Fall TV’s Best New Comedy: Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Posted on October 7, 2013 by laurenmioduchoski

It seems like every new TV show, comedy wise, claims to be “TV’s best new comedy.” Obviously, we all have differing views on what we think is funny but seriously, not every show can be the best new comedy.

After watching many of the new TV comedies that air throughout the week including: Back In The Game, The Goldbergs, Welcome To The Family, Trophy Wife, Mom, Dad’s, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Super Fun Night; I can now say that I have picked what I think is TV’s best new comedy: Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine stars Andy Samberg, Andre Braugher and Terry Crews. This workplace comedy takes plan in a police precinct in Brooklyn. Like most workplace comedies, this one features an array of characters both likable and unlikeable.

What makes this show stand out, in my opinion, is the creators, Dan Goor and Mike Schur. The duo are known for other hit workplace comedies, Parks and Recreation and The Office. Goor and Schur have found success with their profound use of dry humor along with a specific style of shooting (mockumentary).

While The Office closed its doors this past May, Nine-Nine is very much so a great replacement and fills the empty void that was once The Office. Brooklyn Nine-Nine features much of the same style of humor as The Office, as well as characters who seemingly mimic the characters that were on The Office.

Even though Brooklyn Nine-Nine is fairly new, I can already tell that this show will develop a cult following. I’m very excited for the rest of the season and I definitely recommend this show to others. Brooklyn Nine-Nine airs at 8:30 on FOX.

 

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Making Positive Changes, One Step at a Time; Starting by Changing The Food One Puts Into One’s Body

Posted on October 7, 2013 by gloria vargas

In everyone’s life there is always something a person wants to change. Some people are dealing with too many things that need a one hundred and eighty degree turn, while others are dealing with just a few issues. However, for both the only way to start the change is by starting with one thing at a time. For example to break a bad habit we need to replace that bad habit with a good one.
Recently I decided to break the bad habit of eating junk food and I am so glad I have been able to maintain firmly in my decision of eating well. I started replacing a cup of coffee and a muffin at breakfast time for a banana. I cannot say it was easy at the beginning, but after a week I felt strongly about it. Second, I have to replace snacks for fruits, sodas for carrot juice, cereal and bread for vegetables. So far, I have been in the process for just forty days, but even during this time I already feel more energy during the day. Before, I used to be tired and sleepy by the middle of the week. I can see the benefits of a healthy eating; now my work is to teach and encourage my family members about the benefits of eating natural healthy foods, without all the chemical and preservatives that I used to eat all the time. It is a rewarding decision; I feel more energy during the day and sleep better at night. I have lost some extra weight and can also think with more clarity.

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Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins Recap and Analysis

Posted on October 6, 2013 by jmoore524

The Miami Dolphins came into Sunday’s game against the reigning super bowl champs having just been thoroughly throttled by the Saints’ on Monday Night Football, dropping their record to 3-1 on the season. The Ravens were also coming in fresh off a loss at Buffalo where they struggled to run the ball and quarterback Joe Flacco turned the ball over five times.

The first half consisted mostly of a battle of punts and field position and with just under two minutes left in the half a touchdown had yet to be scored by either team. That was until the Dolphins got the ball in good field position and broke up the field goal fest on a 9 yard back shoulder fade to H-Back Charles Clay, taking the lead by a score of 13 to 6.

Miami went into the half up a touchdown, but for what seems like the millionth time this season, simply fell asleep in the third quarter. The Ravens methodically drove the ball down the field for what ended in a one yard TD scamper by runningback Ray Rice. They also went on to add a field goal to their tally, sending the game into its final quarter up by three.

The fourth quarter included plenty of scoring by both teams (20 points total) and ended in dramatic fashion as Tannehill completed a 40 yard bomb to WR Brandon Gibson to set up the game-tying field goal. In classic Dolphins fashion, though, the offensive line gave up its 6th sack of the day and effectively knocked rookie kicker Caleb Sturgis out field goal range. The ball was spotted up for the 57 yard try and it never had a chance as it sailed wide, wide, wide, wide (is that enough ‘wides’?) left. Game over.

The Dolphins head into their bye week with a disappointing 3-2 record and two straight losses. If they have real aspirations of being playoff contenders then they need to do some soul searching and perhaps some reshuffling with their offensive line during their time off. The bye may serve as more than just time for pondering issues, as CB Dimitri Patterson and pass rusher extraordinaire Cameron Wake, who played in the first half of today’s game, look to recover from injuries.

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A Valuable Mind: Souls Freed or Consciousness Detained?

Posted on October 6, 2013 by iweezy

Video game developers Quantic Dream is known for realizing games that tug at the mind of consumer as they play them. Couple years back they released a video game in the US called Heavy Rain, which thrusts the players it into many character roles in pursuit of serial killer code named the Origami.  This year October 8, 2013 Tuesday quantic dream will release another interesting title called Beyond Two Souls. Needless to say, the game follows a young female as she is whist away by our government in an attempt to understand whether or not she has psychic powers. The reason for this was due to Jodi Holmes-the main character-imaginary friend Aiden, who constantly appears throughout the course of the video game to aid her in various task and challenges.

Basically, Jodi starts out as a young American girl who lives happily with her mother and father in their suburban home. However around the time she reaches the age of eight years old, she begins to develop an odd relationship with her imaginary friend Aiden-who only she can see-this starts to concerns her parents because most children past through that phase in their life once they reach the age ten. Although in Jodi’s case this nonexistent “friend” lingers with her into the teen years which causes Jodi’s family to send her to a government facility to be tested or cured. I’ve started noticing in games like this scientist have conducted studies on whether or not games benefit children in some way rather then turn their brains dirt as the TV does. Some have alluded to the fact that increased “hand to eye” coordination was due to certain quick time reactions in a specific video game; meaning a child’s reflexes could vastly improve as a result of using a video game controller from time to time. Although the ramifications surrounding a child developing an imagine friend through their teenage years could be cause for alarm at home. Nevertheless, Jodi is a prime example of the negative and positive effects that solitude can have on a child.

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2013 Major League Baseball Playoffs and World Series Prediction

Posted on October 5, 2013 by andreat

One of the most exciting times in sports is the Major League Baseball Playoffs.  Ten teams have the chance to become World Series Champions after a grueling one hundred and sixty two game season.  All the work that was put in, comes down to just a few weeks where teams put it on the line.

The Rays sneaked into the playoffs with a dominate pitching staff, but not many hitters.  Could the Pirates be this year’s Cinderella team?  They had the best record in baseball for a lot of the season, but eventually had to fight for a wild card spot.  This is their first time in the playoffs in twenty years.  They have a very good squad and are tied with the Cardinals 1-1 in their current series.  We will keep an eye on what they do.

The Braves and the Dodgers are both tied at 1-1 and I think this is going to be the best series we have seen in a while.  Both teams have dominant starting pitching, and dominant bullpens.  The Braves have the best closer in the league in Craig Kimbrel.  It is going to be a series for the ages.  I think the Braves pull this series out.

Now to the American league.  Boston had the best record in the regular season, after not many even had them making the playoffs.  They are kind of a surprise team this season, but they are very impressive.  This is the healthiest they have been in a while.  They are up 2-0 on the Rays and look like the favorite to make it to the next round.

Then you have the Tigers versus the A’s.  Both are really good teams who have really good players.  I think the Tigers win the series because they possess two of the best starting pitchers in the game.

So who will it be in the World Series?  I think it will be the Braves versus the Red Sox, with the Braves winning it all.  Should be an exciting playoffs to see.  Don’t miss it.

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Father Disowns Homophobic Daughter Through a Letter

Posted on October 5, 2013 by xchellz

Earlier this week, a photo of a handwritten letter spread like wildfire on the Internet. It was posted on a popular gay rights website, FCKH8, and grew popularity faster than anyone saw coming.

A father and grandfather, learned that his daughter disowned his grandson because he was gay. He was put out of the house and called an abomination by his mother and reached out to his grandfather. What he did next was not what anyone could have seen coming. He wrote his daughter a letter but it was not just any regular, old letter. He ultimately stated that he was disowning her just as she disowned her son and his grandson. One statement that made this letter very popular was this: “You have made a choice of being hurtful, narrow-minded, and backward. So, while we are in the business of disowning our children, I think I’ll take this moment to say goodbye to you.” Almost everyone, a part of the gay community or not, was cheering this grandpa on for sticking up for his grandson.

He, then continued on in the letter to call her “narrow minded and backward” because of the horrible treatment she gave her own son. He thought that she did not treat him like the human he is, so he decided to do just that. The grandfather decided to take matters into his hands and raise his “fabulous grandson” himself, as he put it.

Although this is a heart warming story, there were many people that did not believe that it was real and it was just something made up. However, it was confirmed by the grandfather himself that it was indeed very true.

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on October 3, 2013 by v.king

October is recognized as the official Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Every year across the nation mothers, daughters, sisters, brothers, husbands, survivors and everyone in between participate in the Making Strides Breast Cancer walk, sponsored by The American Cancer Society. There are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States alone. On Saturday, October 12th the Making Strides Breast Cancer walk will take place in Orlando at Lake Eola Park at 9am.

Breast Cancer is something that is near and dear to my heart because I have family members that have fallen to this disease and some who have survived. Just from attending the walk alone I have met so many great women who have given their testimonies on what it was like for them as a patient, as a daughter, as a son, etc. Although it is a disease that takes many lives, awareness walks like these bring people together to fight the good fight and raise money for a cure.

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Insidious: Chapter 2 Left Audiences Scratching Their Heads

Posted on October 3, 2013 by elizabeth hannigan

In an entertainment industry fiercely driven by action, violence, and sex Insidious: Chapter 2 was underwhelming, to say the least.  Director James Wan has had quite a bit of success in the horror film industry.  A good majority of the films he has worked on are extremely up to par and leave audiences begging for more from him.  Insidious: Chapter 2, in my opinion, was not such a film.

In one year director Wan produced two horror films.  One of which was the most bone chilling and terrifying horror film this reporter has seen in years.  The other was cliché and filled with cheap thrills to sustain a less than adequate plot.  Insidious: Chapter 2 was an attempt to answer some of the questions left over from the prequel, Insidious.  However, the final product aroused more questions than it answered.  The entire film was a time-jump between past and present in an area known only as “The Further”.  The director neglects to establish what “The Further” is exactly, as both dead peoples’ souls and unconscious peoples’ souls inhabit the space, and he neglects to clarify whether or not time is defined.

Following the plot of the story was baffling and left me scratching my head more than once.  The most disappointing portion of the movie, however, was the feigned attempt at horror.  Granted one of the most well known ways to scare someone is by sneaking up on them and popping out when they least expect it, but that’s not what happens in this movie.  A lot of the time the audience could very easily see the set up for a potential scare.  Wan should have spent more of his time producing one truly horrifying film than splitting his time between two, where audiences can clearly determined his priorities lied.

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Only “Non-Essential” Services Suspended During Government Shutdown, Aren’t They All Essential?

Posted on October 2, 2013 by lyle evan peterson

The government shut down that began this week has been the talk of the town, in fact it’s been the talk of the Nation. The trending topic of all media outlets, Monday, September 30th was the end of the of the U.S. financial year. Unable to agree before the deadline, the Congress, House of Representatives and Senate caused the government to shut down all “non-essential” services. Without an approved budget deal, many people employed by the government deemed “non-essential” are on leave without pay.

Most seemed to be unfazed by the shutdown of these “non-essential” services or the shutdown in general, yet there’s a very high probability that they are not aware what the “non-essential” services being released are. For example, medical research cannot move forward under the shutdown, furthermore cancer patients, many of them children, are not being admitted into institutions that could help them. While the Environmental Protection Agency that focuses on the public health and safety will be functioning during the shutdown, the work will be compromised. They government has limited those who are able to work, to solely focus on work that relates to an “imminent threat”; essentially throwing the minor problems, which are still problems nonetheless, to the wayside.

To add, all National Parks are closed until further notice. The FDA will be unable to review and possible approve new drugs. Some of the drugs that were scheduled to be reviewed this month provide help to postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and treat arthritis in cancer patients. The majority are not aware of the trickle-down effect that the government shut down has and will continue to cause. Perhaps, the majority is also not aware of all of the services that the government provides to the public. Unfortunately, they may not be cognizant of the effect that the shutdown could have on them if it continues, until it’s too late.

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Five essential beauty items on a budget

Posted on September 30, 2013 by alexalima

1. Cuticle drops:

Argan oil cuticle drops by Orly are incredible. After taking off acrylic nails, my natural nails were weak and fragile for a long time. I was on a mission to find something that would repair them and nourish them. At first I tried using olive oil from my kitchen but that was too slippery and didn’t dry fast enough. Then, I came across these cuticle drops at ULTA. At $15.00, I was weary to invest in this item; now I’m absolutely glad that I did. I use one drop on each fingernail before bedtime and I massage it into my nails and cuticles. I noticed right away how effective the oil drops were in keeping my cuticles soft. More importantly, my nails have grown significantly. I’ve had the product for 2 months and my bottle is still about 85% full.

2. Lipstick:

These days it isn’t necessary to spend a lot of money for a really good lipstick. On a college student’s budget, it’s important to get a good product for a good price. Kardashian beauty products are both inexpensive and great quality. The joystick lip lacquer comes in various colors from a deep cherry red to a light baby doll pink. You can find this product at ULTA for $8.99. However if you print out a $3.50 off coupon on ULTA.com, you can get the joystick for $6.00!

3. Mascara:

Maybelline volume express one by one mascara can be found at ULTA for $7.99. With the $3.50 off coupon you can get this product for $5.00! My own bottle has lasted me for about 4-5 months. If I divide the $5.00 I paid for the bottle, in 4 months, then I paid $1.25 a month for my fabulous, lash volumizer. Not bad!

4. Hair ties/clips:

These are essential for every girl to have! On a bad hair day, bobby pins are a girl’s best friend. If you decide to style your hair in a high bun, bobby pins will keep any unruly hairs in place. You can find these just about anywhere for a reasonable price. ULTA has an 18-count pack for $1.99. Target has a 50-count pack with both brown and black bobby pins for $3.99. If you have a Target debit card, you can take 5% off your entire purchase.

5. Pro long wear paint pot:

This little gem is from MAC. I know MAC products can be expensive and this particular item is $20.00, but believe me it is worth it. It will take up minimum space in your bag or bathroom. I have “let’s skate” which is a light shimmery pink that makes a huge statement. A little bit goes a long way with this product, therefore it should last you long enough for the worth to outweigh the cost. This shimmery pink can be worn to dress up a nighttime look. It can also be worn on an everyday basis to add a special touch to your daytime look. You should apply this color on the inside of your eyelid and a darker plum shade towards the outside of your lid to really make it pop.

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