For businesses, the introduction of the new triple bottom line represents both a challenge and an unprecedented opportunity. Not sure what we mean? The Triple Bottom Line is this: the concept of creating a new three-part business model to create a sustainable business operation.

The three P’s of this model are:

People (Social Well Being & Equity) — Recent studies have shown a dramatic increase in the value employees (young and old alike) place in working for organizations that promote the well being and equity of their work force, along with a commitment to the community and environmental stewardship efforts that work toward the common good.

Planet (Environmental Protection & Resource Conservation) — Many companies are amending existing or creating new Mission, Vision & Values policies that adopt a commitment to the education and awareness of sustainable business practices and products.

Profit (Economic Prosperity & Continuity) — Business survival in our society is determined by a company’s ability to turn a profit. Innovative companies are adjusting to the changing economies and global challenges by adjusting their operations to satisfy both their shareholders and stakeholders.

— JEFF

Ashley Hinson, 25, Cedar Rapids
Anchor @ KCRG-TV9

Jules Bakery
Maybe you’re having a craving for a home baked cookie. Or perhaps you need a gourmet birthday cake for your husband at the last minute. No matter what the scenario, the baked goodies at Jules are sure to please! They are always willing to help you find exactly what you need to satisfy that sweet tooth. My favorite cake? The Ascot. Champagne cake, strawberry filling and chocolate ganache. YUM.
Jules Bakery
3201 Armar Drive, Marion
http://www.julesbakery.com/

Vinos Ristorante and RG Books
I love Italian food. I love great wine. And I love good company. Vino’s Ristorante and RG Books Lounge is the best three-fer in town. From the moment you walk in, the staff treats you like family. Whether you’re just wanting to grab a quick cocktail before heading off to the symphony or you want to settle down for a night of chatter with friends, the comfortable atmosphere delivers fantastic ambience. Comfy couches, a beautiful marble bar and, of course, books all around, make you feel like you’re in a city much bigger than Cedar Rapids.
Vinos Ristorante/RG Books Lounge
Town and Country Shopping Center, 3611 First Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids
http://www.vinosristorante.com/

1st Avenue Wine House
I consider myself somewhat of a wine connoisseur, and the 1st Avenue Wine House is a wine lover’s delight. Ron and Traci Weber, who run the place, make regular trips out to Napa, not to mention other wine rich regions around the world. My favorite is grabbing a gourmet cheese out of their fridge and having them recommend a wine to go along. Never had a bad recommendation!
1st Avenue Wine house
3412 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids
http://www.firstavenuewinehouse.com/

St. Andrews Golf Club
I realized pretty quickly I’d never see my husband unless I learned to golf, and now I’m hooked. I love the course at St. Andrews (it’s public!). It’s challenging, but you can go slow and learn while playing with seasoned pros. The guys in the pro shop are so friendly, and the old-timers are always glad to give you a couple of tips for hitting the green. The driving range is huge, meaning even if it’s busy you can find a place to hit some balls. Plus, I get to show off my golf wardrobe!
St. Andrews Golf Club
1866 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids
http://www.standrewsiowa.com/

Sugar Bottom Recreational Trails
When the weather warms up, I love to hit up the off-road trails for biking at Sugar Bottom. You can truly relax, get a great workout and spend some time in the best nature has to offer. If you’re like me and you’re not that skilled on a mountain bike, they’ve got easy trails that don’t make you feel out of control. After you get done biking, you can take a dip in the water. It’s right there at the edge of the park.
Sugar Bottom Recreational Trails
Near North Liberty on Coralville Lake
http://www.icorrmtb.org/icorr/

Cody Haeffner, 28, Cedar Rapids
General Manager/Cook @ Gringos
Cory Fritz, 27, Cedar Rapids
Manager/Cook @ Gringos

Your roles seem to interchange. How you keep track of who is where during a “rush?”
Cory: There’s always one of us on the floor and one of us in the

Cory Haeffner, manager, and Cody Fritz, general manager at Gringo

back. You have to be able to look at the situation and know things could change in an instant, but we’re used to it, and we have it down to an effective system.
Cody: Our whole staff, including kitchen, have been with us for quite awhile. We all know what it takes to work. Being on the floor is being in the nerve center of it all, easy access to handling any situations that could come up.

Cody: It’s been great to see so many things come back, and our hope is it keeps coming. We made the decision to rebuild downtown after the flood because of the potential and the fact that we know how to capitalize on what happens around us. The events are a great way to bring in people who have never been to Gringos.

A lot of your business comes from those attending downtown events. Are you ready for summer?

What are you most proud of in your time with Gringos?
Cory: The fact that I’ve learned so much about the dynamics of a restaurant and that I’ve been able to grow here. I started out washing dishes and am happy where I’ve been able to go since.
Cody: I am proud to be able to support my family from my work here. There’s great stability, yet we’re having fun. Best of both worlds.

Your most popular dish is the Seafood Enchilada. What’s its story?
Chris’ (owner, Chris Burhans) dad was a traveling musician and when he retired he brought back all of his favorite recipes he picked up on the road. The Seafood Enchilada was one of them. It’s definitely a staple menu item.

- Quinn

Jamie is 3rd from the right.

The soundtrack of my childhood included some unusual artists: The Clancy Brothers, The Irish Rovers. Being Irish is part of me. I was raised to be proud of where my family came from. My grandfather emigrated in the early 20th century, and on the other side, my family came from Ireland in the 1880s.

The family room was filled with vinyl albums, which, in turn, were filled with Irish songs: some traditional, some political, some a bit of both. At night, my father would sing them to my brother and I as we got ready for bed.

I took those songs to heart. By the time I was in high school, I was rediscovering the collection of Irish music, and adding to it.

Last May, a dozen of us went to Ireland. For some, it was the first trip, others of us had been there before. We loved it. My little brother and sister were raised on the same songs, and they were thrilled to see people performing them live, not for people who were fascinated by the Irish, but for people who actually were Irish.

But there’s more there than the music. We were stunned over and over again at how gorgeous it is.

One day, we took a 45-minute boat ride to Skellig Michael, a tiny rock where, for 600 years monks eked out an existence. We visited the forge where my great-great-grandfather learned to be a blacksmith - today it’s a garage in a little town an hour outside of Dublin. We spent a day in Dublin, and walked the same streets James Joyce, one of my favorite authors, did during his formative years.

In Kinsale, my brother got chased off someone’s property while looking for the spot King James II fled from in 1690 – but that’s a story for another time, perhaps.

I’ve never done much for St. Patrick’s Day. Maybe I’d go to a concert, or watch my younger siblings march in a parade, but usually nothing.

My grandfather didn’t like St. Patrick’s Day. He said he was Irish the rest of the year, too, and he didn’t like people using his heritage as an excuse to get drunk.

I understand where he was coming from, but I have a hard time faulting anyone for being happy to be Irish, even if it’s for one day a year.

After all, if he hadn’t been so proud of it, the rest of us wouldn’t be that way today.

So next week, I probably won’t be at the bars – though if I do go, I’ll probably know all the words to the songs the bands play.

 Mariah Hurley, 32, Cedar Rapids

 Singl. eView Rate Implementation Analyst @ Verizon Business

Running Wild
1801 Second Street, Coralville
1950 Dodge Rd NE, Cedar Rapids
www.runningwild-iowa.com
This store has two locations, one in Cedar Rapids and the other in Coralville. Forget going to a big chain store, where many of them don’t know much about runner’s needs. Running Wild is staffed with shoe fitting specialists who will analyze your gait to determine the best shoe for you. Since all of the employees are runners, they can also give you advice on any problems you’re having or about training for future races.

Trails
Black Hawk to Linn County
www.inhf.org/iowatrails/cvnt-intro.htm
The Cedar Valley Nature Trail offers miles of entertainment for any runner. The trail stretches almost 52 miles throughout Black Hawk, Buchanan, Benton and Linn counties. There are several conveniently located trail heads and the trail is mostly asphalt, but there are some stretches with crushed limestone. If you begin at the Hiawatha trailhead, you’ll note the mile markers begin at one. This is particularly useful if you don’t own a Garmin, but want to track your miles. Living in Cedar Rapids for the last six years, I think I’ve explored just about every bit of the trail in the nearby area.

 
Weather
www.kcrg.com/weather
OK, I know it’s odd to hear an Iowan say that the weather here is conducive to enjoyable running, but here goes. I’m sure there was a time in my life when I did not wish to run outside in the freezing cold or unbearable heat, but I’ve since changed my ways. The way I see it, you can run year-round in Iowa, if you dress properly. Yes, I still use the treadmill at my gym for those days when I just don’t feel like being in the elements. But, I try to spend the majority of my running outside. In the fall, the scenery is amazing with all the leaves turning colors and the perfect mix of cool and warmth. While the heart of summer and winter can be tough, they are doable.

CVRA
www.cvra.net
The Cedar Valley Running Association is a local organization that supports and puts on several races in the Cedar Valley area throughout the year. They also host local runs all year, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Perfect if you are a runner that needs others for motivation. The runs vary from speed and track workouts to long runs for long distance training and racing. CVRA is for all paces and levels of training. I joined CVRA last year and have really enjoyed meeting everyone in the group. They are very supportive and it’s fun to have a built in cheer section at local races! The wonderful friendships you form are probably my favorite part of running. I met one of my closest friends because of running.

 
Races
www.cvra.net
One of the best things about running is that you can constantly check your progress by running in local races. I would bet there are races in Iowa every month of the year. I love seeing how much I’ve improved over the last few years. These races are a great opportunity to check out a new town, meet new people and set personal records. Grab some friends and make a plan to race in Iowa this year.

Doug Roberson, 47, Iowa City
Talent buyer/bartender @ The Picador, Iowa City

**EDITOR’S NOTE: Shortly after this interview The Picador’s owners downsized and Doug Roberson was let go. He’s hoping to become an independent concert promoter in Iowa City.

How did you get into the bar business?
I guess it was through playing in bands. I played gigs at bars and one time, probably right after I graduated from college, we did a show at the old Gabe’s, and I talked to the owner and said, “Hey, can we get a multiple band deal and do whatever we want?” And he said, “Yeah, as long as you can get some people to show up.” Ever since then, that’s what I’ve been doing.

What’s your band?
That band way back then was called The Shy Strangers. My current band is called The Diplomats of Solid Sound.

Doug Roberson, Picador

Do you get a different perspective on a club when you’re behind a bar versus on stage?
If you’ve been on both sides, you’re not quite as… you don’t really get obnoxious with the bartender. You tend to be humble and patient if it’s really busy. Some people maybe don’t have that perspective if they’ve never had a service industry job.

The Picador has a long-standing reputation as a great rock club. Why do you attract such great bands?
Part of it has to do with having contacts and being the biz for so long. There’s some agents I’ve been doing shows with for 20 years, and as those agents step up the ladder and find bigger bands, they’ll still say hey, we’ve got somebody coming through your area, do you want to do a show? Other times it’s the routing – where they’re at and where they can play.

What drink is most popular with the musicians who play at The Picador?
Anybody that’s a fan of whiskey or bourbon, we ask if they’ve ever had Templeton Rye. It’s Iowa-made, and usually they are just completely floored by it: “My god this fantastic. I’ve got to get a bottle.”

Tell me something about yourself that would surprise your regulars?
When I was in college (at The University of Iowa), I was in a fraternity. I was in Delta Upsilon. That house got thrown off campus last year for selling drugs.

What are a few bands on your schedule this spring that people should know about?
On March 6, we have a band called Murder By Death. They’re very popular. On St. Patrick’s Day, Bonnie Prince

International Brainwash

Billy – he’s very popular too. And there’s one in April that’s going to be really big – tickets are flying out the door – The Hold Steady. It’s just, like, rock and roll. The lead singer has interesting lyrics, and the songs are pretty catchy. A lot of people comment on his lyrical cleverness.

– Anne

International Brainwash
1 shot vodka
1/2 shot of Kahlua
1/2 shot of Bailey’s Irish Cream
For shots, pour into a shaker over ice and shake. For a drink, pour in a glass and vigorously.

Doug says: This is basically a White Russian, but instead of putting cream on top, you put Bailey’s, so it’s like 3 boozes mixed together and they’re all from different countries.

Details: The Picador, 330 E. Washington St., Iowa City; 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday; call (319) 354-4788; online at www.thepicador.com

Andi Clay (aka Motley Cruel), 37, Cedar Rapids
Founder @ Cedar Rapids Rollergirls

Andi Clay

Walking up to the National Guard Armory, where the Cedar Rapids Roller Girls are holding their usual Tuesday practice, it seems entirely appropriate to hear Motley Cruel (aka Andi Clay) addressing her team like a drill sergeant. It also makes perfect sense that despite the rock music blaring from the radio in the corner, they all listen attentively to every word she says.

After being on three different teams in three years, Andi knows the ins and outs of this surging sport. It’s a tough game and the girls who play it are just as tough, whether they be pivots (scorers), jammers (guides) or blockers. Andi has experience at all positions, but usually takes the “brains” role of a pivot.

“I’ve had a broken hand, a fractured tailbone, a shoulder out of socket and three concussions. The one that hurt the most, though, was the fractured cheek bone,” Andi says. “In the first five minutes of a bout, a girl hit me so hard that when it was over, I needed a neck brace. I played on adrenaline the rest of the time anyway. There is nothing you can do about a broken face.”

Originally from Bloomington, Ind., Andi played for the Bloomington Bleeding Heartland Flatliners. When her husband was transferred to Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids, she began traveling to Des Moines to practice with the Mid-Iowa Rollers. Soon, she decided to start her own team. After hooking up with the like-minded AJ Renegade from Ely, the two made up fliers and began distributing them around town. Word of the team spread and they had to cap the number of girls at 30.

The team has become so popular that beginners now have to try out to join. The Cedar Rapids Rollergirls are now broken down into three sub-teams the Helldorados, Bombshell Cartel and Demon Dolls. They practice Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Andi scouts for natural talent like footwork, quickness and of course, the ability to give and take a hit.

“Pack awareness is key,” Andi says. “If you don’t know how to fall, you’re going to hurt yourself.”

They held their first Cedar Rapids bout in October. Nearly 2,000 people filled the US Cellular Center. Another 900 came to the second in November. In March, all three Cedar Rapids teams are gearing up for a mixer with Des Moines, Clinton’s Big Mouth Mickies and the Quad City Rollers at the US Cellular Center. They’re also planning a scrimmage against the North Stars from Minnesota…

Andi has big designs for the future, including an all guys team. Now, the male skaters are used as referees. But a few are looking for a chance to battle.

“I would love to have a coed team,” Andi says. ”But at this point we can easily take the boys.”

– Justin

DID YOU KNOW: Scores in roller derby are often in the hundreds and penalties are almost constant.

WHAT SHE CAN DO FOR YOU: The Rollergirls are holding tryouts Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Superskate, 5100 Northland Ave NE, Cedar Rapids. They’re looking for “some bad ass girls who think they have what it takes to be a derby girl.” Girls need to be at least 18 years old. For more information, e-mail Andi at motley.cruel@hotmail.com or go to www.myspace.com/crrollergirls

Kelly Osbourne, the well-known daughter of rock-legend Ozzy Osbourne, has checked herself into rehab once again, according to People.

The 24-year-old is reportedly battling an addiction to painkillers, which Osbourne and her family hopes can be cured by a Los Angeles-area rehab facility.

“Kelly Osbourne has voluntarily entered a medical facility to address some personal issues. Her family stands by and supports her,” Osbourne’s representative said in a statement.

Sharon Osbourne confirmed that her daughter, who voluntarily checked into rehab in 2004 for an addiction to painkillers, was back in rehab to Radaronline.com: “Yeah, Kelly’s in rehab. What else can we say? She knew that it was the right thing to do at this point and we’re proud that she did it. The family is all standing behind her. Kelly knew that she needed help and she’s getting it… We just pray that everything’s going to be okay.”

This is speculation, somewhat, but Osbourne allegedly hit a journalist earlier this week.  So her return to rehab could be related to this incident.  Or maybe she’s simply struggling with pills, as her father and brother dealt with their addictions as well?

Cedar Rapids, Iowa—Are you interested in owning one of the original Harry Potter drawings? Now is your chance! The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art (CRMA) is excited to announce that Mary GrandPré, illustrator of the Harry Potter books, will be donating works for auction and the CRMA’s collection.

GrandPré has offered to donate, for auction, three of the Warner Brothers Harry Potter drawings that are on currently on display at the CRMA as a part of the exhibition Mary GrandPré: Harry Potter and Beyond. These three works will be put up for auction by a national auction house with the proceeds going to the CRMA’s flood recovery fund.

“I am donating three artworks to be sold with proceeds going to the CRMA flood recovery fund because I wanted to help in the rebuilding process in some way,” says Mary GrandPré. “Since I can’t be there physically I thought this would be a good way to contribute. I was fortunate in having the experience of having my work hang in the CRMA. It’s such a wonderful Museum with so many timeless treasures, and I felt honored to be able to show my art there. I’m from Minnesota originally, and I love the Midwest. I felt like I was home while I was visiting there, and I hope that this small token expresses my thanks and encouragement to the Museum and the welcoming city of Cedar Rapids.”

Mary will also donate a work that will become a part of the CRMA’s permanent collection. This work, “Chess Game,” was created in 1999 and is pastel on paper, from an unrealized Harry Potter calendar project and includes Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the midst of giant chess pieces. This piece was originally contracted by Warner Brothers as part of their Harry Potter product line. “Chess Game” is currently on display at the CRMA as well.

Illustrator of several children’s titles, GrandPré is perhaps best known for her illustrations of the American version of J. K. Rowling’s series of Harry Potter books. The CRMA’s exhibition features works from all aspects of her career: children’s books, Harry Potter books, magazine covers, and poster design.  Mary GrandPré: Harry Potter and Beyond is on display through February 1, 2009.

For more information about this exhibition, please call 319.366.7503 or visit www.crma.org.

3 Things

Not sure what to do this weekend? Check out one, two or all three of these events and you’ll have to try not to have a good time. 

Pieta Brown
8 p.m. Thursday (12/18), with Haley Bonar, The Mill Restaurant, 120 E. Burlington St., Iowa City, $10, (319) 351-9529, www.icmill.com

Fresh off a short tour opening for Ani DiFranco, singer-songwriter Pieta Brown returns to her hometown of Iowa City for a CD-release show. Brown recently released “Flight Time,” a seven-song EP of all original songs she describes as “offbeat, with a rough-edged, ambient vibe.”

Brown, the daughter of Iowa legend Greg Brown, has released three albums since 2002, each moving her forward in terms of songwriting and popularity. Brown has a voice that’ll make your heart ache, and her rootsy instrumentation is as real as it gets.

Charlie Daniels Band
8 p.m. Friday (12/19), Riverside Casino, 3184 Highway 22, Riverside, $38 to $50, (319) 648-1234, www.riversidecasinoandresort.com

Charlie Daniels is known for his big hat, bigger belt buckle and snow-white beard. He’s also known for “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” one of the most popular country songs of all time. The epic song, about a fiddle duel involving the devil, probably never will go out of style.

Since it’s the holiday season, Daniels will be playing plenty of Christmas songs in the show. Southerners like Daniels tend to make great holiday music, even though they don’t have a lot of experience with snow. Maybe us Iowans should start writing songs about sun bathing.

American Stars
8 p.m. Saturday (12/20), Adler Theatre, 136 E. Third St., Davenport, $28 to $45, (319) 363-1888, www.adlertheatre.com

Can’t wait for Season 8 of “American Idol” to get going on Jan. 13? The American Stars tour might help tide you over. The tour features four former “American Idol” contestants: Season 2’s Kimberly Locke, Season 3’s Diana DeGarmo and Season 7’s one-named wonder Chikeze and former stripper David Hernandez.

Personally, I’m ready for “Idol” to retire. I mean, hasn’t the show created more than enough over-singing also-rans? Plus, the show’s “rockers” (I’m looking at you, Chris Daughtry and David Cooke) are about as edgy as a butter knife. Simon Cowell’s still pretty funny, though. 

3 Other Things

Festival of Carols
7 p.m. Thursday (12/18)
The Englert Theatre
221 E. Washington St., Iowa City
FREE, (319) 688-2653
www.englert.org

Holiday Concert: ICC Band & New Horizons
3:30 p.m. Sunday (12/21)
The Englert Theatre
221 E. Washington St., Iowa City
FREE, (319) 688-2653
www.englert.org

“Mary GrandPre: Harry Potter and Beyond”
Through Feb. 1
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
410 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids
$4 or $5, (319) 366-7503
www.crma.org

– Eric