I believe that I learned more from using the WSJ instead of a traditional textbook because the WSJ was current and it expanded on the uses of different mediums that are relevant to today. I think I may have learned more if we used a book and had a mid-term and exams, but only because I would have had to be quizzed on it. Reading the paper did not affect my other classes in anyway. Sure it was something that I had to do, but it only took about fifteen minutes to read the assigned articles.
As for my subscription to the WSJ, I do not believe that I will renew. As it is now, I didn't physically read any of the stories; I just signed in online and read them there. They are in a heap on my front step.
The instructor was amazing. He gave descriptive details about the current media and the practices they use. I learned more than a lot from him.
Based on this course, I know that I want to have a career in one aspect of mass communication, but not quite sure which area. The course gave me a broad spectrum to see how everything works and how the aspects intertwine with each other, but I'm not sure.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Grace Fellowship and Destiny Foundation Partnership Benefits Community
Mike Adkins, pastor of Grace Fellowship Church in Orlando, had more to offer than just Easter at Eola in downtown Orlando last Sunday morning.
Adkins and the Destiny Foundation founder Scott George came together and with the help of Publix, were able to donate 500 grocery bags to Orlando’s working poor (by which Adkins defined as a family of five that earns less than $25,000 a year). According to Adkins’s estimation, Central Florida has an estimate of 300-350,000 working poor and he decided to “meet a need that wasn’t being done.”
That need is being met here, as well as it is abroad.
Grace Fellowship and the Destiny Foundation also provide relief and assistance to the recovering nation of Rwanda. Known for the genocide that happened fourteen years ago, Adkins and George have stepped in to do their part. After seeing three children spend the day walking to a muddy river to drink from it, the two started projects that build wells that offer fresh drinking water. The wells are roughly a mile apart and Adkins said that because of them “the outbreaks of malaria, diarrhea, and other waterborn sicknesses has decreased significantly.”
But back at home, Adkins still has issues that he wants to address, one of which is dealing with the community’s children. Plans are being set for the Destiny Foundation to start a ministry for abused women that will provide safe houses for them as well as their children. Adkins also works with children by volunteering at local schools. The drives there also include giving away groceries.
Despite the church’s already donated $1.8 million to the foundation ($900,000 of which goes directly to the working poor), Grace lacks one essential thing—a building. As of right now, the church meets in an Adventist church downtown that they rent on Sundays. Expensive as it is, Adkins is determined to help the community first.
“Just wish you could do more of reaching a lot more people.” Adkins said. But he has seen his share of success stories. A family that used Destiny for a time to get back on their feet doubled back their money to the foundation. Other clients have been able to meet the one of the organization’s goals: finding jobs and being able to self-support again.
“Our goal is that people won’t need the Destiny Foundation. Some people see it as a hand out; it’s more of a hand up.” For more information about the Destiny Foundation and Grace Fellowship Church, visit www.battlepoverty.org and www.gogracefellowship.com.
Adkins and the Destiny Foundation founder Scott George came together and with the help of Publix, were able to donate 500 grocery bags to Orlando’s working poor (by which Adkins defined as a family of five that earns less than $25,000 a year). According to Adkins’s estimation, Central Florida has an estimate of 300-350,000 working poor and he decided to “meet a need that wasn’t being done.”
That need is being met here, as well as it is abroad.
Grace Fellowship and the Destiny Foundation also provide relief and assistance to the recovering nation of Rwanda. Known for the genocide that happened fourteen years ago, Adkins and George have stepped in to do their part. After seeing three children spend the day walking to a muddy river to drink from it, the two started projects that build wells that offer fresh drinking water. The wells are roughly a mile apart and Adkins said that because of them “the outbreaks of malaria, diarrhea, and other waterborn sicknesses has decreased significantly.”
But back at home, Adkins still has issues that he wants to address, one of which is dealing with the community’s children. Plans are being set for the Destiny Foundation to start a ministry for abused women that will provide safe houses for them as well as their children. Adkins also works with children by volunteering at local schools. The drives there also include giving away groceries.
Despite the church’s already donated $1.8 million to the foundation ($900,000 of which goes directly to the working poor), Grace lacks one essential thing—a building. As of right now, the church meets in an Adventist church downtown that they rent on Sundays. Expensive as it is, Adkins is determined to help the community first.
“Just wish you could do more of reaching a lot more people.” Adkins said. But he has seen his share of success stories. A family that used Destiny for a time to get back on their feet doubled back their money to the foundation. Other clients have been able to meet the one of the organization’s goals: finding jobs and being able to self-support again.
“Our goal is that people won’t need the Destiny Foundation. Some people see it as a hand out; it’s more of a hand up.” For more information about the Destiny Foundation and Grace Fellowship Church, visit www.battlepoverty.org and www.gogracefellowship.com.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Essay 2
Regarding social networking sites, I have an account with Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter. On a weekly average, I spend about seven hours between both sites. The sites are very important to me because it keeps me in touch with and up date with my friends and family members. If I had to pay for the service, I would, but no more than $20 yearly.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Beginning to Understand
By: Courtnee Rattigan
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. – It’s been said that old dogs can’t learn new tricks. Jessica Robinson, the Village PetSmart dog trainer with five years’ experience under her belt, strongly disagrees.
The Tuesday, March 31 evening class of two golden retrievers, a black mutt, a teacup Yorkshire puppy, and a Lhasa Opsa filed into the training ring for their weekly lesson. This class in particular was for beginners, either graduates from the puppy class or dogs that have sufficient knowledge of basic commands.
“It’s much easier to train something new than to try to fix something you’ve already ruined.” Robinson said to her class. The class of five dogs and their human companions watched as Robinson demonstrated with her own 7-month-old German shepherd puppy, Taser, how to get their dog to ‘come on command.’ Having correctly responded to his master, Taser was rewarded with a soft treat.
Mighty, Ashley Patterson’s Yorkie, understood the command on his first attempt. “We never used to praise him or give him treats or anything. His training works so much better when he’s praised.” Patterson said.
To help her more stubborn students, Robinson got on the floor and demonstrated how to correct a dog by gently tugging on its collar.
“The class is helping us understand how to get them to obey commands.” said Terre Peter when asked if the class was helping. Her husband held her playing sister golden retrievers, Callie and Penny. “Being in here gives us ideas for things to do to help them better understand what we want them to do.”
Robinson teaches training classes five days a week, but another trainer teaches on the other two. The other classes offered are Puppy, Intermediate, Advanced, and Canine Good Citizen. Classes meet once a week and cost $109 for an 8 week session. All classes are offered at every PetSmart.
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. – It’s been said that old dogs can’t learn new tricks. Jessica Robinson, the Village PetSmart dog trainer with five years’ experience under her belt, strongly disagrees.
The Tuesday, March 31 evening class of two golden retrievers, a black mutt, a teacup Yorkshire puppy, and a Lhasa Opsa filed into the training ring for their weekly lesson. This class in particular was for beginners, either graduates from the puppy class or dogs that have sufficient knowledge of basic commands.
“It’s much easier to train something new than to try to fix something you’ve already ruined.” Robinson said to her class. The class of five dogs and their human companions watched as Robinson demonstrated with her own 7-month-old German shepherd puppy, Taser, how to get their dog to ‘come on command.’ Having correctly responded to his master, Taser was rewarded with a soft treat.
Mighty, Ashley Patterson’s Yorkie, understood the command on his first attempt. “We never used to praise him or give him treats or anything. His training works so much better when he’s praised.” Patterson said.
To help her more stubborn students, Robinson got on the floor and demonstrated how to correct a dog by gently tugging on its collar.
“The class is helping us understand how to get them to obey commands.” said Terre Peter when asked if the class was helping. Her husband held her playing sister golden retrievers, Callie and Penny. “Being in here gives us ideas for things to do to help them better understand what we want them to do.”
Robinson teaches training classes five days a week, but another trainer teaches on the other two. The other classes offered are Puppy, Intermediate, Advanced, and Canine Good Citizen. Classes meet once a week and cost $109 for an 8 week session. All classes are offered at every PetSmart.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Analyzation of the Sloley Case
“I can’t do it anymore.” were among the last words James Clayton said to his former girlfriend of ten years and close friend, Delphine Milliken. Their conversation occurred at approximately 9:30 on the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 27. By noon, Clayton and his ex-girlfriend Loyta Sloley were found dead in room 548 of the Marriott Courtyard Hotel downtown.
Milliken’s and Clayton’s conversation is only a piece of information from the supplemental police report filed on Feb. 28. The report also details a previous threat, the suspect’s criminal past, as well as the twisted love triangle that possibly led to the murder-suicide.
According to Lance Sloley, the victim’s younger brother, an event happened the Saturday or Sunday before the incident struck him as odd. While intoxicated, Clayton told Herbert Sloley (the victim’s father) that he was going to kill the entire Sloley family. Lance, in turn, packed his things and temporarily moved out of the family apartment and in with a friend.
In Milliken’s sworn police statement, she shares that Clayton called her on Jan. 24 to tell her that he felt that something was “going on” between the victim and his “close friend and co-worker”, Harold Bailey. According to Milliken, Clayton had found Loyta’s car outside of Bailey’s residence the day before. She also states that Clayton had suspected the secret relationship, but this was the first time he’d witnessed it.
In Bailey’s statement to the police, Loyta had recently told him that her relationship with Clayton was over. She said that Clayton still lived with the family and would only continue to do so until he could get on with his life. Bailey also stated that Clayton knew about his and Sloley’s relationship. Bailey testified to having had seen injuries on Loyta that had been caused by Clayton although he never witnessed the abuse firsthand. Bailey, as well as Lance, urged Loyta to call the cops, but Loyta refused saying that she didn’t want to get him in trouble.
Milliken and Clayton shared a few more conversations over the next few days with the last coming a few hours before the murder-suicide. In this conversation, Clayton supposedly gave his bank information, pin number, and other information about his assets to Milliken. She claims he wanted her to have his belongings “in case something happened.”
Clayton and Sloley dropped Sloley’s 11 year old son, AJ, off at Blankner Elementary School on the morning of Jan. 27. In an audiotaped interview with AJ, he recalled the morning as “suspicious” because his mother and Clayton seemed to be calm and getting along, which wasn’t usually the case. AJ also said that it wasn’t usual for Clayton to be there when his mother dropped him off at school.
The police were called at 8:12 by Sloley’s supervisor, Sheryl Blake-Robinson. Blake-Robinson called with the belief that Sloley was being held against her will by Clayton. The police called Sloley and asked her a series of yes and no questions to which she confirmed that she was under duress. Sloley didn’t say where she was and the police obtained a tap record of Sloley’s phone. Sixteen minutes later, an officer was dispatched to Blankner Elementary School after having gotten a call from an unknown child.
Detective Chris Haas was contacted at noon by Detective Pat Schneider to be made known that Sloley and Clayton were found dead in their rented hotel room at the Marriott. The sixteen minutes between the call and dispatch of an officer led to an investigation into the dispatcher. However, since both the suspect and victim are dead, the case has been closed.
Milliken’s and Clayton’s conversation is only a piece of information from the supplemental police report filed on Feb. 28. The report also details a previous threat, the suspect’s criminal past, as well as the twisted love triangle that possibly led to the murder-suicide.
According to Lance Sloley, the victim’s younger brother, an event happened the Saturday or Sunday before the incident struck him as odd. While intoxicated, Clayton told Herbert Sloley (the victim’s father) that he was going to kill the entire Sloley family. Lance, in turn, packed his things and temporarily moved out of the family apartment and in with a friend.
In Milliken’s sworn police statement, she shares that Clayton called her on Jan. 24 to tell her that he felt that something was “going on” between the victim and his “close friend and co-worker”, Harold Bailey. According to Milliken, Clayton had found Loyta’s car outside of Bailey’s residence the day before. She also states that Clayton had suspected the secret relationship, but this was the first time he’d witnessed it.
In Bailey’s statement to the police, Loyta had recently told him that her relationship with Clayton was over. She said that Clayton still lived with the family and would only continue to do so until he could get on with his life. Bailey also stated that Clayton knew about his and Sloley’s relationship. Bailey testified to having had seen injuries on Loyta that had been caused by Clayton although he never witnessed the abuse firsthand. Bailey, as well as Lance, urged Loyta to call the cops, but Loyta refused saying that she didn’t want to get him in trouble.
Milliken and Clayton shared a few more conversations over the next few days with the last coming a few hours before the murder-suicide. In this conversation, Clayton supposedly gave his bank information, pin number, and other information about his assets to Milliken. She claims he wanted her to have his belongings “in case something happened.”
Clayton and Sloley dropped Sloley’s 11 year old son, AJ, off at Blankner Elementary School on the morning of Jan. 27. In an audiotaped interview with AJ, he recalled the morning as “suspicious” because his mother and Clayton seemed to be calm and getting along, which wasn’t usually the case. AJ also said that it wasn’t usual for Clayton to be there when his mother dropped him off at school.
The police were called at 8:12 by Sloley’s supervisor, Sheryl Blake-Robinson. Blake-Robinson called with the belief that Sloley was being held against her will by Clayton. The police called Sloley and asked her a series of yes and no questions to which she confirmed that she was under duress. Sloley didn’t say where she was and the police obtained a tap record of Sloley’s phone. Sixteen minutes later, an officer was dispatched to Blankner Elementary School after having gotten a call from an unknown child.
Detective Chris Haas was contacted at noon by Detective Pat Schneider to be made known that Sloley and Clayton were found dead in their rented hotel room at the Marriott. The sixteen minutes between the call and dispatch of an officer led to an investigation into the dispatcher. However, since both the suspect and victim are dead, the case has been closed.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Death of a Beloved Local Hero
BISMARCK, S.D.—Joe Voss, beloved World War II hero and former North Dakota governor, died on Wednesday.
Voss was born on a farm east of Wogansport, North Dakota on April 17, 1915. Growing up, he also said that his love of flying dated back to his childhood when he watched pilots fly over his family’s home and wave to him from the cockpit. “I thought, ‘Someday I’m gonna trade these horses for an airplane.’”
True to his word, Voss served as a Marine pilot in World War II. Among the most prominent World War II heroes, Voss was known for shooting down twenty-six enemy planes. This won him the Congressional Medal of Honor as well as the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Once back in the states, Republican Voss served in the North Dakota State Legislature for five years. In 1955, he became governor, an office he held for 2 consecutive terms.
In 1965, Voss was elected the third commissioner of the Canadian Football League. He maintained that position for ten years, as well as hosting ABC’s “The Great Outdoorsman” from ’73-’78.
“I always had the attitude that every day will be a great day,” Voss said in a 1987 interview. “I look forward to it like a kid in a candy store, wherever I am.”
In 1988, Voss was chosen to be president of the National Outdoorsman Association; he served through 1990. He published his autobiography Proud to Be an American in 1993, the opening sentence of which he states, “I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to fly.”
At a public appearance in Beaverton, Michigan this June, former North Dakota Mayor Voss suffered cerebral bleeding and collapsed. He had not regained consciousness from the apparent aneurysm. His death was announced by current North Dakota Governor Will Ranklow.
Voss was born on a farm east of Wogansport, North Dakota on April 17, 1915. Growing up, he also said that his love of flying dated back to his childhood when he watched pilots fly over his family’s home and wave to him from the cockpit. “I thought, ‘Someday I’m gonna trade these horses for an airplane.’”
True to his word, Voss served as a Marine pilot in World War II. Among the most prominent World War II heroes, Voss was known for shooting down twenty-six enemy planes. This won him the Congressional Medal of Honor as well as the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Once back in the states, Republican Voss served in the North Dakota State Legislature for five years. In 1955, he became governor, an office he held for 2 consecutive terms.
In 1965, Voss was elected the third commissioner of the Canadian Football League. He maintained that position for ten years, as well as hosting ABC’s “The Great Outdoorsman” from ’73-’78.
“I always had the attitude that every day will be a great day,” Voss said in a 1987 interview. “I look forward to it like a kid in a candy store, wherever I am.”
In 1988, Voss was chosen to be president of the National Outdoorsman Association; he served through 1990. He published his autobiography Proud to Be an American in 1993, the opening sentence of which he states, “I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to fly.”
At a public appearance in Beaverton, Michigan this June, former North Dakota Mayor Voss suffered cerebral bleeding and collapsed. He had not regained consciousness from the apparent aneurysm. His death was announced by current North Dakota Governor Will Ranklow.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Phillies Rally Past the Braves
Lake Buena Vista, Fla.—Just over eight thousand were in attendance to watch the Atlanta Braves host the Philadelphia Phillies this past Sunday at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
Lots of familiar faces dotted the Champion Stadium field—from Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins and 2006 NL MVP Ryan Howard to Braves catcher Brian McCann, right fielder Jeff Francoeur, and third baseman Chipper Jones. Even the world-renown Harlem Globetrotters stopped in for a quick show.
Despite having a 2-0 lead through the fourth inning, the Phillies answered the Braves with a run in the top of the fifth and four more in the sixth. Brian McCann’s homer in the bottom of the sixth stirred hopes of a Braves comeback, but none came. The Phillies finished the game, winning 7-3.
The next Braves event is an exhibition game against Panama. The game will be held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports on Tuesday, March 3.
Lots of familiar faces dotted the Champion Stadium field—from Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins and 2006 NL MVP Ryan Howard to Braves catcher Brian McCann, right fielder Jeff Francoeur, and third baseman Chipper Jones. Even the world-renown Harlem Globetrotters stopped in for a quick show.
Despite having a 2-0 lead through the fourth inning, the Phillies answered the Braves with a run in the top of the fifth and four more in the sixth. Brian McCann’s homer in the bottom of the sixth stirred hopes of a Braves comeback, but none came. The Phillies finished the game, winning 7-3.
The next Braves event is an exhibition game against Panama. The game will be held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports on Tuesday, March 3.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Essay 2
My favorite movie is Iron Man, but if I were to watch one movie over and over on a deserted island, it would have to be Casablanca. I like this movie because I’m highly nostalgic and it brings back a lot of memories. My first encounter with it was on the Great Movie Ride at Disney’s MGM (now Hollywood) Studios. Our car broke down in front of the Casablanca scene and we were stuck there for roughly twenty minutes. I can’t even count how many times I heard “Here’s looking at you, kid” before the ride finally resumed. The next time I encountered it was during Ethics class in high school. My senior class watched it and the teacher brought our attention to the cinematography and how things were portrayed back in the 40s. I also like how although the main character Rick is somewhat hardened, he has enough of a heart and decency to let the movie end the “right” way.
I prefer watching a film at a theater as opposed to watching it on another platform. For me, the theater is a better setting to watch a movie. The popcorn (though overpriced and occasionally burnt), the other audience members (sometimes they get too out of hand), and watching it on a big screen. I also LOVE the opportunity to watch a film when it opens at midnight. But watching movies at home is good too because you’re in your own environment and can watch it however and whenever you want.
I did not watch the Academy Awards on Sunday because I’m not really one to watch awards shows. I’m not there, the people don’t necessarily care about me watching, and I don’t know any of the actors or actresses personally to be happy for them if they won or sad if they lost.
I prefer watching a film at a theater as opposed to watching it on another platform. For me, the theater is a better setting to watch a movie. The popcorn (though overpriced and occasionally burnt), the other audience members (sometimes they get too out of hand), and watching it on a big screen. I also LOVE the opportunity to watch a film when it opens at midnight. But watching movies at home is good too because you’re in your own environment and can watch it however and whenever you want.
I did not watch the Academy Awards on Sunday because I’m not really one to watch awards shows. I’m not there, the people don’t necessarily care about me watching, and I don’t know any of the actors or actresses personally to be happy for them if they won or sad if they lost.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Block's Solo Endeavor Drifts
“I got to tell you guys…I-4 is an issue.”
Despite his being twenty minutes late, the visitors to the Winter Park Village Borders were more than happy to see Sister Hazel front man perform early Saturday afternoon.
Seattle’s Best café quickly proved not to be the best option for the performance and signing of Block’s solo album. There were roughly thirty seats, but onlookers affectionately called “Blockheads” were proud to stand in the available space or sit on the ground.
An extremely personable man, Block started his performance off on a light note, telling the crowd that he was a Sagittarius and strumming nonchalantly on his acoustic guitar. The first song he performed was “Sylvia” which was named after his grandmother; it’s retitled “33,059 Days” on Drift.
Block paused the performance to do a Q & A session, even welcoming a question from a six year old audience member. When asked about how he got his start in music, Block responded with “I grew up around creative people.” He went on to explain that his father had four degrees in music and that both parents wanted him to stay in school. He then proudly shared that Sister Hazel is “the only platinum selling rock band where all five of {them} have a college degree.”
When asked his opinion on Block’s performance, audience member Tony Moore said, “Actually it was good. Comparable to Dave Matthews and I like that. I will definitely buy the CD.”
“I didn’t go solo.” Block quickly cleared up when asked about his CD. “I needed another outlet. There’s only so much room on a Sister Hazel CD. And I felt like I had the right vision for how it should unfold.” The band performed at the House of Blues on Saturday night and will be performing in Vegas on March 7.
Despite his being twenty minutes late, the visitors to the Winter Park Village Borders were more than happy to see Sister Hazel front man perform early Saturday afternoon.
Seattle’s Best café quickly proved not to be the best option for the performance and signing of Block’s solo album. There were roughly thirty seats, but onlookers affectionately called “Blockheads” were proud to stand in the available space or sit on the ground.
An extremely personable man, Block started his performance off on a light note, telling the crowd that he was a Sagittarius and strumming nonchalantly on his acoustic guitar. The first song he performed was “Sylvia” which was named after his grandmother; it’s retitled “33,059 Days” on Drift.
Block paused the performance to do a Q & A session, even welcoming a question from a six year old audience member. When asked about how he got his start in music, Block responded with “I grew up around creative people.” He went on to explain that his father had four degrees in music and that both parents wanted him to stay in school. He then proudly shared that Sister Hazel is “the only platinum selling rock band where all five of {them} have a college degree.”
When asked his opinion on Block’s performance, audience member Tony Moore said, “Actually it was good. Comparable to Dave Matthews and I like that. I will definitely buy the CD.”
“I didn’t go solo.” Block quickly cleared up when asked about his CD. “I needed another outlet. There’s only so much room on a Sister Hazel CD. And I felt like I had the right vision for how it should unfold.” The band performed at the House of Blues on Saturday night and will be performing in Vegas on March 7.
Madea Owned Jail
For anyone that’s seen any of the previous Tyler Perry plays gone movies, you have to admit that Madea’s the crowd pleaser and the focus of the show. It’s no surprise—a sarcastic, wise cracking, impatient grandma that has a tender, caring side as well; we love it. She’s one of Perry’s characters that EVERYONE can relate to. This movie was no different.
Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail is exactly what it says. Grandma took several steps too far and had to do the time for it (granted, she should have been locked up a whole lot sooner, but we all know what it feels like when someone takes our parking space!). A master of blending his character’s paths, Perry has you keeping an eye on Madea’s comedic criminal history (which happened to include pole dancing; have you seen her?!) while pulling you into the other plot of a vicious love circle and a prostitute. OK, it sounds a lot worse than it is, but I can’t explain without giving too much away.
The movie was great, although I thought there could have been a slightly better ending. But I will say it did a good job of incorporating the Browns, the namesake family of Perry’s TBS show, into the story. It was a refreshing change to add a few new characters and further explain the Simmons family tree. One thing I loved most about the movie was that it was real. It showed life from the other side of the track and the possibilities that can be achieved…and the consequences of bad choices. I’d recommend seeing it…not as a must see, but as a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail is exactly what it says. Grandma took several steps too far and had to do the time for it (granted, she should have been locked up a whole lot sooner, but we all know what it feels like when someone takes our parking space!). A master of blending his character’s paths, Perry has you keeping an eye on Madea’s comedic criminal history (which happened to include pole dancing; have you seen her?!) while pulling you into the other plot of a vicious love circle and a prostitute. OK, it sounds a lot worse than it is, but I can’t explain without giving too much away.
The movie was great, although I thought there could have been a slightly better ending. But I will say it did a good job of incorporating the Browns, the namesake family of Perry’s TBS show, into the story. It was a refreshing change to add a few new characters and further explain the Simmons family tree. One thing I loved most about the movie was that it was real. It showed life from the other side of the track and the possibilities that can be achieved…and the consequences of bad choices. I’d recommend seeing it…not as a must see, but as a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Defending Champs Dethroned
When asked about her last event five mile run through Lake Louisa State Park, 2009 Women’s Great Escape winner Dr. Joanna Zeiger said that, “It felt like ten!”
It’s no surprise she felt that way. The triathlon winner swam a mile and rode 18 before having to contend with the run, not to mention that mounting pressure of last year’s winner Sara McLarty on her heels. Despite McLarty coming out of the swim with the men that had had a three minute headstart, Zeiger started the run with a two minute lead on the defending champ. Zeiger, the inaugural’s race winner, finished the event in 1:36:18, nearly four minutes ahead of Gator alumni McLarty. Lauren Jensen finished third with a time of 1:43:36.
Now as for the men—things were a whole lot dicier. The male event started with about 200 participants, but more than half dropped after the mile swim. The rivalry on this side was between defending champ Jarrod Shoemaker and Gator alumni Kevin Collington. From the beginning of the event, the two men were neck and neck. It all came down to the last few seconds, literally. Collington sprinted ahead with his last burst of energy and finished with a time of 1:26:55. Shoemaker came right behind him with a time of 1:27:09. Third place finisher Wolfgang Gumbel clocked in with 1:30:15. How’s that for competition?
The three placers in both divisions walked away with a monetary prize. Zeiger and Collington left with $500 each, McLarty and Shoemaker took $300, and Jensen and Gumbel received $200. The Great Escape Triathlon is part of the Escape to Alcatraz Triathlon series and a qualifier for the Escape to Alcatraz triathlon which will take place in June.
It’s no surprise she felt that way. The triathlon winner swam a mile and rode 18 before having to contend with the run, not to mention that mounting pressure of last year’s winner Sara McLarty on her heels. Despite McLarty coming out of the swim with the men that had had a three minute headstart, Zeiger started the run with a two minute lead on the defending champ. Zeiger, the inaugural’s race winner, finished the event in 1:36:18, nearly four minutes ahead of Gator alumni McLarty. Lauren Jensen finished third with a time of 1:43:36.
Now as for the men—things were a whole lot dicier. The male event started with about 200 participants, but more than half dropped after the mile swim. The rivalry on this side was between defending champ Jarrod Shoemaker and Gator alumni Kevin Collington. From the beginning of the event, the two men were neck and neck. It all came down to the last few seconds, literally. Collington sprinted ahead with his last burst of energy and finished with a time of 1:26:55. Shoemaker came right behind him with a time of 1:27:09. Third place finisher Wolfgang Gumbel clocked in with 1:30:15. How’s that for competition?
The three placers in both divisions walked away with a monetary prize. Zeiger and Collington left with $500 each, McLarty and Shoemaker took $300, and Jensen and Gumbel received $200. The Great Escape Triathlon is part of the Escape to Alcatraz Triathlon series and a qualifier for the Escape to Alcatraz triathlon which will take place in June.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Last Standing American Makes It To The Top
Even after big sister Venus’s defeat by Spanish Carla Suarez Navarro in the fourth day of play, Serena Williams dug deep and made it to the Australian Open finals. Number two ranked Serena played the final against number three, Russia’s Dinara Safina. Not to say total domination, but Serena quickly defeated Dinara in straight sets (6-0, 6-3). Their match lasted for just over an hour.
On the other end, the men’s finals were played between number two ranked Roger Federer and the Spanish native that took his number one spot, Rafael Nadal. Though not the first time the two met in a grand slam final (six times in all), it must have been the longest—well over four hours. Nadal showed exactly why he is currently ranked number one, beating Federer in five sets (7-5, 3-6, 7-6 , 3-6, 6-2).
On the other end, the men’s finals were played between number two ranked Roger Federer and the Spanish native that took his number one spot, Rafael Nadal. Though not the first time the two met in a grand slam final (six times in all), it must have been the longest—well over four hours. Nadal showed exactly why he is currently ranked number one, beating Federer in five sets (7-5, 3-6, 7-6 , 3-6, 6-2).
Friday, January 23, 2009
An Afternoon of Gothic Horror
“Nevermore”—Edgar Allan Poe, “The Raven”
The room was captivated by the one man standing at the stage in the front of the room. His voice inflections, different tones for characters, and exaggerated pauses held every audience member in the palm of his hand and on the edge of their seats. Joshua Kane, a New York City actor, was on West campus Wednesday afternoon performing several readings of Edgar Allan Poe in celebration of the poet’s 200th birthday. Kane started the event by giving a brief description of how he got started in the business of “gothic horror” and one man shows—“perverted grandparents.” According to Kane, his grandparents bought him the complete works of Poe, which he read over and over again. They gave him his inspiration he needed to heavily consider a career in acting.
An English and history double major at the University of Bridgeport, Kane dropped out three months into studying to pursue an acting career. He started off reciting Poe’s poems in college and university libraries which he still does to this day. Kane then shared his history of being in a “macabre” magic show as a teenager and “interning” with the late Vincent Price. At twenty-five, he graduated with both of his degrees.
Starting with “Alone” and reciting several well known poems such as “The Tell Tale Heart” and “The Raven,” Kane performed highly emotional and personalized renditions of the poetry. In “The Raven”, Kane requested for audience participation by whispering the word “nevermore” at his cue. It “lended breath to the piece,” causing a somewhat eerie effect. The last performance was “Annabel Lee”, the only piece that he started off by singing.
Kane tours the country performing Poe as well as Shakespeare in addition to teaching workshops; he also does a few commercial voiceovers. The workshop he taught at Valencia was his “Imaginary Tool Kit,” his remedy of how he got through writer’s block while in college. Kane is planning to start producing his own CD recordings of his shows; his website www.joshuakane.com currently has several twenty minute clips of video from previous shows. His upcoming engagements are at a theater in Tampa, as well as the Kravitz Center in West Palm Beach.
The room was captivated by the one man standing at the stage in the front of the room. His voice inflections, different tones for characters, and exaggerated pauses held every audience member in the palm of his hand and on the edge of their seats. Joshua Kane, a New York City actor, was on West campus Wednesday afternoon performing several readings of Edgar Allan Poe in celebration of the poet’s 200th birthday. Kane started the event by giving a brief description of how he got started in the business of “gothic horror” and one man shows—“perverted grandparents.” According to Kane, his grandparents bought him the complete works of Poe, which he read over and over again. They gave him his inspiration he needed to heavily consider a career in acting.
An English and history double major at the University of Bridgeport, Kane dropped out three months into studying to pursue an acting career. He started off reciting Poe’s poems in college and university libraries which he still does to this day. Kane then shared his history of being in a “macabre” magic show as a teenager and “interning” with the late Vincent Price. At twenty-five, he graduated with both of his degrees.
Starting with “Alone” and reciting several well known poems such as “The Tell Tale Heart” and “The Raven,” Kane performed highly emotional and personalized renditions of the poetry. In “The Raven”, Kane requested for audience participation by whispering the word “nevermore” at his cue. It “lended breath to the piece,” causing a somewhat eerie effect. The last performance was “Annabel Lee”, the only piece that he started off by singing.
Kane tours the country performing Poe as well as Shakespeare in addition to teaching workshops; he also does a few commercial voiceovers. The workshop he taught at Valencia was his “Imaginary Tool Kit,” his remedy of how he got through writer’s block while in college. Kane is planning to start producing his own CD recordings of his shows; his website www.joshuakane.com currently has several twenty minute clips of video from previous shows. His upcoming engagements are at a theater in Tampa, as well as the Kravitz Center in West Palm Beach.
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