Media Convergence Initiative

My Favorite Vacation Spot is in The Middle of The Beautiful Rainforest, And it is The Place I Call Home

Posted on November 18, 2013 by gloria vargas

When it is the time to plan a vacation, innumerable amount of places come to my mind. I think it is the same for most of the people, however, there is that special place that does not matter how many times I have been before, I still want to visit one more time; that place is the city where I was born: Pereira. The city is located in Colombia, South America. It is a small city with about one million habitants. One of the main economical resources is the agricultural, mainly coffee, among others cultives such as pineapple, banana, avocados, oranges, red berries, passion fruit, mangoes, and innumerable amounts of medicinal plants.
Pereira is surrounded by many touristic places, such as the Cocora Valley, a place where we can find palm trees. The palm trees are native of the region and it is about 40 feet tall. The area is in the middle of the rain forest surrounded by beautiful mountains. Another touristic place is thermals. Thermals are natural heated pools of hot water that come from a volcano. The are natural rivers on the outside of the city, as well as fish ponds. In most of them the people are able to fish, and someone else come to cook their catch in front of the customer.
The people are very friendly and lovely; it is really common to see the people walking around the boardwalks located in the city. Additionally, there is really inexpensive and good public transportation system.
I recommend to everyone to visit Pereira; it could be a great memorable experience.

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NBA: Thunder Scrape Out Victory Over Nuggets at Home

Posted on November 18, 2013 by shannonadams

The Oklahoma City Thunder took on the Denver Nuggets at home in Oklahoma City on Monday night. Although OKC was favored to win this game at home, they knew it would not come easy against a tough Nuggets team. Denver came out firing on all cylinders, jumping to a 13-point lead at one point in the second half of the game. The Nuggets led for the entire game up until the last couple minutes of the fourth quarter. The Thunder came booming back behind their star tandem in the back court, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. With the score tied at 105, Serge Ibaka grabbed an offensive rebound then dished it out to Kevin Durant. Durant then hit a three pointer that solidified the Thunder’s win with only 14 seconds left on the clock. He finished the game with an outstanding 38 points. Russell Westbrook had a terrific all-around game for OKC scoring 30 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and picking up 7 assists. Reggie Jackson also gave a solid contribution off the bench, scoring 14 points for the Thunder. For the Nuggets, Point Guard Ty Lawson had 28 points and 9 assists. Center J.J. Hickson had 18 points and grabbed 19 rebounds for Denver.

Oklahoma City advances to 7-3 on the season, while Denver falls to 4-6. This was the Thunder’s second straight win. For the Nuggets, the first year head coach Brian Shaw is still trying to figure out how to distribute the ball with so many young talented players on his team. Once the team finds their chemistry, the Denver Nuggests will be a powerful force in the Western Conference.

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New “How I Met Your Mother” spin-off announced

Posted on November 18, 2013 by bsnider92

After nine unsuspecting successful years, the hit TV show, “How I Met Your Mother,” will be officially signing off. That’s right—coming this May, die hard HIMYM fans will be saying goodbye to Ted, Barney, Lily, Marshall and Robin.

However, CBS has not left fans in the dust! Earlier today, CBS confirmed rumors of a spin-off based on the popular sitcom. Plans are reportedly in the works for “How I Met Your Dad,” which will share the story of a mother telling her children how their parents met, but from a new feminine perspective.

Closely related to “How I Met Your Mother,” the new sitcom will have a new, but similar cast of friends whose tales of wild antics will be told over pints of beer in a comparable bar in New York City.

“How I Met Your Dad” will also be spearheaded by the creators of its former sister series: none other than Carter Bays and Craig Thomas.

Bays and Thomas announced that the new cast will not be introduced at the end of the HIMYM series, but there is a decent chance to expect some future cameos of former cast members.

Of course, I have some hesitations with any spin-off series. Bays and Thomas have built a great momentum with “How I Met Your Mother” and thus have set the bar pretty high. I could see this new series either doing really well or crashing and burning in the ratings because fans’ expectations were not met. Either way, I am glad that it is being attempted and am excited to see what comes of it.

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Invisibility is Slowly Becoming a Reality

Posted on November 18, 2013 by rachelfoster89

When one reads about superpowers it is usually thought to be works of fiction not fact. But, with new breakthroughs this presumption may not hold true much longer. Invisibility has become a much more foreseeable horizon. In the United States and Canada alike, there are positive resulting tests that can prove to make invisibility and possibility. By refracting light around an object using a specific material scientists can portray anything or anyone as invisible. Now, in order for this to work the object or person must be cloaked with this material.

Naturally, the funding for this research is enormous and due to this, the process is taking quite a bit of time. Most of the funding is coming from the defense department. Naturally this device would be useful in the ides of war. Yet, on the flip side if in the wrong hands this device could be very dangerous. Just as any other weapon, a cloaking device could be used as a terrorist weapon.

The device works using radio waves being refracted. So, at this point the cloak would need to be close to some sort of machine that emits these radio waves. Eventually, scientists say the cloaking device will have this emitter built in, and it could be more mobile. The device started as only being able to cloak very small two-dimensional objects and has evolved into a device able to conceal a tank. At this rate, the advancement of invisibility is exponential. The capabilities of technology are slowly showing humanity that nothing is impossible and horizons of our capabilities are expanding.

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Athleticism Involvement: Increased Understanding or Wasteful Endeavor?

Posted on November 18, 2013 by iweezy

The funny thing about video games is that they don’t usually involve a lot of strenuous activity such as athletic sports like football, baseball or soccer. This year Electronic Arts Tiburon will be developing and releasing the newest iteration of their basketball game series called, “NBA Live 14.” These particular sports games don’t offer much difference when compared to experiencing the real thing, minus the fact that not all of us can play like Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant. Plus, in today’s world I find it odd how much some consumers love sports videogames like NBA Live 14 as opposed to actually going outside and engaging in real basketball game with a couple of friends.

But I digress, I have nothing against sports video games in particular I just happen to find them rather boring when compared to the real life thing. That being said, I do think playing sports games like NBA Live 14 or others made by EA can help increase one’s sports knowledge particularly if that person knows nothing about the game in particular. But let’s be a little honest, considering that the concepts for: football, basketball, and soccer haven’t changed much over the years it’s still important to know how the game is played. However, with the technological advance modern society has achieved most of the information about any sports game can be looked up on the internet as opposed to playing the many sports video games that exist in this day and age. Quite frankly, I couldn’t tell you the last time I bought-let alone played a sports video game-in all my years of owning a video game console. Nevertheless, maybe if their sixty dollar price range dropped by about twenty dollars or so I’d be a bit more interested.

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Alpha Kappa Psi Hosts First Annual Mary Helen Callarman 5K

Posted on November 18, 2013 by jlyzniak

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to make a difference with my fellow Knights at the First Annual Mary Helen Callarman 5K. The Nu Chi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity hosted a 5K Run/Walk to benefit the American Cancer Society and SARC in honor of Dr. Mary Helen Callarman on November 17, 2013. Dr. Callarman lost the battle to cancer at the young age of 52, and will be forever remembered as a leader and mentor at UCF. She was the Founding Director of the SARC (Student Academic Resource Center), established in 1988. This center has provided tutoring and other academic services to over 150,000 students at UCF since 1988.

One of Callarman’s most notable actions on campus was when she took it upon herself to paint the door of the SARC portable. After numerous attempts at work orders with maintenance, Dr. Callarman’s initiative and desire to make SARC known on campus drove her to paint the door red! In 2001, SARC joined an initiative on campus called the Student Success Center, providing SARC with the exposure Dr. Callarman dreamed of that day. The “red door” still hangs today in Howard Phillips Hall, forever symbolizing Mary Helen Callarman’ s dedication and commitment to the success of students at the University of Central Florida.

In her remembrance, students and families came together to walk, run and dance for a cause. Mary Helen’s husband, Dr. William Callarman, announced the start of the race. He is known for creating Cornerstone, a required business course, and continues to teach, in addition to serving as the current faculty advisor for Nu Chi. Knightcast sponsored this event, and my team provided entertainment, volunteers and even runners. With this theme of “student success,” I encourage all Knights to “reach for the stars” and support Mary Helen Callarman’s inspiring legacy!

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Fantasy Football: How it affects NFL Viewership

Posted on November 18, 2013 by jmedelman16

Fantasy football has become very popular in recent years and it seems that sometimes people that play care more about their fantasy team more than their own NFL team. I feel that Fantasy football has had a large impact on viewership for NFL games because instead of just focusing on your own team, you can also root for the player on your fantasy team. You draft your fantasy team before the season starts and usually has variety of players from many different teams. I know that personally I focus on games much more when I have a player in the game.

People much of time are more invested in the players they picked at the beginning of the season than their favorite team. This may create fans that don’t follow a team as heavily as they would in the past. On the plus side of this I’m the NFL is getting more people to watch a larger variety games. For instance there was a game a couple weeks ago that had two of the worst teams in the league, but I have fantasy player playing so I watched some of the game. Now games that wouldn’t be as important or don’t have as many viewers gain more importance in the eye of a fantasy football player.

The more I have followed fantasy football the more I have come to appreciate individual players as well. Now a player doesn’t have to be on my favorite team to be one of my favorite players. This can result in better sales in merchandise as well.

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Khole Kardashian Will Get A Divorce? Will Lamar Odom Make A Returns to The NBA

Posted on November 18, 2013 by ash6128ucf

Khole Kardashian is thrilled that her husband Lamar Odom is in a better state and making his way back to the NBA. But it looks like the damage that Lamar Odom did to Khole is done and she is allegedly planning to divorce Lamar Odom once he returns to the NBA.

Khole, 29, has unconditional love for Lamar, 34, she feels the damage he has done to their marriage is irreparable. Khole is still devastated over the situation that Lamar has put her through and now wants out but only after Lamar is healthy and back on the basketball court.

According to sources close to Lamar and Khole situation, Khole is still grappled with the situation for some time now and feels that the only best option is divorce from Lamar. Khole’s whole thing is not going through the same situation again with Lamar.Khole seen Lamar at his best and worst but is scarred to go through that catastrophic event that occurred over the summer. Only time will tell if Lamar and Khole will last.

Bleacher Reports has reported that the LA Clippers are almost on the verge to signing back Lamar Odom to the Clippers. Do you think Lamar Odom will be signed by the end year to play with his old team? Or is Lamar Odom career done since the rumors of drug reports, marital problems have been the headlines this past year. Should we give Lamar Odom a second chance and pretend like nothing never happened. Lamar will have to prove to his critics that he has changed and focused back on the sport his loves which is basketball

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The truth behind Silicone Injections

Posted on November 18, 2013 by alexalima

Very few people know the devastating truth behind silicone injections. Women are becoming more and more dissatisfied with their bodies. Plastic surgery is rarely an option because of the price tag that comes with it. What’s a girl to do?

Many are opting for illegal silicone injections to fill in the areas they aren’t happy with. A popular area to inject is the buttock. However, the silicone can be injected into any part of the body (breasts, lips, face, thighs). In certain cases the injection site must be sealed with cotton balls or super glue to prevent the liquid from seeping out. The biggest problem with silicone injections is that it mixes with the body’s tissues. Once the silicone becomes a part of the body’s tissues, its impossible (at least for now) to completely remove the substance. In fact, undergoing surgery is the only way to remove some, not all, of the substance.

Reactions to the silicone vary from no reaction at all to severe pain and even death. The body’s rejection to the silicone can instantly lead to a heart attack, organ failure, excruciating pain, infections, and granulomas. On the other hand, silicone can be in the body for years before symptoms surface. This is the case for a woman I interviewed from Miami, FL. For her anonymity, I will call her Rosy. She had her injections done 10 years ago. At first, she was happy to finally fill in her “flat” backside. By the seventh year she began to feel pain in her legs. She noticed lumps and dimples on her buttock. Not realizing that this was her body rejecting the silicone, she simply ignored the symptoms. It wasn’t long before she could no longer ignore what her body was trying to tell her.

Rosy was forced to have surgery or risk dying. She set her fears aside and underwent the delicate procedure. The first few days were incredibly difficult. The pain was prevalent and sitting was not an option. A few months after recovering from her first surgery, Rosy was brave enough to undergo a second necessary procedure (very rarely is one procedure sufficient). The second time has been even more difficult than the first.

When I asked her “When you look back was it worth it?” she responded, “Life has taught me a very hard lesson. I’ve learned to love my body the way God gave it to me. I was desperate to change it to satisfy men. So no it was not worth it. I regret my decision everyday.”

These days Rosy is interested in helping other woman. At first, she saw her pain as a curse. Now, she considers her journey a blessing. She says her scars are proof that she fought long and hard to stay alive. Rosy is in the process of creating a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating women about the dangers of silicone injections.

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George Zimmerman Arrested for Domestic Violence

Posted on November 18, 2013 by ashley riordan

George Zimmerman was arrested on Monday, November 18th for suspected aggravated assault with a weapon, domestic violence and criminal mischief. Zimmerman allegedly cocked and pointed a shotgun at his girlfriend, shattered a glass-top table, then pushed her out of the house. When police responded to a 911 call from Scheibe, Zimmerman’s girlfriend, they found he had barricaded himself inside the house.

Zimmerman claims Scheibe was pregnant and decided to raise the child alone. He started to pack peacefully, placing his clothes and guns in a bag, when Scheibe suddenly went out of control. Scheibe on the other hand described Zimmerman as being the aggressor. After she told Zimmerman she was going to call the police, Zimmerman pointed the gun at her for a minute and asked if she really wanted to do that. Police, not clear on exactly who is at fault, have confirmed that Scheibe is not pregnant.

This is the third time Zimmerman has been involved in disputes with women. In 2005, he and his live-in girlfriend got domestic-violence injunctions against each other. More recently, on September 9th he was handcuffed by Lake Mary police for another gun related assault. His estranged wife, Shellie, and her father accused him of threatening them with a gun while they were moving her belongings out of a house the couple had shared until Shellie Zimmerman filed for divorce. Zimmerman had arrived at that scene with Scheibe, the woman involved in his current arrest.

Zimmerman is currently locked in a one-man cell at the Seminole County Jail and is set to appear Tuesday afternoon. Judge Fred Scott must decide whether there is enough evidence to support his arrest. If the judge agrees to release Zimmerman, the State Attorney’s Office in Sanford plans to ask that he be barred from possessing any future firearms.

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