The lights dimmed down, the sound blasted and the screen came to life. Iron Man 2 was making its debut in theaters around the globe. Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr, is a billionaire who had his secret identity exposed. He was Iron Man. A super smart billionaire, what could go wrong? He builds his own metal suites that make him virtually untouchable and he is quick witted and charming. It sounds like a pretty great movie, but it really was not all that it was hyped up to be.
After a big birthday bash, Tony Stark got himself into a metal-crunching fight with his long time friend and assistant James Rhodes, played by Don Cheadle. While the fight scene was exciting, it was also very loud and quite long. It could have been shorted and still been as effective. After the two friends mended ties, they became a duo not to be messed with. Both men had their Iron Man suites on, and were ready to slay all of the other Iron Men that were built by the Russian villain who was rescued from jail by Tony's jealous competitor Justin Hammer. This battle scene was much better than the first one, but was still pretty long.
Iron Man won the hearts of many, by becoming the fifth-largest opening weekend hit. It earned $133.6 million over the weekend, surpassing the first Iron Man by $35 million. The sequel was not only loved by my fellow Americans, it also took in $194 million overseas, bringing its worldwide grand total to $327 million. It sure took in a whole lot of money for a two hour metal-crunching fight scene.
A box office analysts for Hollywood.com said, "It's a perfect kickoff to the summer of 2010, it literally sets the tone for the entire summer movie season. To have the fifth biggest opening week of all time certainly sends a message that this summer season is going to make its mark. Audiences really do get caught up in that." I really hope that the box office analyst is wrong. If that is what summer is going to bring, I won't be seeing any movies this summer.
I really expected Iron Man 2 to be much better. The trailer has been on since who knows when and all of the morning talk shows have been talking it up. It seemed like a good idea and plot, but it just did not quite work out for them. But, evidently I was the only one thinking this, since it has made over $300 million.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Addiction or Boredom?
Are college students really addicted to technology, or do they use it as a solution to boredom? This question is now being analyzed by researchers. But, are college students really worse than the rest of America and the planet?
Recently, the University of Maryland did a study on this so called addiction, calling it the CrackBerry. Researchers said, "American college students are hooked on cell phones, social media and Internet showing symptoms similar to drug and alcohol addictions." In their research they asked 200 students to give up all media for 24 hours, "many showed signs of withdrawal, craving and anxiety along with an inability to function well without their media and social links." I find this extremely hard to believe. They must have picked the most unsocial college students around. I can see how it would be hard if they were asked to give up all media for a month and live on a remote island. But giving it up for only 24 hours? These 200 students researched must be very lonely individuals who probably are addicted to technology. I know that is not the case for all students, and I don't think it is fair to put a stereotype on college students like that.
Boredom happens. It is just a fact of life. I believe that college students use technology as a solution to boredom, and that they are not addicted to it. The researchers at University of Maryland differ in opinion. But, are college students any worse than middle age men and women or teenagers? We are in the age were everyone is connected through technology, and now 75% of 12-17 year-olds have cell phones. I think the researchers targeted college aged students, because most students have laptops in class. Isn't it ironic that in the classroom is where most college students get bored? That is why I don't think that college students are more addicted then the rest of the world. I think that they are around technology more, resulting in more use of it.
While the 200 students lost their media devises for 24 hours, one said, "texting and IM-ing my friends gives me a constant feeling of comfort...When I did not have those two luxuries, I felt quite alone and secluded from my life." If this student felt alone, why didn't he or she find a friend to hang out with? No technology is needed for that. I think that people sometimes get into a rut of technological interactions without any actual human interactions. America needs to get off their phones and computers and go out with friends and have fun!
Recently, the University of Maryland did a study on this so called addiction, calling it the CrackBerry. Researchers said, "American college students are hooked on cell phones, social media and Internet showing symptoms similar to drug and alcohol addictions." In their research they asked 200 students to give up all media for 24 hours, "many showed signs of withdrawal, craving and anxiety along with an inability to function well without their media and social links." I find this extremely hard to believe. They must have picked the most unsocial college students around. I can see how it would be hard if they were asked to give up all media for a month and live on a remote island. But giving it up for only 24 hours? These 200 students researched must be very lonely individuals who probably are addicted to technology. I know that is not the case for all students, and I don't think it is fair to put a stereotype on college students like that.
Boredom happens. It is just a fact of life. I believe that college students use technology as a solution to boredom, and that they are not addicted to it. The researchers at University of Maryland differ in opinion. But, are college students any worse than middle age men and women or teenagers? We are in the age were everyone is connected through technology, and now 75% of 12-17 year-olds have cell phones. I think the researchers targeted college aged students, because most students have laptops in class. Isn't it ironic that in the classroom is where most college students get bored? That is why I don't think that college students are more addicted then the rest of the world. I think that they are around technology more, resulting in more use of it.
While the 200 students lost their media devises for 24 hours, one said, "texting and IM-ing my friends gives me a constant feeling of comfort...When I did not have those two luxuries, I felt quite alone and secluded from my life." If this student felt alone, why didn't he or she find a friend to hang out with? No technology is needed for that. I think that people sometimes get into a rut of technological interactions without any actual human interactions. America needs to get off their phones and computers and go out with friends and have fun!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
UND's New Name
The University of North Dakota has been known as the Sioux for over 80 years. The name was picked because the Sioux were said to be "warlike and in fine physique," it was also picked because the Sioux were "good exterminators of the Bison," who could arguable be UND's biggest rival. But, that has all come to a screeching halt. On April 8th, the North Dakota Board of Education ordered UND to change their nickname permanently.
The Fighting Sioux's nickname has been a huge controversy for the last few years. Starting in 2005, the NCAA wanted to remove any school's nicknames that were hostile and abusive. I personally don't think that the Fighting Sioux should have to change their name. If I was from Native American decent, I think it would be an honor to have a university's nicknamed after my tribe. I wish someone would name a university the Fighting Norwegians or something like that.
I think that the media is loving this controversy. They are looking for a good story that will effect many people, and that is exactly what they found. UND's nickname controversy has hit many people close to home. One of the university's biggest supporters, the Ralph Engelstad family has donated millions of dollars to the university. In 2001 they gave $100 million dollars to build a new hockey arena, The Ralph Engelstad Arena. The family said on Friday, "Today, the Engelstad family can't help but feel deeply disappointed, saddened, and deceived. The State Board of Higher Education and the University of North Dakota are turning their backs on UND students, and alumni...the action taken by the Board yesterday disappoints us."
A nickname change would not only be inconvenient but extremely expensive. First, UND has spend thousands of dollars on legal fees to battle this argument in court. Second, the Ralph Engelstad Arena has 2,400 Fighting Sioux logos. Removing all of these logos would basically impossible and unbelievable expensive. The NCAA has not required the university to remove all of these logos, but I'm sure someone will complain about them and force UND to remove all of them. Along with the Arena, all of the athletic teams will need new jerseys to represent the new nickname.
I have to say that I do not like UND, I am more of a NDSU fan. But, I think it is ridiculous that UND has to change their nickname. I feel bad for the students, faculty and alumni of the University of North Dakota for having to go through this unnecessary struggle.
The Fighting Sioux's nickname has been a huge controversy for the last few years. Starting in 2005, the NCAA wanted to remove any school's nicknames that were hostile and abusive. I personally don't think that the Fighting Sioux should have to change their name. If I was from Native American decent, I think it would be an honor to have a university's nicknamed after my tribe. I wish someone would name a university the Fighting Norwegians or something like that.
I think that the media is loving this controversy. They are looking for a good story that will effect many people, and that is exactly what they found. UND's nickname controversy has hit many people close to home. One of the university's biggest supporters, the Ralph Engelstad family has donated millions of dollars to the university. In 2001 they gave $100 million dollars to build a new hockey arena, The Ralph Engelstad Arena. The family said on Friday, "Today, the Engelstad family can't help but feel deeply disappointed, saddened, and deceived. The State Board of Higher Education and the University of North Dakota are turning their backs on UND students, and alumni...the action taken by the Board yesterday disappoints us."
A nickname change would not only be inconvenient but extremely expensive. First, UND has spend thousands of dollars on legal fees to battle this argument in court. Second, the Ralph Engelstad Arena has 2,400 Fighting Sioux logos. Removing all of these logos would basically impossible and unbelievable expensive. The NCAA has not required the university to remove all of these logos, but I'm sure someone will complain about them and force UND to remove all of them. Along with the Arena, all of the athletic teams will need new jerseys to represent the new nickname.
I have to say that I do not like UND, I am more of a NDSU fan. But, I think it is ridiculous that UND has to change their nickname. I feel bad for the students, faculty and alumni of the University of North Dakota for having to go through this unnecessary struggle.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Not Another Record
Some of you may remember the historic flood from last year, some of you may not. I went through it first hand, by getting out of school to fill sandbags and by building a sandbag dike around my entire house. It was an extremely stressful time with the river exceeding its predictions everyday. We were never quite sure how bad it was going to turn out. As you all may know, it turned out bad. With all the trouble Valley City and surrounding communities went through in 2009, everyone was hoping for a better 2010.
The first flood predictions started out terrible. Many were suspecting another flood like the one we had just gone through. Luckily, Valley City was fortunate enough to go through nothing in comparison to the water we saw last year. The latest crest for the Sheyenne River, predicted by the National Weather Service, was 13.7 feet on March 25th, safely below the 15 food flood stage. This is not even comparable to the 20.58 foot crest last year. Fargo also fell short of the record that 2009 brought. The Red River crested at a historic 40.84 feet on March 28, 2009, exactly one year ago today. Today, the Red stands at 34.07 feet. It is well over an 18 foot flood stage, but easily manageable.
Sadly, other communities were not as fortunate as Valley City and Fargo were. Harwood, North Dakota is still experiencing extremely high water, a level of 891.26 on Monday. Interstate 29, near Harwood, has head to head traffic because of the overland flooding that the south bound lane closed. One of the few ways in and out of nearby Harwood is by boat. Unfortunately, a resident of Lake Shure uses her boat as the only way to get in and out of her home.
Although all of the crest predictions get many community members in a tizzy, no one could have stayed afloat without the help of the local papers, radio stations and television channels. They always had the most recent river levels, how to prepare, and what exactly to suspect. The media was and still is so very important as an information center in emergencies, like some of us experienced in 2009 and some that are experiencing it now. I was very thankful for the constant news, mostly bad news, but always informative news that the media brought us in such hard times.
The first flood predictions started out terrible. Many were suspecting another flood like the one we had just gone through. Luckily, Valley City was fortunate enough to go through nothing in comparison to the water we saw last year. The latest crest for the Sheyenne River, predicted by the National Weather Service, was 13.7 feet on March 25th, safely below the 15 food flood stage. This is not even comparable to the 20.58 foot crest last year. Fargo also fell short of the record that 2009 brought. The Red River crested at a historic 40.84 feet on March 28, 2009, exactly one year ago today. Today, the Red stands at 34.07 feet. It is well over an 18 foot flood stage, but easily manageable.
Sadly, other communities were not as fortunate as Valley City and Fargo were. Harwood, North Dakota is still experiencing extremely high water, a level of 891.26 on Monday. Interstate 29, near Harwood, has head to head traffic because of the overland flooding that the south bound lane closed. One of the few ways in and out of nearby Harwood is by boat. Unfortunately, a resident of Lake Shure uses her boat as the only way to get in and out of her home.
Although all of the crest predictions get many community members in a tizzy, no one could have stayed afloat without the help of the local papers, radio stations and television channels. They always had the most recent river levels, how to prepare, and what exactly to suspect. The media was and still is so very important as an information center in emergencies, like some of us experienced in 2009 and some that are experiencing it now. I was very thankful for the constant news, mostly bad news, but always informative news that the media brought us in such hard times.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Old Favorite
The month of March brings many good things to North Dakota. The warmth of the coming spring weather, fresh air, spring break, and the North Dakota Winter Show (NDWS) are just a few to mention. This was the 73rd Annual NDWS. The Winter Show is a very special time to me. I haven't missed one in my 18 years of life. Being raised on a farm, I love animals. Seeing all the pretty horses at the rodeo and all the cute creatures at the petting zoo makes the Winter Show unlike anything else.
Monday night was the kickoff to the 73rd NDWS. It started off with the Chili cook-off and the always entertaining Community Olympics. Tuesday brought the first full day of the Winter Show which included the World's Largest Crop Show and the Timberworks Lumberjack Show. Wednesday was the tractor and pickup pull day, which is always a crowd favorite. Pony pulls, antique show, and trick riding featuring the Cowgirl Chicks was the schedule for Thursday. Friday was the start to a big weekend at the NDWS. This included 4-H and FFA crop judging, helicopter rides, petting zoo and the biggest event of the week, the Emerson Drive concert. Saturday was a full day with craft show, indoor yard sale, and two rodeos. Sunday was the final day of the 73rd annual NDWS. It was started by a junior cattle show and included the third and final rodeo.
I was very pleased with the amount of media coverage the Winter Show got. It is one of the best events in Valley City, so I was glad there was a good turnout. I saw many commercials for it on the local television channels, the radio always had a lot of advertisement for the events, and they even played Emerson Drive songs to get people excited for the concert. Also, the Times-Record had many articles featured updates on the Winter Show and the events to come.
The week of the Winter Show is always a full and hectic week. It usually contains long days of walking, standing and a lot of eating. I am always sad when the week ends, but it just reminds me that the beautiful spring weather is soon to come. The North Dakota Winter Show is unlike any other event you would ever see in any other state. It is an old favorite of mine, and I wouldn't ever miss it for the world.
Monday night was the kickoff to the 73rd NDWS. It started off with the Chili cook-off and the always entertaining Community Olympics. Tuesday brought the first full day of the Winter Show which included the World's Largest Crop Show and the Timberworks Lumberjack Show. Wednesday was the tractor and pickup pull day, which is always a crowd favorite. Pony pulls, antique show, and trick riding featuring the Cowgirl Chicks was the schedule for Thursday. Friday was the start to a big weekend at the NDWS. This included 4-H and FFA crop judging, helicopter rides, petting zoo and the biggest event of the week, the Emerson Drive concert. Saturday was a full day with craft show, indoor yard sale, and two rodeos. Sunday was the final day of the 73rd annual NDWS. It was started by a junior cattle show and included the third and final rodeo.
I was very pleased with the amount of media coverage the Winter Show got. It is one of the best events in Valley City, so I was glad there was a good turnout. I saw many commercials for it on the local television channels, the radio always had a lot of advertisement for the events, and they even played Emerson Drive songs to get people excited for the concert. Also, the Times-Record had many articles featured updates on the Winter Show and the events to come.
The week of the Winter Show is always a full and hectic week. It usually contains long days of walking, standing and a lot of eating. I am always sad when the week ends, but it just reminds me that the beautiful spring weather is soon to come. The North Dakota Winter Show is unlike any other event you would ever see in any other state. It is an old favorite of mine, and I wouldn't ever miss it for the world.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
2010 Winter Olympics
Athletes and fans alike await the Winter Olympic Games every four years. Fans plan their trip years in advance, in a chance that they could see history in the making. Athletes train their absolute hardest to make that history, and it has been made in the 21st Winter Olympic Games.
Sadly, the games started off on a terrible note. A Georgian luger lost his life in a practice run the day before he was supposed to race. Nodar Kumaritashvili, 21 died Friday at Whistler track, he "Flew backward over the short wall of ice and died when his helmet struck the steel support pole," reported Sports Illustrated. Due to the death of the luger, the men's starting point was moved 600 feet down the track to the women's starting point. This shorten track would reduce the men's speed by almost 30 miles per hour said Sports Illustrated.
Onto a lighter note in history, Apolo Ohno finished third in the 1,500 meter short track race Saturday, securing him a front row seat in Winter Olympic history. He is now the most decorated American athlete to compete in the games. He passed Bonnie Blair, a long-track skating legend, who had six metals. To prepare for his record breaking Olympics he was on a 15 week diet with meals every three hours. In the gym he does 1,000 pound single leg presses and hops stairs for ten minutes. According to his coach, Ohno passed the 900 mile mark on the treadmill two weeks ago.
Bode Miller skied into history this past weekend when he became the first American ski racer to win three Olympic metals. He received a bronze metal, missing gold by only .09 seconds. The metal did not come easy though, the course was slowly deteriorating. According to Sports Illustrated, "Whistler Blackcomb resort is at an elevation of 2,000 feet. The starting point of the men's downhill run is 5,453 feet, 2,421 feet lower than the course at the games in 2006."
With just a few days left of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics the final metals are being awarded, and the history books will close again for another four years. Although, the games had some rough moments, I would call it an overall success. I am sad that they have come and gone so quickly, but it gives me something to look forward to, the 2012 London Summer Olympic Games.
Sadly, the games started off on a terrible note. A Georgian luger lost his life in a practice run the day before he was supposed to race. Nodar Kumaritashvili, 21 died Friday at Whistler track, he "Flew backward over the short wall of ice and died when his helmet struck the steel support pole," reported Sports Illustrated. Due to the death of the luger, the men's starting point was moved 600 feet down the track to the women's starting point. This shorten track would reduce the men's speed by almost 30 miles per hour said Sports Illustrated.
Onto a lighter note in history, Apolo Ohno finished third in the 1,500 meter short track race Saturday, securing him a front row seat in Winter Olympic history. He is now the most decorated American athlete to compete in the games. He passed Bonnie Blair, a long-track skating legend, who had six metals. To prepare for his record breaking Olympics he was on a 15 week diet with meals every three hours. In the gym he does 1,000 pound single leg presses and hops stairs for ten minutes. According to his coach, Ohno passed the 900 mile mark on the treadmill two weeks ago.
Bode Miller skied into history this past weekend when he became the first American ski racer to win three Olympic metals. He received a bronze metal, missing gold by only .09 seconds. The metal did not come easy though, the course was slowly deteriorating. According to Sports Illustrated, "Whistler Blackcomb resort is at an elevation of 2,000 feet. The starting point of the men's downhill run is 5,453 feet, 2,421 feet lower than the course at the games in 2006."
With just a few days left of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics the final metals are being awarded, and the history books will close again for another four years. Although, the games had some rough moments, I would call it an overall success. I am sad that they have come and gone so quickly, but it gives me something to look forward to, the 2012 London Summer Olympic Games.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
$20 Million Man
The diehard Twins fans have been on the edge of their seats this whole off season. Will they sign the home town hero Joe Mauer, or let the big paying teams snatch him up? Reportedly, he has not signed a contract, but one is in the mists. A contract of $200 million for 10 years has been described. But, some are questioning is it worth spending 20% of the team's payroll on one player?
In the past it hasn't worked out well for teams that have one player making that much money. That player never usually leads the team to the playoffs or to the World Series. But, this player who has already won three batting titles, two golden gloves, an American League MVP, and hasn't even turned 27 yet could be different. A player that is a star on offence and defense, and plays the most demanding position in the game has got to be worth it.
I think it would be a gigantic mistake if the Twins didn't resign Mauer. He is the home town hero of the Minneapolis/St. Paul region and is an all around great guy. If the Twins let him slip through their fingers, like they have done in the past with the big names, I don't think they would ever hear the end of it.
Many fans and thousands of dollars would be lost if Minnesota let Mauer get picked up by another team. Yes, they might have to shovel out a large sum of money for him. But, they will make a lot of that back in ticket sales, concessions, and merchandise just from having him on the team. It used to be just the guys going to the ballgames. Since Mauer, the guys are still going to the game, but now their girlfriends and wives are coming along to watch him play. He has brought in so many new fans that the Twins would have never gotten before.
Just to prove that he is the best and everyone's favorite guy, he will appear on "MLB 10 The Show " cover. If having your star player be pictured on a popular video game cover isn't enough for the Twins to keep Mauer, I don't see any hope in the future.
He may or may not be a Twin after this year and he may or may not lead them to a World Series championship. But, I as a Twins fan and as a Joe Mauer fan would sure love Joe to stay in Minnesota for his major league career.
In the past it hasn't worked out well for teams that have one player making that much money. That player never usually leads the team to the playoffs or to the World Series. But, this player who has already won three batting titles, two golden gloves, an American League MVP, and hasn't even turned 27 yet could be different. A player that is a star on offence and defense, and plays the most demanding position in the game has got to be worth it.
I think it would be a gigantic mistake if the Twins didn't resign Mauer. He is the home town hero of the Minneapolis/St. Paul region and is an all around great guy. If the Twins let him slip through their fingers, like they have done in the past with the big names, I don't think they would ever hear the end of it.
Many fans and thousands of dollars would be lost if Minnesota let Mauer get picked up by another team. Yes, they might have to shovel out a large sum of money for him. But, they will make a lot of that back in ticket sales, concessions, and merchandise just from having him on the team. It used to be just the guys going to the ballgames. Since Mauer, the guys are still going to the game, but now their girlfriends and wives are coming along to watch him play. He has brought in so many new fans that the Twins would have never gotten before.
Just to prove that he is the best and everyone's favorite guy, he will appear on "MLB 10 The Show " cover. If having your star player be pictured on a popular video game cover isn't enough for the Twins to keep Mauer, I don't see any hope in the future.
He may or may not be a Twin after this year and he may or may not lead them to a World Series championship. But, I as a Twins fan and as a Joe Mauer fan would sure love Joe to stay in Minnesota for his major league career.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Haiti: To Help or Not To Help? That Is the Question.
Many Americans wonder in such a hard economic time what the right thing to do is. When the poor country of Haiti was devastated by a 7.0 earthquake last Tuesday, some may wonder if they should send a donation, and if they had a social responsibility to Haiti. I started thinking about this last week when my marketing teacher brought it up. He asked for our opinion, "Is it our individual responsibility to help the people of Haiti out?" I never said anything in class, because I was not totally sure what my opinion was. After I thought about it I knew exactly what my view was.
I personally don't think it is my individual responsibility to donate to Haiti. I know that sounds extremely selfish on my part, but I believe my financial donations could do just as much good right here in the United States. With an astonishing 10% unemployment rate that is creating many homeless and starving families right here in my own country, I don't think I should send my money thousands of miles away, especially since I haven't ever visited Haiti and I don't plan on visiting Haiti.
Fortunately for Haiti, many other Americans see it differently than I do. CNN Money reported that Haiti has received over $220 million in donations since the catastrophic quake. Now, celebrities are bring their big bucks into the disaster. Brad and Angelina have donated $1 million to Doctors Without Borders, Wyclef Jean has raised over $2 million, $1 million was donated by Sandra Bullock, and George Clooney hosted a telethon to raise money for Haiti.
With celebrities donating several million dollars, I can't compete. Would my small donation even help? I would rather give $100 to a local, needy family. They could use the money for anything they needed like clothes, food, school supplies and gas money. I would actually be able to see how $100 improved a family's life, instead of never knowing exactly what it was used for in Haiti. I'm not saying that my donation to Haiti would be wasted. It would make me feel better, and I would be more likely to help people again if I knew my hard earned money had a positive effect on a local family.
I hope I haven't discouraged any of you from donating to Haiti. I believe it is very important to donate to a good cause, so go out and research organizations that you can relate to. Charities and other organizations are always looking for financial help. They do so much good for communities and the country, the least we can do is give a bit back. So go out there, find your favorite charity or organization and donate whatever you can give.
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