Tue, 15 May 2012 19:47:43 -0800WeeblyWed, 13 Jan 2010 19:32:05 -0800http://www.uwsuper-stinger.com/13/post/2010/01/the-big-move2.html

By Nikky Farmakes

AHH!! There are only five more days until the “Lighting the Lantern” ceremony and the big Yellowjacket Union grand opening! The pressure is really on to get the building as ready as it can be for students.  I say ‘as it can be’ because there are many things in the building that are going to be a ‘learn as you go’ type deal for employees and students alike. What has been really great is to finally see the building bustling with people and using the facility. 

Students and faculty have had the luxury of getting to wander through the building for the past week getting a sneak preview of the building due to ‘Jacket Book and Supply and ‘Jacket Java being open for business.  I’ve watched as people meander through the building at leisure, taking in the new space. The typical expression on these people’s faces is one of wonderment. As they pass by me I can only smile in response, my little way of saying ‘Yeah, I know.”  

A lot of really neat things have happened since my last blog. For one, most of the theatrical lighting has been finished.  What does this mean for Yellowjacket Union patrons? It means that in the Atrium (in the main concourse the center of the Union) has a sweet system now for comedians, musicians, and other cool entertainment. In fact, kicking off the YU opening, there will be a musical performance sponsored by the Gender Equity office of a transgender couple, Coyote Grace at 8pm (check out their website at coyotegrace.com.) The Atrium will be used again the next day for that awesome event we all know and love, Grocery Bingo at 7pm.  The finale for the “Lighting the Lantern” activities in the Atrium culminates in the first Open Mic Night of the semester at 8pm. 

Some other neat developments have been the big screen TV’s have been completely installed and are now functional. These TV’s are great because they have an area in the wall to hook up a gaming console, DVD, and VHS into. Also A’viands has started using their food spaces and letting those lucky people who have been working “taste test” the food. As one of these testers, I give a full two thumbs up for the food and the new dining experience.  

It’s been a whirlwind week for me, and though I’m still training and putting together little things, I’m getting really anxious for next week to come.  I’ve gotten (most of) my books, written in my planner where my classes are, got my work schedule for the first two weeks of class, and I really want to see what it will be like when students are using the Union to its fullest capacity.  So (and I can say this because working all break doesn’t really make me feel any remorse for it almost being over) really Tuesday, hurry up and get here already!

]]>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 07:05:58 -0800http://www.uwsuper-stinger.com/13/post/2010/01/wrapping-up.htmlBy Britta Bloomquist

Time is a tickin’ and it is just about time to start second semester!  This break hasn’t gotten exactly as planned, but I have made the best of it!
Every break, I always seem to have all these grand ideas of things I hope to get done.  I can’t think of anything too exciting that I actually accomplished this time around!

Instead, this break consisted of snow storms interfering with plans, doctor appointments, and a hospital stay.  None of those sound very ideal, but they make me appreciate other things in my life.  Just because it snowed and my family and I couldn’t make it to our family Christmas, we still were able to spend Christmas night with some neighbors that we don’t see as often anymore.  Doctor appointments are never fun, but I am thankful for having health insurance.  I am not sure where I would be right now if I didn’t have health insurance.  I know it would make having a chronic disease much more difficult.  No one ever wants to be in the hospital, but I give props to SMDC for making a bad experience into a friendly and hopeful experience!  The nurses were friendly and the food wasn’t that bad either!

Even with all the ups and downs of life over break, I still found some time to appreciate the little things and the people who surround me.

"You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you."

-From “The Daily Love”  http://thedailylove.com/ ]]>Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:15:55 -0800http://www.uwsuper-stinger.com/13/post/2010/01/you-know-what-really-grinds-my-gears.htmlBy Laura Podgornik

For my final blog of this Winter break, I’d like to steal a line from my favorite show. On one of my favorite episodes, Family Guy’s Peter Griffin gets a time slot on the local news in which he repeats the phrase, “You know what really grinds my gears?” meaning “you know what I can’t stand?” I’m sure all of us have our pet peeves and strange annoyances. I may have a few offensive opinions but I’d like thank the first amendment for allowing me to express any and all opinions I have. So here’s your fair warning, the following may be offensive to some and you are not obligated to read a sentence of my writing. You don’t have to agree with me and I’m sure many won’t.

Here goes nothing!

You know what really grinds my gears? The media’s focus on celebrities. The lives of other people are intriguing. Yet, with the recent focus on the Tiger Woods scandal, I’ve come to realize sometimes the media often goes too far. Celebrities are people just like you and I. They may have more money, fame and women/men in their lives but they’re still people. We all have our problems. I understand that we pay the income of these individuals but they’ve already given us our entertainment. Do we really need to seek more and cross the line? I think not.  Besides, there are more interesting people that we come face to face with on a daily basis. Why don’t we become part of their personal lives?

You know what really grinds my gears? People who don’t refill the toilet paper roll and place the TP on the toilet instead. This one drives me bonkers! How hard is it to open the roll holder and put the roll on? Not hard at all!

You know what really grinds my gears? People passing judgment, even though they’ve been guilty of such activity in the past. I was out with my cousins a few months ago and my cousin Bree had too much to drink. She felt ill and ended up vomiting on the table and in the bathroom. The bartender and a group of girls began to gag and say things like “That’s so gross!” The bartender even had the nerve to ask me to check the bathroom because she hated the sight of vomit so much that it would make her vomit. First of all, get a new job lady because you’re clearly in the wrong profession if you can’t handle a little barf. Second of all, I’d seen all those girls drunk and out of control at times. I’d be willing to put money on them barfing in the past. Finally, think before you judge; so many of us, including myself, judge without knowing the truth. You’ll truly be a better person if you wait to develop an opinion.

You know what really grinds my gears? People who think its ok to remove the hat I’m wearing. I don’t often wear hats. They are my refuge on bad hair days and I use them to disguise my unruly locks. I don’t appreciate the person who thinks it’s funny to knock it off my head or try it on for themselves. Men are guilty of this more often than females. I think this is because they typically have less hair to fuss about and often forget you don’t mess with a girl’s hair.

You know what really grinds my gears? Fox “news”.  As a journalist, I believe that all opinions should be part of a news organization.  People SHOULD hear all sides of a story so that they may develop their own opinion.  Journalism Professor and Stinger Media Faculty Advisor Joel Anderson emphasizes this point to his students on a daily basis. I can just hear it now. “Don’t be shrill!” Fox news has not taken this kind of approach. It’s quite obvious how they stand. It’s no surprise at all that Sarah Palin will soon be joining their organization.

There you have it folks! Feel free to comment on what really grinds your gears. See you all on National Popcorn Day!]]>Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:10:30 -0800http://www.uwsuper-stinger.com/13/post/2010/01/shaking-uncontrollably.htmlBy Zach Anderson

That's how I spent the three nights leading up to New Year's:  Shaking uncontrollably in bed with a pretty extreme fever.  Then I spent the next three or four days and nights in the restroom, but I won't get into that. 

Now that I am somewhat back amongst the living, I have to ask myself:  “Is winter break a good time to get sick?”  On one hand, I had few work or school obligations during my week from hell, so I missed very little in that sense.  On the other hand, now I am working again without a proper break.  I don't know how I feel about the whole situation, but I sure didn't have much say in the timing of this sudden illness.

Although there is technically a good portion of the break left before school officially resumes, I am working full time right now and my mind is already pretty devoted to my capstone project.  Now that I am hopefully done being sick, I feel like I really need to get myself organized and prepared for the busy semester ahead. 

So, I feel a bit upset about this winter break.  I mean, this one is not especially busy, but I wish that the name wasn't so misleading.  “Break.”  I don't know.  I think that's some sort of false advertising.  I'm not bitter, but if I wasn't planning on graduating, I might petition for a name change next year.  I might suggest, “A Few Weeks To Work as Much As Possible To Make Some Money You'll Need To Survive Next Semester.”  Or maybe, “About 28 Days to Get Your Crap Together Before It All Starts Again.”  But, all joking aside, I hope I don't find myself calling it, “A Decent Time As Any To Shake Uncontrollably In Your Bed.” 
]]>Thu, 07 Jan 2010 09:50:52 -0800http://www.uwsuper-stinger.com/13/post/2010/01/the-big-move1.htmlA week has gone by since my last update and a lot has changed.  Especially the amount of boxes I’ve had to move has gone from many to nearly zero! Yay! The jobs we’ve been doing this week have consisted mostly of moving furniture and other things around the YU and learning how to use the building. 

So much has come together in just a few short days.  The storage areas, mailboxes, and offices are all nearly all put together with the exception of the Residence Life offices, who due to having to stay open for students, didn’t move in until this week.  

Food service and the YU employees have been getting trained in on all the little things about how to run the building.  I’ve learned a lot about where the lights are and how they work (which is great for my job as a Student Manager at the Union Desk!)  

The keys have also officially been handed over to the University officially making the building ours (also meaning we can open the doors!) What does this really mean however? The bookstore is open! Students can now come to the YU to buy textbooks (among other awesome books, trinkets, and UWS apparel) or to pick up pre-ordered books.   

More things still need to be put in place, like the new pool and foosball tables (can you say tournaments?)  The surplus sale is still being organized.  (I know I said that I would have more information on the surplus this week, but alas there is no information as of yet to tell.  I promise though, as soon as I know so will all you readers!)  

So sadly there isn’t too much to really report as in way of new developments besides the anticipation building for when we finally get to “Light the Lantern.” The Light the Lantern celebration starts January 19at 4pm with the big building reveal.  The celebration continues throughout the week (more details to come next week.) 

What I want to leave you with this week is an urge to get excited! My main job this week has been to work on all of the little details to pull everything together be it setting up the Student Organization mailboxes, figuring out if the phone lines are in the right jacks, put up signage, or putting out the recycling cans.  I’ve worked so hard at this because it’s these little details that make the building special, make it a building that students want to be rather then a place built for students.  So get interested! Get excited! Most of all get ready, because January 19, a new era is going to begin!]]>Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:24:59 -0800http://www.uwsuper-stinger.com/13/post/2010/01/bean-day-a-lesser-known-holiday.html

By Laura Podgornik

We all recognize holidays like Christmas and Halloween but does anyone you know celebrate Bean Day? I could very well be the first person ever to wish students a Happy Bean Day. That being said, Happy Bean Day to all! I encourage everyone to celebrate by cooking up some chili or for the lazier folk, pop a bowl of baked beans in the microwave for a snack. I, myself, will be enjoying a can of green beans.

And remember that if it weren’t for Practically Edible, a web encyclopedia of food items, you’d have to wait until April or November to celebrate beans. According to Practically Edible, Garrison, North Dakota determined that April 15 is to be known as Bean Day because after citizens finish their taxes, they’ll be eating beans for awhile. Sounds like an old people joke to me. Practically Edible also mentions that Governor John Hoeven of North Dakota declared November 3rd as Bean Day in 2003. I’m not sure why but North Dakota seems to be causing all the fuss about this day.

I’ve discovered that a number of websites list certain days as a number of holidays. Practically Edible celebrates a different food each day. I’m foaming at the mouth for the upcoming Strawberry Ice Cream Day on the 15th. HolidayInsights.com lists monthly causes to be recognized, as well as daily holidays. January is National Oatmeal Month and Braille Literacy Month. I wonder if it’s harder to learn Braille with regular eyesight. I’d be willing to bet it is. Without sight, one would more intently focus on their sense of touch.

Though they may seem bizarre, I feel that some unrecognized holidays deserve our observance this month. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 18th is well-known to many but I also suggest celebrating Thesaurus Day on this date as well. When reading, I often count on a thesaurus to teach me an unfamiliar word. Just the other day I learned that ubiquitous means being everywhere.

I also suggest Compliment Day on January 24. Many of us seem to dwell on the negatives. Hearing something positive will brighten anyone’s day. However, it is important that your compliment is sincere and polite. Finally, I propose Fun at work Day and National Kazoo Day. I don’t think I need to explain either of those two. Visit HolidayInsights.com monthly to scope out wacky holidays and celebrate the things you often forget to.

]]>Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:35:11 -0800http://www.uwsuper-stinger.com/13/post/2010/01/no-title.htmlBy Chelsea Einerwold

Another week gone by? Where is my break going? There is still so much to be done, and it’s slipping through my fingers. Time is escaping me.

When I think back on my week, there is one little incident that sticks out in my mind on something that is a testament to changing times.

I was at a high school basketball game last week Wednesday. When I got up from my seat during half time to peruse the concession stand I heard a young voice calling my name. It was the youngest sibling of one of my best friends from home.

I stopped and said hello and asked her how she was doing.

“I’m great!” she said with the enthusiasm of a fitness instructor who has had at least four energy drinks.

Of course, I had to inquire as to what was so great.

Without skipping a beat, this 12 year old whips out her latest and most favorite Christmas present.

“Look, I got a cell phone!”

Inside I’m thinking What in the heck does she need a cell phone for?

But I answer, “That is great.”

I can’t believe this not-yet-a-teen has a phone. What could she possibly need it for? I didn’t have a cell phone until I was a freshman in college.

Apparently it is the trend these days. For her, the phone wasn’t so much out of need, but out of having it. Having the accessory.

It is funny how the trend has shifted, and how fast it shifted.

Those hours my age group spent instant messaging on AOL or MSN Messenger just six or seven years ago are now spent pressing even smaller buttons and staring at a smaller screen. Its more mobile and even more instant. Because of this it can be less controllable and I think some parents may be even less out of touch with this newer form of instant communication.

What will be next? How can we make it any more convenient?

What will the hot technology item be three years from now?]]>Sun, 03 Jan 2010 16:45:59 -0800http://www.uwsuper-stinger.com/13/post/2010/01/post-title-click-and-type-to-edit1.htmlBy Macie Anderson

Happy New Year everyone! I hope everyone had a great and safe New Years Eve. This year I spent New Years Eve up in Lutsen Minnesota on the Ski hill. It was alot of fun and there were alot of people enjoying the slopes and very cold weather. I can never figure out what my top New Years resolution should be. I know I should exercise more, eat healthier, study more..and so on. Last year I met some amazing people who will be in my life forever. I am thankful for my family, my boyfriend and the best friends in the world. There has been some ups and downs this last year but it was nothing I could not break out of! I realize that is the challenges of life each year I get older. Without those challenges it would be hard to grow as person and learn the values of life! ]]>Sat, 02 Jan 2010 11:28:10 -0800http://www.uwsuper-stinger.com/13/post/2010/01/every-exit-line-is-an-entry.htmlBy Joel Anderson

Ellen Goodman, the renown, beloved, often not-loved-at-all Washington Post columnist, published her final newspaper work on the first day of 2010. She's off to retirement and not looking back.

Goodman once wrote about every exit being an entry. We can claim many calendar dates in a year to be the start of something new, a different or better way of behaving, the beginning of a re-fired effort to accomplish worthwhile goals.

January 1 is the traditional date of such resolutions. American commerce is all over it with help for losing weight, quitting tobacco and, new to those standard personal self-promises for the New Year, finding romance by Internet dating. There's money to be made in this resolution business. There wouldn't be if some of the products and suggestions didn't work for people. But for some, maybe most, January 2nd can dawn with the entry still un-entered.

That's okay. Then today can be your day. One-two or one-two-ten or 1/2, sound like or read like a date easy to remember. You'll want to recall the date you quit smoking or began a diet, your anniversary of personal triumph. And if you get thrown from the resolution pony? That's okay, too. Saddle-up again, make a new plan, keep moving forward, no looking back.

Many resolutions are different. They're more ethereal like being a better person or being more involved or working harder. There's no product you can buy to make these promises come true. It's between you and you. We exit where we were dissatisfied and take the entry to a new place, a different way to be and behave, a place to be satisfied. Yeah, that pony can buck you here, too, but it doesn't cost to get back up again.

January 19 might be a date to resolve to make some changes since it's the first day of spring semester. You might decide to be a more present and prepared student or teacher. You might decide to be more involved in campus opportunities, activities and organizations. You might decide to treat college education like it should be-- four or five years of exploration and consideration that begins and ends. It's what you do in the middle that makes it worth your money.

Ellen Goodman is pleased her final column was published in the January 1 newspaper. She didn't see it as the exit to her job, but the first words of the next stage of her life. "It involves a sense of future, a belief that every exit line is an entry, that we are moving on rather than out."

Yeah, we're moving on. We have exited fall semester, 2009. Done with it, good or not so. As with any new day, we can resolve to do better, to be better next semester, to have a 'sense of future'. If it didn't quite happen on New Year's Day, it's gone now, but tomorrow is almost here and January 19th is dead ahead. ]]>Sat, 02 Jan 2010 11:26:04 -0800http://www.uwsuper-stinger.com/13/post/2010/01/a-new-year-with-old-friends.htmlBy Sue Sharon

Ok! Happy New Year 2010! I Had the best time ringing in the new year with lots of friends and family at a hotel pool party. The only person missing was my mother who spent the night in the hospital during the count down.

I hope everybody got out and found something fun going on. I got lucky and ran into an old elementary school friend who I hadn't seen in probably 13 years! I also was given great news to find that another friend moved back to Superior after moving to Chicago last spring.

With family back in good health and great friends back in my life made this the best day ever. I hope you all remembered your designated drivers. Cheers to you all! Now that the party is over I'll be counting the days until the semester starts; before cabin fever hits me.

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