The Anoka-Ramsey women’s volleyball team is off to a slow start. On the afternoon of Saturday October 10th, the Golden Rams were defeated by Riverland Community College in three straight games.
Despite the result looking as if it wasn’t much of a match, the Rams played Riverland very close in all three games that they did lose. They lost by final scores of 21-25, 22-25, and 24-26. Megan Helmrichs had a good day serving the ball as she collected six aces. Therefore, it is worth noting that it was a highly competitive matchup but the Rams were unable to make the big plays when they needed them. Coach Ashley Olson even went as far as saying that it was maybe the best team effort they have had the entire season. This now puts the Rams at a 4-13 record on the season.
At first glance most would view this season as a disappointment but what many don’t know is that the Rams had only six players on the team last year, just enough to field a team. One player returned and the other ten are all playing their first year of college volleyball. Coach Olson said, “We really want to gain some notoriety for the program. The fact we brought in ten new players make me hopeful even more will come next year and for even more years to come.”
Although on paper the Rams own a less than impressive record, they are very optimistic about their team’s future. The team is very confident in the amount of talent they have but their toughest obstacle has been their collective inexperience at the college level. Ten of the team’s 11 players are freshman and the only second year player on the team has been battling a knee injury throughout the season. It is even coach Ashley Olson’s first year as a head coach at the college level.
When I spoke to the team’s student manager Mitch Minnig, he made it quite apparent that the team feels as if they are getting better as the season goes on. “At this point, we know we probably won’t advance this year but we continue to improve and I think the team could go as far as the State Tournament next year,” said Minnig. Angy Gavere, another team manager, said that the team does have the talent to compete for a conference title. “It all depends on how hard they want to work for it next season,” said Gavere.
The loss to Ridgewater was the team’s last game at home. The season will conclude on Wednesday, October 14th on the road against St. Cloud Technical College. Although the Rams have been mathematically eliminated from making the playoffs, the team appears poised to put together a successful 2010 season.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
It's early, but Wild already in deep hole
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=8416394817163927454
After losing five straight road games out west, the Minnesota Wild find themselves in a deep hole. For the season, they are 1-6. They now are experiencing difficulty selling tickets for the first time in franchise history. However, the Wild are adjusting to a new coach, new players, and new philosophys. The entire franchise is hopeful they will get better as the season continues.
After losing five straight road games out west, the Minnesota Wild find themselves in a deep hole. For the season, they are 1-6. They now are experiencing difficulty selling tickets for the first time in franchise history. However, the Wild are adjusting to a new coach, new players, and new philosophys. The entire franchise is hopeful they will get better as the season continues.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Former pro wrestler dies at 76
Louis Vincent Albano, more widely known as "Captain" Lou Albano, died of natural causes in Westchester County of suburban New York.
Albano is considered to be one of the founding fathers of modern professional wrestling. His showmanship in the ring entertained his fans for nearly five decades but was most famous in the 80s. He also is widely know for his appearance in Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" music video. The appearance earned him consideration of being a music video icon by many music fans.
His versatility in the entertainment industry paved the way for many others of his profession to become involved in more than just wrestling. David O'Hannon, pro wrestler and friend of Albano said, "When the Captain hit the screen with the video, it gave us a whole new audience. Things just skyrocketed."
Albano was born on July 29th, 1933 in Rome. He and his family moved to the U.S. and live in Mount Vernon, NY. He was survived by his wife, Geri, four children and 14 grandchildren.
Albano is considered to be one of the founding fathers of modern professional wrestling. His showmanship in the ring entertained his fans for nearly five decades but was most famous in the 80s. He also is widely know for his appearance in Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" music video. The appearance earned him consideration of being a music video icon by many music fans.
His versatility in the entertainment industry paved the way for many others of his profession to become involved in more than just wrestling. David O'Hannon, pro wrestler and friend of Albano said, "When the Captain hit the screen with the video, it gave us a whole new audience. Things just skyrocketed."
Albano was born on July 29th, 1933 in Rome. He and his family moved to the U.S. and live in Mount Vernon, NY. He was survived by his wife, Geri, four children and 14 grandchildren.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Body found on river island near Red Wing
http://www.startribune.com/local/64054207.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUs
The remains of a man who has been missing since March were found on an island on the Mississippi River near Trenton, Wis. Hunters found the body of Robert More while hunting Sunday morning near Red Wing. Dental records confirmed his identity. Authorities believe he fell off his houseboat and drowned.
The remains of a man who has been missing since March were found on an island on the Mississippi River near Trenton, Wis. Hunters found the body of Robert More while hunting Sunday morning near Red Wing. Dental records confirmed his identity. Authorities believe he fell off his houseboat and drowned.
Sam Brand has a hobby: helping
Sam Brand, a sixteen year old student at Princeton High School, doesn’t have a hobby most teenagers would have. In my brief interview with her I learned more about it. Through a program called KPSS, she spends her spare time helping others who have been through emotional distress.
The informal program was introduced to her by her friend Kyle Prescott. Sam has been involved in the program for nine months now and most appreciates all of the people the program has allowed her to meet and establish friendships with. Although she is still considered to be in training, Sam made it clear that the program has become a large part of her life.
The program began when Kyle and his friend Spencer had teamed up in an effort to make their lives more meaningful and not take anything in life for granted. They soon recruited more people to join this program. KPSS now consists of several members. Sam insists that “there is nothing more satisfying and rewarding than helping someone through a hard time.”
One thing Sam made clear was how the other members of KPSS have inspired her to not take life for granted. Most notably her friend Kyle, who had given her a very powerful speech highlighting that very idea when she was new to KPSS.
Sam now maintains that she lives a happier life because of the ideals that were instilled in her through the program. “I know that I try not to take anything for granted.”
The informal program was introduced to her by her friend Kyle Prescott. Sam has been involved in the program for nine months now and most appreciates all of the people the program has allowed her to meet and establish friendships with. Although she is still considered to be in training, Sam made it clear that the program has become a large part of her life.
The program began when Kyle and his friend Spencer had teamed up in an effort to make their lives more meaningful and not take anything in life for granted. They soon recruited more people to join this program. KPSS now consists of several members. Sam insists that “there is nothing more satisfying and rewarding than helping someone through a hard time.”
One thing Sam made clear was how the other members of KPSS have inspired her to not take life for granted. Most notably her friend Kyle, who had given her a very powerful speech highlighting that very idea when she was new to KPSS.
Sam now maintains that she lives a happier life because of the ideals that were instilled in her through the program. “I know that I try not to take anything for granted.”
Monday, October 5, 2009
Man charged in NE Minneapolis car wash killing
Authorities have charged 21-year-old Kelvin Jerome Roberts for second-degree murder in the killing of a man at a car wash in Northeast Minneapolis. Allegedly, Roberts, his cousin and another man had set up a drug deal with Gerald Dwayne Brookings. When they arrived they attempted to rob him and ended up shooting Brookings in the chest before speeding off in a white Cadillac.
Local woman suffers several injuries on bicycle
Marsha L. Taylor was released from the hospital two days ago after being seriously injured in a bicycling accident. Although she says her accident is a bit “hazy”, she does remember being struck by a vehicle from behind which sent her flying off her bike. Taylor suffered many injuries including a mild concussion, a broken neck, six broken ribs, a broken arm and a broken pelvis.
Although her sustained injuries weren’t anything the doctors didn’t think they could control, they were still worried. Taylor noted that they were especially concerned about the broken neck. “One doctor said I had what they call a hangman’s fracture. She said it was a miracle that I wasn’t paralyzed.”
Despite the luck of not being paralyzed, the recovery was not smooth at first. Once she began rehabbing, the doctors discovered she had suffered several internal injuries as well. Her intestine was perforated and her liver and gall bladder were injured. The injuries even caused her skin to start turning a bright orange color. Taylor acknowledged “for that, I probably would have been out in two months instead of four.”
Taylor has been bicycling since college and since she graduated she has become more serious about her hobby. The accident occurred two weeks after she returned from a bicycle tour across the United States. The previous spring, she rode in the annual Governors Bicycle Tour which goes around the state.
When asked if the accident has changed were attitude on cycling Taylor responded with a direct “No.” “If I could, I’d be out there right now.” She said that if you take precautions and are careful, bicycling is pretty safe. She said the main precaution cyclists need to take is protective clothing, especially the helmet. “I never ride unless I have my helmet. It probably saved my life.”
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Although her sustained injuries weren’t anything the doctors didn’t think they could control, they were still worried. Taylor noted that they were especially concerned about the broken neck. “One doctor said I had what they call a hangman’s fracture. She said it was a miracle that I wasn’t paralyzed.”
Despite the luck of not being paralyzed, the recovery was not smooth at first. Once she began rehabbing, the doctors discovered she had suffered several internal injuries as well. Her intestine was perforated and her liver and gall bladder were injured. The injuries even caused her skin to start turning a bright orange color. Taylor acknowledged “for that, I probably would have been out in two months instead of four.”
Taylor has been bicycling since college and since she graduated she has become more serious about her hobby. The accident occurred two weeks after she returned from a bicycle tour across the United States. The previous spring, she rode in the annual Governors Bicycle Tour which goes around the state.
When asked if the accident has changed were attitude on cycling Taylor responded with a direct “No.” “If I could, I’d be out there right now.” She said that if you take precautions and are careful, bicycling is pretty safe. She said the main precaution cyclists need to take is protective clothing, especially the helmet. “I never ride unless I have my helmet. It probably saved my life.”
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Wednesday, September 30, 2009
My First Memory
Although I have a few vague memories that may or may not be the first, one memory always comes to mind when I answer this question. When I was about four, I was at Frank's Nursery with my mom and she had ran into a friend of hers as we were on our way out. They began talking for a while and I had apparently had enough and wanted to leave. To get my mom to wrap up her conversation I began tugging at her leg. I kept tugging and tugging and wasn't getting a reaction until I heard my moms voice asking me what I was doing. The problem was that the voice was coming from behind me. Then I realized that I had spent that past several minutes tugging on the women's leg who my mom was talking to. For some reason, I remember being completely mortified and reacted by running back into the store and hiding. I can't remeber much else of the story but my mom tells me a store employee ended up finding me inside of a big flower pot.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Wreckage from 1955 jet crash found in Pacific Ocean near Los Angeles, volunteer searchers say
startribune.com
According to an amateur historian, remains of an Air Force jet that was lost at sea 54 years ago were found off the coast of southern California. The remains they found matched the serial number of a jet that departed from Los Angeles International Airport with two crewmen aboard on October 15, 1955.
According to an amateur historian, remains of an Air Force jet that was lost at sea 54 years ago were found off the coast of southern California. The remains they found matched the serial number of a jet that departed from Los Angeles International Airport with two crewmen aboard on October 15, 1955.
The board has spoken; boys, girls and sports don't mix
On Tuesday night, the school board sat down to make a decision regarding high school athletic programs. The board decided unanimously to ban boys from participating in girls’ sports.
The issue stemmed from an instance where four boys participated in the schools’ girls’ field hockey program last year. The boys played on the team last fall and helped the team reach the state playoffs. The policy suggests that the boys’ increased size, speed and power presents an unfair advantage, as well as a physical safety hazard for the girls.
As one may assume, this has caused some controversy among people who are for and against the ban. Jacob Stevens is a senior at the high school and was a member of the field hockey team last year. He spoke at the board meeting: “I don’t think it is fair. There are countries in the world where men’s field hockey is a recognized sport. Not every guy wants to play football, basketball or baseball. Field hockey is a fast and exciting sport that requires a lot of skill.” Jacob continued and stressed the fact that there are not enough interested boys to create their own field hockey team. “If we can’t play with the girls, we wouldn’t be able to play.”
Sandra Adler, mother of a girl member of the field hockey team last year and former high school field hockey participant, is married to Stuart Adler, minister of the Church of Christ. Mr. Adler said: “I just don’t think it is healthy mentally or physically to have the boys and girls playing on the same team. There are probably girls who want to play on the boys’ football and baseball teams, but they are not allowed. So I don’t think the boys should be allowed to take over the girls’ team sports. Just because there are not enough boys interested in the sport to field their own team is not justification for their being allowed to join the girls’ team.”
Hugh Baker, the school athletic director, suggests the policy now puts them at a disadvantage. Since several other schools don’t have a ban, it now puts the girls on these teams in danger. “If safety is the issue of concern for the board, then our girls’ teams would have to forfeit games if there are boys on the opposing teams. Our girls’ field hockey team would have had to forfeit at least ten of their 18 games last season because we played other schools with boys on their teams.”
On the contrary, school board member Jane Tribitt supports the policy that she proposed after receiving complaints from parents in both the home and away districts. She suggests that other schools will now adopt similar policies. She thinks once this happens, “the question of forfeiting games will then become a moot point.”
Regardless of the conflicting view points, the policy has been approved and is effective immediately. Despite several arguments, boys are now banned from playing on the girls’ field hockey, volleyball and softball teams.
The issue stemmed from an instance where four boys participated in the schools’ girls’ field hockey program last year. The boys played on the team last fall and helped the team reach the state playoffs. The policy suggests that the boys’ increased size, speed and power presents an unfair advantage, as well as a physical safety hazard for the girls.
As one may assume, this has caused some controversy among people who are for and against the ban. Jacob Stevens is a senior at the high school and was a member of the field hockey team last year. He spoke at the board meeting: “I don’t think it is fair. There are countries in the world where men’s field hockey is a recognized sport. Not every guy wants to play football, basketball or baseball. Field hockey is a fast and exciting sport that requires a lot of skill.” Jacob continued and stressed the fact that there are not enough interested boys to create their own field hockey team. “If we can’t play with the girls, we wouldn’t be able to play.”
Sandra Adler, mother of a girl member of the field hockey team last year and former high school field hockey participant, is married to Stuart Adler, minister of the Church of Christ. Mr. Adler said: “I just don’t think it is healthy mentally or physically to have the boys and girls playing on the same team. There are probably girls who want to play on the boys’ football and baseball teams, but they are not allowed. So I don’t think the boys should be allowed to take over the girls’ team sports. Just because there are not enough boys interested in the sport to field their own team is not justification for their being allowed to join the girls’ team.”
Hugh Baker, the school athletic director, suggests the policy now puts them at a disadvantage. Since several other schools don’t have a ban, it now puts the girls on these teams in danger. “If safety is the issue of concern for the board, then our girls’ teams would have to forfeit games if there are boys on the opposing teams. Our girls’ field hockey team would have had to forfeit at least ten of their 18 games last season because we played other schools with boys on their teams.”
On the contrary, school board member Jane Tribitt supports the policy that she proposed after receiving complaints from parents in both the home and away districts. She suggests that other schools will now adopt similar policies. She thinks once this happens, “the question of forfeiting games will then become a moot point.”
Regardless of the conflicting view points, the policy has been approved and is effective immediately. Despite several arguments, boys are now banned from playing on the girls’ field hockey, volleyball and softball teams.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
My first day at ARCC
As I woke up for my first day of college, several different scenarios of how it would play out were racing through my head. One second I'd be excited, the next intimidated, the next bitter that the summer was coming to an end. I don't remember the day as much as I remember the anticipation of the day. However, I do remember having a conversation with a few friends after my classes were over. I was no longer nervous or excited. I was just content of where I was and the position I was in to take the next step in my life. Ever since, I have just viewed it as what it is. School.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Lakeville school loses quarter of students to 'flu-like sickness'
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/60048302.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUnciaec8O7EyUsl
Eastview Elementary reported 175 absences on Monday, over one-fourth of their student body. With the countries swine flu concerns growing, many parents and faculty members are suggesting closing the school until the illnesses are contained. Despite five of the illnesses being confirmed as the swine flu, no official decision has been made regarding closing the school.
Eastview Elementary reported 175 absences on Monday, over one-fourth of their student body. With the countries swine flu concerns growing, many parents and faculty members are suggesting closing the school until the illnesses are contained. Despite five of the illnesses being confirmed as the swine flu, no official decision has been made regarding closing the school.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Fatal Multi-Vehicle Accident On Interstate 790
Two drivers were killed and 20 more hospitalized in a big accident this morning on Interstate 790. Although the police department has not finished investigating the accident, they have a general idea of what they believe happened. At 6:45 a.m., two tractor-trailers crashed into one another causing a chain reaction involving a total of 4 tractor-trailers and 14 other cars in the accident just a couple miles outside of town.
As morbid as the result of this accident has been, Sgt. Albert Wei of the Police Department acknowledged that it could have been a lot worse. One of the tractor-trailers involved was apparently a tanker hauling diesel fuel. Had the tanker leaked any fuel or caught fire, the result could have been far more catastrophic.
Despite any relief of the accident being worse, Fire Chief Tony Sullivan said the scene was unlike anything he had seen in his many years with the Fire Department. All five of the fire department’s ambulances were on seen, along with ambulances from four surrounding cities. Memorial Hospital’s “Life Flight” helicopter also came to air-lift two of the worst injured casualties to the trauma center in Statesville. Sullivan went as far as saying the scene looked as if it were a war zone.
As of 10 a.m., Interstate 790 has been closed indefinitely. Sgt. Wei has no indication of when they will be able to open it back up to the public. Those who use Interstate 790 had to use Interstate 690 this morning, causing a three hour delay on 690.
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As morbid as the result of this accident has been, Sgt. Albert Wei of the Police Department acknowledged that it could have been a lot worse. One of the tractor-trailers involved was apparently a tanker hauling diesel fuel. Had the tanker leaked any fuel or caught fire, the result could have been far more catastrophic.
Despite any relief of the accident being worse, Fire Chief Tony Sullivan said the scene was unlike anything he had seen in his many years with the Fire Department. All five of the fire department’s ambulances were on seen, along with ambulances from four surrounding cities. Memorial Hospital’s “Life Flight” helicopter also came to air-lift two of the worst injured casualties to the trauma center in Statesville. Sullivan went as far as saying the scene looked as if it were a war zone.
As of 10 a.m., Interstate 790 has been closed indefinitely. Sgt. Wei has no indication of when they will be able to open it back up to the public. Those who use Interstate 790 had to use Interstate 690 this morning, causing a three hour delay on 690.
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Monday, September 14, 2009
Much more than No. 4 for the Vikings
http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/premium/59186897.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUnciaec8O7EyUsl
By Judd Zulgad, Star Tribune
The much anticipated season opener for the Vikings resulted in a convincing win. To no surprise, Adrian Peterson carried the offense with 180 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Also, Brett Favre enjoyed a solid debut with 110 yards passing and a touchdown connection with rookie wideout Percy Harvin in a 34-20 win over the Cleveland Browns.
By Judd Zulgad, Star Tribune
The much anticipated season opener for the Vikings resulted in a convincing win. To no surprise, Adrian Peterson carried the offense with 180 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Also, Brett Favre enjoyed a solid debut with 110 yards passing and a touchdown connection with rookie wideout Percy Harvin in a 34-20 win over the Cleveland Browns.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Recently Visited Restaurant
This past Saturday, I went to a restaurant in St. Anthony that I had never been to before. It was an establishment named Smash Burger. My friend who lives a few blocks from there insisted I tried it and claimed that they may, in fact, make the best burger he has ever had the pleasure of eating. When we got there it was absoloutly packed. I also learned that it's called Smash Burger because they take big balls of raw meat and smash them onto the grill, giving them a burger shape. Needless to say, it was a very unique resaurant experience and I'd recommend any readers to try it.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
What I've learned about leads
There were numerous insightful things I learned about writing leads in Chapter seven. However, there were a few in particular that I'm sure will end up helping significantly because they were mistakes that I could definitely see myself making. For example, I often times try too hard when I'm writing which often times leads to long and complicated sentences which is a definite "don't" when writing a lead. Another aspect I feel I'll need to keep in mind is keeping any personal opinions I have out of my lead or any part of a news story for that matter. One thing I think I'll enjoy while writing leads will be the search for the stories most unusual and interesting developments. I think writing news stories will be very engaging if I'm building the story around a central idea that I'm interested in.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Regulators approve Xcel Energy's wind power plans
http://www.startribune.com/local/56347882.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUF
Regulators in Minnesota and North Dakota approved of Xcel Energy's plans to make wind powered energy more universal. Many more wind turbines will be constructed in the area to compensate for several new wind power projects. Most notabley, a major project in Nobles County.
Regulators in Minnesota and North Dakota approved of Xcel Energy's plans to make wind powered energy more universal. Many more wind turbines will be constructed in the area to compensate for several new wind power projects. Most notabley, a major project in Nobles County.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Top 3 Most Noteworthy News Experiences
Of my countless news experiences, one that particularly stands out in my mind is the reporting of 9/11. I had seen news and been around all forms of reporting my entire life but that is the first time in my life I had ever observed a story that impacted the entire country so profoundly. It was then when I realized that the news, in a strange way, keeps our entire nation united. I don't think those events would have impacted the nation to the extent that they did if they weren't reported as thoroughly as they were.
Another noteworthy news experience I have took place throughout my entire childhood. For as long as I could read up until I was about twelve, my family did not have cable. During this period of my life, I was for some reason infatuated with the San Fransisco Giants. The network channels only covered the Twins so I had to get my Giants updates each Sunday in the paper. I would scour the sports section checking everything from standings and box scores to the amount of home runs Barry Bonds hit that week. Ironically, later noteworthy news experiences in my life revealed the real reason Barry Bonds was hitting an exorbitant sum of home runs.
The most noteworthy news experience that I personally have had would have to be the story that was written about my legion baseball team the summer after my senior year of high school. Although it was the local paper and probably will never be labelled as a "hard-hitting story", the fact that somebody recognized how well we did that season and thought that it was worthy of sending to thousands of people gave me an accomplished feeling. I suppose that is something that draws me to the news. There are stories anywhere you look and if they are reported well, they are usually good stories.
Another noteworthy news experience I have took place throughout my entire childhood. For as long as I could read up until I was about twelve, my family did not have cable. During this period of my life, I was for some reason infatuated with the San Fransisco Giants. The network channels only covered the Twins so I had to get my Giants updates each Sunday in the paper. I would scour the sports section checking everything from standings and box scores to the amount of home runs Barry Bonds hit that week. Ironically, later noteworthy news experiences in my life revealed the real reason Barry Bonds was hitting an exorbitant sum of home runs.
The most noteworthy news experience that I personally have had would have to be the story that was written about my legion baseball team the summer after my senior year of high school. Although it was the local paper and probably will never be labelled as a "hard-hitting story", the fact that somebody recognized how well we did that season and thought that it was worthy of sending to thousands of people gave me an accomplished feeling. I suppose that is something that draws me to the news. There are stories anywhere you look and if they are reported well, they are usually good stories.
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