Garth Brooks to Return?

It’s been a long time coming. His influence was undeniable, and his music was as “country” as “country” gets. Second to only Elvis Presley in total album sales, Garth Brooks is more than just an artist. 12 years have passed since his announced retirement from the music industry, and aside from a slate of shows at the Wynn theater in Las Vegas, Garth has honored that announcement. However, the “sevens have alined,” and he has all but announced his return to the vocal world.

This story is newsworthy. Above the “Miley,” beyond the “Gaga,” Garth is simply Garth. He’s the finest of wines that gets better with age. The demand for his concerts once resulted in sold out shows within minutes. There wasn’t enough Garth to go around. Now that he’s given fans time to remember what they’ve missed, you can only imagine the excitement in hearing of his return.

Entertainment Weekly is a pretty high-profile media outlet to completely whiff on any sort of comment from Garth or any of his representation. Even the simplest quotes can add life to an article, and they were sorely missed here. I was also shocked that there were no links to any of Garth’s music or performances. If you’re going to talk about the greatest country artist to ever live, then you should probably show your audience why he’s the greatest through a couple examples.

Just as the whispers of a return echoed throughout Diagon Alley, they now slither their way through the country music world. “You know who” is back.

For Article: http://music-mix.ew.com/2013/10/29/garth-brooks-comeback/

Kacmarynski Profile

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Tyler Kacmarynski dims the lights. The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Other Side” bellows from a beaten down stereo system hanging from a western wall. A glimmer of light reflects off the sweat stained wrestling mat at Spencer High School in the small Midwest town of Spencer, Iowa. That very familiar shadow races across the floor from wall-to-wall, slapping the wall with the completion each lap.

Thanksgiving is a time of rest and relaxation for most college students. A time to go home, lie on the couch, and soak in a few football games while munching on some homemade family favorites. For Kac, as he’s commonly known, however, it’s a chance to get an advantage on the competition. That’s exactly why he’s back where his competitive roots began. He signed his letter of intent to wrestle at Morningside College in 2009, and has been chasing one goal ever since.

“I want to win a national title. One goal; one dream.”

Injury has not stood in the way of his life-long passion. He’s endured two ACL surgeries, a repaired meniscus, and a Tommy John operation on his right elbow. The recovery process from each surgery was frustrating in its own way.

Kacmarynski explained the hardest part about the ACL surgery was staying patient.

“I wasn’t used to being limited. The things I could always do were out of the question. I always wanted to push myself too far. I always wanted to try a little harder. It was really hard waiting for the doctor to let me push it farther.”

The recovery process was long; months of holding back, and slowly but steadily finding solid ground for shaky legs, and waiting for the day he could step foot back on the mat.

Teammate Eric Draper explained Kac’s drive to return. “A week after he had surgery, he was lifting again. If you know Kac, that’s just how he is. He’s driven. He always wants more.”

Kac has an insane passion for the sport. “I love wrestling. I love to compete. In wrestling, it’s all on you. If you win or you lose, there is no one you can blame but yourself. Plus, I get to beat the hell out people. I love it.”

Quitting never entered into his mind through the entire process. Spencer High School head coach, David Schaefer described Kacmarynski’s growth as a wrestler. “Kac never backs down. He was always one of the first one in the room, and one of the last to leave. I’ve coached a lot of kids, but he’s a special one.”

“I just love wrestling. I have my entire life. If I would have quit, I know I would have regretted it for the rest of my life. Being back on the mat is worth every minute of rehab.”

Injuries are common in wrestling due to the physical demands, but those same physical needs are exactly why Kacmarynski says he loves the sport so much.

“Things happen. Injuries happen. I just try to control what I can control.”

The dawn is rising on a new season for Kacmarynski and the Morningside Mustangs. In his final season, Kacmarynski is looking to make some noise and go out with a bang.

After this season, and this academic year, Kacmarynski looks forward to continuing his career on the mat as a coach.

“I want to coach. I don’t know where, and I don’t know at what level. I just know I want to be around wrestling for the rest of my life,” he stated.

The future can wait. For now, Kacmarynski is living in the present, and looking forward to every single match.

 

 

Broadcast Story 3

Mustang Wrestlers to Open Season vs. Top Notch Opponents

The Morningside Mustangs wrestling team begins their 2013 dual season on Friday, November 15th at 3pm. Joining the Mustangs in Sioux Falls are the Air Force Falcons and the Augustana Vikings.

While both teams present an impressive challenge, several of the Morningside grapplers are looking forward to the duals.

When asked about the level of competition, Redshirt Sophomore Isaac Olson said the following: “It’ll be a great opportunity because Air Force is a Division One school, Augustana is a Division 2 school. We’ll be able to show our talent, get some good matches. It’ll be a tough meet.”

He also added, “We don’t get the opportunity to wrestle big schools like this, so it’ll be a great opportunity to show what the NAIA is capable of.”

The Mustangs will get a true test of their Horsepower on Friday.

School Shootings Raise Eyebrows on Campus

A recent string of college shootings has raised a question of student safety on campuses around the United States. The most recent incident took place at Brashear High School in Pittsburgh, Pensylvania. Other notable incidents include the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007, and the imfamous Columbine shootings in Colorado.

Kyle Nikkel, a junior on the Morningside campus, offered his opinion in the following statement. “You think about, uh, what you would do if there was a shooting on Morningside’s campus here, and how it would effect the community and the people around us.”

When asked about the his opinion on the reason for these attacks, Nikkel pointed to the past. “You know, a lot of the students that do school shootings are ones that might have been bullied.”

The solution may not be far off, according to Nikkel. “Respect goes both ways.”

Trust and support are also important in the struggle against school violence.

Flu Season Strikes

It’s that time of year again. The noses are running, and the hallways are filled with sniffles.

Attendance may be important, but Morningside junior Meghann Pucelik prefers to fight her battle at home rather than in the classroom. “When I’m sick I really don’t feel like doing anything, and I’d rather sleep.”

Rest is important, and so is staying hydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids.

When asked about her opinion on braving sickness to go to class, Pucelik commented, “I just think if you’re sick you should stay home so you don’t get other people in class sick. Take care of your homework and email your professors, and get your homework that way.”

This may be the one time of year that students actually get eight hours of sleep.

 

For Audio: Around the Campus

A Closer Look at Aldean

After taking a look at the celebrity profile of Jason Aldean on aceshowbiz.com, I couldn’t help but notice the All-American image the profile portrayed. Aldean, or Jason Aldine Williams, is a Georgia native who had to go through several trial-and-error attempts before making his own musical breakthrough.

Having read up on and heard Aldean’s story before, I was already familiar with his background. I liked how the profile walked through each progression in his musical journey. As a fan, his story makes me proud of him for sticking it out through each trial and tribulation. As an artist, his story gives me hope that with perseverance, there is a chance for anyone who wants it bad enough.

The biography itself only featured one photograph, but there was a link to a gallery that had pictures from all occasions from on-stage to award shows. Overall, I feel that the profile did an outstanding job of featuring who Aldean is an artist, and the journey he took to get there. It did leave the majority of his family life out of the writing. I completely appreciated that, as I was looking for information on him and not his wife and children.

For a full view of the Aldean Biography: http://www.aceshowbiz.com/celebrity/jason_aldean/biography.html

 

A Different Side of Disney

Imagine a world where Walt Disney’s cheerful creations melt away into a world of ghouls and utter darkness.

Welcome to director Randy Moore’s mind. Now imagine trying to shoot an entire film within the Disneyland and Disney World gates without permission. Seems improbable, if not impossible, but it has been done. The director flooded the Orlando and Anaheim parks with his cast and crew, and managed to do so without any serious legal repercussion as of yet.

The article featured below caught my attention due to the fact that it focused on a major piece of my childhood. The fact that he was able to accomplish the filming of an entire movie also amazed me. The article was relatively well written, but since the movie has been released and featured in a film festival, I feel like it should have included a clip from the film. I did like how it felt like I was listening in on a conversation between the subject and the journalist.

There isn’t much a would have changed about this article. I will say this much: I would definitely go see this movie after reading this.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/01/showbiz/escape-from-tomorrow/index.html?hpt=en_c2

Streaming Customer Service

“This is Captain Mike of the good ship, Netflix. Which member of the crew am I speaking with today?”

Netflix customer service is a far cry from the customer service calls of old; a refreshing blend of wit and personality. In reading this “Huffington Post” article, it become apparent just how ingenious the Netflix streaming strategy is. With no need for upgrades, due to the a flat rate of $7.99 each month, customer service representatives are allowed to “be themselves.”

This article was newsworthy simply because it defies the norm. It shines a bright spotlight upon the bold changes certain organizations are making. The freedom of an employee to express their personality is a brilliant way to gain the respect and appreciation of customers.

To quote the article, “The exchange resonated with anyone who’s ever sat through the hell of an automated customer service call, and it’s one example of how Netflix is aiming to do something different with its customer service. Netflix help chats don’t feature a robotic, dizzying array of menu options, or a company agent using a script.”

All-in-all, this article was incredibly well-written. It featured links to the entire “Captain Mike” customer service conversation with the customer, as well as a video explaining the Netflix culture. There were several quotes from a former customer service worker. The most important thing for me, however, was that it captured my attention from start to finish. Read it. You won’t regret it.

To view the article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/31/netflix-customer-service_n_4178662.html?hpt=hp_bn18

Change of Scenery?

Location, location…relocation?

After finally settling in at home in Library room 111, several Morningside students are moving to a new classroom. Due to renovation and construction on campus, several classes will be moving. The Morningside College web page describes the new location as a “State of the Art Smart Classroom” in Roadman Hall.

Despite the name, the setting isn’t exactly “State of the Art,” however. The room features several 2000 dates on the equipment, and houses multiple box-television sets.

Several students were asked how they felt about the situation.

“I think it’s going to be really hard, because I don’t know if I’ll remember to go there every day,” sophomore Jordan Truckenmiller scoffed.

For most students, simply remembering to go to the right room seems to be the biggest challenge.

Morningside junior Kelsey Paulson explained, “It doesn’t really bother me, except I know I’ll be going to the library for a couple weeks forgetting we switched!”

It might be an inconvenience, but a classroom is a classroom. As they say in showbiz, “the show must go on.”

For Audio Version: Change of Scenery?

 

 

 

A Shot to the Heart

The honeymoon is over for Richard and Laurette Brunson. The two were married around 2pm yesterday afternoon. Shortly following an incident at the reception, shots were fired, and Mrs. Brunson found herself in the hospital. The shooter was none other than Mr. Brunson himself. Their neighbor, Walter Corse, described the panic at the scene.

Neighbor Walter Course described the incident. “I heard the sound of the shot, or I think I did. It was kind of a pop, pop, pop. And then the son came out yelling ‘she’s been shot and can’t breath.’”

Following the shot, Richard Brunson was nowhere to be found. Police are still in search of the 50 year-old suspect.

Another neighbor, Marilyn Corse, was the last to see the suspect leaving. “I just feel so bad for the kids having to see this. He ran off with no shirt and no shoes.”

Certainly a far cry from “‘Til death do us part.”

For Audio: FundofJournShooting

Diamonds Found on Other Planets?

Diamonds are believed to form on planets other than Earth.

According to CNN sources, researchers believe that diamonds may in fact be present on Saturn, Jupiter, Neptune, and Uranus. The combination of atmospheric pressure and temperature are perfect for hosting the treasures.

There is no hard proof, of course. There are no diamonds in hand. However, the chemistry does match the thought process. In 1981, Marvin Ross pointed to the levels of methane on Uranus and Neptune. Those levels, combined with the temperature and pressure would allow carbon to form a diamond.

Planetary researcher Mona Delitsky describes the atmosphere of  these planets as “essentially very hot, pressurized gas” at their interiors. She also claims that these conditions could produce “hand-sized diamonds.”

Valentine’s Day is coming fast, and for most of you, a trip to Saturn won’t be in the cards. Take it from me: go to Jared.

Morningside Wrestling Nears Start (Final)

The familiar shuffling of ice-packs and aroma of hard-work are back. The Morningside Mustangs wrestling team has high hopes for the upcoming  2013-2014 season.

The lone returning All-American is 184 pounder Joe Sievert, brother of 2013 National Champion John Sievert. Both decorated high school athletes, the Sievert brothers joined forces on the mat at Morningside under former Mustang head coach Tim Jager, and John was able to bring home the gold last year.

Joe described his excitement for the upcoming season in typical Sievert fashion; “I saw what my brother did last year. I want that. I want a national title.” The mustangs’ roster boasts an impressive total of 10 returning National Qualifiers, Sievert included. Of those qualifiers, five are in their final year in the program. Aside from Sievert, the other four seniors: Jordan Langley, Kevin Olson, Harrison Johnson, and Tyler Kacmarynski, are all looking to find their place on the podium.

Kacmarynski, a native of Spencer, Iowa, is looking forward to his final year after back-to-back disappointing season riddled with injury. His goals are no secret. He’s incredibly open about his final season. “All-American. National Championship. I’ve been through this before, and I’ve worked harder than anyone else. One goal; one dream.” Kacmarynski currently sits at 12th on the all-time wins list in Morningside history, with a total of 73.

Still a little over a month away from the first live action, the excitement is growing amongst the team, as their off-season lifting program increases its intensity. Since the hiring of new strength and conditioning coach, Chad Traver, many Mustangs feel they have really seen positive results. “I just really feel like I get better every time I go in,” junior 141 pounder Nate Taylor noted. “Its been an adjustment, but I can definitely tell that he knows what he’s doing, and I know it’s going to make a difference once the season starts.” The Mustangs have been lifting 3 times a week, with additional cardio workouts twice a week.

Junior heavyweight Eric Draper described the new lifting program as “intense.” He noted a difference in the amount of effort it takes to get through each day. “If you don’t show up to work hard, you’re going to get sent home. You can either sit in your room, or you can just suck it up, bust a sweat, and get better.”

Junior 141 pounder Garret Lambrecht wasted no time in describing the team’s chemistry. “It’s just a different atmosphere now. We’re a family, and I love spending time around these guys. They’re my best friends, and we sweat and bleed next to each other every day. I can’t wait for practice to start.”

With practice still a couple weeks away, the team is continuing preparation, beginning to cut their weight, and trying to maintain focus on academics with the upcoming season looming.

Looking at the season ahead, there are several possible candidates to join Sievert on the podium. Joining Sievert (84) and Kacmarynski (73) on the top 50 career wins list are returning senior Jordan Langley (49), junior Garret Lambrecht (40), and senior Harrison Johnson (38). Head Coach, Jake Stevenson, still sits a top the career wins list with a total of 130. As the most decorated wrestler in Morningside history in his four years from 2004 to 2008, he also owns the records for 3-point near falls (28), technical falls (7), and victories in a season (45).

The Mustangs take to the mat in a mere couple weeks to begin practice, and with Stevenson leading the charge, the future looks bright for this group of grapplers.

 

For Morningside Wrestling Information: http://www.morningside.edu/mustangs/wrestlng/index.cfm

For  2013-14 Schedule: http://www.morningside.edu/mustangs/wrestlng/schedule.cfm

For Records/Wins List:http://www.morningside.edu/mustangs/wrestlng/records.cfm

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