When you think of the days leading up to finals, instantly the thought of endless days and sleepless nights comprised of cramming loads of information come to mind. You start to feel stress and anxiety creep in and you need a release.
Fortunately for UWF students they didn't have to venture off campus.
The fair rides, food, prize giveaways, live DJ, and carnival game trailer at UWF’s 2nd annual CAB After Dark presented by the Campus Activity Board on Friday, April 15 in Lot H at 7:00 p.m. provided just the release that many overwhelmed students were looking for. If nothing else, it certainly provided entertainment for students like James Post, a freshman at UWF, who said that he came out because he was bored and had nothing to do on Friday night.
CAB Program Advisor Brittney Lewis says that a lot of time and effort went into planning this years event.
“A lot of work went into CAB After Dark, we started planning last semester in August,” she says.“We have six people on our executive board that work to create this amazing event!We have already started on plans for next year!”
CAB President Jhonny Denis says that students need a break from their hectic finals week schedules and that the event’s purpose is to give students an opportunity to mix some fun in between finals as well as to energize students' excitement for the campus and CAB.
“I feel that an event like CAB After Dark is real important to the students here on the campus of UWF because it allows them to relieve some of their stress, come out enjoy themselves and allow them to just be able to have a time or replacement where they can rewind from all the studying and stress of getting ready for finals,” he says.
“On another note, I just think that putting on programs like this gets students excited about the campus as well as the Campus Activity Board.”
Christina Duncan, who is also a Program Advisor for CAB, says that CAB After Dark was a result of cutting the CAB’s Special Events budget.
“Formerly on Campus Activity Board we had four committees," she says."We had Catch a Rising Star, Center Stage, Cinemagic, and Special Events, and we did not have a person that was interested in coming back as the Special Events chair last year so we had an idea of why not take the Special Events budget and put into one huge blow out event at the end of the year.After we mowed after that a little bit, basically CAB After Dark was born.”
Duncan adds that CAB is interested in incorporating a late night program to encourage students to stay on campus and in Pensacola over the weekend as a safe alternative to going out to bars and drinking.
The Video:
Story of my life.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Iconicity: Scott Campbell + Albert Exergian
UWF students and lovers of art came out yesterday to view and appreciate the poster designs by graphic design artists Scott Campbell and Albert Exergian at the exhibit Iconicity presented by The Art Gallery, TAG, located in The Center For Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82 on campus.
The opening reception, which was sponsored by the Lewis Bear Company, began at 6:00 p.m. and ended at 8:00 pm. The mood in the art gallery was reflective of the modernistic posters hanging on the walls of The Art Gallery, chill and relaxed yet bursting with creative energy and passion. The two featured artists, Scott Campbell and Albert Exergian both use posters as an avenue to express iconic popular culture images through a modern and minimalistic design form.
Scott Campbell's repertoire includes design, illustration, and printmaking in the music and entertainment industries. He lives in New Orleans, Louisiana and he studied printmaking and design at Louisiana State University and Penland School of Crafts.Campbell’s artwork has previously been on display in Museum of Design Atlanta. Campbell is a part of the rising sub-genre of gig poster design. He creates screen prints that function as band posters and translates these into artwork without any text.
Exergian is a graphic design artist based out of Vienna, Austria. He founded a design consultancy company called EXERGIAN in 1998. He designs posters that represent the concepts of different TV series, it is fitting that his poster series presented at the exhibit is called, Iconic TV.
Art Gallery Director Amy Bowman is pleased with the interest generated by the exhibit, noting the presence of members of the public as well as UWF students.
“I am extremely pleased with the turnout. We had 120 people in attendance throughout the night and it was a mixture of students across campus and community members. It was a very successful evening that is exemplary of the growing interest in the events and exhibitions programmed and curated by TAG UWF and the Department of Art.”
Students who come out to the exhibits are not only interested in the artists and art, they also want to show their support for The Art Gallery and gain a new perspective on art to widen their horizons.
Alesia Hoyle, a junior at UWF who majors in studio art and archaeology, says that she came out to the exhibit to support the arts and to take advantage of the opportunities to learn more about the different elements of art.
“I come out to all of the opening receptions and I’m really supportive of the arts and I love taking these opportunities to come see free galleries and take advantage of the community here that is being represented with all the artists,” she said. “It’s just a wonderful opportunity to see what comes through this gallery every single time a show is presented. It just helps all the artists get a different perspective on what is going on there in the art world and also how they can improve their personal skills.”
Another UWF student Bree McCastle, a junior who majors in communication arts, says “I feel like a lot of times the art department is not well supported so whenever I can make it out, I like to come and enjoy the festivities and enjoy the artwork of other students and a lot of times it kind of gives me an idea of where I’m at, like as far as my performance and artwork and style and what not and where I can improve and It’s an enjoyable occasion so I like it.”
The Iconicity exhibit will be on view until April 14.
The opening reception, which was sponsored by the Lewis Bear Company, began at 6:00 p.m. and ended at 8:00 pm. The mood in the art gallery was reflective of the modernistic posters hanging on the walls of The Art Gallery, chill and relaxed yet bursting with creative energy and passion. The two featured artists, Scott Campbell and Albert Exergian both use posters as an avenue to express iconic popular culture images through a modern and minimalistic design form.
Scott Campbell's repertoire includes design, illustration, and printmaking in the music and entertainment industries. He lives in New Orleans, Louisiana and he studied printmaking and design at Louisiana State University and Penland School of Crafts.Campbell’s artwork has previously been on display in Museum of Design Atlanta. Campbell is a part of the rising sub-genre of gig poster design. He creates screen prints that function as band posters and translates these into artwork without any text.
Exergian is a graphic design artist based out of Vienna, Austria. He founded a design consultancy company called EXERGIAN in 1998. He designs posters that represent the concepts of different TV series, it is fitting that his poster series presented at the exhibit is called, Iconic TV.
Art Gallery Director Amy Bowman is pleased with the interest generated by the exhibit, noting the presence of members of the public as well as UWF students.
“I am extremely pleased with the turnout. We had 120 people in attendance throughout the night and it was a mixture of students across campus and community members. It was a very successful evening that is exemplary of the growing interest in the events and exhibitions programmed and curated by TAG UWF and the Department of Art.”
Students who come out to the exhibits are not only interested in the artists and art, they also want to show their support for The Art Gallery and gain a new perspective on art to widen their horizons.
Alesia Hoyle, a junior at UWF who majors in studio art and archaeology, says that she came out to the exhibit to support the arts and to take advantage of the opportunities to learn more about the different elements of art.
“I come out to all of the opening receptions and I’m really supportive of the arts and I love taking these opportunities to come see free galleries and take advantage of the community here that is being represented with all the artists,” she said. “It’s just a wonderful opportunity to see what comes through this gallery every single time a show is presented. It just helps all the artists get a different perspective on what is going on there in the art world and also how they can improve their personal skills.”
Another UWF student Bree McCastle, a junior who majors in communication arts, says “I feel like a lot of times the art department is not well supported so whenever I can make it out, I like to come and enjoy the festivities and enjoy the artwork of other students and a lot of times it kind of gives me an idea of where I’m at, like as far as my performance and artwork and style and what not and where I can improve and It’s an enjoyable occasion so I like it.”
The Iconicity exhibit will be on view until April 14.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Freedom to Bear Arms....Even On Campus?
Florida Senator Greg Evers wants to pass a bill through the Florida Legislature that would allow college students over the age of 21 who have concealed weapons permmits to carry around firearms on campus.
The senator believes that this measure is a stride towards fulfilling the forefather's wishes for us to have the right to bear arms and protect ourselves.
Although I can see the benefits of both sides of the argument, I lean towards the opposition of this bill. Crime does occur on college campuses and students should have the right to protect themselves against crime but I don't believe letting anybody with a permit to carry a gun bring their gun to school is responsible nor safe.
I think that UWF's current system of protecting students is sufficient enough. I believe that this bill if passed would only invite problems because let's face it, there will always be that one person who takes their privileges too far.
Most parents can relate to the worries of sending their children off to a new, unfamiliar environment for the first time. These worries are only escalated with tragic incidents such as the Virgina Tech shootings.
Personally, I would feel less safe if I knew strangers were walking around on campus with guns. I also don't really feel the need to carry a gun myself even though I am aware that things do happen as the recent assault on a woman near UWF's campus proves. I would rather just take the risk and trust in God and the current system in place. If it isn't broke, why fix it?
The senator believes that this measure is a stride towards fulfilling the forefather's wishes for us to have the right to bear arms and protect ourselves.
Although I can see the benefits of both sides of the argument, I lean towards the opposition of this bill. Crime does occur on college campuses and students should have the right to protect themselves against crime but I don't believe letting anybody with a permit to carry a gun bring their gun to school is responsible nor safe.
I think that UWF's current system of protecting students is sufficient enough. I believe that this bill if passed would only invite problems because let's face it, there will always be that one person who takes their privileges too far.
Most parents can relate to the worries of sending their children off to a new, unfamiliar environment for the first time. These worries are only escalated with tragic incidents such as the Virgina Tech shootings.
Personally, I would feel less safe if I knew strangers were walking around on campus with guns. I also don't really feel the need to carry a gun myself even though I am aware that things do happen as the recent assault on a woman near UWF's campus proves. I would rather just take the risk and trust in God and the current system in place. If it isn't broke, why fix it?
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Recap On SEAS February 23 Meeting
The Student Enivronmental Action Society met on February 23
at 5:30 p.m. in Building 13 in room 230.
At the meeting, there was anticipation to discuss the Save Our Sanctuary campaign that SEAS organized to stop the proposed construction in the UWF Athletics Facilities Master Plan on the the Baars-Firestone Wildlife Sanctuary located next to Village East and the UWF back entrance. The developments include a golf course,a driving range, IM fields, and two parking lots.
The meeting opened with SEAS President David Lee giving the itinerary for the group's planned April 19 trip to an environmental conference called Powershift.
Jeremy Kester, SEAS member and rain biology major says that Powershift not only gives students the opportunity to learn about environmental sustainability and climate change, but it challenges them to organize student activist groups to promote and influence legislation that supports sustainable energy.
"Powershift is a conference held biannually to engage students in lectures, workshops, and training sessions which are focused on aspects promoting sustainability and preventing further climate change in areas like legislation, community development, political procedures, the formation of more "green collar" jobs, and initiatives on American campuses," said Kester.
He adds, "One of the overriding themes of this conference seems to be organizing student activists for the purpose of initiating and motivating a shift in lawmakers-- or at least influencing them by lobbying or assembling large numbers of students (aka voters)-- towards enacting, or at the least, promoting sustainability initiatives and legislation for 'green' energy."
The other main topic raised in the meeting was the Save Our Sanctuary Campaign. For those who haven't been keeping up with campus news, SEAS has been featured in the Voyager recently for their Save Our Sanctuary campaign.
Lee encouraged members to conjure up their own definitions for what the Baars-Firestone Wildlife Sanctuary means to them and the community at large. In the current UWF Master Campus Master plan there are provisions which conserve certain natural areas on campus if designated as "environmentally sensitive" and used for "limited amounts of human activity such as pedestrian trails, boardwalks, outdoor education, etc." SEAS is planning several demonstratations on campus to ensure that students are informed about UWF's Athletics Facilities Master Plan and the SOS campaign to stop construction.
SEAS members were vocal in their responses to Lee's challenge. A few members already formed definitions of what the area meant to them. One commented that the area is truly a sanctuary for both students and its natural inhabitants such as the bald eagle that was recently photographed in its nest in the Baars-Firestone Wildlife Sanctuary.
Lee urged SEAS members to also come up with suggestions for revamping their website and Facebook page. The meeting closed with Lee showing off some of the posters that SEAS members have designed for the Save Our Sanctuary campaign.
at 5:30 p.m. in Building 13 in room 230.
At the meeting, there was anticipation to discuss the Save Our Sanctuary campaign that SEAS organized to stop the proposed construction in the UWF Athletics Facilities Master Plan on the the Baars-Firestone Wildlife Sanctuary located next to Village East and the UWF back entrance. The developments include a golf course,a driving range, IM fields, and two parking lots.
The meeting opened with SEAS President David Lee giving the itinerary for the group's planned April 19 trip to an environmental conference called Powershift.
Jeremy Kester, SEAS member and rain biology major says that Powershift not only gives students the opportunity to learn about environmental sustainability and climate change, but it challenges them to organize student activist groups to promote and influence legislation that supports sustainable energy.
"Powershift is a conference held biannually to engage students in lectures, workshops, and training sessions which are focused on aspects promoting sustainability and preventing further climate change in areas like legislation, community development, political procedures, the formation of more "green collar" jobs, and initiatives on American campuses," said Kester.
He adds, "One of the overriding themes of this conference seems to be organizing student activists for the purpose of initiating and motivating a shift in lawmakers-- or at least influencing them by lobbying or assembling large numbers of students (aka voters)-- towards enacting, or at the least, promoting sustainability initiatives and legislation for 'green' energy."
The other main topic raised in the meeting was the Save Our Sanctuary Campaign. For those who haven't been keeping up with campus news, SEAS has been featured in the Voyager recently for their Save Our Sanctuary campaign.
Lee encouraged members to conjure up their own definitions for what the Baars-Firestone Wildlife Sanctuary means to them and the community at large. In the current UWF Master Campus Master plan there are provisions which conserve certain natural areas on campus if designated as "environmentally sensitive" and used for "limited amounts of human activity such as pedestrian trails, boardwalks, outdoor education, etc." SEAS is planning several demonstratations on campus to ensure that students are informed about UWF's Athletics Facilities Master Plan and the SOS campaign to stop construction.
SEAS members were vocal in their responses to Lee's challenge. A few members already formed definitions of what the area meant to them. One commented that the area is truly a sanctuary for both students and its natural inhabitants such as the bald eagle that was recently photographed in its nest in the Baars-Firestone Wildlife Sanctuary.
Lee urged SEAS members to also come up with suggestions for revamping their website and Facebook page. The meeting closed with Lee showing off some of the posters that SEAS members have designed for the Save Our Sanctuary campaign.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Bottom Line: Abortion Is a Touchy Topic
Last Tuesday, the nonprofit organization The Center for Bio Ethical Reform exhibited their Genocide Awareness Project at the University of West Florida next to the Commons. The display featured graphic photographs of aborted and abused and neglected children.
I was taken aback by the exhibit as I walked from the Commons to the library. First, I had just eaten lunch so you can imagine the ramifications the images had on my not yet settled stomach. But more importantly, I was unsure of what to make of the graphic photographs, or moreso what to take away from them.
I have always been pro-life, however, I have never vilified those who oppose my stance on abortion. I believe that life begins at conception and that an embryo is a living human-being. My stance on abortion is undoubtedly shaped by my moral convictions and principles which are undoubtedly influenced by my Christian beliefs.
Though I believe that abortion is morally unjust, I don't know if the huge exhibit was entirely effective at driving that point across and convincing others to acknowledge the unjust factor though it certainly did exhibit the brutal nature of abortion and child neglect and abuse.
Every passerby had an opinion on the exhibit and that is for certain. While I sat on the bench in front of library, the students who walked pass me either proclaimed their outright disgust, utter indifference, or agreement of the message of the exhibit.
As for the subject of the exhibit, I can say without hesitation that I agree completely that abortion is immoral. I don't know if getting that message across by shoving it down everybody's throats via a huge graphic display was necessarily an effective approach.
I was taken aback by the exhibit as I walked from the Commons to the library. First, I had just eaten lunch so you can imagine the ramifications the images had on my not yet settled stomach. But more importantly, I was unsure of what to make of the graphic photographs, or moreso what to take away from them.
I have always been pro-life, however, I have never vilified those who oppose my stance on abortion. I believe that life begins at conception and that an embryo is a living human-being. My stance on abortion is undoubtedly shaped by my moral convictions and principles which are undoubtedly influenced by my Christian beliefs.
Though I believe that abortion is morally unjust, I don't know if the huge exhibit was entirely effective at driving that point across and convincing others to acknowledge the unjust factor though it certainly did exhibit the brutal nature of abortion and child neglect and abuse.
Every passerby had an opinion on the exhibit and that is for certain. While I sat on the bench in front of library, the students who walked pass me either proclaimed their outright disgust, utter indifference, or agreement of the message of the exhibit.
As for the subject of the exhibit, I can say without hesitation that I agree completely that abortion is immoral. I don't know if getting that message across by shoving it down everybody's throats via a huge graphic display was necessarily an effective approach.
Friday, February 18, 2011
UWF Is Reviving the Society of Professional Journalists Chapter
When we think of comebacks, one might reminisce on the powerful comebacks of two sports veterans, Michael Jordan and Brett Favre after they retired.
It’s been a long time coming for University of West Florida journalism students interested in re-establishing a campus chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, but the future for a comeback looks promising.
The original SJP chapter at the University of West Florida, called the Journalism Club, was established in 1985. As time progressed, the chapter became less active as student interest dwindled and was relinquished as a result. Last fall, however, a group of journalism students organized a movement to re-enact another chapter on campus.
The three founders of the new chapter, Kristen Dressel, Jodie Maddox, and Will Isern are determined to see that all requirements are fulfilled in order for the chapter to be approved by the University and the National Society of Professional Journalists so that UWF will have a SJP chapter once again.
Jodie Maddox explains the process of reactivating the club, “I first went online to the national website spj.org to research the process in becoming part of the national organization,” she says. “Because the school previously had a chapter we simply had to reactivate it. We only needed three student members and a faculty advisor who were all in good standing with regard to their national membership in order to reactivate the local chapter. As for getting the organization incorporated through the Student Activities Board, we had to go online and fill out their application which is currently under review and we are waiting to hear back from them sometime in the next week or so.”
Maddox sees the chapter not only as a vehicle to form a community of student journalists, but as a vehicle to enhance student and faculty relations since communication arts professors Gary Ghioto and Bruce Swain serve as advisors.
“I believe the chapter will help to unite both faculty and students through the unbreakable bonds formed by a love of journalism and a passion of the profession,” says Maddox. “Faculty members will be able to pass on their own experiences and knowledge gained only through real world applications of everything students are taught in classrooms.”
Kristen Dressel, who is also the Voyager Web Editor and Media Editor, says that this chapter will strive to strengthen the ties between communication arts students.
“This is exactly what needs to happen now. With the job market right now, we need to make as many contacts as possible,” says Dressel. “Especially when it looks like print journalism is advancing into more multimedia. But, the more we come together and realize that we have this common interest, we can bring more to the UWF Campus TV News and The Voyager.”
Dressel says that the mission of the campus chapter is to bring journalism students together and also encourage them to become more involved with their degree. Dressel adds that the chapter will carry this mission out by giving members the opportunity to participate in workshops and competitions, go to conferences, and listen and interact with guest speakers.
Will Isern believes that the campus chapter will benefit UWF’s communication arts department and greater academic community by presenting student members with network opportunities and hands on experience.
“We hope that an SPJ chapter here on campus will connect UWF students with journalism opportunities both in and outside the scope of the University,” he says. “Not only does it look good on a journalism major's resume, but we think that through attending SPJ conferences students will be able to get some real world journalism experience and networking opportunities.”
To join the campus SJP chapter, a student must go online to spj.org and fill out the national application which includes a $36 annual fee or a total fee of $100. Then you must contact a UWF SJP chapter member or advisor Gary Ghioto. You can also join the UWF SJP chapter Facebook group called spj@uwf.
The next informational meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 23rd. It will be on the second floor in the Commons from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm in room 268. It is open to all students.
Monday, February 14, 2011
A Touch of Something Personal
Isn't it amazing when you have what Oprah calls an "aha" moment? The moment where you discover why things aren't going the way you would like for them to go. When you discover why you aren't getting the results you hoped for.
I got my "aha" moment a few days ago. I realized that I am lacking confidence in my abilities, in my strengths as a person and the scope of what I can achieve. I needed to reflect on the reasons why I am where I am right now. Is it because of God? Support from my family? My own self determination? The answer is all three.
I am currently in my third year of college because I asked God for guidance and I trusted in His promises and in His power. My family has always been my support system. If I ever had a problem, I didn't need to look too far for wisdom and sound advice. I am a part of the reason I am where I am because as the saying goes, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.
I had to make my own decisions at the end of the day, and I chose to be an advocate for my own success.
Because of my own drive and the influence of positive forces in my life, I am where I am. I needed to reaquaint myself with my own reality. I was and can still be an advocate for my own success if I wake up and realize that the only thing missing in the equation is the willingness on my part to advocate.
Everyone else is doing their share.
I got my "aha" moment a few days ago. I realized that I am lacking confidence in my abilities, in my strengths as a person and the scope of what I can achieve. I needed to reflect on the reasons why I am where I am right now. Is it because of God? Support from my family? My own self determination? The answer is all three.
I am currently in my third year of college because I asked God for guidance and I trusted in His promises and in His power. My family has always been my support system. If I ever had a problem, I didn't need to look too far for wisdom and sound advice. I am a part of the reason I am where I am because as the saying goes, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.
I had to make my own decisions at the end of the day, and I chose to be an advocate for my own success.
Because of my own drive and the influence of positive forces in my life, I am where I am. I needed to reaquaint myself with my own reality. I was and can still be an advocate for my own success if I wake up and realize that the only thing missing in the equation is the willingness on my part to advocate.
Everyone else is doing their share.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Lightening is Scary but Bats Are Creepy
My biggest phobia is bats. Second to bats is lightening. I suppose if you put the two together that would cause a larger than life panic attack for me.
I wouldn't say that I hate bats but I surely would never pet one, NEVER. I know, I know, Justin Bieber tells us to never say never but he doesn't know my fear of bats. These weird looking animals scare me not because of what they are but because of what they aren't. Make any sense?
Let me share with you an anecdote. You see one night I was minding my business, just taking a late night stroll with my dog who I happen to not be scared of, when I hear an echo of shrill screeches, almost like cries. I look over to my neighbor's yard and I notice a white birdlike creature near her bush. I wonder why this lone bird is out so late in the wide open.
Then it takes off into the night sky, screeching as it flies. I notice that this bird is not a bird at all but, gulp, a bat. All of a sudden my heart races, my skin feels itchy, and I feel as if I am being closed in by a mob of bats. All of a sudden I see multiple bats emerge, swooping in around me.Naturally, I RUN homeward.
I ran so fast that I could have produced my second biggest phobia, lightening. I leave my poor dog in the dust to fend for himself, because if he were smart, he'd run too. He isn't much of a fighter, nor is he a threat to a fly, let alone a creature that could suck your blood.
Long story short, I am creeped out by bats and scared of lightening. I would rather be scared than creeped though. Bats make me shudder, quiver in my boots. They look like little hybrids of a bird, flying insect, and a rat and that is darn creepy.
I wouldn't say that I hate bats but I surely would never pet one, NEVER. I know, I know, Justin Bieber tells us to never say never but he doesn't know my fear of bats. These weird looking animals scare me not because of what they are but because of what they aren't. Make any sense?
Let me share with you an anecdote. You see one night I was minding my business, just taking a late night stroll with my dog who I happen to not be scared of, when I hear an echo of shrill screeches, almost like cries. I look over to my neighbor's yard and I notice a white birdlike creature near her bush. I wonder why this lone bird is out so late in the wide open.
Then it takes off into the night sky, screeching as it flies. I notice that this bird is not a bird at all but, gulp, a bat. All of a sudden my heart races, my skin feels itchy, and I feel as if I am being closed in by a mob of bats. All of a sudden I see multiple bats emerge, swooping in around me.Naturally, I RUN homeward.
I ran so fast that I could have produced my second biggest phobia, lightening. I leave my poor dog in the dust to fend for himself, because if he were smart, he'd run too. He isn't much of a fighter, nor is he a threat to a fly, let alone a creature that could suck your blood.
Long story short, I am creeped out by bats and scared of lightening. I would rather be scared than creeped though. Bats make me shudder, quiver in my boots. They look like little hybrids of a bird, flying insect, and a rat and that is darn creepy.
Monday, January 31, 2011
There Is Academy Award Buzz Going Around but Wait.....Do I Care?
The visuals were a nice touch but I felt this big-budget film was hyped from the beginning utnil the end, especially since it starred none other than Hollywood darling Leonardo DiCaprio. It just fell short and left me dazed, confused, and wondering why I had never thought of making my strange dream activity into a screen play and accumulate millions off of it. I haven't seen the Facebook movie, or "The Social Network" as it is called but this movie seems to be garnering the most buzz among the Academy and Hollywood.
I simply couldn't muster up the anticipation or desire to see a movie about Facebook even if I am obsessed with it. I felt the story was supposed to be told but not necessarily seen, especially since all I kept hearing was how grossly exaggerated the characters and plot were compared to the real story of the creator and the beginnings of Facebook.
Since I haven't seen the film and don't plan on seeing it either, I cannot fairly offer my opinion on the theatrics of "The Social Network," but I will say this.... a movie about the making of Facebook could possibly take the little golden man statuette and it really doesn't come as that huge of a surprise seeing that even less orginal concepts have been awarded. As far as the actual show, I won't be watching it, but you probably could have guessed that. I am becoming less and less excited by the film industry and the lack of creativity and talent.
I wish all the Oscar nominees much luck and hopefully for them Kanye West wasn't invited......actually, hopefully he was because he would inject some much needed excitement into an awards show that has grown more predictable and boring despite having some of the funniest comedians as hosts.
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Tuscon Shooting: My Perspective on The Tragedy and the Aftermath
The Tuscon Shooting: My Perspective on The Tragedy and the Aftermath
As we all know, there was a media frenzy that lasted for weeks covering the horrible shootings that occured at a public meeting held by U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords at a Casas Adobes supermarket parking lot on Saturday, January 8, 2011 and ended with six people killed and 14 injured, including Giffords. The violent acts committed by 22-year-old Jared Lee Loughner raised a lot of questions about the heated political climate in this country.
One thing that still stands out to me and echoes in my head are the statements made by Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik in a news conference the night of the shooting. His view that the "vitriol" and "rhetoric" in the media was responsible for provoking such acts of violence was repudiated by politicians, political analysts, and talking heads alike though initially it was the most logical assumption to make. I still agree fully with the sentiments made by Dupnik, even after information on Loughner's mental instability and obsession with Giffords was released.
I believe as he does, that the vitriol spewed in the media day in and day out can and will incite violence and not only from individuals who are "unstable to begin with" as Dupnik stated. In the aftermath of the 2008 presidential election, we saw the onset of the Tea Party revolution in America. Their objective was less government control and they had the exclusive mantra "take our country back." They vehemently opposed the policies of newly elected President Barack Obama yet they insisted that they were a non-partisan movement that both Democrats and Republicans could be apart of.
We saw over and over again their hate for President Obama displayed at their rallies. The signs depicting the president as being un-American, unpatriotic, a terrorist, a thug. If those images do not incite violence then I do not know what will. Even more unsettling during the 2008 presidential electon was the rhetoric of then Republican vice presidential candidate, and Alaska governor Sarah Palin.
In so many words, she too accused Barack Obama and his supporters of being un-American, a terrorist.At McCain/Palin rallies people in the crowd could be heard shouting "terrorist" and "kill him" as a response to her explosive accusations. She ironically became a key character in the media frenzy surrounding the shootings in Arizona because of a map that her political action committee, SarahPAC, put online. The map is a target list that shows 20 House Democrats from districts that the Republicans carried in 2008 who voted for the health care bill.
There are crosshairs on the districts with a list of the Representatives underneath the map. Gifford's district is a target on the list. As much as I want to believe the rhetoric that we are all on the same team as Americans, we simply are not on the same team and our government is very divided as well as our citizens.
I
As we all know, there was a media frenzy that lasted for weeks covering the horrible shootings that occured at a public meeting held by U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords at a Casas Adobes supermarket parking lot on Saturday, January 8, 2011 and ended with six people killed and 14 injured, including Giffords. The violent acts committed by 22-year-old Jared Lee Loughner raised a lot of questions about the heated political climate in this country.
One thing that still stands out to me and echoes in my head are the statements made by Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik in a news conference the night of the shooting. His view that the "vitriol" and "rhetoric" in the media was responsible for provoking such acts of violence was repudiated by politicians, political analysts, and talking heads alike though initially it was the most logical assumption to make. I still agree fully with the sentiments made by Dupnik, even after information on Loughner's mental instability and obsession with Giffords was released.
I believe as he does, that the vitriol spewed in the media day in and day out can and will incite violence and not only from individuals who are "unstable to begin with" as Dupnik stated. In the aftermath of the 2008 presidential election, we saw the onset of the Tea Party revolution in America. Their objective was less government control and they had the exclusive mantra "take our country back." They vehemently opposed the policies of newly elected President Barack Obama yet they insisted that they were a non-partisan movement that both Democrats and Republicans could be apart of.
We saw over and over again their hate for President Obama displayed at their rallies. The signs depicting the president as being un-American, unpatriotic, a terrorist, a thug. If those images do not incite violence then I do not know what will. Even more unsettling during the 2008 presidential electon was the rhetoric of then Republican vice presidential candidate, and Alaska governor Sarah Palin.
In so many words, she too accused Barack Obama and his supporters of being un-American, a terrorist.At McCain/Palin rallies people in the crowd could be heard shouting "terrorist" and "kill him" as a response to her explosive accusations. She ironically became a key character in the media frenzy surrounding the shootings in Arizona because of a map that her political action committee, SarahPAC, put online. The map is a target list that shows 20 House Democrats from districts that the Republicans carried in 2008 who voted for the health care bill.
There are crosshairs on the districts with a list of the Representatives underneath the map. Gifford's district is a target on the list. As much as I want to believe the rhetoric that we are all on the same team as Americans, we simply are not on the same team and our government is very divided as well as our citizens.
I
Friday, January 14, 2011
Winter Weather: A Lifelong Floridian's Worst Enemy
My favorite season has always been summer, not only because of the long, nice, breaks from school, but because-- you guessed it BEACH weather, however, since I was a little kid, I dreamed of playing in the snow and building snowmen in the front yard. I never experienced that growing up because I have only lived in southern states with warm climates.
As I got older, I realized that it was only my fantasies of building snowmen that attracted me to cold weather. I have a low tolerance to the cold. My ideal day is about 80 degrees, sunny, with clear skies. I am convinced that this is because I am a Floridian, born and raised. Another great thing about the winter season is hot chocolate and coffee, although one could argue that these can be enjoyed year round, they are truly treats when it is below 30 degrees outside.
On the Winter Solstice, December 21st, it was still decent weather in Pensacola with 60-degree temperatures. As they always do, temperatures began to drop around the beginning of January. First we had days with highs in the 50s and 60s and lows in the 40s and 30s. It is the middle of January now and I am REALLY starting to feel the chill.
Last night when I walked from my dorm to the cafeteria it was 23 degrees, which means I was freezing my butt off. One of my allies in this cold weather is a six letter word called LAYERS, and plenty of them. Hoodies, fleeces, long sleeves, thermals, and coats. I am contemplating investing in a snow jacket just because.
Also, I love my knock-off UGGs because I refuse to pay over 50 dollars for a pair of shoes right now, especially when they look like UGGs. They may be warm, but they aren't exactly glamourous.
Maybe I will save up for some UGGs though because I remember trying on my cousin's over a year ago.I was wearing a bunch of layers but the warmest part of my body was my feet. And I wasn't even wearing socks.
My exercise routine has also suffered because of the cold weather because I am not motivated to walk from my dorm to the gym in the cold, especially during the evening. I used to hate jogging in the heat of the summer too, so I would run early in the morning before it got too hot. The morning would be a great time for me too work out, especially on Mondays and Wednesdays when I don't have class until four p.m.
As I got older, I realized that it was only my fantasies of building snowmen that attracted me to cold weather. I have a low tolerance to the cold. My ideal day is about 80 degrees, sunny, with clear skies. I am convinced that this is because I am a Floridian, born and raised. Another great thing about the winter season is hot chocolate and coffee, although one could argue that these can be enjoyed year round, they are truly treats when it is below 30 degrees outside.
On the Winter Solstice, December 21st, it was still decent weather in Pensacola with 60-degree temperatures. As they always do, temperatures began to drop around the beginning of January. First we had days with highs in the 50s and 60s and lows in the 40s and 30s. It is the middle of January now and I am REALLY starting to feel the chill.
Last night when I walked from my dorm to the cafeteria it was 23 degrees, which means I was freezing my butt off. One of my allies in this cold weather is a six letter word called LAYERS, and plenty of them. Hoodies, fleeces, long sleeves, thermals, and coats. I am contemplating investing in a snow jacket just because.
Also, I love my knock-off UGGs because I refuse to pay over 50 dollars for a pair of shoes right now, especially when they look like UGGs. They may be warm, but they aren't exactly glamourous.
Maybe I will save up for some UGGs though because I remember trying on my cousin's over a year ago.I was wearing a bunch of layers but the warmest part of my body was my feet. And I wasn't even wearing socks.
My exercise routine has also suffered because of the cold weather because I am not motivated to walk from my dorm to the gym in the cold, especially during the evening. I used to hate jogging in the heat of the summer too, so I would run early in the morning before it got too hot. The morning would be a great time for me too work out, especially on Mondays and Wednesdays when I don't have class until four p.m.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Back To School: Second Semester at UWF
Wednesday was my first day back at school. Tuesday evening consisted of me scrambling to register for my classes because Admisssions put a hold on my registration due to them not receiving my high school transcript despite me persistently requesting them from my high school since August of last semester. I registered for my classes through my ArgoNet account that night.
Most of the classes that I added on my trial schedule were still open but I decided to drop one journalism course in place for another one. I also signed up for a speech class which I desperately need to help me defeat my fear of public speaking. My schedule so far looks great. My first class was at 4:00 so I had plenty of time to sleep in and get lunch.
One thing that I really love about UWF is the variety in the cafeteria. I usually get my favorite, a salad from the fresh salad bar and a chicken salad sandwich. I am expecting this semester to be more challenging than last semester, but also more smooth because I am now familiar with the campus and campus life.
I look forward to meeting more friends and letting my guard down around people. It takes me a while to warm up to strangers but I will try to participate in more activities on campus, especially games. I also made a goal to routinely go to the campus gym, which is wonderful. All in all, I am highly optimistic about this semester at UWF.
Most of the classes that I added on my trial schedule were still open but I decided to drop one journalism course in place for another one. I also signed up for a speech class which I desperately need to help me defeat my fear of public speaking. My schedule so far looks great. My first class was at 4:00 so I had plenty of time to sleep in and get lunch.
One thing that I really love about UWF is the variety in the cafeteria. I usually get my favorite, a salad from the fresh salad bar and a chicken salad sandwich. I am expecting this semester to be more challenging than last semester, but also more smooth because I am now familiar with the campus and campus life.
I look forward to meeting more friends and letting my guard down around people. It takes me a while to warm up to strangers but I will try to participate in more activities on campus, especially games. I also made a goal to routinely go to the campus gym, which is wonderful. All in all, I am highly optimistic about this semester at UWF.
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