Twin Cities yoga beats the recession

A fitness frenzy fueled by a Power Yoga DVD (by Rodney Yee, the “yoga studio” in Plymouth. She’s had the business for eight years. After a slight downturn, followed by a slight uptick last fall, Mary finds things are staying even with last year. Some students who have lost their jobs are able to do more yoga. Though the business is staying steady, Mary has a conservative approach right now. Continue Reading

More big cuts for Cambridge Isanti school district

Cambridge Isanti school district recently approved another $1.1 million in cuts for the next school year. That is equivalent to up to four full time positions, or 24 hours per day in staffing. This is also only the first round of cuts (totaling $1,134,953) and more cuts are expected to take place in the school board meeting on April 23. A four-day school week has also been considered in order to save expenses in bus routes and electricity. Bruce Novak, District 911 superintendent, said, “Every reduction we make impacts the classroom.” Continue Reading

FREE SPEECH ZONE | Kuwait dissolves Parliament

For the second time this year, and third since March 2006, Kuwait’s Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al- Ahmed Al Sabah, announced the dissolution of parliament. This decision came after several cabinet ministers turned in their resignations, claiming a lack of cooperation from members of parliament. Members of parliament had accused the Prime Minister of misconduct and misuse of public funds. The Amir condemned members of parliament for abusing constitutional strength to question the Prime Minister.The Free Speech Zone offers a space for contributions from readers, without editing by the TC Daily Planet. This is an open forum for articles that otherwise might not find a place for publication, including news articles, opinion columns, announcements and even a few press releases. Continue Reading

FREE SPEECH ZONE | Gophers dig deep, even in a recession

The University of Minnesota is making a name for itself with impressive additions even during economic downturn and financial uncertainty. The goal to “solidify the University’s quality and mission,” was given before a group of students and faculty at the Coffman Memorial Union theater early in March by President Robert Bruininks. Bruininks confirmed that challenges lie ahead, however noted that the University will continue to develop areas of importance to remain attractive. The Free Speech Zone offers a space for contributions from readers, without editing by the TC Daily Planet. This is an open forum for articles that otherwise might not find a place for publication, including news articles, opinion columns, announcements and even a few press releases. Continue Reading

Tough questions still lie ahead for the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment

On November 4th 2008, the citizens of Minnesota went to the voting box and approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. Now grant-funded programs such as fine arts associations, conservation programs and environmental awareness groups will be supplemented by the addition of a slight increase to our state sales tax from 6.5% to 6.875%. The highly publicized arguments for or against the plan have become inconsequential and the time for arguing about who gets the money has begun! Unfortunately for the multitudes of eco conservation teams and metro cultural gurus who were counting on a large financial boost, the rough economy has put the pinch on the expected money flow. Budget cuts proposed by Gov. Pawlenty in his January State Address showed an average 2.2% was cut from the entire budget, although it appears to those involved that the arts and conservation programs have received larger cuts by comparison. Continue Reading

Modern Camping in Kuwait: Good for people, not so good for the environment

Each year, Kuwaiti residents retreat to the desert for the ultimate camping experience. The article Desert Camping in Kuwait from _The Kuwait Armed Forces Journal_ describes the need Kuwaitis feel to seek refuge in the sand as a traditional way to eliminate stress, stray from the mundane routine of daily life, and enjoy nature.The Free Speech Zone offers a space for contributions from readers, without editing by the TC Daily Planet. This is an open forum for articles that otherwise might not find a place for publication, including news articles, opinion columns, announcements and even a few press releases. However, camping in the modern Kuwaiti style is not quite the same as it used to be. Nadia Abu-Qumasha, a Kuwait national, describes what camping was like in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Continue Reading

All Aboard! North Star Line from Minneapolis to Big Lake

I’m sure most of you have heard of the new and coming NorthStar Commuter Train which is also known as the light rail.. The rail is supposed to run from Minneapolis all the way up to Big Lake, which will be it’s northern-most stop of the 40 mile NorthStar line. It is expected to start commuting passengers in late 2009. The Free Speech Zone offers a space for contributions from readers, without editing by the TC Daily Planet. This is an open forum for articles that otherwise might not find a place for publication, including news articles, opinion columns, announcements and even a few press releases. Continue Reading

Learning Styles: Online v. Traditional

When it comes to your education there are many different roads you can take. You are able to take a more traditional route by going to a school, or you can take a nontraditional way through online classes. With our economy in a twist it is becoming more of a fad to learn online. According to www.america.gov more than 3.5 million students in the United States alone, took online classes in 2007, proving that online schooling does indeed appeal to the masses. The only question of concern is; is taking online classes robbing the students of what they need to know. Continue Reading

Life Blood of a Community: Where we gather

The blood is flowing, coffee is brewing and people are talking. The Free Speech Zone offers a space for contributions from readers, without editing by the TC Daily Planet. This is an open forum for articles that otherwise might not find a place for publication, including news articles, opinion columns, announcements and even a few press releases. No, it’s not a coffee shop. I am talking about the Memorial Blood Centers in Coon Rapids. Continue Reading