Special Time With Jo

Australian Water Rats have learned how to eat an invasive species of poisonous toads without harming themselves. The intelligent rats have adapted by eating the heart and in-trails of the toads which is the only part of the toad that is not poisonous.

The toads are becoming a large problem because they have dramatically effected the animal population, driving some to the edge of extinction.

The article is well organized as it goes in to the biology of both the rats and the toads. It also includes multiple interview quotes from scientists that are researching the newly found phenomenon. On top of that they include multiple pictures of both animals. Fair warning, there are also pictures of the dead toads after they have been eaten by the rats.

https://www.foxnews.com/science/australian-water-rats-learned-eat-poisonous-toads-surgical-precision

A man from Iowa recently discovered that his basement was flooded with animal blood. The unlikely incident happened about two weeks ago when Nick Lestina found a bad smell coming from his basement.

This story was written for any reader who has the stomach for it. It is a short and easy read, and only takes about two minutes. It was written well because anyone can read it easily because the writer explains things plainly and simply.

The article includes a video which was originally created by the Des Moines Register. The video goes into more details about the story as well as pictures and a video interview of the man explaining how the whole situation went down.

Link to the article: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/nick-listina-animal-blood-basement_n_5da88fc2e4b034f1d69ee57b

The Dallas Cowboys are in a world of hurt tonight after losing 24-22 to the Jets, in New York tonight. This will be the Cowboy’s 3rd loss in a row in a downward spiral that keeps getting worse. After a big 34-24 loss to the Packers last week, the Cowboys went into this week confident against the 0-4 jets hoping to bounce back, but they have yet to show any resilience.

The Cowboys started the season off strongly with 3 wins in a row including a big win over the Giants who beat to Dallas soundly twice last year. But after a close 12-10 loss to the Saints, they have seemed to be a bit behind the curve. If you would like to read a recap of the game there is a link below.

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2019/10/13/20912639/dallas-cowboys-are-in-deep-trouble-after-24-22-loss-to-the-new-york-jets-jason-garrett

Earlier today a young Swedish girl gave a heart-wrenching speech and UN headquarters about climate change, and the effects it has on the younger generations.

The 16-year-old Thunberg climate change activist had many intense views on how the government is handling the changes that are happening around the world. She even went as far as to say “You are still not mature enough to tell it how it is”.

“You have stolen my dreams and my childhood” she exclaimed while fighting back tears. “You say you understand the urgency but I do not want to believe that”. As the speech continued, the opinions got stronger, and the crowd fell more and more silent.

It seems that this high school-aged kid, has begun to make more of a difference than most politicians ever dreamed of making.

As the speech neared an end, she intently scanned the crowd and firmly said “And if you chose to fail us, we will never forgive you”. After her passionate performance, 65 countries had announced efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

As the weather cools down, the Morningside wrestling team eagerly awaits the beginning of the competition season.         

Coach Stevenson and the mustang squad have been working hard to achieve their lofty goals. Goals that have been set in stone since the end of season last year, but this year the team is has taken a different approach. 

The mustangs had multiple national qualifiers in the 2018-19 season and were able to secure a GPAC Regional title as a dual team. 

Coming in to the 2019-20 year the team has an all new mentality, and plan to make even bigger waves in NAIA Wrestling. In an interview, a fired-up head coach Jacob Stevenson had this to share. 

“Yeah we got a number of guys that I’m excited for. Our national qualifiers from last year Kyle Fowler, Jacob Wiley, and Phil Rasmussen”. He went on to say; “Jonah Egli and Dusten Reed are guys that are kind of off the radar, but they are guys that we’re excited to be on the mat for us this year”.

This is Coach Stevenson’s Seventh year with the mustangs. He has won three GPAC titles, and four second place conference finishes during his coaching career. 

Stevenson seems very prepared for the quickly approaching season and that has passed on to the motivated Morningside wrestlers. 

Junior Heavyweight and team captain Phil Rasmussen shared his thoughts on this year’s team as preseason training comes to an end.  

“I think everyone has been training hard and everybody’s just ready for the season to roll around… We definitely need to win the GPAC again this year”.  

Phil was a team captain last year as a Sophomore and plays a key role in the mustang wrestling family. 

The excitement shown by the team has influenced others as well. Former wrestler for the mustangs Brendan Crews is ready for the team to hit the mat. “I’ve been through the grind, and know what it’s like to start competing again. Now that I’m not wrestling anymore I feel like I’m going to miss it. I’m so excited to watch my boys kick some ass.”   

Wrestling season officially begins October 21^stand their first time in action will be November 23^rdin Minneapolis Minnesota. Morningside has three home duals this year including against their rivals Briar Cliff University. They will also be hosting the regional tournament which is the qualifier for nationals. You can find their competition schedule online at msidemustangs.com. If you’re bored and looking for some entertainment this winter make your way over to the Hyper Fieldhouse and cheer on the Mustang Wrestling team some love. 

2019 Ju-Jitsu world silver medalist Nick Rodriguez, sent out a challenge on October 2nd challenging any wrestler to a match. The New Jersey native was a wrestler in high school and has made big waves in the world of grappling. however, wrestling was not about to let this challenge go un noticed.

The man to answer this challenge is none other than Pat “funky bunky” Downey. If you know wrestling, you know that Downey has created many controversies in college wrestling. After being kicked out of Nebraska, he went to a Junior College in Fort Dodge Iowa where he won a national title. He then moved on to Iowa State University where he was an All American, but then was asked to leave after some problems with the coaching staff. After that happened he went straight to the OTC in New Jersey, where he trained at the same club as Nick Rodriguez himself. Since then Downey has earned multiple impressive accolades includiing a world title.

The two competitors squared off at Rutgers University on October 5th. Downey was able to make quick work of the confident Rodriguez. In the 2nd period the match was ended by technical fall, after four big throws. After the match downey said this; “It’s more important for my legacy. Being someone who says anyone, anytime, anywhere, and then following that up though my actions. Thats how I want to be remembered”.

Alex Watters, career development specialist for Morningside college and a Sioux City council member came to visit the news writing class today to be the practice interview subject for the students. Watters has been involved in many different things around Sioux City including Barak Obamas re-election campaign, many large speaking engagements, and a variety of other impressive accolades. Despite being outrageously busy, he remains a shining light of positivity around the college campus. Out of all the students and employees, he seems to stand out from the crowd. 

            No matter who you ask, Alex is loved by all the mustangs. Whether students are studying in the library or rushing to class, it is always a pleasant surprise when Alex Watters wheels by and says hello. As a Career Development Specialist, he knows many of the students on a first-name basis, which, considering his hectic schedule is quite impressive. “I have a lot going on, but my priority is Morningside” he explained. “When I go to city hall meetings I have Morningside and how to get things to Morningside in mind”. Watters is responsible for getting dozens of speakers and events on campus each school year. 

            The conversation lasted for quite some time as Alex told the class about his life, growing up in Okoboji, stories from college, hobbies, life goals, and memories from his work career. Then he decided to give the group some words for motivation. “We all have the same time in the day. You control your destiny”. He went on to say “you guys have no idea the advantage you have. If you are in this college right now, the sky is the limit for you”. It is clear that he has good life experiences to share with the young students of Morningside. If you ever get the chance to have a conversation with Alex Watters take advantage of it and you might just learn a thing or two.