Story Tips
July 2008
U of M student entrepreneur returns from China, creates video tour guide for Beijing Olympics visitors
July 28, 2008
When University of Minnesota student Dave Lindeman traveled to China last fall, he realized he couldn’t have experienced a more different way of life than his in America. If it hadn't been for his brother who lives in the emerging economic power, Lindeman would have been lost in its crowded streets, quick paced dialects and chaotic roads. But when the budding videographer returned to Minnesota and looked at the footage he had shot, he also realized he might have a solution to help this summer’s Olympics visitors to Beijing who won’t be so lucky.
Four months later, he launched Kangernova.com, a digital tour and language guide to navigating the necessities of life in China. From hailing a taxi to saying “hold the chopsticks, I’d like a fork with my dumplings,” the videos help first-time visitors complete the day-to-day tasks that you won’t see on the Travel Channel.
“The first time you go there it’s so shockingly different,” said Lindeman. “Shopping for a toothbrush, finding transportation and eating out are a challenge. And with the Olympics coming and more Americans traveling year-round for business, I thought there was a need to help bridge the cultures.”
In addition to the site, Lindeman also published a DVD which boasts 300 videos and language lessons. And for travelers on-the-go, it is also available for handheld devices.
Lindeman says the experience has not only honed his web design and video skills, but also exposed him to the rigors of running a small business. He’s learned the importance of establishing relationships with customers and suppliers, a lesson, he says, that isn’t learned in the classroom.
But beyond the video guide, Lindeman says he wants to help Americans prepare for the country so they can get the most out of their trip and be knowledgeable and accepting ambassadors for America. “China is an emerging country that Americans can’t ignore anymore. I’m doing a part in helping bring these two countries together.”
To interview Lindeman about the video guide, contact Drew Swain at (612) 625-8962 or dswain@umn.edu or Elizabeth Giorgi at (612) 624-0214 or egiorgi@umn.edu.
Hidden talent of University of Minnesota president to be fully revealed
July 21, 2008
While you might know University of Minnesota President Bob Bruininks as a highly regarded professor of educational psychology who is pushing the university to become a global leader and helping bring Gopher football back to campus, there’s one special thing you might not know about him -- he’s a gifted trumpet player. You can see him showcase his talent when he plays the “Minnesota Rouser” at noon, Wednesday, July 23 on the Northrop Mall, 84 Church St. S.E., Minneapolis with the Minneapolis Pops Orchestra.
The event is part of the free outdoor summer concert series offered by the university.
“We are thrilled to have President Bruininks join us to introduce this summer’s program and show off his able-bodied trumpet playing,” said Lynn Erickson, a fellow trumpeter from the Minneapolis Pops Orchestra.
Before he earned a doctorate in educational psychology at what is now Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Bruininks briefly considered a career in music. Now, as university president, he occasionally gets the chance to play.
Media are welcome to attend the event and Bruininks will be available for interviews following the performance.
For more information on this event, contact Drew Swain at (612) 625-8962 or dswain@umn.edu or Elizabeth Giorgi at (612) 624-0214 or egiorgi@umn.edu
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