Current Stories | March 22, 2012
Evolving Technology | Stephanie Scheurer Reporting
The flicker of movies may no longer exist as 35 millimeter film is being phased out. Now digital cinema production is coming to a theater near you. The nostalgic ticking of this mile long reel of film has been projected through this theater's rafters since 1918. "The history behind it, you know it's very historic in the one theater," says one theater goer. But that sound may be fading. The National Association of Theater Owners says the future of motion pictures will exist in an all-digital format by 2013. This may be the ticket to clearer movies, but at a costly price. An estimated 750 historic theaters currently show movies, and may not be able to afford the switch. "It'd be a shame if these little places closed up because there isn't a lot of things to do in the area so a movie is certainly something we all enjoy doing every now and again,” says a theater attendee. The owners of this theater estimate it will cost a minimum of $150,000 to purchase equipment for two screens. "All new automation, we need new sound systems, and we need the new digital projectors to go with it," says Brian Moore, Manager Grand Theater. The switch from film to digital is a daunting task for many small town movie theaters. But this community is embracing the challenge. "I'm happy that we're switching to digital. Excited. The film is a lot of work; it's a lot more than digital you know you just sit down at a computer," says Moore. Digital presentations do not get scratched, fade or suffer other problems that film experiences over time. But even as the dust settles on these memorable projectors and the film comes to an end, movie goers can still sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. The Grand Theater in Crookston, Minn. is the oldest continuously operating movie theater in the United States.
Nontraditional Robberies | Cory Robertson Reporting
Grand Theft Auto is the criminal act of stealing someone’s car. Automatic locks and alarms can help prevent this sort of crime. However these devices will not protect against thieves stealing a particular car part. All around the country people are startled at the sound of their car when turning on the ignition. "Your once nice sounding car would sound similar to a tractor or a grain truck," says Craig Price, Mechanic. This is not the result of your car breaking down, but instead the theft of a particular part. Catalytic converters are being targeted by criminals due to the precious metals found within the car part. "Somebody who knows what they are doing and what they are looking for it can be a real fast crime," says Price. Thieves are after the platinum, which can be resold for a lot of money. "I think people always continue to find creative ways to make a living either honest or not, and if they are able to get under a car and get a catalytic converter out in just under a few minutes and get away with it and make a profit. Their probably going to try and do that until they get caught," says Lt. Grant Schiller, Grand Forks Police Dept. A Catalytic converter is located under a car next to the muffler. "It only requires making two or three cuts that you can do in [less than] 30 seconds," says Price. It is harder for criminals to steal converters from smaller vehicles with less ground clearance. Particular cars may be at high risk because what they offer is a higher reward. Certain vehicles contain up to five particularly fords. Although your car is functional without the converter, it is a federal law that each car has one. "Every car since 1981 has one and is required to have one," says Price. If the next time you start your car it sounds like a Harley Davidson, it's possible your catalytic converter was coveted. The mechanic we talked to says that replacing a catalytic converter can cost anywhere from $500 to $700, depending on the car.
Fitness Debates | Chelsy Grover Reporting
It’s no secret that obesity is a serious problem in the US. Experts say diet and exercise is the only cure, and some wonder the best time of day to burn calories. At 7 a.m. many people are getting out of bed, while others are already feeling the burn. I like coming in the morning because there aren't as many people. It's been a long time debate over what's better, working out in the morning or at night. Fitness experts say there are benefits to both. "If it's general fitness, anytime of the day, just make it part of your day," says Stephanie Hoffman, Coordinator of Fitness. Research by the University of North Texas found that it's different for each person. People's daily cycles that regulate body temperature, blood pressure and metabolism are all unique. Some might feel more energized in the morning during a workout, while others feel stronger as the day goes on. The researchers also say a person's daily cycle can be reset based on behavior. "Doesn't matter as long as you're making time to do it," says Hoffman. The time of day for exercise may be a personal preference, but fueling your body is not. Food is your fuel. Fitness experts say if you don't eat before working out, you may not reach your full potential. It's recommended to not work out directly after a big meal, but not on an empty stomach either. A light snack 30 minutes before is the perfect amount to eat. So no matter if you're up with the sunrise or running in the twilight, it's not what's most beneficial; it's what's most beneficial to your schedule. One thing most fitness experts agree on is to NOT exercise right before bed. It can interfere with a good night's sleep, which is crucial to effective workouts as well as performance in other areas of life.
Performing Poetry | Averi Haugesag Reporting
There are many ways to express yourself. Through the way you dress, what you say and much more. One man chooses to express himself through something called slam poetry. "It's a process. An involuntary function by which lung muscles expand and contract. Fact, the human body can't survive without oxygen," says Asia, Slam Poet. Slam poetry. It's different than many other forms of writing. It's a performance where poets get the chance to spar with others. Asia is one of the best. "I love it because I get to write something. Tell how I feel. It could be bothering me, or whatever I just feel inside. And then you let it out," says Asia. Asia, a slam poet from south Florida travels around the country telling his story and painting pictures for young people with his words. "There's times when I do shows and it just feels like, man, I could be up here for three hours. And you just feel alive, and you feel it. That, I love the most," says Asia. Not every poem can bring happiness and laughter. Asia says that many of the things he faces are things other people face as well. Both the good and the bad. "Never a proper response when you're sitting at the doctor's office and he proceeds to tell you that those are cancer cells they found in your body … People used to come up to me all the time saying, Asia, we love you and we'll be there for you. And I knew they meant it, but at the end of the day, it was still me that had to face it," says Asia. For Asia, along with the challenges of the disease, came a crucial life lesson. "If you love everything that you're doing, and this is your life and you're living it, you're going to look back and say, man, it was worth it, you know … Ask me what I learned from cancer and I'll answer that sometimes, you have to lose a part of you, to find your whole self," says Asia. Asia has won many awards for his slam poetry performances. He was also featured on television channels such as BET, HBO and performed with numerous major label recording artists.
Uplifting Hunter | Olivia Faacks Reporting Kids are used to hearing about the importance of staying out of trouble. We met a man who put a living twist on inspiring kids. At this sports show there are some displays that score more points than others. And one could wonder what all these people are fawning over. To some spectators, they may look like a couple of men with deer. But to Steve Porter and his sons, these deer are more like family. "The favorite one on the trailer is probably this one right here, Stormin' Norman," says Dillan Porter, Steve Porter's Trophy Whitetail. Nearly 20 years after starting his business, Steve says it has become more than just raising deer. Before the hunting season even begins, Steve and his sons hit the trails traveling to schools across the Midwest. And their message goes beyond the simple thrill of hunting. "Youth are important and we want our youth to be actively involved in the outdoors," says Steve Porter, Steve Porter's Trophy Whitetail. Steve's background is in law enforcement. He says his deer help inspire students to find an outlet to have fun without breaking the law. "We know that kids who wear camo coats and kids who are up setting up goose decoys at six in the morning probably aren't going to be breaking into a pop machine at three a.m.," says Steve. Even while influencing other peoples kids Steve remembered to impress values on his own. "I wouldn't miss it for the world. It's been the most exciting thing I can possibly think of,” says Dillan. "Now it's a business, it's paying for itself. It's making, you know, pretty good money. But if we took all of that away, and all I had was my boys actively working and enjoying this farm, it would be worth it just for that reward," says Steve. So whether it's sitting in a classroom or up in a tree stand, Steve encourages students to aim for success. The Porter family has 46 deer on their farm. Only three of those deer, Shifty, Redwood and Stormin Norman travel with them.
New Planting Zones | Kara Protasio Reporting
Spring temperatures have people enjoying activities outside. But one of these activities has gotten warmer. With winter behind us, many people have one thing on their minds: spring planting. “Very eager, it’s been a nice winter but it’s never soon enough to go out there and plant,” says a local gardener. Most gardeners know what plants they should be growing, and when. Experts say despite the warm temperatures, people should still wait until the right time. “If you plant too early in the spring, the ground is too cold yet,” says Jolene Schimtz, Greenhouse grower. But for the 82 million household gardeners, the right time has changed. This year the U.S. Department of Agriculture updated the Plant Hardiness Zone map. The map is the standard used to determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. This is the first update since 1990 and many gardeners say it was long awaited. “I feel like spring feels like it’s coming earlier and earlier every year,” says Schimtz. USDA zones are based on measurements from the National Climatic Data Center. They calculate new U.S. “climate normals,” every ten years. Reclassifying a gardener’s yard into a warmer area opens new options for planting different flowers and shrubs. Thanks to the new guidelines, plants can boldly grow where they’ve never grown before. Gardening experts emphasize that the hardiness planting map is only a guideline to what you should plant.
