On the Brinck

In a classic case of one door closing and another opening, Dave Madsen finds himself enjoying his new life at Morningside College. After working at KTIV in Sioux City for nearly thirty years, including four as General Manager, Madsen’s commercial television career came to an abrupt end thanks to the economy in late 2008.

Part of Madsen’s duty as General Manager was to take care of the station’s finances. In 2008, with the economic recession well under way, Madsen was facing the task of deciding which employees would need to be let go as a cost control measure. Little did he know that the large company that owned KTIV was doing the same, and his job would be one of those eliminated. On a Wednesday in December of 2008, a representative from the corporate owners brought Dave his pink slip.

Unlike many workers facing job losses during the recession, Madsen had a unique opportuniy. As General Manager, he had lots of contacts in the Siouxland area. As a respected member of the Chamber of Commerce and other groups, Madsen was the highlight of a Sioux City Journal article discussing his recent layoff from the company he spent over half of his life at.

In the span of two days, Dave Madsen received many calls stemming from the news of his layoff. Among those that called him, was our very own Morningside College. President John Reynders expressed an interest in Madsen becoming the Chair of the Mass Communication department and faculty advisor to the campus television station, MCTV. In June of 2009, Dave Madsen began his new journey as a college educator.

Having graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in journalism, Madsen was now going to be on the giving end of education rather than receiving. Now in his third year at Morningside, Madsen is making the most of his new opportunity. In an effort to further his own teaching abilities, he is pursuing his Master’s degree in Mass Communications and Journalism from his alma-mater.  Dave Madsen is also a great example of the Morningside College mission statement regarding life-long learning.

Teaching courses like Passport, Media Management, Media Sales, Video Practicum and Public Relations, Madsen especially enjoys the Media Management course because it deals with subject matter he’s very familiar with.

Another subject Dave Madsen is familiar with is definitely a unique one. That subject is magic. After receiving a magic kit from his grandmother for Christmas at age eight, Madsen developed a passion for performing magic tricks. In fact, he hosted a children’s show in Sioux City in the late 1970’s called Bingo’s Big Pop. As a clown, Madsen delighted children with his tricks and jokes.

Today he delights students with tips and notes, although this may be a different kind of delight. Moving forward, Madsen hopes to stick around Morningside College long enough to retire, but he has one major goal in his time here. “I want to see a weekly, student newscast on MCTV.”

He emphasized that MCTV is a student-run organization, and it will take dedication from students to make it happen. Madsen will provide the tools to do so, but Morningside students will have to do the doing.

The story of Dave Madsen is a classic tale of “When one door closes, another door opens,”  but Madsen may prefer likening his story to something more familiar. KTIV handed Madsen a hat, and he just pulled the rabbit out of it.

As if I needed an excuse to post a bunch of REO Speedwagon videos…

Throughout the day on my Twitter page, I’ve been posting various REO videos in celebration of the band’s frontman’s birthday. I’ve met Kevin twice, and I felt the need to do this.

Check out these REO Speedwagon videos from the 1970s through 2011 (And smirk at the hair and clothing of yesteryear). Enjoy!

Lucky for You – 1978
[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/ERf5ZZH49OE" width="425" height="344" allowfullscreen="true" fvars="fs=1" /]

Ridin’ the Storm Out – 1981
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Can’t Fight This Feeling – 1985
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Time for Me To Fly – 1994
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Building the Bridge – 1997
[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ntx1WZ3oMV8" width="425" height="344" allowfullscreen="true" fvars="fs=1" /]

Keep on Lovin’ You – 2000
[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/cpn-CHKviyU" width="425" height="344" allowfullscreen="true" fvars="fs=1" /]

Roll with the Changes – 2007
[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/US9MWUyPSto" width="425" height="344" allowfullscreen="true" fvars="fs=1" /]

Take it on the Run – 2007
[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/wzNHgdsxN5A" width="425" height="344" allowfullscreen="true" fvars="fs=1" /]

Don’t Let Him Go – 2010
[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/jFkdqjpsJPo" width="425" height="344" allowfullscreen="true" fvars="fs=1" /]

I even wore an REO Speedwagon shirt today.

First draft of news story

A record number of Morningside students went “Into the Streets” to help those in need. Nearly 800 students and some faculty participated in ODK’s annual college community service day, helping with various service projects with non-profit groups throughout the Siouxland community. With the recent devastation from Missouri river flooding, most students engaged in flood clean-up, but there were many other activities also going on.

The day began at 7:30 Wednesday morning as hundreds of students filed into Eppley Auditorium before heading into the streets. There they were greeted by Into the Streets coordinators, Jackie Lincoln and Jessica Boschen. Omicron Delta Kappa is a leadership honor society for upperclassmen, focusing on getting students involved in community involvement through service. From here, the more than 20 campus organizations involved dispersed across the tri-state region to help those in need.

Over half the students worked on flood cleanup at the Riv-R-Land Estates area in Dakota Dunes, under supervision of the Salvation Army. Other areas impacted by Morningside’s involvement were the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, Crossroads Homeless Shelter, and the Food Bank of Siouxland.

The day was certainly full of hard work, but most students liked the aspect of helping people. One of nearly 500 students helping at Riv-R-land Estates, Morningside junior Danielle Dahlkoetter agreed. “I wasn’t expecting to work that hard, but it was a great feeling knowing we were really helping people.”

Another Morningside junior, Ryan Schneider, described his experience, one that was different than most groups. As a member of the music fraternity on campus, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Ryan and his fellow Sinfonians sang for residents at the Northern Hills Retirement Community. “I realized that helping people isn’t always about lifting or doing hard work, but it’s ultimately about helping other people and brightening their days. As a group, I think we accomplished that.”

Regardless of the type of work involved, Jackie Lincoln was extremely thankful for all of the hard work people put in. “I have received tons of great feedback. I know it was exhausting, but just thinking of the time it would have taken the residents to accomplish the work we were able to do in just a few hours, I’m very proud of Morningside students and faculty for all they did today.”

Jessica Boschen has already received e-mails from grateful members of the community who were extremely flattered by all of the hard work exhibited by Morningside students.

The Morningside College community came together like a family for Into the Streets this year, and the Siouxland community can be very thankful for that. This year’s Into the Streets was a huge success when considering the record number of students. The hard work of nearly 800 students has not gone unnoticed, and the people of Sioux City are extremely thankful for that.

News Comment for 10/6 – Story here.

Thanks to comments made by Hank Williams Jr. on Fox News, ESPN and Williams have parted ways, signalling the end to Monday Night Football’s theme song. “Are you ready for some football” has been the opening to the big Monday night game for years, but comments comparing President Obama to Adolf Hitler was enough for ESPN to pull the plug on the intro for this past Monday night’s game, but it has now severed the tie for good.

Hank Williams Jr. compared President Obama’s golf game with House Speaker John Boehner to Adolf Hitler playing golf with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. That comment on Fox News was enough for ESPN to make this change.

While watching the Colbert Report Tuesday night, I realized that without William’s weekly proclamation of some Monday Night Football, America may now be “dangerously unprepared” for some football. Here’s the video describing the incident from the desk of Stephen Colbert.

Do you agree with ESPN’s decision to axe this notable theme song? Was Williams’ right to free speech impaired? I’m curious as to what you think.

Have you ever had to walk up to a stranger and ask an extremely awkward question? These situations certainly bring out some interesting facial expressions in folks.

When I asked Anthony Henriks if he has pocket lint on him, he stared at me for a second, raised one eyebrow, and comically asked, “What the hell for?”

“Don’t worry, it’s just for a class. I’m not that socially awkward,” I explained. “Our journalism class is doing a scavenger hunt and I was the one stuck with finding pocket lint.”

Henriks, a Morningside senior and Vice President of the Morningside Activities Council, dug into his pockets. He pulled out his cellphone, keys, and student ID, and laid them on the table next to his laptop. “You’re in luck,” he said as he placed a small ball of lint on the table. He continued his digging, and pulled out several more strands.

What started out as an awkward conversation starter transitioned into a productive activity. “Man, I should really do this more often.”

Reaching out to complete strangers may not be the most comfortable thing to do, but if you’re lucky, they’ll appreciate the conversation when you’re through. However, as I stare at this clump of lint sitting on my desk, I’m not convinced that “appreciation” is the proper word.

News Comment for September 29, 2011

Most cat owners would agree that their feline friends can be very two-faced at times. Gentle and loving one moment, then menacing and ready to attack the next.

Well for one Massachusetts cat owner, her two-faced cat has now made it into the Guinness Book of World Records. Frank and Louie the cat is now the longest surviving “Janus cat,” named after the Roman god with two faces.

Frank and Louie was born with two mouths, two noses, and three eyes, and has now been alive for twelve years. The cat’s owner, Marty Stevens rescued this cat from being put to sleep because of its condition.

What makes Frank and Louie’s story so incredible is that most Janus cats don’t live past a few days because of numerous internal problems. However, Stevens decided to take the chance and it has paid off with her pet’s new world record.

In what could easily be the most heartwarming and bizarre story I’ve come across in this class, I’m alright with the fact that each of our cats back home only have one face.

Click this picture to read more about Frank and Louie and his owner, Marty Stevens

Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich appeared at Morningside College this past Tuesday. Around 125 people filled in to the Yockey Family Room by 2:00 and waited for Gingrich to arrive. About 15 minutes after his anticipated time of arrival, Gingrich made his way to the front of the room, with his wife by his side, to an extremely warm welcome by the crowd.

Gingrich’s speech revolved around his prior experience in the House of Representatives, including his stint as Speaker of the House in the late 1990s. He spoke of the economic troubles of the early ’80s and ’90s, and how he played a role in constructing economic policies during these troubles. Gingrich argued that today’s economic downturn is much more severe than the others, and that he has the experience and expertise to correct these problems.

Gingrich used the concept “Food stamps or paychecks” as a somewhat central theme, mentioning it several times. Claiming that Obama is the most “pro-food stamps” President ever, he expressed his interest in creating jobs so that people don’t have to rely on food stamps. Some of his ideas to insure this to happen are cutting taxes and regulations, create benefits for businesses that create jobs, and develop more American energy.

For about 75 minutes, Gingrich discussed his ideas and addressed the questions of audience members. As he answered, the Republican presidential candidate was blunt in saying it will take two terms to get the economy on the right track. With the primary and election seasons looming, Gingrich asked for supporters not to simply be for him, but be with him. It will take more than a President to get things done. It will take the support of the people to accomplish the goals of Gingrich if he indeed does become the 45th President of the United States.

News Comment for 9/22/2011

News stories that involve people we know personally tend to bring out emotion in the reader. Well, I was informed of some news on Tuesday that struck a nerve with me.

Mark Toney, a former resident of my hometown Carroll, IA, was my Cub Scout leader in 2nd grade. He helped my father and me with my first Pinewood Derby car. He taught me how to tie those ridiculous knots. He guided me as I built a birdhouse for a local nursing home. I wasn’t in Boy Scouts for long, but I’ve always remembered how kind Mark Toney was.

An Iowa State Patrolman for 24 years, Toney devoted his life to keeping Iowans safe on the roadways. When my dad texted me Tuesday night asking if I had heard about an accident near Indianola involving Mark, my heart sank. I immediately looked online and began reading news stories confirming what I was afraid of.

With his emergency lights on, Toney’s patrol car left the road, flipped several times, and caught fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Here is an article from the Des Moines Register that talks about the accident and the investigation that is underway to determine what exactly happened.

The article concludes with a quote by Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller.

“I extend my sincere condolences to Trooper Toney’s family and friends, his fellow state troopers, and to Iowa’s law enforcement community.”

Having known Mark since a child, and having attended school with one of his sons for several years, I too, send my deepest sympathies to the Toney family.

Nestled deep within the heart of the Mass Communication department at Morningside College lies a small room with the power to be much larger. I am talking about the Fusion 93 KMSC radio studio.

Home to many students throughout the week, the KMSC studio is a place where hands-on learning occurs. A control board that looks so exquisite to common folk is the source of entertainment, learning, and enjoyment for someone like me trying to establish a connection with listeners and my future. When done properly, hundreds of people can become one with the person doing the controlling in the studio.

The array of red, yellow, and blue buttons and levers is enough to make a grown man envious. The sheer volume of electronic equipment is enough to give a tech guru chills. A large, flat-screen computer is home to many songs and production elements, but the arranging of them is the challenging part. Sitting in the relaxing studio chair is one that not enough people enjoy, but those who are aware of it, are surely quite fond of it. Using the combination of buttons, levers, sliders, clickers, and vocal performance, radio is a medium that everyone can enjoy.

This past Monday, I observed KMSC station manager Ryan Tellinghuisen and sports director Dan Corey conduct their weekly afternoon show. I noticed things that usually go unnoticed when I am doing the controlling. Thanks to Dan Corey’s collaboration with Game Time Sports Grill in the lower level of the Olsen Student Center, one lucky listener would be subject to the delicious aroma of a “steaming pizza pie,” as Ryan commonly exclaims, for winning this week’s edition of KMSC Pick’em. I could imagine the smell, but unfortunately it wasn’t actually present.

If it weren’t for the unfortunate sign on the door of the studio saying “No food or drinks allowed in the KMSC studio,” the studio would certainly bare the fragrance of hot wings or pizza when occupied. Instead, the smell of dust slightly burning inside of the many studio mechanisms massages the nostrils. At this particular time, the discussion of sports fills the air, inside and outside the studio.

Several hours later, it was my turn at the helm of the contraption known as the control board; one button depressed, a fader raised, and an eerily quiet room with the faint screaming of music in a pair of headphones. This is what occurs when the microphone is turned on. It’s show time. “Welcome to Fusion 93 KMSC,” I exclaim, as I get ready for a jam-packed evening of fun, music, and more fun. On this particular night, a very special show was being broadcast from the warm confines of the KMSC studio, located in the Mass Communication department.

On a typical night, I spin the tunes of yesteryear. Well, spinning records definitely sounds cool, but it’s more like button pushing, but that is beside the point. This night was no different in that regard, but a unique voice would make its presence felt across the skies of Sioux City on this Monday night. A young man from New York by the name of Joel Hoekstra, who has made a name for himself as an extremely busy guitarist, would be an over-the-phone guest. As a member of Night Ranger, the Broadway musical Rock of Ages, and even Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Joel Hoekstra’s partial presence in the Fusion 93 studio was one to bring relative star power to the transmitter atop Lewis Hall. We chatted for a few minutes, but all good things must come to an end. Hoekstra had to get to dinner, as they were celebrating the birthday of Night Ranger’s drummer, Kelly Keagy. Once Hoekstra hung up the phone, this show was back to its usual ways.

With the studio fan on low to keep me cool without causing too much ruckus, and the tunes a-rocking to keep the listeners cool, this particular Monday night was a great one. Each Monday this semester, I will wander over the HJF Learning Center, and rock out to the songs of yesterday, while nestled in the cozy confines of the KMSC studio.

News comment (For September 15)

Would you give up the chance to shower if it meant keeping your Facebook? How about fresh fruit and vegetables? Well according to a study by the London Science Museum, more Britons would give up these things, and even flush-able toilets, if it became necessary to keep their Facebook accounts.

This study surveyed 3000 people and brought about the conclusion that people have an extreme obsession with technology. Behind sunshine, the internet came in as the second most vital thing to the lives of the British. The internet even came in ahead of fresh drinking water.

This survey was conducted in Britain and doesn’t take into account any American perspective, but here is some for you. Collectively, Americans spend over 53 billion minutes online each month, so it would certainly be interesting to see a study like that conducted here.

If you would like to read the entire article, it can be found here. What do you think about this survey? Would you rather give up basic amenities to keep the internet and Facebook? Where would you draw the line on this “reliance on Facebook” issue?