The Legacy of the “Burro Brotherhood”

For me, the hardest part of any basketball season has to be the end. Those last couple of minutes on the scoreboard counting down capture the dwindling moments of the high school career for senior athletes. The same goes for the Lanesboro Burros of Lanesboro, Minnesota who concluded their season last night with a 19-8 record, claiming second place in the 1A East Sub-Section.

Looking back at the season, I have to reflect and say that I’m grateful for the opportunity to have experienced all of the games as the team’s bookkeeper, enduring many wins and hysterical moments provided by the team’s extensive, quick sense of humor. After graduating from Lanesboro last year, I never thought I’d still be so close to my high school alma mater. But it’s a very special place,  a town population  of 700+ with class sizes averaging 25 students, that’s right 25!

Throughout this season, the Burros have gotten quite the publicity appearing in a feature story titled “Small Team, Big Success” on WCCO-TV, the CBS affiliate out of the Twin Cities, an aired special segment, “Raining in the Threes” on KAAL-TV, and many notable mentions on Friday night’s  Sports Extra on KTTC.

But all that I’ve mentioned so far isn’t all that uncommon. What is though, is what has become known as the “Burro Brotherhood.” Small enrollment numbers means smaller team sizes, but that didn’t cap what the Burros brought to the court this year. Coached by John Smith and Chris Hanson, seniors Erik Peterson, Daulton Gartner, Isaac Freese, as well as juniors Kole Ruud, Garrett Boggs, and Luke Rogers have developed an unbreakable bond both on and off the court, as any fan or community member can see.

As the Burros’ season draws to a close, many will remember this year’s team and individual successes, but most of all, the Burro Brotherhood that persevered on the court for the 2012-2013 season. #BurroNation

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Is Facebook Dying?

Over the past week I’ve seen at least two of my Facebook friends set their status to how the social networking site is, well, “boring.” Could this actually be true? Is Facebook’s reign as the King of the Internet finally coming to an end? I’m not sure if I know the answer to these questions. I do feel, however, that some people are getting tired of the general day-to-day graffiti that ends up on their virtual “walls.”

I remember when the Facebook craze started out, and I’ll admit that I was not the first in line to sign up for an account. That being said, Facebook was my first social networking experience–Sharing pictures, statuses capturing hilarious moments, spreading the word about events, and much more are still going on. But is this way of sharing information getting “boring?”

I believe that depends on the user. If you’re checking your page in excess of 5 times a day, it’s no wonder that it gets old fast. Also, it has to depend on how you utilize your social media. If you don’t interact “socially,” is there really a point? (insert stalking/creeper joke accordingly). I know people that never set a status, then again, they rarely check Facebook.

Then there are those people who consider Facebook to be a temporary fad, which I can believe. Two years ago, if you suggested to me to create a Twitter account, I’d say you were crazy and that I have absolutely no interest. Well, here we are today, with my Twitter account @MitchWalbridge with 90+ followers and 700+ Tweets. And I’ll confess that I spend networking time split near 50/50 between Facebook and Twitter. I believe a shift in popularity may be occurring.

So, is Facebook dying? Perhaps, but slowly. There will always be some dedicated Facebook users just like those who continue to use the 2000 version of Windows. It’ll be around for a while longer, so no worries. Just a thought to ponder.

Harbaugh Showdown; Or Just the Commericals

The last time we had any sort of hype about television advertisements was during the election season, but now, as we are all infatuated in our American tradition of Super Bowl Sunday now only two days away, have you placed your bets yet? Maybe you’re vying on which of the Harbaugh brothers will be taking home the glory to mom and dad, but many others are just looking for a 30-second laugh. Well, you better get something out of time worth $4 million.

This year, as I’m not truly a die-hard fan for either the Raven or the 49′ers, I will be participating with the USA Today Ad Meter program, rating each ad that is shown during the game. Sounds like a lot of work, but I guess if I can be rewarded for expressing my opinion, you’d be crazy not to take full advantage of the opportunity right? Of course, I have to choose a team just to raise the competitive edge in our house.

So on Monday, I guess I’ll share my thoughts on some of the best (and worst) advertisements that I consider from the Super Bowl. In the meantime…

Flu Season Has Arrived

I started my second semester about two weeks ago, but going back to school means that there’s the elevated risk of contracting some cold, flu, or other illness. It’s been my goal not to get sick as much of my family has been going down hill the past couple of days. However, some things are inevitable (knock on wood). Although we can’t always get away from the person hacking up a lung sitting behind us in class or during a meeting, there are steps to take to avoid getting and spreading the cold/flu further.

During the past week I’ve been laughed at by a few people (you know who you are) by how much water I’ve been drinking. I didn’t necessarily start hydrating incessantly to avoid the flu, but for overall health. As most sources recommend, try to drink 64 ounces of fluid a day (that’s 8 – 8 oz. glasses). Here’s how I split up my water intake: 1 when I wake up, 1 before breakfast, 1 after breakfast, 1 before lunch, 1 after lunch, 1 mid-afternoon, 1 with dinner, 1 before bed. As an added bonus, I have noticed more hydrated skin during these dry winter months. Note: There is such a thing as drinking too much water!

Now for something that is preached since we were in pre-school–handwashing. Believe it or not, I am disgusted by a lot of people who don’t do it often enough (or at all, gross!). Although i may sound like a germo-phobe here, you should really be washing your hands in warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds for optimum results.

I found this topic quite interesting. Don’t touch your face–at all! This is an act that we’re constantly committing but are often unaware of. Upon doing some research, some studies have found that we touch our face 2-3 times a minute allowing bacteria access to enter our bodies through our mouth, nose, and eyes. Even more interesting, a professor of mine shared a few weeks ago that when we’re on the computer, we can touch our faces up to 15 times a minute as we’re so immersed in the screen.

Some other things to keep in mind:

• A healthy diet
• Vitamins
• Exercise
• Proper sleepign patterns
• Stress reduction
• Wearing proper clothing

News reports in Minnesota state that there have been 60 flu-related deaths in teh state. The Center of Disease Control reports that influenza is widespread in all but Tennessee, Hawaii, and Washington D.C.

It is way better to be safe than sorry during flu season. Goodluck everyone!

Chapter 59 for Local Telethon

Despite the cold temperatures over the weekend, the 59th Annual Eagles Cancer Telethon took place beginning at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday evening and lasted a whole 20 hours until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 20. For the past 59 years the 5th district of the Fraternal Order of Eagles located in Rochester, Minnesota and KTTC television have partnered to bring the nation’s longest locally produced telethon to raise funds for cancer research.

Hosted at the Mayo Civic Center, the hours pass by with entertainment from local acts… everything from music groups, bands and dance performers. Even country singer Billy Dean showed up  for the party. Roscoe’s provided pork sandwiches, malts from the American Dairy Association, in addition to cotton candy and mini donuts. Haircuts were provided by City Looks and donations to Locks of Love were made. Also, massages by the Minnesota School of Business.

This year the total for the telethon broke a record of $900,000+ that will stay local for cancer research. Funds will go to the Mayo Clinic, Hormel Institute, and the University of Minnesota. Through individual pledges, local fundraising events, pancake breakfasts, all help to support the search for a cure of a disease that touches so many lives.

KTTC TV

I Have a Dream

I spent an awesome, breathtaking moment enjoying the landscape of D.C. in the exact spot where Martin Luther King, Jr. addressed the nation.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” –Martin Luther King, Jr.

Last night my older sister and I found ourselves reminiscing about our class trips that we took during each of our senior years in high school, mine less than a year ago. As we were talking we discussed some of the various sites we each visited. Something was missing from her excursion though, one of the newest monuments added to the collection in Washington D.C.: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument.

How fitting seeing as today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, right? I would have to say that this monument and my nightitme walking tour of D.C. is one of my favorite memories. Although loaded with tourists at times, there’s not many serene places out there like it. Also, that night I made my way to the top of the Lincoln Memorial, but had to stop and take a picture on the spot where the “I Have a Dream Speech” was delivered. I believe, if I remember correctly, it’s marked by a cement embedded star.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial opened 48 years following the “I Have a Dream Speech” delivery.

Enjoying that January thaw?

It’s been another tolerable winter (so far!) here in Minnesota, and I don’t want to jinx it. Today, in fact, we reached a high in the mid-40′s. That is far from typical for one of the coldest, snowiest states. Needless to say, we’ll be back to reality with some of the coldest temperatures we’ve experienced this season. I believe Monday has an expected high of -1 degrees fahrenheit.

But when we’re fortunate to get weather like this, doesn’t it just make you anxious for what’s around the corner. Spring, being able to stand outside for more than a few minutes without have your nose run, not having to go start the car minutes before you plan on leave (or if you’re like me you’d still just hop in a go and suffer for the first three to four minutes.) The weather patterns the past two years have been strange, and while I’m no meteorologist, scientist of global warming, or any other claimed expert, I can’t say that I’m complaining…. perhaps because I’m on the warm side of things. But I do realize that there are others out there, like I heard on the news this morning that North Carolina, I believe, has had more reported snowfall this year than Chicago. Now that’s just weird, and unpleasant if you’re a Carolinian (is that what they call themselves?)

What’s your winter been like this year?

10 Days In… No Turning Back

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” –Confucius

Ten days into the new year, 2013, and I decided to address the omnipresent hovering of New Year’s Resolutions. Many people reported this year that they don’t make them anymore because they usually end up being a disappointing failure. I commend those of you that do continue to make them though. Improvement can only be made if there’s an effort, and failure is part of the learning process.

Before the beginning of 2013, I figured that I would have to do some type of resolution of my own. It was difficult to decide on some specifics, but I’ll share one of mine for the new year. I will be journaling everyday. Having a personal journal is something that I’ve tried to keep in the past, but always lost ambition. After 2012, I’ve noticed that there were so many things that I wished I had a more vivid record of. Good thing I took a lot of pictures. So, ten days in, I’m true to my word. Are you?

If you haven’t made a resolution, here’s 10 of the most common from a study on policymic.com.

1. Eat healthy and exercise regularly.
2. Drink less.
3. Learn something new.
4. Quit smoking.
5. Better work/life balance.
6. Volunteer.
7. Save money.
8. Get organized.
9. Read more.
10. Finish those “around the house” to-do lists.

Do you have a unique resolution of your own. Feel free to share!

2012 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

The new Boeing 787 Dreamliner can carry about 250 passengers. This blog was viewed about 1,200 times in 2012. If it were a Dreamliner, it would take about 5 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

2012: A Look Back

What a year it has been. From the highly anticipated end of the Mayan Calendar which was expected to bring the downfall of the world as we know it to another historic presidential election, 2012 has been a very eventful year. We saw the last matching date (12-12-12) for nearly the next 100 years. If you’re old enough to read this, you probably won’t make it that long. But with many of the inventions we’re innovating these days, who knows? I’ll be 119 if that happens!

In honor of the year that was, I’ve been sifting through many of the last 366 days (Leap Year this year) worth of stories, highlights, and news to do my own countdown of landmark moments from 2012. We’ll start with number 12 and work our way to the top story.

#12. Some may see it as the times are changing, others still call it plain stupidity. Regardless, the states of Colorado and Washington legalized the recreational use of small amounts of marijuana in the recent elections. But what will action will the federal and state governments take in 2013?

#11. Back on February 26, the neighborhood assault that left Florida teen Trayvon Martin dead took place. The killer, George Zimmerman, 44, was an armed neighborhood watch captain who spotted Martin who was supposedly hooded at the time of the incident. Zimmerman was arrested initially but was not charged due to the “stand your ground law” as he reported he was standing his ground and acting in self-defense from the teen. Currently, Zimmerman is pleading not guilty on charges of second-degree murder. His trial is set for the middle of 2013.

  

#10. Queen Elizabeth II hit a milestone in June of 2012 as she celebrated her Diamond Jubilee. Back in June of 1952, Queen Elizabeth II took over the throne from her father. The definition of a diamond celebration originally signifies the 75^th anniversary of a marriage, but after modification in definition by Queen Victoria, the diamond also refers to the landmark 60^th year a monarch presides on the throne. The Queen celebrated her reign by attending the Epsom Derby, hosting “The Big Jubilee Lunch,” attending the “Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant,” and a BBC Concert at Buckingham Palace. Queen Elizabeth II is 86 years old.

#9. It’s a scandal no Penn State football fan ever wanted to endure—a sex scandal and an attempted cover up. Long time Assistant Coach Jerry Sandusky turned out to be a child-molester which sent him to jail with a sentence of decades in prison. The school was fined millions of dollars, and even Coach Joe Paterno and other school officials were caught covering up the evil deeds. More punishments include the money cut from the Penn State scholarship funds and a ban on post-season football play for up to four years. Paterno, who died in January due to complications from lung cancer, was not around long enough to see the rest of the case unfold.

#8. An Aurora, Colorado movie showing of “The Dark Night Rises” resulted in the death of 12 people and more than 50 injured after a masked gunman went on a rampage on July 20. The shooter, James Holmes, faces 24 counts of first-degree murder. Holmes was also charged with 116 counts of attempted murder in addition to one count of possessing an explosive device.

#7. General David Patraeus had a rough year after an extramarital affair uncovered by a FBI investigation resulted in him resigning his post as CIA Director. This created even more of a mess while trying to understand the situation that took place Benghazi, Libya. It was revealed that Patraeus’s mistress was his publisher Paula Broadwell.

#6. More international news in the countdown as Ambassador Chris Stephens was killed in Benghazi, Libya on September 11. The loss of Ambassador Stephens and a few of his staffers ignited criticism from Republicans directed toward President Obama and United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice who ultimately resigned her bid to become the next Secretary of State.

President Barrack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton give an address at the White House on the topic of the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya. Photo Courtesy: The White House

The U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya where Ambassador Chris Stephens and four of his staffers were attacked. Photo Courtesy: CNN

#5. Not long after the hype of the elections came talk of what is known as the “Fiscal Cliff.” Talks among ranking Senate members, Republican Speaker John Boehner, and President Obama have not yet yielded a plan to stop us from falling off of the cliff. Tax hikes, spending modifications, and more all change after the first of year if no compromise is reached.

House Speaker John Boehner and President Obama met in December to discuss possible solutions to the looming “Fiscal Cliff.” Photo Courtesy: Washington Post

#4. London 2012… You know what I’m talking about, right? The Olympics hosted by none other than England. For two weeks the U.S. and other countries of the world competed for the gold, silver, and bronze. If you don’t remember, here’s the final medal count: United States: 104, China: 88, Great Britain: 65. The next Olympic Games will be February 7 to February 23 of 2014 in Sochi, Russia. The next summer Games will be August 5 to August 21 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2016.

U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team
Photo Courtesy: Examiner.com

Mens Olympic Swimming Team- London 2012
Photo Courtesy: Chicago Tribune

#3.  The eastern coastline of the United States was left in a state of turmoil after Hurricane/Super Storm Sandy made its landfall on the region. Recovery efforts still continue today as many are homeless. Billions of dollars worth of damage will take a large amount of time to reconstruct.

Hurricane Sandy’s damage to Seaside, New Jersey. Photo Courtesy: Business Examiner

#2. There’s no argument that Hurricane Sandy could come at a worse time for the 2012 Presidential Election. After a constant airing of political attack ads, debates that trumped regular programming, and numerous pollster phone calls, Obama pulled a win over former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. After a contentious campaign from both the GOP and the President, Election Night ended earlier than anyone could predict after Ohio was called at around 11:00 p.m. central time.

President Obama moments before he makes his victory speech on election night. Photo Courtesy: KTVU

#1. It’s unfortunate that the top story of 2012 couldn’t end on an upbeat note, but story number has sparked a lot of talk and emotion around the country and world. The top story of 2012 is the devastation that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut. Twenty children, six school employees, and the mother of killer Adam Lanza accounted for all of the deaths of victims. The devastation has called for legislators to take a closer look at gun control laws and dealing with mental disorders.

Authorities rush Sandy Hook Elementary students to safety on December 14, 2012. Photo Courtesy: Frugal Cafe

Victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary Shootings–Photo Courtesy: TIME