Every time a new superhero movie comes out, children are overcome with the notion that they can do everything Superman, Spider-Man, Batman or The Green Lantern can do. As role models, they are far from ideal; no one can fly faster than a speeding bullet or leap tall buildings in a single bound. Kids were all caught up in having unique powers and fighting crime. Then, along came "Jackass" to ruin that superhero facade. A quirky MTV show in which everyday Joes put themselves through ridiculous tasks and pull outlandish pranks on one other in order to make people laugh and earn big bucks, "Jackass" gave kids something new to aspire to – idiocy.
Though every episode of the series, which eventually went on to make millions of dollars in theaters all over the world, was prefaced with distinct instructions that people not try the stunts at home, I think it's safe to say that was hardly a deterrent. Sad, but true, these gents became heroes in the eyes of many people from my generation. While horribly tragic in nature, I think the events that transpired early last week will leave a lasting impression on everyone who watched the cast of "Jackass" perform raunchy and often life-threatening stunts. And that message is trifold: no one is invincible and speeding, as well as getting behind the wheel drunk, can be lethal.
When I first heard the news that Ryan Dunn's life had been unexpectedly cut short at the age of 34, I was absolutely stunned. I mean, here's this stunt man who risks life and limb to earn his paycheck and it's a car accident that takes his life. It just did not seem possible. Having watched "Jackass" when it first debuted on MTV back in 2000, I continued following the hijinks of Dunn and company on Viva La Bam and Wildboyz, right on through to the box office blockbuster "Jackass 3D." I practically grew up with those guys. As such, when I heard the news of Dunn's death, it took a while to really sink in; like so many others, I never knew the guy personally, but it felt as though I had lost a friend.
And as the details of the accident began to come out, all I could do was shake my head. Dunn had his entire life ahead of him, a career most would kill for and he ruins it by drinking and driving. Not only that, but his recklessness also took the life of his friend, Zachary Hartwell, a newlywed who survived three tours of duty in Iraq. Though his is probably the most controversial passing since Elvis Presley, as some are inclined to believe it's all just an elaborate hoax and that Dunn is very much alive, I hope his death helps open the eyes of today's youth. Sure, parents and teachers can point out the dangers of drinking and driving, but seeing someone they look up to and idolize pay the ultimate price might actually help get the message across.
Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
GOP Prospects Look Promising
Though the 2012 election is well over a year away, the politicking is already in full swing. Seven candidates are vying for one spot on the Republican ticket to go head to head with President Barack Obama come November of next year. Considering the fact that John McCain and Sarah Palin were the last duo to grace the ballot on the Republican side of the presidential ballot, the most recent GOP debate has given me reason to believe that Obama may have his work cut out for him. Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann, Atlanta businessman Herman Cain, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum and Texas Congressman Ron Paul all took part in last week's debate and I think a few of them could actually make good on the promise to make Obama a one-term president.
Of the seven, Romney and Bachmann stood out as viable opponents; of course, there's always the chance that people will find more confidence in businessman Cain over career politicians. Regardless of who ends up on the ballot, there's no way any of them could be considered a worse choice than leaving Obama in office for another four years. First of all, I don't think anyone has been impressed with the so-called change that Obama promised before he was elected to become the 44th president of the United States. With oil prices through the roof and the housing market in the toilet, I think it's safe to say that more change is in order. That is, unless, you're happy paying $4 a gallon for gas, watching the U. S. dollar rapidly decrease in value and don't have a problem with record unemployment rates.
When I took economics back in college, I was taught that a lot of the economy's ups and downs were a pattern that would occur no matter who was in office at the time. And, typically, the president in office at the time is blamed for a great deal of the hardships the country sustains. So, could all of the problems we're facing be chocked up to bad timing due to the fluctuating economy? Perhaps. But there is definitely room for improvement when the leader of our nation doesn't consider having 24 aides on staff for the sole purpose of providing support for the first lady wasteful spending. Keeping that many staffers on the payroll for someone who doesn't perform any official duties is absolutely ludicrous.
And, without a doubt, the repeal of Obamacare should be a high priority for Republicans; I can't imagine how putting the federal government in control of healthcare could accomplish anything positive. And resurrecting the floundering outlook for manufacturing jobs is something that needs attention, as well. Regardless of who ends up representing the GOP, the next presidential election will certainly be one for the history books – and, hopefully, one that brings about the right kind of change this country needs.
Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times
Of the seven, Romney and Bachmann stood out as viable opponents; of course, there's always the chance that people will find more confidence in businessman Cain over career politicians. Regardless of who ends up on the ballot, there's no way any of them could be considered a worse choice than leaving Obama in office for another four years. First of all, I don't think anyone has been impressed with the so-called change that Obama promised before he was elected to become the 44th president of the United States. With oil prices through the roof and the housing market in the toilet, I think it's safe to say that more change is in order. That is, unless, you're happy paying $4 a gallon for gas, watching the U. S. dollar rapidly decrease in value and don't have a problem with record unemployment rates.
When I took economics back in college, I was taught that a lot of the economy's ups and downs were a pattern that would occur no matter who was in office at the time. And, typically, the president in office at the time is blamed for a great deal of the hardships the country sustains. So, could all of the problems we're facing be chocked up to bad timing due to the fluctuating economy? Perhaps. But there is definitely room for improvement when the leader of our nation doesn't consider having 24 aides on staff for the sole purpose of providing support for the first lady wasteful spending. Keeping that many staffers on the payroll for someone who doesn't perform any official duties is absolutely ludicrous.
And, without a doubt, the repeal of Obamacare should be a high priority for Republicans; I can't imagine how putting the federal government in control of healthcare could accomplish anything positive. And resurrecting the floundering outlook for manufacturing jobs is something that needs attention, as well. Regardless of who ends up representing the GOP, the next presidential election will certainly be one for the history books – and, hopefully, one that brings about the right kind of change this country needs.
Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Migraines Possibly Genetic
Having suffered from migraines for the better part of a decade, I've always been curious as to why I am afflicted with them. Though the exact cause of migraines has long been a mystery, over the years, I have blamed it on my job, which has required that I sit in front of a computer monitor for hours at a time, as well as my love for loud music. There are a great deal of possible triggers that have been linked to migraines, namely stress, fatigue and hunger, but something as simple as bright light or exposure to loud noises, can also set off migraine attacks. Aside from the fact that migraines can last for days, the one thing that is truly unnerving about migraines is that popping three or four Tylenol doesn't have the least bit of an impact on the pain. Add to that the fact that the slightest sound can make the intensity of these headaches increase exponentially, and even the simple act of sleeping can be agonizing.
While sitting here writing this column, my head throbbing intensely just from staring at the computer screen (which is dimmed as far as it can be so as not to further anger the beast), I came across an interesting article regarding migraines. However, a recent study has shown that genetics could play a role in this debilitating condition, which is described as a brain disorder in which neurons, or brain cells, respond abnormally to stimuli. Well, how about that. After all these years, my dad's theory that I'm not right in the head is somewhat true. Regardless, migraines, which are three to four times more common in women, only affect about 20 percent of the population.
If only I had the same luck at winning the lottery as I have with medical anomalies. This new study, which was published in Nature Genetics, found variations in three genes that appeared more frequently in migraine sufferers. One of these genes was found to only be present in females who are afflicted with migraines. To think, after all these years of dealing with migraines, I have blamed my lifestyle choices when I should have been blaming my relatives.
Now, many of you are probably wondering why this is such a big deal to me. To think that, one week ago, I knew absolutely nothing about why I was suffering from migraines, this new information provides great optimism for not only me, but for millions of migraine sufferers. Though I don't necessarily think research into migraines is as important as, say, cancer research, this discovery is a step in the right direction. My hope is that this is only the first in a series of revelations that will help scientists gain a better understanding of migraines. As much as it would be wonderful to eliminate cancer once and for all, it would also be a huge relief to never have to deal with migraines again.
Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times
While sitting here writing this column, my head throbbing intensely just from staring at the computer screen (which is dimmed as far as it can be so as not to further anger the beast), I came across an interesting article regarding migraines. However, a recent study has shown that genetics could play a role in this debilitating condition, which is described as a brain disorder in which neurons, or brain cells, respond abnormally to stimuli. Well, how about that. After all these years, my dad's theory that I'm not right in the head is somewhat true. Regardless, migraines, which are three to four times more common in women, only affect about 20 percent of the population.
If only I had the same luck at winning the lottery as I have with medical anomalies. This new study, which was published in Nature Genetics, found variations in three genes that appeared more frequently in migraine sufferers. One of these genes was found to only be present in females who are afflicted with migraines. To think, after all these years of dealing with migraines, I have blamed my lifestyle choices when I should have been blaming my relatives.
Now, many of you are probably wondering why this is such a big deal to me. To think that, one week ago, I knew absolutely nothing about why I was suffering from migraines, this new information provides great optimism for not only me, but for millions of migraine sufferers. Though I don't necessarily think research into migraines is as important as, say, cancer research, this discovery is a step in the right direction. My hope is that this is only the first in a series of revelations that will help scientists gain a better understanding of migraines. As much as it would be wonderful to eliminate cancer once and for all, it would also be a huge relief to never have to deal with migraines again.
Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
How Lewd!
Seeing as how we live in a society that pretty much revolves around the Internet, smartphones and social media, I think it's safe to say that scandalous events are, sadly, becoming more and more common. Whether it be a professional athlete, movie star, politician or just your average citizen, our ever-growing dependence on technology has made it more and more difficult for individuals to maintain any sort of privacy. And that begs another question; why is what anyone does in the privacy of their own home any of our business?
That being said, I think the fact that so many public figures are being outed for their lapses of judgment has been inevitable – and even more so since social media has evolved to what it is today. Yes, public figures should be more cautious about how they are portrayed and try to be the best role models they can be, but I have serious qualms about the way in which their privacy is constantly invaded. I honestly think our society has become so wrapped up in what celebrities are doing that we have lost sight of what's truly important. Did the fact that Brett Favre sent lewd photos to a sideline reporter really affect how he played football? No more than the late Wilt Chamberlain's reputation as a womanizer affected his basketball skills, I'm sure.
But I digress. This week, Rep. Anthony Weiner, a democrat from New York, admitted that he sent a lewd photo to a female college student over Twitter and lied repeatedly to protect himself. While Weiner declared that what he did was a "hugely regrettable mistake," especially since he's a public figure, he has refused to resign. So, does this married politician not think what he did, as well as lying and admitting to inappropriate contact with six other women via social networking sites and over the phone, was inappropriate? Apparently not, as he has adamantly declared that he had done nothing wrong.
Though I'm sure he will continue to be the butt of many jokes in late-night talk show monologues, I can somewhat understand why he has chosen not to step down. When you look at the indiscretions of former president Bill Clinton and former South Carolina governor Mark Sanford, who had extra-marital affairs while in office, what Weiner did is a somewhat trivial matter. To be honest, if every politician were to step down for their unsavory actions, it would be difficult to keep people in office. After all, these individuals are only human and, as humans, they are sure to have lapses in judgement just like anyone else. Regardless of the fact that they are held to a much higher standard, they, too, deserve second chances.
Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times
That being said, I think the fact that so many public figures are being outed for their lapses of judgment has been inevitable – and even more so since social media has evolved to what it is today. Yes, public figures should be more cautious about how they are portrayed and try to be the best role models they can be, but I have serious qualms about the way in which their privacy is constantly invaded. I honestly think our society has become so wrapped up in what celebrities are doing that we have lost sight of what's truly important. Did the fact that Brett Favre sent lewd photos to a sideline reporter really affect how he played football? No more than the late Wilt Chamberlain's reputation as a womanizer affected his basketball skills, I'm sure.
But I digress. This week, Rep. Anthony Weiner, a democrat from New York, admitted that he sent a lewd photo to a female college student over Twitter and lied repeatedly to protect himself. While Weiner declared that what he did was a "hugely regrettable mistake," especially since he's a public figure, he has refused to resign. So, does this married politician not think what he did, as well as lying and admitting to inappropriate contact with six other women via social networking sites and over the phone, was inappropriate? Apparently not, as he has adamantly declared that he had done nothing wrong.
Though I'm sure he will continue to be the butt of many jokes in late-night talk show monologues, I can somewhat understand why he has chosen not to step down. When you look at the indiscretions of former president Bill Clinton and former South Carolina governor Mark Sanford, who had extra-marital affairs while in office, what Weiner did is a somewhat trivial matter. To be honest, if every politician were to step down for their unsavory actions, it would be difficult to keep people in office. After all, these individuals are only human and, as humans, they are sure to have lapses in judgement just like anyone else. Regardless of the fact that they are held to a much higher standard, they, too, deserve second chances.
Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times
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