The End is Here (Blog Assignment #8)

I struggled in the class initially. I felt it was necessary to check for new assignments about fifty times a day! It was ridiculous, I know. It was the first Internet class that I had ever taken. But, eventually, I became acclimated to the more relaxed format and used it to my advantage. I believe that is was a great online class to begin my new experience with. The course work was not unbearable. And the independent research required to complete some of our blogs has helped me to become more investigative in my searches.

I came into the class knowing that I enjoy writing. I just always wondered if I would be able to write for a deadline. I have a problem of writer’s block. It can be difficult to power through. For this class “writing when inspiration comes over me” was not always an option. I was forced to chisel out my work and submitted it by the deadline. It conjured up stress, anxiety and frustration. All in all, I feel like I’ve been able to conquer writer’s block. It has also become clear to me that journalism may not be my strongest field.

One thing about the class that really worked for me was how well the syllabus spelled out the professor’s expectations. It was nice to see the list of blogs and articles. It was easy to keep in mind all the tools necessary for writing a good article or great blog. Also, it was very helpful to receive emails from the instructor reminding us to check out the D2L page for changes in the syllabus or new blog topics.

I suppose that the only real aspect of change I could see for the class was a little bit more forewarning as to what the next blog topic would be. I tend to like to mull over possible angles and phrases—giving myself time to experiment with thoughts, and allowing for minimal brain freezes. It would have been nice to have at least the two weeks time prior to the next blog for accomplishing our writing. Instead, it seemed that a lot of the assignments were officially given to us with about 4 or 5 days to complete them. This left a week or so of potential research untapped. But outside of that, the class moved very fluidly.

It is hard to believe that we have come to the end of the semester. I have really enjoyed this class—people’s thoughts, blogs, and comments. The encouragement and feedback that I have received from everyone has allowed me to grow more self-confident. This class has been wonderful.

Recycled Air (Blog Assignment #7)

My mind has been circling the drain over this entire "Climate-Gate" situation. It has sparked my interest—offering an opportunity, at times, to roll my eyes. In general, I suppose I have been evaluating conspiracy theories. Whether it is the JFK assassination, or the falsified moon landing; whether it is the world’s demise in 2012, or the fact that some people believe that the events of 9/11 were an “inside job.” I feel like I am surrounded by conspiracy theories all the time. I never know what to believe. “Climate-Gate”, of course, doesn't help me. But, if these accusations and emails are true, then what? People are right and there is no global warming (or at least humans are not to blame for it)?

Back when I was born, there was a horrendous blizzard that day. Minnesota was equivalent to a piece of Siberia in America. Always "dreaming of a white Christmas," I can remember white Thanksgivings and white Halloweens. Granted some of those were rare, but famous Minnesota winter storms. It just doesn't seem that cold anymore and there doesn't seem to be as much snow. Perhaps it is the romantic effects of looking back to life the “way that it used to be,” but something is strange . . .

I am uncertain as to how much I subscribe to thoughts of global warming. But, even if all the "Climate-Gate" scandal is true (and not fabricated and manipulated itself), who really cares? So, because there may be evidence that global warming may not be entirely accurate, does that mean there is not a sliver of truth in there at all?

Our world is covered over 70% with water. Of the continental crust, humans are but a tiny portion of that. Flying in an airplane and looking out the window is humbling experience. A person is overcome with the reality that they are puny in a global perspective. Have you ever “jumped the pond”? Even flying at speeds over 500 mph, it seems like the water will never end.

I am not a Republican, and I am not a Democrat. But, we shouldn't use "Climate-Gate" as an excuse to keep living the way that we are and not accept a few changes. Copenhagen’s summit to talk about cutting CO2 emissions is wonderful. Al Gore’s film “An Inconvenient Truth” talked about the rise of CO2 gas in our atmosphere. Perhaps it would be in our best interest to discontinue our deforestation of the rainforests or filling in salt marshes. Allow nature to do what it is so good at and find balance. Photosynthesis is a remarkable phenomenon. Yet, in the United States, housing developers buy up land to create housing projects. Build for building’s sake. In a time of ridiculously high foreclosures, what is the sense of having so many vacant buildings?

We should not be afraid to become more eco-friendly. I'm not a hippie—not by any means. One of my favorite leisure activities is driving in my car listening to the “Back in the Day Buffet” on B96. But I do believe that we could at least try to be happy with the resources that we have—be it much or little. Take care of the world that we live in. There is no need to forever deface the world's surface to feed our own selfish ambitions. “Climate-Gate” should be no excuse to not fight for a cleaner and healthier future.

The Original Jazzercise (Blog Assignment #6)

The cold, November night sends a chill through my spine as I extend my hand closer to the heavy door handle of the Wabasha Street Caves. Loud music and laughter slip out from underneath the closed threshold. Upon opening the door, the light from inside sweeps out and I become enchanted by the exciting world before me. I adjust my jazzy tie, and straighten my Gene Kelly-esque fedora as I stop “singing in the rain” and enter the room.

My interest in swing music and dancing started during the swing revival of the 1990s. It was not until I was a student at Union College that anything ever happened. The Pla Mor Ballroom hosted swing night at the beginning of every month. It was a great opportunity to drop the books and learn something that was both entertaining and an exercise.

Saint Paul, Minnesota is the place to be every Thursday night. The Wabasha Street Caves open their doors to the community to take brief swing dance lessons and a fascinating floor to practice on. If you are unable to make it to the east side of the river, feel free to drop into the Tapestry Folkdance Center on Thursday night for swing lessons in Minneapolis. Enjoy the sound of live big bands that resonate all through the walls of the cave. The swinging jazz music will bring you back to another time.

In March 1926, the Savoy Ballroom opened its doors in New York. The Savoy became an instantaneous sensation. It housed a block-long dance floor and a raised double bandstand. Featuring dancing nightly most of the best dancers were fascinated by the New York area. Enthused by remarkable dancers and the finest bands, music at the Savoy was largely Swinging Jazz. In the 1930s big band swing music prevailed as leader of the jazz movement. Along side this up-tempo music swing dancing was defined.

Savoy dancer "Shorty" George Snowden stated that, “We used to call the basic step the Hop long before Lindbergh did his hop across the Atlantic.”

Jazz music has offered a beautiful escape for many people since its origins in the early 20th century. It offered hope and inspiration in a time of Great Depression. The first generation of Lindy Hop is popularly associated with dancers such as "Shorty" George Snowden and his partner Big Bea. Much time has passed since the Savoy days. Lindy Hop, and swing dancing in general have been highlighted in films and new reels. Today we can see strong swing dance scenes in many countries all over the world. Each district offers a unique flare. Valeria Kochubei, a member of the Kiev Swing Dance Club, explained that swing dancing is “where a man can act like a man with a woman and lead her. A woman can act like a woman and be beautiful.”

Whether a person lives in Lincoln, Kiev, the Twin Cities, or anywhere else, there is sure to be a swing dancing community near you. Take a chance to socialize and exercise as you try something new.

Connection Center (Blog Assignment #5)

One of the communities that I am a part of is a small church community. The Connection Center is a quaint, Seventh-day Adventist Church located on the main street of Zimmerman, Minnesota. Some of leaders of this growing community are:

Reuben Roundtree – District Pastoral Supervisor

Gene Yocum, Jr. – Pastor

Janet Grentz – Home and School Leader

Orville Mickelson – Treasurer

Susie Lakoduk – Head Deaconess

I was able to catch up with Gene Yocum, Jr. to ask him a few questions about the thoughts and aspirations of the community members. Gene Yocum has been a part of the idea behind The Connection Center since it was a mere idea amongst members of the Anoka Adventist Church. In 2003, a handful of members from the Anoka Church thought of branching out and extending a helping hand in a different community—a community they resided in; a community in need of some extra support.

“The transition has been difficult,” Gene Yocum remarked. He stated there was a difference in vision between this core group of leaders and the Minnesota Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. But after working with the Central States Conference beginning in 2007, things have been going a little more smoothly. They are now capable of support from administrative leaders like Pastor Roundtree, and there is opportunity for more training.

“We are here to help the needs of the community,” Gene continued to say. “We are trying to help people who are unemployed, losing their homes, or those struggling with debt. We are here to provide hope, help and support by providing training to help people overcome their issues.”

The Connection Center has recently purchased a plot of land next to their current location. “We have received generous donations from people to make this happen,” Gene shared. They are planning to construct a sanctuary on part of the land. It would allow the current building to be used mainly for classrooms. They hope that this will allow them to incorporate more members of the community in and around Zimmerman.

The church has been able to provide various forms of outreach such as giving food once a month to people in need of extra food, transporting people who are in need of getting around, and visiting people who have are homebound. Bible studies are coordinated for people who are interested in religion to give hope and encouragement. The Connection Center has also been about to coordinate with local businesses to collect donations and clothing items to help people supplement their budget.

“We hope to expand some of our children’s programs, since there seems to be plenty of youth activities happening in the community.” The hope to continue providing clubs such as Adventures and Pathfinders that will offer children a safe place to spend time together. These clubs are similar to scouts clubs. However, Adventurers and Pathfinders provide the opportunity for people to develop both mentally and spiritually. Also, it provides kids the opportunity to adventure out of the community, and meet other kids from around the country and, potentially, the world.

HealthReform (Blog Assignment #4)

Trying to stay current with health care issues and the government’s desire for reform causes my head to spin around. Perhaps for some people more closely involved or influenced by the debates, it seems simple and necessary. From what I am feebly able to gather, this reform has more to do with medical insurers and coverage for the poor, lower-class citizens without insurance. Is this incorrect? I hear about the fluctuating costs of reform as well as the continuance of our deficit-spending budget.

I know that medical and dental services are costly. It causes a turning in my stomach just thinking about it. Fortunately, my family has been able to weather the storms. My mother worked at HealthEast for about 8 years. Her primary goal was to acquire benefits for the family. Currently, we have switched providers. I know little about the new coverage. The one thing that I do understand is that coverage is important. Not only for routine check-ups, but coverage is important for the unforeseen mishaps.

I hope health care coverage for all people. Of course, I am not sure how best to provide that. However, I do know that it is important to have help when you need it the most. I have been taken to an emergency room in 5 different states (at least one time). I am an insurance company’s worst nightmare. Whether I have had stitches in my hand, a surgery to remove a cyst the size of my head from out of my chest, or reattaching a piece of my ear after I accidentally ripped my earring out while playing hockey, without insurance it would have been impossible. Keep in my mind that those clumsy accolades are only a few of mine. It has no mention of the routine visits, and unscheduled appointments of my 3 siblings.

I sympathize with those people who struggle to pay their bills. It can be overwhelming, and it piles up quickly. In the United States it costs a large amount of money for health care services. Even for those with medical insurance, the yearly premium costs and co-pays can be unbearable. My mother’s parents are retired. Even in spite of there limited income, they have to pay a $250 deductible every January. This price does not include the cost of diabetes testing strips, or $100 prescription price. My father’s parents are also retired and struggling with similarly high prices of treatment. Being set on a fixed, low income how are they supposed to keep up their health?

The prevention of illness should be a person’s priority. The best health care is for people to care for themselves. Exercise and fresh foods go a long way to help a person deal with a lot of physical ailments. They are cheaper and can be more effective. Never underestimate the power of daily self-care.

Other People's Money (Blog Assignment #3)

Walking down the steep eastern slope of Andreevsky Spusk, a person is surrounded by the arts and crafts of many street venders. Old buildings and trees line the winding road. The bottom of the decent pours out into one of the oldest districts in Kiev. The Podol district is renowned for the unique ambiance that it holds. It is nestled tightly near the right bank of the Dnipro River and several touristic points of interest. People consider this place to have lived many lives. Over several centuries it has endured floods, fires and enemy invasions. There had been plans to tear it all down, but they have gone unfulfilled. It has never vanished.

After walking through Kontraktovaya Square in Podol there is Puzata Khata (Пузата Xата). The name Пузата Xата is translated as “house with a big belly.” It is a favorite restaurant of Ukrainian people. It is an inexpensive Ukrainian-kitchen restaurant. It specializes in home cooked food, made by grandmothers and mothers. The restaurant is laid out to look more like a cafeteria. The interior is designed to make you feel like you are still in the Square. Pillars inside the building are covered in advertisements to concerts, and theatrical shows. There is a fountain in the middle of the main level that people cast their spare change to make a wish.

The restaurant is typically filled with students and low-level business people. “What? You go school for free?” Michael, an American student, questions.

“Why not?” Valeria (a local University student) rebuttals, “We study really well and then we take our knowledge to help improve our country.”

“I just wish that they would do that for me,” Michael commented.

“We all do, Michael! I had to pay about $25,000 a year when I was attending Union College,” I interrupted.

“Plus, our stipend is becoming less and less!” Valeria inserted her voice again.

“You go to school for free, and they pay you a stipend every month?” Michael sat back in his seat in shock.

The area is filled with a mixture of university students and business people who come in the middle of their busy schedules. Many students talk about the stipend that they are receiving. It was recently raised to encourage students to vote. Although, the price is fixed despite Timoshenko caused the Ukrainian Grivna to become about 1/9 the cost of a dollar. What good is 500 Grivnas anymore? Many secretaries and office clerks have a similar concern as the students: the low wages they are receiving due to their economic crisis. However, added pressure comes to the business crowd because they are all at a risk of losing their jobs. People feel nervous, but are hopeful. They are pessimistic of the politician’s abilities to change. They are hopeful, however, that something good is on the horizon.

My Community: Київ, Україна (Blog Assignment #2)

Community is not difficult to find. No matter where we go, there it is. We find ourselves shifting between communities all throughout life. Few of them make a lasting impact on us. But, for those that do, we hold onto them. We cherish them. A community can bring you life and clarity. For me, one such community was the large city of Kiev, Ukraine.

Today it is estimated to have 5 million people as residents, and perhaps even more that just live there. However, this community has been altered for over a thousand years and its people have endured it all—from Mongol invasions and Tatar attacks to Russian military control and the Soviets rise to power; from World War II Nazi invasions to the Chernobyl meltdown; from the fall of the Soviet Union to independence again. These are a few points of interest through the community’s long history. It is a history of struggle. It is a history of pain. Most of all, it is a history of survival. It is the type of attitude that you will come across as you talk to its people—perseverance.

It can be difficult to talk with a stranger. They guard themselves from outsiders. It may, at first, appear rude. It is merely a precaution. For most people it can be difficult to initially trust some one else. This stems from the lies, greed, and torture of their most recent history. As one university student informed me, “You don’t understand. You are from America—‘the greatest country in the world.’ You don’t know what it is like to be nothing in the world.” But, underneath this cold front, is endless support and compassion. People are generous and giving far beyond their actual capabilities. They are hospitable to no end. They have hearts that are pure.

The main concern of the community is the future. What is next? Their economy barely flounders above total collapse. Both civic and federal governments are a joke as leaders behave like clowns before the media. The Parliament is often referred to, by locals, as “an animal house.” To top off all the domestic struggling, Russia and Ukraine have recently intensified their standoff. Their biggest challenge, that has followed them through history, has returned—can we survive again? The 2004 Orange Revolution is drifting into the past, but the spirit is still alive. People’s ambitions and hopes have not yet gone. When these people rise together, they can overcome all things. Together they stand.

Getting Warmed Up (Blog Assignment #1)

A blog is unique in the fact that it is not a new concept at all, but a new avenue of exploration. The United States of America is internationally known for its freedom of speech. It is not necessarily about what makes a blog, a blog. It is more about what a blog makes a blogger. People began life and youth filled with adventure and imagination. They encompassed beauty, passion, and creativity. However, throughout school, work, or (if they are religious) church, they are instilled with the words of others. The aspect that has distinguished blogs is the freedom it gives an individual to share their opinions and beliefs with the world. A brand new conquest: bringing voice back to the voiceless. A blog is a blog because it rejuvenates a person to express their passion, and gives them the world to communicate with.

My favorite aspect of blogging is the thought that some one out there may truly believe in my thoughts. I become energized when people relate and relay their own stories and thoughts. Inside of everyone there is a morsel of insecurity that lingers. At times it can become overwhelming. The thing that I love the most is being understood and supported by people I have never even met.

The most challenging part about blogging is finding direction. Too often there seems to be a flood of words in my mind. It is just difficult to wade through and gather the theme floating around. The mind is willing, but the fingers are weak. It is most challenging to channel my thoughts to a clear conclusion.