As I sit here at work, I ponder over the fact of how many people despise indoor tanning and think, 'you're going to have skin cancer period, if you tan.' When it comes down to it, indoor tanning can actually minimize health risks by embracing the two main concepts that are embraced in the tanning industry--moderation and sunburn prevention.
Growing up, I became very familiar with the tanning industry. My parents decided to open an indoor tanning salon and that has just been something I have struck an interest for. Having attended indoor tanning seminars and conferences with my parents and their staff, I quickly became excited and knowledgeable about this up and coming industry.
We've all heard the too familiar claims against indoor tanning. 'It causes cancer.' 'It gives you wrinkles.' 'Tanning dehydrates my body.' and 'It damages my skin.' However, it is clearly the uneducated and misinformed out making these claims.
The International Smart Tan Network, is basically the tanning industry's scripture. This corporation holds the information anyone could ever want to know about the tanning process and the positive effects of the sun. Though I have spent countless hours reading through the books this company puts out, the Internet site also has some very interesting topics and usually the latest news.
Tanning Truth.com is yet another informational site where I highly recommend those misinformed to go!!!
Currently, the main fight against tanning is that fact of receiving the proper amount of Vitamin D that our bodies need. The sun, or UV rays, is where the most abundant source of Vitamin D comes from. Many articles related to this fact can be found on either one of the sites that I have mentioned. In fact, on tanningtruth.com, I found a great article for those caught in the middle of what to believe or what side to take should definitely read. Here is the link to the article: http://www.tanningtruth.com/index.php/indoor_tanning/.
I guess tanning is something that I feel rather passionate about. When you are around it as much as I have been throughout my life, I guess it just becomes another thing you just know!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
The First Dog
It's getting close to that time. A time when spring fever swipes us from our studies and homework only to enjoy the wonderful weather outside. It is also a good time for those who have their thoughts on a new puppy to get one because training will be easier as the weather turns warmer.
That is why an article on MSNBC discuss the matter of the Obama's first dog. When will they get and what kind will they get seems to be the two main questions popping up. As society seeks answers, First lady, Michelle Obama, informs MSN that she is rather surprised about all the talk this topic has received. I am with her on this one. Shouldn't we be a little more focused on things occurring in our struggling economy right now then worry about why the Obama's haven't gotten a dog yet?!
Since this topic seems to be of interest to many, the Obama's have decided on a Portuguese water dog, one that is old enough and a match for the family dynamic. Their reason for choosing this breed is because many others they know that have this type of dog have been very pleased by it. April seems to be the mark that the Obama's are looking at for purchasing a new pup. Below is what the Obama's new dog may look like...
Talk of getting a new addition to the Obama household from the President's daughters has seemed to decrease, Michelle Obama said. However it seems the nation has picked up where they let off. Instead of discussing when they will get a new dog, Sasha and Malia have been thinking of names to call him or her. Frank and Moose have been the popular votes from the girls, however, if mom has anything to say about it, which I'm sure she does, these names will fall just short of what the new pup is to be called.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Five Keywords to find 'UNK' in a search engine
Often times I have been asked, "you go to school where!" As I repeat back to them 'UNK' a confused almost dumbfounded look appear on their face. Let's face it, to us UNK is the University of Nebraska @ Kearney. But to others, confusion as to what UNK stands for remains. Common thoughts of what UNK stands for is the University of Northern Kentucky. This as we know, if far from our beloved UNK!
I was challenged with the task of coming up with five keywords in which a prospective out-of-state, high school senior, who is not from any of Nebraska's neighboring states might use to bring up our university's home page when doing a web search. This may sound easy but I was also told that I could not use the words Nebraska, Kearney, University or Undergraduate--these were specified as obvious keywords and were prohibited to utilize.
The first word I thought to use is ‘Lopers.’ This brings us to the lopers.com site which directs us to the UNK website too. Also, because athletics is a selection on the main UNK website, that web page should come up in a search as well. The fact that Loper is a rather odd mascot, may help in one’s search to finding our school as well.
The second key word I would use is 'Antelope newspaper' or 'KLPR radio'. Our school newspaper is titled the Antelope so there should be a link directed to UNK’s homepage and also to where the Antelope can be viewed. KLPR is our school’s on-campus radio station that would locate UNK as the direct site containing this station. However, a prospective student would have to know that was our school’s paper and radio station to locate the site.
A third key word I would use is Industrial Distribution Universities. I believe this word would be relevant because UNK is one of the few universities with an industrial distribution degree program. Because of that fact, UNK should be one of the websites that is displayed when searching with those keywords.
The fourth word I would use to is Midwest universities. Obviously due to UNK’s location, directly in the middle of the Midwest, the UNK home page should come up. Other universities such as UNO or UNL may be found as well which would only help the prospective students’ efforts because these schools are in the same university system as UNK and may provide a link to our home page.
The final word I would use in a search for UNK is education degree schools. We know that UNK stresses its education programs and is commonly known as a teaching college so a student looking for a university with an education/teaching degree program would most likely come across UNK in a search.
It is obvious how important it is to carefully select keywords in which your site would be found in a search engine. Without advertising numerous aspects of UNK and having distinctive programs, techniques and even a mascot, UNK would just be another university left in cyberspace. It is important to differentiate yourself from competitors in the business world and the same can be applied to this situation dealing with university searches.
An article I found discussed some tips to follow when selecting words to be used in a search engine.
What other keywords might you use? I'm completely up for suggestions!!! Give me some feedback on what you would search.
I was challenged with the task of coming up with five keywords in which a prospective out-of-state, high school senior, who is not from any of Nebraska's neighboring states might use to bring up our university's home page when doing a web search. This may sound easy but I was also told that I could not use the words Nebraska, Kearney, University or Undergraduate--these were specified as obvious keywords and were prohibited to utilize.
The first word I thought to use is ‘Lopers.’ This brings us to the lopers.com site which directs us to the UNK website too. Also, because athletics is a selection on the main UNK website, that web page should come up in a search as well. The fact that Loper is a rather odd mascot, may help in one’s search to finding our school as well.
The second key word I would use is 'Antelope newspaper' or 'KLPR radio'. Our school newspaper is titled the Antelope so there should be a link directed to UNK’s homepage and also to where the Antelope can be viewed. KLPR is our school’s on-campus radio station that would locate UNK as the direct site containing this station. However, a prospective student would have to know that was our school’s paper and radio station to locate the site.
A third key word I would use is Industrial Distribution Universities. I believe this word would be relevant because UNK is one of the few universities with an industrial distribution degree program. Because of that fact, UNK should be one of the websites that is displayed when searching with those keywords.
The fourth word I would use to is Midwest universities. Obviously due to UNK’s location, directly in the middle of the Midwest, the UNK home page should come up. Other universities such as UNO or UNL may be found as well which would only help the prospective students’ efforts because these schools are in the same university system as UNK and may provide a link to our home page.
The final word I would use in a search for UNK is education degree schools. We know that UNK stresses its education programs and is commonly known as a teaching college so a student looking for a university with an education/teaching degree program would most likely come across UNK in a search.
It is obvious how important it is to carefully select keywords in which your site would be found in a search engine. Without advertising numerous aspects of UNK and having distinctive programs, techniques and even a mascot, UNK would just be another university left in cyberspace. It is important to differentiate yourself from competitors in the business world and the same can be applied to this situation dealing with university searches.
An article I found discussed some tips to follow when selecting words to be used in a search engine.
What other keywords might you use? I'm completely up for suggestions!!! Give me some feedback on what you would search.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Editorial #2--Final
Hats Helmets On to that!
It’s a warm, summer day in the state where its common slogan preached ‘the good life.’ Perfect weather for being outdoors and for those whose obsession is motorcycling; it’s a fine day for riding. Specialized gloves are pulled on for comfort where they meet the cuffs of a zipped-up jacket. The ‘hog’ is gassed up and ready to cruise on into the sunset. It’s go time baby! The summer air brushes through a head of hair on a helmetless rider, without a care in the world they think to themselves, ‘nothing could be better.’ That is when two tires screech across the road and sparks fly from the metal connecting with the pavement. If the motorcyclist could have prepared all over again that day, would a helmet have been worn?
For the continued safety of motorcycle operators, Nebraska needs to keep its state helmet law.
Let’s face it, as we look forward to the fun things in life we sometimes forget the precautionary necessities that allow us to keep having that fun. We become caught up in the moment and the thought of safety seems to almost disappear, at least until we sense trouble up ahead. Of course, as our circumstances change, so do our thoughts.
Requiring operators of motorcycles to wear helmets seems all too obvious when it comes to the overall safety of the rider, but this issue is quite the controversial topic to say the least. According to a University of Southern California analysis, helmets were the single most important factor in surviving motorcycle accidents. Chances of surviving a motorcycle accident is 60 percent higher than if the rider chooses to ride helmetless.
Life is precious. Though wearing a helmet may not be the most desired fashion statement in the world, if it’s going to protect one from being seriously injured or save a life, it is well worth wearing. Currently, just 20 states, including Nebraska, require all motorcycle operators to wear helmets when riding. Specifically, the Nebraska state legislature states, “A person shall not operate or be a passenger on a motorcycle or moped on any highway in this state unless such person is wearing a protective helmet of the type and design manufactured for use by operators of such vehicles and unless such helmet is secured properly on his or her head with a chin strap while the vehicle is in motion.” Since Nebraska repealed this law in 1989, the number of serious head injuries in motorcycle accidents has decreased 22 percent.
Should Nebraska choose to keep the state helmet law, we may find a reduction in motorcycle theft. Due to the fact that riders would be required to wear helmets, police would easily spot a helmetless thief, assuming the thief did not own a helmet.
Within the past ten years, the total number of motorcycle accident deaths has more than doubled, increasing deaths by about a third. The Gannett News Service has produced an analysis of federal accident reports saying motorcycle deaths have well increased since 1995. In 1997, there was a reported average of 5.5 deaths for every 10,000 registered motorcycles, this number jumped to 7.3 deaths in 2006. With 2009 settling in, do you want to be one who increases these statistics? Is that what you want to become—just another statistic? Do yourself, your family and your friends a favor…strap on a helmet if you’re going for a motorcycle ride and vote ‘yes’ for keeping Nebraska’s state helmet law.
So, that was how the final draft of my editorial read. I know I hit on safety quite a bit! Throw your comments at me on which position you take concerning this issue. If you're going to ride and one of these brutal accidents happens to you, wouldn't you at least like to know that your chances are much higher of survival if a helmet is involved?! Here's one more video I found with a great message!!!
It’s a warm, summer day in the state where its common slogan preached ‘the good life.’ Perfect weather for being outdoors and for those whose obsession is motorcycling; it’s a fine day for riding. Specialized gloves are pulled on for comfort where they meet the cuffs of a zipped-up jacket. The ‘hog’ is gassed up and ready to cruise on into the sunset. It’s go time baby! The summer air brushes through a head of hair on a helmetless rider, without a care in the world they think to themselves, ‘nothing could be better.’ That is when two tires screech across the road and sparks fly from the metal connecting with the pavement. If the motorcyclist could have prepared all over again that day, would a helmet have been worn?
For the continued safety of motorcycle operators, Nebraska needs to keep its state helmet law.
Let’s face it, as we look forward to the fun things in life we sometimes forget the precautionary necessities that allow us to keep having that fun. We become caught up in the moment and the thought of safety seems to almost disappear, at least until we sense trouble up ahead. Of course, as our circumstances change, so do our thoughts.
Requiring operators of motorcycles to wear helmets seems all too obvious when it comes to the overall safety of the rider, but this issue is quite the controversial topic to say the least. According to a University of Southern California analysis, helmets were the single most important factor in surviving motorcycle accidents. Chances of surviving a motorcycle accident is 60 percent higher than if the rider chooses to ride helmetless.
Life is precious. Though wearing a helmet may not be the most desired fashion statement in the world, if it’s going to protect one from being seriously injured or save a life, it is well worth wearing. Currently, just 20 states, including Nebraska, require all motorcycle operators to wear helmets when riding. Specifically, the Nebraska state legislature states, “A person shall not operate or be a passenger on a motorcycle or moped on any highway in this state unless such person is wearing a protective helmet of the type and design manufactured for use by operators of such vehicles and unless such helmet is secured properly on his or her head with a chin strap while the vehicle is in motion.” Since Nebraska repealed this law in 1989, the number of serious head injuries in motorcycle accidents has decreased 22 percent.
Should Nebraska choose to keep the state helmet law, we may find a reduction in motorcycle theft. Due to the fact that riders would be required to wear helmets, police would easily spot a helmetless thief, assuming the thief did not own a helmet.
Within the past ten years, the total number of motorcycle accident deaths has more than doubled, increasing deaths by about a third. The Gannett News Service has produced an analysis of federal accident reports saying motorcycle deaths have well increased since 1995. In 1997, there was a reported average of 5.5 deaths for every 10,000 registered motorcycles, this number jumped to 7.3 deaths in 2006. With 2009 settling in, do you want to be one who increases these statistics? Is that what you want to become—just another statistic? Do yourself, your family and your friends a favor…strap on a helmet if you’re going for a motorcycle ride and vote ‘yes’ for keeping Nebraska’s state helmet law.
So, that was how the final draft of my editorial read. I know I hit on safety quite a bit! Throw your comments at me on which position you take concerning this issue. If you're going to ride and one of these brutal accidents happens to you, wouldn't you at least like to know that your chances are much higher of survival if a helmet is involved?! Here's one more video I found with a great message!!!
Editorial #3--Local/Campus Issue
For our third editorial we are to write on an issue concerning the UNK campus or Kearney community. After conversing with others about what they view as top issues on campus or in the Kearney area, many blurted out---parking! That certainly didn't help me out because we are strictly prohibited from writing on that topic.
So as I set out to think what my three topics of choice would be, I continued to ask people what they thought and before they could answer, I informed them that parking could not be one of them.
The first issue I came across was that concerning the debate of passing the bill to require school buses to have seat belts in them. An article in the Kearney Hub explains the sides that voters take for passing/not passing this bill. Though we may think right away that of course we need seat belts in buses, the article touches on some reasons, ones of which never occurred to me, as to why seat belts should not be added to school buses.
The second issue I came up with was that discussing the topic of online classes in the University system. As we advance further into the technological realm, we are seeing universities add more and more online classes for its students. Because students may not necessarily actually be on that campus they are taking the online class from and may never see the professor face-to-face, should these classes cost the same as a 3-credit class that students actually attend? Of course the first semester a professor partakes in an online class there may be more work cut out for it than any other class, but once the class is up and running and information is posted does the same amount of work go into it in the coming semesters? An article from fldcu.org discusses the costs of traditional versus online education. It contains some rather interesting insights on this topic.
The third issue I came up with is concerning the fact that if someone wants to host an event or hold some sort of get together/seminar with food to be involved, Chartwells, our food provider, is the only one that can cater for that event if it is held on campus. As far as I'm concerned people want specific foods for certain events and the selection is not very diverse; to say the least! An article found within UNK's website discusses this policy.
So as I set out to think what my three topics of choice would be, I continued to ask people what they thought and before they could answer, I informed them that parking could not be one of them.
The first issue I came across was that concerning the debate of passing the bill to require school buses to have seat belts in them. An article in the Kearney Hub explains the sides that voters take for passing/not passing this bill. Though we may think right away that of course we need seat belts in buses, the article touches on some reasons, ones of which never occurred to me, as to why seat belts should not be added to school buses.
The second issue I came up with was that discussing the topic of online classes in the University system. As we advance further into the technological realm, we are seeing universities add more and more online classes for its students. Because students may not necessarily actually be on that campus they are taking the online class from and may never see the professor face-to-face, should these classes cost the same as a 3-credit class that students actually attend? Of course the first semester a professor partakes in an online class there may be more work cut out for it than any other class, but once the class is up and running and information is posted does the same amount of work go into it in the coming semesters? An article from fldcu.org discusses the costs of traditional versus online education. It contains some rather interesting insights on this topic.
The third issue I came up with is concerning the fact that if someone wants to host an event or hold some sort of get together/seminar with food to be involved, Chartwells, our food provider, is the only one that can cater for that event if it is held on campus. As far as I'm concerned people want specific foods for certain events and the selection is not very diverse; to say the least! An article found within UNK's website discusses this policy.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Just a little confused...
So we've established the fact that I'm a tennis player for UNK. And though we've been off to a rough start with the lack of facilities to practice in (we've been driving to Grand Island every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) we have been doing what we can to prepare for our upcoming meets. This Friday, we are to head to Lincoln where we will take on UNL. Yah, I said UNL, a Division I team. Well to throw a little more chaos into the mix, instead of our minimum of six players we need to fill all scoring spots, we are down to four, possibly even three. Why are our numbers so low you might ask--injury and sickness are the culprits. So, my confusion begins with the fact, why would we drive to Lincoln to play a very strong Division I team when we may only have three healthy player to compete? The fact is we will already start the meet at 0-5, which means even IF we won the other four matches, we would still lose the meet. If that isn't a reason in itself not to go, here's another one.
We already know that because of the struggling economy universities have been forced to make budget cuts in various areas. UNK has made some cuts in the athletic department. So, now that we may have lost the match before we even set foot on the UNL courts, we are still going to put money into gas, food and lodging just to get to Lincoln to play this match?!?! Doesn't make sense to me! Players are injured and sick, this match doesn't even count towards conference or regional's so I just don't understand why we are spending the money and time trying to play it!!!
Just felt like letting a bit of my fristrations out! Here's the link to our tennis schedule if any of you are feeling up to coming and watching a match or two. http://www.lopers.com/tennis/09schedule.htm. There aren't a whole lot of home meets to choose from this year, as we were spoiled with many home meets last year. I guess all I can do now is sit back and see what happens on Friday!
We already know that because of the struggling economy universities have been forced to make budget cuts in various areas. UNK has made some cuts in the athletic department. So, now that we may have lost the match before we even set foot on the UNL courts, we are still going to put money into gas, food and lodging just to get to Lincoln to play this match?!?! Doesn't make sense to me! Players are injured and sick, this match doesn't even count towards conference or regional's so I just don't understand why we are spending the money and time trying to play it!!!
Just felt like letting a bit of my fristrations out! Here's the link to our tennis schedule if any of you are feeling up to coming and watching a match or two. http://www.lopers.com/tennis/09schedule.htm. There aren't a whole lot of home meets to choose from this year, as we were spoiled with many home meets last year. I guess all I can do now is sit back and see what happens on Friday!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Nebraska Helmet Law Opinions
In my last post I mentioned that I assumed my boyfriend was pretty opinionated on Nebraska's helmet law. To my surprise, I found that my assumptions were rather incorrect. After discussing this topic with him, I asked what side he takes when it comes to this issue. He said that he actually thought it was a pretty good law, especially considering the fact that should there be a motorist accident chances of survival may be greater if the individual(s) involved are wearing helmets. Though I was somewhat shocked to hear his input a lot of good discussion came from it.
Next, I thought I'd talk to his uncle, a motorcycle owner himself. When asked which side he takes on this issue his response was just the opposite. Again, I was surprised by his response thinking that since he has children, a family, and a good job safety would be more important to him than looking cool and feeling the rush on the open road. However, his response was that he did not think there should be a helmet law. His main argument was because he doesn't believe the government should have that right in telling riders whether they are required to wear a helmet or not. Though he does not know specific statistics, he claims that if a motorist is involved in an accident, chances are most are life-ending anyways, whether the individuals involved were wearing helmets or not.
So, now I have discussed this topic with two different people who have two completely opposite views on this law. I can see both sides as they made great arguments for their opinions. Now, I just need to figure out where I stand!
Next, I thought I'd talk to his uncle, a motorcycle owner himself. When asked which side he takes on this issue his response was just the opposite. Again, I was surprised by his response thinking that since he has children, a family, and a good job safety would be more important to him than looking cool and feeling the rush on the open road. However, his response was that he did not think there should be a helmet law. His main argument was because he doesn't believe the government should have that right in telling riders whether they are required to wear a helmet or not. Though he does not know specific statistics, he claims that if a motorist is involved in an accident, chances are most are life-ending anyways, whether the individuals involved were wearing helmets or not.
So, now I have discussed this topic with two different people who have two completely opposite views on this law. I can see both sides as they made great arguments for their opinions. Now, I just need to figure out where I stand!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Editorial #2-State/Regional Issue
After Thursday's class, we came up with a great list of Nebraska issues that one could certainly write an editorial on. One that particularly caught my eye was Nebraska's helmet law. Currently, our state has a mandatory helmet law requiring all operators and passengers aboard motorcycles or mopeds to wear helmets. Should such a law be broken, the fine is $50, plus court fees. Personally, a fine for not wearing a helmet is strictly higher then $50 especially if the individual were to get in an accident--perhaps death would be the result.
Many claim that riding without a helmet causes many head injuries if an accident should occur. It seems as though individuals who own these types of machines are usually the ones against the helmet law, however, in an article I read from the Lincoln Journal Star discusses a Harley Davidson owner who believes that Nebraska's helmet law should indeed stay in tact.
Last spring, as soon as classes were finished, my boyfriend and I went to the Carolinas. While in Myrtle Beach, numerous bikers flooded the streets. Later we found out that it was Biker Week there. One who hopes to someday own a motorcycle, I remember my boyfriend saying to me, "They must not have a helmet law here." As a matter of fact, we can be driving anywhere besides Nebraska and he always mentions, when seeing a biker, whether they have or do not have a helmet law.
Two of his very close uncles have motorcycles and so his desire to obtain one is rather persistent. Though I do not know what his views are on Nebraska's helmet law I am now curious to know what he thinks. Seeming those who own or want to own don't like the law, I have somewhat of an idea of what he may say. However, whatever his view is I am sure I will get a number of other insights that I never even thought of in helping me with this next editorial!
Many claim that riding without a helmet causes many head injuries if an accident should occur. It seems as though individuals who own these types of machines are usually the ones against the helmet law, however, in an article I read from the Lincoln Journal Star discusses a Harley Davidson owner who believes that Nebraska's helmet law should indeed stay in tact.
Last spring, as soon as classes were finished, my boyfriend and I went to the Carolinas. While in Myrtle Beach, numerous bikers flooded the streets. Later we found out that it was Biker Week there. One who hopes to someday own a motorcycle, I remember my boyfriend saying to me, "They must not have a helmet law here." As a matter of fact, we can be driving anywhere besides Nebraska and he always mentions, when seeing a biker, whether they have or do not have a helmet law.
Two of his very close uncles have motorcycles and so his desire to obtain one is rather persistent. Though I do not know what his views are on Nebraska's helmet law I am now curious to know what he thinks. Seeming those who own or want to own don't like the law, I have somewhat of an idea of what he may say. However, whatever his view is I am sure I will get a number of other insights that I never even thought of in helping me with this next editorial!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Nebraska State Issues
As like any state, Nebraska has its fair share as issues as well. For my next editorial, I am to write on a state issue in Nebraska. After searching some articles, I found a rather interesting one from the Fremont Tribune interviewing Gov. Dave Heineman. This article posed the question for Gov. Heineman, "what do you consider to be the top priority for 2009?" Gov. Heineman responded with "the state budget." Three concerns going along with the state budget was education, helping those less fortunate and economic growth. Gov. Heineman hopes to improve these issues without raising taxes for Nebraskans. The comments following the article are rather humorous, as Nebraskans debate amongst themselves.
I too agree that economic growth should be the top priority as we continue to roll with 2009. As I finish college in May it sounds so great to say that I'm done with college, however, what will the economy and job market be like once I'm done?! I definitely feel like this issue should take priority.
Helping those less fortunate and improving educational standards are also two state issues to consider. Perhaps focusing on these issues will create more jobs; helping out the economy, a main issue, in turn.
The article linked to 'educational standards' gives us some key facts to be known about the views of the Legislature when considering Nebraska's higher education progress report. The article linked with helping those who are less fortunate discusses economic hardships that the state of Nebraska is to work towards improving on.
I too agree that economic growth should be the top priority as we continue to roll with 2009. As I finish college in May it sounds so great to say that I'm done with college, however, what will the economy and job market be like once I'm done?! I definitely feel like this issue should take priority.
Helping those less fortunate and improving educational standards are also two state issues to consider. Perhaps focusing on these issues will create more jobs; helping out the economy, a main issue, in turn.
The article linked to 'educational standards' gives us some key facts to be known about the views of the Legislature when considering Nebraska's higher education progress report. The article linked with helping those who are less fortunate discusses economic hardships that the state of Nebraska is to work towards improving on.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Rising Above the Bar...
As I ventured out, driving away, far away, from our wonderful 65 degree weather Friday afternoon, the temperature dropped immensely. I arrived in Mankato, MN where the wind was blowing and flurries were in the air. My purpose for this road-trip--watching my sister compete in one of her track meets. This seemed to be the best one to attend since, in two weeks, tennis will control my weekends!
Having the gymnastic background that she does, my sister, Kacia, competes in the pole vault field event. After watching her compete all through high school, this event still seems to amaze me! An event that involves running down a runway with a very long, over sized pole in hand, trying to place the pole in a pit, in order to uplift the athlete and flip them over a vault like bar seems very intense, fun and exciting and somewhat dangerous to me. Though I have tried this event with sis alongside me before, my fear overcame my excitement to follow through with it after I ran down the runway and came to the part where I had to flip myself upside down to vault over the bar.
The amount of respect I have for her, really an athlete that attempts this event is very high. Though she did not compete her absolute best today, still watching her flip over that bar was enough for me to know that the trip I made was totally worth it and we even got to celebrate her birthday!
For those of you who may not know exactly what pole vaulting is, or are just amazed by this sport as I am I've linked a pretty sweet You Tube video of athletes competing in this event. Enjoy!
Having the gymnastic background that she does, my sister, Kacia, competes in the pole vault field event. After watching her compete all through high school, this event still seems to amaze me! An event that involves running down a runway with a very long, over sized pole in hand, trying to place the pole in a pit, in order to uplift the athlete and flip them over a vault like bar seems very intense, fun and exciting and somewhat dangerous to me. Though I have tried this event with sis alongside me before, my fear overcame my excitement to follow through with it after I ran down the runway and came to the part where I had to flip myself upside down to vault over the bar.
The amount of respect I have for her, really an athlete that attempts this event is very high. Though she did not compete her absolute best today, still watching her flip over that bar was enough for me to know that the trip I made was totally worth it and we even got to celebrate her birthday!
For those of you who may not know exactly what pole vaulting is, or are just amazed by this sport as I am I've linked a pretty sweet You Tube video of athletes competing in this event. Enjoy!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Ohhh the weather outside...
Ok, so, whose ready to be teased again with 65 degree weather at the beginning of Feb?! Sure, its great...while it lasts. Today and Friday are supposed to be really nice out, temperatures in the 60's. That's warm considering the usual temperature for Feb, our winter season, is, well- COLD, COLD, COLD! So we'll get a taste of spring fever in the next couple of days and then its time to break out those winter coats, scarves, gloves, under armour layers, boots and face-masks. Hope you didn't pack all that winter gear up yet!
So is the cause of our crazy, indecisive weather really Global Warming? Perhaps you've heard someone mention, "that's Nebraska weather for you!" Or is there some other factor to consider in finding an answer for this bizarre event?
I found a fast facts article on National Geographic giving the low-down on global warming. It's pretty interesting and gave me a clearer understanding of what actually is going on. Here's the link: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/12/1206_041206_global_warming.html.
After looking through the National Geographic website, I found quite a few more articles on, believe it or not...Global Warming. One in particular was published in 2007 titled, Global Warming Can Be Stopped, World Climate Experts Say.
This YouTube Video give us a little more information on Global Warming and things we can do to help. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJAbATJCugs. So are we all doing our parts to put a twist on Global Warming and cause it to drop back down? Some changes are huge and we have no control over them, but always remember...the little things add up!
So is the cause of our crazy, indecisive weather really Global Warming? Perhaps you've heard someone mention, "that's Nebraska weather for you!" Or is there some other factor to consider in finding an answer for this bizarre event?
I found a fast facts article on National Geographic giving the low-down on global warming. It's pretty interesting and gave me a clearer understanding of what actually is going on. Here's the link: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/12/1206_041206_global_warming.html.
After looking through the National Geographic website, I found quite a few more articles on, believe it or not...Global Warming. One in particular was published in 2007 titled, Global Warming Can Be Stopped, World Climate Experts Say.
This YouTube Video give us a little more information on Global Warming and things we can do to help. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJAbATJCugs. So are we all doing our parts to put a twist on Global Warming and cause it to drop back down? Some changes are huge and we have no control over them, but always remember...the little things add up!
Monday, February 2, 2009
The Internet's Negative Uses
In one of my marketing classes today, a discussion of the Internet was brought up. This discussion was concerning the negative impacts it can bring. More specifically we approached these three topics: 1. What are the other negative behaviors consumers/people engage in when using this new medium? 2.What makes people behave differently when they are on the net?
3. Should marketers be concerned about these negative behaviors, and if so, and how can they neutralize them.
Negative behavioral patterns different from those of one’s real life can certainly be present when engaging in some form of communication on the Net. One behavior in particular is saying you are someone other than who you really are. For instance, in some type of chat room/social media who really knows who the person truly is across the communication line?! So often we here about predators online who have faked their identities, making one believe they are someone else. This can be something as simple as lying about an age, location, or hair/eye color; or as complex as lying about the relationship to which the predator claims they know their chat ‘buddy.’ Brad Paisley’s “Cooler Online” hit sums up what bad behaviors can take place on a chat/social media outlet. Click on the “cooler online” link to view this video.
I think the sense of freedom and thought that nobody will find out makes people behave differently when they are involved in some kind of activity on the net. Referring back to the chat example, who is actually going to find out that you were lying about your age or eye color? In the video I linked to this post it states that the guy is so much cooler online. The phrase ‘I grow another foot and I lose a bunch of weight, every time that I log in,” shows that people will engage in this activity and lie about statistics concerning oneself.
If the behavior is something small such as faking what someone looks like is nothing to for marketers to be concerned about. However, lying about the success and image of one’s company is a huge no-no! A way to neutralize that would be to really research that company and find out information for yourself, not just what the company website or a few opinion sites have said about that particular company. Though the Internet has brought us so many great channels of communication and ease, we still need to protect ourselves by being careful and checking up on what someone or something might tell you.
Continuing with my editorial topic from last week, I came across an article concerning eating disorder websites and the negative affects of them. Often times people with eating disorders turn to websites where others who are suffering from the same disorder can join in on conversations. This can be a good and bad thing. Individuals with an eating disorder find it difficult to talk to other about their problem, when they know others are dealing with the same issues it makes it much easier to talk about it. On the other hand, some look at websites for eating disorders as a source of motivation to continue starving oneself. This definitely is a result of a negative use of the Internet.
3. Should marketers be concerned about these negative behaviors, and if so, and how can they neutralize them.
Negative behavioral patterns different from those of one’s real life can certainly be present when engaging in some form of communication on the Net. One behavior in particular is saying you are someone other than who you really are. For instance, in some type of chat room/social media who really knows who the person truly is across the communication line?! So often we here about predators online who have faked their identities, making one believe they are someone else. This can be something as simple as lying about an age, location, or hair/eye color; or as complex as lying about the relationship to which the predator claims they know their chat ‘buddy.’ Brad Paisley’s “Cooler Online” hit sums up what bad behaviors can take place on a chat/social media outlet. Click on the “cooler online” link to view this video.
I think the sense of freedom and thought that nobody will find out makes people behave differently when they are involved in some kind of activity on the net. Referring back to the chat example, who is actually going to find out that you were lying about your age or eye color? In the video I linked to this post it states that the guy is so much cooler online. The phrase ‘I grow another foot and I lose a bunch of weight, every time that I log in,” shows that people will engage in this activity and lie about statistics concerning oneself.
If the behavior is something small such as faking what someone looks like is nothing to for marketers to be concerned about. However, lying about the success and image of one’s company is a huge no-no! A way to neutralize that would be to really research that company and find out information for yourself, not just what the company website or a few opinion sites have said about that particular company. Though the Internet has brought us so many great channels of communication and ease, we still need to protect ourselves by being careful and checking up on what someone or something might tell you.
Continuing with my editorial topic from last week, I came across an article concerning eating disorder websites and the negative affects of them. Often times people with eating disorders turn to websites where others who are suffering from the same disorder can join in on conversations. This can be a good and bad thing. Individuals with an eating disorder find it difficult to talk to other about their problem, when they know others are dealing with the same issues it makes it much easier to talk about it. On the other hand, some look at websites for eating disorders as a source of motivation to continue starving oneself. This definitely is a result of a negative use of the Internet.
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