El Fin
14 years ago
Thursday, April 16, 2009
outside reading
For my forth quarter outside reading im choosing to read In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. I picked this book because my dad said that i would like it. I also looked through it and it seemed interesting so I will read it and see how good it is.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
blog #15
"Wounded vet goes from 'life slipping away' to soap opera star". CNN. 2008. 22 March 2009. http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/02/16/jr.martinez/index.html?iref=newssearch
As a U.S. soldier drives his humvee down gravel road in Iraq with his comrades, suddenly a mine explodes, blowing up his left front tire. He was trapped in the vehicle while it started to burn. His friends were able to escape and only suffered minor injuries. As the humvee started to smolder, the soldier began to think of his mother and her receiving a flag because of his death and he suddenly realized he couldn't put her through that kind of pain. As a result of his vision, he mustered up enough strenght to fight his way out the vehicle and make it to saftey. While in the hospital, with his mother by his side, he was forced to watch a Spanish soap opera with his mother. He joked with her saying "One day I'm going to be on a soap opera, mom". But his joke came true because he is now starring in the the soap opera titled "All My Children". He has inspired many in todays world by telling them to be strong and hold on to certain things in life because they'll get you through.
As a U.S. soldier drives his humvee down gravel road in Iraq with his comrades, suddenly a mine explodes, blowing up his left front tire. He was trapped in the vehicle while it started to burn. His friends were able to escape and only suffered minor injuries. As the humvee started to smolder, the soldier began to think of his mother and her receiving a flag because of his death and he suddenly realized he couldn't put her through that kind of pain. As a result of his vision, he mustered up enough strenght to fight his way out the vehicle and make it to saftey. While in the hospital, with his mother by his side, he was forced to watch a Spanish soap opera with his mother. He joked with her saying "One day I'm going to be on a soap opera, mom". But his joke came true because he is now starring in the the soap opera titled "All My Children". He has inspired many in todays world by telling them to be strong and hold on to certain things in life because they'll get you through.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
blog #14
Monroe, Rachel. "My Back-Seat View Of A Great Romance." New York Times. 21 February 2009. 17 March 2009. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/22/fashion/22love.html?_r=1
As this young girl goes throughout her life, she suddenly realizes that because she is dating a distant boyfriend, she is confining herself to being committed and she doesn't like that. She decides that she will break up with him and go to Morocco for a vacation. After she breaks the ties with him, she realizes she's lonely and unhappy without him. But she decides to go on her trip anyways. Only after not being with him does she realize how important he was in her daily life. In connection with Nectar in a Sieve, Ruku feels some reservation in marrying Nathan just like how the young girl feels about her relationship.
As this young girl goes throughout her life, she suddenly realizes that because she is dating a distant boyfriend, she is confining herself to being committed and she doesn't like that. She decides that she will break up with him and go to Morocco for a vacation. After she breaks the ties with him, she realizes she's lonely and unhappy without him. But she decides to go on her trip anyways. Only after not being with him does she realize how important he was in her daily life. In connection with Nectar in a Sieve, Ruku feels some reservation in marrying Nathan just like how the young girl feels about her relationship.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
blog #13
Rohde, David. "How a ‘Good War’ in Afghanistan Went Bad'." NY Times. 12 August 2007. 15 March 2009. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/12/world/asia/12afghan.html?scp=1&sq=How%20a%20
As the war in Iraq began, troops that were stationed in Afghanistan were relocated to fight in Iraq. This action by the Bush Administration was questioned by many people because it seemed like all the work we had done to support Afghanistan had gone to waste. Later on, groups of NATO ambassadors went to Kabul, Afghanistan and surveyed a 'triumph'. The Taliban were so decimated that they didn't even pose a threat anymore. This war is invovled with improvenments of health care, education, economy, and the quality of life in the cities.
As the war in Iraq began, troops that were stationed in Afghanistan were relocated to fight in Iraq. This action by the Bush Administration was questioned by many people because it seemed like all the work we had done to support Afghanistan had gone to waste. Later on, groups of NATO ambassadors went to Kabul, Afghanistan and surveyed a 'triumph'. The Taliban were so decimated that they didn't even pose a threat anymore. This war is invovled with improvenments of health care, education, economy, and the quality of life in the cities.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
blog #12
Kimmelman, Micheal. "In France, a War of Memories Over Memories of War." NY Times. 4 March 2009. 10 March 2009.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/05/arts/design/05abroad.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1
In France, there is a wall called the Wall of Disappeared that lists 2700 of pieds noirs. Pieds Noirs (French colonists) emigrated from Spain, Italy, Germany, Malta and other European countries. When France was ruled by Charle de Gaulle in 1962, millions of pied noirs were killed or forced to flee neighboring cities to try to stay alive. These people wanted rights among Africa and colonized in its colonies proting these colonies fully developing. Following this, a series of wars apporached because of the french government not supporting the citizens of France. This led to thousands of deaths which are shown on the Wall of the Disappeared. This wall inspires people all across America.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/05/arts/design/05abroad.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1
In France, there is a wall called the Wall of Disappeared that lists 2700 of pieds noirs. Pieds Noirs (French colonists) emigrated from Spain, Italy, Germany, Malta and other European countries. When France was ruled by Charle de Gaulle in 1962, millions of pied noirs were killed or forced to flee neighboring cities to try to stay alive. These people wanted rights among Africa and colonized in its colonies proting these colonies fully developing. Following this, a series of wars apporached because of the french government not supporting the citizens of France. This led to thousands of deaths which are shown on the Wall of the Disappeared. This wall inspires people all across America.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
blog #11
Sutter, John D. "To find a job, ignore doom-and-gloom news, experts say". CNN. 6 March 2009. 8 March 2009.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/03/05/job.search.tips.industry/index.html
As the economy starts to slow down, job spots have also decreased. The rate of unemployement as gone way up and the number of jobs is going down. In the case that you are in the search for a job, you should be open minded to working in a different field or moving to accomidate for a new job. One option is to move to the south because it is overflowing with jobs because of the healh care industry. As jobs are harder to find, you must be persistent in putting in as many job applications as possible. In connection to Nectar in Sieve, Nathan has a hard time finding a job after he is kicked off his land.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/03/05/job.search.tips.industry/index.html
As the economy starts to slow down, job spots have also decreased. The rate of unemployement as gone way up and the number of jobs is going down. In the case that you are in the search for a job, you should be open minded to working in a different field or moving to accomidate for a new job. One option is to move to the south because it is overflowing with jobs because of the healh care industry. As jobs are harder to find, you must be persistent in putting in as many job applications as possible. In connection to Nectar in Sieve, Nathan has a hard time finding a job after he is kicked off his land.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
blog#10
Costantini, Allen."MLK, Jr. preached non-violence in Minnesota: a special remembrance". KARE 11 News. 3 March 2009.
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=492371
In honor of Martin Luther King Day, I found an article talking about how Martin Luther King influenced the people of his time to strive for racial equality and as a result of his teachings we live in the world that we do today. 41 years ago, Martin Luther spoke at the U of M campus to around 4000 students teaching them about the importance of non-violent actions regarding racial equality. "That my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream, today!" This quote directly shows the depth of emotion that Martin Luther shows towards his teachings. This article relates to us in our everyday lives because everyday we must strive to treat everyone as equal no matter what color they are or where there from.
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=492371
In honor of Martin Luther King Day, I found an article talking about how Martin Luther King influenced the people of his time to strive for racial equality and as a result of his teachings we live in the world that we do today. 41 years ago, Martin Luther spoke at the U of M campus to around 4000 students teaching them about the importance of non-violent actions regarding racial equality. "That my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream, today!" This quote directly shows the depth of emotion that Martin Luther shows towards his teachings. This article relates to us in our everyday lives because everyday we must strive to treat everyone as equal no matter what color they are or where there from.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
blog#9
Giridharadas, Anand. "Hollywood Starts Making Bollywood Films in India."The New York Times. 7 Aug 2007. 1 Mar 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/08/movies/08boll.html?_r=2
So as Bollywood films become more popular, some of the major film producers in the U.S. are starting to produce some Bollywood films in order to present them in India for the first time. Hollywood says that there intention is not to overtake India's film industry but to copete with them in their own country. Hollywood knows that people love to watch Bollywood films because they are filled with lots of entertainment and a little laughter, so they want to create their own to make a better profit. This article relates to the film Bride and Predijucie because it is about BOllywood and is known throughout the country.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/08/movies/08boll.html?_r=2
So as Bollywood films become more popular, some of the major film producers in the U.S. are starting to produce some Bollywood films in order to present them in India for the first time. Hollywood says that there intention is not to overtake India's film industry but to copete with them in their own country. Hollywood knows that people love to watch Bollywood films because they are filled with lots of entertainment and a little laughter, so they want to create their own to make a better profit. This article relates to the film Bride and Predijucie because it is about BOllywood and is known throughout the country.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
blog#8
Freedman, Samuel. "In One Church, Confessions Makes a Comeback". NY Times. 20 Feb 2009. 24 Feb 2009. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/21/us/21religion.htom?_r=1&sq=religion&st=cse.
St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, pastured by Stephen DiGiovanni, brought back the idea of confession booths. As he entered the church, confessions were told in "reconciliation rooms". The rooms were face to face confrontations between a member of a church and a priest. People thought that it was extremely awkward and embarrassing and many either rarely did them or refused to do them in general. With these confession booths, around 450 people would confess their sins to priests using this new way to confess sins a week. Sin confessing is available in five different languages. Such as English, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and French. St. John's church is also trying to promote other churches to do the same so that people can more openly confess their wrongs they have committed. Some ways in which they are spreading the word is throughout papers, billboards and radio commercials. But they still question if the multimedia effort can change behavior on a grand scale.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
blog#7
Markandaya, Kamala. Nectar in a Sieve. New York: Signet Classic, 1954.
In the book Nectar in a Sieve, Rukmani and her family approach many changes. Rukmani experiences typical changes such as marrying a man she does not know, becomes a mother, has many children and learns to share limited resources with more people. But she also experiences change when the tannery comes. "Change I had known before, and it had been gradual... But the change that now came into my life, into all our lives, blasting its way into our village, seemed wrought in the twinkling of an eye"(25). This quote describes Rukmani's feelings about when the workers arrive to build the tannery and how it will effect their lives. She prefers the simpler way of life, she does not enjoy the difference the tannery made. She likes the peace and wants everything to go back to that. But, Ruku does learn to become adaptable and survives many hardships and learns what life brings.
In the book Nectar in a Sieve, Rukmani and her family approach many changes. Rukmani experiences typical changes such as marrying a man she does not know, becomes a mother, has many children and learns to share limited resources with more people. But she also experiences change when the tannery comes. "Change I had known before, and it had been gradual... But the change that now came into my life, into all our lives, blasting its way into our village, seemed wrought in the twinkling of an eye"(25). This quote describes Rukmani's feelings about when the workers arrive to build the tannery and how it will effect their lives. She prefers the simpler way of life, she does not enjoy the difference the tannery made. She likes the peace and wants everything to go back to that. But, Ruku does learn to become adaptable and survives many hardships and learns what life brings.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
blog#6
Markandaya, Kamala. Nectar in a Sieve. New York: Signet Classic, 1954.
We read the book Nectar in a Sieve in class. I think this book deals a lot with the topic of hope. Nathan and his family rely on hope to get them through difficult situations that arise in their daily lives. "For at least twenty-four days we shall eat, I thought. Al the end of that time--well, we are in God's hands. He will not fail us. Sometimes I thought that, and at other times I was seized with trembling and was frightened, not knowing where to turn"(79). In this quote, Rukmani is worried about the food supply. The family only has enough food for 24 days and once that is gone, they don't know where they will find a supply of food. They rely on hope to be able to survive and not struggle with starvation. In todays world, the economic situation is terrible and many have lost their jobs. They rely on hope to get them through this difficult period. Hopefully this economic situation will turn around.
We read the book Nectar in a Sieve in class. I think this book deals a lot with the topic of hope. Nathan and his family rely on hope to get them through difficult situations that arise in their daily lives. "For at least twenty-four days we shall eat, I thought. Al the end of that time--well, we are in God's hands. He will not fail us. Sometimes I thought that, and at other times I was seized with trembling and was frightened, not knowing where to turn"(79). In this quote, Rukmani is worried about the food supply. The family only has enough food for 24 days and once that is gone, they don't know where they will find a supply of food. They rely on hope to be able to survive and not struggle with starvation. In todays world, the economic situation is terrible and many have lost their jobs. They rely on hope to get them through this difficult period. Hopefully this economic situation will turn around.
Monday, February 16, 2009
blog#5
Ravitz, Jessica. “Muslim in America: a 'voyage of discovery'”. CNN News. 9 Feb 2009. 16 Feb 2009. http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/02/09/muslims.america/index.html?iref=newssearch
This article is about Muslims first arriving in America and the ways they had to adjust when arriving here. One women talked about wearing her Muslim dress with a head scarf covering everything but her face. When she reached the Miami Airport, many people stared at her even through security check. One said, "I expected people to say, 'What is this terrorist doing here? We don't want your kind here,' " said Woldt, a 22-year-old blue-eyed Catholic, recalling her anticipation before stepping into a local barbecue joint. "I thought I wouldn't even be served." I think its weird how when someone dresses different or is from somewhere else, they are always looked at like they are a terrorist or what not. Usually they are not. From the quote, you can see that she wasn't treated like one. I think it is just hard for people to adjust and get started in new places. It's hard for everyone, including Muslims, to get accepted into other countries and practice their religion in different cultures.
This article is about Muslims first arriving in America and the ways they had to adjust when arriving here. One women talked about wearing her Muslim dress with a head scarf covering everything but her face. When she reached the Miami Airport, many people stared at her even through security check. One said, "I expected people to say, 'What is this terrorist doing here? We don't want your kind here,' " said Woldt, a 22-year-old blue-eyed Catholic, recalling her anticipation before stepping into a local barbecue joint. "I thought I wouldn't even be served." I think its weird how when someone dresses different or is from somewhere else, they are always looked at like they are a terrorist or what not. Usually they are not. From the quote, you can see that she wasn't treated like one. I think it is just hard for people to adjust and get started in new places. It's hard for everyone, including Muslims, to get accepted into other countries and practice their religion in different cultures.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
blog#4
Lemagie, Sarah. "Schools recruiting dads to provide more male role models for kids". Star Tribune. 1 Feb 2009. 16 Feb 2009. http://www.startribune.com/local/south/38783792.html?elr=KArksUUUU.
This article is about schools recruiting dads to provide more support and be role models to students at the school. Most dads never volunteer in class, the moms are the ones always wanting to help out. Now they want more of the dads help. Volunteers involved in Watch DOGS (Dads Of Great Students) take one day off work and spend it at their kids' schools, helping out in the classroom and wherever help is needed. I think this is a great idea for more help and giving kids someone to look up to. When i was in elementary school, mainly all the volunteers were mothers. I liked the fact of mothers being there but fathers could give the boys a better influence in my opinion. I hope that more schools will do this and get more help from other watch DOGS.
This article is about schools recruiting dads to provide more support and be role models to students at the school. Most dads never volunteer in class, the moms are the ones always wanting to help out. Now they want more of the dads help. Volunteers involved in Watch DOGS (Dads Of Great Students) take one day off work and spend it at their kids' schools, helping out in the classroom and wherever help is needed. I think this is a great idea for more help and giving kids someone to look up to. When i was in elementary school, mainly all the volunteers were mothers. I liked the fact of mothers being there but fathers could give the boys a better influence in my opinion. I hope that more schools will do this and get more help from other watch DOGS.
Monday, February 9, 2009
blog#3
Polgreen, Lydia. "West African Villagers Stake Their Fortunes on the Future Price of Rice ". The New York Times. 25 Jan 2009. 8 Feb 2009 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/26/world/africa/26senegal.html.
A main source of living in Africa is rice production. It is their primary crop that helps them to gain money. It is also what stables the Senegalese diet. But after investing and borrowing to expand their production, the farmers also run the risk of being wiped out as food prices drop. When prices rose last year and countries stopped exporting, this country had no supply to replace it. They were left with no profit. This is because they are left to rely on their crops instead of money like the U.S. But high prices could make their crops competitive. The price of producing rice locally amde it more expenseve that imports as a result. Arona Diakhate said, “It simply didn’t pay to grow rice,” “Why grow something you can’t sell? It doesn’t make any sense.” This makes total sense in the fact that if you need money, you are not going to sell something that you know wont sell. Without production this year, workers would become poor with no land and no supply of crops. This could impact our world greatly.
A main source of living in Africa is rice production. It is their primary crop that helps them to gain money. It is also what stables the Senegalese diet. But after investing and borrowing to expand their production, the farmers also run the risk of being wiped out as food prices drop. When prices rose last year and countries stopped exporting, this country had no supply to replace it. They were left with no profit. This is because they are left to rely on their crops instead of money like the U.S. But high prices could make their crops competitive. The price of producing rice locally amde it more expenseve that imports as a result. Arona Diakhate said, “It simply didn’t pay to grow rice,” “Why grow something you can’t sell? It doesn’t make any sense.” This makes total sense in the fact that if you need money, you are not going to sell something that you know wont sell. Without production this year, workers would become poor with no land and no supply of crops. This could impact our world greatly.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
blog#2
"Farmers prepare for coldest day of winter in South Florida". Sunbeam Television Corp. Feb 3 2009. 2009. http://www1.wsvn.com/news/articles/local/MI111798/.
South Florida will be expecting Wednesday night to be the coldest day of the winter that could cause a growing problem for farmers with plenty of crops. Farmers are worried that as the temperatures drop into Thursday, their crops could be in great danger and that they could be wiped out. Since its the peak of the harvest season, they are trying their best to do whatever they can to protect their crops. Algers had said that if they don't have a product then it will affect the prices in food stores. This is something we do not want to happen. This difficulty relates a lot to the book Nectar in a Sieve that we are reading in class. But the struggle in that book is that they are working their hardest to get food for survival. They have to go through every day hoping they will have food and hoping that their crops will survive. Also, they struggle with being poor while the people here in South Florida are just at a point in time where crops are not at the best with the weather. We should just be happy that we are able to fix the problems more quickly than in other societies.
South Florida will be expecting Wednesday night to be the coldest day of the winter that could cause a growing problem for farmers with plenty of crops. Farmers are worried that as the temperatures drop into Thursday, their crops could be in great danger and that they could be wiped out. Since its the peak of the harvest season, they are trying their best to do whatever they can to protect their crops. Algers had said that if they don't have a product then it will affect the prices in food stores. This is something we do not want to happen. This difficulty relates a lot to the book Nectar in a Sieve that we are reading in class. But the struggle in that book is that they are working their hardest to get food for survival. They have to go through every day hoping they will have food and hoping that their crops will survive. Also, they struggle with being poor while the people here in South Florida are just at a point in time where crops are not at the best with the weather. We should just be happy that we are able to fix the problems more quickly than in other societies.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
blog #1
Alford, Roger. "KY guardsmen cut through trees downed by ice storm that's frozen state for nearly a week". Star Tribune. 1 Feb 2009.
The biggest natural disaster for the state of Kentucky hit early last week. It was the hardest hit by the ice storm that paralyzed wide areas. The ice shattered utility poles, toppled trees and put thousands of homes to shelters. It would also take up to weeks for the power to be restored. Recovery would be a long process. Now, national guard troops are making their way into communities checking on residents, distribute food and water, remove fallen trees and go door-to-door in hard hit areas providing security. At least the ice is disappearing with the temperature in the 40s. For me, this would be devastating because its hard to live without power in your home. Well at least for me it is. When a storm hit Edina a few years ago, I remember going without power in my home for three days. That was hard because I wasn't able to do all the things I was used to doing. But that was only three days, and these residents in Kentucky may go for weeks. I hope that the guardsmen will help all the residents and resolve all the problems. Hopefully the state will be prepared for another incident like this.
The biggest natural disaster for the state of Kentucky hit early last week. It was the hardest hit by the ice storm that paralyzed wide areas. The ice shattered utility poles, toppled trees and put thousands of homes to shelters. It would also take up to weeks for the power to be restored. Recovery would be a long process. Now, national guard troops are making their way into communities checking on residents, distribute food and water, remove fallen trees and go door-to-door in hard hit areas providing security. At least the ice is disappearing with the temperature in the 40s. For me, this would be devastating because its hard to live without power in your home. Well at least for me it is. When a storm hit Edina a few years ago, I remember going without power in my home for three days. That was hard because I wasn't able to do all the things I was used to doing. But that was only three days, and these residents in Kentucky may go for weeks. I hope that the guardsmen will help all the residents and resolve all the problems. Hopefully the state will be prepared for another incident like this.
Friday, January 23, 2009
blog #15
This year brought devastation and and ruin to the Sichuan province of China. On May 12, 2008 a earthquake jolted this area of China and more than 70,000 people died. Many of the people that died were children that were trapped under poorly built school building. This brought outraged parents demanding officials and contractors be investigated and held accountable for these shortcomings. China's Government which is often slow and secretive was unusually quick and publicly acted to provide relief to the people. This also brought many private Chinese citizens to volunteer and raise money for relief like never before in Chinese History. Out of great tragedy the Chinese People grew closer as a force.
-people
-people
Thursday, January 22, 2009
blog #14
This year's election was one that caught the attention of all of us that had to listen to all the campaign promises and speeches and also brought amusement to many of us with the very colorful character, Sarah Palin.. For most of us she came out of nowhere. Not that Alaska is nowhere, but the name and face of Alsaka's Govoner was unknown to most of us until she was
picked by John McCain vice president running mate. She certainly provided the media with a personality all of her own. She took Saturday Night Live's, Tina Fey to the height of her career as she impersonated Sarah Palin and gave SNL record viewership. She definitely got our attention and put Alaska on the map. She even teased us all by saying, who knows in four years maybe you will see me again.
-people
picked by John McCain vice president running mate. She certainly provided the media with a personality all of her own. She took Saturday Night Live's, Tina Fey to the height of her career as she impersonated Sarah Palin and gave SNL record viewership. She definitely got our attention and put Alaska on the map. She even teased us all by saying, who knows in four years maybe you will see me again.
-people
blog #13
This year marks my fourth year on the Edina Swim Team. I myself can definitely see how I have improved and gained strength as well as improved in form as a swimmer. This past summer we all were witness to Michael Phelps as he caught the attention of the world by taking home 8 gold medals. Michael is 23 years old and stands 6'4" tall. His dedication to the sport as well as his discipline to train is outstanding. He has been quoted as saying "My goal is to change
the sport of swimming." I think this in his behalf is an understatement. His eight gold metals is a record for any Olympic athlete and in doing so make himself an overnight celebrity. Proud and exhausted after 17 races in eight events, he finished with a huge grin and a plan: "I'm going to sit on the beach and do nothing he said. "I'm sleeping in."
-people
the sport of swimming." I think this in his behalf is an understatement. His eight gold metals is a record for any Olympic athlete and in doing so make himself an overnight celebrity. Proud and exhausted after 17 races in eight events, he finished with a huge grin and a plan: "I'm going to sit on the beach and do nothing he said. "I'm sleeping in."
-people
blog #12
January 20, 2009 will no doubt go down in the American History Books as one of great proportion. Barack Obama became the first African-American to win the White House. This historic event certainly can erase the doubt in anyone's mind that, America is a place where all things are possible. President Obama will lead this country at a time in which we face the greatest economic challege of our lifetime. Not only is our country involved in an very unpopular war, we are also involved in an economic struggle that Americans of this generation are not familiar with. President Obama urges us all to get involved and to understand that we have tough challenging days ahead for all of us. He has promised that he will try his best to help unite the Democrats and Republicans in the cause of restoring the American Economy as well as our relations with the world. Watching the inaguaration and the seeing the huge crowd that gathered to view history in the making was an inspiration to all of us. As President Obama often states, YES WE CAN.
-people
-people
blog #11
Even though it is hard to imagine at this point, eventually the snow will melt and summer will come back to Minnesota. As I think of summer , I start to anticipate heading to the lake and getting some serious time in wakeboarding. This summer will be my fifth year at wakeboarding and I try to do some serious reading on the sport during the long winter months. The pros are great sources of many tips and ways to improve your skills and the intensity of your tricks. I've learned that not only is there a correct way to do jumps and tricks there is also a correct way to fall. For instance, a busted knee can definitely be prevented if you learn to fall the right way. Your instinct is to extend your legs to connect your board to the water, which is OK, but as soon as the board hits, you need to relax your legs instead of still trying to stick the move. Your front knee bends nicely up to your chest, your speed is greatly reduced and sometimes you can even slide out onto your back as smooth as silk. No matter how good you are, everybody still falls.
-wakeboarder
-wakeboarder
blog #10
As it has been two years since I updated my snowboard boots, I recently have been doing some casual research on the all the changes that have happened since my last purchase. I wanted to do this soon since the year-end clearance sales will be here at the end of the month. The boots serve as the essential contact of body to board and transfer all your energy into making the board move across the snow. So with this in mind, fit of the boot makes all the difference in the world as to your performance on the snow. Snowboard boots have come a long way and the new models boots boast a supportive yet comfortable fit that have rapid lacing options that allow you to get on and off the hill in less time. If now you add all the different styles and looks for boots to your selection process, well you can become very confused with all the options. Price range of boots varies from approximately $150 to $400 depending on the brand and options. I always try to time my purchase to the end of the season as often you can find boots 30 to 40 percent off original price. Now with all my research and knowledge in mind, I'm off to start the hunt for the best boot for my needs as well as the best savings of the season.
-transworld
-transworld
blog #9
Being an avid car enthusist, I recently was reading about Ferrari's new baby grand tourer. The car is name the California and will be first revealed in October at the Paris Auto Show. The California is powered by a 4.3 liter V-8, making it the first fron-engine Ferrari road car to use a V-8 rather than a V-12. It has 454 Hp and Ferrari's first dual-clutch automatic. It will be offered only in open-topped frm, with a retractable metal hard top. The cost of the car has not yet been revealed, but is expected to be over $200,000. Ferrari claims the car will go from 0 to 62 mph in less thn 4.0 seconds. It certainly is not a crime for a guy to dream...
-motortrend
-motortrend
blog #8
One thing I've had to learn after snowboarding now for seven years is to repair gouges in my board. This is especially true when you ride in trick parks. After riding an snowboard on rails and over rough terain you eventually get gouges on the base of the board. If left unrepaired they will start to slow you down and at a certain point will ruin the core of the board. I have read articles on home repair and have found that with a little time and effort I can repair most gouges, which helps me maintain the integrity of the board and saves me cash in my pocket.
Shop repairs can be costly and also can put you out of action as you wait for them to get to your board. Basically you can repair by melting down plastic and dripping it into the gouge. You then have to wait until is cool and has hardened before you can shave the excess plastic off with a razor blade. Then after I repair the nicks and gouges I like to put a fresh coat of wax on my board. Now I am ready to hit the hill and have a good time.
Serpick, Evan. "Chips." Transworld Snowboarding. Volume 26, January 2009: 56-57.
Shop repairs can be costly and also can put you out of action as you wait for them to get to your board. Basically you can repair by melting down plastic and dripping it into the gouge. You then have to wait until is cool and has hardened before you can shave the excess plastic off with a razor blade. Then after I repair the nicks and gouges I like to put a fresh coat of wax on my board. Now I am ready to hit the hill and have a good time.
Serpick, Evan. "Chips." Transworld Snowboarding. Volume 26, January 2009: 56-57.
Blog #7
Last week i was reading my snowboard magazine and I came across this interesting article on Big Sky Mountain in Montana. The article talked about what Big Sky Mountain has to offer snowboarders. Over the years they continue to offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the northwest. They have also expanded their hill size by making more trails and by installing hill lights for nighttime boarding and skiing. They offer a variety of runs for boarders of all levels and experience. This particular year they have had an abundance of snow which only adds to fun. Big Sky is also withing driving distance of the Minneapolis area, which makes it convienent as well as affordable. I think that after reading this article I should look into making a trip there to check it out.
Sherowski, Jennifer. "Jeff Grell, Inventor of the Highback." Transworld Snowboarding. Volume 22, September 2008: 74-75.
Sherowski, Jennifer. "Jeff Grell, Inventor of the Highback." Transworld Snowboarding. Volume 22, September 2008: 74-75.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Outside Reading #6
Minneapolis Officials Question Obama's Choice of Warren
President elect Barack Obama has choseen the well-known author (of "The Purpose Driven Life" ) and religious leader Rick Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2009. Many of the elected officials of Minneapolis are disappointed by his decision to include Pastor Warren in the inauguration ceremony due to his controversial views on topics such as homosexuality. About two dozen Minneapolis officials have joined forces with the Minnesota Democratic State Senators Dibble and Clark to write a letter to Obama explaining their opposition to his appoinment of Rick Warren for the invocation. They stated in their letter to Obama that Warren's highly honored role in the inauguration will lead to division amongst Obama's supporters, rather than unity. They explained that since many people disagree with Pastor Warrens' views, particularly on homosexuality, he is a controversial figure that defeats the purpose and idea of bringing the nation together. Apparently Obama responded to the letter from the Minneapolis elected officials stating that his decision to nominate Rick Warren for the job of performing the invocation was based on his stance that diverse viewpoints must be heard.
Needless to say, the Minneapolis officials and State Senators are not pleased. It will be interesting to watch the whole inauguration ceremony and then see the reactions different communities throughout the nation will have.
Traudes, Cristof. "Minneapolis Officials Question Obama's Choice of Warren." Southwest Journal. 12 January 2009: A5.
President elect Barack Obama has choseen the well-known author (of "The Purpose Driven Life" ) and religious leader Rick Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2009. Many of the elected officials of Minneapolis are disappointed by his decision to include Pastor Warren in the inauguration ceremony due to his controversial views on topics such as homosexuality. About two dozen Minneapolis officials have joined forces with the Minnesota Democratic State Senators Dibble and Clark to write a letter to Obama explaining their opposition to his appoinment of Rick Warren for the invocation. They stated in their letter to Obama that Warren's highly honored role in the inauguration will lead to division amongst Obama's supporters, rather than unity. They explained that since many people disagree with Pastor Warrens' views, particularly on homosexuality, he is a controversial figure that defeats the purpose and idea of bringing the nation together. Apparently Obama responded to the letter from the Minneapolis elected officials stating that his decision to nominate Rick Warren for the job of performing the invocation was based on his stance that diverse viewpoints must be heard.
Needless to say, the Minneapolis officials and State Senators are not pleased. It will be interesting to watch the whole inauguration ceremony and then see the reactions different communities throughout the nation will have.
Traudes, Cristof. "Minneapolis Officials Question Obama's Choice of Warren." Southwest Journal. 12 January 2009: A5.
Outside Reading #5
"Hopes & Dreams for the Next Four Years"
An article in the Minneapolis Southwest Journal featured interviews with local residents in which they were asked about their hopes and dreams for Obama's new 4 year term in office. They interviewed men and women, young and old, people in business, students, stay-at-home parents and professionals. In general, all of the people interviewed felt optimistic about the presidential election results of 2008 and were all looking forward to a new future with Obama as our nation's leader. At the same time, all people interviewed were worried about the economy and the steady loss of jobs throughout the nation. They believed that most likely things would get worse before they start to get better. They feared more economic hardship and more unemployment in 2009. Some residents mentioned their hopes for the USA to regain respect from other countries around the world after the eight years of bad foreign policy and all the damage caused by Bush and his administration. They were hopeful that Obama represents a true change for US world relations. Many people are 'teful that the war will finally wind down and our troops will be coming home. I wasn't surprised to hear that the fears people have mostly involve economic issues, the war and job loss. It didn't surprise either me to read that most people are hopeful about Obama and his next four years in office. I agreed with most of the people interviewed and I think that right now a large majority of citizens are on the same page in terms of what they are worried about and what they are hoping for in the near future.
Weyer, Jake. "Hopes and Fears for the Next Four Years." Southwest Journal. 12 January 2009: A13-15.
An article in the Minneapolis Southwest Journal featured interviews with local residents in which they were asked about their hopes and dreams for Obama's new 4 year term in office. They interviewed men and women, young and old, people in business, students, stay-at-home parents and professionals. In general, all of the people interviewed felt optimistic about the presidential election results of 2008 and were all looking forward to a new future with Obama as our nation's leader. At the same time, all people interviewed were worried about the economy and the steady loss of jobs throughout the nation. They believed that most likely things would get worse before they start to get better. They feared more economic hardship and more unemployment in 2009. Some residents mentioned their hopes for the USA to regain respect from other countries around the world after the eight years of bad foreign policy and all the damage caused by Bush and his administration. They were hopeful that Obama represents a true change for US world relations. Many people are 'teful that the war will finally wind down and our troops will be coming home. I wasn't surprised to hear that the fears people have mostly involve economic issues, the war and job loss. It didn't surprise either me to read that most people are hopeful about Obama and his next four years in office. I agreed with most of the people interviewed and I think that right now a large majority of citizens are on the same page in terms of what they are worried about and what they are hoping for in the near future.
Weyer, Jake. "Hopes and Fears for the Next Four Years." Southwest Journal. 12 January 2009: A13-15.
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