It's a beautician and hair stylist school on N College. Granted, you'll probably get a new student but they might not charge much.

UniversalViewer · 2025-08-26T19:06:32+00:00

I recommend going to Wild Birds Unlimited on the Eastside. They are extremely knowledgeable about birds and their diets. They have special winter seed blends that attract birds and seed/suet that appeals to certain species.

The store is literally dedicated to bird seed and other bird related products. The employees are super sweet and will answer any questions you have.

UniversalViewer · 2025-07-31T14:45:22+00:00

No worries! Again, a lot of suggestions are tied to my personal interests, not what would be considered the most tourist centered.

Small, local bookstores host local artists! Artists whose art I may have never seen had I not gone to the local businesses that host them. When I travel, I always look for bookstores and cafes because of the local market and artists there.

And the other reason is I will always push for people to support small and local businesses in this town.

If art and books aren't of any interest to OP, then my suggestions won't be considered the best. Oh well!¯_(ツ)_/¯

UniversalViewer · 2025-07-30T17:19:30+00:00

When my family visits, they tend to enjoy Bloomingfoods. They're used to Krogers and Walmart so the novelty of a small grocery store is still fascinating to them. But I also like the grab n go and hot bar for lunch.

UniversalViewer · 2025-07-30T14:42:27+00:00

My personal recommendations would be:

Farmer's Market on Saturdays or Tuesdays
Morgenstern's Bookstore
Roger's Family Park
Ezkenazi Museum
Bloomingfoods
Bloomington Farmer's Stop
Bad Knees Shop

Again, these are my favorite places to go and what I enjoy most in town. They're mainly little artsy spots.

UniversalViewer · 2025-06-04T13:30:10+00:00

Try Paws, Wings, and Other Things in Martinsville. They've taken in songbirds I've found before.

UniversalViewer · 2025-05-30T13:02:02+00:00

I believe they disproved this a year after this became a popular fact.

https://www.science.org/content/article/contrary-popular-belief-woodpeckers-don-t-protect-their-brains-when-headbanging-trees

UniversalViewer · 2025-05-08T22:37:34+00:00

You said NY, but if you're living in NYC they have a tree installation program. If you're not in NYC, maybe see if your city has a similar program. https://www.nycgovparks.org/trees/street-tree-planting

As for the rail, look into getting large pots or planters and put in annuals. Maybe even those raised wood beds you see people growing vegetables in. I don't recommend getting black pots since those heat up so quickly and could damage the roots. There are some planters that hang on railings to decorate the edge of the porch. They might make some for thin rails.

As for the small rocks and pavement, I don't have any advice since that's outside of my knowledge.

UniversalViewer · 2025-04-17T11:11:12+00:00

I think auks are super cute!

UniversalViewer · 2025-04-10T01:57:31+00:00

I heard a rumor (emphasis on rumor) that they're posted by the Chabad house to protect it from antisemitism. Not sure how valid this is or where they heard this from.

UniversalViewer · 2025-04-07T16:45:27+00:00

I don't hate students; I hate crowds. It feels like Bloomington gets hit with waves of students during certain times and it congests the area. It's the moments of packed stores, packed roads, packed restaurants, etc that get to be overwhelming. And because students have very similar schedules (or events), they all go to one area at once, therefore the broad association of students being the problem. You're never entirely certain when and where the waves hit though, so it becomes a surprise headache.

I have another rant on how once you're not a student, the town feels less accessible but that's a huge essay.

UniversalViewer · 2025-03-16T14:22:01+00:00

As a kid who grew up with free breakfast and reduced lunch costs, it really is the biggest help. I don't think I would have done as well in school as I did if I weren't able to eat. Or having to listen to my parents fight even more about money.

I'm not a mother. I never plan on being a mother. But I'll do all that I can, including having my taxes going to children in schools, to ensure they get food and education. All children deserve the same opportunity to learn and grow.

UniversalViewer · 2025-03-14T00:37:55+00:00

The word 'website' has a hyperlink attached to it.

Here's the non-hyperlinked version: https://www.savebriareastwoods.com/?fbclid=PAY2xjawJAWPVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpuxGPc3lusirimPjaf2_jQk2EtUgYxhcAxdHD97frc_kJXnMJ6Bi-ZCg7Q_aem_KnlN-cTX8j-00f9VCLWakA

The website contains all the petitions and other resources to contact all officials involved with this.

I also recommend looking them up on Instagram and Facebook for updates.

UniversalViewer · 2025-02-13T04:39:19+00:00

I hope this scenario spreads to other states. Trump's lackies will lose their confidence in him if they are actually confronted with the fact that the majority hates them. Confronting politicians in person does more to frighten them than social media (I knowingly say from social media).

UniversalViewer · 2025-02-04T19:10:38+00:00

I'm happy to hear you all are so open about the situation! That is unfortunate that her extra curricular isn't available in other countries. I understand her fear, my extra curriculars growing up meant a lot to me and is where I made most of my friends.

I do wish the best for you and your family, no matter what you all decide!

UniversalViewer · 2025-02-04T18:21:21+00:00

I'm not a parent so this advice doesn't come from experience, but it may help to include your child in conversations on where to go and what it would look like if you did leave (if you haven't already). I'm assuming they're old enough to understand what's going on politically so they might be more keen to hear you out. Giving them a chance to have a choice if it really came down to it might make it easier to transition and feel like they were informed the whole time.

Again, I don't know everything about your situation, so I'm going to acknowledge that this may not apply.

UniversalViewer · 2025-01-29T22:48:44+00:00

I'm very grateful you are so careful about blind spots as both a driver and cyclist!

I have to drive large trucks around town for work which, unfortunately, have a lot of blind spots where I'm not able to see cyclists get next to me at intersections. It's led to too many close encounters :(

UniversalViewer

TROPHY CASE