Michelle
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
My Earliest Memory: Super Nintendo Included
My earliest memory happened when I was living in Rush City, MN. I think I was about 5 years old. It was Christmas Eve night and I put out cookies and milk. I went to bed and the next morning the cookies were half eaten and the milk was half gone. I was shocked, so I took a bite of the cookie and a sip of the milk. I really don't know why I did this, but the cookies were stale and the milk was sour. It was disgusting. I wasn't upset about it though because I got a Super Nintendo that year. :D
Michelle
Michelle
Monday, September 28, 2009
County Sheriff's Department wants New Cruisers and Personnel, County Commissioners Say, "No."
Sheriff Gus DiCesari accused the county commissioners of shortchanging the county sheriff's department to save money Thursday afternoon during a meeting. The county ran short of money this year causing the commissioners and DiCesari to be at odds with each other over new equipment and personnel.
DiCesari told the commissioners he needs to purchase eight new police cruisers to replace eight older vehicles that have more than 150 thousand miles on them and hire five additional deputies. Since the county ran short of money this year, Commissioner President Anne Chenn said the county does not have the additional $580 thousand needed for the new equipment and personnel.
Chenn said the county ran short of money this year because of the increased costs of health care for employees and higher fuel costs. Also the county had to spend $30 million to build a new prison to alleviate overcrowding. The county’s budget this year was $127 million.
DiCesari argued: “It is getting too costly to maintain the older vehicles and they spend too much time in the repair shop. You commissioners eliminated the equipment budgets for my department this year and now I can’t buy anything. This is the first time in my 27 years as sheriff that the county hasn’t allocated money to the sheriff’s department to buy equipment. My deputies can’t keep driving these old vehicles. Something bad is going to happen.”
Chenn then suggested that the deputies not drive their cruisers home each day as they do now, which would make more cars available and preserve mileage. DiCesari said that letting the deputies drive their cruisers home and parking them in their neighborhoods was a deterrent to crime.
On the other hand, Commissioner Anita Shenuski and Raymond Laybourne felt that the county should spend more money on the sheriff’s department and law enforcement than programs for migrant workers who come to the county to work.
Shenuski said during a heated argument with Chenn: “We never had problems until we began letting migrants come to this county to work. They are a problem for our law enforcement, our schools and to our healthcare system. They take away jobs from decent people and work for next to nothing and if something gets stolen, you can be it is one of them that’s taken it. We need to protect local residents from them.”
Chenn denied that immigrants are the problem and stated: “Those people who come here to work are decent, hardworking people being employed at jobs that local residents don’t want to do. They add a great deal to the local economy and they pay taxes. You are being a hypocrite when you try to blame those people for everything.”
The county commissioners estimate that there are around 5 thousand migrant families now in the county working in agricultural, construction and service industry jobs. Commissioner Jose Gardez said many of the migrant workers become permanent members of the community, opening businesses and eventually earning citizenship.
In the end, the commissioners voted 5-2 against the sheriff’s request for additional money.
DiCesari told the commissioners he needs to purchase eight new police cruisers to replace eight older vehicles that have more than 150 thousand miles on them and hire five additional deputies. Since the county ran short of money this year, Commissioner President Anne Chenn said the county does not have the additional $580 thousand needed for the new equipment and personnel.
Chenn said the county ran short of money this year because of the increased costs of health care for employees and higher fuel costs. Also the county had to spend $30 million to build a new prison to alleviate overcrowding. The county’s budget this year was $127 million.
DiCesari argued: “It is getting too costly to maintain the older vehicles and they spend too much time in the repair shop. You commissioners eliminated the equipment budgets for my department this year and now I can’t buy anything. This is the first time in my 27 years as sheriff that the county hasn’t allocated money to the sheriff’s department to buy equipment. My deputies can’t keep driving these old vehicles. Something bad is going to happen.”
Chenn then suggested that the deputies not drive their cruisers home each day as they do now, which would make more cars available and preserve mileage. DiCesari said that letting the deputies drive their cruisers home and parking them in their neighborhoods was a deterrent to crime.
On the other hand, Commissioner Anita Shenuski and Raymond Laybourne felt that the county should spend more money on the sheriff’s department and law enforcement than programs for migrant workers who come to the county to work.
Shenuski said during a heated argument with Chenn: “We never had problems until we began letting migrants come to this county to work. They are a problem for our law enforcement, our schools and to our healthcare system. They take away jobs from decent people and work for next to nothing and if something gets stolen, you can be it is one of them that’s taken it. We need to protect local residents from them.”
Chenn denied that immigrants are the problem and stated: “Those people who come here to work are decent, hardworking people being employed at jobs that local residents don’t want to do. They add a great deal to the local economy and they pay taxes. You are being a hypocrite when you try to blame those people for everything.”
The county commissioners estimate that there are around 5 thousand migrant families now in the county working in agricultural, construction and service industry jobs. Commissioner Jose Gardez said many of the migrant workers become permanent members of the community, opening businesses and eventually earning citizenship.
In the end, the commissioners voted 5-2 against the sheriff’s request for additional money.
Michelle
Summary 4: Student Loans Are Commonly Referred to as “Good Debt”
Private loans for students can become traps
By Kara McGuire
Star Tribune, Sunday September 27th, 2009
Summary: Student loans can be confusing and end up costing a person more in the long run. The term “private student loans” is sometimes used to refer to Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFEL), which can be very confusing. FFEL are the government student-loan programs that are administered by private companies, such as Wells Fargo. Some private loans work more like credit cards. These loans have far fewer protections and guarantees for borrowers than do government-sponsored loans. According to a policy paper by financial aid expert Mark Kantrowitz, private loan volume grew from $7.7 billion in 2003-2004 to $22.4 billion in 2007-2008. Unfortunately, college graduates with too much student loan debt cannot, in most cases, discharge the loans in bankruptcy. Not only that, but these private loans aren’t included in any of the recent laws passed to make college more affordable. The laws passed include income-based repayment plans and loan forgiveness for certain altruistic occupations. One of the only options a student has is to call their lender to explore their options if they are having problems repaying their debt. Also, one tip before taking out a student loan is to calculate how much debt you can afford to repay first.
By Kara McGuire
Star Tribune, Sunday September 27th, 2009
Summary: Student loans can be confusing and end up costing a person more in the long run. The term “private student loans” is sometimes used to refer to Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFEL), which can be very confusing. FFEL are the government student-loan programs that are administered by private companies, such as Wells Fargo. Some private loans work more like credit cards. These loans have far fewer protections and guarantees for borrowers than do government-sponsored loans. According to a policy paper by financial aid expert Mark Kantrowitz, private loan volume grew from $7.7 billion in 2003-2004 to $22.4 billion in 2007-2008. Unfortunately, college graduates with too much student loan debt cannot, in most cases, discharge the loans in bankruptcy. Not only that, but these private loans aren’t included in any of the recent laws passed to make college more affordable. The laws passed include income-based repayment plans and loan forgiveness for certain altruistic occupations. One of the only options a student has is to call their lender to explore their options if they are having problems repaying their debt. Also, one tip before taking out a student loan is to calculate how much debt you can afford to repay first.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
My First Day at Anoka Ramsey Community College
The first time I walked through the halls at Anoka Ramsey Community College I felt very overwhelmed. I had no idea where anything was and had to ask everyone I saw for help. I felt people may have thought I was stupid or something because I threw so many questions at them. Not only was I lost, but I ended up being five minutes late to my class. I couldn’t seem to find it right away. When I finally found it, I was nervous to go in. I had been out of school for a year and wasn’t looking forward to diving back into it. When I got into the classroom, my nerves settled down and everything went smoothly. I made new acquaintances and loved the atmosphere. I am super glad I signed up for classes at Anoka Ramsey Community College!
Michelle
Monday, September 21, 2009
Summary 3: Biggest Slump on Record Came to an End.
U.S. household net worth rose $2 trillion in second quarter
By Bloomberg News, USA TODAY
(http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2009-09-17-net-worth_N.htm)
Summary: After the biggest slump since 1980, consumer spending has started to improve this quarter adding a gain in wealth. This improvement is supplemented by federal stimulus measures such as extended jobless benefits, tax credits and the cash-for-clunkers program. It all happened in the second quarter when household wealth increased by $2 trillion in the United States. Americans are also taking on less debt and saving more. This decision has caused a savings rate up to six percent of disposable income in May. Since consumers are holding back on spending, some economists feel that this savings rate will only continue to increase. On top of all that, net worth for households and non-profit groups climbed to $53.1 trillion in the first quarter. There was an increase by $1.4 trillion in the second quarter for household net worth in corporate stocks and mutual funds as well. Some of these jumps were the largest since 1998.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Two people killed with 20 people injured on Interstate 790
At 6:45 a.m. two tractor-trailers collided with one another that started a chain reaction crash on Interstate 790. Two people driving cars were killed and 20 others were injured and taken to the hospital, four of them were seriously hurt. Tony Sullivan, the fire chief, said that one of the ambulance drivers informed him the seriously injured people were life-threatening.
According to Sgt. Albert Wei of the police department there were a total of four tractor-trailers and 14 cars involved in the accident. One of the tractor-trailers was a tanker hauling diesel fuel. “It was very lucky that it didn’t roll over or dump any fuel or catch fire,” Wei said. The truck part of the tanker was damaged when a car hit it, but the truck driver managed to get it stopped safely along the side of the road.
All five of the fire departments ambulances were on the scene, along with ambulances from four of the nearby city’s fire departments. The “Life Flight” helicopter from Memorial Hospital was also called to the scene to fly two of the worst injured to the trauma center in Statesville, 50 miles away. Sullivan said that his firefighters had to cut the roofs off three of the cars to free the drivers and passengers that were trapped inside.
According to Wei, this accident happened in the northbound lanes of I-790 and closed both the north and southbound lanes. The interstate was still closed at 10 a.m., creating quite a mess for the rush hour traffic. People who normally would have used I-790 had to go on Interstate 690, which backed up traffic for three hours.
According to Sgt. Albert Wei of the police department there were a total of four tractor-trailers and 14 cars involved in the accident. One of the tractor-trailers was a tanker hauling diesel fuel. “It was very lucky that it didn’t roll over or dump any fuel or catch fire,” Wei said. The truck part of the tanker was damaged when a car hit it, but the truck driver managed to get it stopped safely along the side of the road.
All five of the fire departments ambulances were on the scene, along with ambulances from four of the nearby city’s fire departments. The “Life Flight” helicopter from Memorial Hospital was also called to the scene to fly two of the worst injured to the trauma center in Statesville, 50 miles away. Sullivan said that his firefighters had to cut the roofs off three of the cars to free the drivers and passengers that were trapped inside.
According to Wei, this accident happened in the northbound lanes of I-790 and closed both the north and southbound lanes. The interstate was still closed at 10 a.m., creating quite a mess for the rush hour traffic. People who normally would have used I-790 had to go on Interstate 690, which backed up traffic for three hours.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Summary 2: President Obama in Minneapolis
‘THE TIME FOR GAMES IS PASSED’
By Josephine Marcotty, Rachel E. Stassen-Berger, and Mike Kaszuba, Star Tribune staff writers
Summary: Minneapolis was President Obama’s first stop to push his health care reform. About 17,000 people packed into the Target Center Saturday to hear his speech. This reform will include people with or without jobs, elimination of coverage caps and a public option. President Obama showed his support of health insurance exchanges, which would allow negotiation for lower prices. If the exchange doesn’t make health insurance affordable to all, the federal government will provide tax credits. When President Obama announced his public insurance option, the crowd gave a huge applause. However, this has been described as a deal-breaker by Republicans. President Obama would make the public insurance option only as an option, not a requirement to choose. The crowd roared their approval again and again, even as they were exiting. Before and after the speech the crowd was mostly peaceful, except for the few shouting matches. This rally could be a turning point to the negative images portrayed at congressional town hall meetings across the country.
By Josephine Marcotty, Rachel E. Stassen-Berger, and Mike Kaszuba, Star Tribune staff writers
Summary: Minneapolis was President Obama’s first stop to push his health care reform. About 17,000 people packed into the Target Center Saturday to hear his speech. This reform will include people with or without jobs, elimination of coverage caps and a public option. President Obama showed his support of health insurance exchanges, which would allow negotiation for lower prices. If the exchange doesn’t make health insurance affordable to all, the federal government will provide tax credits. When President Obama announced his public insurance option, the crowd gave a huge applause. However, this has been described as a deal-breaker by Republicans. President Obama would make the public insurance option only as an option, not a requirement to choose. The crowd roared their approval again and again, even as they were exiting. Before and after the speech the crowd was mostly peaceful, except for the few shouting matches. This rally could be a turning point to the negative images portrayed at congressional town hall meetings across the country.
Michelle
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Recent Restaurant Visit
I recently visited the Coon Rapids Bakers Square and was disappointed. When I arrived they were moderately busy, so I wasn't offended that getting service took a little time. When the host came to great me she wasn’t smiling or welcoming. However, at the table she was very informative and let me know a lot of information. She let me know that it was pie rush wednesday, the soups of the day, and a few specials.
I then proceeded to sit there and wait for service. About ten minutes passed and the server greeted me with, “has anyone been with you yet?” I was shocked because I could clearly see that this was her section. I am also a waitress and you should take the blame for neglecting a table. All you need to do is walk up to the table, apologize for not getting there sooner and tell them why. I already knew why, but her greeting me that way annoyed me. She then took my drink order and became my waitress (which she already was).
The food was great, though a lot of the condiments were forgotten and we had to ask the manager to get them for us. We really didn’t want to, but my french toast was getting cold and we couldn’t find our waitress. When we were all finished we brought our ticket up to the register to pay. I gave the cashier a check stub to receive my 30 percent discount and she denied it. She said that I could either have pie rush wednesday or my discount. I have always done both, so I was really upset. I also had proof that I have always done it and they still wouldn’t budge. I paid the full price and will never go back there again.
I then proceeded to sit there and wait for service. About ten minutes passed and the server greeted me with, “has anyone been with you yet?” I was shocked because I could clearly see that this was her section. I am also a waitress and you should take the blame for neglecting a table. All you need to do is walk up to the table, apologize for not getting there sooner and tell them why. I already knew why, but her greeting me that way annoyed me. She then took my drink order and became my waitress (which she already was).
The food was great, though a lot of the condiments were forgotten and we had to ask the manager to get them for us. We really didn’t want to, but my french toast was getting cold and we couldn’t find our waitress. When we were all finished we brought our ticket up to the register to pay. I gave the cashier a check stub to receive my 30 percent discount and she denied it. She said that I could either have pie rush wednesday or my discount. I have always done both, so I was really upset. I also had proof that I have always done it and they still wouldn’t budge. I paid the full price and will never go back there again.
Michelle
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Lessons I've Learned of Leads
I have learned a lot this week. To start it off, I have never taken a journalism class in my life. I have no idea how to do any of this, so it is all new and exciting.
I was told that leads have to be in complete sentences. When I turned in my homework last week I found out that my attempt at writing leads looked more like headlines. That was an unfortunate mistake, but I really did learn from it.
I also learned to emphasize the story's most unusual developments. I feel that this is one of the easiest parts because I love the unusual. This makes it easier for me to pick out the unusual and add into my lead. It is also a great way to grab people's attention.
While I was reading about leads it said to avoid using unfamiliar names. That is why when I wrote my leads I used labels instead of names. It was also very helpful to learn that leads can be more than one sentence. I was writing all my leads in one sentence, which made it look like a headline.
Localizing the lead makes it easier to understand grabbed my attention because it makes sense to me. People love to read something that touches close to home. I also learned that stating the obvious can get boring so breaking the rules is a good thing.
Overall, I hope that I get a better grasp on writing leads!
I was told that leads have to be in complete sentences. When I turned in my homework last week I found out that my attempt at writing leads looked more like headlines. That was an unfortunate mistake, but I really did learn from it.
I also learned to emphasize the story's most unusual developments. I feel that this is one of the easiest parts because I love the unusual. This makes it easier for me to pick out the unusual and add into my lead. It is also a great way to grab people's attention.
While I was reading about leads it said to avoid using unfamiliar names. That is why when I wrote my leads I used labels instead of names. It was also very helpful to learn that leads can be more than one sentence. I was writing all my leads in one sentence, which made it look like a headline.
Localizing the lead makes it easier to understand grabbed my attention because it makes sense to me. People love to read something that touches close to home. I also learned that stating the obvious can get boring so breaking the rules is a good thing.
Overall, I hope that I get a better grasp on writing leads!
Michelle
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