Theatre: An Organic Art in a Synthesized World

Posted on February 17, 2014 by l.susan

Today, most of our entertainment comes in digital form. Through the internet, through screens, through social media, and even film and television. We’ve all gotten so used to constantly looking at this form of entertainment that we forget what is special about it. Many years ago, watching a film was an event. You drove to the theater, watch moving pictures tell a story in a big, silver canvas, and then had a dinner with your friends or family and discussed the wonders you had just witnessed in the cinema. Today, that experience is so easily achievable with the commodity of modern technology that, even though still special, it’s not exactly an event.

That is why live theatre is still so alive. In a world dominated by the digital, the organic and unpredictable art of live theatre gives audiences a breath of fresh air. Being forced to use the imagination in order to comprehend and appreciate the world that is being represented on stage is something that has become very special because those worlds are today brought to life so easily in film through special effects.

Let me be clear, sitting down at home to enjoy a movie on the sofa on a Sunday evening is great, and I am not trying to bash on that. My point is, planning a trip to the theatre, the old fashioned process of dressing up, driving there, wondering what the show is going to be like creates a beautiful atmosphere of anticipation we just don’t see too much of anymore in a world where everything can be had in an instant.

Sitting down in a live show, listening to the orchestra play, and seeing the actors perform right in front of you is something to be witnessed by those who know how to appreciate the craft that is dedicated to a live show, and, much like hand-made products in a world where everything is produced by machinery, it is a luxury as well.

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North Korea is Running Modern Day Concentration Camps

Posted on February 17, 2014 by kmart239

 

If you have seen the documentary Camp 14 then you may have a little insight on what is going on in North Korea. The documentary follows a young man who used to be a prisoner in one of the secret prison camps in North Korea. It is eye opening to see that Nazi style tactics are happening to innocent people in the modern world.

The United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in North Korea investigated the problem and found that North Korean leaders were using torture, slavery, and mass starvation to terrorize the population into submission. “The suffering and tears of the people of North Korea demand action,” UN commission Chairman Michael Kirby told reporters.

The government of North Korea is rejecting the report. They see it as sabotage of the government. The findings will be turned over to the International Criminal Court for possible prosecution. Leader Kim Jong Un could face charges for crimes against humanity. In North Korea’s usual standoff fashion they did not allow the UN access to information on their human rights practices.

The UN interviewed hundreds of witnesses. Their observations match that of documentary Camp 14. People are being imprisoned for things like watching soap operas, trying to find food, and have family members that are considered suspicious to the government. There are stories circulating of starved women being beaten, babies being drowned, and much worse. The UN hopes the world will take a proactive step in helping these innocent people now that the information is available.

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Cincinnati Reds: Contenders or Pretenders?

Posted on February 17, 2014 by raymond

Entering the 2014 season, the expectations are high in Cincinnati.  Many teams are satisfied with just simply making the playoffs, but after consecutive years of getting knocked out in the first round, the Reds are not one of those teams.  Many experts see the Reds making a deep playoff run, but there are still some question marks.

The Cincinnati Reds were expected to do big things last year.  Instead, they finished in third place in the NL Central and were one and done in the playoffs.  This year, they seem poised to make the playoffs again, but will they advance?  The other teams in the division have made offseason moves to improve their ball clubs, but it seems like the Reds haven’t done much.  They lost Shin Soo Choo and Bronson Arroyo, traded Ryan Hanigan, and signed a few bench players.  There haven’t been any blockbuster moves yet, but do they need to make any?

The Reds already have one of the best pitching staffs in all of baseball.  With names like Johnny Cueto, Mat Latos, and Aroldis Chapman, this staff seems set if they stay healthy.  The problem may be staying consistent offensively.  Guys like Joey Votto and Jay Bruce must step up and lead this young offense in 2014.  The Reds also expect big things out of rookie Billy Hamilton as well.  Replacing Shin Soo Choo won’t be easy, but Hamilton is very capable of doing so.

As a Reds fan, they may not need to make a huge move.  Sometimes making too many moves is the wrong way to go.  So to me, the Reds are contenders if they stay healthy and play consistently throughout the duration of the season.

 

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“Finals Week, Let’s Do Drugs”: The Consequences of Taking Adderall as a College Student!

Posted on February 17, 2014 by joeyafemia

While finals week calls for a massive amount of coffee, sweatpants, and study breaks, one of the biggest outbreaks that has been of major uprising is the use of a prescription drug known as Adderall. While Adderall, most commonly used for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder students, has been disbursed throughout the entire UCF campus, as well as the colleges in the entire nation. While this prescription drug is known for its ability in making people with ADHD to pay more attention to things, become less hyperactive, and prolong their attention deficit hyperactive order, the students without ADHD who are digesting this little pill might not see the significant consequences of what it does to them now, but they will later on down the road.

While much research has been in study within the past couple of years, researchers have found that the prescription drug that ahs been released on to the marked to effectively target the levels of certain hormones within an individual’s body that has ADHD, the drug is now enabling the body to counteract the symptom into a much worse consequence.

In order to treat the basic of the neurobiology behind the disorder of ADHD, we need to look at the actual science behind it. According to Serendip Studio, A digital ecosystem, fueled by serendipity website, “ADHD plays a malfunction in the frontal cortex. The frontal cortex is involved with primarily executive functions like reasoning, planning, focusing, and problem solving. It is in this part of the brain that dopamine, an important neurotransmitter, has been found to be deficient. Without proper concentrations of dopamine in the frontal cortex, these executive functions suffer, (Kristin Jenkins, 2007).

This answer lies within the thousands of students who take this drug, although they do not have the ADHD diagnoses. This prescription drug not only is known for its ability in increases performance for school work, but it also gives students the ability to focus more, work harder, and this increase their GPA’s with less effort than before taking the prescription drug. And while Adderall sounds good and dandy for right now, the danger lies within the consequences it offers down the road.

One of the major consequences of talking Adderall is the dependency that students become to this drug. Students, after taking this prescription drug for a long time, have prolonged deterioration within their brain cells than disables their learning skills and information capacity. This drug also has many other side effects such as becoming paranoid, extremely irritable while under the influence, and making students feel accomplished, although the next couple of days after taking this drug they feel extremely weak and lazy. So next time you think about wanting to get ahead of your studies and get good grades, don’t take Adderall! Instead, plan out your schedule accordingly so you have plenty of time to study and make a good grade without relying on a drug to do so!

 

Works Cited:

Serendip Studio, 2007. <http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/366>

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Shawn White Comes Up Short In Olympics

Posted on February 17, 2014 by kbowerman

After a solid first run at the Olympics in the Half Pipe competition, Shawn White came up short in defending his two time gold in the event and was beat by a new sensation. Shawn White a professional snowboarder turned skateboarder and USA celebrity, came under the microscope in the weeks leading up to the olympics and some even questioned his commitment to the sport. The X-games which airs on ESPN highlights snowboarders and winter sports, was a sure fit in for a gold for in the half pipe but White opted to pull out claiming that he wants to prepare for the olympics. So when his name was called at the Olympics he definitely needed to come out and preform. White came out strong and analysts were looking forward to a great showing.

White riding a high of emotion came up short at the Olympics, and people have been on Whites case even more so. Critics have officially made Shawn White into a ex-gold medalist and shifted all their attention to what he has done in the past. This is the first time in his career where the attention has shifted off of the American snowboarding celebrity and people are looking to the future superstar to step up and demand attention. White has worked on his Image and since his gold medals, has been all over the media. But, now as we look to the future of snowboarding, we can start to see his greatness fading and expecting him to just be competitive.

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One man’s vision becomes a thriving enterprise

Posted on February 17, 2014 by singhkev

In 1881, Loring chase visited the city of Osceola for the first time. The moment he saw it, he envisioned a thriving place with heritage and relaxation for the visitors that would visit from the North to spend their winters in Florida. Along with his partner Oliver chapman, they began to plan out the blueprints for what became known as Park Avenue. In 1885, the Winter Park Company was founded, and is still a thriving business today. Once the town was charted in 1887, their mission became clear, to “plant trees, keep the sidewalks in repair, fix up parks and encourage sociability”. Today, Park Avenue has become “a thriving city with educational and cultural amenities as well as diverse restaurants and shops” that will be fit for anyone.

Hidden away in a quaint courtyard, Brandywine books has been a local fixture for decades. It is a small, well organized bookstore with a wide selection of many categories. They are an above average bookstore with several collectible firsts, but also with hidden nonfiction titles that are rarely seen or talked about. This is the perfect spot if you are someone that wants to get away from all the hustle and bustle and just wants to curl up with a good book in a quiet and peaceful setting.

If you want premium seafood and steaks and melt in your mouth, blu on the avenue is the place for you. It brings the modern West and East coast cuisines together with a twist. Inspired by locals and Orlando tourists, they feature fresh seafood, the “Best” clam chowder, salads, sandwiches, steaks and so much more. Their concept is simple: deliver the best fresh seafood, prime steaks and classic cocktails in a laid back and relaxed environment that bring our guests back each and every time.

The Café de France first opened its doors in July of 1982. Over 30 years later, it continues the tradition of being owned and operated by French natives and follows the pattern of the many little restaurants in France. Their ingredients are brought in daily and they are freshly prepared on the premises. With specials changing daily and a large menu of options, the café de France is a great place to enjoy the ambiance of France without spending thousands of dollars.

The Albin Polasek museum and sculpture gardens offers 3 unique year round experiences that their guests can enjoy. The outdoor sculpture gardens is three acres situated on the shore of Lake Osceola. This colorful backdrop provides for numerous sculptures by Polasek and other 20th century artists to be featured in all their magnificence. The gallery is a variety of local, national and international artists to display their works. Since this gallery changes throughout the year, there is always someone new to feature and many works of art to admire for their guests. Finally, the home and chapel of the late Albin Polasek is a sight to behold. The house showcases many of his own works, as well as his private collection of works that he has collected during his lifetime. www.polasek.org

If you are an Orlando native or visiting for the first time, Park Avenue is a sight to see. From walking through one of the parks, to sightseeing in one of their three museums, it is a place of localism and sophistication that will keep you coming back every time.

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Italian soccer team denies claims that 17-year-old player is 41

Posted on February 17, 2014 by ballspach

Italian soccer team Lazio have been under some recent scrutiny due to claims made that their 17-year-old player Joseph Minala, who had recently been brought into the senior team, is actually 41 years of age. Minala has been criticized after posting photos of himself on different social media sites, these photos suggested to viewers that the player is much older than what is claimed. The player came under such pressure to the point where he deleted his several social media accounts.

The player has been facing this criticism since claims were made by Senegalese media outlet senego.net that the Cameroonian player confessed he would be turning 42 in August this year. The article also suggested that the player had changed his birth date in order to send money home to his family in Cameroon. Minala responded to these comments on the club’s official website, stating, “I have read the alleged statements posted on the website senego.net in which it says I confessed my real age which was different to what was stated in my [official] documents. They are false statements that have been attributed to me by people who do not know.”

The club has supported Minala in this time of criticism, so much to the point where the club has threatened to take legal action against anyone who questions the age of their “youth player”. Lazio have already been forced to release Minala’s birth certificate, which they have claimed is “absolutely legitimate”. Lazio have some support from Italian journalist Max Evangelista, who reports for the club’s youth team. Evangelista claimed that the accusations made against the player are “unbelievable.”

“He is a very reactive player. You could never say he is 41,” he told BBC World Service. “When you are surrounded by players running like devils around you, in my opinion it is very tough to be 41. He runs, he is fast. It is unbelievable news, that is why Lazio felt the need to deny it.”

In a way, the age of the player would only be a concern for legal reasons. If he can play football, regardless of age, let him play and not subject him to criticism.

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Historic Eisenhower Tree Removed from Augusta National

Posted on February 17, 2014 by marissanclark

Augusta National is the premier golf course in America and arguably one of the most famous courses in the entire world. Augusta National is home to the most important golf tournament of the year, The Masters. But even landmarks like Augusta are not completely protected from natural disasters like last weeks string of ice storms.

On the 17th hole, an iconic tree blocked the green from view. This tree upset many players annually at the course. One of those golfers was President Eisenhower, so much so that the tree was renamed to Eisenhower Tree. According to his stories, he would always try to hit the golf ball over the tree but only ended up hitting the tree every time. He was so upset one round that he lobbied to the management to have the tree removed. The management of course denied his request and it famously became named after him.

The tree was destroyed after last week’s ice storm. It was torn apart by the ice and several experts were then consulted about the future of the beautiful feature of the 17th hole. Billy Payne, the chairman of Augusta National released a statement stating that the experts told him that a recovery of the tree would be impossible.

The entire difficulty of not just this hole, but the entire course is altered without the Eisenhower Tree and the 2014 Masters will be a tests to see how experts play without the tree blocking their line of shot.

The course has been reopened to members and the course is currently being prepared for the 2014 Masters Tournament.

 

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An Unlimited Start for NASCAR

Posted on February 17, 2014 by dougcampbell06

After Saturday night’s Sprint Unlimited at Daytona International Speedway, two things were clear to all that watched the race: next Sunday’s Daytona 500 is set to be one of the craziest races of the year, and Denny Hamlin has made a full recovery after his back injury last year. Hamlin suffered a L1 compression fracture after wrecking on the final lap of the 2013 Auto Club 500 and spent several weeks out of the car, before returning and struggling the rest of the season, sans a win at the season finale in Homestead. The Virginia native won all three segments of the 75 lap sprint event, walking to the win in the final few laps after half the field was taken out in crashes. The Unlimited also featured a rather comical collision the day after Valentine’s Day between NASCAR couple Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Danica Patrick after Patrick spun to avoid a wreck and Stenhouse had no way to avoid Patrick’s stopped car. The wreck was triggered by Matt Kenseth cutting down onto Joey Logano in the tri-oval, then involving Jeff Gordon, Kurt Busch and Tony Stewart and resulting in four series champions piled up into the wall just exiting the tri-oval. Stewart was also recovering from an injury in 2013 after a wild sprint car crash that shattered his right leg, but was unharmed after the crash.

Speedweeks continues Tuesday with the UNOH Battle at the Beach, which will see the regional K&N Pro Series and Whelen Modified Tours take to a temporary short track on Daytona’s Superstretch. Wednesday will begin practice for the 500 and Thursday will hold the Budweiser Duel qualifying races, for the first time at night. The twin 150 mile races will set the qualifying grid for the 500, other than the front row which is held by rookie Austin Dillon and Martin Truex Jr. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series kicks off their 2014 season on Friday night and on Saturday the NASCAR Nationwide series also gets their season started. Finally, Sunday holds the 56th running of the Great American race, which is set to produce an incredibly close pack for 200 laps around Daytona’s 2.5 mile oval.

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Gulf of Mexico dolphins suffering variety of illnesses following BP oil spill according to recent NOAA study

Posted on February 17, 2014 by brianbachman

A research study conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration teaches us about the state of dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in which 4.9 million barrels of oil leaked into the sea. For the study, 32 bottlenose dolphins were captured briefly off of the coast of central Louisiana to assess their health. The health of these dolphins was compared to a separate 27 dolphins captured in Sarasota Bay, Florida. This region was not affected by the oil spill.

The results were shocking. Half of the Louisiana dolphins were found to be seriously ill or close to death. These dolphins also had very low hormone levels and a serious lung disease was found to be five times more common in the Louisiana dolphins. Other ailments included Pneumonia, liver disease, and miscarriage.

An interesting problem that plagued the oil spill affected dolphins is the loss of their teeth. Three of the affected dolphins has lost nearly all of their teeth. Three other dolphins had only half of the normal amount of teeth.

BP, the company who is blamed for the spill, announced their opinion on NOAA’s study: the results are “inconclusive as to any causation associated with the spill.” BP does have a valid point – three months before the spill over 1000 dolphins had mysteriously died off the Gulf Coast. There is also another issue with establishing causation between the spill and dolphin health: there are no studies of dolphin health before the spill to compare the recent study to. One big point NOAA makes to support causation is the fact that the Louisiana dolphins had less exposure to pesticides and agricultural runoff than the Florida dolphins, suggesting that normal pollution did not cause the Louisiana dolphin’s health issues.

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