Hi everyone. I've really enjoyed reading everything here, and hope you have too.
As of today (August 24th, 2013) this blog has moved to : mdst485class.wordpress.com.
Please head on over and sign up if you'd like to add a post there. All of the posts here on Blogger have been copied over to Wordpress, so you can still read them.
I'll probably delete this blog in a few months.
Yours in media - Andrew
Friday, August 23, 2013
Friday, June 21, 2013
GMOs and Chipotle
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Understanding GMOs is important to me because I care what I put inside my body and because it's a fairly new type of cloning, and not all the information is available to us. According to this CNN video, GMOs lack nutrients and are modified through a process, taking them out of their natural state. Chipotle is proud of this due to the fact that they have always had an open relationship with their customer, keeping things honest and real in hopes to create loyalty.
Chipotle is setting an example for other restaurants because we deserve to know what goes in our food and in our bodies. Chipotle has admitted in interviews that they know they could potentially lose customers because of their new labeling, but compared to other restaurants I definitely think they are doing something positive for the consumer. And as consumers, everyone should do their research on GMOs and whether or not they are ok having them in their food, and I think Chipotle is attempting to help raise that awareness.
My Experience Dumpster Diving
Before attending Metro
State this summer I had completed 4 years at Saint Mary's University in Winona.
During my final week as a student on campus, my friends and I decided that we
would have a little fun and go dumpster diving since almost everyone else had
moved off campus at that point. We figured we would find at least one or two
things worth keeping that people had left behind, and boy were we right!
We went from dorm to
dorm collecting other student’s discards and ended up filling up my roommate’s
car except for the driver’s seat. Things that we ended up finding: furniture
(which was great because a couple of us were moving into apartments after
graduation), unopened cleaning supplies, windshield washer fluid, lots of
clothes that had no place being in the dumpster, perfectly new light bulbs, a
really nice sleeping bag (don't worry I washed it), nice blankets (we washed
those too), and a Sega Genesis with games and controllers. It was a pretty nice
haul and suffice it to say, we were pretty proud, but also kicking ourselves
for not dumpster diving in prior years!
One man’s trash is
another man’s treasure. The great thing was that we scored big that day and
lessened the amount going to the landfill. Now, we didn’t take everything that
could have been salvaged, but we made a positive impact. The experience also
gave me a more conscientious perspective on what I throw away. Now I make sure
that if I am done with something that is still useable, I donate it.
If you ever have the
opportunity, I would recommend going on a dive of your own because even if you
end up with one thing, that is one less thing sitting at a landfill.
Has anyone else ever
dumpster dived before? What was your experience like?
Seeing is Doing
Something that I think everyone can agree with, and something we have talked a lot about in class, is how frustrating it is when information is being controlled by those in power, in the right position, and in a lot of cases those with the most money. That can be from companies only telling you what they want you to know about their activities, lobbies influencing the beliefs of our leaders, and now the government not informing us how much they have been monitoring our lives. Transparency and information are everything - that is why exploring your curiosity is so important and in some contexts the internet can greatly fill that role.
As I said earlier, one of those content augmenters are lobbies, one of the biggest in my estimation has us eating right out of its hand. The TV/movies/music lobby is huge. It spent over 117 million last year and 31 million so far this year in its lobbying efforts. Personally, I think it runs deeper than that with public displays like Michelle Obama being a part of the Oscar award presentation, which is not exactly the picture of impartiality. Where I am going with this is that through all of these discussions about the increase of violence being perpetrated onto others in the context of mass shootings, stabbings, and bombings in America, the influence of TV/movies/music on our actions is never called into question. After some recent findings I am not sure science necessary backs up this lack of connection.
As first explored by Albert Bandura in the Bobo Doll experiment and now further understood by the recent discovery of mirror neurons, humans are social beings that not only interact with others but also observe and feel what others are going though, and learn from their actions as well. That is why TV, movies, video games, videos on the internet, theatre, and sports are put on such a pedestal in our culture. It is in human nature to watch, feel what others are feeling, and in our daily lives integrate new things we have seen, most of the time subconsciously. That is why when I play pick up football I run like AP, sometimes when I get frustrated with someone I just want to lock in some wrestling submission on them, or when I am leisurely hanging around my house I act like my cat. It also can inspire us to follow in the footsteps of a personal hero. Why, even if you’re not willing to admit it, you are so much like the person who raised you! This uniquely human trait has helped us advance as a society building on the success of our predecessors.
Though there can be another side to this where violence breeds violence, whether from video games, movies, violent sports, or the news. Video games show that there can be enjoyment/thrills from committing harm to others, movies can rationalize the actions of killers, violent sports may perpetuate that it is acceptable to participate in similar violent behavior, and sadly one downside of the global society is that we hear about the atrocities around the world. Just as mirror neurons can help us grow and succeed they could also lead to our downfall as a society depending on our values.
Now with that all said, I am not saying that we need to ban all of the movies, TV, or video games that have violence, lude behavior, swearing, or other undesirable human activity in them, but just make sure you know your intentions and give you some food for thought.
I admit that I don’t have all the answers and that there is still more research that needs to be done but I would love to hear what you think.
Check out the links I have provided below and sound off, respectfully, below.
The Wikipedia article about the Bobo Doll Experiment:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobo_doll_experiment
A Nova Science Now video about mirror neurons:
http://dai.ly/x87351
As I said earlier, one of those content augmenters are lobbies, one of the biggest in my estimation has us eating right out of its hand. The TV/movies/music lobby is huge. It spent over 117 million last year and 31 million so far this year in its lobbying efforts. Personally, I think it runs deeper than that with public displays like Michelle Obama being a part of the Oscar award presentation, which is not exactly the picture of impartiality. Where I am going with this is that through all of these discussions about the increase of violence being perpetrated onto others in the context of mass shootings, stabbings, and bombings in America, the influence of TV/movies/music on our actions is never called into question. After some recent findings I am not sure science necessary backs up this lack of connection.
As first explored by Albert Bandura in the Bobo Doll experiment and now further understood by the recent discovery of mirror neurons, humans are social beings that not only interact with others but also observe and feel what others are going though, and learn from their actions as well. That is why TV, movies, video games, videos on the internet, theatre, and sports are put on such a pedestal in our culture. It is in human nature to watch, feel what others are feeling, and in our daily lives integrate new things we have seen, most of the time subconsciously. That is why when I play pick up football I run like AP, sometimes when I get frustrated with someone I just want to lock in some wrestling submission on them, or when I am leisurely hanging around my house I act like my cat. It also can inspire us to follow in the footsteps of a personal hero. Why, even if you’re not willing to admit it, you are so much like the person who raised you! This uniquely human trait has helped us advance as a society building on the success of our predecessors.
Though there can be another side to this where violence breeds violence, whether from video games, movies, violent sports, or the news. Video games show that there can be enjoyment/thrills from committing harm to others, movies can rationalize the actions of killers, violent sports may perpetuate that it is acceptable to participate in similar violent behavior, and sadly one downside of the global society is that we hear about the atrocities around the world. Just as mirror neurons can help us grow and succeed they could also lead to our downfall as a society depending on our values.
Now with that all said, I am not saying that we need to ban all of the movies, TV, or video games that have violence, lude behavior, swearing, or other undesirable human activity in them, but just make sure you know your intentions and give you some food for thought.
I admit that I don’t have all the answers and that there is still more research that needs to be done but I would love to hear what you think.
Check out the links I have provided below and sound off, respectfully, below.
The Wikipedia article about the Bobo Doll Experiment:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobo_doll_experiment
A Nova Science Now video about mirror neurons:
http://dai.ly/x87351
TCGSL
Twin
Cities Goodtime Softball League is one of the largest leagues in the NAGAAA
– the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance Open Division. This is their 35th season and there
are over 550 GLBT athletes on 35 teams.
The season goes from early May through the end of August. I’ve been a part of this league for the last
four years and it’s been amazing! This
year I haven’t been able to play yet due to working full time and taking two summer
classes, but now that classes are basically over I’ll be able to join my team
again! For the last two years our team
name has been Balls N’ Dolls. Love it. The first year we were Lucky Dogs (a small
dog walking company sponsored us) then we were Bottoms Up (what, we like to
drink!)
I joined the league because my brother’s boyfriend at the
time told him about it and he didn’t want to do it alone so he signed me up
without me knowing. Great brother. Good thing is I played slow pitch softball from
6th – 11th grade on a community league so I knew how to
play. And to this day I’m so glad he
signed me up because I have met so many amazing people throughout the last four
years. Games are every Sunday and it’s a
great time to enjoy the outdoors and hang out with friends.
Now I don’t want you to get confused when you read “amateur”
in the league’s title. Most of the
athletes have been with the league for 10 plus years and they are phenomenal
athletes. Even those who haven’t been a
part of the league for that long are great players. My team is in the lowest division (whomp whomp),
but last year we did win the division title so that’s awesome. But when you go watch the teams in the first
and second division it is insane!
Everyone is so great and on point.
It’s just natural to them. It
really is fun to watch.
One of my favorite events of the season is the drag show
fundraiser held in July at Solera downtown called Miss TCGSL. It’s not mandatory, but each team has the
opportunity to put together an act and perform at Solera. It’s a blast and a great way for teams to
raise money for equipment, jerseys and league fees.
If you are ever bored on a Sunday and are looking for
something to do, come on over to the Northeast Athletic fields and watch some
games! I promise you’ll have a great
time. Check us out on Facebook too! https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/92927947792/?fref=ts
MN Lynx: Gotta See 'em, Gotta Love 'em
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There is a professional team in Minnesota that currently holds a record of 5-1, has back-to-back Western Conference Championships and was League Champion in 2011, but somehow is barely featured on national sporting websites or even our local ESPN website, and is only starting to get the recognition it deserves from the local newspaper. The team I am referring to is Minnesota’s WNBA franchise, the Lynx. This is a team loaded with talent and is led by arguably the best coach in the league, but since it is not one of the big four sports (NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA) it is not known or given the respect it deserves. In this post I am hoping to convince you to at least attend one game, because in my experience, that was enough to get me hooked.
I am going to be honest right off the bat, my family has season tickets to the Lynx so I am a little biased, but you could also say I am very knowledgeable on the subject. Our love for the Lynx started two years ago when the Lynx were on their first playoff run since 2004. I had taken notice on how good they were playing and since I was a huge fan of Seimone Augustus, I decided to attend a game with some of my friends towards the end of the regular season and I had a blast!
There is something about attending a WNBA game when the team is as dynamic and thrilling to watch as the Lynx, though there are probably only 9,000 fans on average night. Size does not matter because the fans are there for their team: representing, getting loud, and always having their heads in the game. And as I said earlier, since this is a WNBA game there are fewer annoying, unoriginal, promotional gimmicks or TV time-outs so the focus is on the wonderful/exhilarating game play and the funny antics of B-Rod and Prowl. Now I mention them because they are a huge part in the experience as well, interacting with the crowd, leading sing-alongs, putting on crazy competitions, and always knowing the right thing to say to get the crowd pumped up. You can tell that they care about this team as much as you do, and they are given the full opportunity to share that passion and it is infectious!
After having that first experience, I convinced my parents to go to the first round of the 2011 playoffs when I was home for my birthday. After that game my parents were hooked. They went to every playoff game and the season ended in a WNBA championshi which they were so proud to be a part of. After that they signed up for season tickets immediately and the rest is history. My dad has a huge crush on Lindsay Whalen, both parents own tons of Lynx gear, and the season never arrives soon enough.
This is a franchise run right: they have great players, great coaching, great customer service, great entertainment, are a proven winner, and really just play the game the right way. So if you need a break from or don't like baseball, want a place to go with friends and family of all ages, and are looking for a good time that doesn't break the bank, I would recommend checking out at least one Lynx game this summer.
For more info on ticket sales check out: http://www.wnba.com/lynx/index_main.html
- With your Metro ID you would be able to go for $5 on weeknights
And here is one final pitch: what is not to love about a team that has their mascot kick the other team’s mascot in the crotch as a playoff promotion?
Blog Post 2: Excuses, Excuses
Since the economic downturn of 2008 the most commonly uttered excuse has been "because of the economy..." This is quite possibly the most annoying phrase I could ever hear at this point. Luckily, over the past year there has been substantial progress made in the unemployment and market activity that I don't believe we need to use that excuse anymore.
http://www.sctimes.com/article/20130516/BUSINESS/305160044/Minnesota-unemployment-falls-lowest-rate-5-years
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Closing_milestones_of_the_Dow_Jones_Industrial_Average
The first article specifically addresses the unemployment rate for Minnesota in the month of April. In this article it explains that Minnesota was at the lowest unemployment rate since the downturn in 2008. The rate of 5.4% is almost 2 percent less than the national average. If we were still in economic turmoil we would be much closer to, or even higher than the national average.
The second article illustrates the record highs for the Dow Jones Industrial Average this year. With multiple all-time high records set in May 2013 I would say it is hard to justify saying we are in a tough economy. This has not been the only positive economic activity that can justify the light at the end of the tunnel. We have been in a bull (rising) market since 2009. Quite a different story on paper than the public would have you believe.
After looking at the unemployment rate for the great state of Minnesota and reviewing the market activity for the past 4 years I would say it's unjustified for people to keep using the economy as an excuse for things being the way they are.
Is MPLS/STP really that awful?!?
Feel free to check out the link, it is an active Twin Cities Metro Area About.com discussion about how much people dislike Minnesota plus some people who stumbled upon the website and defend their state.
Now it would be very easy for me to fall into the trap of picking out a particular post/posts or focus on the overall themes that these respondents have brought up and join the fight like some others have done before me, but I just don't think that is very constructive. I say that because it seems like people just searched 'I hate MN' to see what would come up found this discussion stream added their two cents and left. I doubt anyone who has posted will come back to see what other respondents have said and the whole set up is very difficult to actually have a conversation which is fine, but it is not going to fix any of the legitimate concerns people have brought up. There have been 176 respondents and it is still growing, so there is a demand.
This is where our social media training comes in. I would recommend that the Minnesota State Tourism Department would benefit from creating or facilitating the creation of a blog or blog-like space. It would be for people to be able to sound off on issues they have with the state and allow people to answer those questions, have a discussion, connect people with resources, and if it is a larger issue: potentially work with the complainer to make change if that means speaking with a neighborhood association, city council, legislator, or taking it all the way to the governor. This way it would be constructive and more closely embody the values of 'Cyberspace Innkeeping'.
Unlike a lot of defenders of our state on the About.com discussion, instead of saying "get out" at the end of their posts I would say let’s make it better, because I am pretty sure you are not the only one having the problem.
Do you think this could work? Sound off, respectfully, below.
Blog 1: College Tuition-1 Arm and 1 Leg Please
Do you ever feel like you have to give up your first born child or some body part when paying college tuition these days? Many college students (and parents) have felt the sting of skyrocketing tuition costs over the last 10 years and it appears that there is no end in sight. I found this Wall Street Journal article to be quite interesting especially considering there are examples from Minnesota.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324582004578461450531723268.html
Tuition has been on the rise for the past decade and it appears that now colleges are starting to make small steps towards alleviating the burden on students. Since enrollment rates are so low due to the high tuition costs, colleges are trying to sweeten scholarships and grants in order to persuade students to enroll in their college. Although this is a positive thing for the select students who receive these grants, it can be disheartening and detrimental to the finances of those who do not.
I think that something needs to be done about tuition prices but I don't think it should be done on an individual basis. If the universities and government do not come up with a solution, enrollment in colleges will continue to decline and that will have rippling effects such as layoffs to instructors, decreased quality of education and possible closing of some institutions.
Blog 3: Median Salary my Ass!
For many of us college graduation is fast approaching and we are left to navigate the world of student loan repayment and negotiating salaries. What salary does our four year adventure entitle us to? I read an interesting article on Fox 9 News' website and found some interesting information that I don't necessarily agree with.
http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/story/22549026/top-9-college-degrees-for-cost-of-education
Bankrate.com conducted a study that found the 9 best college degrees for the money to obtain the degree. Many of the typical lucrative career degrees are included such as lawyer, marketing/advertising, microbiologist, and physician. All of this sounds legit until you get to the median salaries for some of these careers. Take marketing/advertising for example, the median salary is $108,000! I am sure this could be the case for a professional that has been in the business for 5+ years and works for a high end advertising/marketing firm with a decent job title. This is not the case for the run-of-the-mill college graduate. At the company I work for, the entry level marketing positions (if they ever open) are in the $40,000-50,000 range. This is far from the $108,000 of this article.
The article did include the methodology for the numbers for the tuition costs however, did not mention how they came up with the salary information. As a soon-to-be college grad, I would want to see that information included in here so as not to get unrealistic expectations on what I could potentially be making. Something that would have made this article have more meaning would be to include realistic numbers of entry level positions that college graduates are actually getting. Not only would it be more accurate all the way around, but would also provide more useful information to students who would be reading the article.
Skinny What?!
I don’t even know where to start. Let’s start with while looking up vegan diets
I came across the Skinny B****
website. This website is for a book that
was published back in 2005. The main
goal of the two authors is to bring attention to the horrors of the food
industry, but their ploy to make people pay attention is to be b******. The tagline of the book is, “A no-nonsense,
tough-love guide for savvy girls who want to stop eating crap and start looking
fabulous!” Nothing in that tagline
suggests they are concerned with the welfare of animals. I think the kicker for me is that one of the
authors is a former Ford Models agent and the other is a former model who has a
Masters of Science degree in Holistic Nutrition. So at least one of them knows what they are
talking about.
Maybe I’m being naive, but since when is being a b**** a
good or cool thing? Am I out of
touch? I don’t think so. One of my main criticisms of this website is
the tone. The site talks down to the
readers. It’s telling the readers they are
doing something wrong and need to fix it, but in an extremely rude fashion. I cringed when I read this, “they may be
b******, but they are skinny b******.”
That is horrible. We already have
enough women in this world with low self esteem and then this book comes out
and exploits it. However, people must
like the “in your face” approach because they have written four other books! Their newest book is titled Skinny Bastard which is geared towards
men. I think I just puked a little. So if you’re looking for something to laugh
about or have an “are you serious?!” moment, check out the site. It’ll either help you put down that donut or
will make you eat the whole box and cry about it later.
Tablets Steal the Bookshelf
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Recently, public and private K-12 schools have been switching from using the old-school method of learning from textbooks, to using tablets to download textbooks electronically. When I first heard about this change, I was so conflicted. Part of me thought that tablets could be distracting, and also the screens can be harmful to their eyes. Then I realized, I know as a college student how expensive textbooks are and I'm sure the cost of an "e-textbook"would be much lower for schools with small budgets. I also hate carrying around textbooks, and lack organization so the idea of having all of my textbooks in one place without the strain on my back or stress of actually finding my books would be great. There are so many pros and cons to this debate, but I overall believe that Tablets are great for our schools as well for the students, and all schools, districts, and states in the United States need to make the switch.
The most obvious advantage to using tablets over textbooks is the cost. According to Yahoo,the e-textbooks run between $38-$55 per student where as a physical textbook costs $75 per student. Although the projects estimated initial cost are starting at $50 million for every student, the overall cost is cheaper and more effective for students who are growing up in a digital world.
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Students today are doing everything digitally until they get to school. Schools are often where technology slows down. Youth today need to be stimulated, and the tablets have that ability. Some might find them distracting, as you can search the web or play different games but technology allows for blocks of certain applications and or websites. It's so important that we continue to update education with technology along with the students. There has also been proof that tablets make a difference in children's education. Accord to mobiledia, students who used the iPad version scored 20 percent higher on standardized tests versus students who learned with traditional textbooks.
The results are clear as a bell, tablets have proved to increase tests scores, lower costs, and stimulate student's learning. Bringing tablets into school's has many advantages and can change education for the better.
West End In St. Louis Park Is The New Hot Spot In Minnesota
In a Suburb just outside of Minneapolis, you'll find trendy shops, awesome restaurants, and the best movie theater in the state with a VIP Lounge. The West End, which is still under construction has slowly become the new "place to be" in the Metro area. It attracts all types of people including young hipsters, and established business clientele with its wide variety to shoppes and restaurants.
The Shops At West End have the feel of the Uptown atmosphere, with smaller boutiques like Primp and Charming Charlie, priced for college students. They also have shops for people looking to spend a little extra cash with stores like Anthropology and Jos. A. bank, which have a higher price point. No matter what you're shopping for, you'll be sure to find it here.
The West End also has some of the states hottest restaurants. Crave, an american Bistro, has a large patio area, great for sitting outside in the summer and enjoying a cocktail. Rojo, a modern style mexican restaurant also has a patio, and an awesome happy hour from 3-6 during the week. You'll also find Coopers which is and Irish Pub, and a newly added sushi restaurant, Raku. Whatever mood you're in, you wont have a problem finding a great place to eat and enjoy a break from shopping!
Once you're finished with dinner and shopping, make sure you stop by the Showplace Icon Theater for a nice relaxing movie. When you buy your ticket you are able to pick the perfect seat right on the screen, this ensures that there are enough seats, and that no one else will be sitting in your spot. If you purchase VIP tickets, they have a VIP Lounge upstairs for viewers 21 and over to enjoy a cocktail and some gourmet popcorn. The seats are twice the size of normal theater seats, and each of them has a table for your convenience. Overall the West End is filled with endless options on how to spend your day. Minutes from Minneapolis, you get the feel of the uptown excitement, without the hassle of traffic. If you haven't been there yet I would definitely recommend checking it out!
Visit The Shops At West End for more details.
Visit The Shops At West End for more details.
Women Need Weights,Too!
Different types of workouts come and go like fads, but there is one in particular that I think all women should practice. Exercising with weights! Just the other day, a woman I work with told me, "I can't weight train, I get really bulky and boxy." This is a total misconception! According to Fitocracy Blog, lifting weights, creates muscle and muscle speeds up your metabolism, which in return burns fat. Yes, cardio is important to incorporate in your workout routine and can help burn fat, but you will not see an overall change in your body like you can with strength training.
Where you can start
Now when I say lift weights, I don't mean you need to be performing Olympic lifts. If it means you need to start by lifting 5 pound dumb bells from workouts you found on YouTube or Pinterest, that is a solid beginning. If it all possible, hire a personal trainer for a few sessions just to show you where you need to begin. Every woman's body has different needs and a personal trainer can help you define those needs as well as personal goals. Also, site like Women's Health Magazine has helpful tips for weight training as well as demonstrations to help get you in a routine!My Personal Favorite Weight Lifting Workout
I too, was awful at including weight training into workouts until I found Crossfit. Crossfit uses constantly varied, functional movements in a high intensity way that delivers dramatic fitness results for athletes of all levels of skill and experience. The classes have a fair ratio of Crossfit coaches and athletes, which is a great All of my classes have an equal amount of women and men and encourage women to make fitness goals, including lifting goals.Change it up!
So if any of you ladies aren't lifting weights, start NOW! The changes you will see will effect you physically and mentally. Weight lifting prevents injury, increases muscle and decreases fat, a change in mental health, increases bone density, and boosts confidence! You will notice a change in yourself immediately. Ignore the misconceptions and see the change for yourself.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
New Shoes, New You!
I am an outdoor runner starting early spring through fall and was so excited when I was able to take my first big jog 3 weeks ago (when the weather was on my side). Unfortunately, I only lasted a good mile when I felt a pain running through my feet all the way up to my inner knee. I knew hitting the pavement was an unfamiliar feeling since last fall, and I also knew I wasn't in the best of shape but this sharp pain was persistent. I gave my legs a day off and tried going for a run the day after, same uncomfortable feeling, the feeling that I could really injure myself if I continued my run.
A friend of mine works for a store that sells running shoes and other running equipment so I visited him at work to see if he had ever heard of other runners experiencing the same thing I was. He right away asked me how old my running shoes were, and that's when I realized they were 3 years old. He explained to me the importance of getting new shoes every 6 months, maybe even less depending on how often you're running. He helped me with some new running shoes and sent me on my way, but I wasn't convinced that my shoes were going to make that much of a difference, I felt like my body just couldn't take the harsh outdoor runs anymore. To my surprise, the shoes made a complete difference. I had no aches, sharp pains, and I could run comfortably for 3 miles straight! My shoes lost their support and my running form, joints, and muscles were taking a toll.
The point is, we are on our feet all day so it's important to take care of our main method of transportation...our feet! If you are going to invest in expensive apparel, start with good shoes. Wearing cheap shoes that don't fit (or if you're a woman, inexpensive, low quality heels that are too small) could lead to permanent damage! Places that specialize in shoes are extremely knowledgeable and can tell you more about your own feet than you might even know, and comfortable shoes today don't have to be ugly, they can be stylish while helping prevent lower body injuries (click here and here for great shoe stores). Take my advice and invest in a quality pair of shoes. If you workout, make sure to get a new pair at least every 6 months, and just because they look ok, doesn't mean the inner support is there.
A Vegetarian Diet is Right for You
I’m pretty sure that after reading the title of this post
most of you rolled your eyes or scoffed at the idea of a vegetarian diet, but
you should know that it’s good for you!
And it is possible. I’ve been a
vegetarian for almost seven years now and I don’t think I’ll ever go back. I was vegan for over two years as well, but
that was hard to keep up with so I went back to being a vegetarian.
Some people don’t know this, but there are four types of vegetarian
diets:
- Lacto-vegetarian – this diet excludes meat, fish poultry and eggs and includes dairy products.
- Lacto-ovo vegetarian – this diet excludes meat, fish and poultry and includes dairy products and eggs.
- Ovo-vegetarian – this diet excludes meat, poultry, seafood and dairy products and includes eggs.
- Vegan – this diet excludes meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products.
Just like the omnivores, vegetarians have a food guide
pyramid as well. More details regarding
the pyramid can be found at Mayo Clinic.
Asides from saving animals lives, there are health benefits
of a vegetarian diet. A couple of them
are:
- Ward of diseases – Vegetarian diets are healthier than the average American diet and can help prevent heart disease and reduce the risk of cancer.
- Keep your weight down – the average American diet is high in saturated fats and processed foods and is low in plant-based foods. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and a division of the CDC, the National Center for Health Statistics, 64 percent of adults and 15 percent of children aged 6 to 19 are overweight and are at risk of weight-related ailments including heart disease, stroke and diabetes (retrieved 2013 from http://www.vegetariantimes.com/article/why-go-veg-learn-about-becoming-a-vegetarian/).
For the full list of the benefits of a vegetarian diet check
out Vegetarian
Times
People always ask me how I can be a vegetarian and if I miss
meat. The answer to that is it’s easy
and no. I’ll be honest that I was never
really a fan of meat so it was easier for me to make the switch. However, back when I did eat meat my step Mom
made the best steaks ever! So maybe once
in a while I miss that, but really I don’t because if you were to put a steak
in front of me today I would not eat it.
I also want to point out one thing, I don’t mind if people around me eat
meat (I’m not “one of those”), that’s fine, but don’t force it in my face. I have some friends that like to wave chicken
wings in my face and that’s just gross and rude. When people ask me how I can be a vegetarian
they always ask what I eat instead.
Simple. I eat a lot of veggies. But what about something with more substance? There are several brands that make wonderful
veggie burgers and veggie meat substitutes that actually taste pretty good. I’ve also noticed that more grocery stores
are carrying more of these brands which is awesome. This makes it even easier. For those of you who are skeptics of the
vegetarian diet, I say test it out. Do
something as simple as go vegetarian for one day out of the week. See how you feel. I bet you’ll feel better!
Drive at Your Own Risk
A recent article outlined a recurring issue faced by shipping and freight companies that was called to light after a recent bridge collision. When over-sized truck routes are planned, they often rely on Department of Transportation (DOT) guidance on determining potential obstacles.
These may include bridges and roads with weight restrictions, height limitations, narrow pathways, and other areas that could present a higher risk of an accident if an oversize load tried to drive through like it was a standard pickup truck. However, this guidance that the DOT offers is not 100% foolproof.
For example, the bridge that was stuck in the article had been hit by other vehicles in the past. Even though the bridge stood up to the punishment...multiple ton, high speed impacts can't be good for any structure. Unfortunately, the DOT is unable to track every single impact, scrape, accident, construction project, structure repair, and other alteration to every road, bridge, and ramp.
For the majority of us who drive a passenger-sized car or truck (or utilize public transportation), these concerns are generally not in our minds during the regular commute. In fact, Minnesotans generally freak out and seize up when they see rain or a pothole, much less a height obstacle. Our inability to navigate our 8 months of road construction season is testament to that fact. We endure narrower lanes, tighter turns, and reduced speeds, and think nothing of it.
While I can understand the appeal of 100% accurate DOT guidance for larger vehicles, I'm not convinced the shipping companies of the world need that to move their goods, much less to do so in a safe manner. If a driver (and by that extension, their company) requires an outside entity to provide a route of what to avoid...I'd have to wonder if they are in the right job.
If a bridge isn't part of a highway system, it shouldn't be carrying loads that require one. If a road is too narrow, it shouldn't be squeezed into by a wide load. And if a driver or company needs that much help getting from Point A to Point B that the question is raised "Why didn't the DOT do a better job holding their hand", I really have to ask why they thought they should be making that trip in the first place.
Post #6, open topic 2 of 2.
These may include bridges and roads with weight restrictions, height limitations, narrow pathways, and other areas that could present a higher risk of an accident if an oversize load tried to drive through like it was a standard pickup truck. However, this guidance that the DOT offers is not 100% foolproof.
For example, the bridge that was stuck in the article had been hit by other vehicles in the past. Even though the bridge stood up to the punishment...multiple ton, high speed impacts can't be good for any structure. Unfortunately, the DOT is unable to track every single impact, scrape, accident, construction project, structure repair, and other alteration to every road, bridge, and ramp.
For the majority of us who drive a passenger-sized car or truck (or utilize public transportation), these concerns are generally not in our minds during the regular commute. In fact, Minnesotans generally freak out and seize up when they see rain or a pothole, much less a height obstacle. Our inability to navigate our 8 months of road construction season is testament to that fact. We endure narrower lanes, tighter turns, and reduced speeds, and think nothing of it.
While I can understand the appeal of 100% accurate DOT guidance for larger vehicles, I'm not convinced the shipping companies of the world need that to move their goods, much less to do so in a safe manner. If a driver (and by that extension, their company) requires an outside entity to provide a route of what to avoid...I'd have to wonder if they are in the right job.
If a bridge isn't part of a highway system, it shouldn't be carrying loads that require one. If a road is too narrow, it shouldn't be squeezed into by a wide load. And if a driver or company needs that much help getting from Point A to Point B that the question is raised "Why didn't the DOT do a better job holding their hand", I really have to ask why they thought they should be making that trip in the first place.
Post #6, open topic 2 of 2.
Class Warfare...or whatever we're calling it these days
I have a former coworker that I am friends with on FaceBook. While he and I shared some commonalities outside our employer, he definitely leans far further left than I do...and most other people I know. Not a week goes by where he isn't posting a story about the struggles of "the worked class" (his words; not mine), and makes no secret of him being a (literal) card-carrying socialist. Yes, yes...run screaming for the hills.
While his views aren't necessarily that different from mine on human rights and similar social issues, he seems to be rather vehement in his disdain for people who maximize the opportunities capitalism offers. In other words, he's pretty fired up against the super rich. Stories about people who buy million dollar yachts are not well received.
This person (and many like him) favor some form of external force that would "level the playing field"; that through some form of government involvement or people's revolt, these rich bastards would have their ill-gotten gains stripped and redistributed to those who would be "more deserving".
I've never agreed with that concept. Not because I think people should starve while others burn $20s for fun...but if they got those $20s legally, I really can't find fault with what they do with it. Sure, there are "more productive" or "more moral" choices the super rich can make with their money...but it's their money. Once you steal it (through private or government driven purposes), you've traded one form of wealth redistribution for another.
I find myself wondering who sets that standard. Does everyone in the world get a check? What is the cutoff? Do millionaires get fleeced, but as long as you have $999, 999.99 in your bank account, you get a pass from the angry mob?
This is why I'm so against any external force deciding who gets what. There will always be haves and have nots, though not for the painfully laughable platitudes involving "welfare queens" and "lazy hippies". It ties to a number of factors, many (but not all) of which have nothing to do with controllable issues. It's just easier to dismiss others with a broad brush. To demonize...the other class.
So we now have this "class warfare" term bandied about; the scary sounding, "trust no one" idea that states you're either with us, against us, or insensitive to the plight of some other "us". This is sounding more and more like a board game, but everyone seems to be reading from a different rule book.
I think what this "class warfare" question of "haves versus have nots" need is a single rule book. This is being endlessly debated in the form of politics, but over time, we can hopefully develop a better set of rules to more purposefully address how guns, drugs, welfare, religion, and other hot button topics get addressed, rather that drawing lines in the sand.
Of course...you can always flip the game board and stomp away, as many children do when they don't like how the game has progressed. But I have to say...flipping the game board and introducing chaos might seem like a good idea, especially if you're currently disenfranchised, but uncontrolled fires have a way of burning everyone, including the people that set them.
Post #5-free topic 1 of 2
While his views aren't necessarily that different from mine on human rights and similar social issues, he seems to be rather vehement in his disdain for people who maximize the opportunities capitalism offers. In other words, he's pretty fired up against the super rich. Stories about people who buy million dollar yachts are not well received.
This person (and many like him) favor some form of external force that would "level the playing field"; that through some form of government involvement or people's revolt, these rich bastards would have their ill-gotten gains stripped and redistributed to those who would be "more deserving".
I've never agreed with that concept. Not because I think people should starve while others burn $20s for fun...but if they got those $20s legally, I really can't find fault with what they do with it. Sure, there are "more productive" or "more moral" choices the super rich can make with their money...but it's their money. Once you steal it (through private or government driven purposes), you've traded one form of wealth redistribution for another.
I find myself wondering who sets that standard. Does everyone in the world get a check? What is the cutoff? Do millionaires get fleeced, but as long as you have $999, 999.99 in your bank account, you get a pass from the angry mob?
This is why I'm so against any external force deciding who gets what. There will always be haves and have nots, though not for the painfully laughable platitudes involving "welfare queens" and "lazy hippies". It ties to a number of factors, many (but not all) of which have nothing to do with controllable issues. It's just easier to dismiss others with a broad brush. To demonize...the other class.
So we now have this "class warfare" term bandied about; the scary sounding, "trust no one" idea that states you're either with us, against us, or insensitive to the plight of some other "us". This is sounding more and more like a board game, but everyone seems to be reading from a different rule book.
I think what this "class warfare" question of "haves versus have nots" need is a single rule book. This is being endlessly debated in the form of politics, but over time, we can hopefully develop a better set of rules to more purposefully address how guns, drugs, welfare, religion, and other hot button topics get addressed, rather that drawing lines in the sand.
Of course...you can always flip the game board and stomp away, as many children do when they don't like how the game has progressed. But I have to say...flipping the game board and introducing chaos might seem like a good idea, especially if you're currently disenfranchised, but uncontrolled fires have a way of burning everyone, including the people that set them.
Post #5-free topic 1 of 2
My Favorite (Movie) Theatre in Minnesota
My family didn't have much money growing up but when we did, we would go to a movie (discount theatre, of course). So now that I'm older, I like to indulge in candy, popcorn, and 3D at the movies . I guess you can call me a movie snob. Recently, I was lucky enough to attend a film at the Icon Showplace Movie Theater at The West End in Saint Louis Park and let's just say I've never been to such a high-class theater. My seats were in the V.I.P. area (21 years and older only in the V.I.P. areas) which gave me exclusive access to the bar and grill where I could order anything from bacon popcorn to a mojito and bring it into the movie. I've been to theatre's that offer a similar V.I.P. experience, but none like ShowPlace!
The food in the V.I.P lounge is terrific, there are many fancy choices (stuffed olives and aged cheese, love!) for food drinks. If you prefer old-fashion popcorn and a large soda, the regular concessions are available as well on the main floor. The V.I.P. seats are leather and over sized with big arm rests, and the isles are wider so people can walk by you to their seats without you having to squeeze in or stand up awkwardly.The seats are also set in pairs, each pair sharing a little table, convenient for food or a purse. One thing I loved was the option to pay and pick my seat before arriving on the internet, making for a faster experience since your seats are reserved and you've already paid! If planning ahead isn't your style, feel free to stop in and catch a movie as it's not necessary to reserve a seat ahead of time.
All the employees are so attentive and helpful, which made me feel as though the experience was definitely worth the price, even though the price won't break the bank anyway. Service is great, food and drink are wonderful. I've sat in the regular seats, and they are still nicer than regular theatre seats and you also have the advantage of picking your seats and buying your tickets on the internet as well (click here to checkout how to reserve your seats). It's worth trying at least once in your life, especially if you like to be treat yourself and possibly a date!
TMZ (Blog post #3)
As the mother of daughters, and maybe even more pertinent the mother of a son, I have finally hit morality critical mass. It happened about 6:30 PM yesterday evening while I was blankly staring at TMZ.
Maybe I should preface my critique before launching into a complete tirade...My husband is a devout follower of TMZ and if I do not choose to leave the room every night at 6:30 I am riddled with boobs, butts, debauchery and general I.Q. demolishment. I admit that I occasionally laugh, am sometimes amused but in general spend the time squirming uncomfortably and eventually vacate the room. My husband accuses me constantly of being "high brow" but the truth is I like lots of stuff that does not constitute "high brow". I love the entire Fast and the Furious series (I happen to appreciate fine looking men and fast cars...girls look too!), nearly pee myself every time I listen to Daniel Tosh's "Cargo Pant Day" skit & wholly appreciate Dave Chappelle's take on the seedier side of Sesame Street and the list goes on. My moral compass is not at a squeaky clean north 24/7.
Where TMZ completely lost me last night was their lecherous segment on the new Miley Cyrus video, which is pretty much obscene all on its own without the added explicit commentary and verbiage. (I now know what "tweaking" is - it happens A LOT in this video, have watched Hannah Montana grab some girls breast, make out with women and dolls etc...) Their show, much like their website, is devoted to about as much soft core pornography as is allowable by law. (Here is a link to their site, guys, Kate Upton is riding a horse topless on the front page.) True, there are many other stories on their site than just highly sexualized ones but the blatant objectification of women perpetrated by this organization and accepted by millions of people (women included) makes me, well, sad. Before I knew much about TMZ I let my oldest daughter visit the site, my bad! (I now ALWAYS visit a site first if I know nothing about it.)
I guess at the very core of my critique of this site is my disappointment with the direction of our culture that is encouraged by sites like TMZ. We are supposed to be this educated and socially aware group of people and yet we cannot seem to rise above our trog nature. And to give credit to our Cro-Magnon brothers and sisters, their lack of social finesse was due to a small brain and focus on survival. What exactly is our excuse? We chide other cultures for their treatment of women while marketing our bad behavior as entertainment. I know I will probably be perceived as bitter, old, past my expiration date and generally humorless for being so critical with TMZ and perhaps I am. I can live with the backlash and feel safe in the knowledge that the entire TMZ staff is busy digging up pictures of Rhianna tweeting her own bare butt and re-posting video of Kate Upton bouncing down the runway and could care less about my opinions.
Maybe I should preface my critique before launching into a complete tirade...My husband is a devout follower of TMZ and if I do not choose to leave the room every night at 6:30 I am riddled with boobs, butts, debauchery and general I.Q. demolishment. I admit that I occasionally laugh, am sometimes amused but in general spend the time squirming uncomfortably and eventually vacate the room. My husband accuses me constantly of being "high brow" but the truth is I like lots of stuff that does not constitute "high brow". I love the entire Fast and the Furious series (I happen to appreciate fine looking men and fast cars...girls look too!), nearly pee myself every time I listen to Daniel Tosh's "Cargo Pant Day" skit & wholly appreciate Dave Chappelle's take on the seedier side of Sesame Street and the list goes on. My moral compass is not at a squeaky clean north 24/7.
Where TMZ completely lost me last night was their lecherous segment on the new Miley Cyrus video, which is pretty much obscene all on its own without the added explicit commentary and verbiage. (I now know what "tweaking" is - it happens A LOT in this video, have watched Hannah Montana grab some girls breast, make out with women and dolls etc...) Their show, much like their website, is devoted to about as much soft core pornography as is allowable by law. (Here is a link to their site, guys, Kate Upton is riding a horse topless on the front page.) True, there are many other stories on their site than just highly sexualized ones but the blatant objectification of women perpetrated by this organization and accepted by millions of people (women included) makes me, well, sad. Before I knew much about TMZ I let my oldest daughter visit the site, my bad! (I now ALWAYS visit a site first if I know nothing about it.)
I guess at the very core of my critique of this site is my disappointment with the direction of our culture that is encouraged by sites like TMZ. We are supposed to be this educated and socially aware group of people and yet we cannot seem to rise above our trog nature. And to give credit to our Cro-Magnon brothers and sisters, their lack of social finesse was due to a small brain and focus on survival. What exactly is our excuse? We chide other cultures for their treatment of women while marketing our bad behavior as entertainment. I know I will probably be perceived as bitter, old, past my expiration date and generally humorless for being so critical with TMZ and perhaps I am. I can live with the backlash and feel safe in the knowledge that the entire TMZ staff is busy digging up pictures of Rhianna tweeting her own bare butt and re-posting video of Kate Upton bouncing down the runway and could care less about my opinions.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
"The Others" (Blog post #1)
I happen to listen to a podcast from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum titled Voices on Genocide Prevention which is the discussion of some topic related to genocide and ethnic cleansing led by a professional in the field. Not exactly light hearted fare but certainly enlightening and from my perspective rather provocative given the nature of the political, economical and cultural state of affairs our country is in.
Genocide and ethnic cleansing are the ugly result of a combination of things including humans, hatred, ignorance and intolerance whose flames are often ignited by the spark of what psychologists refer to as the creation of "the other". This is the gradual demonization of one group of people, typically based on ethnicity or religion but can also include political affiliations and gender, and is perpetuated with great success in the most subtle of ways. We have all seen or heard about the atrocities committed during the Holocaust and in the Balkans during the early 90's, as well as Rwanda, not to mention what is going on in Syria today. But what about us here in America? Certainly we are above such atrocity. Or are we?
My concern is the level of intolerance for the opinions and ideas of those that differ from our own as exemplified by our own government. Those who are our own elected officials, our supposed best, brightest, and most well behaved act with childish impunity when waggling their finger at one another and refuse to work in any capacity for the common good of the people. What kind of example are they setting for their citizenry? Both ruling parties heinously guilty of perpetuating a psychology that can lead to despicable acts of violence. One can easily navigate the internet and view many a political site or blog and see the ensuing comment section that is filled with venom spewed from everyday individuals desperate to settle some kind of score.
Are we on the brink of a genocide? No, I do not believe we currently are but I do not believe that it is out of our realm of future possibility. Many survivors of past genocides tell the same stories; they cannot believe that their own neighbors and friends would have turned on them in such a way. Like us, they were all civilized human beings.
Genocide and ethnic cleansing are the ugly result of a combination of things including humans, hatred, ignorance and intolerance whose flames are often ignited by the spark of what psychologists refer to as the creation of "the other". This is the gradual demonization of one group of people, typically based on ethnicity or religion but can also include political affiliations and gender, and is perpetuated with great success in the most subtle of ways. We have all seen or heard about the atrocities committed during the Holocaust and in the Balkans during the early 90's, as well as Rwanda, not to mention what is going on in Syria today. But what about us here in America? Certainly we are above such atrocity. Or are we?
My concern is the level of intolerance for the opinions and ideas of those that differ from our own as exemplified by our own government. Those who are our own elected officials, our supposed best, brightest, and most well behaved act with childish impunity when waggling their finger at one another and refuse to work in any capacity for the common good of the people. What kind of example are they setting for their citizenry? Both ruling parties heinously guilty of perpetuating a psychology that can lead to despicable acts of violence. One can easily navigate the internet and view many a political site or blog and see the ensuing comment section that is filled with venom spewed from everyday individuals desperate to settle some kind of score.
Are we on the brink of a genocide? No, I do not believe we currently are but I do not believe that it is out of our realm of future possibility. Many survivors of past genocides tell the same stories; they cannot believe that their own neighbors and friends would have turned on them in such a way. Like us, they were all civilized human beings.
Meine Name ist Leni!
Storytime! You all get to learn something about me:
At age three I got my first real experience with a foreign language. My parents and I traveled to Germany and the surrounding countries for about a month. My dad was there on a military deployment, and my mom and I were able to go along and stay on the base he was at. She and I got in a rental car and did tons of sightseeing. This experience, combined with additional trips at ages six and ten, gave me a solid interest in the German language. On each trip I learned a few more words and phrases and became familiar with the culture. As I got older, I had a strong desire to continue my language education.
This desire led me to learn about Concordia Language Villages. This language program, run by Concordia College (Moorhead, MN), is an internationally known, experience for children of all ages. The main thing they're known for is two-week immersion summer camps for kids 8-18. They offer additional programs, such as day camps for younger children and high school/college credit adventures, but the core number of attendees fall into the two-week sessions mentioned. Currently, CLV camps for 15 different languages. Most of these camps are located in Bemidji, MN, around Turtle River Lake. Each camp is designed to feel authentic to the country that it represents. The buildings, food, and street signs are all representations of a foreign country. Counselors speak only in the language you are there to learn, and encourage learning through educational games, songs, activities, and skits.
I attended their two-week immersion sessions for four summers, from the ages of 12 to 15. The eight weeks of my teenage years that I spent at the German camp, Waldsee (vaald-say), were eight of the happiest weeks I can remember. My first memory from camp is arriving with my parents and finding out that as a camper, I would need to pick a "new" name to represent my German experience. The name "Lena" grabbed my attention, as it felt familiar (Ole and Lena, anyone??). But alas, someone else had already chosen my name. So I chose the next-closest name: "Leni". Now at first glance, you'd think it's pronounced "Lenny". But I will quickly correct you... It's pronounced "Laynee". This name has stuck with me well beyond my camp years, and it has become a part of who I am.
It is quite likely that I could ramble on and on about my experience at Waldsee for much longer than you care to read. I could tell you about the fast progress I made with my language comprehension, I could teach you a silly German song about animals, or I could make your mouth fill with saliva by describing fresh-baked croissants smeared with Nutella. But instead, I will leave you with this piece of advice: If you have kids, encourage them to learn a foreign language. If they have an interest in a foreign language, send them to Concordia Language Villages. It is an incredible experience, worth every penny, they will learn invaluable skills and make friends to last a lifetime.
It wouldn't be German camp banquet without pretzels, schnitzel, lederhosen, and dirndls! Here we have counselor "Otto", "Dirk", counselor "Franzi", "Leni", and "Benno" (who I'm still friends with today). During each session, the last evening is celebrated by a theme dinner night and diskothek-style party after. It's a fun chance to get dressed up, eat great food, and dance to some popular European music.
At age three I got my first real experience with a foreign language. My parents and I traveled to Germany and the surrounding countries for about a month. My dad was there on a military deployment, and my mom and I were able to go along and stay on the base he was at. She and I got in a rental car and did tons of sightseeing. This experience, combined with additional trips at ages six and ten, gave me a solid interest in the German language. On each trip I learned a few more words and phrases and became familiar with the culture. As I got older, I had a strong desire to continue my language education.
This desire led me to learn about Concordia Language Villages. This language program, run by Concordia College (Moorhead, MN), is an internationally known, experience for children of all ages. The main thing they're known for is two-week immersion summer camps for kids 8-18. They offer additional programs, such as day camps for younger children and high school/college credit adventures, but the core number of attendees fall into the two-week sessions mentioned. Currently, CLV camps for 15 different languages. Most of these camps are located in Bemidji, MN, around Turtle River Lake. Each camp is designed to feel authentic to the country that it represents. The buildings, food, and street signs are all representations of a foreign country. Counselors speak only in the language you are there to learn, and encourage learning through educational games, songs, activities, and skits.
I attended their two-week immersion sessions for four summers, from the ages of 12 to 15. The eight weeks of my teenage years that I spent at the German camp, Waldsee (vaald-say), were eight of the happiest weeks I can remember. My first memory from camp is arriving with my parents and finding out that as a camper, I would need to pick a "new" name to represent my German experience. The name "Lena" grabbed my attention, as it felt familiar (Ole and Lena, anyone??). But alas, someone else had already chosen my name. So I chose the next-closest name: "Leni". Now at first glance, you'd think it's pronounced "Lenny". But I will quickly correct you... It's pronounced "Laynee". This name has stuck with me well beyond my camp years, and it has become a part of who I am.
It is quite likely that I could ramble on and on about my experience at Waldsee for much longer than you care to read. I could tell you about the fast progress I made with my language comprehension, I could teach you a silly German song about animals, or I could make your mouth fill with saliva by describing fresh-baked croissants smeared with Nutella. But instead, I will leave you with this piece of advice: If you have kids, encourage them to learn a foreign language. If they have an interest in a foreign language, send them to Concordia Language Villages. It is an incredible experience, worth every penny, they will learn invaluable skills and make friends to last a lifetime.
Wilkommen in Waldsee! It is a characteristic for the camps to name their main buildings after what main buildings in a city might be called. For instance, Bahnhof means "train station", but at Waldsee it is the building you first enter when you get dropped off at camp--no trains around though! You might be able to guess that Fussballplatz means "soccer field". Soccer/fussball is an integral part of the Waldsee experience, as is ultimate frisbee!
At Concordia Language Villages there are LOTS of outdoor learning adventures, but sometimes there is homework too. Here my friend "Benni" and I were studiously creating maps of Germany for an activity. Notice that we are both wearing name tags. It is a defining characteristic of CLV to have the campers decorate a name tag displaying the authentic name they have chosen for themselves. These namenschilds, as they're called at Waldsee, become great souvenirs to hang on to.
The Seventh Sense (Blog Post #2)
There are the five human senses we are all aware of: touch, taste, smell, sight and sound, the debated "sixth sense" of psychic ability and the most illusive sense for those of the human race, which I have deemed the "seventh sense", common sense.
One area where the lack of common sense has come to the forefront of the conversational and political arena is the debate on gun control. CBS correspondent Bob Schieffer made some excellent points on both topics (gun control and common sense) in this 2012 blog. Now before you gun aficionados go all Charlton Heston on me let me be very clear; there is a lack of common sense on both sides of this debate.
Around the same time as Mr. Schieffer's post, writer Jason Whitlock came out with his own unique thoughts on gun ownership / the right to bear arms which is highlighted in this December 2012 article from the Daily Caller (audio of the original podcast included). Just to briefly sum it up for you readers Mr. Whitlock (whom I happen to enjoy one day and despise the next) christened the NRA the new KKK. A little extreme and, in my opinion, lacking in some basic common sense. This being said reading some of the commentary below the blog leads me to believe that the common sense deficiency is certainly a bi-partisan disease.
When are people and politicians going to realize that this is not a debate with clear cut boundaries? There are many facets to be taken into consideration when creating new legislation or changing existing laws. Guns are potentially dangerous and at their very worst, deadly. The same could be said for Hungry Man XXL frozen dinners and roller blading. All kidding aside, I am concerned about the lack of common sense within our country as well as abroad and hope that amidst the opposing and polarized arguments of "guns for all" and "guns as epitomizing the most disgraceful icon of racism" there might be some fragment of common ground deemed the land of common sense.
One area where the lack of common sense has come to the forefront of the conversational and political arena is the debate on gun control. CBS correspondent Bob Schieffer made some excellent points on both topics (gun control and common sense) in this 2012 blog. Now before you gun aficionados go all Charlton Heston on me let me be very clear; there is a lack of common sense on both sides of this debate.
Around the same time as Mr. Schieffer's post, writer Jason Whitlock came out with his own unique thoughts on gun ownership / the right to bear arms which is highlighted in this December 2012 article from the Daily Caller (audio of the original podcast included). Just to briefly sum it up for you readers Mr. Whitlock (whom I happen to enjoy one day and despise the next) christened the NRA the new KKK. A little extreme and, in my opinion, lacking in some basic common sense. This being said reading some of the commentary below the blog leads me to believe that the common sense deficiency is certainly a bi-partisan disease.
When are people and politicians going to realize that this is not a debate with clear cut boundaries? There are many facets to be taken into consideration when creating new legislation or changing existing laws. Guns are potentially dangerous and at their very worst, deadly. The same could be said for Hungry Man XXL frozen dinners and roller blading. All kidding aside, I am concerned about the lack of common sense within our country as well as abroad and hope that amidst the opposing and polarized arguments of "guns for all" and "guns as epitomizing the most disgraceful icon of racism" there might be some fragment of common ground deemed the land of common sense.
Legal Limit
I think it’s safe to say that drinking is a pretty popular pastime
for a lot of people. Heck, back in the
day (and of the legal drinking age) I had my fair share of hanging out with friends at local bars. However, we made
sure to have a sober ride to and from the bars. Unfortunately not everyone does the same and we
are all aware of the dangers involved with drinking and driving. According to the National
Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) almost 10,000 people die in alcohol related
traffic accidents each year and over 170,000 are injured. In order to reduce the fatality rate the NTSB
has proposed to lower the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) level from 0.08 to
0.05. Alcohol obviously affects everyone
differently, but it is suggested that an average 30 year old male weighing 180 pounds would have to
drink four beers in an hour and an average 30 year female weighing 130 pounds
would have to drink two glasses of wine in an hour to have a BAC level of 0.05.
Lowering the BAC level does seem like it would hold people back from having that glass of wine with dinner, but maybe instead people can decide to cook at home. If they go that route they can have as many glasses as they like! And, before people get too upset about this proposal, keep in mind that it took 21 years for all states to implement the last decrease in BAC level when it went from 0.10 to 0.08. Also, the NTSB doesn't have the authority to make this change. Each state would have to accept this recommendation and make the change on their own.
Lowering the BAC level does seem like it would hold people back from having that glass of wine with dinner, but maybe instead people can decide to cook at home. If they go that route they can have as many glasses as they like! And, before people get too upset about this proposal, keep in mind that it took 21 years for all states to implement the last decrease in BAC level when it went from 0.10 to 0.08. Also, the NTSB doesn't have the authority to make this change. Each state would have to accept this recommendation and make the change on their own.
Summer Evenings (Fun Post #2)
I made such grand plans to stay on track for writing these six blogs and now here I am, at the proverbial wire, four blog posts to go. And while I have snippets scrawled in a notebook for each of the structured posts all I can think about while I sit in my slowly dimming living room is how delighted I am to be fortunate enough to enjoy another summer.
The windows are open and I hear cars, kids, frogs, and Tom Petty on my neighbors radio. It is so seldom that I sit like this and really listen. Most often at this time I am scurrying around trying to tie up the lose ends of the day; shuffling kids off to baths or bed, putting coffee on or wrapping up what seems like the fiftieth load of laundry of the day. But not tonight, tonight I am satisfied to be nothing more than an observer, at least for the next ten minutes or so.
I love warm evenings like this. I love the feel of the slightest prickle of sweat from the stillness that turns to a chill when the breeze suddenly comes in through the east window. I love hearing the robins chirp out the last of their conversations before settling into the trees. And most of all I love how the ever repeating act of changing seasons can automatically transport me back thirty years. My hair is down and a little matted and my bare feet are black on the bottom and it pleases me to no end (of course unlike the ten-year-old me I will give in to the hygienic necessity of a good cool shower before slipping between the sheets) but not before enjoying a moment more of good old fashioned summer grunge.
The voices of my own children bring me back from summers spent at the pool, picking strawberries with my grandfather and playing "ghost in the graveyard" with my cousins. It is time to run those baths, get that coffee ground and pound out those other postings, but I still have had the ultimate satisfaction of enjoying the finer points of this one summer evening.
The windows are open and I hear cars, kids, frogs, and Tom Petty on my neighbors radio. It is so seldom that I sit like this and really listen. Most often at this time I am scurrying around trying to tie up the lose ends of the day; shuffling kids off to baths or bed, putting coffee on or wrapping up what seems like the fiftieth load of laundry of the day. But not tonight, tonight I am satisfied to be nothing more than an observer, at least for the next ten minutes or so.
I love warm evenings like this. I love the feel of the slightest prickle of sweat from the stillness that turns to a chill when the breeze suddenly comes in through the east window. I love hearing the robins chirp out the last of their conversations before settling into the trees. And most of all I love how the ever repeating act of changing seasons can automatically transport me back thirty years. My hair is down and a little matted and my bare feet are black on the bottom and it pleases me to no end (of course unlike the ten-year-old me I will give in to the hygienic necessity of a good cool shower before slipping between the sheets) but not before enjoying a moment more of good old fashioned summer grunge.
The voices of my own children bring me back from summers spent at the pool, picking strawberries with my grandfather and playing "ghost in the graveyard" with my cousins. It is time to run those baths, get that coffee ground and pound out those other postings, but I still have had the ultimate satisfaction of enjoying the finer points of this one summer evening.
Man Made Global Warming?
History
People have long suspected that human activity could change the local climate. For example, ancient Greeks and 19th-century Americans debated how cutting down forests might bring more rainfall to a region, or perhaps less. But there were larger shifts of climate that happened all by themselves. The discovery of ice ages in the distant past proved that climate could change radically over the entire globe, which seemed vastly beyond anything mere humans could provoke. Then what did cause global climate change — was it variations in the heat of the Sun? Volcanoes erupting clouds of smoke? The raising and lowering of mountain ranges, which diverted wind patterns and ocean currents? Or could it be changes in the composition of the air itself?
In 1896 a Swedish scientist published a new idea. As humanity burned fossil fuels such as coal, which added carbon dioxide gas to the Earth's atmosphere, we would raise the planet's average temperature. This "greenhouse effect" was only one of many speculations about climate change, however, and not the most plausible. Scientists found technical reasons to argue that our emissions could not change the climate. Indeed most thought it was obvious that puny humanity could never affect the vast climate cycles, which were governed by a benign "balance of nature." In any case major change seemed impossible except over tens of thousands of years.
By the year 2000 man made global climate change had seemed apparent, many governments and corporations had lobbied for new legislation to either control the amount of green house gasses released into the atmosphere or they lobbied against the idea that humans could affect global temperatures. Each side of the argument had compelling study's to accompany their position.
Greenpeace
According to Greenpeace,
"Climate change is a reality. Today, our world is hotter than it has been in two thousand years, and we are experiencing faster sea level rise and more extreme weather than scientists had previously predicted. By the end of the century, if current trends continue, the global temperature will likely climb higher than at any time in the past two million years. It’s not hard to see the result of our reliance on fossil fuels. The full impact of the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster may take a generation to reveal itself, but already hundreds of species of marine life have been affected, as have the communities that rely on the Gulf. Around the country, communities face devastating levels of water and air pollution as a result of coal burning power plants, which produce millions of tons of toxic sludge and smoke each year.
Fossil fuels also account for more than 80 percent of US global warming pollution. Global warming, if unchecked, threatens to fundamentally change the planet that has sustained our civilization. In the US, we’re already seeing some of the effects—wildfires tearing through western states, devastating floods in the southeast, and historic droughts in the mid-west".
Debunking Greenpeace
"Today, our world is hotter than it has been in two thousand years"-- false statement
The earliest record of any weather tracking is from 1659, which was kept by the Central England Temperature series. Last time I checked my math the year 1659 to the year 2013 is only 354 years. So how do we now that our world has been hotter than it has been in two thousand years if we haven't been recording weather for two thousand years.
"Fossil fuels also account for more than 80 percent of US global warming pollution"--True statement, however!
The burning of fossil fuels undoubtedly contributes to pollution in the air, however to say that CO2, is causing temperature change is just not correct. Many scientists have proven that temperature influences the amount of CO2 not the other way around.
The Great Global Warming Swindle
Man Made Global Warming
To say that humans are the reason for climate change or global warming is not an accurate statement. Obviously, the earth has been experiencing higher than normal temperatures in recent years, this does not mean however that we are to blame.
Human contribute 0.00093% of all CO2 gases released into the atmosphere anually.
Deciduous trees contribute 5% of all CO2 released into the atmosphere annually, each fall.
You know what the real problem is........the ocean. Each year the big blue thing that covers 70% of the planet, contributes up to 93% of all CO2 released into the atmosphere.
Lets please get all of the facts before we listen to big lobbyists like Greenpeace, and make foolish regulations that hamper the growth of developing nations.
Exercising your public voice : Daycare Dangers in Minnesota
This is a topic that I really wanted to educate to current parents and to people that will have children in the future. As you know there has been several news stories that involved some type of children related issue. The most recent story was about Sandstone Daycare in Sand Stone, MN, she was drinking while watching ten children, one of the toddlers some how got out of site and wondered off onto a highway and came close to getting hit by several cars. I have to tell you this made me sick to my stomach when I watched this on the local news last night. In my mind it could have been my son in that position. The news said that she admitted to having several drinks through out the day and is only being charged with child neglect and child endangerment? It should be a felony not a gross misdemeanor and more then a year in jail.
http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/story/22610913/sandstone-daycare-charges-toddler-on-highway
I propose that we have a harsher punishment for this type of crime. For starters we should immediately take their daycare and put it out of business and make sure there are never able to run one again. Second, instead of up to a 3,000 dollar fine make the daycare provider pay the parents for endangering their children.
Like I said before this is just the most recent story I have seen but if you search Google or look at the StarTribune.com you will find several more stories on this topic.
http://www.startribune.com/local/150283965.html
We as a community, as parents , and the law need to be more ambitious on coming up with ways to prevent this. I know there is only so much we can do and we can only ask law makers to try but if you look at the real it could be one of our kids or our friends and family's kids. Let's make the change by starting some kind of online community like Facebook, or start a blog where we can drop resources to picking daycares, share experiences amongst one another, and a place where we can get advice. Who's with me?
http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/story/22610913/sandstone-daycare-charges-toddler-on-highway
I propose that we have a harsher punishment for this type of crime. For starters we should immediately take their daycare and put it out of business and make sure there are never able to run one again. Second, instead of up to a 3,000 dollar fine make the daycare provider pay the parents for endangering their children.
Like I said before this is just the most recent story I have seen but if you search Google or look at the StarTribune.com you will find several more stories on this topic.
http://www.startribune.com/local/150283965.html
We as a community, as parents , and the law need to be more ambitious on coming up with ways to prevent this. I know there is only so much we can do and we can only ask law makers to try but if you look at the real it could be one of our kids or our friends and family's kids. Let's make the change by starting some kind of online community like Facebook, or start a blog where we can drop resources to picking daycares, share experiences amongst one another, and a place where we can get advice. Who's with me?
The Old School Flip Phone (Fun Post)
It was mentioned a couple of times in
class this semester that seemingly everybody has a smart phone in this day and
age. I’ll admit, I do think that they are very cool when people show me the
tasks they are capable of performing. It is absolutely amazing to me that
almost any information in the world can be available at the push of a button
(or sound of a voice) in a seemingly instant speed. But when it comes down to
my personal preference, I have yet to make the jump from the classic flip
phone.
As I said earlier, I think that the
idea of a smart phone and its capabilities is cool and often amazing, so my
reason for not switching over from the traditional flip phone isn’t necessarily
to prove a point against smart phones. The biggest reason that I like my flip
phone is that it’s very simple. I don’t have internet or anything on it, but
that’s good because it won’t distract me from things I need to get done. It
doesn’t have a touch screen, so when it’s closed I can’t accidentally push
buttons and “butt dial” people. It’s not sensitive to touch in anyway, so
anything that it does (calls, text, and tools) is because I intended to utilize
it for that specific reason and not by mistake.
I must admit, there is a part of me
that is paranoid that getting a smart phone will make it easier for me to enter
an Orwell type of world. I’ll be tracked and monitored all the time and under
the constant eye of the Thought Police and Spies and eventually taken to Room
101…okay, so that rant was meant for humor, but in a much more simple way it
has some validity. I suppose it doesn’t matter much these days what type of
phone a person has, they all can probably be tracked the same. I guess what it
boils down to is that I’d just rather not have my phone post to Facebook my
location every time I check into a restaurant or go to a convenience store; who
needs to know that?
In the end, I’m probably going to have
to make the move from the flip phone to a smart phone, as flip phones could end
up going extinct. But until that day comes, I’m sticking with the simple phone
and leaving the internet resource to my computer. It’s not like it matters too
much anyway, any time I want to know something, I just have to turn to a friend
and ask them and they’ll give me an answer in a couple seconds. Everybody’s got
one these days, I can get benefits from second hand 4G.
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